Last February/March, the bloggers that I follow on Instagram went on a trip to India. Through their photos, I got really in love with the country and their culture. I mean, I never really thought that I wanted to go to India until I saw their photos from Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal,Taj Mahal and more from Jaipur. I also got interested in the Holi Festival that they attended. Seeing their photos from the festival got me so thrilled.

[caption id="attachment_1285" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Photo from Matt[/caption]

Holi Festival, or the Festival of Colors, is a festival to celebrate the end of winter and coming of spring, and the victory of good over evil. On this festival, people smear colored powders on each other's face or throw them at each other while singing and dancing. As far as I know, having the colored powder on your body during the festival means that you have let go of your grudges or hate towards something or someone. Or, finally moving on from something that hurt you or angered you. Thus, the victory of good over evil.

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Since I really loved the idea of colored powders, especially with the Color Manila Run that I had joined previously, I really wanted to experience the festival. However, it's only celebrated during March and I couldn't go to India yet.



I was so ecstatic when one of my closest friend, Matt, who had been very supportive of my India dreams, found a Holi Festival event that will be happening in Manila. We were very eager to attend the event that was organized by Asia Society Philippines. I even started listening to this Holi Festival playlist on Spotify and then imagining what it would be like when we're finally celebrating Holi.



Somehow, since Matt had been active in volunteering activities, he found that Asia Society Ph were looking for volunteers for the event. Though we found out about it a day after the deadline of submission of volunteer applications, we still tried to send our applications through email. Thankfully, we got accepted and were able to be part of the organization of the event.

It was my first volunteer activity. And, as anxious as I am, I was glad that I was able to work with new people. Matt was assigned on stage management so we were really far from each other.

[caption id="attachment_1290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt took a photo of me behind the Registration booth since I couldn't join them at the party yet.[/caption]

During the event, I was the usherette of the Registration booth. I had to direct people on which line they should queue on. It was a little difficult for me since I was really scared of talking to strangers, and what more, in English (I'm not really fluent in verbal English). At one point, one of the VIP attendee from the festival (which I wasn't sure if he was the Ambassador of India in Manila or his friend) asked me why I didn't have color on my face. I got kind of scared because I wasn't sure if we were required to smear colored powder while on the Reg booth. But he laughed later on and said that it would be better if I have some color on.

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I got to totally enjoy the event when our booth closed. I was lucky that I still got to join Matt and Inah on the last countdown for throwing the colored powder.

[caption id="attachment_1277" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Photo from Matt.[/caption]

I was so happy to be able to party and let loose even with a bad headache (because I had to wake up early) and tired legs (because I was standing for how many hours). I was also kind of surprised with myself because, somehow, I wasn't conscious with my dancing. The Indians were really cute though. They had their choreography while dancing to the DJ's mix and they like throwing their friends in the air or putting them on their shoulders. Too bad, the videos I took were gone when my SD card got formatted :(

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Asia Society Philippines has been organizing this event for 6 years. I'm really glad that we weren't too late to find out about it this year. I hope next year we can attend again.

 

Happy Holi!

 

 

 

 

One of the best experiences I’ve had (so far) this year was joining Color Manila.

When my former colleagues (Josh and Nica) wanted to join a running event, we found that Color Manila had an event that was happening soon and the venue was near. At first, we didn’t really have a solid plan because it was too expensive (for us lol) and we had really busy schedules. It was a surprise that we were able to push for this event.

Let me just share the things I dealt with because of this event.



The Habal-habal and C-5

So, on the day we were gonna claim our race kit, my early out from the office was approved, so I left work at 5PM, in hopes that I’d get to the venue before 7PM. Josh was supposed to pick me up at Market Market and we’d go to Vista Mall Taguig together since he had Nica’s authorization letter. The plan changed and Nica went to the venue with me since Josh couldn’t leave home earlier. It was already 6PM when we boarded the bus to Market Market and the traffic at McKinley road took us almost an hour to get there. We were desperate to get to Vista Mall Taguig at 7PM even when it was already 6:57 when we alighted the bus. Our desperation led us to ride a habal-habal to the venue.

The habal-habal ride really scared me even though it thrilled me at the same time. I could just imagine the sermon I’d get from my mom, if she knew. (And she’d probably know, if she’s reading this) However, there weren't any faster way to get to Vista Mall Taguig other than via C-5. So, hello trucks and hello pollution on my hair and face! My driver knew we were in a rush so he sped his way through all the vehicles on the way. He didn’t even stop even with the traffic, he would pass through even the small spaces as long as we could fit. All I could do was hold on tight and pray. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed that much in my life. It felt like all the bad decisions I made in my life were nothing worse than riding a habal-habal on an expressway. I think he felt how nervous I was because suddenly, he started talking to me, asking random questions.  When we arrived at Vista Mall, I was surprised that it took quite longer for Nica to arrive. Turns out that my driver really did drive too fast.



The Disappointment

We arrived at Vista Mall Taguig 10 minutes past 7:00 but since it was our first time there, we didn’t know that the habal-habal dropped us off at All Home. We had to walk to the main Vista Mall where the Events Center was.  When we found the CM Booth, we were so happy to see that there were still people in line. However, we learned that the claiming was stopped because there weren’t enough race kits (or was it just the race bib. It wasn't clear to me). Annoying, right? The staff said there were already race kits on the way however, it got caught on the traffic. (Yes, we totally understand how bad the traffic is on a Friday evening especially on C-5). We were given the choice to either stay or wait for the kits to arrive or claim the kits on the day of the event. We opted to claim it on the event day since Josh had to go to work at 9PM.

There’s nothing that CM could have done with the traffic, but, they could have either sent the kits earlier or informed through their social media about the shortage of race kits and that we could claim it on the event. It was really hard to get to the venue even if we were just coming from Ayala. There were others who even came all the way from QC and  Rizal.

Also, the event tickets were already sold out. Everyone who had already registered and paid expected that they could get their race kits that night. But, according to the staff, there were some who only and persistently registered on the first day of the claiming. Shouldn’t there be another set up for this? And, since they already sold the kits to these late joiners (or whatever you call them), they should have already expected that the kits on the venue wouldn’t be enough. CM organizers, hello????

I felt really bad for the staff that night because they were receiving the anger of the people in line when it’s not all their fault. I also felt bad for those who had to travel to the venue on a Friday evening traffic and had to wait for (or not even able to claim) their race kit. I hope this would be a lesson to the organizers in future CM events.

On the day of the event, we finally claimed our race kits but we didn’t have our head lamp. The staff on the kit claiming booth told us to come back after 30 minutes since the other headlamps hasn’t arrived. So, we strolled around the festival grounds first. After an hour (it was already around 8:30-9PM), there was already a queue on the kit claiming booth. We asked the staff if the headlamps already arrived since the run was about to start. We were told that they weren’t sure if the headlamps would still arrive since the IT team was the one in contact with the marketing (something like that). It was really disappointing how they lacked coordination.

Since the 6.5km run would start at 9:05, we didn’t bother with the headlamps anymore. (Although, we envied those who had their headlamps on).

[caption id="attachment_1251" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Original Photo from CM[/caption]

The Run

I wasn’t physically prepared to run 6.5km so I was kind of worried about how long I’d finish. Though, I kept telling myself that it’s a fun run and not a marathon.

After the gun start, it was kind of hard to run because there were too many people infront of us.

The run got really exciting when we finally passed through where they threw colored powder on the runners. There was also a fire truck on the first part of the run that showered us as we ran, so that the powder would stick to us. Anyway, the stupid me just put her phone on an arm band. Thank God, it didn’t get wet that much. I wonder what happened to those who had their phones on a monopod.



At several points along the route, there were CM staff throwing colored powder on the runners. A different color at each station. They can also give you a handful of powder so you can throw it to your running buddies (or at them because it's payback time :D)

There were also refreshment stations that served water to runners. And, there were security people along the route to make sure runners stay in the right path and for security, of course.

[gallery ids="1238,1239" type="rectangular"]

After we had reached 3km, I decided I didn't want to run anymore. So, Nica and I just walked for the rest of the 6.5km. Josh already ran ahead of us. Also, the other runners were already enjoying taking pictures with the colored powder. I overheard some runners say "Fun run pero pumunta lang para magpicture." (Fun run, but [they] came here only to take pictures) I was kind of triggered because it's a FUN RUN. You're supposed to enjoy. And, if taking pictures would make you enjoy the event better, then GO. Let people enjoy things.

Anyway, I didn't have enough energy to deal with those negativity. So, Nica and I just went on until we finished.

[gallery ids="1243,1241,1242" type="rectangular"]

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I'm so happy that I got to finish my first fun run (and the 6.5km). A lazy ass like me considers this an achievement already. I'm so happy I got my first medal :)



The After Party

For me, the best thing about Color Manila would be the after party/festival. It felt like a reward for being able to finish the run. A festival mixed with colored powders thrown in the air is a better reward.

During the countdown where we throw our colored packets in the air after 1 was the most wondrous feeling I've felt in so long. I know, it sounds exaggerated but the past weeks before this event had been too stressful and exhausting for me,so, the festival and colored powders just made me forget about things for a while. Pushing for this event was really a good decision despite the disappointments.

So, if anyone's having thoughts on joining a Color Manila event, I suggest you go for it. It's not bad to try at least once :)

https://www.facebook.com/jverrelatado/videos/1463614263750939/

 

Disclaimer: Most of the photos aren't mine and they have crappy quality because I just downloaded them from Facebook app. Anyway, this post was kind of a spur of a moment, therefore, no editing (of photos) and all.

2017 surely is one of the best years I’ve had so far. A lot of unexpected stuff happened – good and bad. I got to experience a lot of things, meaningful ones.  I also finally achieved some of the goals that I had been aiming for quite a long while.

[caption width="3744" id="attachment_1166" align="alignnone"] Yes! I have finally graduated![/caption]

Through this year, I’ve learned how important it is to be able to accept, love and believe in myself, to get to know myself better and to find my genuine happiness. And although I’m still far from achieving those, I’m proud to finally be able to start working on it. It’s not easy to love yourself when all you’ve known are your flaws. Even though it’s going to take a while, I know that I still can get there with baby steps.



But, for now, I wanna thank the people who taught me that I’m more than my flaws.

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And those who helped me recognize my strengths.

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This year had taught me to appreciate the people around me.

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I’m grateful to have people who were there when I was at my weakest, people who I’ve never thought were going to listen to me and lift up my spirits when I was too down.

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The groupmates who made my summer class exciting and less dreadful, even with the 7AM class schedule.

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The team who gave me opportunities to grow in my career. They were also the same people whom I’ve spent half of the greatest moments with in 2017.

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The people I’d never thought I could keep a friendship with even though I don’t always get to see them anymore. The people I never thought I could share random to really deep stuff with.

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The friends I’ve made spontaneous adventures with. It’s one thing to have planned a trip or a hangout ahead of time but it’s another to just go ‘G’ at the very last minute.

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The squad that loves drawings but pushes for the last minute ganaps. These people had always been a family to me since highschool and I’m just too happy that even though most of us are working now, we still manage to make efforts to meet each other.

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The friends I don’t always talk to but still loves me a lot even with my annoying and crappy emotional self.

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My very precious bbs that are always supportive of me and pushed me to go for the things I could do and get better at.

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The family that I don’t always spend a lot of time with but was the first people I had run to when I was breaking – especially my mom.

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2017 may have broken me in some way, but I'm proud to have made it through the rest of the year stronger and maybe, better. Thank God for the blessings in disguise! Thank you, 2017! Hello, 2018!

During the time when I had this intense thirst for adventure, my friends supported me by planning weekend getaways with me. But because of the superstition that graduating students are more likely to be in danger, we couldn't go on hikes or beach trips.

Luckily, we found out about The Cabin Resorts (and their ongoing promo at that time).



Located inside ELCOR Compound at Brgy. Pinagbarilan in Baliuag, Bulacan, The Cabin Resorts is just the perfect weekend escape for people who just wants to be somewhere with family or friends. Also perfect for those that got fed up with life and just wants to be somewhere peaceful. 

We discovered this wonder on Facebook last August. They had this promo wherein guests can reserve the place for P5,500 (for 6 pax) if booked on or before August.

[caption id="attachment_868" align="alignnone" width="720"] This promo already ended but check their FB page for their latest ongoing promo 😉[/caption]

I got really excited when I saw the photos of the cabin. It looked very cozy and very photoshoot-worthy.

Chillin' at The Cabin

We reserved for the first weekends of October. We were fortunate that they still had weekend slots when we booked. (As of 10/9/2017, their weekend slots are fully booked.)

We planned to meet at Cubao around 12nn so we could arrive in Bulacan by 2pm. But, yeah, sometimes plans remains just as plans. 😑

From Gateway Mall, we walked for about ten-minutes (or probably more) to Five Star Bus Terminal. We rode a bus to San Antonio and got off at Tarcan, fare is P71 pesos. At Tarcan, we rode a tricycle to ELCOR Compound. The tricycle fare is 10 pesos per person. It took around 2hrs to arrive coming from Cubao.



The Cabin is only a short walk from the ELCOR gate. We passed by the restaurant and other resorts inside the compound.

[caption id="attachment_948" align="alignnone" width="3264"] There's the cabin 😍[/caption]

We arrived at the cabin around 5PM and was warmly assisted by the caretakers. They told us we could order food from the restaurant until 8PM. They left a copy of their menu inside the cabin (which I wasn't able to take a picture of  😞) for our reference.



Anyway, just a warning, the food on their menu are mostly putok-batok. We ordered Lechon Kawali, Tapsilog, Chicharon Bulaklak (cravings satisfied! ❤️), Sisig, and the only ~healthy~ food from their menu, Chopsuey. The prices range from 150-500 but their servings are good for sharing. They also have individual meals which are the silog meals that costs less than 100.



The second floor of the cabin is the bedroom with 1 bed and 2 mattresses (each can fit 3 persons). There's a cabinet near the window where they put extra blankets and pillows.

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Because we were busy with our photoshoot, we didn't get to use their karaoke and kayak. But we really enjoyed the free two buckets of beer and the sound system.

Things you can do during your stay

• Play games (bring board games, cards etc.)


• Movie marathon (their speaker is really nice though their tv is quite small)


• Karaoke (you can sing all night if you wish)


• Kayaking


• Catch fish? (my friend was able to borrow a fishing rod, we caught a tilapia but we put it back on the lake)


• Swim (you can swim anytime but it's a separate fee of 250 per head)


• Photoshoot! (yep, it's what we did!)


• Stay up late and share scary stories (this was unexpected but, yeah, we did this until 3am)

[caption id="attachment_959" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Millenials of the Cabin! So happy to meet new friends <3[/caption]

Some notes that could help

• We read on their FB page that bringing of foods isn't allowed. But based on our experience, I don't think they really mind those food that you cant order from their restaurant. For foods that need to be put on boxes (pizza etc.) just try to ask them before going there.


• Bring snacks? During our stay, we got hungry around midnight but since their restaurant is already closed, we had to get out to Tarcan (where we got off from the bus) to buy snacks.


• Take note of the inclusions on your promo. We had to pay for the bottled softdrinks and bottled water from the fridge, and coffee that we consumed. They cost 10pesos each.


• Their regular weekend rate is P7500.


• The cabin can accomodate up to 10pax. But since the rate is only for 6pax, extra persons pay 1000.


• We contacted them through FB so I dont have their contact nos. They don't respond immediately though.


• They have a gallon of drinking water and extra utensils on a table out in the terrace.


• The cabin is really cold unless you don't use the aircon.


• If you're coming from Cubao, I suggest you go there at around 11-12nn.


• Your trip back to Cubao may require you to stand from Tarcan to SM North. There are buses to Cubao that pass by Tarcan but most of the time, there are no more vacant seats. So, just prepare your legs.


• Total amount I spent for this get away is around P1700.

Expense breakdown:

• Transportation (from home to the cabin and vice versa): 268


• Cabin (5,500/6): 917


• Food (this will depend on your orders and your squad's agreement): 250


• Pool: 250

Well, I guess staying in the cabin is quite pricey, but just keep on checking their FB page for ongoing promos and giveaways!

[caption id="attachment_925" align="alignnone" width="4160"] And this is me looking stress-free. Wishing I could stay in this cabin, again 🙏[/caption]

If you wanna see the shots of our photographer friends, click on the links below. You can also book them if you need photo/video services.

Sean Amador - Flickr / Facebook / Instagram

Kat Teodosio -  Facebook / Instagram

 

One saturday afternoon, a wannabe model and an aspiring photographer strolled the streets of Makati and took advantage of the uncrowded city.

Always wanted to do something different, so I didn't hesitate when Kuya Sean planned a shoot with me.

We walked the streets of Legaspi and Salcedo Village in Makati on a cloudy Saturday afternoon for this shoot. It was kind of tiring but fun. It's also kind of awkward (or i'm just a really awkward person) to pose in public where other people can judge you. Thankfully, it's a weekend and there weren't a lot of people.

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I'm not really a fashion girl and since my best friend, a.k.a. my style consultant, wasn't around, I opted for white tee, jeans and sneakers.



I'm still trying to work on my facial expressions and poses, so yeah, bear with me.

[vimeo 235361455 w=640 h=360]
More photos at Flickr

For photo/video services, contact Sean Amador via Instagram / Facebook

 

September had been tough. School, work and a spontaneous trip to my hometown in Bohol (no, it's not for a vacation). Thankfully, the squad was also too busy to go on a trip for the month because, yknow, FOMO.

Anyway, the plan to go to Mt. Tagapo started when Tin sent a blog post about it on our group chat. And our stressed out selves made this an inspiration to get through the following days. Also, Tin and I had this big fantasy for talahib shots, we were determined to finally achieve it.

The plan started out with about 20 people (or more), most were Tin's blockmates. Then, the week before the hike, we were left with 8. But, the trip must go on!

Mt. Tagapo

Talim Island, Laguna de Bay
Major jump-off: Brgy. Janosa (Talim Island) Binangonan, Rizal
LLA 14.32° N 121.23° E, 438 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Source: PinoyMountaineer

On October 2, around 6-7AM from (everyone's favorite meet up place) Cubao, we left for Pritil Port in Binangonan, Rizal. I kept thinking how bad it was that there weren't any port near our place since Laguna Lake is only a few steps away from my house and Talim Island is just across the lake. Sighs 



After waiting for other passengers,we finally left for Talim Island. The boat ride went on for about an hour or so.

We reached Brgy. Janosa at around 10am and started climbing once our guide was available.

[caption id="attachment_600" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Bamboo Trail[/caption]

The trail wasn't so difficult which explains why the mountain is recommended for beginners.



Although some parts of the trail were shaded, it's still best to keep your skin protected against the sun.

[caption id="attachment_596" align="alignnone" width="5184"] This is me in my natural habitat (according to my very nice friends)[/caption]

Before proceeding to the summit, we first ate at the campsite. There was a tree that provided shade for those who want to rest.



Even before we arrived at the campsite, we already encountered the talahib trail which made me squeal because, Finally!



We found the perfect spot to take our ~meadowy~ shots on our way up the summit.



The trail to the top was surrounded with grass. It can get really itchy if you don't cover up. The guide told me that there would be some time in the year that they would burn or cut up the grass.

Not really sure of the burning part, but years ago I saw some part of the mountain burning from my bedroom window. Yes! My room has the best view in the house.  It was around 7-8 at night when I noticed that there was like a patch of orangey red on the mountain. I thought it was a accidental wildfire so I was like, searching for the news about it that night. Anyway, the guide said it usually happens around holy week when the mountain would be crowded.

[caption id="attachment_590" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Hi Kuya Sean![/caption]

Once we reached the top, we were able to see 360° view of Laguna Lake. It got a little cloudy though that's why the surrounding mountains and land wasn't clearly visible. I wasn't even able to use the binoculars which I borrowed just to see Sucat from up there.



From the top, you could see the fences of the fishponds on the lake. They looked like stitches to me.

We didn't get to spend too much time on the top because it looked like rain clouds were on their way to us. Once we got back to the resting place near the campsite, we started taking our talahib shots.

[caption id="attachment_690" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Jin&Tin © Sean Michael Amador[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_691" align="alignnone" width="2048"] We'll release our movie, someday. © Sean Michael Amador[/caption]

After taking our group picture, we started our way down. Once we were back at the base camp, we freshened up and ate merienda from the lugaw stall nearby. It tasted good enough for its price.



We took the boat going back to Pritil Port  around 4PM. We were able to witness the sunset as we traveled through the lake. Too bad, my phone wasn't nice enough to let me take nice sunset shots.

On our way home, we weren't sure where to find the jeepney going back to Manila, so we walked from Pritil Port to the nearest fast food chains. We planned to eat there but there were too many people. Anyway, we walked somewhere to find where the fx/jeepneys would be but we really couldn't find them. So, we took a tricycle to the terminal of the FX going to SM Megamall. How doid we fit 7 people in a tricycle (excluding the driver, ha)? We had Kuya Sean sit on the very front of the sidecar :)

I totally recommend this hike for those who want to get a quick escape from the stressful Manila life with a low budget. P500 would be the safest budget for this. Excluding food and other stuff, the total expenses for the fares, registration and guide took not more than P300 for us.

Please watch this video taken and edited by Kuya Sean :)

https://youtu.be/2QVtF99alhs

 

 

[caption id="attachment_689" align="alignnone" width="678"] When you want to hike but also pass your exam for the next day :) © Sean Michael Amador[/caption]

An irrelevant side story (but I still want to share because I think i'm such a genius)

Like I said, September had been really busy for me. I was trying to pull my grades up to pass Finals, especially in my Economics class. So, the week after this hike was our Final exams week. Because I had to work in the afternoon, I really didn't have enough strength to study anymore at home. Yes, that's why my grades were not up to my standards :(  But I really wanted to be in this trip, so I studied my Econ while on our way to Mt. Tagapo. I was memorizing the Agrarian Reform Law while on the jeepney and boat and then, I was reciting it aloud on our way down.

Anyway, I'm so happy I managed  to pass the semester :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, how does it feel like to witness someone roll down the hill?

Geocacher-Hikers Meet

After our Batulao hike, Tin and I was itching to go somewhere again. We introduced Geocaching* to some friends we had met from Batulove and decided we could invite them to hike Mt. Gulugod Baboy - a mountain where 5 caches hide.

*Will write about Geocaching in a separate blog post soon

So, early-August, I asked if anyone from the GeocachingPH community wanted to find the caches on Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Two weeks before the actual day of the hike, I created the event on the Geocaching website.

[caption id="attachment_345" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Logsheet of Gulugod Baboy Cache #4[/caption]

Geocaching on the mountain was definitely one of the best experience in my geocaching life. Since most of the caches I found are within the city, Makati and BGC to be exact. The caches were mostly of the same type and the GZ's were kinda full of muggles.

Our geocaching experience in GB (Gulugod Baboy  in Jin's dictionary) was definitely how I imagined to be when I first read about it on the novel.

Tin wrote a more detailed experience on her blog.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini
LLA: 13°42’55″N; 120°53’43″E; 525 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Source: PinoyMountaineer

Tin and I thought that the event was gonna push through with just the two of us. Luckily, Richard (which we call by his GC username, neoren) and Miko (new geocacher from Batulove), joined us. I also decided to bring my younger sister, Clyra.

The plan was to meet up at DLTB Buendia at 3AM on August 28. Since it had been raining the night before, Tin's mom was actually reluctant to let us leave at 2 in the morning (and to hike, actually). We had to sneak out of her house.

We also arrived 2 hours late at the meet up place because we woke up late. I remember I was woken up by the dream I had - we were already meeting the others at the bus station. If it wasn't for that dream, I wouldn't be able to wake up at 2:30Am and wake up Tin and Clyra.

Since we were late, we had to take GrabTaxi to Buendia. We were lucky to find a driver at that time and the fare wasn't so bad.

When we arrived at Buendia, we found Miko and Richard already talking to each other. Take note, they haven't known each other before that.



Because we were going to geocache, we didn't bother having a guide.

The first part of the trail was totally exhausting. It was on a cemented road that goes uphill. We weren't even halfway yet when we decided to already sit on the ground and eat some breakfast.

[caption id="attachment_366" align="alignnone" width="3264"] No, this is not the cemented road I was talking about. Just some cemented part of the trail :)[/caption]

After the cemented road, we had to take the trail that led us to the first geocache. We then followed this trail going up the summit. We searched for the other caches along the way.



We decided to not find the 3rd cache when our mobile data went unstable. We then proceeded to the summit.

Once we got out of the foresty part of the trail, we were greeted with a scenic view and cool breeze.

Tin and I realized how perfect the day was for climbing (and geocaching). We just knew how regretful it would have been if we cancelled the trip.

[gallery ids="376,375,374,373" type="rectangular"]

Rolling down the hill

I've never really thought that it's possible to trip and roll on a mountain and still live. (or I may have been exaggerating too much)

[caption id="attachment_364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo taken by Tin[/caption]

Since it was my sister's first ever hiking trip (which I only brought her just so parents would allow me to go), I was being extra careful. I was being really paranoid. I kept telling her to be careful and not get injured. I mean, how would I go home and explain to parents if anything happened to her?

And, something did happen to her!

 

After our lunch at the summit, we decided to go look for caches #4 and #5.

The GPS was pointing us to an area somewhere just down the summit. Miko and Tin went off trail to go down to this tree which we thought was the one being referred to on the hint.

The rest of us thought they were already close to finding cache #5, so we followed them.

It was a little challenging going down since there's no trail and it was kind of steep. The only thing that made it easier and less dangerous were what I believe were the footsteps of cows.

I was walking ahead of my sister as we went down. Then, she said, "Ate, ang bagal mo naman." (Sis, you're so slow.)

Suddenly, she started running and went ahead of me. My overprotective-paranoid-elder-sister mode was triggered.

And then, she TRIPPED AND ROLLED!

Panic level: 999%

Seriously! I didn't know what to do. Thank God, she was able to stop rolling before she could go into the bushes that was on the edge of a cliff-like area. (Though, it wasn't really high but she would have fallen down to twigs/branches.)

If she hadn't laughed as she stood up, I definitely would have thrown a fit (or cry and never go home).

We went back up the trail after checking Clyra for injuries. And we didn't find a cache on that area.

On our way up, I saw what I thought was soil which I remembered got ruined after my stepped on and where she started log rolling. It wasn't really  soil, it was dried cow dung.

I just started laughing at her because I'm that kind of sister.

[caption id="attachment_363" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Yes, that was her before her unintended stunt.[/caption]

Once we were all back up, we went to the store nearby where we decided to rest for a while. The owners were really kind.

We also realized that it's possible to go up the mountain without so much effort, by car or bike. Coming from a different way, not the ones usually taken by trekkers. There was a parking space to where the toilets were and we saw some vans parked in there. The mountain was good for people who wants a great view without breaking too much sweat.

Since I was worried on how my sister would be able to go down with her foot, which she said was hurting, the husband of the store owner offered to take us down to the beach (with no entrance fees, just pay how much you like for the cottage) where there were jeepneys we could take to get to the bus station.

[caption id="attachment_367" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Found her like this after we got back from searching cache #4 and #3.[/caption]

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Mt. Gulugod Baboy would be a great place to camp, watch the sunrise and sunset, and stargaze. It's also budget friendly, 600PHP at most (excluding food).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning rain is falling ♫♪♫

After I swore that I wouldn't climb again (because it's just not for a lazy kid like me), I found myself agreeing to my friends on joining this overnight hike event on Facebook.

The event was pretty exciting since one of the highlights is viewing the milky way. We didn't really get to see this because of the bad
bedweather. We were also thrilled by the thought of meeting new people.

So, there we were to Batangas with people we didn't know.

Mt. Batulao

Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu, Batangas
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault

At 1am on July 30, we met with the other attendees of the event in Cubao. There were around 30 of us that had to fit (with our big hiking bags) in 2 vans.

Our trek started at around 5am. It was still a little dark and cold. By the time the sun started showing, we could see (somehow) the surroundings enveloped in fog. The trail was also too muddy.



Since we weren't on a hurry to reach the summit, we climbed at our own pace, which made us less exhausted.



We took the old trail going up. I made the mistake of saying that it was easier than our Batolusong climb when we were on the easier parts of the trail. Once we reached the assault, I felt like regretting my life decisions.

[caption id="attachment_269" align="alignnone" width="960"] Photo taken by Tin during the rope segment.[/caption]

The summit assault was no joke, especially after the rope segment.  I already imagined how my mom would react if ever got injured (or worse) during the climb. Thank God, I got home safe and whole.

[caption id="attachment_260" align="alignnone" width="3264"] At the summit.[/caption]

We arrived at the summit at around 9am, as far as I remember. We didn't stay long though. It was kind of crowded and too hot for my liking. I also wasn't a fan of bugs that kept flying around. I'm really maarte.



Anyway, the view from the summit was definitely wonderful, if only it wasn't so foggy.



After the summit, we traversed through other peaks to reach our campsite.

[caption id="attachment_274" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Doggo <3[/caption]

We took our lunch after we set up our tents. I was really happy that I got to bring one, not knowing that I wouldn't be able to use it anyway.



Right after our socials, some of us chose to stay up til the wee hours. Those of us who were supposed to sleep on my tent were lucky (or not really) that we didn't sleep earlier, else, we would have woken up drenched from the strong rain.

We were (and still are) totally grateful to our new found friends who were kind enough to let us sleep in their tent.

One thing I learned from this hike is the importance of waterproofing. I got too reliant on my bag's rain cover that I forgot how much of a fail it is.

It was raining as we trekked down on the new trail. Since I love the rain and hate (bringing) umbrellas, I didn't bother covering myself from the rain. I was going to take a shower once we get down anyway.

What I didn't know was how soaked my bag was. The rain cover didn't save any of my things from getting wet.  Thank God, again, I brought a summer dress. I didn't know why I did though. It was the only clothing I had that could dry easily.

Lesson learned: Waterproof your pack. ALWAYS.

[caption id="attachment_296" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BatuLOVE on July 30-31, 2016[/caption]

Although there were some things I did regret, like waterproofing my things (yes, i'll repeat this over and over again, JK), I was glad that we decided to join this event.  We never got to see the milky way but we did experience a lot of things, like a stormy weather on your way down a mountain and almost doing a mudslide (literally). It was also nice to travel with people you barely know and then become friends with them.

[caption id="attachment_276" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Another adventure together![/caption]

July 30-31. The weekend right after my prelim exams, when I totally didn't do my homework for my Econ class, just so I could enjoy this hike. I didn't regret almost failing my midterms.
Kind of.

[caption id="attachment_297" align="alignnone" width="1920"] So, here I am, trying to model for the lampa queen, who wasn't able to use her camera because milky way didn't show up.[/caption]