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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Sometimes the sky belongs to me
And wraps me in infinity
Sometimes it turns the other way
And hides itself in clouds of gray

-Elizabeth Santos

After a devastating two days of bumming around, finally we’re off to test the waters of Siargao sans tsunami mishaps. Will I ever regret not getting a travel insurance in the future?

Sohoton Cove Slogan:
Here you will find peace: serenity of the mind, simplicity of the heart and tranquility of the soul

Our kind host at Island Dream Resort promised  a day of wicked adventure as he arranged our service boat. Being haunted with the previous day frenzy, I still have anxiety attack on braving the wild waves. If only we have a long stay travel insurance then it would relieved me of some stress.

Sailing on rough weather is not my cup of tea. Although the sky is clear, I know that somehow the 2 hours boat ride will encounter a rough turn. It was reassuring to know that our boatmen grew up in this small island and anything unusual they would know. So there, four people aboard and madness waiting to happen.

Did I mention, it was hubby’s birthday? The resort’s in-house restaurant serves good food as they perfectly put together our breakfast and lunch in a neat picnic basket. Sweet!

At 7 AM, we were bound to Bucas Grande Island for an early morning tour.

Contrary to what I was expecting, there were no violent waves harassing our idyllic journey. We lost count on the natural islets dotting this tropical  destination and whether to cross it off from the 7,107 islands in the Philippines.

A change in temperature is evident when we finally reached the entrance to the hidden Sohoton Cove. Simply stunning!

Soothing to the eyes, the lucid waters seemed colder and transformed into deep turquoise. Corals and fishes are almost visible to see. We felt lucky to have reached this tropical paradise.

Sohoton Cove is part of Bucas Grande Islands located in the town of Socorro. To get there, one can rent a boat from Surigao City or in the town of General Luna, Siargao Island.

We paid P930.00 for boat rental, tour guides (x3) and docking fees. When everything was settled, we transferred to a smaller boat.

The cave entrance and exit point to Sohoton Cove is half-submerged in water, thus it’s only accessible on low-tide. We have to wear hard hats and duck down to avoid being knocked off by the low ceiling.

It’s quite exciting to see the light at the end of the passage. It opens up into another stunning lagoon with more surreal landscapes.

First Stop: Hagukan Cave. The name is derived from the word haguk, a local term for snore. Our guide told us that during high tide when the waters splashed through the walls, it makes a snoring sound. Sounds creepy.

Oh No! Do we really have to go in there?

Growing up in the Philippines where nice beaches abound, it’s a shame that me and my other half don’t know how to swim. I know. I can float though, but I think that’s not even counted.

Our ever efficient and encouraging guides has ways to persuade us. Rather than missing this once in a lifetime experience, we gave in to this dare. No life jackets on. Hubby first.

To get inside the submerged cave we have to go underwater for about 2.5 meters stretch. It opens up to a small, dark cavern with a nice display of stalactites. There’s a piece of large rock inside to stand on while your guide points the light to the rock formations accenting the ceiling.

Second Stop: Magkukuob Cave

As if we have enough of a surprisingly extreme day, this one makes it to the highlight. Further to the entrance, our guide pointed out a wooden plank hanging about 16 feet above the water.

I think I have rather a long list of fears, heights and deep water included.

iJump. iFly. iDive.

Magkukuob Cave just like Hagukan has low opening. But this time, one can wade to get inside as there is enough space to stick out your head. Just watched out for sharp rocks.

The small cavern is adorned with rich stalactites and stalagmites. The temperature quickly dropped and seconds later, I’m already freezing.

We have to climb up to the exit, and there it is, the jump board inviting us to take a plunge on this natural wonder.

I haven’t dive in a pool, moreso an open water before. And our guide won’t let me use  a life jacket. I think I lost my soul there for a  moment. The water is more than 15 feet deep.

Reminder: If you don’t know how to swim or dive, trust your guide. they will find a way!

this lagoon is so inviting. i can see white sands beneath the sparkling blue sea

I wish they will allow visitors to visit Sohoton Cove in an extended period. We want to take in as much serenity of the place but the guides warn us about the danger on the cave entrance on high-tide. But they do this even when you come in early morning? Why hurry?

It only took us less than 2 hours to explore the place, then we’re off to the no-sting jellyfish sanctuary or also called Tojoman lagoon. Palau is well known for their jellyfish lake, well we have one for the books too!

Luck isn’t on our side as no brown stingless jellyfish were playing around, I reckon they evacuated from fear of tsunami too? Seen a white one instead.

Best to go March – May when you’re up to snorkel with stingless jellyfish.

just keep swimming.

We went back to the tourism office and switch boat to  proceed to our next stop: Pansukian or Naked Island.

Naked Island is a 200 meters stretch of sand bar, stripped off with trees or shelter.  The sparkling water and white sand beach makes you want to forget time.

finding solitude in Naked Island

she sells sea shells on the sea shore

We spent a good time cam whoring on this beautiful island. On the way back, heavy rain caught us in the middle of the sea, nevertheless were able to survive and reach the resort safely.

What else to see in Siargao? And the risk of being stranded in the island, find out on my next post!

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Misfortune is never mournful to the soul that accepts it; for such do always see that every cloud is an angel’s face.

~Lydia M. Child

This is a continuation to the epic tsunami scare which spiced up our journey to Southern Philippines.

Contrary to the anticipated sleepless night, I had a good night sleep. A bit weird though for passing out in such a dangerous state. We were already resolved that if it happens to chase us and ruin our perfectly planned holiday, then be it. Although, I still felt relieved to hear the rushing waves off a few feet away from our front porch the next morning.

The night before we discussed with Marcos our intent to rent a boat to explore Sohoton Cave and other stunning islands nearby. He generously offered help on finding one, but given the current weather, we are doomed to just settle to explore the town by land. Marcos gave us an option to ride the morning jeep to Dapa town proper. From there, we can haggle on a habal habal ride (modified motorcycle) to Gen. Luna port. We’ll shoot for luck if there are any boat trips going to Bucas Grande by then. We pictured a dragging whole day trip and heaps of hassle off and back to Burgos without renting a private vehicle seeing that public transport offers only a limited schedule.

the surfer chic wannabee – up and ready to catch some *hot surfer dudes* rawwwr

At past 5 AM, the jeepney was still nowhere in sight, we then decided to walk further and visit the nearby church.

While being lost in a morning mist and complete serenity, we talked about our gameplan for the next days. We can’t stay here for long since our main goal in visiting the island is to hop on a boat to Sohoton Cove. We decided that the only easy way is rent a private jeep and transfer to General Luna which should have been our basecamp from the very start.

We walk back to our little hut after a short visit to the church. Our host, Marcos agreed to refund our deposit.

Marcos of Marcos at Burgos Resort

As if the misadventure is haunting me, I checked my mobile mail to see that some serious work flaw needs my urgent attention. Bad, bad, bad. I didn’t brought my laptop as I knew there aren’t any reliable internet connection on the island. Needless to say, the festive mood turned into 360 degrees nightmare.

We decided to rent the same jeepney that brought us to Burgos. This trip is veering away from our usual backpacker budget as it gets more and more expensive.

Scorching heat on a mid-summer day. The rough road is as bad as in Burgos.

We arrived at Island Dream Resort after an almost 4 hours exhausting commute. The place is amazing with a hefty price tag too. I can’t believe that such paradise exist in an almost non-existent paved road. It’s still beach front property with private swimming pool and a number pf villas and deluxe rooms. Since it’s hubby’s special day, I gave in on getting one of their luxury honeymoon suites.

the poshest cottage in town! custom made tub is a winner. ♥

bathtub for two or three or four, put in some friends, soothing music and cocktails for blissful memories ♥

Just what I needed most, they offer free wi-fi! The staff were super friendly. They let me use the reception’s desktop pc to do my business for an hour or two.

After we settled everything, it’s time to switch back to holiday mood. We hailed a habal habal to take us to the famed Cloud 9 board walk.

walk all the way to the end of the wooden bridge to get the best view of the world-famous surf break

Where have all the hot surfer dudes and sexy washboard abs gone? Total fail.

I take it that this isn’t a good time to surf. This Surfing capital of Asia is best to visit during the months of July to November. Siargao hosts Annual International Surfing competition. The “Cloud Nine” is perhaps the most renowned surf break while there is also Siargao High Waves which measures 10 – 15 feet high. Wow.

Even at an off-peak season, a lot of foreign visitors flocked the area. Some even staying for month-long or more. When I had the chance to ask a friendly german diver about how is he coping up with living in the island for 6 months already, he answered that he likes the simple life that Siargao offers. The community is so small that everyone knew each other. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lucky him, he found a perfect home away from home.

He’s one in a hundred reasons to move in Siargao right now. hotness!

The weather has changed dramatically with no signs of tsunami or even heavy rains. We are off to an amazing Bucas Grande adventure next!

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Do you always find yourself  at loss at what to give your father for Father’s Day? And later on, you end up giving a present that is unwanted or probably the same as what you planned for the past years?

Canada, US and UK as well as some Asian Countries already celebrated Father’s day last June 20 while Australia and New Zealand gets to celebrate it on September 5. It is for most family an integral bonding to honor our father and celebrate fatherhood.

Aren’t we glad that today’s choices for Fathers Day Gifts are not only limited to personalized mugs and caps? There are exciting gift ideas as endless as your mom’s choices.

We get to spoil Dad this year with as simple as a nice massage or even go on an ultimate getaway. Why not check the things to do in Sydney? Live on the most exhilarating day of your life and go Skydiving at Wollongong for a Weekday Tandem Skydive above 14,000ft, or get both your scuba diving license and swim down under with Shark Diving for Non-Certified Divers. If that’s too much of an adrenaline rush, why not take your father for a ride to the sky to learn the basic of flying and get his pilot training certificate.

A thoughtful gift is an added bonus to celebrate this one special day with the most important man in your life. In the end, it doesn’t really matter how grand your gift is, but how you take the day off and showed your appreciation for your old man.

I have once wondered why some people make it their goal to see the world. Until, I realized I became one of them.

With so many beautiful islands to explore in the Philippines and abroad, traveling satisfies my craving to learn about others culture and dip into an ultimate leisure experience. Discovering places from one point to another, gives me a different high, of which I thought the travel bug bites even harder when I need to de-stress and get away for some time.

The passion for travel keeps on burning through the years. I feel the purpose to share my adventures with friends and let my stories be their source of inspiration, tips, guides and everything budget friendly.

Glad to say that I have reached a new level of perfection in organizing a holiday trip. Not that I am a master of the field because there’s so much room for improvement but I could turn our weekend adventure in as cozy as possible.

Now, traveling is an expensive hobby, well, only for a starter. You need to purchase few essentials like sturdy bags, cameras, shoes and more, but with proper investment, it can go a long, long mile. Among other things, this contributes to a successful travel.

I am most looking forward to invest on secured and functional gears. On our recent trip to Indonesia, I haven’t brought my laptop because we fear that it will be a risky choice since we will be on the road most of the time and the place where we will be staying is not a fancy five-star hotel which can provide the security and safety we need.

And the most unlucky event was that we’ve lost the tripod in the airport. Oh, sad, it haven’t even served its purpose yet.

This is why I am itching to buy a new backpack. Something durable and safe, where I can cram up all my valuables. Then, I heard about Pacsafe a few months ago which is popular for its slashproof, tamperproof and snatchproof security features. Not to mention, the sleek design which I love.

I have my eye on the VentureSafe 20L Adventure Daypack which is perfect for our upcoming outdoor adventures. It has 4 anti-theft features and is both lightweight and compact. Now, that is a one cool, ultimate travel accessory must-have!

Check out Pacsafe’s superior features:

• eXomesh® Slashguard in front, side and bottom panels
• Slashproof adjustable shoulder straps
• Snatchproof shoulder strap allows the bag to anchor to a secure fixture
• Tamperproof zippers
• Zippered main compartment and front pocket
• Side mesh fabric water bottle pockets
• Padded adjustable shoulder straps and sternum strap
• Padded air mesh back support
• Side compression straps

There are potential risks involve in traveling. It can happen from other countries and our own home too. What better way than to be prepared and be aware about our environment. With proper gear, chances of unfortunate events is unlikely to happen. We could have saved the tripod and taken awesome night landscapes and we could have brought our laptop to update our friends with photos direct from our travels. But it’s too late, we can just look forward to another globe-trotting soon. No matter how relax or cramped up our holiday is, we always look forward to the  life changing process.

We’ll be off to Bangkok next month and I’m hoping this time, I’ll have a new bag to don.

Have Bag, Will Travel,

There is something hidden in Siargao beyond being the Best Surfing destination in the country. Something that makes my heart flutter, something close to Palau.

Siargao is located in the province of Surigao Del Norte, southeast of the Island Philippines. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and many unspoiled white beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, lagoons, caves and more. Explore the nearby Daku, Bucas Grande, Twin, Guyam, Caub and Naked Islands. Experience the best of Philippine’s nature has to offer.

A surfer’s dream destination, Siargao Island presents huge & powerful waves. Get lucky and join the world’s best surfers riding  the great waves. This extreme sport is fast becoming popular to tourists and locals alike. Best  to go during the months of August to November where Southwest Monsoon drives the wind offshore making the waves reach its maximum peak.

Cloud 9 is known worldwide as one of the best surfing break. The perfectly thick and hollow tubes is a must experience for international surfers. The provincial government sponsors an Annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition.

For those not  a fan of surfing and prefers a serene coast, there are beach destinations that offers solace and tranquility. One can just have a leisure walk or watch the sunset at the beach.

But what I’m most eager to see is the Jellyfish lake in Bucas Grande Island. It is the local counterpart of the Rock Islands of Palau in Micronesia.

Ever heard of stingless jellyfish lake? Travelers need not to look somewhere far, we have a wonderful haven within the country. A plethora of non-poisonous jellyfish exist on one of the hidden lagoons.  Watch them spread out into the glistening blue waters.

Now, that makes me want to book a trip to the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, pronto.

Its my pleasure to share with you photos taken by Xtian Ong. For more photos, see his multiply account.

Can’t wait to Surf and Swin with gooey jellyfish!

The modern airplane creates a new geographical dimension.  A navigable ocean of air blankets the whole surface of the globe.  There are no distant places any longer:  the world is small and the world is one.

- Wendell Willkie

Valentine’s Day was just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than be gone for the weekend! Clark, Pampanga is an ideal getaway place, more so after securing tickets for the 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

A weekend without sleep was all worth it. Last Friday was a bit hectic while I juggle work, errands and preparation for our weekend getaway.

We have to leave around 3 AM on Saturday to commute from Manila to Dau and be on time to catch the morning fleet of hot air balloons. From Balintawak, Quezon City we hopped in at Five Star bus bound to Dau Bus Terminal. Traffic was light at the crack of dawn.

It was quarter to 5 when we reached Dau Bus Terminal. We then look for a jeepney bound to Clark Gate or chekpoint near SM City Clark. From there, we hailed one more jeepney going to Air Force City where the Hot Air Balloon Festival is being held since Feb. 11.

Good thing, we already have tickets or we’ll dreadfully be wasting time on the long, long line at the ticket booth.

Various photographers positioned themselves near the fence. Families, couples and friends are present during this big event. Many tourists are enjoying the day too. Army & Men in uniform were roaming to secure everyone’s safety. Ample parking space were provided at a P50 fee.

Branches of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have set up booths for the curious visitors. Firearms, Air crafts,  Army Jeeps and fighter jets are just some interesting pieces on display by Air Force, Philippine Army and Marines.

It was hard to find a perfect spot to get a good shot at the field when the balloons are being prepared. Three sky divers graced the morning sky to signal the start of event. One carries a huge Philippine flag and sway it across the sky while the national anthem plays in full volume.

A moment later, hot air balloons started lifting up. We’ve gone crazy over the jumbo turtle balloon named Mister Bup, Old Mc Donald’s Farm, Karlsberg Urpills and a Smiling Sun. It was just amazing to watch the sky filled with colors.

After the morning show, the hot air balloons returned at around 6 in the evening for the Night Glow. Meanwhile, the morning has just started as Candaba Bird’s Fly-in put on a unique show. Paragliding, sky diving and ultralight aircraft show followed. While kids and kids at heart enjoys the kite flying experience.

Yellow Cab and other food booths are conveniently located for anyone who wants a delight. Sponsors like Caltex with Techron showcase an Alien and Predator model made of gears and metals. Other booths sell souvenir items and we scored some freebies from DHL, an umbrella and a promotional stunt kite.

At around 10 in the morning, we left for breakfast and savor the best bulalo in town. Oh, we were in heaven.

We did check out Parkson Duty Free and PureGold for some sweets. Then off to Century Resort Hotel to check in. Our eyes were heavy and our restless soul were longing for rest.

We dose off for less than 2 hours and we’re in the road again to witness the hot air balloon night glow. The number of people increased compared earlier that day.

The top of the armored vehicle provided us with great vantage point. Too bad the weather wasn’t coordinating and we failed to see a single hot air balloon go up to lit the night sky.  The participants just put on a light show from the ground.

We had dinner at Rumpa before going back to our room.

Sunday – 14th -Heart’s Day

We can’t get enough of those colorful hot air balloons and decided to check out the day’s show. We didn’t stay long though and missed out the valentine’s air show and fireworks.

Heavy traffic as visitors doubled up on the last day. There were additional Hot Air balloons on the show but the turtle and the barn are still the crowd favorites.

Click thumbnails for your viewing pleasure.

’twas a fun, fun weekend. We’ll definitely going back next year with families and friends.

Special thanks to Ninong Bob for helping us.

Im’ma one happy birthday girl ;-}

Wondering where to go this weekend? Searching for a unique getaway with your loved one on Valentine’s Day?

I’ll see you up there where everything flies.

Come visit the 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival on February 11 to 14, 2010 at Air Force City, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Celebrate and watch colorful hot air balloons  enliven the blue sky. For the thrill seekers, book yourself a balloon ride for USD150, or go skydiving and paragliding.

Event Schedule from Philballoonfest.net

Programmed schedule are subject to change without notice.

Tickets are available at the gate and all SM TicketNet outlet, priced at PHP150.

Can’t wait for weekend!

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,