Capones, Zambales: A Sweet Sidetrip

Capones Prelude 
November 6-7, 2010 (Celebrating 25th year of Existence) 

  Capones Island: View from atop the hill. On the Far end lies the elusive Lighthouse (Faro   de Punta Capones) 

We just left Nagsasa Cove and soon, as the boat sailed its way across the placid water, a deafening silence followed. We silently and patiently waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Capones Island.

Nagsasa Cove, Zambales: Time in a Bottle

November 6-7, 2010 (Celebrating 25th year of Existence) 

Nagsasa Cove, Zambales: Time in a Bottle

I resorted to scheming and plotting for my company leave to be granted (exaggerations of course, but I was almost on the verge of doing it out of desperation). I couldn’t miss this Zambales trip and I wouldn’t want to be stuck in the bottling plant on my birthday. I guess a few acting skills and guilt-trip are all it takes to inch an approval. I was unbelievably happy as I saw familiar smiling faces in Pasay Terminal of Victory Bus line.

More Fun in the Philippines

Liliw, Laguna: Reawakening in a Sleepy town

October 16, 2011
Liliw, Laguna

Reawakening in a Sleepy town

Liliw is famed as the region’s footwear capital. From the sprawling shoe shops and tiangge, you’d probably find here the cheapest bargained footwear in the country. Nestled in the rural countryside of Laguna, Liliw is one side trip you shouldn’t miss.

Mt. Isarog, Camarnies Sur: Survival Trail

Survival Trail of Mt. Isarog (April 8-9, 2008) 

(Patag-Patag Trail)

I probably would not forget my experiences with Mt. Isarog, not in another lifetime or so. Amidst its formidable height, crawling vegetation, vertical slopes, and battalion of blood sucking leeches, I found myself humbled by its sheer beauty and innocence…

It was three years ago when I found myself on board an aircon bus to Bicol. I was a graduating student then, with ample time but with very limited resources. It was my first time to venture on such a trip outside the region, and the only thing that pushed my confidence was the company of friends. This was after all, our induction climb. 

Sagada, Mt. Province: The Rustic Charm

Day 2 (April 16, 2011) 

Saturday 

              Minutes past 4:30 am, I opened my eyes but my body seemed frozen... paralyzed to numbness. I was awoken by the subtle sounds of my roommates struggling to rouse from bed. Suddenly I remembered what we went through yesterday and I shut my eyes with the memory... Spelunking is not my brand of coffee after all. 

Cavinti, Laguna: ReaAwakenING in a Sleepy Town

October 16, 2011

Brgy. Tibatib Cavinti, Laguna


The eco-park nestled in the mountainous area of Laguna...
The park started its construction in 2005 and after 2 years was opened to the public.

Still, most people do not know of the place or that it's the cheaper route to Pagsanjan Falls... 

Yes, the falls which most Sibika Books in our elementary years were raving about...

I guess, with the newer generation, this place may not elicit the same enthusiasm as it does with us. For someone who grew up listening to grade school teachers saying "Ang Talon ng Pagsangjan ang isa sa pinaka-tanyag na Talon sa Pilipinas...." wow... very nostalgic right?

Attimonan, Quezon: Mt. Pinagbanderahan Forest Canopy

Mt. Pinagbanderhan

Attimonan, Quezon 

May 22-23, 2011

A journey to the mountain and sea done in tribute to [a lost and terribly missed] friend… 

 Wild Wonder: The Virgin Forest of Quezon National Park 

What more fitting tribute to friend who loved high mountains and exotic seas than to journey on the same special path where her feet once traversed. 

She would have been with us on this trip (which was planned a month before) if everything just went according to plan… 

But I guess, no one can really plan ahead of LIFE. Afterall, Life really is a borrowed gift from Above and He, who looks upon us, has mightier and grander plans for us all. 

We made this trip happen [against the odds of travelling without your usual set of buddies], because we believe (well, I mostly) that if May 9 didn’t come to pass, she surely would have loved to make this journey worth fulfilling.

 From the supposed 8 participants, we were down to just two, me and Angel (plus the other Angel hovering around, hehehe). 

I was so desolate going to San Pablo, Laguna (where I was supposed to met Angel) because this would be the first time I would be travelling (and be staying in a place overnight) with only a friend. 

Pagbilao, Quezon: The Night that Breaks The Dawn

Pagbilao, Quezon

May 22-23, 2011

A journey to the mountain and sea done in tribute to [a lost and terribly missed] friend…

 Bathe in Purple Hues: Pagbilao seaside early morning shot near the Power plant 

Sagada: Northern Delights

Sagada 

April 14, 2011 (Thursday) 

    The Sea of Clouds: View aboard a bus en route to Sagada, Mt Province