Rizal's Execution Site

Seen in this old picture is the event that changed the history of the Filipino people. Rizal's execution 1896.

2012 Year End Post | A Timeline of Adventure

As I look back through the past 12 months, I realized that a lot had happened to me in this outgoing year, and when I say a lot, it really means A LOT! My 2012 is a mishmash of surreal, memorable, life changing, awe-inspiring, delicious, and death-defying experiences. I met new friends, acquired new stuff, and gained a little more priceless knowledge. This outgoing year is by far my most traveled year, oh yeah! 

In this post, you will see the timeline of my adventurous life in the year 2012.

January

9 Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

14 Mt. Maculot Rockies

21 Mt. Pundaquit Traverse to Anawangin, Nagsasa Cove

22 Capones Island

28 Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Together with the awesome Pinoy Travel Bloggers, I reached the crater lake of the mountain that at one point in history, incurred death and destruction upon many Filipinos. 

Giant Lantern Festival 2012

Christmas Celebration in San Fernando City wouldn't be complete without them showcasing their very own Giant Christmas Lanterns. These giant parols are products of San Fernandinos' creativity and craftsmanship, thus every December, few days before Christmas Day, San Fernando City takes the limelight for their Giant Lantern Festival.

Last December 18, 2012, after filling up our tummies with various Kapampangan dishes, Culture Shock PH, brought our group to San Fernando City to witness this renowned kaleidoscopic display of lights and sounds.

Well what can I say? Let the lanterns speak for themselves... (sensya na sa mga photo, medyo hndi maganda yung pwesto namin)

Top Ten Captured Moments of 2012

Here's my top ten most memorable moments in 2012 - captured on photo

10. Chased by Birds
Mt. Tagapo
Talim Island, Rizal
February 18, 2012

Our boat was being chased by the birds of Laguna de Bay.

I just came from Talim Island after doing, for the first time, a solo climb on a mountain. It was a life-changing experience as it really leveled up my taste for adventure.

related story in this link.

Sagada Revisited

Shit things do happen, sometimes they'll just come by surprise and would wreak havoc, and the worst part is that you know you cannot do anything to stop it. For instance, an adventure of mine was crippled by an unexpected shitness. Everything was set for a day trip at Taal Volcano, we were just waiting for the day to finally come when suddenly, there's an Alert Level 1 announcement by PhilVolcs (arrrggh, I really hate postponements). Of course, our trip was postponed and my 3-day long weekend (Bonifacio Day) was freed.

But on a brighter side, the postponement of our Taal Volcano Adventure gave way to a better, more exciting adventure up north. I simply cannot afford to just stay at home for 3 days doing nothing. That's why, out of the blue, I bought tickets bound for Sagada.  

Pampanga Food and Heritage Tour

The province of Pampanga, aka the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines", has been my school's (both elementary and high school) top favorite field trip destination. If my memory serves me right, we had our field trip in this province when I was in 6th grade, 1st and 3rd year. I can even recall where our bus would usually stop for lunch - Double Happiness Restaurant.

Anyways... I was just here last Saturday for yet another field trip. I was with Culture Shock Ph this time and our tour focuses on what the Kapampangans are really known for - food.

Mt. Ampacao | Sudden Bonifacio Day Climb

Last long weekend (Bonifacio day), I had this sudden urge to revisit Sagada, Mountain Province. Last year, I've done most of Sagada's tourist hot spots. I survived the cave connection, pigged out on several restaurants, trekked to Bomod-ok and Pongas Falls, witnessed a foggy morning at Kiltepan Peak, yes I've done it all but not the summit of Mt. Ampacao. Well I was not into mountaineering back then.

Being the highest peak in my favorite town in the Cordilleras, I really wanted to reach it's summit.    

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Friday - November 30, 2012

It was around 11:30 before noon when me and my friend arrived in Sagada. Geez, we left Manila at Thursday night, 11 PM and arrived 12 hours later, sobrang haba ng biyahe. (P450 Manila-Baguio, P220 Baguio-Sagada)

As soon as we left our things at our lodging (we did not reserve our lodging, pero buti may nahanap pa kaming available room, we stayed at Traveler's Inn. sobrang nagkakaubusan talaga ng matutuluyan sa Sagada kapag long weekend) then had a quick lunch at Yogurt House, we set forth on a dayhike to Mt. Ampacao summit. I've read in many articles that hikers wouldn't need a guide to reach it's summit since the trail is single and straightforward and can be easily followed even by a non-mountaineer.

Trail starts here.

Mt. Mabilog | An Unexpected Traverse

We were trekking our way back to Lake Pandin from the summit of Mt. Mabilog... but all of a sudden, we found ourselves standing in front of Lake Yambo. It was an unexpected Mt. Mabilog Traverse.

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Saturday - December 8, 2012 

We're done with Mt. Kalisungan and now in pursuit of Mt. Mabilog's summit to complete the Twin Hikes IV.
  
The time was almost 2PM when our group arrived at the jump-off of Mt. Mabilog at Brgy. Sto. Anghel, San Pablo City. Actually, we're a bit late in our itinerary, haven't taken lunch yet, but my eagerness to reach the summit of Mt. Mabilog did not wane a bit - maybe I was just really excited to reach my 30th mountain. 

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.

My Favorite Summit Views

"What is there to see?" - one question that I always ask myself before considering a mountain as my next hiking destination. Could there be a beautiful view of the forests? Could there be views of cascading mountains or sea of clouds? Or could it be the plains, the agricultural lands or the nearby town or city?

I am making this post out of disappointment on my last climb last Sunday on Mt. Natib in Bataan. I was expecting a 360° view of nearby mountains and towns but we were so unfortunate to have no clearing that day, as in zero visibility.

Climb Itinerary | Night Trek to Manabu Peak

Our Climb

Date: February 25-26, 2012
Mountain: Mt. Manabu
Jump off: Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Difficulty: 2/9 Minor Climb, 760+ MASL
Climb: Night Trek
Budget: P500

Baguio Ghost Hunting Night

Now where to go in Baguio during night time?

The original plan was to traverse the Eco trail up to Nevada Square, hoping that we'll encounter a ghost or elemental spirit. But something strange happened along the way, surpassing what we were expecting. 

Mt. Osdung | A Morning With The Vegetables and Bearded Woman

It has been months since I last climbed with the couple behind the trampingphilippines.com. April Fools pa yung last kong makasama sila sa bundok (check this link for that April Fools climb in Mt. Batulao), medyo naging busy kasi sila sa kanya-kanya nilang buhay. That's why I was surprised (and excited as well) to know that they were joining me in my weekend trip to Baguio City.

Part of this weekend trip is a side trip to Mt. Osdung, the 16th highest peak, located in Kibungan, Benguet.

Off-the-Beaten Trails of Baguio

Six times I went to Baguio City just this year and honestly speaking, I'm running out of things to do there. I've been to most of its tourist hot spots and indulged into many of its popular food hubs, it kept me thinking, what else to do in Baguio City?? Well, thanks to my friend Emil of Asiong32, our experience last weekend was quite a different one.

Would you think the following exist in and nearby Baguio City??

There's a beautiful waterfalls nearby the city of pines. Check our this link.

No Ghost At Diplomat Hotel

no ghost at least during our visit...

Considered as one of the famous haunted places in Baguio City, for sure you've heard a lot stories about Diplomat Hotel, stories related to ghosts, possessions and other spooky apparitions. And because of it, this old neglected building has been a favorite site by individuals who are up for some ghostly activities.

Road Trip to Ambuklao Dam

It was around 10 AM when Azalea Residences invited us to stop by Ambuklao Dam before we head back to Manila later that day. I haven't visited that dam yet (except nung pumunta ako sa Mt. Pulag, nadaanan lang namin ang Ambuklao Dam) so it's a big yes to me.

View of Ambuklao Dam from the view deck.

Climb Itinerary | Mt. Tagapo Dayhike

Our Climb

Date: February 18, 2012
Mountain: Mt. Tagapo
Jump-off: Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal
Difficulty: 2/9 Minor Climb, 438 MASL
Climb: Dayhike
Budget: P300

Mt. Sto. Tomas | Into The Towers

Last weekend was indeed a big blast of Baguio experience. For 3 days or so, we went here and there around the tourist hot spots in the city of pines. For my post regarding this weekend trip to Baguio, please click this link.

It was a tour package deal set for us by Azalea Residences, to my surprise Mt. Sto. Tomas was included on our itinerary, extremely awesome, nabuhay bigla ang dugo ko. Been planning to go here for a long time pero ngayon lang natuloy, my big thanks to our favorite hotel in Baguio, Azalea Residences.

Baguio Weekend Trip

I together with some travel bloggers, were tasked to capture the beauty of Baguio City, and we were given only a weekend to do this. Azalea Residences, one of the freshest hotels in the city, wants us to visit and experience the sites in and nearby Baguio City that will be included in their tour packages that will be available soon.

I've been to the city of pines quite a number of times but I still can't get enough of the city. Alam kong meron at meron pa rin akong hndi napupuntahan sa lugar na'to. And I am very much excited and eager to discover and experience something new.

Dubbed as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines", people who are seeking a cool escape would never ran out places to visit, food to munch, activities to try and scenery to see when they're in Baguio. It's a big touristy city that's getting even bigger and more touristy.

Mt. Romelo | The Muddy Way To The Falls

Among the mountains of Southern Tagalog that are left untouched by my itchy feet is Mt. Romelo. This mountain, also called by some mountaineers as Mt. Famy, is very well known not just for its extremely muddy trail but also for the waterfalls it harbors. Kaya naman, I chose this mountain to end the month of September, a muddy and dirty month-ender hike.

Mt. Malipunyo | Malarayat Mountain Range Traverse Day Hike

Malipunyo Peak of Malarayat Mountain Range is now Batang Lakwatsero's 21st mountain. We successfully reached it last Sunday when we traversed the long Malarayat Mountain Range which took us 11 hours, starting from Manabu up to Malipunyo Peak.

Although our original plan of summitting its three prominent peaks (Manabu, Malipunyo and Susong Dalaga) was a failure (dalawa lang naakyat namin, Manabu and Malipunyo peaks, kinulang na kasi sa oras para sa Susuong Dalaga peak), there was no "panghihinayang" feeling after the hike. What else could I ask for, we were so blessed with an unexpected great weather, a cool guide and an awesome climb group.

I thank my friend Jay for organizing this fun Malarayat Traverse (Manabu-Malipunyo) day hike and all the 12 mountain-loving individuals who joined the event, it was really a fun and memorable hike.

Dream Climb | One Step Forward

I am 20 going on 21 in four months or so, and I am extremely excited. (countdown now active in my site, look at my sidebar)

While other males choose to celebrate their 21st by staging a grand party with their relatives and friends, I have a bigger, more extreme plan for mine. I choose to celebrate my 21 years of happy existence up on the roof of the Philippine Archipelago, I choose to climb Mt. Apo. Actually it’s a Talomo-Apo megatraverse plus a Dulang-Dulang-Kitanglad traverse, a weeklong celebration on the famed Mindanao 1-2-3. It is my biggest dream climb and I want to fulfill it the soonest.

Viaje Ifugao | Bikes, Games and Houses

in 3... 2... 1.. the wheels were rolling on the street.

Everyone was cheering as the wooden bikes, ridden by Ifugaos in traditional clothes, hit the street. It was a race, like a scene from a race movie. Nakakatuwa lang pagmasdan ang kagalakan sa mukha ng mga spectators, woohoo! 

Climb Itinerary | Mt. Manalmon with Bayukbuk Cave

Our Climb

Date: February 12, 2012
Mountain: Mt. Manalmon
Jump off: Sitio Madlum, San Miguel, Bulacan
Difficulty: 2/9 Minor Climb, 160+ MASL
Climb: Dayhike
Budget: P600

Mt. Gola seen from the Summit of Mt. Manalmon

Aborted

"A wise mountaineer knows when he needs to stop"

Aborting a climb is probably the decision that a mountaineer would never wish to call. It usually comes as the last resort if and only if unexpected circumstances such as bad weather, local trouble, logistics problems, health issues, or the worst, "naligaw lang sa trail" were encountered. Although it really hurts so bad, calling for it can sometimes be the wisest decision.

So far, I have two aborted climbs. First on Mt. Talamitam and the second was on Mt. Tapulao.

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Kabundukan Update: So Far So Good

It has been 8 months already from the time I started venturing this thrilling activity called mountaineering. And on that short span of time, I learned and experienced aplenty (it is probably safe to say that I'm not anymore the newbie that I used to be). I still believe though that there's more to know and discover in this fun filled sports.

Anyways, dahil nga I fell in love with hiking so much (or should I say I'm addicted to it na), my status now: 20 mountains, 26 climbs.

Mt. Kalisungan | A Climb of Luck And Uncertainty

"Ok, the trail ends up here, where should we go next? Is there a trail there, no. Alright then, let's just hack our way to summit" 

Though just a minor hiking destination, never did I read an account about Mt. Kalisungan wherein the hikers successfully reached its summit without experiencing the notoriety of its trails (of course the ones who hired guides aren't included). And because of it, I've been itching to enlist it on my ever increasing summitted mountains. 

When an invite for a dayhike on this mountain came knocking at my door (just a day after my solo hike at Mt. Banoi), I said yes without any hesitation. I headed down south again to experience the mountain infamous for its numerous confusing split-trails.

Faro de Punta de Malabrigo

Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, or Malabrigo Lighthouse, is the light station strategically built at Malabrigo Point (southernmost tip pf Batangas Province) in Lobo, Batangas to guide the ships that passes through the very important Verde Island Passage, a busy maritime route located between the islands of Luzon and Mindoro.

Completed in 1896, this magnificent edifice designed by Guillermo Brockman, has survived the fury of time. In fact, Faro de Punta de Malabrigo is one of the very few Spanish era lighthouses that are still in good shape. Aside from the light which was replaced with a modern, solar powered one, everything from its 17m white cylindrical brick tower to its single-story keeper's house has remained intact and continuously serve the vessels in the sea up to this date.

Old photo of Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, date unknown
photo source.

The whole structure was brought back to its former glory in 2004. As part of Adopt-a-Lighthouse project of the Philippine Coast Guard with the help of Akiko Thomson, Malabrigo Lighthouse has been refurbished and restored almost to its original state. National Historical Commission of the Philippines saw its significance in maritime heritage, thus declaring it a National Historical Landmark in November 27, 2006.

Mt. Banoi | My Second Solo Mountain Adventure

I turned my eyes towards Mt. Banoi after our planned climbs to Mt. Amuyao (plan A) and Mt. Malasimbo (plan B) got cancelled. And since no one seemed to be available on my preferred date of climb, I went there solo. I'm no longer afraid to go solo on a hike, I've done it once at Mt. Tagapo. In fact, I find it more thrilling whenever I travel solo (napaka-introvert lang diba). 

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Sunday - August 26, 2012

Aboard a bus bound for Batangas Pier, I left Manila at 04:30 in the morning, quite not sure where exactly I'm alighting. I just told the bus conductor to drop me where I could ride a jeep to Lobo. He told me that there are jeeps at the Grand Terminal. So I agreed and paid P125.00 for the ticket.

At 6AM, the bus reached the Grand Terminal. I was welcomed right away by many barkers of jeepneys that ply different routes. Clueless of what jeepney I should take to go to Lobo, I asked them. They then directed me to a Balagtas-bound jeepney. I told the driver to drop me to the terminal of Lobo-bound jeeps, then I paid a fare of P13.00.  

Solo Daytrip to Lobo, Batangas

Take a look at my Link Bar, the one that has links to my home, about page, and contact details. It also has the links to the two of my on going blog series: the Kabundukan and the Farola. If you've started following this blog early this year, you'll know how important it is for me to summit different local mountains for my Kabundukan Series and to visit old Spanish Lighthouses that still exist in the archipelago for my Farola Series.

Well last Sunday (August 26, 2012), I was able to visit (solo mode) a mountain and a lighthouse in a distant town of Lobo in Batangas. I was truly delighted when I reached the summit of Mt. Banoi and laid my eyes upon Faro de Punta de Malabrigo.

summit of Mt. Banoi

Reaching Lobo though, was not that easy. It involves riding a bus, then a jeep, then a tricycle, then another jeep (medyo strenuous ang commute). From Buendia-Taft in Manila, I took a Batangas Pier-bound bus then asked the conductor to drop me to Grand Terminal (P125.00). Then at the terminal, I hopped into a jeep that plies Batangas City - Balagtas route (P13.00), told the driver to drop me to Lobo terminal. Then finally, at Lobo Jeepney Terminal, I rode a jeep bound for Lobo (P53.00). I reached Lobo after about 3 hours of commute, whew. 

Malabrigo Lighthouse at Malabrigo Point

Lobo is a town in Batangas bounded by sea and mountains, thus trekking and beachineering activities bring in tourists. In my case, I was lured to visit this town because of two things, Mt. Banoi and Faro de Punta de Malabrigo. I won't put in this post the detailed story of my solo trip to Mt. Banoi and Malabrigo Lighthouse because I will be creating separate posts for each (abangan niyo na lamang).

How to go to Mt. Banoi

To reach Mt. Banoi, one must register first at the Police Station (no fee is needed), then ride a tricycle to Sitio Malabnig in Brgy. Balatbat. Tell the driver to drop you where the concrete road ends. I paid P120.00 for that ride but when I asked the locals, it should just be P50.00. Trek to Mt. Banoi starts there.

check the story here: Mt. Banoi | My Second Solo Mountain Adventure


How to go to Malabrigo Lighthouse

At the Poblacion, one must take a tricycle to reach this old Spanish Lighthouse. The terminal is located near the Police Station. Malabrigo Lighthouse is quite far from the main town so expect the fare to be quite pricey. One way fare costs P150.00.

follow the story here: Faro de Punta de Malabrigo

What I like the most in this town is its people, they're truly nice and welcoming (except for that tricycle driver that tricked me).

Mt. Palay-Palay (Pico de Loro) | Climbing Up the Parrot's Beak

Reaching the Parrot's Beak, or for others the Monolith, the Torre, or the Rock Column, of Mt. Palay-Palay (Pico de Loro) in Ternate, Cavite has been part of my bucket list of must visit places even before I got struck by this hiking addiction. When I first saw its picture lurking on my facebook home, and my initial reaction was "how the hell did they get there?" 

My lust for adventure made me want reach its top, that's why when we climbed Mt. Palay-Palay last 21st of August (woohoo to my 18th mountain), I did not let the opportunity of climbing up the monolith pass. 

Viaje Camarines Norte | Malatap Falls

Day 3 - April 23, 2012

Malatap Falls in the town of Labo was the last in our itinerary.

Getting there was piece of cake. After lunch, we went there by jeep (topload style) from the terminal in Daet, nakalimutan ko na kung magkano pamasahe, and the travel time was about an hour. The drop-off point is located at the end of the first metal bridge that comes after the Bagong Silang Junction, then from there, one will need to walk (for just a few minutes) along the path to its right and there's Malatap Falls.

Malatap Falls

Mt. Makiling | A Bloody Hike

Will just share my Maktrav experience last 19th of August with some mountaineers who were about to climb Mt. Apo (via Kapatagan-Kidapawan) this coming long weekend.  We took the same trail (Palanggana Trail, San Bartolome jump-off) as my previous maktravs (pang-apat ko na aktuwali), but unlike before, it was a bloody hike. All of Mt. Makiling's defenses were up against us, the limatiks, the thorns, even mosquitoes.

blood!
Photo by sir Jet

Viaje Camarines Norte | First Rizal Monument

"Failure to visit it when in Daet would be a tragedy of monumental proportions"

Day 3 - April 23, 2012

Straight from the beach of Bagasbas (wala nang banlaw-banlaw), we went next to this very important landmark not just for the capital town of Daet but for the whole of Camarines Norte. We visited Daet's Rizal Monument, the very first monument to be erected in the whole archipelago in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal.

First Rizal Monument in Daet.

This was the response of the people of Camarines Norte, spearheaded by Lt. Colonels Antonio Sanz and Ildefonso Alegre, upon the decree of Gen. Emilo Aguinaldo which makes Decemeber 30 a National Holiday in commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal's heroism.

Viaje Ifugao | A Closer Look to 1000 Peso Bill

Day 1 - July 19, 2012

It was drizzling a bit, but we're all good to go (and very much excited). We're about to see the famous terraces of Banaue that are seen printed at the back of our old 1000 peso bill (now at 20 peso bill).

topload again going to the viewdecks of Banaue Rice Terraces

Viaje Camarines Norte | Surfing at Bagasbas Beach

Still fresh from our weekend beach getaway at Isla Calaguas, we traveled again for over an hour to CamNor's capital municipality, Daet. This time, we're up for some beach surfing experience. Bagasbas beach surfing will be our next activity on the 3rd day of our Viaje Camarines Norte.

But for the mean time, pahinga muna kami for the rest of our day 2 sa Wiltan Hotel (a cheap hotel sa poblacion mismo).  

Day 3 - April 23, 2012

At 7am, we headed to CamNor's surfing hot spot, Bagasbas beach. It's just roughly 20 minutes tricycle ride from the poblacion. I am really excited, since it will be my first time to try out this fun water activity.

*all photos in this post, and for the rest of my entries for this CamNor series aren't mine (sigh, sira na ang camera ko). Thanks to my friend, Ropelson for letting me use his photos.

Mt. Arayat (Traverse) | It's Sweeter the Second Time Around

When Batang Lakwatsero gotta climb, he gotta climb.

It has been raining all over the country in the past 2 weeks, and because of that, I already postponed 2 scheduled Sunday hikes: Mt. Kalisungan (should be Jul. 29) and Makiling Traverse (should be yesterday, Aug. 5). I was even planning to join a friend's hike in Cinco Picos (should be Aug. 4) but it was also cancelled because of the uncooperative weather. Arghh, nandun na lagi yung excitement ko pero laging nauudlot.

Viaje Ifugao | Into My 23rd Province

6 o'clock in the morning, I woke up not in the comfort of my bed but inside a bus bound for Lagawe, Ifugao (nagising ako kasi sobrang lamig sa bus). I was smiling the whole time, knowing that I'll be finally seeing the famous terraces of Ifugao, another dream destination to be slashed out of my bucket list. My big thanks to sir Melo of outoftownblog.com and of course to PHILTOA for giving me a chance to experience personally the rich and unique culture of our Ifugao brothers.

After a total of 8 hours butt-numbing road trip from Manila (ang haba lang), Sir Jun, our group's Ifugao (by blood) tour guide, announced that we just entered the town of Lamut (known as the "Gateway to the Ifugaos", Lamut is the first town to reach if you're coming from south). Lalo akong na-excite at nilalamig, we're getting closer and closer to our destination.

Viaje Camarines Norte | Solo Trek to Calaguas Hills

check out the previous post here.   

Day 2 - April 22, 2012

Our supposed group trek to the nearby hills of the island turned out to be another solo trek for me. Well that's not a problem at all, being a natural-born introvert, this could still be one great adventure.

My friends left me (or should I say, I left them) trekking alone on the rocky coast south of Mahabang Buhangin beach. My goal was to reach the grassy hill about a kilometer from our camp.

the grassy hill I want to reach

Usapang Career at Job Hunting | Ikatlong Bahagi

Sundan ang unang bahagi sa LINK na ito, at ang ikalawa naman sa LINK na ito.

Natunghayan niyo sa unang bahagi ang aking mga munting pangarap, sa ikalawang bahagi naman ang aking mga nakalipas na job applications at ang trahedyang dumurog sa supposed job ko sa kompanyang maraming isda. Ngayon naman, ikukuwento ko na ang istorya ng aking first ever job at ang pag-hihirap ko sa pag-poproseso ng mga requirements dito. Pero bago ang lahat, dudugtungan ko muna ang pinutol kong kuwento matapos ang nangyaring aksidente sa Luneta. 

Masuwerte ako't wala akong pilay na natamo sa naganap na aksidente sa Luneta na binansagan kong "the k0 Incident". Tanging mga sugat at gasgas lang sa mukha ang aking nakuha. Meron akong lacerations sa kilay at baba na kaylangang tahiin (tig-tatlong stitches ang bawat sugat), meron din akong hairline fracture sa jaw kaya naging torture ang pag-nguya ng food for the next 2 weeks.

Usapang Career at Job Hunting | Ikalawang Bahagi

Para sa unang bahagi, sundan lamang ang LINK na ito. 

Ang Buwis Buhay Job Hunting Experience

Tulad nga ng nabanggit ko sa nauna kong lathalain, ang latest kong pangarap ay ang maging isang mahusay na Marine Biologist. Pero bago ko marating iyon, kakailanganin ko munang mag-aral muli ng isang Master's Degree. Naku po, mag-aaral na naman ako, mga 2-3 years din yon depende kung gano karaming units ang kukunin ko. Pagod pa ang utak ko mula sa nakalipas na apat na taon, kaya naman dehins muna ako mag-gagrad studies.

Imbes na tumambay at ngumanga kakahintay sa pagbabalik ng sipag ko sa pag-aaral, mas minabuti ko na munang mag-hanap-buhay para naman meron akong pantustos sa walang kamatayan kong adiksyon sa paglalakwatsa at pamumundok. For 4 months, I entered the first job hunting stage of my life. Apat na buwan akong nagtiis sa nakakapagod na job hunting stage bago ako natanggap sa trabaho ko ngayon. Kung nagtataka kayo kung bakit buwis-buhay itong naging job hunting experience ko, malalaman niyo na sa ilang sandali na lamang.

Usapang Career at Job Hunting | Unang Bahagi

Ilang buwan matapos kong lisanin ang student life. Eto ako ngayon, malapit nang magsimula sa kauna-unahan kong trabaho, diyan lang somewhere in QC. Pero bago ko ilahad ang detalye ng aking magiging first ever job, I will first tell you the story of my job hunting experience. Believe me, hindi ito simpleng job hunting lang, it has truly become a buwis-buhay job hunting experience.

Hinati ko sa 3 bahagi ang article na ito: (1) Ang mga munting pangarap ni Batang Lakwatsero, (2) Ang buwis buhay job hunting experience, (3) My first job.

Proud To Be An Ifugao Heritage Warrior

This is a preview post to my Ifugao Blog Series.

I was lucky to get invited to PHILTOA's Ifugao Heritage Warrior Caravan Tour held last week (from 19th to 22nd of July) in the province of Ifugao. It was a fun-filled experience joined by Canon Group and SM Cares in the first two days, PHILTOA's officers, tour operators from various tour agencies, and people from the media (where I belong). For four days, we were exposed to a culture, so unique and very well preserved, that can be owned by every Filipino. The event just made me love the Ifugao culture more than ever.

The great rice terraces are of course the highlight of our tour, we visited 3 of the 5 that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the amphitheater terraces of Batad Village in Banaue, spiderweb-like terraces of Hungduan, and the seemingly stairway to heaven terraces of Nagacadan Village in Kiangan. 

Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel

I'll be creating another hotel review, this time it's Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel, of course located at the touristy town of Banaue in Ifugao Province. I stayed there for four days and three nights when I joined PHILTOA's Ifugao Heritage Warrior Caravan Tour - a fam tour that certainly enriched my knowledge of the unique Ifugao culture (watch out for my upcoming Ifugao Blog Series).

Philippine Travel Mart 2012

If you have some time to spare from 10th to 12th of August, and you feel like your itchy feet needs a vacation, why not drop by at SMX Convention Center and join the 23rd Philippine Travel Mart. Don't miss it because I've heard that there will be a lot of promos, discounts, cool tour packages, and some freebies waiting for you.

 

Animal Express at Zoobic Safari

Still part of our Subic Weekend Trip is a visit in their very own Zoobic Safari. This 25 hectare piece of land is home to a number of both wild and domestic animals, from small animals belonging to Order Rodentia to animals that are big and muscular such as tigers and lions of the Order Carnivora. In fact, they claim that they have the only Tiger safari in the country. It was my second time to be in this zoo, I was here last November 2011, and everything looked still the same.

Welcome to Zoobic Safari

here's the ticket prices as of 2011

and the schedule of Animal Parade just in case you want to watch it

Mt. Damas (DamTrav) | A Mountain You Should Not Underestimate

There's no other choice but to take this lone trail full of thorny bushes and tall blade-like talahibs. Beneath our feet was an army of ants willing to give you the itch you'll never wish to experience... Mother Nature simply put up her vilest defenses on this last leg of the traverse...

Mt. Damas Traverse is by far my most challenging dayhike. I never expected it to be that hard, being just 685+ MASL and classified as a minor climb on Pinoy Mountaineer Site. I was so wrong that I have underestimated this mountain

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Getting High at Tree Top Adventure

While on our way to the edge of a forest (somewhere at Subic Bay) where the Tree Top Adventure is located, I was thinking whether I am ready or not for the gravity-defying challenge this theme park has to offer. I'm not really sure if I can subdue myself to their "makalaglag-puso" and "maka-ubos-hininga" stunts. Then suddenly I thought, "I have reached the top of Luzon (2,922 MASL), so why fear these less than 100 feet tall canopies?"

Anyway, when we arrived at the park and saw the tall trees and ropes and pulleys, I felt nothing but excitement, just pure excitement.

Mt. Mariveles (Tarak Ridge) | Three Isn't Enough

Just a week after surviving a nasty accident (yup, I was hit by a motorcycle last June 29 and it gave me abrasions on my right cheek, lacerations on my right eyebrow and chin, chipped frontal and canine teeth, and a hairline fracture at my jaw), I'm back again to hiking... despite my doctor's advice to rest for another week. I'm such a pasaway you know... 

A mountain is just too irresistible... it's like an addictive drug I cannot live without. Both my mind and heart, even my body and soul, tells me to hike up a mountain the soonest possible. So when I learned that some hiking buddies will dayhike Tarak Ridge, I simply joined the fun.

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Saturday Dayhike - July 7, 2012

Last Saturday I hiked again the west face of Mariveles Range (my third time actually... hindi kasi nakakasawa ang Tarak Ridge.. ang ganda lang) and just like my previous dayhikes, we were so blessed with a good weather.

here's our group photo at the ridge
Photo from sir Rey of saktongtrip.com

Food Trip at Subic Bay

I think the calories we lost from the Treetop Adventure not just replenished but doubled. After dining at three different restaurants, and trying out their bests and sure hit meals, I can say that our Subic Bay weekend getaway was a total pig out experience! Thanks to Subic Homes and partners, me and my friends never starved at Subic Bay.

Viaje Camarines Norte | Isla Calaguas

Day 1 - April 21, 2012

In less than 2 hours, our boat finally reached Mahabang Buhangin beach.... my initial reaction, "Wow, andaming tents."

Expectation: A pristine beach with few tents and few people. Just pure serenity and sound of nature.

Reality: A seemingly tent city - more than 20 red uniform tents - was set to dominate the middle of Mahabang Buhangin beach, and the people (tolerable naman ang dami nila) are everywhere.

Well, to tell you honestly, I was a bit disappointed with what came to my sight, it's quite too different from what I really expect on a "virgin island". The tents and the music on the beach, they create a vibe similar to Puerto Galera and Boracay. It's a saddening truth really, but what should we expect on an island getting more and more popular nowadays. The once "virgin island" was raped by the growing number of tourists and tour organizers.

So to all my readers, ngayon pa lang sinasabihan ko na kayo, DON'T EXPECT anymore a VIRGIN ISLAND VIBE in CALAGUAS ISLANDS if you don't want to get disappointed. Maybe you have to go there on the leanest season (weekdays and rainy days??) to somehow still feel the virgin island. To give you a hint on how Calagauas Island currently looks like, visit my friend's post: Nasa Calaguas Parin Ba Ako?

Subic Homes

After spending a whole weekend at Subic Bay, here's another homestay review to make...

Viaje Camarines Norte | Calaguas Islands via Paracale

Saturday - April 21, 2012

05:10 in the morning, the bus just dropped us at Talobatib junction in Camarines Norte. Our butts were still numb from the 8-hour road trip from Manila.

Superlines Bus: Manila-Talobatib Junction
Our fare was cheaper(P450.00) because the bus line was offering an Anniversary Discount by the time we traveled to Camarines Norte. On regular days, fare is P510.00

Talobatib Junction at 6 in the morning

Mt. Makiling | MakTrav For The 3rd Time

It's very nice to be back again on the trails of Mt. Makiling just after 2 months. Everything still seemed so much familiar, as if I did my last climb here only yesterday. Some hiking friends who are all "MakTrav Virgins" asked me a simple request which I find very hard to turn down - to guide them.

It was my third time to do Mt. Makiling Traverse (my first and second time here happened consecutively in the first and second Saturdays of March 2012). I took the Palanggana Trail via Brgy. San Bartolome jump-off on all of my previous climbs, so syempre dito ko rin dinala ang aking mga gina-guide.   

I already wrote a detailed MakTrav post and I don't want to write the same details all over again. So basically, I will just post here a list of some new things I encountered on my 3rd MakTrav. 

My Travel History: College Life

From D class traveler to C.

As I entered the college phase of my life, the traveler in me exploded like a bomb. I became unstoppable after the travel bug bit me. 

Actually it was only during my 3rd year in college when my interest to move on all the corners of the Philippines heightened. I was able to explore Ilocandia in the north, visited its famous attractions such as Old Town Vigan, Paoay Church, Pagudpud, Bangui Windmills and Patapat Viaduct. For me, it was a life changing trip as it was my first no-parental-guidance trip.

Then by November 2010, there came the birth of this blog, Batang Lakwatsero, which was soon affiliated to Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTB), a group of Filipino travel bloggers who actively inspire others to travel the Philippines and other countries. In fact, it is the people from PTB who influenced me to travel more this beautiful country.

I went to Sagada, Bolinao, towns of Quezon, and Zambales. I even braved the island province of Marinduque on solo. I also had my first flight experience to my first Visayan province which is Cebu.

By the end of my college years, I was again introduced into a new addicting activity - mountaineering. This outdoor sports which is becoming more popular nowadays has paved more opportunities for me to visit the roads that only the adventure buffs of extreme level would dare to go.

I climbed mountains like there's no tomorrow, within just 4 months, I conquered 13 Luzon mountains. Among these mountains, my top choice are Mt. Makiling (Batangas-Laguna), Mt. Maculot (Batangas) and Mt. Ugo (Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet). Oh, there's even an instance that I stood on the border of three different provinces coming from three different regions (Pangasinan, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya), this was located at the summit of Mt. Ugo.

Many told me that I am lucky that I started traveling at a young age, which means I have plenty of time to cover all the 80 Philippine provinces. At the age of 20, I already have 22 on the record, 58 more to go to completely fill my Lakbayan Map with dark blue.  

Previous: Travel History 1992-2008
Next update: end of 2013.

Marikina Shoe Museum

Other than being the extravagant first lady of the late dictator, Imelda Marcos is known for her grand collection of shoes, and I really mean a GRAND COLLECTION OF SHOES. This old dame possessed hundreds if not thousands pair of shoes from simple leather ones to luxurious ones ornamented with precious stones and metals. If Cruella De Vil is dying to get those dalmatians' fur, and Jinky Pacquio has a growing collection of Hermes Bags, then I guess shoes are Imelda's greatest addiction. In fact, her name is quite synonymous to extravagance and SHOES.

Mt. Marami | Stormed And Clouded

02:00 AM at Mt. Marami camp site

Situation critical! (Typhoon Ambo was striking). Wind blowing wild, rain pouring hard, and lightning striking badly. There's a flood of about 3 inches deep inside our tent. I wished it was just a nightmare, but no, it was all real. We want to sleep but we can't, aargghh, it is my worstest camping experience ever!

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We [me and 2 other climbing buddies] were alone at the campsite of Mt. Marami on the night of June 1st when we experienced this traumatizing typhoon battery. It was really a terrifying experience (talagang mapapa-promise ka never to do it again). We felt so helpless. But what the heck are we doing on this mountain in the first place at this terrible time? Blame it to our undying lust for adventure!

It was Thursday night when I decided to join Josh and Christian in their exciting quest on Mt. Marami, the mountain famous for its handsome rocky summit. Mt. Marami also has a history of mountaineers getting lost on its labyrinth of confusing trails, hence, many mountaineers jokingly call it "Mt. Maraming Ligaw." Getting a guide here is highly recommended (pero hindi kami kumuha ng guide).

Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg Trail) | The Trail, The Campsite, And The Jaw-dropping Summit View

It was raining bad along the famous Ambangeg Trail. I checked the view to my right but it was all white, almost completely covered by thick layers of fog/clouds. 'sighs'. Will I see my Pulag Dream?


The Trail

Most of my hiking buddies used their raincoats, I got no raincoat. What I have is this large orange umbrella (na pang limahan ang capacity). Thanks to it, me and my backpack got the full protection we very much needed.

Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg Trail) | En Route to My Dream

I'm almost there, just a few more steps to the summit, so I ran as fast as I could. Suddenly I found myself floating in a sea of clouds, surrounded by a battalion of angels. They were rejoicing, singing and dancing and playing with their golden trumpets. Inside me was an inexplicable delight...  

"Terminal na po! Terminal na po!" - Victory Liner Bus Conductor upon reaching the City of Pines

Oh, it was just a dream... the same old Pulag Dream I've been dreaming for eversince I fell in love with the mountains. To see the sea of clouds slowly engulfing the grassy summit of Mt. Pulag, to witness the sun battling the darkness on a breakday, to feel the cold breeze that would numb every inch of my body, to proudly stand on top of Luzon's highest - that's my Pulag dream.

Mt. Arayat (Traverse) | The Lonely Giant of Central Luzon

"I can see the city lights and hear the sounds of moving vehicles and party music, at last, we're nearing the civilization"

Exactly 41 days after my last climb (yikes, more than one month akong walang hike), I'm back again on the trails - and it was a major come back (Mt. Arayat traverse day hike for the win). Actually, it was Agnes of trampingphilippines.com who planned this major climb on Mt. Arayat, a Maglang-Arayat traverse dayhike she said. And since I am free on the 13th of May (yup, it was a mother's day climb), and the budget here suits very well with my almost exhausted wealth (ang hirap maging unemployed), I said yes to this climb.

But unexpected things do happen, a day before our climb, Agnes backed out due to some health issues. Responsibility now left on my shoulder. Ako na daw ang bahala sa climb group, madami naman kami kaya ituloy pa rin daw namin. Alright, wala nang atrasan 'to.

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Side Trip to Malibiclibic Falls

Our full-day adventure in Cavite was not over yet. After being warped to the era of the Philippine Revolution (you might as well want to experience the same thing by visiting the town of Maragondon), all paths lead to Malibiclibic Falls - a falls not so popular located in the town of Aguinaldo.

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Twelve noon at the town of Maragondon, we were lunching in a carinderia somewhere while experiencing the excruciating hotness of a summer day (WTF, nanglilimahid talaga kami sa init). We all wanted a refreshing escape. So Josh suggested Malibiclibic Falls, a waterfalls located in the nearby town of Aguinaldo.

So we made our way to Aguinaldo. From Maragondon, we traveled by jeep to Naic. Then from Naic, we again traveled by jeep to Brgy. Lumipa in Aguinaldo (travel time was about an hour for P34.00). 

the main jump-off to Malibiclibic Falls

One Year And Still Counting

It's been a year now when I first met you. If I could remember it right, you where there sitting on the corner of a busy street in Lucban. Both of us were having a great time celebrating the Pahiyas Festival. I smiled at you, and you smiled back. Wow, you were shining above the rest. I approached you, and we clicked right away.

I did not foresee that it will be the start of a very good friendship. Since then, you joined me in many important events of my life - first climb, first plane ride, on my 20th birthday. You became my greatest travel buddy. I am so lucky that I met you....

Maragondon Heritage Tour

People knows Rizal died on the 30th of December 1896 and Ninoy on 21st of August 1983. But only a few knows that on this very day, May 10, we are commemorating the 115th death anniversary of Andres Bonifacio. It is sad that this important date in our history usually go unnoticed. 

Exactly 115 years ago, Andres Bonifacio lost in the game of politics in the First Philippine Republic. After being tried with treason and sedition by an unjust military court that was manipulated by Aguinaldo's men, the Supremo and his brother were tragically executed somewhere in the mountains of Maragondon.

Our journey to Maragondon, Cavite more than a month ago aimed to trace the final trail of Andres Bonifacio. Part of this heritage tour is the Bonifacio Trial House, Bonifacio Shrine in Nagpatong, Mt. Buntis, as well as the old Maragondon Church which is a National Cultural Treasure.

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Azalea Residences Baguio

Arghhh, I need a break from this boring unemployed life, I need to escape this city life,  I need a vacation! Whew, thanks to Azalea Residences, this bored kid from Manila had an awesome weekend staycation at the City of Pines. Well actually, I went there for a hotel review.

Mt. Buntis | Hiking Up the Historical Mountain

"What will be overlooked again is that our textbooks do not agree on the site of the execution of the Bonifacio brothers. Some books, following tradition, say they were executed on Mt. Buntis; others, towing the official line, say Mt. Nagpatong. I have no clear answer except that they were buried somewhere in this mountain range." (Ambeth Ocampo, 2004)

So where exactly were the Bonifacio brothers executed on the 10th of May 1897? Whether it took place on Mt. Buntis or Mt. Nagpatong, no one really knows, it's an important piece of history lost in time.

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Last April 3, 2012, I together with PKP visited one of the two mountains mentioned in many history books. Mt. Buntis, as rated by PinoyMountaineer, is an easy 1/9 dayhike which can be summited in less than 2 hours.

From Plaza Lawton, we took a bus bound for Naic and told the bus conductor to drop us at Maragondon (fare was P89.00 and travel time was about an hour and 30 minutes). By 06:00 AM, we were already at Maragondond, we alighted somewhere on a highway where there were tricycles waiting for passengers. Then we traveled again by trike (P10/head) to the main jump-off at Caingin Hanging Bridge.

Caingin Hanging Bridge

Our trek to Mt. Buntis officially started at 06:15 AM when we crossed Maragondon River (imbento ko lang yang pangalan, hindi ko kasi alam pangalan ng river na yun) via the Caingin Hanging Bridge. Since none of us have been to Mt. Buntis before, we just relied on the directions given to us by the friendly locals we met along the way.

like all other hanging birdges, we were shaking while crossing - it was fun

In less than an hour, we walked across a flat field of rice, crossed several shallow streams and trekked a not-so-dense forest. At first, we were in doubt if we were still hiking the right trail, but upon reaching the foot of Mt. Buntis at around 07:15, ahh, nakahinga kami ng maluwag. Only then we encountered an ascending trail.

we had long walks across a flat rice field
petiks hike lang ulit

we just followed the path between the fences

we also crossed streams of water
meron pa ngang naliligong kalabaw diyan sa gilid, hindi lang kita

Actually, Mt. Buntis is more like a hill than a mountain. Rising for only about 100+ meters above sea level, we reached its summit from its foot in no more than 15 minutes.

even the ascent wasn't so much a challenge

Nearby mountains, cliffs and forests as well as a faded view of the Mariveles Mountain Range are the scenes we saw from the summit of Mt. Buntis. Grazing cattle are also found at the summit, so cattle poops are common in the area.

 Mariveles Range seen from the summit of Mt. Buntis

us at the summit

We spent only about 40 minutes at the summit of Mt. Buntis. After resting and posing for some photo opportunities, our business with Mt. Buntis was over.

We then had a side trip to Bonifacio Shrine in Nagpatong, as well as a heritage tour around Maragondon Town. 

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After hiking up this fairly easy mountain, we did sidetrips to Maragondon Town and Malibiclibic Falls

Mt. Batulao | An Unexpected Dayhike on April Fools Day

We planned a traverse dayhike at Mt. Arayat, but on the eve of our climb, we changed it to Mt. Natib. In less than an hour, we again changed it to Pico de Loro. On the day of our climb, instead of climbing the Parrot's beak, we unexpectedly ended up climbing Mt. Batulao.

For the fourth time, I climbed with Dane, Agnes and Ron of Tramping Philippines. You may check their version of this story on their post: Mt. Batulao-Tagatay | The April Fools Climb.

Regatta Escape to Luxury

Who would not want a luxury trip to Shangri-la Mactan this summer? Win it by simply joining Regatta's grandest and most luxurious treat with Regatta Escape to Luxury Raffle Promo. All you have to do is to purchase P1,000 worth of Regatta items and register on Facebook.