Most people I know head over to Sagada to test their bodies. The adventure that they seek in that Mountain Province municipality is unique in the area and can't be disputed. Mountain trekking, spelunking, etc. If you've been to that part of the northern region, chances are you went back to Manila spruced up for another back-to-nature's-dirt itinerary. Certainly, one does not visit Sagada once only.

My First Time

I have so far visited it once. I'm looking forward to returning. The first time I was there was about relaxation and communing with nature. Since I'm not in any way scruffy and very agile for body-enduring adventures, I will be returning to one of the Philippines' favorite Luzon-based  travel destinations for the same goal -- to relax and commune with nature.

My Own Quaint Room In The Middle of The Woods

Instead of testing my body and further exposing it to the elements for fun, I'd want to seek out that quaint-looking inn in the middle of the woods of Sagada again. No artless budget houses for me. I see enough of those and live in one in Metro Manila. There's certainly more to my northern exposure than a modern cemented cave. Besides, commuting to the Mountain Province via Baguio alone is an adventure already. By the time I get to my destination again, I'd want to stay in Rock Inn & Cafe and experience the solemn silence of a peaceful retreat. No TV set. No radio. All pine wood scent. Nothing but pine trees outside my room window. It was the environment I had during my first visit of Sagada and I intend to have it again.

I can always keep the adventure at bay... maybe for my third visit. No one needs to hurry when one is in Sagada anyway. 

For my first time experience in Sagada, visit my travel blog, Turista Trails.

When in mainland Luzon and itching to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life or the workplace, you can only daydream of backpacking and finding a secluded beach that no one has heard of. You are most probably a professional with limited vacation leave credits and can't possible miss a day or two of work because of mounting bills waiting to be paid. In this day and age, you are called the middle class.

A middle class person's standard getaway is usually still part of one's work. It's either an out-of-town assignment or a company excursion for team building. It's always never your choice of destination and certainly is never truly fun.

Camerasia and Turista Trails have compiled the following summer spots in mainland Luzon which you can consider saving up enough money for by the time you're ready for an overnight getaway and have to rush back to the city for work:

El Puerto Marina Resort & Spa

Good Value: Numerous activities to do -- pool and beach swimming, fishing, etc.
Location: Lingayen, Pangasinan
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: 5 hours
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P2,800
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.

Punta De Fabian Resort

Good Value: Hilltop infinity pool by the resort cliff overlooking Laguna Lake
Location: Baras, Rizal
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P3,000 as of 2012
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.

The Oriental-Legazpi

Good Value: Splendid view of the majestic Mount Mayon from the roof top deck's infinity pool
Location: Legazpi City, Albay
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: 9 hours
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P3,000+
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.

Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar

Good Value: Heritage architecture museum and a batis-inspired swimming pool overlooking the beach
Location: Bagac, Bataan
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: roughly 3 hours
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P3,500 as of 2012
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.

Playa Tropical

Good Value: Bali-inspired environment
Location: Currimao, Ilocos Norte
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: 7-8 hours
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P3,000+ as of 2012
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.

Acuatico Beach Resort

Good Value: Lukewarm and well-designed infinity pool overlooking Laiya beach
Location: San Juan, Batangas
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: roughly 3 hours
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P6.000 as of 2012
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.

Thunderbird Poro Point

Good Value: 5-star hotel-resort quality service and amenities
Location: Poro Point, La Union
Commute Distance from Metro Manila: 6 hours
Overnight Budget Estimate:  P6.000+ as of 2012
See more photos and read more insights on Turista Trails.