Mountains and Mishaps: My Sagada-Baguio Adventure Part 4

I did not have a reservation. There were no more available rooms left. Hotel 45 across SM was the only budget-friendly hotel I knew. I did not do my research. Hotel-booking apps also didn't have much to offer that night. I have to admit that I did not plan this trip well. It was getting late and I could hear my empty stomach growl.

The mountains look like they’re being swallowed by the clouds. This photo was taken while I was on the bus to Baguio from Sagada.

By this time, the rain became even stronger. I had no choice but to brave the chilly weather in search of a place to spend the night. I was frantic. I went from one hotel to another, only to be rejected. I explored every nook and corner my tired feet could take me. I walked and hiked and marched. Nothing. All the hotels were either fully booked or ridiculously expensive. The city was filled with Manileños and other tourists. I was homeless in a city I've never been to before. It was a busy Friday night and I thought I could wing it. I was wrong.

The rain never even stopped. I wanted to cry. I swear it was a scene from the movies.

Drenched in water and anxiety, I decided to take a break and eat at a restaurant along Session Road. After my fill, I settled for a cheap-ass lodge I came across earlier that night. I was desperate. For P500, I had a small room to myself with a common toilet. The room was dirty. The walls were darkened white and the curtains were dusty. There was also only one electricity outlet. Either I use it to plug the fan, or I use it to charge my devices.

I did not have a fan that night.

Strawberry taho at Burnham Park in Baguio. (IG: @bjornjovi)

I decided to shower to cleanse my hopelessness away. The bathroom was worse. Literally just 3 feet from the ground was a window to another dark room. It was scary as hell. Why would there be a window just 3 feet from the ground in a bathroom? Who or what was in the other room? What if a face suddenly appeared? Was there a camera in there somewhere? Again, why would a bathroom have a window just 3 feet from the ground?

I couldn't complain. I got what I paid for. It was a quarter to 12MN when I finally had the chance to lay down. I was knocked out, yet I was still grateful. I still had so much zest in me. I survived such a taxing adventure, and it wasn't even finished yet.

To be continued...What's next? - Part 5

Bjorn Tabanera
iSTORYA Contributor

Bjorn is a Trainer and occasional events host and freelance writer.

Part 1 - Mountains and Mishaps: My Sagada-Baguio Adventure
Part 2 - The Journey Begins
Part 3 - Kiltepan