A planned trip to Sagada, Mountain Province resulted in the profound realization of what I have been missing. I left Manila with 9 complete strangers and came back with a set of new friends weaved from an acquaintance to friendship in just a span of three days.
Our itinerary states, we have a choice between spelunking in the Sumaguing cave OR the Lumiang-Sumaging caves (Connecting caves). The Sumaguing cave takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of exploration while the connecting caves will take about 4-5 hours.
Initially, I opted for the Sumaging cave primarily because I just had a root canal few hours before the trip and although I was cleared to go, I did not want to overdo it. Also, it was my first time to explore a cave. I have slight issues with dark, confined spaces and I started imagining all sorts of fainting and trouble breathing.
But something tells me I should do the right thing; signing up for the Lumiang-Sumaguing exploration. Little did I know, we're all in for a scary, death-defying but fulfilling adventure of our lives.
I signed up along with 7 of my friends. Writing this blog still gives me the chills, partly because I'm not sure whether I will be able to justify the experience with my story. But here it goes.
Surviving Lumiang-Sumaging cave (Connecting caves)
The connecting caves as mentioned will take 4-5 hours to explore. However, I hardly called it an exploration because honestly, I did not pay much attention to my surroundings. The moment we embarked on the first confined passage I started questioning myself and why I even signed up for it. All I can think about is getting out of the cave alive.Even if I begged to return, I see very little chance of getting catered to and so I took a deep breath and remind my soul to follow me if she can't keep up 😛
The beautiful, serene place just outside the Lumiang cave's entrance defies the grueling activity that is about to happen inside. As first timers, we had no idea; so we basked on taking pictures while walking towards the starting point.
The place is nothing like the ordinary and its cold climate added to the uniqueness of the region. Walking down, my mind is NOT at ease. The anticipation, worry, and challenge all played in my head.
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| Entrance to the Lumiang Cave |
[Below] Small coffins are clamped inside the Lumiang cave near the entrance. According to the tourist guide, these coffins were carefully and strategically buried on the sides of the cave until an earthquake destroyed their formation. Some of the coffins were scattered where we were standing and some few meters down.
In order to continue, we have to slide down tiny passages, hands raised in order to fit the small holes; scary enough to understand that your feet haven't touched any solid footing... yet. Inside the cave were endless cliffs that were too dark to be measured by someone with a calculated mind.
I almost bailed but I'm glad I didn't. I challenged myself with everything that I feared. Heights, confine spaces, darkness when it starts to shut the remaining air inside my lungs. I succeeded. I looked at the deep, dark cliffs under my feet, close my eyes and continue the journey.
I credit my younger companions who seem to enjoy the exploration. They gave me hope that everything's going to be fine, that none of us will be left behind.
The experience gave me enough realization about myself. For instance, I realized I DID NOT HAVE A DECENT UPPER BODY STRENGTH. 😬 In order to conquer the other cave, a minor rock climb with the help of a rope is needed. I would have absolutely failed if not for the makeshift steps carved on the side of the rocks.
Legend says that a number of people have been found missing while channeling the waters. While some of them were retrieved by rescuers, some were never found until this day. Of course, If I knew the story before signing up, I would have said NO and retreated.
Some photos courtesy of Monette Anda, Jesz Dayapera, Owen Doctor
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