Travel Journal 14-002: Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island: Braving the waves of the Quezon!
 
I was riding on on my usual morning travel to the office when I received an SMS from my girl's workmate, asking if I'm interested to join their planned Quezon travel. Hmmm that's quite interesting, but I dunno yet my girl's decision on this as she was already catching her dreams after her usual night shift in a BPO company. I responded with a safe answer saying " I will go if she will go :)".  Then, it's a usual day.

Soon, I received a message from my girl saying she already booked ourselves to the Quezon trip. The information given to me were limited and I only knew when and how long we will be going, but it's good enough to give me excitement as I know I'll be hitting the road again soon. However, the itinerary bothered me as I have to be at the Asia's largest mall by 5am on the scheduled date. Knowing that, my girl suggested if I can ask her workmate who resides near the mall to let me sleep on his boarding house for some hours, but it seems that my usual heavy workload saved me. So, it has a positive side after all :p

It was already two days before our scheduled when my teammates have agreed to have an overnight work due to our backlogs created by system change, upgrades and modifications as a result of legal split up of my company. I was already confused on how I will strategize my trip, when sudden changes made a favorable situation. We will have an overnight work at Friday, the day before our trip.

Friday came, the overnight work was tiring but quite fun, as while working, we entertain ourselves with stories that turned us laughing all night. Then time has come to go. I was already bit tired as I leave the office, but since I learned that our trip includes Cagbalete island, my excitement have beaten the stress.

As I met my thoughtful girl who brought me a breakfast(oohh sweet ^^), I hasten to the changing room and get me a more comfortable clothes. Then we left fast! Cagbalete, here we come!!  The team are all energetic, our service van is full of noise until we got to Sto. Tomas. They are fast asleep, I was not! Oh oh, I can see the future.

It has no traffic in general that made our trip better, but what made our organizer worried was not the traffic jam, but the waves going to the Cagbalete island as informed to her by her relatives. Imagining the waves that I faced back in my Anawangin Cove con Capones Island trip gave me a chill knowing that my girl is with me. But worry not, as she said to as that we will assess once we arrived, if it's feasible or not before continuing.

Touched down! We reached the Mauban. We stopped by a local store to try one of the Quezon Province's pride, the "Pansit Hab-hab". Hmmmm tastes good! Team were not just enslaved by the taste of the latter, but also amazed by the skill of the store owner that just flips everything from serving to wrapping. Then, we continued our journey.

Not too far, we reached our destination, our organizers home place, within less an hour. We settled down a bit and walk by the bay. Wohooo!! The waves aren't too friendly, though it's nothing compared to my Anawangin experience.  Manageable, I think. But, the first timers are too frightened as the waves looks like swallowing a boat not far from the bay. Let's see....

We headed back to the place of our organizer to take our lunch. It was a sumptuous meal, so forget the diet(though I never been into it haha), and say "harabira!!". What comes after a nice meal? Ofcourse, it's the "baboy syndrome"s 2nd stage, sleeping time!hihi. We took a nap and hoped that the waves will get a little bit friendly afterwards. Yeah, it never happened! But, worry not, as I believe the travel won't be that dangerous though expect a bumpy ride.

Time to leave for the Cagbalete island. We packed our things on a large plastic bag and take tricycles. Then, a symbol of blessings, lots of it, came from the sky. It's raining hard! Wohooo!! I'm already chilling as we reached the mini port. Good thing, the rain stopped before we took our boat. It's already bumpy right from the start and it can make you drowsed if you're not used to it. Then, the boat left the mini port.

At first, the waves made us feel like we are in a see-saw. The view were nice, but I can't bring out my cam to take a shot as every high waves causes a splash that can wet almost everybody!(It's a saltwater, I won't take a risk even my water-resistant-phone). Then, we reached the middle of our destination, where the boat begins to dance. I thought my girl will be afraid, but it's the opposite, she's enjoying. WT! haha. What made me worried is when I felt that the long chair we are sitting rocks sidewards. I was too worried that either one the girls sitting at the side of the chair can get thrown outside and others can get a painful hit by something in the boat, if the chair totally collapsed. Good thing, we passed the great waves, and the Cagbalete island started to slowly emerge in our front. Soon, we're almost at the shore. The boat stopped despite it's still too far from the shore, it can't dock, the beach is too shallow. One of the boat jumped at the water and swam to the anchored flat boat. He pulled it closer while walking in a chest-deep-water. We then, transferred to the latter which brought us closer to the island.
 
At the island, we took our snack, "pansit" again? Haha. Then, our usual syndrome attacks, sleeping time!
Then, most of us got up when it's about dinner, you guys really act like your syndrome haha. Unfortunately, this time, my stress struck me. I was not feeling well as I head to the table and take the dinner.

I headed back to the room fast after taking the dinner and brushing my teeth. My worried girl, laid beside me and has slept before. Hey, who's sick? lol. Then, we missed the whole night of fun.

Morning came, and I'm fully recharged! The sun hasn't spread his mighty rays yet when we got up. I took the opportunity to take shots before the lights came up. Then, it's sunrise! We headed to the middle of the sands of the dried sea caused by low tide and took some pictures. Then, head back for breakfast.

After breakfast is a free time. Lots of us took the opportunity to take a dip. We then, take our lunch and pictorials haha, before going back to the organizer's place. The waves were still not too friendly, but the boat can barely feel it as we are heading towards the same directions as the waves.

We took our clean up in the organizer's place before heading home.

BUDGET CHECK:

Sorry unable to provide much cheaper and detailed, as we placed our contribution at around Php 2,300.00 including transportation to and from Pasay, Resort entrance, Lunch, pm snack and dinner for the first day, breakfast, am snack, lunch and pm snack in the 2nd day, cottage, all fees, boat fare, etc.

Travel Journal 14-001: Mt. Maculot

Mt. Maculot: As if I am new...

It's been a while since I blogged my journeys, even my last few travels in the year 2013 were not recorded in this what I called great wall of mine. Well, I blame it all to the stressful responsibilities that kept me busy and exhausted every day, leaving no space to write. Good thing, I got a little ease. Not to mention that it's my will that convinced me to do this despite of short rests at night given by the mentioned li'l ease.

It was almost half a year when I last experienced visiting our Mother Nature's side through mountaineering. I was very tied up with the heavy work loads that I almost forgot to listen to my traveler side. Well, not totally! As each time I got too much exhausted, my feet itches. And so, it happened!

I was on the ground of too much exhaustion that even I was planning of doing a hike not natural to me, solo climb, when a friend of mine sent me a message via a networking site to invite for their upcoming climb, destination: Mt. Maculot via new trail. Busy with the usual loads, I tried to keep myself focus and fight the excitement knowing I have a group that I know whom I can hitch a climb. Then finally, work for the day was over. I met my girl and told her my plans. Yes! She agreed without quarrel.

The day before the climb was full of pressures, but doesn't matter to me since the excitement was all over my nerves. I was able to finish all that is required but unfortunately, it's late. Got home tired, no time to fix things, I just laid down on my bed and shut my eyes.

It's 5:00 in the morning, my alarm was banging my room, but my tired self won't bother to be distracted. Instead, I subconsciously turned it off and return to my sleep. Then, I came to my senses. It's almost 8:30 in the morning! Our call time is 10:00 am in the jumpoff, no bath, no brush, unpacked things, it's impossible! I opened up my phone and texted my girl saying I'm not too perfectly well. Then, I opened my account at a networking site to message the one who invited me(since his phone no. was not saved in mine). Told him that I just waked up and I can't afford to act like a VIP to ask them to wait for me. But then, he told me that I can still follow and we'll just meet up along the trail. My decision back then was not yet firm, the chance to have colleagues in the mountain for me now is rare and not to mention that I hate solo climbing(cause it makes me feel lonely), but I also wanted to stay and take a whole day nap. Then suddenly, the usual home stress came! Without thinking, I took my towel, sent SMS to my girl and head straight to the shower.

Packing my things: Extra clothes? Check! Headlamp? Check! Tent, poles? raincover? groundsheet? (I think I miss something) Check! Stove?Butane?Check! First aid kit! Check! Hmmm what else? (I think there something I forgot!) No more! All done, took my things and checked my phone, congratulations, you just got yourself into a LQ! Took my deep breath and left (I might gone crazy if I stayed, sorry my dear).

The travel to Turbina didn't took much time, but recalling how to go there, did! Bad example of a mountaineer! You're not doing your assignments! Good thing, I know how to ask questions. A bus steward told me to take a bus bound to Lemery which will head straight to Brgy. Poblacion, Cuenca. I was not sure if I should follow him since the last I recall, we took a ride to Lipa where we took a bus bound to the destination. No time to doubt, I took a gamble and took the first bus bound to Lemery, damn it, standing! I rolled my eyes and see if someone sitting looks like about to get off, but what I found is a pair of mountaineer. I intentionally approached them and started a conversation following the instinct of a mountaineer re: ethics, and fortunately, I discovered they are heading to same direction I have. So I gave them a little more chitchat until I finally got a sit.

It took more than two hours from my place to finally, Brgy. Poblacion of Cuenca, Batangas. Heading the same way, I decided to stick with the mentioned mountaineers on the bus. We took our lunch, then I brought some of my supplies before heading straight to the jumpoff(we dropped by to the registration ofcourse). I was back then thinking that my buddies are already by the campsite. So, I decided to stay with my new found friends even they were just taking a dayhike. Then, we hit the trails.

As we trek, I suddenly felt the toll of stress have given to me. My feet are strong enough to sustain my weight, but my lungs aren't ready to have a long journey. Every steps are not that heavy, but every breath seems a challenge that as if I'm grasping every air I can. Too ashamed with the buddies, I pushed my self to the limit and kept trekking. But it felt like that my will is not enough to keep going. The new trail of Mt. Maculot is new to me. It was harder than the old one due to loose soils and it's more exposed to the heat of the sun, which consumes much of the trekkers' energy. I stopped at the first long chair I saw, dropped my bag, and tried to calm my heartbeat. Oh no! I felt worse! I took three deep breath and slowly I felt better. Now, I'm ashamed of myself. I felt like I'm new to this passion.

As I recovered, we resumed our trek. Little by little, we took our pace. Basing my assessment to how long we trekked less the rest time, I was thinking that we barely reached half of the trek, so I hardened my will and kept pushing. To my surprise, I suddenly heard my name not far above. He was one of my college classmates from Letran-Calamba, and he is with the group. I scanned the surroundings, and found out that we are already in the entrance of the cogon area (or should I say used to be, since it's much lesser dense than before, plus more huts/store).  The excitement filled me up and I regained back my strength. Glad that I finally caught up with the team, I introduced them to my new friends. We took a long rest enjoying the view of the last nipa hut until it started to get crowded. A large group arrived! Worried that the campsite might be fully occupied before we arrived, we decided to resume our trek and advance on the larger group. My new found friends decided to fasten their pace as they still want to conquer Rockies before descending. From there, we split up.

Upon reaching the campsite, the tired team laid down to the ground. Some took their nap and some took feast with their stuffed foods. Before dark falls, we set our camp and prepared our foods.

During our dinner, a mountaineer approached us and asked if their group can camp beside ours. We gave the permission, continued our meal, and head straight to socials.

Our drinks are done, my friends bid goodnight and gone to their own tents. I head to my tent that is fixed beside the other group and greeted them as I reach my tent's door. They responded and ask me to join their socials. Then, I got new more friends.

I'm already tipsy, when a large group of night trekkers arrived and ask permission if they can camp beside us. As again, we gave our permission and continued the socials.

Felt like I'm almost reaching my limit, I bid goodnight and take my rest.

As the morning came, we prepared our breakfast and head straight to the Rockies for the pictorial session. I'm still sleepy that time, that I have no energy to enjoy the pictorial and take much of pauses. Although, I took some of the pictures, most of my time in the Rockies,  I just sat on a rock and enjoyed the calming breeze brought by gentle winds.

We head back to the camp, took our breakfast, and packed our things. Then, it's descent.

The new trail is jammed by Mt. Maculot's visitors, both descending and ascending. Thus, we decided to take the old trail. It was still in pretty shape, less liter, and a little bit denser. Personally, I still do prefer the old trail, as compared to the loosed soils and exposed trail, the roots, stepping rocks and the forest itself feels much better.

Our descent was much faster than our ascent, although my friend and his girlfriend was left behind, the overall trekking time seems shorter. Well for me, the biggest challenge in the old trail was looking for a way out from the blocked part where the fork of new and old splits.

BUDGET CHECK(As of March 2014)

Fare - Bus from Buendia to Brgy. Poblacion + vice versa: Php 147.00 x 2 = Php 294.00
Fare - Tricycle from Brgy. Poblacion to Jumpoff + vice versa: Php 20.00 x 2 = Php 40.00
Food Contribution for the group: Php 200.00

Total: Php 534.00

Cavite & Batangas - Pico de Loro (Ternate-Nasugbu Traverse)

Pico de Loro (Picotrav)
Entry: DENR, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
Exit: Nasugbu-Ternate road, Brgy. Looc, Nasugbu, Batangas
664 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 3/9
Trail Class: 1-3
Trekking Time: 2-5 hours

Many people know Pico de Loro.Infact, even non-mountaineers know this mountain. Maybe because it's real beauty sounds the rumor that even the outside community can hear, or because part of it's mountain range was commercialized and named same as our destination. This have attracted many visitors, mountaineers, first-timers, enthusiasts, or even "just curious" people. Well, can't blame them! Pico de Loro indeed possesses natural beauty, easy trek, falls and astonishing view, what else could you ask for? Yeah it's really a package full, cause for some mountaineers, Pico de Loro of the Mt.Palay-palay mountain range, is not just a destination, but it is a challenge, and the same time, a key passage to even more greater challenge.

Tower called Parrot's peak is already a challenge for the mountaineers, but what lies on it's foot is a key passage, the Nasugbu trail. Key passage, yes! It serves as the key for those who aims to conquer the three mountains of Nasugbu in one go! From Pico de Loro, to Talamitam and Batulao. A great challenge and a training for those who are preparing for hardcore climbs.

Lying in the foot of the famous tower of Pico de Loro, the Nasugbu trail, offers a steep introduction. At first, it will be a long and steep descending trail, which could be risky especially during rainy days. The steepness will be lessened, as you continue, but still your feet can feel the descend until you finally reach the rolling part. Keep right as they say, but the trail sign could be trusted more. There are various forks that have right turn, but the sign clearly says "not that way"(i.e. by the river there is an ascending trail to the right, if you cross the river, but you have to follow the river, a little, to end up to the correct path). As, you continue, you will encounter a fence that you have to cross. You can climb it or climb the corner to get pass through it. Continuing, you will end up with a hut with an ascending path at it's left and a trail on it's back right across the creek that passes under the roots of a mango tree beside a big rock. Take the left, it will bring you to another fork left or right. This time, it's right! The trail there should be a well established trail, more like a rough road which leads to the shooting range that serves as the exit point.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS:

Since the centralized bus route was effected, buses now are available at Coastal mall. From there, you can take buses bound to Ternate. From Ternate, you can ride tricycle to DENR, where you can just walk to the jumpoff.

You should pre-arranged a pick up tricycle going to Nasugbu town proper at the Ternate-Nasugbu road as there are no public transportation passing by in the exit point. Yours truly have dealt with the contacts given by the people at the campsite's drinks store. From the Nasugbu town, there are bus lines heading straight to Manila.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

0400 Board the bus at Coastal Mall
0700 ETA Ternate, charter a jeep or take tricycle to DENR
0745 ETA DENR, Register
0750 Walk to the jumpoff
0755 Jumpoff, start trek
08:40 ETA Basecamp 1
11:30 ETA Summit, rest, take lunch
12:30 Start descent
15:30 ETA Shooting range
17:00 ETA Nasugbu town proper, take early dinner, take Bulalo and Lomi.
18:00 Head Home

Travel Journal 13-011: Pico de Loro (Ternate-Nasugbu Traverse)

Having a chance to revisit the famous tower of Cavite, the Mt. Palay-palay’s Pico de Loro, I opted not to say no(confusing words? I know! haha) to my highschool friend who’ve invited me to climb Mt. Arayat. This time, I will have a chance to explore the Famous Nasugbu Trilogy key passage, the Nasugbu trail of Pico de Loro. Yes, it serves as the key passage for triple hike that many mountaineers do. I will discuss this in the destination review for the Pico de Loro Ternate-Nasugbu Traverse.

As usual, it was still dark when we decided to meet. Meeting up with my highschool friend at a convenient store near our residences, he introduced me to a new face (for me) who’s joining our climb that day.

After a short intro, we headed fast to a complex subdivision, 1 hour away from the meeting point. The travel didn’t took much of the time, and even lasted just half of the usual travel time due empty street made by early travel. "Good enough", these were the words in my mind, without knowing what lies ahead. As we arrived, we then slowly realized the problem, the complex is not an early riser, Oh no! Thinking of any alternative, we have no choice but to take our chances by waiting to flyby vehicles that might pass by. But no luck at all, we are forced to go back to the center of the complex. Fortunately, upon return, we found a first trip of a jeep bound to Alabang. Finally, whew! :p. They are still filling up and the jeep wasn't even half full. Better than nothing though, we still rode the said.

After the long wait comes the cold breeze of the wind at the SLEX,( though it is not as cold as my tricycle ride when climbed Mt. Arayat), the "Brrrrr" feeling still lasted on my mind. But, I survived! Yeah! The Alabang waved it's hello. We were dropped off at the central terminal where the options emerged. We picked the van bound to Trece Martires since it's the one leaving first.

Sleeping in the travel gave me challenge since I’m really not good in sleeping onboard a van(except I’m already totally worn out). I hardly have a nap when we arrived at the first stop.

The atmosphere in Trece Martires was quite welcoming for me. Maybe because that was the same atmosphere of my mother's province, which is  an hour ride from the former. From there, we took our breakfast in a fastfood chain, have our packed lunch, and a very short break.

Next stop, Naic! So far, no problems arose even until we’ve ride a bus bound to Ternate. However, our other buddies are already waiting for us there. "No worries, just relax!" It’s what we have in our mind, but finding their waiting place gave us a challenge. It was since we have different bus line and terminal that made us confused. Funny, we had to backtrack from our bus stop then take a tricycle which dropped us few walks away from the where the bus had dropped us off. Wrong way team! Haha. No time to relax now! We finally met the other buddies. After a very short intro to those who first met, the team headed straight to the DENR via tricycle.

It's DENR! We registered, took preparation fast, and headed to the jumpoff.

It's trekking time! The trail was quite muddy, since there were a lot of rain showers in the past few days. As usual, that didn't stopped us from climbing the Pico de Loro. As expected, my pacing was quite slow due to lack of training, workouts and even climbs. This is despite the first leg of the trek is quite easy. Good thing, I am not a big log to carry.

The trek to the summit is quite long, but fun! Infact, I learned a small technique. Two of our buddies brought folding fan, which they use each time they take their rest. This helped them not to be much exhausted. Also, we have encountered a large group of mountaineers that throws some joke each time we meet in the trail.

We have reached the campsite with no casualties, "Thank God!". Unfortunately, the rewards of view were limited since there were various fogs around that blocked the view of the beautiful mountain. There were some view peeks, yet, we still can't miss the pictorial opportunities haha. Picture, pose, picture, pose, and picture & pose...  at the rocks, by the cliff, solo, and group...  Ooops, I think we almost filled our memory cards LOL. Then, we took our lunch, took some rest and bought some sodas(7-11 mountain version). Then, we headed fast to the summit.

We've reached the summit, but the view was still elusive on that day. Disappointed, I opted not to climb the tower since I thought that there will be no photo opts available there which will just disappoint me more. I conquered it once, plus the mindset of "So I have a reason to come back", were the factors that added my laziness. I assisted my buddies to let them enjoy the first time visit in the tower(One, have conquered the mountain but not the tower yet). Assisting them made me nervous, as I can their risky footings. I even almost shout "Huwag ka tumapak/kumapit dyan!". You guys, needs some  practice! whew :) . Fortunately, they managed to climb the daring tower of Pico de Loro. But suddenly, the rain started to drizzle. I was hiding under the rocks and having some more picture picture when I heard a shout requesting to assist, they are now descending the tower since it might be risky if they waited much longer. After their descent, the rain showed it's real power, the drizzles turned to a moderately strong rain. It became colder, but no time to waste, the dusk might caught us on the trail and we were all unfamiliar with the trail we are about to face.

At first, we are hesitant to the trail we've picked, since it's too steep, but it seems that it is the correct way. Decided, the team pushed, but this time real slow. Carefully, team descended a long, steep and slippery trail. It was the rain the made the trail more challenging, as the trail turned out to be muddy, thus having a firm and solid stance is elusive. It was a long way down, and every stone, roots and branches are lifeline for us. Fortunately, we managed to reach a less steep part without major injury. A buddy got a leg cramp though, but overall, were fine.

Tracking the correct path was a little bit easy, and the trail signs for almost all of the trail forks caused it. Not until, we reached a hut.

We were instructed to keep on heading right, and by following same, it gave us a confusion. On the left, a trail ascending beside the hut. On the right, a creepy trail that we decided to take. We are not that far yet, but my instinct keep saying, were wrong. Though, we keep on pushing, every distant makes  me worry. Then, were confused! It was already late afternoon, and dusk might come in an hour, when we stopped to assess.

Some of us climb a big rock, and the sound of passing vehicles points west. To the east is a dense forest. I asked them if we can back track to the hut and I will check the left path, which they agreed.

We ran back to the hut, separating the half of the group. I headed straight to the path, but climbing the trail gave me challenge, my steps are getting heavy, "Am I tired?Maybe!". Then, the top of the inclined trail, which has a trail fork. I headed right and my steps turned out very light, "Huh? Adrenaline?". My instinct keep on saying that is the correct path, so I decided to head back to the hut and shouted to my buddies that I think that is the correct one. Then, we decided to take that path.

I am right! It lead us to the jumpoff! It's almost dusk, that's why we were very relieved to see a road! There were already two tricycles waiting for us, but we really just miss concrete roads! Woooooohoooo!hehe. Picture! Picture!

No time to waste since we might miss the last trip of the bus. So we only took a little rest and a little chitchat. Then, the weird experience of the separated group while we are on the ran, was revealed. They saw a weird guy that abruptly disappeared. Goosebumps, I realized that I might not be tired taking the inclined trail and something just don't want me to see to correct path. And, the weird conversations kept rolling even we rode the tricycle heading to the town of Nasugbu.

Nothing beats a nice meal after the climb, so we feast on Batangas' famous Bulalo without worrying that the last trip of bus had left us. We have no choice but to take another tricycle heading to Tagaytay, where we took a jeep heading to Dasmarinas. From there, the group again split up going home.

BUDGET CHECK(As of July 2013)

*Fare bus from Buendia to Ternate - Php 80-100
*Fare tricycle from Ternate to DENR - Php 75.00
*Fare tricycle from Shooting Range(Nasugbu jumpoff)- Php 120.00
*Fare bus Nasugbu to Pasay - Php 150-200
*Food Contribution - Php 200.00

Total: Php 695.00

Travel Journal 13-010: Mt. Arayat (Magalang-Arayat Traverse) Dayhike

It was the instinct of a mountaineer to look for a climb, when in stress, that struck me like a lightning during that time. I was so desperate for a climb to the point that I planned of having a solo overnight camp, eventhough that I am not a fond of climbing solo. Fortunately, a friend from highschool has sent me a SMS inviting me for a dayhike in Mt. Arayat via Magalang trail traverse to Arayat trail. An immediate yes was the answer! But as the climb comes near, appointments and responsibilities flooded my mind. Good thing, I managed to overcome them one day before the scheduled climb.

I've never been to Mt. Arayat and the fact that I was already eying for a climb to that mountain are the big factors that made my decision final despite my stress level have subsided before the climb.

Friday midnight is the call time! Coming from the office, I arrived home late at around 10 in the evening. I never had time for packing my things yet due to busy week, thus, I end up cramming. Hastily, I packed my things and filled up my water containers. Done! All things ok, I think so. I left the house looking haggard( tired from work and travel back home, nails of both hands and feet untrimmed, wrinkled clothes, unwashed sandals..imagine?haha), and arrived the assembly point earlier than my friend. Hungry, I decided to fill my tummy in a 24hr-fastfood-chain in the area while waiting.

I'm almost finish with my meal when my friend arrived. I bought a burger, then we headed to Cubao where I met a familiar face, the 3rd member of our team. I met her in our Tarak Ridge dayhike with the same friend I'm with, the 21k finisher as they boast/joke. Then, we waited for some minutes for the 4th and 5th teammate but received a call that they can't come so, we stretched out and take our walk to look for a bus bound north that will stopover in San Fernando. Funny, we have to look for other terminals without knowing that the assembly point dispatches a bus with a route we are looking for. Then it's travel time, "Nga-nga!hehe".

We arrived in San Fernando, Pampanga some minutes (or should I say almost an hour?) before dawn. After asking with some locals, we learned that the first trip of jeeps enroute to Magalang will arrive and leave the terminal at around 8 in the morning, thus, we decided to spend some time at a convenient store nearby.

After some chitchats and ice cream party (LOL), we decided to try to look for free flung or those jeeps that don't stops at terminal, but failed, so we decided to take a tricycle even it has a higher price. I took the backseat which afterwards I realized, it's a wrong decision. The cold breeze of the morning plus the speed of the tricycle made me chill, "brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". Yes, that long!haha. The whole 1 hour travel chilled me that I think I almost freeze!LOL. I have a jacket but I can't get it in my bag, since I might lose my balance. But that's not all, I have hard time having a comfortable seat since there are no steps for backseats (Oh men my legs almost cramp haha). Good thing, we arrived at Magalang and I survived the cold ride whoooh!

In Magalang, we took our breakfast before heading to the jumpoff via another tricycle, that time I asked my friend if he can ride backseat. Then, it's jumpoff! We took our usual prayers before pushing on.

The trekking starts with a figure of the station of the cross. There are also a number of mountain bikers that enjoys the view wherein they turned back once the road ends. The road is quite inclined, maybe that's another reason for their visit.

As we left the bikers, the trail goes a little rough, yet it's inclination continues. A nice warm-up I should say! Pushing on, is a small hut where registration took place. We have a minute chitchat with the caretaker before we resumed our trek, wherein at first, the excitement to be with the nature again prevails, but as we continue, more problems emerged.

The trail splitted to two direction, one leads to another station, and another that leads to a denser place of forest. We thought that the trail leading to another station is the correct one, that's why we turned to the said direction. Good thing, the road was blocked after some minutes of trek. We easily backed track and realize the direction in the net, "follow the electric posts". Then my problems begin emerging. I realized that my cramming leads to a non-prepared climb. Yes, non-prepared! No practice and no proper gear. I left my armsleeves leaving me no choice but to endure the sharpness of the bushes and cogon grasses ahead, but that's not all, the heat of the sun felt like it's burning specially when you forgot your cap. But onion skin, I am not so this doesn't matter much.

As we continue, the mosquitoes were very nuissance for the team. At first, I don't mind those little flying stuff cause all I can feel are the pain from scratches made by the bushes. But as we push, I slowly got irritated since they fly even when we trek and worse, they fly near my mouth when I breath fast due to tiredness which made me engulf some of them accidentally, causing my breathing blocked for some seconds. Yes, I almost choke! But with persistence, we managed to reach the viewdeck, a site where a small tower and a settlement for some military personnel.

It has no clearing when we reach the viewdeck. But so, we still have some pictures and have a very long rest to one of the seats there. The mosquitoes are still present and I now recognize their bites as another annoying thing. We waited if there will be clearing and the view will shows up. But we failed, instead we persisted to push to the planned traverse. A military personnel warned us that there are some confusing part that we should be wary, before he pointed the trail to our next destination.

The trail we faced was long, steep and slippery, but we still enjoyed it as it is more technical and according to my highschool friend, a different type compared to the ones we have passed. Then it's ridge line.

At first, it is a smooth trekking, the trail is clear and trail signs were present every 15-20 steps, then the most memorable part of our trek! We came to a stop at a trail beside big rocks, the trail becomes blur and the last trail sign was around 100 steps behind. Recalling the tips of the army personnel, we came to the thinking of the phrase that we have to go deep down on the rockside. Then, it's a long slippery descend without noticing it is a wrong turn. You read it right, wrong turn! The trail is very slippery and steep making it look like a no turning back. We continued until the trail looks like it's not a trail anymore. We stopped to think and decided to backtrack in some side of the trail since going back to the same path is not possible. Then the challenge came. As one of the team steps to a tree where rocks are tucked. The said rocks with half a life size started to roll down! Sizes that will surely kill you the moment it hit you. Tension arrised! The team decided to avoid the rocks seems they are not dependable anymore. We have to bushwack some thorny plants to find a way that will connect us back to the original trail we've been. With some prayers, cautions and determination. We are able to find back the old trail. It seems that is is a blessing, since as we arived back at the last trail sign, we saw another group of mountaineers heading for a traverse. They pointed out the correct path which we followed, but we rest shortly due exhaustion.

It like a smooth sailing as we follow the trail. Trail signs are available like before, the trail is very visible, and it continued until we reached the white rock. There were views there, but I'm already saving up my energy knowing it still a long way to South, North Peak and Arayat jumpoff, making me in no mood to shoot. Then we continued. It is a deep descend from the Whiterock(this is the correct deep descend) going to the trail connecting to South Peak. The technical trail now emerge. Good thing, no more confusing trails, making a smooth sailing through the North Peak where we had a long rest.

We resumed our trek and decided to descend down to the Arayat trail where it seems to us that it's a never ending trail. Maybe were already exhausted or it's really that long, I dunno. What I know is I felt that no matter how much I keep on pushing the view still says "you're still far!". Forutnately, we managed to get out of the forest before it gets dark. But unfortunate in return, we encoutered the "wise" tricks of the locals there. 

We took our dinner at an eatery near a mall in San Fernando. The quest for "Tocino" and "Papaitan" turns out to an unsatifactory dinner. Lucky enough, I can still say, we still got home safe and sound.

BUDGET CHECK (As of July 2013)

*Bus from Cubao to San Fernando Php 102.00 Back and forth = Php 204.00

*Not sure about the jeep to Magalang cause we have a tricycle at Php 300.00 since we arrived there too early. I think it's approximately Php 35.00

*Tricycle to Brgy. Ayala Php 20.00 (Php 60.00 per tricycle)

*Tricycle from Bano de San Juan to jeep stop Php 20.00
*Jeep to Bus terminal Php 25.00
*Food contribution Php 200.00

Total: Php 504.00

Pampanga - Mt. Arayat (Magalang-Arayat Traverse)

Mt. Arayat (Artrav)

Entry: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga
Exit: Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano de San Juan, Arayat, Pampanga
1,030 MASL
Difficulty: Major 5/9
Trail Class: 1-4
Trekking time: 7-8 hours

 Traversing Pampanga's Mt. Arayat is one of the most challenging dayhike in Central Luzon. This is due annoying abundance of mosquitoes & flies, the aridness of Magalang trail that can be felt during a sunny day, length of  the trek, and the confusing part can lead you to a dangerous trail. Yours truly have experienced being lost for 2 hours and have encountered falling  rocks half a size of an average adult. Nevertheless, this is just a one point lost and one thing to prevent this is by "looking around". The trail signs should be consistent, and once you noticed it's absence, better have a little back track.

It is a more advisable to take the Magalang trail as an entry point, since it is easier to descend from military camp to White rock and from White rock to South Peak, but if you are looking for challenge, go ahead nobody's gonna stop you(^^,).

The Magalang trail begins with a station of the cross, and it could be your first guide. Although, there is a forks that leads to another station, that might bring you to a wrong path. This means you'll need a  next guide, it can be the electric post. It leads up until the "view deck" where a some military personnel stays. A long path, well exposed to the sun, and mosquito infested trail will face you, if you follow same. From the view deck, it will be a steep descent, and it could be very slippery during rainy weather. Although, there are a lot of trees that can be your support. Then, it's ridge line, where the presence of trail signs should begin. You will be a little off the ridge and continuing will be the tricky part. You may overlook the next trail sign if you keep your heads down, as you have to climb the rocks to continue, or it will lead you to the sides of the rocks where yours truly got lost. Then, you're back to the long ridge line up to the White Rocks. In the White Rocks,  you can have views if you climb the rocks on both sides. Continuing, you'll have to descend all the way down to reach the next trail. Vines are tied up at a small tree, so you can rapel. The trail now to the South Peak. There is not much of view there, as compared to the next peak that you can reach if you keep pushing, the North Peak. From there, it is just some minutes from the campsite which connects the two trails, Magalang and Arayat. Now, it's a long way down via Arayat trail.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

You may take buses bound to north esp. bound to Tarlac as they pass through SM San Fernando where you can take either jeepneys or tricycle to Magalang town proper. From Magalang town proper, take tricycle to Brgy. Ayala.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

03:00 Take bus to Tarlac
04:30 ETA SM San Fernando, jeeps could not be available yet at that time so take tricycle
05:30 ETA Magalang Town Proper, take breakfast
06:30 Head to Brgy. Ayala
07:00 ETA Jumpoff, start trek
10:00 ETA viewdeck
11:00 ETA Whiterock
12:00 ETA Southpeak, take lunch
13:00 Resume trek
13:30 ETA Northpeak
17:00 ETA Brgy. Bano, head to Arayat National Park, Wash out
18:00 Head to SM San Fernando
18:30 ETA SM San Fernando, take early dinner
19:30 Head Home

*Take note that the suggestion is a dayhike, it could be hard to bring large packs at the traverse in descending the white rock plus the mosquitoes. But again, the 2 day IT is not impossible.

Pampanga - Mt. Arayat

Mt. Arayat 
Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano de San Juan, Arayat, Pampanga
1030 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 3/9
Trail Class: 2-3
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

A traveler heading north can see a sole wrench-top-like-mountain at the right side while on the NLEX. It is located in the Province of Pampanga, the Mt. Arayat.

Mt. Arayat is a sole mountain accessible in the Province. It was already living in a myth like it's CALABARZON counterpart, Mt. Makiling, before it was discovered as a mountaineering destination. Yes, the Mt. Arayat was part of a legend saying these two were sisters. Both a powerful fairy that lives in a mountain. Also, like Mt. Makiling, the ordinary hike is a minor climb, but traversing the mountain will elevate it's level into a major climb.

Trekking Mt. Arayat could be quite challenging, as the first leg of the climb will be an exposed trail. Then as you continue, you will be facing a trail with a largely grown bushes and cogon esp. during rainy days. From there, the ascend begins and it will continue up to the summit. You will rarely find a flat trail, but fear not, the confusion and lost is a rare chance since the trail is very visible and some signs were present.

Mt. Arayat is an inviting destination since it is very challenging and good for a training/preparation climb. However, there are some nuisance that you must be ready to face in climbing the said mountain. The Arayat National Park that serves as the jump-off for Arayat trail is a home for a "wise" people(I opted to use a positive word), as all requests and questions comes with a price. Also, the abundance of mosquitoes and flies could be annoying, so prepare accordingly.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

You may take buses bound to north, esp. Tarlac since they passes SM San Fernando where you can secure a ride to Arayat National Park.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

 Day 1

10:30 Assembly time
11:00 Depart to Pampanga, take bus
12:00 ETA SM San Fernando, take lunch, buy supplies
13:00 Head to jumpoff
13:30 ETA Jumpoff, register
18:00 ETA Campsite, set camp, head to viewing deck for pictures
18:30 Back to campsite, prepare dinner
19:30 Dinner, Socials

Day 2

05:00 Wake up call, prepare breakfast
06:00 Breakfast
06:30 Breakcamp
07:00 Start descend
10:00 ETA Jumpoff, wash out at Arayat Nat'l Park
11:00 head to SM San Fernando
11:30 ETA SM San Fernando, lunch
12:30 Head back home

Batangas - Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach

 Batangas is home for lots of beaches, and what is good at it? It is just two hour ride from Manila, thus, making it a popular spot to visit, not just during summer but even offseasons. From whitesand beaches to popular diving spots, name it and you can have it! Although not much as beautiful and as popular as Boracay Island, it's long shoreline that lies from the boundary of Cavite (Nasugbu) to the boundary of Quezon (San Juan), still boast such beauty. And one of them is Matabungkay Beach of Lian, Batangas.

A little bit offwhite with regards to the sand, the calmness of the water is a perfect feature it offers. It's sand is finer than those in Laiya and although there not much of the facilities for some of the resorts, there are still some boatmen that offer a ride for a low price for a snorkeling of around half an hour.

Aside from the sunset, the view of islands and mountains nearby can also be seen from the beach, thus, a thumbs up for a Nature lover.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

From Pasay/Cubao, there are buses that is bound to Nasugbu. Take them to Nasugbu where you can take buses to Matabungkay. Now, it depends on the resort you will be taking. Some may require you another ride, a tricycle maybe, but some are already along the road.

Travel Journal 13-009: Matabungkay Beach

I'm on the way home from the office, when I received an invitation from my cousin who is residing in Tagaytay. She will be celebrating her birthday at a beach in Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas. She said it will be just a whole day affair for the coming Saturday thus, I have nothing to worry if I have an appointment or a date in Sunday. This made me say "yes I will come" so easily.

When I arrived home, I found out that my mother and my siblings are already preparing for it excitedly. Aha! My budget is in danger! :p. Fortunately(I won't be paying their fares hahaha), they decided that they will be spending their Friday night at our Grandmother's house in Indang, Cavite since the call time in Tagaytay is too early.

The Friday has came, I arrived late at home as usual. My mother and my siblings are already gone for the two-hour ride to Indang, Cavite. I prepared my stuff and set my phone's alarm at 3 hours earlier for the call time, budgeting 1 hour for preparation and stuff rechecking plus two hour trip. Unfortunately, my tired body didn't responded much in the alarm, instead, I woke up an hour before the call time. Oh no!! For a moment, it took me sometime to decide, whether I will just head straight to Lian, which I am not familiar yet or just stay at home. No, I gave a word, so I will come. I sent a message to my mom and my cousin telling them that I will just follow them. I then hastily did my preparations and left the house within half an hour.

 As I rode a jeepney going to Sta. Rosa Complex, I was recalling the picture of the Google map when I was scanning the said for a round trip before. As I remember, Lian is somewhere southwest from Calamba, between Nasugbu and Lemery, Batangas. And I was right, my cousin told me to take a bus going to Nasugbu where I can take another ride for Lian.

As I arrived at the Sta. Rosa Complex, I saw a van bound to Lemery. I asked the driver if his route includes Nasugbu, but he asked me back where I am heading. Knowing my destination, he then suggested me to take his ride and he will be dropping me at Lian Public Market where I can take a bus going to Matabungkay. And, I did.

I arrived in Lian approximately two and half hours from Sta. Rosa Complex. From there, I asked the locals where I can ride a bus going to Matabungkay since it is the tip of the van driver. They discouraged me to take a bus instead, the locals suggested me to have a short walk to the Public market where a jeep terminal is located. They said that if I took a bus, I will just drop me at the intersection going to Matabungkay, and I still have to take a tricycle. But, if a take a jeep in the market terminal, I will drop me exactly to the front of the resort I was looking for. This made me decide to follow them. I reached the market and rode a jeep where almost all of the passengers know each other. Yeah! A province thing, a close-tie for all neighbors.

As the jeep leaves, my mom and cousins are already worried if I were able to navigate the place. Fortunately, the answer is yes. I was able to navigate, without a sweat haha!

Then, it's feast! The long travel hungers me. And it's revenge! Time to celebrate my cousins birthday. Swim, swim, eat and swim!

It's past dawn when we left the resort. We rode two chartered jeeps on going back to Tagaytay. My family have decided to take the one who's driver is living in Indang, Cavite. But seems that my luck runs out that night. The jeep we took got a problem. The driver said, the filter ( I dunno, I am very bad at auto mechs), which cause us travel in a very slow pace. In fact, in steep roads, the jeep's engine has a tendency to shutdown. 

We arrived in Tagaytay at almost 10, making me decide to spend my night in our grandmother's place in Indang.

See Photos in Facebook

BUDGET CHECK (As of May 2013)

^^Pls take note that this budget is based from my original destination, as this time, I have no idea of how much will be the fare if coming from Mega Manila.

*Fare at Van from Sta. Rosa to Lian Php 150.00, Fare jeep to Matabungkay Php 28.00.
*Resort entrance/cottage/food-around Php 2,000.00-9,000.00 per group

Total (Average price): Php 5,000.00

Travel Journal 13-008: Mt. Romelo

It was of one my friend's wedding when we again met the outdoor group that is closest to our, a group that became more active after we linked our chain of friends. From there, a plan was formed, finally, another climb with them. It's been a long time since I met them in the trail, or should I say even not, as we rarely have joined their climb. Also, our busy days have started for more than a year now, making our outdoor activity  subside to almost none, thus, our group rarely climb together. But since then, my heart as outdoor person started to be excited again, though a long trip out of populated city can already give me fun, one can't disagree that fun is much better with friends, eh? :).

 At first, I thought that the plan won't come into a realization cause of the low turn out of participants since majority of them have commitment at the same day. But luckily, my hope didn't disappoint me, we still decided to persist the said, picking Mt. Romelo as the official destination.

Mt. Romelo have been famous for thievery against it's campers, mountaineer or tourist. Yes, maybe because it is already popular, not just for mountaineers but also for some first timers tourists/campers, makes the thieves of the said destination active. As a precaution, I opted not to bring much valuables, except ofcourse for my budget. Packed, I left the house a lot earlier than the group's call time to meet up with my groupmate first who will also be joining the climb. The pack I carry then since to be missing something, but there is none. I just miss my camera I named Holy, as I always bring him with me since I got him, everytime I go outdoor.

Few minutes of travel, I arrived at the meet up point, the city's terminal center. My friend, hasn't arrived yet, but I was expecting he'd come earlier since I was caught in traffic created by the road block since a bridge in our area is being repaired. After few minutes, I decided to give him a call and  learned that we was also caught in the same traffic. I was not just the route that the jeepney I rode have taken, but also other routes have been jammed due to the volume of vehicles, looking for alternative routes. But luckily, my wait didn't lasted long, as he was just some minutes away.

After meeting up, we then go straight to south where we are to meet other buddies.

After more than an hour of travel, we've reached Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From there, we received a call that we have to wait long since our buddies have miscalculated the travel time. And, we did! But, it's not a matter for us. To my surprise, they also didn't bring any camera. Then we decided to do our markets at Siniloan where we also have to meet one final buddy. We took, our lunch then head fast to Siniloan.
 
It was already late afternoon when we reached Siniloan. After our markets, our buddy arrived which signals the "Let's go" stuff.

It's jumpoff, we took the registration and haste to the trek. The first leg of Mt. Romelo a.k.a Buruwisan, is an abrupt ascend. No warm ups, the unpracticed me breathes heavily that I have to stop every 30-40 steps. Fortunately, the rolling trail begun afterwards. I am no longer a stranger to Mt. Romelo's trail as it is already my third there, but I still noticed my pace have slowed much, not to mention that my pack have gone lighter due absence of my camera, Holy.

Slow might I, yet I still managed not to be the very tail of the group.  Slowly, the group took their pace. We were some distances apart, but we kept each other not too far.  Every seat is a rest opportunity as we trek. Good thing, we came in late afternoon, that we don't have to problem the exhausting heat of the sun as some parts of the trail is well exposed. There are some occasional ascends which proves that my not so strong lungs needs more practice. Soon, the final ascend before the rolling trail that connects to descending trail to the campsite. With average pace, we managed to reach the campsite before dusk.

It's campsite! We've set our camp before cooking our dinner. Yes, socials is essential!(LOL), thus, the never ending shots also begun that night.

When the morning came, we cooked our breakfast and kept them first for a short trek to the falls down the site, the Buruwisan Falls and not far from it, the Lanzones Falls. After some dip and picture sessions, we headed back to our camp and took our breakfast.We took a short break, then headed to Batya-batya falls. The trail to it is more challenging than the trail of the other two falls, as you have to cross some deep part of the river or climb a steep trail on it's side. Unfortunately, I'm not a swimmer, thus no option but to take the side trail. Soon, another challenge came up, a chest-deep-river must be cross. We still managed to cross, but the non-swimmers were stuck the moment we reached the Batya-batya as going near to it requires swimming to it's deep basin. After some minutes, we then head back to the camp where the socials again begun while cooking our lunch.

After the lunch were prepared, we paused our sessions to take the lunch, then continued it after the meal. We took the luxury of dipping in the river while drinking the alcohol, before we packed our stuff to head home. It is almost the same time of ascending when we decided to ascend. It didn't took much of a challenge but as I assist the girls in our group that left behind, we took a confusing trail somewhere near the jumpoff, making us exit in a different trail. As we reach the registration area, our buddies have taken their break already.

(No photos for this travel, since as mentioned earlier no one brought their camera. Photo available here is a photo of an anonymous person from the net).

BUDGET CHECK (As of May 2013).

*From Cubao, my friends paid a fare of around Php 140.00-150.00 going to Sta. Cruz. Then an approximately Php 35.00 to Siniloan, the tricycle might cause a Php 150.00 - 200.00 per trip, thus Php 40.00 each.

*Meal again can be subdivided to group for around Php 200.00 each.

Total: Php 650.00.