Bana's Cafe: Best in Sagada

Congratulations, you conquered Sagada!

You explored Sumaguing Cave, rock-climbed at Echo Valley, bathed in Bomod-ok and walked 5 kilometers in the rain. Suddenly... hunger pangs hit you, the kind that only good food can satiate. You remember several good shops that bloggers recommend but you have to choose the best as if your survival rests on it. An apparition of Anthony Bourdain occurred and he ushers you to Bana's Cafe. Why? Because the food tastes home-made, ingredients are not scrimped and they serve the best coffee this blogger has ever had. I am not exaggerating. 

That paragraph is lame. What I am really trying to say is Bana's Cafe is the best restaurant in Sagada. 

I like it better than the Yogurt House which served us ketchup-tasting spaghetti and yogurt with "mayonnaise consistency" - that's what we overheard from the next table. To be fair, I liked the banana-top yoghurt I ordered. 

Bana's is also better than the commercial-tasting food from Masferre Inn. I haven't tried the buffet prepared by the French guy at the Log Cabin. I heard it's also good.

The Place

Like everything in Sagada, Bana's Cafe is simple and rustic. Its indoor space has a seating capacity of around 20 people - packed. The terrace which overlooks the gorge, roofs and the neighbors pigs has 4 tables for around 15 people. Bags of coffee beans are stored in the terrace - Bana's is an 18-Day Roaster facility.

The Food

Menu consists of salads, pastas, omelette, breakfast meals, yogurt and coffee. 

Mushroom and Onion Omelette (~PhP 120)

The omelette is nicely done - with the eggs not overcooked. This is the best omelette I've tasted in Sagada. 

It comes with toast which pairs well with locally-made orange marmalade. 

Bana's Favorite (~PhP 120)

This is also my favorite. Toast, sunny side up, and bacon.. yes, thick slices of bacon.

The toasts are white and wheat bread - with cushion-like consistency. The soft yolk is a good topping for the toast. The bacon tastes home-made. Very Yummy.

Fresh Tomato Pasta (~PhP 120)

Pasta is done al dente and the sauce is divine. One can taste the freshness of the tomato. The dish is very light perfect for snacks or light meal.

They also serve pinikpikan (local delicacy similar to tinolang/bulalong manok) if you reserve it a day in advance.

Banana Honey Yogurt (PhP 70)

The consistency of the yogurt is the same as the commercially-available ones. It's not too sour. What Person A and I love about this bowl is the honey. Its sweetness pairs well with the yogurt taste while the banana adds flavor and texture. This is a winner on our list.

What we also love about Bana's is their coffee. It is an 18-Day Roaster Restaurant.

It's got one of the best blend I've tasted so far.  

Alamid-Amunin Coffee (PhP 200)

Civet cats are abundant in Sagada and they love to eat the Arabica beans. To the joy of the coffee lovers, this blend tastes very delicate. Its aroma is strong but it has subtle taste, sweet flavor and has silky smoothness with every sip. Please splurge on it once.

House Blend (PhP 30)

Since we can't afford to order Alamid coffee every time, we are happy to settle with the house blend. It has stronger flavor than the premium coffee but it's also sweet and doesn't have an acidic undertone. Personally, I like it better than Starbucks, UCC or Diamond Cake Club blend. At PhP 30, I can say this is the best.

Honey Latte (PhP 90)

Latte sweetened with wild honey.

Too sweet and the honey is not good sweetener for the coffee. I rarely put sugar in my coffee - probably explains why I don't like it. Also, the milk/honey is curdling in the cup. One of the ingredients  is reacting with the heat or the coffee. I don't recommend this.

If you want to bring home a taste of their coffee, they're selling their beans under this label. Apart from the basic Arabica, they also have Amunin and Civet Cat coffee. 

In Summary

1. Among the major restaurants in Sagada, Bana's Cafe is the best (personal opinion, btw). The food tastes great, fresh and home-made. We like the omelette, the thick slices of bacon and pasta. The honey-topped yogurt is also a winner.

2. Bana's serve the best coffee I've ever had. For the houseblend, latte, and alamid, the aroma is strong but the taste is subtle and not acidic. It also comes cheaper than a cup in Manila. Please take advantage of the coffee while your there.

3. The price is comparable to most restaurants in Sagada. Prepare to shell out PhP 200/person each meal.

Hot Dogs of Sagada

It is hard not to notice the dogs in Sagada. Although they were not tied (read: mukhang asong gala), most of them are lean and toned. No skinny ones. 

These dogs are used to climbing stairs and going up and down the hill - the most likely reason of the toned physique. Hot sila. Kaya Hot Dog. 


Ngi!



They are also very friendly and are used to people. While we were waiting for a ride to Bomod-ok, a dog just approached us and kept us company in exchange for a head pat and fur brush.

I christened him Biggie.



A huge one.

He was with us for an hour and even accompanied us to the jeepney. I was hoping it will ride the jeep with us. I adopted him for the duration of our stay.

They're generally hairy, to better protect them from the cold(?).



A guide asked me why I keep on taking photos of dogs. I told him I love dogs. He aptly warned me that people from Sagada don't keep them as pets. They can be a food source. Person A asked where he can get one (I won't join him), some restaurants serve it on Wednesdays.

I don't agree with the practice but I respect the culture.

Heres another toned dog.



Person A keeps on teasing me that instead of naming the dogs Biggie, Brownie, Hairy, Smiley, just name them Stewy, Curry, Grilly, Roasty... or Wednesday.

Just for kicks.

He loves dogs too and would just love to see me frown and give him the stare.

A calm one



And an extra friendly dog at Masferre Inn



Here's a rug.



And a huge jet black Lab.



Guess who showed up at the bus station to bid us goodbye.

Biggie!



We were so happy to meet him at 6 in the morning. I even brought bread just in case he'll show up. I am missing you now dear.

Hope to meet you when I get back and hope you make more travelers happy.

Bomod-Ok: The Big 'Falls

I never get easily amazed by waterfalls. Having grown up in the province, waterfalls have been around all my life and I had even bathed in a few. More often than not, when people say there's a waterfalls, it's a teeny weeny one, only a few feet drop. I wasn't so ecstatic checking off Bomod-ok Waterfalls, thinking it's another one of those a-few-feet-drop of water. I've been to Bokong (small falls) a few days before and I find it okay, pretty in its own way. With some time to spare, Person A and I decided to check out what the buzz is all about the big falls; my friends who have been to Sagada suggested not to miss it. 

The jump off point to Bomod-ok is in Banga-an or Aguid, 5kms and 8 kms away, respectively, from the town proper. You can opt to walk (about an hour) or take the jeep to Aguid (20 minutes) for PhP 20. Jeep leaves every hour up to 3PM. The last trip from Aguid is at 1:30, hence it is best to visit the falls in the morning or you can rent a jeep at PhP 500 one way or walk back to the town proper. The last option is only feasible if your legs are not yet battered from days of adventure. 

We decided to stop at Banga-an, being the more popular jump off point. If you opt for an easier descent to the rice terraces, I suggest you choose the Aguid path. We registered at the Information Center and paid PhP 500 for a guide. There is a separate association from Sagada, hence don't get a guide until you reach Banga-an/Aguid. 

Here's our guide Manong Randy. He provided us with staffs and is kind enough to show us interesting finds along the path to the falls. 

To get to the rice terraces, you'll descend several steps passing through a small village. Then the trek on the rice terraces begins.

The view is expansive, awesome and breathtaking.

Along the way, there are traditional rice storage facilities and our guide ushered us into one with an unused coffin. Afraid! 

According to our guide, the coffin is made of pinewood and is prepared by the family to be hung in one of the burial sites in the area. Outsiders are not allowed to view the site.

You also get to view a small scale mining operation on the other side of the terraces. The locals are mining gold. Pyrite, fools gold, are sold along the path for PhP 20 a rock. 

The trek is about an hour so if you get tired, there are residents selling beverages. Don't fret, unlike Manila, the commodities are not overpriced. PhP 45 for a bottle of gatorade. Not bad.

Let me show you a picture of a jolly carabao. This water buffalo is responding to the call of our guide.

You know your near the falls when you begin to see big river boulders on tiny streams. The big falls provide irrigation to the Aguid rice terraces. 

Just before the you get a full view of Bomod-ok, you'll pass by a hanging bridge. It connects two cliffs and is at least 50-meter deep at the bottom. The bridge is also damaged hence I was actually telling Person A that I am scared when this photo was snapped. 

Presenting Bomod-ok.

The water falls from a height of 200 meters. The smaller waterfalls make the picture more majestic. The setting is also canyon-like - really magical. Even if you're some meters away from the falls, you'll feel its strength by the sound it makes and the water sprays. The water is also freezing although if you come from the hour-long hike, it is a welcome respite. 

The waterfalls has a small pool at the bottom that is waist-deep. The pool is perfect for swimming! That tiny dot half-submerged in the water is me. The dip was so soothing. On the left side is a small waterfall - about 3 meters and would provide a good water massage. 

Person A and I love Bomod-ok. We will come back, head out early in the morning, bathe in the pool, enjoy a picnic basket, read a book before going back to Sagada. 

In Summary

1. Bomod-ok Waterfalls is a majestic destination. It is good to linger a bit in the area. Bathe in the pool, take photographs, have a picnic and enjoy the sound and sprays of the big falls. The rice terraces on the way to the falls is picturesque. The path is not difficult save for the hour-long walk.

2. With the relatively easy trail, everyone can easily conquer the path. Just don't head out during the peak season as it can get too crowded.