Monday, April 25, 2016
Pan Resort and Events Place, Abucay, Bataan
Holy Week is approaching and still we have no plans. I know traffic will be everywhere so I just look for a place near our town. And this is what I discovered...
Pan Resort and Events Place is strategically located along Roman Superhighway, Capitangan, Abucay, Bataan.
It's grandeur architecture was inspired by the simple yet elegant design of modern Indonesia.
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| stairs going to our room =) |
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| my happiness |
http://www.panresort.com/rooms-services
They have plain and simple rooms. Their wifi is great. The utility staff is serving with a smile. They are really helpful.
The breakfast is not that grand. Maybe the hotel can improve this.
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| My son really enjoyed the pool =) |
Swimming by night :
Good morning Pan!
Pan Resort is beside Gerry's Grill. No worries being hungry.
Pan's Contact Details:
facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PANBataan/
website : http://www.panresort.com/
Cel. No. : 0977-8163437
Friday, March 25, 2016
Mount Daraitan: Tanay, Rizal and Gen. Nakar, Quezon (739+ MASL)
Major jump-off : Brgy. Daraitan (Village Center), Tanay, Rizal
Minor jump-off : Sitio Cablao, Brgy. Pagsangahan, General Nakar, Quezon
LLA : 14°36′48.5"N 121°26'19.5"E, 739 MASL (+600)
Day/s required/Hours to summit : 1 day/ 2.5 to 4 hours
Specs : Minor climb, Difficulty: 4/9, Trail class 1-3
Features : tropical forest, limestone formations, river trek
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2014/10/mt-daraitan-739.html
Tanay is 57 kilometers (35 miles) east of Manila. A typical commute will take around one to three hours depending on traffic condition. It is bordered by Antipolo City in the north-west, Baras, Morong and Teresa in the west, General Nakar, Quezon in the east, Pililia, Sta. Maria, Laguna and Laguna de Bay in the south. Tanay is also situated at the southern tip of Sierra Madre range.
It's
been so long since I organized another climb. My weekends became
workdays also... Mount Taraw Cliff in El Nido was our last. Finally,
may natuloy din kaming akyat...
We
met with the group at Starmall in Shaw Boulevard. It is where the
jeepneys going to Tanay Public Market are located. And from Tanay
Public Market you need to flag a trike going to Brgy. Daraitan with
Php100/person fare. There are also vans going to Rizal and we
negotiated with Php2500 good for the nine of us, hassle free and more
comfy.
We walk our way through Tinipak River from Barangay Hall and will pitch our tents there and leave some things. It will be easier to climb mountains without those heavy loads at your back.
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| on our way to campsite |
The group is in a hurry because it is already late to summit. But we are here to take pictures so I slowed down and captured the views.
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| It is here we got our drinking water for two days. My stomach is already used to natural drinking water, haha=) |
Tinipak River is located within the border of General Nakar, Quezon so we paid another Php20/person for registration fee.
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| campsite at Tinipak River |
If you are on a two-day itinerary, it is advisable to pitch tents first and leave some of your things here. We had our early lunch before proceeding to trek.
Packed with drinking water and some trail foods, it's time to reach the summit. Let's go!
The Mount Daraitan trail is an "overflowing" assault trail. I am so used to hiking mountains but Daraitan trails hurt my legs the next day. It will not be a 4/9 difficulty mountain if rain pours. It is just an ordinary day but trails are muddy, wet and slippery. The good thing is that we left our heavy things at the campsite in Tinipak River and it is really advisable to pitch tent first especially if you will spend the night here.
We bumped into DJ Durano while going up. Medyo pasaway lang ang kumuha ng picture kasi muntik na talaga ako hindi macapture. Hayyyyyz!!!
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| Karen and Carlo on their way up |
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| the trail with Php25 softdrinks in every stop |
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| Selfies in limestone formations <3 |
The views at the summit are the Sierra Madre mountains, Daraitan River and Laguna de Bay
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| Group 6, one hiker group we met at the summit =) |
After so many photo ops, we finally hike down. It took us one and a half hour to reach Tinipak River again.
A little tired, we decided to eat again? Haha! before proceeding to the cave. Super tagal namin magluto inabot na kami ng dilim. And also waiting for Gerber, our guide, to come back. Kasi pinabili namin sya ng condiments at sa barangay hall pa yata sya bumili, huhu!
It is already 7pm and we proceeded going to the cave. May mga nasayang lang na views that were not captured because it is already dark. But going inside the cave, whether night or day time, it is still dark inside so bringing a headlamp or a flashlight is a must. We were not also able to capture the old balete tree outside the cave. By the sound of the river, it is telling me that the views here are amazing.
With Gerber our guide, you will only hear "Ingat po, Ingat! Sa gilid lang po!" and it is okay to hear it a hundred times than to be sorry. The rocks are slippery and just one wrong move will throw you to the huge rocks and to the river with strong current.
From where we camped in Tinipak River, it took us 2o minutes to reach the cave. There are lots of wooden ladder along the way and the rocks are really slippery.
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| the jacuzzi of the cave |
Went back to our campsite and finally freshen up. There is an unlimited use of comfort room at Php25. Time to rest and sleep...
Good morning Mount Daraitan!!!
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| break camp! |
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| with Gerber, our guide.. Thank You Kuya... |
After breakfast, we immediately proceeded to Brgy. Hall where our hired van is already waiting...
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| more photo ops on our way back to Brgy. Hall |
Day 1
6:30AM to 8:30AM -Starmall to Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal
8:30AM to 9:00AM - Registration at Brgy. Hall of Daraitan
9:00AM to 9:30AM - Brgy. Hall to Tinipak River
9:30AM to 10:00AM - pitch tents
10:00AM to 11:00AM - breakfast, chika, picture taking
11:00AM to 1:30PM - Tinipak River to Summit
1:30PM to 2:30PM - Summit, picture taking
2:30PM to 4:00PM - Summit to Tinipak River
4:00PM to 6:00PM - long rest with lots of eating
6:00PM to 6:30PM - Tinipak River to Cave
6:30PM to 7:00PM - at the Cave
7:00PM to 7:30PM - Cave to Tinipak River
7:30PM - freshen up, dinner, socials
Day 2
6:00AM - Good Morning!
6:00AM to 7:30AM - Breakfast and break camp
7:30AM to 8:00AM - Tinipak River to Brgy. Hall
8:00AM to 10:00AM - Brgy. Daraitan Hall to Starmall
Other interesting places in Tanay:
1. Calinawan Cave and Ranang Pass
2. Batlag Falls, Kay-Ibon Falls and 14 meter high Daranak Falls
3. Masungi Rock Formation
4. Mount Batolusong
5. Parola
6. Tanay Church
Friday, February 19, 2016
Baler : A Surfer's Paradise
Baler is a second class municipality in the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is the provincial capital of Aurora. It is located some 230 kilometers (143 miles) north-east of Manila via a mountain pass accessible by bus and private vehicle. It is host to spectacular geographic formations and is situated on a vast plain at the south end of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Philippine Sea.
It was identified by Google as topping the list of beach destinations in the Philippines. It was described by Yahoo! Southeast Asia in March 2013 as one of the "top surf sports" in the Philippines. Nine feet waves serve as its main tourists asset, attracting hundreds of surfers during the surfing season from September to February.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baler,_Aurora
Baler is also famous for the Siege of Baler. When the Spaniards ceased and sold the Philippines to America, there was a group of renegade Spanish soldiers who decided that it wasn't their time yet. They occupied the Church of Baler for almost a year until they finally gave up. This was the last Spanish stronghold in the Philippines.
The whole province of Aurora itself is one of the last frontiers of Northern Luzon. It has gems yet to be discovered.
Baler is also famous for the Siege of Baler. When the Spaniards ceased and sold the Philippines to America, there was a group of renegade Spanish soldiers who decided that it wasn't their time yet. They occupied the Church of Baler for almost a year until they finally gave up. This was the last Spanish stronghold in the Philippines.
The whole province of Aurora itself is one of the last frontiers of Northern Luzon. It has gems yet to be discovered.
How to get to Baler?
Genesis Bus Terminal in Cubao has 6 daily trips to Baler. Fare is around Php420. First trip is at 3AM and the last trip is at 7:30PM.
Joy Bus Trips schedule: 12:30AM, 1:30AM, 2:30AM at Php700 one way. They have steward on-board, snacks and water, blanket and pillow, lazy boy seats and lavatory.
You can also get to Cabanatuan first then transfer to a bus or van going to Baler.
By private transportation:
From SCTEX to Pantabangan - NLEX to Clark Logistics Interchange, turn right to Tarlac, and then choose the SCTEX exit in Amucao, Tarlac City. From there, turn right to La Paz Tarlac then go straight to Sta. Rosa. Upon reaching Sta. Rosa, make a left turn and choose the road leading to Cabanatuan City. Take the Talavera route and turn right to Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. Travelers will need to traverse through a narrow mountain gravel road that twists through the Sierra Mountain Range to reach Canili, Maria Aurora.
From SCTEX to Pantabangan - NLEX to Clark Logistics Interchange, turn right to Tarlac, and then choose the SCTEX exit in Amucao, Tarlac City. From there, turn right to La Paz Tarlac then go straight to Sta. Rosa. Upon reaching Sta. Rosa, make a left turn and choose the road leading to Cabanatuan City. Take the Talavera route and turn right to Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. Travelers will need to traverse through a narrow mountain gravel road that twists through the Sierra Mountain Range to reach Canili, Maria Aurora.
*info from Costa Pacifica "how to get to"
We were invited by my classmate in a BOSH seminar, Sir Cornelio "Nel" Navalta Barrios, in his place in Baler. He may be a big man in his field pero tropa tropa lang tayo, haha! He is the coolest, supportive, most adventurous General I've ever known. He's such a humble man... nakakabilib lang talaga... A master of everything. We were so lucky and proud to get to know you Bossing.
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| the coolest surfer I've known, Boss Nel |
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| dinner and toma with the great man, haha! |
Things to do in Baler.
Surfing isn't the only activity in Baler. Baler has a very colorful and interesting history and culture. Tricycles here are offering all these tourist spots for Php700.
Dimutabo a.k.a. Mother Falls
Geographically, Mother Falls is located at Baler's neighboring town, San Luis. It is almost an hour van/trike ride from Baler. Trikes are charging Php100/person (maximum 4 pax) from Baler to San Luis and back.
Mother Falls is a half hour trek from where you'll be dropped from the trike. It is rocky, slippery and has multiple river crossings. You can also bath anywhere, haha! The water is extremely cold, brrrrrrr!
Mother falls is towering at 140 meters in height with the cold water coming from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
You can negotiate with the trike to include all tours from Quezon Park, Museo de Baler, Old Municipal Hall, Baler Church, Ermita Hill, Baler Fish Port, Lukso Lukso islets, Diguisit Water Falls, Diguisit Beach and Aniao islets together with Mother Falls. Start really early to enjoy those spots.
For different room accommodations, go to http://www.senyorlakwatsero.com/2015/01/17/baler-accommodation-cheap-lodges-rooms-homestay-pension-houses-hotels-resorts/
For those who have more budget, Costa Pacifica is a 3.5 star hotel/resort in Baler with accommodation rooms that range from Php4,500 to Php10,500/night.
We choose to stay with our General Barrios resort, the ULTIMATE ADVENTURES LODGING AND CAMP SITE. Their contact numbers are 0919-4749769 and 0927-565-9701. Mas masaya dito. Their rates are:
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| with the expert surfers and beginners |
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| Kahit hindi ka mag surf, kelangan may ganito kang picture, haha! |
with the master's eldest son, CJ
Surfing Lesson Rate is Php350 per hour which already includes the board's rental.
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| a surfer's haven |
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| you can learn even if you don't know how to swim |
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| the waves are amazing!!! |
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| in just an hour of tutorial... we have a surfer here... |
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| Angel and Efryl |
Our Bossing exploration yet to be discovered (somewhere in Villa, Aurora)...
Boss Nel and CJ Thank You Very Much !!!
The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who loves good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others.
-William Lyon Phelps-
