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.