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

2014 Valentines in Cagayan valley, aka Scammed Trip

I’ll let you in to a little secret, last Valentines I had a date with the mountains and the seas. Yeah, that was a lame joke but I tell you, I had such a wonderful time even though that same trip was also scammed. Don’t take it seriously though, we did not really lose our wallets or valuables but we were tricked into believing something that is not.

We had our itinerary lined up and the first target was Callao Cave right after we landed at Tugegarao Airport, but first we had to try that Pansit Batil Patong at Kuya Jeffs’ we  read online. It was at around 14:00 (Wednesday, Feb 12, 2014) when we arrived at the panciteria and had our late lunch so we asked what the menu is and of course the waitress said that they have this pancit where you can choose on  having a regular order with or without the meat or the large one. One order was for 60PHP for the regular order with meat, we got a bit curious at how expensive for a pancit it was so we asked if it was only good for one person to  which she answered yes. Don’t you ever believe that, it is good for two persons, or maybe it depends on your appetite but even the men with us found it hard to finish their plate so take a look at the actual dish by ordering only one first before you decide on how many you are going to take. That was the first scam.

After a discussion and a little disagreement with the man we met at the panciteria and the tricycle drivers who took us there as to who will take us to Callao Cave we chose the van for safety and ease. We hired the van to take us to Callao Cave and then straight to Sta. Ana. We left at around 14:20 and arrived at the cave at around 15:15. Entrance was for 10PHP and a donation to the guide. The cave was well a cave, I mean it is the usual cave, the only thing that makes it interesting is this is where they found that ancient Tabon skulls but there is no actual skull either. There is a chapel inside the cave and if you have watched the movie Mistress with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo this was were that wedding they attended was set. Personally I would not want my wedding in there, not my ideal place, no offense to those who held their wedding in that cave, this is my personal opinion. Nevertheless, it was fun because the company I was with is fun, that’s a factor in your overall experience, plus our guide made these lame jokes (lamer than  mine) that makes you laugh because it was lame (I have to say this is a positive comment).

After about 1 ½ hour we were done with the tour and decided to eat snacks back at the entrance, everyone ordered Halo-Halo but I didn't want to because I wasn't really craving for one. When I saw how there was a huge lump of that violet thing however, I was enticed, I love Ube Jam and I can’t believe how generous they were at having so much in a 20PHP Halo-Halo so I ordered too and I even told the lady to put more ube jam in mine and guess what? It was a scam. She did not even told me that it wasn't ube jam, it was sticky rice and those who have already ordered from the group did not bother to cut my excitement as well, so I told myself  that this is going online, she will not get away with disturbing my taste buds ready to savor ube jam only to be given some violet sticky rice. From that moment on the word scam is synonymous with the trip, and there goes my rant.

So at around 17:00 we left Tugegarao and arrived at Sta. Ana at around 19:00, it was a long trip because as per the driver we cant go through the short cut when it was already dark. We had burgers for our dinner (we are hardcore backpackers like that) because it was in front of Costales Lodging House, where we are checking in.

Thursday morning we had a late start and left for Cape Engano at 10:00 and visited Siwangag Cove along the way. We had our lunch at Cape Engano and were back at the San Vicente Pier at at 15:00, we loaded the food the guys bought and the rest of our things before we headed to Punta Verde to camp for the night. We had a stop over at Crocodile Island first before heading to Punta Verde, and I must say visit this Island if you want to witness some kind of sorcery, the Island is made of what I think is Marble Stone that makes you wonder who and how it was put in there. Anyway, Punta Verde and Cape Engano is on the same isalnd – Palaui, on opposite sides, basically there is a trail from Punta Verde to Cape Engano. You can save up by taking a boat only to Punta Verde because it is nearer to the Pier and hike up to Cape Engano (approximately two hours back and forth). In Punta Verde, they have a specific area for you to camp, sadly it’s far from the beach.

The next day we were headed to Anguib Beach, and here’s the catch, it is on the tip of the main Island of Cagayan Valley so the boat can leave you there and you can ride a trike back to San Vicente but you have to have a contact back there because they have to fetch you (this is a special trip as there are no public transpo going to Anguib or Nangaramoan).

Anguib is just another beach, I mean if you have been to different beaches, you would know when a beach is just another beach but of course it’s still a beach and beaches are always fun. That day, two girls from our group had to go home because they booked an earlier flight back so we sent them back to San Vicente but because it was high tide and our boat was small we had to go through the mangrove area where the view was magnificent. I’d say, if you’d go to either Anguib or Nangaramoan from San Vicente port ask the boat man to take you through the mangrove area, there is s much to see on this route and you should never miss it, specially when you travel there around sunset, its beautiful!

For Saturday, another three from our group will be going back to San Vicente so the boatman had to bring us to Nangaramoan Beach before they go back to San Vicente with the rest of the guys for good. To my surprise Nangaramoan is just a 20-30 minute walk form Anguib. We had to go against big waves which eventually throw us to the shore almost hitting a stone when could have actually just walked. Fortunately, the view on this other side is so much better bt why wouldn't the boatman tell us that? I felt scammed again because that trip to Nangaramoan was part of the payment for the boat and no one gave us the option to walk (or we should have asked). :)

At Nangaramoan there are guest houses at affordable prices. We got ours at Costales (sister guest house of the one we stayed in San Vicente), for  1500PHP with two twin beds and they can cook for you at affordable prices as well. We realized we actually saved the best for last, Sitting on a front porch, feeling the breeze touching our face, walking on the beach only to go back and be served with sumptuous seafood dishes. There were only three of us who were able to experience that however, and I guess the rest have to go back (I don't mind going back either).

I just have to add that the last kilometer marker is no longer 642 in San Vicente but 651 in Nangaramoan. There is also and alternative place to stay in San Vicente, the Casino where you can rent Villas, we got here on Saturday, our first day in Nangaramoan because we needed cash and had to withdraw, we were lucky the owners lent us use their car as they are also running some errands back in San Vicente. We had a sneak peak of the Casino and it seemed to be a really nice place to stay.

Below is our actual itinerary and my suggested itinerary.

Costales Contact Number: 09155161584, look for Nanay Lina
Day 1
10:45 – Flight to Tugegarao
12:00 – arrived at Tugegarao
13:15 – ride trike to Kuya Jeff’s Panceteria
13:45 – Arive at Kuya Jeff’s, order eat
14:20 – Left Panceteria for Callao Cave
15:15 – arrive at the cave.
17:00 – left the cave for Sta. Ana (San Vicente is the Barrangay)

Day 2:
7:00 – Wake up call
7:30 – market for foods
8:30 – breakfast, pack up
9:30 – ride trike to San Vicente port; you can actually walk, I walked to the pier early that morning when everyone was still asleep, its about a 20 minute walk, but because we had heavy loads (food, water, etc.) we decided to take the trike (10PHP each)
9:45 – left our things at the tourist center
10:00 – left for Cape Engano and Siwangag Cove
11:00 – Arrive at Cape Engano shore, started hiking up to the lighthouse
11:30 – arrived at the lighthouse, take pictures
12:00 – lunch
12:30 – hike back to the shore
13:00 – left Cape Engano for Siwangag
13:30 – Arrived at Siwangag cove, take pictures, swim
14:15 – Boat Ride back to San Vicente
15:00 – arrived at San Vicente, load all our things to the boat; we were not allowed to take heavey stuff to Cape Engano because our boat might not make it through the big waves
15:15 – left for Crocodile Island
16:30 – arrived at Crocodile Island
17:00 – left Crocodile Island for Punta Verde
17:45 -  arrived at Punta Verde, dinner, lights out,

Day 3
6:00 – wake up call, preapre breakfast
7:00 – break fast and end camp
8:00 – left for Anguib beach
9:00 – arrived at Anguib beach -  stayed at the beach for the whole day;
Day 4
9:00 – left for Nangaramoan Cove;
8:30 arrived at Nangaramoan

Here is my suggested itinerary that is shortened to 3 days:
Day 1
10:45 – Flight to Tugegarao
12:00 – arrive at Tugegarao
13:15 – ride trike to Kuya Jeff’s Panceteria
13:45 – Arive at Kuya Jeff’s, order eat
14:20 – Left Panceteria for Callao Cave
15:15 – arrive at the cave.
17:00 – left the cave for Sta. Ana (San Vicente is the Barrangay)

Day 2:
6:00 – Wake up call
6:30 – market for foods
7:30 – breakfast, pack up
8:30 – ride trike to San Vicente port; you can actually walk, I walked to the pier early that morning when everyone was still asleep, its about a 20 minute walk, but because we had heavy loads (food, water, etc.) we decided to take the trike (10PHP each)
9:00 – boat ride to Cape Engano
10:00 - Arrive at Cape Engano shore
10:15 – hike up to the lighthouse
10:45 – arrive at the lighthouse
11:30 – lunch
12:00 – trek back to shore
12:45 – ride boat to Siwangag Cove
13:30 – arrive at Siwangag Cove
14:30 – ride boat back to San Vicente
15:15 – arrive at San Vicente
15:30 – ride boat to Nangaramoan
15:45 – stop over at Crocodile Island
16:15 – ride boat to Nangaramoan
17:00 – arrive at Nangaramoan

Day 3
Stay at Nangaramoan

more photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/timelessterry

Shots from Callao Cave

Shots from my early morning walk at San Vicente Port

On our way to Cape Engano Lighthouse

The scammers at the Lighthouse.

Quite a view from the lighthouse.

Crocodile Island Forward Shot. See the Marble stones' close up.

My emo shot at Crocodile Island, I have to say it wasn't easy because the stones were sharp.

One lonely worn boat at Anguib Beach.

Along the Mangrove River.

Most of the pictures from Nangaramoan is not with me, but I'll add a video soon, for now this is the only picture I can offer.

Till my next adventure. :)

Mt. Pulag, The Second Time Around

Have you fallen in love with a mountain? Every mountain is beautiful in its own way and deserves to be loved by all of us, but there are some mountains that stand out, captivates us and makes us fall for them more than we do other mountains. Of course there can be more to one when it comes to that, and its okay you are not betraying the other mountain in that case, monogamy only applies to romantic love. The first mountain I have fallen in love with is Mt. Pulag.

I wasn't  a mountaineer back then, I am not sure if I am one now though, are there any qualifications? Let’s just say I haven’t climbed a mountain back then, but there was already the desire to go tramping into the green wild. Year 2011, a friend from Nueva Viscaya told me how there is a mountain she wants to climb close to her hometown  and so I searched for it and bam! I fell in love. How could such a beauty not be seen in one’s lifetime?

Last April of 2012 I have fulfilled that dream but my friend hasn't, the irony of life. After a year has passed I began to miss it and I knew I had to go back. This time I was going with total strangers (but not anymore), I figured I want to see different faces and meet new friends so last Dec. 27-29, 2013 I once again packed my gears (makes it sound like I have all of them) and decided to brave the cold and hit the killer trail (Akiki trail) once again.

The night of December 26 we boarded Victory liner in Pasay (every Filipino mountaineer knows this bus) at 20:00 and arrived in Baguio the next day at around 3:00, we waited for some of our group mates who were already in Baguio, had some coffee and  oh that strawberry flavored “Taho”. We had our breakfast at Ate Gina’s (she is one of those you need to contact if you want to climb this mountain) restaurant at around 4:30 and boarded the monster jeep again at 5:00 to take us first to the DENR HQ and then to the jump off. This was also my first experience of “topload”, this is what we call riding the jeep (sometimes bus) on the roof. Yes, it was exciting, fun and it kind of hurts your butt too.

Dec. 27 at around 9:00 we took the first step and we know there is no going back. We hiked 3 hours to Eddet river and had our lunch. At around 12:45 we our misery started because we will be literally defying gravity with the almost 90 degree slopes of the Akiki trail. At 16:00 we were all smiles, congratulating ourselves because we made it to the Marlboro camp and not everyone can do that I must say, specially with a heavy backpack. But of course, thanks be to God for giving us the strength to do so. We set up our camps, prepared our food, had our socials and just enjoyed the place before we called it a day, slept  and re-charged our bodies, specially our knees for the next day.

I've heard that laughter is the best medicine, I say sleeping is one of those medicines, but as soon as you get enough, you have to wake up and get moving if you want to get somewhere. So we woke up at 6:00 on our second day to get the meals done, took pictures, packed our things up once again because the mossy forest is waiting. We agreed to have a heavy breakfast because we were targeting to reach the saddle camp by 14:00 with no lunch break.

We left Marlboro Camp at 9:00 and thankfully we were able to reach the Saddle Camp on the time set. We can already feel the chill, but not freezing yet as the friendly sun was still with us so we were able to prepare the meals with smiling faces, roam around mini peaks near the camp (and took pictures as usual) before we decided to prepare food for dinner. As the sun bade us goodbye, we became ninjas, we covered everything except our eyes. Even though it was freezing cold we still managed to have our socials courtesy of Kuya Elvin’s party tent and some sort of foil-like thing that reflects heat placed on the top of the tent. This is where we officially introduced ourselves, our organizer, Christian really pushed us to do what you usually do before at school (say your name, what you do, first climb etc.) except you have to add your first impression with everyone at the team which was really tough because I don’t usually form an opinion about a person I just met and I am just not really good at this thing.

After the socials, I was the first to say goodnight again (I was always the first one)  but I woke up in the middle of the night because of the cold, I was trying to psych myself but it didn't work so I got out and found out that the youngest from our team, Kevin was having a fever of sorts due to the cold as well and his cousins attending to him. I requested for coffee since they were already heating some water and there’s no way I’m removing my gloves in that subzero temperature (good thing I have a team who can do that for me huh?). I stayed at Kuya Elvin’s tent for the rest of the night while he and the rest of the men in our team just stayed up till the dawn, I didn’t kick Kuya Elvin out of his tent, he decided for himself to stay awake, and besides they were eating their way till dawn (that should keep you awake right?).

They woke the rest of us at 5:00 on our third and last day at Pulag so we can reach the summit before sunrise to witness the famous Sea of Clouds. God granted us our heart’s desire and we were blessed with a stunning sunrise over the Sea of Clouds. We jumped, we smiled, we posed  and did all sort of things for the camera trying to capture the beautiful scenery in front of us. We didn't want to leave but we had to, specially that we have left Kevin due to his fever with his cousin Kuya Makki back at the camp.

At 7:30 we were back at the saddle camp to prepare our last brunch at Mt. Pulag and surprise! We were greeted by the snow all over our tents! Okay, they're not really snow, they call it frosting, but isn't Frosty the snowman? We left feeling so blessed at around 9:30 still seeing the sea of clouds, they seem to linger a little longer that day. We arrived at Ambangeg's jump off at around 1:30 and bought something to eat before we headed to Ate Gina's restaurant again to have our early dinner and went straight to Baguio. We arrived there at around 17:30 at the Victory terminal because three of our teammates had to buy tickets while the rest of us stayed in Baguio at Christian's friend's house to have a taste of Baguio the next day before going home.

They say you never climb the same mountain twice, because the weather is different, the company maybe different and you are a totally different person and yes they are right. Maybe we haven't changed big time but we, whether we know it or not has embraced new ideology and formed a different world view while letting go of some. It was my perfect Pulag climb because everything was just perfect, the company, the pace and the weather. There wasn't even a drop of rain, yet we had the sea of clouds and those little frostings!

On that climb we weren't fast, but we were consistent so we got on the target place at the set time, which formed this thought in my head that I'll leave with you "What you can't beat with strength, you can beat with time" (I hope I was the first one to say that :D). Till next time?

Oh and below are our photos and  here is my facebook page  you can like it if you want. :)
https://www.facebook.com/timelessterry

Yes, the sea of clouds.

And here's the snow!

The team on Top. L-R, Kuya Jojo, Carmela, Michael,  Paula, Kuya Myk, Felix, Wilson, Mira, Me, Pau, Christian and Kuya Elvin.

"The Jeep", Inside and out - my first topload experience.

I know, looks like a still from a scary movie but it actually is a beauty when you see it with your own eyes. Akiki Trail. 

Stop over along the Akiki Trail nearing the Marlboro Camp

the Ladies and Gentlemen at Saddle Camp. At the back is the summit of Mt. Pulag.

At Baguio, Kuya Alex' House, he's the one at the topmost left part.

Riding Siargao's Waves

Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines and my first impression was, how lonely can this place get? I mean sure there were hundreds of people at the port who boarded with me on the fast jet (ferry), but when I arrived at cloud nine (where everyone surfs) I can count the people I see with the fingers in my hands and the air was just oh so lonely, you know the feeling of homesickness because I’m at a province but of course it’s not my province and my being alone is slapped in my face. Well, that was until I was riding my perfect waves.

This was after my trip to Tinuy-an falls and Hinatuan river last October 12, right after my visit to tinuy-an I went back to Butuan only to ride another van to get me to Surigao city so I can get a ferry to Siargao the next morning(Sunday). At Surigao City I was able to get a decent enough room at 350PHP with a bathroom but I am not recommending it because I don’t feel that the place is safe, I locked myself in right after I paid and vowed to never open the door unless I’m all packed and ready to go. The only reason I took it was I was already tired and needed sleep.

Early the next morning (around 6:00) I hired a tricycle to get me to  the port but the earliest boat had already left and the next ferry is scheduled to leave at 11:30 at a different port, which is the official one, if you want to ride the earliest boat you have to be at that other pier at 5:00 – this is what the locals usually ride, just ask around and I’m sure they’ll tell you where it is or just ride a tricycle. I decided to buy a ticket first to make sure, and then went on to have my breakfast, and you won’t guess where it was, at Jollibee. Yes, I was trying something different and then went on to Gaizano and made my way back just in time for boarding.

I slept on the fast jet (for three hours) and I envy the ones riding the cargo ship enjoying the open air,  I made sure to take that one for my return trip. At the port drivers were asking me where I was headed so I said I’m okay and when everyone seemed to calm down I asked one driver to take me to Cloud Nine. I asked if he knew a safe but not costly place to stay and he said no, so I said okay, we’ll go on an asking adventure, I told him to just take me to where surfer’s meet and I’ll ask around.

I found Patrick’s on Cloud Nine  with only 400PHP per night, so I left my things and headed to the beach. The huge waves looked really powerful that when an instructor asked me if I would want to surf I asked if I could only ride the smaller waves. I agreed to have my one hour surfing lesson for 500PHP which comes with a shoes for safety because the shore had sharp reefs.  

I was surfing until sundown (I think I had more than an hour, *grin*) and looking at the sunset was like God telling me I answered your prayers. I was praying even long before this trip because I am going alone and all I can say is God made it perfect. Riding the waves while looking at the sunset felt so romantic it feels like Jesus was asking for my heart. After surfing the instructor told me “Perfect yung waves mo maam (you had perfect waves)”, then I realized that I never missed a wave, primarily because we had enough distance from the shore that I always find my balance before I loose the wave (yeah, that was cool).

While talking to my instructor however he told me that most of the tourist are at  the town proper, General Luna. I knew I had to go there or the quiet stillness in my room will not let me sleep, I asked the caretaker and she was okay with it, I said I am going to stay at their another beach hut Patrick’s on the Beach at General Luna and I was very glad I made that decision, it was like bits of puzzles falling into places.

General Luna was indeed were sea people (people who loved the beach) gathered. Thankfully Patrick’s is not near the place where they had KTV’s, so I had serenity and at the same time felt safe because I know there are people around. I ordered dinner and befriended the caretakers and even had a picture playing with their cute dog.

I enjoyed the place just siting at the beach front listening to my good old music the next morning while enjoying my breakfast - picture that! And I have to tell you that their Nipa Hut is also something to look forward to specially for couples, it has the laid-back feel of privacy that can really be romantic (I just love the term romantic because I am a hopeless romantic so cut me some slack). It costs me 800PHP (this is good for two persons) for a non-aircon room (it has an aircon it's just a matter of not turning it on, who would? it was cold) with a bathroom and you have a front porch, how awesome is that?

I packed up my things at 11:00 (Tuesday) so I can leave at twelve as I need to catch the Cargo ship leaving at 13:00, bid the caretakers farewell and rode another motorbike. Motorbikes should only cost you 50PHP but there has to be 3 of you – if you are alone and don’t want to ride with other passengers it will cost you 150PHP. There are still more places to visit at Siargao (there's an island there with glowing jelly fish) but I came here primarily for surfing and it would cost me more if I did Island hopping on my own so I’m hoping to go back with friends some other time.

Of course you have to check on my pictures below. 

Scenery at Cloud Nine's view deck, and there's me because I had to be there.. :)

I wish I could surf those gigantic waves, but maybe next time.

With the cute doggie..

General Luna  Beach,..

Yes, I enjoyed my breakfast.

I loved this, and that's why I have to have two photos.

Tinuy-an Falls and Hinatuan River

Who are you with?  Why are you alone? Don’t you have friends or a boyfriend? The questions I have to answer time and time again during my solo trip to Surigao last October 11-14. It even got me thinking if I really do have friends. Do I? Alright, I think I have a few good friends but they can’t be travelling with me all the time, or at least I thought. J On my first day I explored the so called “Niagara of the Philippines”, Tinuy-an falls,  the widest most beautiful falls I have seen so far and the bluest river (but it’s not sad) of Hinatuan, the Enchanted River.

I arrived in Butuan in Thursday (last Oct. 14) at around 15:00, ask around and was directed to ride a multicab bound to Butuan terminal  (fare is 20PHP). Multicab ride is around 40 minutes including multiple stops. At the multicab there was a lady and his guy friend who were quite amused at hearing me speak in Bisaya, asked where I was headed and the lady offered to accompany me to the bus terminal as she is headed to Mangagoy as well, however, knowing that I can also ride a van I inquired about it and did not ride the bus leaving at 16:00. At the entrance of the terminal there are dispatchers and they told me to wait and assured me that a van will pass by, after waiting for almost an hour however I asked them in a serious and pleading tone (the lady in distress kind of way J) if the van will ever arrive, and they said it will but they don’t know when, it was at that notion that I opted to take the bus, I am guessing the van going to Mangagoy leaves in the evening, just a calculated guess so don’t expect it. J

To make the long story short, I rode the bus leaving at 17:00, it was a sweaty, long and bumpy ride but I managed with all that is within me to take a nap when evening came because I haven't slept since the night of the previous day and I am certain I looked so wasted as one passenger kind of looked at me with so much concern and he was like, “Where are you staying? I can help you find a good place”. I wouldn't want to judge him of course but because he was a guy, I just smiled and I guess he knew what that meant.

I arrived at Mangagoy at 22:00, I agreed to the first man who approached me for a ride because I don’t really have time to ask around and told him to bring me to a cheap and safe hostel just so I can have some place to sleep. He took me to “Sleep In”, which is by the way just a walking distance from the highway, you can just walk and ask around if its daytime, they have different types of rooms they even have air-conditioned ones but I opted for the fan room for  150PHP.

I woke up really early the next morning with the help of my phone alarm at 5:00, I did not allow myself to indulge in morning laziness because I knew I need to be back to Butuan that same day for me to travel to  Siargao the following day, and I must say I am very proud to keep up with my itinerary. :D I left for for Tinuy-an at 6:00 and arrived at 7:00 riding their famous habal-habal installed with a roof.

It was a long ride, yes, but the road is no longer bumpy just a lot of difficult hilly ascents and descents which is scary at times but I had to trust the driver.  Along the road the driver – Kuya Julie (he is a man and married with kids but I don’t know why the Julie), asked me where I’m headed next so I said Hinatuan, he said he could take me there directly after tinuy-an to save me the hassle of transferring rides. I didn't agree  at first because the deal for him to take me to and from Tinuy-an is only 300PHP and going straight to Hinatuan will cost me 1000PHP, so I said I will think about it.  After exploring Tinuy-an and seeing how he was really a trustworthy man (left him all my things) I decided to hire him for the entire day at 900PHP, I was able to negotiate 100php. If I took the alternative transpo I could ride a bus to Hinatuan which is at 30PHP and ride another Habal2 for 300PHP as per the locals but I was already having a friend and If there is anything I can buy, why not buy time right?

The falls was truly breathtaking, I guess I could say it was a moment that took my breath away but I had to fight and get it back because I had to live. Kidding aside, I really am thankful to God for giving me the courage and assuring my safety for that trip because I was able to see how beautiful it really was that pictures you see can’t justify it. You may not appreciate the  first level of the falls being the closest to the entrance but the second one, which is mostly what is depicted in the pictures is the highest and the widest, you can’t really get under it because the current is so strong. The third and the fourth levels however, are not that wide and long but there you can immerse yourself under the falls and see the seemingly carved rock walls and the lush green trees that makes the place more heavenly. Going up to the third and fourth level requires that you get a guide and I strongly suggest that you get one because the way is very slippery and this place does not hold a record of zero fatality rate, at least one dies every year as per the guide so saying be careful can’t be stressed enough.

After an hour of dipping and jumping on its cold waters, I figured I had to leave for Hinatuan as I had to see the fish feeding at 12:00. Leaving from Tinuy-an at 8:00, we arrived at Hintu-an at 10:00 so I had spent more of my time at the river, which is good because there were more people there and a lifeguard, they also hold a record of zero fatality rate so I felt it was really safe to go swimming there alone.

I was amazed at seeing that it really was colored so blue, but I was more amazed when I tasted that it was salty. I didn’t drink form it of course, but you can’t be dipping in waters and not tasting it somehow, so why is the water salty? I have no idea, my guess is maybe it was close to the sea?

I had someone take pictures of me at Tinuy-an, but I thought who would take pictures of me here? Being the resourceful that I am, I saw a cottage and talked to the man who was sitting there, discovering that he was the life guard I left him my camera and he became my instant photographer. I also had my early lunch before diving in the blue waters and I must say they have the cheapest seafood on earth. J

While dipping, the thing I enjoyed the most was balancing myself in between two big balls in what seems to be a life line they have installed near the cottage not very far from the bluest part on the right side of the river, that is until I saw the fish getting ready for feeding. Boy, the fishes were too big and too many and they really come out at around 12:00 noon expectant of their portion, this I could say is truly magical and enchanting.

I left at around 12:40 and was able to ride a van heading back to Butuan at 13:15. I was blessed with a very good weather and had meet really good people including Kuya Julie that day, it was trip I’d do all over again.

I am sharing with you my itinerary and expenses. My dinner for day zero by the way was the lanzones I bought on the bus station which I ate on the bus and my breakfast the next day was cup noodles and bread I have bought with me from MLA. J This is Kuya Julie’s contact number if you are interested : 09168719168.

Day 0

15:05 arrive airport.. Ride multicab to butuan terminal (20 PHP)

15:40 arrive at terminal

17:00 bus to Mangagoy (240 PHP)

21:45 arrived at mangagoy, ride tricycle to hostel (50 PHP)

22:00 arrived at hostel (150 PHP)

Day 1 - 6:00 to tinuy-an8:00- left tinuy-an (tricycle 900 PHP for whole day)

10:00 arrive enchanted,.

10:30 early lunch

12:40 head back to main road for  butuan..

13:15  van back to butuan..

Below are some photos but you may visit my fb page and like for more photos. J

https://www.facebook.com/timelessterry

ain't there a rainbow always after the rain? the second level of Tinuy-an but is the main attraction

on the way up

3rd level

4th level

yes, that is Kuya Julie and me in a roofed habal-habal on the way to Hinatuan - Enchanted river, pictures below.

The Climb that Broke My Knee (Kota Kinabalu – A Reminisce)

A picture, a piso fare and a goal to have at least one out of the country trip a year made me book the flight to Kota Kinabalu with two other Mountaineer friends last November 2012.

We booked the reservation for the climb online via Sutera Sanctuary Lodges  - this and Mountain Torq (who owns the via ferrata - but you can still avail of this even if you book via Sutera Lodges) are the ones officially managing and taking care of Mt. Kota Kinabalu so there are not much  variations in the prices, the only caveat is to book your reservation in advance because they have a maximum number of people allowed to climb daily and chances are the date maybe full if you book your climb near your climb date.

In Sabah, you will meet a lot of Filipinos as this place is just 560 miles away from Sulu and some people have come here through boats (which is illegal) so they are mostly from Mindanao. I think it is not easy to do this illegal migration now though as I believe they have tightened their boundary securities already. They speak Tagalog but their dialect are the ones spoken in Mindanao - ie. Tausug.

Seafood – they have lots of this, so if you are into seafood, ( not seefood - the diet where when you see food you eat it? :P) you will love Kota. They are affordable too; I remember the food ranging from 5-10 RM. They are very much into spices as well, but unfortunately I am not – so I made sure I know what’s in the food first before I order.

So here’s the deal, you will be accommodated at Sutera Lodges at noon of your first day – but this not the day you will climb so you don’t have to book for another hotel before going there for rest, if you booked your flights to arrive early in the morning you can go straight from the Airport to Kota Kinabalu’s Park Headquarters. Inclusive in the booking for climbing Kota are accommodation for two nights, dinner on the first day, Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner on the second day, (very early) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on the third day but you have to make it on or before 18:00 back on the Park Headquarters for you to be able to catch the buffet for your last dinner at Sutera.

The climb starts on the second day as early as 7:00 but maybe late depending on how early you are and your guides – the earlier the better. In our case we were the ones waiting for the car to take us to the jump off. It’s a long climb, and I mean really long specially on your third day and they have lots of stairs. On the second day we started the hike at around 9:00, had our lunch at around 13:00 and we were at KM 3.0 by this time if I’m right. We arrived at the next shelter (Laban Rata) before the summit at around 15:00.

Upon arrival at Laban Rata we inquired about how we can register/pay for us to take the via ferrata on our way down from the summit because when we inquired for it at the Park HQ they were not able to process a credit card payment for some reasons and told us to do it Laban Rata. We were waiting for almost forever before the payment went through and we actually almost gave up as they said it was because of the weather when finally the payment went through and we were able to book it. But then again the via ferrata route will depend on whether the next day the sun will show up or not.

You have to rest early at Laban Rata as you need to wake up at around 01:00 for you need have an ealry breakfast before the hike for the summit which commence at 2:00 for you to be able to reach the summit before sunrise. At around 5:00 we arrived at the summit, took pictures and headed to the meet up point for the via Ferrata (you will be briefed on your second day as to where you will meet and the time you need to catch for the decent) start point for our way down back to Laban Rata.

We arrived at around 10:00 at Laban Rata, took the early lunch, rested and at around 12:00 we started the descent as we need to reach the Park HQ before 6:00 so we can still avail of the dinner buffet and this non-stop hike broke my knees. We were at KM 3.0 before the Park HQ when my knees just gave up, we were on the stairs and I almost slipped as it just wouldn’t hold my legs anymore and so we have to rest for me to regain some strength.

I actually kind of carried myself through my hands on our way down using two poles but I thank God I made it without having someone to carry me. And that my friend is how I injured my knees, honestly - not really it wasn’t the long hike; it was the lack of preparation before the climb. So take it from me and prepare, prepare and prepare before a major climb. The good news is I am now on the road to complete healing, yes I believe I can heal completely, nothing is impossible with God. :D

please visit my fb page and like:

https://www.facebook.com/timelessterry

here are some photos:

I suugest you book through Sutera because Mountain Torq doesn't have any accomodation at the Headquarters, and you will miss the fireplace.. :P

We will make it through the stairs.. nanana..

When you see this heavenly stairway, you are close to having rest at Laban Rata - really close so cheer up!

I honestly loved the flowers, but more than that I wanted to rest... :D

the best part of the climb... descent via ferrata

the mossy forest connecting to the other half of the via ferrata trail - there's an option to go only for the first half..

As I said, the most fun part.. :)

congratulate me.. :)

ok, its not part of the climb but it's cool.. :D