SALAYSAY FALLS

Basking in a gentle waterfall is a truly wonderful feeling. Salaysay Falls in Patpat, Malaybalay City gently crawls down a 25m high gigantic rock in the middle of a verdant slope. Hiking to Salaysay Falls is challenging. Going down will make your knees shake for holding your steps. Going up will do the same, plus you will gasp hard for oxygen.

MT. APO CRATER LAKE

The crater lake of Mt. Apo is undoubtedly an enchanting scenery. Situated at the shoulder of Philippines' highest mountain, the 200m wide lake runs out of water during dry season. After an arduous climb, many hikers take their lunch beside this appetizing scenery. 

PAMOLAO RIDGE

Pamolao Ridge is a minor mountain in Sitio Mabuhay, Brgy. San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The highest among the 5 summits can be hiked for around 2.5 to 3 hours. Pamolao is just one of the three minor peaks stretching from Casisang to San Jose, Malaybalay, the other two are Patulangan Ridge and Aniningpan Ridge.

MY 21 MOMENTS TO LOOK BACK IN 2021

For travelers, 2021 started with a hope that everything gets back to normal. Travel restrictions were lifted, inter-regional travels were also allowed until the second outbreak of corona virus by the stronger DELTA variant which claimed many lives, including my loved ones and close friends. 

 

Most of my travels in 2021 took place in my home province. The early months permitted me to hike 3 major peaks of the country--- Mt. Kilakiron, Mt. Kalatungan and the grandest Mt. Apo.

Below are my 21 moments worth looking back to in 2021:

 

21. SALUNGKAYAN ECOPARK, Can-ayan, Malaybalay CIty

LAKE LANAO

My first skinny dipping in a lake is in Lake Lanao in Marawi City. After witnessing the magical sunrise on the lakeshore, my host offered to bring me and my friend from an NGO to a nearby rock islet.

ARTHTRITIS AND SCIATICA: A Trekker's Struggle

A captivating scenery viewed from Pamolao Ridge of Malaybalay City

 

Dealing with sciatica and arthritis is never easy especially for a trekker like me. It limits my mobility. My joint pain started when I was 24. It respects no age. It was accounted to local occasions and celebrations in Central Mindanao University where I was taking up my masters degree. Meat is at its overabundant state. And when I say meat, I mean PORK. Every household had lechon. Aside from voraciously devouring oily dishes from house to house, I also got to bring back to my dormitory some leftovers. I truly enjoyed carelessly eating unhealthy foods, hence, the prize I get. As of writing, my left wrist and my right ankle are in pain. 

A COMPILATION OF LOCAL PORTRAITS

With Badjao boys in Badjao Village, Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu

 

Taking photos with locals is among my passion when visiting places. Sharing genuine smiles with the kids and adults alike makes me feel one of them. This also makes me feel attached to them and their wonderful place. And when they willingly pose to the camera with me giving their beautiful smiles makes me feel so accepted.