Amazing Pantabangan

Pantabangan lake is one of the rare corners of the earth where the atmosphere, landscape, climate and man-made design combine in a magical harmony that resists the passage of time.Located in the northern part of Nueva Ecija, Pantabangan is located at the foot of Mt. Mabilog below Mt. Dalimanok which are found between Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountain ranges, this jaw-dropping destination is surrounded by mountains and hills and is sprinkled in villas and resorts.

pantabangan is famous for few things—namely a town good for stopover before going to baler and Pantabangan is a first class municipality located at the northern part of Nueva Ecija. It hasn’t really caught the eye of other travellers at large, maybe because the things man builds here are no match for its natural beauty. There are no buildings or skyscrapers that surpass the mountains and forests for their renown.

The water surface seems to stretch out in front of us like a giant mirror reaching out to the horizon, the water spans out immeasurably before us. There is water just as far as we can see, interrupted only by a few trees on an island here and there. And while enjoying the view i also hears my tummy hurts. But i can’t take my eyes off the scenery.

The walk around the lake was one thing I enjoyed the most! especially the views.

There are loads of fun filled recreational activities that you can enjoy here.

If you like adventurous sports then you can indulge in hiking, camping, mountain climbing, boating, fishing and trekking.

Sitting near the lake with your beloved or just picnicking with your friends can really provide you great thrill and enjoyment. There are various local attractions at pantabangan that you can visit according to your convenience. If you want, you can also explore the woods that surround the Lake. You can also view this majestic lake from the villas/resorts nearby.

My special Thanks so Anne for joining me in this trip.

4-1 @ Mt. Maranat

On wednesday, January 15th @ 7am

Where did the idea to climb Mt Maranat come from?

3 weeks ago..

I was at a friends house for a gathering, involving beer at which edward, dexter, annabelle and jeffrey is present and the group decided to try climbing with me ( mga lasing na kasi sila ).This has been on my mind for a long time and I guess this is as good as a time as any to put it out there.

I hate preparing for my adventures. I hate details. I hate planning. I’d rather just show up and figure things out along the way.

Fortunately, for this trip, I did my best to adequately prepare since im climbing for the first time with my high school classmates (and all of them are first time climbers).

The seven of us left tungko at 8:00 am and arrived at the jumpoff (licao-licao) around 9:00 am. We walked over to the trail and started climbing. jackie by the way joined us in this trip .

The last hour of the climb going to tatay nestor was a rock to rock foot placement , then you need to cross the river and you need technical attention to ensure you will not fall. But let me tell you, getting up to those last few steps up exposed the beauty infront of us, TOTALLY worth it! What a sight, I can't even put it into words, to be surrounded by peaks and valleys of mountains, to be up in the sky like that is truly unreal!

So, when I say “30 more minutes” on the first hour of climbing, I was lying.

We finally reach tatay nestor's kubo at exactly 12 noon.

Down was as tough as up. We needed to move quickly and concentrate hard so as not too slip down the mountain. It was a tough going and dexter's knees were certainly feeling it. We made good time and tried to stop as little as possible.

As we pulled off the exit ramp going to kawayanan, we were greeted with a rainbow.

Definitely a perfect ending to an amazing day.

Happy climbing in 2014!

My 2013 Journey

The First thing I thought as I begin composing this article is, that I have not written my 2012 year in review. I should do it sometime within next year, that year had a load of emotional/physical struggles that is not worthy writing for me.

Annus mirabilis is a Latin phrase that means “year of miracles.” If ever there was an annus mirabilis for me and my travels, it should have been 2013. I should say miracles really do happen.

2013 was a big year of travel and climbing for me. This past year,2013, I became more aware of my life's journey. 

My year started out slow with some health conditions that i should always put first if ever i will travel or climb. I then took a much needed break and forced myself to relax my feet at home for 2 months, then after making sure that I'm fit to travel, right away i pack my bags and begin my journey.

Here’s what happen in 2013, each one characterized by a highlight of the tour.

***Cordillera Region tour

I meet and eat with the locals from banaue batad, mayoyao , hapao, and hungduan. I explore the natural environment including a visit to the rice terraces clusters which is a UNESCO World heritage site and waterfalls.I witnessed one of the most dramatic looking sunsets in Batad and challenge myself for a great hike after my near death experience just 2 months ago. When I'm not exploring the villages i just stay at an old ifugao house drinking a cup of coffee. I don’t want to give too much away, i'll just say i’ll be back again exploring the mountains,soon.

***Tarlac and Pangasinan adventure

Nothing in Tarlac and Pangasinan impressed me enough till I reached Patar in Bolinao. I experience the province's diversity, lifestyle and warm hospitality. I get the opportunity of visiting old churches, waterfalls and enjoys their delicacy.I laso get the change to do a solo climb up Mangatarem's untouched mountains.

***Exploring tinipak river and daraitan caves

It wasn’t a hike, but the highlight of the day was seeing the raging river ,and defeat my fear with caves. 

***Revisited Ilocos Region

Finally Im back aftr 4 yrs.. I missd ds place so much.. I miss d coffee facing d whtesand in pagudpud. Time flies rily fast, alot of changes hapen n d place but d memories is still intact,can still rmembr my 1st visit in ilocos waybak 2001..then my nxt visit in 2003,2005,2007 an lastly in 2009 b4 my weddng. D experiens of vigan,ilocos, d sinking tower,old churches,d lighthaus,viaduct,falls an my 1st tym adventure to tugegarao.. Hay i miss ds place..

***Fallsineering Adventures

it has been 10 years after my first visit to mt famy, now commonly known as mt romelo.THis is my 2nd mountain after mountaineering was intoduced to me.Thanks so much master jc batayola for this opportunity and to my best climbing/adventure buddy jackie mildew.. it is really great... chasing waterfalls at Daranak, Batlag, Maybunga, Matabungka and Buntot Palos

***Visita Iglesias 

Got to visit several old churches in Rizal,laguna and Quezon.

***My Pinatubo revenge,Mt Maranat and the hidden Falls,Mt Pico de Loro, Mt Humarap , Mt Romelo, San Jose Circuit, Mt Balingkilat and my yearend climb to Batulao.

***beachineering 2013

Cagbalete, san felipe, Borawan, Patar and Pagudpud. Nothing compares to the views of the sunset and sunrise at beach front.

In 2013…

... I climb 13 mountains and 8 waterfalls

... I visited 1 century old lighthouse

... I gain more friends

Somehow 2013 did not disappoint me. I learned so many lessons, not just about me , but with other people and the surroundings. I'm proud to say I have grown as a person. 

For now, I’d like to thank each single person who been a part of my Journey. Especially to jackie and kennet who been very good to me. To sir Jojo and rochelle. Thank you guys for being my climbing/adventure/travel/kumare/kumpare buddy. I really appreciate all your support throughout 2013 and I hope to see you and travel/climb again next year. 

Like I said before , 2013 was an amazing year for my  travel and climb, and there is still so much more that I want to do and share with all of you.

I dont want to plan because it may not push through. Like i always said " i living each day as if its my last day". Living your life means you are going where no one has gone before. Make your life a wonderful journey.

Enjoy travelling!!

Batulao: Before the year ends

Time goes by really fast.Before I knew it 2013 was over. With days dwindling down on 2013 I have been looking back on what has been the hardest year of my life.With all the ups and downs, all the fun and hard times, all the good and bad stuff. What a great year it has been.Hiking has been the glue that has helped keep my sanity in these times with quiet moments to think and reflect. I had time for one last hike this year and headed to Mt batulao with my best climbing/travel/kumare buddy Jakie.In the end I can say my climbing had some major ups and downs as well, but indeed 2013 is a great year.But 2013 must be even better. How? Just climbing even harder throughout the year. Find more good friends.Enjoy family.Love.

Scrambled the peak via new to old trail traverse route hiking along the beautiful ridgeline. There are eight "false summits" ( i Lost my count) all the way to the summit. The new to old route is a a bit scary but easy. Overall it was a great peak. tired, but the view of the Cascades (all of them from Mt. talamitam, mt pico de loro and mt maculot ) is breathtaking. It doesn't get much better than this.

We started at 8:00am and reached the summit at 10.15am. we took the old trail for our descend and enjoy some buko along the way.

It was a good day.

daraitan exploration... spelunking 103

exploring tinipak river and daraitan caves!!

Finally! I’ve thought of something to post so suddenly.

Although the photographs don't do the trip justice, a picture is worth a thousand words, so the photographs will tell most of the story.

We visited many areas,emphasis on this particular trip will be on the more adventurous aspects of what turned out to be a remarkable journey. Along the way we met some mountaineers , friendly locals,saw giant insects, crawled on our bellies through underground caves, raging rivers, witnessed what nature can really offer to us. 

It wasn’t a hike, but the highlight of the day was seeing the raging river , crossing it and doing the cave 103.

The stunning limestone mountains that tower over Daraitan are riddled with caves of all kinds. Some are large with spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations, while others are so small you can barely squeeze inside. We only entered the first cave that was rather easy but it’s definitely not for claustrophobic people!

The campsite was a real paradise. It was a beautiful location on a clear and fast river with high forested bluffs lining each side of the river. After a swim in the river, we rested and relaxed . We had a nice bath and swim and settled down for lunch before our trek back through the jungle. The rocks formation were impressive. It was a great day.

San Jose Circuit

It was a party weekend. Yes, I could have gotten dressed up and gone to parties. Yes, I could have gone watching movies. Yes, I could have gone to trinoma. I could even have gone to Tagaytay since LM invited me.But that’s not the way i do things after i agreed to join the san jose circuit with sir Jhunie.

It was another rainy day, but that wasn’t going to deter me anymore. The hike was short, straightforward, and delightful, and thanks to my cousin reynald who joined me in this climb. 

The long scenic drive from Tarlac city follows the san jose proper going to barangay san pedro with the 3 peaks in full view most of the way (eventhough We see clouds elsewhere in the sky). Today, I experience a special day and will be a lifetime memory.The air is much cooler when we hop from the jeepney and the scent of moist rainforest hangs in the air like perfume.

That morning we left jump-off at 7:30 am, clouds appear along with brief showers.Visibility may be low due to heavy clouds and afternoon rains are common. This climb was steep and very muddy thanks to the overnight rains. Throughout the day it continued to rain, off and on, and iam totally soaked.Thank god for the plastic bags I packed that save my camera.

The effects of rain and mud can be very strenuous on the body. Correspondingly, chances of unsuccessful 3 peak summit also decreases. But the majority of the group decided not to complete the circuit and just be contented with the 2 peaks. 

The ridge around san jose was wide and amazing.By the time we reached the summit of Mt kawayan the cloud was breaking up and glimpses of the peaks were appearing and then disappearing. It was a pretty awe-inspiring experience and made me realize how lucky I was to experience such amazing scenery. We did not hang around for long , after our lunch we started another hike going to mt bungkol baka. As we travelled back along the ridge, the cloud swirled in and out and I wondered if the summit at mt bungkol baka would give us a clear view of Tarlac province. As we drove up, the skies were dark and threatening, not something we’ve ever encountered before. Just as we walked over the top the clouds reveal an amazing view of Tarlac and the neighboring province ( dont know what ??) and the barangay where we started, which serve as our jump-off. We took some pictures,and I've never felt more alive than when I'm sitting perched on the very peak of the mountain, but then rain started to fall. Again, something we are expecting. I wasn’t looking forward to spending 5 more hours in the rain (We were, however, prepared for it.) Unfortunately it was going to be a traverse along the ridge and then retrace our steps back again then pass Mt tangisan going back to jump-off. At 3 pm ( exhausted and hungry ) we were hiking along the ridge just as the rain began to fall again (heavy rain this time). The climb and walk back down is much easier but still requires plenty of concentration. While climbing backwards down the muddy rocks. With all the previous climb I have done recently, I felt short on this climb, going down the ridge feels unending.Unluckily for us, heavy rain is with us on our way down which make it more harder. Typical! Oh well maybe it surpass my muddy experience with romelo and daguldol. Nothing can be dried at this point. But despite the cold and dampness I kept pace better than I thought I would. I’m definitely the slow one in the group, but I thought I’d be a lot slower. Some parts of the climb were really scary so I had to mentally push myself (river crossing (plenty of it!!) – I HATE river crossing and the slippery rocks you’re required to balance on to cross them). Again, thank god for my hiking poles that eventually give up ( SAD!). We reached the jump off around 7 pm and right away group is getting ready to go home. 

Climbing San jose circuit is one of the best things to do in Tarlac. It is exhausting, exhilarating, and leaves you with the ultimate bragging rights. But those bragging rights come at a cost – the 2 mountains (bungkol Baka and kawayan is not an easy mountain to climb. It involves rain, muddy trail and spending most of the trek in the river. Oh yeah, and back, knee, and foot problems.

As terrible as my other climbs, I would do it all over again. This climb is the ultimate test of endurance and I’ve never experienced such extreme rushes of adrenaline for a long time, the feeling is highly addictive. I’m going to cherish my san jose circuit memories for the rest of my life. 

I pushed myself to the absolute limit and it was clear that the this is what others did too (i think , except for sir jhunie and sir toto .. harkur si sir!!:) ).

For those who favor a less crowded climb i highly suggest san jose circuit. Climbing San Jose Circuit (DAYHIKE ) takes a lot of preparation. i must say climber should begin planning their trek in advance and must be physically and emotionally ready.

Zambales.. A Family Beach affair

November. This is no typical beach bum holiday – unless of course you want it to be!

How is this possible?

Having a family outing sponsored by Ynah is a good answer. Enjoying each other company the whole day from the long and tiring trip to San Felipe is a great experience. Feeling nostalgia . I can still remember our very first family trip when i was a kid going to Bataan, not to mention this is also waki and theo's first beach outing.

The beach in Liw-Liwa, San Felipe is best appreciated by surfers. And i think this is the reason why it is so under the radar for a vacationer, and beach bummers will not like it as well, I didnt love the beach but i do appreciate it. I am talking this way because all of my cousins didnt like or appreciate it as I did.

I appreciate the blue waters of Liw-liwa's beach during midday but exposing directly to sun is not a good idea.

I did not surf, although its sea topography is perfect for first-time surfers.But i tried the waters in Liw-liwa, and I love the mountain background. Liwliwa is a very peaceful place. It’s a great time out from the chaos we call city living.

The outing is a success, edifying our family relationship in one-day out of town bonding. Thanks so much Ynah..