a s t i g !

At the heart of Naga, you'll find the oldest and one of the largest food chain in Bicol, the Bigg's Diner. Since 1983, it has been famous for it's cooked to order meals. It's not hard to find their restaurant, it's at Panganiban drive near St. Francis church and Naga Plaza.

Restaurant's 70's inspired interior.

Another nice wall design.

Look at those vintage stuffs and how they arranged and posted it on their brick wall, cool!

Same with their wall hangs.

Paper mats.

Bigg's counter.

Breaded pork with laing in sizzling plate.

We ordered Pork chop with laing and we were so hungry then, but they took so long before they serve it, 30-45 mins. The food is good, but when we ordered again, this time it's just an extra rice and halo-halo. It took again the same minutes before we tasted the extras.

Special halo-halo.

Halo-halo, perfect for Naga's hot weather..

July 29, 2011

Over-all I enjoyed Bigg's diner, maybe next time I'll try their pizzas. :)

CARAMOAN │ Sabang Port

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:21:00 +0000

Ferry boat from Guijalo port Caramoan docked already at Sabang port, 10:00AM.

We left New Crown Hotel Naga around 6AM and came 9 AM at Sabang Port where we took outrigger boats which ferry passengers to the Guijalo, Caramoan Port. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the first trip which was 6AM and just waited for the next one, 10Am.

Hotel Roa owner in Caramoan, Dr. Ramon Roa who accompanied us said that locals (wearing black shirt in the above photo) used to carry passengers and luggages on their backs to keep them dry to and from the boat. But because of gender difference among lifters and passengers, especially among females, they made this floating wooden bridge to help them cross safely.

Schedule varies depends how long a boat takes to fill up passengers and luggages, but usually hourly boat departure starts at 5 AM with travel time of 2-3 hours.

CARAMOAN │ Guijalo Port

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:03:00 +0000

Guijalo port at high tide

Boat reached Guijalo at 12:15PM from Sabang port, Naga. We were almost near the port then, but I was puzzled why this commercialized ferry boat stopped quite distant. Then after seconds, several small boats came fetching passengers. We're like being attacked by pirates! haha. We'll it was low tide that's why.

Guijalo from afar.

All the passengers' things that time were located on boat's certain area so we can't get it at once, they just asked us to ride the boat first and waited for our baggages at the port. Of course I was nervous about our things, but nothing to worry, all of the locals and lifters were honest, just keep an eye on other passengers, they might carry away yours.

Docked boats at the port.

Our outrigger boat viewed from the port.

When we reached the port, we noticed unusual bigger tricycles offering ride and hotel accommodations. So if you haven't took any tour packages, don't worry, Hotels will make it easier for you and will arrange everything in a very cheap price!

Remember: Boat ride from Guijalo Caramoan port back to Sabang Naga is until 11 AM only.

CARAMOAN│Bikal Port

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:54:00 +0000

Bikal Port.

Bikal port is one of the ports in Caramoan which is main way to outrigger boats for hire that bring tourists to different islands and cave destinations.

We started our journey to our Caramoan Island hopping upon arriving this port . We spent a several minutes because our tour guide, Kuya Joseph, was fixing something. First we went to a sari-sari store near the port and he had conversation with a man who's the owner of the banka we were going to use, he said. But there was a little problem, it was low tide. Because of this advantageous phenomenon for our Island hopping, our guide had to look for a smaller boat to get into a bigger one parked not quite far; bigger boats tend to be grounded on rocks under so borrowing small boats are really necessary, like we did in Guijalo port upon Sabang boat arrival.

Outrigger boat parking area.

Our guide hand held us the towels he was holding, our towels which were free of charge so no need to bring one, left for more couple of minutes, he was gone again then returned asked if we would like to rent 2 pairs of goggles for our snorkeling activity later on. Of course we said yes coz we don't have any, it was for P150, if my memory served me right.

Elevated nipa house beside the port.

Temperature at the waiting nipa shed area was totally hot, maybe heightened due to much liquids evaporated from the water; was like sauna bath feeling, hehe., but was ok enjoyed taking pictures of us at the area. Well taking advantage of time kuya was still not present, the humid temperature reminds me of too much skin darkening nightmare I might have, it was my time to apply my sunblock spray, woohoo! I forgot to apply one after we enjoyed our lunch. Actually our sched was late, we arrived at Guijalo 12:30, ate lunch, rest a little and rushed ourselves off to Bikal, in tagalog "di pa natutunawan".

While waiting, I notice a nipa house elevated from the ground with some wooden cuttings to lift it, mangroove-like house for me. I asked kuya Joseph why it's like that? Then my guess was right, there's a time of high tide that houses should be couple of inches higher from the ground. But I was surprised when he said that sometimes level reach up to upper thigh level.

Then after waiting several minutes on a very hot shed, we then off to our island hoping adventure. Finally I felt the wind blows as the boat moves.

Mangroves beside the port at high tide.

Of course after the island tour, we returned at this particular port. We noticed that it was already high. Waters got into the cemented path, where slopes were not already visible as to compare to first photo above. All in all, island hopping was amazing and this thoroughfare port opened it's gates to every tourists to experience it.

Bikal at high tide.

CARAMOAN │Lampikaw Tablet Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:05:00 +0000

Lampikaw Tablet Rock.

After that interesting Island hopping experience, we went back to Bikal port and saw this interesting rock form from afar. Lampikaw Tablet Rock might be familiar to those foreign survivor fans not just beacause of nice location but because of memorable challenge happened here.

Closer look.

Lampikaw, the loner rock. :)

It's like an isolated rock, sprouted far from the rock formation beside it.

More closer.

The Survivor Challenge.

July 31, 2011

Like what I mentioned on my previous blog post, this was one of the location of foreign Survivor TV show, but unfortunately, that wooden structure is just a remnant due to a typhoon struck Caramoan and casted it away to another island, the Minalahus Island. Because of it's incompleteness, we weren't able to experience the survivor excitement contestants had before.

CARAMOAN │Hunongan Beach Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Hunongan Island Beach Resort.

Another mesmerizing private beach in Caramoan group of islands is Hunongan beach resort which is also near famous private resort, Gota beach. From afar, while passing here from Cagbalinad Island, we really saw its white, clean beach front adorn with cute hut accommodations and turquoise waters.

Standing on a huge rock from Cagbalinad Island with backdrop of Hunongan Beach.

Hunongan Island hills from afar as background. As you can see Hunongan Beach is quite near our Island.

Looking Hunongan from afar, just passing by.

This great beach sighting happened last 30th of July 2011 upon passing by from Cagbalinad Island to our next Island destination. We weren't able to experience this Beach it's private and just available only for it's own guests, but still I'm contented to appreciate it's beautiful beach front afar.

CARAMOAN │Matukad Island's Mystical Bangus

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Matukad Island Lagoon.

Caramoan has so many hidden beautiful Islands but there's a mystery behind one of it. The most beautiful and the first Island we visited was Matukad Island which has the finest sand and beautiful sedimentary rock formations, but behind these rocks lies a huge mystery.

Another view of the lagoon.

Unveiling the mystery isn't that easy, you should climb approximately 20ft. high rocks to see the lagoon that houses it.

We have to pass this challenge to know the mysterious thing that made people amazed and elude at the same time. It's not that hard to climb these beautiful rock forms. It's not that sharp and there are plenty of branches that you can hold on to. Actually it's an advantage for rock climbers and mountaineers, but if you have the guts, muscle strength and endurance you'll definitely reach the top!

"That's the lagoon"

Finally we're at the site where we saw the mystical creature. The area was full of rock wedges with trees around. Actually, we weren't able to get really closer to the lake because it's really hard, "buwis-buhay" event, so we just waited and enjoy view from afar.

Bangus silhouette.

Mystical creature up close.

Here's the story about the milk fish. According to our tour guide, the story behind this 6 kilos mysterious fish happened about 20 years ago, where 2 Bangus "milk fish" with unknown origin lived in this lagoon. During that time a man with his son went out to search for food for their family. Unexpectedly, they found the said lagoon hidden above those huge rocks. They saw the 2 milk fishes, caught 1, brought it home and ate it. The day after, the whole family died. Since then, no one ever tried to catch the Bangus left anymore. No one also did know what's the gender of the said fish.

The milk fish from lagoon.

I ask our tour guide, why shouldn't they put a couple of Bangus there so it will have some friends hehe, plus they can breed that bangus to other bangus and it will live happily ever after!lol. Well, They just prefer to leave it like that to share the story to tourists.

CARAMOAN │ Lahos Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:17:00 +0000

Approaching Lahos Island.

After Matukad Island visit, we went to another Island named Lajos or Lahos which means "overflow" because the sea can wash over a part of this narrow island from one side to the other. Vewing from a far, you'll see a beautiful Island, it's like two separated rocks situated on a flat white sand paper and can be appreciated only during low tide.

This Island also has beautiful rock formations like in Matukad's, but in comparison with the sand consistency and color, Lajos has less finer and kinda yellowish one

Out boat docked at Lajos Island.

This Island is unique for it's appearance because of two prominent rocks act like two towers and passing through the middle will take you to the other side of the Island.

Bluish waters viewed from the beach front.

This is the one side of the Island's beach front where we docked our boat. Kuya Joseph, our tour guide said that this is Island is owned by Bichara family and they let able people to rent it like the survivor show. Sometimes, people just camp there for their accomodation and just hire tour guides for the Island hoping and other possible activities in Caramoan.

Rock forms from Island's left side.

I love this rock formation, Isn't that beautiful? For me it's like a huge coral reef. :) These rocks are not as high as those in Matukad but there are more bushes here.

Other rock forms at the beach front.

Looking up on the sky.

Two sides of the Island.

Here's the two sides of the Island separated by a space of white sand. During High tide, this part of the is unseen, where the term Lajos or "Laho" (gone), Island's name came from.

July 31, 2011:

This visit was fun coz I met tiny creatures under the rocks/sands, and that was interesting. By the way we're planning to have camping here next time, to add excitement on our vacation/adventure and to reduce expenses as well! We could arrange that kind of setting sith our tour guide next time. haha.

CARAMOAN │ Cagbalinad Island Snorkeling

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:47:00 +0000

Cagbalinad from afar.

Another Island explored after Lajos Island, the Cagbalinad Island. Before we proceed to the Island itself, we had snorkeling.

Island is so rich in marine life, you can see how much fish enjoy swimming with you without any feed (bread to attract fishes) and corals beautifully arranged under. It's like 5-10 meters away from the shore where this experience is no way impossible!

Snorkeling on Island's waters.

Vest are provided by our tour guide and goggles are rented for 100 each. Well that cost is cheaper compared to what Island waters offer you.

Flower-like corals.

Scene under the boat.

It's so good to take pictures here because of it's clear waters and well marine life, but be sure to have good cameras as well. Charge it full or bring battery extras, or you'll missed this underwater pic exploration like us. haha.

After snorkeling for about 30-45 mins, we went to the Island proper through hitching the boat's outrigger. It's really fun to be dragged though the water, so relaxing! :)

Island's rocks.

After feeling of sand touching our feet, we walked then to reach the Islands shore. Here it is, the Island. Actually it's beach isn't visible because of high tide. Compare it with the previous photos above.

The huge rock at Cagbalinad's beach front, with Hunongan Island beach resort at the background.

You'll notice this huge rock in the middle once you've reached the shore. Underneath lies many holes, like mini caves, which is more evident during low tides, however in high tides submerging selves in water to appreciate it. Then we climb on the said rock bare footed. It's kinda spiny in texture and might induce injury. Moreover, do not jump on waters if it's not that high tide, you might get injured.

This lovely snorkeling-island adventure happened last July 30, 2011 with my BF. Its a good thing we went there in high tide because we're able to jump and splash into the waters, maybe next time we'll try in low tide so we can take a good picture of it's sand and compared it on other Caramoan's Islands.

July 31, 2011:

This Island is great.It has good marine life and has so clear and bluish waters. I recommend this for a nice snorkeling experience.

CARAMOAN │ Minalahus Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:31:00 +0000

Minalahus Island.

Our last Caramoan Island destination was Minalahus Island. This Island is similar to other Islands but compared to others, majority of it is rock formation proportion as to white sand, (about three fourths). It's already quite tiring but we did still enjoy our last Island.

Rock formations.

Limestones here were quite high and sharp, which is greater portion of Island as to it's sand area. Like any other bummers, we had now opportunity to write on the sand! Yey, coz we forgot to do it on the previous Islands.

Nearby islands seen from Minalahus Island.

CARAMOAN │ Breathtaking Matukad Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:34:00 +0000

White sands and limestone rock at Matukad.

Our Island adventure begun when we left Bikal port about 2 in the afternoon and ride a medium sized boat with our tour guide Kuya Joseph. After passing by so many beautiful Islands, we didn't imagine that we'll land on this amaxing Island.

From a far, you'll see this beautiful huge rock inviting you to swim on its bluish waters from your boat up to the shore. This view is just a glimpse and be ready to unveil the beauty you never seen before and I tell you, you don't want to leave this Island upon your first step!

I love the luscious green trees around.

After an hour we finally docked at the Matukad's shore. My first Matukad Island step was so unforgettable. I felt like I was stepping on a "Pulboron", (a filipino delicacy composed of powdered milk, sugar, and flour) and I cant help but to enjoy it like a child.

The time we visited this Island, locals were cleaning the whole Island because Survivor India will held their first episode shoot, luckily we went there first and experienced the beauty of the Island. Imagine it's beauty that made foreign Survivor team keep coming back Caramoan?

Sedimentary rocks at beach front.

Matukad Island got it's name from local term "Mataas" or Steep based on how limestone rocks appears around the Island. In this picture, this limestone rock formation got my attention, it looks like a throne of the ocean's king situated at the front of the shore.

Behind huge spiny rocks lies an intriguing mystery. Our tour guide told us a story about a mysterious "Bangus" or milk fish that made the Island more popular. Those spiny rocks climbed would seriously scratch your skin if you're not cautious, so be careful holding/stepping on it and always follow what your guide tells you.

Matukad lagoon.

After climbing approximately 20 ft high rock formation, here's the Matukad Lagoon where the 6-kilo-milk fish lives for about 20 years. Would it really be true that a fish can live this long? Unusual but true, locals says. After seeing the lagoon and heard about the story, we climbed a little more to move to a certain spot where you can appreciate the whole Island.

View from the highest point of the Island.

Here's the perfect view from the perfect spot! This is the reason why I really love this Island, I haven't imagined I could see this breath taking scene which I only saw on paintings. Wow! the only word I said. This spot is so perfect I never regretted I had stone scratches and bruises on my legs. From here, you'll see how beautiful the whole Island is. See those Islands on our background? How about those sea grasses saying hi from the waters? Right picture has the background of Matukad's shore together with the beautiful huge rock. And see where we docked our boat, the area we came from down there? Weew, a little bit tiring but it's really worth it.

Another view from the top.

Beach front's huge rock.

This rock was the first thing I appreciated when we came in the Island, started upon seeing it from afar and the second to my favorite things here.

Island's other side, the rich forest. This was taken after we left the Island.

Matukad seen from afar.

July 31, 2011: I will never forget this great Island for its beautiful scenery, rock formations, powdered pure white sand, stories, snorkeling, rock climbing and swimming. All in one Island! That was my first time to do and see all those things in one particular place. So perfect, so beautiful. I know every people, adventurous or not, will definitely enjoy this place. I swear that you will really love this Island like we do. After leaving the Island, I promised to myself that I will come back and hug Matukad Island once again.

BICOL │ Naga City Plaza

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:36:00 +0000

Naga city plaza.

From Naga city airport, we were fetched by on-time hotel accommodation staffs , unfortunately plane arrival was the other way around, we noticed this plaza right away in the center of the busy streets, surrounded by different establishments, St. Francis de Assisi church and in front our hotel, 'New Crown'.

Tablet below the statues for the fifteen Martyrs of Bicol.

The place was good, no beggars and little children around like in Manila. It was like a piece of nature surrounded by urbanized blocks of cement, hehe.

The middle of plaza is a monument with three female statues above and a dead man carried one of them at the center and tablet that is seen below which commemorates fifteen martyrs in Bicol.

Viewed near from St. Francis de Assisi Church.

Like what I said, the greeniest part of the city serves as the balance for the whole area because of the ample piece of nature that gives tourist and locals a place to rest and relax for awhile.

After we got back fromour city tour, we ask our guide to just drop us off in the nearest area where we could buy some food which wasn't quite far from our hotel, then we landed on this spot, in front of the plaza.

Sun starting to set.

We look for a better place to eat, but then we just decided to buy and take it to hotel because of so much tiredness got from CWC boarding. I planned to wait for the sunset but my muscles started to sore and just took my best subject for the Naga city plaza, the blue Volkswagen Beatle MT.

July 31, 2011

BICOL │ St. Francis de Assisi Church

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:08:00 +0000

St. Francis de Assisi church.

San Francisco Church is one of the oldest churches in Bicol and the oldest in Naga City. I noticed that it is surrounded by so many establishments like mall, market, hotel, restaurants and park, "Naga Park"

Church interior.

Because of so many commercialized establishments over the area, it has lot's church goer's here. Once you've entered, you will notice it's nice ceiling and area space. Of course it is much smaller compared to other churches we visited at Naga but it has unique characteristic.

It's ceiling.

The Altar.

I so love much the ceiling. It is like a pool of water above the Altar. It adds to the solemnity and tranquil feeling of the place. So unique.

Colored panes and columns on the sides.

St. Francis of Assisi and the historical tablet.

Outside the church, the statue and church's history tablet is situated and can be viewed.

July 29, 2011:

St. Francis church was our last church to visit in Naga City before we push to our next stop, Caramoan Islands. :)

BICOL │ Our Lady of Penafrancia Church

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:09:00 +0000

Our Lady of Penafrancia Church

Our Lady of Penafrancia Church was also visted in our Naga city tour last July 2011 that made me more realize how people there love their religious heritage. We've been to Metropolitan Cathedral and headed to this particular church where temperature then was totally hot.

Church's Isle and cielings.

Our city tour guide said that hand painted ceilings and fine architectural design are well preserved for Ina's devotees and tourists since it was constructed. It was built by Rev. Miguel Covarrubias in 1711 in fullfillment of his vow that housed the original image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia first which is now situated at Basilica Minore.

The Altar.

The Virgin of Penafrancia was so miraculous and cured a lot of people from the time Her image was brought in this church during 1710. Honestly, because I'm not into news and current and historical events, I was clueless about INA's abouts.

Altar's ceiling.

It was then I knew that there's a fluvial procession and translacion what they called before her feast day. Translacion which means transfer of Our Lady of Penafrancia image transfer from one church to another.

Miraculous icon of the holy face on left. Tombstone planted I found inside the church (right).

Actually I was amazed because there was such religious celebration here in the Philippines, not to mention I'm helpless unupdated person about PH, even it's map. It made me realize how people are really devoted to Her from preparations of 9-day novena, fluvial procession and translacion which are not usual on other feast here

Outside the church, Mysteries placed on walls.

Once you entered the church you will also feel the oldy feeling from it's structure from walls, ceilings and floor. Even it was late regular day morning, where no church goers usually present, it was still open to everyone unlike here in Cavite which is usually seldom. Upon checking the area, I accidentally saw this tombstone planted on the the church's floorings and promptly asked it to our guide. He said that there were a total of 4 tombs inside the church which were priests' and I just said...ahh but when I looked closer on my pics, they weren't. Well I just noticed that some of his answers were not justifiable, tsk..tsk..

Candles for Ina and our loveones.

Upon exiting the church we went to the candle area and alley to cemetery that actually surprised me. It's unusual to see this kind of setting that made me ask the tour guide again, he just said that it was there prior to church construction and previous priests were buried there, then I just said...ahh. Because of lack of time, we didn't entered the cemetery, we had to go to next house of Ina, Basilica Minore.

Cementery at the back of the church.

There were lots of vendors outside the church offering candles and a copy of Our Lady of Penafrancia mini Prayer and they kept on following potential customers, tourists. As we went to the candle area, we bought candles to lit and refused to buy the prayer which I can just take a photo of it situated just beside the church.

Our Lady of Penafrancia Parayer Tablet.

BICOL │ Penafrancia Basilica Minore

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:47:00 +0000

Facade of Basilica Penafrancia Minore

Peñafrancia Basilica is one of the oldest church in Naga City, Bicol which houses an image of the virgin Mary that was sculpted in 1710. It was made by Miguel de Cobarrubias who moved to the Philippines from Spain with his family and believed that the virgin Mary had helped him numerous times in his life. The image was housed in a small chapel until the Basilica Minore was built.

Basilica's outside structure.

The Altar.

Basilica's ceilings.

Panes at the Basilica's Facade. Left one was taken outside which design is unnoticed; right was taken inside the church where panes were beautifully seen due to light reflected on those.

The dome.

Dome's ceiling and floor.

Ceiling up close.

I was amazed by the ceiling design. I think this describes how Our Lady of Peñafrancia influence so many people and how they celebrate it.

July 29, 2011, House of Ina at Naga City Camarines Sur Bicol, Philippines visit.

BICOL │ Metropolitan de Naga Cathedral

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Metropolitan Cathedral facade.

This is our first historical spot to visit in Naga City, 'Metro Naga'. Naga Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Philippines built in 1595 and was established during Nueva Caceres Diocese. The church gone so many nature challenges and able to restore for three times. The present structure was destroyed by fire in 1768 and was restored by 1843. Then it was damaged by a typhoon in 1856 and by an earthquake in 1887.

St. Francis of Assisi carved at Cathedral's front door (left). Columns and ceiling (right)

Every month of September, the Feast of Peñafrancia, the largest and most famous feast in Bicol Region is celebrated. Our Lady of Peñafrancia Image is transferred inside the Cathedral coming from the Basilica Minore . This process is known for “Traslacion”. Countless devotees are present to the nine-day-novena as a celebration of Virgin Mary’s annual festivities.

The Pavilion.

This is the pavilion in front of the Cathedral. It serves as shelter for the image of the Our Lady of Penafrancia after the major processions: Traslacion (First Friday of September along the streets of Naga City from the Basilica to the Cathedral) and the Fluvial procession (8th day of the devotion, from the Cathedral to Basilica through the Bicol River).

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in front of the Cathedral.

Outside Cathedral.

July 29, 2011

Sad to say, I wasn't able to take plenty of pictures inside because of wedding mass going on, see that cute bridal car on my left? It was like everybody's looking at me and wanted to ask "who are you? why you're in shorts?" haha.

BULACAN | Exciting Activities at San Miguel!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:50:00 +0000

Bulacan's exciting activities.

Here's a rough sketch of my Bulacan adventure!

1. Mt. Manalmon Hiking
JUMP-OFF: Sitio Madlum Brgy. Sibul San Miguel Bulacan, Philippines TYPE: Minor climb
TERRAIN: Terrain minimally steep, fall hazard possible
REQUIREMENTS: Hiking shoes/sandals, some sure footedness.
Check-out more of Mt. Manalmon here.

2. Madlum River Swimming
One side trip after Mt. Manalmon Climbing is plunging you selves into waters of Madlum river to freshen up. More of Madlum River can be seen here.

3. Monkey Bridge Cross
One of the exciting side trip of Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola climb is Monkey bridge crossing. It is approximately 20-30 meter long of solid wire securely tied around two boulders. Check this activity here.

4. Bayukbok Caves Spelunking
Bayukbok Caves are one of the historical places in Bulacan which can be found at the territory of Biak na Bato National Park. Based on Philippine history, these were hidding spot of guerrillas from Japanese colony. Later you'll realized how they put their selves in the narrowest and the darkest holes of the caves just to hide and save their lives. More this found here.

5. Madlum Cave Traverse
Anyone who's planning to climb Mt. Manalmon or Mt. Gola will definitely pass through this part of the Madlum Cave. More of this here. 6. Zipline Another Exciting activity here is approximately 20 meters made by the locals.

6. Zipline
Last but not the least, the man-made zipline!

BULACAN │ Madlum Cave

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Outside Madlum Cave.

Anyone who's planning to climb Mt. Manalmon or Mt. Gola will definitely pass through this part of the Madlum Cave. First, From the Jump off you have to cross the Madlum River via "balsa" (bamboo raft) or Monkey bridge.

Station-of-the-cross-like area

Other end of the Cave.

It was really dark upon entering the said cave, I advise to use your headlights and flashlight to keep you safe walking especially in the middle of the cave until you reach the end. Also, be careful stepping on the marble rocks because it's really slippery esp. when wet, like during rainy season, water drips down the cave from it's ceiling.

Huge dripstone on our right side.

Heading out the cave.

Basically, this Cave was very easy even for beginners. Just open your eyes, lamps and your cameras! Whether you like it or not, you will pass through this cave if you are planning to have Mt. Manalmon and/or Mt. Gola climb.

BULACAN │ Expoloring Bayukbok Caves

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:16:00 +0000

Bayukbok Caves are one of the historical places in Bulacan which can be found at the territory of Biak na Bato National Park. Based on Philippine history, these were hidding spot of guerrillas from Japanese colony. Later you'll realized how they put their selves in the narrowest and the darkest holes of the caves just to hide and save their lives.

The Map.

Legend in English: Daanan:way, Yungib:Cave, Bahayan:Residences, Tulay na Kable:Cable Bridge, Palanguyan:Swimming Area, Piknikan:Picnic Area. As you can see here at the Map there are lots of "Yungib".

Crossing Madlum river (left) and entered forested area (right).

After Mt. Manalmon climb, we crossed the river, entered forest and climb rocks just to reach the entrance of the cave.

Sedimentary rock climb.

Then we climbed up on these rocks..Actually, I slipped here because of wet marble portion I stepped on. haha. Thank God someone catched me :) After here, we went to the cave entrance and given orientation about the rules for the activity.

Looking around make me then realize that the whole area was totally submerged in water billions of years ago because of the sedimentary rocks around. Would you imagine that the whole Bulacan Philippines wasn't existed before? Amazing!

Biceps activated to descent.

After 5-10 minutes of walk, we reached our first challege, to descend 20ft. high boulder using a rope. Slipperiness due to rains made this a little difficult.

The Music Room.

We entered small holes, climb up on rocks and crawl just to see nice limestone formation. After 15mins, we reached this amazing spot, the "Music Room". Entered approximately 2 meter area after entering 20-inch hole.

After descending using a rope, crawling under the stones and went through small tunnels we never knew how we went out of there, now here's another challenge! Simple yet enjoyable.

Were like fell on a trap here!

Oh we're not like fell on a trap here! There's a small opening at our lower left side, about 50 inches in diameter. The guy who's wearing black with orange stripe is actually assisting others to enter the area, but unfortunately we were almost full there, so everyone should climb up one by one to have enough space.

Amazing limestone rock formations.

There are two segments of the cave that you can explore. The first one I described above was just a warm up. But if you want a real adventure like in movies finding treasure and chased by their enemies, you should try this one. Your guides will ask you if you want to have just one or both. According to our cave guides, this second one requires a lot of endurance and bravery! It has lots of cliff, smallest holes and openings compared to the first one.

The sedimentary walls of the cave 2.

In this picture, this was the moment we saw the light after sight of darkness from cave one.

Bouldering.

This is one of the hardest part. You have to climb here carefully because of the cliff around you. Just a wrong step and die from falling from like a 5 storey building.

High cliff on our right.

There it is, a very high cliff on our right side and still stayed beautiful in this stressful moment.lol. Our cave guide said that this area is just like the seen from the "hidden treasure" movie. :)

After bouldering.

Descent via "baging" (vine)

Then you will be at the "baging" or vine area where you can swing through on that long vine and move like Tarzan. haha.

Cave's walls.

Compared to first cave explored, ceilings and walls were quite different. Here they' were smoother and much brownish in color maybe because it's the uppermost part amongst caves and water drips from here.

The narrowest hole ever entered!

This is the narrowest and the hardest hole I ever entered among the caves. Its like about 12 inches in diameter. Weew, would you imagine how he able to get out from there? look at the evidence from his shirt and you will know.

Cool stalagmite pillar.

After that cool hole, we were having a break. Our guide "Tatay Tunying", the one who's wearing orange was checking if that upward path is easier or can be used by that time. Well unfortunately, "kuya Mel" said that that area was too slippery that time (because of rains due to Typhoon Bebeng) so they decided to choose to another path.

Finally out!

Due to kinda wet stones and floor, our guides look for a better way out. One suggested to climb to the adventurous wall of rocks but unfortunately it was slippery even if they'll put a rope to assist, so we tend to choose much safer path. Because we came from a higher part of the cave, we descended from a flight of rocks.

This is the last area where you have to dock underneath the bamboos and crawl under a gigantic rock. A piece of cake compared to what we did on the caves.

Huge rock blocking our way out.

After the last challenge of the huge rock, went off to the jumpoff and took our lunch. Going there isn't difficult, just follow the trail and you will reach the Madlum river and jumpoff safely.

BULACAN │ Bayukbok Caves

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:01:00 +0000

Bayukbok Caves map.

Legend in English: Daanan:way, Yungib:Cave, Bahayan:Residences, Tulay na Kable:Cable Bridge, Palanguyan:Swimming Area, Piknikan:Picnic Area. As you can see here at the Map there are lots of "Yungib".

Spelunking started from crossing the Madlum river and entered forested area after our Mt. Manalmon hike. However if you just came for this exciting activity, no need to cross of course and just ask locals for guide.

The Music room.

The Bayukbok Caves are one of the historical places in Bulacan which can be found at the territory of Biak na Bato National Park. Based on Philippine history, these were hidding spot of guerrillas from Japanese colony.

Music room bottom view.

Because of its formation, locals named some part of the cave with unique features like the "Music Room", where one can percuss it's longitudinal columns on the side which can produce different tone of sound.

A coral-like limestone formation

Bayukbok caves have so many rock forms to offer, from sedimentary to limestone. Its slippery ground and small opennings made cave explaration more exciting, revealed by lights from lamps striking it's rays on sparkling minerals.

Cave's ceiling, looks like a scene in heaven.

From cave 1, we went to another cave, much harder, steeper and narrower. We had to rock climb and entered again forested area just to get there. After continuous darkness from the first cave, light was finally seen upon start of the second.

Sedimentary rock from cave 2

If you are observant and differentiate the two caves, you will notice the difference from it's ceiling; rougher and tree roots are all dangling above.

Cave 2 cieling.

Rough limestone from second cave.

Size of a hand spider silently watching us from a corner.

Another unique feature in a certain part of this second cave is scattered snail shells all over the ground, not to mention that it is several meters higher than the first one, which signifies that waters flowed along that area before.

BULACAN │ Monkey Bridge Over Madlum River

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Crossing the monkey bridge.

One of the exciting side trip of Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola climb is Monkey bridge crossing. It is approximately 20-30 meter long of solid wire securely tied around two boulders. It is free of charge for everyone, just guts required.

You have to go to the side of the river where cable is located, slightly elevated and slippery area to start. Upon reaching the area and conditioning thy self, I hold on the wires up, stepped on and started my small steps. At first, the upper and lower wires were firm and closer to each other. My elbows and shoulder were bent 90 degrees. However, as I get closer to the center, I felt that my arms were stretched all up and feeling of wire under getting slacked. My arms were getting tired that made me move slower to have a little rest. As I continue to move towards 1/4 end of the line, the feeling of firmness were got back.

Monkey bridge view from the other side of the river.

This activity is easier for tall people like 5ft. above who can hold on to the wires comfortably especially when you reached the middle. As I said earlier, wires there are slack and you might have in trouble if you disregard this. Well you can just jump into the waters if you can't continue anymore. hehe.

BULACAN │ Madlum River

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Monkey bridge over Madlum river.

Madlum river is the first thing you will notice as soon as you arrive Sitio Madlum Brgy. Kamias San Miguel Bulacan. It is the starting point for cave exploring and Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola climbing.

Viewed from before crossing the river.

Even those who are not into those activities just went for a cold plunge, sweet escape from humid weather. Also, another exciting activity can be found were Monkey bridge crossing over the river and zipline.

Rocks over one part of the river after exciting Madlum cave.

Madlum river's view doesn't stop there. It continues and go along with us from Madlum cave exit and trails.

Amazing rock forms

Looking on it's rock forms made me realize that the whole area was totally submerged in water billions of years ago. Majority of them were sedimentary rocks where commonly seen along beach fronts and Islands.

Last part of the river to cross going to Mt. Manalmon.

I was also surprised when I saw the river from Mt. Manalmon's summit, which surrounds the mountain.

Madlum river seen from Manalmon's Peak.

BULACAN | Swimming at Madlum River

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Dive in to the refreshing Madlum River

If you have plans to climb Mt. Manalmon, you have to go to the other side by crossing this part of the River. Locals will help you cross via "Balsa" (bamboo raft in English) for free. But if you want something exciting, you can cross using the Monkey Bridge which is also free.

Children fishing the day after heavy rains.

Children were fishing for "tilapiang tabang", ("St. Peter's Fish in freshwater"). This was the view from other side of the river. It was was not clear then because of typhoon "Bebeng". Waters from the mountain, hills and forest are all directed to the the said river making that muddy color. However the residents assured us that it'll be clear as soon as the rain stops and the sediments settle.

Madlum river viewed from other side of the river.

Moreover there are tables and seat near the river if you want some place to put your things and eat for P50/table. Be sure to use only ones you are going to pay and do not leave your things on other tables if you don't want to end up paying all of those, like us!hehe.

The all around sari-sari store.

I named this store as "all-around store" because of it's duties. Well first, you can buy anything you need here such as toiletries, food and drinks. If you want to rent a "balsa" in your swimming, you can just pay it here for P100/whole day and likewise for comfort room or shower usage, for P10/use. Oh, just in case you want some homey food to eat, you can also ask them to cook it for you. But of course the price will be doubled due to extra charges like for transpo and catering service. Plates and utensils are included. Basically, they served us well and gave us the list of all the ingredients together with the amount.

Swimming...swimming...

BULACAN | Mt. Manalmon Itinerary

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:24:00 +0000

Mt. Manalmon's peak.

I T I N E R A R Y

600H ETD Cubao; Near MRT station.

815H ETA Brgy. Kamias San Miguel, Bulacan

845 H ETA Jump-off Sitio Madlum

900H Start trek

1100H Summit

1200H Back to Campsite

1245H Back to jump-off

1400H Jump-off

1430H Bayukbok Caves Spelunking

1700H Swim at Madlum River

1800H ETD Sitio Madlum

2030H ETA Manila

C H E C K L I S T

Attire

Long sleves/jacket

Bandana/cap

Shorts/trekking pants

Leggings (optional)

Hikking shoes/sandals

Equipment

Individual

Water 3L/person

Head lamp/flashlight (even for day hikes)

1 mess kit (plate, spoon and fork)

Toiletries (Wet wipes, tissue, toothpaste and tooth brush)

Group

Cook set

Stove

Condiments

Tents

Meal

Packed lunch

Canned goods each meal (for overnights)

Noodle/cofee (for overnights)

E X P E N S E S

P228.00 Manila-Bulacan-Manila

P400.00 Tricycle to and from Sitio Madlum (P200/tricycle, one way)

P 60.00 Mountain guide fee

P 40.00 Bayukbok Caves Spelunking (P20/cave per person)

P115.00 Ordered Lunch from mini store (Sinigang and Tilapia with rice)

P100.00 Zipline

P 0.00 Balsa and Monkey bridge
P 10.00 Toilet use
P 50.00 Table rent
P100.00 Extra food/Snack

* They also have optional balsa rentals, P120.00 for the whole day on your river swimming.

T O T A L S P E N D I N G S

P1103.00 more or less
* Pasalubongs are not yet included