Boy Sagada

Sagada is a town in the Cordillera Mountains, within the Philippines’ Mountain Province.  The forefathers of the local folks were head hunters.  Their culture was very tribal.  It was a culture of "an eye for an eye - tooth for tooth" amongst tribes.  Fortunately for visitors, headhunting has ceased a long time ago.

The first time I visited the place was in the early 80s.  Back then, it was dubbed as the "Shangri-la of the Philippines".  The place was still pristine.  Not many tourists knew about it.  Fast forward in 2012, I went back for a second visit.  It has become a hang out for European tourists, mostly backpackers.  Sadly, the place has become commercial.  One can buy beer, pizza and yogurt - hardly the staple for these Mountain People.  The local folks have been spoiled by the generosity of the tourists.  Maybe a good thing, I am not sure as I am not a sociologist.  I suspect it has its downside.  Not sure if I am ever going to return to this once lovely place.