Alaminos, Laguna

It's a week long celebration of my wife's birthday and we already have plans on where to spend it... until her aunt told us about a place in Alaminos, Laguna.

Hidden Valley Springs Resort we're told! The name was really catchy but also mysterious. They even mentioned that the place was famous long before we were born and it was in the history books! Talk about trivia mania dude!

Around 11 o'clock in the morning, we left Los Banos, Laguna and based on google map we should arrive 12 noon. When we finally arrived, all our expections was turned into curiosity. Upon approach to the gate the lady in white asked if we had reservations. Imagine, we thought we were just visiting a simple and not so expensive resort in laguna but it turns out otherwise. So if you're planning a day tour here, please be early and ensure you have enough cash on your pocket.

We actually got through! Yahoo!

Lobby reception

There were several pools inside but not the usual type and It even has names! Warm pool, lover's pool and even soda pool... Soda as in softdrinks? You could guess a lot of people here tried and tasted it hahaha!

Here's Ella, your guide

Everyone was so excited so let's try it!

me & the birthday girl

Warm Pool



Ella & Lola Est

Look at our little princess enjoying her own version of waterfalls wearing her cloth diapers.

Little waterfalls

Feels so warm in here

The package includes buffet lunch and snacks. Almost forgot we're on a diet.

Lunchtime

After that I told my wife that we should check out the hidden falls. It wasn't easy to get there but not so hard for youngsters like us. You'll go through all the pools and walk a path made of bamboo and then the hidden falls...

Bamboo pathwalk

Hidden Falls

The rest of the afternoon was all about swimming, photos and waterfalls...

Ella pointing at you... MISMO!



Groufie

It sure was delightful to explore the wonders of Laguna and to stay young at heart while your age counter ticks! I love you bebemon and Happy 31st birthday.

Sagada - Mountain Province

It's been awhile since Lozano Clan had a family vacation... how about SAGADA?

We stop over and had dinner along NLEX to prepare us for the long ride.

Shell Station, NLEX

Our first stop was Banaue Rice Terraces. While we were taking pictures, I accidentally fell on the rice paddy! As you can see, I'm not wearing any shoes!

We did also took pictures of Bay-yo Rice Terraces.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Bay-yo Rice Terraces

After that we actually thought our travel was near its end until we saw this!!! This maybe the reason why it was called "mountain province". Along our way we unpack our lunch and eat on one of the road stations beside a natural spring. 

mountain province

my younger brother having the time of his life!

We arrived in the town of SAGADA and spent two (2) nights at Indegenous Inn.

Our first morning activity was Spelunking! They offer two (2) options wherein people can choose the easy way or the hard way... and guess what, we've decided to make our lives more miserable by going through Lumiang burial cave and exit through Sumaguing cave which would take 2-3 hours for professionals and 5-7 hours for beginners. See for your self!

Lumiang burial cave

Spelunking - meaning to explore caves

Insertion - act of placing yourself inside an opening hoping you fit

Water levels here change depending on season

minor rappeling

light at the end of the tunnel... WE SURVIVED SAGADA!

My wife requested that we try Sagada's famous lemon pie and it really was something that every tourist should taste!

The Sagada Lemon Pie House

Our second day was not a walk in the park. I really can't remember how long we literally utilize our legs but it pays off once you get there. As the saying goes "there is no easy way to a place worth going to". Our destination was Bomod-Ok falls which mean "Big Falls". We carried sticks for safety since the path varies in slope.

Off to Bomod-Ok Falls

We're halfway there... I guess

Bridge over troubled waters...

Big Falls indeed!

Best way to enjoy it is to take a plunge!

I can't tell you what happened on our way back. Just imagine things got really harder! Anyway, WE SURVIVED SAGADA!

Later in the afternoon we visited Ganduyan Museum, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Calvary Hills, Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins all located within reach.

Inside Ganduyan Museum you won't be roaming around to witness exhibits, instead you will actually do time travel headed by our strict but sweet ol' lady. Once you're there you will definitely be proud of what the locals did for this land and for our country.

Ganduyan Museum

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

On our way to Echo Valley

You might notice that stones and rock formations here in SAGADA was somewhat similar to Palawan. The elevation of this province was no joke! But did you know that this area was actually under water million years ago?

This may be the echo valley but it can't echo Ella's smile

Hanging Coffins

That evening we went to a nearby souvenir shop to get some goodies!

Dawn of the next day, which was our last day of course, we went to Kiltepan to view sunrise which kinda sad since all we saw was clouds. Then after we took pictures of the priest-engineer monument. Still, we manage to wear a smile 'cause SAGADA taught us how to persevere, be strong and patient.

Family Pic with Kuya Choy!

Reverend John Armitage Staunton Monument

On our way to Manila we took a break in Atok, Benguet which was the highest point in Philippine highway system while everyone enjoyed the view and ate "balot". We had lunch in La Trinidad and did a final stop at the Lion Statue.

Atok, Benguet

La Trinidad Strawberry Farm

Lion Statue

All in all SAGADA's journey and experience was not for the faint-hearted. I'm really proud of everyone especially my mom who had shoulder surgery but still managed to join us in this adventure. Also, this vacation wouldn't be possible without our regular service and vacation guide Kuya Choy. 

We still have a long list of places to visit which surely means this was another beginning.

IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Me and Kuya Choy