SAGADA Philippines - famous for it's natural beauty and it's caves.
Last week, I got the opportunity to be a facilitator of a 5-day DepEd Seminar and was held at Sagada, Mountain Province.
We travelled May 6, 4:00 am had a breakfast on the way and arrived on the Venue at around 10:00 am. I didn't give much attention to the view since I was very tired and preferred to just sleep.
This is where we had our breakfast. The food is average but can restore your energy.
I took this just outside the Al's Restaurant
Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly by the staffs. The venue was ready for the plenary session. It was a bit cramped but we still managed to finish the session before letting other participants go to their designated room for seminar.
Standing here is one of the beautiful facilitator, Ms. Julie Ann
Start of the session
I took this photo inside our accommodation. It has a safari vibe
This one's on the right side of the picture above
During the singing of the Benguet Hymn
Lunch Time!!!
Extended Session-night time
At around 7 pm, the seminar was finished and we facilitators still have to meet for the debriefing session. There, we were encouraged to tell the problems we encountered, the comments of the participants and other important stuffs. It was exhausting but is very helpful to make the event a success.
We called it a day at 8pm and went into our rooms. We were assigned in an attic room where 6 person could fit: a two two-decker bed and a double bed...I was supposed to stay in one of the double decks (lower part) but because I think my roommate will find it hard to climb up the second one, I offered her to stay in my "supposed-to-be-bed" and I just pulled out the mattress and placed it on the floor. There I slept for 5 days. But don't get me wrong, I am super fine with it.
The following day was awesome. Everyone shared their inputs and. The program flow was followed and the crowd was more energetic than that of yesterday. Maybe because the had time to rest. They have been refreshed hence the energy they gave.
The third day, the head facilitators gave a go signal for the participants to tour on the nearby spots. Many of them went and some preferred staying in their rooms and focused on their outputs. As for us facilitators, we went out to scout for another seminar venues for the upcoming MATATAG seminars. We used a pick-up car. Me and other fellow facilitator rode at the back of the pick-up and it was so much fun till the rain came pouring down. We laughed so hard as we tried to fit in the car. At first attempt, we just cant fit but we succeeded on our second attempt. I could still remember the sound of our laughter. We all went back with smiles on our face. We ended the day with a debriefing among the facilitators and the speakers.
Sagada view from one of the accommodation that we scouted for the upcoming seminar.
More of the safari vibes that can be found in Sagada lodges
Mandatory Selfie
Sagada is surrounded by Pine trees
Just a snap of this beautiful picture
On our fourth day, we were given a bit of a time to roam around and but souvenirs. Me and sir Joven went back ahead for to represent the group.
I asked them to buy one for me before they head home. They did get me one but when i was asking how much it costs, they told me it was FREEEEEEE!!! Such happiness! It was our last night and we were given the privilege to have a karaoke session...and so we did...another memory to cherish. š
Morning foggy view
On our fifth and final day, we escaped for a while to go and buy yogurt again. There, i experienced the ambiance of the area. Almost all of the accommodations there have a rustic cabin theme and they are all gorgeous. Most of the land area there is covered with pine trees and maybe that is the main reason why they chose that as their theme...
The last session ended after lunch and there, we said our goodbyes and prepared for check-out. We departed at around 2 pm. i got home by 10 pm. I missed my kids and my husband but I totally enjoyed my SAGADA escape.
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This maybe a small thing to some but to me, this is one of the best work experience I ever had.
And that's it for my 5-day SAGADA experience. Thank you again for being with me. God bless!!!
-your @mama-ayn
All images are mine š