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

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.