Place to Stay in Sagada: Sagada Homestay

When in Sagada, there are a lot of small inns and lodges to stay in. One of them is Sagada Homestay which is located near the town's municipal hall.

There are a lot of mixed reviews on this place but for us, it was the most convenient. Since we were so busy, we almost forgot to look for a place to stay in advance and so, days before our trip, we tried to contact them, and since they are the only one who offered us some place, we booked on them.

Backpacking Sagada: Hiking Mt. Ampacao and Lake Danum Sunset

After we survived the caves of Sagada, our afternoon was set to climb Mt. Danum and hopefully see the sunset at Lake Danum. Our guide was still Kuya Frenzel and we meetup downtown after we had changed clothes and bought some bread for our lunch.

Since we had a lot of time in the cave, our lunch was cut short and we could only buy some bread. We need to get started at around 2pm in order for us to see the sunset and also, avoid going back to town really dark since there are no lamp posts on the way back.

Food Trippin' Sagada: Lemon Pie House

On our first night in Sagada, we decided to try out the restaurants in the area. We originally plan to dine at Yoghurt House but since it was pretty early that time, we decided to stroll along the streets and look for places to buy pasalubong. Since we are near the end of the town already, we decided to have dessert first and eat the famous lemon pie found at The Lemon Pie House .

After checking in the menu in the store, we decided to have dinner there already since it was getting dark outside and we are already getting hungry and is getting lazy going back the way we walked from there. It was also better eating there since the place is not crowded. There are just a few groups dining in and most of the tables are vacant. I thought it is better to celebrate my friend's birthday here that night.

Surviving the Running Dead 2012

To survive a zombie appocalypse, you must be prepared physically and mentally. You need to run! Run fast! Run for your life! Just like what we did in the recently held Running Dead 2012.

Last Sunday at around 5 in the afternoon, brave runners were gathered at The Palms Country Club in Filinvest Alabang. All are hyped and prepared to run to defend their life flags against Tri-zombies who are out and are determined to snatch them from you and make you run as hard as you can.

Food Trippin' Korea: Beans Bins Coffee

After our afternoon shopping at Myeongdong, we all got hungry and decided to have some snacks before finally leaving Seoul in the night. Our Korean friend recommended a  place where she said serves the nicest waffles. And so, we all went to Beans Bins Coffee to have a cup of coffee and some waffles.

Located among the many shops and stores in Myeongdong, you can find this store at a second floor of a building (sorry guys, can't quite describe it as I was a bit lost in all the shops there). You can see a sign just outside that will lead you to this shop. They are said to be the best waffle in town that is why we were excited to have a taste of it.

Backpacking Korea: Shopping at Myeongdong

The remaining hours of our stay in Seoul was dedicated to shopping. There is no better place to do this than to go to Myeongdong where there are a lot of shops to shop. A shopaholic's haven, if you ask me.

Thankfully, we were staying near Myeongdong station and it was just  a few minute walk to the shopping district. We just need to cross the street and we are faced with the towering malls and lots of shops and stalls all around. We don't have to worry on getting our stuff left at the inn before we travel to the airport, this way, we can enjoy the rest of the day touring around the busy streets of Myeongdong.

Backpacking Korea: Bukchon Hanok Village

One of the main tourist attraction in Korea is their Hanok Village where you can find the traditional houses of the Korean that are preserved through time.

Good thing, our Korean friend took us on a tour on one of them, we went to Bukchn Hanok Village on our last day of stay in Seoul.

Backpacking Korea: Namsan Tower

After a long day touring around Seoul, we still have time to spare for another must go place in the city. We spent the night going to Namsan Tower or more poplularly known as Seoul Tower.

The tower is located near our inn at Namsan Guest House 3. It is a long walk from Myeongdong Station going uphill to the entrance. You just need to follow the path going to the right from the subway station and soon, you will see the tower from afar, just follow it and you'll surely get there.

Zombies are Coming: The Running Dead 2012

Remember the movie Zombieland? RULE #1: Cardio. Yes, you need all the stamina to run. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! Or else, the zombies will get to you and eat your brains. Now, have you ever consider this rule being applied to real life? well, I guess you've imagined it but didn't expect all hell might really break loose!

If you're a fan of zombie movie and have been dreaming of being in a zombie infested world and struggling to survive it, this is your chance! Running Dead 2012 will be held in Filinvest Alabang on April 21, 2012, at around dusk.

Food Trippin' Korea: Caffe Bene

After we toured the Trick Eye Museum, we were all hungry and cold from walking along the streets of Seoul. Also, we were not sure what to do next for the rest of the day. We decided to stop by Caffe Bene for a cup of hot beverage.

This coffee shop is near the Trick Eye Museum, it was just a few blocks away. Also, it is just near the subway station, so we will not walk long to get to our next destination. There are a lot more branches of Caffe Bene around Korea and I think it is the more popular coffee shop here. It was nice that I get to stop by here and enjoy the place.

Backpacking Korea: Trick Eye Museum

After our tour at Nami Island in the morning, we didn't know what to do for the rest of the day. We decided to go to Trick Eye Museum located near Hongdae Station. I first saw this on a Korean Drama and I didn't realize that I'll be one day going here and have fun.

As you exit the subway station, you just need to walk around 200m and soon you will find the sign of Trick Eye Museum which is located in the basement of a building.

Backpacking Korea: Nami Island

One of the attractions in Korea is Namiseom Island or more popularly known as Nami Island. This became popular when the Korean Drama, Winter Sonata, which had a high rating, filmed in this island. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that many Koreans and tourists go to.

It seems appropriate going here at this winter season as to re-live the famous TV Drama and really feel what it is to be winter here in Korea. Going here is not that easy. It is a long train ride going from Seoul and you have to allot the whole morning or day if you prefer to tour this place.

Backpacking Sagada: Bok-ong Falls

On our first day in Sagada, we decided not to get any guide and challenge ourselves for an adventure. We successfully got through Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins by ourselves and so we looked for other places to go to using our town map. We decided to look for the Bok-ong Falls which according to the map is just nearby.

Bok-ong Falls means small falls. This is because there is a bigger one on a bit farther place. The map says, it is just close to town. We were not sure at first but we decided to look for landmarks indicated there. Soon enough we were following the right landmarks and it seems like we are going the right way.

Food Trippin' Sagada: Trying Out Pinikpikan

One of the most popular dish in the Cordillera Region is perhaps the Pinikpikan which is a chicken stew with a very flavorful taste. This is why we didn't miss the chance to taste it when we are in Sagada.

In a eatery near the municipal hall, we were looking for some late lunch and luckily, they are serving this dish and we immediately asked for an order of this dish.

Food Trippin' Korea: Namu Cafe

As we were waiting for my friend's Korean friends, we looked for a warm place to wait. As we exit the subway, we found a small coffee shop nearby to rest and avail of the free wifi services. Also, to have something warm to drink in this cold weather. We settled in Namu Cafe.

Located at the second floor of a building near Sinchon Station, the cafe is accessible for people who want to enjoy a hot cup of drink. They offer free wifi in their shop and so, we took the chance to get connected to the outside world.

Backpacking Sagada: Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave Connection

Our adventure on our second day was a bit extreme, but we were really up to it. We signed up the pervious day for a Cave Connection tour to go spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves which is a very popular activity here in Sagada.

We met with Denise, whom we met at the Municipal Hall the previous day and texted us to ask if she could join us. Of course we agreed since we wanted to have a new friend and also to cut costs of the guide fee.

Backpacking Sagada: Walking around Sagada Town Proper

A few minutes walk away from the Municipal Hall, near the town hospital, you will find St. Mary the Virgin Church. It can be easily seen with a large bell landmark. This bell fell down years back and since then, it was displayed at the back of the church. The Church is also near the school and the girl's dormitory. The church is near the trail going to Echo Valley.

 It is quite big and they held the mass there in Ilocano. Theire is just one mass in Tagalog there so if you wish to attend, you should ask them of the schedule.