Ideal Gift For a Romantic Valentine's Day

Are you thinking the best gift for your love ones? Do you want a romantic gift for someone you love dearly? Or you’re thinking what to buy or plan for a romantic gift? 

Ok, here’s my top ideal gift for Valentine’s Day:

SHOW TICKETS

If she love concert shows, buy tickets for show for two, whether it's a concert, Opera, play or a romantic movie that she loves – brings you closer.

BOOK

If your girlfriend is a bookworm. Then, tt can be reflective and staff if you can buy a new novel that she has been dying to read.

SCRAPBOOK

You must think of what is the theme do scrapbook. Have patience, effort, and to be creative to make one. The best thing to do is to aggregate all your photos together … If you travel in the city and travel the country together. It collects and put it into your scrapbook and makes some notes on each image or adds your own poetic feelings. This is very personal and your significant other will surely love it!

JEWELRY

All women like jewelry, but not all of them love all the jewelries. Some of them do not wear any jewelry either. If she does not wear jewelry, so don't waste any one of your own money. I think the best thing to do is listening to your other-half what she likes. However, if your partner loves jewelry, then go. 

And, if you are planning to propose to your girlfriend, then this is a perfect season to get a jewelry and propose to her during sunset. It’s indeed very passionate!

A WEEKEND GETAWAY

I know that most women love surprises. Thus, if you have a budget, think of this as the best place to visit or where she wanted to go. A weekend requires some research and efforts. Organize a trip for you and your partner can be a relaxation. Taking a romantic theme goes here, she likes candlelight dinner with music playing, ordering room service to take a spa or massage and watching the sunset together. Oh, guys, it's very romantic.

I hope you can get an idea of what I have posted here. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Enjoy! Be a romantic! :)

Calle Crisologo: Back in the Past

Did you know that Filipinos were influenced by the people of Spain or Spaniards?  Do you want to experience a Spanish time? Well, Calle Crisologo is the best place to see the Spanish colonial architectures and the major attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. 

Calle Crisologo is a street lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses and cobblestone Street, which preserved by locals for more than a hundred years. This led to Vigan’s inscription in the list of UNESCO World heritage sites.

It is the only town that was saved from destruction during Wordl War II because of a love story of a Japanese General who married a Filipina in Vigan. He promised the parish priest that he would save the town from destruction.

Ready your camera when visiting in this street because the houses are modest and very lovely subjects for picture-perfect shots. The tourist can even stay in a heritage house because as some have been converted into inns. And, some houses have been turned into stores which you can buy souvenir items and Vigan’s best product like antiques, abel woven products, bags, basi wine, burnay, chicharon, jewelry, sweets, Vigan’s vinegar, and woodcraft.

Walking on the streets of Calle Crisologo is a must because you will appreciate the history and understand the heritage. You can also ride a Calesa during your visit which used in the past. 

For my visit, I would say that it was enjoyable and unforgettable experience. I’d love to visit there again and experience the night tour because according to the others, you will feel as if you are in the past.

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines was choosen as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities.

Happy travelling!
-Marco

Mt. Damas and the Ubod Falls

Three months of not indulging in any activities is kind a boring. I was burn-out! So, I decided to join my friend’s mountain climbing. And, this time we are heading to North Luzon. Our goal is to reach the peak of Mt. Damas.

So, let’s see what this mountain can offers…

Mt. Damas is 685 MASL, located in San Clemente, Tarlac. Sitio Dueg is the major jump-off, while the alternate jump-off is in Brgy. Papaac, Camiling, Tarlac. And, have difficulty of 6/9. As a matter of fact, this is very challenging especially when having a flash flood. This mountain is small, but more challenging because it requires you to river crossing, river trekking and rock climbing in order to reach the foot of Mt. Damas.

At the peak, the landscape is superb; one can experience a panoramic view of the Tarlac and neighbouring mountains.

view of Mt. Damas from Brgy. Papaac

At exactly six o’clock in the morning, our trek started. The trail is undoubtedly not so difficult, but when we finally get to the river the challenge has begun. It was a long river trek. According to our guide, it will take two hours before we reach to the foot of the mountain. This part of the trail was rocky. And, you have to climb the rock to descend on the falls going to the base. From the river, you can see the mountain already and yet it still requires more hours to reach the peak.

almost on the top...

The group just enjoys the trail, rock climbing, and river crossing. If I can still remember, we did a rock climbing five times. Then, we arrived at the foot of the mountain after two hours and just have a quick brunch.

Now, we enter the thick vegetation and thorny vines going up to the summit. From the foot of Mt. Damas, the trail is becoming steeper and steeper. I just trying to assist myself not to get cramps because it’s really an unending assault! It takes two hours to reach the summit. Another challenging part is to descend here.

From the base, trekking again going to the Si-El Falls and we will get jumped to the water, but the guide recommended the Ubod Falls because it’s bigger. So, we trekked our way to the Ubod Falls. And, again we need to climb mini falls to get to the Ubod Falls.

the highest point

We took photos first and then, getting ourselves ready to jump to the water to feel fresh and relax from very tiring descent! But, when the rain is heavily pouring we immediately pack up our things and leave the area to avoid the flash flood. We have difficulty in descending and climbing because the rock is slipper. However, we arrived safely!

Ubod Falls

It is another great experience in the north!

Itinerary

11:00 PM – meet up at Bus Terminal in Cubao

12:00 AM – ETD Cubao Terminal

03:00 AM – ETA Camiling, Tarlac

04:00 AM - early breakfast, the guide pick-up time (tricycle)

05:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Papaac, preparation

06:00 AM – start trek

06:30 AM – river trek/crossing and rock climbing

08: 00 AM – arrived at the foot of the mountain

08:30 AM – start climb, assault

10:30 AM – summit

11:00 AM – descent

01:00 PM – arrived foot of the mountain, lunch

01:30 PM – explore water falls, Si-el Falls and Ubod Falls

02:30 PM – back to trail, river crossing, rock climbing

04:30 PM – Brgy. Papaac, clean up

05:00 PM – back to Camiling Tarlac, snacks

06:00 PM – ETD Manila

Important Notes

• Wear gloves to protect your hands because you hold on to thorny plants as the steep going to the river.
•  Bring skin protection because the sun protection from jump off to grassland may hit your skin.
• There are lots of water source, so one to two liters of water is safe.
•  There’s a flashflood when it rain; so bring a rope with you.
•  And the most important is ENJOY! 

   How to go to Mount Damas

      From Cubao, ride a bus (Solid North bus) bound to Camiling, Tarlac

      Ride a jeep/tricycle from Camiling going to Brgy. Papaac, meet the guide

  Contact Person:

     Emman – 0908 942 3592

  Expenses:

    Cubao to Camiling – 265 php

    Trike – 100 php each

    Guide Fee – 500 php

Punta Malimono Beach

During Holy Week, I visited my hometown to spend my holiday vacation. It was two years ago not seeing my mother, friends, relatives, and high school friend. That was unplanned because I was running out of time, but someone pushes me to grab the opportunity.


Since, the group does not have a plan for summer getaway so I’ve decided to visit my hometown.

Before the Easter Sunday, my childhood friends gathered and planned to have our get-together outing. We went to Malimono Beach –this is a well-known beach in our province.

Background

The beach is about thirty minutes away from our place. It has lodge which cost 150-200 pesos for the whole day. It has river which makes the sea water cold. There are also rocks on the other side of the beach. You can bring your snorkelling gear for you to explorer the undersea. The sand is black and some part of the beach is pebbles. The beach is located at Malimono, Surigao Del Norte.

You can play volleyball or any activities you want.

You can bring your food because there are no establishment around the area.  

We stayed at the beach until six in the evening and I am glad that I was able to capture the stunningly beautiful sunset.

Getting there

From Surigao City terminal, take a jeep going to Malimono and about one and half an hour drive from the city. Ask the driver or the conductor that you are going to Malimono Beach. The fare is 50 pesos.

More photos here...

Happy travelling!
Marco

Tranquility Puka Beach Boracay

This is another beach on Boracay Island, which is located along the island’s northern end. Puka Beach is a picture of what most individuals expect on a tropical island: white sand, purplish blue water, and uncrowded beach.  It was called Puka beach because the place where resident meet to collect Puka Shells.

Background

This is very different from the other beaches of Boracay. This is the longest beach on the island’s northern tip. The sand is not as fine and white as those in the white beach. But, the tranquillity of the surroundings can make your stay in the beach a memorable one. It became famous because the beach has many Puka shells.

The beach is uncrowded compared to the white beach. The location of the beach gives you a feeling that you are in a remote place. Allow yourself at least two hours of spending in the beach. Relax and enjoy!

footprints

Adventurers can hike or ride a rented bicycle or motorbike going to the beach.

It is advisable to bring food and cold drinks because the beach has no resorts and establishments in the beach. It is separated from the white beach in Boracay. But, there’s a restaurant at the eastern end of the beach.

Puka beach is a great spot for a picnic; however make sure to bring your trash home with you.

shells

Getting There

*You can take a tricycle going to Puka beach. The tricycle can be found at the D’Mall. Fare is around 100php.

*If you are adventurous then, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to reach the beach.

*Going to Puka beach takes about thirty to forty-five minutes.

*No entrance fee

*There’s a tricycle terminal in front of the entrance.

Your Boracay Island escapade is not complete without visiting Puka beach. Include Puka beach on your itinerary if you are on a vacation on Boracay Island. 

souvenir items 

More photos here...

Enjoy your travel! Be safe always!

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

Saint Mary the Virgin in Sagada

Before heading to our next activity, we passed by at the only church in the town. This is a well-known landmark in the town of Sagada –is the only town in the Philippines that is almost Anglican where in 95% of locals baptised into the Episcopal Church of the Philippines. It is located at the Episcopalian Mission compound and it was sanctified on the 8th of December 1921. 

Behind of the church is the school of Saint Mary’s Highschool, the Calvary Hills and fifteen to twenty five minutes hike is the echo valley, and you can see the hanging coffins. You can pass by at the Sagada Cemetery before you reach to the echo valley. Truly a nice view at the back!

However, we’re able to get inside the church because it was open and able to take some pictures in it. So lucky! And, minutes after the mass had begun. The church is quite small, but it simple and looks nice. The altar has rocks at the back which looks so different.

This should not be missed when visiting the place!

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

My Four Days Adventure in Sagada

It is the 5^th Class municipality in the Mountain Province, Philippines. The population is around 11, 244 people according in the 2010 census.  Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins and other tourist destination like; mountains, spelunking in the cave, waterfalls, rappelling, rock climbing, and visiting historical sites.

Sagada is located 275 km North of Manila and 140 km away from the city of Pines, Baguio City. It is bordering to Bontoc, the provincial Capital.

I’ve been in Mountain Province four years ago and I still want to visit and explore the place. When my travel buddy informs me that they will have an adventure in the province, I immediately filed vacation leave and join them.

Day 1

Wednesday night of February 26, 2014; I met them at the Victory Bus Terminal – Cubao, bound to Baguio City. It’s a six hours’ drive from Manila.

We arrived at five in the morning and ride a taxi going to Dangwa Terminal right away. The first trip bound to Sagada is exactly six in the morning. It takes another six hours.

Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave

We were in Sagada at around twelve in the afternoon. We checked in at the George Guest House and we ate our lunch before we start our tour. Afterwards, we contacted our guide for the day then; proceed to our first activity which is the cave connection, Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave.

It was my first time to do the cave connection and I’m having fun doing it.  Caving is really more fun in the Philippines! That’s our first day end.

Day 2

We started our second day with Pinoy breakfast. Then, we’re excited and ready for our tour. We met James, our tour guide. Our activity for today is trekking. We started to trek at exactly seven o’clock in the morning heading to Marlboro Country, and reached the summit around nine. We then took some beautiful picturesque landscape and mountains. After minutes, we’re bound to blue Soil. There are many pine trees, wild strawberries, and flowers along the trail. It’s truly awesome! However, we arrived at our next stop at around lunchtime.

Trekking from Marlboro Country to Blue Soil to Pongas Falls

We agreed to continue our hike after our lunch.  We traverse mountains going to Pongas Falls. It’s another hour to be counted before we can reach the falls.  We are so fortunate because we are the only tourist in the falls –it was so nice! We stayed there for a couple of hours. However, you can get to the falls you just need to pass to the village, hanging bridge, and the rice fields. It was a very tiring day, but the hardships are worthwhile.

Day 3

Its freezing cold in the morning and it’s hard to get up from the bed, but we have to because there are many activities that we need to do today. Another day to explore and to enjoy!

We maximize our time on the 3^rd day of our adventure here in Mountain Province. We went to jeepney terminal after our breakfast. The first trip bound to Aguid is nine in the morning. So, before that, we decided to visit the Eco Valley and Hanging Coffins. And, we visited the church as well!

Bomod-ok Falls

Next stop is Bomod-ok Falls, upon arrival we registered right away and pay five hundred pesos. A guide approaches us and she will lead us going to the falls. The sun is already up by this time and we started trekking by then. The trail is going up and down and passes in the rice fields. It takes about thirty to forty five minutes walked when you get to the falls. It was already jumped-pack with different tourists from different places and countries.

We go back to the town after an hour.

wild strawberries and flower

We had a quick lunch at House of Pinikpikan and then, met Joey afterwards, our guide for today. It’s already two o’clock in the afternoon when we start our hike to Mt. Ampacao. Well, another heart-pounding activity! We passed by the village, across mountains, and encounter wild flowers. The trail is easy from the start, but then again, when moving up to the peak. My heart is pounding and I felt that I can’t make it anymore. Of course, I can make it to reach the summit!

Reaching Mt. Ampacao

We’re struggling because it became steeper and steeper until we meet the summit around four in the afternoon. From the summit, we back to the trail to traverse going to Lake Danum. We are all in a hurry to catch the sunset at the lake. But, sad to say, it was already six in the evening by the time we’re in the Lake Danum.

Day 4

It was very tiring in the 3^rd day of our adventure that’s why; we fail to catch the sunrise in the morning at the Kiltepan. Sigh! Better luck next time guys!

Catching the sunset

Lake Danum

It’s our last day and for today, we are just roaming around the town. Buy pasalubong and souvenir items! And, went back to Baguio City by five in the afternoon!

It was super fun and exhausting adventure, but the memories will always treasure! And, looking forward to see you again, Sagada!

More photos here...

So, how about you? Did you have any adventure for today? How was it?

Thanks for dropping,

Marco

Boracay Island: Things To Do

Everyone is dreaming to spend their vacation in the best beach in the world, Boracay Island.  It is known for white sand beaches and leisure activities like; scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, and water sport rides. It is among the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. In fact, Boracay Island was awarded as the best island in the world in 2012.

This small island is located at the Northwest of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. 

It was developed among the best travel destination for relaxation and nightlife. It is also one competitive venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour. The white beach is well known beach on the island –it is about four kilometres long. There are various establishment likes resorts, hotels, lodging houses, and restaurant.

Beforehand, this island is included in the to-do list of a traveller like me. I am glad that I was able to visit here. The original plan, actually, was to join the Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan and sidetrip on Boracay Island.  The plan was changed because when I make some inquiries for reservation all Inn and hotels are fully booked. I was so frustrated!

So, hello Boracay Island…

It was my first time on Boracay Island and so with my travel buddy, both of us have no idea on what to do. Since, I was appointed to make our itinerary. I stumble upon on a different blogs to have learned interesting activities.  

Things to do:

Fire Dance: The evenings on Boracay beach offer shows and entertained tourist like cultural dancing, live band or acoustic singer, and the most interesting is the Fire Dance.

Island Hopping: The Island is home of undeveloped beaches, crystal and turquoise waters, and colourful coral reefs. So, your adventure will not be completed if you did not do this!

Explore White Beach:  Boracay is known for famous white beach with crystal clear water and fine white sand. So, discover the beauty of four kilometres white beach. You can jog/run in the morning or in the afternoon. Walking with your bare foot, sun bathing and then, watch sunset!

Puka Beach: If you want to escape from the busy and crowded Boracay station from 1, 2, and 3. Then, Puka Beach is good for you! It is a peaceful stretch of white sand in the northern tip of the island. The sand is not as fine as white beach. You can hire a tricycle to take you there.

Snorkeling: Take a glance of the thriving sea life. But, sad to say, we can’t see the beauty under the sea because the weather is not so good due to the low pressure that hits Visayas and Mindanao. The water is not so clear!

Pig-Out: There are several restaurants establishments around the beach. We tried to consume in the street foods, which is very interesting, Smoke Restaurant, and finally, I tried the Jonah’s Fruit Shake.

Other leisure activities are mentioned above and other interesting pastimes are FlyFish, Banana Boat, ATV car ride and buggy cart, Parasailing, Jetski, skim boarding and more.

Since, our flight was re-scheduled and so we decided to join the last part of Ati-Atihan Festival. I am so glad that we can still witness the festival. Next time, we will try the other activities Boracay Island can offers. Lastly, we enjoyed the trip because of the amazing scenery. Happy travelling!

More photos here...

Keep safe guys,

Marco 

Kalibo: Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan is annual celebration in honour of Santo Nino. It is a two-week festival, which the highlight is on the third Sunday of January. During this day, participants of the street dance parade wear colourful and exceptional costumes, paint their faces in different styles and it consists tribal dance and music. 

It is also known as the mother of all festival in the Philippines. Other neighbouring provinces encouraged to have their own version of festivity like Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

The major street in Aklan fills with locals bringing drums and dancing very lively with their colourful costumes, shouted “Hala! Bira!” The Aetas are the earliest and the primary settler in the Panay Island, the festival named Ati-atihan means “to be like Aetas” or “make believe Ati’s”, that’s why, all participants of this event get darkened with bright color of dress, which attracts tourists.

The best part of the festival happens on the last day, when the groups representing the different tribes to compete and it ends with a procession with thousands of people joined carrying torches and various images of the Santo Nino.

It was my first time to witness the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan and I wanted to visit there again, maybe next year. And, I will recommend this also to my co-travellers and friends. I was there on the last day of the festival after my Boracay adventure –will blog it next time. 

How to get to Kalibo, Aklan?

It can be reached by sea, air and by land. You can book flights via Kalibo Internation Airport with the following airline companies:

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippines Airlines
• Airasia Zest

By sea, it consumed 12 hours from Manila North Harbor going to Aklan –it has three ports; Jetty Port in Caticlan, the port in Dumaguit, and the port of New Washington.

• Moreta Shipping lines (Caticlan, Dumaguit, and Kalibo)
• The Caticlan Jetty port caters Roll-on and Roll-off (RORO) shipping lines like Montenegro Shipping Lines
• MBRS Shipping lines (Caticlan & Dumaguit, Aklan)
• WG&A Super Ferry - Our Lady of Medjugorje (Dumaguit, Aklan)

By land (bus), it takes 12-15 hours from Manila bound to Aklan. The following bus companies are:

• PHILTRANCO Bus (Cubao, Quezon City)
• Bachelor Express
• Dimple Star Transit (Araneta Center, Cubao)

Happy travelling!

Marco

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