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!

CEBU-tiful!

May 25-26, 2013

Friday evening, my bag is packed. I am ready for my 3am flight to Cebu City. I have been to Cebu several times but never had the chance to leisurely roam. Dex picked me up at the airport then we met with his officemate, Jay and their Malaysian guest, CK.

It was already 7am when we took-off for Oslob via Ceres bus at Cebu South Terminal. Sleepless, I took advantage of the not so long ride.

Whale Shark Watching Experience

Three hours away from Cebu City is the town of Oslob (pronounced as Oslo). It is home to the gentle giants of the sea - the whale sharks (rhincodon typus).

Outriggers

We reached Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu at around 10am. First in the activity was the orientation/ briefing.  Tourists were advised to stay at least 4 meters away from the whale sharks to avoid unexpected responses and to protect it as well. Each whale shark has tags by its fins that serves as a tracker. We were also asked to rinse any applied sunblock lotion as it may contaminate the water. We were made to understand that the whale sharks pose no significant danger to humans. They are considered as filter-feeding fish. They only eat plankton and small shrimps/ fish.

After paying the appropriate fees (details below), we paddled towards the interaction area. We already caught sight of the whale sharks as we approach. I repeatedly ask our bangkero whether they are harmless and I always get an assurance.

A school of small fish swim beneath the whale sharks

We cannot contain our admiration as we draw nearer. When we reached the interaction area, we wowed loud and jumped to the water as one whale shark approached. Our 30-minute happiness with the wild began.

Thirty (30) meters below us are divers and a variety of fish. The clear and clean water gave us a great sight of the gentle giant's haven at day.

By lunchtime, the whale sharks went back to the deep.

WHICH is WHICH?: Swimming? It's more fun with the butandings! :)
L-R: Dexter, Kinsy, Jay, CK

Unexpected Meeting

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) has its regional branch in Cebu City. I went there without notice. Surprisingly, we were on the same place enjoying the same activity on the same day! They shared us their baon for lunch! Thank you, Boss Edmund and staff for the mangoes, lechon and tinolang isda :)

With NCMB-RB VII Staff at Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu

Tumalog Falls

After lunch, we went to Tumalog Falls. It is just a short uphill ride from Brgy. Tan-awan. At the parking area, there are motorbikes offering a ride down to Tumalog Falls for P50. We were told that the falls is about 400 meters away so we decided to just walk.

We walked on a steep concrete road.

Tumalog falls is different from those that I have seen in Camiguin, Pagudpod and Baler. It is like a live wall paper: aesthetic and appealing. Cold waters caress the mossy rocks. The water drops from different points as if filling a basin then spilling to the other.

lower portion of Tumalog Falls. Photo by: Dexter

We soaked ourselves in the cold waters of Tumalog. It was very refreshing!

Boljoon Church
Patrocinio de Maria Church

While doing some research prior to this Cebu trip, I have read about Boljoon Church (in wikipedia).  It was declared in 1999 by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure for being the oldest original stone church in Cebu. This enticed me to visit the place.

Boljoon is about 30 minutes away from Oslob. I am a bit frustrated of what I actually saw. I find it far different from what I have read. The church's facade is painted and no one can ever tell that it is indeed the oldest original stone church. I think it could have been better if the structure was enhanced but not painted. Well, I am expecting its structure to be like the ruins of Cagsawa or Paoay Church. Raw. It is a serene place though. It has a wide lawn and is facing Bohol Strait.

Boljoon Church at Sunset. Photo by: Dexter

We were back in Cebu City by 8pm. With tummies rumbling, we invaded Larsian. I feel that it is the place to dine when in Cebu. I enjoyed their puso rice and grilled viands.

I also learned from CK that they have the same in Malaysia.



The following day, Sunday, Dex and I roam around the city. First, we visited the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. It is located uphill so we had a view of Cebu at sunset. Picture taking by the altar is prohibited so we only had the exteriors. It is colorful and the architecture is beautiful.

There is no admission fee. The Taoist temple is open everyday from 7am-5pm.

Taoist Temple

Taoist Temple

Basilica del Sto. Niño

Outside the Basilica. Photo by: Dexter

We attended the 5:30pm mass at the Basilica. We were surprised by the bulk of people inside the premises of the church. We thought there was an event but we learned that it was just an ordinary Sunday.

In the morning, the priest celebrates the mass inside the church while in the afternoon, it is celebrated outside.

Interior of Basilica del Sto. Niño. Photo by: Dexter

Magellan's Cross. Photo by: Dexter

On the same Sunday night, NCMB RB-VII is playing for the TIPC Blowling Tournament at SM Cebu. We dropped by and stayed for a while.

L-R: Riza, Kinsy, Ms. Edan, Ms. Ellen, Rey

with the staff of NCMB-RB VII during their TIPC Bowling Tournament

Ms. Rose took us to dinner and drove us back to the hotel.

 with Ms. Rose, Earvin and Ivan

The following day is Monday. I flew and reported back to reality!

Experience Cost:
P155/head Cebu City-Oslob
500/head whale shark watching registration fee for Filipinos
      *inclusions: 30min boat rental, goggles for snorkeling, life vest
1000/head whale shark watching registration fee for our Malaysian friend
      *inclusions: 30min boat rental, goggles for snorkeling, life vest
500 rental of underwater camera
120/head round trip multicab to Tumalog Falls
20/head entrance to Tumalog Falls
25/head Oslob-Boljoon
125/head Boljoon-Cebu City

A Day in Baler

May 11, 2013

Friday nights are often spent outside with friends and drinks. Dex and I spent it on the road.

The passengers have started to alight at every corner when we woke up. My blurry vision caught the signage and I knew that we have arrived. From the bus terminal, we rode a tricycle and went around the nearby hotels but to no avail. All were fully-booked! 

Dex was very insistent to bring the tent when we were still packing. It is his intuition that saved and sheltered us. By the shore is Tent City. They offer cottages with papag for P500.00 overnight. To those who opt to pitch their tents, they charge P100.00/head. Very affordable! :) They also have wash rooms and comfort rooms. Excellent for budget travelers!

Our humble haven :)

Breakfast is a few meters away. While walking to Bay-ler Hotel to eat, I had my first sight of Sabang Beach: wide stretch of sand, billowing waves, surfers floating and disappearing like needles (or seahorse?) from afar! WOW!

With stuffed tummies and rushing adrenalines, we rented a tricycle and started our Baler Day Tour! :)

First stop: Museo de Baler

Inside Museo de Baler

Second stop: The vacation home of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon

President Manuel L. Quezon's Presidential car displayed at his residence
photo by: Dexter

Beneath the 600-year old Balete Tree
taken by: Jerwin

After checking on Baler's history and culture, we embraced nature! Upon getting-off from the tricycle, we were welcomed by the local guides: Jerwin and Erwin. We registered and took photos of the huge tree. Dex told me we can get inside. Hesitant, I just smiled and asked whether it is possible and if it is okay. I was surprised by the enthusiasm of Jerwin and Erwin in orienting us with the tree. They showed us the interiors and the other way out. While inside, Jerwin and Erwin asked if we wanted to climb. Scared, I smiled. Then they led us up!

Negotiating through the tangled Balete roots :)taken by: Jerwin

I never knew climbing Balete tree could be that fun! The way up was easy! Grip-step-push then the process went over and over again until we were rewarded with a nest-like branch on top. We sat and chat for a while before we took the split trail down. Dex went down through the roots outside while I patiently and carefully slid myself into the narrow spaces inside. I literally and truly had fun! 

Then it's time to wash the sweat away! We drove to San Luis for almost an hour. What's in San Luis? The Ditumabo Falls! or commonly known as the Mother Falls. It was a rough ride. We had to walk and ride and walk and ride in getting to the entrance. The road from the highway to the jump-off is literally rocky. I got so excited when we reached the entrance. We had to cross a river before we reach the registration area. I rolled-up my jogging pants and quickly dipped into the waters. Oh it was freeeezing cold!!! I felt my muscles contract and I wade through waters slowly.

Half-way to the Mother Falls

There was a 20-minute trek before the grand reward. We passed through rivers and boulders and a few plains. 

Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls) Approximately 140 meters high

I thought I could dip but the water is colder than the river we first crossed! As an asthmatic, dipping is a major decision. I took photos instead as Dex swam through the freezing water.

It was past 12 noon. We have to go back and continue the tour. However, as we approach the registration area, it started to rain. Unfortunately for Manong Driver, he left his trike roof at home and unfortunately also for us, our backs were only protected by a very thin jersey! Enough protection for the sun but NOT for the heavy rain. Sabi nga ni Manong driver when I asked him kung pano sya't wala syang bubong eh: "Damay damay na yan"  That was it. We all got wet!

The rain got really bad. We advised the driver to park by a waiting shed. Then there was lightning and thunder and rumbling stomachs.

Our wet ride!

It was already 2 o'clock when the rain stopped. We headed back to tent city to rinse change clothes. Manong driver went home to change too. We met at Bay-ler for lunch at 3PM and waited until the heavens cleared.

We went first to Ermita Hill. It is where the people of Baler ran to during the tsunami in 1735.

Ermita Hill

Diguisit Falls

Dusk is dramatic at Lukso-lukso Islets. It has a camping site, cottages and scattered  rocks that made the place picturesque!  

Hut on the rocks!

This quaint sight concluded our day tour in Baler. Tired and satisfied, we relaxed ourselves inside the tricycle as we negotiate the long road back to Tent City.

I am sure you want to know the expenses :)

455/head/way Cubao-Baler (Genesis Bus)

*Joy bus leaves at 12MN. 700/head/way on a reservation basis

100 trike (terminal-tent city, we hopped from hotel to hotel that's why we gave premium)

500 overnight cottage at tent city (tent charge, waived)

1000 trike day tour (regular rate is P800. we gave additional amount for the extra rough day due to heavy rain)

There are no entrance fee in all destinations. Only donations :)