(Cannot see the image above? Click HERE.)

Bigg’s Diner
After wakeboarding at CWC, we started this part of the trip by eating in one of the most famous fast-food restaurants in the Bicol Region, Bigg’s Diner in Centro (where Shakey’s Pizza used to be located). Bien specifically requested for us to eat there because of the pictures of the diner he saw from one of our friends. It’s a less modest version of TGI Friday’s and, of course, with Western foods. We spent Php433 over Pork Cordon Bleu and Reuben Burger with fries. It was a bit pricy but no regrets though. We enjoyed the food and the place’s ambience.

Molino Grill
The night for us has just started so we decided to have a few bottles of beer before going back to our lodge. Next stop, Molino Grill in Magsaysay Avenue. Just like what I stated, I have been to some places in Bicol already and that includes Naga. I am pretty familiar with its local scenes. Going back to Molino Grill, it is so much different from what it used to look. It had a mini garden the last time I went here. Now, it looks like one of the junky drinking spots in Timog. Bigger but not better. It now has a wider area but it fails on its attempt of creating a club-like atmosphere. Dissing the grill’s changes wasn’t our reason of being there. After consuming a bucket of beer and a plate of sizzling buttered corn (totaled Php235), we returned back to Moraville Hotel and called it a day.

Geewan
So it was 8AM and we haven’t decided yet on where to eat our breakfast. We walked back to Centro (since the lodge was just a few minutes away) and headed to Geewan, another fast-food resto only operating in Region 5, which is just beside a smaller (compared to where we ate last night) Bigg’s Diner. The service isn’t good (considering it is the first time I ever ate there). They were fast (it can be agitating to others) in getting orders. And because they were sooo nippy, they finished up serving incomplete foods. I wanted Bien to try pinanggat, one of Bicolano’s delicacies, but he refused because we didn’t know its ingredients. We paid Php232 for a not-so-bad breakfast.

The Churches
I boasted Naga City for having big churches and rich religious traditions. One of which is the famed fluvial procession or Translacion. We did nothing much when we visited Naga City’s biggest churches―the 400-year-old Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, the Peñafrancia Shine, and Nuestra Señora Peñafrancia’s home Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. It was Sunday hence the churches were crowded of worshippers hearing the Sunday Mass. I didn’t even have the chance to take a close-up picture of the Mahal na Ina as we might disturb the people inside Basilica Minore. This could have been better if it we went there September so Bien could see how Bicolanos celebrate the Peñafrancia festivities.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Musuem
It was September 2006 when I last visited Naga City and became a witness of the well-celebrated Translacion. It’s comparable to how Quiapo Day devotees adore the Black Nazarene. And it’s surprising to have known that a museum dedicated to letting people know of Our Lady of Peñafrancia’s must-known facts was already built. With just Php10 entrance fee (Php5 for kids), you get to see commendable dioramas (and other stuff) explaining Bicol’s religious history.

The Ukayans
It’s surprising that for a small city, Naga has loads of ukayans and with way cheaper goodies. Bien and I found a slightly-used Nike SB (or so we thought) for 200 bucks only, which we thought would fit me. Unfortunately, it didn’t and we had to let go of it even if it’s of little worth. We haven’t had the chance to take home anything with us since we didn’t wanna be charged of overweight check-in baggage at the airport.

Graceland
The last stop. After checking out of the Moraville Hotel, we headed to SM Naga to have our lunch. I wanted to stick to our plan of all-Bicol-food-only so I urged Bien for a Graceland-lunch. When we were still in Manila, I told him of a restaurant called Red Platter, which, for me, is a less-expensive version of Racks. Since Graceland and Red Platter is owned by one proprietor, it serves similar foods. And there I found the crispy riblets I had been dreaming of back in Manila. We paid Php (crispy riblets, two-piece chicken, and halo-halo) for our last meal in CamSur.

After seeing jumping fishes from the sea and Mayon’s perfect cone, we arrived in Sabang Port before 11am and were lucky that we didn’t have to wait long (like we did in Naga) for the van to depart. Shortly after 12 noon, we already were seated in SM Naga’s food court and munching on our lunch by Western Plate. The stall’s crews were kind enough to draw a mini-map of where our next destination is located, the Moraville Hotel. The guy who drew the mini-map told us to just walk since we were hikers and the hotel is just a few meters away. Sometimes, it’s funny how people judge you on how you look. In this case, we were carrying big backpacks hence we’re hikers. What if we aren’t mountaineers and just have big bags? Can we still be called hikers? This kind of scenario makes me remember of Melanie Marquez’ malapropian used of the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Haha.

True to the Western Plate guy’s words, we set foot at our hotel in no time. The place was forgiving. Besides we couldn’t complain since we just paid Php750 for a one-night stay. We just had a few-minute rest, took a bath again (geez, that was a 5-hour-something travel time), then headed to CamSur Watersports Complex; I consider it the highlight of our trip.

I ain’t a good swimmer (I can’t even flop myself in swimming pools!) but I am a sucker for water activities. Long before the trip, all I can think of was wakeboarding and how thrilling it could be. Despite the long rains and chilly wind, I had nothing but fun, fun, and fun. Since we were first-timers, Bien and I tried wakeboarding at the Winch Park first. This is where beginners practice their struts before trying out the bigger Cable Park. I really thought that wakeboarding was easy peasy as seen on pictures scattered all over the internet. I thought wrong. Sure it’s easy as pie for the pros, but not for most. I was fizzled twice before being able to complete one round at the Winch Park.

After an hour of trying to complete rounds, we plunged into CWC’s pool. It was so warm and IDK why. Anyhow, Bien’s main (and flush) reason of wanting to visit CamSur was to buy shirts with CWC’s logo. This is classified but I still want you guys to know. Haha. It was so disappointing to find out that the shirts we were looking for were out-of-stock and that the costs of shirts they currently have are way unreasonable! We ended up buying stickers, which amounted to Php 60 to 80 each.

FYI: Because there are no tricycles or any kind of transportation that can be hired by the guests, it’s a wise and much-appreciated effort by the sports complex to have free shuttle service for visitors bound to Naga. Sad thing is, it only has three scheduled trips and the latest leaves at 7PM while the complex closes at 9PM.

Since the news of Caramoan being used as a shooting spot for some of the episodes of the reality show Survivor, I had been bugging Bien of going to Camarines Sur. Despite my parents being Bicolanos and I having been to some parts of the Bicol Region several times, I still am clueless why it became so popular with the tourists. Bien had no choice (because I would never stop annoying him if he didn’t agree on going on a trip) and gave in to my persistence.

We planned of doing a four-day and three-night tour, which we eventually divided into three parts: island hopping in Caramoan, wakeboarding in CamSur Watersports Complex, and town tour in Naga City.

I was in-charge of the whole trip; from making the itinerary to doing researches about the money we could be spending. I consulted some itineraries I found online but still opted to create our own. I wanted everything to be inexpensive yet worthwhile.

Here’s a recap of some of my activities for the past year.

• September 18 to 20 2009 – Nagsasa Cove Beach Bumming

• February 13 to 14 2010 – Mt. Dulang-Dulang anniversary climb

• February 27 to 28 2010 – Padre Burgos Island Hopping

• March 11 to 14 2010 – Coron Island Hopping

• July 15 to 18 2010 – CamSur Activities

My goals this year? (Pardon for my emphasis on the word “more.” I need to convince myself.)

• To visit/re-visit more places (Baguio, Bohol, and Boracay are next on my list).
• To climb more mountains (with Mt. Kanlaon on September 2010 but still aiming for Mt. Apo).
• To provide more helpful info about any travel/climbing-related stuff (itinerary, must-knows, gears and equipment, etc.).
• To interview personalities who do sports or travel activities (dreaming of a session with Leo Oracion).
• To update the site more often.
• To gather contributions from readers.
• To change the whole layout/template of the site with additional interactive widgets for the readers.

I have been to a number of beautiful and must-visit places here in our country. But I won’t stop traveling, climbing mountains, and exploring; Not in my wildest dreams!

How about you, where have you been lately?

(Cannot see the image? Click HERE.)

The plane smoothly landed at the Busuanga airport 15 minutes earlier than the estimated arrival. In no time, we already saw the driver who would do the pick up-drop off thingie to Darayonan Lodge. The land transfer didn’t bore us at all since Tawini, the driver with a name that’s hard to forget, was cracking jokes all the time. He also shared some interesting facts about Coron. Let me do a quick rundown of the three things I remember the most.

• Coron means palayok (pot) in Cuyunon’s dialect and the town was named as such because of its pot-like topography.
• The vast ranch we passed by, infamously known as Yulo King Ranch and formerly owned by alleged Marcos cronies, once became one of the largest cattle farms in Asia.
• The expansion of Francisco B. Reyes Airport was funded by a Korean agency thru its $3 million financial assistance.

After a quick road trip, Tawini dropped us off (along with other Darayonan guests) to the lodge where we were welcomed with refreshments by the lodge’s friendly staff. We were then led to our room, which was quite big for Bien and I since it has three beds.

Okay, off to the fun part. Because we were all excited and ahead of our itinerary, we decided to unpack our stuff, go to the market and surprise ourselves of what Coron may have that we still didn’t know.

Jackie's Restaurant

Jackie’s Restaurant
The first thing we thought of was food. So as per Tawini’s suggestion, we searched for Jackie’s Restaurant. And it was exactly what we were looking for! They cook any meal you’d wish for Php 70 / kilo. All you have to do is shop for the ingredients (meat, veggies, seasonings, etc.) at the nearby market and they’ll take care of the cooking. Since I was thinking of seafood all the while, Bien let me choose our meals (which weren’t included in our tour package) for the rest of the trip. Seafood family won’t be complete without squid and crab. Hence, we had calamares and adobong pusit for lunch then a sumptuous and finger-lickin’ ginataang alimango for dinner.

Stairway to Heaven? (photo by Rowjie Galang)

Mt. Tapyas Eco Park
I remember a photo caption by my college blockmate giving her theory of why Mount Tapyas was called as such. “Matatapyas talaga taba mo ‘pag inakyat mo ang Mt. Tapyas.” As a mountaineer, I sometimes wish that mountains have stairs for convenience. Mount Tapyas can best describe this desire as the hill has 717 paved concrete steps leading to a deck overlooking the town of Coron and its nearby islands. At the height of 210 meters above sea level, one will never fail to notice the huge white cross at the deck, which is amazing especially at night because of its lights.

Darayonan Lodge
We were lucky to have stayed in Darayonan because of its newly-built pool. There are only two lodges in Coron that have pools, and that’s kudos to us! We had a long day because of the all the walks and climbs we did exploring the town so we thought of just staying at the lodge instead of our initial plan of looking for a place you can call bar or disco or whatever. What we did was swim and swim and swim at Darayonan’s new pool (again, the emphasis on NEW). The weather was so humid, even at night thus an unpleasantly cold bath or swim at the pool is of big ease. Did I mention we took lots of pictures?

Overnighters, Thru-hiking, Climbing & Cragging
The Talon 44 is our lightest multi-day backpack.  It features top loading with zippered sleeping bag access, a floating top pocket, front and side stretch woven pockets and an aluminum rail with composite side struts for superb load control.

Colors available: Spicy Chili, Magnesium, Citron

Load Range™
The green to yellow zones represent the recommended load range for this pack.

Volumes and Weights
US and International weight and volume specifications

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown as length (height) x width x depth
27x10x8 inches
69x25x20 cm

Talon 44 Features

Manuals and Reviews
Downloadable manuals, reviews, spec sheets.
Manuals
Talon Series Owner’s Manual [1,522 KB PDF]
Fabric
Talon Series Key Fabrics [1,098 KB PDF]

Who would want to die with hypothermia by swimming in a cold pool plus the environment’s low temperature? That was what I first thought. But when I started browsing the internet for lodges that can accommodate me and my team mates for an outing, I came to realize that there really are Tagaytay resorts with swimming pools just like Piña Colina.

If not for the limited time and options I had, I would have never encountered Piña Colina in this vast world of cyberspace. My team mates and I preferred to hold our team building anywhere near our office with May 1 and 2 as the dates. The choices were: Marikina, Pasig, and the towns in Rizal. It took me a week before grasping the fact that finding any available resorts, private or public, was close to impossible since May 1 is Antipolo’s feast day. Next choice, Pansol.

I spent another week listing all of the Pansol resorts I found using, of course, the internet. I’d still like to thank Him because I did get immediate response to all of the inquiries I made about the resorts. The responses were:

• sorry, taken na po (fully understood)
• yes, it is available for 14k (our agreed budget is 5k to 8k for a 24-hour stay)
• all weekends of May are fully-booked, please reserve early (I don’t need to get scolded)
• your full name please (duh)

Then I finally thought of Tagaytay. With two days left before our scheduled outing, all I wanted to do was to find a place where we can sleep and swim regardless if it’s private or not. I tried to get a hold of resorts, as many as I can, and got so lucky to have read a review about Piña Colina. In less than five minutes, I finally made a reservation for the group.

Front view of the Casita.

The Casita can accommodate a maximum number of 12 people.

Other villas for rent.

There are three beds and two pull-out beds in the second floor.

Aside from the utensils, use of barbecue grill is also free.

EJ at the kitchen while cooking Nilagang Baka for dinner.

Bien enjoying the icy cold water of the swimming pool.

An elevated jacuzzi which can be rented for Php 1200/4 hours.

The VAIO and NSP Crew

We rented out the Casita since we were just 13 in our group and it suits our budget. We only paid Php 7200 for a 24-hour stay and that’s Php 6500 if you’re a group of ten or less. None of the villas are air-conditioned but all are fully-furnished (with kitchen and cooking utensils). Click HERE for more pictures of the place. You just need to bring food and water. And if you are still too lazy to do that, there are several stores and markets that are just minutes away the resort.

The only thing about Piña Colina that I can complaint of is the pool. It’s too small for a large resort. All of the occupants can get too crowded in that one pool, which is also far from the villas.

To sum up everything, Piña Colina is a good place to stay for those who want a well-spent weekend away from the Metro. Props to Adrian Ho (dude, I already stalked your Facebook) who arranged things for us. He even answered my call at 3am! For reservations, you can contact him at the following numbers:

(Globe) +63917.529.8833
(Smart) +63921.391.1843
(Sun) +63932.699.5174

(Cannot see the image? Click here.)

(All pics were grabbed from Alpadi Estate’s website)

As usual, we (Bien and I) didn’t get to enjoy the early part of the tour due to our work schedules. After shift,  we had our quick breakfast in Red Ribbon Libis and immediately hired a cab to take us to JAC Liner in Kamuning. The bus left at around 10am and arrived 1pm at Lucena Grand Terminal. It was a quick trip. Without thinking of lunch, we rode a van off to Vista Playa Restaurant in Marao where we were fetched by our uber friendly boatman, Mang Urong.

It was just a short 20-minute-something boat ride and yet we saw lots of things, which can’t be found in the city: rock formations in the middle of the sea, overwhelming amount of starfishes on the shore, cool school of fish, sea snakes (LOL), etc. And because we were late, the 50-plus group was already done with Mag-Asawang Bato and Dampalitan island-hop and was already setting up camps in Borawan Island. It was already past 4pm and we still haven’t eaten our lunch.

Grr. If I could pinch every part of your being for you to know that I exist, I will. Yung large intestines mo chinichicha na nung small intestines mo! Pakainin mo na sarili mo! (nagi-Ingles na tyan)

Agot, (I’ll never get tired of mentioning your name here in my blog) always ready to rescue me, prepared what was left from their lunch: i-don’t-know-its-name-fish and laing. Yum! ♥

Oh, did I say that the island’s rock formations are marvelous and perfect for any kind of rappelling and rock climbing activities?

Before dinner, we got text messages from concerned friends bringing news that high magnitude-earthquakes just hit Chile. And some parts of the country, including Quezon, will experience tsunami the next day as an offshoot of the said phenomenon. The warning was set aside due to the most-awaited part of the tour, the socials. Even with the knowledge of the natural disaster that happened overseas,  the night still ended happily  for everyone, especially those who won Migs’ special prices (handy camping gears and equipment) during the socials.  Too bad Bien and I were downright tired to join the night’s activities and retired at around 8pm.

The next day, our fun adventure was almost cut-short due to a great amount of texts we were receiving from our friends about the predicted tsunami that might hit Quezon. Around 9am, the organizers were thinking of going to a waterfall near the island instead of following the original plan: to climb Mt. Lipata then wash-up at Mang Urong’s place afterwards, which both are still in the island of Borawan. Creating itineraries is a crucial part of a trip. Since it was already stated in the itinerary that the group will climb Mt. Lipata, the organizers decided to stick with the official plan. The bothering news and possible changes in our tour that might occur didn’t stop me from taking pics of the wonderful place.

I opted not to climb Mt. Lipata and stayed down its hill to enjoy the warm seawater. And due to insistent requests of our friends and relatives back in Manila, we headed our way back to Vista Playa where our rented bus was waiting earlier than what is scheduled. That was around 4pm. As we were traveling back to our busy lives in the city, the group took advantage of the free videoke inside the bus. In My Dreams by Reo Speedwagon became the instant theme song of the tour. I can’t see the connection but thinking it is because of the lyrics, ” We climb and climb and at the top we fly / Let the world go on below us, we are lost in time.” Anyway, the group, thank God, arrived in Manila safely. Ask Mel Fabricante.

The last two days of the love month were blast! Why? Because Padre Burgos is the new black.

MUST-KNOWS:

• Borawan Island cottages are worth Php 1000. Those who plan of setting up camps overnight instead of renting cottages are expected to pay Php150 each tent.
• Dampalitan Island entrance fee is Php 20/pax for adults and Php 10/pax for kids. Cottages are Php 350 for a whole day while those staying overnight will be charged Php 700.
• Boat rides from Laguimanoc Pier, which is the usual way of getting into any of the islands, can be far more expensive compared to making arrangements with boatmen before your scheduled trip. For a friendly and trustworthy boatman, you can contact Urong Pornela at +639182558075 and arrange trip schedules with him.
• Those bringing vehicles and are planning to park in front of Vista Playa, there is a parking fee of Php 200 overnight.
• For an organize trip, I recommend Miguel Mapalad as your organizer (email miguel.mapalad@yabag.org or text him at +639052688275). Naks!
• For commuters, here are the possible fare expenses:

218 - JAC Liner bus fare (Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal
60 - van from Lucena Grand Terminal to Vista Playa Restaurant, Marao (pricey compared to riding jeepneys or buses)
30 - boat ride with Mang Urong from Vista Playa to Borawan Island (a lot cheaper compared to other boatmen’s asking price at the Laguimanoc Pier, which sometimes cost thrice the price if they sense that you’re a tourist)

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Padre Burgos was formerly known as LAGUIMANOC due to the shape of the coastline, which resembles the bill of a chicken ormanok. Another version is that chickens were so abundant in the town that hawk always swiped down the place to snatch chicks from their mother hens. When hawks flew overhead, as warning to the neighborhood, people shouted “hawk manok.”

On January 1 1917, the villages of Laguimanoc, which until then was a barrio of Atimonan, became a municipality. Ten years after, the town council changed the name to Padre Burgos, in honor of one of our country’s martyrs. The streets were named after local leaders who rendered valuable services to the community. Because of the physical and topographical conditions of the town, foursitios where cluster of houses were built became the main districts of the town namely Campo, Burgos, Basio, and Bundok-Punta. Padre Burgos is also the entry point of BonPen (Bondoc Peninsula). If Bicol has CamSur, Quezon has BonPen.

Rich in natural beauty and religious traditions, BonPen consists of the 12 towns of the 3rd district of Quezon, which include Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Francisco, Buenavista, and San Andres. Board Member Lourdes “Bunso” De Luna-Pasatiempo heads the BonPen Tourism Council to promote it as a center of tourism in Southern Tagalog Region and a prime tourist spot.

ACTIVITIES:
Beachineering, Island Hopping, Camping, Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Campfire Socials

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: 
Rock Climbing, Bouldering, Hike to Mt. Lipata, 20-30 minute Hike, Rappelling, Kayaking

ISLANDS:
Mag-Asawang Bato Island
Borawan Island – combination of  Boracay-like beaches and rocks plus Palawan-like environment

Dampalitan Island – white sand beach like Zambales’ islets

Below is a PDF of the itinerary and other reminders.

I am planning to set up a new website, a photo blog, with interesting travel / mountaineering / special events snapshots. If you have some to share, please email me at questions@missbackpacker.info and include the following:

• your name and email (your email will be confidential)
• photograph you want to be included with its own URL (I won’t be accepting pictures without URLs and those that are watermarked)
• short description of the image (when and where was it taken, who’s on the picture, what made it interesting, etc.)

Please submit images that you have taken using your own DSLR or film cameras, digicams,  and whatnot. Plagiarized photographs are automatically rejected. You will be notified via email once your submitted photo has been uploaded to the website. All chosen images will be displayed HERE as soon as I have gathered enough photos.

I am sooo excited with this new website. Help me build it and submit your images now. SPREAD THE WORD.

To start off, lemme show my Many-Firsts List for this year.

1. First climb for 2010.
2. First climb for this year without Bien.
3. First Gulugod Baboy climb.
4. First climb with Sykes friends.
5. First salt water dip of my D10 Botchog.
6. First time that I ran out of cash during a trip/climb.
7. First time I slept without changing clothes. *Puke*

I attended a mini-reunion with my elementary batch mates night before the climb (though I also had to leave the party past midnight, sorry guys!) and was able to sleep at around 4am, Saturday. I had to wake up past 6am to meet the “call time” set for those who would be joining. Arrived past 8am at Wendy’s Buendia (LRT) only to find out that Mel was still not there. Good thing because I could still eat my breakfast.

We almost had the same IT with the IT that can be found here. There are just some discrepancies on the amount we spent.

It was so nice and literally breathtaking to view the marvelous moon in its full phase. All I could think that time was how blessed I am to have experienced everything I had: pain, love, sorrow, beauty, peace.

But my walk down the memory lane got cut short after I received a message that one of my college batch mates passed away, someone whom I had unpleasant and unsettled business with (and I prefer not to discuss it).

Next morning, the wind was cold and body-numbing. It was nothing to me but comfort. Hey, I don’t have this in the city!

I need to thank the Creator, whoever He is, for the wonderful day it was. No rain, no accidents, just loads of fun.

Got this from Migs through email and I’d like to share this to all of you fellow Pinoy Mountaineers.

1. To scale the three major peaks of the Banahaw complex – the Banahaw Trilogy of Banahaw, Banahaw de Lucban, and Cristobal.

2. To climb the northernmost and southernmost mountains in the Philippines: Mt. Iraya in Batanes and Mt. Bongao in Tawi-Tawi.

3. To conquer the five highest mountains in the Philippines: Apo, Dulang-Dulang, Pulag, Kitanglad, Tabayoc.

4. To complete the five grand Cordillera traverses: Mt. Amuyao from Barlig to Batad; Mt. Napulauan from Hungduan to Hapao; Mt. Ugo from Kayapa to Itogon; and two Mt. Pulag climbs: a North-South Traverse, Tawangan-Ambangeg; and a West-East Traverse, Akiki-Ambaguio.

5. To conquer the four great Mindanao climbs: Mt. Apo (Kapatagan-Kidapawa n); Mt. Dulang-Dulang Traverse to Mt. Kitanglad; Mt. Kalatungan Traverse and White Peak (Mt. Pandadagsaan) .

6. To reach the summits of the four “Knife Edge” mountains: Mantalingajan, Mayon, Halcon, and Guiting-Guiting.

7. To climb the “Seven Summits of the Philippines”: the highest peaks in seven major islands: Pulag (Luzon); Apo (Mindanao); Alto Peak (Samar-Leyte) ; Nangtud (Panay); Kanlaon (Negros), Mantalingajan (Palawan), and Halcon (Mindoro)

WHY DO WE CLIMB MOUNTAINS? The answer my friend is EASY. As the famous John Muir once said: “BECAUSE IT’S THERE!”

Dear Lord, I have been a good child. Please let me have this Gregory Jade 35 daypack.

The Jade 35 uses our JetStream™ DTS suspension, keeping this pack lightweight but still able to comfortably carry all the gear you need for a quick overnight. (Colors: Sapphire Blue, Spicy Rose, and Pistachio)

JetStream™ DTS Suspension
Gregory’s proprietary JetStream™ DTS Suspension System provides true airflow across the back in an extra-light version of the JetSteam™ LTS Suspension. A lightweight springsteel bar held in tension provides superior load transfer while keeping the weight low. The unique DTS harness yoke increases stiffness of the frame as the load in the pack increases for maximum comfort.

Women’s Specific Fit

Gregory has addressed every individual’s fit and comfort needs from the beginning, and our packs have always been built to fit the body shape of the wearer. Our women’s specific packs are no different. Designed for and tested by women, for women, they are guaranteed to fit comfortably. Sure we could have just changed the color and called it a day, but just like the women that buy our products, we strive to perform beyond expectations.

Women’s Technology Features:

• Narrower backpanels to fit a women’s frame
• Female specific harness design and cut

FEATURES

Osprey Exos 34? Fail.  I am dying to have this one. Thing is, outdoor shops here in the Philippines are very limited to known brands like The North Face, Columbia, and Deuter that no one carries this type of bag or name to say the least. I’ve found some online stores base in US that offer this bag for a very good deal but international shipping plus PH’s customs duties and taxes will cost me a fortune.

Anyone who knows of a local store (online or not, I really don’t mind paying for shipping within the country) who might have this beautiful Jade bag in stock, please lemme know.

June was Puerto Princesa. September is Nagsasa Cove. Team Jibb (down to nine pax) can’t get enough of the aquatic getaways.

Day 1
Due to discrepancies in work schedules, we had to take the 11:30AM Victory Liner trip at Grand Central Terminal so we could be in one bus all together. To sum it up, we arrived at Little Villa Resort in Pundaquit just in time for the sunset. We called the day off after a sumptuous dinner as everyone was tired from last day’s shift.

Day 2
After breakfast, we had our boat ride from the shores of Pundaquit and hit Nagsasa Cove at around 9AM. Since we were told that mobile phones aren’t usable in the area, we opted not to bring ours including money. To our surprise, Nagsasa Cove’s caretaker approached us and asked for a Php 100/pax registration fee. We were penniless and can’t do anything. We cannot waste another hour just to go back to Pundaquit and get some bread. Luckily, one of the group’s members has a residence in San Antonio and it also happened that her step dad is an acquaintance of the caretaker. We just promised him that we will let the step dad handover our supposedly payment. When the commotion was over, one by one, the group plunged into the warm and luminous sea water.

It was 12:30 noon when we had our lunch. We spent our siesta douching into the crystal clear river of Nagsasa. The group headed back to Pundaquit, braving the strong winds and waves plus drizzling weather, and made it to the shores at 5PM. Dinner followed.

Day 3
Again, breakfast started our day. The group hiked a 5-minute trail up to Pundaquit’s “unfrequented” falls. We spent our last hours there enjoying the chilly water streaming down from the mountain. We wrapped it up at 10:30AM and prepped up for our return back to Manila. Had our Tinolang Manok and Adobo at San Antonio, the residence I was referring to earlier. We said, “Hello Manila” at 7:30PM and parted ways after that.

According to our boatman who was part of the search team for the missing Capili relatives (and my bad that I didn’t catch his name), the pursuit ceased a few days back considering the number of days that they had been out in the sea.

Anna and Jessilou Capili went missing August 29 after being swept by the strong currents of Anawangin River.

As opposed to my first post, the two weren’t mountaineers and were just plain tourists who got stranded in Anawangin cove due to the weather’s bad temper. Wanting to go back to the mainland, the group whom the two belonged to, decided to cross Anawangin River despite the boatmen and other local residents’ advices. Tragic incident then followed.

2010 Elections: Tell us what’s on your mind.

May kinasusuklaman ka bang politiko? May crush ka bang Presidentiable? Naaaliw ka ba sa mga advocacy campaign? Naiirita ka na ba sa nunal ni GMA? May gusto ka bang i-share sa iyong nakaraang voting experience? May saloobin ka ba na konektado sa eleksyon?

Kung oo ang sagot mo ay saktung-sakto ka dahil nangangailangan kami ng mga saloobin at opinyon tungkol sa paparting na carnival na kung tawagin ay Philippine National Elections.

Puwede mag-contribute in any form. Kahit essay, one-liner, quote, tula, kanta, drowing, photograph, o kung ano pa man ang maisip mo na makapagpahayag ng saloobin mo. ‘Wag lang isang buong nobela o kaya sand castle. Hindi rin kailangan masyado seryoso o intelektwal o aktibista ang tono. Basta kung ano lang nasa isip mo. The bottom line is: get your message across. Para ka lang nakikipag-debate sa mga kainuman mo sa kanto.

Ang mga iko-contribute ay isasama sa isang web publication na naglalayong maging aktibo ang kabataan sa darating na eleksyon. ‘Wag kayong mag-alala dahil in good faith naman ang paglabas ng publication. Sa mga gustong mag-contribute ay pakipadala lamang ang inyong mga obra maestra sa kantonista@gmail.com.

Sa kasamaang palad ay wala kaming maibibigay na kahit anong uri ng kabayaran sa inyong mga contribution dahil kasing nipis ng pakpak ng ipis ang mga wallet namin. Isang dumadagundong na pasasalamat lang ang aming maibibigay. Aasahan namin ang inyong mga sagot. Olrayt? Olrayt! Maraming salamat!

It was April this year when JL, Hakbang Kalikasan Mountaineering Society President and currently residing in Hong Kong, got an email from a Philippine-based ad agency saying that their agency just selected HAKAMS as a recipient of tokens from The North Face. Reason? Because of the group’s continuous advocacy for outdoor adventure activities. The email also contained request for a list of the society members’ contact details. Excited as she was, she immediately informed us, in all means possible, of the good news.

We were like, “Bag? Tent? Stickers? Keychains?” Dream on. Haha.

Members who were responsive to the request got something in return. It ain’t bag. It ain’t a tent. No stickers nor keychains as well. But a small something, which is a big reminder of what we have achieved so far.

Since I am online almost 24/7, JL opted to have the tokens be mailed to me. It was morning when she asked for my address. Come afternoon, Mr. Delivery knocked on our doorsteps and there was the package. I was so anxious to open it, thrilled of what I was about to see. When I opened the package, 13 little packs with our names on it helloed at me.

I swiftly opened mine and was stupefied by this little transparent box with TNF’s logo on it and loads of red push pins inside. Crap, I thought. Is this it?

And to my surprise, there was a map of the Philippine Islands included and a discount card from Recreational Outdoor eXchange (ROX).

Do you get it? The push pins will remind us of the places we have been to and mountains we have already conquered here in the Philippines. At the right end corner of the map asks, “where have you been lately?” And so the birth of my website.

1^st Mt. Nagsasa Traverse Nagsasa Cove Invitational Climb

Sept 19 to 20 2009

MASL: 450
Jump-off: Sitio San Martin, Subic
Jump-off Coordinates: LLA: 14°51.20N, 120°09.19E
Nagsasa Cove Coordinates: LLA: 14°49.03N, 120°06.25E
Trail class: Minor, Enjoy

DAY 0
0930pm          Assembly at Victory Liner
1130pm           Depart to Olongapo, Zambales

DAY 1
0200am           Arrive at Olongapo
0230am           Depart to Jump off (Sitio San Martin) with secured climbing permits
0330am           Arrive at jump off / secure guides, courtesy call to tribe chief
0400am           Start of trek
0405am           Small river crossing
0415am            River crossing
0630am           Ridge saddle view of Nagsasa (sunrise awaits) / Descending
0700am          Water source
0745am           ETA Nagsasa flat grounds valley
0800am           River
0900am           ETA Nagsasa beach (courtesy call to Nagsasa chieftain) set camp breakfast, explore, and enjoy life
1100am            Prepare lunch
1200pm           Lunch
0130pm           Enjoy life, swim, socials, refresh.
0300pm          Explore waterfalls, take a dip
0500pm          Back to camp, enjoy sunset at beach
0700pm          Dinner and socials
1100pm           Lights out / adventure dreaming

DAY 2
0700am           Wake up call / enjoy
0900am           Big, fresh river
1130am            Prepare lunch
1200pm           Lunch, break camp
0200pm           Start trek
0400pm           Saddle ridge (last view of Nagsasa)
0530pm           Jump off (wash up)
0630pm           To Olongapo City
0730pm           ETA Olongapo City
0800pm           Bus to Manila

Budget: Php 950
Inclusive:
Registration Fee
Bus from Manila to Olongapo
Two-way transportation of hired jeepney(s) from Olongapo to jump-off
Guides (Aetas)
Permits and requirements (Mayor’s permit, PNP clearance, barangay clearance)
Tent and provision for the local guides
Mountaineering guideships
Climbing Equipment (ropes)
Registration fee at jump-off and Mt. Nagsasa
Accommodations at Nagsasa Cove

*Local porter rates start at Php 600/ 2 days.
*Fresh fish and prawns are sometimes available at Nagsasa

Pre-Climb Meeting:
September 13 2009
SM Bicutan at 7 PM
Strictly NO PRE-CLIMB, NO CLIMB.

For more info, please contact either of the following:

Agot Comia
YABAGMC, MFPI
+639157271770

Miguel Mapalad
YABAGMC, MFPI, HaKaMS
+639052688275

Two members of the mountaineering community, Anna Capili and relative Jessielou Capili, 30 and 13, went missing after strong currents swept their bodies away while leading a river trek in Pundaquit last Saturday, August 29.

Bodies are not yet found and relatives of the missing mountaineers are in great hope that both are still in good condition.

My sincerest apologies for citing a UP mountaineer as the victim of this yet another tragic incident on my first post.

Yes, Anawangin (Pundaquit) is a lovely place. But don’t we think that it’s now time to at least do something about these accidents?

Story can be found here.

Baguio Tacay Inn
Address: 38-A Tacay Rd. Quezon Hill
Email: inquiry@baguiotacayinn.com
Mobile: +63917 666 6337
Starting Rate: Php 350.00/night
Website: http://baguiotacayinn.110mb.com/index.html

Hotel 45
Address: 62 Session Rd.
Mobile: +63917 700 8805
Telephone: (074) 446 6306
Starting Rate: Php 450/night

Diamond Inn
Address: 16 E. Jacinto St., Dominguez Bldg.
Email: diamond_inn1975@yahoo.com
Mobile: +63927 244 2669 / +63920 334 3356
Telephone: (074) 304 3276
Starting Rate: Php 475/night
Website: http://diamondinnbaguiocity.com/index-1.html

Blue Mountain Hotel
Address: 18 Marcos Highway
Email: mac_robes@yahoo.com
Mobile: +639175072030
Telephone: (074) 443 8411
Starting Rate: Php 672/night

Benguet Pine Tourist Inn
Address: 39 Chanum Corner Otek Sts.
Telephone: (074) 442 7325
Starting Rate: Php 1,000/night

La Brea Inn
Address: 24 Lower Session Rd.
Email: la_brea_inn@yahoo.com
Mobile: +63917 508 7800
Telephone: (074) 446 6061
Starting Rate: Php 1,100/night
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/labrea/

Baguio Holiday Villa Court
Address: 10 Legarda Road (Near Burnham Park)
Email: baguioholiday@yahoo.com.ph
Mobile: +63922 891 4738
Telephone: (074) 442 6679 or 446 5378
Starting Rate: Php 1,180/night
Website: http://www.baguioholidayhotel.com/

Summer Place Hotel
Address: 288 Marcos Highway
Email: info@summerplacebaguio.com
Mobile: +63918 945 5058 / +630920 970 2788
Telephone: (074) 446 0560 / 446 5400 to 01
Starting Rate: Php 1,195/night
Website: http://www.summerplacehotel.com/

*Burnham Hotel
Address: 21 Calderon St.
Email: burnhamhotel@gmail.com
Telephone: (074) 442 2331
Starting Rate: Php 1,200/night
Website: http://www.burnhamhotelbaguio.com/index.php

Inn Sison Apartelle
Address: Naguilian Rd. cor Dominican Rd.
Mobile: +63917 848 8500
Starting Rate: Php 1,290/night
Website: http://www.innsison.com/

I was in Baguio last year with my highschool friends and stayed in a place somewhere in Mines View. My bad that I did not take note of the name of the place and now I am struggling just to find what it’s called. Who would care minding stuff when it was an all-expense-paid trip and all we had to do was have fun? Props to my SD-based friend, Lawrence!

Anyway, the place is in between two souvenir stores and has an overlooking view at the back. Anyone who might know this place I’m talking about, please mail me as I am interested in staying at the same house or apartelle or inn or whatever (tell me the difference).

And as organized as I want this trip to be, here’s an intinerary I am hoping, for crying out loud, we could follow.

Day 1
01:00 PM ETA | Check-in into your hotel
02:00 PM Burnham Park | Baguio City Market | Session Road | Baguio Cathedral
07:00 PM Dinner – Night Out

Day 2
08:00 AM Breakfast
09:00 AM Botanical Garden | Wright Park Riding Circle | The Mansion | Mines View | Good Shepherd Convent
12:00 PM Barbecue Lunch at Camp John Hay Picnic Area or Dine at Mile Hi Shopping Center
01:00 PM Camp John Hay | Scout Hill | Historical Core | Butterfly Sanctuary | EcoTrail
03:00 PM Philippine Military Academy
07:00 PM Dinner / Night Out

Day 3
08:00 AM Breakfast
09:00 AM Souvenir Shopping: Baguio City Market | Session Road
12:00 PM Check-out of your Baguio Hotel

Have been to a number of places already but this is my first vacay with him and him alone. Nine days and counting. Wish me luck.

*Less 10% from total costs in exchange of ad placement on my website

And to my dismay, when everything’s set and we were about to buy the tickets, the planned trip was postponed just because I don’t have a passport yet, which is required during purchase. So there, I just missed my chance of climbing Kota.

Having said that, I immediately asked for Mister Google’s assistance to figure out what are needed for passport application. And see what I’ve learned. Online application is now possible. This may cost a bit more but this will definitely save you time.

Easy as one, two, and three.

1. Get all of the requirements needed. List is here.
2. Once you have obtained the documents required, fill-out the application form found here. On that same page, you will be provided with the important details about the application. Things like schedule of personal appearance, pickup date, delivery date, and cost of the application. This is how it looks like:
   

   (please click image for a larger view)

3. Free up your calendar on your scheduled delivery date as, according to friends who have gone through this process, delivery person requires your personal appearance.

There you go, passport application the easy way. For more details, visit this website.

Vehicles bound north to Libis along C5 are being braved by this vendor headed south selling his goodies. Thumbs up!

Well then, YOU’RE INVITED!

Mountaineer or not, come and join us conquer

Mt. Gulugod Baboy (August 15 to 16, 2009)!

This is defo a FUN CLIMB! See ya!

MT. GULUGOD-BABOY
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini
LLA: 13°42’55″N; 120°53’43″E;
MASL: 525
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Day 1
0700am  ETD ALABANG to Bolboc,Batangas
1000am  ETA Bolboc Jeep to Mabini, Batangas
1030am  ETA Mabini Jeepney Transfer to Anilao, Batangas
1200pm  ETA Brgy.solo Anilao Batangas (take lunch)
0200pm  Start trek (kalsada)
0215pm  Eta Trail
0300pm  ETA Kubo last Bahay
0330pm  ETA Campsite (set up camp) Enjoy the 360 degrees view at summit)) -Merienda Cena-
0600pm  Prepare dinner
0800pm  ENJOY LIFE!!!

DAY 2
0600am  Wake up call (prepare breakfast)
0700am  Break camp
0800am  Start descend
0900am  Kalsada
0930am  Philpan Beach resort (swimming, socials, wash up)
1200am  Lunch
0100pm  to Mla jeep to Mabini
0145pm  ETA mabini Jeepney transfer to Bolboc
0230pm  ETA bolboc Bus to Manila
0500pm  ETA MANILA (homeward bound)

Estimated Budget
Php280  Bus alabang to Manila (140 x 2)
Php40  Jeep bolboc to Mabini (20 x 2)
Php40  Mabini to Brgy Solo (20 x 2)
php10  Barangay Entrance fee
Php60  Entrance fee and shower sa Philpan-

Php430  Total (food not included)

Contact Person: Migs Mapalad
Mobile Num: +639052688275
YM: a_012002

This was the exact text message I got from my good friend and mountaineering colleague, Agot Comia.

Agot and her better half, Migs, have always been vigilant with the latest happenings in the mountaineering community of Zambales. I could say they left their hearts in that place. Their son, Kidlat, was name after Mt. Balingkilat, which stands on the ground of Zambales. An annual open climb is also being organized by the couple for mountaineers hoping to conquer the said mountain.

Having said that, with their priceless love for the province and its residents, all of the fresh updates of whatever’s going on in Zambales that I have received are from them. Weather updates, itineraries, logistics, even deaths of fellow mountaineers and travelers.

I have been editing a post for our upcoming Baguio trip when last night I got the message. And I was like, WTF. Not again.

Leaving six European and three South Korean survivors, the lives of two French, one Belgian, and one Filipino guide who were trying to explore Mt. Pinatubo’s wonder were taken away by an unexpected flash flood that occurred Thursday, August 7.

The tourists with their Filipino guide were exploring the volcano when their path back to the community was blocked by landslides. The four casualties were swept away by the flash floods and their bodies were found the next day.

Thank God that most of the group were rescued but let us still pray for the repose of the souls of the victims.

Reading articles off the internet, I found some containing bits of info about the incident. “Virtually, all areas in the province have experienced flooding,” said Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso. So, it isn’t just the tourists who lost their friends. The locals were also badly impaired. I just can’t imagine the terror they might have gone.

Anyway, for those reading this, please be reminded that rain could mean flood. And typhoon could mean worse. Typhoon Kiko is within Philippines’ area of responsibility when this latest incident happened (and it still is as I write this). Given that fact, let us all be responsible to be mindful of the actions that we do especially when nature is involve.

Day One
I don’t know if it’s us who were untimely or if it was the weather. It was partly raining but the sun was up the sky while the air was humid. Nevertheless, that did not stop us from enjoying the serenity of the place. There were some visitors but not as much during summertime. Some of us tried rock climbing. Unlucky me that the climbing shoes don’t fit my feet. Wasn’t that redundant? Haha. Anyway, I’ve always enjoyed wall climbing so I felt bad not being able to try climbing a real wall of rocks.

Trivia: Did you know that one person can nearly drown twice in two consecutive days? The picture below shows one of the two rescue moments, involving one person, that happened when we were there.

Day Two
Had breakfast at around 8am then proceeded to packing up our things so we could enjoy the remaining hours as we would be fetch by 1pm. We started our swimming activities by taking a dip in the clear waters of the river opposite the sea. We couldn’t really use the sea since waves are gigantic. Thanks to Agot’s underwater cammie and we had some underwater shots.

As we were about to get ready for our trip back to the shores of Pundaquit, rain started to fall as if the world’s gonna end that very moment. The wind blew so hard that our wet bodies (or was it only mine) begun to shiver and almost gave up to cold. The already-big waves became even bigger and angrier. A low pressure was just spotted in Olongapo, which is just a few hours away our location according to one of the residents in the cove.

End of story? Our group was 18 in total and the four boats we rented can only accommodate 16. We (I and Bien) had to get back to Pundaquit on a boat with people we don’t know. That made the four boats just about right for the remaining 16 in our group. It took me tears to embrace my mixed feelings that time. Fear of the boat being capsized and with people who don’t even care about you, shivery due to rain and strong winds, pain of making ourselves fit the seat which was designed for one person only, anxiety because all of our stuff are goddamn wet.

Despite everything, the vacation was worthwhile. I’d go back to Anawangin next year, hopefully by climbing Mt. Pundaquit, but definitely not during rainy season.

Near-death experience on trip to Mag-Aso falls on the island of Bohol. Here are the falls. We had just gotten there. It had been raining, but stopped.

The falls are about 25 feet tall. The water collects in a pool. It's not deep. There's a bamboo raft.

These guys were swimming/playing on the raft.

Closer to the falls.

There is some space behind the falls. The two guys went back there.

This is the view down-stream. It's very shallow. Notice the picnic table. This is the same table shown later.

It got very loud. Water came out of nowhere. The two guys had nowhere to go. I took this picture before I realized what was happening.

This picture was taken perhaps 30 seconds later.

Another view downstream. That's the same picnic table.

Water is still rising fast.

A view of the falls, as they now look. Those two guys are still back there. No one saw them swept away, so maybe they're still alive...

The water is full of bamboo, mud, etc. It's still surging, very loud. At this point, there are a lot of people waiting to see if those guys are okay.

This is the last picture I took. More than an hour later and the falls are still at flood stage. We left on the last bus back to the city. I don't know if those guys made it out alive.

July 4
Bad news… We heard the bodies of both guys were found today. I’ll post more if/when I hear more.

July 5
Bohol news still has not reported this. Why? Can anyone explain to me why not? Bad for tourism? Every local reporter I’ve emailed has ignored me. Only the local discussion forums are talking about this.

July 9
Bohol news did finally report this. I’ve received maybe 40 emails from locals-some who knew the guys. The bodies were discovered more than 5 KMs downstream. The funerals were a few days ago.

Where have all the warning signs gone?

Once is not enough. And this time, we hope our Anawangin escapade will be a lot more fun.

I have been there February of last year for our induction activities with my mountaineering friends. And a question on whether I’ll make it a tradition of visiting the place yearly is lingering on my mind. Why? To see how a once-isolated paradise become an overrated and abused mayhem.

Back then, Anawangin was popular only to members of the mountaineering community because of its Pundaquit traverse trail leading to the fine, white sand cove hovered with pine trees. If there was any, my bad as I never heard of a beach with pine trees on its shore. True enough, it is indeed a place one would want to go.

Reading articles off the internet these past days, I have noticed that Anawangin is no longer sacred as lots of people, mountaineer or not, now considered it as a tourist spot. It saddens me that the former secluded sanctuary for some is not a secret any more. Dare not to set up a tent during summer. The cove is literally flooded with sightseers wanting to enjoy its transcendental feel.

Nevertheless, I am flustered of the thought of leaving out my stressful work even just for two days and spending them off in a wonderful place with my friends.

Here’s our IT.

Day 1 (July 24 Friday)

2200 Assembly: Pasay Rotonda Victory Liner Terminal
2300 Departure: Pasay to San Antonio

Day 2 (July 25 Saturday)

0300 ETA San Antonio
0330 San Antonio to Pundaquit
0400 ETA Pundaquit: Prepare for Start trek
0430 Start trek/Brgy. Tribo
0530 River crossing
0630 Summit/Saddle
0730 River crossing
0900 Anawangin Set Camp
1200 Lunch
1300 Swim/Explore/Enjoy
1900 Dinner
2000 Socials

Day 2 (July 26 Sunday)

0600 Wake up call
0630 Breakfast/Break camp
0730 Boat ride to Capones Island
1030 Brgy. Tribo, Pundaquit (Wash up)
1200 Olongapo City Lunch
1300 ETD for Manila
1600 ETA Manila

Can’t join the trek for the second time. I’ll be out from work at 6am (thanks to the life of a call center agent). Travel is almost 5 to 6 hours. Trek can be more than 5 hours depending on the weather and my body phase. So what’s left for me? Socials? Haha. Anyway, I and my better half will be fetched instead by Mang Randy at Pundaquit. Boat ride to Anawangin, again!

More pictures here: 1 2 3 4

More pictures here: 1 2

More pictures here: 1 2

Camera phone saves the day. (San Juan, Batangas)

More pictures HERE.