Monday, December 31, 2012

Mt Damas (Dec 15-16, 2012)



After our outreach program in Dueg Elementary School, we immediately looked for a guide who can bring us to Mt Damas.

Mt Damas is a semi-major climb. The trail from Dueg to Mt Damas is not well established and participants need to be informed first about the difficulty of the terrain before the climb.

We started our journey around 1:30 in the afternoon after our sumptuous lunch prepared by the people of Dueg. 



The first part was a steep descent from Dueg to the first river crossing. I had to go down with my hands touching the earth because of the steepness of the trail. The land was super dry and loose that I slipped more than twice even if I wore the proper trekking shoes. The heat from the sun also added to our adversary since there were very little trees along the way.

View in Mt Damas

We had to take a break a few hundred meters before the summit because we wanted the sun to go down before we set our camp. There were no trees in the campsite and we wanted to fill our water containers from the last water source for cooking.

We spent the night watching stars and pointing at shooting stars. We didn't have this in the metro even if Tarlac is just a few hundred kilometers away from the city.

Ubod falls

Our second day was spent mostly in Ubod falls which is about 2 hours from the campsite. The terrain was again not very friendly and actually harder. It was very steep and dangerous. It’s good though that our guide and porters were very accommodating and helpful. They set up the ropes when the trail was almost not passable.

Fortunately we did not experience thunderstorm during our stay in Mt Damas or we could have been loaded with too much mud. The whole 2 days were sunny and bright.

I would like to thank J for organizing this event. Truly one heck of a year-end climb!

Till next time folks..:D

Saturday, December 29, 2012

A Walk Beyond the Summit - Dueg Resettlement


It has been a growing tradition in our team to share our blessings every Christmas to the less fortunate people. This December we went to Dueg resettlement area in Camiling, Tarlac to give toys and school supplies to the community.


Covered here were 189 pupils of Dueg Elementary School and 9 volunteer teachers.
We found out that another set of pupils need attention and help since they are the parents of the students. They also need to be educated so that they can guide their children in their studies. (This thing we need to consider next year.)

Fall in line

A happy volunteer

Goodies from our sponsors

New Slippers from Sponsor Hero TL Panday

Toy giver

Now She's happy!

Apple master

Ms Organizer
Thanks to all who helped us accumulate things for the children of Dueg. Merry Christmas everyone!^_^

For more pictures please click here.
If you want to help please contact Team Injury here.

Monday, December 24, 2012

On top of the Philippines - Mt Apo


Kapatagan to Kidapawan traverse.



After a few months of through planning, the time has finally arrived for our Mt Apo adventure of a lifetime. 

It was 3AM when we left Davao City for Digos. It was a 2 hour smooth ride and an hour super uber rough ride to the jump off area. I thought the truck won’t make it but then again we were one lucky group. (Kudos to manong driver! Superb strategy!)

We ate our breakfast [fried chicken and egg – call that double murder] and did some stretching before we started our trek at 8AM.



Little did I know that Davao is the source of “Baguio vegetables” in Mindanao. I thought vegetables travel all the way to Mindanao from Baguio for their supplies. I was wrong. Vegetables grow in Kapatagan. And they grow well. I think it will be a sin having unhealthy body in that area. The air was cool and fresh. Veggies were abundant. Walking is an obvious exercise. Life is simple and almost perfect. Moreover, the Malaysian mums and Chrysanthemums [plantation] made the place more enchanting.

Our first day was a walk in the fields. We passed by the vegetables and the farmers toiling the soil. They smiled whenever we said, “Maayong buntag.” (Good morning.) We felt the warmth of the people there. They know how to treat their visitors well.



It became colder when we entered the mossy forest. The mosses grow up to the top of the tress - an indication that the flora was protected. There were a lot of obstacles along the trail. We even had to go over and under the trees several times. I slipped a few times and so did my companions. (Ha ha ha!) (Ok I slipped many times. :P)

I adore Choco’s resourcefulness. He made a hat out of a taro leaf. Although he had a rain coat, he didn’t want to spoil the fun of having a biodegradable hat. I just hope he didn’t get allergies from it. J



We arrived at Godi-Godi camp site at 5PM. It was dark already and our guide and porters started preparing our dinner. We pitched our tents and changed our clothes for the “socials”. It was very cold so we had to wear thermal suits inside our shirts.

After chatting and finishing our dinner, we arranged a surprise birthday party for M. I was touched when she cried and hugged us all. She was really moved. J Anyways, happy birthday again M. Wish you more birthdays to come! J

Our second day was gorgeous! We climbed the boulders to the summit. Looking at the pictures of our friends who first went to Mt. Apo, I initially thought it will be the hardest part of the climb. Actually, it was not. I didn’t know if it was because I expected the worst weather but got a very fine one or that the sulfur was really kind while we were climbing. It turned out to be the most relaxing part of the climb. Super surprising view!



We were awed by the sea of clouds. My companions E and B literally held their breaths when they saw the scenery. Our guide/porter told us that it was one of the most beautiful things in the climb. They did not expect the sea of clouds. They usually had some problems in the boulders due to bad weather. But ours was exceptional. Thank you Lord. ^_^



We arrived at the summit a little past 3PM. I think the mountain did not like noisy people because it became foggy when we arrived. (Ako na maingay!) But hey, we had our pictures taken at the summit. I can’t believe I really was on top of the Philippines! Yahoo!


Mt. Apo crater

We went down to Lake Venado after some photo ops and settled there for our second night. It was like an enchanted paradise.


Dinner was superb! Claps to kuya B who prepared spaghetti. I loved the cheese. And to Lolo E who treated us 200Php Sprite that was passed ala vodka. So precious! [Akalain mo may nag-pass sa SPRITE!^_^]

Our third morning was spent taking pictures of the magical lake Venado. It was so enchanting and so breath taking at the same time.


Our third day was a test of knees. The first half was like going down a very steep stair case. The trail was unforgiving. We had to take extra caution because one mistake can lead to a casualty. My knees shivered during the descent. I had some problems in my knee cap, that’s why. Thanks to my companions and their beautiful stories we passed time laughing it all out. J

The second half of the descent was the river crossing. Sometimes we passed through makeshift bridges and sometimes there were none. At first I didn’t want to get my shoes wet. But when they told me it will be one hell of a river crossing, I decided to go for it. My shoes got wet and my feet soaked. But what the heck! I was there to enjoy the climb.

Relief got inside me when I finally crossed the last bridge. It was no joke. I felt my left foot slipped so I held tightly and walked cautiously.

After the final bridge, a final assault was waiting for us. 15 minutes after a pure assault, we finally made it!

I’m super happy to be a part of the team!
Will I do this again? Well YES! Will definitely be back to Mt. Apo. J

~Till next time folks. :D


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Wonderful Camiguin


I felt sad when my avatar was stolen in Agora terminal on our way to Camiguin. I’ll miss him. I hope he is fine.

A week after Team Injury’s adventure in Cagayan Valley up north, Paul and I said “Hi and Hello” to Cagayan de Oro down south. If I keep on doing this my travel fund will surely be depleted in a month. (Ho Ho Ho!)

Cagayan de Oro was our gateway to our almost 1 week Mindanao adventure. Our first stop was the wonderful island of Camiguin!

Camiguin can be reached via a 3-hour bus ride from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan and an hour and a half ferry boat ride from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port. I was impressed by how clean the waters of Camiguin were even in the docking area. More so when we toured the island.

We only had a day and a half to tour the island so we hired a tour guide who had a motorcycle and paid 600 bucks. Call that street smart! :D

Katibawasan Falls
Cool water but not for me. T’was so cold for my feet.



Giant Clams
Biggest clams in the Philippines. More than a meter in diameter. Unfortunately I didn’t have an underwater cam.



Ardent Spring
I can stay here forever! The water was so relaxing especially after a tiring day tour.



White Island
Best place to spend early morning coffee while savoring the crisp greenery of the main island 10 minutes away.



Sunken Cemetery
Went here just to take pictures.


Government Farm
Biggest pig I’ve seen. 


And oh the ostritch!



Church Ruins
If the church was not destroyed by the volcanic eruption, I think it will be a greater manifestation of the deep religiousness of the people of Camiguin.



Fish Pen
Great place to eat lunch!




Recommendations:
1. If you are a budget traveler like us, stay at GV hotel. Got it at 50% discount and paid 333Php per room for a night.
2. Hire a tour guide especially if you are many.
3. Be on time. The ferry may leave earlier than expected.
4. Camiguin is famous for Pastel. Have a bite!
5. Never go to Camiguin without an underwater camera. And I’ll say it again! Never go to Camiguin without an underwater camera.
6. Enjoy the long ride. It’s worth the wait. ^_^





Thursday, November 1, 2012

Cagayan Valley – the other side



(This is a late post.)

Team Injury + me = happiness!
Got this from “Choco” short for “Choco Martin”. Thanks for the equation Choco! =)

There are a lot of things we can be proud of here in the Philippines. Aside from the world renowned “hospitality” we are known for, we have a lot of great natural resources and great food.

Last August, my friends and I went on a road trip to Cagayan Valley. It was a 12 hours bus ride from Manila. The longest bus ride I had with my friends and surprisingly the most relaxing. Maybe because I was exhausted and was able to sleep during the whole trip.

Our first stop was Tuguegarao

Tasted the famous Batil Patung



Visited the Cagayan Capitol



And toured the famous Callao Cave



Our ultimate destination was at Sta Ana, Cagayan

Hiked 3 hours to Cape Enganio





Went down to the coral rich Palaui beach




Swam at the famous Anguib beach



Challenged crocodile island



Do you see a storm coming? :D

We (as a team) can be in a lot of trouble. We can be in a lot of headache. But knowing that the team is there, we can make it through whatever happens.

Thanks to B for organizing the event. Thanks to our guide/s. Thanks to E for the bilo-bilo. Thanks to all the participants. Thanks to everyone who made this all worthwhile.

Here is a video from my friend Mayk. Video here. Thanks Mayk. As always.=)

~Till next time.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

A Taste of Ilocos



More than the famous bagnet, royal bibingka and chichacorn, Ilocos region has more to offer. 

My friends and I visited Ilocos region few weeks ago. We literally did a drop-by-and-go kind of thing because we had very limited time. We had to visit 8 spots in Ilocos Norte and a few in Ilocos Sur. [Thanks for the jampacked IT B!=P]

We arrived Saturday morning in Ilocos Norte. And who would not stop by the Ilocos Norte arch? Picturesque as it is, I love taking pictures here. (No vanity shots please!)





After a few minutes of rest at B’s house, we went out to eat Empanada de Batac. It was my first time and I was delighted. It went very well with the “Sukang Ilocos.” (Oh Sorry J, I need to post pictures of the Empanada again. Better luck next time. :P)



I will not bore you with the usual blog post. No chronological order this time. I just want to exhibit places in Ilocos. I believe pictures can paint a thousand words so I’ll let them speak.


Marcos Museum



Paoay Church



Bangui Windmills



Kapurpurawan Rock Formation



Cape Boejador



Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag



Patapat Bridge



Maira-ira Beach (Blue Lagoon)



Bantay Bell Tower



Calle Crisologo



Empanada de Vigan



Baluarte



Hidden Garden



Pottery