Batad, Banaue: A Weekend Getaway That Is Well Worth It

I woke up the next day with a slight fever and a cough. When I go away on trips, I always have my stash for migraine, fever, diarrhea, allergies and colds. As expected, I forgot my cough syrup. But lest I forget to enjoy myself, I shrugged it aside and by 8AM, we were off to the Batad Saddle. I have never, ever been so in love with the Cordilleras this way. It was just too beautiful for words.

Climbing stairs is really more fun in the Philippines!

It is true what they say. Walk with faith in your heart, and you will never walk alone.

We climbed the stairs as high as we could, as far as our feet could take us, and as free as a bird. It was one of the best things that happened to me during that trip. Imagine walking along the terraces, the heat of the noonday sun prickling your skin, you are sweaty, smelly and dirty while your shirt is sticking to your skin, and the wind blows ever so gently and you are surrounded by this wonder. You listen to your body – inhale and exhale, you listen to that voice inside of you – you are one of the blessed ones to have experienced nature and its mystery.

Yes, I brought that flag all the way from Manila.

By 1PM that same day, we were back in Banaue and ready for our 7PM trip back to Manila. The trek back to Banaue was, as expected, difficult. But we were okay; in fact, we were fine! One good thing I learned that day was that strangers or not, there is an innate kindness in everyone. When one stumbles and falls, there is the helping hand of a stranger who will of course laugh at your clumsiness, but will pick you up and cheer you on. As they say in the mountains, leave no man behind…

I visited Batad, and climbed a mountain feeling insecure and apprehensive. After two days and one night, I came down very sick, but a lot happier of my new conquest. They say we conquered Batad, but in truth, Batad has conquered me. I shall be back next year, God-willing, to create more beautiful memories.

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