Lake Sebu is located at District II of South Cotabato, the town got its name from the biggest of the three lakes. The placid lake of Lake Sebu measures 354 hectares. The two other lakes are smaller; Lake Seloton is only 48 hectares while Lake Lahit is 24 hectares.
You can reach the town by riding a Yellow Bus Lane at Bulaong Terminal in General Santos City, there a two types of bus w/c will take you in Koronadal (often referred to as Marbel, its old name) - Option 1 is YBL Bus with signboard Marbel Non-stop about 1 hour w/c will cost Php70/passenger, air-conditioned. Option 2 is YBL Bus with signboard Marbel-Polomok about 1 hour and 20mins w/c will cost Php50/passenger, non-airconditioned and with stop to Polomok town to pick-up some passenger. From Koronadal, take the Yellow Bus to the town of Surralah (about 38 minutes). From Surralah, take a jeep to Lake Sebu (about 43 minutes). From Lake Sebu town proper take a habal-habal going to Punta Isla Resort (about 10 minutes)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
DAKBAYAN SA GENERAL SANTOS CITY
Due to Cebu Pacific non-stop seat sale, my friend invited me to visit General Santos City, it really surprised me when she told me that the promo ticket was only Php768 roundtrip (really a great deal ^_^). Without any plan on my mind and no assurance on my sched yet, i told my friend that i can join her for 2-3days only, and still she got a good deal on a weekend sched good for 3 persons, and this is where it all started...... Amazing Race Backpacking of Three Ladies... tsk! tsk! tsk! ^_^
General Santos City or so called "Gensan" is almost 2 hours trip by plane. Cebu Pacific, PAL, and Airphil has flight in and out on a daily basis with a schedule of as early as 7am, they say that the Gensan Airport is the second largest airport in the Philippines... no wonder when we landed i kept on saying to my friend that among the domestic airport i've been before Gensan Airport was the best for me so far..it was clean, wide runway and very nice comfort room..
Some Interesting Facts about Gensan
General Santos City or so called "Gensan" is almost 2 hours trip by plane. Cebu Pacific, PAL, and Airphil has flight in and out on a daily basis with a schedule of as early as 7am, they say that the Gensan Airport is the second largest airport in the Philippines... no wonder when we landed i kept on saying to my friend that among the domestic airport i've been before Gensan Airport was the best for me so far..it was clean, wide runway and very nice comfort room..
Some Interesting Facts about Gensan
- Known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines
- Hometown of the famous Filipino professional boxer and politician Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao and the fifth female Big Winner of the Pinoy Big Brother Melisa "Melai" Cantiveros
- Cebuano and Ilonggo are the main dialect spoken in the city. Filipino based on Tagalog is spoken as the National Language. English is also widely used.
- Kalilangan Festival, is the biggest festival in the City, celebrated every month-end of February.
- People from GenSan are mostly Roman Catholics. There are also a large number of Protestants and Muslims in the city.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
NORTHERN SAMAR: Biri Island
Biri Island, is located in the province of Northern Samar. Island is blessed with its natural scenery and known for its exotic rock formation w/c has been carved by the tools used by nature itself.
It is a little less than 8 kilometres long and at its widest point is roughly 2 ½ kilometres. This has also been the location of a number of Filipino movies, one of this are the “Spirit Warriors directed by Chito Roño”.
It is a little less than 8 kilometres long and at its widest point is roughly 2 ½ kilometres. This has also been the location of a number of Filipino movies, one of this are the “Spirit Warriors directed by Chito Roño”.
The most famous rock formation to visit here is the Magasang , but there’s a lot to see in Biri such as Magsapad, Macadlao, Bil-at and the baby Mangroves along the island.
I must say that it’s a perfect place for a laid back kind of person and a playground for all the landscape photographer. I suggest that you should hire a guide to explore the place coz’ there’s a lot of walking trails crossing the island through the tropical rainforest.
I must say that it’s a perfect place for a laid back kind of person and a playground for all the landscape photographer. I suggest that you should hire a guide to explore the place coz’ there’s a lot of walking trails crossing the island through the tropical rainforest.
Locals from Biri are very hospitable and accommodating, you can seek help from them w/ regards to your tour needs. I advise that getting around the island you should bring your own snorkel gear coz’ there are no dive shops in the island, our guide also told us that scuba diving here is also possible, some of their foreign guest did that… and of course bring sunscreen lotion as the sun was really hot that makes your skin very dark (I forgot to bring mine..tsk! tsk!)
ITINERARY
Day 1, August 29 (Sunday)
05:00am – Meet-ups @ NAIA Terminal 3
06:30am – Boarding of Passenger ETD Manila to Catarman
07:45am – ETA Catarman
08:00am – Cataman to Jeepney Terminal
08:10am – ETD Catarman to Lavezares
09:10am – ETA Lavezares
09:30am – ETD Lavezares to Biri Island
10:20am – ETA Biri Island
10:30pm – Meet our Guide, Lunch, Prepare, Rest
11:00pm – Check-in @ Villa Amor Pension House
12:00nn-02:30pm – Sleep, Rest & Prepare
03:00pm – Mag-asang Tour, Photo-ops, wait for sunset
07:00pm – Back to Pension House
07:30pm – Dinner, Take a Bath, Rest
11:00pm – Lights-off!
Day 2, August 30 (Monday)
03:00am – Wake-up Call
03:30am – Biri Island mangroves, Photo-ops, wait for sunrise
09:00am – Back to Villa Amor Pension House
10:00am – Breakfast
12:00nn – Lunch
01:00-02:30PM –Sleep, Rest & Prepare
03:00pm – Bil-at Tour, Photo-ops, Magsapad tour wait for sunset
07:00pm – Back to Pension House
07:30pm – Dinner, Take a Bath, Rest
11:00pm – Lights-off!
Day 3, August 31 (Tuesday)
03:00am – Wake-up Call
03:30am – Macadlao Tour, Photo-ops, wait for sunrise
09:00am – Back to Villa Amor Pension House
10:00am – Breakfast
12:00nn – Lunch
01:00-02:30PM – Sleep, Rest & Preparee
03:00pm – ETD Biri Island to Lavezares
04:30pm – ETD Lavezares to Catarman
06:00pm – Check-in @ DCC House
07:00pm – Dinner, Take a Bath, Rest
08:00pm – Lights off!
Day 4, September 1 (Wednesday)
06:00am – Wake-up Call, Prepare, Take a Bath
07:00am – ETD DCC to Catarman Airport
08:00am – Boarding of Passenger ETD Catarman to Manila
09:45am – ETA Manila
________________________________________________________
EXPENSE:
AIRFARE:
Manila to Catarman (via Air Philippines) – Php735.00
Catarman-Manila (via Philippine Airlines)– Php1,455.00
TERMINAL FEE:
Manila-Catarman: Php200.00
Catarman-Manila: Php25.00
CATARMAN – LAVEZARES –BIRI –CATARMAN:
Catarman-Lavezares (Jeepney Ride): Php120.00/2pax
Lavezares-Catarman (Jeepney Ride): Php110.00/2pax
Ø Standard rate is Php55.00-60.00/pax
Lavezares-Biri Island (Boat Ride): Php200.00/2pax
Biri Island-Lavezares (Boat Ride): Php500.00/2pax (special trip)
Ø Standard rate is Php50.00/pax
Ø If special / private trip Php300.00/pax
ACCOMODATION:
Biri Proper:
Fan Room with Private Bathroom: Php1000.00/2 nights/2pax
Fan Room with Private Bathroom: Php1000.00/2 nights/2pax
Optional:
Fan Room w/ private bathroom: Php500.00/night/2pax
> If additional pax in Fan room, Just add 150/pax (room is good up to 3pax)
Air-con Room w/ private bathroom: Php1000/night/2pax
> If additional pax in Air-con room, Just add 250/pax (room is good up to 3pax)
Cooking Fee Charge: Php50.00/meal
Catarman Proper:
Fan Room with Private Bathroom: Php150.00/night/2pax
Fan Room with Private Bathroom: Php150.00/night/2pax
FOOD & DRINKS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Merienda, Dinner: Php1,100.00/2pax including/3days & 3nights
NOTE: (food for our guide is included)
NOTE: (food for our guide is included)
TOUR GUIDE:
Biri Tour includes: Magsapad, Magasang, Macadlao, Bil-at, Biri Mangroves, Isalnd Side Tour
> Php1,800.00/3days/2pax
Standard Rate: Guide Fee w/ Habal-Habal: Php300/pax/day
___________________________________________
@ US$47 rate
SUMMARY OF EXPENSE w/ food & airfare
TOTAL (per pax) = Php5,030 or US$107.00
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
@ US$47 rate
SUMMARY OF EXPENSE w/ food & airfare
TOTAL (per pax) = Php5,030 or US$107.00
___________________________________________
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Plane:
A.) Flights from Manila will take you to either Catarman, which is the closest to Biri Island or to Calbayog, which is on the western side of Samar to the south of Biri Island. However, the best route is to fly to Catarman and take the short trip west along the coast to Lavezares, it’s a 1hour 20minutes ride.
You can take Air Philippines/PAL, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air, most of the plane departs in the morning.
You can take Air Philippines/PAL, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air, most of the plane departs in the morning.
B.) Once you have arrived at either airport you need to get yourself to the town of Lavezares, which is the jump off port, to get you to Biri Island. Numerous jeepneys will take you to Lavezares, 1 hour ride worth Php55.00-Php60.00 per person. Here you have a choice to experience topload J.
C.) From Lavezares market, you will take a boat going to Biri Island, a 45minutes ride worth Php50.00 per person, or if you opt to have a special trip, you can rent the boat and pay Php500.00 for a private small boat good for 2-4pax.
By Land:
The best way, is to get a bus from Manila, bus transport such as PHILTRANCO & ELAVIL TOURS PHILS. INC travel to port town of Matnog, which is on the southernmost tip of Luzon. This trip will take you about 15 hours.
From Matnog you need to catch the ferry to the town of Allen on Samar. Ferries make the crossing every hour or so.
Once you have arrived in Allen, get yourself into either a jeepney or a tricycle and head for Lavezares, which is where you need to be to get you to Biri Island, or follow the steps on letter C on By Plane.
__________________________________________________
For Island Trip Arrangement, Boat, Guide, Accomodation, Please see below contact details:
TOUR GUIDE, BOAT RIDE ARRANGEMENT:
Mr. Orlando Bulosan – 0920-5246773
ACCOMODATION:
Biri Island
Biri Island
Manang Oning Amor
Villa Amor Pension House
Villa Amor Pension House
Biri, Northern Samar
Contact Nos.: 0906-9681137
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Vegas of Asia: MACAU
I had a chance to travel Macau at its best! love the lights, non-stop free taste foods at the Ruins of St. Paul, free shuttle bus in the hotel and hospitable macanese.
SENADO SQUARE STREET
YUMMY PORTUGUESE EGG TART
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| PORK & BEEF JERKY |
Sunday, June 27, 2010
EN ROUTE: HONGKONG
A day before the Philippines Independence Day, finally i found my passport, so up to the last minute i decided to go to Hongkong, and end my summer season there :) (actually it was my second time to visit the place.) All of my stuff was on rush just to be on these trip. Thank God that he guided me all through out the trip.
At the Mongkok proper, it was like daytime maybe because of the lights surrounded by us.. as far as i remember according to Guinness World Records, the city is known for having the highest population density in the world and having the most colorful and vibrant establishment.
It was 7pm when i landed to Hongkong via Cebu Pacific and my friend is waiting for almost 4 hours at Hongkong International Airport coz' we do have different flight. From the Airport we took the Airport Express Train going to Mongkok, Kowloon for our accomodation.. we thought that riding on it was for free but when we arrived in Mongkok station we saw some locals tapping their train card on the machine..in w/c we don't have.. so we decided to ask the customer service and he gave us HK$55 per card just to exit on the station (too expensive compare to an ordinary MTR train)
HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
At the Mongkok proper, it was like daytime maybe because of the lights surrounded by us.. as far as i remember according to Guinness World Records, the city is known for having the highest population density in the world and having the most colorful and vibrant establishment.
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| HK LOCALS |
MONGKOK, KOWLOON
Were lucky that we found our accomodation along the busy street of Argyle, where you can find low-priced clothes and shoes that makes the street as a crowded center.
Dragon Hostel is the place where we'd stayed, it was recommended by a friend. For a budget traveler this is worth staying for.. for more info about their services click here
Dragon Hostel is the place where we'd stayed, it was recommended by a friend. For a budget traveler this is worth staying for.. for more info about their services click here
Friday, May 7, 2010
PADRE BURGOS ADVENTURE
May 1-2, 2010
For a Labor Day break.. we headed to BonPen!
As claimed by a known group of mountaineering club in the Philippines....
"Padre Burgos, was formerly known as LAGUIMANOC due to the shape of the coastline which resemble the bill of a chicken or "manok". Another version is that chickens were so abundant in the town that hawk always swiped down the place to snatch chicks from their mother hens. When hawks flew overhead, as warning to the neighborhood, people shouted "Hawk manok"On January 1, 1917 the villages of Laguimanoc, which until then was a barrio of atimonan, became a municipality. Ten years after, the towns council changed the name to Padre Burgos, in honor of one of our countrys martyr.
The streets were named after local leaders who rendered valuable services to the community. Because of the physical and topographical conditions to the town, four(4) sitios were cluster of houses were built became the main district of the town namely Campo, Burgos, Basio and Bundok-punta.Padre Burgos the entry point of BonPen.
BonPen for Bondoc Peninsula
If Bicol has CamSur for Camarines Sur, Quezon has BonPen for the Bondoc Peninsula. Part of the trend to jazz up the traditional names of regions, provinces and districts partly to give them a current feel and the convenience of namedropping, BonPen is succeeding is making itself a curious catchword when it was largely unknown before.
Rich in natural beauty and religious traditions, BonPen consists of the 12 towns of the 3rd district of Quezon which include Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Francisco, Buenavista and San Andres. To promote BonPen, Board Member Lourdes “Bunso” De Luna-Pasatiempo heads the BonPen Tourism Council to create it as a center of tourism in Southern Tagalog Region and a prime tourist spots."
It was 2:30am (2nd trip @ JAC LINER) when we left Manila to Padre Burgos, it's my first time to visit the province of Quezon, thanks to Yan for inviting me on these trip. We arrived at Lucena Grand Terminal exactly 6:30am, then rode a Mini Bus going to Padre Burgos almost an hour trip, the bus dropped us on Padre Burgos wooden arch along the highway where Mang Vic fetch us headed to Laguimanoc Pier.
For a Labor Day break.. we headed to BonPen!
SUNSET
As claimed by a known group of mountaineering club in the Philippines....
"Padre Burgos, was formerly known as LAGUIMANOC due to the shape of the coastline which resemble the bill of a chicken or "manok". Another version is that chickens were so abundant in the town that hawk always swiped down the place to snatch chicks from their mother hens. When hawks flew overhead, as warning to the neighborhood, people shouted "Hawk manok"On January 1, 1917 the villages of Laguimanoc, which until then was a barrio of atimonan, became a municipality. Ten years after, the towns council changed the name to Padre Burgos, in honor of one of our countrys martyr.
The streets were named after local leaders who rendered valuable services to the community. Because of the physical and topographical conditions to the town, four(4) sitios were cluster of houses were built became the main district of the town namely Campo, Burgos, Basio and Bundok-punta.Padre Burgos the entry point of BonPen.
BonPen for Bondoc Peninsula
If Bicol has CamSur for Camarines Sur, Quezon has BonPen for the Bondoc Peninsula. Part of the trend to jazz up the traditional names of regions, provinces and districts partly to give them a current feel and the convenience of namedropping, BonPen is succeeding is making itself a curious catchword when it was largely unknown before.
Rich in natural beauty and religious traditions, BonPen consists of the 12 towns of the 3rd district of Quezon which include Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Francisco, Buenavista and San Andres. To promote BonPen, Board Member Lourdes “Bunso” De Luna-Pasatiempo heads the BonPen Tourism Council to create it as a center of tourism in Southern Tagalog Region and a prime tourist spots."
It was 2:30am (2nd trip @ JAC LINER) when we left Manila to Padre Burgos, it's my first time to visit the province of Quezon, thanks to Yan for inviting me on these trip. We arrived at Lucena Grand Terminal exactly 6:30am, then rode a Mini Bus going to Padre Burgos almost an hour trip, the bus dropped us on Padre Burgos wooden arch along the highway where Mang Vic fetch us headed to Laguimanoc Pier.
first stop.... our trek to Mt. Lipata located at Lipata Island
MT. LIPATA ((427+) ~ [LLA: 13° 88.97N 121° 78.94 E, 130 MASL]
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail 1-2
CAVE @ THE SUMMIT
LIPATA ISLAND VIEW
next... our beach bumming, snorkeling and chillax at
Puting Buhangin Beach and Kwebang Lampas
located at Pagbilao Grande, Pagbilao, Quezon
The white sand beach stretches 70 meters long and 10 meters wide. A small cave known to locals as Kwebang Lampas is found at one end of the beach. It is a favorite site of swimmers in Pagbilao during the summer months.
next... our beach bumming, snorkeling and chillax at
Puting Buhangin Beach and Kwebang Lampas
located at Pagbilao Grande, Pagbilao, Quezon
The white sand beach stretches 70 meters long and 10 meters wide. A small cave known to locals as Kwebang Lampas is found at one end of the beach. It is a favorite site of swimmers in Pagbilao during the summer months.
CRYSTAL CLEAR CALM WATER, BLUE SKIES
at the end of the day.. we decided to camp at
Dampalitan Island
CAMPSITE
SUNSET
LOWTIDE
The following day we woke up as early as possible for us to witness the lowtide at Mag-asawang Bato Island
TIPS: really good for landscape photoshoot
then lastly is the Borawan Island
famous for rock climbing and bouldering activity.
Dampalitan Island
The following day we woke up as early as possible for us to witness the lowtide at Mag-asawang Bato Island
TIPS: really good for landscape photoshoot
then lastly is the Borawan Island
famous for rock climbing and bouldering activity.
ITINERARY
Day 1, May 1 (Saturday)
Day 1, May 1 (Saturday)
02:00am – Assembly time @ JAC Liner, Kamias Station
02:30am – Boarding of Passenger ETD Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal
06:30am – ETA Lucena, Stopover at Lucena Grand terminal
07:30am – ETA Padre Burgos, Quezon
08:00am – ETA Laguimanoc Pier, Padre Burgos. board private bangka, island hopping starts
08:30am – Lipata Island,
11:30am – Puting Buhangin & Kwebang Lampas Island (swimming, snorkeling, brunch)
05:00pm – Dampalitan Island (Overnight Camping)
06:00pm – Dinner, Camping, swimming, Campfire socials,beach bumming, star-gazing
09:00pm – Lights off!
Day 2, May 2 (Sunday)
05:00am – Wake up call
05:30am – ETD Mag-asawang Bato Island
06:00am – ETA Mag-asawang Bato Island (Photo Ops)
09:00am – ETA Borawan Island
11:00pm – ETD to Laguimanoc Pier, Padre Burgos
11:30am – ETA Laguimanoc, Padre Burgos
12:00am – Rest, Prepare
06:30am – ETA Lucena, Stopover at Lucena Grand terminal
07:30am – ETA Padre Burgos, Quezon
08:00am – ETA Laguimanoc Pier, Padre Burgos. board private bangka, island hopping starts
08:30am – Lipata Island,
11:30am – Puting Buhangin & Kwebang Lampas Island (swimming, snorkeling, brunch)
05:00pm – Dampalitan Island (Overnight Camping)
06:00pm – Dinner, Camping, swimming, Campfire socials,beach bumming, star-gazing
09:00pm – Lights off!
Day 2, May 2 (Sunday)
05:00am – Wake up call
05:30am – ETD Mag-asawang Bato Island
06:00am – ETA Mag-asawang Bato Island (Photo Ops)
09:00am – ETA Borawan Island
11:00pm – ETD to Laguimanoc Pier, Padre Burgos
11:30am – ETA Laguimanoc, Padre Burgos
12:00am – Rest, Prepare
01:30pm – ETD to Lucena Grand terminal
02:30pm – ETA Lucena Grand terminal
02:30pm – ETA Lucena Grand terminal
03:00pm – ETD Lucena Grand terminal to Manila
07:00pm – ETA Manila
EXPENSE:
TRANSPORTATION:
Manila - Lucena Grand Terminal: Php218/pax (JAC Liner Bus)
Lucena Grand Terminal - Padre Burgos: Php35/pax (Mini Bus)
Padre Burgos - Laguimanoc Pier: Php7/pax (Tricycle)
-------------------------------------------------
Laguimanoc Pier - Padre Burgos: Php7/pax (Tricycle)
Padre Burgos - Lucena Grand Terminal: Php35/pax (Mini Bus)
Lucena Grand Terminal - Manila:Php218/pax via Bus (JAC Liner Bus)
GUIDE FEE FOR MT. LIPATA
Tour Guide: Php300 (good for 6pax)
ISLAND ENTRANCE FEE & CAMPING FEE:
Puting Buhangin Island:
~ Entrance Fee: Php50/pax
Dampalitan Island:
~ Entrance fee: Php35/pax
~ Camping fee: Php150/tent (overnight)
~ Fresh Water: Php300/drum (good for 6pax)
BOAT FEE: Php 1800 (good for 6-10pax) includes:
Lipata Island
Puting Buhangin Island
Kwebang Lampas
Dampalitan Island
Mag-asawang Bato Island
Borawan Isalnd
___________________________________________
@ US$47 rate
SUMMARY OF EXPENSE excluding food
TOTAL (6pax)= Php6,330 or US$134.68
TOTAL (per pax) = Php1,055 or US$22.45
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
@ US$47 rate
SUMMARY OF EXPENSE excluding food
TOTAL (6pax)= Php6,330 or US$134.68
TOTAL (per pax) = Php1,055 or US$22.45
___________________________________________
Please contact Mang Vic @ 0912-9178637 for Island Trip Arrangement, Boat & Guide.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
"HAPPY TO LIVE. GLAD TO GIVE Season 2"
BENEFICIARY:
School Name: Abucot Elementary School
School Region: CAR
Division: Benguet
District: Kabayan
School Type: Public
School Level: Elementary
Barangay: Adaoay
No. of Students: 183
GRADE SCHOOL & PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS
Upon descend at Mt. Pulag, we took our rest at the ranger station, some of us bought souvenirs, fresh veggies direct from the farmville of the locals. At exactly 1:30pm we departed at the ranger station going to Abucot Elementary school accompanied by the school’s PTA President, Selaida Arais.
BOXES OF BOOKS & CLOTHES
A boxes of books and clothes has been loaded to our service jeepney through the help of Sir Larry, the Park Ranger Head and our driver with some locals. This books was given by our sponsor namely Rex Bookstore Inc.
@ THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
On our way, it’s a combination of smooth and rough road but most of the time we felt the dust beyond the road and we decided to close all the window louvers and doors to keep the dust out with all the rough roads, it took us 40mins to get to the school.
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At Abucot Elementary School, almost 100+ students welcomed us including their parents. On the school proper a cluster of bungalows perched on a hill, this includes the library, comfort rooms, and classrooms.
TEACHER SAFERA MARCELO
The Grade School Teacher, Safera Marcelo, says that some of the improved road has made it easier for many pupils to reach school. This includes those living in other part of the mountains.
STUDENTS
Before the road was improved, the number of students boarding at the school would rise sharply before exams so they could spend less time traveling and more time studying.
Click here for more details about our Mt. Pulag Climb.
Click here for more details about our Mt. Pulag Climb.
Friday, April 16, 2010
MT. PULAG (Ambangeg Trail)
Mt. Pulag Charity Climb (April, 1-2, 2010)
Major jump-off: Ambangeg, Kabayan, Benguet
LLA: 16°34'58"N 120°53'15"E, 2922 MASL (#3)
Level and days required: Level 3, 3-5 days
Hours to summit / Days required: 4-5 hours / 2 days
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 3
Its been a couple of months since we had our last Climb for a Cause @ Mt. Pinatubo, and for this year, after a long month of preparation and sent invites and posted event on this blog site... We came up with a successful "MT. PULAG Charity Climb - Happy to live. Glad to give. Season II". Thanks to all the participants who made these trip possible.
As an organizer of this climb, it was the most fulfilling events I have done so far, stressful but really worth it. Thanks to Sir Ivan for providing IDs for us and to Ma’am Yang and her parents for lending a pick-up car in order to get the 10boxes of books from our major sponsor.
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I never thought that this trip would gave us another batch of friends. Moreover, despite of all zigzag and rough road, cold summer weather, rocky and slippery trail and being so excited to see what thus the summit can give us another reason to continuously thank God for his gift of nature.
Mt. Pulag National Park is one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage. It lies on the north and south spine of the Grand Cordillera Central that stretches from Pasaleng, Ilocos Norte to the Cordillera Provinces.
MT. PULAG (near campsite)
We chose the Ambangeg-Ambangeg trail (3-4hours @ slow to medium pace) since most of us are first timer on these mountain, we started to trek at around 10am and we arrived at the camp late afternoon 1:30pm. The sun was really hot and strong during our trek and of course we got our remembrance, a Sunburn..tsk! tsk! tsk! ^_^.
When we arrived at the campsite, all of us are very amazed. Indeed, it was really “The Playground of Gods”
Our night was filled with so many stars, and we really enjoyed it!. The temperature fall at 6 degrees Celsius and it was cold. We are so lucky because there was no rainfall during that time and that made us experience a bright full moon.
The summit of Mt. Pulag is covered with dwarf bamboo plants. At lower elevations, the mountainside has a mossy forest veiled with fog, and full of ferns, lichens and moss. Below this is the pine forest growing on barren, rocky slopes. Falls, rivers and small lakes mark the area. In addition, our most favorite part on this climb is the grassland summit with its "sea of clouds" ^_^.
It was said that Mt. Pulag is the second highest peak in Luzon and second highest mountain in the Philippines, but that was before, because it was replaced by Mt. Dulang-Dulang, that makes the Mt. Pulag as the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines and Luzon’s highest peak with an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level.
Major jump-off: Ambangeg, Kabayan, Benguet
LLA: 16°34'58"N 120°53'15"E, 2922 MASL (#3)
Level and days required: Level 3, 3-5 days
Hours to summit / Days required: 4-5 hours / 2 days
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 3
SUMMIT @ 6:30AM
Its been a couple of months since we had our last Climb for a Cause @ Mt. Pinatubo, and for this year, after a long month of preparation and sent invites and posted event on this blog site... We came up with a successful "MT. PULAG Charity Climb - Happy to live. Glad to give. Season II". Thanks to all the participants who made these trip possible.
OUR OFFICIAL IDs @ DENR OFFICE
As an organizer of this climb, it was the most fulfilling events I have done so far, stressful but really worth it. Thanks to Sir Ivan for providing IDs for us and to Ma’am Yang and her parents for lending a pick-up car in order to get the 10boxes of books from our major sponsor.
THE GROUP, Photo courtesy of Monte
(from left, Monte Corpuz, Ivan De Castro, Christian Amane, Grace Matorgo, Carrie Borromeo, Ariane Bagarinao, Dario Umagat, Caroline Budiao, Junalyn Periña, Aleli Umagat, Janine Periña, Diane De Jesus, Raf Japhet Dator, Herbert Lapuz, Anne Christine Umagat, Madelle Crisostomo, and Michael Manzano)
(from left, Monte Corpuz, Ivan De Castro, Christian Amane, Grace Matorgo, Carrie Borromeo, Ariane Bagarinao, Dario Umagat, Caroline Budiao, Junalyn Periña, Aleli Umagat, Janine Periña, Diane De Jesus, Raf Japhet Dator, Herbert Lapuz, Anne Christine Umagat, Madelle Crisostomo, and Michael Manzano)
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I never thought that this trip would gave us another batch of friends. Moreover, despite of all zigzag and rough road, cold summer weather, rocky and slippery trail and being so excited to see what thus the summit can give us another reason to continuously thank God for his gift of nature.
Mt. Pulag National Park is one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage. It lies on the north and south spine of the Grand Cordillera Central that stretches from Pasaleng, Ilocos Norte to the Cordillera Provinces.
MT. PULAG (near campsite)
There are four major trails up the summit:
- the Ambangeg, Akiki, and Tawangan trails from Benguet
- the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya
We chose the Ambangeg-Ambangeg trail (3-4hours @ slow to medium pace) since most of us are first timer on these mountain, we started to trek at around 10am and we arrived at the camp late afternoon 1:30pm. The sun was really hot and strong during our trek and of course we got our remembrance, a Sunburn..tsk! tsk! tsk! ^_^.
MT. PULAG SUMMIT (aaaw! sunburn)
“For centuries, the tribes of the Kalanguya, Ibaloi and Kankana-ey living at the foot of Mt. Pulag have served as its protector. Believed to be a sacred mountain where the gods dwelled and where the soul will finally meet Kabunian, Supreme Being of the Cordilleras, the protection of Mt. Pulag was governed by customary law and an indigenous resource management system, which considered exploiting forest resources evil and punishable. As such, even such normal human activities as shouting, defecating, picking wild plants, and even kissing are prohibited in the area, lest these anger the gods.”
Our night was filled with so many stars, and we really enjoyed it!. The temperature fall at 6 degrees Celsius and it was cold. We are so lucky because there was no rainfall during that time and that made us experience a bright full moon.
MT. PULAG SUMMIT (Sir Herbert on Sunrise)
PLANT SPECIES (photos courtesy of Ariane)
It was said that Mt. Pulag is the second highest peak in Luzon and second highest mountain in the Philippines, but that was before, because it was replaced by Mt. Dulang-Dulang, that makes the Mt. Pulag as the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines and Luzon’s highest peak with an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
MT. PULAG HOLY CLIMB 2010
via Ambangeg Trail (easiest trail)
2,922 meters (9,610 feet)
April 1-2, 2010
Happy To Live. Glad To Give (Season 2)
BENEFICIARY: Abucot Elementary School of Kabayan, Benguet
Situated in Benguet Province on Northern Luzon Island, Mt. Pulag is the 2nd highest peak in the country. Experience Mt Pulag Philippines and its spectacular beauty and serenity of the surrounding area is the goal of climbing and hiking throughout the area. Temperatures can dip to 4-8 degrees. This is already very cold.. (really need to bring a thermal jacket =D)
Everyone's invited, for more info, just email me at whitebeagle@yahoo.com, or you can leave message on my CBOX.
Expense: Php2000/pax
inclusion:
Bus (Manila-Baguio-Manila)
Environmental Fees
Camping Fees
LGU Fees
Chartered Jeep (Baguio-Benguet-Baguio)
Tour Guide
NOTE:
a.)Bring your own Food (snacks and 2days meal)
b.)Bring your own Tent or you may rent at the ranger station, Php200/tent good for 2 to 3pax)
c.)Donations for Abucot Elementary School, (in kind - preferably food, clothes, school supplies, books, raincoat, medicine, slippers, toys)
***As per request by Teacher Neda Bibad of Abucot Elementary School they are in needs of reading books, chart, drawing book and other school materials for the local kids.
ITINERARY
Day 1, April 1 (Maundy Thursday)
12:00mn – Assembly time @ Dagupan bus Station Cubao
01:00am – Boarding of Passenger ETD Manila to Baguio
06:00am – ETA Baguio
10:00am – ETA DENR-Ambangeg; registration and orientation
Donation’s Drop-off
Breakfast
12:00nn – ETA @ Brgy. Abucot or Bashoy(Lunch)
01:00pm – ETA Elementary school @ Abucot or Bashoy
02:00pm – ETA Ranger Station (preparation for the trek)
02:30pm – Start trek to Camp 2
05:30pm – ETA Camp 2 (near summit); Set up camp
06:30pm – Dinner, Socials
08:00pm – Lights off!
Day 2, April 2 (Holy Friday)
03:30am – Wake up call, prepare morning snacks
04:00am – Summit assault (at slow pace)
05:30am – ETA Mt. Pulag summit; Explore and take pictures
06:30am – ETD @ Summit
08:00am – ETA Camp 2 (Prepare packed lunch; break camp)
08:30am – ETD @ Camp 2
11:30am – ETA Ranger Station (Clean up; Brunch)
02:00pm – ETD @ Ranger Station
03:00pm – ETA @ Brgy. Abucot or Bashoy
03:30pm – Outreach Proper (Distribution of Donations)
04:30pm – ETD @ Brgy. Abucot or Bashoy
08:30pm – ETA Baguio
01:30am – Manila (Saturday)
“The best climber is the one having the most fun.”
2,922 meters (9,610 feet)
April 1-2, 2010
Happy To Live. Glad To Give (Season 2)
BENEFICIARY: Abucot Elementary School of Kabayan, Benguet
Situated in Benguet Province on Northern Luzon Island, Mt. Pulag is the 2nd highest peak in the country. Experience Mt Pulag Philippines and its spectacular beauty and serenity of the surrounding area is the goal of climbing and hiking throughout the area. Temperatures can dip to 4-8 degrees. This is already very cold.. (really need to bring a thermal jacket =D)
Everyone's invited, for more info, just email me at whitebeagle@yahoo.com, or you can leave message on my CBOX.
Expense: Php2000/pax
inclusion:
Bus (Manila-Baguio-Manila)
Environmental Fees
Camping Fees
LGU Fees
Chartered Jeep (Baguio-Benguet-Baguio)
Tour Guide
NOTE:
a.)Bring your own Food (snacks and 2days meal)
b.)Bring your own Tent or you may rent at the ranger station, Php200/tent good for 2 to 3pax)
c.)Donations for Abucot Elementary School, (in kind - preferably food, clothes, school supplies, books, raincoat, medicine, slippers, toys)
***As per request by Teacher Neda Bibad of Abucot Elementary School they are in needs of reading books, chart, drawing book and other school materials for the local kids.
ITINERARY
Day 1, April 1 (Maundy Thursday)
12:00mn – Assembly time @ Dagupan bus Station Cubao
01:00am – Boarding of Passenger ETD Manila to Baguio
06:00am – ETA Baguio
10:00am – ETA DENR-Ambangeg; registration and orientation
Donation’s Drop-off
Breakfast
12:00nn – ETA @ Brgy. Abucot or Bashoy(Lunch)
01:00pm – ETA Elementary school @ Abucot or Bashoy
02:00pm – ETA Ranger Station (preparation for the trek)
02:30pm – Start trek to Camp 2
05:30pm – ETA Camp 2 (near summit); Set up camp
06:30pm – Dinner, Socials
08:00pm – Lights off!
Day 2, April 2 (Holy Friday)
03:30am – Wake up call, prepare morning snacks
04:00am – Summit assault (at slow pace)
05:30am – ETA Mt. Pulag summit; Explore and take pictures
06:30am – ETD @ Summit
08:00am – ETA Camp 2 (Prepare packed lunch; break camp)
08:30am – ETD @ Camp 2
11:30am – ETA Ranger Station (Clean up; Brunch)
02:00pm – ETD @ Ranger Station
03:00pm – ETA @ Brgy. Abucot or Bashoy
03:30pm – Outreach Proper (Distribution of Donations)
04:30pm – ETD @ Brgy. Abucot or Bashoy
08:30pm – ETA Baguio
01:30am – Manila (Saturday)
“The best climber is the one having the most fun.”
Sunday, January 3, 2010
TIGER AS A TRAVELLER
Tigers like to live on the edge, to travel long distances conquering thrills and fears along the way. Never the homebody, Tigers prefer activity and excitement to relaxing days by the ocean reading a good book. They leave on a whim and return when they are ready to plan their next vacation. Action-filled getaways are sure to get a Tiger away for a long time!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
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