"HAPPY TO LIVE. GLAD TO GIVE Season 2"

Mt. Pulag Charity Climb (April, 1-2, 2010)  
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.

STUDENTS OF ABUCOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL w/ OUR GROUP 
(photo courtesy of Monte Corpuz) 

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.

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

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) 

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

All of these trails are managed by the Mt. Pulag National Park, under the Department of Environment and National Resources c/o Ms. Emerita “Mering" Albas.

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) 

When we arrived at the campsite, all of us are very amazed. Indeed, it was really “The Playground of Gods”

“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) 

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" ^_^.

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.

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.”

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!

PALAWAN "The Last Frontier"

Palawan is also known as the Last Frontier, it is the second largest province in the country, with an area of 1.5 million hectares and composed of 1,768 islands, the province has vast tracts of tropical rainforests and marine wilderness and home of the famous Subterranean River National Park a.k.a The World's Longest Underground River and nominated on the 7 Wonders of the World.


ITINERARY
Day 1, Sunday
09:30am – PPC Arrival
09:30am - 10:30am Hotel Check-in
10:30am - 11:30am Depart Pension House, Land travel to Sta. Lourdes wharf
11:30am - 05:00pm Honda Bay Island hopping w/ packed lunch
05:00pm – 06:00pm Depart Sta. Lourdes Wharf, Land travel to Pension House
06:00pm - 07:00pm Pension House Proper (rest, prepare, take a bath)
07:00pm – 08:00pm Dinner @ Kinabuch
08:00pm - 09:00pm Back to Pension House

Day 2, Monday
04:30am – 06:00am Prepare, Take a bath
06:00am - 09:00am Depart PPC downtown, Land travel to Sabang wharf
09:00am - 10:00pm Boat Ride - Sabang wharf to Underground River
10:00am - 11:00am Underground Tour (1.5km)
11:00am - 12:00nn Boat Ride - Underground River to Sabang wharf
12:00nn - 03:00pm Depart Sabang wharf, Land travel to PPC downtown
03:00pm – 04:00pm Late Lunch @ Balinsasayaw Restaurant
04:00pm – 05:00pm Stroll @ the Baywalk
05:00pm – 06:00pm Pension House Proper (rest, prepare, take a bath)
06:00pm - 07:00pm Dinner at Kalui
08:00pm - 09:00pm Back to Pension House

Day 3, Tuesday
06:00am – 07:00am Prepare, Take a bath
07:00am - 01:30pm City Tour w/ Lunch
01:30pm - 02:00pm Pension Room Check-out
02:00pm - 03:00pm Buy Pasalubong @ Tiangge Market
03:00pm – 04:00pm Back to Pension House (rest, prepare)
04:00pm – 04:30pm Depart Pension House to Airport
04:30pm – 05:00pm Airport check-in
06:20pm - ETA Manila

Fresh Palawan Lobster

DIY PPC EXPENSES
Airfare
PAL (MNL-PPC) - Php1,246
ZEST AIR (PPC-MNL) - Php788

Terminal Fees

(MNL to PPC): Php200 x 9pax = Php1800
(PPC to MNL): Php40 x 9pax = Php360

Accomodation
Lola Itang Pension House (30mins. from the airport): Php2250 for 9pax/night (normal season)= 1 barkadahan room
Transfer-in: free c/o Pension House
Transfer-out via Trike - Php20 x 9pax = Php180

City Tour

Rented Van: Php1200 for 9pax
Iwahig Penal Farm
Rancho Sta. Monica [Mitra's Ranch]
Baker's Hill
Crocodile Farm - entrance fee: Php40 x 9pax = Php360
Optional - Picture Taking Fee @ Crocs = Php30 per 3shots
Butterfly Garden - entrance fee: Php25 x 9pax = Php225

Hunda Bay Tour

Trike: Php1000 for 9pax (roundtrip: Lola Itang Pension House to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, Vice Versa)
Terminal Fee @ Honda Bay - Php9 x 9pax = Php81
Island Hopping Fee: Php125 x 9pax = Php1125
{4 islands: Pambato Reef (Php50), Snake (free), Starfish (Php50), Pandan (Php25)}
Optional – Cottage @ Pandan Island: Php150 per Nipa Hut
Boat: Php1500 (maximum of 6pax), additional 250 per excess pax = Php2250
Optional - Goggles & Snorkel Gear: Php100 x 9pax = Php900
- Shower Fee @ the Wharf: Php20 x 9pax = Php180

Underground River Tour

NOTE: Secure permit @ the 2nd floor of 7B Plates Resto
Address: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Office
No. 11 National Highway , Junction 1
Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City 5300, Palawan , Philippines
Tel: 048-433-2409 Fax: 048-434-2509
Email: admin@puerto-undergroundriver.com or reservation@puerto-undergroundriver.com

Rented Van: Php3500 roundtrip for 9pax
Terminal Fee: Php40 x 9pax = Php360
Underground River Entrance: Php150 x 9pax (Adult) = Php1350
Optional – Camera Permits: Php30
Optional – Video Camera Permits: Php50
Boat to UR: Php1400 (2 boats for 9pax)
___________________________________________

SUMMARY OF EXPENSE excluding food
TOTAL (9pax)= Php39,557 or US$841.64
TOTAL (per pax) = Php4,395.22 or US$93.52
___________________________________________

Mary Immaculate parish Church

HOW TO GET THERE:
a.) Manila to PPC Palawan
-BY AIR: Major Airlines (PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, and Air Philippines) They usually offer promo airfares, travel time is 1 hour and 20mins.
-BY SEA: WG&A Superferry (tel: [632] 528-7000, (www.SuperFerry.com.ph) leaves every Friday afternoon from Manila, for a Saturday morning arrival in Coron and an evening arrival in Puerto Princesa (27 hours away). Return trips leave Sunday. (An option for those who want to visit coron too)
b.) PPC Palawan to Sabang (for Underground tour)
->>The land trip from Puerto Princesa to Sabang Beach takes between two to three hours depending on the road conditions and the time of year. The drive will take you through lush forest and isolated mountain communities.
>>Private and semi-private van transfer can be arranged for a fee
>>Public transportation is also available from the Puerto Princesa, Bus and Jeepney @ San Jose Terminal

SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GOING TO SABANG
a.) Estimated Time of Departure from Puerto Princesa to Sabang
via Jeepney - 7:00AM, 12:00NN, 2:00PM
via Bus - 10:00AM
b.) Estimated Time of Departure from Sabang to Puerto Princesa
via Jeepney - 7:00AM, 12:00NN, 2:00PM
via Bus - 10:00AM
___________________________________________

For Accomodation, Hunda Bay Tour, City and Underground River Tour. Please see below contact details:

Ms. Meggy - 0916-2333652
= Lola Itang Pension House (accomodation)

Mr. Danny - 0910-6661767
Mr. Allan - 0906-9129827
= Hunda Bay Tour, City Tour & Underground River Tour
___________________________________________

see also related links PALAWAN-EL NIDO

PUMPKIN "Jack-o-Lantern"

Wandering how did the pumpkin became a symbol for halloween??

People have been making jack o'lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!!

Gov't declares November 27 and 28 as regional holidays only in ARMM

Last October 30, 2009 the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that the Malacañang Palace has declared November 27 and 28, 2009 (Eid'l Adha) as regional holidays in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by virtue of Proclamation No. 1808-A.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque thus clarified that November 27 and 28, 2009 are not to be observed as holidays throughout the country.

Roque said that the new issuance effectively amended the earlier Proclamation No. 1808, issued earlier on April 21, 2009, which had declared November 28 and 29 this year as national holidays.

He advised the country's employers that as a result of Proclamation No. 1808-A, the pay rules for regular holidays will not apply during the said dates except in ARMM.

for more info click here

BOHOL (City of Friendship)

Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines located on the Central Visayas region. Its Capital is Tagbilaran City wherein the airport is located.

= BOHOL SEA TOUR =

ALONA BEACH, Panglao Island

The main island is surrounded by about 73 smaller islands, the largest of which are Panglao Island facing Tagbilaran City in the southwest and Lapinig Island in the northeast, but the famous one is the Panglao Island where you can find easy-access establishment along the shore while communing the nature on its fine white sand beaches and it is generally associated with Alona Beach - a congested strip of resorts and dive centres on the far west side. While Alona doesn't necessarily afford much sunbathing privacy, it's a logical choice for those who demand tropical drinks at beachside bars after diving.

BALICASAG ISLAND

If you are fond on Aquamarine thing you can also try to visit Balicasag Island - the best diving site of Bohol. Dolphin watching is one of the activities that you can also try, i suggest you wake-up in the morning as early as possible and catch a boat that will bring you there, groups of dolphin can be seen near in the Island of Balicasag.

VIRGIN ISLAND

If you want to witness a beautiful low-tide in the offing better go to Virgin Island at around 11 o'clock in the morning and you'll be amazed on the breath-taking view that it can offer.

ANGELO JUMPSHOT, virgin island

= BOHOL COUNTRYSIDE TOUR =

Loboc-Loay River Cruise (Loboc) - View the majestic panorama of the nipa palm plantation along the Loboc - Loay River. Sometimes wild ducks are seen feeding and swimming in the river. While cruising buffet lunch will be served on board.


Hanging bridge – (Tigbao) , For a new spin on the term “Hanging out,” we check-out this spot, Cross the bridge and test our fun, fearless factor by allowing the bridge to sway and swing. Hold on tight though, and i advise do not try it if your heart is weak! and at the other side we got a chance to meet BUKO King and souvenir stores also awaits us in which we bought a factory price peanut kisses and kalamay sa bao.


Man Made Forest (Bilar) - When you enter this area, you feel like you are entering another world, one that is refreshing and you can taste and feel the fresh air around you. In 1960’s, a nationwide reforestation program was launched by the Philippine government. Mahogany seedlings were planted on a cleared area of 857 hectares in Bilar and Loboc towns. Fast track to the 21st century, the mahogany seeds planted almost half a century ago has grown into a breathtaking view and feel the coolness of the air and view the awesome display the thousands Mahogany Tree painstakingly planted by the local people.

Adding to the grandeur of the forest is the road Boholanos call the “tina-i sa manok” (chicken’s intestines) which refers to the winding road up the mountain of Loboc going towards Bilar. Leaving the populated barrios behind, the road up the mountain is steep and on one side, a deep ravine which are all densely forested. The steep and winding road plus the ravine does not hinder the local drivers. They maneuver the road with the agility and speed of experts; a feat acquired thru constant practice.
When you take the Bohol tour, make sure to tell your guide to stop here. When you make your stop here, you will feel the abrupt change in temperature especially during summer or hot season. The overhanging trees provide a cool breeze even during the summer season. This mountain area seldom sees the sunshine and most often than not, it rains here. Local folks attribute these to the presence of the dense forest.


Butterfly Garden (Maribojoc)– want to learn more about butterflies?? Well these one is for you because upon entering the garden the tour guide will assist you and tell you about the butterfly life cycle, and types of butterflies among others. They would let you hold of the butterflies, and it was fun!



Chocolate Hills (Carmen) - major tourist draw of the province w/c was considered one of Philippine's natural wonders. So feast your eyes on the breathtaking work of nature, one thousand two hundred sixty eight (1,268) haycock hills uniformly cone-shaped limestone hills were named that way because in the summer, the grass growing on the hills turn brown, making the landscape look like it had chocolate mounds all over.

Philippine Tarsier, Tarsius syrichta (Loboc) - See the smallest primate in the world, its name is derived from its elongated "tarsus" or anklebone. Known locally as the Maumag in Cebuano/Visayan, is an endangered tarsier species endemic to the Philippines. Were not allowed to hold them but we’d successfully kissed them and it doesn’t smell good..=D


Bohol Python (Antequera) - The female python, Prony, a 200-kilo reptile (and growing), is one of the pride of this town. She was found in a cemetery in 1996 and have grown abnormally to its massive size that experts say she is currently as big as a 40-year old python. Unfortunately, she was sleeping that time.


Baclayon Church (Baclayon) - Behold an old stone church along with its religious relics dating back to the early 16th century inside the museum. It is considered as the second oldest stone church in the Philippines.


Blood Compact Site (Tagbilaran City) - View the spot where the Spaniards and the Filipinos fostered friendly relations through blood. This is considered as the 1st Seed of the United Nations and 1st Treaty of Friendship between the brown and the white race.


Hinagdanan Cave (Panglao) – One of the famous cave in Bohol. It is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites. We really did not stay here much because there is a video & photo shooting on the other side of Lagoon, but we enjoy our souvenir shopping outside the cave because it is cheaper than other souvenir stores.


ITINERARY

Day 1, Sunday
08:00am - Meeting Time at Airport
09:25am - Boarding of Passenger ETD Manila to Tagbilaran
10:25am - ETA Tagbilaran Airport
11:00am – Lunch @ Loboc River Floating Resto
12:30pm – Hanging Bridge
01:30pm – Man-Made Forest
02:00pm – Butterfly Garden
02:30pm – Chocolate Hills
04:00pm – Tarsier Sanctuary
04:30pm – Bohol Python
05:00pm – Baclayon Church
05:30pm – Blood Compact
06:00pm – Check-in @ the Hotel
07:00pm – Rest, Prepare, Take a Bath
08:00pm – Dinner Time
10:00pm – Lights-off!

Day 2, Monday
04:30am – Wake-up
05:00am – Breakfast
06:00am – Dolphin Watching
07:30am – Balicasag Island (Snorkeling)
10:00am – Virgin Island (Beach Bumming)
12:00nn – Back to Hotel
01:00pm – Lunch Time
02:00pm – Prepare, Take a Bath, Rest
05:00pm – Alona Beach Bumming
08:30pm – Back to Hotel
09:30pm – Dinner Time
10:00pm – Rest, Prepare, Take a Bath
10:30pm – Lights-off!

Day 3, Tuesday
07:00am – Wake-up
08:00am – Breakfast
09:00am – Check-out @ the Hotel
09:30am – Hinagdangan Cave
10:00am – ETA Tagbilaran Airport
11:00am – due to delayed flight we decided to eat Lunch @ Tagbilaran Mall
12:00nn – Buy Handicraft Souvenirs @ Marcela Road
01:00pm – Boarding of Passenger
02:00pm – ETA Manila Domestic Airport


EXPENSE:

AIRPORT:
Airfare: Php1730 (Roundtrip)
Terminal Fee (Manila to Tagbilaran): Php200
Terminal Fee (Tagvilaran to Manila): Php20

HOTEL:
1 x Family Air-con Room: Php1550/night/good for 6pax
1 x Small Standard Back Air-con Room: Php650/night/good for 2pax
Total for 2 Nights = Php 550/pax

COUNTRYSIDE TOUR:
Rented Van: Php2500 divide by 8pax = Php312.50/pax
Loboc River Floating Resto: Php300/pax – Buffet Lunch
Hanging Bridge: Php10/pax
Butterfly Garden: Php20/pax
Chocolate Hills: Php50/pax
Tarsier Sanctuary & Bohol Python: (Donations Only)
Hinagdangan Cave: Php15/pax

PANGLAO TOUR:
Island Hopping Package Tour Fee: Php2000 divide by 8pax = Php250/pax
Snorkeling Gear: Php30/pax

FOOD:
Noodles, Salted Egg, Rice, Chicken Barbecue, Rice, Balot, Beer, Snacks = Php600/pax/good for 3days & 2nights

PASALUBONG:
>> Peanut Kisses: Php120/pack [16pcs.] x 2 = Php240
>> Souvenir Shirt:
Extra small colored t-shirt [size 14] = Php95
Medium colored t-shirt[size 20] = Php110
Baby size white t-shirt for 1yr. old [size 10] = Php75
>> Souvenir Handcrafts: Wallets
Small Size Php70/each
Large Size Php90/each
Tube Style Php5/each x 2 = Php10


For Hotel, Countryside Tour, & Panglao Tour. Please see below contact details:

Mr. Ranil Concha - 0919-3443365
= Rented Van (Countryside Tour)

Mr. Jonathan - 0926-4427830
= Island Hopping (Panglao Tour.. dolphin watching, balicasag island, virgin island)

Ms. Ping – 0918-2411763 or visit their website Citadel Alona Inn
= Budget Accomodation

CALIRAYA RECREATION CENTER

After a long month of preparation, at last we had a chance to spend our long weekend vacation on this place, my friends from work including their families went to the Asia’s First and Finest Christian Resort namely the Caliraya Re-creation Center. Though its only overnight but it was all worth it.

CALIRAYA LAKE

Caliraya Re-creation Center is located at Barangay Lewin, Lumban Laguna, 15 Km-long man-made lake owned by the National Power Corporation and used for hydroelectric power generation. It is 7.6 hectares of lush greenery that offers fun-filled activities that will surely provide fond memories for both learning institutions and family gatherings. The lake is about 290 m above the sea leavel and the Caliraya Re-creation center property rises with a gradual slope of 30 m higher and commands a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains such as Mr. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Makiling.

DUPLEX ROOM

It was fascinating on how they were able to create a recreation center on top of a mountain and to create a lake to give a very serene ambiance. To reach the resort everybody must ride a ferryboat w/c will take for about 5minutes.As we reach the resort, there is a jeep that will brought us to the Dining area of the resort, we are given a sumptuous dinner meal (buffet) and after we ate we went to our duplex room located near at the lake. Some of my friends are too excited to try all the activities that the resort can offer, since we arrived late at night at the resort, some of us decided to try the night swimming w/c is open until 11pm only, water is not bad because it was warm w/c makes us very relaxing.

The next day we woke up as early as we want too, in order for us to do all the remaining activities. As I open the door, it was nice to see the lake in front of our room, cool breeze, greenery surroundings, sunshine, bird sound, enjoy the sun and wind, really an ideal place for winding down after all that hectic and fast-pace life in the city.

MARTI on SLIDE PINOY

CAROL on WALL CLIMBING

First activities that we have tried is the Pinoy Slide, and it is quite fun and surely the kids will love it. After these, we rode a jeep going to the dining area of the resort for our breakfast and again it was a buffet Pinoy & American style breakfast. After taking some rest on our heavy breakfast, it’s time to continue and enjoy the fun! fun! activities.

NOEL & JOEY on JETSKI

MARICEL on FLY PINOY

We pay all the activities at the registration area such as Jetski, Wall Climbing, Rapelling, Fly Pinoy (zipline version of the resort), unfortunately as much as we want to try the wakeboard they are requiring us to hire a speedboat w/c is very expensive, we also want to try the Airsoft but it was not available that time. We also enjoyed the pool & mudslide. Overall, it was fun.

CAROL on SWIMMING POOL

NOEL & JOEY on MUDSLIDE

Indeed, it is a recreation center. So if you want to relax and or spend quality time with your family and friends, try the Caliraya Re-creation Center.


HOW TO GET THERE:

From Manila:
· Take South Expressway
· Take Calamba Exit
· Calamba Crossing, turn right
· Straight ahead using the highway passing towns of Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz and Pagsanjan
· After passing Pagsanjan Archway, you will see a T Road (atop is a Catholic Church)
· On this T-Road, turn left to Lumban, then you pass a bridge
· Approaching Barangay Hall, turn left going to Paete (but you will not reach Paete)
· Just few meters ahead, you will see a Y Road
· On this Y Road, take right wing, a road going up hill (you will see Caliraya Re-Creation Center and Resort Sign)
· Straight ahead, you will see Caliraya Re-Creation Center and Resort Parking Space
· Upon reaching this parking space, a guard (not in uniform) will assist you to cross the lake

From Antipolo
· Through Teresa, then Morong, you will see a T road
· On the T road, turn left
· Straight ahead, approaching Tanay is a Y road
· On this Y road take left wing (the highway)
· Straight ahead, then in Pililia you will see a Y road
· On this Y Road take left wing (the highway)
· Straight ahead, using the highway passing towns of Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Paete
· Few meters from Kalayaan Power Plant, you will see an inverted Y road (this is a Y road from Lumban)
· On this inverted Y road, take left wing, a road going up hill (you will see Caliraya sign)
· Straight ahead, you will see Caliraya Re-Creation Center and Resort Parking Space
· Upon reaching this parking space, a guard (not in uniform) will assist you in crossing the lake


ITINERARY

Day 1, Saturday
04:30pm – Assembly time @ Cubao Macro
05:30pm – ETD Manila to Laguna
08:30pm - ETA Caliraya Lake; Ferryboat Ride to the Resort
08:40pm – ETA Caliraya Recreation Center
09:00pm – Late Dinner
10:00pm – Night Swimming
11:00pm – Rest, Take a bath
12:00mn – Lights-off

Day 2, Sunday
05:30am – Wake-up Call
06:00am – Slide Pinoy
07:00am - Breakfast
08:00am – Jetski @ the Lake
09:00am – Wall Climbing & Rappelling
10:30am - Swimming
11:00am – Mud Slide
12:00nn – Lunch
01:00pm – Fly Pinoy
02:00pm – Rest, Prepare, Take a bath
03:00pm – ETD Caliraya Recreation Center: Ferryboat Ride to the Resort
03:10pm – ETD Caliraya Lake
06:10pm – ETA Manila

EXPENSE:

Rented Van: Php3500/15pax/roundtrip

For Hotel /Duplex Room Inclusions: Php 1600/pax
1. Entrance fee.
2. Full board buffet style meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
3. Free flowing coffee & hot tea during meal time.
4. Overnight accommodation (aircon room with cable TV).
5. Free use of swimming pool, slip n slide, earthball, monster basketball and obstacle course.
6. Free use of slide pinoy & hanging bridge.
7. Ferry boat ride to and from the resort (24 hours service)
8. Jeepney transfer inside the resort


For Accomodation & Tour, Please see below contact details:

Ms. Rossel - 0919-6545925 or visit their website HERE
= Accomdation & Tour