When we passed this sign, my heart skipped a beat because in just another hour or so, I will be re-acquainted with my favorite town. The town I want to retire in, I always say.
When I need to de-stress, Sagada comes to mind. Or when I find myself without a place to go on a long weekend, Sagada comes to the rescue. But truth be told, I don’t really need a reason to go to Sagada… for more than a decade now, I find myself there just because I miss the smell of pine, the food or the bucolic serenity (as shown here, here and here).
I lost my heart to Sagada some 17 years ago. Although less rustic than it was then while more and more tourists are seen each year, Sagada remains to be a top choice and a go-to to recharge.
And St. Joseph Inn still is a favorite lodging place. We like the cabins but the rooms are perfectly fine too.
It has become some sort of tradition, if I may call it that, to hangout – finishing a few bottles of wine or beer at the comfort of our cabin.
St. Jo is at the center of town and just a stone’s away from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church,
a charming little church with beautiful stained glass windows built by the Anglicans.
On certain times of the day, the light coming in from these windows makes for a dramatic interior.
Because it takes only a short walk to Echo Valley from St. Jo, we like visiting it as soon as we arrive.
Passed the church is a path that leads to the cemetery
and further along is a dramatic hillside trail to Echo Valley –
attributable to the weather-beaten limestone formations scattered around the forest.
One can hear a very distinct echo at a certain point on the hill hence the name.
At one point, one can see from a distance, coffins hanging from the limestone walls.
A trail will lead to it up close. It is a good warm-up hike to prepare for a longer and more scenic one the next day.
A comforting dinner at Masferré Inn and Restaurant is always a fitting cap to a full day. Named after the owner Monette’s father-in-law, the late Eduardo Masferré – widely regarded as the Philippines’ father of photography. Half Spanish, half Kankanay, he spent much of his life toiling the farm and photographing the Cordilleras, documenting the now vanishing culture of the ethnic groups of the Ifugao region.
Some of his works are displayed in the dining area. The Masferré Gallery down the road from St. Theodore’s houses more of his works.
“The description is not the described; I can describe the mountain, but the description is not the mountain, and if you are caught up in the description, as most people are, then you will never see the mountain.”
Jiddu Krishnamurti
my adventure odyssey 
Looked like an exciting adventure for you. Must be a bit eerie to see the coffins hanging there. The inn looked cozy and beautiful.
LikeLike
You got me when you said the scent of pines! I can see why it is one of your favoritie places. The coffins on the side of the mountain … very interesting.
LikeLike
I honestly dont know what to say except i’ll make it my business to make sure as many people as poss see this post
LikeLike
It was soothing just to see the photos! Except for the food ones – now I’m hungry. Thanks for sharing them.
LikeLike
Awesome photos ~ felt like I ‘went on vacation’ ~ thanks, namaste, CArol (A Creative Harbor) linked with Our World Tuesday
LikeLike
i have only been to sagada once but i can’t wait to go back there specially that there is an unexplored seven falls waiting to be discovered there.
love the shots.
LikeLike
Really? Wow! Will need to ask about this. Thanks for the info! 🙂
LikeLike
bakit “L” lang lumabas hehe.
LikeLike
Not surprised you want to retire there – but surely that’s a long way off 🙂 Probably a dumb question, but are the coffins empty? It’s not the sort of thing I’d expect to find downunder in OZ!! Happy travels!!
LikeLike
No wonder you love going to this place! I would too if I could. Great post.
LikeLike
what custom it is to hang coffins like this?
LikeLike
Hanging coffins are found in many Asian countries such as China and Indonesia. A tradition practiced for centuries by the people of Sagada. Here’s a site that could explain a bit more of the place, people and its customs. http://www.tripsiders.com/destinations/ph/mop/sagada/hanging-coffins-sagada
LikeLike
I have heard of the hanging coffins, but could not imagine how they would look like, until I saw your photos.
Thanks for the link Mr.Masferre, what ain interesting life, and lots of kids too!
LikeLike
I wish I could find a place of retreat, the same way you feel for this place.
LikeLike
I’ve also stayed at St. Joseph’s Resthouse and I love it – I stayed there the first time I went to Sagada in 2000 and went back again 7 years later to find it much bigger, with Internet service and warm showers (a warm pail of warm water used to be ordered the night before). I miss Sagada!
LikeLike
Yes, it took me a while to discover you could buy hot water for Php 10 a kettle so taking a bath then was an ordeal. 😛
LikeLike