We were supposed to leave Manila at 6 a.m. in order for us to reach Santiago City, Isabela early in the evening. But Dendo had to settle some matters at his office first so they, Dendo and Ading, picked me up at 8 a.m. Poor Arnel had to wait for 2 hours at SM North. Leaving this minor quirk behind, the four of us started our daring trip and were very excited as we cruised along the North Expressway. Fine weather was ahead of us and hopefully for the next few days. Who knows what will happen during the next 4 days but the adventurist spirit in us was very high. One thing we were sure of, that the next days would be a carefree drive, a leisure tour, a first time experience for most and a grand vacation all rolled into one.

I expected us to reach Santiago City by early evening, estimating a 10-hour drive with a side trip to the world famous Banaue rice terraces. But the first snag in our schedule was evident since the plan was to reach Banaue before sundown in order to view the terraces but the our pace and planned inspections at N.E. Pacific Mall and I.L. building in Cabanatuan City would make this impossible. During our breakfast in Baliuag, Bulacan I told them of my predicament but Dendo suggested of an overnight stay in Banaue to enjoy its cool weather. All agreed so I had to readjust the rest of the schedule. After the quick breakfast, I encountered my second problem when I can not find my wallet with my pocket money in it. I called home to verify if I left it there but my brother can not find also. I decided not to let this spoil my trip so I just made withdrawals thru the ATM along the way. (Later upon my return home, I would realize that I indeed lost it)

First interesting sight along the way was a museum in Pulilan, Bulacan but it was still closed and nobody could tell us what time will it open so decided to go on. Then we encountered the 'Centennial Bicycle Tour' along the highway. This is a group of 50 cyclists who have been pedaling for more than a week from way down South Luzon up to the Northern tip, a sort of multi-stage cycling race and tour ride combined. Complete with motorcycle cop escort and various vehicle entourage, they are now in their homestretch leg for a grand Independence Day finish in Clark Field, Pampanga. Being an avid cycling myself, I was thrilled to see these heroic guys. Despite the traffic caused by their passing by, we enjoyed watching them pedal their way to their goal and wished them Godspeed realizing that all of us was on a same mission.

Along the way we saw signs directing to the 'Biak na Bato' National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan. We decided to follow it, a complete diversion from my planned route, since this would be very appropriate for our 'Centennial Tour'. A hundred years ago, Aguinaldo transferred his seat of government of his short-lived First Philippine Republic in this jungle portion of Bulacan. However, succeeding road signs showed 13 kms more to go so we decided to abort the plan and proceeded with our original route.

We arrived in Cabanatuan City at noon and made a quick tour of N.E. Pacific Mall Commercial Center and the I.L. building to avoid further delays. As we reached Talavera, Nueva Ecija we stopped along a roadside eatery for lunch. Dendo and I once ate at this eatery before. The bamboo walls and tall shade trees made the setting cool despite the hot afternoon sun. The eatery was known for serving 'hito' and other native dishes at cheap prices and the pretty and smiling waitresses made our lunch more enjoyable. Ading was particularly enjoying his meal since this is his first time at this place.

Barely 2 weeks ago, we were 4 individuals who went out for the first time on a trip to Infanta, Quezon. But by this time, all inhibitions among us are almost gone and we are now like friends for many years. Ading is the quiet guy and is very observant of what we do. Arnel is a good conversationalist with a very infectious laughter. Whenever Arnel laughs, all of us laugh. Dendo is an adventurer and loves to travel just like me. Despite these diverse characters, we share the same spirit for adventure and passion to travel.

I took over the wheels after lunch. Dendo, Arnel and I would be sharing the driving chores for the next few days but I will be driving the early stages since I was more familiar with the route. I was also the navigator, tourist guide and schedule master during the whole trip. I also listed the towns that we will be passing by all throughout the trip as a reference and Arnel innovatively timed the travel from one town to another. This will now be a useful reference for future travels.

Dalton Pass, Nueva Viscaya

The Maharlika Highway in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija is nicely paved so this makes driving comfortable. The only problem are the tricycles that slows down the high-speed traffic and their indifference to the overtaking vehicles. Cabanatuan City is a city of full of tricycles so knowledge of alternate routes helps avoid the mayhem. The famous Dalton Pass is the best mountain road that I've driven so far. Compared to Kennon, Marcos and Naguillan roads, Dalton Pass offers wide and smoothly paved zigzagging roads. Even the tight curves offer plenty of room for long trucks to maneuver. The scenes along Dalton Pass are both scary and sad. The deep ravine reminds one of the risky roads of Dalton Pass, before its present splendor state. Sad because the denuded mountain reminds us of man's greed for quick profit regardless of the consequence to the environment. Sad because it leaves questions of whether the mountain can still be restored back to its old glory. This drive gave us a rare chance to see the natural beauty of the countryside but it also left doubts if this nature's bounties will ever survive man's indifference till the next generation. That afternoon drive gave us plenty of time for reflection as we start our descend from the mountain pass.

Sleepy and tired, we reached Santa Fe, Nueva Viscaya at the foot of Dalton Pass and decided to have a quick snack. I planned to have the merienda at Aritao, Nueva Viscaya but it seems everyone is hungry. I told the guys to sample the pansit in this region, which is cooked in a saucy manner. Being familiar with the dry pancit of Manila, the wet pansit was the three's second taste of the local delicacies. A slight drizzle welcomed us in Santa Fe. This is also the start of the rough roads due to ongoing construction. A year ago, these roads were nicely paved but somehow the Public Works decided to repave it. Work is being done by a Korean construction firm and so far the finished portions are smooth and level compared to work done by local contractors. From hereon, the road is rough and dusty until Bagabag, Nueva Viscaya. This further set back our schedule as we cannot proceed at a faster pace. Dendo is now driving as we started our ascent to Banaue at around 5 p.m. and the road have now improved. The weather was now pleasantly cool and the low clouds were a wonderful sight. The bridge before Lagawe offered a very spectacular view of a limestone formation and so we decided to have our first photo sessions. With the riverbed below our viewing deck blending with the moss filled limestone along the road, it was a very soothing view, which somehow convinced the guys that this trip is very worthwhile after all. The scenery re-energized our tired bodies. It was now very cold as dusk sets in and so I told them we must hurry to avoid darkness on the road. A previous night drive experience in these area was a bit scary due to fog and slippery roads so I advice Dendo to drive carefully.

It was already dark when we reached Banaue which I somehow felt sorry for the guys since they missed the beautiful scenery along the way. There was also a brownout as we reach the town proper. And as we entered the town proper, we noticed a commotion in one of the house. Apparently fire was just starting and the local men were trying to extinguish it. This is when we started to pull a joke on Ading who was very edgy at this time. We told him that that was the place we were staying for the night. Naturally, the commotion and the brownout worried him pretty much. We all had a good laugh when he found the truth later.

The road ahead of us...the MAHARLIKA Highway at Santa Fe, Nueva Viscaya.

We checked in the Sanafe Lodge, a pension house conveniently located in the center of the town proper. The accommodations are pretty simple; clean rooms, soft beds, individual baths, and the TV and telephone are shared by all guests at the dining room. It is in front of the market and way down the road is the police station. A local version of a Karaoke bar is just a short walk. The only drawback is that the Manila bound Bus parks in front of the inn (the drivers sleep in the room below the inn) so parking for private vehicle is limited. We were lucky that the incoming bus suffered a flat tire (we passed by them in Lagawe) so we had the best parking space for the night.

As we were just about to start our dinner, power was restored so everyone was delighted. After dinner, we recalled our first day of the road over bottles of San Miguel beer and Cali at the inn's terrace which offers a grand view of the lower part of the town. Suddenly we felt our body pains slowly ease away as we appreciate the cool evening and the stare at the silhouette of the mountain beyond the dark skies. Then we became instant voyeurs as we used our binoculars to pry on the lighted windows of the houses below. We were unsuccessful though in witnessing exciting scenes. Only the untimely call of the inn servant made us retire to our room.

It was already 10 p.m. but I was still not ready to retire but the 3, especially Ading, was immediately in dreamland upon hitting the sack. I still had to plan the revised schedule and next day's itinerary. Originally, we were supposed to reach Laoag on the second day but this is now impossible due to numerous stopovers in line. An overnight stay in Aparri was the initial alternative destination but I felt it is more realistic to spend the night in Tuguegaro since the city offers better accommodations than Aparri. Also I was anticipating more traffic at town centers on the next day, being Independence Day. With all these apprehensions, I then remembered that this was supposed to be a fun drive so why bother myself with these calculations. I would just let things as the go the next day and enjoy the trip. As I ponder in the moonlight that shined thru the window, I felt great satisfaction that we were able to embark on this trip, a once in a lifetime experience.