Mount Daguldol at Kimberly Resort Laiya

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Hello Guys, howdy! It's been awhile. Been busy lately, work, family, friends, and with my significant other. I miss blogging so here I am editing some of my draft post in hope that it could serve as reference to those of you who have plan to climb Mt. Daguldol this summer and looking for a great yet affordable place to stay!

Last year of May when I organized a climb for the group. In the midst of planning, I was challenged by several concerns -- like safety of the group, kind of weather to expect, what could be the time schedule of the jeepneys/bus, where to buy food, affordable place to stay overnight, etc. I have kept a 'notes' to this for future reference (that will share to you shortly). I must say this is one  memorable trip! It is a strenuous.. and long hike all the way to Mt. Daguldol summit but is very rewarding. :) I tell yah!

If you are torn between setting up a tent at the mountain campsites or at the beach-side I recommend you to choose the latter. Mt. Daguldol is a 5-6 hours walk and it would be such a relief to leave and secure all your things down before you start the trek. PLUS you have more time to explore  the beautiful Laiya beach. Here's a sample 2D/1N itinerary for your reference:


DAY 1:

0330AM Our Assembly time is at Alps Bus Liner Edsa Terminal.
The terminal is beside the national highway. From EDSA-Cubao it is fronting Nepa Q-Mart. Tip: If you want a faster route to Lipa and Batangas City choose buses with sign ACTEX.

0400 ETD to San Juan, Batangas.
Yes! we took San Juan-bound bus from Edsa. Contact Alps for bus schedule

0700 ETA San Juan Town Proper (town market); Then ride jeep to Brgy. Hugom
From San Juan market, ignore all tricycle offers and go left-heading towards the town proper.  Turn right, crossing the road and find the market in the next corner. Find the Hugom jeeps along the street, parallel to the main road/ or just ask the locals. (Don't you worry marami ka naman pedeng pagtanungan :), in our case, si manong na nakasabay namen sa bus even pointed us the way to the jeepney terminal.

0800 ETA Brgy. Hugom. Arrange for guides.
Please note that Hugom is the last stop from San Juan town proper.
Hugom  > HEGA Station, this is where you need to register and hire a mandatory guides.
Guide's fee: Php350-700, for day up/ wholeday.
Registration fee: Php35

You can tell to your guide the time you wish to start the trek. Once settle, you will opt to walk along the beach. Yes, you will pass along different resort, take note, you have to walk in the shoreline under the sun’s heat for about thirty minutes as the jump off point is at the other side of the town and about five minutes of walk to reach Sitio Biga before you reach the jump off point in Sitio Catmon.

Beach trek

0830 ETA Jumpoff Point. We  Look for Resort; Pitch tents.
We don't have a reservation :( sadly, those resort with website our quite expensive, therefore on the same day (plus tiwala lang), we look for an affordable resort where we can pitch our tent. Most of the resorts are full, some are out of our budget until we reach the end of the long shore where we found KIMBERLY RESORT. They allow us to pitch our tent with the use of their table + opened nipa hut, wash room,  for only 900 pesos, They do  owned a small store and carinderia where you can buy food, snacks, softdrinks, etc. Pede karin magpaluto :)  I think it is the nearest resort near the jump off point of Mt. Daguldol. Here's some pics for your reference:

The Nipa Hut and  table that we rented for an overnight stay, 900 pesos only.

O diba may coffee vendo pa sila ate. sosyal!

bamboo table beside Ate Kim's store

(Sorry folks but as of this date Kimberly Resort doesn't have a website or fan page yet, will soon update ate Kim's contact number)

0900 Start of Beach Trek
Ate Kim allow us to leave our things on one of the room they owned before we start the climb.

On the first phase, there are zigzagging and ascending trail, presence of a village in the middle of the trail. (This is where the guides reside)

First phase trail

1200 ETA Guide's place.
Sorry, I forgot the name of our guide. :( Past 12pm when we reach his place. They have cooked food, (adobo and rice) so that's what we have for lunch. They selling halo2x too!

0100 Resume Trek to Summit
After we regain our energy we resume our trek. River, Boulders and steep ascent greeted us after few hours of walk.

Boulders

If I'm not mistaken there are 4 campsites in Mt. Daguldul. These are:
Campsite 1 (Gulugod-Baboy);
Campsite 2 (Niyugan - lots of cocount trees)/ water source
Campsite 3 (Anahawan). - ideal camp site
Camp 4 - also an ideal camp. 

0330 ETA Summit! Enjoy the view.. Pictorials!!!
About one and half hour, we reach the summit! Woo-hoo!

Finally!

Chilling at the Mt. Daguldol summit

The weather is good as soon as we reach the summit. It is glorious and sunny! We had a breathtaking view of Tayabas Bay overlooking Mindoro Island and Marinduque.  The sky is a deep blue color with some scattered clouds. Seeing the grassy field, surely  will also brings the kids in you! Just like what happened to us -- we rolled down the hill, it felt so light and carefree! Funny how we instantly forgot our worries!

0330 Start of descent
 Past 3 when we decided to go down. We no longer proceed with our initial plan, (to take Naambon Falls sidetrip) since we feels like hindi na rin kaya ng oras. It's almost 7PM when reached our campsite. We are so dead tired and hungry. We had our dinner at ate Kim's Carinderia, wash up, and took early sleep because were  thoroughly worn-out. Beside, were excited to explore the beach in the morning! *Lights off*

Tent Set-up

 DAY 2

0500 Wake Up Call/ watch sunrise ^^ (optional)
I dunno but I really had a great sleep in the tent!  I felt like I had been in a deep sleep! I just woke up with the sound of crashing waves, and as I open our tent I was greeted by a peaceful morning! All is quiet.  I see the sun rise over the sea.

sunrise at the beach

Calm and still

0600 Breakfast
The beach is inviting, so we didn't waste any moment, we had our quick breakfast,  and finally dipped our sore feet into those clear waters! 

so clear!

hmm.. it feels good!

0700 Beach bumming/ Enjoy the place! Pictorials!!

We enjoy the beach until 10am! The sand is not as fine and white such as those of neighboring resort but it was ok, our resort is at the end of the beach--there were less people and so we felt like we own the place! Good enough.

in deep thought?

sitting in a rock

1000 Pack-Up
Since were situated at the end, we have to trek again the beach shore (where in scorchingly hot)  to reach hugom. Good thing, meron kami nakasabay na private jeepney from our place whom happened to be the same way as ours. While other passengers are still preparing, we decided to have our early lunch. I remember, we paid only 500 for us six to San Juan town proper where we ride a bus back to Manila. We reached Manila around 4:00. Indeed it was an awesome trip!

Rainforest Park Pasig: Let's Go For a WALK

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At times, waiting can be emotionally challenging. So one Saturday, instead of waiting for my SO (significant other) to text me, I decided to pull my nieces out and go for a walk...

We headed into the park near us to have some picnic! Rainforest Park in Pasig is a 15-minutes trike ride from our house. We bring our bottled water, bought some chips and candies and our picnic mat! In time like this, I just love to go somewhere and focus on the beauty that surrounds me..  It's my means of escape when I feel sad..

Rainforest Park

Rainforest park has no entrance fee though fees are applied on rides and some attractions. Like the train ride, zipline, boating lagoon, butterfly house, maze garden, and zoo pavilion. We entered to the park at 3PM and took some pictures before we go to the Kiddie Land to look for  the best spot where we could lay our picnic mat.

It's always refreshing to see greenery amidst the urban setting.

Just sitting here in the lagoon makes me feel quite refreshed. The area has a very relaxing and peaceful aura.








And oh I just love seeing train tracks!  It reminds me of how fast life can be.
































Vibrant color of the playground gives me a happy feeling! It also makes me feel pretty nostalgic for a lot of reasons.

It's been ages since the last time I go for a swing!

Lastly, their smiles and laughter make lifted my spirits. I think just being around them, around trees,  plants and fresh air helped me lift my spirits and brought me joy.

I came back home feeling energized and happy. :)

If you’re feeling irritated, bored, frustrated, or any combination of the three, just grab your handbag and head outside. Go and see something different. It will remind you that life doesn’t suck… And then, when you get back, get stuck into tackling whatever your problems are.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mount Manalmon and other Side Trips - Day Hike Trip

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If you're looking for a quick getaway from Manila and wish to experience the thrill of nature trekking and mountain climbing, Mount Manalmon and its side trips are a good choice.

Mount Manalmon is less than 3 hours ride from Metro. It is located in San Miguel Bulacan and part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park. While considered an easy climb, the trail of this mountain becomes steep and rocky as the summit is approached.

The beginning.
We can't wait for another amazing moment to experience and to be so close to nature so despite bad weather forecasts we agreed to continue our 2nd annual trip--thank God cause it turned out to be the best decision for the group. It was raining on our way to Bulakan but when we finally reach San Miguel and  get off  from the bus, weather got better, and there was only drizzle.

We then rode a tricycle to Sitio Madlum (P60each) which took us about 45 minutes. The road was ok during the first 20 minutes, but it became rough as we near Sitio Madlum. Too late to realized that sitting at the back edge of the trike was really not a good choice. :(



Past 9:00AM when we arrived at Sitio Madlum. The water in the river is quite higher compare to other photos I saw online, maybe because of the constant rains. The river was surrounded by lush green rocks offering a peaceful and tranquil scenery. We enjoy the view, we took pics while our lead-climber settle all the necessaries fees at the registration area.

Crossing the Monkey Bridge
Most of us get excited to try the monkey bridge. When it's already my turn, I gathered all my courage. The bridge is quite high, the river is deep for sure due to regular rains, and MyGhadd! I dunno how to swim! But our guide assured that he will jump in just incase anyone from us fall down, he also said that so far, no one has fallen from the bridge yet! So be it! I set my foot on the bar and grip firmly on the cable. Though I'm wearing trek shoes, it still feels slippery cause of the thick mud on it's sole. It is not as easy as I thought! My knees went trembling on the first steps. I even want to back out. But they encourage me to finish it. Our guide also  told me not to look down, and it helps. :) Glad that despite my shaking knees I survived the challenge. :) Woo-hoo!

We were off to trek after braving the monkey bridge. It was a beautiful misty morning. The trail was friendly for anyone who can walk in between the raindrops for 2 hours.

As we go up, the weather was getting better and as we reached the summit we were greeted with the spectacular views of Mt. Arayat and Mt. Gola, plus the panoramic view of the Madlum River at the north side.

We took a lot of picture (walang bababa ng walang pang propayl pic na kuha! hehe), we give thanks, enjoyed the views and we're really happy that it was a cloud free summit. :) We didn't stay long at the top, we were all starved and so we headed back down.

White Cove Laiya San Juan

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White Cove is about 3 hours drive from Pasig. Yesterday, April 1, when we had our first family outing for year 2012. And yehEss! We had a blast! It has been a donkey's years since the family visited Batangas.

We took the South Luzon Expressway all the way to the second to the last exit, then took the Star Tollway going to San Juan. The drive is long but it was ok -- traffic isn't bad plus its a beautiful stretch of road along the way!

Happiness is a weekend with family filled with beautiful weather

White Cove Beach Resort has a reasonable Day Trip rate of 150 pesos per head. They have Guesthouse and rooms for overnight visitors which ranges from 5,000php - 21,000php per night. While rental picnic huts rental is around 800php per unit per day.

Below are there different cottages and tables. I suggest to check out their website for updated rates.

What I like about the resort is that they have the wide stretch of fine, white sand. I also soO love this small river that meets the sea when its high tide. ^^ So relaxing and yet so invigorating!

Kwebang Lampas 2012 - No longer a property of Lukang Family

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Kwebang Lampas is always on my bucket list. That's why I'm so happy when it comes down to reality. Still remember the first time I saw it was on Lakwatsera's blog and since then, I promised myself that I would also go here! I guess, if you just really want it so bad, you’ll do everything you can to make it happen. And it will eventually happen. ayt!

Kwebang Lampas aka Lukang Beach, Pagbilao Grande Island

So, one Saturday morning of February, together with my three colleagues I embarked on my second trip to Quezon, to see the well-known Kwebang Lampas.

11:30PM Friday, when we arrived at Kamuning Jac Liner Station. We depart from the terminal at exactly 12AM . Less than 3 hours of travel with no stop-over, we finally reached Lucena Grand Terminal. I was quite worried when I soon found out that Jeepneys and Mini Bus bound to Brgy. Polo will start to arrive at 6AM. Therefore, its either we choose another route or wait for hours until the mini bus or the jeepneys arrived.

SoO glad that people in Lucena are naturally helpful. Some of the locals suggested that we could take the ordinary bus bound to Legaspi which will leave by 3AM. According to them it will also pass to Pagbilao Town Proper which from their we could walk or ride a trike to Pagbilao Market. So then we opted to ride a bus bound to Lucena, signboard: Guinayangan Caluag-Legaspi, Fare is 12php.

I asked the bus conductor to drop us at Pagbilao Town Proper. (Your landmark would be the Municipal Hall of Pagbilao which is right beside the waiting shed.) It took us only 20 minutes to get there. From the waiting shed there are already some tricycles that could drive you to the Jeepney terminal bound to brgy. Polo which is quite near the Pagbilao market.
 

Since its still dark outside we agreed to ride a tricycle. Luckily there are 2 tricycles lining from the waiting shed. Less than 5 minutes, we reached the Pagbilao Jeepney terminal only to find out it's still closed and will be open at 6AM. Aside from the two roving tanod we are the only people around. I feel a bit anxious, so I asked manong driver to stay for us for a while while were figuring out what to do. According to him, the Market starts to open around 4AM as some vendors may start to arrive. Hence, if we do not wish to wait for the first jeepney trip we could hire a trike for 350php. As we really wish to catch the sunrise on the beach we opted for the next option. Manong driver has been really nice to us. He even bring us back to the waiting shed where he called a tricycle for us to take us to brgy. Polo. From 350 we haggled it down to 300php.

3:30AM, Street lights were gone and there was dense darkness on the road to Brgy Polo. In the middle of that almost an hour-trike ride, I was then reminded of the verse on Psalm 118:6.  :)

Trike-headlights on dim

 (The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?)

Soon we reached the boundary of Brgy. Polo.  I was riding at the back of the tricycle and one of the first thing I noticed was how beautiful the sky is. The night was clear and the sky was filled with more stars than I could have ever imagined! At that very moment, I felt a sense of peace :)

We passed on four small and big bridges until we finally seen the Pagbilao Power Plant at the left side (the landmark of Kwebang Lampas). Manong driver dropped us off near the main gate of Pagbilao Power Plant.

(Click the image to get a better view)

Dito kami binaba ni Kuya mismo. That was him, waiting for us, whereas talking with the guards of Powerplant.

Its around 4:20AM and quite dark outside so we decided to have our breakfast first at the nearest eatery that is already open that time while we also wait for the dawn.

Me while making chicka to ate Leah, owner of this humble eatery. 

Ate Leah is very accommodating and friendly. She even instruct us an alternative route for a cheaper fare if ever we decide to go back  :D

5:20AM, we were off for a trek. Some tricycle drivers offered 100-150php to drive us to the parking lot, (near the green lake) which is the jump off point to Kwebang Lampas/ Lukang Beach. But since we're on a tight budget, we refused. Bwahaha!. Well, I guess the best way  to enjoy the scenery is on foot. :p  Lots of local stores are within the area too but none of them are open yet except for Ate Leah.

Vamanos! Face the police detachment at the corner near the plant gate then follow the road to your left.

Don't be confused! Lokang Beach is just same as with "Lukang Beach" ^^

It was a real good decision to go for trek.

Starting from concrete, the road will become asphalt, then broken asphalt, then gravel road. About 970m from the police detachment there will be a junction where you should turn right. >>

Turn right.

Then, follow the road for another 935m, which passes through acres of prairie and tall grass.  Walk alongside the wooden fence, 'til you pass a concrete boundary wall on the right.

Keep on following a trail until you reach the residential area.  This is where you have to pay for a parking fee, ONLY if you ride to get here. But since we took a walk, we just paid for our entrance fee which is Php100 for an overnight stay plus P20 for a two-way boat ride.

(Note: Kwebang Lampas NOW allowed overnight guests! ~as of Feb 25, 2012).

This is what the Parking area looks like. (click to enlarge)

I was a bit surprised when I realized that Aling Divina is no longer the caretaker of the resort. It is said that there was this long-standing dispute over land ownership between the Lukang Family and the former Vice Governor Ed Rodrigo. Possibly the reason why it is Aling Gemma and kuya Lando who greeted us.

After paying fees we took a 3-minute boat ride crossing a small lake to get to the other side from where we will start a short trek to Lukang Beach.

Green Blue Lake. Yeah, one of my fave shot.

Walk on a paved cement and traverse this rocky shoreline.

Aww! how I love Sunrise!!

 Turn left at the grassy area then take a short walk along a forest trail to the beach. No worries, there's numerous signs along the way. 

The trail goes through lush forest

Follow the signs to stay on the trail

Past 6 o'clock when we reached Lukang Beach aka Puting Buhangin/ Kwebang Lampas. "It was beautiful!" Kwebang Lampas is a place to relax... Albeit the sand is not as fine as the one in Calaguas, yet the waters were crystal clear. I really enjoy swimming! It is so calm - no waves, I'm not a good swimmer so its really great for me! :) 

The Opening of the Cave

Lukang Beach

I was expecting that there would be a lot of visitors in the afternoon, but only a few came. Cristine Jacob and her family are one of those .:)

yeah, I should have use the zoom.. :p

Look what we've got! Orange & purple starfish!
Note: We put the starfish right away back to the sea after taking photo.

Me, standing across the opening of the Cave

Overall, it was an awesome trip. I love the pristine beach, the warm water inside the cave, the locals which are very helpful to us, but then, its more than the alluring beauty Pagbilao, for me, it was another journey of faith and trust.☼

Lesson learned - have Faith. Trust. Be kind, yet be wise, also.

Tips:

• Aling Gemma & Kuya Lando are the new caretaker of the resort. You may contact them at 0947-5911630
• There are restroom in the island.
• Cottages are completely open, not good to stay overnight. It would be better if you bring your own tent.
• No source of fresh water in the island.
• Budget: 1,000-1,200php

>> How to go to Kwebang Lampas?
>> Inside the Cave?

Why Travel is not just a want BUT a need

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Before, I felt guilty exploring places I want since it entails of spending money. I have this notion that you need to be financially stable first before traveling. As I get older I've realized that you still can travel without spending too much. The world wide web was evolving and I am amazed at how simple and easy it was to accomplish many things through it.

Without further ado  here are my Top Reasons why Traveling is not just a want but a Need:

1. Firstly, Travel is essential to our temple. Reading through the Bible, I've realized that people do also travel in biblical times.  Whatever these people were and however varied their lives and wealth through the centuries, surely they were NOT inclined to stay put. This just proves to me that  certain amount of travel was essential.

When you go to different places, You've learned different culture, meet different people, different beliefs nevertheless it teaches you to look deeper into a person and see their true spirit, what drives them, and who they are, rather than just looking at their outside person. 

Talk to strangers even though your mother told you not to ^_^. You never know who you'll meet or what genius they might impart : ). Me with Mauban locals :).

2. Secondly, You get to escape your everyday existence, and while hopefully your everyday existence is a pretty happy and satisfying thing, being able to get away from it only amplifies your appreciation for it when you get back.

It's gonna put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you. If you go on mountain climbing or travel to some isolated part of the philippines you'll surely be amazed how the local kids were able to survive with their schooling. All grade levels are placed in one classroom, many students have to walk miles to get to school every day some even need to cross the river just to get to school.

Local Students of Mongoto Elementary School

Mongoto Elementary School, One-room School. Single teacher teach basic academics to several grade levels of 
elementary-age boys and girls.  And students walked miles and miles just to get to school. *updated as of May 2011

3. Thirdly, it fires up your creative impulses. In an unfamiliar situation, you’re forced to use your brain in new ways, which results in you being more inventive and experimental than ever!

Since we do not know how to react in an uncertain stuation we normally fear that unknown. Travelling is not just being a tourist itself it’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life. You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life.

White, powdery sand of Calaguas

It's all really fear of change that comes naturally since we do not know how to react when that unknown situation comes in. Embarking Calaguas Island with my three good-friends was one of those liberating experience ever! Scary, yes it is! The thought of were only four on that island, no electricity, frighthens us,  the roar of the sea plus those small gust of wind on midnight terrifies us, yet the moon plus the stars hang bright above, silent, give us a full assurance. :)

4. Lastly, it’s an excellent way to get some perspective on your life — and remind yourself that there is a big, big world outside your little bubble! *wink

Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. I can describe the turquoise water and powdery sand of Calaguas to you, but you really have to see it for yourself to experience it. You can read all the blogs in the web about Mt. Timbak and the mystical river of Cagbalete  but being there is a different story.

The world is a stunning place, its full of wonder and excitement.. See it..Explore it..  : )

Superman Ride, Tree Top Adventure Subic