BENGUET MUMMIES: A PERFECT "DAY OF THE DEAD" ENCOUNTER

Also known as Kabayan Mummies, Fire Mummies or Ibaloi Mummies, the mummies of Benguet are preserved in the caves of its grand mountains. These are said to be similar to the Inca Mummies of Peru. These were originally well-preserved in Timbak Cave, Bangao Cave, Tenongchol Cave, Naapay and Opdas by the ancient member of the Ibaloi Tribe (Igorot). 

Benguet Mummification, however, was discontinued during the Spanish era. In early 1900s, the mummies were rediscovered. Many were stolen then and later, recovered.

MT. CAPISTRANO: IT'S THE ROCKS THAT RULE

Mt. Capistrano is the most prominent among the small mountains visible in the highways of Malaybalay City. It humbly towers 609.6 meters above sea level. This lovely land form is crowned with magnificent steep, sharp rocks.

THE ENCHANTED MT. MAKILING

The inactive volcano in Laguna rises 1,090 meters ASL. It has no record of eruption. It is a home to diverse flora and fauna. It resembles to a form of a woman reclining. More interestingly, it is well known for the mythical Mariang Makiling.

The day after my twin climb to Mt. Batulao and Taal Volcano, I was again headed to summit this beautiful mountain. Unlike my other solo climbs this was truly a challenge to solo trekker like me. Yes, I trekked really solo. I had no guide.

THE LITTLE ACTIVE TAAL VOLCANO

Tagged as the smallest active in the world, Taal Volcano towers only 311 meters ASL. It is beautifully situated in Taal Lake, Batangas. It has erupted violently in the past claiming thousands of lives. Up to now, PHIVOLCS has recorded occasional seismic unrest accounted to this little mound.

Right after my half-day trek to Mt. Batulao, I headed back to Tagaytay and planned how to make use the second half of the day. When I made up my mind, I proceeded to Talisay, Batangas to summit the little Taal Volcano.

THE STEEP MT. BATULAO

Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas is just 811 MASL. Yes, it’s just a small mountain. A 2-hour trek is enough to reach its summit. But 2 hours is never enough to feel and savor the wonders of this mountain.

This mountain shocked every mountaineer when it claimed a climber’s (or a picnicker’s) life early 2012. That was actually the first time I heard of this mountain. And I was really curious about it. Known to be very steep and rocky, a mountain lover like me was really challenged to  experience its tricky trails. 

LOLONG: HOW AN ENORMOUS REPTILE GOT ITS NAME

Every Filipino, for sure, has heard about the world’s largest crocodile in captivity. A Guinness World Records holder, Lolong measures 20.24 feet (6.17 meters) long. Once a dweller in Agusan Marsh in Mindanao Island, this gigantic saltwater lizard was suspected of fatal attacks, killing two people. He was captured on September 2011.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde measuring Lolong. Photo by http://newsinfo.inquirer.net   

Personally, I have met Lolong in his enclosure in Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. He is now one of the tourist attractions in the area. 

ONE TREK, TEN PICKS: A WATERY ADVENTURE

Having gone many spots in one trek is not new to me. But this exploration truly induced my astonishment. Ten waterfalls in just a seven-hour dayhike. Yes, believe me! And it’s just right in my hometown.

My trek was not well-planned. I was on a trip to Barangay Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, Bukidnon for an official function. Upon passing through the muddy, rocky, rough road entering to the barangay, I was highly amazed by an impressive white mark lining on the grand walls of Kalatungan Mountains.