Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2020
Ilagan Japanese Tunnel
Callao Cave
Palaui Island
Palaui Island is one of the virgin islands situated in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan province. It became prominent because it was the location where the two seasons of Survivor, a hit US TV reality show, was held. Palaui is a small island but has a lot to offer such as the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse, artistic rock formation of Dos Hermanas Island, fine white sand of Mabolbol Shore and the flora and fauna along Siwangag and Lagunzad trails. Of course, the serenity and the breathtaking beauty is well preserved - less visitor due to its topographical location.
Surfing and the stunning sunset in La Union.
Screen Cap on Aringay, La union website.
This event wasn't planned thoroughly, we talked about it in just a week time. Yung tipong naisipan lang, kaya ito, hindi man lang ako nakapagresearch, wala tuloy akong maishare na inyong kakaiba, maski history nga-ngers muna tayo huh, sa susunod babawi ako, pure history tayo sa susunod. Pero sa ngayon, ito lang pwede kong maishare sa inyo, medyo pribado kasi tong ginawa naming ito. Burned out and stressed out kami
masyado sa karerang pinili namin, hindi ko alam kung bakit, kaya ito kailangang
aliwin namin ang mga sarili namin.
A lot of the attendees came from
their shifts. So from 5AM, which was their log out time, they waited us
up until 7AM somewhere in Cainta. Instead of commute, we prefer bringing
vehicles to save time and money. Kaya medyo limited yung information kong
maishare sa inyo in this journey, especially with regards to the itinerary and
budget. When the head counts were completed,
we left the meeting place passed 7:30AM.
Photo above by Lhany
Yosi break, nakalimutan ko kung san to, basta bago mag TPLex yan, dun sa gasoline station.
Syempre, likas na sa team namin ang
pagiging balahura, bastos, maingay at kung anu-ano pang masasamang katangi-an;
at yun ang nagpapaligaya sa aming lahat. Habang nasa sasakyan, nandyan ang
tawanan, biruan, Alaskahan – kaya nga tinatawag kaming “Alaska Boy, Girl, Bakla
at Tomboy” complete set up namin diba?
Word for the day:
"Pagkatapos ng Agoo, Aringay na!" "Pagkatapos ng Agoo, Aringay na!" may
napansin ba kayo?? Paulit-ulit diba? hahaha. Buong araw akong pinaligaya
nyang statement na yan. Anu ba yan, wala na akong masabi. Okay! Travel time: more than 5 hours. Expenses: Diesel/Gas and the snacks.
Basilica of Our Lady of Charity - Agoo, La Union
While in the car, I easily recognized an old bell tower. It captured my heart and soul, because I truly love old churches, even I am not a Catholic by faith. According to wikipedia.org, this church as founded and completed 1578, by Franciscan friars Fray John Baptist Lucarelli and Fray Sebastian de San Francisco. The original church was destroyed by the 1892 earthquake and repaired in 1893. The present church was designed by Architect Ignacio Palma Bautista.
After the long highway journey, we finally arrived in Aringay, La Union. Took a short break and proceeded to the river at the back of the house. Bonga! The sun was really hot but the wind was cool and fresh in that area, so relaxing, so refreshing and of course, so relaxing. hahaha. paulit-ulit nanaman ako. After that relaxing moment, time for our sumptuous lunch.
We chartered 3 tricycles going to ---- Resort. Travel Time: 15-20 mins. Trike Fare: 100 pesos. After getting off the trike, proceeded to the concierge and processed the entrance fee and cottage rental, while the others were preparing their swimming attire. Habang kami'y palakad-lakad, hindi ko talaga maiwasang sumilip sa swimming pool na kalapit lang nang reception area, tapos andaming naliligo. hahaha
Photo above: taken at Paradiso Resort
As expected, the waves in this part of Northern Philippines is suitable for surfing. But still, who can stop those people who wants to enjoy the gorgeous sunset by the beach, right? Walang paki-alamanan kung nagmukha silang mga dugong na nagtatampisaw sa nagtataasang mga alon. Makita ko lang na masaya sila, masaya narin ako, napaka-motherly figure ako no? Sana lang wag nilang mabasa yung dugong, dahil kung nagkataon -> patay tayo dyan -> eh ganun talaga.
Photo above: taken at Paradiso Resort
Galing ng camera ko dito sa shot na to, ganda ng sunset! Mga hapon ko na nakuha ang shot na yan, kaya nga "sunset," magsunset tayo minsan sa umaga, para naman maiba. I love the shadows of the nipa hut, I love the orangey ambiance, I love the fresh air -> ramdam nyo ba sa picture na to yung fresh air na sinasabi ko?
(On the Right) Photo Courtesy: Teban. When we felt that the breeze was cold, it's survivor mode. The boys
picked dried woods, leaves and others; pero nung mga panahong
nag-papaapoy na sila, medyo nahirapan sila. May pabuhos-buhos pa ng alak, kasi daw alcohol, hahaha, hindi naman gumana, next time makinig kasi sa chemistry teacher. Kasi aapoy lang yan because of the vapors coming from the brandy and since brandy contains water, nabasa lang yung dried leaves. Paglapit ko dun sa may sinisigaan, konting arte-arte lang, tapos ayun, umapoy na. hahaha. Yung ang nagpapatunay na I am really HOT.
Photo Above: by Lhany. Nung medyo madilim na, naghanda kami ng isang maliit na salo-salo ng
kwentuhan habang may #boomfire. Walang pagkain, hanggang kwento nalang
at tawanan ang kaya namin ihanda, at kahit papano, nabusog naman kami,
sumakit pa nga tyan ko nung time na yun eh, kasi napuno ng hangin.
Sadyang nakakamiss ang mga ganitong eksena sa buhay ko. First time kong
sumama sa isang ganitong event kasama ang mga bagong katrabaho na wala
pang dalawang buwan ko palang nakakasama. Iba talaga wave natin mga mam
and sir no?
May mga horror topics, open forum, true or there at kung anu-ano pang aktibidades ang aming pinaggagawa habang nakatingin sa liwanag ng buwan. The wind was cool and so refreshing; it was a relaxing night that I ever experienced "by the beach." At around 8PM, we left the beach and went back to the private residence we stayed. Tidy Up. Then dinner time. The next part was the socials. Kwentuhan, tawanan, video streaming, kantahan, emote at kung anu-ano pa. At ako po ay . . . ayun . . . nagawa ko ang aking pangarap -> kung anu yun?? Sekreto! Kinaumagahan, ayun medyo umiikot ang mundo ko. Hindi nakapag-breakfast, hindi nakapag-lunch dahil sa kakaibang pakiramdam. Pabalik na nang Maynila, sa may TPLex bumalik ang tunay na pagkatao ko. Ang dahilan? Mga riders . . . Ang ibang impormasyon ay pribado, kaya medyo kulang ang diary ko. Till next time.
If you have business establishments like resorts, bars, stores and others in La Union; wants to be included in this post to reach more customers, please send an email here: mytravellingcup@gmail.com
Sunday, April 5, 2020
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
After the amazing experience at the century old Burgos Lighthouse, it's time for an amazing rock formation that mother earth created for us. From the lighthouse to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, was an hour.
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LIST OF ALL PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
The road is on a mountainous area of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, so we were able to see the shapes and curves of the mountains. Goats, cows and horses can be found along the road or even in the middle of the road, so the driver must be aware of it.
After getting off the van, the sea breeze was cold and fresh. The sound of the waves hitting the boulders, by the shore were strong. The waves in this area are like the waves in aurora, perfect for surfing. We walked on a cemented pathway then passed through an arch made up of the live branches of the plants on each side of the pathway. There are comfort rooms and trash bins in some areas. Horse back riding is also one of the must try.
Paoay Sand Dunes
After the century old Paoay Church, it's time for an amazing and extreme adventure in Paoay Sand Dunes. By the way, a friend of mine, who is now working in middle east, I thought, Sand Dunes can only be found in the dessert countries around the world, but it's not!
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LIST OF ALL PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
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LIST OF ALL PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Here in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, we have the same feature and adventure that the dessert safari have. Also, this place is always part of the Filipino movies, like the dessert scenes. Paoay Sand Dunes has extreme activities like 4 x 4 Ride, sand boarding and All Terrain Vehicle.
The strong wind is the one that creates the dunes and the wavy-like formation on the ground. The grayish sand of Ilocos is really fine and since it's light in weight, the wind can easily carry the sand everywhere. From afar, I saw an oasis (I think) near the shoreline. With trees and small lake (look at the picture above.)
After the sunny adventure, we got sweat and sticky skin, so time to go back in our van while the rest were still enjoying the wind and the sand. Our foot prints on the sand easily disappeared because the wind moves the grains of the sand fast. After that tiring activities plus our stomach were all starving, we decided to leave the site and proceeded to our next destination which is Vigan City for their Empanada.
Pinsal Falls
This was our tenth destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.After getting off the bed, took a bath and then the delicious breakfast, time for an escapade with nature. But before going to this gorgeous water fall, we first visited the 40-meter tunnel, Tangadan Tunnel which serves as the boundary between Ilocos Sur and the province of Abra.
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Then, while on the way to the water falls, we passed on the road beside the shore near Grotto. We also bought basi and other local products along the way. While inside the van, I saw how the farmers of this province cultures tobacco for their livelihood.
After two hours travel, we finally reached Pinsal Falls which is located in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. It is believed that this water falls in the largest in the province. The 85-foot water falls has its unique beauty that captured the eyes of some film directors and producers, like the movies of Fernando Poe Jr., they were filmed here. As the water fell into the ground, because of the current, it creates an artistic formation on the rocks. Since it was summer when we went here, the water was less than compared to regular season.
The sun was really but but the cold water was refreshing. Since it's summer time, the water that fell into the ground is just one fourth of it's total water content every normal day. Every summer, the management are building cottages that everyone can rent for low price.
We spent more than two hours in this water falls, but as the time goes by and we were feeling that the sun was getting hotter and hotter. So we left the falls and drove back to Narvacan - it's just thirty minutes drive. When we reached the house, our lunch were all ready. Our trip to Ilocos was really amazing - it's the craziest road travel I ever had so far.
Marcos Ancestral House
Since we were all clean and fresh, time to for a heritage site that was used by a powerful family of Ilocos and even the whole Philippines. We traveled more than two hours from Blue Lagoon going to this must-visit site of the province. The highway wasn't that crowded because that day was Sunday.
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We parked the van just beside the highway near the ancestral house. Parking space was for free. After getting off the van, we stretched our muscles and bought cold soda and water. It was Sunday, so the ancestral was filled with tourists and locals trying to see what's inside the house.
We paid 50 pesos per head and proceeded to the main lobby. First thing that captured my eyes was: on the right side of the ground floor, the old wooden stair case can be found, covered with red carpet. On the left side, the presidential table, with three arm chairs. Then, the management provided mono-block chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Then, the whole second floor is divided into different panels, please see the photos below.
Another part of the house which I can't forget are plate numbers attached to the vertical column. Each plates has a number 8 on it, which is the license plate number for Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1959.
Adjacent to the mansion is the mausoleum (if you will check on the first photo on the upper left side of this post - that's' the way going to the entrance of the mausoleum.) This mausoleum is the dwelling place of the remains of the late President Marcos. Cameras can be brought inside the mausoleum, BUT picture taking is not allowed. Inside the mausoleum has a pure black walls and ceiling. The remains of the president is inside the glass casket (I don't know if it's refrigerated or not) and the white flowers were properly arranged in a rectangular position. I am not so sure about this, but I think the floor is made up of stone-like ceramics forming a mosaic on the ground - this is where the tourists walk. The mausoleum closes at 4PM.
Paoay Church
Century old churches are always part of my post here and I've been to different places just to discover them. Paoay Church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. If we have Barasoain Church in Bulacan, we also have Paoay Church in Ilocos.
The structure of this church is made up of baked bricks, coral rocks, tree sap and solid lumber. The 24 buttresses were also placed on each side of the church for support and those are the reason why it is still standing after the quakes in 17th century up to this generation.
Here's part of the history: the Parish founded by Augustinian missionaries, 1593. Cornerstone of church laid, 1704; of convent, 1707; or tower, 1793. Used before completion and kept in repair by the people under the joint Auspices of the Church and the town officials. Inauguration ceremonies, 28 February 1896.
Its bell tower was separated to the structure of the main building, so if in case that there will be a destructive earthquake and the main building will collapse, the bell tower will still stand. This tower was used as the observation post by the Katipuneros in 1896 during the Philippine revolution. The bell tower also served as a status symbol for the residents. The bell would ring loudly and faster during the wedding of a prominent people which is contrary for the poor.
On the left side of the church is the St. Agustine Garden where you you can find different flowers forming a beautiful landscape designed with fountain on the side. From this area, if you're facing the left side of the church, it's like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur Temple of Java in front view.
Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud
The Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud is located on the northern tip of Luzon island. It is a fourth class municipality and a coastal town of Ilocos Norte province. It is said to be the resort town of the province. If we have Boracay Island in Aklan, which is famous because of its fine, white and crystal clear waters, and also one the best beaches in the world; Pagudpud is considered the Boracay of the north because of the same feature. When our van entered the coastal area of Pagudpud, we paid 15 pesos per head and then drove going to Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach.)
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Blue Lagoon is a like a half-circle body of water on the coastal area of Pagudpud. The shoreline have fine, white sand and surrounded by trees, plants and some private cottages. The clear water in the lagoon have dark blue color, that's the reason why it's called blue lagoon. It is also the home of the longest zip-line in the Philippines.
We rented a cottage for only 300 pesos, then we ordered a squid adobo. The parking areas are for free (in some part.) The area doesn't have cellphone signal. Stores can be found along the uncemented road and the comfort rooms, wash rooms and bath rooms can be accessed anytime.
Apo Whang Od | The Legendary Living Treasure
October 29, 2014 – habang nag-lilibot sa Philippine National Museum, isang parte ng exhibit ang tumatak sa isipan ko. Litrato ni Whang Od, locals pronounced it as Fang Od (right) ang nasa exhibit ang aking nakita na hindi ko basta-bastang nakalimutan. Napanood ko na ang buhay niya sa isang dokumentaryo sa tv, pero ilang minuto parin akong nag-stay sa harapan ng larawang iyan at nag-basa-basa ng mga nakasulat. Matapos iyon, ilang beses ko rin siyang napanaginipan. Sabi ko sa sarili ko: “Magtatagpo din kaming dalawa!” At ito na ang araw na iyon.
Alas nuwebe ng gabi, nakipag-kita ako sa isang grupong tutulak pa Buscalan, Kalinga. Ang grupong ito nahahati sa iba’t-ibang grupo na iisa lang ang hangarin – ang makita at matatakan ng isang 98 years old, Legendary Living Treasure na si Apo Whang Od.
10:15 PM, nilisan namin ang Trinoma Mall, sa Quezon City at tumulak pa Norte. Kaunting kwentuhan sa mga bagong kasamang sa sasakyan, kaunti lang talaga, kasi naniniwala akong kapag may dumarating sa mga buhay natin, may na-mama-alam din, kaya mahiyain lang ang peg ko sa mga panahong iyon. Dahil alas tres ng umaga akong nagising sa araw na iyon, para sa trabaho, nakakatulog ako ng paunti-unti habang nasa byahe.
1:50 AM, nagising nalang ako sa stop over ng Cordon, Isabela. Ilang minutong lakad-lakad para maayos ang blood circulation sa katawan ko dahil sa matagal na nakaupo. Cool ang ambiance sa Cordon, na medyo humid ang temperature ng mga panahong iyon. Available din ang banyo sa lugar na ito. Matapos ang break, mahabang byahe ulit ang aming tinahak.
6:30 AM, narating na namin ang Welcome to Banaue, patunay na papasok na kami sa magandang lugar ng Banaue, isa sa mga lugar na matagal ko nang pinag-papantasyahan. Ilang minuto din kaming nag-stay sa lugar na ito at kumuha ng mga larawan. Sa pag-kakataong ito, nagsisimula nang sumikat ang araw. Bago pang dumami ang mga torista, napag-pasyahan na naming dumeretso sa Banaue Rice Terraces.
7:21 AM, narating na namin ang sikat at pride ng Pilipinas, ang Banaue Rice Terraces. Sa isang restaurant sa lugar na ito kami nag-breakfast. Medyo ginto lang talaga ang presyo ng mga pagkain. Sa halagang 135 pesos, nakapag-order ako ng hot-si-log. Parang medyo mataas diba? Kaya kapag may balak kayo pumunta sa lugar na ito, kailangan ninyong paghandaan ng very light. Pero sa labas ng restaurant, makikita ninyo ang napakagandang lugar (photo above). Matapos kumain at kumuha ng maraming litrato, dumeretso na kami patungo sa destinasyon.
8:16 AM, narating namin ang Bontoc, Moutain Province. Ito ang unang pagkakataong narating ko ang lugar na ito; matapos mapanood ang dokumentaryong “Walang Rape sa Bontoc” naging interesado na ako sa lugar na ito. Ang lugar ay napakaganda, presko ang hangin, at napaliligiran ng mga palayan. Matapos mamili ng mga kakailanganin, nagpatuloy na kami sa aming mahabang byahe sa kalsadang bumabaybay sa kabundukan ng Mt. Province. Malinis at kongkreto ang mga kalsada, subalit liko-liko ito at may malalim na bangin sa gilid.
11:27 AM na namin narating ang Brgy. Bugnay. Dahil kasalukuyang sinesemento ang kahabaan ng kalsada at isang tulay, hanggang sa jump off (zip line area). Dito na maiiwan ang aming sasakyan at magsisimula ang aming pag-lalakad hanggang sa Buscalan, ang village ni Apo Whang Od. Sa pag-kakataong ito, may option parin kaming mag-lakad or sumakay ng motor, syempre lakad ang pinili ko, sayang ang 50 pesos na pamasahe eh. Tulo pawis din ito.
12:14 PM, narating ko ang Buscalan zip line area. Ito na ang totoong simula ng trekking. Bali napag-kwentuhan namin ni Kuya Freddie (ang aming poging guide) na ang zipline na ito ay ginamit upang mas mapabilis ang pag-transport hindi ng mga tao, for security purposes, kundi ng mga pag-kain at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga residente sa kabilang ibayo.
Ang sunod na parte ay ang pinakamahirap. Mula sa may zip line, nag-lalakad kami sa terrain na nasa gilid ng kabundukan at bangin, pero ang trail ay sementado at malinis. Ang buong lugar ay napaka-presko at nakaka-relax sa paningin. Kahit mainit at tirik na tirik ang araw, may kalamigan parin ang hangin habang paakyat ng village. Ang litrato ay ang malayuang kuha sa Butbut tribe village.
Ang pathway ay hanggang malapit sa water falls natatabunan ng mga mayayabong na mga halaman, kaya hindi ko masyadong naramdaman ang init. Subalit, matapos ang water falls, isang mainit at assault na pathway ang aming tinahak. Siguro, dahil palagi akong nasa kabundukan, inisip kong: “simple lang ito, kayang kaya, but I was wrong, nahirapan ako, as in mahirap.” At masakit sa binti, dahil sa ilang steps na stairs. Dahil green ang nakikita ko sa paligid, na-inspire ako at isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito, Green is for Go!!! Oh diba, nai-connect ko? Parang MMDA lang.
1:30 PM, narating na namin ang bahay na aming tutuluyan, ang bahay ni Kuya Freddie (photo above). Ang bahay ng pamilya ni Kuya Freddie ay nakatirik sa gilid ng mga palayan na mala Banaue Rice terraces din. Pagkarating namin, agad nag-handa agad ang asawa ni Kuya Freddie ng isang mainit na kapeng barako, simbolo ng mainit nilang pag-tanggap sa amin sa kanilang sambahayan.
3:00 PM, dumalaw muna kami kay Apo Whang Od habang siya ay nag-tattatoo sa isang bisita, na nasa ikalawang araw nang nasa tattoo session. Sa iisang lugar, naroon din si Grace at nag-tattatoo din, kahit na medyo masama ang pakiramdam. Si Elyang naman, kasalukuyang nasa paaralan sa ibaba.
Dahil marami pang detalye na itatattoo si Whang Od at hindi na kakayanin ang grupo namin dahil mag-gagabi na, bumalik nalang kami sa bahay ni Kuya Freddie at naglibot-libot sa palayan. Habang kinakain ng dilim ang liwanag sa paligid, nag-sisimula narin ang pag-ihip ng malamig na hangin.
4:46 AM, ako ay nagising dahil sa tawag ng kalikasan. Pag-bukas ko ng pintuan, na nakaharap sa palayan, ramdam ko agad ang malakas at malamig na hangin, habang maliwanag buwan. Hindi ako agad bumalik sa higaan, naupo muna ako sa isang putol na puno ng kahoy, na ginawang upuan sa gilid ng pintuan. Ilang minuto din akong nag-emote, habang nakabantay sa gilid ko ang mabait na aso, bago bumalik sa higaan.
Nang magliwanag na at nagising na ang iba, tuluyan narin akong bumangon at nagtungo sa palayan, para masasihan ang bukang liwayway. Amoy na amoy ko ang malinis at preskong hangin sa paligid. Naghanda rin ang asawa ni Kuya Freddie ng isang mainit na kapeng barako, perfecto para sa malamig na umaga.
Habang nag-kakape, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makausap ang mga lokal tungkol sa mga bagay-bagay sa kanilang tribu. Pati love-life ni kuya Freddie, nausisa ko narin. Na-kwentu nya nga sakin, na ang bahay nila ay nasa sampung taon palang, pero ang kahoy na ding-ding ng bahay nila ay dati pang ding-ding sa lumang bahay ng pamilya ng kanyang asawa. Si Kuya Freddie ay nag-mula sa tribu ng Dananao, habang ang kanyang asawa naman ay mula sa tribu ng Butbut. Habang nag-kukwentuhan, napansin ko ang dahong nginunguya ng karamihan sa kalalakihan, na parang nga-nga. Ito ay tinatawag nilang dahon ng Gawid.
Habang nag-hahanda ng aming agahan, naglibot-libot muna kami sa village upang mas-makilala pa ang mga magigiliw na residente sa village. Tapos, dumeretso na kami at nag-hintay kay Apo Whang Od, malapit sa paaralan. At dumating na nga ang tamang panahon - ang matattoo-an ang aming grupo. Hindi ako ang nauna, kaya medyo may kaba akong naramdaman sa panahon iyon. Subalit mas namutawi ang excitement. At syempre ang aking pag-kakataon, photos below:
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| Si Apo Whang Od habang iginuguhit ang disenyo sa aking balat |
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| Whang Od at ang kanyang unang 'hampas' |
Ang unang hampas ni Whang Od sa stick na ginagamit nya sa 'pambabatok' ay masakit, mas masakit pa nga raw ito sa pag-tattoo gamit ang machines. Hindi ko makalimutan yung eksenang nagtanong ako ng: "madugo ba ako?" Sabi ni Dom: "sakto lang, hindi naman masyado." Biglang hampas ni Apo sa stick, at ibang sakit ang naramdaman ko. Tapos, sabi ni Dom: "Ayan tumulo na ang dugo." Natawa lang ako, sabi ko: "actually ramdam kong tutulo ang dugo dahil sa lakas nang pag-pitik nya sa stick." Hampas na parang pitik (parang needle ng makinang panahi) ang gamit ni Apo para maibaon ang kulay sa balat ng tatatuan. Ang kulay na ito ay mula sa powdered charcoal at tubig.
Mas masakit pa ang iwanan ka ng taong mahal mo - hugot
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| Selfie muna kay Apo, kunwari walang nararamdaman |
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| Malapit nang matapos ang mga detalye, tulo dugo parin |
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Macro shot para kita ang marka ni Apo (click image to enlarge) Ang design na aking napili ay nangangahulugan ng success and prosperity. Ilang araw na kasi at Chinese New Year na. Kinunan ang picture na ito bago pa ilagay ni Apo ang kanilang signature. |
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| Picture after the tattoo session |
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| Ang tinik na ginamit para maibaon ang tinta |
Habang nagpapa-tattoo, marami rin kaming naka-usap na iba’t-ibang taong gusto ring ma-tattoo-an. Katulad nalang ng dalawang banyaga na nag-mula sa Canada. Wala sa itinerary nila ang bumisita kay Apo, subalit na enganyo sila ng dalawang Maltese na kanilang nakilala sa Banaue. Nag-kagulo kami bigla dahil ang isa sa kanila ay nanginig. Napag-alaman namin na may fear of heights pala sya. Matapos matattoo-an lahat, bumalik na kami sa bahay, kumain ng agahan at naghanda na pababa.
1 PM, napagdesisyunan na namin ang pag-baba. Pero bago pa naming tuluyang lisanin ang magandang lugar ng Buscalan, as a courtesy, ipinamigay na namin ang mga posporo para sa mga matatanda at candies naman sa mga bata. Agad kong napansin ang mga hindi mapantayang mga ngiti ng mga residente.
Ang pababa ay hindi na kasing hirap nang pababa, kaya mas-nag-enjoy kami sa magandang kapaligiran. Marami rin kaming mga nakasalubong na mga turista na pa-akyat palang. Kaya hindi ko sigurado kung matatattoo-an sila sa loob ng dalawang araw. Habang pababa, nabanggit din ng isa naming guide na maganda daw ang gising ni Apo sa araw na iyon, kaya pala parang iba ang aura nya sa araw na iyon kesa noong una ko syang nakita.
3:00 PM, narating ko ang lugar na kung saan naka-park ang aming van. Ilang minuto kaming nag-pahinga sa loob ng sasakyan habang nag-hihintay ng ibang participants. Kanya-kanya kaming palit ng aming pinag-pawisang mga damit. Kahit papaano, mas madali nalang ang pababang parte, kesa mainit na pa-angat.
4:11 PM, nakarating kami sa Bontoc. Kumain muna kami ng medyo late, pero masarap na tanghalian, sa halagang 120 pesos. Sa meal nayan, mayroon ng brown rice, side dish, pork chop at breaded chicken.
5:20 PM, nilisan namin ang Bontoc at 8:20 PM, narating namin ang Highest Point. Naka-usap ko an gaming driver sa lugar na iyon, sabi nya ito daw ang parteng makikita ang Mt. Pulag sa background, kaso ginabi na kami, kaya wala kaming naabutan, kundi malamig na simoy ng hangin.
10 PM, nasa Baguio City na kami at nag-painit ng tiyan sa Good Taste. Mga isang oras din kaming nakapag-pahinga sa kainang iyon, bago tumulak pababang Maynila. 2:30 AM, sa wakas, narating na namin ang Kamaynilaan. 3:50 AM, nakarating na ako ng bahay at natulog dahil sa sobrang pagod.
Isang successful ang aming Kalinga Adventure. Masaya akong may panibagong mga taong nakilala at nakasama. Nag-papasalamat ako sa GalaPh at sa aming dalawang guide, na sinigurado ang aming kaligtasan, paakyat at pababa ng village.
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