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. 

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 16 : Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church - Mabitac, Laguna

The Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Parish Church informally known as Mabitac Church is a Roman Catholic church located above Calvary or Kalbaryo Hill in Mabitac, Laguna

The first time i visited this magnificent church is  in 2008 where i attended a friend's wedding. Once a the top of the hill you'll get a panoramic view of laguna de bay.

If you get the chance to visit Mabitac, this should definitely be included on your itinerary.

Quick Facts on Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church

Church Information

Names : Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church

Founded : 1611 

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : Mabitac, Laguna

Main attraction : Its church is known for having a staircase of more than 120 steps, a panoramic view of the town of Sta. Maria and Laguna lake.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 15 : Baguio Catholic Cathedral - Baguio City, Baguio

My trip to Baguio is not complete without making a visit to the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral.

The cathedral is accessible to pedestrians from Session Road via 100-step stone staircase that ends at a Calvary, or through the adjacent campus of Saint Louis University.The building was completed and consecrated in 1936, receiving dedication to Our Lady of Atonement.

Despite the amount of people/tourist visiting the church everyday, i still like going here. Its a special place for me.

It may not be as grand as the others, still it would be a perfect place to pay respect & pray.

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral is one recommended place to see in Baguio.

Quick Facts on The Our Lady of Atonement Cathedr

Church Information

Names : Baguio Cathedral

Founded : 1907

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : Baguio City, Philippines

Main attraction : The cathedral has a distinctive pink façade with a rose window and twin square belfries with pyramidal roofs.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 14 : National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels - San Miguel, Manila

This entry aims to create awareness about the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels. The church is also known as Malacañang Church because of its close proxinity to the Palace.

I first learned about this church when a friend from Adamson invited me for  quick visita iglesia within the city of Manila. 

This is the 3rd church we visited that day. Its altar is adorned with beautiful statues of the archangels. A sculpture of St. Michael the Archangel fighting Satan stands outside the church. The church facade is also notable for the beautiful symmetry of its twin bell towers, it follows the mold of European Baroque architecture.

Quick Facts on The National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels

Church Information

Names : National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels

Founded : 1630

Architectural type : Baroque

Location :1000 Jose P. Laurel Street, San Miguel , 1005 Manila, Philippines

Main attraction :  The Baroque architecture with the beautiful symmetry of its bell towers.