Batad Rice Terraces

Being the "Impulsive Traveler" of the group, let me share one of our "impulsive" trip of the year.

Batad Rice Terraces.

It's actually a long drive from Manila. Almost 8 hours of trip (including the time that we had a wrong turn and went to Isabella), ten thousand zig-zags and millions of trees. All in all, our butt hurts and our car had and additional more or less 1K in our mileage.

From Banaue, you should see signs going to Batad. It was raining when we went there and we didn't know that the road going to the Saddle Point is actually a very VERY rough road, and SUPER muddy. So, for the other travellers, I SUGGEST to not bring your car and leave it at the Banaue Tourism Office or better yet to leave it to a nearest restaurant at Banaue and rent a tricycle (300php per tricycle 4max) or jeepney (depends on the driver, we talked to one of them it's like 1800-2000php per jeep).

Arriving at the Saddle Point, it's actually a 1-2 hours of walking going to the Batad Proper (the city in the middle of the picture above). The view during the walking time is so beautiful. You can't just describe it's beauty, you have to see it to appreciate it. We were lucky that it's the harvest season, mas green!!! :)

Accomodations at the Batad Proper is cheap. Around 300php per pax, all the comfort rooms are for sharing. Don't expect too much for the service since it's a province. No aircons, and sometimes no fans. Don't worry, you wont need fans for this trips, so cold! Foods and drinks are costly since bringing those stuff takes a lot of walking.

Sadly, we weren't able to go to the famous falls here at Batad, since the group decided to go to Baguio instead. Maybe next time. :)

till my next trip,

Anne

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Enchanted River

Enchanted River at Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur is one of the hidden paradises in our country. It displays a blue green water that makes you think how wonderful our country is.

Going to the Enchanted River is kinda hard because of the rough road, but once you get through it, the river welcomes you with a great big hug and a refreshing scenery.

They already have cottages and tents in the vicinity of the river. They also have stores outside (means there's an entrance fee) which could cook lunch for you if you want to. You could also bring your own food but forget all your electronics because the power sockets are limited. There's also a common comfort room, changing rooms for boys and girls, and an artesian well for the source of water. It would be fun if you bring your own "tabo" because there's no shower. But hey, the destination is not the accomodation but the river itself. So once you get there, dive in. Try to reach the floor (your ears might pop!) and try to be not afraid of the fishes... they swim with you.

Speaking of fishes, there are fishes in the water which the community feeds every now and then. Fish feeding in the Enchanted River is scheduled, if you want to see the big fishes below you should time your arrival to the river. You could also go snorkling if you want to see the fishes, but the depth of the river makes it hard for the people to see the fishes becuase they hide at the bottom of the river.

The water of the river is a mix of salt and fresh water and very cold. It also has a small current so you should add a little effort with the swimming to reach the other side of the river. You could rent snorkling gears and life vests if you want. Life vests are a must for those who don't know to swim but because of the water content, floating is just easy.

I could describe the river as long as I want to.. but let the pictures tell you how amazing the Enchanted River is.

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Cagayan de Oro's Tinago Falls

The year was 2006 when my family decided to go to Cagayan De Oro for our annual "Tour the Philippines" vacation. Cagayan de Oro also known as "The Gateway to Northern Mindanao" has many tourist spots to offer. Sadly we were only there for 2 days and that 2 days is not enought. But we didn't spend any minutes to waste and experienced what CDO has to offer.

It was almost a decade ago and I can still remember the phanting and the sweat I had when we went to one of the known falls in Cagayan De Oro, the Tinago Falls. Living up on it's name, its really a "hidden" falls because we have to go down at approximately 360+ steps. We actually tried to count it but with the lack of air, forgot the number.

The water in the falls is quite cold but it's really clean. It's clear and so refreshing. Although it's just a folklore they say that once a year the spirit of the forest gets one soul under water. So we didn't want to risk it and rented out a life vest for the kids (come to think about it, it could be their marketing strategy! haha!)  We also rented out a banka that connects the land to the falls itself.

I can still remember the feeling when the water of the falls touches my body.. PAINFUL! Imagine someone throwing an ice cold water from 400+ feet above you. Imagine! The water in the pool like surface of the falls is also icecold. Nobody ever tried to reach the bottom of the pool. It's like that deep. :)

Folks could bring their own food downstairs and they could have their own tables and chairs (if they are early). Be sure to bring enough water (although you could drink the water from the falls) for the 360+ uneven steps (times two for round trip). Last time we went there, there's no entrance fee yet, but now they already have.

They say that some Filipinos are diving 10m high off the rocks of the falls. I wish I could do that again if I come back at Tinago Falls.

We also went to Macahabus Adventure Park where we rode the longest zipline (at that time.. remember 2006). We also tried the Water Rafting at CDO (which is one of the "a-must" adventure you should do when you are there) and did the "Tarzan" style of baging during a slow ride of our raft. We had to climb this wall and use a hanging root (of a tree) to get down. I don't want to get into the details, but when I did that, I had a face front fall to the water. It hurts you know!

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Death by Alcohol

[Boracay Series - Part 1]

Have you been to Boracay? If you answered NO, you should. You’re missing out half of your life. If YES, have you tried Cocomangas’ 15 Shots? If you answered NO, you’re a loser. If YES…. YOU’RE THE MAN!!

My friend’s bucket list includes trying out this unique challenge. We all agreed to accompany her and might as well do what Mr. Barney Stinson’s infamous line says: 

Here's a short history of Cocomangas' 15 shots:

"The shooter challenge, "Still Standing After 15...", has been a huge success story here at Cocomangas Shooter Bar on Boracay Island in the beautiful country of the Philippines.The infamous list of 15 shots, drank by thousands of holiday makers and locals, has helped to put Cocomangas on the map of things to do in Boracay .The scoreboard hanging on the bar wall has over 149 countries represented, as you score 1 number for your country for every 15 shots ordered.It all started way back in 1990.Here's how it went down:

The first bar drinking gimmick here at Cocomangas Shooter Bar was, who can drink thirteen lime Margarita's . Thirteen lime Margarita's is a nasty mix of thirteen shots of Jose Cuervo Tequilla , plus six and one half shots of Grand Marnier liquor, totaling almost twenty shots of booze..read more"

As we entered the bar, it's a typical shooter bar with a dance floor. You can also see the bar's Wall of Fame, which consist of names of people who opted to accept the challenge, surround its walls.

We noticed that not all the tourists came for the bar's famous challenge. Because of this, we felt the urge to face death by alcohol.

We placed our order and the waitress arrived with 15 shots for each of us. As she arranged the shot glasses, we can smell the terror and pain of each shot glass deepen in our souls. Just joking. But literally, you can smell the icky, disgusting smell of alcohol as if it's at the tip of your nose.

15 shots per person

Here's the list of the shots:

the menu

Do it for your country

It's more fun in the Philippines

As you take on the15 shots challenge, you also get a free shirt. 

Some of the shots are good, some are weird and most are disgusting. But overall, we are proud to be able to finish the challenge. I'm not going to tell you in detail what happened that night because some of us have weak stomachs and almost threw up his/her entire day's worth of food. Haha. We also vowed that "What happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay." but this ultimate experience doesn't count cause I'm sure blogging about this! 

The gang

 A bucket of shot glasses

At the end of the night and all the shots were consumed, I can say that:

"I'm still standing after 15.."

A round of applause and drum rolls please... my alcohol tolerance is incredibly increasing. Bragging rights, yeah! Til the next ultimate alcohol experience, ciao!

Cocomangas

Station 1

0609 Main Road

Boracay Island

http://www.cocomangas.com/

- Arge

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Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales

Most of us are familiar with the tragic eruption that cost the lives of more that 800 people and affected at least more than 500,000 people living in Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanaga. However, after a decade, the aftermath of the 1991 eruption turned into one of nature's miracles. Now, who would miss the Mt. Pinatubo challenge... not us!

The Crater. The breathtaking view of Mt. Pinatubo's crater.

The Cost
Bus from Cubao to Capas, Tarlac: Php 172
Transfer from Capas to Mt. Pinatubo base: Php 300
Government fee for Mt. Pinatubo: Php 300
Tourist Guide and 4x4 service: Php 900 - Php 1500
Lunch: Bring your own

The Experience
The adventure starts once you're on the 4x4 Jeep. It is an hour and a half rough ride since you would be going through raging the rivers and rocks of the volcano's base. There's really nothing to see while you're inside the 4x4 jeep other than rocks.

After the ride, the trekking starts. For most first time trekkers, it would take at least 2-3 hours for one way. Climbing up to the crater isn't easy, there are plenty of rocks! It is advisable that you wear something really comfy and something you wouldn't mind getting wet since the trail requires you to cross the river. Some of my friends recommended Crocs while some said slippers. I used a pair of rubber shoes because it's what I only had at the moment. I would also recommend you to be aware of your surroundings. While I was trekking, a snake appeared out of nowhere. I didn't notice it until the tour guide hit it with a stick. 

The path. In order to get to the top, you have to go through this raging river.

The path. Not only do you have to go through the river, you also have to walk on rocks.

After 2 hours of walking, we finally arrived at the crater. I couldn't really believe it yet because I was so tired. But as I walked closer to the crater, all my exhaustion disappeared. The water's color was green and wasn't as hot as one would expect. Since we arrived on time for lunch, we ate and took pictures in the crater. After an hour, we head back down and traveled for at least 2 hours.

The Verdict

I wasn't this enthusiastic about nature before until I started hiking in Hong Kong. I get tired easily and I always have the urge to use the restroom. (I drink more than 8 glasses of water a day), but I have no regrets in buying this coupon for Mt. Pinatubo. At first I thought the trail would be challenging and all, turns out it wasn't that bad. As long as you rest every 30 minutes, you're good to go.

 The View of the Crater. Isn't it beautiful?

Remember when they said "It's not the destination, it's the journey"? This time it's both. The journey to the top was tiring, yes but it was a lot of fun. My friends and I kept talking and laughing so we wouldn't feel our sore feet. We were so tired that all we could do about it was laugh. And the destination, the crater, is so beautiful. Period.

See for yourself.

"I'll be part of something big. It's gonna be Legen! Wait for it!"
(Clare)

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First of Many: CEBU

I am afraid of heights.

I travel by land and by sea, but not until 3 years ago, did I finally tried travelling by air.

I was in my junior year in college, that summer of 2009.

Surprise, Surprise! Another opportunity to travel, and to travel the easiest way, by airplane. And my first stop is.... CEBU!

I managed to mask my fears and put on a happy face, while I shake inside and wished that the whole airplane thing will be over and done with. As the days are getting nearer and nearer to our day of departure,

I managed to be confident by thinking that, I am not to die alone. And take this whole thing as a challenge in order to overcome this fear of great heights. My friends have been a great comfort in putting my fears to rest, as I know that with them I will never be left alone.

And I will survive this! Big deal, I know.

Step Up Cebu!

(c) Rocky Tagle

Since we are there to attend a conference, we only had the chance for a day tour.

First stop is the taoist temple.

(c) Rocky Tagle

(c) Rocky Tagle

Then the famous Magellan's cross.

(c) Rocky Tagle

I was excited to finally see something that I only see from the pages of my elementary text books.

Some of my friends tried the edge coaster ride, but I didn't. Maybe for the lack of guts and budget. You decide :)

There you have it, my seemingly uneventful first airplane ride. In which, I assure you I will eventually overcome. Of course, I promised that I will return, for the sake of the edge coaster, and more.

Note: This trip is immediately followed by several in which I am required to fly.
And though I've had my first bumpy air ride, I wish it wouldn't be the last.
I am still afraid to fly, but everytime I board, I take this feeling as excitement.

"My love for adventure is greater than my fear of heights, this one is for sure."

(riskovat)

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