MEETING WHIPSNAKES ON TRAIL

Snakes, among other wild animals, are the true inhabitants of the forests. Having encountered these terrifying creatures is no strange among hikers. During my climb to Kolkol Ridge in San Miguel, Maramag, Bukidnon, three species of whip snakes got in my way. These are small yet long species of snakes. Write ups say these snakes are under a family of vine snakes which are venomous ones. But since we are intruding their place, let's not harm them. If they're blocking our way, let's look for another way. 
  

JUMP SHOT AT NAGPATONG ROCK FORMATION

It was not a weekend when I visited Nagpatong Rock in Tanay, Rizal so I chanced to pose whatever I want atop the famous formation. From the photographer's perspective, the rock seems a bit plain and flat but in reality, it's so rough and sharp. On weekends, tourists flock on this rock and everyone gets a solo shot for about 15 seconds to give way to other waiting guests. Climbing up this rock is never easy. It has vertical ladders and ropes to secure the climbing guests.

SCENIC ROADTRIP FROM LANTAPAN TO TALAKAG, BUKIDNON

The newly functional road directly linking Lantapan and Talakag, Bukidnon has been making buzz since its opening few years back. This diversion road officially starts from Aglayan, Malaybalay City to Tikalaan, Talakag. Aside from smooth traffic, shorter travel time and SAFETY, interesting stopovers and breathtaking scenery make a very memorable roadtrip making every passerby eager to come back.

LOSING MY TREKERO BRASS BRACELET IN KOTA KINABALU

My last photo of my trekero bracelet taken during my decent from Mt. Kinabalu, a day before I lost it at Kota Kinabalu airport. 

I lost my precious bracelet at the airport of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. I never understood how it happened that fast. And it happened in just a matter of 15 seconds. 

CLIMBING RATES OF BUKIDNON'S MAJOR MOUNTAINS

Bukidnon's major mountains are also the Philippines' major mountains. In fact, 4 of  Bukidnon's major summits are enlisted among the Philippines' Top 10 highest mountains. Mt. Dulangdulang ranks 2nd to Mt. Apo, Mt. Kitanglad ranks 4th, Mt. Kalatungan ranks 5th and Mt. Maagnaw ranks 8th. Other unaccounted summits include Mt. Kilakiron and Lumpanag in Kalatungan Range.

ANININGPAN RIDGE: A Stunning Summit of Malaybalay City

ANININGPAN RIDGE, located in Sitio Kibarok, Casisang, Malaybalay City overlooks the city on one side and marvelous hills on the other. The highest summit of Kibarok is estimated to be 800 meters high. Situated close to residences, this can be summitted for about an hour. Legend says that Aniningpan is the wife of Kibarok, both native settling the area ages ago.

THE PHILIPPINES' "EST's"

Traveling makes us encounter our country's "est's" or superlatives. From smallest to highest, from longest to biggest, name it, the Philippines has it. Below are just some of the tourist destinations getting "est" descriptions that I personally visited:  

BUGWAK: The Watery Barangay of Dangcagan, Bukidnon

BUGWAK is a local name meaning "fountain or spring". True to its name, Barangay BUGWAK of DANGCAGAN, BUKIDNON has two natural springs gushing out below its lush forests. While Bugwak Gamay (small) remains untouched, Bugwak Dako (big), situated close to local residences, is developed into a swimming pool (still an ongoing project by the local government). Since the project is not yet completed, as of now, July 2018, the pool is still freely open to those who want to take a dip. 

CHOOSE AIR TRACK FROM WHOLESALEAIRTRACK

In choosing air track or air mat for tumbling and gymnastic activities, quality is truly a big deal. We all know that gymnastics is an extreme sports, hence, durability and safety of an air mat should be put into consideration. Over time, ordinary air mats gradually wear out. When unnoticed, they might cause injury and fracture to athletes. A wise choice, indeed, saves lives.

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MY TOP 20 TREKS IN 2017

2017 is another remarkable year for my travels and exploration. This year, I chanced to conquer the Philippines' biggest cave system, which is one of my greatest trekking accomplishments along with VERTICAL BIVOUAC OF BUKIDNON. In 2017, I also happened to visit many new spots in my home, Bukidnon, which includes the highest recorded waterfalls in the Philippines and ridges overlooking sea of clouds.

Here are my TOP 20 TREKS for 2017:

1. Langun-Gobingob Cave, Calbiga, Western Samar
Conquering the Philippines' biggest cave system is among my greatest trekking fulfillment. The whole exploration took three days. I was in awe looking at the gigantic structures like pillars, altars, clouds, chandeliers and palaces all shimmering. I slept under pointed dagger-like stalactites with crickets biting on my skin. I got goosebumps upon hearing thousand different voices that sounded like howling and wailing. I also experienced crawling with residents snakes, watching flocking bats on show and climbing mountains of guano. Spending a night in the underworld made me badly miss the light.