Batanes Trip: The Engagement

We woke up to the flapping of the tent. Our bright yellow shelter braved the winds of Itbayat in the morning of April 15, 2014.

Tito Danding's Bukid and the Yellow Tent

Tito Danding's bukid is just perfect! Wide green lawn and vast sight of hills refreshed our Tuesday morning. We had coffee paired with native eggs for breakfast.

While we pack our things, Dex suggested that I wear a dress and that we are going back to the port we have been a day before. I said NO to both. First, it was windy and cold and a bareback dress will do no good. Second, it will cost us Php200 for a roundtrip tricycle ride to that one location where we have already been.

Minutes after, he brought the suggestion back. I was still hesitant but thought of just giving in. Then I gave in, except for the dress thing. It is really cold!

I was passive the whole time, from the bukid until we arrived at the Port of Valanga. Dex said he would like a picture by the cliff and that I look for the angle I think is beautiful. I pointed at the corner of the port, the cliffs as background with a chance of a dramatic splash of the sea.

I was a little impatient watching Dex walk back and forth to the DSLR camera then to the GoPro which he inserted in between the rocks. Surprisingly, I did not snap. Instead, I devoted my "waiting time" breathing fresh air.

Then Dex came to me. I posed for the camera. He posed with me. He turned me towards him, kissed my forehead, held my hand and whispered "I wanna grow old with you, honey..."

I smiled and said I want the same.

The Proposal at the Port of Valanga by the cliff of Itbayat, Batanes

All of a sudden, I was oblivious of the things around me. The waters have gone still; the wind ceased to blow; there were no rustles anymore. The world stopped. Everything in my peripherals has gone dim and before me is a man on his knees holding up a diamond ring.

I saw his lips move but I did not hear anything. I kept moving but I cannot feel anything.

"Kuwaa na.. baad mahulog.." (Get it. It might fall.) were the words that brought me back to my senses. I felt my lungs work again. I nodded, got the ring and asked him to slip it on my finger.

"We're engaged! We're getting married! He's mine for the rest of my life!" went over and over again on my mind. My heart was pounding hard and fast. I cannot believe this day has arrived.

I am happy. I am filled with love.

Mt. Talamitam: My Sentimental Solo Climb

The idea of a solo trip/ climb has crossed my mind during the early months of 2011. To my mind, it will give me time to be with myself, to rearrange my life, to breathe in air.

I woke up to the golden rays of the sun peeping through my window. I checked my itinerary. I am an hour late. Hurriedly, I packed my trail foods, water and clothes then I hit the road.

The sun is already up. Trabajo Market is crowded with people and pedicabs. The sight of a market warms my heart. The vegetables and assorted fruits basking in the sun literally gives color to this day.

The jeepney moved slowly, carefully driving through the crowd. I jumped off the jeepney as it stopped at Tayuman. I walked fast to Jollibee for my packed lunch then I rushed up to the train station.

I missed the train. I patiently waited for the next praying for enough space to accommodate me. It is already 8am and I have to be at the jump-off before 12noon.

8:45am and I am at the far end of a queue. I am not the only person today who is itching for the mountains. Are we headed to the same mountain? I don't know. I wish not. Otherwise, it's a "solo" climb no more.

Nasugbu, Batangas is 3 hours away from Manila. I alighted at KM 83 and walked to the registration area. There are already climbers preparing for their assault when I arrived. Lunch is a good alibi not to join them :)


Unfortunately, I was not allowed to go solo, so I hired a guide for php300. To keep my goal, I asked the guide to walk past ahead of me and stop only, if needed.

THE SOLO FEEL
I took a deep breath and had my first step towards the summit of a mountain I have never trekked. The trail is shaded in the first leg of the assault. The smell of the leaves soothed the sting I nurse within. I can feel almost everything: the wind, the brush of the leaves against my skin, the soil I sink my feet on, the sun kissing away my loneliness.

"It is a beautiful world." I said to myself as I slowly walked into the plains where coconut trees are abundant and carabaos graze. I turned to see the how far and high I have been. I saw beauty. The sight of the jagged slopes of Mt. Batulao was the best there is from Mt. Talamitam.

"Saan nyo po gusto? Sa mahirap o sa madali?" asked the guide, interrupting my reverie.

"Kaya ko ba yung mahirap?" I asked.

"Wag ka lang po titingin sa baba." he replied.

"Oo nga naman." I mused. Don't look back. I started caressing the earth, gripping tight every grass and rock along the way up. Mid-way to the summit, my hands were charcoal black. I was told, the mountain had just been burned days ago.

Mt. Talamitam Summit View

So it was not just me. I am not the only one enduring pain. The mountains, even. And despite being burned, it still welcomed me to share the beauty this earth has. I should be like this mountain - burnt yet still brave to have the sun shine on it.

***

I went down via the easier trail with a positive spirit and a lighter heart. I met mountaineers setting their camps and greeted them with a warm smile.

I settled myself peacefully inside the bus bound to Manila, closed my eyes and thanked the Almighty for the wonderful day.

Minalungao National Park: A Piece of Paradise

Here is another wonderful experience in one of the many beautiful spots in the Philippines - the Minalungao National Park located at General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.

4:00AM ETD Cubao, Gapan bound bus at 5Star Bus Terminal P150/pax

6:30AM ETA Gapan City, get-off at Bucana

Trike to Minalungao National Park, RT Fare P900/trike, capacity: 3pax

The Uragon Gang minus the photogs, Mark and Noynoy :p

There is no regular transportation to and from the park so we chartered these "cute" tricycles. Anyone bigger that the man in "that's my boy" pose in the picture above cannot endure the bumpy ride.

We dropped by a gasoline station to fill-in the tanks and buy other provisions for our picnic. 

Rockyroad overload!

From Gapan to General Tinio, the road is concrete and the ride, smooth. From General Tino to the Park is a combination of concrete and rocky rolling roads. Yes, the fun starts in the 1 and 1/2 hours trike ride!

8:15AM ETA Minalungao National Park

Entrance fee: P20/ pax plus P25/trike

Breakfast :)

Cottages. P200/table

We settled for breakfast in one of the cottages. Two teenage boys, Antonio and AG, approached and told us that it is better to rent a floating cottage instead and offered to guide us through the park. Since the park is not regulated, there is no standard guide fee. We gave P100 each.

Mark and the raft
Whole day use of raft costs P500

Our Floating Cottage. P800 whole day use, capacity 10-12 pax

We changed our clothes before we sailed.

Honestly, I was not amazed by what I first saw: wide parking space, a row of cottages and a river. 

And then...

Short trek to the cave

The Caving Experience
(c) Jose Yang

Lunch Time!
(c) Jose Yang

with Noynoy and Kuya Boy :)
(c) Jose Yang

The diving site :)

Docked. 

The promised beauty

The Masterminds :)

Beauty, in different forms, fades when abused. As we explored the rockies and the caves, we noticed traces of irresponsible tourists/ visitors: plastics, soda bottles, junkfood foils, cigarette butts and vandalism.

In a conversation with Manong Rolando a.k.a. "Kulot", a local and an owner of a raft, he said that they wish to be regulated in order to improve the administration and maintain the beauty and serenity of the place.

We left the park at around 3:30PM. Buses bound to Cubao/ Pasay pass by infront of Waltermart in Gapan City. At 8:45PM, reality set in.

This, indeed, is another beautiful escape from the usual chaotic days in the city!

So It's 2014

Thank you 2013 for ending with promising days ahead.

I remember I have this 28 Things at 28 as my 2013 targets. Did I meet 100%? Of course I didn't! Haha! But I am proud to have accomplished a few!

• Witness the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City...and enjoy a 30-minute siesta under an umbrella at Burnham Park, savor a healthy feast at Camp John Hay, explore the Session in Bloom and ride the Joy Bus! :)

the dusty road

• I was not able to bury myself in Pinatubo ash BUT I got MORE than what I wished! Dex and I together with our friends, joined a group of mountaineers in scaling Mt. Pinatubo via Sapang Uwak Trail. I swear I have fallen in love with the mountain and all that can be seen from above!

 Visit Basilica de St. Martin of Tours (Philippines' and Asia's biggest church...and climb the belfry and check the museums around it.

• Climb Mt. Talamitam. My first solo trek! :) A self-fulfilling challenge! :)

• A brief Kalesa ride with my sisters and mom in Intramuros during our...

• ...Family Out-of-Town sans papa. Happiness!

• This Blog.

• Time lapse photography.

• Do something not on the list. ;)

• Visit 3 provinces I have never been to >>>  Aurora, Tarlac and Zamboanga! :)

Baler, Aurora

Zamboanga City

Isdaan in Tarlac

• Enroll in Yoga Class

...and my greatest accomplishment...

• BUY TELEVISION!!! After 8 years in Manila, I finally have a television!!! :))

These are a few of what I want to do. More is coming this 2014!

Potioned Plates

It is good to keep in mind special places to dine.

Today's the 17th. It's a special day for Dex and I. Although significant, we seldom celebrate this day like this. So this is a surprise!

After a not-so-toxic day in the office, we tramped beneath the moonlit sky to a place we have never been. I discovered this place in the internet. A lot of bloggers wrote about it and their good words made me put this in my "to-do" list!

So here we are!

below (l-r): Nilasing ni Eba si Adan, Secret Lovers, Unrequited Love, Baha sa Pag-ibig

Gayuma Ni Maria is located in Sikatuna Village along V. Luna Extension. It is a two-storey restaurant that can accommodate 50-60 persons. 

We settled ourselves upstairs and enjoyed the "Japanese style" dining. Low tables and pillows on a woven mat (banig), not-so-dim lights, wall of hearts, red curtains and pink pale roses welcomed us.

Then the menu was finally handed to us. 

We were spellbound by Nilasing ni Eba si Adan, Secret Lovers and Unrequited Love. We drowned all these with a mug of Baha sa Pag-ibig, a mix of rhum, sprite and mint leaves.

We both agreed that this is one of the best dinner we had so far. The potioned plates did the magic! We were gayumatized!

Breathtaking Banahaw

This was unexpected.

Television and social media confirmed the presence of two (2) low pressure areas (LPAs) sandwiching our target mountain - Mt. Banahaw in Dolores, Quezon. We may be able to secure a permit but it would be useless if the weather gets worse.

Eve of August 10, 2013, Dex and I proceeded to Alabang to meet with fellow mountaineers. It was drizzling and later, it rained.

We took a bus bound for Lucena and got off at San Pablo City. From there, a chartered jeepney took us to Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon.

The Permit

Mt. Banahaw has been declared as one of the protected areas in the Philippines by virtue of  Republic Act 9847. It has been temporarily closed to mountaineers in 2004. However, locals and pilgrims are allowed to climb during Holy Week.

Today, climbing Mt. Banahaw has been regulated. Only those who have secured a permit are allowed to scale it. The representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that they encourage outdoor enthusiasts to conduct tree planting activities in the mountain to replace the trees that have been illegally cut. Clean up and back filling may also be done.

Orientation by the DENR Representative

Pipes were visible along the trail. The mountain is the water source of the residents at its foot. This is also the reason why it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the mountain.

We started to trek at around 9:45AM. Manong Dingdong led the way. We walked through a plantation of coffee and other sorts of plants. Vegetation is thick. Breathing has been so soothing to the senses.

MOSSY BASIN. Just before we reached the Kweba ng Dios Ama, our lunch area, slippery mossy rocks challenged us! We walked over it carefully and I slid slowly and happily I literally laughed my heart out after a successful slide! Let me take you there. Imagine a basin of stagnant water. The basin is made up of big mossy rocks. The challenge is to pass through it without falling, otherwise, I get my feet and knees wet. So I embraced each rock with caution. Then came one rock that is beyond the limits of my arms. Dex was able to cross it. I must too. I took off my bag, passed it to Dex. I sprawled over the mossy rock keeping my grip on my left then slowly, by Dex's command, I loosen my grip and slid to the other side. I made it!

We had lunch at the foot of Kweba ng Dios Ama. We relaxed for an hour, fetched water and cooked for dinner.

STUNG. My hands started to itch. It felt like I was being pricked over and over again. I was told I have been stung by poison ivy. Joela did the first aid. The invisible hairs of the plant were taken out by using a surgical tape (they recommend duct tape). Though the hairs were gone, the itchy and burning sensation remained. They said it might last for two weeks. Blisters are also possible.

CHALLENGE #2. The mossy basin was challenge number 1.

Rain has started to fall and we were about to start the next leg of the climb. An almost 90 degrees rope segment launched it. Came my turn. I rose a few meters, my left hand gripped the blue rope. Manong Dingdong was awkwardly positioned at my upper right ready to pull me up. There were no other holds. The only way up were the rope and Manong's hand. Dex climbed to my side to give me a push. It took me a while. My knees were shaking and my tears have started to cloud my eyes. I cannot stop. I took  a deep breath, my left hand tightly gripped the blue rope. I extended my right hand towards Manong Dingdong and quickly, pushed myself up.

TEKA-TEKA ETC. It took us a while to finish that rope segment. With ponchos on, we continued to trek. As we go further, the forest grows thicker. Chitchats and trail foods and teka-tekas made the trekking fun!

Teka-teka, as we call it, is a palm plant. It has thorns on its trunk and at the tip of its leaves. Its thorns are positioned backwards. It catches whoever and whatever it got contact with. I was lucky to have Joela on the lead and the other boys. Teka-teka struck them first! (evil laugh). So when it's my turn, the thorns have been hidden away from the trail.

We rose up quickly as the day wears out. The trail has gone steeper as we went higher. Every now and then, we check our level of elevation.

THE FUN CLIMB. I am a snail climber. That is a fact. Especially when part of the sweepers, I have the tendency to proceed slowly. As my "catch-up" plan, so that I won't be a burden to the group, I joined the lead team and whenever possible, I walk ahead of Dex knowing that he will just be behind me in a few minutes. So, lakad.. kwentuhan..lakad..pahinga... lakad.. kuwentuhan.. lakad.. pahinga.. lakad sila... pahinga ako mamaya nandiyan na si Dex... wala pa rin si Dex... magdidisappear na yung last element sa harap ko.. Oh no.. magiging mag-isa ako.. habol habol habol... dikit na ulit.. lakad.. lakad.. pahinga... lakad.. lakad. pahinga... pahinga... lakad sila.. pahinga.. wala pa rin si Dex.. magdidisappear na ang nasa harap ko!!! habol habol habol... nakahabol.. dikit ulit.. lakad lakad.. dumidilim na.. dikit na dapat... may kaluskos sa likod ko... lakad sila, pahinga ako... si Dex? Si sir Erick!!! pahinga rin sya.. tapos nagpaalam na mag advance na.. sige... pahinga pa rin ako.. nawala na si sir Erick!!! didilim na! lakad na ako!!! Tawag ke sir Erick, sunod sa boses nya.. lakad lakad.. nakita ko na... lakad lakad na talaga... pahinga pagpahinga nila.. lakad pag lakad na sila...

VHF RADIO. Light has started to fade and our gaps have grown wider. We stopped to wait for the rest of the team. Dex has not showed up yet. The next group arrived and Dex was not with them. Sir Erickson handed me my headlamp and told me Dex had muscle cramps and was far behind. With him are two others who got injured. My heart sank. I should have stayed with him.

Delta Charlie, do you copy?

no response. 

Delta Charlie, do you copy?

no response. I concluded that they are really far behind.

Few minutes later, someone buzzed in! Tango Kilo. Tango Kilo.

My heart leaped! I monitored them as they slowly scale the dark trails ahead of them. ♥

NIGHT TREK. 7:00PM. Intact again as one team, we prepared for the final assault to the saddle camp. Cautiously, we started to walk, checking the elevation from time to time. It has been almost 10 hours since we started to hike. My legs were already tired and just before I give up came my favorite part - the "four -wheel hike". I patiently ascended the 70-80 degrees slope to the saddle. Above me is a line of butts and a row of headlamps beneath me. I put all my energy pushing myself up to what seemed to be an endless assault!

DIAMONDS AND FIREFLIES. Tall grasses finished the long assault. Past it are small spaces for tents and my fellow climbers exclaiming with joy! I looked up, savored the cool breeze and breathed in the scent of the mountain. The stars twinkled above us like diamonds! There were so many! The heaven is stuffed! I lowered my head and a wide plain glittered like fireflies below us! What a sight! What a lovely sight!

BEAUTIFUL MORNING. I woke up to the voices of my climbing buddies. When Dex got up, we joined the others at the highest point of the saddle. The view was breathtaking!!! Some have identified 10 peaks from where we stand. Most of them, I haven't scaled yet. On the other side is the mountain range of Banahaw. So green and fresh! Later, clouds started to set in. The once clear peaks looked icy already. A heavenly view formed just right below us. Beautiful!

Icy Mt. Cristobal as seen from the saddle of Mt. Banahaw

DESCENT. The clearing has disappeared just before we started our descent. We took a different trail - the trail via Tatlong Tangke. This time, I belong to the sweepers. The trail was steep. very steep. I fell twice. All except for the four (4) of us were far ahead. My feet felt sore. I descended patiently and slowly. This made me appreciate the details of the trail. The mossy roots. The mushrooms. The dried flowers. The berries. The trail signs! We saw 2! The arrow and the fresh leaves :) There was also a baby red snake by the trail. That made me walk faster! The trail where horses pass was exciting for me. I forgot my sore feet as I hopped. Then there were these plantations of beans and bitter gourds and lemons. Then there was this loud sound of motorcycle. Then there was this familiar place - the DENR!!!

5:10PM. Marvin, Dex and I have successfully and safely descended Mt. Banahaw.

CREDITS. Thank you Erickson Recto, Sendo and Joela for making this Banahaw climb happen! Thank you Outdoor Buddies for the company! I know you too are happy climbing with me! Hahaha! :)) Thank you also Manong Dingdong and Kuya Sweeper :) Thank you, Dex for making my load light, for pushing me and for everything! :) at sa naghain ng masarap na post-climb dinner, thank you!!! 

This is one of the memorable activities I have done! Priceless beautiful experience!

Sa uulitin? ;)

San Pablo City: Stories in the City of Seven Lakes

June 8-9, 2013. This trip to the City of Seven Lakes is our plan B and it was worth it!

The aborted Mt. Cristobal climb led us to an equally exciting and inspiring adventure. I want to call it, Tricycle Diaries for the several trike ride we had to get to places we shouldn't and should be.

Our first trike ride was supposed to bring us to the jump-off. "Supposed to". That means, Manong Driver was not able to and we paid him P200 for not complying. I tried to keep my mouth shut and let Dex do all the talking but I still snapped. Oh that's so normal! I was really pissed-off that I did not bother to take a picture.

This was the tricycle that brought us back to San Pablo City from Dolores, Quezon. The driver was kind enough to drop us at a Lomihan in the City.

Trike number 2 :) Dolores-San Pablo

While we figure out what is Plan B, we had some lomi and puto.

Puto and Lomi. San Pablo's specialty!

As our tummies got full, we decided to just explore San Pablo, it being known as the City of Seven Lakes! We then grabbed some cash and looked for a place to stay. That means, another trike ride! :)

Tricycle number 3 :) Cute trike!

Blue Lemonade. Welcome Drinks at the Coco Palace Hotel

We stayed at the The Coco Palace Hotel. An affordable clean hotel that serves a refreshing blue lemonade as welcome drinks. Our overnight stay came with a complimentary breakfast.

Nightlife together after N years. For dinner, we strolled by Lake Sampaloc, the biggest and most popular of the 7 lakes. It was also recommended by the drivers citing the "night life" around it. We had isaw and bulaklak and a brief walk by the lake.

Tricycle number 4. Coco Palace to Sampaloc Lake

Barbeque Stalls

Isaw and bulaklak on sweet sauce

...and bottles of beer and pomelo flavored tanduay ice.

Stallion and Pomelo :)

...and grilled tilapia to match!

Scrumptious Tilapia

It is nice to again share a peaceful evening together over drinks after quite a long time. Quality time it is!

The following day, Sunday, we dropped by the Church before we hit Bunot Lake.

Tricycle number 6. Coco Palace to Cathedral

San Pablo City Church

Lake Hopping. We have decided to just see one lake and spend the whole afternoon there. The web suggested Bunot lake as a perfect site for picnic so we rode a jeepney bound for "Ilog". When we got-off, a resident told us that we should take Sabang Road in going to Bunot Lake.

Tricycle number 7. Somewhere to Sabang Road

We reached Bunot Lake at last! However, the picnic site was already closed. It has already become a residential area.

Bunot Lake

The residents near the lake suggested that we visit Lake Pandin instead. They assured us of its beauty and picnic area. They said it is where foreigners flock and celebrities shoot their films there.

Tricycle number 8. Bunot Lake to highway

We were advised to take a jeepney instead of a tricycle because of the distance. Lake Pandin is located at Brgy. Sto. Anghel, San Pablo City. It has a twin lake, Lake Yambo. These two lake are separated by a mountain, Mt. Mabilog.

The jump-off point is very visible. It has a signage at the left side of the road. There were children waiting for tourists by the entrance.

by the highway

We walked for approximately 10-15 minutes from the highway to Lake Pandin.

the way to Lake Pandin

Lake Pandin

Floating Cottages Rental is Php180 per person

No camping/ registration fee so pack-in, pack-out! :)

L-R: Nikka, Dexter, Jayjay. Smiles and chitchat over lunch :)

Lessons by the Lake. It seems that Dex and I are always blessed with kind and very interactive guides. These two kids, Nikka and Jayjay are inspirations to us. They live a simple and a bit hard life. Nikka, for instance is a very petite young girl. She has a hole in her heart. A condition that she has to deal with her entire life. She cannot get excited nor feel extremely happy. She will faint and that's critical for her. Nonetheless, she live her days with kindness and so much concern for her family. Her weekends are spent guiding tourists to Pandin Lake in exchange of anything their guests may give her.

Jayjay is a small boy with a big heart. I admire his brotherly concern for Nikka. "Wala po kasi sila nung ganto po.. nung bilog.. kaya po sinasama ko pag nag-gguide po ako dito."  Jayjay told us referring to Nikka's family's economic needs.

What I like most with these kids were their spontaneous remarks!

Kinsy: Bakit hindi kayo lumapit?
Jayjay and Nikka: Akala po kasi namin mag-i-english kami.

Jayjay to Dexter: Taga Pilipinas po ba kayo?

Dex: ("unintentionally" farts)
Nikka: (Laughing) Anlakas! Parang tambol!

Kinsy: (sneezing successively)
Nikka: (laughing) Ang cute. Parang boses daga.

These kids made our day!

Mangoes sprinkled with sugar and salt :)

We camped under a mango tree. That explains the above mouth-watering photo! Nikka and Jayjay got these for us.

At 4 o'clock pm, we packed and headed back to the highway, took a jeepney to San Pablo City and waited for a ride back to Manila in front of San Pablo Medical Center.

Itinerary/ Experience Cost:
Take Lucena bound bus at Buendia and get-off at SPMC (Medical) Php155
Tricycle to Cathedral (for the jeepney ride) Php25/ byahe
Jeep to Brgy. Sto. Anghel Php9
Floating Cottage Php180/ head
Guide fee is up to you :) The kids receive P20-P50 for a RT guideship