Random Hike - Bundok ng Mag-asawang Bato

We were having refreshments and supplies from the nearest store on the afternoon after we climbed down from Mag-asawang Bato when an ex-counselor of Tingloy approached us and introduced himself. He gathered we were the ones camping by the beach. Although the place is generally safe, he obliged himself to let us know that if need be, we can come to him for any assistance.

during the course of the conversation, he managed to share with us bits and pieces of the mountain. according to him, the last time he trekked up was when the town-council agreed to look into a proposal to put shades on the track and rehabilitate some areas. We agreed that would be a good idea granted that these shades blend into the environment otherwise it will just ruin the setting. Not everyone would be happy about that come holy week when some locals hike to adhere to a yearly pilgrimage. Also he said that there were actually three not two giant rocks coupling on the peak (which we had previously noticed when we summitted- so it's not really a mag-asawa, is it?).
What escaped us though was the giant clam shell (kima) underneath these rocks. A huge shell up about 600MASL, now that is interesting.
What happened in this town years, maybe centuries ago may likely caused this. Tsunami?

That thought can send shivers camping on the beach. not for us though. We had a nice three hours trotting up and down that mountain, and about the same time swimming. you can only guess how far we had already drifted to sleep before we could even be bothered.

on the other hand: i still think it's unfair that while i was panting during the hike, JR, 11-year old boy who was newly-circumcized- and i mean newly, was running around the bushes like he was in the park...

1st link: Camping on Masasa Beach, Tingloy

Tingloy Island - A Humble Rural Town

Christmas and two weeks holiday...
A wanderer that i am i felt i had to go, leave the city, and enjoy the year-end outdoors. But i don't have such a privilege. My work needs me when at least most of our "kababayans" are out for the holidays.. Sigh, sigh, sigh.. I have plans ahead of me but for now, i shall content myself to go back to the place worthy of one's return. Only a few seconds into the photos, i feel i was gifted to have been to one humble town where simplicity is the way of life...
Maricaban island- "where part of Marina teleserye was shot, where beautiful white sand beaches lie in wait for the nomad's soul". i'm no Marina fan but i was in search for respite and surely one unpopulated beach would have cured my then weary soul. And the mountain too was a welcome hike.

On sunday morning, we set out for the Maricaban Island. It was a gift for my birthday. The anticipation was more exciting than opening a present. All-in-all it was a five-hour ride including the stop at Balagtas, Batangas city for a quick bulalo. yumm. (the popular place is where you see two large cauldrons steaming on the road towards the town's port).

On to Lipa city, where we transferred to a puj going Anilao, Mabini. To a port where the passengers know everybody else. While waiting for the boat to fill up, we felt like intruders. Though that welcomed a different kind of fun. Adventure perhaps. Everybody had themselves picked up by locals, some walked to nearby houses.We came ready to camp but where here was the Maricaban's famous beach and the low-key mountain called MAG-ASAWANG BATO? And where under this midday sun is the restroom?

First inquiry solicited a disheartening response- "no, Maricaban is unaccessible by tricycle. two mountains or a boat will tackle such course." The second one elated us. MAg-asawang Bato jump-off can be reached through tryke.


Slowly, the town had as calmed. at times, i wondered how drivers here were able to gp past through one-way narrow streets sometimes even unpaved. We already learned that Maricaban, with the famous beach is on the other side of the island and we are in Brgy. San Juan. I felt connected here so maybe Brgy. Maricaban will have to wait.

The Bundok ng Mag-Asawang Bato like the town was a little mountain with its own story. And after trying to hike the first half- and taking lunch uphill, we decided to check-out the beach. We camped on one of the shades. the only facility near us was a fresh-water well about 200m from the shore. We met new friends, young children who frequented the shore. The kids were sun-burnt, their laughters so much warmer than the light. it was them, the twins, and their older brother RR, their young lady pals, their neighbor JR, who made camping so much more comfortable and lively. they helped us start our fire and cooked two different variety of pasta meals (one with meatloaf, the other with tuna) which we feasted on. it was a hit with them. we also cooked fresh squids and galunggong i bought from mr. fisherman. and of course, they helped me pick the prettiest of the shells..

Two days of pure delight, playfullness, endless swimming, and repose during the night. the sea was clear, the seawall behind are black as hawk, the white sand was rich with shells, i can hardly say goodbye.

it was such a joyful place. It was the Masasa Beach. in the town of Tingloy.
the locals return. who am i to say no?


1st link: Random Hike- Bundok ng Mag-asawang Bato, Tingloy

30 Minutes Up Close with Baliuag

As childish as it was, i didn't let the visit in Baliuag pass without chasing the flock of white birds in the rice paddies. I saw them while i was playing with my nephew along the road separating my ate's place from the plots tended by her in-laws. From a distance, the birds seemed to me only feathers playing with the breeze and settling finally. As it is, they were feeding on the leeches and snails on the empty frames. It was almost planting season again, and there were already farmers tending thier own with the help of their best-friends, the carabaos.
Had the rain didn't pour, i could have stayed in the plains longer.







The B and C Orchids Exhibit

Along the way, we stopped over at Razon's Halo-halo Baliuag Branch, but what caught my attention was the colorful orchids displayed 5 paces away. My papa and mama during my teen years have collected some rare and beautiful species of this flower and the whole family was fascinated with their vibrance and variety. Even now, we are still awed by the silent sophistication of this beautiful flora.

Happy Birthday Ate Ghalie!!!

we had a great time this weekend in my sister's place in Baliuag, Bulacan. she will be celebrating her birthday today and since most of the family are working during weekdays, we agreed for a saturday trip. fortunately for me this time, i was allowed a weekend day-off to tag along.

It was supposed to be a surprise visit but hey when there is something exciting coming up, there will always be someone giving the leaks, hehe. My sister just had a liver operation and the family was really very thankful that she bravely got over the process and recuperating just as strongly. It was a heartwarmingly celebratory day and the Gamboas welcomed us heartily and prepared delicious meal for us, especially ginatang alimango with just enough spice- really yummy.

My mom hardly ever travels now, but this time she ignored her own sickness to be with her daughter. i am myself a sentimental and had i not compose myself , i could be crying just seeing the family get together again. but hey, aside from drama sessions, this family had shared enough hilarious and unorthodox humor, making fun of each other and indeed the day was filled with contagious laughters.

another get together is being planned, and we are looking forward to that another whacky day!

Finally: The SUMMIT (Mt Kalisungan II)

to say that i was overjoyed was an understatement. it felt like taming the wildest of them all. this mountain certainly has "more bite than its bark".


Months after the failed attempt to the summit of this mountain, i was once again getting ready to trek on the slopes of Mt. Kalisungan. This time, again a blinding hope to reach the peak despite the typhoon that was brewing on the south luzon.

do not blame me for the daredevil that i was, the trip was long planned, since the first climb and the schedule was plotted a fortnight before. Even the typhoon was an unexpected adversary. Had this trip failed though, had there been troubles after, i had no excuse but my own obsession to meet the challenge. Though i am already humbled once by the forces surrounding this mountain, i came here for the second time with only one goal-to heal the constant ache alluring me to its summit.

I was nervous. There was no mountain to welcome us, it was completely covered by the fog and the drizzles were obstructing my line of sight. Little by little, i was feeling the pull of my nerves. I had no windbreakers, and the rain steadily pursued us. Not long after we started, the dampness covered us from head to foot.

The only push that motivated me was the familiarity now with trails. They seemed more friendly and pronounced now. We took cover from the fruit trees and released the muds we accumulated thru twigs and leaves. At times cutting off the amorsekos which deliberately clinged on us.

Midway through the climb, we were already addressing the mountains' resolute stand. And two hours after we jumped off, we came to the same hut where we lunched the first time. It was a couple of "we've been here before". Certainly. But instead of resting now, this ignited our desire to follow the trails we had overlooked before.

Had we trailed west as advised by the local we met on the first climb, it was sure that we made it the first time. Had we not confused steepness with direction, we could have made it the first time. Lessons were learned, and this was another time. the object of the day was to keep ourselves from slipping trough the muddy trails and to ensure safety for everyone.

Indeed we were close. The dalandan farm we trekked before was directly below the trail towards the peak. Inching up, the trail whirled through another grassland. We needed not to make our own paths now, it was all evidently tracked. But believe me now, climbing trough the wet and sharp grasslands, and muddy-packed soil was not at all enthusiastic. And even if we wanted to get inspiration from the vista we might see from that viewpoint, that was completely obscured by the thickness of fog that clouded us.

I was not complaining, huh, i had only developed total respect for this mountain. Thirty minutes after the hut,i honestly felt that we were almost there. I was waiting for the cross on the peak to emerge over the waving cogon tips and every time i didn't i felt i was cheated by the trails.

Slowly i struggled until there was no way up. I was battered by strong winds from all directions and i was stil painfully looking for the landmark cross. I looked beyond to where i thought was the town but saw nothing, we were completely covered. Madness.

I felt the mountain was making fun of me until i saw this piece of rock, a crevice in the middle. The Cross wasn't there anymore. Typhoons had claimed it. Inspite of myself, i decidedly posed atop it. With or without the Cross there is always faith, and yes i couldn't have done it without my Help. Going down, i felt the mountain finally smiling on me and in one split moment, it gave me a second to glimpse right down to the town and the surrounding farms.

Linked Post:
> Understanding Gravity - Mt. Kalisungan Part 1

North Pandan Island: My Sister's Island Escape

Puerto Galera is the prime tourist destination in the island of Mindoro especially because it is so much closer to Manila and boasts of a number of diving destinations. So who would have thought that going beyond this border, following an off-the-beaten track, there lies a tropical paradise waiting to be explored?



My sister and her co-employee friends were on to a beautiful island they had only known from an officemate. A relative of whom is a local of Sablayan town (the biggest in South-east Asia). The teaser was this remote island 20 minutes from their town, a wide range of activities to choose from, and certainly beyond reach of the city that control their busy days most of the year.

Their exciting trip began when the plane left the group. One of them took the time checking out the closet for the best swimwear (hehe) and ended up paying for eight people's land and sea transfers (huhu, that was pricey). What could have been an hour of unincidental plane ride towards the island, turned out to be a tiring yet fun, awakening and at the end exciting land and sea transfers thru Batangas city, Abra de Ilog, and Sablayan-a welcome sight after the long journey through rural and at times untamed roads.

From the rustic and scenic port of Sablayan, it was all for them a escape to paradise. Tucked in the sea surrounding this bay is an island where curvaceous sand and tropical forests converged, where easy trails fenced the boundariesa and the luscious paradise perfectly complemented with the dive spots scattered around and doubled up by the nearby Apo Reef National Park.

They all stayed in cottages separated only by palms from the sea where she and her husband played around the huge hermit crabs, and sang along with the crickets at night. She even played me the music of the morning waves of the sea as they greeted her when she went around a bend and discovered for herself a powdery white-sand cove, a contrast to the coarse sand from where they were staying. Indeed, one can never have enough to explore around but in the end it is the laidback simplicity that drives its visitors up to a paradise they never have known before. And ultimately, all these are so much worth of all the hours and humps of travel.

Getting there:
Bus to Manila -Batangas City Pier(175.00) - 3hours
Batangas City Pier - Abra de Ilog (192.00) - 2hours
Abra de Ilog - Sablayan (250.00)- 3hours
Sablayan - Pandan Island (100) - 20 minutes
Alternatively, the resort can arrange plane transfers.

Accomodation:
on the island: Pandan Island Resort (700-1500)
in Sablayan: Albert's Place, Emily Hotel, LandManz Hotel

Special Interests:
Libauo Lake
Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park
Sablayan Prison Farm

What Remained Of All Saint's Day

On a sad nOte:
While Halooweens and All Saint's Day are attoned to family gatherings, it also is a sad recollection to the discipline that we sometimes bury with them...

Here's the aftermath:




I am already mourning for the neglect our environment is suffering...

In Memory Of Our Loved Ones

In memory of our father, our old folks, our little angels...



All land, sea, air transport peaked at this time of the year. As a tradition, Filipinos travel all the way from Manila to the northernmost or southernmost part of the country to remember their departed loved ones. In remembrance of them, millions flock to the cemeteries,both lavish and public to visit the families they missed. They brought all characters and designs and shapes of candles, all sorts of flowers, bouquet, or picked out from the gardens they tend, some prayed and held special masses.

Yes, the way we remember our beloved families may vary, but the life they shared with us when they lived will always transpire in our hearts, a beating memory and one pulsing hymn for their journey beyond this world.

Trip Planner: Central Palawan (Underground River and Honda Bay)

This trip planner includes a 3-day or 4-days itinerary and covers the central palawan.the trip begins and culminates in puerto princesa and side-trips to either the Honda Bay or St. Paul's Underground River. The budget ranges from 5000-15000 per person depending on how luxurious you want the vacation and how many are travelling (single/ group). Choose from day 2 and day 3 itinerary if you only have 3days for your vacation. otherwise, stick with it to experience the best of this part of palawan.



The itinerary:
1st day:
Arrival at Puerto Princesa city. (preferably in the morning so you can go to Iwahig Penal Colony or Irawan crocodile farm, whatever you fancy.) There are also a lot of accomodations in the city. Your budget choice is Puerto Pension where room rates start at 650. Cap your day activity with a beautiful view of the Puerto princesa Bay while dining in at Badjao Seafood Restaurant. (250/pax)
2nd day:
Arrange an island hopping trip for Honda Bay or explore it the DIY way. island hopping package tours are available thru hotels in puerto princesa, tours include transport, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Going to Honda bay by yourself, one must ride a jeepney in the Puerto Market to Tagburos, Sta lourdes Pier where you can rent out boat and snorkels.


3rd day:
Tour the underground river. From Puerto Princesa, there are regular transport to Sabang. Do secure a permit from the information office then eat at Silayan Restaurant. Afterwards, decide wether you want to trek the Monkey trail or hire a boat towards the entrance of the river. the sabang beach is a beautiful setting and one may wish to stay here a night rather than going back to the city. The best choice is Mary's Beach resort.

4th day:
Wake up to a beautiful sunshiny day in Sabang beach, have a hearty breakfast then transfer back to Puerto Princesa for your flight back to Manila.


the budget(per single person)
plane tickets 2-way to Puerto Princesa from Manila (3500)
2day/2nights acoomodation Puerto Princesa City (1500)
1st day tour (Iwahig or Irawan) plus meals (500)
2nd day tour (Honda Bay) and meals (1500)
3rd day tour (Underground River) and meals (1000)
1 night at Sabang Beach plus breakfast (750)
4th day meals and transport (500)

Getting to Palawan:
PAL (02) 433-4575
Air Phil (02) 433-7003
Pacific Air (02) 433-4872
(or you may click the links on the sidebar to access their sites including the Superferry who has one route each week to and fro the city)

Best Bulalo @ Jake's Grill

Since my sixth grade @ Naty's restaurant in Famy, Laguna, i had set my standards for my bulalo- none of the sweet and artificial flavors both of vegetables and seasoning, just the plain goodness of natural beef broth with tiny little beef fats to melt in my mouth.


It took me 14 years before another Bulalo impressed and indulged my taste buds.

Jake's Grill was well-situated near the town terminal of Lipa City (in front of Robinson's and Shakey's). The place was aptly named since they specialize on anything grilled and if you're lucky, serves specialty seafood like blue marlin. Could have taken them if only i was not craving for bulalo. And i was not disappointed.

At 165.00 per serving (good for 2-3pax), i think they deserve all the loyal customers that patronize them. Not only was the food inexpensive, it was impressively tasteful. The place has both air-conditioned and smoking areas. They also serve beers at a very affordable price. Yummy!

St. Isidore Parish Church (Cuenca, Batangas)

After the successful overnight climb at Mt. Maculot, we find our way towards the town parish where a wedding was to take place that afternoon. And if the mountain is the town's shield from the nature's forces, the St. Isidore Parish is the testament to the unwavering faith of the local folks.

Mass Time:
Sun: 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30 PM ; Mon, Tue, Thursday - Sat: 5:30 AM Wed: 4:30, 5:30 AM

Mt. Maculot (+ the Rockies) Revisited

this mountain is Ecology's Club adoptee, a high school club where i was a member, and the first time they brought us here, i enjoyed the bonding of the group more than i appreciated the oneness of nature with us. After 11 years, i finally came back. there was a kick in me aside from the excitement. it was an awareness of how connected we are to the environment and how we live coindependently.

Mt. Maculot (830MASL) is a fairly easy hike, with moderate ascents except for the hot cogon area up before the shoulder. With well-threaded paths and easily identifiable markers, this mountain is witness to many mountaineer wannabes' initiation, it being safe for beginners even on a night climb.


The hike began with registration at the brgy post, then at the mountaineers store for last minute buys, then through a dirt road. It was actually a leisure climb. Along the path were many resting stops, some just poles placed atop small branches, and others complete with make-shift tables which I had of course taken advantage of.

Of the highlights of every Maculot climb is the superb vista on the ROCKIES (635 MASL). From the campsite on the shoulder it was only 10-15 minutes toward these rocky hill, but beware since the slope was steep and the rocks were hard to navigate. Once you got here, you will be taken by the scenic and breathtaking Taal Lake protecting the tiny Taal Volcano.


To get here:
1.Take the Lemery-bound bus from Cubao (Php 150) on to Cuenca Municipal Hall or a Bus to Lipa (Php 130) then to a jeepney from lipa on to Cuenca (Php 30)
2.Take a tricycle from Cuenca Municipal Hall to the registration post then to jump-off (Php30)
Others:
there is a mini sari-sari store on the campsite by the shoulder were you can have one 1.5L coke ice-cold at (Php90), sadly, the trash were not managed properly and you can see candy and snack wrappers all around the area.

"TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME." Practice leave no trace policy, we all want to enjoy nature. Don't be selfish with the coming generations, do not abuse our environment.

Hopping on Hundred Islands National Park

As arranged, Mamang Tiday was back for an early island hopping.
It was only few minutes after 7am, the best time to enjoy the sightseeing and the ride towards the park's hidden beaches and caves. I had first braved the silent strength of the sea, swimming away with the help of a life vest to sight one family of planted giant clams (taclobos). After which is an enjoyable ride through calm waters.





to get here:
ride a victory liner bus from cubao (368.00 aircon)
have a snack stop-over in tarlac and stretch a bit (45-90/pax)
ride a tricycle at alaminos town (50.00-100.00)
find yourselves a nice boatman at lucap wharf (8oo/day, 1400/overnight/ 1-5pax)
have a nice tour of the islands (an additional of 600-800)

(mamang tiday-the banca and our banceros)


Of the 123 islets in the park only three have basic facilities and accomodations. Herewith are the rates:

CHILDREN's Island:


Overnight
Nipa 1 (4-6 pax) w/ room 1500
Nipa 2 (4-6 pax) w/ room 1500



GOVERNOR's Island:

Governor's island ha a view deck located in it's highest point where one can have a good view of the whole park.
Overnight
Cottage for 4 2000
Guest house(w/water,generator 6pm-10pm) 10,000
Day Tour Overnight
Entrance Fee 20 40
Tables 200 300
Picnic Area 100 150
Picnic Shed 200 200
Tent Space 200 200

QUEZON Island:


Day Tour Overnight
Nipa A (2 pax) w/ room 500 900
Nipa B (2-4 pax) w/ room 600 1100
Nipa 1(6 pax) w/o room 350 500
Nipa 2 (6 pax) w/o room 350 500
Nipa 3 (6 pax) w/o room 350 500
Nipa 4 (8 pax) w/o room 500 1000

Other Rates used both for the Governor's and Quezon Island:
Motorboat Rates
Day Tour Overnight
Small (1-5) pax) 800 1,400
Medium (6-10) pax) 1,000 1,800
Large (11-15) pax) 1,100 2,000
Equipment Rentals
Day Tour Overnight
Salbabida 50 100
Life vest 25 50
Snorkel(tempered) 100 175
Snorkel(w/ fins) 175 200
Tent Rentals
Small (4 heads) 500
Medium (6 heads) 700
Large (8-10 heads) 1,000

And if you don't want to spend the night in any of the islands, there are accomodations on the wharf: Seaside Haven, Maxine by the Sea(striking view of the sunset) and Sweet Honey Hotel (from where you can have a shower for a minimal fee and sumptous meals at budget price with personalized service from the owners)are among the popular choices.

So come hither, and claim for yourself an island you can partially own one lucky day in your life.

Linked Posts:
--1.Pangasinan's Hundred Islands
--2.Dayout and Daybreak inQuezon Island

Dayout and Daybreak in Quezon Island

Quezon Island - one among the hundred+.

This trip to the hundred islands was the first trip i planned for a camp beside a beach and i am terribly excited about it. I wanted it a private encounter with the less visited one but seeing all the islands soaked to the depths of one open sea, i had my second thoughts. My great fear is to be left alone in the midst of the sea and to be in an island i know not the risks, my fear took control of me. So when it was mentioned that Quezon island is among the only islands which has facilities and almost always, visitors, we started our boatride towards the island.

Upon arrival, we immediately inquired for camping. We were politely informed that pitching tents are only allowed from 6pm until 6 am of the next day. Although i was worried where to put my belongings, i was glad that the park authorities are strict on their policies to maintain the park.

Since it was almost lunch time, there were about 30-40 people picknicking and starting to prepare their lunch in the pavilion.They were griling seafoods on one side and i felt my appetite awakening my hunger. So we lose not one minute and started to grill some fish and meat too.
A fresh lunch with one beautiful view, it was simply delicious.
The sun was too proud yet for us to start frolicking so we just decided to find a shady place where we thought we could nap for a while. Lying down, i couldn't help but wonder with the awesome art that nature has presented me at that time. Although the gentle breeze was fanning me towards sleep, i decided to just sit comfortably and let the time pass so lazily.

When the afternoon felt friendly on the skin, we ran towards the beach. We did a little snorkeling and seen some underwater action. i slipped once and unfortunately sat on the corals and got myself a bruise but this did not keep me from playing with the waves.

And as the dusk started to bathe the whole island with such a beautiful island hue, i found myself waiting for the sunset.

And when the night came to a close, when i knew that i'd be spending one sweet sleep, i looked forward to a beautiful daybreak in the island.


And i had the most tasteful instant coffee on the beach, my feet on the sand, and the sea greeting me the gentlest morning.

Linked Posts
--1. Pangasinan's Hundred Islands
--3. Hopping on Hundred Islands' National Park

Pangasinan's Hundred Islands

two things
1. there were actually more than a hundred of these beautiful islands
2. the experience here can be as magical and as interesting as the legend that has these small beautiful islets of paradise made by the giants.



i was so excited putting my clothes into my bag despite that it was 12midnight and i just camefrom work. but who wouldn't be? after all, it was going to be my first time to visit the famous hundred islands.

after two hours of packing and six hours travel via the victory liner, i had stepped a foot on the town of alaminos. from the bus terminal, we have hailed a tricycle to get us to the market where we bought some supplies and food, then to the lucap wharf, where we haggled for a tour of the islands and a pick up the next day.

at 10am, i was barely aware of the lucap wharf. my attention was completely taken by the distant sight of the giant green mallows. so tastefully designed while they rested on the depths and stillness of south china sea.

Linked Posts:
--2. Dayout and Daybreak in Quezon Island
--3. Hopping on Hundred Islands' National Park