Mt Kaybigas traverse Mt Tilos

The journey began very early in the morning.

Our destination is the town of Lobo. It may not top mountaineers lists for dayhikes, 

after all there are many more known mountains in Batangas. However, do not dismiss it 

just yet, after yesterdays visit to Lobo i found  a great deal to recommend such a 

great mountain for dayhike. 

Lobo is about 145 kilometres from Manila,(according to google)and is located near the 

southern tip of Batangas province. It has good white sand beaches and has very good 

coral and marine life on some of its beaches that attract many snorkelers, scuba 

divers and underwater photographers. It also has fish sanctuaries and the famous 

Malabrigo Light house. Lobo is truly a charming little coastal town.

5 AM. I love long rides. We left early dawn so there is no views yet. I managed to get 

some sleep on the road, but when i notice that the sun is preparing to set I then 

couldn’t sleep again. Beyond that, I also had a keen eye for what the casual traveler 

might not spot.

The long narrow roads to Lobo is quiet and scenic. The meandering mountain passes ( 

was a zigzagging path over a beautiful mountain range) with a land of striking 

landscapes that range from the lush forested mountains and the picturesque valleys 

going to the town proper -i love how the roads had been carved out of the mountainsides - passing thru the coastal town with the views of the nearby 

verde island ( consider as the "Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish 

Biodiversity"), the old Spanish Light house and the fish sanctuary. Most of the time i was feeling excited – if all goes according to plan – Did not know what to expect -  we’ll have a real good time.  

So at past 5am, we walked off the van, and into the early morning glow of Lobo i  

sense that its going to be an epic adventure. Looking at the mountains really took my 

breath away, an exciting glimpse of whats gonna happen later.

The sun is out, the skies were slightly cloudy, so its for sure we are going to be 

directly blasted by the sun.

Our first stop is Lobo Police Station for some registration. Next stop is Barangay 

Malabrigo which serve as our jump off. After our much needed breakfast, the group then 

immediately prepare for the start of the climb. 

It all started well enough. According to Sir G it would take 5-6 hours to complete Mt 

Tilos. So this is what i have in mind, 5-6 hours of hiking ? not bad, i said to 

myself. 

At first, It was an easy climb. Passing thru some houses with banana and tamarind trees, gentle slopes trees covering the trail. The first hour of the hike were mainly a mild steep ascent, around 60-70 degree-angle of inclination. But Of course, climbing isn’t always easy, there are some obstacles along the way. After 2 hours of slow-moving climb things began to change. The trail becomes different. The trail become a bit steeper with loose rocks, so I started to worry about the possibility of slipping and it makes it hard for me to balance and maintain my pace. 

After more than 2 hours we reach the grassy slopes, then the summit of Mt Kaybigas. This time the views at this point is incomparable. From here the impressive views of batangas coastline is clear. And with a clear sky, isla verde, some islets and Mindoro on the far side is visible. Enjoying the scenic view at this part, not minding the scorching heat of the sun - taking pictures of the amazing views - i envisioned myself already swimming at the beach.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Go Chasing Waterfalls at Katibawasan

When people think of visiting Camiguin the first thing they have in mind is to visit the beautiful white island, the famous sunken cemetery and some natural springs. But, as beautiful as those destinations are, it is also nice to get inland a bit for a refreshing change. Fortunately Camiguin also offer some great waterfalls which the visitors can enjoy. And, there are quiet a few waterfalls on the island, and one of them is more easy to reach. I'm talking about Katibawasan Falls. The natural beauty of Katibawasan waterfalls are amongst some of the top natural spots to see while touring the island and stand as proof that Camiguin is not just about pastel and white island. 

Katibawasan Falls is located at Barangay Upper Pandan, approximately five kilometers southeast of the Municipality of Mambajao. It is actually one of the best point I recommend for you to visit when you're in Camiguin Island. 

And other than the waterfalls, visitors should also take some time to admire the flora and fauna at the park.  For a more panoramic view take the cemented stairs to the waterfalls, it is quite straight forward, and there is a pool at the base of the waterfall which visitors can take a swim.

I'm thrilled at this opportunity to share one of my recent adventures with you all — my visit to Katibawasan Falls — a natural wonder that should top everyone’s must see list!

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Surprising Tinago Falls

Waterfalls always fascinated me, and some of Mindanao’s greatest tourist attractions are the impressive waterfalls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. There are more than 20 waterfalls in Iligan City, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. Aside from its unique beauty, iligan's waterfalls is publicly accessible. 

Hidden in a deep ravine between Iligan City and Municipality of Linamon is a beautiful waterfall name "Tinago". Tinago is a Filipino term meaning "hidden", the falls being hidden from the outside world. Indeed, Iligan is blessed with beautiful waterfalls like Mimbalot Falls and the ever famous Maria Cristina Falls. 

To reach the falls you need to descend through a winding staircase with about 500 steps.  Sure, that might sound like a bit of an effort, but it’s all worth it. Once you get to the bottom there’s a stunning panoramic reward. Tinago Falls is a magnificent waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest. The falls cascade perfectly to a pristine deep blue-green basin below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. One more thing i love about Tinago is the water, it is not too cold, so it is ideal for swimming. So, if you are interested with swimming this fall is highly recommended. You can swim under the waterfall, and you can partake in the slightly surreal experience of standing in it — or behind it. 

On the other hand, if you just want to Watch the water cascade and listen to the sound it created, which is hypnotic, there's a lovely picnic area for you to relax.

If, somehow, you’re still not sold, when all’s said and done, better go out and find it for yourself.  But , trust me, it's all worth it as the experience at this place is quite different. 

The Magical Enchanted River

I made it to the Enchanted River !!!

I first learned about Enchanted River in March of 2007. And, finally after 8 long years I can finally say that I’ve experienced the fantasy in my head.

The Enchanted River is a lagoon-river on the island of Mindanao. It is located in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. 

The setting is magnificent. Breathtaking. Enchanting.  It’s blue water and otherworldly appearance is like something out of a dream. The water is really blue and clear as what my photos show. Can you believe it?

One can jump into the river for a refreshing swim or just sit and relax to enjoy its water flashing a shade of blue. The surroundings are truly beautiful. I'm not kidding when I say this place is magical. I couldn’t ask for a better experience - I surely enjoyed my time at Enchanted River. 

It was a fun experience for me that I won't soon forget. Overall, if you’re going to Mindanao, the enchanted river is one of those experiences that you just have to try.

Mt Apo : Fulfilling my dream

As a nature lover who loves to climb mountains, I often browse the net to look for beautiful pictures from different mountains in the Philippines. But there are no other images that I love the most than Mt. Apo, my country's highest.

My obsession with Mt. Apo started after completing my 3rd summit in 2002, and my curiosity grows bigger when my cousin showed me his pictures conquering Mt. Apo. Add that curiosity to the stunning beauty of the trail they called "boulders" I decided to make it to the summit of Apo one day.

The list of mountains I want to climb and experience can truly go on endlessly, but Mt. Apo have really caught my interest. I have no doubt that it will be even more captivating in person.

I could stop dreaming, and just forget Apo, i know it's a fantasy.

But, I promise myself, someday, with massive amount of faith and inspiration. I'll get there.