SAGADA: Sumaguing Cave Connection

An Enchanting Underground World

Sagada and the Lumiang - Sumaguing Cave Connection

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

A light through the darkness

I have realized it long time ago, but this is the first time that I am putting it in writing. Certainly, it is an idea that is most welcome among groups that have higher level of adventure appetite, but I would like to convince everyone to try it at least once in his life!

The most common answer that you would get if you ask people what comes first in their minds when they heard of "summer" is "beach!" But if only they have felt how it's like submerging in its waters, how more refreshing the air that comes out from its mouth is, and how more exciting it is to explore, they will come to realize that summer does not only mean "beach". BUT, as I have mentioned earlier, only those who are more adventurous will be the ones to try it. I am referring to "SPELUNKING!"

So far, I was able to go spelunking with my Group in Bayukbok, Biak-Na-Bato, Cagnituan, and Pinagrealan. They all satisfied my craving for adventure. But to be underground for four hours, exploring these two enchanting caves in Sagada gave an experience that brought my love for caves to the highest level.

Read on and virtually join us, The BACKPACKERS, as we course through Lumiang - Sumaguing cave connection.

SAGADA: St. Mary's Church, Cemetery, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins

Sagada and Its Treasures Within Reach

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Ivan, Ralph, Sheryl, Liz, Heinz, Angel and April

Still in the chartered van, we looked for George Guest House as soon as we reached Sagada. Our BP Lead Ivan was able to reserve its two (2) penthouse rooms weeks prior our travel; so the only thing that we needed to do was to re-confirm the rates and to know if we could stay in just one room on day two and onwards because it's big enough for 6-7 persons anyway. For our first night in there, couples (Ivan and Angel; and Ralph and Sheryl) took one room while Liz, April, and I occupied the other.

The four-story George Guest House

The Road to Sagada

Six BACKPACKERS signed up for the Sagada Summer Escape! Accompanied by our one and only beloved guest Sheryl Dalagan, we boarded the bus at Ohayami Station on Night One. We traveled together for thirteen hours - from Manila to the Great Cordilleras to discover the treasures of this town nestled approximately fifty thousand feet high. But before getting off to Sagada, we had the chance to pass by some interesting spots as well. 

A Call For Help

LET US HELP SHANE ALBERTO

The BACKPACKERS are knocking on your kind hearts to help Ms. Shane Alberto who is diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, stage 5. What makes it more sad is that Shane is fighting not only for her life but for the life of her second child. She is 6 months pregnant and her focus right now is the chance for her child to be born and see the world. The doctors told her that she needs to undergo daily dialysis. It's 3,000Php per session which her family admits they can't afford. Cutting it to at least 3 sessions per week and there can be a chance of saving the life of the baby inside her. 

Below is Shane's letter to The BACKPACKERS and to everyone who can help:

Minalungao National Park

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK

Discovering Nueva Ecija's Best Kept Secret

by Ivan Ignacio

WOW MINALUNGAO!

NUEVA ECIJA'S HIDDEN GEM

After visiting Biak Na Bato National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan, The BACKPACKERS and friends hopped inside our service en route to the province of Nueva Ecija. Everyone's curious on what to expect in our second destination: Minalungao National Park. Along the way, we picked up BACKPACKERS Isabel, Nick and York who were not able to make it early that day. Hey, the more the merrier!