The way to heaven is not easy. Neither is going to Sagada.

Prior to the visit, I've already heard things that almost discouraged me to go there. Being that it was already planned and I'm someone who'd push through anything I've already decided to, we went ahead.

I decided to stay awake during the 5-hr drive to fully experience the horribly, terrifyingly, uncomfortable journey, as we were warned. Although I have to agree I've had better, it wasn't nearly as steep or not as dangerous as I was told and not a hell-of-a-ride like the way the book described.

It was already early afternoon when we got there. After freshening up and a late lunch, we decided to stroll around, checking out what seemed like the place's entrance working our way towards the center. Souvenir shops are everywhere (of course!) and nice little restaurants along the way. Still tired from the bus ride, we decided to have an early night, but not before making up plans.

Trekking, for most of our stay there, was the obvious plan. That's what we had to do to find most of the touristy places Sagada is famous for. Since we decided not to get a tour guide, we had to rely on our maps and travel guide book finding our way.

We saw some hanging coffins from the distance. We decided it was too risky to get near without a guide. We found one of the falls, named it the baby falls, marveled at the magnificent rice terraces and fell in love with the lush green and clean environment. It was certainly refreshing just being there.

The following day, we sought out the underground valley, passed through the cemetery (a proper one) and the echo valley but not before we took a wrong turn and ended up facing a big herd of cow which looked scary (I was wearing red and particularly afraid of cows for some reason from childhood memories).

We were already enjoying finding many things by ourselves and decided to take a different (but looked quicker, according to our map) route from the underground river to the main road. We heard voices ahead of us, decided to follow them and saw just their back before they disappeared behind the rocks and bushes.

Thinking that the river will lead us out of the cave and into somewhere eventually, we followed it and was out in the open. We were delighted to see a couple (probably the ones we heard earlier) behind us, who seems like they were following us too. Funny, innit?

A little while later and finding less and less visible path, we declared ourselves lost but persisted that there is still a way out from that direction. Since we already walked (and huffed and puffed and crawled and climbed) our way to the hilly part, going back is a tiring idea.

To save me from pointless walking and climbing, Martin, my boyfriend, would hurry ahead and holler if he found a path we can follow, otherwise he'll try another one, while I wait somewhere to rest and catch my breath. He kept encouraging me while the other couple were obviously arguing.

It was also surprising for me how cool-headed I was about the whole thing. Yes we are lost, yes we're tired but no, I'm not sulking. Hallelujah!

Finally, we were down the slope and seemed nearer the other side where we can see some locals working. That's where we want to go and up that big house (or souvenir shop). Martin, who was leading all four of us, had to find another way coz the rotten fence creaked under his weight when he tried to step on it. I was left with the others as they let me give it a try first. I was halfway from trying to climb over the wired fence when we heard him shout and a crash. We were shouting out for him asking if he's ok but he didnt answer. I hurriedly climbed and rushed towards his direction. I saw him laying on the ground but thankfully conscious. He was brushing the leaves and dirt off his shirt and trouser and looked concernedly over his left thigh which was now bleeding.

He told us that the fence gave way and he was scraped by the wire while he was falling down with it. It didn't seem like a deep cut but I was worried of infection.

This time with him injured, I was fueled with courage to get us out of there and led them across the valley of bushes. Even when he was injured, he's still guiding me, always reminding me to test the ground first before stepping.

We made it to the main road and went straight to our cottage to shower. I insisted on having his leg disinfected. After we were sure that he won't be infected and that it's clean and treated, we decided to have a quiet night. We enjoyed the warm bonfire after dinner before heading to our room for our last night in Sagada. We spent the last day just strolling and doing some souvenir shopping. We thought it was just appropriate for me to have a "I Survived Sagada Adventure" t-shirt after what we went through. :-)

Sagada is a wonderful place for both relaxation and adventure. It's a small place where I've seen more tourists/foreigners in my entire life. People are also used to them that they'd be sometimes surprised when they see fellow Filipinos. The rugged road and simple means of transportation saves this paradise from exploitation, pollution and stress of the city. I won't mind going there again.