Hi Ladies and Gents! Fellow travellers and students of life..
I’ll be transferring to my new Blog:
Please do support me (or not) on this new #danventure CHEERS to 2015!
Hello Pilipinas, Hello World
Kudos Master Jeps! Nakakakilig ang paglalakbay sa Pinas!
After a long long time of making this compilation of place where I’ve been. I finally share it to you.
Not that perfect and awesome presentation. Hope it can influence to go and explore the Philippines. 😁😁👍
https://vimeo.com/m/111645993
Salamat!
Panoramic Places
Making memories while panning the amazing scenery is my thing. Here’s some of my Panorama photo for my adventures this 2014!
Sunrise Mt. Batulao
Lioness Rock and Rhinoceros Back Bulacan
Tinipak River
BORACAY! Need I say more?
Towing Falls Sablan
Mt. Palay Palay / Mt. Pico De Loro
Tinipak River Rizal
Puerto Galera Private Beach Cove
Mt. Batulao
Tinipak River Rock Bed
Worth P150 gift for myself
Without qualms, upon arriving to Baguio 7am of the 31st of October, I went to get some vitamin F and vitamin S.
#VitaminFalls
On my birthday, I had the strong urge to trek and chase waterfalls. I’ve stumbled upon http://www.pagnapagna.com which consists of plenty options to choose from in terms of chasing waterfalls within the northern and central luzon. I chose 3 waterfalls. Tangadan in San Gabriel, Budahaw Falls in Burgos, La Union and Towing Falls in Sablan Benguet.
#VitaminSoloTrip
I wanted for my birthday to atleast try a solo trip. And so I printed the itinerary from that blog and just followed them.
Sablan Benguet
First stop was Budahaw Falls. I paid 80 pesos from Baguio to New Poblacion Burgos La Union. I went to the public market few steps from the Municipal Health Center along the Naguilan Road. I asked if someone can guide me to Budahaw Falls. Instantly, one lady discourage me not to go alone there. No concrete path to follow and you might get lost or hurt without anyone to help you.
La Union New Poblacion
La Union New Poblacion
I heed the warning and just settled to go to Towing Falls. I road the bus 10 pesos to Sablan Town proper. Asked around about Towing falls. You can walk 10 — 15 minutes to the jump off or ride a 15 pesos trike. I chose the latter.
Jump off to Towing Falls
Jump off to Towing Falls
Jump off to Towing Falls
There was a notice that Towing Falls is temporarily closed as of 2011. You can see the path has some roots and dirt cover above them. It seems it was not use for quiet a while.
But i chose to continue since it was only a 10 min downhill descend according to pagnapagna.com.
#Towing Falls.
It was a sight to see! 3 cascades of waterfalls. It was majestic!
Roaring tons of water rush to the catch basin of 3 levels of awesome pools!
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Sablan Benguet
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
Towing Falls Sablan
45 peso way back to Baguio and that’s it – 150 round freaking trip!
Mt. Pico De Loro Traverse
“Anticipated Yet Unexpected Climb” – @traveladik
If you haven’t read the first part, read here.
Yes, it was anticipated since it was planned weeks and weeks ago (feels like ages).. And when it happened, unexpected things just keep pilling up!
There are 3 trails to get to the Parrot’s peak. One is via the Ternate, Cavite, another is via Nasugbu, Batangas and last one is only known by locals around there.
We took the usual trail, via Ternate. This was one exhausting trail! It was a series of ups and downs, ascend and descends. It took ages for us to get to the camp site where salvation from thirst was granted.
Along the way, there were plenty of water streams. The lush vegetation shelter hikers and like from direct sun light. There were no wind along the trail so it felt really humid.
Lush Vegetation Pico De Loro
Bamboos and Tall Trees Pico De loro
Seems enchanted
Teeming with Ants!
Forest protect hikers from direct Sun Light
#soundsOfNature
In the confines of the forest, we heard Ibong Adarna sing songs to make your heart at peace! We also heard the mockingjay cheer us to go further and reach the top! Kidding aside, Mt. Pico De Loro is teeming with life! You hear flocks of bird laugh at you because you fell on your back. Red, Green, Black Ants march their way to your exposed legs and bite their way in. Leaf hoppers guides you to the right way by jumping in front of your face to signal that “you’re drunk dude, you’re going the wrong way”.
Soothing green plants recuperate your eyes from the pollution of the city. You can enjoy the fresh air while basking in some sun light escaping through the trees. You definitely will say, “What A Wonderful World!”
Leafy Pico De Loro
Makahiya @ Pico de Loro
Bug’s Life
Gentle on the Eyes
Lush Green Vegetation At Pico De Loro
Nearing the Summit – Parrot’s Peak
#doWhatYouGottaDo
We had no plans laid out when we got to the top of Parrot’s Peak. We just climbed our way to the summit and see what else could we do. We were stunned and awed by the serene sight before us!
Vantage Point from Parrot’s Peak
Famous Monolith
Overseeing Pico De Loro
In order to immortalize the moment, it was decided to take turns in climbing the Monolith, while the other one to take the photos. And so, under the influence of #SPONTANEITY, we did what we must!
Climbing the Monolith was the highlight of the hike. Do note, it’s not for the faint-hearted. There’s an obstacle there that Manong Boyong described as the main reason for some injuries and accidents climbing the monolith.
This obstacle has two ropes, one for climbing purposes and the other one is for balance for you not to fall off the cliff ( literally ). Side note, Manong Boyong is the tour guide of the other group consisting of priests and their batch mates (hi sir Robin Aquino, and sir Anthony!) kung tama man hehe
Monolith Conquered!
On top of Monolith, Pico De Loro
On top of Monolith, Pico De Loro
I’m on top of the World!
I survived Pico!
On the way to Monolith
Awesome Pico
PANORAMIC VIEW
#happyTrails
With the awesome experience in Parrot’s Peak and Monolith, we decided to eat wholeheartedly in the camp site down below and take the trail back to the metro.
Since we were not 100% prepared in our food, Aling Fe’s Store provided us with Barbecue on sticks and a heavy rice combo, coupled with ate @traveladik ‘s Pansit, It was heaven!
Barbecue On sticks plus Pancit!
Upon eating our meal, we strolled around and find a vantage point where we can see both the Parrot’s Peak and Monolith.
Monolith and Parrot’s Peak
We were blessed to see such a sight before the rain started to pour.
With our curiosity at its peak, it was an easy YES to take the Traverse Trail, the one going to Nasugbu, Batangas. The problem was, the Traverse Trail is way up the Parrot’s Peak, down the Monolith, then into the forest down below.
It was raining.
Trail is wet and slippery.
Still we pushed through (kahit nag aalanganin kasi sabi wala daw tatapakan sa traverse trail, puro ugat walang bato, umulan, kaya maputik)
Hamilo Coast as seen at the Parrot’s Peak
Hamilo Coast as seen at the Parrot’s Peak
Praise the Lord!
Down we Go!
Fog then comes the Rain
Thank God for Kuya Joey! Our guide for the traverse trail. He has 2 children, 30 yr old, from Nasugbu, Batangas, her aunt is a Hernandez (bias lang eh). Hired him for free ha ha just kidding – talent fee – 300 pesos
#walkInThePark
We managed to go down the tricky part of the traverse trail, and all is smooth sailing. Until, one after the other, me and ate @traveladik slipped. Truly blooper moments. After that, we just blamed the rain, the ground and that tiny branch that couldn’t carry our weight – shame on you little branch!
After less than 2 hrs of trekking, talking, laughing, and more talking, we arrived at the Firing range at the foot of the mountain. Outside the range, was the Papaya Toda Tricycle Terminal.
#offToWashOffTheDirtAndEnjoyTheFalls
Kawa Falls. It was slippery, many plastic and waste scattered around the falls. If not for it’s unique charm, I would have not enjoyed taking a swim.
Kawa Falls
Swimming at Kawa Falls
Swimming at Kawa Falls
#TeamBida2x
Can’t End this Epic Experience Without Acknowledging my Co-Team mate in this Epic “Anticipated Yet Unexpected Climb”
ate @TravelAdik 😀 Cheers and Happy Trails!
TeamBida2x at Parrot’s Peak
TeamBida2x at Traverse Trail
TravelAdik
Mt. Pico De Loro Day hike
I don’t know where to start.
I am completely dumbfounded and utterly clueless how to blog my experience in climbing Parrot’s Peak a.k.a Mt. Pico De Loro.
What I can tell point blank; It’s my hardest climb to-date!
#TeamBida2x
This hike has been drawn in air too many times. So when the right timing had come, I packed up my bag and left without second thought. “Kahit dalawa lang tayo ate, Game ako!” I told ate @traveladik.
So we pushed through this day hike without qualms. Rode the bus from Coastal Mall to Ternate, Cavite (82 pesos) then road a 225 peso tricycle ride to DENR for registration (25) and to the Mt. Pico De Loro jump off point (few hundred meters away from DENR).
Ternate DENR
Pico De Loro Jump Off Point
Hiking Pico de loro
Pico De Loro Signage
#LooksCanBeDeceiving
The jump off point was quaint. Slow ascend, and it went on for more than half an hour. In our fast pace, we advanced 3 groups. We never expected (never really bothered reading hike notes from others :P) that the next part of the hike was an UP-DOWN trek! We went up an almost 70-80 degree slope then back to a steep descend and it goes on and on.
Descend – Ascend @ Pico De LoroSignage Pico De Loro
Quaint Pico De Loro
Signage Pico De Loro
No pictures were taken during this time because we were concentrating in reaching the top before anyone behind us catch up to us (Competitive!). Seriously though, we just want to have the Summit to ourselves before those 3 large groups monopolized the Parrot’s Peak and the Monolith.
#worthAlltheBloopers
First blooper – no ample Water
Solution: store in the camp site (after 2 and a half hour of hiking)
Second blooper – heavy bag packs
Solution: endure the Pain!
Third blooper – no Camera Man
Solution: One stays at Parrot’s Peak, while the other climb the Monolith (vice versa)
Nth blooper – never assume unless otherwise stated!
Solution: “Kapit Mabuti, Ingat Palagi, at Mag ingat pa ng mas Marami!”
Descend to Ascend Monolith
Bugs Life at Mt. Pico De Loro
Ascend to Parrot’s Peak
I’m on top of the World!
Monolith and Parrot’s Peak
Monolith Conquered!
On top of Monolith, Pico De Loro
On top of Monolith, Pico De Loro
On top of Monolith, Pico De Loro
Steep Slope in Pico De loro
#PicoDeLoroFacts
In the early days, the Spaniards saw a form of a giant parrot, perched in the forested mountains in Cavite while aboard their galleons. They named it “Pico de Loro” – “Parrot’s Peak”.
According to the locals, the monolith is part of Batangas while Parrot’s peak is part of Cavite. This two land mass serves as the borderline to those provinces.
…Next part of the Blog is our Traverse hike going to Nasugbu, Batangas.
5 things you should do: Trekking
Ever wonder what to do on your first trek since days of future past?
Well here are the things I have come up with to help you enjoy that day with mother earth:
1 Socialize
Trekking here and there, you would encounter people from different walks of life. Maybe you’re in luck, you could be talking to your future better half, business partner, travel buddy or your soul mate!
Daraitan – Tinipak River Camp
Tinipak River Swimming
Waiting for Resbaks at Tinipak River
Mt. Pulag Hike.
Camp 1 Stop Over – Ambaneg Trail
Batulao New Trail Camping Area. Father and Baby
Talking to locals also gives you insights about the place, its history and demographics. You could discover new things other trekkers have not; best spot to take pictures, hidden routes and the like
2 Enjoy the View!
If you are living in a city like in Metro Manila, you can never have this view! Suck in nature’s finest offerings. It will give you a lot of things; different perspective in life, understand things clearly and perhaps give you a sense of satisfaction.
Mt. Maculot Rockies
Mt. Batulao
Peaks Of Mt. Batulao
New Trail Mt. Batulao
Green Grass of Mt. Batulao
Trekking Down Mt. Maculot
Rockies of Mt. Maculot
Mt. Pulag
Mt. Batulao at its Finest
Sea of Clouds in Mt. Pulag Jump Off
Tinipak River Rock Formations
Tinipak River
Rhinoceros Rock Formation at Norzagaray
Rhino Rock Norzagaray
Lion’s Back Norzagaray Bigte
3 Capture the Moment!
Nothing comes close to immortalizing this amazing experience with a photo! Memories are best accompanied with picturesque snapshots! So strike a pose with your travel buddies, capture each of the moments that made the trek memorable.
Mt. Batulao Return
Cliff Diving at Mt. Daraitan – Tinipak River
Lovers in Mt. Maculot
Frozen in Mt. Pulag
Go Pro Moment in Rhino’s Back Norzagary Bigte
4 Be Green-minded!
Yes! Be Green Minded! While on this journey, you should always keep what you have and leave nothing behind but Memories. Trail foods should be properly kept until you come down of the mountain. Treat nature as a sacred place, its the only thing that keeps us around and provides us with everything.
Save Me – Millipede/Centipede
Fairy Goddess In action
The 5th on this list is for you to discover! Every trek is different from person to person. This experience might leave you a mark. It might give you a purpose in life. Clear you mind.
If you have discovered the 5th or 6th or Nth on this list, share your thoughts! It might helps others enjoy there Trek with Nature!
Worth
At this Age.
I know I can’t offer much.
No stability.
Nothing to be proud of.
But please bare with me.
I’m still trying to build my worth.
Building it thru experience.
Owning up responsibilities.
Living in the real world.
– 23yr old me to 33 yr old me
Sundays Best
I know. I am just a passerby. Be as it is. I’m only human. Wanting to be home. And not only a guest to anyone..
Something to ponder.
#
SundaysBest
Signs of the Times: Welcome to the Philippines!
“Land of a Million Smiles”
Indeed, Umali kayo ittoy Pilipinas
One of the obvious advantages of traveling to other countries (sometimes even within your own country) is that you get exposed to the culture, history, and traditions of the locality. Of course, there are other advantages like you learn to appreciate the humorous and lovable nature of the people. When it comes to hospitality, fun, and humor, you can be sure that these come in huge supply when coming to the Philippines. Here are some things that are unmistakably Filipino. Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient where smiles are abundant despite calamities!
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DANVENTURES 