The new campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT) became viral since it’s launch last January 10. Despite some criticism, majority embraced the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!” as a positive strategy to a more exciting tourism industry this year.

Weekend Haven is more than happy to participate and show some love to pay homage to why we itch on exploring the Philippines and it’s 7,107 beautiful islands.

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Let’s keep our wanderlust on fire and discover more of the Philippines this dragon year, shall we?

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Nacpan & Calitang Beach in El Nido

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Fall in love with the beauty twice with Nacpan & Calitang Beach.

Divided by the island stretch, these two hidden gems
are nestled side by side  in the quiet town of Calitang.

A treat of serenity welcomes you to the sound of the waves.
No hotels, restaurants, or any means of commercialism.

Just us and the twin beach.

What’s more amazing is that on the 3rd side of the island lies a picturesque cliff!

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Exploring strange new lands with just a backpack and a map in hand is beyond exciting and fun.  Here you’ll find the fundamental part of our adventure and what kept us busy for the last few weeks. Expect a lot of road trip stories and budget travel tips coming up.

Indonesia isn’t the world’s most popular route for independent travelers and backpackers, but surprise, we cannot underestimate the beauty of the road less traveled. And who can resist a $12 roundtrip air tickets for 2? Thanks to Cebu Pacific’s Piso fare, we got the most coveted airfare, that’s P544 in peso.

28-June { Monday }

18:00 NAIA Terminal 3 Check In at Cebu Pacific
21:25 ETD Flight Mla – Jakarta (delayed flight by 30mins.)
00:15 ETA Jakarta Soekarno Hatta International Airport Terminal 2
Take taxi to Terminal 3 Airport for Domestic Flight (airport shuttle is not available after midnight)

29-June { Tuesday }

04:00 Check in at Terminal 2
06:00 ETD Flight Jakarta to Yogyakarta by Air Asia
07:00 Arrival Yogyakarta
Take taxi from airport to Malioboro/ Jalan Sosrowijayan
07:45 Hunt for Accommodation along Gang I and Gang II backpackers area in Jalan Sosrowijayan
08:15 Check in at Rejeki Homestay
08:30 Breakfast at Superman Restaurant
09:00 Hunt for Bromo Tour and Package tour for Borobudur – Prambanan – City Tour – Ramayana Ballet
Bargain and Settled in with Sosro Tours
10:00 Start of Borobudur Tour
14:00 Drop by at Batik Shop
16:00 Start of Prambanan Tour
18:30 Dinner at Prambanan Garden Restaurant
19:30 Ramayana Ballet Show
21:30 End of Show
22:00 Back in Yogyakarta
Went around Malioboro to scout for souvenirs but stores are closing already and food stalls are being set up.

30-June { Wednesday }

07:00 Breakfast at Mc Donalds
07:30 Scour the market for souvenirs but its still too early and all shops are still closed.
08:10 Check out from Rejeki Homestay
08:15 Pick up at Sosro Tours office for Bromo Package
08:30 Leave for Cemoro Lawang in private van (10 pax including us with Austrians, Germans and Polish)
14:00 Lunch at local restaurant
14:30 Continue long trip to Probolinggo
21:30 Briefing and Registration at Probolinggo
23:00 Arrival Cemoro Lawang. Check In at Hotel Sion View

1-July { Thursday }

04:30 ETD Mt. Penanjakan – Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
05:00 ETA Park. Start trek to Viewing deck.
05:15 Viewing Deck. Wait for Sunrise.
06:00 ETD to Mt. Bromo Crater
06:30 Start trek to the active volcano
08:00 ETD Hotel for Breakfast
08:30 Arrival at Hotel. Free Breakfast
10:00 ETD for Surabaya
15:30 Arrival at Surabaya Bus Station. Take taxi to Pasar Turi Train Station.
16:00 Pasar Turi Train Station. Purchase Tickets for Night trip to Jakarta
18:30 Leave for Jakarta via Sembrani Train

2-July { Friday }

08:30 ETA Jakarta – Gambir Station
Freshen up. Leave luggages at Locker center.
Explore Jakarta
Monas
Mangga Dua
Jalan Surabaya
17:00 Back at Gambir Station to pick up luggages and transfer via Damri Bus to Airport Terminal 2

3-July { Saturday }

00:30 Flight to Manila via Cebu Pacific
05:30 ETA Manila

Don’t missed out on my next posts for our adventures and misadventures in Indonesia and the rest of Java!

Terima Kasih,

.
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.

~William Shakespeare

Our Mt. Pinatubo Day Trek Challenge was a challenge from the start. It was quite demanding when you have a changing weather, tentative participants and a certain budget to meet.

After some last minute cancellations, we ironed out the final details from budget to transportation and groupings. Check out our Mt. Pinatubo Itinerary here. In the end, we were able to list 18 participants.

18 participants, that goes to say that we were lacking 2 people in the group to make it an even number.  We didn’t get any discount with the 4×4 jeeps so we still have to divide the expenses of 20 down to 18. Good thing, we were able to cancel the other van we reserved and the owner was very understanding.

Our meeting time is 2 in the morning at Shell Station in Ayala Avenue. By half past 2, we were already sailing through NLEX.

We we’re down with 1 van and Mhike’s SUV. Mhike agreed to use his car after finding out that the van will not be as comfy if we crowd it.

Tines, Regs, Grace, Malen, Jen A, Jen G, Joanne, Badette, Icze, Cat, Ace, Ferdie and I fit ourselves to the van. We were ready to catch some sleep.

Rogel, Liezl, Anna, Dang & Mhike were behind us.

Since we are going on a convoy. We made a Stop over at Shell Select Bulacan for early breakfast and take-out. Then off to a long road trip again.

Dropped by at Mc Donald’s in Capas to ask for direction and last minute meal provisions. After a few more turns, and gazillion Reycat’s political posters later, we landed at the tourism office.

7:00 AM : We registered and divided the group by 4 jeeps. Each has one driver and a guide. We were so ready for the rough ride, sans any injuries. There were other groups ahead of us and a few more trailing behind.

One hour of rough ride, shallow waters, soft lahar land, ah, this makes a different weekend haven. It is equally an amazing experience should we proceeded by foot. It’s unsafe though during rainy season.

If you want to bring your own off road vehicle, you just need to register from the tourism office and get a guide.

The bumpy ride, amazing blue skies, and rolling hills are some things we love about a nature getaway. Something that our future generation might not see if we aren’t keen on keeping it the way it should be. An all natural stress-relief just by energizing the body and mind while embracing nature.

After bouncing off our energy, we reached a dead end, that seems to be a huge parking lot. From here, we have to walk to the crater for about 1 hour. But since, we weren’t in a hurry and we don’t have enough preparation to trek, we’re taking it slowly. Photo op for the most part of the break.

The trail seemed unending. I was so close in asking our guide, “are we there yet?”

So much for expecting a 30 minutes trek. The road was badly out of shape. Huge rocks from everywhere, which forced the jeep club to make the parking area a pit stop. This left us with only one choice, to trek for 1 hour and 20 minutes to the crater lake.

A light drizzle welcomed us when we reach the crater. The sky is a mix of dark clouds and blue horizon with the occasional sun streak.

The view is breathtaking, I can’t even imagine if I can make a fine print of Mt. Pinatubo in my mind. Everywhere we stand is a different landscape view. The crater lake  have taken the boundaries of 3 towns, Pampanga, Zambales and Tarlac.

It saddens me that  years from now, this place will just be a part of history. The surrounding lahar mountain walls are eroding gradually. The caldera may eventually collapse and this park and crater will be gone forever.

We positioned ourselves to eat lunch down the crater. Some groups hired the boat to transport them to the other side of the crater for P350 each. The others were more adventurous and took a dip through the cold waters.

The heavy rain poured after our delicious meal. We had to seek comfort at the nearest picnic hut. We used the time to introduce everyone to each other.

When the rain finally stopped, our guide proposed to start our trek back to the jeep. We are an hour early but we never know if the rain will be stronger so instead of risking to be trapped in our soaking clothes, we followed our guide without uncertainty.

It was a different trekking experience this time. The rain shower was heavier but I enjoyed it and almost everyone did. Its a nice diversion while concentrating on not to trip over the sharp rock edges. The cool water streams are soothing too. I miss the rain. and it was the first time I trek under such bad weather. But it was a blessing. No one was hurt.

As if the weather was teasing us, the rain stopped when we reached the parking area. And for the record, some of us were able to doze off during a bumpy ride. Exhaustion took its toll that even the sharp turn and rugged terrain  feels like a rhythm swinging us to sleep.

Use of bathroom at Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town is P100 each. It comes with a towel, soap and locker. We find the price a bit steep but we can’t help but to avail this to shower and change clothes following our encounter with dusty road and a surprised nature shower.

When everyone is refreshed, It is then a battle between Sisig Restaurant and Isdaan. Sisig Restaurant won by slightly a few more votes. Headed to Angeles City to savor the best Sisig in town, tokwa’t baboy and more before going home.

We had a blast and even if it was just a day of adventure, we were able to shake off some stress, get away from the bustling city life, reunite with old friends and gain some new ones.

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Contact Numbers:
Wendell – 4×4 Jeep Service 09196084313
Rent A Van – Sally 215-5645  | 0917-8239111 or Efren 964-8534  | 0917-8070911
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Photo Credits:

Independence Day at Mt. Pinatubo by Rogel
Mt. Pinatubo Independence Day Trek by Ferdie
Pinatubo Shots by Malen
Mt. Pinatubo Trek by Tines
Independence Trek by Jen

Special thanks to Chyng for the itinerary and 4×4 jeep contact details.

All natural cardio workout!

A 4×4 Experience at Mt. Pinatubo

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Get Ready for some Outdoor Challenge and an off-road adventure weekend to  Mount Pinatubo!

Promote healthy lifestyle and indulge in a  30-minute trek to dried-up river beds and lahar field. At the end of the journey, indulge your senses with a panoramic view of ash covered peaks and turquoise crater lake.

Sta Juliana in Capas, Tarlac is the gateway to our Mt. Pinatubo Day Trek Challenge. Being an active stratovolcano, it has been a popular destination to backpackers, foreigners and locals alike. But with the new developments in the area by Sta. Juliana Tourism Council, family and kids enjoy this challenge with an ease as well. 

Itinerary

02:00am : Assembly
02:30am : ETD to Capas, Tarlac
06:00am : ETA Tourism Office, Tarlac; Registration
06:30am : 4 x 4 Skyway Ride to jump off point
07:30am : Start of trek to crater: 30mins (might be shorter depending on the speed of participants)
08:15am : ETA crater; free-time, swim, explore, photo ops, boating
11:00nn : Early Lunch
01:00pm : ETD to jump off point (30-mins trek)
02:30pm : ETA jump off point; 4 x 4 ride back to Tourism Office
03:15pm : ETA Tourism Office; wash-up
04:15pm : ETD to Capas Shrine
04:30pm : Side trip to Capas Shrine (if time permits)
06:30pm : ETA Isdaan Restaurant/ Taksyapo
08:00pm : ETD Manila
10:00pm : ETA Manila (arrival time in manila may vary)

Budget/Expenses:
P1,700
Minimum of 10

Inclusions

* Roundtrip Private Van Transfers
* 4×4 Vehicle to hiking trail (via skyway)
* Local Guide
* Conservation Fee
* Skyway toll fee
* Sidetrip to Capas Shrine (if time permits)

Exclusions:
Lunch, Dinner

Optional:
* Boat ride to crater – P350 each
(will take you to 3 parts of the crater: pampanga, zambales, tarlac)

What to Wear:
* Shirt: short or long sleeved
* Shorts, tights, leggings or anything comfortable and light.
* Trekking sandals/ rubber shoes (prepare to be wet/ no slippers)
* Sun protection : Cap, umbrella, sun block, warmer/sleeves, shades
(you might want to keep your hair under a hood/cap, unless you want to expose it through the rough ride on a 4×4 jeep in the midst of dusty lahar field)

Must Have:
- Water
- Packed lunch & Snacks
- Camera
- Personal medicines
- Umbrella/cap/sun block
- Waterproofed gadgets
- Extra clothes
- Fresh Eggs (try to boil it on the other side of the crater)

For More Information : Go to Event Page

Cheers to our Independence Day Group trekkers! See us in action here.

Picture Source : RL Bernardo

Can’t wait to get back on trail,

.

Destiny is not a choice, it is a chance.
It is not a thing to be waited for,
it is a thing to be achieved.

~ William Jennings Bryan

I am in for a bit more reminiscing after writing about our Sagada Adventure here. But before that awesome trip, there was first Mt. Pulag story.

Scaling Mt. Pulag or Mt. Pulog in 2005 was probably the biggest challenge to our group. Being passionate about mountaineering, I only dreamed of reaching it’s peak and I’ll be the happiest person ever. By far, the most thrilling and overwhelming adventure I had organized in my life.

Our itinerary was timed at a long holiday on Oct. 28 – Nov. 2, 2005.

Our  ambitious trail would lead us to: Manila – Baguio – Mt. Pulag – Sagada – Baguio – Manila

It took a month of planning, hours of online research, coordination, pre-climb meetings, and hurt wallets, before everything was ironed out. I asked every participants to do physical preparation as well and indulge their selves with exercise and cardio activities to warm up for this demanding event.

Mount Pulag is the highest point in Luzon and the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. Located 2,922 meters above sea level, the locals of Benguet consider this place sacred.  We expect a major climb, but only the determined ones are rewarded with awesome visual treats, spectacular sun rise and sea of clouds.

The high altitude is a home to diverse flora and fauna, pine trees and mossy forest. During January – February, temperature drops to its lowest that sometimes make  freezing mist.

Itinerary:

Oct. 28, Friday
2200 ETD Victory Liner, Pasay

Oct. 29, Saturday
0400 ETA Baguio City
Breakfast
Last Minute Provision
0500 ETD BAguio to Babadac Jump-Off Point
1100 DENR Station
Registration
Seminar
1200 Trek to Ranger Station
1700 ETA Ranger Station
Rest & Eat
1800 ETD Ranger Station to Camp 2
2300 ETA Camp 2
Pitch Tent
Cook Dinner, Eat, Socials

Oct. 30, Sunday
0500 Peak Assault
0700 Summit Grassland
0730 Descent to Camp 2
0830 Breakfast
0900 Break Camp
Ready for Descent
1700 DENR Station
1800 ETD DENR Station to Sagada via Kabayan Route

1st Day – Breathing Fresh Air

The group met up at Victory Bus Liner in Pasay and reserved our tickets to Baguio. Our waiting time and long road trip gave way to bond and meet the unfamiliar faces behind the 16 participants name.

*Me, Asi, Allan, Ferdie, JP, Leila, Badet, Jeff, James, Dang, Pilo, Sonny, Precy, Tessa, Shirley & Setiel

We reached Baguio at 4 AM. The cool air brushed our tension away and just left us with raging excitement for the day’s development. We bought breakfast to fill our energy. Our jeep was pre-arranged through Mang Roger. He was really helpful in making our plan an ultimate success, providing us with the most sufficient driver, Kuya Noli.

Our service dropped us at Babadac Jump- off point to register at the DENR station. On our way, we passed by the breathtaking Ambuklao Dam.

An hour before 12 noon, we reached the DENR station where visitors are required to register and attend the 15 minutes in-house seminar. This is the jump-off point to Mt. Pulag. It also houses a souvenir shop.

After our last minute check. we’re off to a rough road adventure. Some even enjoyed the vantage point at the top load (atop the jeepney’s roof). But not for long, we’re not even far yet from the station, when our jeepney driver declared that our transport will not be able to make it through the bad road condition. Our jeep was trapped at the muddy pool, even at several trials, it can’t pull off to bring us to the Ranger’s station.

We don’t have a choice but go on foot. This is a sudden change of plan, although I am half-expecting it already, but some from the group may have ignored my preemptive warning during our many meetings. We walked almost 5 hours to get to the Ranger’s station. We were so behind schedule due to our low pacing.

The path is breathtaking, not too steep. But between cold weather and fatigue, we felt a degree of difficulty in breathing. The long walk was exhausting, considering at least 15 kilos on our back and I wouldn’t even start with how much the men can handle. But the environment seemed to soothe our weary bodies. The cold wind blows softly through our stressed out mind. Hiking through Ambangeg trail was physically draining, yet it gives one a quite time to  go on and walk further with much adrenaline.

Finally when we reached Ranger Station, everyone recharged with snacks and steal a few zzzs. Everyone seemed hesitant to go on a night trek as the weather drops lower.

We departed just before 6 in the evening from Ranger’s Station. A long, cold and dark night accompanied us. Our group was eventually broken into small groups.  Our many rest stops were a bliss.

We understand that we can’t pitch tent anywhere as this is a rule within the boundaries of Pulag National Park. As we trek along the looming darkness, I feared for our safety. I fear about others losing hope in reaching the camp seeing exhaustion and effect of cold weather. God’s grace worked most powerful that time, we all reached Camp 2 safely before 12 midnight.

Some interesting and funny highlights of our first night:

*JP who struggle to bring his cathedral tent to accommodate all of us was the one who got evicted and has nowhere to sleep to.

*Sonny and Tessa shared a tent.

*The mystery behind the culprit of spreading bad gas on a very soothing air of Mt. Pulag.

We thank our boys whom beyond our stressful day were able to cook our food for the evening. Though everyone seemed exhausted and cold enough to eat and be merry.

2nd day - Race to the Peak

Our supposed call time was 4:30 in the morning, but the weather crept on us like a blanket that lulls as more to sleep. We literally drag ourselves to move and go hiking 30 minutes later.

The grassland summit seemed close, yet so far. From Camp 2, we have to trek for around 2 hours to get to the Peak Summit. Ah, the torture, yet again. But we can’t deny, it’s all worth it.

Sunrise can’t wait and we witnessed it on trail. Apparently, there are many groups ahead of us, Mountaineering Federations of the Philippines, Inc., Sabit Mountaineers, and more.

The sea of clouds were not as we expected, maybe because we climb too late but nonetheless, we are awestruck by the green rolling hills, amazed at how many we’ve crossed just to get on top. It was a wonderful feeling.

Pulag is referred as a Bald mountain. The grassland, well, not a single tree on the peak. I bet Tiger Woods will have a blast on this giant golf course.

We can’t stay long enough to savor this great achievement, and before the thought creeps in that we conquered the highest peak in Luzon, we realized that we needed to get back to our campsite soon. Maybe less than 2 hours of trek this time.

We were greeted by a sumptuous feast on our arrival to the camp courtesy of our group mates who decided to stay away from the trail early. We were all hungry for breakfast.

At half past 10 in the morning, we cleaned up. Break Camp and did last minute check before going down. As mountaineers, we are an advocate on preserving the natural beauty of our environment. All things we brought with us, shall also be going down, and leave the area, as if we were never there. Too bad some people aren’t responsible enough to clean their own mess.

At 5:00 in the afternoon, we reached the DENR Station, all sweaty and eager to freshen up. We had minor issues with the availability of jeepney service that caused our delay.  We signed out from the registration book and checked some souvenir shirts to take home.

We are headed to Sagada! Sonny, Setiel, Leila and JP have priorities to attend to and can’t make it with us, so they joined the other jeep going to Baguio instead. James who’s original plan was to go with them, gave in to our prodding and joined us in Sagada only until the following morning.

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Mang Roger’s Lost in Love Jeepney
Contact Number: 09208068656
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Important Reminder and Tips:

1. Prearranged the vehicles only with Mang Roger as there has been reported criminal cases and theft from unreliable agents.

2. Prepare physically and mentally weeks prior to the climb. Climbing in cold weather is life threatening, more so, hypothermia can cause death.

3. Another great option if you want to stay out of the strenuous trek is to stay at Rangers Station for the night, leave your bags there and do a peak assault early morning to catch the sunrise.

4. If you are intending to follow our itinerary, be sure to go early at the peak.

5. To maximize your Mt. Pulag Experience, climb between January to March and enjoy the freezing weather.

Bidding goodbye to this beautiful scenery at a passenger’s seat, Sagada to Baguio Route

Photo Credits:
James Dela Rosa | Panfilo Villanueva | Valerie Teves

Hoping to scale Mt. Pulag’s Akiki Trail too,

Our stressed out soul longed for visual thrills and weekend frenzy. You can tell our inner nature seeker selves just got happy from this befitting adventure.

Day 2 of Bulacan Ultimate Weekend Challenge

Our morning started out late. I guess the only one who made it to the peak at the crack of dawn was Rob who missed out our socials the previous night.

I got up at 7 and noticed that the other group was already preparing breakfast while most on my troupe were still dreaming. Bong and Rob decided to go down and fetch some water.

We all crammed up for Pork Adobo, Salted Egg with chopped tomatoes and Scrambled Egg with Mushroom for breakfast. To top it all, a warm coffee to start our day.

Someone’s missing and catching up some more zzz’s. Can you guess who?

After the delightful feast, we busy ourselves with cleaning up and preparing to break camp. Our Mt. Manalmon assault isn’t complete without a hike to the peak. We got crazy over group photos and jump shots taken with the amazing bird’s eye view of Bulacan province as backdrop.

We were more thrilled when Super Bong aka Guide Extremist, did jump and climb to the other rock summit.

As much as we want to stay longer for more photo session, we were running out of time. We did a last group photo and offered a prayer for safety before vacating the campsite. Time check: 11 AM.

Descending requires less effort. We made a few stop and rest. Everyone seemed excited with the next activity. We headed down to Madlum Training Center to drop our bags.

We while away the time by resting and getting ready for another challenge. Then, we’re off to the monkey bridge. The challenge seemed easy from the looks of those little kids jumping over and over again off those cable wires down to the deep river. You can’t see fear on their faces, yet they were full of excitement and happiness. On my second try, the nerve-racking feel won’t go away. I bet the rest were haunted by fear too. Then again, peer pressure was more powerful. It’s still worth another million try though, with much zest every time.

We then proceed to trek the steep trail up to Bayukbok Caves. The sizzling weather can’t take our spirits down and we’re ready to conquer our fears. Our spelunking was a test of endurance and brave heart. Climbing up a ladder, bouldering, striding from one cliff to another, and most of the time struggling, crawling and stretching out to fit ourselves through the chambers.

Bayukbok Caves showcase beautiful limestone formation dating hundred years. Awesome Stalactites and stalagmites at the Men’s Room aka Sensational Room kept Toni and the girls giddy.

Ada may have faced her greatest fear, but conquered it with much motivation from everyone. Bong did caught our attention when he jumped out of the cliff and back. It was a dangerous act that only our super guide can do.

Back at the training center, we had a super late lunch. Pork Sinigang and Fried Tilapia for Lunch ala Dinner.

We had a quick dip at the river before packing up for home.

Photo Credits:

Ferdie Teves
Jeneth Gile
Valerie Teves

For Contact Details of our Jeepney Service, you can email me or leave your message here.

Muchas Gracias to everyone!

We choose to go…not because it is easy, but because it is hard, because that goal will serve to measure and organize the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Instead of spending a lazy weekend at home, we challenged ourselves for some fun, extreme and action packed outdoor adventure.

The destination: Mt. Manalmon in Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan

Participants: 15 (Jen, Rob, Flor, Precy, Mac, Rod, Pat, Tevan, Kathe, Dale, Ada, Toni, Malen & Moi) with our super guide Bong Stone.

Itinerary:

Jan 23, Saturday
0600 Assembly Time at Baliuag Transit bus bound for San Miguel Bulacan
0700 ETD San Miguel, Bulacan
0900 ETA San Miguel, Bulacan ( Palengke)
*** Last buying provisions (packed lunch)
0930 ETD San Miguel Palengke to Madlum
1000 ETA Jump Off
*** Registration | Briefing | Preparation
1100 Early Lunch
*** Briefing for Rappelling
1300 Rappelling
1500 Packs on back, start of Trek
1630 ETA Camp site, Rest, Pitch tent
1700 Peak Assault | Picture Taking
1800 Prepare Dinner
1900 Dinner
2000 Socials
2200 Lights out

Jan 24, Sunday
0500 Wake up Call | Peak Assault
0600 Prepare breakfast
0700 Breakfast
0800 Break camp
0830 Descent to cave | River Crossing
0930 Spelunking
1130 Back to Training Center | Prepare for lunch
1200 Lunch
1300 River (Tubing | Monkey Bridge | Swimming | Balsa Ride| Bouldering)
1800 ETD Manila

Some of us weren’t first timers in this ground and some are newbies whose eager to take the challenge.

It would be too cool if our itinerary were followed on schedule but circumstances get in the way and we were behind our timetable…  in short, merong late.

After two weeks of  planning, change of venue, event promotion and pre-climb meeting, our group was conceived. Precy who is single and ready to mingle will be leaving again soon for overseas work and a change of career. She was with Flor, her younger sister and a grade school teacher. MALEN (yes, in all caps) who lost contact with Mouhics after College, can’t wait to RAPPEL. She was with Toni, the giddy girl in the Men’s Room. Ada, the Manalmon-Madlum Survivor (except for the Monkey Bridge), Kathe, high energy happiness and Dale, the super blessed human being. Pat, the Spam and Imported goodies Man, who is on vacation till end of this month, Rod, the quiet first-timer. Mac, who can’t get over the hearts on our super guide Bong‘s eyes. Someone to watch out for is Rob, who took beautiful photos. Jen, who is better late than never. Ferdie, the mountain shet este the mountain chef and Me, whom you’ll never wish to take on a rappel challenge unless you’re willing to wait 30 minutes as I get myself ready.

All set, we took Baliuag Transit in Cubao going to Kamias, San Miguel, Bulacan at 9 AM. From there, we hopped in to our arranged jeepney to take us to the town market. We used our last minute chance to buy our packed lunch and ingredients for  dinner and breakfast.

We reached Madlum at almost 2 in the afternoon. The low water level at Madlum river let us crossed to the other side on foot.

Registered at Madlum Training Center, had a quick lunch and prepared ourselves for rappelling activity.

We watched how Bong, Mac & Pat set up the rappel venue. Ropes and System: check. The jump site is lower than what we’ve conquered on 2006. When everything was ready, Mac did the first rappel down, while Bong and Pat gave us an introduction to Rappelling.

The fearless girls followed through and all of us survived the challenged even with wobbly knees, cold feet and sweaty hands. When I thought I could push myself easily down the jump site thinking this is only half of what I conquered last time, it still took me minutes to make the first step off the wall. Feels like the first, eh?

After more than 2 hours, we’re off to the Training Center, packed and set ourselves for a night trek to Mt. Manalmon camp site.

The trek wasn’t rigid, we passed through the river and off to the wilderness.

I guess we’re all on the same stamina level, newbies and oldies alike. The lack of training and outdoor activities for so long made our ascent a little strenuous. Climbing together again after so many years brought along some good and funny memories along the way.

Ada got a sprained leg but still managed it to the camp site.

A different group ahead of us occupied half of the camp site while we settled at the lower half. Its like a war site later, everyone battling to pitch tent right away and rest.

After the sudden commotion, our chef, Ferdie, lead the cooking session for dinner. We had grilled liempo and tinola for dinner. We gathered around for the yummy feast.

At socials, everyone loosened up over the BaR vodka and Generoso brandy. Sharing something about ourselves and reminiscing old times are great starter for new friendship and bonding sessions.

We call it a night at around 2 in the morning.

Watch out for Bulacan Ultimate Weekend Challenge day 2: Spelunking at Bayukbok Caves & Crossing the Monkey Bridge.

Photo Credits:

Ferdinand Teves
Roberto Lagmay Bernardo
Valerie Teves

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Expenses (P700 each / estimated for 15 pax)

228 – per person, bus fare (Cubao – Bulacan vv)
1800 – Jeepney rental (Kamias to Madlum vv)
300 – food/guide fee/ registration/ miscellaneous

feels so good to be back in the mountains,

An invitation to one extreme weekend. Open to Everyone. Conquer your fears and join us in a fun-filled adventure  in scaling Manalmon – Madlum Caves in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Expect for a thrilling weekend and gain new friends. Some activities include Spelunking, Rappelling, Bouldering, Trekking, Camping, Crossing the Monkey Bridge, Water Rafting, Tubing and River crossing.

Click here for the event link.

Click here for Photos and previous adventure of Manalmon Weekend.

Climb Itinerary

Jan 23, 2010 | Saturday
0600 Assembly Time at Baliuag Transit bus bound for San Miguel Bulacan
0700 ETD San Miguel, Bulacan
0900 ETA San Miguel, Bulacan ( Palengke)
Last buying provisions (packed lunch)
0930 ETD San Miguel Palengke to Madlum
1000 ETA Jump Off
*Registration
*Briefing
*Preparation
1100 Early Lunch
*Rappelling 101
1300 Rappelling
1500 Packs on back, start of Trek
1630 ETA Camp site, Rest, Pitch tent
1700 Peak Assault / Picture Taking
1800 Prepare Dinner
1900 Dinner
2000 Socials
2200 Lights out

Jan 24, 2010 Sunday
0500 Wake up Call/ Peak Assault
0600 – Prepare breakfast
0700 – Breakfast
0800 – Break camp
0830 – Descent to cave / River Crossing
0930 – Spelunking
1130 – Back to Training Center / Prepare for lunch
1200 – Lunch
1300 – River (Tubing / Monkey Bridge /Swimming / Balsa Ride / Bouldering)
1800 – ETD Manila
Estimated Budget : 700
-including local fees, guide and fare.

Pre climb meeting
Jan 15, 2010 friday
630pm
Glorietta Makati Food Choices

_________________________________________________
Pre Climb Details

Fee : P 800
inclusive of local fees, guide fee, transpo (500), food (Day1-dinner), (Day 2 Lunch)

-packed lunch na tayo on day 1

Rappelling details
-bring your own gloves, you can buy this sa Ace hardware i believe its less than 50P

Must have :
- toiletries
- mosquito repellant
- flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries (for spelunking)
- no maongs please
- pack light
- waterproof your bag
- 1 pair of clothes going home
- 2 extra shirt and short, depends sa preference nyo sa damit,
- sleeping bag/blanket
- camera of course

caving /rappelling/trekking attire
- if medyo sensitive ang skin, wear tights tapos shorts, if sensitive sa araw, were long sleeves.
- swimming attire

Drop a message if you’re interested. See you up there =)

♥valerie {your haven hunter | let’s rock your weekend! }