I was a presenter at the recently held Ignite Manila at Bonifacio High Street. Sixteen individuals shared sixteen impassioned talks on things that they really love. There were talks about music, sports, science, philosophy and even health concerns. I spoke seventh and you would expect; I professed my undying love for Sagada.

The Ignite series is on going on six continents and over 60 cities this week!

It was a very successful venture. Congratulations to all the speakers and of course, to RYAN TANI for this great event! Arsonists unite!

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Inquirer reported today that there was a lethal armed clash between communist rebels and government forces near baranggay Mainit. The baranggay is under the jurisdiction of the provincial capital of Mountain Province Bontoc despite being over an hour away by jeepney. There are only two trips daily in and out of the place.

To give you an idea, Baranggay Mainit is still almost three hours away from Sagada by car. As a precaution though, officials have decided to make the Bomod-ok Falls in Baranggay Aguid off limits to visitors for now.

Sagada is peaceful as ever and the authorities are definitely trying to get on top of the situation against the NPA.

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A massive bonfire was hosted and organized by the well-respected Sagada Genuine Guides Association last December 28. Gareth (the rockstar tour guide himself) took many photos and the images could be seen on their Multiply and Blogspot site. The atmosphere is just electric. Night life isn’t a phrase that one would usually relate with Sagada but this bonfire was an absolute party! Nevermind that it ended rather early for most people (they still have trekking to do!) but attending it sure was a blast.

It was a night filled with great food, great music, snippets of Sagada and Mountain Province culture as well dancing around the fire. The great Kiltepan viewpoint was a perfect venue for that fog-riddled event. It was just an amazing experience that was perfect for a once-a-year event. I’m sure the over 200 people who showed up would agree.

And yes, as luck would have it – I was the first one to sign up for the bonfire. hehe.

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I was quite embarrassed to be unaware of the existence of a Sagada hymn. It was sung towards the end of the party and luckily, there’s Globe 3G (I KNOW!) at Kiltepan.

Beyond those travelled hills of the North
Lies my home all laden with pines
Amidst the soft and silken touch
Of morning mist I lay my prayers before thy shrine
My thanks to Thee my love dressed in green
My paradise unforseen
My thanks to Thee who spawned my life
Sagada, Sagada you’ll always be mine

With you I believe
In my life I can live
With you I will share
What I have without care

Isnan ad-adawi ay bilbilig
Isdi nan i-itaw tet-ewa
Kaneg isnan kankanaenda ay Shangrila
Menlowalowak ken sik-a
Madaydayaw ka’y Ili, natalna
Umeyak ay m’id egyat na
Salamat ’snan Diyos ay nanapo
‘Snan Sagada, Sagada kokowak enggana

Ken sik-a mamatiyak
Isnan biag matagowak
Ken sik-a makibingayak
M’id balina isnan kowak
(Repeat first stanza)

Source

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Q: How are the roads? Are they safe to drive after the typhoons?

Interestingly, the roads are just as good if not better since Typhoon Parma (Pepeng). It seems like the government have stepped up in improving the roads since the landslides a few months ago.

Q: How is the peace and order situation?

While the tranquil surroundings might lull you into a sense of security, always have your guard up. Though the small size of the town usually deters bad elements from trying their ways, there are occasional offenses such as petty theft and similar events. The best way to have peace of mind in this scenario is to secure your belongings at all times or better, don’t bring unnecessary gadgets, jewelry and electronics with you. Always have your money, camera and phone with you.

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