Introduction to Rock Scrambling : Lion's Rock

At first glance this may appear to be just another amazing rock formation, but looking at it closely , it offers so much more.

Lion's Rock is a fairly tall rock formation in the province of Bulacan, a multi-peaked rock formation surrounded by a smaller residential community. 

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing, that is what i have in mind before we start the climb. I have a positive outlook so I'm also expecting a positive result.

The trail started directly up a tall, extremely steep slide of pointed rock, i though it would be close to impossible continuing the climb, but with Kap Omeng leading the trail we find a way to inched and clinged up the rocks. The pointed rocks is useful for the tricky spots, though I have fear of heights, and it's not to any extreme, half way up the climb, i begin to panic, my heart rate goes up and my knees feel weak and shaky, it's really debilitating. But the climb was far from over, and what happened next is the real story. While the details don’t matter, I found myself half hovering, half clinging to the rock face. I was there for several minutes, I'm about to give up. I was not moving and cant even open my eyes. Scary isn't it. Take it or leave it. This is what i have in mind. Then I open my eyes slowly and relax, tried to focus on avoiding the fear. I push myself not let this fear get in my way, i've been up the Rockies of Maculot, Balingkilat and walked on high rope bridges above the ground in ifugao and benguet. This panic never gets better, i know, but the experience is always worth it and rewarding.

Finally I pushed myself back up, testing my knees and the pointed rocks, use positive thinking, then i continued up the climb. One step at a time, a quick stop to relax, and the distance passed easily. Before I knew it there was nothing left to climb. 

When I finally reached the top I wasted little time finding a good seat to rest on and enjoy the views. It is truly miraculous Or something. I told myself it was the most nerve racking experience. The Lions Rock is within my reach now, but i decided not to climb the other side of the rock.

holy shit I love it here.

Lions Rock is, well, there's no word for this. "glorious" comes to my mind. But so does "distressing", "moving" and "sentimentally beautiful." 

Well, I might be able to draw one conclusion, rock scrambling is awesome!

How to get to Lion's Rock:

Getting to Lion's Rock is same with Pinagrealan Cave. Take a bus going to SM fairview. Then, from SM Fairview, hail a jeepney going to Brgy. Bigte. Lastly, hire tricycles that will bring you to Lions rock.

Entrance fee: No entrance fee

Guide Fee: Not needed , but for safety i suggest ask for a guide and just give them a tip. 

Introduction to Rock Scrambling : Pinagrealan Cave

I've been to a few caving and spelunking adventures in Sagada and Daraitan and this is my favorite so far. Why? Simple, Its near my place.

The cave has many features including stalactites, stalagmites, and mini pools, which you could see up close. So be ready to be wet.

The tiny opening of the cave is so inviting. From the outside, numbers of rock formations can be seen already. This is not going to be just a normal wander through the caves.  Its History is Informative and fascinating. 

Some parts felt a little claustrophobic but it is not a problem with some encouragement from Jackie and Kap Omeng and our excellent guide Jonvic. Jonvic knew so much about the caves and made the tour an educational experience as well (you can check Pinagrealan's history at this link). The caves are not internally lit. The only light source is from the flashlights provided by our guide. Most of the paths was just ankle deep but there were a few parts where we had to dabble in waist deep water. Paths were not hard at all, some exciting climbs, and moderately active scrambling over rocks, and the only part that looks hard is some small opening that you need to infiltrate. There are a couple of points as well that you need to stoop down, so there's a risk of bumping one's head, good thing the park provided as helmets as well.

Sad to see the amount of damage wrought by previous visitors who snap away parts of the delicate stalactites and stalagmites for souvenirs or engraved their names onto the walls, but this doesn't detract from the overall experience I have.

It was an amazing tour.  Overall, its a fun diversion, not too long and not too strenuous. I highly recommend this.  It was about 2 hours all up, but worth every minute.

Pinagrealan cave offers amazing rock formations but is not comparable to the ones in Sagada and Cagayan. But i'd still say Pinagrealan has its own wonders and natural beauty that is worth exploring.

The Parks owner are very helpful and obliging, and may even take a group photo with you. Special thanks to Sir Rommy and his brother for their hospitality.

I thought that 1 Km would be far too long but at the end of the tour I wished we had had more time in the cave. 

If you want a more intimate experience without the crowds then make sure to visit the caves on a weekdays.

How to get to Pinagrealan Cave:

Getting to Pinagrealan Cave is easy. Take a bus going to SM fairview. Then, from SM Fairview, hail a jeepney going to Brgy. Bigte. Lastly, hire tricycles that will bring you to the entrance of the cave.

Entrance fee: Php50

Guide Fee: No exact amount

This is the cave entrance. Inviting isn't?

slippery smooth rocks that forms a tunnel.

The smooth stalagmites and spiky stalactites beautifully formed by time on our background.

A fish like stalactite.

Introduction to Rock Scrambling : Pinagrealan Cave and Lion's Rock

Talk about fears ? i have fears with caves (Speluncaphobia is the fear of caves) and fears with heights (Acrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of heights).

Take it or leave it. This is what i have in mind before joining Kap Omeng and Jackie for this one day extreme adventure. 

I used to think that there were only a handful of places in the philippines where you can engage in a whole set of extreme adventures in one outing. From these places, only a few are conducive for people who wants to experience the feel of adrenaline rush in extreme adventures. Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray, Bulacan is one such place.

This is going to be an incredible experience for me, not only i will experince Pinagrealan cave, but i will also climb the Lion's Rock in a way i thought not possible.

Commonly , I stick to exploring, hiking, climbing or camping, mostly because iam familiar with these activities. But I really want to push my limits so I consider trying my hand at Bulacan's most adrenaline pumping activities: Spelunking and rock climbing.

If for nothing else i will not push through with this trip, but since I enjoy extreme adventures and pushing my limits to face my fears the reward I get is in the form of a killer view.

I'm doing separate entries for my personal story with Pinagrealan and Lions Rock . Still, these are parts of my travel -cheap series. Enjoy reading.

Throwback Post : Puerto Galera

I went to Puerto Galera as part of a group outing with my teamates from convergys wayback 2007. I visited this place several times before, the first time was 2001. 

Puerto Galera is accessible and far cheaper than going to Boracay. It is home to Tamaraw Falls, Sabang Beach, White Beach, and great diving destinations.

White beach has still a lot to improve but there are a lot of things you can do here:

*Island hopping is one of the many things you can do in Puerto Galera. 

*You can actually walk to a small beach by clambering over the rocks at the end of White Beach. 

*try a ride on a banana boat and other water rides available.

*Dine on the beach front with lots of restaurants to choose. 

*Snorkling is fun especially if the water is calm.

*you'll get to enjoy the wonderful view of Sunset.

*if you like a night life , it's good to stay here.When the night comes you'll get to enjoy the fire shows, and live bands along the beach front with a cold bottle of beer in your hand.

*Very good for shopping island souvenir.

It's a good place to spend a vacation, convenient to go and affordable. The beach is somehow white and fine. I really had a great time here.

All in all, it was excellent for a relaxing yet fun getaway. 

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 18 : Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church - Majayjay, Laguna

If you have a penchant for old churches, then this is for you.

The interiors of the church is just so perfect.From outside, you can totally see how interesting this church will be. Its external structure is designed to stimulate people's eyes.It was wonderfully preserved.I love the intricate design of the facade, dome and the retablos. The floor is tiled beautifully.

Remember to bring your camera with you. Quite simply, this is the jewel of the heritage town of Majayjay, Laguna.

Quick Facts on St. Gregory the Great Parish Church (Majayjay)

Church Information

Names : St. Gregory the Great Parish Church 

Founded : 1649

Architectural type : Romanesque

Location : Majayjay, Laguna

Main attraction :  Its facade has three levels, each level scaled proportionally and topped by a triangular pediment with a circular window. The interior is so perfect, and the church contains antique images of santos, reliquaries and century-old liturgical objects with a hexagonal belltower.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 17 : Saint Raymond of Penafort Parish Church - Mangatarem, Pangasinan

This is an extraordinary church. Coming from Tarlac, it will be hard to miss and ignore this church with its green dome on the left side of the road. It is a massive stone Church at the heart of the municipality of Mangatarem.

This is not just another structure or a simple tourist spot.  Interior of the church takes you back in time. At the church you can sense the solemnity and peaceful feeling inside.

This church is one of the best place that I always really like to be at everytime I need somewhere to go to. 

The services of the church and the activities in the church grounds is definitely worth visiting.

Quick Facts on Saint Raymond of Penafort Parish Church - Mangatarem, Pangasinan

Church Information

Names : Saint Raymond of Penafort Parish Church 

Founded : 1837

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : Mangatarem, Pangasinan

Main attraction : Its church is known for having a huge green dome at the center of the church.