It's my 2nd time and Coron! My second chance was all about re-exploring and re-appreciating the beauty of this piece of paradise on earth. 

Back in 2012, I traveled with my friends for the first time. This year, 2015, was there for a company planning/ outing and must say, even though I've been to places we visited, there were nooks and crannies I left unexplored.

Of course, Coron has 50 minor islets in the Calamian Archipelago of Northern Palawan and a few days each wouldn't be enough. I was thrilled to be back!

• Mt. Tapyas- was able to conquer the 720 steps in 2012 but this time, was able to experience the 'back door' while we waited for the sunset. The back door I'm mentioning is the hilly top at the back of the gigantic white cross. I was like, oh! If the view deck gives a panoramic shot of the city (with the houses and everything), the 'back door' was pure nature: hills, skies, greenery. It was wonderful.

View from below or 720 steps below hilltop level

Panoramic shot from the view deck

This bahay-kubo is already at the 'back door'

Look at the scenery (me included) going to that nipa. This is beside the pathwalk.

Apparently, the scenery is conducive for this drama. haha

Can you see the view??? Thus my own drama. haha

Sunset at Mt. Tapyas

Time to go down

• Malcapuya Island- first time here and if I was all praise for Banol Beach last time, Malcapuya Island gives a different kind of exhilaration. It offers a stretch of wine sand amidst the crystal clear blue waters. It was breathtaking! What's more, it's not yet developed that close to the nature, it was. There were hammocks we rested in while enjoying the view. Lunch was also superb here. The freshness of our meal complemented the serene surroundings. 

I call this the docking area because here's where we parked our boat

What greeted us! WOW!

I had to take a shot, of course

Serene :)

Safe to swim also. You can see what you're stepping on and water's very clear

Away but shallow

There are fishes here near the corals!

• Twin Lagoon- again, my first time. Wasn't able to go here last time. Going to Twin Lagoon was spectacular. Limestone cliff formations were just so awesome. As we wade through our way, our jaws dropped. Twin Lagoon though is perfect for a swim especially when in the inner lagoon. But it was so deep already that of course, that snorkeling isn't advisable.

On our way to the lagoon

Not yet there but the limestone cliffs enveloping us were hard to resist (not to take photos of!) 

Outer part of the lagoon where we docked

The shallow part connecting to the other lagoon

Happy to be at the inner part of the lagoon, eh?

• Kayangan Lake- as always, Kayangan Lake never fails to impress. It was stunning! Beyond compare. After quite a steep ascend, I was already anticipating the breathtaking view from atop and whoa, still an exhilarating panorama. Same goes with our descent to Kayangan Lake. Happy to note that it's still as clear though there were less fishes than I can remember. Probably because we were a big group so they went away (hope so). This time too, just enjoyed the 'unsalted' water. Last time here, explored the caves but it was fun just to swim back and forth. 

The most photographed, and for a reason

Mandatory turista shot--- bec I don't have a copy before

Trail down to the freshwater lake

What a beauty! Apart from us, that is

Enjoying some freshwater

Coron is still a beauty. Three years after, I'm still in awe. I pray and hope that come another 3 or more years, Coron will stay as pristine, as beautiful. I know we Filipinos can maintain this paradise. I will never run out of hopes for my beautiful country and confidently beautiful (with a heart) countrymen. :)

I <3 CORON!

Some photo credits to dey, henry and blesr. 

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Saturday, December 19, 2015

I used to frequent Nasugbu, Batangas in 2011 because of work assignment. In my more than a year of this routine, I never had the chance to climb the stunning Mt. Batulao. Back then I'm always fascinated by its beauty. I haven't seen yet its "bato sa ilaw" phenomenon, the origin of its name, but its famous jagged peak was already etched  in my mind.

The goal is to reach this. (From the summit)

Fast-forward to 2015, I can't believe I'd be going back to Nasugbu, Batangas to climb the mountain closest to me. I'm not a mountaineer so it's a perfect first climb. Difficulty level is only three for the new trail.

Contacted my previous workmates and I was referred to Mr. Ricardo Pega (cellphone number: 0930 300 6753). Once in Batulao, we went straight to Evercrest and Chapel on the Hill, near the foot of the mountain and were endorsed to Kuya Edwin (cellphone number: 0936 113 7238), our guide. Tour fee was Php 400.

Preparation to Batulao

Rewind first to the prep stage. Mountaineers, just like runners, would usually prepare for a climb. And as a non-pro, we had to increase our stamina level so had zumba and badminton during the week before the weekend climb. In hindsight, I think it helped a lot.

For the things to bring, we made sure we had not to many except the ff:

• Cap or sun visor
• Face towel
• Bottle of water
• Clothes and little toiletries for changing (but left these in the car)
• Sachet of sunblock
• Cloth gloves (forgot this but a must for rapels)

Wore long sleeves, too and comfortable pants as an added protection from the sun and second, from possible scratches. Sandals are not advisable, too. 

The Long Pre-Climb

We started walking in the shower/ parking area. We never thought that we were around 2-30 minutes from the foot of the mountain. Only when we saw the hikers in the tricycle did we asked, but anyhow we continued the walk until we reached the registration area (for time in and out). 

The view far away from the foot of the mountain

Registration!

The road less traveled

A walks after that, the steps began to steep and the tour guide already gave us wooden sticks or staff. At this stage, we were already panting. Wheeeeew!

Ascend the Batulao (The New Trail)

When it began to steep, I kept on asking "are we there yet?" referring to the foot of the mountain. After quite a few bugs, we were there already! We had to stop in the store, to relish this first feat. Haha. Only the first of the 12 peaks or 10 camps. 

We chose the new trail because it's relatively easier. Wah!

10,000 more steps! Lezzgo!

Oh when you look back...

Good thing in some of the peaks, there were stores. In fact at the 8th peak, we had halo-halo at Php 25. Asked also for some shaved ice at Php 5 for our water. At this peak, we paid for a Php 30 registration fee. 

"One halo-halo, puhlease :) "

I need this to get to you!

The glucose from the halo-halo was really much needed. Aside from the steep and stony steps, we had to endure four rapel climb. The rope were scratching bad already and regretted not bringing cloth gloves. On the bright side, it was fun!

Rocky sides

Just keep walking!

Another good news was that we're quite near! In total, it took us 3 hours to ascend the jagged peak of Mt. Batulao.

Just before the summit :)

At the peak, it's just as stunning! What a feeling and achievement! Whoah! 

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSS!

On the other side's view

Priceless!

And bought sweets again too such as this Popsicle at Php 30.

Another reward :)

At this height, I realized that we're just but some tiny speck in the universe. Oh well, conducive for some deep thinking, too.

The Aftermath

Once at the top, you wouldn't like to descend but well, it's part of life. Took us 3 hours again to go down.

A good shower is a must too. Don't be like me who didn't have some good sense to bring toiletries. Lucky my friends had.

CR for a fee

After shower, a hot steaming bulalo is a must, too. Well, that's another story :)

This isn't going to be my first and last climb. I'm glad that I was able to push myself further. Another good thing to note along the climb is the genial greeting of co-climbers. Hoping that even outside, we'd have the guts to say to strangers, "Ingat po!"

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Saturday, August 15, 2015

Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon Province is a perfect long weekend getaway down the Southern part of the Philippines. First, it's very cheap to go there. Only doled out Php 1,500+ including food in a 3D2N adventure. This spending isn't yet conservative as we splurged on some meals and the boat ride. Second, though it took about 4.5-5 hours to get there, it's still relatively near. And third, no plane ride needed. 

After all, the long ride was all worth it. Though the island does not boast of a super powdery white sand, it offers the ff graciously:

• Blue waters, blue sky, not a minute to feel blue. 
• Eternal and endless sandbar! Meters and meters of it from the shore and in the longest time possible.
• Nature to bask and be thankful for. 
• Peace and bliss. Even on Labor day. 
• Simple life-- even just for a weekend.

Eternal & endless sandbar :)

It's not a glamorous place to be but whoah! How it enriches the soul just to be there sleeping under the starry sky, waiting for the water to ebb away, feeling the fine sand on foot or by the hair, walking along the beach like having the best day yet...

But first...

HOW TO GET THERE

Backpacker mode, we set off early at 2:30 AM to catch a non-air con bus (at Php147) in Alabang to Lucena Grand Central Terminal.

At 6:00 AM in Lucena, rode straight to Mabuan via an ordinary bus (at Php 54). The somehow zigzaggy ride took an hour. At the drop-off point past 7:00 AM to the Tourism Office in Mauban Port, we chose just to walk to the office which took about 15-20 minutes. We paid an environmental fee of Php 50 each and hired a private banca straight to Villa Cleofas, our resort. 

We preferred a private banca (2-way for Php 2,000) instead of a public ride to Sabang Port at Php 50 per head. First, due to safety as they aren't strict yet in implementing the proper capacity and second, public banca trips are scheduled and we can't wait to dip in the beach! Plus, public rides go straight to Sabang Port which will entail a long walk to the resort. (Though admitted, it's an adventure too)

Public banca schedule:

• Going to Cagbalete Sabang Port: 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM. 
• From Cagbalete Sabang port: 7:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

Tadaaah! After hours of waiting, we're early in Cagbalete at just past 9:00 AM and the tide was super low! In fact, our boat can't go near anymore the shore. We were forced to walk our way to the resort. Scary at first but it was fun along the way. 

The slow walk (with our bags and food) took us about 10-15 minutes and due to lack of shade, we got our first sunburn. Haha

BEACH LIFE FOR 3 DAYS

In Villa Cleofas, we opted to pitch our tent because per day, it's only Php 250 while the entrance fee on the first day was Php 50. Cagbalete is such a small island one can go around it full circle in just a few hours, I believe. Too bad we didn't have the courage to, but here's what took our time in the island:

• Pitching tent- before anything else we pitched in our tent. It was frustrating yet fun in the end. This was our home for 3 days and 2 nights.

Teamwork!

• Midsummer day dream- especially on the first day where we had so little sleep yet too many time. It was breezy even when under the sun. Just the matting and bag as pillow, it's like not having slept for ages. And when I woke up...

Heavenly!

•  Eternal and endless sandbar- The signature of Cagbalete. It was a sight to behold. Imagine that just a few hours ago it was deep under the sea. Then we just sit down to be half submerged, eat Cheetos and chocnut, lay there and bask in the sun, in the middle of the sea. And most of the time, it's a vast sandbar...superb!

Digging what? The sea?

• Bonsai Island- when the tide is low, Bonsai island is just a few meters away from the shores of Villa Cleofas. It provides a picturesque view of the place. Good for picture taking.

• Rocky formation- beside Bonsai Island is this rocky formation. Where are we?

• Sunrise and shine- watched the sun rise, accidentally because it rained 4:30AM and we were soaking wet because our tent is not waterproof. Blessing in disguise? Indeed.

• Cotton candy clouds- Just before the sun rise. Cotton candy goodness!

• High and low- watched the tide go high and low

• Watched bonfire- but we didn't dare go near as it burns the eye

• Played card games to burn the midnight oil- after dinner, we played card games. Then I learned how to play Tong-its. Yemen!

• Swimming- went as far but sometimes just near the shore where it's enough to dip neck down while in squat or Indian-sit position.

• A sky full of stars- and at night before we rest, just looking at the sky with stars, and you realize what a speck you are in the universe... I mean this place was conducive for that dreamy thinking.

• Dampa style- after a few meals of Ulalam, or packed goods, it got sickening already. Luckily, there are fish vendors roaming around. Since we don't have cookwares and we computed that renting for kitchen use would be much expensive, we asked Ate Jennifer- 09124315875 to cook it for us for a charge of around Php 200. 

CAGBALETE TIPS

Some tips for a happier Cagbalete stay:

• Buy rice or other goods to cook at Mauban Port. Cheaper there.
• Bring a waterproof tent, if there's such a thing. 2 nights in a row, rain came down to wake us up
• Waterproof essentials- it's very handy especially when docking far from the shore
• Just pitch in if you have a tent; it's cheaper. Besides it will bring you closer to nature
• Bring lots of water and mini-bottle for individual use. On our second night to third day, we just drank soft drinks (at Php 70 per 1.5 L in the resort) due to lack of it. Small water bottle is at Php 20
• Though got tired of Ulalam, it's easier to bring & open than those in tin cans
• If many, just bring charcoal and some pans; but renting on a daily basis is possible, too. Prices at Villa Cleofas below:

• No electricity except around 6pm so bring all those fully-charged powerbanks and batteries
• CR is common and not so good; just be open to it
• Insect repellent- to be safe

WHERE TO STAY

It was hard to book on long weekends. Luckily Villa Cleofas still has a spot for us to pitch in. 

There are only a few resorts, nine to be exact in Cagbalete. Took the liberty in researching their websites and contacts: 

1. Yang-In

[2. Sabang Port]

3. Greenview Beach Resort- Contact: 09178212796; 09466523287

4. Pansacola Beach Resort- Contacts: (042)7840158 : Globe 09175465901 Smart +639285

5. Doña Choleng Camping Resort- Contacts: 09983520544, 09266549958, 09108823346, 09328525489, 09201551552,  09228072952, 09279680690                       

6. Villa Noe Resort- VillaNoe FB; Contacts: 09292176971, 09052054348, 09095241773 7. Joven’s Blue Sea Beach Resort- Contacts: 09392899752, 09179848505, 09071739016

8. Villa Cleofas Resort- Contacts: 09178395852, 09178143475, 09192205000

9. MVT Sto. Niño Resort- MVT FB; Contact: 09175621106

10. Nilandingan Cove- Nilandingan Cove FB; Contact: nilandingancove@gmail.com

TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Alabang to Lucena Grand Terminal (non-aircon bus)- Php 147 each
• Lucena to Mauban Port (non-aircon bus)- Php 54 each
• Environmental Fee- Php 50 each
• 2-way private Banca to Cagbalete- Php 2,000/ Php 500 each
• Entrance Fee- Php 50
• Pitch in Fee- Php 500 2 nights/ Php 125
• Food- around Php 500 for food allocation (some grocery, some bought in the island)
• Trike from Mauban Port to Mauban bus- Php 10
• Mauban to Lucena Grand Terminal (non-aircon bus)- Php 54
• Lucena Grand Terminal to Alabang (non-aircon bus)- Php 131
• Total= Php 1,621

Where do you want to go next time? 

Credits to RuRik for some of the photos :)

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Monday, June 15, 2015