My BackPacking Life

2014-04-21T15:19:00.002-07:00

The purpose of this is to convey to you my sincere apologies for not checking and leave my key unintentionally in the pedestal before going home.

What happened was I locked my pedestal and at some point, I forgot the key. I was in a hurry to leave the office and catching time for some important and personal reason that’s why I forgot to double check my pedestal and leave my key outside.

I'm sorry. No adequate excuse can be given. I know that I have done wrong. My personal apology to my team leader Joms Balagtas. I take full responsibilty for the incident .

I assure you that this incident will not happen again.

Once again sorry for what has happened.

Conquering Mt. Pinatubo

2012-03-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest destination for adventurists is Mt. Pinatubo bordering Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga.

MT. PINATUBO

Central Luzon

Major jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac

LLA: 15°8'35"N, 120°20'54"E, 960 MASL

Days required / Hours to crater: 1 day, 45 min 4x4 + 2 hrs hike

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1

Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

Back Packs Ready!

The 4x4 ride has began. The scenery was fascinating , you will see endless plain of volcanic sand, volcanic formations, streams, and cliffs made of lahar. It was an action-packed adventure, requires patience and endurance at bawal ang tutulog tulog sa loob or else baka kung saan ka pulutin.

4x4 Adventure straight to the Jump Off site

Jump Off Site Pictures!

The Crow Valley Canyon Straight To The Crater.

Me and April, Holding hands kc pipicturan... pero pag walang picture, kanya kanya ng lakad! hirap kaya makipagholding hands pag ganyan ang trail at super init pa hahahaha!

After two hours or more na nakakapagod na paglalakad, we reach the crater and it was magnificent view. Ang ganda pala sa personal kesa sa mga pictures in the internet.

Meeting the Majestic Crater for the First Time and Took our Exhaustion Away, a Great Reward for Us indeed!

were just lucky that the weather that day was great - that's why we got good photos.

Crater Shot... by: Google

April Joy and Me... Dapat laging may picture!

Selfie...

i never thought I’d be in this damned crater of the volcano, 21 years way back where it explode and i thought it was the end of the world. Its just hard to imagine a view that majestic can also be so destructive at the same time. Today it was a tourist destination and several tour groups are organize weekly.

Climb Buddies! \m/

PINATUBO CRATER is the BEST and REMARKABLE! it's like a Painting pag nasa malayo ka... Iisa lang daw ang tanawin na ganito sa pinas. Visit Pinatubo while it last because once it erupted again. it will never be the same.

Me, April Joy, and the whole Gang completed the trip and without any injuries.

Here’s the itinerary they gave us for our Mt. Pinatubo tour:

4:30AM – Meet ups

5:00AM – Leave Manila

8:00AM – Arrive in Capas, Tarlac (registration)

8:30AM – Ride 4×4

9:30AM – Start the trek

11:00AM – Crater / Lunch

2:00PM – Trek back

4:30PM – 4×4 back to town

5:30PM – Freshen up

6:00PM – Capas shrine (optional)

8:00PM – Arrive in Manila

Mt. Manalmon Day Hike Adventure

2012-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mt. Manalmon is located in the province of Bulacan, part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, at the town of San Miguel. It is known for its historical places, one of the famous is Biak-na-Bato National Park.

The best part here is you can do multiple outdoor activities such as trekking, reppelling, swimming and more exciting like river rafting, spelunking, rock climbing and the heart breaking Monkey Bridge Crossing.

Going To Bulacan!

April and Elnie

Transpo:
Ride in any bus that will cross to cabanatuan from cubao or pasay. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel, Bulacan. Fare is around P130+. Then from Brgy. Kamias, you can take a tricycle to jumpoff at Brgy Madlum (P200+/tricycle). This trike trip takes 40 minutes.

with my friend jordan!

solo pic ni april sa madlum river!

April and Elnie

Me and April photo after we cross the Madlum River

ang pagtawid... bayad 5 pesos each if i'm not mistaken!

Madlum Caves and River - The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Madlum River and Madlum Caves. The area is in barangay Madlum where Mount Manalmon, a hilly landscape, possess these novel landscapes of Madlum River (Manalmon River and Caves). The river is a snaky river with shallow clear water along the left side deepening to the right side. The rightmost portion has towering rock walls lining the riverside, past the walls are widening riverbanks with sandy shore. Another hilly elevation in the area is Mount Gola. Various caves with dark portals are within the area, namely Bayukbok Cave and Victoria Cave and numerous caves, some of which are inhibited by bats.

Biak-na-Bato - Biak-na-Bato is an historical spot rich in nostalgic echoes of heroic past. This landscape is a hilly cave fortress that looks like a big, spreading rock covered with cracks and splits inside and out, with some pieces sprawled out the vicinity and along the river. This historic spot, the Aguinaldo Cave, the main cave of a network of caves, used to be the headquarters of Emilio Aguinaldo and the First Philippine Republic Cabinet Officials and its arm.

Source: Wikipedia

Registration Point and where to get guides!

the first STEP...

OTW Mt. Manalmon

Crossing The Madlum River

a part of a trail... Madlum Cave!

Lets GO!

Madlum River Again after we Exit the Madlum Cave

MT. MANALMON
San Miguel, Bulacan
Major jump-off: Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel
LLA: 15°15.11'N; 121°1.22' E; 196 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1 hour
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

facts about the place..
• Mt. Manalmon - came from the word "manglalamon"
• Mt Gola - said to be named from "parola"
• Madlum Cave - derived it's name from "madulum" in english "dark" or "obscure"

Traversing Mt. Maculot/Rockies

2012-01-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

TRAVERSE ( 2 days Rockies-Summit-Grotto Adventure)

Mount Maculot (also called Mount Makulot or Mount Macolod)

The most popular daytrip destinations. Mt. Maculot is so popular on weekends and summer months for climbers and hikers... The mountain is about 947 m (3,107 ft) tall and is also located adjacent to Taal Lake. Mount Makulot and its 700-metre (2,300 ft) high volcanic rock wall called The Rockies, is said to be part of Taal Caldera's crater rim. The trail is easy and best recommendation for first-time climbers.

April and Me at Cuenca Batangas Market ♥

MT. MACULOT
Cuenca, Batangas

Major Jumpoff: Mountaineer's Store, Brgy. 7 "Siete", Cuenca
Exit point (traverse): Brgy 5 (to Grotto), Cuenca
LLA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (summit)
Days required / Hours to Rockies / summit : 1 day / 1-2 hr / 2-4 hr
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3.
Features: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, forests
Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

Geological Facts:
Based on studies on Taal, it is believed that an ancient Taal Cone was formed by build up of large volume dacitic pyroclastic materials more than 140,000 years ago. Several major catastrophic eruptions probably between 27,000 to 5,000 years ago destroyed this greater Taal Cone and ultimately formed the 25-by-30-kilometre (16 × 19 mi) wide depression now known as Taal Caldera. This depression was filled by water, thus forming a lake. The younger Volcano Island was formed by numerous explosive hydrovolcanic eruptions in the middle of the lake after the collapse.

The slopes of the previous volcano now formed ridges surrounding the lake. Mount Macolod is not only a volcanic cone on the south side but also the highest caldera rim of the former Taal Cone. Tagaytay Ridge, to the north, is the northern rim of the caldera with Mount Sungay its highest elevation.

Jordan, Me, April, and Mommy Earl (Backpack Ready)

Sir Wilbert, Kiko, Ricky, and Imy

Richard and Dana

Picture Picture muna bago Trek! hahahaha!

Kiko and Jordan On the Way to the Rockies

Batangas Scenery

Taal Lake Background

Me and April sa tent namin!

Kiko and My Cousin Richard

MIDNIGHT SOCIALS / CAMPSITE...

the famous Mt. Maculot Rockies

Mommy Earl and the Boys

Photo sa ROCKIES ( 706+ MASL )

Cliff Hanging 1

Cliff Hanging 2

Taal Volcano Scenery

The traverse will lead you to the Grotto and the trail starts from the what they called 7/11 store. Facing the store to the right will lead you straight there.

after 45 minutes from 7-11 Store, Finally the Summit.

My Photo in Mt. Maculot Summit exactly 933 MASL

Going Traverse with roped segments...

smiling although they were all exhausted. Basta picture talaga...

The Couples... Richard and Dana <3

at last nasa GROTTO na kami! ^_^ 40 minutes nalang para makauwi na.

Lucky and Inspired to Climb more mountains by a great view. It was all worth it!

Mt. Tapulao - My First Major Climb

2011-12-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

Mt. Tapulao is the tallest mountain in the Zambales Mountain range and in the province of Zambales in the Philippines. It's 18 kilometers ascend and it took us 11 Hours before we reach the CampSite near the Summit.

April and Me... Ready to GO!

The peak, which rise to an elevation of 2,037 metres (6,683 ft), is located in the municipality of Palauig, Zambales. Its name is derived from the abundance of Sumatran Pine trees in the area, known in the local Zambal dialect as tapulao.

The mountain was once a site of a large-scale chromite mining operations. The destruction of the beautiful natural scenery is visible in the mine pits on the summit as well as other related structures along the trail. The summit offers a 360-degree vista from where you can see the other Zambales mountains on the eastern side, Lingayen Gulf to the north, and on the western side, the Zambales lowlands and the South China Sea stretching to as far south as Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales.

Jordan and Mt. Tapulao

The trail to the top of Mount Tapulao is on rolling and gradual terrain that takes hikers through a number of distinct ecosystems: from lowland grass and scrubland dominated by talahib (cogon grass) to its flanks of secondary to primary dipterocarp forest, mossy montane forest and pine forest above 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) that extends to the adjacent mountains.

During wet weather, limatik or forest leeches abound especially near the streams along the way. Parts of the trail become rivulets that trekkers easily attract these critters without noticing being bitten, sticking on the human skin.

MT. TAPULAO

Palauig, Zambales

Major jump-off: Sitio Dampay, Brgy. Dampay-Salaza, Palauig

LLA: 15.4833 N, 120.1166 E, 2037 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 6-12 hours

Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-3

Features: Pine forests, views of West Philippine Sea

Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

Cloud Formation

the Rocky Trail

The fog nearly covered almost everything all the way to the summit

The pine forests are visible anywhere after several hours of trekking and the temperature becomes colder.

As we reach to the top, We saw a beautiful scenery of Sea of Clouds

Sa Loob ng Tent, Sobrang Lamig!

I was wearing layers of two clothes and one jacket and still, We're freezing to death. Buti nalang nakatulog kami kahit basa yung paligid ng loob ng tent namin!

At last, Umaga na... CampSite 6:00 in the Morning... Getting ready to descend!

Photo of US before We descend... Thank You sa Timer ng Camera!

Every steps count, No matter how long and challenging a journey is...

Mt. Pico De Loro - Night Trek Adventure

2011-11-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

Night Trekking in Mt. Pico De Loro Has Never Been So Fun.

Mt. Pico De Loro is one of the most popular mountains for amateur trekkers. The trail is easy and the view at the summit is pretty amazing. It’s only three hours away from Manila.

my fellow trekkers

Celebrating my Birthday with my climbing buddies at the summit of Mt. Pico De Loro

Against The Dawn Light

We tried to woke up before sunrise to take pictures of amazing dawn and this is what i've got.

Morning Picture of the Beak

MT. PICO DE LORO
Ternate, Cavite
Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate
LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

There are two jump-off point and the other one is located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Me and April

Easy trails and nice views at the summit. A Highly recommended Mountain to climb!

Mommy Earl, Jordan, Elnie, April, Dar, and Me

Enjoying The Magnificent View

the nearby waterfall

taking a quick dip before we descend again!

Mt. Batulao - My 2nd Climb

2011-09-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Excited for my 2nd climb after mt. daguldul, this time it's in Mt. Batulao!

MT. BATULAO
Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas
Source: Pinoy Mountaineers

Me, Mac, Allen, April, and Timmy in Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu, Batangas

READY TO GO!
New Trail Adventure

path of the new trail where the two main peaks can be seen!

Refreshing Halo Halo = 25 pesos

Mt. Batulao has 2 trails, the OLD and The NEW trail.

OLD TRAIL (EAST)

Fork to summit: 1.5-2 hours. Take the left, downward path to follow the old trail. You will enter a woodland, then emerge into the campsites (or stations) marked 1-10. At the earlier campsites the facilities are larger and there is a water source. There is a logbook and you will have to pay a registration fee of P20.

Same old slopes till station 8, after which the final ascent commences. Beyond this point, at the you have to be extremely careful because the trails are really steep, there are loose stones, and the winds can set off you balance although as of 2012, they've carved out steps from the challenging parts, making this leg easier. This will just take 30-45 minutes, though. Campsites are marked from 1-10, with stations 8-10 being the steep parts, "Campsite 10" being the summit itself.

NEW TRAIL (WEST)

Fork to summit: 1-1.5 hrs. Take the right/middle, upward path (but not the extreme right, which goes downward). There is a small wooden marker. You will immediately ascend into a hill, and continue ascending and descending some so-called numbered peaks. Around 20 minutes uphill is the lone campsite of the trail, good for several tents. There is a water station - the locals who man the site sell water which they get from a nearby river (around 30 minutes away). Here is also the counterpart registration area of this trail.

From the campsite, go up the hill and continue trekking until you reach a point where you have to go down and enter a forested area. There are two options now: either to go rightward and downward to the forest or leftward and downward to more grassland slopes. A third option is to go up the 'Peak of Deception' but this is a sidetrip that leads nowhere, but is a good challenge in itself.

If you decide to enter the woodland, you will emerge back into the grasslands 10-15 minutes later. The path goes between two rocks; turn right towards the summit. Soon, the non-woodland trail, too, will emerge and the two trails will reunite: at this stage you are just 5-15 minutes away from the summit.

April in New Trail Campsite

from peak 8, where you can see the new trail camp site.

^_^

Group Shot in Peak 9

We tried to traverse the trail but unfortunately, we lost our way and decided to go back.

After taking a Bath...

Side trip in TOWER GROUND BULALOHAN!

at TOWER GROUND BULALUHAN

Bulalo and Sisig na Bangus bago umuwi!

Reunion at Manila Ocean Park

2011-09-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

Every year we meet somewhere different... For our Team Florida 2011 annual get together, the group decided to experience the marine life theme park, here in Manila Ocean Park. Manila Ocean Park started as the first marine-themed park in the Philippines, and has now evolved into an integrated resort destination that houses exciting, enticing, and enriching marine life attractions that are truly at par with Asia’s best. Aside from learning about marine life wonders and the importance of conserving the environment, guests will also enjoy multi-sensory spectacles and world-class lifestyle hotspots.

10 minutes before the Marine Life Show

jhina, jo, april joy, apol, gio, arla, and jose on stage Marine Life Show

Icis and Ira, the two talented sea lions performing the show with their masters!

Inside the jellies, you will see tube like tanks in different light colors filled with different types of dancing cute jelly fish.

the "i forgot the name" jelly fish

April and Me at JELLIES

Crissel, Dianne, Gio, Apol, Jhina, Jo, and April Joy at OCEANARIUM

Oceanarium has five different areas.

• Agos (Flow) - a rainforest like areas where you can see different king of crocodiles, colossal fishes, arowanas, and some hanging vines.

• Bahura (Reef) - area with 48 tanks with different fishes and sea horses.

• Laot (Fishing Ground) - walking along different kinds of large aquariums filled with large fishes and sting rays.

• Buhay na Karagatan (Ocean) - is a 25 meter walkway with 220 degree curve acrylic wall. An underwater tunnel aquarium.

i found Nemo!

an eel worm like fish at Bahura Reef...

Underwater Tunnel where you can see different kinds of fishes, stingrays, and sharks!

April Joy at LAOT

I had fun of spending the whole day with my old friends. It was wonderful catching up, reminiscing, and just laughing. I had a great time!

Mt. Daguldul - My First Climb

2011-08-27T03:35:00.000-07:00

Together with my co-workers, my team leader, and my manager in aegis peoplesupport where i work as a technical support representative, we decided to climb a mountain as our first team building experience!

Techno Junkies OTW to Batangas!

Mek, Me, Jeff, Tina, and Ken

My first mountain to climb...

MT. DAGULDUL
San Juan, Batangas
Major jump-off: Brgy. Hugom, San Juan
LLA: 13°40.380N 121°19.160E, 672 MASL (+ 672 m)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

This is my first time climbing a mountain, I have never attempted a mountain climb before… In fact, im not ready… i dont have trekking shoes nor trekking Bag. I dont know what’s waiting for us there. i said to myself “bahala na…” with a smile on my face!

Day One... Unfortunately, there is a typhoon on our way...

Storm Mina Updates (international codename Nanmadol)

At 4:00 a.m. today, August 27, 2011, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration office, Typhoon "MINA" was estimated based on radar scans, satellite images and surface data at 90 kilometers Northeast of Tuguegarao City (17.9°N; 122.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kilometers per hour. It is forecast to move Northwest at 09 kilometers per hour.

although the affecting areas is in the north, batangas still affected with heavy rains and strong wind.

So what's the plan? someone offer the Plan 2: stay over night at the beach!?

NO!

We decided to pursue the climb for the sake of "ADVENTURE".

Walking on the slippery stones and the muddy trail...

Backpacking in the rain is often a necessity when you've trekked in and have no choice but to trek back out in the wet. At other times, it is also the result of the area you have chosen to hike in, such as a rainforest where dripping water and rain is pretty much guaranteed. Backpacking in the rain is not onerous provided you are prepared; indeed, some people adore it when it rains as they hike! Here are some ideas to help your next trek in the rain.

1. Always know the weather forecast before setting out. While this isn't always a good indicator that you'll avoid rain, as storms can come in much faster than forecast, it does give you a general idea of what you can expect for most of your trek and will help you to plan the best route, timing, and even what clothing to take.

2. Be prepared. Despite knowing the weather, don't think that the sun will continue to shine as promised. Always take wet weather gear with you in case. This is especially true for climates known for dampness and rain (such as New Zealand, maritime zones), for mountain environments, and for backpacking during winter and monsoon seasons. The gear that you should have on hand includes: Raincoat, gaiters, water resistant pants, poncho, and good walking boots.

3. Keep an eye on changes brought about by rain. Rain can cause very fast changes to the environment and some of these can be really dangerous to you and your hiking companions. Things to be especially wary of include:

• Streams and rivers. Streams and rivers. These can fill up incredibly quickly during rain. A once-dry river bed can become a raging torrent in minutes. If you are unsure, keep away from it. Also beware crossing what seems a shallow stream but very fast flowing. The force of the water and slippery stones can knock you off your feet and plummet you downstream into deeper, faster waters. Many have drowned this way. Also, whenever you cross streams, keep your backpack unbuckled in case you slip. This way, you can escape from your pack quickly and easily.

• Slips. Slips. Watch for wash-outs caused by water erosion during rain. This can be on hiking trails, on cliffs etc. The result could be dislodging of ground causing you to slip and fall down a hillside or cliff-face. Alternatively, water erosion can cause stones, and even rocks, to be dislodged from above and fall on you and your hiking pals. Be alert and keep a good lookout at all times.

4. Find shelter. If the rain is becoming really persistent and heavy, it can pay to find shelter. This might include pitching a tent or tarpaulin structure for temporary respite, or finding a cave, or a large tree etc. Beware trees and other tall structures, however, if there is lightning accompanying the rain.

5. Keep hydrated and fed. Odd as it may seem, when you are surrounded by rain, people sometimes forget to keep drinking. You are still exerting yourself as much as in the sunshine, so you still need to drink. In addition, keep warm with regular snacks and meals.

6. Take and use a waterproof map case (or a large sturdy ziplock). This is a wonderful invention that lets you carry your walking map around in the rain. No need to lose your way with this handy tool. There are even waterproof maps if you can find one.

7. Keep warm. Hypothermia can be a real issue if someone is drenched to the skin and chattering to the bone. Keep an eye on your own sensitivity to the cold air and to effects on others. If signs appear, you will need to act quickly and try to warm the person and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
-source: wikihow

Team Techno Junkies ( WET and WILD ) From L to R imy, ricky, me, ken, boss will, mek, kiko, jeff, ma'am tj, and tina

After nearly 6 hours of trekking uphill that started at 12pm in the afternoon, we finally made it to the campsite of Mt. Daguldul near the summit. Time Check: 5:45pm

We set up our five tent pretty quickly, after that, it began to rain hard with strong winds. So we decided to cook our dinner inside the tent. Suddenly mek's tent was destroyed during the typhoon, the casualties were evacuated shortly to the other tents. naidistribute din ang kanin at ulam (sinigang na baboy) sa kanya kayang tent at lahat naman ay nakakain nang gabing yan. ^_^

hindi talaga ako makatulog nung gabing yan.... nanginginig ako sa lamig at pinapasok na ng tubig yung tent namin at lumiliit na ang espasyo na tuyo... ang gusto ko lang nun ay mag umaga na! ^_^

DAY 2

at last... Sunrise at the Summit of Mt. Daguldul

The Day after... the storm is gone! what a Good Morning!

A Glimpse of a Golf Course Like CampSite Near the Summit of Mt. Daguldul and an Interview Video after the Storm

Group Pictures

Mt. Daguldul Camp Site

Most of us did not really know how to climb mountain or what to bring, thanks to ricky vinson for guiding and giving us an advice before the trek.

Thank You kiko... sa pag d-drive at pagpapasakay mo sa amin sa iyong toyota adventure!

si Mek kasama ng kanyang nasirang tent... Hindi pa din maka move-on sa sinapit sa magdamag.

imy, tina, and jeff. Mga bagong gising... buti pa sila nakatulog... ^_^

with the BOSSES...

After we eat our breakfast we decided na bumaba na since the weather is already fine.

as we descend...

bye storm mina... a better picture at laiya beach without you...

from trekking to beacheenering!

Laiya Beach, our side trip from our climb before we go home.

A great experience we will never forget...

Bohol Tour - 3 Days Adventure

2011-07-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

ITINERARY (1st Day)

• NAIA Terminal 3 to TAGBILARAN AIRPORT

• Lunch @ Chicken Ati-Atihan

• DAUIS Church

• Bohol BEE FARM

• HINAGDANAN Cave

• Bohol NOVA SHELL Museum

• Pictorial @ Alona Beach

April Joy, Me, Jhina, Arla, Jo, Jose, and Apol

April Joy, Eds, Ate Fe, Joey, and Mommy Earl at Naia Terminal 3

AirPhil Express

Touch Down: Tagbilaran Airport

Lunch at Sinugba ni Abdul Chicken Ati-Atihan

A great start to our first day tour! ^_^

After we eat our lunch, our first day tour started.

April Joy in DAUIS Church

April Joy, Mommy Earl, and Joey at Bohol Bee Farm

April Joy and Me inside the Hinagdanan Cave

TO BE CONTINUED...

Luneta Park Trip

2011-06-12T02:48:00.000-07:00

Jose Rizal Shrine

In commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on 12th of June 1898... We celebrate here in the philippines the "Araw ng Kalayaan" or "Philippine Independence Day" annually.

Me and April Joy Celebrating Independence Day 2011

Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during the Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon (lunette) and thus was named Luneta. The Park was also called Bagumbayan (English: New Town) in Spanish colonial era, and later known as Luneta.

Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history. Among them are: the execution of José Rizal on December 30, 1896, whose execution made him a hero of the Philippine Revolution. (It was officially renamed Rizal Park in his memory.); the Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule on June 12, 1946; and the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986.

The 0km marker across the monument also serves as the point of origin or Kilometre Zero to all other cities in the Philippines." - From Wikipedia

How to go to Luneta Park?

It's easy to reach Luneta, if you reach Taft Avenue, there are lots of passenger jeepneys going there. You may ride jeepneys going to Quiapo, Sta. Cruz, Divisoria as long as it will pass through Manila City Hall or Intramuros.

Luneta was one of the min attraction in the City of Manila. Having a large area of 58 hectares, you can enjoy touring the park. You can do different activities like jogging, biking, skating, picnic, aerobics, etc. You can also meet different group and clubs meet there for their gathering and do different kind of activities. Some people go there just to relax and feel the nature. You can stroll and enjoy around Luneta Park.

These are the following places you can visit around Luneta Park:

• Chinese Garden

• Japanese Garden

• Orchidarium

• Botanical Garden

• Planetarium

• Childen's Garden

• Skating Rink

• Quirino Grandstand

• Manila Ocean Park

• Department of Tourism

• National Museum

• National Library

Puerto Galera Trip

2011-05-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

The first class municipality in Oriental Mindoro province, Puerto Galera is a coastal town who is famous in many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots and one of the most popular beach in the Philippines. It took me 26 years to get here… My special thanks to my Girlfriend, April Joy for always being there for me and lending me some money to get here. ♥

Puerto Galera Beach, View from our room...

Me, Mommy Earl, Timoy, Elnie, and April Joy

kulitan sa Banana Boat!

April Joy and Me ♥

I'm already looking forward to the next summer special trip!

Cavite De Boracay Trip

2010-07-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

There is a beach in cavite called Boracay de Cavite because of its white sands and clear blue waters similar to the real boracay in the visayas... and also it's a marine camp where my friends in AMDATEX and I spent the weekend around 2 hours ride from Manila.

Cavite de Boracay has a cheap rate for only 30 per head for whole day swimming and 60 per head for overnight swimming. The concrete rooms is for reservation only but there are also cottages available everyday if the rooms isn't available. The place is best for relaxation and get together.

To get there. From Metro Manila to Trece Martires City using ordinary bus fare would be about P55 per person. From there, you may hire a tricycle(P60 per person) for a day in a round trip to the camp and back to Trece Martires City.

April Joy and Me

Tricycle On The Way

The Marine Camp

The White Sand

Beach Art By: AMDATEX FLORIDA TEAM

the Marines on Training...

Trina, April Joy, and Dianne

April Joy at the Beach

Crissel and Dianne, Jho and Jhina, April Joy and Me, Arla and Jose, Thanks for the photo Trina! ^_^

chillaxing

this is how clear the water...

AMDATEX Tree Planting

2009-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Together with my friends in Amdatex (april joy, apol, melba, and antonio), We bussed to the site in Caliraya, Laguna for our company activity to plant new trees. We planted tree seedlings to help towards the objective of planting an additional 24% (9,520) hectares of forest cover to achieve a sustainable level of 54% cover. The annual exercise brings sustainability and “green” awareness and Corporate Social responsibility to a higher level within American Data Exchange and the ADEC Group of Companies.

Me, April Joy, Apol, & Melba

With Pareng Antonio

meeting and giving us instructions before going to the site...

Some of the scenery from the Planting Site

From little things, big things grow

Carefully placing the plant properly!

My Tree Named "Rico J"

The Team

Me and My Girlfriend April Joy

Hopefully one day they'll grow into watever tree!

on our way home