One Nature, One Community

Last September 2, 2012 the long awaited Tree Planting activity was conducted. 

Getting Ready for Tree Planting

It was only my second time to join a tree planting activity. First was when we were in College and it was a part of an activity in school. It was also held in Longlong, Pico but different site. Today, it was in Communal Forrest of Longlong, Pico.

The Site

Actually, the said  activity was supposed to be held a week ago but due to heavy rain it wasn’t possible. We are lucky enough that the weather condition was good. Different organization joined the activity to save mother earth and plant trees to name some UC students was there, Interactive Cordillera, DECAT, Bravehearts Team, Save 182 and last my family, La Trinidad Shutterbugs and for sure other volunteers were there too.

Caleb, 1year and 7months, youngest patiticipant

When we went on the site orientation started by Mr. Dean Cuanso, the organizer of this activity. He told us the guidelines on planting trees, the distance should be more than 1 meter circumference  and also to not forget to remove the plastic when we plant. Before we begin with the tree planting activity Hapiyoh-mi, a cultural dance group of University of Cordillera rendered a cultural dance to amused the participants. The men of Hapiyoh-mi opted to be on their G-string attire for them to show how our ancestors do it. I also saw the youngest participant Caleb, 1 year and 7 months. I know for sure that he will also enjoy the nature where we once enjoyed.

Mother and Son helping to plant tree

This kid told her mother not to help him ,  so  He planted  the tree

Men on G-String Planting Trees

Clearing the grass for a Tree

Taking a rest

This activity reminded me of a poem we once memorized when I was in Grade 2 entitled Trees by Joyce Kilmer and it was written on the path-ways going to the site.

TREES

by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the Earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray.

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

  Let’s save Our Forrest, Our Ancestor’s Legacy.  Save Mother Earth for our Future generation.

-Louie Mae Vardeleon

Burnham Park with Cello

" The cello is like a beautiful woman who has not grown older, but younger with time, more slender, more supple, more graceful."

~ Pablo Casals


Here is my photos post processed using light room. I'm new at this and a friend helped me, credits to Kuya KC for teaching me light room.

Credits to Mr. Paul Louie for setting up this photoshoot
and Credits also to the models during this shoot,,

- Louie Mae Vardeleon

SAGADA CRYSTAL CAVE

Manung Leviz and Manang Michelle

Going down to Crystal Cave Entrance

After all the celebration and friends and family get together, I was insisting to my cousin and her family to visit Sagada to relax. One rainy afternoon, we decided to take off. We managed to catch the last trip going to Sagada and we arrived earlier than we expected even if it was raining. We went to our lodge and rested for the night. I had a hard time sleeping because I am so excited for tomorrow’s activity, Crystal Cave. During my first visit in Sagada and heard about Crystal Cave, I promised myself that I will be back for that and here I am.

Our guides preparing!

This is it!! The day that I’ve been waiting for, the day I been longing to see how hard and magnificent Crystal Cave is. I’m with my cousin and her husband and the two great guides of SAGGAS. At our way to the entrance, it was so muddy, slippery because it just rained. We even saw an eroded land. I’m nervous for my cousin because it was her first time to enter a cave. This was her first adventure and she made it!! I am so Proud of her!!! At last, we arrived at the entrance.  Our guide prepared rope and petromax for light. 

Manang Michelle at the entrance!

The Crystal Cave Entrance

Going down Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave Entrance

Trying to fit in the cave hole

Unlike the cave entrance I’ve tried and saw, this was the hardest. It was so steep and stones were covered with mud that makes it so slippery. We even should fit in the small cave holes and our guides told us that the first cave hole was the biggest and easiest to enter. Then we saw stalactites, it was really like crystal, so pure, sparkling white crystal hanging in the cave. Our guide told us to be quiet so that the stalactites will not fall because with loud noise it might fall, so we tried our best to be quiet. 

Crystal-like Stalactite

Crystal-like Stalactite

Going down to see more

Crystal-like Stalactite

Then we continued our trek going down, we saw more amazing and magnificent crystal-like stalactite.  We went up and down and saw small cave hole. For us to fit in, we should lie down and push ourselves towards the end. I wonder how we manage to fit in that cave hole but we made it. Then we should leave our slippers and we walked in the beautiful stone formation. In this part of the cave, my camera gave up and sadly, we were still in the first parts of the cave. It went out of battery, it was so disappointing  and I regret that I didn’t charged my camera because when I checked it, it was full and I am sure that it will last but it didn’t. I’m still lucky because we still have a waterproof camera but with no flash, so as innovative as we are, we used the petromax as a flash. 

crystal-like stalactite

more on Crystal Cave

more on Crystal Cave

more on Crystal Cave

last photo I captured with my camera

On our way out, we saw different stone formations, waterfall-like and so many more. We even passed knee level muddy hallway, as if we were on a mud spa house. It was gross but we don’t have any choice. We rappelled, climbed and tried our very best to fit on small cave hole. And then at last, we made it to Sumaguing Cave. We exited in the Pig pen stone formation and literally, we were like pigs, so muddy. We just washed ourselves in Sumaguing Cave. It took us almost 3-4hrs to finished spelunking. We survived!! Thank you again to our guide, who’s always been there to be our foot stool, human ladder, pulled us up and helped us to survive and safely got out of the cave.

John, President of SAGGAS, our Guide

Lester, Our Guide

 After a day, we noticed that we had so many bruised, scratched and our whole body hurt like hell, even for how many days now. But we don’t regret it, it was worth it!

my foot

my hand

This trip opened my eyes to other views of Sagada. A lot happened during our stay there, met a lot of people, knew more about this place. My last day was not that great and I can even say that it was my worst and crazy last day but I don’t regret it. At least, I can say that I enjoyed Sagada so much that I can't explain!!

Thank you guys for making it so memorable!!

-Louie Mae Vardeleon

JUST WALKING AROUND~!

It was Saturday, I was so bored and I wanted to go for a walk for me to have time for myself, lighten up a bit and be away from work for just a moment. Besides, we all need a break after a stressful, busy work.

It was my first time to stroll around Manila outside big malls. Manila is known to have best malls, commercial centers, park, etc. but I wanted to just wander. So, I decided to go outside air-conditioned room and off for a walk even if it was burning outside.

The Hall of National Museum

The Stairs!

First destination was in National Museum. It’s a huge building as big as a mall or even bigger. I can’t recall how many floors the building has. But, it can’t forget that in one of the floors, there was a big room and it was all about Cordillera culture and I am proud to be one. Our native costumes were there, musical instrument, old kitchen utensils, everything they have it there. Well, I completely forgot I’m in a museum; it’s a must that they should have it all. They also have replica of our rice terraces, similar to that of Batad in Ifugao, the Banawe Rice Terraces, once considered as eight wonders of the world. I learned a lot about the 3 stars and a sun (Philippines). All those things I’ve read during my years of studying, I saw it with my own eyes. As if I visited all the places here in the Philippines in just a few hours. J 

The Arts!

Replica of Banawe Rice Terraces

Our Costumes!

Me around the National Museum!

Luneta Park!

Rizal Monument!

Next Stop, Luneta! It’s just near the museum. In there, I saw a lot of people, families having their picnic, lovers having their date, group of friends having their bonding. We were all having a great time! One more thing, it’s a free park, one proof that money is not a hindrance to achieve happiness. Nothing beats the smile on their faces and their precious time with their love ones even the most precious gems, silver and gold can’t be compared.

The PICC

Then I continued walking, passing bay walk, Ocean Park, US embassy until I reached PICC at Roxas Boulevard then something made me stopped as if I was frozen. I saw a magnificent, enchanting rainbow in a City. It was my first time to see a rainbow in Manila, at a desert-like weather; it was super hot, burning afternoon then a rainbow will appear out of nowhere. I was amazed. They always say that rainbows only appear after the rain but they're wrong, I found a place where you can see rainbow anytime of the day but on one condition, there should be a bright sun or it should be a sunny day! This rainbow was created with the rays of the sun refracted and reflected on the drops of midst from fountain in front of PICC; it was an inspiring view over the so called Big, Busy City.

Rainbow in the City!

Being around Manila made me realized there’s more to look forward in the City. There are a lot of things you can do at low cost, can you imagine yourself being around Philippines in just a day or less? We should go outside our comfort zone for us to experience simple treasures. We should all LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, and EXPLORE the TRUE BEAUTY of LIFE that money can’t buy!! ~HAPPINESS~

-      Louie Mae Vardeleon

Around the so called Shangrila of the North ~SAGADA~

This is my favorite place, SAGADA. Even if I've been to some place here in the Philippines, this place is where I felt HOME.  At first I was hesitant to go there because of some reasons. Gladly, I made the right decision: to continue the trip with my friend. It's my first time to visit the place and I was so amazed and mesmerized  with the scenery and how simple life can be.

I don't know what's this but it caught my attention.

When we arrived at Sagada, we saw a busy market day, it's Saturday and it's the only day where different business men and women gather in the small town for them to sell their goods. For us, we eagerly went to the Municipal Building, registered, went to our lodge and  booked our stay for 2 nights and 3 days.  Sagadian (a term which they call the locals of Sagada) welcomed us with warm smile and indeed Filipinos are really hospitable. 

The Best Guide Ever!!

We went for a walk around Central Sagada, had late lunch and went to the SAGGAS Office to book our spelunking for they are highly recommended tour guides in Sagada. We were beginners for spelunking but with brave hearts and strong will, we booked for moderate trek "CAVE CONNECTION". We went back to our room, rest for awhile and then off to an exciting activity.  A guide came passing our lodge, called us, and we were wondering if he's our guide or not because when we registered at their office he was not the guide we talked to and booked our cave connection but we are lucky enough that he was free that time to be our guide; one of the best guide of SAGGAS, Lester. At first, he was quiet but along the way he cracked jokes and in fact, he's not quiet at all (peace hehehe). He was very patient with us, he let us stepped on him for us to be able to survive Cave Connection. I kept on asking him if I can fit into the holes and he told me that cave holes are flexible and he's sure I can surpass even in small holes. He was also very knowledgeable about the history and facts about Sagada not only Sagada, some facts of life too, all our questions were answered. He kept on telling us to work on our butt. It was indeed funny but later on we realized that it's needed for us to be safe. He also told us that getting out of the cave safe and sound is the most important thing for him than getting paid. He was very kind and generous in his own simple ways. Now, I know why SAGGAS are very famous, they have the best, nicest, modest guide ever! We finished our spelunking with his help for almost 4hrs. Thank you kabsat for everything! He's more than a guide for me, his a friend, a brother whom I can always count on!!! KAMPAI!

KING'S CURTAIN, Sumaguing Cave

After hours walking on cold waters and slippery bat dangs, trying to be flexible to fit on cave holes, I was captivated and amazed with all the stalagmites and stalactites formations. I can't resist its beauty as if I was hypnotized. I know for a fact that it took them years to create those wonderful formations and on our part as traveler, we should take good care of it. Make sure it is preserved for our future generation to also see and enjoy the beauty of Sumaguing Cave.  

Cave is the main attraction for SAGADA but WAIT THERE IS MORE!!!!

Pongas Falls known as the Twin Falls

Philippines is known to have the best white sand  beaches but its not all about beach. Don't forget there's more. It was our second day of tour and we didn't missed to visit some of their waterfalls. SAGADA is blessed to have many of it, here are some pictures of the two famous falls. 


We indeed had fun this day, relaxed, unwound and refreshed from all the pressures at our work place,  home, etc. We enjoyed the fresh, cold breeze and had fun fun fun fun. Swam and bathed all the negative vibes. We were refreshed  and renewed!!! 

Bomod-ok Falls known as the Big Falls

Sea of Clouds

On our last day of tour, I didn't regret waking up as early as 4am on empty stomach just to be there before Sunrise. They also made bonfire to keep guides and travelers warm. During my first trip, I wasn't fortunate enough to witness the sun, it was a foggy morning. Instead I saw sea clouds. But still it was great as if I was in heaven stepping on the clouds. Around and below me were clouds, I was surrounded with it. Luckily at my second visit, I saw how beautiful the Kiltepan sunrise, rays of the sun, view of the mountain, trees and terraces; it was Perfect. 

Kiltepan View

I SO LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I'm fascinated with its beauty. I am sure, I will visit Sagada soon as often as I could! I want also to share those things I've learned and saw about this place (one of the reason why I wrote this). I would gladly volunteer myself to help others experience what I felt and show them ways to enjoy my so called second "HOME" ~SAGADA~. 

Kiltepan Sunrise

           
          


               -Louie Mae Vardeleon