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.