Guimaras

I have long been wanting to cross out Guimaras on my list of "to be visited provinces".  It did not happen until Nov. 30, 2017.  Taking advantage of the holiday, I finally able to set foot on this tiny island province via Iloilo.  From Ortiz wharf in Iloilo city, I took  a very short boat ride of approximately 20 minutes to Jordan the capital town.  Just a bit of history, Guimaras was once a sub-province of Iloilo until it gained status as full-pledge province, May of 1992. 

Upon arrival at Jordan's wharf, I dropped by the tourism office (located within the wharf's compound) to register.  The staff were accommodating and helpful.  They gladly showcased what the province has to offer for visitors - that is inland and island tours.  I did not avail though of the tours offered and decided to go first to Cabugan Adventure Resort in Nueva Valencia where I stayed.   I asked advice on how to reach Nueva Valencia (one of the towns of Guimaras and where most resorts are located) and  commuting using public transportation was more practical. Hiring a private vehicle was far more expensive for alone traveler.

calm and green

Going to Nueva Valencia was easy.  Jeepneys that ply the route were stationed just outside the wharf's compound.  The driver did not wait for the jeepney to get fully loaded and left immediately but it made a complete stop at the market place to wait for more passengers.  After almost an hour on the road, I got off at crossing-lucmayan.  From this point, I need to ride a motorcycle to get to the jump-off of the resort at sitio Dungca-an in Brgy. Tando .  Road condition from Jordan to Nueva Valencia was not a problem.   It was cemented with some really nice view along the way.

All the while I thought that the resort was accessible by foot.  I was wrong. A small boat brought me to the resort through a narrow mangrove area before emerging into a lagoon and into a group of islands where the resort was located.  The resort location was a thumbs up for me.  I liked how it was nestled in an island with lush forestry and surrounded by calm waters.  The hut where I stayed was located on the other side of the island facing a lagoon with magnificent view of the sunrise and nearby islands.

one of the coves

I did not have an itinerary for the day but I had island hopping in mind.  Good thing, the resort offered an island hopping tour at a very affordable price.  I did not think twice and hopped at the boat and the next thing I know I was on our first stop.  I was keeping my expectation low but as I hopped from one stop to another I can't hide my amazement.  The islands, beaches, coves and some caves by the sea on that side of Guimaras were unassumingly beautiful.  It can actually compete with Caramoan and even El Nido and Coron but Guimaras has a charm of its own.  Another plus factor  was the absence of large crowds.  In fact,  most of the times I had the islands, coves, and caves all to myself.  What supposed to be a three-hour tour ended two hours longer.  It was already dim when we returned to the resort.

Aside from me, there were two other guests in the resort.  Basically, it was just the three of us and resort's staff on the island.  During the night, no other sound can be heard except that of birds and insects.  I stayed for while on a cabana by the lagoon just outside my hut to adore the full moon but fell asleep early upon hitting the bed maybe because it was so quite or maybe because I was tired from my island hopping.  I must admit though, that was one of the most peaceful night I ever had.       

clear water

It was time for me leave Guimaras the next day.  Before heading back to Jordan, Kuya Jojo, the boatman brought me to a nearby Tudyong cave.  From its entrance, the cave seemed small but upon entering I was surprised how huge it was.  It was a sanctuary to thousands of bats and there was also a water source inside.  We had not gone deep into its many chambers but kuya Jojo told me that it would take us more time to explore the entire cave.  That short time we had in the cave left me in admiration and Tudyong cave was just one of the many caves found in the island.  There was more to Guimaras aside from beautiful islands, beaches, coves and sweet mangoes!

One day was not enough to get around and have a taste of Guimaras.  I was not able to go on an inland tour.  I failed to have a taste of what Guimaras is known for -  the sweetest mangoes.  Sadly, it was not a season for mangoes.  I would definitely consider returning some other time because I still have good reasons to go back and there is more to Guimaras that I have yet to discover and experience.  

the stunning sunset

Sharing my travel notes below.

           

DM 300 Ver. 4

Deadman's 300 or DM300 is a trail running event held in the sierra madre mountain ranges covering parts of Rizal province.  Organized by Meljohn "Boypi" Tezon a seasoned ultra trail and road runner, this event draw a sizable number of participants mainly because of the very affordable registration fee.  Runners can choose between 30K and 50K categories and shell out 300 pesos for the the former and 500 pesos for the latter.   With these amounts, runners get a trucker cap, event shirt, a well supplied aid stations, a medal and a post race meal. 

 What is more amazing about this event is that the proceeds from the registration fees are donated to a beneficiary school in the community where the event is held.  This year is the 4th year of staging of the event and I'm happy to be a part of it for the first time. I signed up in the 50K category.  As expected, a community of runners are present.  Trail friends and familiar faces in trail running all together.  

After the short briefing by the RD, 50K runners are released at exactly 2:30 am.  Starting and end point is at "The Rock" resort in Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal.    We need to be backed at the starting line on or before 4:30 pm.  As always, I had a slow start.  But as soon as I get my rhythm I picked up my pacing.  I arrived at the first aid station at Sitio Macaengalan (Km. 10) after 2 hours.  

Days prior to the event, rain has been pouring.  This made the trail extra challenging.  Continuing the run after AS 1, a muddy and slippery trail greeted us.  Navigating the muddy trail requires extra effort which left me on the verge of getting leg cramp.  I was prompted to look for a salt upon arrival at AS 2.  

The ascent to the rocky summit of Lubog at around 600 masl is one of the highlights of DM300.  However, extra precaution is needed ascending the peak.  The trail to the peak aside from slippery has sharp rocks and boulders.  One slide and I will surely end up getting bruised or worse, injured.  I reached the peak at the break of dawn, unharmed.  Going down is a lot harder.  Halfway I slide and fall, butt first.  Thankfully aside from a scratch on my left arm, nothing more serious happens.

The rocky summit of Lubog

I was exhausted after Mt. Lubog but I needed to continue.  Approximately 7 kilometers further would be Matulid falls, the turnaround point.  While walking, I consumed two bananas I pocketed from AS  1.  Somehow, these helped me navigate the ever muddy and slippery trail leading to the falls.  Honestly,  at some points I'm cursing.  I looked for a wooden stick to support my balance.  At some parts sit down and slide, the safest way I could think of.  It is a test of patience.

As soon as I get to the river, I cleared all the mud in my shoes.  At that point, based on my recon the falls is still far.  AS 3 is on the other side of the river.  There is nothing much in it but water, biscuits and very encouraging marshals. I'm prepared for more river crossings when I learned that the turnaround point will be a kilometer earlier.   Due to swelling water level, going to the falls is not safe.  

Going back, we need to navigate the lumberjack trail.  A trail that crosses the river a number of times.  If one did not conduct a recon will surely get confused.  I caught up with other runners and together we enjoyed the lumber jack trail  with all its river crossings and streams with gushing knee water level.  We stopped occasionally at some interesting spots for some group pictures.  There is a 12 noon intermediate cut-off back in Lubog.  No problem, as we are two hours safe.  

Matulid Falls - supposedly the turnaround point of the 50K runners

The sun did come out while we are at the rolling hills of deadmans but would hide in the clouds most of the times.  Despite not being sunny, it is still hot and the absence of wind is noticeable.   Our group of ten started to break into two.  I was at the lead pack.  We caught up with some 30K runners on the 2nd peak and more runners in the other peaks.

Familiar faces manned AS 4. It is a relief seeing them. I rehydrate and rest for a while. From AS 4, it is 8 km to finish line.  However this is the part of the trail that I'm not familiar with.  I am wrong in thinking that it's gonna be swift and easy. The trail that ensued is a series of another rolling hills with steep ascent and end up with a steep drop to another river.  The river though, is a welcome treat. We stay for a while to cool off.  We had 6 km to go and well within the cut-off time.  Other runners arrived at the river and joined us.

No more uphill to navigate for the last 6 kilometers.  When we get to the road, I jogged and caught up with Edward, a trail friend.  The finish line is already in sight but no rushing for the two of us.  We arrived to at the finish line with a festive atmosphere.  RD Meljohn is at the finish line to congratulate us.  Unofficially I clocked 11:55, happy and satisfied.

Kaparkan Falls

The intention of my visit to Abra is to cross out this province from my list of unvisited provinces.  It is a spur-of-the-moment decision taking advantage of the long weekend.  I've been wanting to go there many times so I gave it a go even without an itinerary.

After an 8 hours of travel from Manila, I found myself at the Partas bus terminal in Bangued, Abra.  It is still dark at 4 am so I stayed at the terminal and waited for daylight.  Thinking of what to do and where to go, I checked out google.  There are blogs narrating places of interest in the whole of Abra.  While reading, Kaparkan falls caught my interest.  Pictures of it seemed unbelievable, enough to satisfy my curiosity. I decided that I'm chasing it, however directions on how to get there is a challenge.

Tineg is the town where Kaparkan falls is located as mentioned in one of the blogs. I approached the security guard at the bus station to ask on how to get to Tineg.  Unfortunately, he had no idea but was certain how far Tineg from the capital Bangued is.  My next option is the tryk drivers stationed at the entrance of the terminal.  I asked one to drive me to the terminal where the jeepney plying Bangued-Tineg is.

  

water terraces

After a short drive, we reached not the jeepney terminal but actually a garage.  Upon inquiry with the owner/driver, I was informed that his jeepney is chartered by the tourism office of Bangued to bring tourists to Kaparkan falls that day.  He advised me to drop by the tourism office if I wanted to join the tour.

I went to the tourism office and inquire regarding the tour.  Dianne, one of the tourism officers accommodated me.  She gladly answered all my questions regarding the tour.  I learned that it is the tourism office who organizes tour to the falls usually on weekends.  I signed up and paid 800 pesos for the tour which covers the fare, tour guide and environmental fee. Food is not included.

It is already past 7 am when we left Bangued.  There are at least 25 of us stuck on the monster jeepney.  All are excited to see Kaparkan falls.  As I always prefer, I boarded on top of the jeepney which afforded me a very good view of the way.  It was a cloudy morning which dropped into a rain halfway of our destination.

enchanting cascade of water

The journey to the falls is a story of its own.  It took us almost 4 hours to reach the falls.  At first, I was enjoying atop the jeepney passing town after town.  The calvary started in Tineg when we branched out the cemented road and traversed the unpaved road leading to the falls.  The driver and his crew has to put chains around the tires of the jeepney which left me  wondering. Later on I realized how useful it is.  The way to the falls while scenic is in a very poor condition. We had to get off at some points and walk.  The rain made it even more challenging.

After enduring more than 4 hours of butt-numbing ride, we made it to our destination.  However, we had to trek for more or less 15 minutes to reach the falls.  After getting off the jeepney, I wasted no time and immediately started trekking.  The trek is easy. It's  all going down.  Nearing the falls, I can already hear the cascade of the water. It is so inviting!

Arriving at the falls, I can't hide my excitement.  Seeing the falls like how it looked  on photos is surreal.  My doubts are erased and I'm thankful I decided to chase it. Kaparkan falls is one of a kind.  It is enchanting!

choose your tub

After enjoying my lunch, I excitedly explore the falls.  The beauty of the falls is revealed to me more.  I was like a happy kid moving all around on a playground. The falls is just mesmerizing.  There is beauty every where I looked at - the water terraces, the trees covering it, the sound of its cascade. It is hard to believe that a place like that is existing.  It was worth the long and perilous journey.
  

After 2.5 hours at the falls, it is time for us to bid goodbye.  We had to leave while it was still bright.  Our stay maybe short but I enjoyed every minute of it.  Kaparkan falls is a must visit for those exploring Abra.  Simply breathtaking!


Interested in visiting Kaparkan Falls?  Contact information below might help you.

Tourism Office - Bangued, Abra
Dianne - 09277725856

Kinamanukan (Chicken) Island

Rainy season has began but it did not discourage us from visiting Kinamanukan island or Chicken island as locals called it.  One of the many beautiful islands of Camarines Norte. Ms. Ron sent out the invite which I gladly accepted.  Joined by Wayne, another friend, together we boarded a Superlines bus bound for Daet on a rainy Saturday evening.   We did not reserve a ticket prior, hence we ended up in a non air-con bus.  It was crowded (nearly overloaded) that going out during stopovers was a bit of a challenge.  We had also a long journey mainly because of traffic going out of the metro and in San Pablo.  We made it to Daet past seven in the morning hungry.

Contrary to the weather in Manila, it was sunny in Daet.  We started the day with a breakfast at Jollibee.  After which we bought the supplies that we will be needing in the island.  When we had everything that we needed, we took a tricycle to Pandawan Fishport in Brgy. Bagasbas.  From there, we rented a motorized bangka that brought us to the island. Travel time was around 25 minutes.

Arriving at the island, there were a handful of island-goers enjoying the beach.  We were welcomed by Tatay Samuel and Tatay Reming. They were the caretakers of the fish sanctuary around the island.  The island is privately owned and no amenities of a resort. It has a thick forest cover which I liked.  Creamy and powdery white sand made up the shorelines. The waters were not that crystal clear but nevertheless inviting.   

Chicken Island's Shoreline

A compound surrounded by a bamboo fence with a small hut near the shorline which served as the home-base of the caretakers (bantay dagat) of the fish sanctuary was where we stayed and hanged our hammocks.  It was also under the shade of trees providing enough cover from the sun and shield from strong wind.  We were lucky that there was a manual water pump where we can bath after dipping in the sea and a toilet that we can use for calls of nature.

Clouds stated to form while we were preparing our lunch and it has been cloudy for the rest of the day.  After we devoured our lunch we had a siesta.  It was around four in the afternoon when woke up.  Perhaps the long bus ride took its toll on us.  All the island-goers had left and it was the five of us in the island.  We strolled along the shorelines and did a couple of picture takings.  I was anticipating a dramatic sunset but sadly the clouds hid it.  I took a dip instead until dusk.

The night in the island was so quite.  There was no electricity, though phone signals were strong. Tatay Samuel and Tatay Reming were very much accommodating that they lent us their battery- powered incandescent bulb.  They also shared some cooking utensils with us.  By seven in the evening, our dinner was ready.  We enjoyed the food, the two joining us.  We had no activities for the rest of the night, not even a single shot of rum. The clouds had fade away and the stars were so clear in the dark sky. Before going to sleep I prayed for a nice weather for the entire night so that we had a comfortable sleep in our hammocks and for the day to come so that we can enjoy the beach.   With waves gently crashing the shorelines, I fell into slumber.

the powdery white sand

There was a promise of a sunny day ahead when I woke up the next day.  From where we were stationed, the sunrise was obscured by the thick forest.  However, the sky was bright and blue signalling a fine day.  I did a morning stroll a long the shorelines while my companions were still asleep.  It was a different morning with sound of the birds and waves I was hearing and a vast sea I was seeing, far from usual morning sights and sounds of the city.  It was just so relaxing!

I headed back to camp to help prepare our breakfast.  In no time it was ready and was consumed instantly.  We were energized and ready to enjoy the island on our last day.  We decided to have a tour around the island.  The sun was up revealing the beauty of the island even more.  Halfway, Ms. Ron and Wayne decided to not complete the tour and instead stayed on the part which they found picturesque.  Excited, I continued to go around.  I passed by a rocky area where a lot of crablets resting I disturbed.  I even saw a banded sea snake resting atop the rock.  I was surprised by its presence that my knees started shaking.  I hurriedly left but careful enough not to be sensed by it.  There were also birds of white and black hovering over.  I must say that the island is rich and indeed a sanctuary.

banded sea anake

The island was small that in less than twenty minutes I was reunited with my companions. I saw them having a great time taking pictures. Selfies included.  I had to admit I joined them and I had a number of my own selfies, too.  We were enjoying very much that we didn't mind the intense heat of the sun kissing our skin.  We have the entire island all to ourselves and we felt like we're free to do what we wanted, even unli selfies and annoyed no one.

It was when our stomachs clamored for food that we headed back to camp.  A pasta courtesy of Ms. Ron, satisfied our hunger.  We then took a short rest on our hammocks before going back into the beach at high noon to snorkel not bothered buy the sun.  The beauty of the island was also underneath.  Corals and fishes were alive.  However, some corals where destroyed and in bad state.  Though there were efforts to salvage the remaining, hence the area was declared fish sanctuary. This was also the reason why Tatay Samuel and Tatay Reming where there tasked to take care the sanctuary from illegal fishing activities.  

the marine life

As we left the island, I realized that I enjoyed our stay and the whole experience.  I liked how untouched it was by commercialism considering its proximity to mainland.  The island has high potential for tourism.  I just hope though that island-goers more than enjoying will be also concerned not leaving their trash.  It was a sore in the eyes to see bottles of liquors and mineral water, plastic cups and plates, junk foods wrappers and even baby diapers littered a long the shorelines around the island.  The island is beautiful and it will be even more beautiful and appealing seeing it trash free. 

the other side of the island

How to get there?

If coming from Manila, Board a bus going to Daet.  There are a number of bus lines plying the Manila-Daet route.  Superlines, Daet Express and DLTB to name a few.  Fare would range from 450 pesos to 550 pesos depending on the type of bus. AC or non/AC so to speak. From Daet, take a tricycle going to Pandawan fishport in Brgy. Bagasbas. Alternatively,  the island can be accessed through the towns of San Vicente and Vinsons. From these jump-offs, boats can be rented from 700 pesos to 1000 pesos.  In our case, we paid 1000 pesos boat rental from Brgy. Bagasbas in Daet. Travel time to the island is less than 30 minutes in all jump-offs.

Island Amenities and Fees

No entrance fee being collected in the island. The island is said to be privately owned but no caretakers are stationed in the island.  Tatay Samuel and Tatay Reming are bantay dagat from Vinzons, tasked to take care the fish sanctuary.  The island is under the jurisdiction of Vinsons.  There are no resorts in the island.   There is no electricity but cellphone signal was strong. There are a lot of trees to hanged hammock.        

Island Activities

One can go beach camping, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking(you have to bring your kayak), sunrise and sunset viewing.  If you want a raw and crowd-less island, this is for you.    

                            

me challenging the waves 😛😜😜

     

  

2016 At A Glance

Another year closes.  Looking back, I must say that it was but another adventure filled year for me.  I saw myself crossing the finish line of my first 100K ultra trail.  The longest trail run I have run and successfully completed, so far.  I wandered through some of the iconic and historical sites of my south east asian neighbors.  Gone solo at the UNESCO heritage site of Batad.  These are just some of the highlights of my 2016.  

TRAVELS
I can't see myself not doing this.  This is one thing I love to do with a group or even solo. Life in the metro aside from being routinary is at times (or should I say most of the time!) stressful!  A break to the beach or to some places I was not familiar helped ease the stress and bring back the sanity.  Hence, from time to time I go out my comfort zone, explore the countryside, run, climb a mountain to relax and enjoy.  This year I've been up north, headed down south and gone solo on a part of a visayan region .  I also ventured outside the country to my south east Asian neighbors.  Below are my most memorable travels.

1.  Vietnam - Cambodia - Thailand

A seven day amazing race like adventure starting at Ho Chi Mihn city in Vietnam and exiting in Bangkok, Thailand.  Places visited are the Cu Chi Tunnels and City tour of Ho Chi Mihn in Vietnam,  Angkor Wat, Independence Monument, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom and Genocide Museum in Cambodia,  Ayutthaya and Bangkok in Thailand.     

Angkor Wat

2.  Leyte - Biliran - Southern Leyte

Original plan was a two-day visit to Biliran but it turned out to be a twelve-day visayan affair. From Biliran, I headed to Leyte to visit Kalanggaman and Canigao Islands and spent a night in Ormoc City, then down to southern Leyte to visit Maasin City, Macrohon, Malitbog and Sogod.  

Sambawan Island, Biliran

3.  S. Cotabato - Maguindanao - N.Cotabato

A four day tour starting at Gensan then to Maguindanao then to South Cotabato then Cotabato and back at Gensan.  We visited Mosques, lakes and waterfalls.  Tried the longest zipline in the Philippines with a view of Lake Sebu's 7 waterfalls.

Asik-asik Falls

4.  Maligcong - Batad
This is a solo trip up north simply because I was missing the scent of the Pine trees.  I took the opportunity to hike the terraces of Batad a UNESCO heritage site and paid a visit to the hard to reach Tappiya falls. Before going to Batad, I dropped by Maligcong to hike Mt. Kupapey and Mt. Fato and to see also the equally marvelous Maligcong cluster or rice terraces.  

Batad Rice Terraces 

5.  Dumaran, Palawan
Another spot in Palawan that solidifies its being the last frontier of the Philippines.  This place north east of Palawan remains basically untouched by commercialism.  Islands had no amenities.  I spent a night on my hammock and liked it! This place also boast a rich marine life. Snorkeling is a must try!  

a white sand beach at Renambakan island

RUNNING
This year I tried some of the hardest trail runs in the country.  I didn't know where my confidence stemmed from but I had myself doing trail marathons and ultras.  One run after another.  Notable accomplishment was finishing the Four Lakes 100.  My very first 100K trail run.  There were also setbacks like the Hundred Miles and CM50 Miles.  But these were DNFs I'm very proud of.

Equally worth highlighting were the recons and training.  It was no longer just road runs for me but simulation runs on varied trails.  Some of these brought out the worst and best in me.  Also in these, I met and became friends with people sharing the same passion.  It was a fun learning experience towards a common goal.

1.  Four Lakes 100 (FL100)
I just can't believe that this happen to soon.  I still consider myself a rookie! Coming from a vacation, confidence was low.  But I let not pressure drive me.  Instead I ran as if I'm just having my normal run around the UP oval.  Covering more than 70 kilometers, fatigue started to kick-in.  Luckily, a veteran runner paced me towards the last kilometer and into the finish line.    

My medal and Finisher's shirt

2.  Mt.  Ugo Marathon (MUM)

This is where it all started, the first league of the King of the Mountain (KOTM) series. Finishing this trail marathon was a confidence booster.  I had myself setting a goal of completing the KOTM 2016 series.      

at the finish line

3.  Wawa - Malasya (Training)

After an off season or almost three months of rest, I came back by joining this training.  I was introduced to Wawa-Malasya route for the first time.  The route had me almost riding a horse going back.  After a long rest, going back to trail running was just hard.  It was like starting all over again.    

                                        rainy season training                                (c) John

4.  Miyamit Falls 42 (MF42)
My second to the last run of 2016.  I joined the event to visit the enchanting Miyamit falls (part of the route).  The rainy season added more challenge with a large number not making it to the finish line.  I was all smile in the picture below because I finally made it to the falls.  I had four attempts before to no avail.  Finishing the run was the bonus.  

5.  Clark-Miyamit Falls 50 (CM50)  Recon
This is a part of my preparation for my last trail run of 2016.  Together with some passion driven people, we familiarized the first 20 kilometers of the 80 kilometers route of CM50. We had a couple of wrong turns but made it back to where we started.  Sadly, I suffered an injury during this recon which bothered me during the race day.  I got DNFed because of it.  Heartbreaking but I had no regrets.  I hope to come back this year and finish the unfinished.

HIKING
Hiked a few this year and mostly were dayhikes.  No major climb and overnights.  This year however, I brought friends to mountains.  Never thought that sharing and showing my love for mountains would be an enriching experience.  The excitement and the smiles on their faces upon reaching the top was just priceless.  

1.  Tarak Ridge
I've been to Tarak Ridge couple of times and it's never the same each time.  This time, I brought my college classmates with me.  On a fine summer day, together we patiently negotiated Tarak Ridge's beginner friendly trail.  Occasionally stopping to catch breath and re-hydrate, slowly we made it all to the ridge.  Seeing them all enjoyed the journey and amazed by what they achieved was priceless.      

friends in action

2.  Mt. Batulosong
My first dayhike of 2016 was in this playground-like mountain of Batulosong.  It was one hot and sunny day which had us all stopping under shades many times.  It was so hot that some decided not to proceed up to the summit.  The day ended with a side trip to a nearby waterfalls.  We dipped with excitement upon seeing the waterfalls.

enjoying the playgound

3.  Mt. Tapulao
This is a solo day hike on Zambales highest mountain.  My fifth time on this very challenging mountain.  Since I started mountaineering, this is the only mountain I made a climb each year without a skip.  If only this mountain can talk, it would probably tell me how I matured as a mountaineer over the years.  Did I??!      

one with the pine trees

4.  Mt. Marami
A supposedly day hike but ended late at night.  With me are three friends, new to mountaineering.  Early on in the trek we got lost for almost an hour.  After we found the right trail, we got lost again.  Moral of the experience is to never under estimate a mountain.  We did not secure a guide believing that we can still remember the trail.  I've been to Mt. Marami twice but still got confused by its labyrinth trail.  It was a humbling experience. 

the famous silyang bato (rock chair)

5.  Mt. Batulao
A solo hike on one of the most frequented mountains of the Philippines.  It was a Sunday and there was traffic on the summit and going down to old and new campsites.  I was happy that a lot of people are going outdoors but at the same time sad for its impact on the mountain.  Many of them are newbies and I could just wish they new LNT or someone would impart to them on the basics of mountaineering.  

Batulao and the traffic

I'm thankful for the opportunity to do all these things I have done last year.    I learned so many things I could not have learned in my comfort zones.  The experience let me met a lot of people from all walks of lives and learn from them.  Above all it brought not just sanity but also happiness to me. 

This year, I yearn for more of these adventures.  Maybe more of hiking especially major ones.  I also see myself joining TNF100.  I have also a goal to complete all the 81 provinces of the Philippines. To date, 26 more provinces to go.  

May this year be adventure filled as last year.  May happiness continue to reign in all of us.  Cheers to more adventures!!!