Ma, bayad po!

Travel Journal 14-002: Cagbalete Island

2014-04-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cagbalete Island: Braving the waves of the Quezon!

I was riding on on my usual morning travel to the office when I received an SMS from my girl's workmate, asking if I'm interested to join their planned Quezon travel. Hmmm that's quite interesting, but I dunno yet my girl's decision on this as she was already catching her dreams after her usual night shift in a BPO company. I responded with a safe answer saying " I will go if she will go :)". Then, it's a usual day.

Soon, I received a message from my girl saying she already booked ourselves to the Quezon trip. The information given to me were limited and I only knew when and how long we will be going, but it's good enough to give me excitement as I know I'll be hitting the road again soon. However, the itinerary bothered me as I have to be at the Asia's largest mall by 5am on the scheduled date. Knowing that, my girl suggested if I can ask her workmate who resides near the mall to let me sleep on his boarding house for some hours, but it seems that my usual heavy workload saved me. So, it has a positive side after all :p

It was already two days before our scheduled when my teammates have agreed to have an overnight work due to our backlogs created by system change, upgrades and modifications as a result of legal split up of my company. I was already confused on how I will strategize my trip, when sudden changes made a favorable situation. We will have an overnight work at Friday, the day before our trip.

Friday came, the overnight work was tiring but quite fun, as while working, we entertain ourselves with stories that turned us laughing all night. Then time has come to go. I was already bit tired as I leave the office, but since I learned that our trip includes Cagbalete island, my excitement have beaten the stress.

As I met my thoughtful girl who brought me a breakfast(oohh sweet ^^), I hasten to the changing room and get me a more comfortable clothes. Then we left fast! Cagbalete, here we come!! The team are all energetic, our service van is full of noise until we got to Sto. Tomas. They are fast asleep, I was not! Oh oh, I can see the future.

It has no traffic in general that made our trip better, but what made our organizer worried was not the traffic jam, but the waves going to the Cagbalete island as informed to her by her relatives. Imagining the waves that I faced back in my Anawangin Cove con Capones Island trip gave me a chill knowing that my girl is with me. But worry not, as she said to as that we will assess once we arrived, if it's feasible or not before continuing.

Touched down! We reached the Mauban. We stopped by a local store to try one of the Quezon Province's pride, the "Pansit Hab-hab". Hmmmm tastes good! Team were not just enslaved by the taste of the latter, but also amazed by the skill of the store owner that just flips everything from serving to wrapping. Then, we continued our journey.

Not too far, we reached our destination, our organizers home place, within less an hour. We settled down a bit and walk by the bay. Wohooo!! The waves aren't too friendly, though it's nothing compared to my Anawangin experience. Manageable, I think. But, the first timers are too frightened as the waves looks like swallowing a boat not far from the bay. Let's see....

We headed back to the place of our organizer to take our lunch. It was a sumptuous meal, so forget the diet(though I never been into it haha), and say "harabira!!". What comes after a nice meal? Ofcourse, it's the "baboy syndrome"s 2nd stage, sleeping time!hihi. We took a nap and hoped that the waves will get a little bit friendly afterwards. Yeah, it never happened! But, worry not, as I believe the travel won't be that dangerous though expect a bumpy ride.

Time to leave for the Cagbalete island. We packed our things on a large plastic bag and take tricycles. Then, a symbol of blessings, lots of it, came from the sky. It's raining hard! Wohooo!! I'm already chilling as we reached the mini port. Good thing, the rain stopped before we took our boat. It's already bumpy right from the start and it can make you drowsed if you're not used to it. Then, the boat left the mini port.

At first, the waves made us feel like we are in a see-saw. The view were nice, but I can't bring out my cam to take a shot as every high waves causes a splash that can wet almost everybody!(It's a saltwater, I won't take a risk even my water-resistant-phone). Then, we reached the middle of our destination, where the boat begins to dance. I thought my girl will be afraid, but it's the opposite, she's enjoying. WT! haha. What made me worried is when I felt that the long chair we are sitting rocks sidewards. I was too worried that either one the girls sitting at the side of the chair can get thrown outside and others can get a painful hit by something in the boat, if the chair totally collapsed. Good thing, we passed the great waves, and the Cagbalete island started to slowly emerge in our front. Soon, we're almost at the shore. The boat stopped despite it's still too far from the shore, it can't dock, the beach is too shallow. One of the boat jumped at the water and swam to the anchored flat boat. He pulled it closer while walking in a chest-deep-water. We then, transferred to the latter which brought us closer to the island.

At the island, we took our snack, "pansit" again? Haha. Then, our usual syndrome attacks, sleeping time!
Then, most of us got up when it's about dinner, you guys really act like your syndrome haha. Unfortunately, this time, my stress struck me. I was not feeling well as I head to the table and take the dinner.

I headed back to the room fast after taking the dinner and brushing my teeth. My worried girl, laid beside me and has slept before. Hey, who's sick? lol. Then, we missed the whole night of fun.

Morning came, and I'm fully recharged! The sun hasn't spread his mighty rays yet when we got up. I took the opportunity to take shots before the lights came up. Then, it's sunrise! We headed to the middle of the sands of the dried sea caused by low tide and took some pictures. Then, head back for breakfast.

After breakfast is a free time. Lots of us took the opportunity to take a dip. We then, take our lunch and pictorials haha, before going back to the organizer's place. The waves were still not too friendly, but the boat can barely feel it as we are heading towards the same directions as the waves.

We took our clean up in the organizer's place before heading home.

BUDGET CHECK:

Sorry unable to provide much cheaper and detailed, as we placed our contribution at around Php 2,300.00 including transportation to and from Pasay, Resort entrance, Lunch, pm snack and dinner for the first day, breakfast, am snack, lunch and pm snack in the 2nd day, cottage, all fees, boat fare, etc.

Travel Journal 14-001: Mt. Maculot

2014-03-19T10:02:00.002-07:00

Mt. Maculot: As if I am new...

It's been a while since I blogged my journeys, even my last few travels in the year 2013 were not recorded in this what I called great wall of mine. Well, I blame it all to the stressful responsibilities that kept me busy and exhausted every day, leaving no space to write. Good thing, I got a little ease. Not to mention that it's my will that convinced me to do this despite of short rests at night given by the mentioned li'l ease.

It was almost half a year when I last experienced visiting our Mother Nature's side through mountaineering. I was very tied up with the heavy work loads that I almost forgot to listen to my traveler side. Well, not totally! As each time I got too much exhausted, my feet itches. And so, it happened!

I was on the ground of too much exhaustion that even I was planning of doing a hike not natural to me, solo climb, when a friend of mine sent me a message via a networking site to invite for their upcoming climb, destination: Mt. Maculot via new trail. Busy with the usual loads, I tried to keep myself focus and fight the excitement knowing I have a group that I know whom I can hitch a climb. Then finally, work for the day was over. I met my girl and told her my plans. Yes! She agreed without quarrel.

The day before the climb was full of pressures, but doesn't matter to me since the excitement was all over my nerves. I was able to finish all that is required but unfortunately, it's late. Got home tired, no time to fix things, I just laid down on my bed and shut my eyes.

It's 5:00 in the morning, my alarm was banging my room, but my tired self won't bother to be distracted. Instead, I subconsciously turned it off and return to my sleep. Then, I came to my senses. It's almost 8:30 in the morning! Our call time is 10:00 am in the jumpoff, no bath, no brush, unpacked things, it's impossible! I opened up my phone and texted my girl saying I'm not too perfectly well. Then, I opened my account at a networking site to message the one who invited me(since his phone no. was not saved in mine). Told him that I just waked up and I can't afford to act like a VIP to ask them to wait for me. But then, he told me that I can still follow and we'll just meet up along the trail. My decision back then was not yet firm, the chance to have colleagues in the mountain for me now is rare and not to mention that I hate solo climbing(cause it makes me feel lonely), but I also wanted to stay and take a whole day nap. Then suddenly, the usual home stress came! Without thinking, I took my towel, sent SMS to my girl and head straight to the shower.

Packing my things: Extra clothes? Check! Headlamp? Check! Tent, poles? raincover? groundsheet? (I think I miss something) Check! Stove?Butane?Check! First aid kit! Check! Hmmm what else? (I think there something I forgot!) No more! All done, took my things and checked my phone, congratulations, you just got yourself into a LQ! Took my deep breath and left (I might gone crazy if I stayed, sorry my dear).

The travel to Turbina didn't took much time, but recalling how to go there, did! Bad example of a mountaineer! You're not doing your assignments! Good thing, I know how to ask questions. A bus steward told me to take a bus bound to Lemery which will head straight to Brgy. Poblacion, Cuenca. I was not sure if I should follow him since the last I recall, we took a ride to Lipa where we took a bus bound to the destination. No time to doubt, I took a gamble and took the first bus bound to Lemery, damn it, standing! I rolled my eyes and see if someone sitting looks like about to get off, but what I found is a pair of mountaineer. I intentionally approached them and started a conversation following the instinct of a mountaineer re: ethics, and fortunately, I discovered they are heading to same direction I have. So I gave them a little more chitchat until I finally got a sit.

It took more than two hours from my place to finally, Brgy. Poblacion of Cuenca, Batangas. Heading the same way, I decided to stick with the mentioned mountaineers on the bus. We took our lunch, then I brought some of my supplies before heading straight to the jumpoff(we dropped by to the registration ofcourse). I was back then thinking that my buddies are already by the campsite. So, I decided to stay with my new found friends even they were just taking a dayhike. Then, we hit the trails.

As we trek, I suddenly felt the toll of stress have given to me. My feet are strong enough to sustain my weight, but my lungs aren't ready to have a long journey. Every steps are not that heavy, but every breath seems a challenge that as if I'm grasping every air I can. Too ashamed with the buddies, I pushed my self to the limit and kept trekking. But it felt like that my will is not enough to keep going. The new trail of Mt. Maculot is new to me. It was harder than the old one due to loose soils and it's more exposed to the heat of the sun, which consumes much of the trekkers' energy. I stopped at the first long chair I saw, dropped my bag, and tried to calm my heartbeat. Oh no! I felt worse! I took three deep breath and slowly I felt better. Now, I'm ashamed of myself. I felt like I'm new to this passion.

As I recovered, we resumed our trek. Little by little, we took our pace. Basing my assessment to how long we trekked less the rest time, I was thinking that we barely reached half of the trek, so I hardened my will and kept pushing. To my surprise, I suddenly heard my name not far above. He was one of my college classmates from Letran-Calamba, and he is with the group. I scanned the surroundings, and found out that we are already in the entrance of the cogon area (or should I say used to be, since it's much lesser dense than before, plus more huts/store). The excitement filled me up and I regained back my strength. Glad that I finally caught up with the team, I introduced them to my new friends. We took a long rest enjoying the view of the last nipa hut until it started to get crowded. A large group arrived! Worried that the campsite might be fully occupied before we arrived, we decided to resume our trek and advance on the larger group. My new found friends decided to fasten their pace as they still want to conquer Rockies before descending. From there, we split up.

Upon reaching the campsite, the tired team laid down to the ground. Some took their nap and some took feast with their stuffed foods. Before dark falls, we set our camp and prepared our foods.

During our dinner, a mountaineer approached us and asked if their group can camp beside ours. We gave the permission, continued our meal, and head straight to socials.

Our drinks are done, my friends bid goodnight and gone to their own tents. I head to my tent that is fixed beside the other group and greeted them as I reach my tent's door. They responded and ask me to join their socials. Then, I got new more friends.

I'm already tipsy, when a large group of night trekkers arrived and ask permission if they can camp beside us. As again, we gave our permission and continued the socials.

Felt like I'm almost reaching my limit, I bid goodnight and take my rest.

As the morning came, we prepared our breakfast and head straight to the Rockies for the pictorial session. I'm still sleepy that time, that I have no energy to enjoy the pictorial and take much of pauses. Although, I took some of the pictures, most of my time in the Rockies, I just sat on a rock and enjoyed the calming breeze brought by gentle winds.

We head back to the camp, took our breakfast, and packed our things. Then, it's descent.

The new trail is jammed by Mt. Maculot's visitors, both descending and ascending. Thus, we decided to take the old trail. It was still in pretty shape, less liter, and a little bit denser. Personally, I still do prefer the old trail, as compared to the loosed soils and exposed trail, the roots, stepping rocks and the forest itself feels much better.

Our descent was much faster than our ascent, although my friend and his girlfriend was left behind, the overall trekking time seems shorter. Well for me, the biggest challenge in the old trail was looking for a way out from the blocked part where the fork of new and old splits.

BUDGET CHECK(As of March 2014)

Fare - Bus from Buendia to Brgy. Poblacion + vice versa: Php 147.00 x 2 = Php 294.00
Fare - Tricycle from Brgy. Poblacion to Jumpoff + vice versa: Php 20.00 x 2 = Php 40.00
Food Contribution for the group: Php 200.00

Total: Php 534.00

Cavite & Batangas - Pico de Loro (Ternate-Nasugbu Traverse)

2013-09-28T05:29:00.003-07:00

Pico de Loro (Picotrav)
Entry: DENR, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
Exit: Nasugbu-Ternate road, Brgy. Looc, Nasugbu, Batangas
664 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 3/9
Trail Class: 1-3
Trekking Time: 2-5 hours

Many people know Pico de Loro.Infact, even non-mountaineers know this mountain. Maybe because it's real beauty sounds the rumor that even the outside community can hear, or because part of it's mountain range was commercialized and named same as our destination. This have attracted many visitors, mountaineers, first-timers, enthusiasts, or even "just curious" people. Well, can't blame them! Pico de Loro indeed possesses natural beauty, easy trek, falls and astonishing view, what else could you ask for? Yeah it's really a package full, cause for some mountaineers, Pico de Loro of the Mt.Palay-palay mountain range, is not just a destination, but it is a challenge, and the same time, a key passage to even more greater challenge.

Tower called Parrot's peak is already a challenge for the mountaineers, but what lies on it's foot is a key passage, the Nasugbu trail. Key passage, yes! It serves as the key for those who aims to conquer the three mountains of Nasugbu in one go! From Pico de Loro, to Talamitam and Batulao. A great challenge and a training for those who are preparing for hardcore climbs.

Lying in the foot of the famous tower of Pico de Loro, the Nasugbu trail, offers a steep introduction. At first, it will be a long and steep descending trail, which could be risky especially during rainy days. The steepness will be lessened, as you continue, but still your feet can feel the descend until you finally reach the rolling part. Keep right as they say, but the trail sign could be trusted more. There are various forks that have right turn, but the sign clearly says "not that way"(i.e. by the river there is an ascending trail to the right, if you cross the river, but you have to follow the river, a little, to end up to the correct path). As, you continue, you will encounter a fence that you have to cross. You can climb it or climb the corner to get pass through it. Continuing, you will end up with a hut with an ascending path at it's left and a trail on it's back right across the creek that passes under the roots of a mango tree beside a big rock. Take the left, it will bring you to another fork left or right. This time, it's right! The trail there should be a well established trail, more like a rough road which leads to the shooting range that serves as the exit point.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS:

Since the centralized bus route was effected, buses now are available at Coastal mall. From there, you can take buses bound to Ternate. From Ternate, you can ride tricycle to DENR, where you can just walk to the jumpoff.

You should pre-arranged a pick up tricycle going to Nasugbu town proper at the Ternate-Nasugbu road as there are no public transportation passing by in the exit point. Yours truly have dealt with the contacts given by the people at the campsite's drinks store. From the Nasugbu town, there are bus lines heading straight to Manila.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

0400 Board the bus at Coastal Mall
0700 ETA Ternate, charter a jeep or take tricycle to DENR
0745 ETA DENR, Register
0750 Walk to the jumpoff
0755 Jumpoff, start trek
08:40 ETA Basecamp 1
11:30 ETA Summit, rest, take lunch
12:30 Start descent
15:30 ETA Shooting range
17:00 ETA Nasugbu town proper, take early dinner, take Bulalo and Lomi.
18:00 Head Home

Travel Journal 13-011: Pico de Loro (Ternate-Nasugbu Traverse)

2013-09-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Having a chance to revisit the famous tower of Cavite, the Mt. Palay-palay’s Pico de Loro, I opted not to say no(confusing words? I know! haha) to my highschool friend who’ve invited me to climb Mt. Arayat. This time, I will have a chance to explore the Famous Nasugbu Trilogy key passage, the Nasugbu trail of Pico de Loro. Yes, it serves as the key passage for triple hike that many mountaineers do. I will discuss this in the destination review for the Pico de Loro Ternate-Nasugbu Traverse.

As usual, it was still dark when we decided to meet. Meeting up with my highschool friend at a convenient store near our residences, he introduced me to a new face (for me) who’s joining our climb that day.

After a short intro, we headed fast to a complex subdivision, 1 hour away from the meeting point. The travel didn’t took much of the time, and even lasted just half of the usual travel time due empty street made by early travel. "Good enough", these were the words in my mind, without knowing what lies ahead. As we arrived, we then slowly realized the problem, the complex is not an early riser, Oh no! Thinking of any alternative, we have no choice but to take our chances by waiting to flyby vehicles that might pass by. But no luck at all, we are forced to go back to the center of the complex. Fortunately, upon return, we found a first trip of a jeep bound to Alabang. Finally, whew! :p. They are still filling up and the jeep wasn't even half full. Better than nothing though, we still rode the said.

After the long wait comes the cold breeze of the wind at the SLEX,( though it is not as cold as my tricycle ride when climbed Mt. Arayat), the "Brrrrr" feeling still lasted on my mind. But, I survived! Yeah! The Alabang waved it's hello. We were dropped off at the central terminal where the options emerged. We picked the van bound to Trece Martires since it's the one leaving first.

Sleeping in the travel gave me challenge since I’m really not good in sleeping onboard a van(except I’m already totally worn out). I hardly have a nap when we arrived at the first stop.

The atmosphere in Trece Martires was quite welcoming for me. Maybe because that was the same atmosphere of my mother's province, which is an hour ride from the former. From there, we took our breakfast in a fastfood chain, have our packed lunch, and a very short break.

Next stop, Naic! So far, no problems arose even until we’ve ride a bus bound to Ternate. However, our other buddies are already waiting for us there. "No worries, just relax!" It’s what we have in our mind, but finding their waiting place gave us a challenge. It was since we have different bus line and terminal that made us confused. Funny, we had to backtrack from our bus stop then take a tricycle which dropped us few walks away from the where the bus had dropped us off. Wrong way team! Haha. No time to relax now! We finally met the other buddies. After a very short intro to those who first met, the team headed straight to the DENR via tricycle.

It's DENR! We registered, took preparation fast, and headed to the jumpoff.

It's trekking time! The trail was quite muddy, since there were a lot of rain showers in the past few days. As usual, that didn't stopped us from climbing the Pico de Loro. As expected, my pacing was quite slow due to lack of training, workouts and even climbs. This is despite the first leg of the trek is quite easy. Good thing, I am not a big log to carry.

The trek to the summit is quite long, but fun! Infact, I learned a small technique. Two of our buddies brought folding fan, which they use each time they take their rest. This helped them not to be much exhausted. Also, we have encountered a large group of mountaineers that throws some joke each time we meet in the trail.

We have reached the campsite with no casualties, "Thank God!". Unfortunately, the rewards of view were limited since there were various fogs around that blocked the view of the beautiful mountain. There were some view peeks, yet, we still can't miss the pictorial opportunities haha. Picture, pose, picture, pose, and picture & pose... at the rocks, by the cliff, solo, and group... Ooops, I think we almost filled our memory cards LOL. Then, we took our lunch, took some rest and bought some sodas(7-11 mountain version). Then, we headed fast to the summit.

We've reached the summit, but the view was still elusive on that day. Disappointed, I opted not to climb the tower since I thought that there will be no photo opts available there which will just disappoint me more. I conquered it once, plus the mindset of "So I have a reason to come back", were the factors that added my laziness. I assisted my buddies to let them enjoy the first time visit in the tower(One, have conquered the mountain but not the tower yet). Assisting them made me nervous, as I can their risky footings. I even almost shout "Huwag ka tumapak/kumapit dyan!". You guys, needs some practice! whew :) . Fortunately, they managed to climb the daring tower of Pico de Loro. But suddenly, the rain started to drizzle. I was hiding under the rocks and having some more picture picture when I heard a shout requesting to assist, they are now descending the tower since it might be risky if they waited much longer. After their descent, the rain showed it's real power, the drizzles turned to a moderately strong rain. It became colder, but no time to waste, the dusk might caught us on the trail and we were all unfamiliar with the trail we are about to face.

At first, we are hesitant to the trail we've picked, since it's too steep, but it seems that it is the correct way. Decided, the team pushed, but this time real slow. Carefully, team descended a long, steep and slippery trail. It was the rain the made the trail more challenging, as the trail turned out to be muddy, thus having a firm and solid stance is elusive. It was a long way down, and every stone, roots and branches are lifeline for us. Fortunately, we managed to reach a less steep part without major injury. A buddy got a leg cramp though, but overall, were fine.

Tracking the correct path was a little bit easy, and the trail signs for almost all of the trail forks caused it. Not until, we reached a hut.

We were instructed to keep on heading right, and by following same, it gave us a confusion. On the left, a trail ascending beside the hut. On the right, a creepy trail that we decided to take. We are not that far yet, but my instinct keep saying, were wrong. Though, we keep on pushing, every distant makes me worry. Then, were confused! It was already late afternoon, and dusk might come in an hour, when we stopped to assess.

Some of us climb a big rock, and the sound of passing vehicles points west. To the east is a dense forest. I asked them if we can back track to the hut and I will check the left path, which they agreed.

We ran back to the hut, separating the half of the group. I headed straight to the path, but climbing the trail gave me challenge, my steps are getting heavy, "Am I tired?Maybe!". Then, the top of the inclined trail, which has a trail fork. I headed right and my steps turned out very light, "Huh? Adrenaline?". My instinct keep on saying that is the correct path, so I decided to head back to the hut and shouted to my buddies that I think that is the correct one. Then, we decided to take that path.

I am right! It lead us to the jumpoff! It's almost dusk, that's why we were very relieved to see a road! There were already two tricycles waiting for us, but we really just miss concrete roads! Woooooohoooo!hehe. Picture! Picture!

No time to waste since we might miss the last trip of the bus. So we only took a little rest and a little chitchat. Then, the weird experience of the separated group while we are on the ran, was revealed. They saw a weird guy that abruptly disappeared. Goosebumps, I realized that I might not be tired taking the inclined trail and something just don't want me to see to correct path. And, the weird conversations kept rolling even we rode the tricycle heading to the town of Nasugbu.

Nothing beats a nice meal after the climb, so we feast on Batangas' famous Bulalo without worrying that the last trip of bus had left us. We have no choice but to take another tricycle heading to Tagaytay, where we took a jeep heading to Dasmarinas. From there, the group again split up going home.

BUDGET CHECK(As of July 2013)

*Fare bus from Buendia to Ternate - Php 80-100
*Fare tricycle from Ternate to DENR - Php 75.00
*Fare tricycle from Shooting Range(Nasugbu jumpoff)- Php 120.00
*Fare bus Nasugbu to Pasay - Php 150-200
*Food Contribution - Php 200.00

Total: Php 695.00

Travel Journal 13-010: Mt. Arayat (Magalang-Arayat Traverse) Dayhike

2013-07-29T02:18:00.002-07:00

It was the instinct of a mountaineer to look for a climb, when in stress, that struck me like a lightning during that time. I was so desperate for a climb to the point that I planned of having a solo overnight camp, eventhough that I am not a fond of climbing solo. Fortunately, a friend from highschool has sent me a SMS inviting me for a dayhike in Mt. Arayat via Magalang trail traverse to Arayat trail. An immediate yes was the answer! But as the climb comes near, appointments and responsibilities flooded my mind. Good thing, I managed to overcome them one day before the scheduled climb.

I've never been to Mt. Arayat and the fact that I was already eying for a climb to that mountain are the big factors that made my decision final despite my stress level have subsided before the climb.

Friday midnight is the call time! Coming from the office, I arrived home late at around 10 in the evening. I never had time for packing my things yet due to busy week, thus, I end up cramming. Hastily, I packed my things and filled up my water containers. Done! All things ok, I think so. I left the house looking haggard( tired from work and travel back home, nails of both hands and feet untrimmed, wrinkled clothes, unwashed sandals..imagine?haha), and arrived the assembly point earlier than my friend. Hungry, I decided to fill my tummy in a 24hr-fastfood-chain in the area while waiting.

I'm almost finish with my meal when my friend arrived. I bought a burger, then we headed to Cubao where I met a familiar face, the 3rd member of our team. I met her in our Tarak Ridge dayhike with the same friend I'm with, the 21k finisher as they boast/joke. Then, we waited for some minutes for the 4th and 5th teammate but received a call that they can't come so, we stretched out and take our walk to look for a bus bound north that will stopover in San Fernando. Funny, we have to look for other terminals without knowing that the assembly point dispatches a bus with a route we are looking for. Then it's travel time, "Nga-nga!hehe".

We arrived in San Fernando, Pampanga some minutes (or should I say almost an hour?) before dawn. After asking with some locals, we learned that the first trip of jeeps enroute to Magalang will arrive and leave the terminal at around 8 in the morning, thus, we decided to spend some time at a convenient store nearby.

After some chitchats and ice cream party (LOL), we decided to try to look for free flung or those jeeps that don't stops at terminal, but failed, so we decided to take a tricycle even it has a higher price. I took the backseat which afterwards I realized, it's a wrong decision. The cold breeze of the morning plus the speed of the tricycle made me chill, "brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". Yes, that long!haha. The whole 1 hour travel chilled me that I think I almost freeze!LOL. I have a jacket but I can't get it in my bag, since I might lose my balance. But that's not all, I have hard time having a comfortable seat since there are no steps for backseats (Oh men my legs almost cramp haha). Good thing, we arrived at Magalang and I survived the cold ride whoooh!

In Magalang, we took our breakfast before heading to the jumpoff via another tricycle, that time I asked my friend if he can ride backseat. Then, it's jumpoff! We took our usual prayers before pushing on.

The trekking starts with a figure of the station of the cross. There are also a number of mountain bikers that enjoys the view wherein they turned back once the road ends. The road is quite inclined, maybe that's another reason for their visit.

As we left the bikers, the trail goes a little rough, yet it's inclination continues. A nice warm-up I should say! Pushing on, is a small hut where registration took place. We have a minute chitchat with the caretaker before we resumed our trek, wherein at first, the excitement to be with the nature again prevails, but as we continue, more problems emerged.

The trail splitted to two direction, one leads to another station, and another that leads to a denser place of forest. We thought that the trail leading to another station is the correct one, that's why we turned to the said direction. Good thing, the road was blocked after some minutes of trek. We easily backed track and realize the direction in the net, "follow the electric posts". Then my problems begin emerging. I realized that my cramming leads to a non-prepared climb. Yes, non-prepared! No practice and no proper gear. I left my armsleeves leaving me no choice but to endure the sharpness of the bushes and cogon grasses ahead, but that's not all, the heat of the sun felt like it's burning specially when you forgot your cap. But onion skin, I am not so this doesn't matter much.

As we continue, the mosquitoes were very nuissance for the team. At first, I don't mind those little flying stuff cause all I can feel are the pain from scratches made by the bushes. But as we push, I slowly got irritated since they fly even when we trek and worse, they fly near my mouth when I breath fast due to tiredness which made me engulf some of them accidentally, causing my breathing blocked for some seconds. Yes, I almost choke! But with persistence, we managed to reach the viewdeck, a site where a small tower and a settlement for some military personnel.

It has no clearing when we reach the viewdeck. But so, we still have some pictures and have a very long rest to one of the seats there. The mosquitoes are still present and I now recognize their bites as another annoying thing. We waited if there will be clearing and the view will shows up. But we failed, instead we persisted to push to the planned traverse. A military personnel warned us that there are some confusing part that we should be wary, before he pointed the trail to our next destination.

The trail we faced was long, steep and slippery, but we still enjoyed it as it is more technical and according to my highschool friend, a different type compared to the ones we have passed. Then it's ridge line.

At first, it is a smooth trekking, the trail is clear and trail signs were present every 15-20 steps, then the most memorable part of our trek! We came to a stop at a trail beside big rocks, the trail becomes blur and the last trail sign was around 100 steps behind. Recalling the tips of the army personnel, we came to the thinking of the phrase that we have to go deep down on the rockside. Then, it's a long slippery descend without noticing it is a wrong turn. You read it right, wrong turn! The trail is very slippery and steep making it look like a no turning back. We continued until the trail looks like it's not a trail anymore. We stopped to think and decided to backtrack in some side of the trail since going back to the same path is not possible. Then the challenge came. As one of the team steps to a tree where rocks are tucked. The said rocks with half a life size started to roll down! Sizes that will surely kill you the moment it hit you. Tension arrised! The team decided to avoid the rocks seems they are not dependable anymore. We have to bushwack some thorny plants to find a way that will connect us back to the original trail we've been. With some prayers, cautions and determination. We are able to find back the old trail. It seems that is is a blessing, since as we arived back at the last trail sign, we saw another group of mountaineers heading for a traverse. They pointed out the correct path which we followed, but we rest shortly due exhaustion.

It like a smooth sailing as we follow the trail. Trail signs are available like before, the trail is very visible, and it continued until we reached the white rock. There were views there, but I'm already saving up my energy knowing it still a long way to South, North Peak and Arayat jumpoff, making me in no mood to shoot. Then we continued. It is a deep descend from the Whiterock(this is the correct deep descend) going to the trail connecting to South Peak. The technical trail now emerge. Good thing, no more confusing trails, making a smooth sailing through the North Peak where we had a long rest.

We resumed our trek and decided to descend down to the Arayat trail where it seems to us that it's a never ending trail. Maybe were already exhausted or it's really that long, I dunno. What I know is I felt that no matter how much I keep on pushing the view still says "you're still far!". Forutnately, we managed to get out of the forest before it gets dark. But unfortunate in return, we encoutered the "wise" tricks of the locals there.

We took our dinner at an eatery near a mall in San Fernando. The quest for "Tocino" and "Papaitan" turns out to an unsatifactory dinner. Lucky enough, I can still say, we still got home safe and sound.

BUDGET CHECK (As of July 2013)

*Bus from Cubao to San Fernando Php 102.00 Back and forth = Php 204.00

*Not sure about the jeep to Magalang cause we have a tricycle at Php 300.00 since we arrived there too early. I think it's approximately Php 35.00

*Tricycle to Brgy. Ayala Php 20.00 (Php 60.00 per tricycle)

*Tricycle from Bano de San Juan to jeep stop Php 20.00
*Jeep to Bus terminal Php 25.00
*Food contribution Php 200.00

Total: Php 504.00

Pampanga - Mt. Arayat (Magalang-Arayat Traverse)

2013-07-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Mt. Arayat (Artrav)

Entry: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga
Exit: Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano de San Juan, Arayat, Pampanga
1,030 MASL
Difficulty: Major 5/9
Trail Class: 1-4
Trekking time: 7-8 hours

Traversing Pampanga's Mt. Arayat is one of the most challenging dayhike in Central Luzon. This is due annoying abundance of mosquitoes & flies, the aridness of Magalang trail that can be felt during a sunny day, length of the trek, and the confusing part can lead you to a dangerous trail. Yours truly have experienced being lost for 2 hours and have encountered falling rocks half a size of an average adult. Nevertheless, this is just a one point lost and one thing to prevent this is by "looking around". The trail signs should be consistent, and once you noticed it's absence, better have a little back track.

It is a more advisable to take the Magalang trail as an entry point, since it is easier to descend from military camp to White rock and from White rock to South Peak, but if you are looking for challenge, go ahead nobody's gonna stop you(^^,).

The Magalang trail begins with a station of the cross, and it could be your first guide. Although, there is a forks that leads to another station, that might bring you to a wrong path. This means you'll need a next guide, it can be the electric post. It leads up until the "view deck" where a some military personnel stays. A long path, well exposed to the sun, and mosquito infested trail will face you, if you follow same. From the view deck, it will be a steep descent, and it could be very slippery during rainy weather. Although, there are a lot of trees that can be your support. Then, it's ridge line, where the presence of trail signs should begin. You will be a little off the ridge and continuing will be the tricky part. You may overlook the next trail sign if you keep your heads down, as you have to climb the rocks to continue, or it will lead you to the sides of the rocks where yours truly got lost. Then, you're back to the long ridge line up to the White Rocks. In the White Rocks, you can have views if you climb the rocks on both sides. Continuing, you'll have to descend all the way down to reach the next trail. Vines are tied up at a small tree, so you can rapel. The trail now to the South Peak. There is not much of view there, as compared to the next peak that you can reach if you keep pushing, the North Peak. From there, it is just some minutes from the campsite which connects the two trails, Magalang and Arayat. Now, it's a long way down via Arayat trail.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

You may take buses bound to north esp. bound to Tarlac as they pass through SM San Fernando where you can take either jeepneys or tricycle to Magalang town proper. From Magalang town proper, take tricycle to Brgy. Ayala.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

03:00 Take bus to Tarlac
04:30 ETA SM San Fernando, jeeps could not be available yet at that time so take tricycle
05:30 ETA Magalang Town Proper, take breakfast
06:30 Head to Brgy. Ayala
07:00 ETA Jumpoff, start trek
10:00 ETA viewdeck
11:00 ETA Whiterock
12:00 ETA Southpeak, take lunch
13:00 Resume trek
13:30 ETA Northpeak
17:00 ETA Brgy. Bano, head to Arayat National Park, Wash out
18:00 Head to SM San Fernando
18:30 ETA SM San Fernando, take early dinner
19:30 Head Home

*Take note that the suggestion is a dayhike, it could be hard to bring large packs at the traverse in descending the white rock plus the mosquitoes. But again, the 2 day IT is not impossible.

Pampanga - Mt. Arayat

2013-07-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Mt. Arayat
Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano de San Juan, Arayat, Pampanga
1030 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 3/9
Trail Class: 2-3
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

A traveler heading north can see a sole wrench-top-like-mountain at the right side while on the NLEX. It is located in the Province of Pampanga, the Mt. Arayat.

Mt. Arayat is a sole mountain accessible in the Province. It was already living in a myth like it's CALABARZON counterpart, Mt. Makiling, before it was discovered as a mountaineering destination. Yes, the Mt. Arayat was part of a legend saying these two were sisters. Both a powerful fairy that lives in a mountain. Also, like Mt. Makiling, the ordinary hike is a minor climb, but traversing the mountain will elevate it's level into a major climb.

Trekking Mt. Arayat could be quite challenging, as the first leg of the climb will be an exposed trail. Then as you continue, you will be facing a trail with a largely grown bushes and cogon esp. during rainy days. From there, the ascend begins and it will continue up to the summit. You will rarely find a flat trail, but fear not, the confusion and lost is a rare chance since the trail is very visible and some signs were present.

Mt. Arayat is an inviting destination since it is very challenging and good for a training/preparation climb. However, there are some nuisance that you must be ready to face in climbing the said mountain. The Arayat National Park that serves as the jump-off for Arayat trail is a home for a "wise" people(I opted to use a positive word), as all requests and questions comes with a price. Also, the abundance of mosquitoes and flies could be annoying, so prepare accordingly.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

You may take buses bound to north, esp. Tarlac since they passes SM San Fernando where you can secure a ride to Arayat National Park.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1

10:30 Assembly time
11:00 Depart to Pampanga, take bus
12:00 ETA SM San Fernando, take lunch, buy supplies
13:00 Head to jumpoff
13:30 ETA Jumpoff, register
18:00 ETA Campsite, set camp, head to viewing deck for pictures
18:30 Back to campsite, prepare dinner
19:30 Dinner, Socials

Day 2

05:00 Wake up call, prepare breakfast
06:00 Breakfast
06:30 Breakcamp
07:00 Start descend
10:00 ETA Jumpoff, wash out at Arayat Nat'l Park
11:00 head to SM San Fernando
11:30 ETA SM San Fernando, lunch
12:30 Head back home

Batangas - Matabungkay Beach

2013-07-22T03:05:00.001-07:00

Matabungkay Beach

Batangas is home for lots of beaches, and what is good at it? It is just two hour ride from Manila, thus, making it a popular spot to visit, not just during summer but even offseasons. From whitesand beaches to popular diving spots, name it and you can have it! Although not much as beautiful and as popular as Boracay Island, it's long shoreline that lies from the boundary of Cavite (Nasugbu) to the boundary of Quezon (San Juan), still boast such beauty. And one of them is Matabungkay Beach of Lian, Batangas.

A little bit offwhite with regards to the sand, the calmness of the water is a perfect feature it offers. It's sand is finer than those in Laiya and although there not much of the facilities for some of the resorts, there are still some boatmen that offer a ride for a low price for a snorkeling of around half an hour.

Aside from the sunset, the view of islands and mountains nearby can also be seen from the beach, thus, a thumbs up for a Nature lover.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

From Pasay/Cubao, there are buses that is bound to Nasugbu. Take them to Nasugbu where you can take buses to Matabungkay. Now, it depends on the resort you will be taking. Some may require you another ride, a tricycle maybe, but some are already along the road.

Travel Journal 13-009: Matabungkay Beach

2013-07-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

I'm on the way home from the office, when I received an invitation from my cousin who is residing in Tagaytay. She will be celebrating her birthday at a beach in Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas. She said it will be just a whole day affair for the coming Saturday thus, I have nothing to worry if I have an appointment or a date in Sunday. This made me say "yes I will come" so easily.

When I arrived home, I found out that my mother and my siblings are already preparing for it excitedly. Aha! My budget is in danger! :p. Fortunately(I won't be paying their fares hahaha), they decided that they will be spending their Friday night at our Grandmother's house in Indang, Cavite since the call time in Tagaytay is too early.

The Friday has came, I arrived late at home as usual. My mother and my siblings are already gone for the two-hour ride to Indang, Cavite. I prepared my stuff and set my phone's alarm at 3 hours earlier for the call time, budgeting 1 hour for preparation and stuff rechecking plus two hour trip. Unfortunately, my tired body didn't responded much in the alarm, instead, I woke up an hour before the call time. Oh no!! For a moment, it took me sometime to decide, whether I will just head straight to Lian, which I am not familiar yet or just stay at home. No, I gave a word, so I will come. I sent a message to my mom and my cousin telling them that I will just follow them. I then hastily did my preparations and left the house within half an hour.

As I rode a jeepney going to Sta. Rosa Complex, I was recalling the picture of the Google map when I was scanning the said for a round trip before. As I remember, Lian is somewhere southwest from Calamba, between Nasugbu and Lemery, Batangas. And I was right, my cousin told me to take a bus going to Nasugbu where I can take another ride for Lian.

As I arrived at the Sta. Rosa Complex, I saw a van bound to Lemery. I asked the driver if his route includes Nasugbu, but he asked me back where I am heading. Knowing my destination, he then suggested me to take his ride and he will be dropping me at Lian Public Market where I can take a bus going to Matabungkay. And, I did.

I arrived in Lian approximately two and half hours from Sta. Rosa Complex. From there, I asked the locals where I can ride a bus going to Matabungkay since it is the tip of the van driver. They discouraged me to take a bus instead, the locals suggested me to have a short walk to the Public market where a jeep terminal is located. They said that if I took a bus, I will just drop me at the intersection going to Matabungkay, and I still have to take a tricycle. But, if a take a jeep in the market terminal, I will drop me exactly to the front of the resort I was looking for. This made me decide to follow them. I reached the market and rode a jeep where almost all of the passengers know each other. Yeah! A province thing, a close-tie for all neighbors.

As the jeep leaves, my mom and cousins are already worried if I were able to navigate the place. Fortunately, the answer is yes. I was able to navigate, without a sweat haha!

Then, it's feast! The long travel hungers me. And it's revenge! Time to celebrate my cousins birthday. Swim, swim, eat and swim!

It's past dawn when we left the resort. We rode two chartered jeeps on going back to Tagaytay. My family have decided to take the one who's driver is living in Indang, Cavite. But seems that my luck runs out that night. The jeep we took got a problem. The driver said, the filter ( I dunno, I am very bad at auto mechs), which cause us travel in a very slow pace. In fact, in steep roads, the jeep's engine has a tendency to shutdown.

We arrived in Tagaytay at almost 10, making me decide to spend my night in our grandmother's place in Indang.

See Photos in Facebook

BUDGET CHECK (As of May 2013)

^^Pls take note that this budget is based from my original destination, as this time, I have no idea of how much will be the fare if coming from Mega Manila.

*Fare at Van from Sta. Rosa to Lian Php 150.00, Fare jeep to Matabungkay Php 28.00.
*Resort entrance/cottage/food-around Php 2,000.00-9,000.00 per group

Total (Average price): Php 5,000.00

Travel Journal 13-008: Mt. Romelo

2013-06-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

It was of one my friend's wedding when we again met the outdoor group that is closest to our, a group that became more active after we linked our chain of friends. From there, a plan was formed, finally, another climb with them. It's been a long time since I met them in the trail, or should I say even not, as we rarely have joined their climb. Also, our busy days have started for more than a year now, making our outdoor activity subside to almost none, thus, our group rarely climb together. But since then, my heart as outdoor person started to be excited again, though a long trip out of populated city can already give me fun, one can't disagree that fun is much better with friends, eh? :).

At first, I thought that the plan won't come into a realization cause of the low turn out of participants since majority of them have commitment at the same day. But luckily, my hope didn't disappoint me, we still decided to persist the said, picking Mt. Romelo as the official destination.

Mt. Romelo have been famous for thievery against it's campers, mountaineer or tourist. Yes, maybe because it is already popular, not just for mountaineers but also for some first timers tourists/campers, makes the thieves of the said destination active. As a precaution, I opted not to bring much valuables, except ofcourse for my budget. Packed, I left the house a lot earlier than the group's call time to meet up with my groupmate first who will also be joining the climb. The pack I carry then since to be missing something, but there is none. I just miss my camera I named Holy, as I always bring him with me since I got him, everytime I go outdoor.

Few minutes of travel, I arrived at the meet up point, the city's terminal center. My friend, hasn't arrived yet, but I was expecting he'd come earlier since I was caught in traffic created by the road block since a bridge in our area is being repaired. After few minutes, I decided to give him a call and learned that we was also caught in the same traffic. I was not just the route that the jeepney I rode have taken, but also other routes have been jammed due to the volume of vehicles, looking for alternative routes. But luckily, my wait didn't lasted long, as he was just some minutes away.

After meeting up, we then go straight to south where we are to meet other buddies.

After more than an hour of travel, we've reached Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From there, we received a call that we have to wait long since our buddies have miscalculated the travel time. And, we did! But, it's not a matter for us. To my surprise, they also didn't bring any camera. Then we decided to do our markets at Siniloan where we also have to meet one final buddy. We took, our lunch then head fast to Siniloan.

It was already late afternoon when we reached Siniloan. After our markets, our buddy arrived which signals the "Let's go" stuff.

It's jumpoff, we took the registration and haste to the trek. The first leg of Mt. Romelo a.k.a Buruwisan, is an abrupt ascend. No warm ups, the unpracticed me breathes heavily that I have to stop every 30-40 steps. Fortunately, the rolling trail begun afterwards. I am no longer a stranger to Mt. Romelo's trail as it is already my third there, but I still noticed my pace have slowed much, not to mention that my pack have gone lighter due absence of my camera, Holy.

Slow might I, yet I still managed not to be the very tail of the group. Slowly, the group took their pace. We were some distances apart, but we kept each other not too far. Every seat is a rest opportunity as we trek. Good thing, we came in late afternoon, that we don't have to problem the exhausting heat of the sun as some parts of the trail is well exposed. There are some occasional ascends which proves that my not so strong lungs needs more practice. Soon, the final ascend before the rolling trail that connects to descending trail to the campsite. With average pace, we managed to reach the campsite before dusk.

It's campsite! We've set our camp before cooking our dinner. Yes, socials is essential!(LOL), thus, the never ending shots also begun that night.

When the morning came, we cooked our breakfast and kept them first for a short trek to the falls down the site, the Buruwisan Falls and not far from it, the Lanzones Falls. After some dip and picture sessions, we headed back to our camp and took our breakfast.We took a short break, then headed to Batya-batya falls. The trail to it is more challenging than the trail of the other two falls, as you have to cross some deep part of the river or climb a steep trail on it's side. Unfortunately, I'm not a swimmer, thus no option but to take the side trail. Soon, another challenge came up, a chest-deep-river must be cross. We still managed to cross, but the non-swimmers were stuck the moment we reached the Batya-batya as going near to it requires swimming to it's deep basin. After some minutes, we then head back to the camp where the socials again begun while cooking our lunch.

After the lunch were prepared, we paused our sessions to take the lunch, then continued it after the meal. We took the luxury of dipping in the river while drinking the alcohol, before we packed our stuff to head home. It is almost the same time of ascending when we decided to ascend. It didn't took much of a challenge but as I assist the girls in our group that left behind, we took a confusing trail somewhere near the jumpoff, making us exit in a different trail. As we reach the registration area, our buddies have taken their break already.

(No photos for this travel, since as mentioned earlier no one brought their camera. Photo available here is a photo of an anonymous person from the net).

BUDGET CHECK (As of May 2013).

*From Cubao, my friends paid a fare of around Php 140.00-150.00 going to Sta. Cruz. Then an approximately Php 35.00 to Siniloan, the tricycle might cause a Php 150.00 - 200.00 per trip, thus Php 40.00 each.

*Meal again can be subdivided to group for around Php 200.00 each.

Total: Php 650.00.

Travel Journal 13-007: Mt. Pinatubo

2013-05-31T03:02:00.002-07:00

I've been longing for my girl to come with me in an outdoor activity, but since she's a home person, she wouldn't accept any of my invites and just said "I'm already happy supporting you, just pls. don't push me going w/ you". Thus, an impossible job, one can say! :-p. Well, I may not be Tom Cruise to be the Ethan Hunt to make Mission Impossible be possible, but I am J, the persistent! Haha.

It was our trip to Baguio City when I managed to invite her colleagues to join me at my Mt. Pinatubo Climb, which in turn convinced her to join. By telling her that trekking Mt. Pinatubo is not as arduous and challenging as other mountain destinations in the Philippines, somehow it changed her mind regarding the outdoor concept (maybe!LOL), and be convinced by her colleagues as mentioned.

This made me decide to push-through the plan and keep on monitoring the head count. From my colleague from other department and his friends, to my girl and her colleagues. Unfortunately, when the planned date came to near, my girl's colleague turned out to be pregnant, thus backing-out with the plan to climb the Mt. Pinatubo, along with her boyfriend, making the headcount lowered to 2 persons less than the minimum required headcount of the package we are aiming. This made me almost lost the hope that the plan will still materialize, but my colleagues have pushed me to persist the plan boosting up again my hopes. It is then when I continued to recruit buddies to join the climb, but none have accepted. Until one day, my girl told me that her mom and aunt talked to her, asking if they can join the climb since they've been dreaming to see the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo's beauty in person. Happy with what I've heard, I proceeded to the booking proper. I've email a travel agency which facilitated our trip, making a known mall in the Pasay City be our rendezvous.

The eve of the climb came, the family of my girl invited me to stay at their place so that it will be more comfortable for me to go to the rendezvous place since the call time is quite too early. From there, we prepared our meals for the said climb but failed to have a sleep. The time to leave my girl's house came. It's still dark when we left, and likewise when we reached the said mall. We stopped by at a fast-food chain as dealt with the organizer as the exact rendezvous point, where we brought light meals while waiting for organizer's coordinator and my colleague. The team was almost complete when we left the mall. We just picked up our last member along the way, somewhere in Cubao, but dropped of the organizer's coordinator.

The travel to the north took some hours, giving us time to take nap. Unfortunately, I'm wide awake! Excitement maybe, plus even-though that I have a talent in sleeping(LOL), I really find it hard to have a sleep when traveling via a van(my girl won't agree!haha). This made me a little but unconditioned for the climb, thus making myself easily exhaust. Good thing, adrenaline kept my level in the middle!

It's dawn already when we reached the Capas, Tarlac junction where we waited for all other teams that the organizer have pledged to bring in Mt. Pinatubo. It was almost half an hour past waiting when a swiss approached me. He happens to be the spouse of the coordinator that we dropped along our way. He told me that they owned the agency and have organized a team that fitted in 7 vans(a good business I should say!). Then, we wrapped up some points in the package before heading to the jumpoff.

Our 4x4 ride were ready and waiting, the moment we arrived at the jumpoff. Fast, we headed for our destination, the Mt. Pinatubo and it's crater lake.

The Balikatan exercise still on it's wrapping up time when we passed by their camp. We also have came across a large group of soldiers walking back to their camp. The swiss organizer who rode with our group told us that the day before, he was there with other groups climbing and saw helicopters and planes landed at a place he pointed along our way. It is quite hot, but all compensated by the wind created by the moving 4x4 and astonishing views.

It is already my second time visiting the place, but I still found myself astonished with the mountain's beauty. Mt. Pinatubo have undergone lots of transformation as compared with my first visit two years ago. This is evident by vegetation that have grown from other piles of volcanic ashes.

Soon we have to walk, wherein series of swallow river crossings were challenges for some, yet coolant for all as the scourging sun exhausts everybody in our 2 hours trek to the crater lake. Slowly, we trek the hot sun above the volcanic ashes. Exhausted yet enjoying the view, we still managed to take some pictures along our trek.

Finally, it's the lake! It's almost lunch time so we took some pictures ( Breathtaking as always! It never fails the awe me.) before taking our lunch. Boodle fight! rawr! The exhausted-everybody(our group) took their lunch together, sharing each pack.

After short break, our group decided not to waste time and go near the lake where a long staircase gave challenge to most of us. Picture! Picture! A practice that can never be gone, ofcourse!hehe.

We head back, but our 4x4 picked us at final station(30mins away from the lake). Took us 2 long hours before reaching the jumpoff.

See Photos in Facebook.

BUDGET CHECK( As of April 2013)

*Not accurate with the fares since we took a package. From Cubao to Capas, Tarlac junction, it might cost you around Php 150.00-180.00 plus tricycle/jeep to Sta. Juliana which cost around Php 100.00-300.00. Two way Php 960.00

*Fees that includes guides, environmental, conservation and 4x4 rental is around Php 1,500.00-Php 2,000.00

Total: Php 2,960.00

OR

*There are lot of travel agencies that offers Mt. Pinatubo travel package. The prices varies from Php 1,900.00-Php 2,500.00.

Tarlac - Mt. Pinatubo

2013-05-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

Mt. Pinatubo
Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac
1485 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 2/9
Trail Class: 1
Trekking Time: 2 hrs (+ 45 mins 4x4 ride)

In 1991, the world was shocked by a huge explosion made by a certain volcano. Many were affected, especially neighboring country where the volcano is located, which is due to ashes created by the said explosion. The said volcano is known as Mt. Pinatubo, found in the heart of Philippines' Central Luzon, amidst of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga to be exact, it has gained it's title as the said explosion ranked 2nd largest in 20th century.

But, who have thought that this killer mountain can create such an awesome view? Yes, you read it right! After some years, Mt. Pinatubo now bears a beautiful scenery one can see. Anyone is now allowed to see the Mt. Pinatubo since it is now open in public for viewing. And upon visiting it, you will notice that the mount of ashes looks like an iceberg or a long fortress wall or a real mountain.due to the cogon-grass.

At first, yours truly thought that the write-ups in the net were just exaggerations of how beautiful the Mt. Pinatubo is, but the moment he experienced visiting the place, he was struck and awed as no exaggerations needed. As yours truly recalled, his first visit with Mt. Pinatubo with no camera but a low-graphics-phone to take the pictures, but anytime someone look at said pictures, the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo still emerge, especially it's crater lake on it's 960 MASL elevation.

Going to Mt. Pinatubo requires riding in a 4x4 ride. Yes, it will be a bumpy ride as you'll have to cross the lava way where nothing but ashes, rocks and cold waters flowing downstream(since the before the explosion, the said way was a river) to see. Although lately, the place have signs that the ashes have gained little nutrients, sufficient to feed the grass that grows in some parts of the mountain. Once the 4x4s reached the point where they will not able to pass through the big rocks, the trekking time begins. The trek will last for an approximately 2 hours(old way) if they are not able to pass the new way (the rocks here are much bigger than the first 45 minutes of the ride, and could sometimes block their way especially after heavy rain), or 30 minutes if they are able to reach the last station going to the Crater Lake.

During the trek, visitors have to pass the rocks, ashes and various of creeks. Technically, the trail of Mt. Pinatubo is quite easy for experienced hikers or a very active person, but could be very hard for opposite, ofcourse! The trail is more of a rolling trail until you've reach the final ascend that you'll have to pass a ladder. The majority of the trek will be very much expose for the heat as there are nothing much shade along the trail(if you will be trekking the Old way), except for short trail 30 minutes(New way) before the Mt. Pinatubo's Crater lake. But worry not, as the reward is truly much of a worth!

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

There are lots of travel and tours agency that offers a hassle free travel to Mt. Pinatubo. This includes all fees and travel fare needed. Although, DIY is still a good thing to consider! One can take buses bound to Capas, Tarlac intersection(Mcdo), usually Dagupan, Lingayen and Baguio bound buses like Genesis and Victory is good. From there, you may take tricycle to the jumpoff where you can arrange the guides and environmental fees.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

03:00 Assembly at Cubao
03:30 ETD for Capas, Tarlac
05:30 ETA McDonald's Capas, Tarlac, breakfast
06:00 Take tricycle and head to the jumpoff
06:45 ETA Jumpoff, arrange 4x4, fees and guide
07:15 Ride 4x4
08:00 End of 4x4 ride(Old way), start trek
10:00 ETA Crater Lake
12:00 Lunch (Take note that there are no restaurants nor eatery here so bring your packed lunch)
13:00 Start Descend
13:30 ETA New Way, Take 4x4
16:00 ETA Jumpoff, cleanup, snacks
17:00 ETD for Home

Travel Journal 13-006: Boracay Island

2013-05-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is about to come when my company announced the plan to have a summer outing for it's staff, which created much excitement. No doubt it will create, as the proposed venue is none other than the Philippines' most popular island, the Boracay Island.

As the date closes, the excitement increases in each and every staff. Until the day before the scheduled departure date came. Cramming, many of us have decided to drop by the nearby mall in our office to have a li'l shopping of things we might need in the upcoming event. From the swimming trunks, to the toiletries, and even up to sandals, but none of them I am able to purchase except for the toiletries.

The departure day came. I packed my things good for 3 days, but it seems that I over-budgeted my clothes as I forgot that we will be having free shirts as the intended summer outing was packed with a partial activities of the forthcoming team-building. Soon, the staff left their stations, packed their stuff and hang their work beside the door (It will never happen, I know :p). Boracay, he we come!

The travel occurred in late afternoon after office hours one Thursday in March, thus our bus reached Batangas Pier at dark of the night (Yes, we have planned for a sea travel, but booked an air going back). The cruise left after an hour of our arrival, some minutes after our hyper-undecided-happy-excited-firsttimenervousness-energy(haha) have subsided. Admittedly, I'm a bit nervous since it's my first time crossing a sea, worrying that I might get seasickness throughout the travel period . Although I have experiences of Island hoping, it won't last for more than a 4 hours in total. Also, even-though that the same company had me experienced to ride a training ship for 2 days and 1 night for team building purpose, still the said ship just stayed in Manila Bay anchorage some kilometers near the Roxas Blvd. Good thing it's sleeping time that I don't have to mind much the seasickness just by taking a proper nap. Luckily, I survived the travel as the Captain announced that we have arrived the Caticlan Port. From there, we rode a fastcraft heading to the very island of Boracay where multicabs have picked us up and dropped on our booked hotel.

It was pouring when we arrived, thus I'm a little bit worried with my cam. Luckily, the rain stopped and me and my office got a chance to take pictures and have a walk to the Philippines' most popular island called Boracay Island. Next thing we knew, we are back at hotel in time for an activity comprised in our team-building.

The activity was quite fun! At first, we were subdivided into 3 groups, Red, Green and Yellow. I was placed in the Red. Then, we were asked to create a name and chance for our team. And the fun and comedy moments begun. It lasted until almost dusk, making all us so tired (Not to mention that the last challenge was the hardest) and me, to miss the chance to take pictures of the wonderful sunset we've witnessed, instead, we just enjoyed watching same while having a dip. Then it's dinner time.

On the second day morning, we had our island hopping and snorkeling. Although weather is scourging hot at Boracay and waves at some location are very much wild, we still enjoyed the morning. We also had a small stop at Shangrila were we continued the activities for the team-building. From then, we head back to the hotel for lunch. Then its free time, where I have decided then to join the swimming group. We, took plunge for some time until the scheduled plan for the next activity came.

The said activity was quite thrilling and a challenge, as we were all blindfolded and asked to line. One has to depend on someone in-front of him/her by pulling the shirt of the one in-front. We unknowingly, had circled a big rock-island in Station 1 with the assist of the game master and spouses of some staff. Some got scratches including myself, but nevertheless, we enjoyed the challenge. After that, we headed to the Paluto where some of the staff's spouses have already organized our dinner. Then it's war! LOL. Seems that all were hungry as there's almost no sound but the sound of the spoons and forks baging the plates. Then, after the nice dinner, we had our shopping time. "Money burn" as me and my mountaineering buddies call it, but it's is nothing of a concern since it is for my loveones.

The last day came, we had to the helmet diving then head back. Some have rode the Banana boat, but my energy and mood have already subsided making me decide to take a nap. Then, it's bye-bye time for us. We headed back to Caticlan port of same transportation we used upon our arrival there. From the port, we rode a bus that took 2 hours of travel to the Kalibo Airport, where we rode a plane. Then, vacation is over!

See photo in Facebook

BUDGET CHECK

Well, this factor varies. There are lots of travel package for Boracay offered by different discount companies, but I suggest you compare it first with the possible D-I-Y expenses.

Aklan - Boracay Island

2013-05-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Boracay Island

One of the Philippine's pride that can be boast internationally is a very beach that gained the title of the finest beach in Asia, the White Beach of the Boracay Island. Lying in the shore line of the island, the White Beach has not only lifted the names of the other 24 beaches around( although they also bear beauties that can be boast of), but also, the Island itself.

Lying in the northwest corner of the Panay Island, the Island of Boracay lure it's guests to travel around 196 miles from Manila via either sea or air, just to explore the 7 km long dog-bone-liked-island with more than 10 square kilometers land area that is under the barangays Yapak and Manoc-Manoc.

Boracay Island is a talk of the tongue of not just outdoor people, beach lover, nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, ordinary people of the Philippines, but also even other countries. No doubt it will be! As the stunning beauty it posses, is truly an amazing place to be laze of. From it's white-powder-like-sand, to it's crystal clear water, to the luxurious hotels available around the island, up to water activities and games, and even relaxing spa, what more could a vacationist look for? Yes! There are lots of activities available in this island. For thrill seeker, you can try the Flyfish ride, Scuba Diving (believe only those licensed are allowed) and Parasailing. For those who have not much courage, yet still want thrill, you can have the Bananaboat ride, Jetski, Snorkling (this can come along the island hoping) and Helmet Diving. For party goers, your night will really be full of fun as there are many bars available in this Island. You can also try island hoping which visits nearby small islands. There are still more activities such as Cliff jumping, tower zipline, etc.

Boracay Island is subdivided in three stations, the stations 1-3. Station 1 bears the name of luxury as the luxurious and expensive hotels lives in here. Station 2 is more known for night as the party goers visit this station for it's bar that is well alive during night. Station 3 bears the word cheap as the more affordable hotels lies in here.

The only problem with the island, is that since it is popular, the crowd have occupied much of the place, thus not a good one for those who wants to escape the busy world and looking for peace where they can reflect.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Going to the Island could be quite an expensive since it requires either sea or air travel if you're from Manila. One can opt to take plane from Manila which can take you up to Kalibo, then you can take bus going to Caticlan Port. From there, you may take Superkat/Fastcraft vessels or Boat to the Boracay Island, there are multicabs and tricycles in the island for land travel. OR, you can take plane to Caticlan, then ride bus to the Caticlan Port. OR, take a bus from Manila to Batangas Port, then take a ferry from Batangas Port to Caticlan Port. OR, take a package. There are lots of travel packages are available only. This will lessen the burden of organizing by yourself (It is advisable to look for travel package promo to have a cheaper trip).

Travel Journal 13-005: Tarak Ridge Dayhike

2013-05-03T01:58:00.002-07:00

I was on my ordinary day of work when I received an SMS from a friend back at highschool. The message is an invitation to climb a series of mountain destinations for 3 different schedules upcoming within a week. It is a Major climb that caught my attention fast, but as I checked the date, it was scheduled fast to the weekend of that week. Checking my schedule, I remembered that my girl wished to take a rest on that week, which makes my weekend free.

It was a midnight before the scheduled climb when we have agreed to meet up. At 12 noon, me and my highschool friend met up at a place near our homes, then we headed to the town central where we met another buddy. From there, we rode a bus going to the Manila bus station where we're supposed to meet another buddy. We arrived early, so we decided to look for a place to take a heavy meal so that we can survive the upcoming long dayhike.

After the meal, we then headed back to the terminal where we finally met the last member of the group. Then it's travel time. The road is quite bumpy due to constructions of roads we have to pass, making us unable to have a sleep during the long travel. Worried that it may affect my climb performance, I forced myself to sleep by closing both eyes and trying not to think of anything more.

Ineffective, I transferred to a seat near one of our mates whom I borrowed his pad for a game. Then soon, the Brgy, Alas-asin. We descended the bus, took a stop at a 24-hour-tapsilogan nearby and secured an early breakfast (Don't ask, I know we ate too much!hahaha). I secured my packed lunch, but my colleagues are not fond of taking a lunch at the trails so they decided not. Before we go, we dropped by at the Brgy. hall to register. Next thing we know, we are trekking at the dark trail going to kubo since the sun hasn't showed up yet. After some minutes, we've reached the kubo where we had a few minutes of rest.

The sun is almost up as we head to our destination, Tarak Ridge. We met a group along the trail but as we pause for some pictures, they are long gone. Continuing the trek, I was stung by a bee which nests along the trail. Apparently, their hive were disturbed by the person I'm following, making them hot headed as I pass.

Long time of time have passed. The group is turning worried as we still can't hear a sound of flowing water despite the Papaya river is just a two-hour-trek away. Added by the factor that the group that have long gone where not even met along the trail, but it just turned into a joke as there are only two possibilities, The other group was lost, or we were. "They are lost!Let's be positive. Hahaha" . We decided to fasten our pace to confirm our worries.

As we push through, we soon heard the water flow. Instead of joy, we turned to be much worried as we thought that it might be the sound of Paniquian Falls which is the other way around.

Luckily as we continue, our guess turned to be wrong as we found Papaya River instead along with its' campsite. From here, we continued our trek and soon found the real challenge that Tarak Ridge offers, the continuous ascending trail.

As we continue, the steepness of the trail gradually increased, so as the exhaustion. Thus, making quite a challenge on the final leg of the assault, which turned to be an open trail plus a loosen-soil-trail. After different styles and techniques, we finally made it to the campsite where, despite of exposure to the heat, majority of us took our chance to take shots of the moment. Then, we continued to the upper part of the camp where we encountered a large group of fogs passing by. As we observed them, the fogs ascended to pass the fog, the descent back to it's original elevation. The scene is quite breath taking, making us stay a little longer.

After some minutes of observing the fogs, the group then decided to continue to the peak. The trail still bears the challenge of the loosed soil, although they are not as much as before. Finally, we've reached the peak. We took some pictures from different sides of the peak, before we decided to stay at the small forest in the middle of the peak, took our lunch and took a little nap.

Soon, we headed back to the ridge and saw a unresistingly nice view. Another pause causes our delay, but it was then compensated by a very fast pacing descent.

We are almost at the jumpoff when we passed by a store that sells hardboiled egg. Our hunger forced us to stop for awhile before continuing to the jumpoff.

Finally, the jumpoff! We fast took our dinner and barely took our washout, as we are targeting to take the last trip of the bus. Fortunately, despite of a long travel, we still managed to get to our home before another day came.

See Photos in Facebook.

BUDGET CHECK (As of March 2013)

*Fare from and to Brgy. Alas-asin via bus bound to Bataan (Php 267x2=Php 534)

*Foods, can be shared by group for around Php 100-200.

Total: Php 734.00

Bataan - Tarak Ridge

2013-04-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Tarak Ridge
Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan
1130 MASL
Difficulty: Major 4/9
Trail Class: 2-3
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

When you say Bataan mountains, the number one that comes to Filipinos' mind is Mt. Mariveles. Along with it's neighboring mountain, Mt. Natib, the two mountains occupies the majority of the province land area, thus giving more places to explore to the outdoor enthusiasts just like yours truly.

One of the prominent destinations provided by and Mt. Mariveles is a Ridge/Peak, the Tarak Ridge. Having a jumpoff at Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, the Tarak Ridge is one of the nearest major climbs in Manila.Although Tarak Ridge is not the summit of the said mountain, still it offers much of a worthy reward. From a rocky landscape, to a steep challenging trail.

Trekking Tarak Ridge, as mentioned earlier starts with the Brgy. Alas-asin, then it's kubo. Forwarding, you will encounter a trail goes into a forest that shows much of a wounds from a typhoon, wherein you can see lots of fallen trees. Not to worry, the trail is already taken cared of and obstacles were removed/lessened. Forwarding, you will encounter a peek to the mountain range. Then, it will be a long rolling trail of ups and down until Papaya River. Be careful, yours truly was stung by a bee along the trail, there are bees nesting along the trail, so suggest to be wary of the shrubs/trees. From Papaya River, it will the start of a continuous ascent that lasts up to 2hrs of trekking. Then, it's Tarak Ridge's camp site! From campsite, it will take 30 minutes trekking time to reach the Peak.

There are logs, that Tarak Ridge is an option as exit point of Pantingan Peak (Mt. Mariveles' summit) Traverse, which offers a more challenging climb.Also, there are logs that a falls is accessible here, although does not goes along the way to the Tarak Ridge, it's visitors have testified that it is still a much worthy of a visit.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

From Cubao, there are lots of buses bound north which passes Brgy. Alas-asin such as Genesis and Bataan Express.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1

0400 ETD for Brgy. Alas-asin
0830 ETA Alas-asin; register at Brgy. Hall (P20)
0900 Start trek
1200 ETA Papaya river; lunch
1230 Resume trek to woodlands
1400 ETA Tarak Ridge, set up camp, head to summit, pictures
1730 Back to camp, cook dinner
1830 Dinner/Socials

Day 2

0500 Wake up call
0600 Breakfast
0630 Break camp
0700 Start descent
0730 ETA Papaya river
1000 Back at jump-off point. Head home

A commentary: NO to Mt. Apo stairway!

2013-03-19T08:21:00.001-07:00

Recently, the mountaineering community was shaken by the Kidapawan City's proposal to build stairway to the country's very own Mt. Apo. The proposal will constitute a 7km stairway with 16,620 steps that will cost atleast 2.5 million pesos. The intention was to promote tourism by giving an ease in climbing the Philippines' highest mountain via building concrete stairways, hanging bridge across the Marble River, and "state-of-the-art public restroom" along the mentioned river and Lake Venado.

People will see me biased on this issue as I belong to the mountaineering community, but still I insist to the public my strong stand point in condemning this proposal. I may not be knowledgeable enough by law as I am a BS-Accountancy graduate, but no higher education needed to understand such.

There are lots of commentaries and statements that I read in the net stating their support with the project, but let me comment for some:
1. There are comments that they don't disagree with the project since the Floras and Faunas in the Mt. Apo are already been disturbed and if the community is insisting this as the main defense, the community should think twice as we at the first hand created the mountain's wound. This supports the statement of the proponents as "Also, by building structures along the pathway leading to the peak, it would discourage tourists and local to create a new trail and other mode of activities that will further destroy the natural park. At least 64,053 hectares of the mountain is considered part of the Mount Apo Natural Park".

- Well, we must admit that the community maybe guilty of this, but the as we all know, there are principles and ethics that mountaineers follows to lessen the impact. And, letting a further destruction is not a wise decision, it's just like legalizing a rape towards a prostitute. Also, as I look into the explanation that further destruction of the Natural park will decrease once the project was up and running, I find it paradox as the tourism encourages people to come, and we all know that number of visitors is parallel to the number of garbage and environmental impact despite how much effort done to maintain the cleanliness. Even the country's top Malls can be an example for this, you can never find a perfect clean public CR from the malls as compared to high ranking hotels that not everybody can afford to go.

2. Also, some insists that tourism will give the local residences of Kidapawan City an opportunity for more income.

-With the budget 2.5 million pesos, many useful projects can be done, from commercialism that opens lots of job opportunity up to education that broadens their knowledge that again opens up for more job opportunity.

3. Some saying that we should take a look at the Japan's Mt. Fuji before complaining to the project. They say that Mt. Fuji project was successful and does not impacted much in the mountain.

-All I can say is that we all know how much disciplined the Japanese are, bring the discipline in every Filipino and future foreign visitors of the project and it will be a different case.

Again, I strongly oppose the proposal. NO to Mt. Apo stairway.

Pls see other blogs for more commentary:

*Philippine Mountaineering
*Pinoy Mountaineer

Benguet - Baguio City

2013-03-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

Baguio City

Lies at the north of Metro Manila, specifically at the heart of CAR or Cordillera Administrative Region, an urbanized city called Baguio City, claims the title as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". Mainly caused by the cold temperature created by the high altitude of the place as it stands at 1,610 MASL, it's title was designated by Philippine Commission back in 1903.

Baguio City was established by Americans back in 1900 century wherein the site originated in an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. It's name came from a word of an indigenous language of Benguet, bagiw, which means "moss". Celebrated it's 103rd anniversary of city-hood in September 2012, the Baguio city was charted as a city back in September 1, 1909.

Baguio City have grown much popularity which lures not just country's local residents and citizens but also foreign nationalities. In fact, there are jokes that spread throughout Manila and nearby provinces that it was already been invaded by a neighboring Asian country, which is evidenced by their population. Well, that is just a joke, but it serves as a mere proof of it's inviting atmosphere and beauty. Yes, you read it right, the Baguio City does not just offer a cold breeze and temperature that Summer escapees are looking for, but also views that pleases your eyes.

There are lots of good places to visit the the city of Baguio, from the city's central park, the Burnham Park which can be compared to Manila's Luneta Park, to the city's business center, the Session Road, to the popular Camp John Hay, Mines View, Wright Park and Botanical Garden, to the Tam-awan village that brings you back to old times, to the Philippine Military Academy and even the President's summer residence, the Mansion, to the religious place such as Grotto and Baguio Cathedral, to the Strawberry fields, and many more.

Baguio City is also popular for it's different products, from cheap fresh vegetables, to fresh strawberries and it's products, to Pilinuts and Lengua de Gato, and even the famed Ube Jam of Good Shepherd.

Aside from the wonders, the Baguio City boast a festival that is most awaited by many. Celebrate for the whole month of love, February, the Baguio city held their famed Panagbenga festival in respect to the season of blooming and as a way to recover their city from a historic devastation created by an earthquake back in 1990.

Visiting the city of Baguio could be quite expensive as you have to spend much with the fare and hotels to stay, but transient houses are available here. They can help your wallet ease with damage created by high rates of hotel. Not as luxurious as the former, but good enough for an economic stay.

photo thanks to ph.new.yahoo.com

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

There are lots of north bound bus terminals located at Cubao. Buses such as Victory liner, Saulog Transport and Genesiss Transit that links Manila to other provinces such as Nueva Ecija, Pampanga & Pangasinan can be use to reach the city of Baguio.

You may opt to use public transportation and have a DIY or Do-it-yourself travel where you can choose the most economical and your top choices with regards to places to stay and to go, plus the privilege of owning your itinerary totally. However, you may also opt to take packages that offers both private transportation and a sure place to stay, although you may find some constraints in your itinerary, the private package offers a lesser hassle travel.

Travel Journal 13-004: Baguio City

2013-03-01T08:18:00.001-08:00

It is already more than a month when my girl had told me that she wanted to go to the Baguio City to attend the Panagbenga Festival along with her workmates. And, as I remember the excitement on me is much like when I have a scheduled climb,bringing me much sadness when I learned that the scheduled trip will conflict my work since I got due dates for the said. Fortunately, I was transferred to other job assignment making way for my leave and availability.

The day came fast, so as the increase in the excitement along with other people joining ( as said by my girl, not to mention that she's the most as she's not a frequent traveler, hehe peace :p).

Finally, it's the day before. I have to still go to work to assist my supervisor since I just handed over other assignment that was assigned to me. Fortunately, we managed to finish the work within the day, making way for me to go home in usual time. It is almost midnight when I came home, giving me less time to rest. And, thanks to my snoring brother, he almost gave me no sleep. It is just more than an hour before my cellphone beats for it's alarm when I manage to take my rest. Soon, the alarm sounds, forcing me to wake up in a drowse. I got up quick to check my things before heading to bathroom and prepare myself for the long travel.

It's still dark when I walk outside looking for a pedicab to ride. My stomach is complained as I ride the pedicab I managed to get, "Fill me first",my poor stomach said. It is because I failed to take my breakfast since no food available yet as my mom was still in dreamland when I woke up and she just woke up when I am about to leave. Soon, the pedicab have to drop me at the side of the hi-way where I can fetch a jeep bound straight to bus terminal. It took me sometime before I manage to get one. Good thing, the jeep didn't stopped long for every stop over we've passed, giving me time to buy foods at a fast food near the bus terminal. The only problem was the bus have to take some time to fill in its seat before we left the terminal.

I managed to reach the assembly point, exactly as agreed with my girl and the others. The group have to wait for half an hour before leaving for Baguio City.

The first hour of the trip is quite silent, maybe because the group was recharging since they came from an overnight shift. Then, the fun kalog moments came, the real kulits that the group been hiding coincides with the clear blue sky stating a good weather slowly came out. No dull moments even until we reach an eatery somewhere in Pangasinan (I think), where we took our lunch. They offer some exotic delicacies, but my girl and I chose Sinigang na baboy that we shared. After some time of rest, we fast headed to our destination.

The views slowly emerged the moment we reached the Kenon Road. As we travel along the mountains, the natural escapes and clear blue skies amazed the group. Soon, we've reached the Great Lion Statue that marks the boundary of our destination, the Baguio City. We took some pictures and tested the Taho w/ strawberry flavor. Then, we headed to our transient house, left our things and continued to Burnham Park. Few moments of walk, more pictures, then it's night! We brought our packed dinner and decided to take them at the transient since the whole town is already well crowded by visitors.

At the transient, the tired group took their dinner and majority have taken their sleep, but I, two of my girl's officemates, and a friend of her officemate have decided to have some shots before taking ours, where two person from the other side of the transient house approached us to ask for water. We hospitably assist them and gave some of our water, we even ask them to each have a shot before leaving. Then, we ran out of drinks and decided to take our sleep. As we head back to our rooms, one of us is already indicating the he's drunk and drowsed. Then, sleeping time.

I just barely have a sleep when someone came knocking on our room's door, and I'm the first one to wake up in four of the room's occupants. As I open the door, worried faces faced me saying, "A group member has been robbed, he lost his phones! One of us saw the suspect!". We came in panic! Unorganized, the group don't know what to do. Some tried to contact the phones, got few rounds of ring until it became out of reach. We looked for the house caretaker and found out that she's not staying in the house even if there are guests around, which caused us more trouble as we cannot knock each of the rooms without her presence. As we reassessed our stuff, the poor victim had realized that his shoulder bag with his company ID and some hygenics is also gone missing. This troubled his mind more as replacement of the ID will took a long process.

The light of the sun have already invaded the Baguio City when the caretaker came. We then knocked each room to ask if they can lend their things so we can check if one of them is the criminal. The witness have pin pointed to the group who the suspect is, but we decided to remain silent until we had evidences. As we check the stuff of other group, an local passed by and ask us if we know the owner of a bag he's holding, showing the company ID of the victim. We decided to not to magnify the issue anymore and don't report to the authorities since what's important for the victim is the ID and he indicated that it will just ruin our fun.

Then finally, we continued to where the "parade" will pass. It is already loaded of people when we reached the place. We decided to just visit the Cathedral since we can't have a nice spot to see the "parade" anymore. We walked, walked and walked, until we realized that going to the Cathedral is not possible anymore. So, we headed to the Bell Church, where they prayed and took some pictures, Strawberry farm to buy lots of pasalubong, Mines view for lunch, and Good Shepherd to buy the famous Ube and Strawberry Jam. Then, we headed to the market to buy stuff to cook for the dinner before going back to the transient.

At the transient, majority of us are already tires, thus many have taken their naps as I and some of my girl's officemates are left to prepare our dinner. After cooking, sleeping people were waken up to take the dinner then returned to sleep.

The morning came and it's time to say byebye to the Summer capital of the Philippines. The group boarded the van. We dropped by at the Pangasinan's Our Lady of Manaoag and took our lunch at a toll plaza at NLEX. Then finally, home sweet home.

BUDGET CHECK (As of February 2013).

*We took a tour package that cost us of around Php 2,200.00, but I believe this can be reduced if you can do a DIY or do it yourself tour where you can select cheapest transient house and transportation. Estimated minimum Php 1,900.00

*We have spent around Php 400-500 for the meals, but can also reduced if you prefer to cook and market. Estimated minimum Php 350.00

Total: Php 2,250.00 (excluding pasalubongs)

Pangasinan - Tupig

2013-02-27T01:33:00.000-08:00

Kakanin or delicacies made from glutinous rice is one of the popular stuff in the Filipinos' dishes. As a matter of fact, it there are lots of varieties of kakanin all over the country. Each place has different specialty, each has unique way of preparation or additional ingredients, and Tupig is one of them.

Popular in Pangasinan of the Ilocos Region and it's other neighboring provinces, and even available in Baguio City of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Tupig is one of the known kakanin with prominent name. Yes, it has name that boast from it's uniqueness among others of it's delicacy family, the way of preparation. Ordinary kakanins that are wrapped in leaves are commonly cooked via long process on boiling, making the Tupig differ as it is cooked by the help of charcoals and fan, grilling.

Made of glutinous rice, brown sugar, coconut stripes and margarine, the sweet taste of Tupig really lasts in your mouth along with its rough texture and smoky flavor. This made Tupig special not just in it's place but also with visitors that came from other places.

Flora & Fauna - Strawberry

2013-02-26T23:52:00.002-08:00

A flora that falls under the family of berries, more popularly grown in other countries, and can only be grown in high places in the country where weather is cold, is this red heart-shaped-fruit, the Strawberry.

The Strawberries in the Philippines mainly came from La Trinidad, Benguet of the Cordillera Administrative Region, which became a tourist attraction since visitors can personally harvest and choose the best Strawberry they can pick fresh from it's farm.

Abundant from November to May of the year, the Strawberry is widely sold in La Trinidad's nearby city which is popularly known as Summer Capital of the Country, the Baguio City. As a matter of fact, even it's by-products are widely sold in the city, to the fact that the moment you entered the city's vicinity, the first product that the locals will offer to you is the Strawberry flavored version of Taho (A soya seasoned with sweet syrup). Also, as you go around the city, many more delicacies could be found, such as Strawberry Jam, Strawberry flavored ice cream, and even the Sinigang sa Strawberry (Sinigang is a popular sour soup in the Philippines) is served by a restaurant in the said city. Not to mention that there are other delicacies that Strawberry is capable of, such as pies, cakes and shakes.

Like other berries, Strawberry tastes sour sweet, with a dissolving texture while in the mouth along with it's rough texture made by seeds. They are easily perishable, thus making it more expensive when it's sold in cities far from it's growing farm.

Bataan - Mt. Natib

2013-02-15T04:13:00.000-08:00

Mt. Natib
Brgy. Tala, Orani, Bataan
1287 MASL
Difficulty: Major 5/9
Trail Class: 1-3
Trekking Time: 4-5.5 hours

Bataan is a province near Manila that offers good climbing destination. From the peaks of Mariveles mountain ranges such as Pantingan, Tarak and Dambana ng Kagitingan a.k.a Samat to the mountain of Orani called Mt. Natib. Slowly, these mountains are turning to be the favorites of the mountaineers in the Philippines, not just because they are easily accessible from Manila, but also because majority of them are major climbs, and not to mention that they offer rewarding experiences. And Mt. Natib is one of the two that first comes into a mountaineer's mind when the word Bataan is mentioned.

Mt. Natib is not that abused yet since it was just lately opened to the hikers due to insurgency problems. Because of the said, the biodiversity of Mt. Natib is still a little intact. As a matter of fact, the friendly little blood sucking creatures, called Limatik, is of the reported resident of Mt. Natib. Also, the wild raspberry that is said to defy cancer, called Sampinit, is abundant to this very mountain. As a matter of fact, the summit/campsite of Mt. Natib looks like a big farm place of the said berry. Also, Mt. Natib shelters a worth visiting falls called Pasulukan Falls.

Trekking the Mt. Natib will begin with a wide open trail, thus this could be very exhausting when you started your trek during noontime. After an hour, you will reach a so called Pinagbutasan (translated as "a whole" or "an opening"), where a gate should be entered by the hikers of Mt. Natib. From there, it will be denser, lessening your worries of sun exhaustion. This extends even after the water source, but ends up in the basecamp or the foot of Mt. Natib where the trails are again wide open since it is a cogonline. The basecamp is a landmark where the assault begins. The trails from here are more steep and challenging as compared to the first leg. There are also roped segments, but they may not be necessary if the trails are dry. Continuing, you will finally reach the summit that also serves as the campsite which could be very could at night.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Take bus bound to Orani at Cubao or Dorotheo Jose (Bataan Transit/Genesis). Ask them to drop you off National Highway of Orani near Tala public market. Here, you can walk or either take tricycle to the jumpoff.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1

04:30 ETD for Orani
08:30 ETA Orani, take jeep or tricycle
10:00 ETA Jumpoff, register, start trek
11:00 ETA Pinagbutasan
12:00 ETA watersource, take lunch
13:00 Resume trek
14:00 ETA Basecamp, start assault
15:30 ETA Summit, pictures, set camp
18:00 Dinner and socials

Day 2

05:00 Wake up call
06:00 Breakfast
06:30 Break camp
07:00 Start descent
09:00 ETA basecamp, head to falls
11:00 ETA Pasulukan falls
12:00 Lunch
13:00 head back to jumpoff
17:00 ETA Jumpoff
21:00 ETA Home

Quezon & Laguna - Mt. Cristobal (Tala Traverse)

2013-02-13T03:36:00.001-08:00

Mt. Cristobal (Cristrav)
Entry: Sitio Sta. Lucia, Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon
Exit: Brgy. Tala, Rizal, Laguna
1,470 MASL
Difficulty: Major 6/9
Trail Class: 3-4
Trekking Time: 4-5.5 hours

Mt. Cristobal aka Devils' mountain is one of the three major destinations in the Banahaw trilogy (Mt. Banahaw, Mt, Banahaw de Lucban, and Mt. Cristobal) aimed to be conquered by Filipino mountaineers. Also, the Devils' mountain is one of the hardest minor climb, wherein a traverse elevates the level of difficulty to a Major like the majestic Mt. Makiling of Los Banos/Sto. Tomas. It is also the cleanest mountain that so far yours truly have climbed. It lies at the boundary of Laguna & Quezon, thus making many possible traverse options.

Mt. Cristobal offers many traverse options, and Tala, Rizal trail is one of trails that links to the other part. Wherein, from the highest accessible point, Jones' peak as referred by Pinoymountaineer, is not just the highest window view, but also the starting point of the mountain's challenges. It also serves as the junction for the three possible traverse to three places of Laguna (San Pablo, Nagcarlan & Rizal).

The Tala, Rizal trail is very steep and could be very slippery during rainy days, thus it is best to take it as a descending route whereas Sta.Lucia, Dolores serves as ascending route, rather than taking the vice-versa. The start of the trail could be a real steep having of approximately 70-80degrees inclined passing through a cogon line, which serves much helpful to secure your balance especially when the trail is slippery due to rain. Continuing, you'll have to surpass a trek of around 3.5-4.5 hours, where you have to pass by some roped segment and vine rapelling before you reach the Banana farm. This could be very dense, thus more caution and care in descending is required. Also, one has to be very careful in dealing/touching with the floras present in this trail as they are not just thorny but some are also noxious like the Lipa. The only good thing with this trail is well covered, giving away the worries of exhaustion due to sun exposure.

It will be just a short trek before you leave the Banana farm, wherein the sun can now greet you at a sunny day. This will be more of a cogon line, and views here are slowly emerging. Also, from here, one can view the vast of the Mt. Cristobal from the direction you came from. Approximately 30 minutes to one hour of trek will lead you to the Tayak hill. Then from Tayak hill, it will be just 5-10 minutes to reach a community where a public CR is available, but will have no water during summer.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

There are no available public transportation from here, thus suggest you arrange a rented jeep to pick you up upon descend(pls take note that signals could be weak at this point, suggest you contact your driver at the trail near Tayak hill).

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1

06:00 Take Lucena Bus at Cubao or Buendia
09:00 ETA San Pablo/Market some supplies
10:00 ETD for Jumpoff
11:00 ETA Sitio Langkaan,Sta. Lucia, Dolores/Register/Start Trek
12:00 Lunch at Montelibano
13:00 Resume trek
16:30 ETA Crater
17:00 Head to Saddle camp, pitch tent, head to Jones' Peak
17:30 ETA Jones' Peak, pictures
18:00 head back to camp
19:00 Dinner/Socials

Day 2

05:00 Wake up call
06:00 Breakfast
07:00 Breakcamp
07:30 head to Jones' Peak
08:00 ETA Jones' Peak, picture, continue descent
12:00 ETA Tayak hill, wash up, head to San Pablo
13:00 Late lunch at San Pablo
14:00 Head Home

Travel Journal 13-003: Mt. Cristobal (Dolores-Tala Traverse)

2013-02-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Finally the most awaited chance to have a major climb has come! It was busy work day when a friend of mine, who's working on Singapore, asked me if I would like to climb Mt. Cristobal upon her visit to the Philippines. I quickly asked her if she would like to make a traverse which I prefer, and she easily agreed. Excitedly, I text, call and PM our friends if they can join us in the said plan even that's two weeks ahead of time. Nobody has an accurate answer except for a friend who declined the invite and indicated that he is getting married, instead he asked me if I can join him at Mt. Batulao that weekend, that I agreed (see Journal 13-001).

The schedule is coming fast, and there are no confirmed attendees yet. Unfortunately, my busy days came. But, what made me more worried is that no guide and transportation deal has been closed yet.

It's only a week before the climb, I'm done with my warm up climb at Mt. Kalisungan (see Journal 13-002), no invites and no deals yet. I'm almost hopeless that the climb won't come into reality. Good thing, a trekking buddy that I'm with from the beginning of my mountaineering life has stated that he will come with the climb. Also, another friend also said that he wanted to join.

The busy days is over but the climb is one day ahead. God is good, all things went okay the night before the climb.Packing my things, I considered the weight so much as I tried to lessen all the burdens worrying that another cramps might attack me.

Morning has come, and I head fast at the meet up point to meet my trekking buddy and his younger brother. And then, we departed for San Pablo where we will meet all others.

At San Pablo, a jeepney driver approached our group saying that he is the driver that we have dealt with to pickup once we got down in Tala on Sunday. He also said that we can hitch with him with a regular fare since he is scheduled to go to Dolores. We decided to market stuffs that we will be needing such as food and drinks, since our balikbayan friend is late along with her elder sister who is a first timer. Then soon, they arrived. We head fast to jumpoff where our guide was waiting.

Upon arriving in the jumpoff, we registered and our guide wasted no time as he lead us to the cemented road. This became a big time warmup for me as the steepness of the road caused me a real challenge. For me, trekking a steep natural trail is lot easier than trekking a steep cemented road. But good thing we reached the Montelibano house in just an hour. We took our lunch, take a short rest before we resumed trekking. The trail now are steeper but more natural. As usual, the happiness of trekking (laughs along the trail) is always present.

The team had already reached the crater when the rain made on dew started to fall. The temperature became colder as we continued to the saddle camp. Within less than half an hour, the saddle camp, and the instinct of setting camp immediately to escape the rain was what we had upon arrival.

The dinner has come after an hour of cooking, so long with the socials. The other group have joined in our socials in our guide's tent since the rain seems to have no plan of stopping. We also approached the other neighboring tent whom have indicated an intention of joining our traverse for the next day.

Time to sleep and the rain still fall as long as the cold breeze of wind. Because of this, moist and flowing water under the tent have penetrated our shelter making us unable to sleep well.

Finally, the rain have stopped, but it is almost time for the wake up call. I stretched up and took my camera to take some pictures while I wait for the other teammates to wake up. Soon, they all got up and made our breakfast ready. We took it fast and fixed our stuff ready for traverse.

The sun is up, but the trees of Mt. Cristobal are too dense to be penetrated by it rays. With the other group, we headed to the summit and meet the view that Devils' mountain boast. It is another miracle, I could say as clearing are just like gifts that are given to us despite of a never ending rain the night before (Well, maybe it is already given since it is a rainforest).

After the picture taking, we started the descend on a continuous steep trail. The trails are dangerous as the slipperiness of it is another factor aside from it's steepness. Fortunately, the group managed to descend without any major incidences nor any injuries.

As we reached the jumpoff, the CR has no water available, giving us a challenge of washing up. The jeep came as we had managed to wash up somehow. Then, we rode the jeep that dropped us at San Pablo City, where we took our meal before heading home.

See Photos in Facebook.

BUDGET CHECK(as of February 2013)

*Fare:
-Transportation from Cubao to San Pablo: Not sure bout the price yet approx Php 150
-Transportation from and to San Pablo can be arranged by dealing with a jeep. ( We took Mang Lucio-09993903350 as our ride from Tala, Rizal to San Pablo as we are fortunate to hitch on his trip to Sitio Langkaan, Sta. Lucia, Dolores for a normal fare rate). No public transportation available from Dolores to Sta. Lucia and Tala, Rizal to San Pablo; This can be shared by group. Php 2500 for a group, meaning Php 200-400 for two way depending on the number of pax.

*Meal: as usual, this can be shared by group for around Php 100-200

*Guide: You may opt to guide, but the trail here are already established and easy to navigate, except to the later part of Tala, Rizal where there are some forks. (We took Christian-Lito's son as our guide. Contact of Christian-09104846315 and Mang Lito-09214647618). Php 1500 for a group, meaning Php 150-200

*Registration: Php 20.00

Total: Php 970.00

Flora & Fauna - Lipa

2013-02-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

Another factor that add challenges in a hike of a Filipino mountaineer, other than Limatik, is a flora named Lipa. Known for its' notorious effect to it's victim's skin such as a burning sensation, severe itchiness and rashes that may last up to 14 days, details of Lipa is a must known for a mountaineer in the Philippines.

Reported found at Mts. Cristobal, Makiling, and Malipunyo, Lipa is a small tree or a shrub that grows up to 3-5 meters, with broad slightly oval leaves that can be 10-22 cm wide, somewhat heart-shaped at the base and shortly pointed at the tip. Lipa's leaves are green and smooth on the upper surface, while the lower one are paler and densely covered with short hair (description from Department of Agriculture as per Pinoymountaineer).

Avoiding Lipa is better than curing skin irritation it made, thus familiarity is recommended. But the question is what is the best to do incase you have been stung by it's hairs? Well, the first thing to do is clean the infected skin with either water or alcohol without rubbing to avoid spreading of hairs. Then, use a duct tape to pull out the hairs of Lipa that pierced into your skin, atleast to minimize the irritation ( Note: this should be immediately done within 10 minutes after the sting).

photo thanks to http://metro-naturalist.com/Plants

Although victims may experience discomfort, there are no reported complications associated with it sting.

There are stories that a famous city at Batangas is named after this plant. It is said that back then, Lipa City was known to be home of this very plant, thus naming after it. But, stories are just stories and will remain stories without evidences and living witness.