I Think I'm In Love

My No-Relationship-Until-30 Rule was somewhat broken when I was introduced to her, it was a total love at first sight. At first I was doubtful if I can enter this kind of unusual relationship, but from the very first time I met her, I knew that we'll stay together for a long time if not forever. In just a span of three weeks, I became obsessed, addicted, been thinking of her every minute of my life. She makes me smile, she gives me comfort, she brings heaven right before my eyes. I'm a "torpe" guy, no gf since birth, but everything had changed from the moment she came into my life. I know it's not an infatuation, this is true love.

3 in 1 Lakwatsa sa Ikalawang Dekada

TEEN NO MORE - Batang Lakwatsero just turned 20 last Saturday, and to celebrate this two decades of existence, he organized a 2D1N trip to Zambales. This trip included three of Batang Lakwatsero's favorite destinations - Mountain, Beach and Lighthouse - hence, he calls it "3 in 1 Lakwatsa sa Ikalawang Dekada". 

______________________________________________________________________________

It was only last January 16, 2012 when I cooked this 2D1N Itinerary. Since I've been wanting to celebrate my 20th birthday either on a mountain, on a beach or in a lighthouse, I came up with an itinerary that includes all the three. Mt. Pundaquit traverse to Anawangin Cove-Nagsasa Cove-Capones Island in Zambales (thanks to Mam Agnes for suggesting this trip).

I rushed and completed the itinerary in 3 hours, thanks to Lakwatsero and Pinoy Mountaineer, then I posted an open invite in my facebook page. Seven travelers responded and joined me in this trip.

3 in 1 Lakwatsa sa Ikalawang Dekada

Bente na ako! Hindi ko pa rin lubos na natatanggap na nilisan ko na ang "teen-age" years ko at pumasok na sa mundo ng "20 Something".

Faro de Isla Corregidor

Faro de Isla Corregidor, a stone lighthouse built in the Island of Corregidor as part of the Spanish government's construction project in the 19th century. It has proven its worth to many ships that enter Manila Bay from the time it was erected in 1835.

   

Faro de Isla Corregidor during the Spanish Colonial era (1893).
photo source here.

Mt. Maculot (Rockies) | Dayhike with Sidetrip to Lumampaw

My love for the mountain is unstoppably growing fast. Just 2 weeks after my first climb at Mt. Daguldol, I received another climb invite. This time it was just a dayhike and a lot easier than my first climb. Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas became Batang Lakwatsero's second mountain.

__________________________________________________________________________

Christine of jovialwanderer.com invited me to join their dayhike to Mt. Maculot on a Saturday (January 14, 2012). I actually have a lot of school works (thesis, reports, midterm exams) to finish on that day but my instinct told me to have a break, have a dayhike. Besides I really am looking for cheap, quick and easy hikes around the nearby provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, so this climb to Mt. Maculot is a great opportunity for me to practice my budding hiking skills. And so I joined their climb to Mt. Maculot...

Feast of the Black Nazarene 2012

"Is it fanaticism or devotion?" - a debatable issue that arises everytime the procession of the Black Nazarene takes place at the heart of Manila.

__________________________________________________________________

Faro de Rio de Pasig

Faro de Rio de Pasig, or Pasig River Lighthouse, is the oldest light station built in the Philippines, at the mouth of Pasig River, during the Spanish era. It was first lighted in 1642 during the term of Governador-General Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera to guide the galleons of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade that were entering the Rio de Pasig or Pasig River.

The 1846 Stone Lighthouse at the mouth of Pasig River
The date of this photo is 1902. Photo was taken by United States Military Personnel. University of Michigan. Special Collections Library

Mt. Daguldol | Side Trips to Naambon Falls and Laiya Beach

Day 2 - December 29, 2011

Here we go again, we started to descend at 8:30 AM on the same trail that we trekked yesterday. But because of the brief 10 minute drizzle that quickly followed the early morning fog, the muddy trail that we traversed yesterday became even soggier. Our feet had no choice but to dip again on the mud.

one last group photo before leaving the summit.

Mt. Daguldol | At the Summit

Day 1 - December 28, 2011

My eyes opened widely upon seeing the view of the grassy field (aka horse/cow-shit field). The peak was now a stones throw away. The pain that I was feeling a few hours ago has gone all of a sudden. A great achievement for me.

We're finally here!

panoramic shot of the lower campsite