Squash
mountain is named after a squash where its form resembles. The
mountain, estimated to be 400 meter high, is situated among sugarcane
and pineapple fields in Maraymaray, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. Being isolated
from among its surrounding hills makes it a prominent view added its
unique squash-like form.
Mt. Iraya in Basco, Batanes, standing 1,009 meters ASL, catches every eye upon landing Basco airport in Batan Island. Due to its perpetual cap clouds, the forested mountain is moist all year round and it deprives most climbers the lowland view. Some say there's no clearing at the ever moist summit regardless of the season, thus, there's no summer in Mt. Iraya. Its trail is steep starting from its shoulder. Its summit is abundant with giant reeds. Batanes White viper is also endemic in the mountain.
My 2016 travels have been so meaningful. This year I got to explore new wonderful sites in my province Bukidnon. I also had number of travels together with my little family. This is also the year I realized my dream of traveling to my ultimate travel destination---Batanes.
Cagayan de Oro River is among the country's pioneer sites for rafting. Its mighty rapids makes rafting more adventurous, enjoyable and exciting. Various categories can be availed based on one's preference. One may opt for beginner's course for simple yet remarkable experience. Adventurers may go for extreme course passing through more than 20 rapids in about 20 km stretch.
Having your raft capsized makes rafting more exciting. It can be experienced upon request. The Red Rafts is one of the outfitters with most experienced guides. The company has reliable photographers/videographers who capture remarkable and worth keeping clips and photos of your entire adventure.
HIGH FIVE!!!
Gantungan Falls is one of the major cascades of CEDAR, Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The mighty waterfall measures 30 feet high. It cascades among gigantic rock walls that sandwich Gantungan River. Usual trek in CEDAR makes one see Gantungan Falls topview. Adventurers, however, risk to river trek to see the falls in its full glory. Swimming is even required to get through the deep still portion of the river. Among salient features of the falls are its compact drop, the cavern at the base of the falls and the clear water drops that curtain the cavern.
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 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.
