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Where to Stay in Naga City : Eurotel

August 4, 2014, 7:10 am
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A view of Naga River near the side entrance of Eurotel 
Just recently, I joined blogger friends on a two day adventure around Naga City and its nearby municipalities to check out several waterfalls, old churches, a pebble beach and most importantly, its restaurants (teehee!). 

Our accommodation was Eurotel, a hotel situated beside Naga River which serves as the starting point for the fluvial parade of the Penafrancia Festival, the city is known for. 
Lobby
This festival is held every 3rd of September in honor of the Our Lady of Penafrancia,  with the highlights on September 12, 2014 (road procession from Penafrancia Shrine to Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and on September 20, 2014 the fluvial Procession where the image of the Virgin is returned from Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to Peñafrancia Shrine). 

(Penafrancia Festival Schedule at Pinoy Adventurista’s blog.)
Swift check-in
I was assigned to a Studio room which has a beautiful picture of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France at the head of a queen-sized bed. It has its own private t&b, aircon, cable tv, safe and  free WIFI. I was also grateful for the complimentary water bottles as I had just arrived from a 12 hour bus ride from Manila the night before. 

Comfy bed
Eurotel has its own restaurant with the price range of the food ranging from 150 Pesos above which is quite reasonable for its taste. An overnight stay also comes with free breakfast. Buffet was available during our stay. The variants were simple, not too many options but I was quite satisfied with what was available. 
Breakfast is practically the first thing on my mind every morning!
Its location is across People's Mall and is 10-15 minutes away by tricycle from SM Naga and the central bus terminal (where you can catch a bus back to Manila). 

From the hotel, you can explore the city on foot (ideally early morning or during the evening to avoid the heat). The Oragon, a scultpure which depicts the bravery of the Bicolanos is a few feet away from the hotel.  From the Oragon, you can continue on foot to Plaza Rizal, which honors the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal (located along General Luna street). Another worthwhile stopover is Quince Martires along Penafrancia street, a plaza honoring the 15 Bicolano martyrs during the Spanish colonization. To read more about Naga City attractions visit their local government website.

Quince Martires 
So there you go, if you're visiting Naga, consider Eurotel. Staff are friendly (not overly attentive which is good because I want to be left alone) and despite being dubbed as a businessman's hotel, I actually felt at home. 

Eurotel Naga

#2 General Luna corner Riverside Road Bgy Dinaga, Naga City
Manila Line / Tel. No.+63 544-725321 / 6686131 
Mobile No. +63 0922-3100303
Email : eurotel_naga@yahoo.com
Website : Eurotel - Naga

Rates at 1,500-2850 Pesos depending on room type. 

Disclaimer : 
Our 2-day Naga adventure was made possible by Naga Tourism office and Naga Excursions.

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Running Event : Salomon Citytrail 2014 Philippines

August 15, 2014, 9:28 pm
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"just because you are not out there in the big mountains and the wilderness, it doesn't mean you can't find freedom" - Anna Frost, Trail Runner & Salomon Athlete

Click on image to enlarge
When I don’t get to hike or travel and I find myself craving for scenery and a little bit of adventure, I go out for a run and just wander off. It was through this that I discovered interesting places – deserted alleys, red light districts, museums and parks. In one occasion, I even boarded a boat that cruised over Pasig river (blog here). 

So I’m quite excited to share with you details of the Salomon Citytrail 2014 which will be held on September 7, 2014 in the historic district of Intramuros, Manila, a former political center of the Spanish regime in East Asia. 

Salomon Brand Manager & Triathlete, Janice Tanada sharing a preview of the run during the CItytrail launch
This event promises to be fun and informative as the route will pass other historical landmarks within Intramuros. 

Date : September 7, 2014, Sunday
Gun Start : 4:00 PM, Fort Santiago 
Registration Information: 
August 1 to August 29 - Salomon stores (List here)
August 30 - September 5 - R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street (FB Page : R.O.X.)
Online Registration : Runners Runner (there's a 7% processing fee which seems fair if you're far from the registration venues)
Facebook Event Page: Salomon Citytrail 2014
Fees : 
P900 - 6km  category
P1,200 - 12km category 
Inclusions : 
All registrants will get a race bib, timing chip, Salomon Citytrail singlet, Citytrail cap, post race meal and a historical running tour of Intramuros City. 

12km finishers will get a Citytrail Finisher’s medal. Top three male and female winners per distance will be awarded with R.O.X. gift certificates, Salomon products, and other freebies. Salomon items and products from sponsors will also be given away to lucky participants on the day of the event

Baggage & Parking Information : 
There will be ample parking space during the event. Baggage counters will be situated near the Start/Finish line at Fort Santiago.

Gears : This will be a green event, meaning, cups will not be provided at the hydration station so you need to bring your own water bottles or hydration belts. 

If you're looking for new shoes, do consider, Salomon X-Scream. These colorful shoes are designed for those who do a combination of mountain and road running. It retails at P6,490.00 and is available in Salomon Stores in Glorietta 3, SM Aura, SM Megamall & R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street. 
Salomon X-Scream

Click here for the Gear Review by Pharmaton MVP & CityTrail Race director TJ Isla

Salomon Philippines
Facebook Account: Salomon Pilipinas
Instagram: @salomonph

Related blog on Salomon Citytrail 2014 : Do check out sir Rene Villarta's (jazzrunner) post.

This running activity is spearheaded by Salomon Philippines which is under the Primer Group of Companies, the retail company that brought other big brands here in the Philippines such as The North Face, Columbia, JanSport and more! 


See you there! :) 



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Events : Mapawa Trail Run, Cagayan de Oro

September 16, 2014, 1:17 am
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I love destination runs because it involves travel, exercise, gives you the opportunity to meet new friends and access to trails that would be challenging to visit if you're organizing a run on your own. 

Here's an exciting running event presented by my favorite outdoor superstore, R.O.X.!  


Join the R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Run! 
Date: October 26, 2014
Race Venue: Mapawa Nature Park, Cagayan De Oro City
Distances: 11K, 22K, 42K
For registration, visit R.O.X. Ayala Centrio, 2nd Level, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro 
(Store Hours : 10AM-8PM)
Fees :
11K - PHP 600.00
22K - PHP 800.00
42K - PHP 1,200.00
If you're based outside CDO, you can register through : 
ONLINE : http://aktib.ph/919-r-o-x-mapawa-trail-marathon-2014
BANK DEPOSIT : 
Bank: BDO
Acct Name: Mapawa Nature Park Corp.
Acct Number: 322-000-9586
Email scanned copy of deposit slip and details to docyad@yahoo.com
Registration period : June 26 - October 20, 2014
Race Briefing: October 24, 2014 | 6:00 PM | Ayala Centrio Activity Center
Some tips :) 

Facebook Page : R.O.X. Philippines
Twitter : @ROX_Philippines





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Camarines Sur : White Pebble Beach

September 17, 2014, 5:59 am
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Weather's been dreary the past couple of weeks but I'm not complaining because I'm loving the snuggle weather but to all my beach lover friends and to everyone who misses the warmth of summer, this post is for you! :) 


If you're traveling to Naga City and would like to add some sea therapy in your itinerary, there's an unusual beach in Barangay Bagulatao in the municipality of Minalabac, Camarines Sur. Its shoreline is glistening with pebbles, pebbles everywhere! 

Travel time takes 45 minutes by private transportation and roads going here are partially rough which adds a little thrill to the trip. 

What I find particularly appealing about this type of beaches is that the pebbles look like precious rocks when the sun hits its surface! 


There are also other small resorts in the area but our group was only able to visit White Pebble Beach Resort. 

Just across is the privately-owned Bicol Shell Museum which houses an enormous collection of shells. 



Frankly, I'd rather see shells in its natural environment but the collection's rather fascinating with all the various species having eye-catching colors and shapes.  It seemed the owners put a lot effort to label the displays and provide information for its visitors. 



After a short tour, you can have a short picnic in one of the huts - think fresh buko juice, grilled seafood with breeze swirling around you. :)

There aren't many stores in the area so it's advisable to bring food and drinks. 

Cottages for rent

Guests can also spend a comfortable night inside the resthouse of White Pebble Beach Resort, a spacious bungalow that has its own videoke machine and a billiards table but what I really like is its porch where you can just hang-out. 


Porch fronting the beach
Other places that can be visited is a small cave (see photos here) which is five minutes away by boat and a small falls where you can bathe with fresh water.

Whether you're just looking for a side trip or an overnight excursion, pebble beach, with its proximity to Naga city,  humble amenities, is a good option if you're traveling with a group.  

This trip was made possible by Naga Tourism, NagaX (you can book tours in Naga or CamSur through them), our host from the tourism of Minalabac - Vhongz Cambe. Thank you! :) 

White Pebbles Beach Resort
Barangay Bagulatao, Minalabac, Camarines Sur 
Facebook Page : White Pebbles Beach Resort 
Contact Numbers : 
+63 (054) 472-9606 (Landline)
+63 09052806366 or 09395869147  (Mobile Numbers)
Email: whitepebbles@rocketmail.com
Business Hours : 
For day trips : 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Overnight : 5:00 pm to 7:00 am 

Rates : 
Beach Resthouse - P3,000 to 3,500 
Capacity: 20 persons
Amenities Include : Videoke, Billiard Table, 2 bedrooms w/ single bed each, 5 sofa bed, ceiling fan, kitchen/gas range & refrigerator
Closed cottages: 
1 single bed – P750 – 1,000 | Capacity – 2 persons
3 single bed – P500 – 1,800 | Capacity – 6 persons. Extra person – 50 each. Excess hour – 50/hour

Open cottages: P500 / 700 | Capacity – 12 persons. Extra person – 20 each. Excess hour – 50/hour
*Thanks to Kara of Travel Up for gathering this info

How to get here : 
If you're staying in Eurotel Naga, you can approach the front desk to rent a van.  Contact details at their website. Some more helpful information  is available via Naga City deck blog,

For more details/accounts about this beach getaway near Naga city, please do check out my blogger friends' posts : 
Life Beyond 8to5  - White Pebble Beach, Camarines Sur
Travel Up - White Pebble Beach Near Naga City

Related Posts : 
Where to Stay in Naga - Eurotel 
Waterfalls Hiking in Camarines Sur

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Where to Stay in Tagaytay : Our Melting Pot Hostel

October 24, 2014, 7:03 pm
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Another destination that I love visiting is Tagaytay city.  With just a short two hour travel from Manila (or 3 hours by public transpo), you get to enjoy natural cool air, see Taal volcano (which is also a hiking destination), the lake around it and gorge on good food from the gazillion restaurants in the area.  It's also a favorite stop of mine for food & coffee after hiking Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas, which is just a few minutes away. 
Taal Volcano on a dreary weather
However, this place has this stigma of being hard on the frugal traveler wanting to spend a night here, with most hotels charging at least 2,000 Pesos/night (roughly 45 USD). It may not be that much for a high earner but if you're traveling solo or got a minimal budget, it would take a toll on your pocket. 

Fortunately, Our Melting Pot Hostel (OMP) (which also has a branch near Makati Avenue) has made its way to the highlands.  Catering to backpackers and budget travelers, this hostel offers comfortable, secure and most importantly -  reasonably priced place to rest. 

It is located in an uneventful neighborhood, a few blocks off the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, near Cool Breeze Hotel. You can actually walk to the main highway. I love that it's strategically located close to the main road, yet far enough that you won't hear vehicle noises. 
Facade of Our Melting Pot Hostel
Braving the rainy weather from Manila, I did a spur of the moment trip with blogger friends Shawn, Dong Ho and Miss Litratista, Chamee. Leaving Makati at around 12 midnight, we arrived at OMP after two hours (with one stopover and Dom's careful driving). 

Unlike most hostels, there is no front desk. It's like we're walking into a relative's home. We were asked to take off our footwear which I didn't mind because the floor seemed clean.  We were warmly welcomed by one of the owners despite us arriving close to the witching hour :P. 

I wasn't fully comprehending what was going on around me  as I was feeling groggy from fatigue as I just came from a hike earlier that day, but I remember feeling instantly at home as we were given a quick short tour on where the bathrooms and other facilities are. We were also told that there were a handful of guests, one group was out and a couple was already sleeping soundly in a room near the kitchen. 
Common area where you can watch DVD's or chat with other guests
Finally, time to sleep! The bed was comfortable and clean. I didn't have trouble flying off to dreamland. With Tagaytay's cool weather, you won't really need aircon, at least if you're someone who's accustomed to  a 27 C temperature.  :P
Twin room 
Toilet & Bath was just a couple of steps away from our room. We were provided towels too which was great because I only had soiled clothes from the hike. I even had to borrow a shirt from my friend Shawn!

*When staying here, it's advisable to bring your own toiletries as individually packed soap and shampoo won't be provided. There's some liquid soap and shampoo in the bathroom but it's for everyone's use. 

An overnight stay ranges from 970 Pesos-1,350 Pesos for the private rooms (just 485 Pesos/head if you share a room with someone!), while it's just 470 Pesos/head for a 6 bed mixed dorm room.  It comes with free breakfast which consists of banana, bread, peanut butter, jams, one egg, and coffee, tea or juice;  If you need more food, you can walk or drive to Starbucks or Yellow Cab Pizza along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. 
My favorite part of the day - breakfast! :) 
We enjoyed a quiet chatter over breakfast and trying on the various spreads (My fave was combining peanut butter and guava jelly on my sandwich). After a few minutes, some guests came out of their rooms and we gave way for their turn at the dining table. 
View of the dining area from the common area

OMP has an enormous balcony with a view of the neighborhood where you can set up a small quiet party)
There's a big gazebo at the side of the house. This would be a nice place for a quiet time early in the morning. 


With its good location, basic amenities, comfortable beds and a homey atmosphere, OMP is certainly a great option when looking for a cheap place to stay when visiting Tagaytay.

Our Melting Pot Hostel
75 Smokey Hill, Maharlika Subdivision, Tagaytay, Philippines
Mobile Number : +63 09174000960
Email : omphostel.tagaytay@gmail.com
Rates & Pictures of rooms here
Website :  http://www.ourmeltingpottagaytay.com/
Facebook Page 
Map here

Note : 
Our overnight stay was courtesy of OMP but all opinions expressed through this post are my own. Hope you enjoy your stay here as well! :) 
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Berghaus Urban Adventure Games 2014

November 5, 2014, 12:31 am
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Here's an exciting event that combines the use of technology & physical activity. 

Berghaus,  a UK-based outdoor brand has collaborated with Cyburban (FB Page here), an adventure game which allows you to organize your own tours, scavenger hunts and more with less manpower!

Ari Bancale of Cyburban shared  some interesting details about this game : 
"Form a team of 3,the Berghaus Urban Adventure Games will give you challenges for the mind and body that requires you to be at your peak performance levels. Run through parkour obstacles. Test your strength at the CrossFit stations. Solve riddles, puzzles, and run around the Circuit Grounds to look for objects in a digitized scavenger hunt.

Different skill levels are provided for the right fitness levels of your team. Teams under the fun category can expect casual thrills. Competitive teams will find the obstacle combos to be a real challenge. And, the core adventurers of the Elite category will be sent out to the City of Manila to validate their endurance and street smarts.

This is the first of a new genre of adventure games where skill is more important than time. Do you have the courage to live for adventure?"



This is a sample QR Code that the teams will be looking for during the event :

It reminds me of Amazing Race wherein you do challenges and search for the next clue.Kara Santos of Traveling Up blog, along with fellow bloggers did a dry run of the adventure game (and I felt bad I wasn't able to go!). Read her blog, it should give you a pretty good idea on what's in store on the actual date. :) 

Before you register, note that you will need to at least have one android phone per team and you will be providing your own internet access during the event.  You also need to bring extra batteries, power banks or back-up phones. For more details, visit the event website - Cyburban - Berghaus 

Last Day of Registration is on November 12, 2014! :) 
Berghaus 2014
Urban Adventure Games
Date : November 15, 2014, Saturday
Time : For the Fun teams, orientation is at 730am. Teams will be released in waves starting at 8am. For the Competitive teams, orientation is at 530am. Teams will be released in waves starting at 6am.
Venue : Circuit Makati (check out Our Awesome Planet for directions on how to get to here)

This event is part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival.  If you opt not to join the race, drop by and enjoy the activities at the festival. From 6AM-12MN, inspiring, award-winning films that capture the essence of adventure and celebrate human prowess. 
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Sands at SM by the Bay

November 5, 2014, 6:30 am
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Sands at SM by the Bay, Manila’s Newest Outdoor Sports and Event Destination, 
Now Open!

Back when I was actively playing football, I had to travel  from Manila to Subic to play in beach football tournaments. While it was fun to get out of the city with the team, it eventually got harder over the years to field a team due to the expenses and time involved to participate in out of town tournaments. 

Which is why I am very pleased to share about the launch of Sands at SM by the Bay which would pave the way to beach tournaments within the city.  


Press Release
Sands at SM by the BAY is the only beach-themed, multi-purpose, outdoor sand court in the city. With an impressive and spacious court area measuring 28x18 meters, Sands is an ideal facility for outdoor sports such as beach volleyball, beach tennis, football and sepak takraw. Sands in also the perfect venue for product launches and beach-themed parties without the hassle of travelling outside the city. 

At the launch were former DLSU Lady Spikers and now professional volleyball league players Melissa Gohing, Michelle Datuin, Petron Beach Volleyball Champion, Aileen Abuel , and former Shakey’s V-League MVP and now Super Liga pro player Rachel Ann Daquis. Joining this roster of local personalities were trade partners and heads of sports and lifestyle brands, as well as friends from the media. To complete the beach vibe, the event was capped off by vibrant performances by fire dancers and percussionists set against the Manila Bay sunset. The event was made possible with the support of Roxy, Quicksilver, Mikasa, The Lab Gastropub, Oceana and The Roadhouse Manila Bay. 

Open for private bookings, corporate and sport-related functions, Sands is conveniently located at the north area of SM by the BAY grounds.  While it has always been a must-visit outdoor entertainment and amusement destination for the entire family, with the addition of Sands, SM by the BAY now promises a more enjoyable experience for people with active lifestyles. 

For inquiries and reservations please contact SM by the BAY at 
Email : thesmbythebay@gmail.com.  
Facebook : facebook.com/smbythebay/ 
Twitter and Instagram: @smbythebay

*All photos used in this post are from Sands at SM by the Bay. More pictures can be viewed at their FB page - SANDS at SM by the BAY.

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Hiking Log : Mt. Kitanglad-Dulang-Dulang Traverse in a Day

November 14, 2014, 10:00 pm
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A mountain that has appealed to my fascination for trees, plants and long hikes is Mt. Dulang-Dulang. :) Located in the province of Bukidnon, it is known for its beautiful mossy forests and is the 2nd highest peak in the Philippines at 2,938 MASL. A trail exists that connects it to a volcano, Mt. Kitanglad, the country's 4th highest summit. 

Since we needed to fly from Manila to get here, we thought it was more economical to squeeze two peaks in one trip instead of going back for the other in a separate trip. :) 
Trees covered in moss at Mt. Dulang-Dulang
Among local mountaineers, this trail is nicknamed as D2-K, with the usual route starting at Mt. Dulang-Dulang and then on to Mt. Kitanglad. However,  we were advised by our friend from Bukidnon, Ben Maputi, that it's cheaper if we do a reverse so we decided to climb up via  Mt. Kitanglad then go down at Mt. Dulang-Dulang. 

Our small packs which helped us move under the trees! :)
Preparation :
Earlier during the year, I made a commitment to get fitter so I started training 10 months prior to the hike,  doing a variation of  swimming, running, football, stairs training and indoor biking, 3-5 times a week. A week before our trip, my quads were in its strongest form, at least that's what it felt at the time. :P  It proved to be beneficial as the Kitanglad-D2 trail is a very long, tough trail with lots of steep ascents and descents.  My main motivation for training then was to be fit enough so I can enjoy the views and not worry about catching my breath.  

The Journey:
October 14, 2014 – me and my two other bestfriends, the ever-sweet couple,  Mors and Tan took the first flight from Manila to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental which is roughly an hour from Cagayan de Oro city. 
Breakfast at Missy Bonbon, Limketkai Mall. It was also Mors' birthday so we bought her a cake. :) 
I go crazy excited whenever I'm at Missy Bonbon. The interiors just gives out this happy breakfast vibe and I find myself ordering a lot whenever I'm here - say rice, bread, cakes, coffee and juice! :P 

From the airport, we rode a shuttle (150 Pesos e/c) that brought us directly in front of their  Limketkai Branch which is open daily from 6AM-10:30PM. Price range of food is 100-300 Pesos and you can buy pastries for your trip too!  

We then took a jeep to Agora bus terminal that took us to Bukidnon, the jump-off for our hiking adventure. Travel time from CDO to Bukidnon took around 3 hours and as soon as we arrived in Malaybalay city, we headed directly to the DENR office to secure our permits. 
My hiking buddies, Mors and Tan
Permits cost 170 Pesos/head (85 Pesos/mountain) and after an extensive briefing, we checked in at 1st Avenue Apartelle.  I've stayed here on a previous visit and it feels like a second home to me. It's just a multi-cab ride away from the town proper and the rooms are comfy and the rates - quite cheap at 400 Pesos/night for a private room with cable tv, private t&b and a fan, sweet deal! Malaybalay is a cold town so if you're used to tropical weather, you'd find it rather cold - think Baguio weather minus the chilly wind. 
The night before the hike, we loaded up on seafoods at Amadeo Restaurant. There was no electricity, thus the candle light dinner :P 
Time to hike!
At 5:00 AM the next day,  we were picked up by Ben from the hostel. With him were our two guides - his friend, the very energetic and friendly Joseph and Ben's brother, nice and quiet Nov. He drove us to the highway in Impasugong. From here, road condition is bad, not manageable for a car, so we took a 30-minute motorbike to Sitio Intavas. Here, we rode another motorbike to the Kitanglad jump-off because it was cheaper than getting a motorbike from the highway, all the way to the base of the mountain. It's 300 Pesos/head but if we take two motorbikes - it'll only cost us half its price! 

The butt-bruising ride to the base. We had to go down many times as the road was just too bumpy for two people on a bike
We started our ascent at 7AM. The trail of Mt. Kitanglad is thick with tree branches sticking out from the ground, I bumped my poor legs quite a lot. 

Air was also quite thin up here and being a lowlander, I wasn't used to it. Every motion took a lot of effort and I found myself out of breath countless times even if my legs didn't feel tired at all. It felt as though my lungs weren't getting enough air so I would inhale as much air as I could which helped a bit. The views however, made up for the difficulty. There were flowering shrubs, ferns, truly a visual treat for a nature-lover! :) 
Fern and twisted tree trunks everywhere!
Apart from the forest cover, I was amused to discover the metal stairs that were put up in the steep sections to ensure the safety of hikers. Our friend Ben actually helped put it up, and while I prefer the trail in its natural form,  I think the permanent fixtures does benefit a frequently visited mountain such as this. Having these structures helps keep  the trail intact; everyone passes by a single trail instead of people hacking sections to overtake other hikers. 



After four hours of steady-paced trek and timed breaks of no more than 3 minutes each, we arrived at the summit of Mt. Kitanglad, which was still within schedule. Early on, our group had agreed that if we didn't make it to the summit by 12 noon, we will abort the traverse and head back to town.  
Group shot at the summit of Mt. Kitanglad
The summit had communication towers manned by a couple of friendly guys. DENR also has a bunkhouse here which can be rented out by hikers but advance coordination must be done. 

After a quick snack, we headed down the trail to Mt. Dulang-Dulang. Staggering drops welcomed as we made our way down which looked daunting but I enjoyed it as there were lots of grasses, albeit some were too sharp, for support.

It started to become uncomfortably colder  at this part and we wore our jackets until we finished the hike. 

We saw more mossy sections of the forest and I couldn't help marveling at it despite the fatigue and the cold. It was just gorgeous!  What's even better is that even if it rained, I didn't encounter any limatiks (leeches). 

My least favorite part of the trail was this section where we had to do some minor rock climbing. It only takes around 3 big steps to finish it but the foot holds are narrow and slippery. I had a rock climbing accident back in 2009 and I am still traumatized from it. Every time I have to climb over boulders, a feeling of dread overpowers me and it takes a lot out of me to get through it. (Post here)
This section already has ropes you can use for support
After another 5.5 hours, we safely made it to the summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang. Our views were of surrounding mountains and dense foliage, a delightful view for plant lovers. We took quick shots and then headed to a lesser windy part of the trail for cover as it was so cold.  I shivered the entire time and we rested for  15 minutes to take a quick snack which comprised of grapes, crackers, nuts and chocolates. I wished I brought more food. 
Summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang
We thought we'd be able to get down within 3 hours but fatigue had set in our group and the pace became unbearably slow. Still, we focused on taking steady, careful steps to avoid injury and further delay.

It was a very long trek down, grueling to the knees but we couldn't afford to stop because it was too cold, it's annoying. By 7:00 PM, I started feeling very sleepy and it felt as though my feet were moving on its own. 
Last group shot at 5:27 PM before it got really dark.
Famished but unable to stop for a break, Joseph and I munched on mint candy while walking.  (and this I have to share, Mentos Eucamint candy is a good emergency food for hikes. It's handy, light and it can suppress hunger. On shorter low altitude hikes, it's the only trail food I bring and it's enough to last me four hours on the trail.) 
Manny's Garden, named after the person who introduced Mt. Kitanglad as a hiking destination
My knees were fine up until we reached this long trail that terminates at the highway in Lantapan. The final two hours of our hike was the toughest on the legs It was a steady, steep trek down in a dirt road that was muddy and had too many lose rocks. It was just agonizing. 

By 11:00 PM, we reached  the main highway where Ben patiently waited for us. In the dark,  empty highway, I changed into dry clothes. Haha! Dinner was at Mindy's, a 24 hour casual restaurant that serves a hefty serving of soft, delicious bulalo (beef in clear stew) for less than 300 Pesos. Mindy's actually has a new name now but locals still refer to its old name. 

I have a bunch of superlatives  in my head that describes what I felt about the hike but to sum it up - it was very grueling yet fulfilling! Would I do it again? Heck no, but I'll most likely go back in any of the two mountains because of its enchanting mossy forests. :) 



Hiking the tallest peaks in the Philippines within a day is something I enjoy doing out of sheer love for jaw-dropping views without being away too long. It's a great way test your endurance and mental strength, gives you more time to enjoy the place where the mountain is and the best thing of all – you have minimal load on your back! 

Several friends, mostly those who were passionate about skyrunning had already done this before and their encouragement, especially that of our best friend Jules and our Bukidnon friend Ben proved to be excellent support in making this possible. Thank you! :) 

HIKING INFORMATION  : 
Gears 
My backpack was a 14 Liter light pack that had 3.5 Liters of Gatorade and water which sufficed the entire trek. For snacks, I brought peanuts, a pack of grapes (really good trail food but a bit heavy, well, you'll eat it anyway), chocolates, waterproof jacket, headlamp,extra batteries, power bank, first aid kit, emergency blanket/rain coat, multi tool kit, cap, arm sleeves and gloves which were useful on clinging to sharp grasses. 

Contact Person
Guide/organizer  - Ben Maputi is very much familiar in organizing a one day traverse. He'll make sure you'll be fine.  :) Please CALL to make arrangements at  +63 0936-500-4147 

Other helpful Itineraries & Contact Information 
Sha Bedural - Kitanglad-D2 Traverse with their baby 
Pinoy Mountaineer - Mt. Dulang-Dulang | Mt. Kitanglad

Fees 
Guide fee - 1,500 Pesos for a full day traverse (I noticed that a good ratio of guide to hiker is 1 guide for two people)  
Climbing Permit - this must be secured at the DENR office in Malaybalay City. We secured ours one day before the climb and it's 170 Pesos for two mountains or 85 Pesos/mountain. 

Hiking Time 
A traverse from Mt. Kitanglad to Mt. Dulang-Dulang may range from 8 hours-16 hours depending on your training and preparation. My mountain inspiration, first Filipino to summit the 7 highest peaks in the world, Romi Garduce did the same route in just 8 hours last November while our group took twice as long. (Here's sir Romi's blog post about their climb).  

Preparation 
As mentioned earlier, I trained my ass off for this hike. After years of hiking, I've learned to never underestimate any mountain - no matter how tall it is.  I wanted to enjoy the trails and not be a liability to anyone. I specifically focused on the thigh and knee area which is needed in negotiating steep ascents and descents. I also loaded on protein weeks ahead. It's really depends on what your body needs but for me, protein loading works better than filling myself with carbs.  Training climbs are also ideal but I wasn't able to do much of those due to schedule issues. 

Upon arrival in Bukidnon, basic supplies can be bought at Gaisano mall; buses from CDO pass by this area. 

Travel Information 
How to get to Bukidnon
From Manila, take a plane to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have early morning flights.
How to get to CDO from the airport : Airport Shuttle from Laguindingan Airport to CDO 
From CDO, take public transportation to Agora Bus Terminal. Buses to Bukidnon are 24 hours. Fee : 145 Pesos, aircon bus, travel time : 2.5-3 hours. 
Once in Malaybalay, you can ride a multi-cab to the DENR station - 7 Pesos/head. 

Where to Stay in Malaybalay City
My room at 1st Avenue Apartelle
1st Avenue Apartelle 
Address: Propia Street, Malaybalay City
Tel No. (088) 221-3224 or 0926-432-5382
Rates : 
Single Bed - P 400.00 (Non-Aircon, Private CR)
Double Deck Bed - P 550.00 (Non-Aircon, Private CR)
Single Bed - P 600.00 (Aircon, Private CR)

Twin Bed - P 750.00 (Aircon, Private CR)
More information available at Suroy Pilipinas
*You can get a useful map of Malaybalay city at the reception. 





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Batad-Banaue Half-Marathon

November 19, 2014, 4:47 am
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As part of my training for a long hike we did last October, I joined the Batad-Banaue Marathon, a destination run organized by Baguio-based running group, Team Malaya. 

*Blog about our long hike in Mt. Kitanglad & Dulang-Dulang here. 

Participants had the option to register in either a 21K (half-mary) or a 42K. The route, which  is one of the major draws to this event gave us the opportunity to enjoy a cold, scenic run from the Banaue town proper to the remote community of Batad. It was held August 24, 2014, an excellent time to view the rice terraces as it's greenest from  August-September.  
 A shot of the Banaue Rice Terraces located at the viewing deck called "Side View Point"

Blogger friend Ferdz (Ironwulf.net), my colleague Ian, and I registered for the 21KM division which meant we only ran until the saddle area in Batad while those who joined the marathon had to go down all the way to the community. 

Ferdz and I traveled together from Manila  two days before the run to have more time to adjust to the thinner, cooler weather, relax and gorge on food!
Harvest from the rice terraces as seen from the Side View Deck which can be seen along the road in Banaue
On our first day,  we enjoyed the pool at Banaue hotel where Ferdz was checked in. It was near the garden and I was struck with excitement when I saw it. There's an excellent view of nearby mountains and it was deserted too so we had it to ourselves the entire afternoon! 


The deepest end of the pool is  12 feet with a diving board over it. I've never seen a recreational pool as deep as this one - even the Olympic-size pool where I swim goes only  up to 5 feet. :)

 I was traveling on a budget so I spent the night at People's Lodge near the town proper. I got a 250-Peso private room that had 2 single beds in it, a huge mirror, fan, a desk and a chair and that's about it. Rooms have no sockets so  you can only charge your gadgets at their restaurant downstairs. T&B was outside but it was near my room. I would most likely stay here again because the staff is nice, rooms are clean and place has a good vibe.

Breakfast at the restaurant balcony of People's Lodge 
The following day, we claimed our race kits and attended the briefing.  I was happy to see familiar faces from the sky running community and even happier when I found out that two other close friends, Mariel and Kian was in the area for a valiant family project involving the rice terraces. 
After the briefing, there was a carbo loading party for the participants! Chicken tinola and mounds of rice were served to fellow participants while a band played using native instruments.

And here's our private carbo loading party with Mariel and Kian. This was taken at Las Vegas Lodge & Resto. I enjoyed dining here because they have interesting interiors - a mix of travel memorabilia and native decors. More importantly, food is decent. I love their curry rice  which comes with fresh mixed vegetables. Prices of the meals here range from 70 Pesos above. 


Breakfast the following day were measly pieces of dark chocolate and a bottle of Pocari Sweat. I promised myself to consume more after the run. :P  

Both the 21K and 42K started at the same time at around 5:00 AM and although our route was not as visually rewarding as with the 42K, we were able to see more mountains and other sections of the rice terraces around Banaue.
Ferdz and I at the starting line. The happy look on my face was due to thoughts of what I'll be eating after the run. :P (Photo taken by Kian Vicera)

Here's a shot taken 40 minutes into the run. Our route was mostly on a smooth road. 

And since we started early, we were able to see the sun rising above the mountains at the side of the road. :) 


The road going to Batad is uphill, quite a challenge to the thighs. Prior to the run, I did a combination of swimming, stairs training, a little road running, training on an elliptical machine to prepare and it was quite effective to get me to the finish line. I'm not a fast runner, never had the will to train to be faster but I can finish with a ginormous smile on my face. Hehe! :) 

Ferdz and I ran our respective paces which meant I was pretty much alone until the 40th minute, when I stopped at the first aid station and saw my colleague Ian with his friendly mountaineer friends. 
With Ian & Euan at one of the aid stations, at this point, we still had 8KM til we get to the turn-around point.
Photo borrowed from Lira
I ran with them until we reached the turn-around point which was at the Batad saddle. 
From there, some  decided to take a side trip down to Batad since the organizers allowed it. I had hiked to the community  years ago and was beginning to feel tired and hungry so I headed  back with Ian.

View at the Batad saddle
Had I been running alone, I would have taken an easy stroll back and ate as much dalanghita as I could, which was available at the aid stations. It was seedless, juicy and sweet!  However, Ian, who was used to competing in triathlons kept pushing - and the good thing about forcing yourself to run even when you don't feel like moving a muscle anymore is that  you can finish earlier and eat. :P 

Tremendously happy when I saw friends, Mariel and Kian right before we reached the finish line, they're awesome cheerleaders! (Photo borrowed from Kian Vicera)
Another pleasant thing was when we crossed the finish line after 4 hours 58 minutes, I was informed that I finished 10th among the female runners. To our surprise, they gave out recognition to the first 10 finishers for males and females per category.  Ferdz finished strongly at 8th. :)

Apart from the finisher's medal, I was able to take home extra souvenirs, a carved wood trophy and a certificate.  Thanks for the push Ian! 
I'm smiling so much because I just ate two sets of lunch :P (Photo take by Ferdz Decena)
If you're getting tired of road runs or need to take a breather from city life, I encourage you to train and join destination runs. Held in scenic locations,  it allows you to see gorgeous views, explore a place, meet new people, see old friends, work up a sweat and the most wonderful thing of all - running burns calories so you can indulge on food after! :) 

If you're thinking of joining trail runs or running at high altitudes, do consider joining the Philippine Skyrunning Association or participate in their training sessions or races. Like their FB page for timely updates.

There's also  some excellent trail running tips for beginners at Active.com. 

Check out Ferdz' post & review about the run  here. He posted some nice photos from the run. :) 

A copy of the race results of the Batad-Banaue marathon is posted at the Team Malaya site. They are also organizing several more runs in the coming months. Just check out their website or  like their Facebook Page.

Thanks team Malaya and congratulations to other runner friends who finished strongly - Ronald Wang, Kirk Patrick Ang, Rashel Pena and Cheryl Bihag, you inspire me! To Mariel, Kian, bffeees Jules, Tan and Mors salamat uli for cheering for me!

Travel Information :
How to Get to Banaue from Manila
Check out schedule of trips via Ohayami Trans
Website : http://www.ohayamitrans.com/
Fare : 450 Pesos (aircon)
Travel Time : 12 hours

Where to Stay in Banaue
Banaue Hotel 
Locatad near the Banaue tourism office but quite a walk to the town proper
You can book via Agoda
Rates start at 1,800+ 
*Their restaurant has amazing mountain views! :)

People's Lodge 
Poblacion, Banaue 
Mobile Nos. - +63 0935-189-5455 | +63 0919-532-5605
Email : jerwin_t@yahoo.com
Rates start at 250 Pesos/head
Free Wifi available, no sockets in the rooms, common toilet and shower
*I checked in alone and although the room I stayed in had two single beds, I was only asked to pay 250 Pesos. Nice! :)

Querencia Hotel & Restaurant 
Poblacion, Banaue
Mobile Nos. - : +63 0939-290-7703 | +63 917 841 0569
Just opened this 2014 and all rooms have a private t&b with hot shower and sockets, free wifi also available
Rates are around 500 Pesos/room (please call to verify, I forgot the exact rates, but it's around that amount)
Pictures of the place can be found at their FB Page here






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Globe Telecom's Data Roaming Flat Rate

November 25, 2014, 4:56 am
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Hello wandering subscribers of Globe!  (and if you're not a subscriber and have cherished chums who are, please feel free to forward this :) )

Globe's unlimited data roaming flat rate of P599/day is now available in over 70 countries worldwide! 


This offer is convenient when traveling overseas and you find yourself in dire need of internet access. Let's say, you need to view an online map or a navigation app to make your way around a place, you're scouting for a hotel and restaurant to try or need to send an important email. The service also comes with an excellent complement -  free travel insurance! :) 

What Plans are covered by this service?
All Globe Postpaid Plans. It is currently not available for Globe Prepaid, Load Tipid Plans and Load Allowance Plans.

How to Use?  
No need to register, just switch on your data roaming and you'll be locked on to Globe's partner carrier in your destination. You will receive a notification upon first data usage to signify the beginning of the 24 hour duration. You will also receive another notification 3 hours before the end of the Flat Rate validity. Lastly, you will receive a final notification that your 24 hours of validity has ended.

And just to repeat myself... :P 
Subscribers on the unlimited data roaming service will also receive free 
TravelCare insurance which provides up to P200,000 worth of protection from travel inconveniences for up to 30 days!   

To see all destinations covered visit Globe Data Roaming site.
*FAQs can be found at the lower right side of the page.

For assistance on other roaming concerns,dial *143# or call the Globe Roaming Hotline +6327301212 toll-free even while roaming abroad.

Globe also offers a bunch of call and text plans if you're traveling abroad. To know more about their Postpaid Roaming offers, visit this link.
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Hiking : Mt. Makiling (UPLB Trail)

December 2, 2014, 11:08 pm
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Photo taken near the trailhead
After almost 4 weeks of staying indoors due to chicken pox, I returned to one of my favorite mountains, Mt. Makiling in Los Banos, Laguna. Although the trail is known to have lots of leeches (or limatiks as we locals call it), its rainforest is so beautiful - countless enormous trees with branches shrouding the sky, big ferns along the trail, endemic flowers at Peak 2, truly a plant lover's happy place. :) 

I knew I wouldn't be as strong as I was before getting sick since I hardly moved in weeks but it was a familiar trail (and one that I sorely missed!) with a 16 KM long course, out and back that takes 4-5 hours to complete. I figured I'd be okay if I took it easy. 
A customary shot with my favorite tree found along the trail - before we got into the denser section of the forest
We started hiking at 12:45 noon. It rained on the 1st hour  and the limatiks relentlessly sprung towards almost every part of my body, which I fought off by spraying alcohol. 

We weren't even halfway when I started feeling breathless and dizzy. I certainly did not expect my endurance to be that bad  because I actually felt able enough as we started but it was an assumption that almost made me lose consciousness. I survived by taking slow careful steps  and stopped when I was breathless.  

We reached peak 2 in two hours and it took another two hours to return to the jump-off where we bathe and removed the rest of the limatiks that hid inside our clothes. 
Tanny at Peak 2. Medinilla pendula (fuschia flowers) at the background
Still, I consider this a happy hike because well - I was able to hike and inhale generous amounts of fresh mountain air!  :) It was actually a good assessment of how much I need to train to get back into shape so I can do several more long hikes before the year ends. And honestly, with my fitness level down, I found this much more challenging than our Kitanglad-Dulang-Dulang traverse (blog here).  I felt so excited when we finally got down, like it was my first time in a mountain trail. 

Travel Notes & Expenses : 
How to Get to UP Los Banos 
Coming from EDSA (South bound side), just board any bus with a signage, "Alabang" . 
All Alabang buses stop at South Station. Fare is 45 Pesos (aircon bus). From South Station, take a  bus going to Sta. Cruz and ask for the bus conductor to let you off near UPLB campus. Fare from South Station Alabang to Los Banos is 64 PHP with a travel time of 2 hours. It's so much longer going back due to heavy traffic at Calamba. 

Jeep from Los Banos to UPLB College of Forestry - 8.50 PHP (Note that not all jeeps pass by College of Forestry so better ask the driver before boarding if they're driving by that route. 

Registration/hiker - 10 PHP (You will need to leave an ID). 
Jeep from UPLB to Centro Mall - 8.50 PHP (this is where we ate dinner)
Centro Mall to Calamba - 22 PHP
Calamba to Alabang - 50 PHP something

A well constructed itinerary & list of expenses can be found at Pinoy Mountaineer.
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Hiking : Mt. Pulag in a Day (Akiki-Ambangeg Trail)

December 31, 2014, 7:56 am
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We were pleasantly surprised with a full view of a rainbow as we ascended the pine tree forest of the Akiki Trail! :) 
On my 3rd visit to Mt. Pulag, I reunited with hiker friends, Gid of Pinoy Mountaineer, Jenny, Vinci and Koi. :) Our route was via the Akiki-Ambangeg , a 16 Kilometer trail that is estimated to take around 8 hours on a steady pace, short breaks and with smaller packs. The Akiki is known to be notoriously steep while Ambangeg trail with its rolling terrain, is commonly taken by hikers who want to take an easier approach to its summit. 
In one of our short breaks, we sat down to admire some of the mountains of the Cordilleras 
The usual itinerary for this route is 3D 2N as most are keen on witnessing the  sea clouds at the summit during sunrise. Our group on the other hand opted for a day hike. Personally, I find extended day hikes (hikes exceeding 5 hours) enjoyable because you can focus on the scenery without lugging a heavy pack on your back and have more time for side trips once you get down. 

Although hiring porters in Mt. Pulag is easy, I don’t feel comfortable getting one. While others would argue that it’s one of the ways to help locals earn livelihood, I feel that they should be hired for their expertise on the trail and not to carry other people’s load.  
Here's what I brought for the trip. For lunch, I brought two Energy gels. 
We convened at Victory Liner terminal in Baguio at 3:00 AM on a hired jeepney. With almost all sections of the road fixed, we arrived at the Akiki jump-off in Kabayan in 3hours. What used to be a bumpy and dusty road has transformed completely and the jeep cruised on a smooth wider road. I barely recognized it from my trip 2 years ago. 

After enjoying a quick roadside breakfast of tilapia, kangkong, rice and brewed coffee courtesy of Ma’am Gina, we set off to climb the steep cement stairs to the registration area. It was a pain to the lungs; I breathe obscenely and we're not even on the main trail yet!
Road side breakfast at the Akiki jump-off
Group shot at Eddet River. Photo taken by Koi Grey. (L-R) Me, Jenny, Vinci & Gideon
We started our hike at 7:07 AM. The section before Eddet River, a beautiful raging river where some groups camp, was a nice warm-up for the long hike. The terrain was even and how I wished it was the same the entire way. :P  We passed a section with sunflowers growing on both sides and for a while, I forgot how grueling the next few hours would be. 

After the river came the challenging sections which went on until we arrived at the summit. It’s not technical, just a very long steep trail with some pine needles scattered on the ground which made it slippery. 
After a sharp ascent at the pine forest, we took a short break for snacks
After less than two hours of trekking, we arrived at the area dubbed as Marlboro country. A hilly area with plants and pine trees, it is  reminiscent of the views from an old  Marlboro commercial. It is the second campsite and has  a water source and a stable hut for guides. 

Next came my favorite part, the mossy forest. Although it is less steep than the Pine trees section, I was still breathless on most parts. I could tell my lungs have not fully recovered from my 4 week battle with chicken pox last month. 
Mossy forest. If only it wasn't so cold, I would have taken a few minutes to just marvel at the moss that grew on trees
At this point, my companions were around 20-30 minutes ahead of me but the trail was easy to spot so I didn't mind the solitude. It also enabled me to take photos of trees, although I couldn't take as much as I wanted because it started drizzling and stopping for a break made the cold unbearable. 

Lunch was a convenient pack of Stinger energy gel which I was able to consume while trekking. I first learned about energy gels from a trail runner friend and it can fuel you for 10 KM of trail at least. It's also very lightweight and takes very little space in your pack. It costs 75 Pesos a gel which is almost the same price as buying a meal from a fastfood. 

Emerging from the mossy forest, I was welcomed by chilly winds and light drizzle, making my trek to the saddle camp, very cold. I ran into another cheery group and it felt nice to see their warm smiles as I began to feel miserably cold. After a few more steps, I stopped and marveled at some beautiful wildflowers along the trail. 

After another half-hour, I rejoined my friends under a hut for guides at the saddle campsite. We snacked and rested before making our way to the summit. At this point, I felt really tired so I just took one slow step at a time. In 20 minutes, I finally reached the summit. 
At the summit. Photo from Gideon Lasco.
Although there were no views - just stronger winds and cooler temperature - it felt great to finally reach the summit. It meant that trail would be much easier from this point on and I'm closer to getting some warm food inside my revolting tummy. Trail down is 7KM long, not exactly a  breeze but at least, it's a rolling trail - no more heart racing assaults! :) 

By 3:37 PM, we were back to the Babadak Ranger station, the jump-off for those starting at the Ambangeg trail and although we were drenched and feeling very cold, we were all in high spirits. After 8.5 hours in the trail, we were officially done and we feasted on hot Milo and bread from a sari-sari store. 
The entire group. Photo taken after we completed the hike. (L-R) Gideon, Me, Jenny, Vinci & Koi 
We were picked up by our hired jeep across the station. Afterwards, we traveled 30 minutes to Ma'am Gina's place where we washed up and ate our first dinner. 
And then we had desserts at Hill Station in Baguio. 
Then a second dinner at Zola along Session road. :P (They serve good omelettes here) 
A happy feat deserves several happy feasts. :P 

Travel Information : 
Primary jump-off from Manila to Mt. Pulag is Baguio City.
Bus from Manila to Baguio - check Victory Liner for schedules (bus fare : 450 Pesos, one way). Other bus companies with trips to Baguio are Genesis and Dagupan Bus lines.

Accommodation in Baguio City - We checked in at Hotel 45 Extension  the night before our hike. We got a private fan room for 3 with t&b  for 1,400 Pesos (off season rate, booked December 14, 2014).
Hotel 45 Extension 
Extension Hotel Contact
Tel. Phone:+63 (74) 442-3460
Mobile No: +63 0917-588-2759
Email: hotel45new@gmail.com
Rates
*Note that this is different from Hotel 45 Main which is the first branch  and is located along Session Road. Stayed in both, I prefer the extension because it has newer facilities and still near Session road. 

Hiking Information :
When planning a hike to Mt. Pulag, advance coordination must be done through Ma'am Mereng, the DENR-Park Superintendent - +63 09196315402
Guide Fee (mandatory) - 1,800 Pesos/group of 8 (traverse, our guide's name is Oswald)
Registration Fee - 200 Pesos/head (paid at Akiki Registration Area)
Jeepney - 8,500 Pesos (good for 18 persons, coordinated thru Ma'am Gina Epe, +63 09198169234 / 09999916008).

*For a hassle-free hike, book with Trail Adventours. Visit their site for schedules.

For  a 3D 2N itinerary,check out Pinoy Mountaineer. Gideon's account of our hike is also up on his blog under Hiking Matters #441.
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Naga Series : Rappelling at Nalalata Falls

February 18, 2015, 6:34 am
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After a belly-busting buffet breakfast at The Avenue Plaza Hotel in Naga, we traveled 1.5 hours on a private jeep to Bula in Camarines Sur to try rappelling. Being acrophobic, I was not exactly keen on putting on a harness and be suspended from a high place but, as I just had a good breakfast, the day was instantly awesome. I was also excited for the hike going to the falls. The vibrant greenery of the Bicol region impresses me and I feel instantly refreshed whenever I'm around nature. 
Nalalata Falls
A short and easy 15 minute hike took  us to a basin of Nalalata Falls, a clear inviting shade of turquoise.  I wanted to wade in the water right away.  It's a beautiful place for a picnic and a swim, albeit the lack of amenities which I actually prefer. For me, nature is best enjoyed as is or if developments must be done, there should be minimal impact to the environment. 
Bamboo bridge connecting a small river to the picnic area
After Sir Jojo Villareal of Kaddlagan Outdoors gave us a quick orientation on gears and various rappelling positions, the rest of his team assisted us in putting on our gears. Once we're fully equipped, we set off for another 10 minute hike towards the top of the falls. 
Some of the short tricky sections towards the rappelling area
Our jump-off is at 50 feet high and I tried my best to ignore the feeling of dread that always comes to me whenever I'm too far off the ground. I know it's quite ironic that I have a fear of heights given my penchant for hiking mountain trails but over the years of exposing myself to different peaks, I've learn to embrace this phobia rather than stay away from the views I love so much. :)

We took turns going down from the falls. It felt nerve wrecking at the start, facing the waterfalls as you go down but then you get the hang of it and enjoy the rest of the way which only takes about 10 minutes or maybe even less. I didn't have to wait that long for my turn. There were other positions that were more challenging than the usual, such as the Australian which involves facing the water.  
Sir Bong of NagaX doing it Australian style
Here's a video of blogger friend, Darwin (TrackingTreasure). 



All geared up. Group shot from Kara of Travel Up. 
L-R : With fellow bloggers, Estan (Langyaw.com), Me, Kara (Traveling-Up.com), Chino (JuanderfulPinoy.com) & Darwin (TrackingTreasure.net)


After rappelling, I enjoyed a cool dip at the base of the falls while my other companions rappelled two more times trying out other rappelling techniques. 
Nalalata Falls
Brgy. Lubgan, Bula, Camarines Sur
To book this adventure, get in touch with Kaddlagan Outdoor Shop & Services, a Naga-based outdoor company. You can join a group if you're going solo. Rates vary per number of people in a group. They also organize other waterfalls and hiking adventures  (try Mt. Isarog). 

How to get to Naga City : 
There are several bus companies traveling to Naga from Araneta Bus Terminal (map here) in Cubao, Quezon City (Fare is around 750 Pesos above, depending on bus line/seat type). There are morning and evening schedules, usually at 8-9:30AM and then 4PM-9:30PM. Travel time is 8-10 hours.  I took the 8:30 PM Philtranco bus from Pasay (Fare is aroun 850 Pesos) Contact Number : +(63) 2 851-8078/79. A faster option is to take a plane from Manila via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.

Tips :
What to wear - expect to get wet. Wear durable clothing -  one that won't slip off of you easily. :P As for footwear, although you can just wear rubber slippers, it is more advisable to wear something with straps so it won't get carried off by the water's current easily. I wore  Keen Venice H2 sandals which is highly recommended for this type of adventure. (Available in R.O.X.) It has excellent traction and has toe protector to prevent stubbed toes (eeks!). 

What to bring - plastic or dry bag for wet clothes, clothes for changing, trash bags, snacks and water

This trip was a collaboration with Naga Tourism. Thank you sir Alec, Bong, Wyne, Rustom & Paolo.

Related Posts :
Waterfalls Hiking in Camarines Sur
Where to Stay in Naga City
White Pebble Beach in Minalabac, Bagolatao 

Do check out Kara's account of our adventure on her blog - Rappelling Down a Waterfall in CamSur. 
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Naga Series : Waterfalls Trekking at Engkanto Falls

March 6, 2015, 3:28 am
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My young, happy and oh so carefree friends stripping down to enjoy the cold water
After rappelling at Nalalata falls the previous day (blog here), we traveled 45 minutes from Naga city to Libmanan in Camarines Sur for the afternoon’s adventure, a trek to Engkanto Falls. 

At the jump-off in Barangay Bical, we met with  Mr. Roderick  Fabor, head of Libmanan Tourism, and other friendly folks from the local tourism.  After exchanging pleasantries, we commenced trekking and soon found ourselves on a scenic but muddy trail.

The landscape was so bucolic - rice fields on our right and coconut trees everywhere. 
We had to cross this wooden bamboo bridge to get to the other side of the trail 
Engkanto Falls is a series of 20 cascades, with a height of 1 meter or less. Its name, a Filipino word that refers to supernatural beings that guard the environment, are believed to dwell in the area - adding excitement to exploring a less known destination in Camarines Sur. 

After about 15 minutes, a section of the falls emerged.  We were told we would be trekking on the falls instead of around it. I knew from experience that the portion of the boulder where water passes is usually safe to walk on because the current makes the surface less slippery but, hearing the roar of the water was still intimidating. I dismissed any thought of slipping and focused on enjoying the trek. It was such a thrilling experience! :)


Muddy trail with branches everywhere 
Some areas were a little challenging because you need to use both hands. It was especially tricky for my other companions who carried SLR's (Travel tip : bring a dry bag or a waterproof bag so you don't have to worry about your gears or better yet, get a waterproof camera and phone :)). 

Our short trek terminated at a picturesque  part of the falls. We were told that there's a cave about an hour  from where we were but it was nearing sunset so we decided to head down. 
One of the wider cascades of Engkanto Falls
It had been an exciting trek capped off with a cool swim and some fitting snacks - freshly picked coconut and 3N’s toasted siopao. This bread which has diced pork fillings is one of Naga’s famous snacks. 

Check out blogger friend, Estan’s post about Engkanto Falls. 

How to fulfill this adventure? Get in touch with Libmanan on Facebook.  

Travel Tips :
Recommended footwear - although my companions who wore rubber slippers managed the trek just fine, it would be safer to wear a footwear that dries easily and preferably with straps so you can wear it while swimming as the water is  shallow on most parts and there's plenty of small sharp rocks. 

Bring : snacks, dry bag for wet clothes
*There's a changing area at the jump-off. 

Engkanto Falls 
Barangay Bical,
Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region
Philippines

Related Posts : 
Waterfalls Hiking in Pili, Camarines Sur
Whereto Stay in Naga City - Eurotel
WhitePebble Beach in Minalabac, Bagolatao 

Note : 
This trek was a collaboration with NagaX, Naga's tourism arm and the local government unit of Libmanan. 

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Product Test : A Hiker’s Must Have - BSI Medicated Spray

March 6, 2015, 3:30 am
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I enjoy long hikes. Some take 5 hours to complete while the longer and more challenging routes take about 12 hours or more. To ensure I have enough endurance for these hikes, I swim at least 1.5K KM, two-three times a week, alternating it with some light runs. As such, muscle pain is something that I have to deal with frequently. I often feel some aches on the shoulders, back and the calves from all the training and hikes – and  oh especially the hikes! :P   While this type of involved soreness eventually heals in a day or two, I’m happy to discover a partner (albeit no romantic inklings:P) that takes away the discomfort instantly so I can easily return to my routine or jump into another adventure.

After a 1.5KM swim last Sunday, my first after a month of rest post sickness, my shoulders and upper back felt pretty sore. What was supposed to be just a normal workout felt like a feat. :P . I didn’t have time to get a massage and so I went to the office the next day with aching muscles. Throughout the day, I stretched several times at my desk hoping to relieve myself of the pain but it didn’t really work.  

Fortunately, a package of BSI medicated spray was waiting for me when I got home. It’s a non-aerosol topical pain reliever approved by the Philippine FDA as a home remedy drug. I excitedly sprayed it on my back and was amused at how easy it got to the hard to reach parts such as the mid upper back. I felt comfort in less than a minute. There was a cool sensation and some little sting on the parts where I sprayed too much (so do take note of that when you use it).The smell is minty and not as strong as other topical pain relievers I’ve used. I actually like the smell. :) 


BSI Medicated spray is exactly what I needed! Handy, lightweight, easy to apply and fits easily in my backpack!  At 388 Pesos for a 64 ML bottle that’ll probably last for months, it’s a good deal. I can hold off the massage for now and redirect the money to my hiking funds, yay!

Aside from being a pain reliever, it also aids in reducing muscle swelling such as sprain and cramps which some hikers experience.  It’s convenient to use even while on the trail because you don’t have to clean your hands before applying it. You just need to spray it on the affected part, no need massage it over!  Another one of its salient attributes is it contains all-natural ingredients so it’s safe to use as often as needed.  It’s truly an excellent addition to my first aid kit but I’m hoping I don’t have to use it for a sprain :P.

BSI Medicated Spray has been in the Philippine market for over 5 years and its target users include athletes, senior citizens, office workers, housewives, OFWs who suffer muscular pain.

Where to Buy : Mercury Drug Store, Rose Pharmacy, and South Star Drug
Price : 388 Pesos (64ml)
Related Information :The Filipino Doctor : BSI Medicated Spray

This spray was also tested by fellow bloggers who are into running and triathlon. Just click on the link to read about their experience using BSI Medicated Spray :
Kikay Runner 
Swim Bike Run 

BSI MEDICATED SPRAY is distributed by New Smart Formulae Trading Corp, a pharmaceutical distributor of high quality products in the Philippines.  

Disclaimer : This is a sponsored post. I accept collaborations for products that I’ve tried, liked and are relevant to travel, adventure and sports. :) 


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Hiking : Munga Peak, Camarines Norte

March 23, 2015, 5:42 am
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Mahabang Buhangin Beach
It was still dark when I opened my eyes. Had it not been for the disruptive snoring coming from the tent beside ours, which was loud enough to drown the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, I wouldn't have gotten up so quickly. :P 

I prepped for a short hike up Munga Peak.  We were told it's about an hour from our camp. Unlike the usual hikes I do, getting ready was refreshingly simple. I was on slippers,  a cap and in my pocket were several pieces of Mentos which is also what I bring as emergency food for long hikes because it's light and easily fits in the bag. I grabbed a bottle of Gatorade which I bought before we traveled to the island and in a few minutes, I was all set. :)
Area near our camp

Mahabang Buhangin beach where we set camp is in Tinaga island, a popular camping ground for travelers visiting Calaguas,  a group of 17 islands and islets in Camarines Norte in the Bicol region.  

After breakfast, me and several other friends - Kate, Ron, Ian, Ice and Tina went to the shore and joined the rest of the people from our tour group. The start of the hike was a little challenging as we were walking on powder-like sand. It was a great leg work-out though. :)
Trail starts at the beach! (Photo from Ice Clemente)
We headed toward the right side (facing the water) of the island and in about 15 minutes, we arrived at the registration area. As I had been seeing mostly water since the previous day, I felt excited when I saw that the trail head has lots of trees. 
Making our way up the hill. Photo from Ice Clemente
It was moderately steep but very manageable. It wasn't slippery and our rubber slippers held on. 
Group shot before we entered the main trail. Behind us is the registration hut.  (Photo from Ice Clemente)
In just a few minutes, we arrived at a view deck. From here, we could see practically the entire shoreline of Mahabang Buhangin. Although I've already seen some photos online, it still felt awesome to see it in front of me.  

We headed at the left side of the trail where grasses were a little too tall for me and Tina as we're both under 5 feet tall :P. 



This area gave us a different vantage, a view of nearby islands.  There wasn't any cover to protect us from the sun but it was very windy. 
Balagbag Island in front of us
This peak has a flat grassy area and it felt nice to just sit down, feel the wind and stare at the view, despite the sun's rays gleefully radiating down on us. 

After taking souvenir shots, we headed down to clean up and prepare for the trip back to Vinzons Port. 

Here's a travel video of our trip made by my friend Ian. :) Happy viewing. It's a bit long though but it sums up what we did the entire weekend. :P 


Hiking Details :
This was a trip with 9 other colleagues. Since we wanted a hassle-free vacation,  we availed the services of Northlink Tour, a Daet-based tour provider which was recommended by my former manager who hails from Daet, Camarines Norte's capital. I paid 2,200 for the package which included 4 meals and boat ride from Vinzons Port and back. (Transportation from Manila not included). Since the hike was not part of the package, we paid additional 40 Pesos each which included the registration fee and payment to guides. 

A DIY trip to Calaguas Group of islands can also be done. Please check out the links below for some very helpful information : 
KirkAnatomy - How to get to Calaguas
Lakwatsero - Calaguas Islands

Note : I am aware of the concerns raised by fellow travelers regarding the island's commercialization but during our  trip (and I can only speak of what I experienced during our trip), camping ground was clean and I did not see any garbages along the shore and although there were plenty of people, the noise was minimal. I do hope people visiting this place continue to respect the island and the people who live there.  

As for Northlink Tour's services, I am very happy with how they handled the trip. They gave us an orientation on what to expect in the island and even gave us a short lecture about Calaguas to help us appreciate the place more. Everyone had enough food, the staff regularly checked on us and they were all very cordial and professional. :) You can get in touch with them on Facebook - Northlink Tour.




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Food Trip : Where to Eat in Naga City After an Adventure (Part 1)

April 28, 2015, 10:07 pm
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Mt. Isarog in the background. Photo taken in an earlier trip to Camarines Sur where we covered an Enduro challenge :)
Naga, an independent city located in the province of Camarines Sur is known as a primary jump-off to several exciting destinations. These include Mt. Isarog, a volcano  frequented by local hikers, Malabsay Falls for those craving for a dip in icy waters and for beach lovers, the pristine islands of Caramoan.  

While some consider it as merely a stopover, I've discovered that its food scene is also worth exploring and  for a foodie like me, it can also be the main destination. Teehee! :) Their restaurants and cafes generally have creative interiors and have a cozy, charming, relaxed vibe – ideal for  solo travelers and intimate groups. Staying for a couple of days is ideal too as the city has a lot of options whatever your budget may be.  

Here’s a list of restaurants in Naga where you can enjoy good meals: 

Bob Marlin -  offers Filipino favorites such as  crispy  pata, Ziggy’s sisig (it's signature dish) and of course Bicolano dishes such as Laing (taro leaves in coconut milk), pinangat (sting ray in coconut milk) and Bicol express (pork cubes in, you guessed it, coconut milk! :P). 

Equally interesting is its reggae-inspired interiors. You can also find plates on its walls signed by celebrity guests - athletes, bands, actors, writers, etc.  The restaurant is like a museum! There's something interesting to see in every corner.  

Tables are huge and can accommodate big groups. It also has al fresco and air conditioned dining areas.  It's also a great place to enjoy cold drinks. Try Rasta Paling (drink shown below), an alcoholic beverage that has lambanog, spiked orange juice  and red syrup. 


Bob Marlin
Website
Facebook Page : Bob Marlin Resto 
Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City
Business Hours : Daily, 10:30 AM - 12 MNFor reservations, call their landline : +63 054 473 13399 
Menu

Bigg's Diner - Bicol's leading food chain takes you back in time with its colorful American retro diner theme. There are burgers, fries, rice meals and good desserts too! Their branch along Magsaysay is open 24/7 and offers free wifi. It's a good place to hang out if you're burning time. For burger lovers, the Tower burger is a must try, a monstrous piece with two patties, hash brown, bacon(!!!), caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, 2 pieces of cheese, Spam, and egg! It is best paired with Mello Jello, a soda drink with jelly. 
Facade of Bigg's Diner, Magsaysay branch which is open 24 hours
Bigg's Diner
To find a branch, visit their Facebook Page - Bigg's Diner
Phone : +63 (54)472-4240
Email : info@biggsdiner.ph
Website : Biggs Diner

Bora Hut - ideal for those who enjoy liquor with pulutan (beer match) while listening to music. Hefty meals that goes well with rice (plenty of rice!) are also available. Place does not have air-conditioning but the place is very spacious and airy. At night, you can also watch local bands performing. 

Bora Hut 
Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City
Business Hours : 
Mon-Sat: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sun: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM

More about Bora Hut on my friends' blogs,  FireNFrost and Langyaw

Cha Ced's Kinalas sa Balatas  - if you want to eat like a local and don't mind some meat, try kinalas. It's a noodle dish with a broth made from boiling a pig or cow's head. You can opt to add egg to make it extra filling. Our friends from Naga tourism shared that it's considered as a comfort food, fitting for rainy days or as an after activity snack or a main meal if you plan to add egg. Hihi! You can also add some sauce for extra flavor. For the sauce, I tried a combination of vinegar, patis (fish sauce), sili (red pepper) and lots of calamansi, the same sauce prepared by my friend Wayne who is from Naga. Yum! The bottomless pit in my stomach has met its match and felt very full after a bowl. 

Cha Ced Kinalas sa Balatas
Near Penafrancia Basilica, Naga City



Green Earth Cafe - Veggie lovers unite! One of my favorite restaurants in the city is this quiet restaurant inside Villa Sorabella Subdivision. They serve vegetarian dishes that are pretty on the plate and happy for the palate. :) 




Green Earth Cafe
Facebook Page
Business Hours :
Sunday-Thursday
10:00 AM-9:00 PM
3rd St. cor Soriano Ave.
Villa Sorabella Subdivision.
Concepcion Grande, Naga City
Orders may take some time. You can place an advance order by calling the numbers below :
Landline : +63(54) 475-50-18

Mobile : 0928-550-5246

Part 2 of where to find awesome food in Naga will be posted soon! :) 

Also worth reading is this comprehensive food guide by Kara Santos of Travel Up. She's also from Naga and is very much familiar with its food scene. Link here. 

Related Posts (just click on the links below) : 

Hungry for adventure? 
Waterfalls Trekking in Pili, Camarines Sur 
Waterfalls Trekking at Engkanto Falls 

Where to Stay in Naga City?

Want to try a unique kind of beach? 
White Pebble Beach in Minalabac, Bagolatao 
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Meeting Mt. Sialdang/Halcon

June 8, 2015, 6:05 am
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May 18, 2015 holds a  happy event in my outdoor life that I want to share with you. :) After months of planning and training, I finally reached the summit of one of my dream mountains - Mt. Sialdang or popularly known in the local hiking community as Mt. Halcon. 

*Mt. Sialdang is the name given by the locals to the mountain. 
Me at the summit of Mt. Halcon. Photo taken by Gene Gonzales
This beautiful mountain, the highest peak in the province of Oriental Mindoro at a height of 2,582 MASL and 18th among the mountains in the Philippines has been on my hike list for years now. Closed in 2006 by local officials and the DENR, it was only in March 2015 when clear policies were put into place, making hiking activities official from February 1 to May 31 of each year. I was not going to let this year pass without visiting! :) 

It is rated with a difficulty level of 9/9 and  although it's trails are not as technical as what I've seen in other Philippine mountains like Guiting-Guiting or Dulang-Dulang, it's still very steep and arduously loooong! It took us 1.5 days to reach the summit and with the poor traction of my shoe, I found it even more challenging to hike down. It was excruciating to the knees! 
Photo About 30 minutes to the summit
Despite the challenging trail, I fell in love with its lush forests and variety of terrain. We hiked through mossy forests, crossed open trails with banana trees everywhere, passed several small falls and crossed a big river.  We were fortunate that limatiks (leeches) were not so active when were there and me and 3 others in our group managed to escape a bite. :)

Its summit is nothing I've seen before, it is scattered with cuts and slabs of marble and surrounded with colorful shrubs and although we were only given 5 minutes of clearing, we still saw a rewarding view of clouds and nearby mountains. 
Summit break. Photo taken by Gene Gonzales
Crossing the breathtaking Dulangan River. This was also where we set camp for two nights. 
I am already excited to go back next year! :) 

To my Halcon buddies - Allen Yatco, Gene Gonzales, Eric Leron and Carlos, thank you and hope to see you again soon! :) 

Below is a copy of our climbing log and expenses for your reference. 
Climbing Log (via Lantuyan trail): 
Day 0 - May 16, 2015 
- Took the 11:00 AM Fastcat ferry to Calapan
- after arriving in Calapan, we rented a tricycle to Baco from the pier (we stopped over at Jollibee Calapan for 
a quick lunch)
- went to Baco Tourism office to process our permit (advance coordination necessary) 
5:30 PM - ETA, Lantuyan, checked in at Tagbungan Mountain Resort for proper rest

Day 1 - May 17, 2015
6:30 AM Start (assault)
9:00 AM Limatik Infested trail
10:30 AM Big water source (we heard voices when we resumed trekking)
11:30 AM Aplaya (Dungawan) (refilled water at a nearby falls)
12:30pm Aplaya camp site 
2:30pm Dulangan Campsite (river crossing)

Day 2 - May 18, 2015
4:00 AM Start
6:00 AM Last water source before intense assault
8:30 AM Knife-edge
9:15 AM Summit
10:30am Descend summit
3:30pm Back at Dulangan campsite

Day 3 - May 19, 2015
7:10 AM Start descent
8:30 AM Aplaya campsite
11:00 AM Border (Boses / Limatik Trail)
11:45 AM Kubo(kaingin)

12:50 PM Back at jumpoff at Lantuyan 
8:00 PM took Montenegro Ferry back to Batangas Pier 
10:00 PM ETA, Batangas Pier
12 MN ETA, EDSA Magallanes 


Other Information :
Hiking season is February 1-May 31 of each year. 

Advance coordination is required to hike Mt. Halcon, please visit Mt. Halcon - Pinoy Mountaineer for more details.

Contact person : 
Jojo (Baco Tourism Office) - +63 9198821442

My Training Plan
I got sick two weeks before the hike but as I started training months ahead, I was able to develop endurance and the adjustment during the actual hike was not as bad as I expected. 

I trained on my own for  2-3 times a week and the exercises comprised of the following : 
Swimming - 2-3 times a week, 1 hour per session
Elliptical machine - at least 15 minutes ( I hated this :P)
Stairs training - at least 1x a week (I practiced in our office building)
Time & budget permitting - 1 hiked at least 1-2x a month

Diet : 
As I was recovering from sickness,  I fueled my body with good food like quinoa, veggies and fish 5 days before our trip. It really worked well and I felt light and agile during the hike. 

Trail Food & Hydration:
Dried cranberries, GU Energy Gel, peanuts, 500 ML of Pocari Sweat and 500 ML of Gatorade, 1 liter of water. There are several water sources so it was enough to get me through 3D and 2N in the mountain. :) 





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Attractions in Tarlac

June 14, 2015, 8:57 pm
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I've done several hikes in Tarlac in 2012 and 2013 but I never got to explore much because we normally just head straight to the base of the mountain. Three weeks ago, I joined a media familiarization tour hosted by Microtel by Wydham and we got to enjoy some of the destinations around Tarlac that proves that it's more than "just an expanse of flat land". 

Here are places you can visit around Tarlac : 
Aquino Center & Museum - owned and managed by the Ninoy & Cory Aquino foundation, this museum and events venue houses the artifacts and memorabilia of two prominent Filipino politicians, democracy icons, Senator Ninoy and wife, former president Cory Aquino.  
Photo taken at the main entrance of the museum
Aquino Center & Museum
Location : Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City
Rates : 
Adults - 100 Pesos
*discounted rates offered to Senior citizens and students 
Business Hours :
Open daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Closed on New Year, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Christmas
Contact Information : +63(45)985-09-68/985-09-69
Email : aquinocenter@ncaf.ph
*For inquiries on school trips and events, please contact them directly. 

Monasterio de Tarlac  

Established by the Servants of the Risen Christ, a religious group of men devoted to a life of prayer and work, this Monastery situated on a mountain top offers a beautiful vantage of the nearby peaks in San Jose. Its prominent marker  is a 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ which can be seen from surrounding towns below it.  It is also flocked by religious devotees as it chapel holds a relic of the True Cross, believed to be the cross where Jesus was crucified. 

Monasterio de Tarlac
San Jose, Tarlac 
Website 
Mass Schedule : 

Tarlac Recreational Park (TRP)
Managed by the local tourism of Tarlac, this 78-hectare property offers an impressive range of activities for sports and outdoor lovers at reasonable prices.
Kayaking at the lagoon, one of the many activities that can be done in TRP
Formerly the venue of the 2010 Palarong Pambansa, one of the Philippines' biggest sporting events and a scouting ground  for national athletes, the place has an athletics oval  and Olympic-size pool (with a kiddie pool beside it!) which visitors can use.

For outdoor lovers who want to try a little bit of everything, there's a  lagoon for kayakers, a wall climbing facility, camping grounds with barbeque pits, fishing area, a short zipline that crosses the lagoon, Dune buggy and karting tracks, bike trails, and an area for airsoft. 

With all the activities you can do around here, you can actually allocate an entire day for a visit. They also have pavilions for private events, perfect for team building or clan reunions. :)
Olympic size pool


Tarlac Recreational Park
Operating Hours for Activities : Tuesday-Sunday9:00 AM-5:00 PM  
*Cut-off for registration at 4:30 PM (If coming from outside Tarlac, please email/call them to confirm business hours before going) 
For activity rates,  visit their website, Tarlac Ecotourism 
Facebook Page :Tarlac Ecotourism  
Tel No. +63 (045) 493 – 2471 
Email: tarlacecotourism@gmail.com 
Kart City Tarlac (KCT)

Located just across SM Tarlac where buses from Manila pass by, this highly accessible karting facility offers European made karts for rent. Their track configuration changes to cater to regulars.What I particularly like about this place is that it also offers other activities for people who are not into karting. Just outside the track is an area for billiards, videoke and their diner, Chaps Cafe (don't miss the pizza rolls and pata tim! I'd come back here for the food alone :P)

Kart City Tarlac (KCT)
McArthur Highway (in front of SM Tarlac)
Tarlac, Tarlac
Contact Number : +63 (045) 491 4053
Business Hours : Open daily, 3:00 PM - 12:00 MN
10:00 - 02:00 (Sundays)
Website : KCT
Facebook Page : Kart City Tarlac (KCT)
Rates : (inclusive of suit, eye protection)


WHERE TO STAY IN TARLAC :
Image courtesy of Microtel by Wyndham
Microtel by Wydham offers 50 clean, comfortable rooms and suites. Their beds are all queen size and chiropractor-approved (very nice to sleep on!) This branch which garnered a lot of positive reviews at the travel website, Trip Advisor  was recently awarded with the TripAdvisor Certification of Excellence 2015. 

Another thing I liked about this hotel is the stable and fast free wifi. During my stay, I had to catch up on some work in the morning and badly needed a decent internet connection. It was a huge relief that I got things done.  :) I also love that they have a nook where you can get free coffee, tea and water. 

Its location, though a bit of a walk from  Mac Arthur highway, a major road in Tarlac where buses and cars pass by also serves as an advantage because you get some peace and quiet. Nearby attractions include the Aquino Center & Museum (it's actually just beside it, separated by a garden) and Luisita Golf & Country club which has an 18-hole championship course. Trips to other destinations such as Monasterio de Tarlac and TRP, can also be arranged through their reception. 
the cozy, Queen suite where I stayed. Photo taken before I made a mess :P
Microtel Luisita
Luisita, San Miguel, Tarlac
Email : tarlac@microtel.ph
Rates start at 2,560 Pesos for a room with 1 queen size bed but can also be lower depending on when you book. 
Website : Microtel Tarlac
How to get here? From North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), take SCTEX exit 85 and take the rightmost lane going to Tarlac. Exit at Luisita and turn right, then go straight. Microtel is on your right side, before McArthur Highway. They also offer pick-up from Luisita for those who are taking the public transportation. 

Related posts on Tarlac :
This tour around Tarlac was made possible by Microtel by Wyndham. 







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Hiking Log : Mt. Lubog, Rizal

July 4, 2015, 6:26 pm
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Last week, I joined friends for a quick hike in Rodriguez, Rizal. With the exception of Koi Grey, who had explored the mountain a few years earlier, it was everyone's first time to this fairly new outdoor destination, Mt. Lubog. The origin of its name is unconfirmed but there's a similar word in Tagalog which means submerged, an irony for a mountain that's 955+ MASL high.  
At the trailhead of Mt. Lubog, its summit can be seen at the rightmost part of the photo
From Manila, we traveled in a  hired van and picked up some members of the group along the way. It was past 9:00 AM when we finally arrived in Barangay San Rafael in Rodriguez where we  had to transfer to motorbikes. The barangay hall is beside the public market where you can buy some food and water. A few blocks away is a bakery and just across the street is an eatery where some of us grabbed breakfast.

After getting our stuff from the van, 11 of us split into three tricycles with very intriguing frames. Its front seat was made of stripped rubber while the seat at the back was just a wooden plank. There are no roof or walls like the usual tricycles I'm accustomed to seeing around the streets of Manila. 

By 9:40 AM, we were on our way to the jump-off in Barangay Puray. We were told ride would take two hours and so I braised myself for a long uneventful journey.
Wild trike ride. That's me in a purple shirt. (Photo taken by Paolo)
And was I wrong!

30 minutes into the ride, it got very exciting as we traveled on a steep dirt road. It rained the night before so it was wet and slippery on most parts. I could not count the number of times we had to go down as the trike couldn't handle the terrain with us on it. Other friends on board a separate trike had to go down twice as much as we did as their driver has not passed the route in a while so he had a little difficulty navigating on the tougher sections. 

I sat in front beside another friend which gave us a full view of the action. I felt the struggle of the tires on  parts that were quite technical and required precise maneuvering. Our bodies rocked in different directions. My hands, gripped tightly on the rope  in front of me which served as barriers so we won't fall off.  If you saw the way I held  on to this section of the bike,you'd think I was holding on the last piece of bacon on earth. :P Later on, we were advised by the drivers to just go with the thrust of the bike and not to cling too hard. 

The views as we made our way up were stunning and it truly made up all that muscle jolting we had to go through. 
One of the areas where we stopped for a break. 
Barangay Puray where we had to register is located at around 600 MASL so imagine the steep sections we had to tackle! It took nearly two hours to get there including all the time we stopped for a break and hopped in and out of the bike whenever it got stuck. 

After registering, we traveled another 45 minutes. By the time we reached the jump-off, some of us were already tired and we snacked on bignay and grapes before we started our hike. 

The start of the trek was on a small hill where wild grasses grew abundantly. Yellow flowers, which looked like little sunflowers where everywhere, complimenting the color of the sky which was as blue as the ocean. 

The entire hike was relatively easy. The trail was just occasionally steep  and it only got challenging when we had to pass  over slippery sections. I glanced frequently on the ground as there were a lot of rocks and branches. 

What was particularly amusing about this route are the huge rock formations that can be seen almost the entire way. This was the first time I've seen such trail. Foliage is thick, enormous trees that stretch to the sky can also be seen. For a nature-lover like me, seeing all these was gratifying enough. 
one of the enormous rock formations can be seen all the way to the peak.
After 90 minutes hiking on a relaxed pace, we arrived at the summit. I could hear my companions who were in front exclaiming what a beautiful sight it was.  When I emerged from the trail and finally saw the summit,  I too was impressed. 

Limestone rock formation covered the summit. It is clean and fortunately, no vandals on the rocks. I hope it stays the same way. There is no flat ground so we each picked a spot, joking and giving names to the boulders which can only fit one person. 
Vinci at Mt. Vinci :P 
The summit has a great view of the Sierra Madre, the Philippines' longest mountain range stretching from the province of Cagayan Valley to Quezon. With its size, it comprises 40% of the country's forest cover. (Info from conservation.org)

We took a lot of time ingesting the view since the hike was just quick and we badly needed to recharge ourselves for the motorbike ride back to Barangay San Rafael. :P I was not looking forward to it. 

Group shot at the summit.
(Bottom : L-R) Vinci Berris, Cynthia  Sy and Paolo Gedalanga
(Top : L-R) Gideon Lasco, Julian Canero, Me , Jeshua Sales, Brent Tan, Carlo Cunanan, Ivan Cultura and Koi Grey
Photo from Carlo Cunanan
As this is a short hike, other side trips can also be done to maximize the travel. Lubog cave is along the trail. It is located at the first rest area and can be explored in 15 minutes. You can also take a dip at Panintingan Falls which is 20 minutes on foot from the jump-off. Being pressed for time, we decided to skip  both places. 

The ride back to San Rafael was mostly downhill which was quicker. We only got down around  2 or 3 times when our bike got stuck in the mud. 

We washed up at the Barangay hall in San Rafael and traveled to UP Town Center in Quezon City for a hearty early dinner. Even if the hike was short and easy, the bike ride was even more challenging. My back and arms were sore and I felt as though we hiked the entire day. 

The newly-opened branch of Kyochon has an attentive and welcoming staff.  Considering we ordered around 60 pieces of wings and drumsticks (all spicy, gah!) and 3 salads, service time was quick too. Hehe! 
at Kyochon UP Town Center. Group photo courtesy of Carlo Cunanan
Chicken coating was crunch and tasty, its flavor extended to its meat. It's delicious albeit too spicy for my taste. The rice is quite memorable too - it's fluffy and moist - exactly the way I want it. :) After consuming an obscene amount of chicken, I haven't craved for chicken since (it's been a week since that hike and I still don't feel like eating chicken :P).  
Hike Details :
A copy of the itinerary is available in Gideon's blog, Pinoy Mountaineer (click here). Thank you for inviting me to this memorable adventure Gid! :) 

Expenses : 
We paid 1,100 Pesos each for the trip inclusive of van rental, guide and registration fees. Visit Pinoy Mountaineer for details on getting here via public transpo. 

Gears & Supplies :
- You can wear a sandals with good traction for this hike but do watch out for tree roots and sharp rocks on the trail
- My water supply for this trip was around 1.2 ML (750 ML water, 500 ML Gatorade). 
- Trail Food & Lunch : slices of zucchini (half), peanuts 
- bring a cap and/or bandana as protection against the sun and dust during the motorbike ride
- Don't forget to bring a first aid kit and a  headlamp (may be needed for caving)

Acknowledgements : 
Thanks to Brent Tan, a new friend from Trail Adventours for organizing everything and to  blogger Leeisure for the helpful details she posted which helped me decide on what to pack for the hike. Her account on Mt. Lubog is here.

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