Taiwan 101 - Guide to Visiting Taiwan

Taiwan is a Republic of China but has it's own government (facebook is also allowed), it is a pretty progressive country. Unlike the Phillipines (where Im from), it doesn't boast of a white powdery beach, but it does have beautiful beaches with deep-blue hues and a surfing paradise, scenic mountains and of course the ever romantic sunrises and sunsets (these are everywhere right?). According to a lady I met there, Taiwan is even more beautiful in the winter (because I can wear boots to my hearts content) and in the Spring because like Japan it has cherry blossoms.

This is one famous Tourist destination in the Northern part of Taiwan - Yehliu Geopark

Last August I visited Taiwan intially to climb a mountain but when that plan did not materialize I planned on visiting Penghu Island but then I didn't do that either because I didn't think I had enough time (and money), I took their promotional travel brochures and went to the South because I always wanted to behold sunsets and according to them the most beautiful one is in the South.

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Sunset in Kenting (South), not an excellent photo because I took it from a bus and you can see the reflections.

Here are the five things you need to know to Navigate Taiwan even if you have no idea where to go.

• Free Wifi

That's right, the city is really connected and if you are a tourist they will give you free access to the each city's Wifi. You can get the password at the Tourist Information while other Cities like Kaoshiong does not require one.

Here's a photo of me and the bike I rented in Kaoshiong along the Love River

• Bikes

One way to save up on your Taiwan trip is taking advantage of their bike rental programs. The rental process varies from every cit. In Kaoshiong Bikes are rented by the Government and the first hour is free, you do not have to buy their City's Easy Card (the one you can siwpe at train stations, buses and stores) as you can use your credit card. In Kenting, establishments rent  Bikes and they require cash while in Taipei they said that you have to use the City's issued Easy Card.

• Tourist Information

This is where you can talk to someone who can surely converse with you in English and ask for help/instructions. Their crew are really helpful and will advise you on the right thing to do if you ask them, like choosing where to go next or choosing which one to visit.

Locker differs in every Station as to the price and sizes.

• Lockers

Train stations in Taiwan have lockers at reasonable prices so if you are planning on dropping by a city and spend the night on a bus ride to another city the locker is of great help to make your journey more pleasurable. Don't worry if you are taking the bus, bus stations are located just next to a train station unless the city doesn't have trains yet - these cities are those that are on the southernmost part usually past Kashiong, like in Kenting. The key as always is ask.

Taipei Main Station, ain't it big?

• Train Stations

Train Stations are your safe haven when traveling to Taiwan, even with very few locals able to speak in English it is easy to navigate if you get help from the right place - the Train station. This is where you can access the Free Wifi and find the Tourist Information Center (they open at 9:00 and closes at 18:00) where you can find someone who can speak English and give you directions including what specific bus to ride, where and how far is the walk and where you can rent a bike. This is where you can browse for travel brochures and choose where to go if you haven't planned your trip, plus it can serve as your nearby mall to do your last minute shopping.

Here's my unsolicited advice,

There are destinations where you can only get to by either walking or riding a bike from the train/bus station unless you ride a taxi and Taxis in Taiwan are very expensive so make sure to get a detailed direction from the information center because unlike the Philippines they don't have those jeepneys and tricycles that takes to your specific destination.

When choosing whether to take the bus or the train you need to consider whether you want to be fast or save up on the fare. Always ask which is cheaper and how long the trip will be, though in some cities some destinations are only reachable by a train and at times just by the bus (southern part).

The PMS Lake of Mt. Kanlaon has taken me aback so I wrote the two paragraphs below.

Taiwan Visa Application (for Filipinos)

I was really kind of wondering about what it really takes to get a visa because I haven't gotten one in my previous Asian travels. I was afraid too, that maybe they won't let me in but thankfully they did.

I googled like crazy on how to get one because I didn't want my tickets forfeited, some say its easy, some say its not. Well, it actually depends on your situation. I'd say visit a couple of Asian countries first, if you haven't had a visa for US, Canada, Australia, UK and those other wealthier countries. Still it is not impossible to get one even though you haven't been outside the Philippines because at the end of the day it depends on the consul's judgement.

The important thing you have to establish is that you are coming back, so a stable job most likely will get you to Taiwan. Adding the permission to Leave from your company to the COE adds to your chances. If you are a student, you'r school's certificate of admission can get you a long way.  Make sure to also provide a bank certificate to show that you can afford your trip.

Taiwan Embassy is located in Makati at the RCBC plaza, the complete address is this:
41F Tower RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Below are the steps and requirements to get a Taiwan Visa.

• Visit their form on this link: https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_MRVWeb/subroot/MRVWeb0_form.jsp

The embassy's main website however is this : http://www.roc-taiwan.org/mp.asp?mp=1

• Fill-out the application form thoroughly, keep in mind that you have to put something on the address for Taiwan box even if you haven't booked a hotel yet, put in the address of the hotel/hostels that you want to book (there are a lot at Hostelworld.com). They only have a box for the given name, but be warned, it should also include your middle name that your application form will have your name exactly as it is shown on your passport.
• After submitting the form it will inform you of the time frame where you can still use the form as it expires.
• Prepare all your requirements as stated below from their website and submit.

1. An online Visa Application Form.
2. Two (2) passport size photos 1.5”x2” with white background (taken w/in the last three (3) months)
3. Passport valid for at least six months and old passport showing previous travels
4. Birth Certificate issued by NSO
5. Marriage Contract (if applicable) issued by NSO
6. Certificate of Employment
8. Financial statements of the applicant (Bank Book or Bank Statements)
9. Other Supporting Documents if required (You can show your Ticket if you already have one).
10. All documents submitted to this office should be Original and with 1 photocopy.

• Releasing of the visa is after three working days. 

Tips:

• If you made a mistake on your first attempt at fillig-out out the form but you have already submitted it online, it is ok do apply and fill-out another form. 
• Never forget your bank certificate, I read a blog online of a couple denied of a visa because of the lack of this.
• The Permissin to Leave is a letter from your company stating that you were allowed to leave on specific dates and in my case they even state the place I'm visiting.
• Photocopy everything except the application form that you filled-out online.
• Paste one of the passport size photos on the box on the upper left side of the application form you filled-out and place the other on a transparent plastic or just simply place it on top of all requirements when you give it to the embassy.
• You will pay for the Visa fee (2100 PHP) upon application.
• Most of the time there is no need for an interview/appearance at the embassy though sometimes they might, you will know this if they'd contact you, hopefully not.
• If you have no other government ID aside from your passport, you will need to have an extra 1000PHP that you can leave at the reception along with any other ID that you can get back after your visit of course. The reception is right at the entrance of the building (RCBC Tower 1) and the guard will point you towards it after you say where you are headed.
• Visa is valid for three months you can apply earlier than you scheduled flight.

If you are on of the below however, you won't need to apply for a visa according to their site.
Effective August 08, 2013, Philippine passport holders are exempted from visa and are allowed to stay in the Republic of China (Taiwan) for thirty (30) days provided that they have never worked in Taiwan as blue-collar workers and are currently holding valid visas or permanent resident cards of U.S.A., Canada, Japan, U.K., EU Schengen, Australia and New Zealand.
Qualified applicants may register for approval at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase . Upon obtaining approval, please print out the Authorization Certificate and present it to the airline staff upon checking in at counter. For those who fail to show valid visas or permanent resident cards of the above-mentioned countries, ENTRY TO TAIWAN IS PROHIBITED.

I'll probably visit Taiwan again soon as I have unfinished business there. :)

Burot Beach

Burot beach is an inexpensive getaway just hours away from metro manila. Located in Calatagan Batanggas it is a 3 to 4-hour bus/van ride from Pasay. I have read in a blog that they have a bus terminal at the back of Mcdonalds (Pasay Rotonda) but as of July 2014 (the time of our visit) there is no longer a terminal there, there is however a terminal for Vans, near Mcdonalds, at the back of Kabayan Hotel. If for any reason you can't take the van there is a terminal in Coastal Mall but you have to wait for the bus for an indefinite time since there are very limited buses going to Calatagan.

This was taken near our camp, those little trees from afar are along the breakwater.

At our arrival I have to say that I was not amazed by the place (but it wasn't bad for the budget either) I considered it to be on  scale of 4 out of 10 but I did enjoy our boat ride to "Puting Buhangin" a small islet just 10-15 minutes away from the beach. Puting Buhangin dissapears at low tide and the boatman will advice you of the time, I'd say ask right away when you arrive so you can plan accordingly. The caretakers are in the store, you will easily identify it once you're there.

At Puting Buhangin, there are small islets surrounding it with private amenities, really cool.

 After we explored the remote places however on the next day I'd give it a 6/10. Behind the small hummock on the left side when you are facing the sea there is a trail (not so visible, but you'd figure it out) that leads you to another hidden beach area with a green facade at it's back resembling what seems to me as little (forced) Batanes.

This is the hidden view for the little (forced) batanes. 

and here's from another angle

On the far right side of the beach they have placed a concrete to break the water so you'd have a shallow sandy part on one side and a deep water on the other side so just don't cross the line if you can't swim (that's common sense, I just want to verbalize it). At the other end of the breakwater there are a couple of mangroves which makes it unique because it looks like trees are growing in the middle of the sea made possible by the barrier, a spot to take those beautiful photos (most probably better than ours).

the breakwater

How to get there (Public Transpo):

• Ride a bus/van bound to Calatagan. I personally recomend the van located in Zamora St. at the back of Kabayan Hotel. If worse comes to worst there are buses from Coastal Mall terminal but you have to wait for a very long time (or not if you arrive in a very opportune time) since there a few. Either rides will cost you 180PHP as of writing.
• The bus/van's last stop would be the terminal in Calatagan just in front of the market.
• Tricycle drivers will come to you at the terminal, if not look for one to take you to Burot beach. I say get the trike driver's number and ask him to pick you up on your ETD because there are no public transpo available from the beach. 150PHP per trip - 3Pax.

Fees:

• Admission Fee - 130PHP/Pax
• Tent Fee (Own Tent) - 20PHP/Pax
• Boat Ride to Puting Buhangin (Optional) - 500PHP/Trip (Max of 5 pax, but depends on the boat)

Travel Tips

• Leave early from Manila so you will have more time to enjoy the beach, contact the number below to know the timetable of the Vans leaving from Manila. 
• To enjoy the place, stay overnight. They have tents for rent (500PHP if I remember it correctly) but you can also bring your own but you have to pay 30PHP/pax aside from your 130PHP entrance fee.
• There are no ready to eat foods for sale so bring your own cookset and the whole paraphernalia for cooking unless you want to eat bread the whole time (though there is an option to let the caretakers cook your food for a fee).
• Buy all your ingredients from the market or from Manila, the store there have a very limited supply. Early in the morning there are fishermen selling their catch at a considerably lower price compared to the prices in Manila but this is not a guarantee as you never know if they are going to catch anything or who knows what else so this should only be a side dish plan (its main course but you get the idea), not the main menu. 
• You can rent a grill but you can also bring your own, who knows if everything else is rented.
• Bring flashlights and camplights if you are staying overnight, there is no electricity.
• Bring potable water enough for the duration of your stay.
• Those who can't live without bathrooms can celebrate, they have those in place. 

Prices may vary and is not guaranteed, this info is as of July 2014.

Mt. Balagbag traverse to Maranat Falls

Jump Off, Brgy Hall

Mt. Balagbag in Tanay Rizal is another mountain close to Metro Manila which can be done on a dayhike or an overnight stay, whichever you prefer. Standing at 777 MASL (source:Pinoy Mountaineer) it gives you a view of Metro Manila's skyscrapers which can probably be more beautiful at night with the evenig city lights. We did a dayhike which took us around 2.5 hours to Balagbag's summit.

At the back of Mt Balagbag is Mt. Maranat which is mostly visited because of the falls just at the foot of the mountain, there are those who prefer to go up at the campsite and the summit but as per Noli who is an expert (he lives near the area and been there multiple times) there is not much difference of what you see there from what you see at Mt. Balagbag so we opted to only visit the falls.

left: on our way down to Maranat falls, right: Balagbag's summit

There are many confusing and intersecting trails since the locals are passing by the area transporting coals they made from logging, even little kids are carrying their share with loads in proportion to their size, which reminds me of me, except back then we sold firewood so we basically brought the actual trees or branches in my case to make into firewood.Yeah, if you were doing some charity works back when I was a kid in my hometown you probably would have to give me some of those pencils. So much for a flashback, but you have to understand, I have the most wonderdul childhood in those circumstances.

left: the ;bottom of the falls, rigtt: the third layer, it has many layers

It is better or a must that you go with someone who have been to the falls if you want a traverese from Mt. Balagbag, even with Noli with us we got lost of the hikers trail and went by a local's trail that ends in a hut and a dried riverway so we were on for a bouldering but to us it added excitement. Otherwise, the safest option would be to go back down from Mt. Balagbag and ask for the trail from the same jump off to the falls, it is actually the first left turn option after the Brgy. Hall but to be safe, ask.


How to get there:

• Ride a bus going to tungko (they pass by Cubao, not sure of oher parts in EDSA) and tell the conductor/driver to drop you off at Jollibee Tungko.
• Go to the street on the opposite side of Jollibee and you will find jeeps going to Licao-Licao.
• At Licao-Licao you can rent a tricycle to bring you to the Balagbag's registration, the brgy. hall in Sitio Balagbag, or you can walk for about 15-20 minutes.
• It took us around 2.5 hours to Balagbag's summit and 1.5 hours taversing to Maranat falls and another 2.5 hours back to the jump off.

Travel Tips:

• The trail is mostly bald so ready your sunscreen, hats and/or umbrellas, yes, umbrella is an option, see my picture?
• If you are going by a private vehicle with a tough 4*4 engine then yes, the car can go straight to the mountain's summit, but if you're like me you'd probably have more fun walking.

Conern/s:
After the registration in the Brgy. Hall (20PHP) there is another one at a hut (another 20PHP) just a few minutes before the summit, saying that it is a private area. I hate this part but I guess you just have to comply if you don't want to get into trouble or can we report this to anyone?

Mt. Apo (with a proposal)

Where do I start? Well, First Mt. Apo as most of us know is in Davao, the most livable city in the Philippines. I have to say that because I really find the city peaceful and the security officers at the airport made me feel that they are really looking after my safety.

Top Load on our way to Sta.Cruz

On our first day (Thursday) we went water tubing first before heading to Sta. Cruz jump off point and man was it far? Really far. We had to change from a jeep to a truck when we reached Sta. Cruz proper because it really was not hired to take us any further simply because it can’t, they have trucks that are actually designed to survive the road on our way to the jump off.

Group Chat somewhere along the boulders.

On our first night we hiked for around 1 hour to get to the camp site as planned, it was an excellent idea really because at least we were able to earn a few kilometers.

On our second Day (Friday) we started out early but there was 20 of us so were a bit slower than our itinerary. The group was actually sub-divided into… ahhhmmn, I don’t know how many. J Well, I was with Summer, and my climb mates from G2, Kuya Nolie, Erbz, Paul, Kuya Bernie and Ate Vangie. I remembered the discussion that day was about love and happiness.

Old crater after the boulders

Is there such a thing as genuine and synthetic happiness? We didn't come into an agreeable conclusion but I was sure we were all happy that day anyway as we reached the boulders and beheld the magnificence of Apo’s boulder face. That side of Apo sure is strong and manly yet caring at the same time, it soothes your weariness with its view. Stones, “how can they be beautiful?”, you may ask. As much as strength with honor awes us, large stones laid down perfectly well by nature showered with bonsai trees and clouds draping in from the blue skies may just be like a strong father showing her daughter how much he loved her (I always think of God this way J). We enjoyed it so much we overstayed, it was already dark when we reached the campsite just below the summit and we were kind of lost on our way to the saddle camp after reaching the old crater, but not so much, just a little bit. 

Our third day was an easy day, early morning the usual sight of the orange sky above the mountain range welcomed us at the summit which is 30 minutes away from our camp. Down below we can see the white fog hovering over our tents justifying the cold. Slowly the orange sky became clearer and hotter as the sun became more visible as if to make a statement for a sunny day ahead. Summit clearing-checked, my requirement for a perfect climb.

our tents are below the fog and the highest peak at my back

Sunrise behind me

But wait, there’s more! While we were taking turns for solo photos at the summit, Ekson, our climb organizer called our attention to witness a once in a lifetime event, a proposal. I have never felt so single my whole life, just kidding, I was actually thinking that maybe it could happen to me too, right? I was grateful to have witnessed that event and be with the happiest man and woman on earth at that hour (Jennifer and John). Looking at them makes me think that maybe I haven’t really grasped what true love is, because they felt so secure with each other and I haven’t felt like that with anyone. Anyhow, I am learning and I am starting from within. J

the proposal

Before this becomes a blog about love, after the proposal we went on with our lives as usual, went down back to the camp, had our breakfast and just went on discussing love again till it rained, showers at first then it became heavy along with the strong wind. So much for the thought of a sunny day ahead, good thing we have already prepared our lunch. We decided to get inside our tents, and what happened after that? I don’t know I was asleep (even with water flooding our tent) until Ekson woke me up when the rain stopped because a climb mate, Marlon doing a day-hike (hardcore) that day has arrived, we just greeted each other and then went on to prepare to go down, them to the jump off via Kapatagan trail, us just down at Lake Venado 30–45 minutes below the summit. Easy day.

he never runs out of stories, look at the hand

Early on our fourth day, we took pictures of the summit from the Lake, you would think that there is nothing to go down to and that it would be an even surface from there on because of the wide flat land you can see, no ridges, and if you look up you can only see the summit like you have already gone down from the mountain, very deceiving.

After everything was packed and prayers have been said we started the day to end our three-day hike (first day excluded), but instead of a downhill trail what I saw behind the trees around the lake was an uphill one, and I was like, seriously? We had a couple of ups and downs before reaching the same jump off, Sta. Cruz, from a different trail this time, the Century trail. It’s where you see century old trees and tree bridges, I actually think they were cut down on purpose just to serve as bridges for the small rivers. This idea of going on the same jump off from two different trails was genius, we got to enjoy the all the best that Apo had to offer!

along one of the campsite - century trail

Long story short, all 20 of us got down safely, just a little late from our itinerary but safe. We left Sta. Cruz (jump off) around 17:30 that day and arrived at the City proper (Davao) at around 21:00, thankful and blessed.

After the climb I saw this campaign from Always (a feminist group I think) about changing how people think about the phrase, "like a girl", and from this climb I borrowed their tagline. Don’t get me wrong, I highly respect men and I marvel at their strength, I am a believer that real gentlemen still exist and the world is so much better with them in it. Men and women are created equal but the design is different, that doesn't mean however that a woman can’t climb a mountain, ride a bike and sky dive, it just means that we approach things differently. Now, here’s to the ladies out there who love the outdoors as much as I do, “What if climbing like girl means reaching the summit and going down safe?”.

Waving the flag on top made me feel something.

Till the next mountains.

If you want to contact our guide, see his number below.

09212863859 – Kuya Tata

Talisay’s The Ruins (because love)

A well with a bell; (c) Arnel Vergara

We had a side trip on the Ruins when we climbed Mt. Kanlaon last May. When we got there I asked if anyone knows the history of the remains of what seems to be a two - story house that was not finished (I thought they were only able to erect the pillars and framework, I forgot it was “The Ruins”) but all they said was it's like the Symbol for Negros and that you just have to go there to tell friends and family that "Hey, I was here".

That wasn't a very compelling reason for me to go visit the place but I agreed that since we were there why not check it out. I figured whoever owns that house in a time when I wasn't born yet must really be of some sort of royalty, no wealthy family back in my hometown owned an old house like that, then I went on marveling at what a wide lawn they have filled with gardens and ponds and how I'd want to have my own one day.

The Backyard; (c) Maritess Dolor

When I searched for it online though  back in Manila I decided to write a whole blog about it. The Ruins was actually finished, it used be a two-story mansion built by then a Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson (I think Lacsons really have a history of prominent powerful families) who married a Portuguese named Maria Braga, they met in Hong Kong where Don Mariano was touring (traveler huh?). The mansion was built in memory of Maria Braga after her death when she was about to deliver their 11^th child and home to him and his unmarried children, he and Maria had 10 children, the 11^th also died with the mother. Don Mariano himself moved to a cottage nearby when he remarried years later.

View from the Fron Yard; (c) Joel Catipay

It was built enlisting the ideas of Maria Braga's father who was a captain of a ship that sailed across the globe so the house had the finest furniture and items from around the globe, mostly European during that time. It was built in the middle of a sugar cane plantation so they really won’t run out of space regardless of how many ponds and gardens they make. The front yard also has a vintage, rustic, four-tiered water fountain with a small pond below it, the view is so much better around sunset as what I've seen from other's photos. Its Pillars also bear the two letter Ms which stands for Mariano and Maria, sweet.

The mansion however had to meet its blazing end when Don Mariano himself agreed with the American's to burn it down to avoid the Japanese from making it their headquarters during the World War II.

Because of the materials used in building the mansion the Pillars and the staircase remained even after three days of flame, or maybe they had love poured into the construction that not even fire can destroy it? But really, it was built with A-grade concrete materials that made it withstand the fire (construction was supervised by one of the Don’s son). Still, I knew it was love that made sure it stays (wink).

Let us feel like we own it or a moment. 

If you want to visit this place the best time to do it is around sunset because the finishing used for the building was mixed with egg yolk and it glows when hit by the sunset rays giving it a cinematic glow reminding us that true love really does stand the test of time. J

Here’s how to get there (I found this online as well as we hired a van), if you’re lucky you might meet the tour guide Roger (who they said tell The Ruins history with a twist), I wonder where he was when we were there.

From the Airport:

-          Ride a van going to Silay proper, (I personally saw the vans there just in front of the airport, just right before your eyes when you exit the arrival area)

-          From Silay proper, take a mini bus to take you to Bata.

-          From the Bata terminal you can ride a tricycle to take you to the ruins.

From Bacolod City:

-          Ride a Jeep bound to Bata-Libertad.

-          Ask the driver to drop you off the Pepsi Plant or tell him you are going to The Ruins and drop you on the street that leads you there.

-          On the street there is a sign that says “This Way to The Ruins”, and you will find tricycles that can take you there.

Here are the travel blogs where I got my info from if you want to check it out.

http://theruins.com.ph

Travel Blog - Asia

NomadPerspectives

Travel and Count

Bubble News

  

Mt. Kanlaon, Wasay - Guintubdan Trail

Kanlaon Crater

There are various stories as to how Mt. Kanlaon was named, tho most popular however is the story of a warrior and a princess. It was a story about how in the mountains lived a seven-headed dragon to whom unblemished women were offered otherwise it would destroy the kingdom in Negros. It came down to a point where there was only one maiden left unmarred, the princess who when told about the fact was willing to give herself up but a mighty warrior Khan Laon came to her rescue and slayed the dragon, burying it in the mountains causing the volcanic eruptions and the mountain is then named Kanlaon. We all know this isn't true but it is quite a story and every woman's dream is to be rescued by that one man who is willing lay down his life for her, how romantic and how heroic, so let's just believe it was true and it happened a long time ago. 

Mambukal Resort

Regardless of whether it was the dragon or the earth's magma causing the eruptions, Mt. Kanlaon is one deadly mountain because it is up to date an active volcano. Mountaineers  aiming to climb the mountain are aware of that fact but still we are willing to take our chances while we are still allowed to climb it. The DENR is also very strict as to the number of allowed participants in a climb with a specific trail so we count ourselves blessed to be a part of the trek to the volcano last May 1-3, 2014. 

We arrived early in Thursday, May 1 (09:00) at Bacolod's airport (Silay) and passed by The Ruins in Talisay, before heading to Bacolod City to have our lunch and buy the things we needed for the climb. After Eating at Manukan's just in front of SM we made Bongbong's ( a few blocks away from Manukan) store our hang-out  place while the others are buying groceries. We had a stroll at the plaza and church nearby and once everyone was done we hired a jeep to take us to Mambukal resort at around 14:00.

the Bats Hanging on Trees

At Mambukal we were hoping to get a dorm room but no room is available whether it was dorm or not so we pitched our tents. We arrived at around 16:00 and we had our food ready by 17:30 so we explored the place, you know the usual photo op while walking around. Mambukal actually is a good vacation place for families and Bacolod locals are blessed to have it, there's a lot of things you can do at an affordable entrance and the facilities makes it comfortable.

Preparing for First Day Hike

Mambukal have lots and lots of bats that hang on tress like they were some fist-shaped fruits and when night time comes you will see them flying around which is oddly amusing (I never thought bats could be this amusing really). We then ate dinner and slept early to prepare for a long day ahead of us, when I say we though I meant me and ma'am Tess - my tent mate, I can't speak for the guys with us who were socializing that night, I wonder if that makes me anti-social.

Wasay Ranger Station

Early the next day (Friday), we prepared for our breakfast and lunch and started trekking via Wasay trail at around 7:30, there are other trails, but you know we want it the difficult way just for the fun or misery of it. After 30 minutes we arrived at the Ranger's station of the Wasay trail, we stopped for a few pictures just to document that we were at Wasay trail (bragging rights it is!). I realized we were still passing through a habitated area when we met locals building fire along the trails at around 9:30 (I love picture timestamps!) before we passed by a wide seemingly unused road (10:30) where we met the huge python snake that scared me so much I had to re-think the reason why I was climbing, I never want to see anything like it again.

mr. snakey

We passed by a dried river at around 11:30 where we had our lunch and continued hiking up hoping to arrive at the camp site sooner. After another 4 hours with multiple stops to rest we arrived at the junction camp, drawing smiles on our faces. We thought this was called the old-NPA camp but the guide corrected us and said it was never an NPA camp (sounds like there was never an us, hehe) and called it the junction camp where the other trail (forget what it was) and the trail we were from meets up. 

First Camp Site (Junction Camp)

We prepared for our dinner and packed lunch for the next day early and had the time to converse and somehow get to know (barely) the climbers with us, we just act like we were long time friends but most of us have only seen the other participants on Facebook. Thanks to social media, we can now organize events without actually meeting people yet, think common-friends!

We had dinner, and as usual, I slept early, it's not like I'm really anti-social but for my body to function well during the hike it's need rest. 

Hardin Sang Balo

Saturday, we left the junction camp at around 8:00, we were headed to the saddle camp which is only 30 minutes away from the summit/crater passing through the Killing-Me-Softly trail (good thing we survived). Just 30 minutes from our camp site, we passed by a beautiful garden they called Hardin Sang Balo (Garden of a Widow), it was obvious that this used to be a crater because of the visible swamp that growed mossy dwarf tress and nature decided to make it surreal. Local stories though has it that a widow was so disheartened by her husband's passing she lived there and planted a garden until the earth swallowed her and her house (creepy), leaving just the garden.

PMS Lake

After an hour of walking from the Garden you will pass by a fantasy-themed camp with long mossy green tress that resembles the ones in The Lord of the Rings movie. From here on the trail is just as beautiful as it was hard. At around 13:00 we reached Samoc Lake (another old crater) and yet another crater after just another 30 minutes, the PMS Lake (why PMS?, i'll ask when I see the guide again), Samoc was beautiful but I favor PMS more, the green bermuda grass under the clear waters and the trees and plants surrounding it makes the place like the ones in those fairytale movies that just makes you fall in love with no one in particular. I'll have to add that the fog added drama to that scene, it was a memory I would always cherish.

Fantsay-themed Camp (L-R Joel, Bong, Maron, VA, Maritess, Noli, Terry, Adam, Ekson and invisible Arnel taking the pic)

We arrived at the saddle camp at around 15:00. It was a bright and sunny day so we requested to visit Margaha Valley to which our guides agreed (Kuya Ariel and Kuya Val). We set up our tents first so we could leave our things and headed down to Margaha valley which is around 15-20 minutes down from the camp. I know I've told you about how the Garden and the Lake seem to take you to a place far away, but trust me you would not think Margaha can be found in the middle of those mountains. Imagine a football field surrounded by mountain ridges, a really wide green football field except it has parts with tall grass, sturdy bushes and stones and a wide sandy part with moss like plants. It felt like I was in an Arena, until the guide told me this is but another old crater. Yes, Mt. Kanlaon is a prolific volcano, I've seen 6 craters, Hardin Sang Balo, Samoc Lake, PMS Lake, Margaha Valley, a lake I saw from afar (not sure of the name) and the now active crater and I'm just thinking will there be one more? Because you know the dragon had seven heads, but that would be a story for another day.

The Different faces of Margaha Valley..

Kuya Ariel fetching water like a boss. 

Of course we can't stay in there forever which is why we brought our cameras in the first place (and by we here I mean they, me was part of they hence the we), so after we (they again) fetched water we climbed up to the summit to take advantage of the clearing. We didn't back-trail to the saddle camp, instead we approached the summit on the opposite side facing the saddle camp. At first I really thought it was just a walk in the park specially at how the guide says it's just 30 minutes away, well maybe for them, but it took me an hour from Margaha to the summit.

Crater (Photos are from my climb mates, not mine)

I underestimated this alteration from our itinerary and I got so hungry on the trail I asked everyone for trail food, I think I ate everyone's trail food that time. I was relieved however with the view at the summit, thank God we still had light at 17:30. Beautiful I think is not the right word to describe the crater, sure it had depths, heights, curves and colors we can appreciate but I think it was more formidable while fascinating at the same time. I had to drew courage just to take a picture on a stone just a few inches from the crater's edge and felt  relieved after it was done while mumbling that we should go home. Maybe I was thinking  about saddle camp when I said that but home really for me that time is somewhere further from that edge. 

well, you know me.. :)

Our organizer (Ekson) was afraid of the dark, I don't mean he's afraid of the night but he was determined and urged us to go down before total darkness befalls us to avoid any accident so we headed to the saddle camp after just about 15-20 minutes of photo op. Downhill, we saw the ever reliable sun setting down painting the sky orange while slowly disappearing into the sea of clouds. That and the cool, soft, gentle breeze touching my face made this day perfect, after all it was my birthday.

and look at that.

We felt contented when we reached the saddle camp we agreed not to go up the summit the next day which was originally on our itinerary. We prepared dinner and had long talks about just anything under the sun. I remember it was mostly about volcanoes and how we can't predict when they would erupt and butterflies because one of our guides (Kuya Val) used to be a butterfly hunter (German scientist if I am right hired him to catch rare butterflies before), he was quite informative really. 

The next day, I woke up feeling really cold because it rained the night before and just about after we prepared breakfast it rained hard, good thing we summitted the previous day. We went down via Guintub-dan trail and started really late partly because of the rain and partly because someone was not able to wake due to mix-drinking (I think I made this word up, I meant drinking different types) alcohol, don't follow that example if I were you. Nevertheless, we were all able to hike down safely and arrived at the airport in whole pieces. :)

I won't say never ever drink on a climb and I think many would be mad at me, but I guess I could say don't get drunk on a climb if you want to be back home alive. Cheers to more years in our lives (Psalms 91:16).

Homebound, Mang Inasal Dinner, because its different in Bacolod. :)

Soon.. :)

Mt. Guiting - Guiting, My First Knife's Edge

I heard of Mt. Guiting - Guiting back when I just started climbing in 2011 and how it is one of the hardest mountains to climb in the Philippines.  Because of the need for that sense of accomplishment and pride I became very interested in climbing it but doubted my capability at the same time. Thankfully, desires and intentions change, last Holy Week (April 17-21) I was able to hike up Mt. Guiting-Guiting not for proving anything but just for the love of the mountains and wanting to experience and see something unique and different. I did at the same time found the courage to do it.

On board, Sibuyan bound.

It was a short hike, but a very long trip. Not that the trail was short, it was like one of the longest walks of my life (second to Mt. Kota Kinabalu), but considering we hiked for only two days and travelled to get to the foot of the mountain (and back) for almost three days does the math. If you want to climb this mountain time (or should I say days) is a big factor to consider.

We left on Thursday at 17:00 from Batanggas port but we were already in the port at around 13:00. That means we left Manila (considering you are from the metro) sometime around 9:00 or 10:00, and waited for another 4 hours at the pier just to not miss the trip. Queues were unusually long for  Buses bound to anywhere in Luzon that day so we had to leave early, better to wait at the port than be left by the boat.

Sunset on our way to Romblon.

It was my first overnight sea travel and thank God I wasn't a bit afraid. While the boat is leaving Batanggas we took pictures, and just took the moment to look at the vast nothingness of the ocean realizing that the day we have waited has come. Soon, it was sunset and I must say it was one of the perfect sunsets I've seen, the orange sun in its big round shape touching the sea in between two mountains – picture perfect! After that Ems, my climb buddy and I decided it’s sleeping time so we ate dinner and took off to dreamland.

Ems at the town Hall near the carenderia.

At around 4:00, Friday, we arrived at Romblon, you’d know because you will hear voices selling something for breakfast like siopao, coffee and empanada and they’ll be walking around your sleeping quarters to make sure you’d wake up. I actually thought we have arrived so I packed all my things, it turns out we have to stay because after almost an hour the boat will leave for Sibuyan where we are headed. After another 2-3 hours we arrived, this time for real and we met Kuya Remy who told us that we have to take the tricycle because there was no jeep available, I was at first disappointed but then I thought who cares I’m closer to G2 now and it was all that matters. I have been asking for breakfast while we were still at the boat and I was just happy that there was a Carenderia open (it was good Friday) that offers a delicious healthy meal at just 30php, something we can never have in the Metro, forget the tricycle ride for another whole day.

Ems with Kuya Remy at the DENR

After the breakfast we went straight to the DENR to sign those papers, there’s a lot of them, I’m sure they were waivers but I just asked where to sign and took pictures around. By the way, the caretakers said the Government, yes the Government have given them budget and they are looking at building a swimming pool there soon so in the future after the climb you can relax at this pool, but I prefer the river which is 30 minutes to 1 hour away from the DENR. They actually have lots of rivers, because after the DENR and a visit to the market Kuya Remy took us to a resort along what they said to be the cleanest river, they had zip lines as well and the tallest diving boards I have seen but I never tried any of those. I was feeling too cold to try swim in the river, plus I have had an experience with zip lines that would make this one boring and I will never jump off from a diving board that high. I have heard from one of the locals there though that the falls was much better, but as per Kuya Remy we were running out of time and we just can’t make it to the falls, oh well, I came there to climb G2 so maybe next time.

We prepared dinner, or should I say they prepared dinner, Kuya Albert was the chief that night and he was cooking for 22 hungry participants including our packed lunch for the next day. Thanks to them we had an early dinner and while they were socializing I went to sleep because I know I owe my body as I was awake for more then 24 hours before the boat ride on the first day.

First stop on our dirst day hike before the Outdoor Pilipinas Trail

Saturday at 01:00 I heard voices asking everyone to get up and prepare, I stayed in bed when I realized it was only 01:00, I only rose up at around 2:00, packed my things, ate breakfast and I was all set before 3:00. Kuya Remy gave us the target places and timings, we prayed and then at around 3:15 we left. I’s a good thing there is 20-30 minute walk of flat land before you reach Olango River (told you there's a lot of rivers here) to warm you up before the never ending assault to the camp. When I say assault, I really do mean assault, so don’t complain that a porter is required, its for your good. We arrived at the camp at around 15:00, that was a 12-hour hike including lunch break and oh those 5 minute breaks that can go up to 15 minutes. We were blessed with a clearing and a sunset before we called it a day.

Sunset atop G2.

Sunday, we had a later start, we woke up at 5:00 to prepare and we were again blessed with a sunrise that I was not able to witness because I was preparing breakfast and my knees were already aching, I just couldn’t get myself to climb and then be back at the camp and climb up again, yes, it was that painful. Anyway, to make the long story short we left the camp at 7:00 but we stayed at the summit for anther 30 minutes or so just taking pictures. We also had multiple stops along the way trying to capture the saw tooth because mr. sun was so generous to us that day it gave me sunburns, but I'm not complaining. :)

The group at Mayo's Peak campsite.

Finally we reached Mayo's Peak where we took our lunch at around 12:30 and left at around 13:30. From the camp it would be lesser rock jumping, climbing and crawling but it was still a steep descent, at least we were already in the forested area and our skin could finally thank us. It was another 2 hours of downhill struggle before we reached the river ( Magdiwang River is the name I guess because it was along Magdiwang's trail) and took a plunge to to releive the heat and the weariness we were feeling. After about 30 minutes I felt the cold setting in so I asked if a few of us can go ahead while the rest are still enjoying the river as there is also only one trike we can ride so it needs to return for the second half of the group (take note, there's 20 of us so one trip has 10 pax). At around 17:00, the view of the DENR was unbelievable, I was just walking not expecting anything but knowing that at some point all the aching I felt would end and the sight of the DENR marks the end of it.

Magdiwang River with John, G2 is behind us.

We stayed at a resort and left at around 8:00 on Monday only  to find out that there was no ship from Romblon to Batanggas so instead of going to Romblon we changed destination to Odiongan to ride another ship from there bound to Batanggas. So we left at 10:00 from Ambolong Port in Maagdiwang and arrived at Romblon around 12:00, had a  30 minute stop-over before we left for San Agustin and arrived there at around 14:30. But wait, there's more, we were just arrived at San Agustin, we had to be at Odiongan which is on the other side of Tablas Island so we had to ride a jeep to get us to that other port and there's one on a daily basis. There was no option for us to bail, we had to race against all the passengers and make it or we would be stuck for another day, and most of us were already out of cash, so you get the idea.

Top-load like a boss.

We were thankfully able to ride the jeep top-load style in the middle of a hot and sunny day but the view before us was well worth it, it was however just another obstacle we have to beat. Arriving at Odiongan Port we were told the ship fpr Batanggas was full, and Rox (our charming co-climber) begged and pleaded to let us ride the ship even without beds and thankfully they let us in! So, at 17:00 we left for Batanggas, laid our sleeping bags down because we are sleeping on the ship's deck, my climb-mates said it felt like we were participants of the Amazing Race.

Tuesday at 3:00 we heard these noise signaling we were back in Manila, well, Batanggas but you know what I mean. I would say God lighted up the sky for us during that trip, and I know He will be my hiding place there even if decided to let a storm rage. Mountains, hills, beaches, rivers, falls, cities - wherever it is we want to go I would suggest that we take a time to consider our intentions and I hope we travel simply for the love of travel and appreciation of this world.

Find the itinerary crafted by Kuya Gerry on the document link below:
G2 Itinerary

My favorite shot, courtesy of Tristan Pineda with a qoute from Your's Truly :P

I have a few more photos here (I don't own all the photos here). :)

at the crash site with the air craft remains, before the sunshine, my smile is forced, I was too tired already.

Descending Hillary's wall.

On the way to Mayo's peak. with Edward, not the one from Twilight. :P

A photo before we went our separate ways, home bound.

I have a facebook page by the way:
https://www.facebook.com/timelessterry