Sagada Sunrise
We went hiking early the next day to catch the sunrise. We did not hire a jeep to take us until the jump off because it’s expensive, so we walked from Poblacion to the jump off, in unlit roads, with only our phones’ flashlights to light our way. We walked for maybe 30 minutes, before reaching the jump off, where we were required to register and pay P20 each.
When we were getting up, I was again asking why was I doing this again. But when I learned that the lady manning the registration area had already been there more than half an hour before got there humbled me.
Marlboro Country is the reason why we're in Sagada. We planned this early this year because I heard there were wild horses in this place. We planned to hike on our first day so we can travel to Bontoc early morning the next day, but we arrived late and the kid guide told us it is already late for a sunset hike, so we moved the hike to the next day to catch the sunrise instead.
We started the trek. It felt less creepier walking through the forest than when we’re walking by the roads with the giant pine trees on each side looming over us. Our guides had their bicycles and most of the way, we told them they could just go ahead. They just stop every now and then and wait for us before driving ahead.
The sky was beginning to brighten and we’re still around 20 minutes away from the summit. When we reached the peak though, the sun was hiding. As it turns out, mabilis lang pala akyatin ang Marlboro Country. There were two other groups at the summit waiting for the sunrise. (May gwapo sa Latino group). This is the scene when we arrived--the earth covered in thick fog, any glint of the sun is nowhere to be seen.
Mara and I had coffee—siya 3 in one, ako brewed for the same price--P30. Haha! It was a ripped off really. Mas mahal pa yung instant!
After several minutes and the sunrise is still nowhere, I went near this group, and just stayed there. On some strokes of luck, the thick clouds started to clear out to show the sun which is already up there. It was blindingly bright, but the brightness made the view even more beautiful. Really, I think I was the key. Hahaha! We stayed for maybe an hour appreciating the 360 sight and taking photos and videos.
Marvelous sight up there. And there was no crowd, so you get to enjoy the sight in its fullness--no heads blocking the view, no selfie sticks, no loud shouting (except that time when another hiker suddenly appeared in the nearby hill and the people from our side called out for him).
We didn't see wild horses (just a couple of horses that are for hire at the entrance), but the appearance of the circle rainbow made up for it.
At around 8am, we descended. It took us less time going down the hill, and also we hitched on a jeepney on our way to town.
We had breakfast before going back to the inn. We took the last trip to Bontoc, but not before buying 2 kilos of red and brown rice for myself.
