EPOL FALLS: A Curtain in the Woods

EPOL Mountain Spring Resort in Epol, Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City is just a 300 meter trek from the national highway. The main falls--- EPOL FALLS is around 20 feet high. Its mountain cool, gentle cascades curtain down the limy rock. Locals say the falls is a 5-series cascades with names such as Tourist, Jordan, Epol and two more. According to sources, EPOL is an acronym for EVERLASTING POWER OF LOVE.    

SOIL PAINTING IN BUKIDNON

A soil painting portrait of me and my wife--- artwork by John Estrada.

SOIL PAINTING is only heard to have existed in Bukidnon. One of the most popular soil painters of the province is the tribal singer and artist Waway Saway. A member of the Talaandig tribe in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon, Waway also popularized the song ES GALI (Hey, Dude). According to him, Bukidnon is a home to original and authentic soil painters, besides, Bukidnon artists have wide consciousness about visual art. Waway even initiated events showcasing Bukidnon's beauty through soil painting, eyeing Bukidnon as "Soil Painting Capital of the World." 

A GLIMPSE OF MY 2014 JOURNEY

2014 is my year. Indeed, it is. I had the chance to further explore my beloved home province, BUKIDNON. I conquered new peaks, trekked new waterfalls and spelunked new caves. 2014 also marks the beginning of my lifelong journey--- a journey with somebody who's become a part of me. Excitingly, the year is also the arrival of my future trek buddy.

Here's a glimpse of my 20 most remarkable journeys of 2014.

1. TREK TO MIGKARAMAGAN FALLS
A lazy Saturday led me to the foot of Mt. Kalatungan in my hometown. It was almost noon when I reached the place. I planned to visit Lisihan Falls but my guide insisted to visit the unknown Migkaramagan Falls instead. Ignorant of both, I followed where he led me. He also took me to Anikap Falls where a cavern hides beneath the cascades of a roaring water from the mountains.

WHY SAGADA KEEPS ME COMING BACK

SAGADA, Mountain Province is my favorite vacation destination. Since my first visit in 2011, I vowed to myself to visit the place every year. Sagada is truly worth coming back. No wonder foreigners and locals throng in this small adventure filled town everyday of the year.

TREKKING: WHAT DO I GET FROM IT?

Trekking is to journey on foot especially on mountainous areas.

People without passion in trekking, mountaineering or any outdoor activities will never appreciate my hobbies nor understand my point of view. When they ask me what I get from climbing mountains, I simply answer them "NOTHING" instead of wasting my time and their time explaining what I really feel. 

LAKE APO: A Quick Guide

   
Lake Apo in Sitio Lawa, Guinuyoran, Valencia City is a crater lake measuring 24 hectares with maximum depth of 26 meters. It is 11 km away from the Poblacion. Situated in 640 meters elevation, it is one of the cleanest lake in Region 10. 

LAKE SEBU: A Quick Guide to Solo Backpacking

  
LAKE SEBU is a lofty town of South Cotabato popular to tourists and vacationists. The town is a home to T'boli tribe and is famous for its T'nalak weaving. Lake Sebu got its name from a magnificent lake that scopes an area of 354 hectares. Other major lakes in the municipality are Lake Lahit and Lake Seloton. Lake Sebu is famous of its 7 Falls Zipline because of its breathtaking view. It is also famous for its unique arts and crafts. Different tilapia menus simply make every tourist drool. T'boli culture is still very intact. These and more contribute to the many reasons why Lake Sebu is hailed as the Summer Capital of Southern Mindanao.