DURING my recent trip to Sagada, I found an old copy of 'Sagada: A Visitor's Guide,' a booklet written by Gary J. Stephens, who lived there with his family during the late 1980s. Published in 1994, it became the definitive guide for those who wished to explore Sagada at that time. I bought a copy during my first visit and used it as my guide each time I returned.

I eventually lost my copy, but I managed to take photos of every page. After reviewing these photos at home, I realized why people back then kept coming back to Sagada: it was a generally peaceful and 'unspoilt' environment with pine trees, clean air, and rice terraces. In those days, we didn't mind the long journey, the lack of electricity, or even the absence of mobile phone signals. We came to Sagada to enjoy peace and tranquility, the cold mountain air, and to escape the hustle and bustle of urban living.