Part 1: Mt. Gulugod Baboy at Anilao Batangas

It was still dark, wondering why it is so. Already at the summit by 5:15 but no glimpse of the sunrise. It was a waiting game at this point. Good thing I was well insulated so that I can stand the cold wing. Then by 5:45 I saw luminous light by the horizon. Now were getting somewhere.

It was spectacular! Though it was a cloudy morning but I still got a great shot to complete my day.

I got down and had my breakfast ( a cup of coffee) which our very accommodating TALANG group had prepared for us. Then went on to complete my packing. Need to finish it early do that I can help out in setting the tent down. It will nto be complete if I didn’t know how to properly pack the tent.

After everyone had finished breakfast and packed their tent. We were ready to trek down. Trekking down is not so difficult and long, not like yesterday going up. Though trekking down is still dangerous if your not careful.

Everything went so fast when hiking down the mountain, not like yesterday when we are hiking up. As if all the worries are left on the summit and everything is totally brand new. We are all energize and laughter can be heard from everyone.

It only took us 1 hour going down. I can say that everyone got what they expected on this climb and more. I met a new bunch of friends (hope to meet them again), learn how to set up camp, enjoy nature one more time, got to spend 2 days with my friends and brother and most of all had made memories that will keep me fueled for my next trip.

Allan, Ramon, Dennis (my youngest brother) and I were already at Marikina for our trip to Batangas to conquer Mt. Gulugod Baboy or Mt. Pinagtirikan as the locals’ calls it. But due to unforeseen instances we will be hitting the road a little late than expected.

Around 8am when the engine of our transport jeep got rev-up for the long trip ahead of us. Our group (boys from Angono) got to their ahead of the other. So we had time to rest and took a little nap before the climb. Then a little pass 12 when the other came. Tired and hungry can be read on their faces,  so TL Tomie announced for rest time and lunch as well before the the trek.

Start of the Climb

After resting and a much deserve lunch we got ready, say a short prayer and a briefing from TL Tomie before we heading up, up and up. Excitement can be feel in the air, everyone has a smile on their faces (especially for the Mirage Girls and the five kids) for this is their first time to be climbing mountain.

One thing I learn in my previous climb is to enjoy the beautiful sight that is free to witness. Don’t just climb the mountain, enjoy it’s beauty, the fresh air and the absence of the Metro’s worries.

The start was a bit rough, it was really hot that day and we were still adjusting to the terrain. Then the first stop came into view, our group was already resting. The smiles and excitement  were slowly diminishing. I can see some are really struggling to catch their breaths. Then the most active persons on the group (the kids) started standing up and started their assault again. I think it spark a flame in everyone because one-by-one they started standing up and getting ready to start their assault as well. So after a short but well reserved rest we started hitting the road to the top.

But as soon as we were just getting on the groove, the next stop came in view and there they are already wasted. Heard that some were already getting some minor accident going up. The smiles and excitement were totally gone. So it was camera time, sure enough it brought back a little energy back in them.

Smiles were again showing.

Then, it was the clearing. Grass can be seen around us, cows are enjoying the fresh treat everywhere. We all rest and enjoy the scenery, the cool wind in our face and the great view of the ocean of the Batangas bay.

We found a tree and used it to shade us from the heat of the sun. For the excited ones, they had left us and started their last assault to the camp site. Giving every last bit of strength they can muster they climb to the top.

Camp Site: Setting up Camp

Excitement and smile shoot up when everyone got to the camp site. I can feel that every ache and soreness that was felt started to slowly fade for the beauty that the site gave, the cool smooth breeze of wind in our face, and the nature itself is embracing us to give us strength.

Everyone was already busy setting up their tent when I came. The Mirage girls was setting up their own tent for a complete camping experience.

After resting Allan and I helped Ramon and Dennis with setting our tent, so that I too will have a complete experience in this hike. I have not yet setup my own tent. This will be my first and will surely not my last. After our tent was up, Dennis started setting up our stove for dinner. Though it was still bright (still 5pm) we started our dinner so that we wont have the trouble of light when it is dark.

Sunset at the Summit

After a quick but heavy dinner, I slowly climb to the summit which is a 4mins climb from our camp. Setup my camera and started to wait for my sunset shot. The view was breathtaking at the summit. The sunset is gorgeous, I’m speechless, any worries will be forgotten when you on top of the world with your friends and new friends.

After a few shots I went down fix my stuff and got ready for our socialization with the  group. Meeting new people is one of the reason why I join group tour or climb. For this climb it was a combination of newbies and veteran climber. The TALANG mountaineering and Outdoor group are our guide, they have provided the tents for the newbies and food for our boodle dinner.

The newbies are the Mirage Girls, office-mates from the Mirage International company headed by Ms. Jenny. They want to try new experience rather than the ordinary going to the mall, dinner or the beach. Well from what I heard they are really happy of the outcome of the trip.

A day has passed but a new tomorrow will emerge. Wait for part 2.

I was still a child about 7 years old when I first saw a photo of giant balloons flying in the air. It was a poster that my Dad brought home. I was really amaze about it. Then time passed and this amazement was again ignited after the first time I have heard about the Philippines Hot Air Balloon Festival was about 3 years ago (that was the time I first started blogging). I told myself that one day I will witness this giant balloon float in the air with their bright colors and unique designs.

We arrive at Clark around 5AM but was able to got a parking spot (not to far the entrance gate) pass 6:30AM. From the parking lot you can feel the excitement to get in. My son and I was in the search for the good spot to take some photos and enjoy the scene. From our vantage point it was outrageous! It was a dream come true for me and a very exciting experience for my son.

In front of us were 4 Giant balloons were being filled up with hot air in front of us a around 10 on our right. It was truly a sight to be remembered. One-by-one the Hot Air Balloon was getting up from their cold slumber, and just a few minutes after one-by-one it started to float. Now the skies were filled with colorful and vibrant giant balloons that instantly brought smiles to everyone witnessing it the spectacular event.

After the balloons have lifted and floated away the para gliders then conquered the skies with their performance. It was amazing! I’m sure lots of spectators would sure want to experience flying in one of those things.

This is nto the last time I will be seeing those giant balloons. Next time I will have my whole family with me to experience this wonderful event.

The Eid’l Fitr Festival is the mark of the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. This is a symbolic gathering in which both Muslim and non-Muslim celebrate their differences to ignite brotherhood.

The Eid’l Fitr Festival in the Philippines

Sadly the Eid’l Fitr Festival is not very popular in the Philippines. Only a small number of Filipino only knew that a festival exist.

With former Sen. Santanina T Rasul heading the annual celebration of the Internationla Eid’l Fitr Festival for several years starting 1993.

The festival did not only provide the venue where Muslims and non-Muslims celebrate together the joyous occasion but it also served as a vehicle to educate fellow Filipinos on the culture of the Muslims and to create awareness that Muslim Culture is Part of the Filipino Cultural Heritage.

The Eid’l Fitr Festival showcases different art, artifacts, and culture of the five mahor Filipino Muslim groups: the Sama, Tausug, Yakan, Maranaw and Maguindanaon and that of the Muslim Countries.

This coming September 2-4, 2011 at the SM Mall of Asia celebrate with our fellow Filipinos (Muslim and non-Muslim) the Eid’l Fitr Festival.

How could I ever forget the long ride to Baguio from Cubao. Then another 2hrs ride to the DENR office. 30 minutes of those we are on the top load of our chartered jeepney ride.

Funny how riding on the roof of the jeepney can teach you how to appreciate heights a little bit better. It was like a unsecured roller coaster ride.

We arrive at the DENR office for registration and orientation on the things that we should know and not do while on trekking and on the Park.

Then followed by a 1 1/2 hr rough ride (very rough ride) to the Rangers Station (like riding a mechanical bull). I was the one sitting at the end of the jeep and it was like I was being toss around like a little toy.

Tip: don’t sit at the end of the jeep when going to the Rangers Station

A lite lunch at the Rangers Station then a little pass 12PM were off for a 3hrs long trek to the campsite. It was a wonderful and very tiring experience. Lots of wonderful sight to see that you wont see in the city.

The plants and trees are really fascinating.

It was already pass 4PM when I reached the campsite, I was actually the last one to come.

Had a rest then take my time to enjoys the view.

I was actually hoping to get a great sunset shot. But the Sun was a bit shy, it was behind the clouds till it was set.

After a great dinner. Well anything serve to you after climbing for 4hrs will be very good. After a good dinner, I started fixing my sleeping place on our tent. I will need all the rest I can get for the early hike the next day.

It was really hard to sleep when the winds is constantly trying to rip your tent apart. But I did manage to put some ZZZ’s in.

Before 3am, I was already awake but not up. I was still gauging myself if I can manage the 1 1/2 hr hike to the summit and trying to feel the weather outside the tent. But when I heard the alarms on the other tent. I got up and started getting ready.

Got my head lamp ready for it will be a dark road ahead.

It was a very exciting hike. Following a trail that is nearly invisible. It was pitch black everywhere. We were walking on the mountains edge and we can’t even see where we will end up if ever we fall. But we all got to the summit safe.

It was beautiful.

This is why people keep climbing here. All the cold sweat and muscle pain have vanished when your at the summit. Witnessing the beautiful sunrise and the wondrous sea of clouds.

It’s just plain Beautiful.

This is where we spend our night when we had our road trip. its a large place with three pools to enjoy.

They have this giant 3 loop slide on their adult pool that will truly give you an adventure on the pool. Imagine yourself going to those loops before plunging to the water. WOW!

I know you would really have fun on their pool but summer is not complete without dipping on the beach.

Enjoy the sun, sand and the the cool water of Tayabas Bay.

My First Sunrise Shot

Well one thing I got from this trip is this magnificent sunrise shot. This is actually my first sunrise shot.

I’m really proud of it.

We had our break fast at a roadside carinderia. Had our picture taken for souvenir.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

We then make our way to the City San Pablo to visit the Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan.

Going from one road to the other. Remembering it was not an easy task. But the trip was worth it.

Pagsanjan Stone Arch

We then headed to Pagsanjan for a very famous halo-halo.

This is something you wont see in the city everyday. So we stop and amaze ourselves with the history that stand in front of us.

The Fields of Rizal

After a well deserve halo-halo break to cool us off from the hot sun. We then started our way home. Passing rice fields after rice fields.

It was a beautiful sight to behold. The benefits of living in the province.

The St.Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church is a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time.

The Old Church of Pagbilao was build in 1685 by Franciscan Missionaries.

Building of the present stone church began in 1845 under the administration of Fr.Victorino Peralija; And was completed including the bell tower and two-story convent in 1877 under the administration of Fr.Eugenio Gomez. As an aftermath of World War II, it was destroyed during the Liberation in 1945 when American airplanes dropped bombs with the “intelligence report” that Japanese soldiers were still hiding inside the church. The convent and the church were destroyed. Fortunately the bell tower survived while the facade was heavily damaged. Repairs were done in 1954 under the Administration of Fr. Vicente Urlanda.

Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

But the shrine is always open all year round.

Arnel was actually surprise to see that there were so many people even after the two specific events. I would say that there are more than 500 individual in the site that day.

The Noah’s Ark Park

I was told that this was a new feature for the shrine.

The Noah’s Ark that serve as a place of prayer and meditation for anyone who are in need of a quite place.

Equipped with 21 air conditioned rooms that are available for pilgrims and retreatants. Each with its own toilet and bath, and  hot  shower .

It also has a function hall that can accommodate large group retreats and other events. It is equipped with state of the art multimedia equipments.

The Noah's Ark

The Noah’s Ark also serves healthy menu, and the popular and well-loved  Lucban foods and delicacies.

I was accompanied by Jeron to climb the summit of the grotto. For the other was already complaining that they wont make it to the top.

It was a 292 steps to the top. On the way up, life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross is displayed till you reach the summit and the 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ —(the third biggest in the world).

WOW! It was a wonderful feeling reaching the top. All the tiredness you felt before climbing will vanish and a cool breeze of wind can be felt.

It was actually very relaxing.

Devoted pilgrims touch the foot of the statue and offer their prayers.

For Private Cars:

1. From South Super Hi-way take Calamba Exit, go straight ahead passing on the national road until you reach the
Church of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
2. Turn right passing on the national road until you reach town of Lusiana, Laguna.
3. Go straight ahead until you reach town of Lucban, Quezon
4. The Healing Church and Grotto is 1 km., away from the town proper.

For Commuters:

1. Take a bus route to Lucena at Kamuning Bus Terminal or LRT Buendia Bus Terminal
2. At Lucena Grand Central Terminal take a passenger jeep route to Lucban
3. Upon reaching Lucban, get off at Grotto

Mt. Banahaw is a magnificent mountain and one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines.

Before entering the town of Lucban, you can already see from a far.

Mt. Banahaw is a traditional pilgrimage for locals and  is considered to be a “holy mountain”. Many healing ceremonies are being conducted within the mountain side all year round, but most particularly on Holy Week were it is believe to be most powerful.

For mountain hikers, Mt. Banahaw is one of the most famous site to climb for the reason it is the closest from Manila with approximately >2000-metre.

I’m sure would want to try and hike it someday.