Camp D-Max: Rediscovering Sagada with Isuzu PH
We take the Isuzu D-Max to Sagada, Mountain Province
Last year, I discovered a new form of recreation that allows me to fully take a break from the daily grind - camping.
It all started with an invite from a close friend to go up north, but it has already come to a point where I fitted my daily driver with an awning tent and rugged terrain tires. I've also started to buy camping stuff so whenever the schedule permits, I could easily set up my own camp and disconnect from my busy world. But recently, life found a way for me to enjoy work, and camping at the same time.
That's what Isuzu Philippines and Overland Kings brought to us when they organized a camping trip to Sagada, Mountain Province with the new D-Max.
Isuzu Philippines is no stranger to these epic drive events. They've been doing this for years, even with models in the past like the Fuego and Crosswind. They have a knack for adventure, and I'm willing to bet that they have already covered almost every corner of our country’s archipelago.
Just a few weeks prior, I drove the Isuzu D-Max for our preview shoot in River Ranch, Tanay, Rizal, and after that to my hometown in Davao City for their 4x4 Playground roadshow. But this time is a chance for me to see what the Isuzu D-Max is capable of in the twisty turns and steep inclines going up to Sagada.
While I came from way down South, I have come to familiarize myself with the roads of the Northern part of Luzon as I frequent Mt. Data in Bontoc every so often, and have become accustomed to the roads going up, especially the famed Halsema road. When I got the itinerary from Isuzu Philippines, I was very giddy because, for one, I'd already been bonding with the guys who had co-hosted the camping trip. Overland Kings was the co-host, Chef Kim Yumol of Sarsa MNL was part of the kitchen together with Chef Chavi Romawac of Baguio Mountain Man - a guy I’ve been wanting to meet for the longest time.
After several reschedules due to inclement weather and holidays, I was finally picked up from my house in the early hours of August 21 and proceeded to the gas station meet-up point at NLEX. One by one, the fleet of new D-Max pick-ups pulled up together with a few mu-X SUVs all outfitted with rooftop tents and awnings. I was paired up with colleagues Ferds and Mika together with Bobet Carlos of Isuzu Philippines. We were onboard car no. 4 - a 4X2 variant of the new D-Max.
The first half of the trip was from NLEX to Baguio, and I got first dibs in the driver's seat. I’ve driven the 4x4 variants but the 4x2 was surprisingly very similar and as capable as that of the top-spec variant. As we reached Kennon Road, the 3.0L turbodiesel in the D-Max had no trouble on the steep climb. The throttle response was just right to give me the confidence I needed. In short, “Di ako nabibitin”.
As soon as we got to the Baguio Country Club for lunch, we were welcomed by Joel and Carolyn Pedro of Overland Kings. The sumptuous buffet gave us a precursor of what we'll have at the campsite in Sagada.
When lunch was over, we then proceeded to take the scenic route going up further north to the House of Sol in Sagada. Ferds was up next to drive and I sat on the second row. Standing at 5’10” the leg room at the rear seat was very manageable, even if we had several backpacks in between us and snack bags. After a few hours more, the breathtaking sunset fell along the route. There was a brief rainfall when the evening came, but we eventually reached our campsite destination.
Isuzu Philippines is no stranger to camping as they have done it several times over. But this trip was a notch higher (literally, and figuratively) as they provided camping accommodations in the form of rooftop tents and tent awnings which made the experience closer to nature. As soon as we arrived, the overland kings took over the vehicles and started to deploy the tents and we were all gathered in the “circus tent” as the epicurean treat from Sarsa MNL and Baguio Mountain Man was about to commence.
My fanboy mode kicked in as soon as Joel introduced me to Chef Chavi. I have known him as a drummer and member of the band Session Road but meeting him this time as a purveyor of culture through gastronomy in the North was a whole different story. It’s different when you see your heroes in person as compared to just watching them through videos on your phone. The dinner for the first night was both visually appealing and very appetizing. Chef Kim walked us through the very interactive buffet and the bonding moments with the teams behind this camping trip commenced.
The next day saw us waking up as early as four in the morning to prepare for the sunrise view at Kiltepan in Sagada. In pop culture, it's a place known for people moving on from heartbreaks and starting over. But for us, it's really just all about looking forward to seeing the picturesque sea of clouds.
It was a short drive but required the off-road capabilities of the new D-Max. I once again volunteered to drive and ferry fellow members of the media to our destination. It was here where the new cameras on the D-Max were very useful in the rough terrain, plus the addition of the new diff-lock made the short drive easier and safer.
As soon as we parked, the sun was already peeking and we were greeted by the famous sea of clouds Kiltepan is known for. According to the locals, this occurrence doesn’t happen often, and we were very lucky to see the majestic clouds forming a blanket over the mountains of Sagada. After all the photo-ops and drone flying, fresh coffee and another delightful table of local breakfast food were provided by Chef Chavi and his wife Millie at the site. We headed back to our main campsite for some snooze time and continued to explore Sagada in the afternoon.
It's not my first time here, but there's still that particular charm that Sagada gives. I haven’t been back here for more than six years, and yet the new developments didn’t alter the chill vibe this place has. We visited the churches and the caves, and the drive around town was still very scenic and calming despite the tight streets.
Our last night on camp was another epic feast, and it was no less than amazing. The food was a given. Sarsa MNL and Baguio Mountain Man brought out unexpected viands that made us experience what Sagada and the North is all about.
During the drive going up, my carmates and I were talking in jest about maybe there should be seafoods since it would not be readily available in the mountainous region. Lobsters were talked about and I remembered Marvin of Marv’s Boqueria was with us during the trip. Lo and behold, a wok full of clams, mussels, shrimps, and crabs was on site.
Carolyn also provided an impromptu acupuncture session for everyone who wanted to try it. CentroHolistico Mobile was born, and I jokingly suggested Joel of Overland Kings to add this to his next adventures. A local duo of a fiddler and a guitar player graced us after dinner and the celebrations continued. Another night to remember indeed.
The next day, it was time to pack up and head home. This time, we took the western route through Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, and then CLLEX in Nueva Ecija. It was the longer route, but nevertheless, it made us enjoy the D-Max more.
In between the tours and meals, the conversations I had with fellow members of the media were also very memorable. They had the same sentiments that this journey was more than just another event, it was a time to breathe and catch up. It was a great time for us to take a pause from our busy schedules and connect with each other on a more personal level - just like I do whenever I go on my own camping trips.
Isuzu Philippines does know how to host a drive and it goes beyond just testing the capabilities of their vehicles. Kudos as well to Joel and the rest of the Overland Kings team for providing a well-facilitated campsite and organizing worry-free camping trips like this.
What this trip taught us is that Sagada isn't just a go-to place for those dealing with heartbreaks. It's also for those who need to hit pause to regroup, and bank new core memories. It's the break you never knew you needed.
So where to next?
