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Capping off midsummer with a mysterious mountain! โจ I first encountered Mt. Susong Dalaga in Batangas way back 2018, another one in Talim Island last 2019, and from this spot in Montalban this year! ๐ Yung totoo? Nasaan ba talaga ang original Mt. Susong Dalaga? ๐
Mt. Susong Dalaga in Montalban stands 325 meters above sea level. โฐ๏ธ Compared to other peaks I climbed early this year, it's way too low vis-a-vis Batulao, Naupa, and Kandungaw ranging from 600-950 MASL. It's (significantly) easy, so I consider it as my 'cool down hike'. ๐คญ T'was very relaxing, to the point that I had bonding moments with plants, insects, and snails. ๐ฟ๐๐
We didn't witness the sea of clouds from the summit, but got sooo amused with the gradient of the mountain range! ๐ฑ From a distance, one can see how the colors of the mountains change to different shades of green and blue. ๐คฉ Perhaps it's a distinct sight in Montalban. Hence, the town is named as such because it's surrounded by mountains. โฐ๏ธ So this could be the start of "bundok crawl". ๐คช
At the peak, I tried to sneak inside a mysterious hole and dared to ask if I can fit there. ๐ค Of course, no one seconded that wild idea. ๐คฏ Our guide Kuya Wally suggested he'll go down and take our photos from that spot. But I was the first to jokingly dismiss it, "Hindi ka po namin kaya i-rescue pag stuck kayo diyan!" LOOOL! ๐คฃ
We started the descent, passed thru the 'bamboo stage', and rested in a station where other friendly kuya's shared their harvest of bananas for FREE! ๐ And it's my favorite rare type! Yaaay! ๐๐ป On top of that, they allowed us to hand feed HANDSOME, their pet dog who likes fruits. Such a cutiepie! ๐
Congratulationsย Lei on your first climb! ๐๐ป May your mother mountain give birth to more. Hehe! ๐
Thanks Ace for adding an epilogue to my trilogy hike! Cherry on top appreciated! ๐ 'Til next time with Fillian! ๐ถ
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The peaks of South Cebu are literally my 'kapitbundoks'. โฐ๏ธ From my 'second home' in Alcoy, ๐ก it only takes an hour habal-habal ride to the jump-off point. ๐๏ธ Given the proximity, I went on a 3-in-1 day hike for the first time last April to celebrate my 33rd year atop the 'awesome threesome' Buwis Buhay Peak, Kandungaw Peak, and Sunset Peak. ๐๐ป
The 'Buwis Buhay' experience is narrated in the previous post, ๐ so now I higlight the main attraction which is Kandungaw Peak. โจ It stands around 950+ meters above sea level and the Philippine flag is its distinct landmark. ๐ต๐ญ Perhaps it's not as nerve wrecking as Buwis Buhay Peak, but still looks like it. ๐
Luckily, very few hikers went when we were there. ๐๐ป Without pressure, we stayed up for quite some time to marvel the 360ยฐ view and the breathtaking mountain range. ๐คฉ From Kandungaw Peak, you can see vast greenery from the barangays of Dalaguete; ๐ฟ while the other side features famous places from West Cebu such as Badian, Moalboal, and Pescador Island. ๐
After taking unlimited photos from the summit of Kandungaw, ๐ธ we continued our trek to Sunset Peak. ๐
Since this is the best place to camp, it once again dawned on me that I should have brought a tent! โบ From this side, the hills resemble the ones in Bohol. ๐ซ Also, overlooking this spot is the Island of Negros, both Occidental (Bacolod) and Oriental (Dumaguete). ๐
Overall, this hike is a perfect mix of chill and thrill! ๐ฏ Daghang salamat to the Bisdaks who joined me in this adventure. Sa uulitin! ๐ค
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BAWAL PA-FALL: Ultimateย #LessonLearnedย sa Buwis Buhay Peak! ๐คฃ Ang ibig ko sabihin, BAWAL MAHULOG! ๐คช
Buwis Buhay Peak is one of the main attractions of a day hike to Kandungaw Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu. โฐ๏ธ The name is self-explanatory because it's the ultimate challenge for fear of heights! ๐ Thankfully, I passed the test and managed to sit by the cliff! Yaaay! ๐๐ป My knees were OK, but my right hand was shaking for the first few seconds! ๐
The Bisdak guide Kuya Lucas stalled me there for 5-7 minutes to take our photos. ๐ธ "Got the hang of being hung" to the point that I already felt relaxed ๐ and even dared to look down. ๐ He warned me, "Wag ka tumingin sa baba." But he was surprised with my reply, "Nakatingin na po ako. Pwede po ba tumayo sa bato?" ๐คญ With that, he immediately ushered me to the next peak. Wag na magpasaway, Lalay! Hahaha! ๐
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โฐ๏ธ Kandungaw Peak & Sunset Peak ๐ Dalaguete, Cebu ๐ฅ LF
The trilogy hike in South Cebu is the best gift I rewarded my 33rd self. ๐ค Credits to Niall Horan whose song "Heaven" perfectly described this experience! โจ
#TunghayLakbay#mountainclimbing#hiking#kandungawpeak#sunsetpeak#buwisbuhaypeak#dalaguete#cebu#philippines
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Mt. Naupa, you're my most random adventure ever! ๐โจ After sending my mama and tita to the airport, I decided last minute to hike. IKR, that's sooo random! ๐ My Mt. Naupa experience is also one for the books because of my series of firsts! โ๐ป
#FirstTimeย to hike this mountain located in Naga, Cebu. โฐ๏ธ The drop-off point is just an hour away from the city proper; hence, that explains why all of a sudden I went on an escapade. ๐
#FirstTimeย to climb solo (not with a group), but with a guide. ๐ถ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ถ๐ปโโ๏ธ He was surprised to see that I'm on my own, but I was also surprised when he thought I'm only 26 years old! Hihi! ๐คญ Though the Bisdak guide is younger than me, perhaps he didn't expect my pace so he ended up with cramps. Super sorry! ๐
Mt. Naupa is not for the faint hearted. Literally! ๐ซ๐ซย #FirstTimeย did I feel my heart beat and lungs work like crazy! ๐คฏ Pushed my cardio to the limit because I cannot afford to miss the amazing sight! ๐จ
#FirstTimeย to catch the sunset from the peak! ๐
I'm used to hiking at dawn to watch the sunrise. For a change, I tried to trek at dusk and it was sooo rewarding to see the sky like BORAHAE! ๐
Mt. Naupa has 360ยฐ view. ๐คฉ So if you're a sun chaser, its peak offers the best of both worlds. ๐ฏ I was so tempted to go overnight; but judging by the looks of the natives, they were like, "No tent? Are you OK to be homeless?" ๐ณ So as not to scandalize them with my 'random cowboyness', ๐คช I just descended and reached the jump off point accompanied by the night sky. ๐
Thankfully no casualties on my end, ๐๐ป but I'm sure my guardian angel worked double time! ๐ผ๐ป Daghang salamat, Mt. Naupa! Tinuod kang gwapa! ๐๐
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Thank you Mt. Batulao for unleashing the artista in us! ๐คช Credits to our guide & videographer Jonniel. ๐ฅ May this awesome shot inspire us to reach new heights! โฐ๏ธ
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The Mt. Batulao experience โฐ๏ธโจ won't be memorable if not for these amazing peeps. ๐ค Special thanks to the best guide & Tagalog teacher Jonniel from whom we learned many deep words! ๐ต๐ญ And of course, to 'Tunghay Lakbay' director & resident photographer Sidney for the perfect shots. ๐ฏ Always a pleasure to shoot and co-produce bundok stuff with you! ๐ธ
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โฐ๏ธ Mt. Batulao ๐ Nasugbu, Batangas ๐ฅ SP X LF X IB
Dear Mt. Batulao: Thanks to you, I'm not losing hope of becoming a morning person. ๐๐ฑ
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Every mountain has its own charm, but it's most stunning during the golden hour. ๐ Luckily, I witnessed that magical sight atop Mt. Batulao last February. ๐ I'm not noob to hiking, but climbing it for the first time is nevertheless special. โจ
True to being "maiden mountain" of my 33rd year, the beauty of Mt. Batulao remains unbeatable among the peaks I conquered this 2023. ๐ฏ As a noctural orophile, trust me when I say that an early morning hike is always worthwhile. ๐๐ป Lack of sleep, ๐ฅฑ cold sweat, ๐ฅถ uncertainty caused by darkness, โซ plus the danger of rolling over a cliff ๐ will all be outweighed by a jawdropping view from the summit. ๐ The best part of my Batulao experience is threefold: ๐๐ป waiting for the sunrise, observing the sky change its colors, and seeing the jagged peaks light up. ๐
For me and my hiking constants, Mt. Batulao is also our "mother mountain" as it gave birth to "Tunghay Lakbay". โฐ๏ธ "Tunghay" is a Tagalog word for marvel, while "lakbay" means travel. ๐ค That eureka moment was like the sun's kiss on our foreheads. ๐ฅฐ Mountain climbing is not just about enjoying a good view. Part of it is marvelling at stories of people travelling with you. ๐ค
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โฐ๏ธ Mt. Talamitam & Mt. Apayang ๐ Nasugbu, Batangas ๐ฅ SP X LF
Admittedly, this twin hike is one of my faves! ๐โจ T'was an unforgettable comeback to the bundoks amid Omicron last 2022. ๐
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This year, I challenged myself to travel back to Bacolod, Iloilo, and Dumaguete interconnectedly. ๐งญ For the first time, I experienced crossing the border from Bacolod to Dumaguete. โฆ๏ธ Since these two different provinces form the island of Negros, ๐๏ธ it can be travelled by land for hoursss. ๐ Thankfully, I'm not the driver so I was asleep during the long drive. ๐ช๐ค While in Dumaguete, I revisited Rizal Boulevard and reminisced how I reached the place in 2019. ๐ญ Out of adventure, I escaped from my distant relatives' house in the southern side of Cebu and boarded a ferry, just to get to this famous Dumaguete spot. ๐ When I strolled the boulevard again last October, the vast sea was like a stone's throw that made me feel very close to the Queen of the South. ๐ Bacolod is also a good jump off point to Iloilo via ferry. ๐ฅ๏ธ Simplicio Palanca Seaport Terminal is an unforgettable place because of an epic (fail) experience. ๐
In 2019, we missed the last trip to Bacolod and got stuck in Iloilo! ๐คฃ Luckily this year, even if the trips are fewer, I managed to board in time ala buzzer beater ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐จ from the Land of the Negrenses to the Land of the Hiligaynons! ๐ #lifeonthemove #diytrip #visayashopping #wheninbacolod https://www.instagram.com/p/ClN8kbAvx-5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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I've been to Bacolod twice, but going back to this province this year feels like my first time. โ๐ป Perhaps because I was initially on my own ๐
and commuted to the province side to join the other bakasyonistas. ๐ค My mom even texted and teased me as "Miss Tanong" when she realized I was wandering around. ๐คฃ What I really find thrilling was the trip aboard a regular bus to La Castellana. ๐ From busy city streets, ๐ the scenery shortly changed to seashore, ๐ until everything became sugar cane, ๐ฟ plus a sneak peak of Kanlaon from the front seat! โฐ๏ธ #lifeonthemove #diytrip #visayashopping #wheninbacolod https://www.instagram.com/p/ClGHRz0P1lI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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My flight to Bacolod last October proved I'm a buzzer beater in spite of 'luxury of time'. ๐จ I arrived the airport 4 hours before my flight, and managed to work and sleep. ๐ I'm not used to waiting that long so I zoned out, only to realize that check in counters are already closed. โ Good thing self-check in applies to me because I have everything in one backpack. ๐ So I ended up with a marathon and reached the finish line / boarding gate in the nick of time. ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ The sunrise rewarded me with gold! ๐ฅโจ P.S. Despite the adrenaline rush, I still highly recommend an early morning flight. ๐โ๏ธ #lifeonthemove #diytrip #visayashopping #wheninbacolod https://www.instagram.com/p/ClDGpjfviZu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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My taste buds were revived in Bicol region! ๐
After the #foodtrip in Naga, I can absolutely attest that it's one of the best go-to places for a superb gastronomic experience! ๐ From breakfast, lunch, merienda, dinner, even after-party drinks, Naga got you covered. ๐ฏ
Though I'm not a #certifiedfoodie, here are top 5 recos you #MustTry from the province that taught me to appreciate flavor at its finest! ๐
1. CASA SORIANOโS PINANGAT, KINUNOT & AUNTIEโS CHICKEN. Abundant with coconut, ๐ด itโs not surprising if most of Bicol's best dishes are gata-based. When in Naga, I tasted "pinangat" for the #firsttime. Made of ground fish ๐ wrapped in layers of gabi and seasoned with gata, it tastes best with lemon zest! ๐ Another famous local dish is called "kinunot" served with either shark or stingray as its meat. You can also spice up your meal with Auntieโs Chicken. ๐ Not your ordinary roasted chix, the heirloom version in Casa Soriano is distinct, perhaps because of its special stuffing. ๐
2. MANG KOKโS KINALAS. Oozing with flavor, โkinalasโ is Nagaโs better counterpart of Iloiloโs batchoy and Batangasโ lomi. ๐ฒ Its luglog noodles ๐ loaded with beef ๐ฎ will surely power up your day. ๐ช
3. IBALONโS CRAFT BEER. Named after characters from a Bicolano legend, Ibalon craft beer ๐ป ranges from Sili Beer (Handiong), India Pale Ale (Baltog), Pale Ale (Bantong), and Coffee Chocolate Stout (Oriol). With highest IBU and ABV, Baltog's my fave; coz the bitter, the better! ๐บ Yet nothing beats the perfect fiery combination of Sili Beer and Tofu Sisig! ๐ฅ
4. BIGGโS PLATTER. My stomach reached its limit but for the sake of completing the #foodtrip, I still tried Bigg's platter of chicken poppers, cheese sticks, and french fries. ๐ Maybe I'll just visit the branch in Fairview to try their bestseller chicken! ๐
5. ICE BLINKโS HALO-HALO. Roaming the streets of Naga under the sun is especially rewarding when thereโs halo-halo waiting! ๐จ Topped with leche flan, ube halaya, and 2 flavors of ice cream, Ice Blinkโs halo-halo mix is refreshingly not-so-sweet, thatโs why I like it! ๐
P.S. The year-end Naga escapade wonโt be possible if not for the 3rd wave promptings of my fella #teambuilders Ivy and Pat. ๐ Cheers to more amazing travels in 2020! โ
9B/9 #top9towrapmy29th #bestof2019 #foodtrip #naga #bicol #philippines
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My recent trip in Naga marks my 2019 last hurrah! ๐ A year-end escapade to Bicol Region is totally unexpected; but among its provinces, Naga deserves to be visited. ๐
In this quaint โPilgrim Cityโ sits Our Lady of Peรฑafrancia whom they lovingly call โInaโ. ๐ Despite sleepiness ๐ด caused by the 11-hour bus ride, my senses are wide awake and I went straight to the basilica where โInaโ resides. ๐ Bigay pugay muna sa Nanay. ๐ท Ehehe! Also located within the metro are parishes in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. โช True to being a โPilgrim Cityโ, these beautiful churches are situated blocks away from one another to the point that you can complete many sets of Visita Iglesia in just a few hours. ๐
Moreover, I learned that itโs part of Nagueรฑo tradition to tour people around their different pilgrim sites. Special shoutout to my ever-supportive mentee Tina and her super game Tatay, I also had the chance to marvel at churches located outside the metro. ๐ Fighting my tendencies to be Google-dependent, Iโm listing the names of the places we went to the best of my memory: ๐ก Magarao, Bombon, Quipayo, Calabanga, Hinulid. ๐ Hope I got them all completely correct! ๐ฏ
Ofc, I cannot put aside my adventurous side! ๐ As if itโs always a requirement, I made sure that a trek is part of my itinerary. ๐ Ehehe! In as much as I want to climb Mt. Isarog, my closest encounter with this active volcano is limited to its foot (or maybe toes). Ahaha! ๐ I initially wanted to go to Malabsay Falls, but it's closed on that day. โ Thanks to the natives living in that area, they were quick to give an alternative: Baby Falls. ๐ฆ Tina and I braved into the unknown and passed by typhoon-caused obstacles, until we finally made it to our destination. ๐ช The falls is small and itโs friendly for the not-so-tall; so we didnโt hesitate to take a dip because itโs not so deep. ๐ Yup, itโs a really cool experience! ๐
P.S. From water drips to side trips, Iโm absolutely grateful to the Monedaโs who welcomed me into their home ๐ก and for an amazing roam! ๐ Happy to meet the #fambam! ๐ Sa uulitin po! ๐
9A/9 #top9towrapmy29th #bestof2019 #pilgrimage #naturetrip #naga #bicol #philippines
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Itโs January 1st and itโs just fitting to write about my series of firsts in Bacolod. โ But first and foremost, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ๐ to my partner-in-crime and travel photographer Sidney Perez with whom I share this journey INTO THE UNKNOWN! ๐
Going to a place for the #firsttime is equally daring and exciting. When in Bacolod, I experienced getting lost in translation; ๐ญ but never lost in my adventures. ๐ Without specific order, hereโs a list of my top 5 โ #firsttime awesome and notorious explorations in the land of the Negrenses.
1. While trekking to Dumalabdab Falls, two blood leeches tried to suck my (precious but fake German) blood. ๐ Lapitin pala ako ng limatik. Ehehe! Tbh, I find it amusing how they got into my skin without me getting hurt. ๐ฑ Sidney had her share after the trek and she realized it when we were already inside the van. ๐ Though it caused us panic and paranoia, I guess blood leeches complete the experience! ๐ฏ
2. Waking up significantly early to catch the sunrise ๐ isnโt foreign to us, but finding our way up a small hill in La Castellana โ without a guide โ is an achievement! ๐ช As expert buzzer beaters, we made it to the conference center in the nick of time. ๐จ
3. With a strong bias towards our choice of coffee, we went to Duyan Cafรฉ in Silay for the view and not for a drink. ๐ Also located in Silay is Negros Natural Park. ๐ฟ Ironically, itโs a protected area yet we legitimately trespassed because not even a single soulโs guarding the place. Oops, sorry not sorry! ๐
4. Western Visayas provinces are geographically close to one another; so from Bacolod we crossed Iloilo via ferry. ๐ข From the port, we went straight to Miag-ao with 3 jeepney rides. Yup, thatโs the straightest route Iโve ever known! ๐ณ But the adventure of our random crossover exceeded our expectations: we didnโt catch the ferry going back Bacolod. ๐
That unprepared overnight is absolutely unforgettable and weโll always be indebted to the hospitality of Amparet Ledesma and Baking Pison. Salamat gid! โค
5. Where to next: Guintubdan, La Carlota. ๐ Back in Bacolod, we powered up with coffee for one last adventure. ๐ To go up the โbukidโ of Guintubdan, we rode a bus to La Carlota and transferred to a jeepney. While waiting for other passengers, we were told thatโs the last jeepney ride to Guintubdan and thereโs no return trip. ๐ข Sounds like a repeat of our Iloilo escapade, but this time we canโt afford another random overnight. ๐
My Hiligaynon comprehension ๐ก was challenged because I had to haggle with tricycle drivers to bring us to Guintubdan. Already resigned due to rejections left and right, I ate ice cream to cool my head. ๐ฆ When we reached the plaza, a certain โmanongโ recommended to us Ronald (Weasley), a teenage tricycle driver and a native of Guintubdan. YEAH, HEAVEN SENT! ๐
We arrived the โbukidโ 4:30pm, trekked to Busay Abaga with our tour guide Manang Veronica, and made it back to the campsite minutes after sunset. ๐
On our way home, we were rewarded with overripe guyabanos and a beautiful sight of the night sky. โจ
P.S. Not a fan of the limelight, I intentionally published the 2-in-1 post close to midnight. ๐ Guess thereโs no harm if my greetingโs a bit late because weโll still enjoy FREE LATTE at a later time. Cheers! โ
8/9 #top9towrapmy29th #bestof2019 #naturetrip #bacolod #philippines
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Iloilo is the home of devout Catholics who take pride of their beautiful churches. โช Parishes from Molo and Jaro are gothic and romanesque-inspired with St. Anne and Our Lady of Candles as its patrons. ๐ On a separate trip, I visited Miag-ao's very own UNESCO heritage site, Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish which is known for its baroque architecture. ๐
With a perfect mix of history and modernity, Iloilo has also preserved and renovated its historical structures. An Ilongga friend (ehem, Leah May) told me that Molo Mansion used to appear like a haunted house, but now it has been transformed into a one-stop cultural site x Kultura store. ๐ฏ
Apart from its wide variety of tourist spots, the Iloilo experience is incomplete without a #foodtrip! ๐ Thanks to a random "manong" we met along the River Esplanade, we discovered Kap Ising's original Pancit Molo. ๐ฒ Netong's La Paz Batchoy ๐ is also another #MustTry original, but don't leave Iloilo without satisfying your seafood cravings in Tatoy's! ๐๐๐ค Namit! ๐
7C/9 #top9towrapmy29th #bestof2019 #culturaltrip #foodtrip #iloilo #philippines
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