tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801888759133888892012-03-11T21:27:20.601+08:00Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-840384234583066972012-03-09T21:47:00.003+08:002012-03-10T00:23:48.797+08:002012-03-10T00:23:48.797+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GJ9QfYDQOPYRbhWDquJP_UcnAfk/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GJ9QfYDQOPYRbhWDquJP_UcnAfk/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GJ9QfYDQOPYRbhWDquJP_UcnAfk/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GJ9QfYDQOPYRbhWDquJP_UcnAfk/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">A day before the climb, I felt the butterflies flying inside my stomach. I was still unsure if I am capable enough to do this solo hike since it will be my first time. </span><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">But thanks to my mountaineering mentor for reminding me this: &quot;<i>pumunta ka nga ng marinduque mag isa eh. ayun nga ang liit lang na burol/isla</i>&quot; hahaha...</span> My morale was boosted, off I went to my 7th mountain <br> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">________________________________________________________________________________</span></div><br> <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">February 18 is the date that I braved my 7th mountain, and it&#39;s quite a different experience since I&#39;ve done it the &quot;solo way&quot;. </span>I got no proper training in this so called &quot;mountaineering&quot;, so I just relied on my 2 month old climbing experience for this first solo hike.<br> <br> <i><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Days prior to this climb, I&#39;ve done a research on how to reach Talim Island (where Mt. Tagapo is located) if I&#39;ll be coming from Manila. Thanks to <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/">Pinoy Mountaineer site</a>, all my queries were answered. The route:</span></i> EDSA Crossing - Port of Binangonan - Brgy. Janosa - Mt. Tagapo.<br> <br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/03/mt-tagapo-solo-adventure.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-84038423458306697?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/COAx8R8aEtU" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com12http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/03/mt-tagapo-solo-adventure.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-31722808272043260842012-03-06T16:33:00.002+08:002012-03-07T08:46:03.399+08:002012-03-07T08:46:03.399+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aMvbh6NLszGKQq84cR2T8GCgPjc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aMvbh6NLszGKQq84cR2T8GCgPjc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aMvbh6NLszGKQq84cR2T8GCgPjc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aMvbh6NLszGKQq84cR2T8GCgPjc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Our Climb</b></u></span><br> Date: January 14, 2012<br> Mountain: Mt. Maculot (Rockies)<br> Jump off: Rockies Trail, Cuenca, Batangas<br> Difficulty: Minor Climb, 706+ MASL (Rockies Summit) <br> Type: Dayhike<br> Budget: P600<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybzOIxALg84/T0Z9dtagPmI/AAAAAAAAB4o/s3Z3v_0ZYqY/s1600/mountain+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybzOIxALg84/T0Z9dtagPmI/AAAAAAAAB4o/s3Z3v_0ZYqY/s640/mountain+2.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view along the trail to Rockies Summit</td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/03/climb-itinerary-mt-maculot-rockies-with.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-3172280827204326084?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/LphlY1UdJaw" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com5http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/03/climb-itinerary-mt-maculot-rockies-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-43329451402554955312012-03-06T11:26:00.001+08:002012-03-06T13:13:27.726+08:002012-03-06T13:13:27.726+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/LIyCjfDw9_LedYLdEKHBRQLV3dM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/LIyCjfDw9_LedYLdEKHBRQLV3dM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/LIyCjfDw9_LedYLdEKHBRQLV3dM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/LIyCjfDw9_LedYLdEKHBRQLV3dM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Read my previous post about our <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/adventure-ful-day-at-sitio-madlum.html">adventure at Sitio Madlum</a>. Part of that adventure is this fun climb at Mt. Manalmon - actually, I&#39;m not sure if it is really a mountain being 196+ MASL only (based on Pinoy Mountaineer&#39;s specs). It&#39;s more like a huge hill rather than a mountain. Anyways, it is still one of my priority mountains because of the following reasons: <i><b>1)</b></i> easy access from Manila, <i><b>2)</b></i> student-friendly aka low-budget climb, <i><b>3)</b></i> lots of sidetrips. With only P500 at hand, I conquered my 6th mountain, thanks again to sir Sonyboy for inviting me in this memorable climb.<br> <br> Mt. Manalmon is actually just an easy climb. With its beginner-friendly trail, newbies in the field of mountaineering won&#39;t find this mountain a pain in the ass.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________</div><br> <br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/03/mt-manalmon-fun-climb-and-more-at-sitio.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-4332945140255495531?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/iqsFRJvNOPM" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com2http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/03/mt-manalmon-fun-climb-and-more-at-sitio.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-16366136308731746022012-02-29T15:07:00.002+08:002012-03-01T01:29:28.239+08:002012-03-01T01:29:28.239+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/VBGdhnKZoOqSQHBK_k7OMaLwqzo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/VBGdhnKZoOqSQHBK_k7OMaLwqzo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/VBGdhnKZoOqSQHBK_k7OMaLwqzo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/VBGdhnKZoOqSQHBK_k7OMaLwqzo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Our adventure in a place called Sitio Madlum at San Miguel, Bulacan offered us not only a mountain to conquer but a lot more activities like river crossing, rock climbing and spelunking. All of which really satisfied our gusto. It&#39;s like putting down a group of birds with a single blow.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________________________________________________</div><br> Last February 12, I suddenly found myself tripping somewhere in the province of Bulacan. Thanks to sir Sony of <a href="http://yobynos.wordpress.com/">yobynos.wordpress.com</a> for inviting me in this adventure-ful trip at Sitio Madlum, San Miguel, Bulacan. <br> <br> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Crossing the River</b></span>: <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monkey Bridge Style</b></span><br> <br> To experience the thrill of adventures that the Sitio Madlum could offer, one must cross the river first. And based on what I&#39;ve seen around, there are 4 different ways in crossing the great Madlum River:<br> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> 1) Ride a raft - for a fee of course (P5 one way)<br>  2) Zipline - again for a fee (I forgot the price)<br>  3) the Monkey Bridge - thrilling and fun<br>  4) walk by foot - the effortless way</blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6794311722_e2ca063f4e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6794311722_e2ca063f4e_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madlum River</td></tr> </tbody></table><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/adventure-ful-day-at-sitio-madlum.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-1636613630873174602?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/uUEaRA-5CqU" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com11http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/adventure-ful-day-at-sitio-madlum.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-78964208283224762342012-02-28T13:28:00.004+08:002012-03-06T15:46:12.786+08:002012-03-06T15:46:12.786+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IaSdJveRPA6T3xFSsInvYAFGZhE/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IaSdJveRPA6T3xFSsInvYAFGZhE/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IaSdJveRPA6T3xFSsInvYAFGZhE/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IaSdJveRPA6T3xFSsInvYAFGZhE/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Our Climb</span></b></u><br> Date: December 28-29, 2011<br> Mountain: Mt. Daguldol<br> Jump off: Brgy. Hugom, San Juan, Batangas<br> Difficulty: Minor Climb, 672+ MASL <br> Type: Overnight Camping<br> Budget: P800<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0DKpp6xVEc/T0Z9aUto-hI/AAAAAAAAB4g/UogV76VwYvI/s1600/mountain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0DKpp6xVEc/T0Z9aUto-hI/AAAAAAAAB4g/UogV76VwYvI/s640/mountain+1.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the higher campsite </td></tr> </tbody></table><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/climb-itinerary-mt-daguldol-with.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-7896420828322476234?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/GlwwPUrTXMU" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com8Mt. Daguldol, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines13.714522595088464 121.3574885414062713.357522095088465 120.90623354140627 14.071523095088464 121.80874354140627http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/climb-itinerary-mt-daguldol-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-20287058498081040302012-02-21T15:31:00.003+08:002012-02-22T11:43:14.912+08:002012-02-22T11:43:14.912+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RCf8wvOcfj6lLERbnvpluzdwu1M/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RCf8wvOcfj6lLERbnvpluzdwu1M/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RCf8wvOcfj6lLERbnvpluzdwu1M/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RCf8wvOcfj6lLERbnvpluzdwu1M/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><i>From the time I was exposed to this so called &quot;mountaineering&quot;, all of my weekends starting from the second week of January has been occupied by this addictive activity. In fact, I have hiked 7 mountains already and these were all done in 7 consecutive weeks (ang adik lang noh?). And just like how Doc Gideon described the young mountaineer in his <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2011/02/essay-letter-to-young-mountaineer.html">essay</a> (please read this essay, it&#39;s inspiring), I can&#39;t help myself but to brag each successful hike in my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ivanlakwatsero">FB page</a> (you may check there my album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.365296190147720.93716.210120645665276&amp;type=3">Kabundukan</a> for my mountain photo collection).</i><br> <i><br> </i><br> <i>In this post, I will share my fun experience in my 5th mountain, Mt. Mariveles (Tarak Ridge), with the authors of one of my favorite blogs about mountaineering. </i><br> <div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________________________________</div><br> <br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/mt-mariveles-tarak-ridge-tramping-river.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2028705849808104030?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/Jlwdq9d1KZE" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com17http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/mt-mariveles-tarak-ridge-tramping-river.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-40800284340297951352012-02-19T15:32:00.002+08:002012-02-19T15:35:06.173+08:002012-02-19T15:35:06.173+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rQWbestLsxcmIXpo0PTa8DwpGSQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rQWbestLsxcmIXpo0PTa8DwpGSQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rQWbestLsxcmIXpo0PTa8DwpGSQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rQWbestLsxcmIXpo0PTa8DwpGSQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Oh yes, here comes again the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition. It actually started last week (Feb 11), but due to some school related stuff, I was not able to watch it. It was South Korea and Malta which made the dark night blasting with colors.<br> <br> It was just so great that I made it last night, after climbing Mt. Tagapo in Isla Talim, battling the rush hour traffic and jogging the length of EDSA from Pasay Rotonda to MOA, I made it to the second week of the competition. This time it was UK and Spain that made the fire dance with the music.<br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/philippine-international-pyromusical.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-4080028434029795135?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/JgyJOmR9h6w" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com13http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/philippine-international-pyromusical.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-24565195465921609122012-02-16T18:29:00.005+08:002012-02-22T12:50:46.283+08:002012-02-22T12:50:46.283+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RU0yeawSPKt9k2cYMS-KmYr1yE4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RU0yeawSPKt9k2cYMS-KmYr1yE4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RU0yeawSPKt9k2cYMS-KmYr1yE4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/RU0yeawSPKt9k2cYMS-KmYr1yE4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>&quot;In the 1880’s, the Spanish Colonial government undertook massive construction frenzy. Its main goal: to protect the ever-increasing maritime trade the Philippines was then experiencing... This brought about the construction of faros (lighthouses) throughout the archipelago.&quot;</i> <b>- <i>Architect Manuel L. Noche</i></b></span></blockquote></div><span style="font-size: small;">These giants proved to be very significant in guiding the ships that passes through the waters of the Philippine Sea. However, with the innovation of the maritime navigation system, these lonely sentinels of the sea are slowly forgotten and had fallen into neglect by the middle of the 20th century. Very few of these lighthouses are preserved, some are renovated, but most are left in ruins with little hope of further surviving the test of time.   <br> <br> This post is part of my Farola Series, a quest to visit all the 24 old lighthouses (listed in Noche&#39;s book &quot;</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Lonely Sentinels of the Sea: the Spanish Lighthouses in the Philippines&quot;) built by the Spanish Government throughout the Philippine Archipelago in the late 19th century.</span><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/faro-de-punta-capones.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2456519546592160912?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/hJv-botaWNo" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com6http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/faro-de-punta-capones.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-81191046260133002092012-02-15T22:07:00.000+08:002012-02-15T22:07:02.967+08:002012-02-15T22:07:02.967+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/j2KK2xoN9ar7UrZlsvXfwqiFFx0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/j2KK2xoN9ar7UrZlsvXfwqiFFx0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/j2KK2xoN9ar7UrZlsvXfwqiFFx0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/j2KK2xoN9ar7UrZlsvXfwqiFFx0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Mighty Destroyer </b></span></u><br> <br> More than 2 decades ago, terror was spread across the rich land of Central Luzon. Terror that was caused by the destructive 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Giant boulders, flowing lava and suffocating gases were unleashed by a mighty volcano. It left many families homeless, destroyed millions worth of properties and ended numerous lives. It seems that nature took vengeance to mankind.  However, it did not end there, soon after the explosion, heavy downpour of rain came in. Ashes spewed by the volcano mixed with the raging flood, creating a lahar which destroyed anything that blocked its path.<br> <br> I was not yet born by that time, but by just listening to the stories and watching footage of this of this grim past really horrifies me, and I really feel sorry for the victims of this catastrophic event. <br> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/mt-pinatubo-beauty-of-mighty-destroyer.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-8119104626013300209?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/2RL3CU2cExM" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com13http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/mt-pinatubo-beauty-of-mighty-destroyer.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-25721593602316964792012-02-14T10:04:00.000+08:002012-02-14T10:04:21.530+08:002012-02-14T10:04:21.530+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cWuAMRAKeCCA78HKNqEhSKNDwfs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cWuAMRAKeCCA78HKNqEhSKNDwfs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cWuAMRAKeCCA78HKNqEhSKNDwfs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cWuAMRAKeCCA78HKNqEhSKNDwfs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>My love for her is getting stronger and more pleasurable. She has become my inspiration, living without her would only mean one thing - total incompleteness. She&#39;s the power that keeps my engine going, the fuel that keeps my fiery heart burning. My crookedness is becoming more severe and deadly, I&#39;m addicted to her. She&#39;s my drug, the ecstasy that makes me high.<br> <br> I&#39;m a fool, I know, a confused kiddo trapped in a hopeless romance. But after dating her, with no fail, for 6 consecutive weeks, my love for her (quite literally) soars up in the sky. Each meet up is a total different experience. She&#39;s always at her best, she never fails to amaze me with her enchanting beauty.<br>   <br> I hope I can meet her again soon.<br> <br> Happy Valentine&#39;s Day. <br> <div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/oh-yes-im-in-love.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2572159360231696479?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/X9_zHCzYAvQ" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com6http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/oh-yes-im-in-love.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-84427266857152613052012-02-11T02:19:00.001+08:002012-02-17T09:36:13.564+08:002012-02-17T09:36:13.564+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OIdauEjZPBi455WGV7CRAU10GAE/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OIdauEjZPBi455WGV7CRAU10GAE/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OIdauEjZPBi455WGV7CRAU10GAE/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OIdauEjZPBi455WGV7CRAU10GAE/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Our trip</b></u></span><br> Date: January 21-22, 2012 (2D/1N)<br> Destination: Mt. Pundaquit-Nagsasa-Capones (San Antonio, Zambales)<br> Budget: P1,700.00<br> Trippers: 8<br> <br> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/itinerary-mt-pundaquit-nagsasa-capones.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-8442726685715261305?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/IKKmXXDrlPI" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com3http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/itinerary-mt-pundaquit-nagsasa-capones.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-20460862319127734902012-02-08T22:03:00.005+08:002012-02-09T18:10:20.158+08:002012-02-09T18:10:20.158+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/z0CyRYWbwwVCRB1xtBbN5dgT_zU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/z0CyRYWbwwVCRB1xtBbN5dgT_zU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/z0CyRYWbwwVCRB1xtBbN5dgT_zU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/z0CyRYWbwwVCRB1xtBbN5dgT_zU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Aside from the secluded coves such as Anawangin and Nagsasa, Capones Island has also been one of Zambales&#39; famous destination. But unlike the coves, this island is visited not for its beach (Capones beach is rocky and the waves aren&#39;t that friendly) but for the ruined light station it harbors on its western tip.<br> <br> Finally after an hour of sailing from Nagsasa, our boat approached the vicinity of the bone-shaped Capones Island. Everyone was excited to set feet on the shore. Our boatman then asked us if we&#39;ll still be visiting the lighthouse, we answered yes, of course. At first they were hesitant because we left Nagsasa late, but the adamant us managed to convince them in the end.<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6840529741_7c23bf3840_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6840529741_7c23bf3840_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Capones Island</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6840530399_8a13793406_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6840530399_8a13793406_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approaching the island </td></tr> </tbody></table><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/capones-island-and-old-farola.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2046086231912773490?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/nsCcrwSIT-A" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com18http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/capones-island-and-old-farola.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-17543115759218294402012-02-07T13:12:00.378+08:002012-02-09T17:29:56.810+08:002012-02-09T17:29:56.810+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fUus9gAXbHDOjpRbSsHCe5uZKPc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fUus9gAXbHDOjpRbSsHCe5uZKPc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fUus9gAXbHDOjpRbSsHCe5uZKPc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fUus9gAXbHDOjpRbSsHCe5uZKPc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><u><b> Day 1 - January 21, 2012</b></u><br> <br> Our adventure continues as we sailed from the beach of Anawangin to Nagsasa Cove. We chose Nagsasa Cove over the Anawangin Cove because of the the following reasons: 1) Nagsasa Beach has a larger, wider beach perfect for beach bummers, 2) it is less popular than Anawangin but it offers a more stunning mountain backdrop, 3) the number of campers in Nagsasa is significantly lesser than the more popular Anawangin Cove.<br> <br> Stunned by the great scenic views of rolling hills, high mountains, and awesome cliff formations, the 30 minutes boat ride from Anawangin to Nagsasa turned out to be one of my favorite boat rides ever.<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6839010291_21ef39bdae_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6839010291_21ef39bdae_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ganda no?</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6839011209_f55ff705e1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6839011209_f55ff705e1_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eto pa, maganda din.</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6839012045_f6cd1746b6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6839012045_f6cd1746b6_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">andaming bundok, iba&#39;t ibang kulay, parang masaya mag mountain hopping sa Zambales</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6839012767_d9945279c9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6839012767_d9945279c9_z.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Nagsasa Cove</td></tr> </tbody></table><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/nagsasa-cove-camping-stargazing-and.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-1754311575921829440?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/cUWF1u01b44" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com9http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/nagsasa-cove-camping-stargazing-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-14890898364491402132012-02-06T01:52:00.003+08:002012-02-07T23:00:23.046+08:002012-02-07T23:00:23.046+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJRtIb_5ARGodW8OSfnM3mJYqMU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJRtIb_5ARGodW8OSfnM3mJYqMU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJRtIb_5ARGodW8OSfnM3mJYqMU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJRtIb_5ARGodW8OSfnM3mJYqMU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>For the first time, I celebrated my birthday outside the bounds of Metro Manila. </i><i>It was an action-packed 20th birthday trip (thanks to my ka-lakwatsas)</i><i>. </i><i>Part of this weekend adventure was to traverse Mt. Pundaquit (my third mountain) to Anawangin Cove.    </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br> Three hours after boarding Victory Liner&#39;s earliest trip to Sta. Cruz, Zambales (04:00 am), I, together with a bunch of adventure-loving friends, arrived at San Antonio - home of Zambales&#39; famous coves and island beaches. As soon as we alighted the bus, Mang Mike, our contact in Brgy. Pundaquit, waved and called our attention. He already hailed three tricycles that will bring us to Brgy. Pundaquit, the main jump-off point to our first destination - Mt. Pundaquit.<br> <br> Our plan was to eat first our breakfast then buy all the necessary stuff for our overnight camping - food, drinks, coal, etc. - at San Antonio Market before we proceeded to Brgy. Pundaquit. Having no choice, the tricycle drivers waited for us for more than an hour (tricycle regular rate is P30 per head, we paid an additional amount because we made them wait for us for more than an hour).<br> <br> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span><br> </div><a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/mt-pundaquit-traverse-to-anawangin-cove.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-1489089836449140213?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/cOkuYumImIE" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com14http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/mt-pundaquit-traverse-to-anawangin-cove.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-23841917203471808732012-02-03T14:38:00.002+08:002012-02-03T14:54:00.471+08:002012-02-03T14:54:00.471+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/24UE40z32vo1Go14SE_Bh8pMEjg/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/24UE40z32vo1Go14SE_Bh8pMEjg/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/24UE40z32vo1Go14SE_Bh8pMEjg/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/24UE40z32vo1Go14SE_Bh8pMEjg/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Last February 1, 2012 has been a very busy day for me - I became an <i>Intramuros Tour Guide</i> in the morning then a <i>Wannabe Celebrity</i> at night.<br> <br> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Tour Guide at Your Service </b></u></span><br> <br> I&#39;ve done this duty of being an Intramuros tour guide quite a few times already, thrice to be exact, but last wednesday (my fourth) was a different one. A friend and co-blogger, James Betia of <a href="http://journeyingjames.com/">journeyingjames.com</a>, asked me to guide him and his friends inside the walled city (it again tested the history-geek in me). I admit, I&#39;m a Carlos Celdran slash Ivan Man Dy wannabe, guiding foreigners/tourists around Intramuros is a job that I think I would love. It&#39;s just that I&#39;m too shy to step up to this tour guide level, I&#39;m just a simple guy with a big heart for history and culture.  <br> <blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>James toured Intramuros as part of his ISANGDAAN Journey, <a href="http://journeyingjames.com/2011/12/100-days-of-backpacking-the-philippines-the-cheapest-way-possible/">a backpacking challenge around the Philippines the cheapest way possible for 100 days</a>, which commenced last Wednesday. I&#39;m flattered and honored to be part of his journey.</i></blockquote><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/unexpected-duty-and-tv-appearance.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2384191720347180873?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/W_M2koYg4pU" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com22http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/unexpected-duty-and-tv-appearance.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-81273269042122403902012-01-25T02:53:00.005+08:002012-01-25T11:51:39.353+08:002012-01-25T11:51:39.353+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tCRPJuLrmn9THpvkNuAVVEHup_o/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tCRPJuLrmn9THpvkNuAVVEHup_o/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tCRPJuLrmn9THpvkNuAVVEHup_o/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tCRPJuLrmn9THpvkNuAVVEHup_o/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>My <b>No-Relationship-Until-30 Rule</b> was somewhat broken when I was introduced to her, it was a total love at first sight. At first I was doubtful if I can enter this kind of unusual relationship, but from the very first time I met her, I knew that we&#39;ll stay together for a long time if not forever. In just a span of three weeks, I became obsessed, addicted, been thinking of her every minute of my life. She makes me smile, she gives me comfort, she brings heaven right before my eyes. I&#39;m a &quot;torpe&quot; guy, no gf since birth, but everything had changed from the moment she came into my life. I know it&#39;s not an infatuation, this is true love. <br> <br> <br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/i-think-im-in-love.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-8127326904212240390?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/JaKeiWf20QI" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com46http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/i-think-im-in-love.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-30186966027751362762012-01-23T21:02:00.002+08:002012-02-07T10:23:10.733+08:002012-02-07T10:23:10.733+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8kNFMY_SboZs7sIRjWd33-Pj7ro/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8kNFMY_SboZs7sIRjWd33-Pj7ro/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8kNFMY_SboZs7sIRjWd33-Pj7ro/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8kNFMY_SboZs7sIRjWd33-Pj7ro/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>TEEN NO MORE - Batang Lakwatsero just turned 20 last Saturday, and to celebrate this two decades of existence, he organized a 2D1N trip to Zambales. This trip included three of Batang Lakwatsero&#39;s favorite destinations - Mountain, Beach and Lighthouse - hence, he calls it <b>&quot;3 in 1 Lakwatsa sa Ikalawang Dekada&quot;</b>.  <br> <div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________________________________</div><br> It was only last January 16, 2012 when I cooked this 2D1N Itinerary. Since I&#39;ve been wanting to celebrate my 20th birthday either on a mountain, on a beach or in a lighthouse, I came up with an itinerary that includes all the three. Mt. Pundaquit traverse to Anawangin Cove-Nagsasa Cove-Capones Island in Zambales (thanks to Mam Agnes for suggesting this trip). <br> <br> I rushed and completed the itinerary in 3 hours, thanks to <a href="http://www.lakwatsero.com/destinations/nagsasa-cove/">Lakwatsero</a> and <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/04/anawangin-cove-via-mt-pundaquit-464.html">Pinoy Mountaineer</a>, then I posted an open invite in my facebook page. Seven travelers responded and joined me in this trip.<br> <br> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/3-in-1-lakwatsa-sa-ikalawang-dekada_23.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-3018696602775136276?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/xjLOQ1-9k78" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com15http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/3-in-1-lakwatsa-sa-ikalawang-dekada_23.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-23140757379226324832012-01-23T03:28:00.000+08:002012-01-23T03:28:52.369+08:002012-01-23T03:28:52.369+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HJeTgy9Ir-fBMg5KjVP7PC-hNNw/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HJeTgy9Ir-fBMg5KjVP7PC-hNNw/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HJeTgy9Ir-fBMg5KjVP7PC-hNNw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HJeTgy9Ir-fBMg5KjVP7PC-hNNw/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Bente na ako! Hindi ko pa rin lubos na natatanggap na nilisan ko na ang &quot;teen-age&quot; years ko at pumasok na sa mundo ng &quot;20 Something&quot;.<br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWH5Q-60u4w/Txxgrgz7FaI/AAAAAAAAB2o/tCPjaYA9rVM/s1600/edit+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWH5Q-60u4w/Txxgrgz7FaI/AAAAAAAAB2o/tCPjaYA9rVM/s1600/edit+3.jpg"></a></div><br> <br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/3-in-1-lakwatsa-sa-ikalawang-dekada.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2314075737922632483?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/QIf8o7DQdoY" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com8http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/3-in-1-lakwatsa-sa-ikalawang-dekada.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-8448050232864635042012-01-19T18:39:00.004+08:002012-02-22T12:52:26.093+08:002012-02-22T12:52:26.093+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6hrbcjyI_GojYH8i_hkSOGbccmI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6hrbcjyI_GojYH8i_hkSOGbccmI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6hrbcjyI_GojYH8i_hkSOGbccmI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6hrbcjyI_GojYH8i_hkSOGbccmI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>&quot;In the 1880’s, the Spanish Colonial government undertook massive construction frenzy. Its main goal: to protect the ever-increasing maritime trade the Philippines was then experiencing... This brought about the construction of faros (lighthouses) throughout the archipelago.&quot;</i> <b>- <i>Architect Manuel L. Noche</i></b></span></blockquote></div><span style="font-size: small;">These giants proved to be very significant in guiding the ships that passes through the waters of the Philippine Sea. However, with the innovation of the maritime navigation system, these lonely sentinels of the sea are slowly forgotten and had fallen into neglect by the middle of the 20th century. Very few of these lighthouses are preserved, some are renovated, but most are left in ruins with little hope of further surviving the test of time.   </span><br> <span style="font-size: small;"><br> </span><br> <span style="font-size: small;">This post is part of my Farola Series, a quest to visit all the 24 old lighthouses (listed in Noche&#39;s book &quot;</span>Lonely Sentinels of the Sea: the Spanish Lighthouses in the Philippines&quot;)<span style="font-size: small;"> built by the Spanish Government throughout the Philippine Archipelago in the late 19th century.</span><br> <br> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br> </div><a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/faro-de-isla-corrigedor.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-844805023286463504?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/fbCKfQW5Kz8" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com5http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/faro-de-isla-corrigedor.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-79892671181209324522012-01-16T18:53:00.002+08:002012-03-06T15:24:27.659+08:002012-03-06T15:24:27.659+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ztEa01AJK-CGApKCxG4GEnrujpg/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ztEa01AJK-CGApKCxG4GEnrujpg/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ztEa01AJK-CGApKCxG4GEnrujpg/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ztEa01AJK-CGApKCxG4GEnrujpg/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><i>My love for the mountain is unstoppably growing fast. Just 2 weeks after my first climb at <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2011/12/mt-daguldol-my-first-climb.html">Mt. Daguldol</a>, I received another climb invite. This time it was just a dayhike and a lot easier than my first climb. Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas became Batang Lakwatsero&#39;s second mountain.</i><br> <div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________</div><br> Christine of <a href="http://jovialwanderer.com/">jovialwanderer.com</a> invited me to join their dayhike to Mt. Maculot on a Saturday (January 14, 2012). I actually have a lot of school works (thesis, reports, midterm exams) to finish on that day but my instinct told me to have a break, have a dayhike. Besides I really am looking for cheap, quick and easy hikes around the nearby provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, so this climb to Mt. Maculot is a great opportunity for me to practice my budding hiking skills. And so I joined their climb to Mt. Maculot... <br> <br> <br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/mt-maculot-rockies-dayhike-with.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-7989267118120932452?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/fW0yOek3AuY" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com26http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/mt-maculot-rockies-dayhike-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-19105268675862767932012-01-11T12:03:00.002+08:002012-01-12T05:23:56.806+08:002012-01-12T05:23:56.806+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6a0lbchrpW-YIWL_n5aB2xNj01k/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6a0lbchrpW-YIWL_n5aB2xNj01k/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6a0lbchrpW-YIWL_n5aB2xNj01k/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6a0lbchrpW-YIWL_n5aB2xNj01k/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><i>&quot;<b>Is it fanaticism or devotion?</b>&quot; - a debatable issue that arises everytime the procession of the Black Nazarene takes place at the heart of Manila.</i> <br> <div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________<br> <br> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6676683985_ea3f187ec8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6676683985_ea3f187ec8.jpg"></a></td></tr> </tbody></table><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/feast-of-black-nazarene-2012.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-1910526867586276793?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/uEZ-zRQbxOE" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com14Lawton Plaza, Padre Burgos, Manila, Philippines14.59321879186991 120.9797608954925214.59201179186991 120.97883539549252 14.594425791869911 120.98068639549251http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/feast-of-black-nazarene-2012.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-71204876521329617652012-01-04T01:02:00.007+08:002012-02-22T12:51:36.559+08:002012-02-22T12:51:36.559+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aczInALlqD2vMD9IkvawKCVs0r8/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aczInALlqD2vMD9IkvawKCVs0r8/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aczInALlqD2vMD9IkvawKCVs0r8/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aczInALlqD2vMD9IkvawKCVs0r8/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>&quot;In the 1880’s, the Spanish Colonial government undertook massive construction frenzy. Its main goal: to protect the ever-increasing maritime trade the Philippines was then experiencing... This brought about the construction of faros (lighthouses) throughout the archipelago.&quot;</i> <b>- <i>Architect Manuel L. Noche</i></b></span></blockquote></div><span style="font-size: small;">These giants proved to be very significant in guiding the ships that passes through the waters of the Philippine Sea. However, with the innovation of the maritime navigation system, these lonely sentinels of the sea are slowly forgotten and had fallen into neglect by the middle of the 20th century. Very few of these lighthouses are preserved, some are renovated, but most are left in ruins with little hope of further surviving the test of time.   </span><br> <br> <span style="font-size: small;">This post is part of my Farola Series, a quest to visit all the 24 old lighthouses built by the Spanish Government throughout the Philippine Archipelago in the late 19th century.</span><br> <br> <div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________________________</div><br> <br> <b></b><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/faro-de-rio-de-pasig.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-7120487652132961765?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/uIrEy8oiaaE" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com23http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/faro-de-rio-de-pasig.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-47882944472296333102012-01-02T00:25:00.001+08:002012-02-28T13:36:26.988+08:002012-02-28T13:36:26.988+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WcLqjNIwiwVG7oxEcIcpJL57nWc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WcLqjNIwiwVG7oxEcIcpJL57nWc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WcLqjNIwiwVG7oxEcIcpJL57nWc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WcLqjNIwiwVG7oxEcIcpJL57nWc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><u><b>Day 2 - December 29, 2011</b></u><br> <br> Here we go again, we started to descend at 8:30 AM on the same trail that we trekked yesterday. But because of the brief 10 minute drizzle that quickly followed the early morning fog, the muddy trail that we traversed yesterday became even soggier. Our feet had no choice but to dip again on the mud.<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6612103325_c937f9c7f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6612103325_c937f9c7f4.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one last group photo before leaving the summit.</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6612104627_7c48f31062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6612104627_7c48f31062.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6612770851_8b261bbf74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6612770851_8b261bbf74.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr> </tbody></table><br> <a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/mt-daguldol-side-trips-to-naambon-falls.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-4788294447229633310?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/e0PJ8feDjWQ" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com15http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/mt-daguldol-side-trips-to-naambon-falls.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-28758604975449571432012-01-01T15:00:00.006+08:002012-02-28T13:37:04.842+08:002012-02-28T13:37:04.842+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sV8W8RMDyIZpfPcduuAOPPhx-9w/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sV8W8RMDyIZpfPcduuAOPPhx-9w/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sV8W8RMDyIZpfPcduuAOPPhx-9w/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sV8W8RMDyIZpfPcduuAOPPhx-9w/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><u><b>Day 1 - December 28, 2011</b></u> <br> <br> My eyes opened widely upon seeing the view of the grassy field (aka horse/cow-shit field). The peak was now a stones throw away. The pain that I was feeling a few hours ago has gone all of a sudden. A great achievement for me.<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6606082239_5c71c49a73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6606082239_5c71c49a73.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We&#39;re finally here!</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6606098391_7ccfcea422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6606098391_7ccfcea422.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">panoramic shot of the lower campsite</td></tr> </tbody></table><a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/mt-daguldol-at-summit.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-2875860497544957143?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/CZEeXgnV3AY" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com9http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/01/mt-daguldol-at-summit.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280188875913388889.post-59302149709904352632011-12-31T21:51:00.143+08:002012-02-28T13:35:20.709+08:002012-02-28T13:35:20.709+08:00 <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aOWiboL4ysvLWSo5bz_FhQT7ouo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aOWiboL4ysvLWSo5bz_FhQT7ouo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aOWiboL4ysvLWSo5bz_FhQT7ouo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aOWiboL4ysvLWSo5bz_FhQT7ouo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>To climb a mountain is one of my biggest dreams ever. You know I have done a lot of long road trips, explored a number of astonishing caves, bathed on many white sand beaches, walked miles of distance just to visit structures of historical importance, but I never had the chance to bring myself on a mountain&#39;s peak. And so, December 28, 2011 is the date to be remembered, it is the date that <b>I finally conquered my first mountain</b>.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i> <b>Mt. Daguldol </b>is the mountain now close to my heart. With the company I was with and the awesome side trips we ventured, it surely was a memorable first climb.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>______________________________________________________________________</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>Day 1 - December 28, 2011</b></u> <br> <br> It all started early in the morning of the 28th of December 2011, the four of us traveled to San Juan, Batangas aboard the first trip of RRCG Bus (I really have no idea that there&#39;s a bus in Buendia-Taft that will travel direct to San Juan, Batangas). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-large;">|</span><b> <i>RRCG Bus</i></b><i><b> Line</b> offers trips direct to San Juan, Batangas via Ibaan. It would only cost P188 (as of 2011) from their terminal at the corner of Buendia and Taft Avenue. Travel time would only take 2 hours. </i>   </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At around 8AM, we reached the town of San Juan, alighted somewhere near Puregold, and from there we walked to the jeepney terminal located near the town market. We were after the first trip to Brgy. Hugom but we arrived a few minutes late. We had no choice but to wait for the next jeep to get filled with other passengers - sigh - at least we have some chocolates to nomnom while waiting. Finally, after more than 30 minutes, our jeep left for Brgy. Hugom, yehey.<br> <br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6606519543_5ab601ebf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6606519543_5ab601ebf8.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr> </tbody></table></div><a href="http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2011/12/mt-daguldol-my-first-climb.html#more">Continue reading...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/280188875913388889-5930214970990435263?l=www.ivanlakwatsero.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BatangLakwatsero/~4/Fr2E2tu7TmY" height="1" width="1"/>Batang Lakwatserohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614957359991352444noreply@blogger.com11http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2011/12/mt-daguldol-my-first-climb.html