Felicitous Galaera

Food Trip│ Binacol: One of Leyte's Sweet Delicacy

2011-08-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

BINACOL

"Binacol" comes from the root word "Bakol" which means coconut shell. This food isn't the popular meat dish Chicken Binakol rather a sweet delicacy but both are served in a coconut shell half.

It is served in coconut shell half with banana leaf as cover. Binacol tastes like a "Suman" or rice cake in english with a sweet surprise at the bottom. It has caramel-like mixture with peanuts under rice cake top.

Here's the closer look of the sweet surprise.

I really enjoyed this food, actually my first time to taste this one even though my province is at Leyte (haha). I haven't tried this before, we weren't had vacation or any visits there. Well, I can say that it's really a must try especially those who really love sweets! :)

Itinerary│Mt.Batulao Climb

2011-08-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

ITINERARY

Day 1

1700-1725 Walk from Alfonso to jump-off point

1725-2000 Jump-off to the campsite

2000-2045 Cook dinner/Set-up camp

2045-2145 Eat dinner

2145-2230 Socials

2300 Lights out

Day2

0400-0410 Wake-up call

0410-0430 Cook Breakfast

0430-0500 Eat Breakfast

0500-0600 Campsite to Summit

0600-0700 Take pictures

0700-0800 Descent

0800-0900 Eat lunch

0900-1000 Break camp

1000 Back to Manila

BUDGET

P20 Registration

P80 Nasugbu to Dasma Bus

P100 Tricycle/3person

200 Total

** food is not yet included

HAPPY GALA!

---felicitousgalaera :)

Itinerary│Bulacan Adventure

2011-08-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

ITINERARY
Day1

0700 From Cubao or Pasay; take Cabanatuan-bound bus

0930 ETA Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel; take tricycle to jump-off

1000 Arrive at jump-off; register and get guides at community

1030 Lunch

1100 Start trek

1330 ETA summit of Mt. Manalmon; take pictures

1800 Cook dinner

1900 Diner

2200 Lights out

Day2

0530 Wake up call

0600 Cook Breakfast

0630 Breakfast

0700 Break camp; Start decent

0800 Start Caving

1100 Back to Jump-off

1130 Cook Lunch

1230 Lunch

1330 Back to Manila

Budget

P228 - Bus fare (114 one way Cubao-Kamias)

P133 - tricycle fare (one way 200/tricycle)

P60 - guide (Mt. Manalmon hike)

P30 - guide per cave (there are three caves that you can explore)

P50 - table

P10 - shower

P50 - zipline-self-made(optional)

----

P561 ONLY:)) (*pasalubong and food are not yet included)

Happy Gala!
---felicitousgalaera :)

Manila Sound Project Concert: 70's and 80's Music Rewind

2011-07-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Manila Sound Project in Concert
Featuring: Rene Garcia, Maso Diez, Male Rigor and Sony Parsons

When: December 29,2010, Wednesday 8:00 PM

Where: Aliw Theatre, CCP Complex Pasay City

2 VIP Tickets. VIP Center Left.

LET THE CONCERT BEGIN

Sonny Parsons. "Legs Legs mo ay nakakasilaw, legs legs mo ay nakakatunaw..leeeeeegggs..."haha had Last song syndrome after the event.

Maso Diez (Hotdog)

Rene Garcia (Hotdog)

Dancing in the tune of "Annie Batumbakal"

Everybody's standing and movin' to the music.

Male Rigor (VST)

The Last song. The last wave.

BF and I. Obviously we're one of the few younger ones there. Kinda 20-30 years in gap, hehe:D. By the way I'm happy that time listening to oldies songs even though not familiar with the singers. I just enjoy the music and feel how Filipino Music inspire others without any conditions, without any age bracket, with any generation.

AFTER THE CONCERT

The Tarp. :)

***Special thanks to When In Manila, Mellow 94.7 and DJ Vince for giving me opportunity to watch this great concert with my BF. Best regards and Thank you s much!

HAPPY GALA!

---felicitousgalaera :)

San Miguel, Bulacan: The Answer To Your Thirsty Adventurous Minds

2011-05-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

HERE'S THE EXCITING ACTIVITIES!
MT. MANALMON CLIMBING

MT. GOLA CLIMBING

MADLUM RIVER SWIMMING

MADLUM CAVE

BAYUKBOK CAVES SPELUNKING

Looks like an ice cream melted by your stare.

MONKEY BRIDGE

Actually My First time to do this! From the start, it's quite easy. The solid wire you're stepping on and the one you're holding are stable, firm and not saggy. Once you've reached the middle, you'll feel that the two wires are getting more distant. I started with my elbows and shoulders like 90 degrees bent (like in the picture) but the time I reached the middle, my upper extremities are all straight up!

ZIPLINE

Self-made Zipline by the locals. But it's safe.

HOW WE GOT THERE
We took Cabanatuan-bound bus from Cubao (at Five Star terminal near Cubao MRT station). Fare is 114/person. You can ask the “manong kundoktor” to drop you off to Brgy. Kamias tricycle terminal. From there, they will take you to jump-off at Brgy Madlum (P200/tricycle), approx. 45mins. Don’t worry it’s really worth it. BTW, there’s a mini market about 15 mins away from the jump-off and can go there if want to buy something. Also, if you want to be fetch after your activity, you can just tell them and have their numbers.

HAPPY GALA!

---felicitousgalaera :)

Madlum Cave: Easy Caving Experience

2011-05-29T06:00:00.002-07:00

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.

Read more about this »

Bayukbok Caves: My First Spelunking Adventure

2011-05-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

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 used by the guerrillas to hid 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.

Read more about this »

Madlum River: Unique For It's Rock Formations

2011-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you have plans to climb Mt. Manalmon, you have to go to the other side by crossing this part of the River. People there 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.

Before we crossed, we took a picture standing on a huge marble rock beside the River.

We are going to climb Mt. Manalmon so from here, we crossed the River.

AFTER CROSSING

The Children fishing for "tilapiang tabang", ("St. Peter's Fish" catch in freshwater). This is the view from the other side of the River after we've crossed. Well as you can see, the water is not that clear. Because of typhoon "Bebeng". The waters from the mountain, hills and forest are all directed to the the said river making that cloudy color. But the residents assured us that it'll be clear as soon as the rain stops and the sediments settle.

There are tables and seat if you want some place to put your things and eat your food for P50/table. Be sure to use the one that you just want to rent and do not leave your things on other tables. You might end up paying for all of those.

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. Also, if you want to rent the "balsa" in your swimming, you'll just pay for P100/whole day. For the use of Comfort Room or taking a shower, just pay here P10/use. Oh, just in case you want some homey food to eat, you can ask them to cook it for you. But of course the price might be doubled due to extra charges like for transpo and catering service. Plates and utensils are included. Basically, they served well and after we eat they gave us the list of all the ingredients and fees of our order.

OTHER PARTS OF THE RIVER

After entering Madlum Cave, you'll pass by this part of the river with it's amazing rock formations.

Crossing the Madlum River

RIVER'S VIEW FROM MT.MANALMON'S SUMMIT

Photo by April Ramirez

Cliff behind

SWIMMING TIME

HOW TO GET THERE?

We took Cabanatuan-bound bus from Cubao (at Five Star terminal near Cubao MRT station). Fare is 114/person. You can ask the “manong kundoktor” to drop you off to Brgy. Kamias tricycle terminal. From there, they will take you to Brgy. Madlum (P200/tricycle), approx. 45mins. Don’t worry it’s really worth it. And if you want to be fetch after your swimming, you can just tell ans ask for their numbers.

EXPENSES

P114 Bus Fare

P200 Tricycle

P50 Table

P100 "Balsa" (optional)

P10 Shower use

474 ONLY:)) (pasalubong and food are not yet included)

HAPPY GALA!

---felicitousgalaera :)

Mt. Manalmon│The Monthsary Climb

2011-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mt. Manalmon

Jump-off: Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul San Miguel Bulacan

Specs: Monir CLimb 2/9, Trail Class 1-2

HOW TO GET THERE?We took Cabanatuan-bound bus from Cubao (at Five Star terminal near Cubao MRT station). Fare is 114/person. You can ask the “manong kundoktor” to drop you off to Brgy. Kamias tricycle terminal. From there, they will take you to jump-off at Brgy Madlum (P200/tricycle), approx. 45mins. Don’t worry it’s really worth it. BTW, there’s a mini market about 15 mins away from the jump-off and can drop by if want to buy something. Also, if you want to be fetch after your hike, you can just tell them and have their numbers.

Merrell Triplets

At the Jump-off

Madlum River, Jump-off

From the jump-off, just ask the people there for a guide (P60/person) who’ll take to the mountain’s summit. From there, you will cross the Madlum River via balsa (free for hikers) or Monkey Bridge (also free) if you want.

After I crossed the river.

Then you’ll pass by a station-of-the-cross-like area and then the Madlum Cave. Be careful coz its really slippery. Stones are not just ordinary stones, they are marble.

After that, you’ll pass bushy areas and other side of the Madlum River. In the trek, you will notice a huge marble rock in the middle. If you decided to go to Mt. Manalmon’s summit, you turn right but if you want to go to Gola’s you turn left.

Resting for a while at the Bamboo area. About 10 mins more to campsite.

CAMPSITE

Surprisingly, from the campsite, summit is just 5 meters away.

If your going to have an overnight camp, your guide will stay with you so don’t forget to share your food with him. Don’t worry he has his own utensils and “duyan” mini tent. Ask him as well to join with your night socials.

The night socials together with our guide Kuya Mel, the one who's wearing headlight.

AT THE ZENITH

View from the top. Mt. Gola on left.

The view at the peak is so amazing. Majority of it is a huge rock, the only ordinary rock I noticed in the whole area, not a marble nor sedimentary rock. From the top, you’ll notice how Madulum River run beside the mountain. Likewise, the surrounding mountains like Mt.Gola, Mt. Arayat and Mt. Buntis.saying hello.

Mt. Gola on Backround.

Now, Mt. Buntis at the back.

THE HIKERS

From Left to Right. Kevin, Michael, Sir Paul, JanV, Jasmin, Jetrho, Fil, Ryhan, Aldai, April, Aime, Raymond and Kuya Mel (our guide who took the picture)

OUR ITENERARY

Day1

0700 From Cubao or Pasay; take Cabanatuan-bound bus

0930 ETA Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel; take tricycle to jump-off

1000 Arrive at jump-off; register and get guides at community

1030 Lunch

1100 Start trek

1330 ETA summit of Mt. Manalmon; take pictures

1800 Cook dinner

1900 Diner

2200 Lights out

Day2

0530 Wake up call

0600 Cook Breakfast

0630 Breakfast

0700 Break camp; Start decent

0800 Start Caving

1100 Back to Jump-off

1130 Cook Lunch

1230 Lunch

1330 Back to Manila

Travel Expenses

P228 - Bus fare (114 one way Cubao-Kamias)

P133 - tricycle fare (one way 200/tricycle)

P60 - guide (Mt. Manalmon hike)

P30 - guide per cave (there are three caves that you can explore)

P50 - table

P10 - shower

P50 - zipline-self-made(optional)

----

P561 ONLY:)) (*pasalubong and food are not yet included)

Mt. Batulao: My Unforgettable First Climb

2011-04-23T18:00:00.001-07:00

Mt. Batulao

Jump off: Evercrest Golf Course Nasugbu, Batangas

GETTING STARTED

It's like 5:00pm in the evening and still we weren't started our trek. Actually my first trek/climb. I'm the only girl in this hike, guarded by very nice guys, my BF's close friends who protected and took care of me during the climb.

Finally we're at the jump off, the Evercrest at Nasugbu, Batangas. We took a short rest after a long walk from Alfonso, Cavite. Weeew, why didn't we took a ride anyway? Well that's what they called "trip lang" (weired decision). Hmm, if you're coming from Manila, just take a Nasugbu-bound buses from Pasay. If you're planning to just walk from Alfonso, like us, make sure you have lots of energy to withstand the ascending and descending trails to campsite :)

Just took a rest again, It's almost 7:30 pm and still walking. Actually we were not knowledgeable about the cliffs around the trail. We just walk and walk without having it on our minds. We just realized it at the moment Jay said about it. By that time I started not to walk fast. Haha. It's really helpful if you have headlamps. Flashlights are also good but it's kinda difficult to grasp for support if you gonna use this one.

It's 8:30 pm already and the guys just started to pitch our tent. The funny part here is, it wasn't a camping tent, it was a beach tent without floor cover! lol. And me, just relaxing and taking some pictures :).

Tadaaa! The finish product of our tent! Oh, the boys arrange those wooden blocks there at campsite and just arranged it that way. It's like we're around a bonfire without a fire, just a wooden post with a hanging head lamp.Lol.

Ladies and gentlemen our food. Notice our water. We're about 10. 9 boys and 1 girl sharing 16.5 L of water for trail and for cooking for 1 day and 1 night. In short, there are people who didn't brought water!

Inside the tent. Look at the flooring! We just put the blankets together with plastic under in one area. Lol

Photo taken inside the tent. They were outside and I was able to take picture of them bec. of the see-through tent. Also, you can see the stars, constellation, shooting stars and scare each other that there's a wild animal outside that can easily eat you. Haha.

Breakfast time.

HIKE TO THE ZENITH

Sunrise. 5:49am

I will never forget this area because of Kuya Teng. This area has 2 trails, 1 on the right and 1 on the left. We're behind the group and Kuya Teng told us that it's easier and shorter in distance to the left. I trusted him and climb on the top on of the rock (area in the picture). I was shocked coz my left side is a cliff. Really steep! Really "buwis-buhay" (life threatening in english) I can't go back anymore coz, my bf is already behind and it'll took time for us to get down again where we just started. The others are kinda far from us so we don't have more time to change and have to continue what we took trail. Me and my Boyfriend decided to pass there in sitting position! We were so nervous then. Weew, thank God I am able to Blog it now. haha.

Success! Picture after passing approx. 12 inch trail with cliff on both sides!

FINALLY AT THE SUMMIT
The view from the top was so relaxing. You'll appreciate how mountains and hills are amazingly arranged such as Maragondon, Talamitam,Taal and Maculot.
The sun is already up.

Boys from Left to right. Kuya Teng, Dante, Jake, Nhuj, Raymond(my Bf), Ronald, Jay. Oh, I forgot to mention that 2 guys were left at the campsite, Kulot and Mingming.
Me, the Boys and Mama Mary at the Summit. According to the locals, there was a group of hikers who brought and left the Mama Mary's idol there

Failed jump shot. Haha.

Together in the top.

THE CAMPSITE

Break camp.
View from the campsite
THE DESCENT

Be
fore our descent, we paid P20/person for registration. At least you have your name written in their logbook and as a proof that you've been there.

Look how far they are from us. Obviously we were left behind because of picture taking.
Here at the stop over taking a rest. By the way you can buy Buko juice (coconut juice) for P20
Mt. Batulao from a far with Kulot.
At the end of the dusty road you will find a small sari-sari store there where you can buy cold softdrinks. By the way what Im' holding is ice cold RC P40/800ml bottle. From here, you can ride a tricycle to highway P100/3 person or 120/4 person.
THE
HIKERS
From left to right. Ronald, Kuya teng, Jake, Nhuj, Jay, Dante, Mingming, Kulot, Aime, and Raymond (who took the picture)

HAPPY GALA!
---felicitousgalaera :)