Mt. Arayat | A Clear Day At Last

Ahh, clear day at last!

You see, I climbed this lonely giant thrice already. The first time was last April, though it was a fun experience, we really did not get the chance to fully appreciate the mountain, especially the view that was supposedly seen from its southern side (blame the uncooperative weather). After that experience, I promised myself to return some other time. Came August of this year, I fulfilled that promise, I went back to Mt. Arayat for a 2nd go, but again, it was depreciated by a very bad weather. 

The third and probably the last for this year happened just a few days ago, I was with the Tramping Philippines Team. Unlike my first and second, we're so blessed with an awesome weather. Actually, I never enjoyed my experience in Mt. Arayat as much as my third time being there.

Higantes Festival 2012

Fun fiestas, I easily get fascinated by these fun and colorful events where fellow Filipinos display their unparalleled creativity and rich culture. Whether it is an expression of great devotion or an exhibition of anything that their people is known for, I really find it great, worth spending my time.

That's why when I learned that Angono, Rizal was celebrating their very own Higantes Festival on the 18th of November, I told myself that I must not let the celebration pass without me seeing those "Higantes" (giants) being paraded on streets. Coincidentally I have a climb on a mountain not too far from Angono on that same date.

Mt. Sembrano | Another Grassy Top

Still fresh from Higantes Festival in Angono, our group continued the day to the nearby town of Pililia to feed our trekking urges. ooh yeah! Mt. Sembrano was waiting for us.

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Sunday - November 18, 2012

It took us about an hour jeepney ride (P35) from Angono junction up to the terminal in Tanay. Then another 30 minute jeepney ride (P20) before we reached the jump-off at Brgy. Malaya in Pililia. Medyo may kahabaan ang byahe at palipatlipat pa ng sasakyan kaya medyo nakakapagod. But anyway, we arrived just right in time - lunch time.

It was lunchtime when we arrived at the jump-off, so we ate first our lunch before proceeding with the trek.

Potipot Island Getaway

After a total of 15 hours long trek on Mt. Tapulao, the gang decided to spend some time on a beach. We're already in Zambales, and it was only Friday, since it's a long weekend naman, we might as well spend the rest of our weekend in an island beach nearby.

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Friday - November 2, 2012

Potipot Island was the pegged side trip to our Mt. Tapulao adventure. I really totally miss the beach (ang huling beach na napuntahan ko ay yung Calaguas pa noong April) so my excitement was at its maximum level.

Anniversary Post | Two Years Of Blogging

Hindi ko namalayan na ngayon pala ay ika-dalawampu ng Nobiyembre. Ibig sabihin, dalawang taon nang namamayagpag (namamayagpag?!) ang aking blog. Ambilis lang ng panahon, talagang kinareer ko pala ang blogging eh no... Dahil anniversary ng blog ko, dapat ay may anniversary post ako, pero ano nga ba ang isusulat ko sa ikalawang taon ng aking blog... hmm..

Mt. Tapulao | A Sweet Revenge

About 2 months ago, my first attempt to conquer Mt. Tapulao ended in an epic failure, an epic silly failure (check out the story in this link). It was supposedly a day hike to summit but unexpectedly, we found ourselves trekking to Bagsit River. oh well..

The call for a revenge climb kept bugging me in the weeks that followed our aborted climb, halos hindi ako mapakali at talagang nangangati ang mga paa ko na balikan ang Mt. Tapulao. I was about to do it solo when I received an invitation from some college buddies. They're gonna hike Mt. Tapulao on All Souls Day.

Mt. Natib | Another Cloudy Summit

Fierce limatiks, extremely steep trail and a cloudy summit, that's all I can remember in this dayhike.

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Sunday - October 21, 2012

Our day started at 4 AM at Bataan Transit Bus Terminal at D. Jose in Manila. I was again with the Tramping Philippines team and our destination this time, Mt. Natib in Orani, Bataan. The trip took about 2 and a half hours from Manila all the way to Brgy. Tala Junction in Orani (nakalimutan ko na kung magkano yung tiket sa bus). Then from the junction, we again traveled by tricycle (P50/head) to the jump-off at Brgy. Tala.

Hydro Falls | Baguio's Hidden Wonder

If you think Baguio City is just about historical places, food hubs, parks and open grounds, ukay-ukay, fruits and vegetables, and Good Shepherd delicacies, then you're just getting only the crust of the pie. Baguio has a lot more to offer, especially to those who are looking for thrill and adventure.

Now who would've thought that there's a gorgeous waterfalls just about 15 minutes away from the city proper. I myself was so surprised after knowing this piece of information from our friend slash resident tour guide, Emil of Asiong32 from Baguio City.

Mt. Cabuyao | Into the Radars

Since we bypassed the summit of Mt. Cabuyao when we hiked Mt. Sto. Tomas just a week ago (Oct. 6-7), one of my aims for this weekend Baguio Trip (Oct 13-14) was to reach the radars of Mt. Cabuyao. I just want to complete the so called "Twin Mountains" of Tuba, Benguet.