What a week! My head was spinning and mind is floating with different remarks and comments, my thoughts and half-baked ideas is gone. Been hearing a lot of negative remarks with my blog, comments like why do i need to blog my adventures ? and my blog focus only on fancy topics. I knew there was only one way to get it all straight.

Well, how did I get here? and Why do i write ?

Well, the real answer to this question for me on why I write a blog is simple, that is i love to write and document my life experiences.Blogging for me is like a personal journal, In fact i started keeping an online journal way back in 2007, and i keep those journal only for myself to read so i can still look back at my experiences with the places that i have been. And, I write because I see these images in my head that I don’t want to forgot, and because I hear words that need to be in words. I write because I’m not very good at speaking and that's a fact. For three years, my journal was filled with pages of my adventures, misadventures and experiences. I find it quite bizarre that I haven’t shared the reasons why I do it, or even how I came to do it. But since i have my blog open for public to read might as well submit this entry for my readers to know and understand.

I actually started my personal public blog way back 2010. I forced myself into a weekly deadline of posting new entries for my blog. Still, it all feels completely spontaneous. The stories and the words flow through my fingers and I can't help myself. I have written stories that I always wanted to write. By now I had begun writing other things apart from my travel and adventures. And this writing made me happy.

Itatagalog ko na lang para matuwa naman ung mga nagsasabing bakit kailangan kong mag- English.

1.Ang Page na ito ay hindi para syo kung ayaw mong makabasa ng mga mali-maling english.

2.Kung masaya kang punahain ang mga mali ko masaya ako para sayo , sarilinin mo na lng huwag mo na akong i-private message para lang ipaalam sakin ang mga mali ko

3. wala akong paki alam kong magaling ka sa english at proofreader ka, wala akong kinokompetensya at lalung hindi kita kakompetensya.

4.wala akong trabaho oo pero gumagawa ako ng paraan para makapag trabaho, kung sa tingin mo pag liliwaliw lang ang alam ko dyan ka nagkakamali.

Amazingly Unique Mountain And Rock Formations of Minalungao

Rock formation are some of the most impressive and beautiful pieces of nature. Everything about them speaks of strength, and challenge. Everything from boulders to mountain ridges, these rocks will continue to bring awesome landscapes, tiring hikes, fulfilling climbs, and of course amazing pictures.

Minalungao is a lovely spot for a picnic or an overnight camp.The walk over the rock is relatively hard and you will see various rock formations and fabulous views over surrounding the minalungao park.

I am surprised at how little I get questioned about my trip, mainly because people don’t know what, or where, Minalungao is, and wouldn’t begin to know where to ask.

The short hike is a great way to first see the park on foot. The entire trail is already part of the rock formation and there is only a very slight gain of elevation

The trip to minalungao is well worth it, for once you are at the top of the rock formation you will not only get gorgeous 360° views of the park, but (particularly for me) you get to check out and admire the spectacular folds and composition of the rocks making up this impressive park. 

Our trip to minalungao took over an hour, there were four of us exploring the structures at the rivers edge or at the top of the rock formation.The cloud cover was really amazing that day.  The sound of the river sometimes drowning out the calls of, “You gotta see this!” .

I loved minalungao but my legs hated it.

Though there is no easy way into or out the Minalungao park,the trip is worth the challenge. You will learn a lot, you will laugh a lot and you will gain a new sense of the beauty and the majesty that is the Minalungao.This is one place that everyone should definitely visit once in their lives! 

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.