Cagbalete 2013 in pictures

Arriving right before sunset, I was happy to be back in Cagbalete.  There were handful of tourists guesthouses already. 

Cagbalete become popular already, but I was happy to see that the sand looked exactly the same as the photos I have wayback 2010.The only down side to being a famous destination is the crowds that flock to cagbalete.

I , together with Taloloy, Rowena, kenneth, Jo and Josh walked around to the east side of the island to get a better view of the sunset. We walked through a line of pine trees until we reach the best part of the island.

For me, the beach front after Pansacola resort is the major selling point of cagbalete. This is without a doubt the most stunning part because the stunningly blue waters and white powdery sands is at this point. 

For the time being however, cagbalete is still available –but for a price.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Amazing Tappiyya Falls

"Life is a waterfall, we’re one in the river, one again after the fall."

There are several ways to explore Batad and in particular the Tappiyya falls. You can trek for 2 hours going to the famous waterfalls.The surrounding environment of the falls is covered in a dense jungle, (the hike is bearable though i have some struggles reaching it) and it is the best way to experience the beauty and marvelous nature of the Tappiyya falls.

There are several travel companies that offer travel packages to this destination. In addition, in the recent years several camps and accommodation facilities have been established within the waterfalls, however as of  February 2014 the projects were stop.

In my mind while trekking going to the falls, getting to Tappiyya falls was not easy by any stretch of imagination.

Even though there was enough infrastructure (the man made stairs) to make the falls accessible to nature lovers without unreasonably risking lives, i still had to spend a more effort, and time to finally lay my eyes on this amazing and mystical waterfall. But mind you  the scene is breathtaking, surreal, and larger than life.

To give you an idea of the trekking involved, i've broken down my experience below.

*my trek started from Ramon's Homestay and restaurant, from Ramon's Homestay the views of the mountain trail is visible, i was told it was a short, easy walk to the falls.That wasn’t too far from the truth.
*up,up,up i climb , one step at a time, the views from above is a lush, diverse scenery of the mountains.Just a few steps from the trail , is a cliff and it will change you forever for a single wrong step.
*I stayed right behind my guide for the first hour. Over some huge rocks, through streams, water canals and hovering over rocks, I held my own.The way that i maneuvered the treacherous rocks, was amazing.
*up and down the narrow terraces i went, passing by clusters of small native ifugao houses and seeing some old native women in their ifugao customes ( walang pang itaas).
*reaching halfway of the trek signify an easy trek going down the falls but mind you going back is a big trouble.
*Descent, of course, is undoubtedly more easy but i still need to take every step with utmost precaution.
*I take a lot of pictures, but i know that there is no way for me to capture the glory and impossibility of it all. Sitting on the edge of the cliff, hearing the noise of tappiyya falls, I feel a profound sense of awe, wonder, and humility.
*going down the waterfalls and seeing the glorious view of the falls clearly is a pretty special experience, one i'll never forget.
*The water from the falls is a little bit colder but its really clear and its was surrounded by nestle panoramic valley
*This is the absolute best falls Ive ever been to yet- the trek to it is a must - the one i did was somewhere from 2.5 to 4 hours maximum but it was quite muddy, humid and at times tricky.
*going back to Ramon's Homestay is a different story ( naubos ang pasensya ko). The walk going back is tough. Very steep back up the steps.

Waterfall Information 

Name: Tappiyya Falls
Starting point: Batad Saddle
Getting to the Falls:The hike down (2 hours) and up (3 hours) to the falls is very challenging but it is sure worth it
Hiking Technique: Difficult

Writing about something more fascinating is difficult, my stay with Batad was one of my best experiences in my life.

If this has tickled your travel taste buds for a true adventure, then go for it – before the rest of the world discover it.

Mt. Talamitan in Pictures

Mt. Talamitan in Pictures

It's officially been three months after Medical City.

It’s hard to believe really. My dreams of going back to the mountain enjoying the peak is hunting me in my sleep, only to wake up this isn't a dream anymore.

10/0/7/12

It's time for another climb,this time Jackie and I is joining a group of new mountaineers who wants to experience the mountain.

I am not going to lie, I was really nervous the whole time while trekking Mt. Talamitam. Of course, it goes without saying, that first and foremost I am not healthy enough to go back hiking that time, but I was definitely determine. 

I was faster and stronger than any sick person I knew and if someone told me that I could not do something because I was not fit , I would make sure I proved them wrong. 

Thanks so much Jackie ( my adventure/climbing/kumare buddy) for joining me at the summit.

MT. TALAMITAM

Nasugbu, Batangas

Jump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu (KM. 83)

LLA: 14.1158° N; 120.7577° N; 630 MASL

Days required/ Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-2.2 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with steep assault (100m)

Revisiting Mt. Maculot

Enjoy each climb and have fun in the trail.

That was my thinking for Climbing every mountain, a mind set i had set for myself when i started mountaineering. Along with climbing partner Jackie ( my adventure/climbing / kumare buddy) , Mam Nyrene and Sir Jc, I set out on what would be one of the most physically challenging adventure after a long time.

From the beginning, our speedy paced climb toward each stations in Maculot was painfully strenuous and it didn’t help that we have to stop for 1 hour on every station for a long break.

Short, and difficult, was the climb to Maculot .With careful negotiation and navigation through the Rockies of maculot i was blessed with a scenic view of the whole Taal Lake including the world famous Taal volcano. Awestruck by the spectacle of Rockies of maculot, i found myself in the middle of the bolders and high cliffs.Mesmerized, i turned to witness the beauty of Taal slowly appearing then breaking away and disappearing because of heavy fog.

The reason why I wanted to go back in Maculot is its majestic view from the Rockies. And, Maculot has plenty to offer beyond the Rockies, from the campsite, one can continue to the peak and the Grotto on the other side of the mountain.

Mt. Maculot is a very nice climb, and its popularity is understandable in Mountaineering Community. This is one of my highly recommended dayhikes Near Metro Manila.

MT. MACULOT

Cuenca, Batangas

Jump-off point: Brgy. Poblaction, Cuenca

LLA: 13°55’15″N; 121°2’30″E; 706 MASL

Days required / Hours to Rockies: Half day / 1-2 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3

My Travelogue to amazing lighthouse edition 2 : Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

The lighthouse is situated on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, an area so naturally beautiful and it’s begging you to explore on foot. But If you’re not up for the walk, the easy option is to simply drive up.

The lighthouse is just one more flight of stairs, and the reward at the top is worth it. You can see a panoramic view of the sea. 

At the top, spend some time to appreciate the beauty all around you and you can also step inside the lighthouse to learn about its history and significance.

The mixed eerie and amazing feeling that this lighthouse brings might be the reason why tourists keep coming back to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

This attraction is definitely worth a visit.

Fast facts that may help you on the trip:

1.Coming from Manila you have to travel to Burgos, Ilocos norte.

2.From Maharlika Highway you can walk to the lighthouse (though the walk is a bit long ).From the highway, there is a signage of Cape Bojeador which leads to the lighthouse.

3.Or, you can get there by getting a tricycle tour in Pagudpud.

Dayhiking Mt. Sembrano.. 04/29/12

Whether you wish to go solo or begin in a group, Climbing Mt Sembrano is a good option.

After pulag , i joined this fun dayhike climb with Master Jc, Jackie , sir Ace and some other happy go lucky mountaineers.

The past year has truly been a test of endurance in my climbing , and i want to see how I can get through some fears and achieve my goals, no matter what.

My bags were packed with enough water and food, ready and relaxed , wanting to finish the climb as early as possible.

Overall Sembrano experience was fantastic but if I were to do it again I think I’d opt for a sunset or sunrise experience. With easy and open hiking trail and a gorgeous waterfalls, this destination is ideal for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.

I think it’s fair to say I Enjoy Sembrano…..!

Pulag : my surreal encounter

I was just coming off of a busy and tiring weeks at work and was feeling the need to relax.So, when my climbing friend Master Jc batayola invited me to join him for a weekend climb to Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail I jumped at the opportunity right away.

Pulag is known for their rugged high peaks, long hours of  hiking trails and epic mountain climbing experience.It's about the thrill of the challenge and the fun.I know for me at least, stunning scenery can be really distracting from denr all the way to akiki jumpoff , so just make sure to keep your eyes on the road most of the time.

We walked in silence all the way to the akiki trail visitor's center, our unspoken words shrouded by the damp,misty and cold air. Rain begins to fall as we arrive at the registration center, Would heavy rain stop us? Bad weather thwarted the start of our ascent, which is a bit of a letdown. I struggled to be more optimistic, because you never know what the weather might bring.

The heavy rain continues that night, our itinerary was at risk, our first night was spent at a school nearby. Sad, but our safety should always comes first. The next day the weather has improved! There was a chance now that we could start our hike and try to summit the next day. My hopes soared. We scrambled to get ready,started our hike early at 4 am,  then dashed off, feeling shrewd, like we could outsmart the weather. But no, weather had other plans. The weather changes, and after the akiki trail off to marlboro heavy rains begins to fall again.

After doubting myself climbing Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail again after several years, i was thrilled to accomplish each day’s itinerary. Akiki trail is a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment from strenuous hiking and to see the spectacular views starting from Eddet river all the way up to the Pine forest of the killer trail and off to marlboro country.

We moved along very carefully (as in very very careful..being the sweeper of the group together with master JC and Sir Tolits) finding and holding our own pace, and turned up the killer trail. The path was defined and fresh with amazing pine trees, and it awarded us with a reasonably amazing views of the surrounding peaks. Over the next five hours, with my knees weak from the weight of my packs, I'm still happy and content, if not forced, to stop every other hour (may kasama pang power nap na 1 hr sa trail).

Eventually we arrived at what would be our campsite for the night which is at the saddle camp: an unassuming and designated campsite below the summit. It offered us a place to set up our tent (luckily for me my tent is set up already when i arrived at saddle, courtesy of my porter) and had inspiring views of the surrounding peaks. Once settled in, i immediately went inside my tent and started the much needed rest and good night sleep after a very long hike.

But I’ve come to realize that just because I did not make the summit doesn’t mean I failed. There’s so much more to it than that. And, I believe that i just conquered myself rather than i conquered Mt. Pulag.