Many people visit Sagada not just for its beautiful scenery but also for its perceived healing properties, particularly for individuals experiencing heartbreak. However, this wasn't the case for me. I embarked on a solo trip to Sagada in November 2022, shortly after my birthday.
The lengthy 15-hour journey was well worth it, as Sagada felt like a different world altogether. The weather was perfect—neither too cold nor too warm—and it didn't rain at all during my short stay. Of course, I made sure to visit some of the tourist spots I had only seen in YouTube vlogs. The walking tour took me to the old St. Mary The Virgin church, the hanging coffins site, and we even passed through a little river and cave on our way back to town.
Learning about the history of the hanging coffins and the tradition of shouting during burial ceremonies was fascinating. Originally, people shouted to scare away bad animals, but today, shouting with all your heart in the mountains of Sagada has become a way for people experiencing emotional distress or heartbreak to release their feelings. In that moment, I gained a deeper understanding of why Sagada holds such significance for many.
Around 5am in Marlboro hills.
