MY TOP 16 TREKKING MOMENTS OF 2016

My 2016 travels have been so meaningful.  This year I got to explore new wonderful sites in my province Bukidnon. I also had number of travels together with my little family. This is also the year I realized my dream of traveling to my ultimate travel destination---Batanes. 

CDO RIVER RAFTING: Wrestling with the Rapids

Cagayan de Oro River is among the country's pioneer sites for rafting. Its mighty rapids makes rafting more adventurous, enjoyable and exciting. Various categories can be availed based on one's preference. One may opt for beginner's course for simple yet remarkable experience. Adventurers may go for extreme course passing through more than 20 rapids in about 20 km stretch.     

Having your raft capsized makes rafting more exciting. It can be experienced upon request. The Red Rafts is one of the outfitters with most experienced guides. The company has reliable photographers/videographers who capture remarkable and worth keeping clips and photos of your entire adventure.  

HIGH FIVE!!!

GANTUNGAN FALLS: The Little Mighty Falls

Gantungan Falls is one of the major cascades of CEDAR, Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The mighty waterfall measures 30 feet high. It cascades among gigantic rock walls that sandwich Gantungan River. Usual trek in CEDAR makes one see Gantungan Falls topview. Adventurers, however, risk to river trek to see the falls in its full glory. Swimming is even required to get through the deep still portion of the river. Among salient features of the falls are its compact drop, the cavern at the base of the falls and the clear water drops that curtain the cavern.

WHAT A RESPONSIBLE MOUNTAINEER IS NOT

Since my early years, I have been admiring people reaching major summits. I live in a province which is a home to 4 of the Top 10 highest summits in the country. Many climbers visit my place to reach those mountains. I was inspired then to go into mountaineering.

From my years of mountaineering experience, I have encountered different climbers. There are some admirable and some abhorrent. Some keep their trash in their pockets while some leave them anywhere. I experienced being forced to drink liquor in the mountains. I was even offered marijuana on trail. I witnessed untoward and abusive acts against other climbers, porters and guides. 

I realized many climbers don't possess a heart of a real mountaineer.

VIGAN CITY: History Preserved

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur is said to be the only surviving historic city that dates back to Spanish colonial era in 16th century. Century old houses in Calle Crisologo are the most visited sites in Vigan with old designs giving tourists a feel of Europe. Horse drawn calesas are being preserved as means of transfer in this historic site. Vigan is also known for its old churches and bell towers. Vigan is a home to a well known delicacy, Empanada. Wild animals like tigers, camels, birds and reptiles are being housed at a tourist destination called Baluarte.      

ALIWAGWAG FALLS: Road Trip to the Mighty Falls of Davao Oriental

Aliwagwag Falls, said to be the highest falls of the Philippines, stuns along the green highway of Brgy. Aliwagwag in the silent town of Cateel, Davao Oriental. One hundred thirty cascades comprise the grand waterfalls totaling to 1,100 feet high. Aliwagwag Falls, labeled as stairway to the sky, graces the forested landscape so easily accessible to any kind of transportation.

LA TRINIDAD HOMES ARTWORK: A Colorful Symbol of Pinoy Bayanihan

Officially known as STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork, the 200 colorful houses clinging on the side of stone hill of Km.3, La Tinindad, Benguet is the largest community artwork in the country. The artwork covers sitios of Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap, thus the name STOBOSA. The project started on January 2016 and was launched on June 23, 2016.

ABAGA NA MAPUTI: Trekking White River to White Falls

Abaga na Maputi or White Falls, not its official name, is another stunning waterfall in the interiors of Mt. Kalatungan Range in Talakag Area. White Falls streams its icy cool waters down Manupali na Maputi (White River). The falls is approximately 60 meters high. It is best accessed from Sitio Kaulayanan, Brgy. Lirongan, Talakag through 3-4 hours trek.  

PANININGAWAN FALLS: Finding a Hidden Gigantic Cascade in Talakag, Bukidnon

Paniningawan Falls is approximately 100-feet high waterfall amazingly hidden in verdant wall of Mt. Kalatungan Range in Talakag Area. The falls is accessible via Sitio Kaulayanan in Brgy. Lirongan through non-jokingly 5 hour trek crossing through rivers and ridges, in which two hours is spent for river trekking. The falls streams down to Manupali na Maliga (Red River), which meets Manupali na Maputi (White River) in an intersection locally known as Sabangan. There is no established trail going to the falls.    

KAULAYANAN: A Heavenly Village in the Mountains

Carrot Plantation with Kitanglad range on background

Kaulayanan is a sitio of Brgy. Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon. This small village is a Talaandig community. The village is perfectly situated at the foothills of Mt. Kalatungan Range directly facing Mt. Kitanglad Range. The cool mountain weather makes the village suitable to high valued crops. While in Kaulayanan, the barangays of Basac and Kibanggay in Lantapan are clearly visible. The ordinary setting of the village is already stunning. The amazing landscape, the contours and symmetry of vegetable gardens are just few reasons why I fell in love with the place. 

HUNDRED ISLANDS: Speckles in Snapshots

The Hundred Islands of Pangasinan is comprised of around 130 islands and islets that speckle the vast waters of Lingayen Gulf. The entrance to Hundred Islands National Park is in Alaminos City, 5 hours away from Manila. The National Park management facilitates tour packages around the scattered islands--- the most popular are Governor's Island, Marcos Island, Quezon Island and Children's Island. Island hopping, snorkeling, swimming and diving are among the activities in the park. And don't miss the almost mandatory jump to Imelda Cave in Marcos Island.  

MT. PINATUBO: Once a Destruction, Now an Attraction

Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano in Cabusilan Mountain Range stretching along the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. Its eruption in 1991 was the second largest in 20th century next to Novarupta, Alaska in 1912. The phenomenon was among the most destructive catastrophes experienced by Filipino people. Its eruption had been causing adverse impacts to locals, mostly Aetas, for a decade. Lahar flows and volcanic ashes damaged numerous infrastructure, changed river systems, destroyed vast farmlands and even unfertilized the soil. 

MAGUBO FALLS: Basking Under the Cascades

Magubo Falls is among the mighty water drops in Barangay Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The falls hides among lush vegetation in barangay's interior. It is approximately 50 feet high. It has wide pool for swimming. Enormous rocks and beauteous moss adorn the falls' surrounding. And the downslope trail to this wonderful water drop is never easy. I mean really difficult.   

TREKKING MT. CAPISTRANO: A Quick Guide

Mt. Capistrano in Sitio Binalbagan, Purok 9, Brgy. Simaya is the most prominent minor summit visible in the highways of Malaybalay City. This 610 meters high land form is crowned with magnificent steep, sharp rocks. Mt. Capistrano has become a popular tourist destination in Bukidnon for neophyte trekkers, nature trippers and seasoned climbers. It requires 1 to 2.5 hours trek. Another entry point is in Brgy. Managok, Malaybalay City.

SUNSETS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The tropical islands of the Philippines has unquestionably exhilarating sunsets that color the sky's magnificence. Afternoon skies are adorned with golden celestial ball posing behind mountains and historical monuments, above waters and empty western horizon.

A QUICK GUIDE TO AGUTAYAN ISLAND AND SAGPULON FALLS DAYTOUR

The coastal town of Jasaan in Misamis Oriental is simply gifted with natural wonders. Though not widely popular, these spots surely amaze travelers. Agutayan Island adorns the coast of the silent town. In the highlands, Sagpulon Falls graces the rocky wall and provides a pool for cooling down. Among many, these destinations are perfect for weekend getaway. And both can be visited in a day.  

SAGPULON FALLS: Water Sprouts Amidst the Drought

Due to El Niño phenomenon, the main 150 feet cascade dried up. These random water sprouts are unaffected, though.

Sagpulon Falls is a 150-feet cascade gracing the mossy cliff of Solana, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. This is among the tourist destinations in the coastal town of Jasaan. The gigantic falls is escorted by random springs with different sources which sprouts are unaffected by long drought. The cold drops are collected in a vast natural swimming pool. Currently, the local government is constructing a multipurpose building with lodges. The road and trails are also paved for tourist convenience. 

BASILAN: A Day of Bliss and Disaster

Basilan, the largest island of Sulu archipelago, is located off the coast of Zamboanga City. Interestingly, Basilan is included among ARMM provinces but its capital, Isabela City belongs to Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula). So provincial affairs are being held in Isabela City while regional affairs are held in Lamitan City. The two cities, which are 45 minutes apart, interest tourists with its countless natural attractions. Like other islands in the country, Basilan is beautifully crafted and is worth a visit.

MT. KAPPUGAN: Duo Trek to Kiangan's Silent Peak

Mt. Kappugan in Kiangan, Ifugao towers 1,305 meters ASL. You might haven't heard of the mountain. Or even the town of Kiangan. Ifugao is not all about the most popular Banaue. Mt. Kappugan is not really popular but trekking to this mountain is truly worth it. Besides, this is just among the many destinations in Kiangan, among others are Ifugao Museum, WWII Shrine, Nagacadan Rice Terraces, Panggagawan Cave, Kiangan Living Museum Uttu Falls and Ambuwaya Lake. Now I'm enumerating enough reasons to visit Kiangan.

SAMAL ISLAND: Beaches and Beyond

Samal Island, officially known as Island Garden City of Samal, in Davao del Norte, is just 2 kilometers away from Davao City. Samal consists of mainland Samal, Talikud Island and other islets. Samal is one destination Davao City tourists are after of.

Samal Island is known for its white beaches, giant clam sanctuary and other marine attractions. However, there is so much more about Samal. A daytour in the island is truly worth the long travel. Here are the 4 things I did in just a day in Samal Island.

ENCHANTED RIVER AND TINUY-AN FALLS: The Mystifying Wonders of Surigao del Sur

 

Enchanted River is a cold spring in Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The jade-sapphire colored water springs out from an unexplored cave. Legends say that the spot is a dwelling place to "engkantos" who protect it. Other mystical tales are told about the mystifying river.

Tinuy-an Falls is the widest waterfall on the country. It measures 95 meters wide and 55 meters high. This multi-tiered waterfall in Burboanan, Bislig, Surigao del Sur is tagged as Niagara of the Philippines.

THINGS TO DO IN LEGAZPI, ALBAY

Legazpi City, the capital of Albay province is best known for the world's most perfect cone, Mayon Volcano. Mayon is also the most famous active volcano in the country. From Legazpi's airport, this landmark is clearly visible. 

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION: Sculpted by Nature

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation stands among the raging waves of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was intricately carved over time by wind, waves and other natural forces. "Puraw" as Ilocanos term it means white as evidenced by its lovely color. Getting close to this marvelous carve requires a bit challenging trek since it is located 3 kilometers away from highway. 

BOMOD-OK FALLS: The Big Falls of Sagada

Bomod-ok Falls is a gigantic waterfall in Banga-an, Sagada, Mountain Province. Bomod-ok is a Bontoc term meaning "big". The falls is said to be 200 meters high. It can be accessed through trekking via scenic rice paddies and native villages. 

MY TOP 15 REMARKABLE TREKKING MOMENTS IN 2015

2015 is when my fatherhood takes into full swing. I may not have traveled as often as in previous years but places I've been to within my province and outside are all worth the visit. Here I am enumerating my top 15 remarkable trekking moments of the year.