Teacher-photographer Fara Manuel caught me huffing and puffing up the pathway behind St. Mary's School in Sagada, Mountain Province, one early morning last week. It's the road less taken, and the rewards are endless: grounds covered with pine needles, a commanding view of the poblacion, quiet and stillness everywhere, not to forget a healthier heart from that uphill climb. We were there for UP Baguio’s summer extension work (Fara handled acrylic painting for kids and one adult, I had seven kids whose ages ranged from nine to 12 for a creative writing workshop). Our wish is to connect with more Cordillerans through the continuation of this program.
