Mt. Mabilog | Laguna

Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal - taken at the camp site of Mt. Mabilog

Southern Luzon is one of the regions in the Philippines which offers a great hiking experience to all the hikers; primarily because of the mountains, hills and forest areas that spread in the area. The province of Laguna is one of the best spots in this region with great views to offer, and of course more stories to tell.

Mt. Mabilog is situated in the Laguna. This mountain measures 441 MASL and serves as the boundary of the towns of San Pablo and Nagcarlan, Laguna. This mountain lies and surrounded by the legendary lakes, which adds an amazing views from the summit. This mountain is smaller than the Mts. Banahaw and Cristobal, but contains gorgeous background.

at the jump off, going to Pandin Lake

Photo above shows on how we prepared ourselves, after getting off the jeepney. We were preparing for our stuff before our journey started. This area serves as the parking area for those people who want to visit Pandin Lake. This area is wide and open, and just beside the highway.

Next part was the pathway going to Pandin Lake.  Some part this pathway is concrete but most are not. There were houses along the way, and then the concrete and iron walls which belong to a private property are also present beside the pathway.

(photo above and right) Lake Pandin

We arrived at Pandin Lake at around 3:40PM. From afar, the lake looks like a mirror that captures the image of the sky. The area is surrounded by trees, coconut and other plants, perfect for relaxation and everything is natural. The ambiance in the area is cool, the air is fresh, and the water is clear; everything is so pristine and clean. We spent few hours and had our lunch break at the same spot. Reminder: Wash rooms are available, accessories and food are also for sale.

We left Pandin Lake at around 4:37PM and started trekking. The trail class of Mt. Mabilog got a 2/9 rating, so it’s perfect for the people who are looking for a relaxing hiking experience, especially for first time hiker. The first part of the trail is well-established, because it serves as the trail of the locals and their horses. A road is also visible in the area (photo above); according to our guide, this road will connect from this baranggay going to the other side of the lake.

The view of Mt. Dawit

Along the trail, some fruit bearing trees, coconut and bananas are visible. Animals like cattle, horses, goats, carabao and others spread in the area. While on trail, expect for tall grasses that serve as the houses of different kind of insects.

Next part was the assault to the summit. It was just 10-20 minutes before the summit, but I got a hard time breathing (because it's my first climb after two months.) At around 6:04PM, we were able to reach the summit. The summit has the perfect view Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. The two of the seven lakes are also visible from afar. The sunset was perfectly stunning!!

When everyone was already on the summit, rested for few minutes, then we all pitched our tents to our designated areas. After that, we started preparing our dinner. When we're done with our dinner, we started with our socials. As usual, that night was full of laughter, happiness and of course drama. We talked about everything under and over the sun. We also celebrated Ginger's  birthday at 12 mid night, then continued with our socials. I think it was already 3AM when we stopped the celebration. I prefer to sleep outside the tent for some personal reason. But, I was fine that time! #busted!

I woke up at 7AM. Still #busted. When the others woke up, I went back to bed, I mean to sleep. They prepared our breakfast while I was asleep. Did some photo shoot. Then started breakcamp. We left the summit at around 8:49AM and proceeded to Pandin Lake for a short break and while waiting for the others. When they arrived, we proceeded to our next destination -> Bunga Falls.

We arrived at Bunga Falls at around 12:30PM. The areas was cool, has fresh air, the rock formations were totally amazing. The area is was not so crowded when we arrived. Surrounded by plants and trees which give a relaxing feeling. There were few cottages left, so we had options to select the best spot. These cottages are for rent and wash rooms are available. More information and photos of the falls. While the others were busy preparing our lunch, some of us were at the pool. Watching the people jumping off the cliff of the water falls was exciting. We stayed in the area for few hours then proceeded to our next destination.

(photo above) The Chapel in Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

From Bunga Falls, we traveled more than 30 minutes going this amazing landmark in Nagcarlan, Laguna. While on the way, most of us were silent and were sleeping. I woke up when we're already at the gate of the Underground Cemetery. More photos and information, click here: Underground Cemetery. We enjoyed this landmark for less than 30 minutes then proceeded to San Pablo, Laguna Stop Light. Waited for bus bound for Manila.

After a year, I was able to meet these people. This experience is one of best! Till next time!

Burot Beach | Batangas

Looking for a place to relax and at the same time wants to experience adventure? Burot Beach is the perfect place for you. It is situated in the Municipality of Calatagan, Batangas – just few hours travel from Metro Manila. It is another spot that this province can be proud of. History: Burot Beach was formerly known as Elizalde Beach, because it was previously owned by Elizalde family - a wealthy clan in the Philippines and then bought by the SM Group of Companies. Today, it is privately owned by the SM Group and still open to public.

Our weekday adventure is such a challenge; original plan was to do commute but at the last minute, we changed our minds and brought private vehicle. All of us doesn’t have idea if where’s our exact destination and even no idea if where’s the right way to take. Since technology is everywhere, we used it as our guide to find the right way. Special thanks to WAZE application which helped us all the time. YOU TOO! You can use your android or iOS phones to download GPS related apps.

We left Quezon City at around 1000hours and our route was on C5 going to SLEX. Then passing on the highways of Tagaytay and Nasugbu town proper. It was a long journey on the highway, but yet full of energy and *basagan. Our ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) in Calatagan Public Market was at 1300hours. Then bought everything at the market. Our ETD (Estimated Time of Departure from the market was at 1400hours. We were still following the WAZE given path; passing by the cemetery and on a rough road.

Our ETA at Burot Beach was at 1421hours. Free Parking. Paid 130 pesos for our entrance fee for overnight, per head. Since we brought our own tent, we only paid 20 pesos for the pitching area. When we get off the van, I easily noticed the fresh air, although the wind was really warm because of the weather. The sun was striking, but still I enjoyed getting great photos, like photo above.

The beach has semi-fine creamy colored sand, kissed by the clear waters. Living creatures like fish, crab, starfish, sea grass and some other mollusks can also be found in the water. While there was still sun light, we pitched our tents, and prepared our food for dinner. Griller for rent is also available in the area; just bring your own uling. Table for rent are available for 200 pesos. Before the sun set, we took our dinner.

While walking by the beach, I was astounded by the gorgeous sun set (photo above.) The wind seemed to be cool while the darkness started embracing the area. The blue skies covered by the cirrus clouds transformed into a powerful orangey skies which creates an amazing horizon - a horizon that serves as the only connection of the skies to the waters. The trees and the rock formations also formed a perfect silhouette with the beautiful background.

 After spectacular sun set, we went back to our camp site and started our socials. Mawawala ba ang card games, tapos card games, at sandamakmak na card games sa ganitong panahon? Syempre hindi! After the card games, we enjoyed lighting fireworks by the shore. REMEMBER: Always ask permission first from the guards on duty before doing such kind of activity. Pagkatapos nun, I chose sleeping outside the tent, konting kwento tapos sinundan ko na ang liwanag at sumama na ako sa isang sundo na naka-puti at may dalang puting tandang. At ako’y NAMAHINGA NA. 

Akala ko dere-derecho na tulog ko, nakaramdam ako ng limang droplets ng ambon, kaya agad akong tumayo at inilipat ang aking higaan sa ilalim nang aming table, at doon ay muling sinundan ko ang liwanag. Si Kerwin hindi lumipat ng higaan, kasi sabi nya, apat na droplets lang nang ambon ang naramdaman nya, e dapat lima kasi bago mag-force evacuation eh. Akala ko dere-derecho na, but passed 3AM, another group arrived and chose the space almost beside us. Pag-dating eh akala mo eh me pyesta at may mga speakers sa bunganga. Hindi man lang naisip na may mga tulog na katabi. At hindi ko na nagawang matulog pa! Nung naapakan ako ni Kerwin at napansin kong tumayo na sya, bumangon narin ako at nag-handa ng kape. Kwentuhan while the wind was cool. Nung maliwanag na, we do break camp and prepared ourselves. May mga nag-tampisaw sa dagat and the others, including me, chose to use the bath room. While waiting for my turn to use the bath room, there was a group near the washing area talking about gays. Hahaha. Syempre agad akong lumingon at tumingin sa kanila, sabay hawi ng buhok ko. Ayun, natahimik sila bigla, akalain nyong nadala ko sila sa hawi ng buhok.

When we’re done cleaning the area, set the GPS and left Burot Beach, our ETD was at 0718hours. Next plan was to have a break in Tagaytay, but was resulted to Nuvali. ETA in Nuvali was 1005hours. It was an amazing experience, especially seeing those people that are not a camper type. Natutuwa akong makita silang nag-hihirap. Hahaha.

If you want to add more excitement and planning to do commute, you can take a ride in Celorosa Buses, located in Coastal Mall Grand Terminal. Travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours going to Calatagan Public Market. Another option, is taking a van bound for Calatagan at the van terminal located beside MRT Taft Station and Kabayan Hotel in Pasay City. From the market, you can approach the tricycle drivers to bring you to Burot Beach. (TAKE NOTE: wag na wag nyong kakausapin ang tricycle huh, make sure driver kausapin nyo, kasi hindi sasagot yung tricycle, agree?). Travel time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to book a guide or tricycle drivers, PLEASE LIKE AND FOLLOW @TravellingCup on facebook and twitter; then send me a private message.

Here we are: Joel, Me (green), Kerwin, Pam (white,) Carlo and Joyce -->

NEED TO CONSIDER:

1. GPS related application (kung NGA-NGA kayo sa navigation, like us)

2. Toll Fee (for private vehicles)

3. Cook set and stove

4. Headlamp or flashlights (no electricity in the area)

5. Fully charged batteries or speakers (for entertainment purposes, but NOT TOO LOUD, especially at night)

6. LNT (Leave No Trace) – there’s area for your garbage, STOP leaving your waste anywhere. Kung kayo ay may mga panis na pagkain na pwedeng pag-pyestahan ng langgam; PLEASE wag ilagay kung saan-saan, lalong-lalo na sa spot na pinag-lalagyan ng mga tents. Courtesy to the next camper.

7. LTL (Let Them Live) – may mga water animals, like starfish, jellyfish, fish at kung anu-ano pang fish sa dagat. NEVER bring them off the water.

8. Sanitation – toilets and wash rooms are available in the area, but not too decent like what you can see at the hotels. Sa mga babae, AVOID/NEVER/HUWAG ninyong isabit o iwanan kung saan-saan ang sanitation napkin nyo! Ilagay sa tamang waste disposal!

9. Bring everything that you need! Wala pong grocery store sa lugar na ito. 

10. KUNG KAYO AY MAY BALAK HUMABOL SA SUN RISE, TAPOS MGA 3AM DATING NYO SA BEACH; IWASAN NYONG MAGLAGAY NG SPEAKERS SA MGA BUNGANGA NYO HUH. WALANG MASAMA MAGING MASAYA, PERO ISIPIN PO NATING MAY MGA TULOG SA PALIGID! Mahirap magrelax kapag may maingay sa tabi-tabi, AGREE? Isa pa, kung  kayo ay may bagong flash light na gusto nyong ipagmalaki sa mga kasama nyo, WAG NYONG ITUTOK sa mukha ng mga taong natutulog sa buhangin! Kalowka, nagising ako dahil akala ko premier night ng pilikula eh, daming flash of lights na tumatama sa mukha ko, siguro kung bala ng baril yun, barag-barag na mukha ko nun.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery | Laguna

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is considered as National Historical Landmark located in Nagcarlan, in the province of Laguna. It is a burial site which is 15 meters below a small chapel; a chapel which was designed for funeral masses in 1845 by Franciscan Priests lead by Fr. Vicente Velloc. If in other parts of the Philippines, their burial sites are hanging (Ifugao), in the cave (Palawan) and concrete crypt (in modern era.) This burial site is unique because of its architectural design and purpose.

The chapel and the underground graveyard gave a huge impact in history of the province and even the country. It was used as the secret meeting place of the Filipino revolutionary armies, Katipuneros and other members of the KKK. It was also served as the shelter of the Filipino patriots during the Filipino-American War and Filipino guerellas during World War II. 

Outside, the area is surrounded by an artistic fence made of concrete and iron works. Most parts of the fence are covered with bricks which make the structure looks older. In addition to that, crypts can also be seen in almost half of the fence, which got my attention. At the center, is an open area covered with a well-maintained green grass and santan on the side. The concrete pathway made of bricks is the only one that separates the two parts of the ground and connects the main gate to the entrance of the chapel.

The door of the chapel is tall, wide and thick made up of wood. The chapel doesn’t have anything that we always see in the church. On the right side of the chapel, you can find the stairs going down to the tomb chamber; the oldest tomb was dated 1886. The walls are thick and covered with brown bricks.  According to some details, the people buried to this historical landmark are those came from privileged Catholic families.

Today, the chapel and the graveyard are both no longer operational, but it is still open to the public. No entrance fees to be collected and TAKE NOTE: Please, switch off your camera flash at the graveyard area. Personally, I noticed that the area is well preserved by the locals; but one thing that captured my attention. I think NCCA should do something else to preserve the chapel and the graveyard; particularly the walls, door and floor. At the graveyard, it is really dark; I can suggest, management can place lamps or lights which cannot destroy the historical value of the relics, so that at least the tourists can still see how amazing the graveyard is.  You can also visit: Mt. Mabilog and Bunga Falls

Bunga Falls | Laguna

This was our side trip during our Mt. Mabilog Freedom Climb 2014. After the tiring adventure we had, we freshen up at Bunga Falls which is located in Nagcarlan, Laguna. Just within 30 minutes from the jump off.

The ambiance in the area was cool, it was not so crowded when we arrived. There were few cottages left, so we had options to select the best spot. While the others were busy preparing our lunch, some of us were at the pool. Watching the people jumping off the cliff of the water falls was exciting. Those guys on the photo -> are Iosif and Mon.

The area is surrounded by trees and gorgeous rock formations, thus it gives a refreshing and relaxing feeling. According to the residents, the deep of the pool is more than 20 feet, so for those people who are not into swimming, please lang wag na umarte at wag na magpasikat. There were accidents happened in the area.

the Panoramic Shot of Bunga Falls

 Bunga Twin Falls was named after Bunga (betel nut) which used to be grown and spread in the area. From the parking area, this is a 10-15 minutes trek down to the main attraction. The trail is very accessible, so you can capture a lot of photos in the area. For those brave individual, you can jump off the cliff of the water falls. We stayed here for more than three hours then proceeded to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. You can also visit these links: Mt. Mabilog and  Pandin Lake

Calle Crisologo | Vigan City

Calle Cristolo or Mena Crisologo  Street is name after Mena Pecson Crisologo who is the most respected sons of Ilocos.  He actually wrote Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa which is compared to Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere; he is also the author of Don Calixtofaro de la Kota Caballero de la Luna and Codigo Municipal.

According to some travellers I spoke to, this street is said to be one of the most beautiful in the Philippines.  This street is close to any type of motor vehicles, but some calesa operates is some parts of the streets.  At first, I smell something I can't recognized in the area, but when I saw the horses, I thought it was the reason of the smell.

The street itself is made up of cobblestone then lined with the heritage houses of the former Filipino-Chinese traders.  Majority of the houses have thick walls made of cement, brown and red bricks; the doors are wide made up of shiny and solid woods; the sliding windows are perfectly made from capiz shells designed with iron grills and wood.  The ceilings are created higher, maybe this is for ventilation purposes.

Today, some of the century-old houses were converted into commercial shops, museums, restaurants, cafe and hotels.  Each shops are selling antiques, woven products, bags, basi, chicharon, jewelry, woodcraft and many more.  In night time, the gorgeous light in different colors in each shops added an additional effects that registers in the camera.

Pandin Lake | Laguna

 

 

During our Freedom Climb 2014 on Mt. Mabilog

Another pride of southern tagalog region are the lakes located in the province of Laguna. One of these water systems are the seven crater lakes located in San Pablo, Laguna. Not only that, these seven lakes are considered as mystical and legendary because of the stories spread in the area and even in some Filipino mystical books. And finally, I was able to witness and experience how gorgeous Pandin Lake is.

The area is surrounded by a brilliant green because of the trees and plants. The lake looks like a mirror from afar because of its crystal clear waters.

According to the stories spread in the area, Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo were both named after two lovers. Pandin (the girl) was a beautiful woman who was cursed not to step on the ground, unless something terrible might happen to someone. Yambo (the guy) her lover, didn't know about this curse and had made Pandin to step on the ground. After which, a terrible noise followed by the cracking grumble of the earth and a heavy downpour eventually converted the area into twin lakes separated from each other by a bare strip of land. - story from wikipedia.org

Today, this area is one of the spots to visit in San Pablo, Laguna. This area is perfect for picnic and other nature tripping. Cottages on water rafts are available for rental. You can definitely bring your own food; buko, halo-halo and other refreshments, and accessories are also available at the store. Parking area and wash rooms are available. You can also visit these links: Bunga Twin Falls and Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

How To Get Here:

You can take a bus ride from Jam Liner (Kamias) going to Stop Light or 7-11 in San Pablo, Laguna. Walk few meters (ask the locals on what street to take) or you can ride a tricycle going to San Pablo Church. At the church, Jeepneys are available going to Lake Pandin.

Puerto Galera | At ang Kailaliman

Ang Puerto Galera ay nasa probinsya ng Oriental Mindoro, dalawang oras na byahe mula sa Batangas Port. Kapag usapang beach, ang Galera ay isa sa mga lugar sa Pilipinas na unang papasok sa isip ng karamihan, dahil sa natatago nitong ganda. Ang dalampasigan ay mayroong mapipinong puting buhangin, malamig at mala-kristal ang katubigan, presko ang hangin, at maraming activities na pwedeng gawin. Ito ang aming isturya. Our itinerary in English, click here: Buhay ni Meym

Matapos ang aming shifts sa opisina, dumeretso na kaming ilalim ng Ortigas flyover para sumakay ng bus patungong Batangas Port, ang byahe ay nasa dalawang oras. Noong nasa EDSA pa ang bus, tsikahan muna, pero nung mejo mabilis na ang takbo ng bus, napasarap na sila sa pag-upo at natulog. Nagising nalang  ulit sila sa Tambo Exit at doon ulit nagsimula ang ingay sa loob ng bus.

Bago dumating pyer, may isang lalaking umakyat ng bus at nag-tanong kung sa Puerto Galera ang tungo namin. Sagot din naman kami ng “Oo” kaya nag-offer sya ng ferry patungong Galera with discount. Pagdating namin ng pyer mas naguluhan kami dahil mas lalong dumami ang mga lalaking nag-ooffer para sa bangka, at nagbigay ng kung anu-anong discounts.

 

Halos mag-away-away na yung mga ahente ng ferry at pilit nag-aagawan na makuha kami. 14 kaming lahat kaya medyo malaki rin ang kanilang kikitain. Huling discount na binigay samin ay libre ang 2 heads. Since kaparehas din yun sa offer nung lalaki sa bus, dun na kami sa kanya. Akala namin okay na, pero hindi pa pala. Dinibdiban ng dalawang beses nung malaking lalaki yung lalaking nag-offer samin sa bus. Eh anliit kaya nung lalaking yun. Biglang uminit ang batok ko at na hyper sa pangyayaring yun na parang ipagtanggol ko si kuya. Pero ganun talaga ang kompetisyon sa mundong to - minsan masakit.

Matapos makabili ng ferry ticket for 500 pesos (balikan) at ng terminal ticket (30 pesos) dumeretso na kami sa loob ng terminal. Since wala pa kaming hotel na tutuluyan, naglibot-libot muna kami sa loob ng terminal at nakita namin ang pwesto nung mga babae na nag-ooffer naman ng hotel and activities sa Galera.  Buti nalang magaling tumawad si Mary at nakuha namin dalawang kuwarto sa halagang 4000 pesos. May dalawang king size beds each na kasya kaming 14, in different sizes pa kami nyan huh.

So, okay na lahat, kaya dumeretso at sumakay na kami sa ferry na nag-aantay sa labas ng pyer. Ang init ng sinag ng araw nung mga panahong iyon kaya nagmamadali kaming sumakay sa bangka. As usual, unang oras puro ingay at energy, pero sunod na oras puro tulog at pahinga. Kaya habang sila’y natutulog, kinukunan ko sila ng mga stolen shots, pan-dag-dag sa  collection ko. Nagising nalang sila noong mga panahong malakas na ang mga alon. Panu kasi halos lumipad na ang bangka sa lakas ng alon at nababasa pa kami sa loob.

 

Alas tres ng hapon nakarating kami ng Puerto Galera. Sobrang init parin kaya nagmamadali parin kaming tumungo sa malilim. Nagbayad kami ng 50 pesos na environmental. Naglakad kami ng nasa 100 metro patungong transient house namin. Pero ang daan ay nasa gilid ng mga shops at restaurants kaya naramdaman ko ang gutom. Pagkarating namin sa transient, lapag ng gamit at pili ng pwesto at kaunting pahinga bago pumunta sa palengke para mamili.

Matapos mamalengke, habang nag-papahinga ang iba, sinimulan na namin ang pag-luluto ng aming pang-dinner. May liempo, adobo, kamatis na may salted egg at marami pang iba. Tahimik lahat habang enjoy na enjoy sa pag-kain na aming pinaghirapan. Matapos ang mapawis na dinner, nagpahinga lang kami ng ilang minuto nag-tungo sa dalampasigan para mag-relax at mag-enjoy. 

Ilang metro lang ang layo namin sa mga shops at restaurants, kaya madali lang magpabalik-balik. Akala namin buhay na ang Galera sa umaga, pero mas nabuhay pa ito noong gabi na. Bawat restaurant ay may kani-kanilang pakulo. May mga sumayaw, kumanta, lip sing at kung anu-ano pa. Pero mas naging maliwanag ang gabi dahil sa mga nag-fire dance. At isa sa mga hindi ko makakalimutan ay yung baklang nag talent portion nanang mala-karnibal. Yung isang bakla nakahiga sa tatlong monoblock chairs tapos yung isa naman unti-unting tinanggal yung isa sa gitna at tumungtong yung isa sa abdomen nung nakahiga. Dun ko narealize na pwede pala s’yang substitute sa masisirang tulay kapag may bagyo.

Noong makaramdaman na kami ng antok bumalik na ang ilan samin sa transient. Bumalik sila ulit pero nagpaiwan na ako at natulog. Doon natapos ang kwento ko sa araw na iyon.

Pagkagising, agad kaming nag-handa ng breafast, habang nag-kakape at habang malalim pa ang tulog nung iba naming pabebeng friends. Medyo marami rin kaming niluto kasi isinabay na namin yung pang lunch na babaunin namin sa island hopping. Nagsimula narin kaming magligpit ng iba naming mga kagamitan para ready na pagbalik.

Mula sa transient house, sumakay kaming tricycle patungong pyer ng puerto galera para sa island hopping. Nasa 15-20 minutes ang byahe. Hindi ito ang port na daungan ng mga public ferries, ang port na ito’y para lang sa mga bangka at yacht na for private use.

Pagkababa ng tricycle, nagprocess lang kami ng terminal fee at nagpalista at nagsimula sa photo shoot sa bawat kanto, kahit medyo mainit ang panahon. Pagkarating nung dalawang bangka, agad kaming sumakay. Nahati kami sa dalawang grupo pero hindi parin kami mapipigilan para maging maligaya.

Ilang minuto din kaming nakasakay sa bangka patungo sa isang spot na kung saan magsisimula ang aming adventure. Nung marating na namin ang lugar na iyun, lumipat kami sa mga maliliit na banka na de motor, mga tigdadalawang tao kada bangka. At nagbyahe ulit kami sa unang destinasyon - ang kuweba. Sa lugar na yun kumain kami ng hilaw na edible sea urchin at naglibot-libot sa maliit na kweba.

Sumunod naman ay ang snorkeling. Dinala kami nung bangkero sa iba’t ibang lugar na may napakagandang marine sanctuary. Iba’t-ibang spot ang aming napuntahan, iba’t-ibang temperature ng tubig ang aking naramdaman habang lumalangoy ng naka-hubad. Akala ko okay na ako sa underwater, subalit hindi parin pala. Natatakot parin akong pumunta sa malalim na parte ng tubig dahil feeling ko may monster na tutuklaw sakin habang nasa ilalim, kaya wala akong ginawa kundi kumuha ng mga underwater shoots gamit ang aking Olympus Tough Digital Camera, tapos angat ulit sa surface ng tubig. Maraming pag-kakataon din na nasa katig ako ng bangka nakasabit at nagfefeeling sirena habang umaandar ang bangka.

Nakakagutom din pala ang paglalangoy kaya dinala na kami ng aming bangkero sa isang spot na may white sand beach at doon kami nag-kita-kita para sa aming lunch. Since hindi lahat sumama sa snorkeling, sila na ang nag-prepare ng aming lunch at pagdating namin, ready na lahat. Naparami ang kain namin nung mga panahong iyon, buti nalang maraming kanin at ulam. Pagkatapos ng lunch, dinala ulit kami sa isa pang spot na may white sand beach (photo above). Ilang oras lang kaming nag-stay sa lugar na iyon at nilisan din namin ito.

Makarating sa hotel, iniwan lang namin ang mga gamit namin at dumeretso sa shops sa malapit para bumili ng mga souvenirs. Tapos balik agad, banlaw at handa pabalik ng Maynila. Muntikan pa kaming maiwanan ng ferry dahil kaunti nalang at late na kami sa departure time namin. Buti nalang napuno na yung ferry na dapat sasakyan namin, kaya inilipat nalang kami sa iba ferry na hindi masyadong siksikan - mas napangada pa ang buhay namin. Dalawang oras na byahe patungong Batangas Port at sumakay ng bus pabalik ng Maynia.

Expenses | We’re 14 people | Ferry: 500 pesos per head (back and forth) | Accommodation and Island hopping: 4000 pesos (two rooms with 2 king size beds each, good for 14 pax) | Environmental Fee: 50 Peos | Foods and supplies | Snorkeling (300 pesos per head).

Bangui Windmills | Pride of Ilocos

This was our third destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

After the relaxing visit in Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, we drove more than an hour for our next destination.  This time, we took the highway going to Bangui, Ilocos Norte; so the simple driving skills are necessary.

Along the highway are the modern and artistic houses but some are antiques. The human size windmills can also be found on the side of the highway that adds beauty and art.  The highway is totally different compared to the highway of Metro Manila in terms of traffic.

When the driver stopped on the parking space, there were a lot of vehicles, so we were not the first one to visit the place.  When the door of the van was opened, I easily felt the hot temperature, but the wind coming from the ocean was cold.

Bangui Wind Farm is the place that converts wind energy into electrical energy which is situated in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.  This wind farm has 20 units of 70-meter high wind turbines, stretching along 9 kilometers shoreline of Bangui and is facing the South China Sea.  Each of the turbines are 326 meters apart from each other.

On the shoreline of Bangui, where the turbines are located, you can see the view of the hills and ranges nearby.  The coastline actually has a gray sand and clear waters.  The souvenir shops were built few meters from the shoreline.  There were key chains, basi, t-shirts and other items sold in every shops.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

This was our first destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos Lighthouse) is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.  It is a cultural heritage that was erected during the Spanish era in the Philippines.  It's a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill with an overlooking scene of Cape Bojeador.

The lighthouse was first designed by Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 and finished by the Lighthouse Service under Guillermo Brockman.  The lighthouse is made up of bricks, the tower is topped with a bronze cupola then the gallery is surrounded by iron grills in different formations.  This site was first lit on March 30, 1892,  but as of right now, it is more than a century years old yet it is still working and still serving as a guide to every ship that enters the Philippines.

If you will check the photos below, the whole structure of this lighthouse is covered with rust-like color that makes the structure old-looking.  The stairs going up to the main entrance of the lighthouse somehow have damages, maybe because of its age.  At the side and rear part of the lighthouse is a cliff with trees that covers the area from strong wind and other possibilities like the thieves.  For more info and photos of each destination, just click the phrases written in yellow.

There are two gates entering the structure; one from the entrance and one on the right side.  There is an open space upon entering the main building.  Two stair cases can also be found beside the open space.  That stair case connects the main building to the tower.  The history of this heritage site can be found in the entrance area and engraved on an iron plates.

Old Churches in the Philippines

These two churches are included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1500s was the year which Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Central Philippines. Rajah Humabon, his wife and his soldiers were the first Filipino who accepted the Christianity in the country. After that, Christianity spread in the country.

In general, majority of the old churches that we can see today are not the original structures the time they were established. Old structures of these were made up of bamboo, nipa, wood and other local materials. Those structures were destroy by natural occurrences such as fire, earthquake and war.

By the way, I am not a catholic and I am not featuring these churches for their beliefs and what not. I really love history, and most historical and heritage sites in the Philippines are the churches. Because of its Holiness, some of the conquerors didn't destroy it. Churches served as the headquarters, hospitals and a fortress against the Spanish and Japanese troops during their respective invasion. Here are some of the churches I visited, ages from 100 years and above (Date from the year they were established and not necessarily the dates they were erected)

List from the Oldest:

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino (Cebu City) - 1565 
San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila) - 1571
Manila Cathedral (Intramuros, Manila) - 1571
Tigbauan Church (Tigbauan, Ilo-Ilo) - 1575-1580
Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion Parish (Bulakan, Bulacan) - 1578
Plaridel Church (Plaridel, Bulacan) - 1580
Basilica Minore de ImmaculadaConcepcion (Malolos City, Bulacan) - 1580-1591
Binondo Church (Binondo, Manila) - 1587
Quiapo Church (Quiapo, Manila) - 1588
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral (Cebu City) - 1595
Guadalupe Church (Makati City) - 1601 
Sta. Cruz Church (Sta. Cruz, Manila) - 1608
San Sebastian Church (Manila) - 1621
Barasoain Church (Malolos City, Bulacan) - 1630
San Ildefonso Church (San Ildefoso, Bulacan) - 1691
Paoay Church (Paoay, Ilocos Norte) - 1700s
Malate Church (Malate, Manila) - 1700s 
Sta. Ana Church (Sta. Ana, Manila) - 1720
Guimbal Church (Guimbal, Ilo-Ilo) - 1769-1774
Baliuag Church (Baliuag, Bulacan) - 1769-1774
San Diego Church (Silay, Negros Occidental) -1776
Miag-ao Church (Miag-ao, Ilo-Ilo) - 1787
St. Joseph Parish Church (Las Pinas City) - 1797-1819
Camiling Parish Church (Camiling, Tarlac) - 1800

Molo Church (Molo, Ilo-Ilo) - 1869

Jaro Church (Jaro District, Ilo-Ilo) - 1874

Cruz na Daan Church (San Rafael, Bulacan) - no information found