✧ Series Note – Banaue–Sagada–Benguet 2015 ✧
Some journeys change your map; others change your soul.
This three-day passage through the highlands left footprints not just on trails, but on memory.
📅 Travel Dates: May 01-03, 2015

The last day of our Sagada journey felt like a quiet goodbye. At 5 AM, we checked out of our guesthouse, and as the van engine hummed to life, a wave of sadness settled in. I left Sagada with a heavy heart, knowing the memories and adventures I had here would linger in my mind, heart, and soul. Yes—I’m a big fan of road trips. And this one was unforgettable.

Before heading home, we made a side trip to La Trinidad, Benguet, with two scenic stopovers:

• 🥣 Breakfast in Kibungan, a quiet town nestled in the Cordillera’s folds
• 📸 Photo op at the Highest Point of the Philippine Highway System, located in Atok, Benguet, once the highest elevation marker at 2,255 meters above sea level

By 11 AM, we reached La Trinidad, a town known for its cool climate and vibrant agricultural life. It’s a perfect spot for souvenir shopping and food finds at reasonable prices. The highlight? A visit to the Strawberry Farm, where we:

• 🍓 Bought fresh strawberries, lettuce, and vegetables
• 🍦 Tried the famous strawberry ice cream
• 🚶‍♀️ Strolled through rows of strawberry beds for the first time

Though I’ve been to Baguio before, I never had the chance to visit the Strawberry Farm due to time constraints. This was my first time—and it felt like a gentle farewell gift from the mountains.

After everything was said and done, we reached Manila safely by 6 PM—three hours earlier than expected. And when our tour coordinator asked, “Will you visit Sagada again? ” I smiled and said, “Yes. I shall return.” Who knows when—but I know I will.

✍️ Final Note

This marks the last installment of my Banaue–Sagada–Benguet 2015 Travel Series. I’ve learned so much from this journey—from ticking off a long-awaited item on my bucket list to embracing the raw beauty of nature, discovering the rich and unique cultures of Northern Luzon, and most of all, building friendships that made the adventure even more meaningful. I am beyond thankful for this gift of travel—this gift of life.