A pleasant day at Mt. Cagua

No trip to Gonzaga, Cagayan could ever be completed without seeing Mt. Cagua.

“Cagua Volcano is a stratovolcano located in the Philippine province of Cagayan. It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines and has erupted twice in recorded history. Its last eruption was in 1907.”

My special thanks to the very helpful and friendly staff of Gonzaga Tourism Council who were prompt and on time, most especially to sir jay suba for making this climb possible.

Chasing waterfalls series : Nagsasa Falls - Third time's a charm

They say a trip to Nagsasa is not complete without visiting its waterfalls. On my third visit to Nagsasa cove after my trek from Mt. Bira Bira FINALLY i was able to visit its beautiful cascading waterfalls. I guess the third time’s a charm, as they say.

The falls is located in the forested part at the foot of Mt Balingkilat-Bira BIra trail.The water from the falls is cold and clear. It is actually a series of waterfalls that is best visited only during the rainy season.

Chasing waterfalls series: Experiencing Colorado falls

What do you think of when you think of visiting Baguio? Mines view? Burnham Park? Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad?  or The Diplomat Hotel at Dominican hill?

For those who have visited Bguio, it is relly all of that and or there is something more??

How about a visit to a waterfalls?

Well, Baguio is unusually suited for waterfalls. At 5,200 feet above sea level, Baguio enjoys low temperatures with cold weather - so when i speak of Baguio and a visit to its waterfalls - everyone thinks I'm crazy.

I was unaware of this before, but I soon found out of this waterfalls when a friend from Tuba invited me for a quick dip at its cold waters.

I love the place, it's near the city's other attractions - so it's worth it, the views are different and it's not a long walk.

How to get there?

-Ride any PUJ that passes by Kennon road.  Ask the driver to drop you off at  Camp 4 near an Elementary School.

Mt. Singakalsa Traverse - Timbak-kabayan

Mt. Singakalsa also known as Mt. Timbak is the 3rd highest mountain in Luzon as well as the 9th highest peak in the Philippines. Though this is my 3rd time to climb Timbak, it is actually my 1st time doing the kabayan traverse.

After 5 hours of travel from Manila, we reached Baguio at 3 AM - a quick breakfast at session road - then another 3 hours ride to Atok Benguet – the highest highway in the Philippines.

8 Am

We were dropped at the waiting shed of Atok, Benguet in km. 55 marker. After a 5 minutes break we already started the ascent to Mt. Timbak summit. The trail started on a cemented road, turning left on a fork, then passing by Mongoto Elementary School.

The walk up to the summit of Mt. Timbac was fast and easy. An hour and a half of knee pain walk along a cemented road makes up the first part of the trail, then after the last fork, the summit would be just 15 minutes away.

On the way to the summit, we passed by farmers' houses and vegetable plots of potatoes, carrots, and cabbages. Less than two hours of trek in total, we reached the summit. The sight around Timbak is great. From here we took our first 20 minutes break, we also waited for the clouds to clear so we could take some shots of the neighboring peaks. Unfortunately lady luck did not smile upon us that day, the whole place was covered with so much fog, still, the view is breathtaking. It was actually seemed to be a walk in the clouds.

At 1045 AM, we decided to make our descent to Kabayan. While we were all tired and wet from the drizzle, we were all pleased and feeling fulfilled.

If it took us Less than two hours of trek in total to reach the summit of Mt Timbak, the traverse is a different story. I though the walk going up was already a punishment - i was wrong. This trek was the most strenuous of all from my previous climb. Going down to Kabayan was a hurtful and knee breaking experience. Yeah, there is no doubt that a long descend will definitely make a knee-pain worst.

How to get to Mt. Timbak : 

-From Manila, take a bus bound for Baguio city. P450

-From Baguio, go to Dangwa Terminal or at the Slaughterhouse bus terminal along Magsaysay Avenue. Public van transportation departs from Dangwa terminal in as early as 6AM while bus from Slaughterhouse departs at 5:30AM and 10:00am daily P120. No more public transportation departs after lunch.

-Tell the driver to drop you off at KM 55 in Atok. 

A fulfilling journey : A visit to the Four UNESCO World Heritage Churches in the Philippines

As you have probably noticed, I'm fascinated with century old churches. Having visited some of the famous and beautiful churches in the country, 4 made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites were created in 1978 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was created as a means to help ensure the preservation of our natural, cultural, and intellectual heritage.

There are innumerable churches and cathedrals all over the country, but the 4 UNESCO World heritage Churches should be at the top of your list. Whether you're a dedicated churchgoer or simply want to marvel at our country's rich religious heritage, these churches are truly worth a visit.

The four churches are:

1. Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

2. Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

3. Church of San Agustin in Manila

4. Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Iloilo

How about you? How many have you visited so far?

En route to Carabao Island - San Jose, Romblon

It’s an island known as the twin island of Boracay , but with a more peaceful aura.

Set on a beautiful quiet beach on a totally unspoiled Carabao Island - also known as Hambil Island in the island province of Romblon - it is just 45 minutes away by boat from boracay. Despite its nearness to Boracay, Carabao Island offers an entirely contrasting flavor.

When I initially considered Carabao Island as part of the destination for the visayas backpacking getaway, I wasn’t convinced it was for me. But the moment I stepped off the boat I knew we were in paradise.

White sandy beaches, pleasant climate, waters and the peacefulness of the place are the key features of Carabao Island.

I’m very glad I was wrong about Carabao Island.

How to Get There

Via Caticlan

From Caticlan ride a tricycle to Tabon Baybay (P20/pax) and look for a public boat going to Hambil. The boat ‘s schedule of departure is usually in the morning. Travel time from Tabon Baybay takes one (1) hour.

Via Boracay

If you are in the island of Boracay, there are public boats at Station 1 that go to Hambil. These boats usually transport workers from Hambil to Boracay and back. Boat schedule is usually in the afternoon, fare is P100 per passenger and travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Timangguyob Falls - Hidden and Underrated

I'm sure you've heard that the heat index in Metro Manila is getting higher - Extreme Summer heat , the best way to describe it . Therefore it's a must to find a better solution how to fight the heat.

There’s nothing quite like a cold bath to ease the extreme summer heat. 

And, relaxing at an Ice-cold waterfalls helps spread refreshing feeling all over the body. 

I'm presenting Timangguyob Falls of Tarlac. 

Timangguyob Falls is located in Sitio Dueg Barangay Maasin,  in the municipality of San Clemente, Tarlac. The hike to the waterfall is an 11 km trail through a vegatation,bamboo,shrubs and grassy trail. The hike to the waterfalls can be steep and muddy, so wear a proper footwear in the rainy season. It’s recommended to bring a guide.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Hidden wonders of Tarlac

Chasing waterfalls are the things I’m starting my 2017 — I call it my 2017 Starter. 

MT. DAMAS - DAYHIKE ITINERARY:

0100 - ETD Cubao to Brgy Papaac, Camiling Tarlac

0500 - ETA Brgy Papaac; Jump-off, secure guide, registration.

0600 - Start Trek

0830 - Resume treak, start river trekking/rope segments

0920 - End of river trek, Mt. Damas foot

0930 - Start trek to Mt. Damas summit

1030 - Mt. Damas summit

1100 - Start Descend

1130 - ETA Mt. Damas foot, lunch 

1230 - Resume trek to Ubod falls

0100 - ETA Ubod Falls

0200 - ETA Ubod Falls; Cardiac Trail

0300 - End of cardiac trail

0430 - ETA jump off, wash up

0530 - ETD jump off

0900 - ETA Cubao

You may contact Sir. Garry at 0929-258-2106 - my Guide during my stay.

I cannot wait to chase more waterfalls this 2017. Here’s to making as many memories as possible!!!