Affordable Restaurants in Binondo

It is known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, which established in 1594. There are many must-visits in the area like; Binondo Church, Ongpin Street, Chinese Temple, and the Buddhist Temple. Binondo is a community in Manila that populated by ethnic Chinese who are living in the Philippines.

But, today, the group is looking for a place to eat around the vicinity. So, I am documenting on what and where we ate in Binondo.

So, here’s the list of restaurant that we have visited:

NEW PO HENG LUMPIA HOUSE

Fresh Lumpia

The fresh lumpia is served dry, packed and have nuts in it. But, the taste is great! I never eat that kind of lumpia before. I love it and I am going to try it over and over again. The price is very affordable!

Location:

Uy Su Bin Bldg. 531 Quintin Paredes St., Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines 

DONG BEI DUMPLING

Steamed Dumplings

Walking the main street looking for a spot to eat and in a small room a few blocks off the street of Binondo, the group found Dong Bei. In the room is the Chinese owner of the restaurant and the helpers rolling ground meat in their hands. 

So, we ordered and tried their steamed and fried dumplings. Our mouth watered when it arrives. It was my first time to eat dumplings and it was the best dumplings I’ve ever had!

Location:

642 Yuchengco corner V. Tytana Sts., Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

BIG BOWL NOODLES

Beef Wanton Noodles

The group is craving for noodles. We roamed around the area and found big Bowl Noodles in Masangkay Street. So, we’ve checked in and look for the menu (is photocopied) and tried their want wanton noodles. The serving is big and it taste good as well. The ambiance in the restaurant is not so good.

Location:

951 G. Masangkay Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines

WAI YING

Soy Chicken

This is the favourite hang out of the group, if I am not mistaken, it is already our third time here in the restaurant. It is a traditional authentic Chinese Cuisine and they provide affordable price. We ordered fried dumplings, soy chicken, and yang chow. The group have happy tummy! :)

Location:

832 Benavides St., Sta Cruz, Manila, Binondo, Philippines

More photos here...

Happy exploring!

-Marco

Mt. Balagbag Dayhike

Mt. Balagbag is located in Rodriguez, formerly Montalban, in the province of Rizal. This mountain is also part of the Sierra Madre range. It is 777 MASL which feature views of some part of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The mountain is also called helipad because at the peak of it is like helipad. Climbing this mountain is just one to two hours.

The background of the mountain

Before heading to the summit, drop by at the waterfalls and trek along the river - this is the additional features in climbing this mountain. The trail is not difficult; it was easy and wide. Mt. Balagbag is likewise a most loved of mountain bikers. 

Moreover, hikers who will trek on summer will find out that the difficulty on the trek is the sun exposure because the mountain is not covered with trees. So, the recommendation is to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 

At the highest point of the Mt. Balagbag are the scenes stunning mountains of the Rizal province and the gigantic lands.

The Trail

The trail is easy, which is good for beginners. It is wide and open. Going to the summit is quite hard especially if the sun is already up because it dehydrates you. Better climb the mountain at early in the morning or in the late afternoon. There are also rocks along the trek and it became slippery during rainy seasons.

worth the hike

But, after struggling along the trail you can see the beautiful scene at the top of this mountain. There are store nearby basketball court, you can buy food and drinks before heading to the trail. 

Getting There

If you take a public transportation, from Cubao, take a bus going to Tungko then, ride a jeepney to Licao-Licao. You can pass by at Sitio Karahume for the waterfalls and river trek. Then, go straight to Sitio Balagbag.

I was invited by my friend who loves to climb a mountain. Actually, that was an unexpected hike during the weekend.  In fact, the hike started late in the morning. We meet at Jollibee (Tungko) and from the terminal; we rode a jeepney bound to Licao Licao. Then, we started our trek at around ten o’clock in the morning.  

Sierra Madre range

Day Hike Itinerary

8:00 AM – Meet up at Jollibee Tungko

9:00 AM – Take a jeepney going to Licao Licao

10:00 AM – River trek and water falls

11:00 AM - Start trekking going to summit

12:30 PM – SUMMIT of Mt. Balagbag

2:00 PM – Descending from the summit

3:00 PM – Afternoon snacks

3:30 PM – Back to downward

4:30 PM – Jump-off, back to Quezon City

More photos here...

And this is my 12th conquered mountain! Hooray!

Happy climbing,
Marco

Calereuga: A place for renewal and soul searching

The Lenten season is the season for reflection on Jesus Christ for his sacrifice and suffering, his life, death, burial, and resurrection. For Catholics, it is a way to remind them of the value of repentance. It begun during the Ash Wednesday and it is a 40 days period of preparation for Easter Sunday.

Transfiguration Chapel

Some of you are now planning where to go and spend the Holy Week. Then, why not visit Calereuga in Batulao, Batangas?

Calereuga is the perfect place to visit and explore during holy week. This is a place for Nature lover and for those who want to spend time with our Creator. It is surrounded with many trees and flowers, an ideal place for self-renewal and soul searching.

Panoramic View at the top of the hill

Roaming around the compound will show to butterflies, birds, various flowers and big trees, koi fish in the ponds under an elevated steel pathway. There’s a hanging bridge which led you to the other part of the compound wherein exposes with a vast field of green grass, trees with tables and benches. And, I think, they allow you to camping here. A chapel on the top of the hummock that you can take time to pray.

Calereuga is a location for family bonding, retreats, recollections, team building, prayers, and renewal. This is a venue for wedding. Great places to take a sit on the green grass, relax, and feel the cool breeze.

How to get there:

•  Ride a bus going to Nasugbu or Balayan in any bus terminal (Pasay or Cubao)
• Get off at Evercrest
•   From there, take a tricycle and tell the driver you’re going to Calereuga. Please take note: there no tricycle in the area so better get the contact number of the driver and advise him to fetch you on agreed time. 

For more information:

Calereuga’s Transfiguration Chapel

Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Email: caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com

Contact Numbers: 043-706-0348

Malarayat Mountain Range Traverse (Mt. Malipunyo - Manabu Peak)

Holiday gives us the chance to discover places, mountains and travel around. A year ago, we hiked two mountains in just for one day and now, before 2013 ends we challenged ourselves to do a traverse. This is a challenging and exciting adventure and we felt nervous because we don’t know what will happen during the hike. But, the eagerness is there and we are fully energized that day.  

The Story
Our first traverse is Mt. Malipunyo to Mt. Manabu via Mt. Malarayat mountain range -  it is one of the major features of the Southern Tagalog scenery (also includes; Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, and Mt. Maculot). 

Mt. Malipunyo is located between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna. It has three peaks with the summit of 1005 MASL, it is sometimes spelled as Malipuño. This mountain is a forested and grassy, even in the summit. Mt. Malipunyo, Mt. Susong Dalaga, and the Manabu Peak are the interconnected destinations. Some part of the trails would be steep, but there are many trees to hold on to, but be careful of the harmful plants.

Mt. Manabu is typically cloudy that gives you an almost wistful air. It is one of the three major peaks of the Malarayat range, the named itself is the abbreviated from the word “Mataas na Bundok”. The trail is easy and is the most accessible mountain from Manila. The very beautiful surroundings and add the spectacular view of the Malipunyo mountain range. You can see the perfect scene!

After our early breakfast, our group rode a bus going to Batangas City and from the bus terminal; we headed to the Fiesta Mall and rode a trike to the jump-off. We meet Mang Mario, our guide for the day. Then, start trekking around six thirty in the morning.

struggling the slippery trail

reached the Peak 1

There are noxious plants and pruritogenic lipa trees which can cause itching. Thorns bushes are also visible in the mountain so be careful to avoid getting injury. It is important to wear clothes that can protect your skin. You can get out of the forest after hour later then passing by the grassland or also called “Talahiban”. The trail, after passing by the grassland, is not less of dangers anymore, but it’s going on a sharp edge. It's very tiring, but after all, you will realized how beautiful the world is.

Mt. Susong-Dalaga

dirty but happy feet

encountered various wild plants

reaching the Manabu Peak

Note: If you are not familiar in the trail, it is important to hire a guide to avoid getting lost here.

ITINERARY:

03:30AM - Assembly Jollibee-Buendia

04:30AM - ETD Jam Terminal (going to Batangas City) 

06:00AM - ETA Fiesta Mall (take trike to Jump off)

06:30AM - Arrival at jumpoff - Start Trek

07:30AM - Arrive at the river, first water source.

08:15AM - 2nd water source 

09:00AM - Arrive at Peak 1

09:30AM – Arrive at Peak 2

10:00AM – Arrive at Peak 3, Mt. Malipunyo Summit, take lunch

11:00AM - Start descent

11:30AM - Arrived at Balete park

12:00NN -  Start descent

12:30PM - River. Water source

01:00PM – Tri-House, rest, take coffee, snacks

02:00PM - Arrived at Biak na bundok

02:30PM - Start descend

03:30PM - Arrived at Mt Maraduhan. Rest

04:30PM - Arrived at Manabu Campsite. Rest

05:00PM - Set foot on Mt Manabu Peak

05:30PM - Start descent

05:45PM - Coffee Break at Manong Pirying

06:30PM - Arrived at Mt Manabu Jump off. Rest. Tidy up

07:30PM - Take tricycle to lipa Bus stop, Dinner

08:00PM - Arrived at Lipa Bus Stop

08:30PM - Take bus to Manila

09:30PM - ETA Manila

Expenses

Bus – 157php 

Trike – 20php

Registration Fee – 20php

Guide Fee – 200php each (we give 100php each as tip for Manong Mario for being nice and kind to us)

Food/Water - 250

Guide contact number: Mang Mario, +63-9994106990

More photos here...

Malipunyo makes my 11th conquered mountain a successful one and it was my second time to climbed Mt. Manabu! Hooray!

Happy climbing,

-Marco

Conquered Mt. Banoi

The last mountain I climbed was Mt. Kalisungan with 760 MASL. It was my 8^th official mountaineering together with my friends. I stop climbing a mountain for almost three months because I am busy for my commitments. But, one day my friend Jeff invited me to join him to climb along with Ian, our mountaineer friend. Since I missed mountain climbing, without any hesitation I accepted the invitation.

Mt. Banoi, my 9th conquered mountain, is 850 MASL for the Two Towers Peak and about 960 MASL for the Main Peak, is located in the town of Lobo, Batangas, and is part of the mountain range that surrounds in the town. This is a minor climb and it’s about two to five hours of reaching the summit.

The first time we attempted to climb Mt. Banoi is failed because we are not able to reach the summit. From Sitio Malabnig, according to the local, is one to two hour trekking before you can reach the summit depending on how fast your pace is. And, take note, we arrived at Sitio Malabnig at two o’clock in the afternoon. Very late! So, we’re not able to make it. We just stay there for a while and we go back to the town because we need to catch up for the last trip going to Batangas that is five o’clock in the afternoon.

On our second attempt, we need to accomplish our mission, to reach the summit. Only Jeff and Ian are available on this day. This time, we arrived early in the town of Lobo. We rode a tricycle and asked the driver to drop-off at the Chapel.

You will begin your trek at the end of the road of Brgy. Balatbat, landmark is the Chapel. And, from there, about one and half an hour you will reach the major jump-off at Sitio Malabnig –is a community with dozen of houses and I salute to people living on the top of 400 MASL. 

The trail, actually, is not really confusing because it is mostly straightforward and you can ask the locals along the way, they are very helpful! You can also ask the people in the Sitio Malabnig the right way going to the Mt. Banoi. You can reach the first peak in 1.5 hours to two hours; it is easily identified because of the communication tower. The mountain features the scene of animal farm, villages, and the whole town of Lobo. Mt. Lobo, Mt. Daguldol, and Mt. Naguiling can be seen in the east.

We arrived at the first peak of the mountain during lunchtime and we decided not to pursue on the Main Peak instead of having a good lunch on the first peak. However, the views from the mountain are the same all the way through the peaks. It’s really up to you to visit the Main Peak. But, for us, we didn’t pursue to the Main Peak and we just stay and took our lunch. Then, descent.

Mt. Banoi Itinerary:

04:30 AM – meet up in Buendia, Pasay

05:00 AM – board bus bound to Batangas Grand Terminal, 157php

06:40 AM – arrive at Grand Terminal, ride jeepney going to Balagtas, 12php

07:15 AM – from Balagtas, ride a jeepney to Lobo Terminal, 8php

07:30 AM – board jeepney going to Lobo Town

08:50 AM – arrive at Lobo Town, register at police station, and ride a tricycle to jump-off (chapel)

09:00 AM – start trekking

10:00 AM – arrive at Sitio Malabnig

12:00 NN – first peak, Two Towers Peak, lunch

01:00 PM – descent

02:00 PM – Sitio Malabnig

03:30 PM – back to the Chapel, ride trike back to Lobo town (NOTE: get the contact number of the tricycle driver so he can pick you back to the town)

04:00 PM – clean up, ride a jeepney back to Batangas City

05:30 PM – Grand Terminal, back to Manila

Expenses:

Transportation: 500php
Food: 200php

And this is my 9th conquered mountain. Hooray!

Happy climbing! :)
Marco

What and where to eat in Legazpi City, Albay

Some people do their adventure with friends and family and some people do it alone. They like to do it yourself! They like to go to a place where they’re not familiar and explore the place. I am jealous of them because they are brave enough to do a solo trip. And as they are saying, do solo trips add more self-confidence. And, that’s what I like, to do a solo trip.

I am always accompanied by my group and friends when travelling or doing a great adventure.

Now, I am planning to do a solo trip and thinking where to go.  I decided to go Legaspi, Albay with the suggestion of my friend. I am so excited because that was the very first time solo trip. I am searching on the internet where to go and where to eat in Legaspi, Albay. And, with the help also of my friend, he suggested where and what to eat.

For now, I will share you what and where to eat in Albay. Here are my lists:

Small Talk Cafe

I’ve always heard about Pinangat Pasta and I wonder what is it? I am interested in it. He suggested me that you try it and so when we are in Small Talk café I ordered one of it. When the waitress served it to our table, it smells good. The taste of the pasta was good and delicious. It’s creamy Pinangat Pasta! The serving is good enough for one person. The place, for me, is nice!

Location: Doña Aurora Street, Legazpi City

Pinangat Pasta, Php110

1^st Colonial Grill

Did you hear sili ice-cream? Yes! I heard it from my bicolano friend. So, when I was there. I would love to taste the sili ice-cream though I am not into chili food. But, I love to try it.  I was accompanied by my friend during that day. I tried the sili ice-cream and he got baileys ice-cream. I would love to say that you must try I am pretty sure that you will love the creamy and chili ice-cream. It is very unusual ice-cream because of its flavour.

Location: Villa Amada Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Sili Ice-cream, Php79. Bailey's Ice-cream, Php79

Bigg’s Diner

On the next day for my trip, I went to Daraga Church for a picture scene of Mt. Volcano. Afterward, I have my breakfast to Bigg’s Diner. It was named Carl’s Diner and it changed on 21^st of October 1994 and true to its name, Bigg’s Diner was a big hit easily which became the busiest restaurant in town. I tried Bistek Pinoy and it was good.

Location: Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Bistek Pinoy, Php105

Red Continent Dine and Café

Before I’m going back to Manila, my friend suggested that I should try Red Continent – it’s an authentic Bicolano and Filipino cuisines to greater heights and redefine the word spicy. They challenge their customers to pick from their desired level of spiciness that is warm, hot or volcanic.

And, he suggested that I will try the chili chicken express. So, I ordered what he suggested and without my knowledge it was good for two to three people. What? I was shocked when it served to my table. Haha! Anyway, you will be asked if your order will be warm, hot and volcanic (volcanic means super-hot).   I also tried their Pili Strawberry Sabayon. The chili chicken express is delicious. The pili strawberry sabayon is good, too! But, it was a small serving.

Location: GTS Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Pili Strawberry Sabayon, Php45. Chili Chicken Express, Php180

So, if you are visiting Albay I do hope that you could try out the food listed above. I love and I really enjoyed my solo trip. And, I will do it again maybe next year. Thank you for visiting my page!

Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure

In my previous post - Weekend Getaway | Majayjay Falls, I talked about our weekend getaway in Tanay Falls or known as Majayjay Falls. After that, our next adventure is in Magdalena, Laguna. What to do with Magdalena? Hmm, that’s what we are going to find out. Upon browsing on the World Wide Web we learned that we can do river rafting in the place.

As we all know, only Cagayan De Oro offers river rafting, but Magdalena offers also this kind of activity. 

Who would have thought that Magdalena, Laguna offers this kind of activity? Without a doubt, that’s true!


If you are on a tight budget and you can't go to CDO to experience this kind of adventure. Well, don't you worry because Magdalena has to offer and I am sure that you will also enjoy their river rafting! After doing the rafting here I am eager to go to CDO and try their the so-called wild white river rafting! Whew! I am ready to that!

Anyhow, lets talk about Magdalena first. Hehe!

There are several well-known sights in Magdalena, Laguna just like Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Mali-mali Bridge, Emilio Jacinto Shrine, The Rizal Park, Bahay Laguna, The Pintong Kabag and The Pintong Pilak.

Magdalena - the fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna is Magdalena, it has 22, 976 population according to the latest census. It is also formerly a barrio of Majayjay, Laguna. On January 18, 1820, Magdalena was proclaimed a new town by Gov. Gen. Don Mariano Fernandez de Folgueras after the petition from the residents of the barrio. It was named first as Magdalena de Ambling which derived from its patron saint Maria Magdalena.

Magdalena also held Kawayan Festival. It was a colourful festival that celebrates the native bamboo and the role in the culture and livelihood of the town to promote bamboo-based industries.

It had been the sun-drenched day when the group decided to do the extreme adventure in Magdalena, Laguna. Though, it was quite a long drive, but we are just so patience and excited because that was our first time doing a river rafting together.

We usually leave as early as we can avoid traffic if we are going to have a weekend getaway. But that day we decided to meet late in the morning because our river rafting adventure will start at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

Our meeting place is at Buendia Bus Terminal then from there we rode a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It’s about two to three hours’ drive. From Sta. Cruz, we rode a jeep bound to Magdalena and drop-off at Basketball court. 

Since, we arrived early we decided to take our breakfast first and have to explore around the area. We visited St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church and The Rizal Park. They have a Walk of Fame version in the park, too! Not only the name of FPJ to Walk of Fame can be seen in Magdalena, Laguna because the blood marked one hero had also here. Who? Emilio Jacinto, his bloodstains were found on the floor of the church.

Then, went to the office to meet Sir Raf (the guide) and we’ll wait for an hour for our extreme adventure. Furthermore, before heading to the river, Sir Raf briefed us for safety. And, then, it’s already lunchtime, so we asked him if where we are able to acquire each of our foods for lunch. The good thing is that they also offer food. 

After our lunch, the adventure begins…

RIVER RAFTING PACKAGE

Fee: 550 pesos per head
Inclusions:
Transportation (From Magdalena town proper to rafting area and back)
Use of Gears & Equipment
Raft guide
Cottage at Dam area
Photos


EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Buendia - Sta. Cruz) - 140 PHP
Jeepney to Magdalena - 13-15 PHP
Rafting Package - 550 PHP
Packed Lunch + drinks - 60 PHP
Jeepney to Sta. Cruz - 13-15 PHP
Bus Fare (Sta. Cruz - Buendia) - 140 PHP
Safe budget - 1000 PHP

HOW TO GET THERE

From Buendia, take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna (fare 140php) and travel time is 2-3 hours. 

From Sta. Cruz, take a jeepney to Magdalena, fare is 13-15 pesos and travel time is around 15-30 minutes.

For inquiries/bookings:

Contact Tito Raf - 0916-5906424

FB: facebook.com/buenojanraphael

It was really a fun and unforgettable experience. We thank to Sir Raf for the experience and for the hospitality. We love to do it again.

Weekend Getaway | Majayjay Falls

under the trees

It is the fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna, located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw.  In 1578, the Spanish colonial government made it a town and it is one of the most populated towns in the newly founded province.   

Locals use to call it Malay Barangay.

It became Majayjay because of a tired travellers sighed, HAY! After climbing a hill, after scaling a cliff, and after crossing a raging river. 

Therefore, guests referred to the place “Mahayhay” which means many sighs and Spaniard spelled it “Majayjay”. That’s how Malay Barangay got its name Majayjay. 

Majayjay Falls

Majayjay is a home to the Taytay Falls but it is also known as Majayjay Falls, is a two-storey high falls which located in isolated scenery where the forestry is plentiful. In order to go to Taytay Falls, one has to go down the pebble steps leading to a kilometre-long trail.

The group has various suggestions where to go before summer ends. From beach, mountain hiking, water rafting, surfing, road trip to food trip – these are the options of the group. But after a long day of arguments and suggesting a new nice place to go, we settled to explore Majayjay and what they can offer for a weekend traveller like us.

We left Taft Avenue at exactly 7 o’clock in the morning and the trip is about 2-3 hours’ drive.  We board in a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna and from there we rode a jeep going to Majayjay Town. We arrived at Majayjay around 2:30PM and we go ahead to registered at the Brgy. Hall and we rented a tent for our overnight stay. 

We are all excited because it is our first time to visit the Majayjay Falls and stay there over the weekend. It’s a walking distance from Brgy. Hall to Majayjay falls. And from the entrance we already heard the drift of the water falls and it was cold.  It's freezing cold!

our tent

We look up a place where to build our tent and then, Manong assist us to fix our tent. Our location is nearby the river and a bit far from the crowd. During that time, there are many tourist stay there overnight. It’s really a long drive from the metro to Majayjay that is why we ate dinner after fixing our tent. We’re all thanks to our guide for helping us to build up our tent. 

Expenses:

Fare: 500php

Tent: 350php (good for 4-6 people, 70php per person)

Registration: 20php

Food: 250php

Total Cost: 840php

Safe budget: 1100php

Itinerary
Day 1
0630 Meet up in Buendia LRT
0700 Board bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1000 ETA Sta Cruz, Laguna; Board jeepney to Majayjay Town
1100 ETA Majayjay, Ride jeepney to Taytay Falls
1130 ETA Brgy. Hall
1200 Lunch (at Brgy. Hall)

1330 fixing tent

1400 Rest

1500 Early dinner

1600 swimming time

Day 2
1400 Tidy up
1530 Ride Jeepney back to Majayjay
1630 Ride jeepney to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1800 Ride bus back to Manila
2100 ETA Manila

More photos here...

Mt. Kalisungan, 760+ (Dayhike)

After the unforgettable island adventure (see previous post), the group planned for another weekend getaway and settled to climb a mountain. Where we heading? 

There are lots of choices but the group agreed to climb Mt. Kalisungan – is the one of the smaller mountains in the Southern Tagalog region however, it is also one of the mountains that border the Banahaw Trilogy. It is located in Calauan, Laguna.

There are fruit trees all the way to Mt. Kalisungan – from rambutan, kaimito to sunkest, and buko which offer trail food but of course, don’t forget to ask permission before picking up the fruits. 

Also, there are coconut trees, banana plantations, and huge grasslands going to the peak of the mountain.

The view to the North side of the mountain is the Talim Island which Mt. Tagapo has been seen. To the east, the view of the highlands of Caliraya appears. Of course, the seven lakes of San Pablo verge by the two mountains Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. To the west of the mountain, Mt. Makiling has been seen.

I met Jepoy and Badong at the HM Transport bus Cubao station and board a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. We dropped at the Duck Junction but guys make sure that you told Manong Conductor to drop you at the Victoria, Laguna (Duck Junction) so you don’t get lost. From there, we met Roy (our friend) and took a jeep bound to San Pablo and dropped at Brgy. Lamot 2 then, registered at Brgy. Hall and look for Mang Bino or his wife. This time, his wife is our guide (Ate Mercy, I am not sure of the name. I really forgot her name. Sorry!)

There are two locals offered to us a fresh buko while we’re on the trail and yes, we didn’t refuse the offer because we are also craving to it. Then, after few minutes we start trekking again. It’s sunny day during our hike and the heat of the sun burn your skin. We, also, brought plenty of water because as per review there are no water sources along the way and the heat makes you dehydrated.

We’re on the summit of Mt. Kalisungan at exactly 12 o’clock in the afternoon and feeling blessed because the clouds are so clear. We took pictures and make chitchat with the guide. Then, we go back to the downward slope. After the hike, we ate our late lunch at the nearest market.

ITINERARY

5:30AM – Assembly at HM Transport Bus Station, Cubao.

6:00AM – Board HM Transport bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (117.25php).

8:00AM – Get off at Victoria, Laguna (at the Duck Junction to be exact). You can take breakfast or buy food here. Take a jeep going to San Pablo and get off to Brgy. Lamot 2 (12-15php).

8:30AM – Register at Brgy. Hall, and look for a guide (10php-registration fee and 400php for the guide).

9:00AM – start trekking

12:00NN – SUMMIT

12:30PM – Lunch, Rest, Take photos….

1:30PM – descent

3:00PM – back to Manila

EXPENSES: 700php
How to get there:

•   Take HM Transport bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, EDSA-Cubao. Ask the Manong Conductor to drop you off at Duck Junction in Victoria, Laguna.
• From Duck Junction, take a jeep bound to San Pablo and drop off at Brgy. Lamot 2. Then, register at the Brgy. Hall and look for a guide. Contact number of Mang Bino is (+63-909-297-1437.

gAnd I officially declared that Mt. Kalisungan is my 8th conquered mountain. Hooray!

HHappy climbing,

Marco

g