3 Things Sagada taught me about moving on

                       

My first time at Sagada was way back in 2013. I was with my mother for a medical mission. Back then tourism at the locale was just starting to flourish. During those times I have my love-hate relationship with my significant other. Yet, I must say that those times were one of my happiest.

Moving on, Sagada became the favorite spot for people who just experienced a major heartbreak when the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana” first hit the big screen at 2014. In fact, when I was chit-chatting with my massage attendant she mentioned that a huge number of tourist flocked at Sagada on previous Valentine’s Day that all of the hotels were fully booked and some backpackers walked down to Bontoc City just to look for a place to stay in. 

Indeed, it has become a sweet refuge of people who wanted to breathe and shout out their hearts out. 

Three years after, I came back at Sagada as a single soul wandering for solace. Now, I'll have the chance to validate the sensation Sagada had brought to broken peeps. 

So let me discuss the 3 things Sagada taught me about moving-on 

1.You have to brave the uncertainty 

On my first day at Sagada, I still feel sleepy since I failed to sleep during the long hours of travel that by the moment we arrived at our hotel. I just wanted to sleep. 

Yet, I have to follow our scheduled itinerary and obey the tour guides. So our first activity is spelunking at Sumaguing Cave. 

Yay! Can it get more exciting a walking zombie, me, will explore the darkest parts of a cave to look for her Batman.  

I was reluctant to push thru with the activity since I lack sleep hence I might lose my focus and endanger myself.Then again, I’ve convinced myself that I have to do it since I have to maximize my stay at Sagada. So I wore my favorite garish pink rash guard, brought my action camera, and proceeded with the activity. 

Entrace to Sumaguing Cave at Sagada

Seeing the entrance of the cave terrified me since it is too dark and bumpy. You see, I’m not into this kind of activities so knowing that I lack sleep, I’m clumsy, and I’m not sure on what in store for me are adding to the tension I’m feeling. 

Then again, I love pushing myself to its limits so I go on even if I know from the start that it’s not going to be easy. 

Exploring the cave is difficult and seems impossible at first. It is a long path filled with coldness, darkness and roughness. You have to endure the horrifying echo of fear emanating from the rugged walls of the cave. 

I’ve realized that moving on is like entering the darkest and deepest part of a cave. You have to brave the uncertainties on your way. You don’t know how long you’ll get there. You’ll come to the point that it would be hard to breathe. You’ll experience numbness because of the cold thin air. You’ll get yourself bruised, hurt or worst you can get yourself bleed with blood. You can get terrified of the idea that you might not get there. You’ll get scared of the hopelessness that the darkness brings. You became desperate to end your trip. You might think of giving up. Then again, when you’re about to reach your destination, a sense of hope will struck you. Finally, you’re about to end your journey with grief. You never thought you will succeed at first but then you were able to tell yourself. Congrats! You did well. 

Despite that I am sweating  I still had the vitality to smile.

2.You have to help yourself

Path to Bomokok Falls at Sagada

The spelunking experience is indeed enervating yet I’ve realized that it is not that difficult compared from our second day activity: trekking for hours under the baking heat of the sun. 

At first I thought it was going to be easy since long walks don’t bother me much. Yet, I came to realized that walking along the a steep path and rough uneven terrain is tiring.I can feel my muscles shivering.Nonetheless, I am keeping my pain inside me since I don't want to be a burden with others. 

Again, I am convincing myself that you have to  keep moving since no one can help you.You don't have a choice but to endure the pain because if you'll let the pain get into your nerves you will not make progress. You might be left alone in the midst of nowhere.Probably,waiting for someone to save you from despair. 

Then,I realized that no one can save me from my own agony.My nemesis is my own yearning. My fate depends on me. I should get-up and help myself to continue walking to move-on.

3.You have to wait

Sunrise at Sagada

My last day at Sagada is not that challenging compared from the previous two days. Our call time was 5:15 a.m since we have to catch the sunrise.  

It was a bitter cold morning and I still don't like to get up from bed. The view deck to see the breaking of dawn is just a 15 minute drive from our hotel and we arrive there at 5:30 a.m.

The said view deck was the exact spot where the famous tearjerker scene of Mace, lead female character of the movie of That Thing Called Tadhana, was shot.It was the scene when she shouted all her heartache and finally let go of her "excess baggage".

When we arrived at the view deck, a number of tourist were already there. The place was quiet and the air was filled of serenity.

It was 5:45 a.m and there's still no sign of Mr.Sun showing up. The tour guide called our attention and said that we should leave since it's somewhat cloudy and there is a big chance that Mr. Sun would not show up.So I headed back to the van and then someone shouted "AYAN NA!".

It was a short but sweet wonderful moment:witnessing the magnificent golden rays of the sun flickering right before our eyes.

Watching this kind of show reminded me of the value of waiting. I realized that wonderful things comes if you know how to wait. Yes!You just have to wait because there will always be hope. Hope to get over with all the negativity.

Definitely, Sagada is not for the weak. It's for brave people who dared to conquer their own fears. It's for people who decided to go on with their journey.It's for people who wanted to relinquish their bitterness.It's where people who have broken hearts should go.It's the perfect place to move forward.

Do you have any discoveries from your recent trips?Have you visited Sagada and thought the same way?Share us your story at the comment box.