tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13332960367635397622024-01-30T08:16:06.300+08:00Pala-lagawYour Pinoy Travelerfbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-64005061032328610972020-09-23T18:38:00.001+08:002020-09-23T18:38:17.816+08:00VLOG: 4X4 Adventure ride to Mt Pinatubo<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7nOASfsXFs0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_93384270"></span><span id="goog_93384271"></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9942868214_32fcf84194_q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9942868214_32fcf84194_q.jpg" /></a></div><b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared<br />
himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of call center agents who<br />
have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires <br />
to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes, <br />
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Follow Me</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PalaLagaw" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a><u><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/AngPalaLagaw" target="_blank">Twitter</a></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://instagram.com/pinoytraveler#" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/simurgh1/YGWatermark.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/simurgh1/YGWatermark.png" height="96" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">All Rights Reserve<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.</span></div>fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-33522018060619412132020-09-21T17:36:00.001+08:002020-09-21T17:36:06.547+08:00VLOG: River Crossings | Mt Irid | Kinabuan Falls<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uz0-3DMljuI" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_93384270"></span><span id="goog_93384271"></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9942868214_32fcf84194_q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9942868214_32fcf84194_q.jpg" /></a></div><b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared<br />
himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of call center agents who<br />
have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires <br />
to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes, <br />
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Follow Me</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PalaLagaw" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a><u><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/AngPalaLagaw" target="_blank">Twitter</a></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://instagram.com/pinoytraveler#" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/simurgh1/YGWatermark.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/simurgh1/YGWatermark.png" height="96" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">All Rights Reserve<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.</span></div>fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-71911334848935641682018-07-16T15:40:00.000+08:002018-07-16T16:01:19.988+08:00VIDEO FEATURE | Mt Halcon (Cinematic Video)<div style="text-align: center;">
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Mt Halcon aka Sialdang is definitely one of the most esteemed hiking destination in the Philippines. Dubbed as majestic or sometimes "The Mighty Sialdang". A storied mountain that had claimed many lives due to its unpredictable weather, long steep trails and dense forest. Mt Halcon is only open for hikers from January to May. </div>
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This is the first hike where I started to actually vlog as I've never done it before. I would usually just take photos and videos without sharing my voice. This video is also my first attempt at cinematic editing. I've tried to capture as many timelapse as I could, but alas I didn't have much time in the summit. </div>
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The weather during my hike was also very good, we didn't get that drenching rain or hypothermia inducing cold that this mountain is known for. I vowed to climb this mountain again, for more majestic visuals like the famous sea of clouds or the strong currents of Dulangan river. Hiking Mt Halcon will make you introspect why you are doing this, hence it is sometimes referred to as the introductory mountain to serious mountaineering. </div>
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Camera: Francis Balgos </div>
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Video Editing: Francis Balgos </div>
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EQUIPMENTS USED: </div>
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Camera: GoPro Hero 6, GoPro Hero4 Silver, Nikon D5330 </div>
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Stabilizer: FeiyuTech G5 Gimbal </div>
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Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 13 </div>
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LINKS Facebook: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffnbalgos&redir_token=N75Kwtq_llx5RviCzrLln4zcVKt8MTUzMTgxMjM2NEAxNTMxNzI1OTY0&v=Mx0Q3_lGPzo&event=video_description">https://www.facebook.com/fnbalgos</a> </div>
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MUSIC CREDITS </div>
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Song: Queen of the skies </div>
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Artist: Nicolai Heidlas </div>
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Video Link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlKdhcT_NDE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlKdh...</a> </div>
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Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Vercittyfilms">https://www.youtube.com/user/Vercitty...</a> </div>
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Please do not use my video clips without my permission. Send me email to sicnarf.fam@gmail.com or private message. Ang Pala-lagaw</div>
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of call center agents who
have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires
to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes,
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All Rights Reserve<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.</span></div>
fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-80539464415094252422016-09-26T17:10:00.000+08:002016-09-30T11:03:29.118+08:00Baguio | Old Diplomat Hotel, Shadows and Shades Lurking<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BAGUIO | Diplomat Hotel, Shadows And Shades Lurking</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Haunted Photographic Haven</span><br />
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Joey, my travel companion just stepped out for a few minutes, says that he feels the place to be a bit confining. Just so for me, I found a good subject standing just outside the door.<br />
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I didn't come here to model for a photo shoot, but as a photographer I can't help it if I find a particular spot that has good ambient light. As always, my tendency is to ask friends who are with me to be my on the spot model or at times I would teach them the basic mechanics of my camera and ask them to take my portrait. In this set, I taught my friend how to take a good jump shot without using the burst mode and still follow rule of thirds. In return, I was taught what to do in a jump. </div>
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<![endif]-->My signature jump shot is forming a cross leg.<br />
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My photographer is a dancer himself, so he taught me a jump shot pose that should show movement and action while making it look effortless.</div>
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The red brick wall was given character with molds splattered all over it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Deciding To Finally Set Foot In Diplomat Hotel </span><br />
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Curiosity killed the cat or should I say it got the best of me.
Contrary to most blog post about the Old Diplomat Hotel in the Dominican Hill
Baguio, it’s not always on the list of the must visit when you are in Baguio.
For a good measure of reasons, but mostly its because Baguio City is already chock
full of Parks and places, and things to do or what-not that for a short time
visitor, a quick tour of Diplomat Hotel is just not a very good idea. I’m a frequent visitor of
Baguio, it’s my quick getaway when I have no plans and have time in my hands. I
can just grab a few clothes and toiletries and be off in the bus terminal on my
merry way to Baguio City. It’s my quick fix weekend getaway.</div>
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I had never mustered the will to visit the Old Diplomat
Hotel in Baguio in my previous visits; its either I’d rather relax in a coffee
shop watching passers by or just try a new restaurant in the joint. Perhaps it’s
because this old dilapidated structure is famed to be haunted by many ghost. I’m
no scaredy cat to ghost stories but as my mother’s son, I got some of her gift
of discernment that is we don’t see but we can feel a presence be it
benevolent or good. </div>
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With my visiting friends, we didn’t have any itineraries to
follow but just a list of places that we all agreed and want to try. Thankfully
I was traveling with a very talented photographer whose opinion about the
Diplomat Hotel is that it could be a great structure to photograph setting aside
thoughts about it being haunted or it being a setting for a lot of paranormal
activity.</div>
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This blog post is all about photographs taken from outside
and inside the Old Diplomat Hotel. The time of my visit was not exactly ideal
at noontime; we just got off an enjoyable tour of Maryknoll and just not feeling
the urge for lunch as of yet so we took a cab to bring us to Diplomat Hotel. Once inside the building; the
shadows and light splayed the circular courtyard within, the vandalized walls,
the creaky stairs, molding wooden floorboards and windows that lay bare to the
overlooking view of Metropolitan Baguio. You can really feel the amalgamation
of old and new, knowing that this place is a witness to the history of Baguio City
starting with the American Colonization of the Philippines to the World War II until at the time when this place was renovated to become a popular Hotel. From
this point hereon, I will let my photographs tell you more. </div>
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To be noted, when you are exploring Baguio without any hired
transport for the entire trip, you have to make sure to find a return ride
after a quick visit in Diplomat Hotel. You wouldn’t wanna be stuck walking the
long uphill or downhill stretch of the road to the top of the Dominican Hill. </div>
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This circular staircase leads to the 2nd floor that apparently has newer structure than the rest, complete with red brick walls, wooden floorboards that I can only assume to be pine wood and the clear glass windows giving an open view of the natural landscape outside.</div>
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Arched windows leading to the courtyard, the place seems to be clean and actually maintained.</div>
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The upper structures leading to where the big cross, the denoting feature of Diplomat Hotel.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Final Note</span></div>
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At some point, engrossed in my taking photos in the corridors alone, the visitors come and go. They don't really stay that much because there's not much to do in here. I just personally like places like this one, it awakens the poet and artist in me. But I got spooked in one of the rooms, I wanted to explore every nooks and had been taking photographs while trying to look for that sweet spot where ambient light is great. I just can't shake the feeling that someone is breathing over me at my back that I can't really concentrate on the work I want to do. It would have been okay for me because its given that this place is haunted, but I heard a crying child at the back corridors and this is when I realized that I was away from where the other visitors are. That was it for me, I can say I ran past the corridors just so I can go outside of the structure. It's a maze of a structure that its actually easy to get lost. I wouldn't dare be left alone in this place at night. I'm just thankful I've gotten a bit of photographs. I do wish to visit again though, perhaps on a late afternoon when ambient light is much more bearable and I can photograph the entire structure without worrying about the photos being washed out and the shadows a little milder.</div>
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The Old Diplomat Hotel is rich in history, most likely the reason why the Baguio City Government maintains it. There is no entrance fee,but perhaps any professional photo or film shoot will require permit. Thankfully, Baguio City doesn't seem to limit any visual art endeavors in here. The rustic feel and charm of old Baguio is for everyone to experience in Diplomat Hotel. </div>
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That cross at the front facade of the building is the identifying feature of The Old Diplomat Hotel.</div>
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<span id="goog_93384270">From anywhere in Baguio City, its easier to just hire a cab to bring you to the top of the Dominican Hill where Diplomat Hotel is located. An added note here; try to ask the cab driver if can pick you up once you are done with the tour. Its challenging to walk downhill just to get to the main road and hail another cab, and hailing a new one is but another challenge since cabs dont usually wander in Dominican Hill.</span></div>
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<span id="goog_93384270">If you are traveling along though and think getting a cab is not worth it, you can commute by jeepney ride going to Dominican Hill Route, ask the driver to drop you off the intersection at the foot of teh Dominican Hill. Be ready for an uphill walk.</span></div>
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
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to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes,
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-31750735513311809472016-09-11T05:18:00.001+08:002016-09-11T05:18:46.960+08:00Batangas | Sunset Viewing In Mt Naguiling<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">BATANGAS | Sunset Viewing In Mt Naguiling</span></b><br />
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The best sunset Photo I took from the campsite of Mt Naguiling.<br />
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Mt Naguiling is the highest peak in the Lobo-San Juan Mountain of Batangas at 1,007 MASL. One of the places I’ve hiked and camped to earlier this year 2016. </div>
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The prominent peak of Mt Maculot rising from the fog.<br />
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Mt Banahaw and Mt Cristobal as seen from the campsite.<br />
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The closing veil of the setting sun. Since Mt Naguling is the highest peak in this mountain range, the sun had set behind the landscape long before the actual darkness fell and everything became illuminated by the full moon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Inspired by the Landscape</span></div>
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An unforgettable experience mainly because I was hiking with friends from Sykes Outdoor and the Chasing Adventures Club, these two are the corporate outdoor clubs from the companies that I have worked with, these two clubs have intermingled activities from time to time, aside from that the location yielded one of the most beautiful mountain landscape I have seen that is near Metro Manila. I intended to share for this blog post the beautiful sunset I had seen last February 2016 in Mt Naguiling.</div>
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The plan was to reach the campsite before sunset, so we had time despite the long drive from Metro Manila to Lobo Batangas. It had been pleasant all throughout even though it had been humidly hot. The sun was already dipping westward went we set off for the hike, the trail passes through rice paddies and private properties, some coconut, taro and banana fields, we were most of the time reminded that this part is still the farmlands and the locals domain, but at some point the farming landscape gave way to wild bushes, mountain paths and horse trails. It took us over two hours before we reached the campsite; I had struggled along the trail because it was still hot in the late afternoon, I felt like passing out from the humid heat, thankfully we weren’t in the hurry so I had time to recover. </div>
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Once we had reached the campsite, it took us half an hour before we decided to pitch our tents for the night; the landscape view was too good to pass through without noticing. The place is surreal and romantic on a late afternoon. So before the sun finally sets in I decided to hasten pitching my tent before looking for the best spot to photograph the Sunset. These photos were the result of perfect timing and best location for a romantic Sunset view, tonight is the Valentine's Day, I’ll be sleeping alone in my tent but the memory of this moment when I sat down and just watch over the Sunset is something I’ll always remember.</div>
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Sir Woody was the first to scout the location where we enjoyed the best Sunset views in the campsite. I took the shot without him knowing.</div>
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Within the horizon is the coastline of Lobo and San Juan Batangas.</div>
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NOTE: Mountain Trek guide to follow for Mt Naguiling (1,007 MASL)</div>
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<b style="line-height: normal;">Francis Balgos</b> has declared himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of young professionals who have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes, to live fully at the best of their years....<br />
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-10574237679174887982016-09-11T03:32:00.002+08:002016-09-11T03:32:37.891+08:00Quezon | Retreat At Bangkong Kahoy Valley<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">QUEZON | Retreat At Bangkong Kahoy Valley</span></b><br />
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Nestled between two mystical mountains Holy Mt Banahaw and The Devil’s Mt Cristobal which are said to have opposing energies like yin yang, this place is referred to as Bangkong Kahoy (Wooden Bench) Valley in Dolores Quezon. </div>
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Found a spot for my small tent, it has been sunny all morning but we were expecting rain anytime.</div>
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The landscape view from my tent in the morning after a cold rainy night has passed.</div>
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Reunited with Hiking Buddies Grace in the middle and Jelly on the Right side.</div>
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Its the countryside; not to forget that the place is also a farm with this small chapel.</div>
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The slope of Mt Banahaw in the background and this vegetable patch.</div>
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BK Mountain Lodge is a place for nature retreat in Quezon Province with views of Mt Banahaw and Mt Cristobal in the landscape. A mountain lodge resort that can provide camping grounds for visitors to pitch tents and basic amenities to allow activities with a large group. This place is also a bird sanctuary and is a venue for bird watchers and photographers, a protected area and field study center. Hence this became a perfect venue for Sykes Outdoor’s Basic Mountaineering Course for their current and active members. </div>
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We were escorted to this place in Brgy Kinabuhayan, Dolores Quezon via Van from Metro Manila for about 2 hour drive and to be honest I have no idea about the way to get here by driving or commuting. Perhaps for the better because this was a retreat for most of us who participated in this activity, we were expecting to have a refresher for our outdoor skills and enjoy river trekking as a side trip. I didn’t get the chance to have a tour of the place, it would have been very interesting but as it is our itinerary is full for the overnight stay. You could say I had a cold night inside the tent but the experience had been very pleasant just by being with friends that have similar interest. </div>
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For Inquiries about the place</div>
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<a href="http://www.bkmountainlodge.com.ph/index.html" target="_blank"><b>BK Mountain Lodge</b></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Basic Mountaineering Course for Sykes Outdoor</span></div>
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The 2nd Day of the course; to completely integrate new members into the group, we did this same fun activity we did yesterday where we quickly introduce ourselves to everyone. </div>
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Sitting on the grass and listening to words of wisdom from our renowned lecturer. Name is requested not to be shared.</div>
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Our day 1 is mostly preparing and indoor lectures where we are reminded of cultural sensitivity and how to behave in places that we are not familiar with.</div>
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Knot tying and roping, things that we take for mostly take for granted. In here is for the commonly used and for survival practices.</div>
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Huddled together after a short rain. The lecture must go on.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">River Trekking In Photos</span></div>
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Caving at the foot of Mt Banahaw before River Trekking</div>
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Raining while River Trekking</div>
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Cold Freshwater, not so clear due to the rain but it didn't stop us from taking a dip and enjoy the little time we had.</div>
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">has </span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of young professionals who have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes, to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All Rights Reserve<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted</span></div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-22771392551890868032016-08-07T12:05:00.000+08:002016-08-07T12:05:11.263+08:00Photography | Mt Timbak, Benguet<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>PHOTOGRAPHY</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> | Mt Timbak, Benguet</b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Outdoor Portraits</span></div>
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The edge of glory.</div>
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I've
seen a lot of outdoor portraits to last a lifetime, but if it doesn't
give me the feeling of awe and wonder then I think it's not much. There
are a lot of commercial portraiture's published daily, those heavily
saturated photos with surreal looks, of models wearing sundresses in the
outdoor, they are really good in their own sense, but if it not as
daring a defying gravity with levitation, jump shots, or of models being
shot underwater then they are just as good but without eliciting awe. </div>
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From
here on, due to lack of better ideas and a huge collection of outdoor
portraits of myself and my travel buddies I am publishing these outdoor
portraits. This is a collection of photos mostly taken during nature
treks, fun photos and jump shots requested by my travel buddies for
their social media profiles. I've got a lot of these published in my own
personal facebook page, a lot of effort has been given these photos but
for the sake of fun I make them.</div>
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My Oblation.</div>
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A lookout from the sky.</div>
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These
next set are jump shot pictures taken at the summit of Mt Timbak after a
beautiful sunrise. The sun with lens flare behind every subject, even
with pop flash, we are almost a silhouette levitating in the clear blue
sky.</div>
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Explode with the sunrise.</div>
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Sir Gilbert is levitating.</div>
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Touch the sky with Tessa.</div>
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Grace is our Superhero</div>
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The compulsory portrait, with the landscape of the Cordillera's behind me.</div>
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I
wouldn't miss this one chance, jump shot along the road, in the highest
highway in the Philippines, of course with Mt Timbak in my background.<br />
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BLOGGER NOTE: This post was moved from my photo blog Shutter Mix.<br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of call center agents who
have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires
to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes,
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.</span></div>
fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-80386736597249779982016-07-24T02:16:00.000+08:002016-07-24T02:16:49.862+08:00Romblon | Sibuyan's Mt Guiting Guiting In Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ROMBLON | Sibuyan's Mt Guiting Guiting In Photos</b></span></div>
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It is an aspiration that needed to be realized so that I can say to myself that I have lived. My hiking adventures were just for fun at the beginning; but as I keep progressing in hiking mountains with beautiful landscape views, I also took on challenging mountain hikes in order. </div>
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On approach to Sibuyan Island from the Sea. The famed Saw-Toothed feature of this mountain can be seen from afar.</div>
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Descending to a sloping terrain in Magdiwang Trail, we were greeted with a view of what is ahead before us. A long stretch of diverse grassland and forest stretching towards the open sea.</div>
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A mirage in the landscape kissed by the clouds. The heat of mid afternoon sun is bearing down on us. The Knife Edge trail looks like its just ahead but it had already been a couple of hours of scrambling through rocky terrain and yet we are still on approach only.</div>
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It started with a hike in Mt Apo “The Grandfather of Philippine Mountains”; a hike that required training for strength and stamina, it is after all The Rooftop of the Philippines and Mindanao’s crowning glory. Soon it was followed by a challenging hike at Mt Pulag “Playground of the Gods” and Luzon’s rooftop with its difficult trails Tawangan and Akiki. Once I have completed these two, I felt the yearning to add another one on the list, so I took another challenge by hiking Mt Kanlaon “Home of the God Kanlaon” and the Rooftop of the Visayas. By now you should realize the pattern; I’ve already hiked the Highest Mountains from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the three major groups of Islands in the Philippines.<br /><br />I thought I’ve had enough, those three are hard to come by for an amateur hiker like myself but I soon found myself training for yet another challenging climb and this time it was for Mt Guiting Guiting. I don’t really know what I have gotten myself into, because unlike the first three I mentioned above, Mt Guiting Guiting is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the Philippines. Mt Guiting Guiting or G2 in Sibuyan Island of Romblon is blogged as part of the Knife Edge Trilogy in the Region of MIMAROPA, alongside Mt Halcon in Mindoro Island and Mt Mantalingahan in Palawan Island. These three mountains not only have Knife Edge trails in common but that they are measured as 9/9 in difficulty as per the popular blog pinoymountaineer.com </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7747/27178721500_2b7d3ea396_z.jpg" width="640" /> Trekking in strewn rock boulders as big as any SUV's. Some of these sedimentary rocks have sharp edges and its coarse in unprotected hands, they are just despairingly everywhere. I had to wear gloves while trying to suppress the feeling of being overwhelmed by the landscape. A simple slipped may cause a broken bone or even death because of the steep ravines. </div>
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Our every take fives are spent gazing at these creeping clouds and the hills.</div>
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Saw Toothed Mountain Ridges where Mt Guiting Guiting got its Visayan name from. </div>
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As of this writing, I had already completed this hike and I am making plans in hiking Mt Halcon and Mt Mantalingahan to complete the Knife Edge Trilogy challenge. I know I have to stop somewhere, lest I become obsessed from hiking not just the challenging mountains, but those considered deadly. I’m afraid, not for the challenge but that I would become too addicted to it. I’ve always told myself that it’s only for the photos and beautiful landscape that I do this, but these mountains I have mentioned have all yielded photographs that I would be glad to show to anyone and G2 by far has the most amazing landscape I had ever seen. <br /><br />Enchanted is the adjective I’d give for G2. A rocky mountain in steroids and is incomparable to any rocky mountains I’ve climbed. A rocky landscape continuously kissed by the clouds. The photos I brought back doesn’t do it justice, one will have to experience hiking in G2 to understand the gibberish I’m sharing in here. So from here on out, let me share the photos I’ve taken from Mt Guiting Guiting the King of Sibuyan.</div>
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Stunted trees are scattered along steeped slopes, this is near camp 3 of Olango trail.</div>
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Seeing the jagged Knife Edge trail under the morning sun from Mayo's peak.</div>
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The sun is setting on the opposite side, illuminating this mountain feature. Its hard to imagine that we carefully traversed terrain a few hours ago.</div>
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
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to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span>...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-215147828847232332016-07-22T14:27:00.000+08:002016-07-22T14:38:27.969+08:00VLOG | Mt Guiting Guiting Traverse<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mt Guiting Guiting</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">San Fernando - Magdiwang Traverse</span><br />
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Recently I've been trying to think of ways to present my blog and I've been very busy with climbing mountains for the most part. This blog is supposed to be for travel and photography so I cannot just limit my blog post to hiking adventures. This would be my first blog post using videos I took during my adventures in Sibuyan Island. I am trying to improve on my video editing skills, as an amateur using GoPro and this is my first work. Please watch in HD to better appreciate.<br />
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View of Mt Guiting Guiting Saw Tooth Rocks and Knife Edge Trail from Mayo's Peak.<br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-91560176401786184532016-06-05T11:51:00.001+08:002016-06-05T11:56:16.857+08:00Romblon | Cresta de Gallo<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ROMBLON | Cresta de Gallo</b></span><br />
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So it was that by mid morning on our third day of hiking, we swam in the clear rocky rivers of Magdiwang as a sign that we completed the hike. Not only that, no one from our team showed any sign of physical battering or tiredness. As a reward for a successful climb, we were to spend a night sleeping at the sandy beach of Cresta de Gallo and looking up at the clear skies under the light of a full moon.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>For mountaineers like myself who had just completed the challenge of traverse expedition in Mt Guiting Guiting, a sidetrip to Cresta de Gallo becomes a well deserved downtime from a hectic itinerary. Cresta de Gallo is an island close to the Paradise Island of Sibuyan surrounded by shoals of shallow azure waters in white powdery sand beach. Romblon is one of the four provinces comprising MIMAROPA which is a combination of the first syllables of each province namely Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. Scattered in the Visayas, MIMAROPA is a group of “group of islands” which each provinces having their own tropical paradise to boot. <br />
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Late afternoon, the water is receding. One of the boatman, had to watch out for our path so avoid hitting rocks and coral reefs. Cresta de Gallo is surrounded by shallow reefs.<br />
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The southern tip of Cresta de Gallo has this patch of bush. A resident reside here in a hut and looks like a perfect place to camp. We decided not to camp there as we realize that its already occupied by another group of guest.<br />
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After dropping anchor, the boat men secured their lodgings in the boat itself expecting the boat to be grounded for the night anyway. An hour late and we would have to swim for quite a distance just to get to the shoreline.<br />
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Cresta de Gallo is a stretch of White Sand Beach Island just over an hour of boat ride from the Bigger Sibuyan Island. The visit here was a side trip for me and my hike buddies after a successful hike in Mt Guiting Guiting, the towering ridged gem of Sibuyan. A downtime per say as this mountain is known as one of the very few mountains in the Philippines today that are difficult to climb. This island has no resort, which just suits us the most; we cooked our meal with our own portable stoves and butane reserves, fresh seafood brought from the market of San Fernando town of Sibuyan. Our quick dip in the Magdiwang River marking the completion of our hike earlier today left us hopeful that the overnight in Cresta de Gallo will be worth it. Sibuyan Island in itself is full of underrated sites with clear freshwater rivers and a number of waterfalls that continue to flow even in the midst of dry season.</div>
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Sibuyan Island, being a tropical island in itself is surrounded by shoreline. An outrigger boat can take off anywhere, but the closest town is San Fernando, the obvious choice as start off going to Cresta de Gallo.. We made arrangements and bought some fresh produce from the market like the Mackerel that we grilled over fire, we were given a fresh big squid that we turned into Calamares. The two boat men that served as our tour guide didn’t bring any food with them, which as they said is no issue. Certainly, when we had started grilling the fish, they hunted sting rays that lay buried in the shallow sands. Seems like Cresta de Gallo is abundant in marine life, but it makes it dangerous for a night swim.</div>
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The boatmen gathered dry wood and lit an ember for us, it was so efficient that you'd think he'd live in the woods all along. </div>
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Looking at Mt Guiting Guiting and Sibuyan Island from Cresta de Gallo.
Its a humbling moment, realizing that I spent the last two nights in the
embrace of this King of Sibuyan and one of the mighty mountains in the
Philippines.</div>
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<span id="goog_93384270"></span><span id="goog_93384271"></span>My trek buddy Ian, who walked in the Market of San Fernando in his compression pants. No wonder, the locals were looking and snickering. </div>
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Water so clear, and the glorious sand is a true white like looking glass.</div>
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The last
vestige of Sunlight draped the entire Cresta de Gallo in arrays of
dramatic colors and soon after the Sunset, the full sphere of the moon
crested and lighted the night sky with reddish glow. It's gonna be a
peaceful, cold yet beautiful night by the beach in Cresta de Gallo.</div>
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The sunrise is equally stunning as the sunset a day before.</div>
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We woke to Cresta de Gallo, lighted by Sunrise and a gentle breeze with salty tang.</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-26341818347287563822016-04-03T17:36:00.000+08:002016-04-08T04:14:39.677+08:00Benguet | Serene Lake Tabeo of Kabayan, Benguet<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Benguet | Serene Lake Tabeo of Kabayan, Benguet</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Short Rendezvous From A Long Trip</span></div>
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I always tell my friends that people who go places will come to and
experience a lot of things; learn, become enlightened, become more
appreciative of people, and will eventually realize the value of life
and how short it is to be wasted with meaningless endeavors. </div>
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Have you ever done camping beside a beautiful mountain lake? I did and the experience became a highlight of a very challenging mountain climb made worthy of those little time spent dreamily gazing at the lake and the landscape surrounding it. I’ve only done it once, in Lake Venado along the slopes of Mt Apo. It’s not like I’ve never been to any other lakes, I’ve seen Lake Pandin up close, one of those mystical lakes as one of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo Laguna, but mountain lakes are special and that they are a natural wonder to behold. </div>
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As of this writing, I've seen three mountain lakes or body of water at a high elevation; the first is Lake Venado of Mt Apo, second is this Lake Tabeo of Kabayan Benguet and the last is the Margaha Crater in Mt Kanlaon. I mean to write a separate feature for each because I find them to be a special treat during hiking trips, they serve as a highlight to an arduous and memorable climbs where a tumultuous mind can find a momentary peace. Water is therapeutic; that we all know, so finding bodies of water in places that have outstanding natural landscape view is a gift not to be missed. </div>
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It was a long drive with many transport transfers. We proved to be road
hardy as we arrive in Lake Tabeo for a lunch rendezvous beside this
serene lake. Who wouldn’t? Six hours bus drive from Manila to Baguio is
tiresome enough, we took a chartered jeep to bring us to Brgy Tawangan in Kabayan Benguet for a measly 7-8 hours of traveling passing through far flung rural
places. The mountain roads of Cordillera though paved
are tricky and dangerous because of steep cliffs and falling rocks from
eroding mountains. Just halfway along the ride and we were feeling battered that by this time we had long given up the joy of riding atop the jeep (Toploading).</div>
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We arrive in the location of Lake Tabeo way past 2 pm after 6 hours of bumpy ride. Our hunger for lunch
has already left us but we decided to eat our packed lunch anyway. At
first glance I understood why our hike leader Mye made it a point that
we stop over at this site. We could’ve eaten our lunch at restaurants along
the Highways, but she asked us to buy packed lunch as we will eat along
the way. I trust her judgment in things especially if it involves travel
itineraries all I asked is for her to bring me there and she can whisk me away with my cameras and hiking bags.</div>
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How to describe the scene in front of me? The lake is more like a big fish pond surrounded by a scattering of Pine Trees, farm lands, a few barns and village houses; you can imagine stray dogs coming and sniffing, kids playing around in their sweat shirts and local men driving back and forth in their big motor bikes. Motor bikes are a thing here. There's a farm truck in the corner, the two lane road where our chartered jeep is parked and the looming silhouette of Mt Tabayoc with its thickly dense forest cover. From where we stand, Mt Tabayoc looks mystical with a few clouds kissing its steep slopes and it somehow claims lordship over this little corner of Benguet. Then there is that occasional rain shower making us shiver from the cold weather of the Cordillera's. Its really just another lake or body of water by the road but when you dig deeper in, you can feel serenity that you'd think the waters have been blessed.</div>
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We were just passing by, but Lake Tabeo left a vivid image in my mind. I grew up from province with many fish ponds but never with a serene calmness that this lake brought to me. Perhaps I was tired from the long journey, stressed from work and my wary of my urban life that I easily gave in to the charm before me. As I sat in the concrete barrier facing the lake, scooping the cold rice in my spoon and taking a bite from the cold fried chicken I bought earlier, I found myself feeling calmer and little less worried of my liabilities back in the city. I cant wait to finish devouring my bland meal so I take pictures and just start exploring around before we ride the jeep again for our final stop in Brgy Tawangan.</div>
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NOTE: This side trip is part of my hiking adventure in Mt Pulag via Tawangan-Akiki trail. Lake Tabeo is a famed campsite and jump off point for hikers climbing Mt Tabayoc. It's also along the way when going to Brgy Tawangan which is a jump to Tawangan Trail of Mt Pulag. </div>
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The road trip was long and arduous added with cold Cordillera weather and occasional rain.<br />
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We were also met with many road blocks and construction like this. My hike buddies came to aid these men in clearing the stones from blocking the road.<br />
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Near the lake is this abandoned construction, the skeleton of an unfinished house.<br />
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Mt Tabayoc, casting a long shadow with its steep slopes and thick forest cover.</div>
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Friendly wandering dogs are everywhere.<br />
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Ibaloi Men and their Big Bikes.<br />
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This kid kept a safe distance from us but he seems eager to show what is there at the end of the stick. I wasn't that curios though so I took his photo instead. Smile kiddo!<br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
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to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes,
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-85893226319392088642016-01-11T13:32:00.000+08:002016-03-09T09:10:56.313+08:00Bataan | Mt Natib, My First Trek In Bataan Province<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">BATAAN | Mt Natib, </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My First Trek In Bataan Province</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Highest Peak In Bataan National Park</span><br />
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Beyond the gate of the DENR viewdeck is this beautiful but daunting view of Mt Natib.</div>
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It’s the time the year when I’m busy or try to get into hiking mountains more often. I did this climb six months ago in Bataan National Park; Mt Natib is known as the highest peak in the Natib Caldera System. A potentially active volcano with elevation of 1253 MASL, Mt Natib is higher and is much more challenging than my usual volcano favorites Mt Arayat and Mt Makiling climbs. I had a few misgivings regarding this climb, first is that Mt Natib is one of those mountains known to have Limatik (Mountain Leech) infestations and second is that I’m joining a strange group. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Facts</span></div>
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• Is the highest peak of the Bataan National Park .</div>
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• Listed as potentially active volcano by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.</div>
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• Semi Major Climb for hikers, with proud elevation of 1,253 MASL.</div>
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• One of the few mountains in Luzon with known presence of Limatik (Mountain Leach) which means that part of the location is thickly forested with wet clime all year round.</div>
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The first part of the trek is this unpaved mountain road.<br />
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The forested trail remains wet with morning even by mid morning. My trek shoes are soaking wet<br />
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I’ve had traumatic experience with Limatiks in a previous
climbs that I vowed to be ready when I get to face them again. When it comes to
hiking, I’m used to hiking with my travel buddies, only rarely would I go and
seek out events with people I’m not very familiar with as because my idea of
comfort includes familiarity with the people I am with. I’m glad that I took
the chance to join this climb with a short notice because I met some amazing hikers
and a fellow blogger/hiker, the amazing woman behind the site Bluish Trekker (bluishtrekker.com),
I was also introduced to this beautiful mountain in Bataan only hours away from
Metro Manila.</div>
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Sleeping throughout the van trip from Metro Manila to Orani
Bataan which was our jump off for the climb, it proved to be a promising climb.
The first hours of our ascent we passed by unpaved mountain roads until we
reached the viewdeck of DENR that gave us a sweeping view of the Mariveles
Mountain Range and the daunting view of our target summit Mt Natib. Beyond the DENR gate, we started trekking
through forested terrain. It’s almost mid morning yet the foliage are still wet
with morning dew, the air is sweet making us realized that it’s really the end
of Dry Season and that rainy days are coming. The trail had been pleasant and
gradual until we got past the grassland where we had to pass through Cogon
Grass as high as ourselves. This marks the spot where spot where the real
challenge of Mt Natib lies, assault trekking from 70, 80 to 85 degrees, some
with long rope segments and not to mention that the same terrain is also where
Limatiks await any passing target. </div>
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Indeed I had curse myself for joining this trip on a Sunday,
where every effort to raise my leg for every assault is painful, perhaps every
hiker had asked themselves the same question in some of their climb. We reached
the summit and had a few minutes of chance view of the beautiful landscape surrounding
it before clouds enveloped us and blanketed every worthwhile view we could
enjoy. I may have regretted doing
mountains hikes but that is always dissolve each time I reach a mountain summit
and try to do a self pat in the back. </div>
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Passing through the grassland area with tall Cogon grass, beyond this grove marks the start of difficult assault terrain.</div>
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The Cogon grasses are taller than the tallest of us.</div>
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On this climb, I didnt get any Limatik bite which I
found strange as Ive prepared against it, and that strange crowd I joined in
this, became my friends and acquaintance at the end of the day. This mountain
brought us together as kindred fellows in appreciating the outdoors. I’ve
completed another challenge on a beautiful day. In Bataan National Park I found
a mountain worthy of a poet’s word.<br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of call center agents who
have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires
to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes,
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-66489881747330873502015-09-26T19:02:00.001+08:002015-09-26T19:02:10.597+08:00TREK GUIDE | Mt Kanlaon Natural Park, Mananawin-Mapot Traverse (2,435 MASL)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mt Kanlaon Natural Park, Mananawin-Mapot Traverse (2,435 MASL)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Trek Guide</span></div>
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Mt Kanlaon is the most active Strato Volcano in the Visayas, having no other neighboring mountains in its base; it stands like an island with the same Topographic prominence as its height at 2,435 MASL. This volcano is one of the 6 permanently monitored volcanoes by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). </div>
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A Volcano of violent and unpredictable temper; with a history of killing 3 and injuring 17 hikers when a sudden phreatic explosion happened in 1996, having said that, Bureaucratic process requirements had been set before a hike in Mt Kanlaon Natural Park is permitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This volcano straddles 2 provinces composing the Negros Island Region, the Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. As a natural park, Mt Kanlaon is a protected area monitored by the DENR.</div>
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Our climb organiser Mark stops for a take 5. We just got past the Cogon Grasses that are twice as tall as the smallest of us, it was quite challenging going through a trail that is hidden under thick clusters of grass.</div>
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Ro Za just dropped her 50L Trek bag for a photo op. Said that we should climb mountains in our own pace. It is never a race nor a contest of who is stronger.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Facts</span><br />
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Mt Kanlaon Natural Park is the roof top of Visayas, with Height and Topograhic Prominence of 2,435 MASL.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">This mountain straddles 2 provinces composing that of Negros Island Region; namely Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">An active volcano, Mt Kanlaon is one of the 6 permanently monitored Volcanoes by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and is also part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Mt Kanlaon is a Natural Park, designating it as a protected area of 24,388 of forest, grassland and agricultural lands.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">This volcano is dotted with pyroclastic craters and cone, its mountain summit has the active Lugud Crater and the Margaja Valley with a crater lake.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The volcano has 3 Hot Springs on its slopes; Mambucal Hot Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring and Bungol Hot Spring.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">26 Erruptions or Notable Volcanic Activity has been recorded since 1919.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">1996 Kanlaon Incident resulted in 3 fatalities when 24 climbers hiked the mountain and it suddenly erupted without warning.</li>
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On our final ascent to the Summit or Mt Kanlaon, to the Lugud Crater.</div>
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Shot with GoPro Hero4 Silver: Here I stand near the edge of the Lugud Crater, Mt Kanlaon's most active Crater at the moment. The Crater is a deep abyss of about 150 to 200 meters down a rocky bottom with sulfuric water pools.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trail Notes</span><br />
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The blogger had been in Negros for a number of times, having completed my college degree in Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City, the location which is the Academe Hub of Western Visayas. This gave me the opportunity to be introduced to people who came from anywhere in the region. Though it’s been a decade since I last step foot in Negros Island, my acquaintances proved useful in my exploration or even my traveling alone to Negros Island and Canlaon City which would be the jump of site for this hike. I initially didn’t have plans of climbing Mt Kanlaon as I have just book tickets for another major climb in Northern Mindanao, the invite came from a climb organiser in Cebu City which was just introduced to me a day before the hike, I thought to myself that I can just add this to my climbs this year. </div>
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Our intended trail was supposed to be Mananawin-Wasay as we planned to enjoy the Mambucal Hot Springs after our decent in Wasay, Murcia, Negros Occidental. We hadn’t anticipated to be left out of provision mainly our butane fuels. The Wasay trail for our descent will take overnight for us to complete and we are not allowed to burn firewood since we are in a protected Natural Park. We decided to take the shorter route of Mapot Trail instead of Wasay which will take us back Canlaon City where we initially started. </div>
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The bureaucratic requirements in climbing Mt Kanlaon astounded me. As part of a hiking group, we each need to secure a notarized waiver “Release from Liability and Waiver of all Claims”; this form basically waives your right to sue if something happens. I have climbed mountains designated as National and Natural Parks, but usually the burden of paperwork is taken by the team lead or climb organizer, I normally had to sign my name or fill out a form but never have had to notarize a waiver just so I can be allowed to climb a mountain. It was not fully explained but the idea is probably due to a fact that we will be climbing an active volcano that is permanently monitored by PHIVOLCS. </div>
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On a positive thought, our guide Kuya Tata and our porter Gary were brothers, this made the communication between them easy and convenient, and they took turns in leading the trail. Kuya Tata is equipped with a radio which gave him a constant contact with the Office of the Park Superintendent (PASU). So while we are being monitored for any park violations, our safety is also assured as we traverse in the maze of forest trails. </div>
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The DENR will never issue permit to any hikers if the mountain shows a hint of increased volcanic activity.</div>
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Summit above the clouds.</div>
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Enjoying our photo op session at the summit of Mt Kanlaon Summit the morning for our 3rd Day.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mount Kanla-on Natural Park Suggested Climb Itinerary</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mananawin - Mapot Traverse</span></b><br />
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<b>NOTE</b>: <i>This Itinerary is adjusted for those who will fly in from Manila to Bacolod.</i><br />
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<b>Day 1 Friday</b><br />
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Bacolod-Silay International Airport is the nearest Airport and point of entry to Negros Island.<br />
Book a flight within day time if you intend to commute from Bacolod to Canlaon City.<br />
Bus rides with Ceres Liner is the only available mode of transport when commuting, please take note that the last bus trip leaves Bacolod South Terminal at 7PM.<br />
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<b>NOTE</b>: <i>Bacolod has 2 Bus Terminals; the Ceres Bus Trips to Canlaon City is with the Bacolod South Terminal. And the trip usually last for 3 hours.</i><br />
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Once in Canlaon City, you can book an overnight stay with JCC Pension; you can finalize the plan by buying provisions and meal plan.<br />
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<b>Day 2 Saturday</b><br />
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6:00 AM Wake up call<br />
6:30 AM Breakfast<br />
7:30 AM Buy Supplies<br />
9:00 AM Meet up with Guides at DENR<br />
9:15 AM ETD for Sitio Mananawin thru a hired Van.<br />
9:40 AM ETA Sitio Mananawin Jump Off<br />
9:50 AM Start of Trek<br />
12:00 PM Lunch along the trail<br />
1:00 PM Resume Trek<br />
2:00 PM Patay na Ilog<br />
4:00 PM Grassland<br />
6:00 PM ETA Campsite/ Set up camp<br />
6:30 PM Prepare dinner<br />
7:00 PM Dinner<br />
8:00 PM Socials<br />
10:00 PM Lights Out<br />
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<b>Day 3 Sunday</b><br />
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6:00 AM Wake up call<br />
6:30 AM Summit Assault<br />
7:00 AM Lugud Crater Summit, Picture Taking<br />
7:30 AM Prepare breakfast<br />
8:00 AM Breakfast<br />
9:00 AM Breakcamp<br />
9:30 AM Start Trek to Makawiwili Peak<br />
11:30 AM Makawiwili Peak<br />
11:00 PM Resume Trek<br />
1:00 PM Lunch along the trail<br />
2:00 PM Resume Trek to Mapot<br />
5:30 PM ETA arrival in the roadside along Sitio Mapot, Brgy Maiba, Canlaon City<br />
6:00 PM Take Habal-Habal Ride back to JCC Pension in Canlaon City<br />
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<b>Day 4 Monday</b><br />
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Take an early bus ride from Canlaon City to Bacolod City, the trip will take 3 hours to complete. From Bacolod, you can hire a taxi back to the airport or go to the available side trips like “The Ruins”in Talisay, spend an overnight stay in Mambucal Hot Springs in Murcia.<br />
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Cold Mornings in Mt Kanlaon summit. </div>
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Mist over Margaja Valley. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Timeline and Things to Consider for Mt Kanlaon Climb </span> </div>
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<li>1 Booking form for a group of up to 10 individuals will have to be submitted at least a week before the trekking date. </li>
<li>Climbing permit should be secured from the Office of the Park Superintendent following submission of required information such as Letter of Intent, Booking Form, Mountaineer Information, and Notarized Waiver of Responsibility of the climbing party members. Booking shall be made at least three months prior to the expedition schedule. </li>
<li>Individual Mountaineer Information form and Notarized Waiver needs to be submitted 1 week before the climb. Please note that climb permit will not be prepared by the DENR without these forms. </li>
<li>Required documents can be mailed via fast courier to DENR Office Address: </li>
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Biologist Angelo C Bibar</div>
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Ecotourism & PAMB Operations Officer</div>
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Mt Kanla-on Natural Park</div>
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c/o DENR-PENRO, Abad-Santos Street</div>
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Brgy. 39, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines</div>
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Telefax (034) 433-3813; 435-7411 </div>
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<ul>
<li>Permit can be paid and obtained from The Office of The Park Superintendent (PASu) only during office hours at business days. </li>
<li><i>Permit Fee:</i> <b>Php 300 for Filipino Hikers, Php 500 for Foreign Hikers. </b></li>
<li><i>Guide Fee:</i> <b>Php 700 per day </b></li>
<li><i>Porter:</i> <b>Php 500 per day </b></li>
<li>There are 4 Official Trails for entry/exit; <b>Wasay </b>in <i>Murcia</i>, <b>Guintubdan </b>in <i>La Carlota</i> and <i>Bago Cities</i>, <b>Mananawin </b>and <b>Mapot </b>in <i>Canlaon City</i>. </li>
<li>Mt Kanlaon climb is in high season during March to May, and October to December. It is low season during January, February, June, July, August and September wherein only one expedition party is allowed to hike per month and per trail. </li>
<li>Climb is closed to any climbers if there is any weather disturbance or if Volcanic Activity is noted. </li>
<li>For Inquiries and questions, you can contact:</li>
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<b>Mr Angelo C Bibar</b><br />Mobile 09173011410 <br />Email: <a href="mailto:angelobibar@gmail.com">angelobibar@gmail.com</a>; <a href="mailto:eioibibar@yahoo.com">eioibibar@yahoo.com</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recommended Guide</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Manong Tata</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mobile 09334590236</span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /><b>CLICK ON THIS LINKFOR THE FORMS:</b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/palalagaw/Kanlaon%20Climb.zip?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank">Mt Kanlaon Climb</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> NOTE</b>: <i>This Link Download includes the Booking form, Waiver Form, Mt Kanlaon Info Guide, Mt Kanlaon reminder for Rules and Regulation and the Mountaineer Info form.</i></span></span></span><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Additional requirements maybe required by PASu.</span></span></span></i><br />
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-23115930917519213612015-09-18T07:00:00.000+08:002015-09-19T23:29:39.681+08:00Negros Oriental | In Awe of The Margaja Valley<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>NEGROS ORIENTAL | In Awe of The Margaja Valley</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Home Of The God Kan-Laon</span></div>
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A view imprinted in memory for a lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feeling of elation, of being bereft with
words while marveling at the saturation of life that envelopes us as we
stand at the Caldera Rim of the Margaja Valley. The sun illuminated for us a
landscape view that will never be replicated anywhere. The grass blades heavy
with morning dew, the morning mist covering and giving way to assure us, 6
lucky climbers that we made it. We climbed this mountain that is referred to as
the home of the God. The difficult terrain that we had to pass through was
worth it, the muddy trails, and the thorns in the bush that seemed to fight
back, the long despairing trail that seemed too steep and hazardous to trek,
they all lined like ducks in a row but we still made it. We were overwhelmed
and in awe of The Margaja Valley, Home of the God.</div>
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My arrival in the
campsite after a whole day of assault trekking in Mananawin Trail left
me battered and tired that I was actually one of the last to have
reached the camp site. I have watched the sun set along the steep
trail of tall cogon grass while behind me is this intimidating summit of
Mt Kanlaon were its famed Lugud and Margaja crater lie in wait. The
morning greeted us with a sweeping view of the Margaja Valley from where
we camped. Marked by a crater lake at its bottom, and protected by this
rim of high walls, it looks as if we are in the threshold of paradise. I
was in awe of Margaja Valley at that point and it was with a bonus that
we camped in the beautiful landscape of Mt
Kanlaon craters and summits, something only a mountain hiker can ever
see up close.</div>
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The
Crater Rim of Margaja Valley just blocked the rain clouds for us,
giving us more time to eat our breakfast before we break camp. The fast
moving rain clouds was a relaxing phenomenon to watch. Like a black hole, mysterious and inviting, Margaja valley has this Crater Lake in its bottom as one of its permanent feature.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Margaja Valley</span></div>
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Margaja Valley is a crater or caldera, a depression near the summit of Mt Kanlaon that is a lush verdant green grassland with a lake at its bossom. The established trails of Mt Kanlanon Natural Park would normally scale the rim of the caldera itself giving the hikers a different view as they trek along the rim. Looking at Margaja Valley from the mountain summit is like looking down at an upturned hat only that it’s referring to a depression of grassland with thick bush foliage surrounding it. As a Natural Park, Mt Kanlaon Natural Park was established on August 8, 1934. It is a beautiful protected landscape of 24,388 hectares of forest and grassland, dotted with craters and pyroclastic cones and home to diverse wildlife.<br />
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We didnt get the chance to trek down the Margaja Valley and inspect this crater up close, the slopes are steep and the distance will require an effort going down and back up. The hike may take half a day at least since we will take pictures along the way. I do intend to climb Mt Kanlaon again so maybe next time I will be up close inside the Margaja Valley's Crater. The view from the Ridge is very prominent and since the trails that we need to pass through before descending would encircle it, we had a different view of the valley in every clearing.<br />
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This
is part of the Margaja Valley's Caldera and also serves as campsite for
hikers. The mountains Topographic prominence gave us a sweeping view of
almost half of the Negros Island itself, including the distant shadow of
the Island of Cebu.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About Mt Kanlaon Natural Park</span><br />
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Mt Kanlaon is the most active Strato Volcano in Central Visayas, having no other neighboring mountains in its base; it stands like an island with the same Topographic prominence as its height at 2,435 MASL. This volcano is one of the 6 permanently monitored volcanoes by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). A Volcano of violent and unpredictable temper; with a history of killing 3 and injuring 17 hikers when a sudden phreatic explosion happened in 1996, having said that, Bureaucratic process requirements had been set before a hike in Mt Kanlaon Natural Park is permitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This volcano straddles 2 provinces composing the Negros Island Region, the Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Either of these provinces can be used to pinpoint the location of the mountain while using the towns and cities that are situated at the mountains base as references. <br />
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In this blog post I used Negros Oriental in reference to the jurisdiction of Canlaon City which was our jump off site for Mananawin Trail and also because this city was named after the very mountain itself.</div>
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Along the slopes near the summit is this sweeping view of Margaja Valley under the shadows of its Caldera Rim.</div>
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On the summit of Mt Kanlaon is on top of that cone where the Lugud Crater is located, a volcanic chasm about 150-200 M deep.</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NVFAcqdlSLIQATv-y0ms_-BO7OgSlaUJgSVA1-RX3y8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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Morning above the Clouds, in here we stand at the crater rim of Margaja Valley, the summit camp site.<br />
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L-R: Myself, the two ladies from Cebu Jonnah and Ro Za, Mark as Group Team Lead from Cebu, Leo is from Makati and Alison on the far Right is from Cebu.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NVFAcqdlSLIQATv-y0ms_-BO7OgSlaUJgSVA1-RX3y8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Planning A Climb in Mt Kanlaon Natural Park</span><br />
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Since Mt Kanlaon is designated as a Natural Park, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) monitors and manages the hikes of climbers. The guides to be hired are Mountain Rangers. Bureaucracy is to be expected. A notarized Waiver-Not-To-Sue and The Mountaineer Information Form has to be submitted before the climb. Arrangements and contact with the DENR is needed prior to even setting foot in any of the Mt Kanlaon trails. Hikers are closely monitored; any illegal hikers will be reported especially if they are doing something that is against the principles of Leave-No-Trace (LNT). Margaja Valley is currently recuperating from a massive Forest Fire that happened a few months ago, it was caused by 2 illegal hikers who used firewood instead or portable stoves in cooking.</div>
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<b>Blogger Note:</b> I will make a separate Mountain Trek Guide for Mt Kanlaon, Mananawin-Mapot Traverse. Below are the downloadable forms that you can accomplish before the climb along with the contact number of our guide.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Contact Number</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Manong Tata:</b> 0933 459 0236</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></span>
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">CLICK ON THESE LINKS</span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/palalagaw/Kanlaon%20Climb.zip?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank">Mt Kanlaon Climb</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/67468335@N02/sets/72157657907406368" target="_blank">Negros Island</a></span></span><br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
himself a champion of weekend travel warriors, of call center agents who
have less time for themselves, he feels everyone of you who has desires
to be at two places at the same time, to see the world in their own eyes,
to live fully at the best of their years.</span></span> ...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-14608349571439211982015-09-09T13:18:00.000+08:002015-09-13T00:49:46.403+08:00Negros Occidental | The Ruins in Talisay<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | The Ruins in Talisay</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ruins of Italianate Architecture</span><br />
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No ghost, but like a mausoleum of a decadent past with memories of those who created and called this Mansion home; The Ruins of The Lacson Mansion.</div>
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The Italianate Architecture with Neo-Romanesque Columns fascinated me the most. Though I wouldn't consider
it an Architectural Marvel, the Haciendas of Negros are really something
to behold at the time when Dons and Sugar Barons lay claim to most of
these lands. We took less than an hour to explore the place and be
fascinated by the History of the Ruins and the opulent family behind it.
A worthy side trip if I must say when you are visiting Metro Bacolod.<br />
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Tiered Fountain in front of the structure restored to its flowing glory.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exposed to the elements yet standing strong in its pillars, of Arches lining the corridors and the charred marks left behind. A stone structured ruins leaving awe and wonder to its visitors.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A Popular Side Trip When In Bacolod</span></div>
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This was an unplanned side trip after an arduous climb in Mt Kanlaon Natural Park. The provisions for our meal plan as campers in the Natural Park combined with the fact that most of us hikers were not really ready to climb this Volcano made us decide to cut our hike short by a day taking a shorter trail as we descended. Now we have an extra time to explore Negros Island. Mt Kanlaon gave me a few bruises and cuts; this had brought down my enthusiasm to explore travel side trips in Bacolod, I was much to eager to take a relaxing trip in Mambucal Mountain Resort in Murcia instead.<br />
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It's been a decade since I've been in Bacolod and just listening to the locals speak the Hiligaynon Language is heartwarming. This is my birth tongue although spoken in a different accent as compared to how Ilonggos and Capizenos use it, to a non Hiligaynon speaker there is not much difference. So along with a trek buddy from Manila and two ladies from Cebu that I met in this climb, I instantly became the guide and translator for this DIY trip. It was a good call that all of us are mountaineers; no one cared to complain about a little discomfort; in fact, we were getting excited for an adventure as our early bus ride from Canlaon City arrived in Bacolod.<br />
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It was already mid-day when we arrive in Bacolod South Terminal. I've made contact with a Bacolod local friend for instructions in commuting to Talisay, one of the Cities composing that of Metro Bacolod. A jeep and tricycle ride seems easy and really affordable. It's a Monday, our DIY adventure is about to start but as we got off the bus we had to dodge many taxi drivers offering a ride, we vowed not to take any cab to heighten our Bacolod travel experience. Among the throng of Cab drivers though is a lone Tricycle driver offering to drive us at Php 50.00 per pax one way. Considering that he knew there were four of us; I wouldn’t take this ride if I was alone, there is also that transport that we have to consider for our way back to Bacolod and the midday sun. I ask my buddies to take it, with only at approximate of Php 30.00 difference and knowing that we would still need to haggle with a tricycle driver after getting off a Jeep ride. We took the ride, and it proved to be convenient for us, what with our heavy trek bags that we had to carry around.</div>
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Entrance Fee for Adults as of August 2015 is Php 95.00 per pax.</div>
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Traveling along Bacolod highways in a tricycle hit it home for me; I'm in one of my kindred Visayan place the City of Smiles Bacolod. Same as I remember the place from almost 10 years ago when I was a Communication Student from Jaro Iloilo CIty who came to work on a documentary project; same warmth from locals, same humidly hot city near a port with only a few notably tall structures.<br />
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I've heard about the Ruins, but not from when I was a student. As I learned by now, this was originally a derelict structure that was left abandoned to elements for quite some time. It's fairly common in Visayan cities to have abandoned structures that actually have a rich history in them, but I've only seen a few as big as the Ruins of Talisay. I won't romanticized the place in words, our visit was not a good timing after all, but that's the only time we have to spare, to photograph the structure in midday, but as we arrive I instantly recognized the fact that this place is really stunning during golden hours. A lone structure with high beams bare of roofs and ceiling, like an island rising in open fields of well tended gardens; a skeleton of a once opulent piece of architecture.<br />
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Hidden from a thicket of tall trees, the structure came in full view for us when we were approaching the Mansions gate. By this time, we have made a bargain with the tricycle driver, he was to give us an hour to explore the place and he would drive us back anywhere in Bacolod that we plan to have lunch. Along the way, we also anticipated paying an entrance fee, we just didn’t know how much would it be by then as we noticed that the amount consistently increases. We paid a hefty Php 95.00 per pax, higher than what was posted in recent blog we read along the way. Its quite expensive if you consider that you won't really do anything in here but take pictures; there was also no guide available to tour us around or blabber about the places history, it didn’t matter though since I was actually familiar with its history or at least the fast facts regarding the original owners who built this mansion. Roger was the resident tour guide that became an online sensation in youtube due to his funny delivery of the Ruins history and architecture. I told my friends that this was originally called Lacson Mansion, the surname of one of Bacolod's prominent families. There were but a few guest with us, after 20 minutes of exploring, we saw the guide finally as he was being bombarded with questions by other guest. It has a nice ring to it though, hearing a story of a noble man building a home for his wife and comparing the place to Taj Mahal or how it took days to finally burn the wooden parts of the structure.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Online Post That Said It All</span></div>
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Roger, the resident Tour Guide of The Ruins will tell of this sites history along with his jest of humor.<br />
He's become an online sensation with this.<br />
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Note: As of this blog post, Roger is inside the Pinoy Big Brother House. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting there is fairly easy since Talisay City is one of the Three Cities that comprise Metro Bacolod. But this may require haggling skills with Cab and Tricycle Drivers if you select this mode of transport. Arriving from anywhere in Bacolod or directly from the Silay City Airport is possible. Consider that the Airport is much nearer to this site than the downtown of Bacolod itself. Drivers will offer a fixed ride especially if its a back and fort trip. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Note:</b> It maybe difficult to hire a cab when leaving from The Ruins so its common for the Drivers to wait for the guest while they are exploring. Ask for a price for a return trip for convenience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Commuting Instruction</b> - Since we are arriving in the South Bus Terminal, we can catch a Jeep from there that goes to Northbound Terminal, going to Bata route. Ask the Jeep driver to drop you off Pepsi Bottling Station along the highway, then from there you can hire a Tricycle ride for a one way trip at Php 100.00 directly to The Ruins. The price may vary, again depending on the haggling skills. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Note:</b> Metro Bacolod has Two Bus Terminals, The North Bus and The South Bus Terminals. This is to be considered if you have plans of going to any point in Negros Island. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ang Pala-lagaw's The Ruins of Talisay Photo Gallery</span><br />
Click this link for the Flickr Album: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/67468335@N02/sets/72157657907406368" target="_blank">Negros Island</a><br />
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Twin Neo-Romanesque Columns line up the corridors in a series of Arches.<br />
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The first set of stairs to the Mansions entrance way.<br />
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Fine details in door frames and Arched hallways.<br />
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The initials M M reffering to the original owners Don Mariano Lacson and his first wife Maria Braga are all over the structures corridor walls from floor to ceiling.<br />
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It was hot midday outside, the Ruins offered refuge for us to cool down. <br />
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On closer look, the structure still has the marks of the fire that consumed the wooden part of the Mansion.<br />
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Charred remains of the structure, evidence of the conflagration done during WWII that made this Mansion what it is as of today.<br />
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-14262836800879478652015-09-04T10:05:00.000+08:002015-09-13T00:48:39.393+08:00Trek 101 | 3 Things You Can Arm Yourself Against Limatiks<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3 Things You Can Arm Yourself Against Limatiks</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>Limatiks, Being Prepared vs Being Ready</span><br />
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I've been climbing Philippine mountains for almost 3 years by now, I'm someone you would consider advance when it comes to hiking, but still far from the intermediate level. I've only encountered Limatiks or Forest leeches 3 times on 3 different hiking trips. One of those trips left me a very traumatic experience; this prompted me to read more about these blood sucking parasites and be best prepared to a point of paranoia, lessons learned the hard way by experience.</div>
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Limatik will latch on to everything that passes their way, even my trek pole.</div>
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A Limatik is basically a leech thriving in forested or terrestrial ecosystems that are known to be continually wet. Though they belong in the same family, we call the leech thriving in freshwater as Linta. These segmented worms are mostly Hematophagous or blood suckers.</div>
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Frustrated; I allowed my wounds to bleed hoping it would stop when I am sleeping, but no, a bite in the calf muscle in the middle of a trek ensured this continuous bleeding.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before I discuss about how to prepare and be ready for Limatiks, let me talk first about some my encounters with them.</span></div>
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I've trek Mt Makiling twice. This well esteemed mountain in Batangas and Laguna has forested trails through and through, and is the nearest mountain in Metro Manila with the known presence of Limatiks. I have heard stories of Limatiks and how vicious they are, it made me curious but did not really prepare for them. Reaching station 10 in the Sipit trail of Makiling from Santo Tomas Batangas I first sighted Limatiks crawling through my river trek pants. Like little stick figures trying to climb your body, they inch their way up looking for an exposed skin to bite. Surprisingly, they were easy to remove with only a finger flick. Reaching station 14 in the trail, they become more and more determined that we all had to watch out for each other. I even caught one hanging in my cheeks, near my left eye, luckily because of the trek exertion; my skin has sheen of sweat that the Limatik is only able to keep its suction but is unable to bite through my skin. This is when I found out that Alcohol base colognes work hurts them but doesn’t deter. I've used my cologne because I didn’t have anything to spray them with, a desperate measure per say.<br />
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My next encounter with Limatiks happened in a summertime hike, in Tawangan trail of Mt Pulag National Park, a long trail passing through 9 mountains before reaching the Grasslands of Mt Pulag. It's a pristine Rain Forest trail with many cold springs and water sources. Limatiks were present all throughout that you will certainly regret not being prepared for them. The leeches here were diverse, fat, and vicious. The biggest I've seen can stretch up to 4 inches. Unlike the ones in Makiling though, the Limatiks of Tawangan cannot be removed by a mere finger flick. Once a bite is done, they can latch strongly that even after being sprayed by alcohol they don't let go. I've relied solely on that alcohol spray as most bloggers who had ever written about Limatik attack prevention says that it works. I can conclude from this experience that it will not work all the time. I wear thick soccer socks that go halfway through my calf; it was comforting to know that they can't go through it. By lunch break, I felt itchy in my calf. Imagine me scratching through my pants and finding blood smears. A single vicious Limatik gave me 3 bites just above my socks in my left calf muscle. Were not even halfway through the trail and knowing the location of the bite, you can surmise that these bites bleed continuously for the next 24 hours. Bandages were not working that at some point I gave up looking after the wound, it was frustrating. In this Tawangan trail I obtained a whooping 12 bite counts from different Limatiks; scattered mostly through my wrist, stomach areas just above my trek pants, calf muscles, legs and even my butt.</div>
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I caught this one after it bit my wrist under my wrist watch. They prefer to bite on places that you barely notice untill its too late.</div>
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Before we go up in arms against Limatiks we have to understand that these leeches are only acting on instinct and that as mountain hikers it is us who are invading their terrestrial ecosystem. Their parasitic nature doesn't give us the right to squish them out of frustration or hurt them with alcohol sprays. </div>
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<b>Being prepared vs being ready</b>. One would ask what is the difference between these 2 against Limatiks. Though they will attempt to latch into our skin, there are proven methods that would actually deter the Limatiks from doing so. Being prepared is doing something beforehand when you know that Limatiks are present in a hiking trip. Being ready is like you have an alcohol to spray to them once they start to attack which usually end up with a bite anyway.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear Protective Clothing</b></span></div>
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By protective clothing means leggings and form fitting dri fit tops. Note that Limatiks will try to find an expose skin where it can bite. They can also crawl under loose garments which can make them undetected until its too late. Mt Pulag guide Rangers and porters usually wear rubber boots when trekking, its a lot more effective in keeping their feet dry and deter the Limatik from crawling in their feet.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Skin Applications</b></span></div>
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Whatever deters mosquito's from biting also works against limatiks. This doesn't necessarily require Off Lotion. Any other skin liniments works too, if you are a fan of them. One of my Trek buddy in Tawangan used a tiger balm, the one you can buy off the shelves of a drugstore. I don't like applying Off Lotion to my skin because it feels hot and its like my skin is encased in something that it cant breathe through. Oils work but they are greasy. There are oil base skin products that will work best like the Johnson's baby creamy oil. The texture that lotions and oils leave behind makes it difficult for Limatiks to land a bite, but the smell deters them from latching on in the first place.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eye Drops</b></span></div>
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There are occasions wherein Limatiks are able to latch on through the eyes, inside the ears or inside the nose. These are some of the most unluckiest Limatic bite a hiker would ever have. When it happens, especially in the eyes, eye drops works just like an alcohol have been sprayed against Limatiks. A bite inside the nose would be inconvenient as well. A trek buddy had describe the experience of a Limatik biting inside her nose. She just thought that she's having a nasal clogging. Two days after the trek, a blood clot came out of her nose and that was when she realise that she had a Limatik hitch hiker inside her nose.</div>
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Tawangan Trail of Mt Pulag is mostly like this. A constantly wet ecosystem with many bushes and trails covered by plant growth.</div>
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Reaching the Junior Pulag site like a casualty. In here, I have two blood stains in my shirt, just above my pants. I've switch my wrist watch from left to right to expose the bite and allow it to clot, you can see the dot in my left hand where the Limatik bite landed. The most prominent of all is the bandage in my left Calf, this is where I got three bites just above my socks.<br />
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In the summit of Mt Pulag, too cold to complain about anything.<br />
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I noticed that Limatiks were present starting from this station in Sipit Trail, for Mt Makiling Sto Tomas-Los Banos Traverse.<br />
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My friend/trek buddy was shrieking when she noticed a number of Limatiks crawling in her legs, but she eventually got used to them.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Realisations </b></span></div>
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It was humbling, after a tiring long trek and a pleasant sleep, I woke up inside my tent in Mt Pulag saddle camp site realising that my some parts of my pants are hard because of dried blood. Too excited to trek Mt Pulag again, I've only prepared myself for the biting cold that this National Park is known for. Don’t make the blunder of treating Limatiks as an afterthought hazard of the trail, they sure are a nuisance but if you are prepared against their attack, the inconvenience can be lessened.</div>
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I also realised that its irrational to be afraid of these creatures. I'm curious in fact, knowing the fragile ecosystem that our rain forest have, how are they able to survive the harsh and rapidly changing environment baffles me, but that's another topic for the to learn. For now, I urge you my dear reader to be fascinated instead of afraid.</div>
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I caught this one crawling in my face. Luckily, its a small one and is unable to break a bite in my skin due to a sheen of sweat.</div>
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<b>Francis Balgos</b> has <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">declared
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-52659016519274103552015-05-26T15:25:00.000+08:002015-09-13T00:47:46.983+08:00TREK GUIDE | Mt Maculot (Maculod) Traverse (MacTrav) 947 MASL<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mt Maculot (Maculod) Traverse (MacTrav) 947 MASL</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Trek Guide</span><br />
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Mt Maculot is a popular hiking destination near Metro Manila. It has three foremost sites; The Rockies at 706 MASL is a high volcanic rock wall that is the Highest Caldera Rim of the former Taal Crater Cone, The Mt Maculot Summit at 947 MASL and The Grotto at 510 MASL which is a pilgrim site during the Holy Week.<br />
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The Rockies is a Volcanic Rock Wall that provides an Aerial view of Taal Lake. Note: This photo is on the South West of the Rockies, taken was during my 2nd climb to Mt Maculot.</div>
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The Rockies, on North East side can be seen the silhouette of Mt Makiling and also the Taal Volcano and its Volcanic Island.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Facts</span></div>
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<li>Mt Maculot lords over the Municipality of Cuenca at 947 MASL. </li>
<li>This mountain’s close counterparts in height with mountains near Metro Manila are Mt Makiling and Mt Arayat at over 1000 MASL.</li>
<li>The Rockies is its most popular site adjacent to that of Taal Lake; it’s a Volcanic Rock wall at 706 MASL that offers a sweeping Aerial view of the Taal Lake, The Taal Volcano, the silhouettes of Mt Makiling and Mt Batulao.</li>
<li>The Grotto is a site for Pilgrimage during the Holy Week.</li>
<li>During World War II, Mt Maculot became a stronghold of Japanese forces in Batangas.</li>
<li>Cuenca is not only popular because of this mountain, it is also known as "The Home of the Bakers".</li>
<li>Mt Maculot is thickly forested and is rich in Fauna and Flora, its regular to hear reports of sightings of Macaque (Ungoy) monkeys and Musang (Civet Cat).</li>
<li>Most hikers in Mt Maculot would only opt for The Rockies, at 706 MASL it is an easy hike with steep to moderate trail. The Rockies has an open vantage view of the Taal Lake, the experience is not complete though if the trails are not traversed to the Grotto side. The trail from the Rockies, The Summit to the Grotto is lushly forested with evidence of moss growths near the summit.</li>
<li>The trail just above the Grotto side of the mountain has 2 roping segments which can be challenging for newbie hikers.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trail Notes</span></div>
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As of this post; I've traverse Mt Maculot twice last Easter Sunday of April and middle of May of 2015, the same trail for both occasions. I noticed immediately that the town of Cuenca has one too many local bakeries, some are even facing each other in the streets, it's only until I've gathered data for this blogging that I learned that Cuenca is tagged as "The Home of The Bakers". I also learned that Mt Maculot and Cuenca had to go through rehabilitation after the World War II, since the mountain became a stronghold for Japanese forces, and the clashing of military forces left a part of the mountain battered and bombed. </div>
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On the negative side, among the many popular mountains near Metro Manila, Mt Maculot especially the campsite near The Rockies is dirty. On my first climb here, I've seen firsthand the aftermath of holy week climbs, the entire place reeked of fecal waste and littered with plastic bottles that it looks like a landfill on some part. It’s difficult even for guides to educate a herd of climbers during Holy Week. On my return climbed though, the garbage debris has cleared, the fecal waste odor has minimized, I would commend the guides for their effort to clean the mountain. Although it is the hikers responsibility to lessen their impact on this mountain, the guides and vendors are the most affected as these trails provide a livelihood for them.</div>
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Mt Maculot is one of those mountains wherein you have to be specifically careful in managing your garbage or food, Civet cats here have been caught foraging the garbage’s that should not be part of their diet.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suggested Itinerary</span></div>
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<b>Option 1</b></div>
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TRAVERSE (Grotto-Summit-Grotto)</div>
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0500 Board Lemery-bound bus from Buendia</div>
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0800 ETA Near 7/11 Cuenca. Take a Tricycle ride to jump-off. </div>
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Along with this ride is registration at the Brgy outpost.</div>
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0830 Start trek</div>
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0930 Arrive at Grotto.. Take pictures.</div>
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1100 Summit -Option for pictures only then head for campsite, or take lunch.</div>
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1230 ETA Campsite before the Rockies. Option for Lunch.</div>
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1300 Head to Rockies.</div>
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1400 Descent from Rockies</div>
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1445 Resume descent.</div>
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1600 Paliguan to Freshen Up</div>
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<b>Option 2</b></div>
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TRAVERSE (Rockies-Summit-Grotto)</div>
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0500 Board Lemery-bound bus from Buendia</div>
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0800 ETA Near 7/11 Cuenca. Take a Tricycle ride to jump-off. </div>
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Along with this ride is registration at the Brgy outpost. </div>
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0830 Start trek</div>
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1000 Arrive at campsite, head to Rockies</div>
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1010 At Rockies; take pictures</div>
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1110 Leave for the summit</div>
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1230 ETA Summit of Mt. Maculot. Lunch</div>
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1300 Start descent to Grotto</div>
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1430 Arrival at Grotto. Rest.</div>
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1445 Resume descent.</div>
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1600 Paliguan to freshen up.</div>
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Guides are required,</div>
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Php 400 for 5 Pax Rockies only.</div>
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Php 800/1,000 for 5 Pax Traverse.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Estimated Expenses</span></div>
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Php 147 - Lemery Bound Bus from LRT Buendia Bus Stations, to Cuanca Batangas.</div>
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Php 20 - Tricycle Ride per pax from Tricycle Terminal to Mountaineer Store, jump Off.</div>
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Php 20 - Climb Registration at the Brgy Outpost, will be brought by the Tricycle Drivers.</div>
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Php 400 - Guide fee per day, for Rockies Only, 1-5 Pax.</div>
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Php 800/1000 - Guide fee for day, for Climb Traverse. </div>
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Php 35 - Tricycle ride per pax from Grotto Side back to Mountaineer Store jump off for wash up.</div>
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Php 15 - Bath fee/per tub of water in Paliguan.</div>
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Php 25 - Jeep Ride for SM Lipa.</div>
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Php 125 - Bus Ride from SM Lipa terminal back to Makati.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How To Get There</span></div>
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<li>Take a Lemery Bound Bus from Bus Stations in Cubao or even anywhere in EDSA, or in the Bus Stations in LRT Buendia.</li>
<li>Another option is to take Lipa Bound buses to SM City Lipa terminal. From there, you can take a Jeep bound for Cuenca.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On The Map</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"> Mt Maculot in relation to the Cuenca National Highway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"> Trail Map.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Ang Pala-lagaw Photo Gallery</span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">These photos are all published in my Flickr Account.</span></span></div>
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>Click here for more: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/67468335@N02/sets/72157649637426853" target="_blank">Mt Maculot Traverse</a></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"> The first group I climbed with in Mt Maculot during Easter Sunday 2015.<b> </b>On the road to the Rockies trail.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">I returned with this group after a month, to let some of my Mountaineering friends experience the MacTrav.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Between the Campsite and the Rockies is a Mountain pass with Ravines on both sides.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Mt Makiling as seen from Mt Maculot summit.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Volcanic Island in a Lake, the dome Taal Volcano.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">This is one of the Two Roping Segments in the Traverse Trails.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">The Grotto Site is marked with these.</span></span><br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-44883714224080284432015-05-24T10:30:00.002+08:002015-09-13T00:42:57.360+08:00TREK GUIDE | Mt Pico de Loro 664 MASL<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mt Pico de Loro 664 MASL</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Trek Guide</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Facts</span></div>
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<li>Mt Pico de Loro is at 664 MASL, considered to be the Highest Peak in the Province of Cavite. </li>
<li>Mt Pico de Loro is part of the Palay-Palay Mataas Na Gulod Protected Landscape of the Palay Palay Mountain Range. A National Park, Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary.</li>
<li>The last remaining lowland rainforest in the province of Cavite.</li>
<li>Palay Palay Mountain Range includes notable peaks like Mt Pico de Loro (664 MASL) the highest mountain in Cavite, Two extinct Stratovolcanoes namely Mt Palay Palay (648 MASL) and Mt Mataas na Gulod a.k.a Mt Marami Boulders (622 MASL), Mt Dos Picos (375 MASL).</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Beak) is the name of the Rock Monolith.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Side Trips </span><br />
Pico de Loro Waterfalls during Rainy Season.<br />
13 Coves of Hamilo Coast, in Nasugbu, Batangas.<br />
Kaybiang Tunnel, currently the longest tunnel in the Philippines with the length of 300 meters connecting Ternate, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas.<br />
Experience sunrise and sunset viewing in the Summit.<br />
Scaling the Rock Monolith Pico de Loro.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trail Notes</span></div>
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<li>The blogger has climbed Pico de Loro twice as of this post, May 2014 and February 2015.</li>
<li>Two weeks after my last climb, DENR announced the closure of the old trail effective immediately and introduced a new trail where jump off is from the DENR station.</li>
<li>This Itinerary is very much the same as the old trail Trek Guide I
posted, Jump off starts from the DENR Station and skips the Magnetic
Hill to Rene Medina's place. The new trail is described as a continues
assault before coming to a junction with the old trail 15 minutes from the saddle campsite.</li>
<li>Traverse to Nasugbu, Batangas is possible. From there you can take
tricycle and bus back to Manila or take Tricycle to pass through the
Kaybiang Tunnel back to DENR in Ternate Cavite. </li>
<li>Guide is not a requirement unless you plan to traverse the mountain;
Guides are for hire and would usually offer their service in the saddle
camp site. </li>
<li>Soda drinks and water bottles are also available in the Saddle Camp
Site, a hut was set up by locals where they sell these merchandise.
These items are hauled from Nasugbu Batangas so they are also expensive.
</li>
<li>Mt Palay Palay has a diverse flora and fauna. Base on my experience,
hunters set up traps for local birds and sell their captures to
interested visitors. This is illegal and not to be encouraged, please do
not buy or bring home any of these endemic animals captured in the
wild. </li>
<li>The trails before arriving in the camp site is thick with foliage of
Bamboo, wear protective clothing like warmers for arms and legs. Bamboo
leaves have rough surface; this is to avoid getting scratched. </li>
<li>Mt Pico de Loro summit is bare and steep grassland. Bring sun protection and umbrellas on a sunny day. </li>
<li>On a rainy day, do not attempt to scale the Rock monolith. The rope
and the pass are slippery when wet, the rock wall at the back is 90
degrees with only a room for one person at a time. </li>
<li>Scaling the Rock Monolith is only for those confident in their
physical prowess; if you have fear of heights, then do not dare climb
Pico de Loro Monolith. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suggested Itinerary </span></div>
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4:00 AM Meet up at Coastal Mall Bus Terminal bound to Maragondon Cavite.</div>
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Note: you can leave as early as 4AM if you don’t have to wait for everyone. <br />
This itinerary was made for yuppie’s coming out from a night shift. <br />
5:00 AM ETD Leave by Bus bound to Maragondon, Cavite. <br />
6:30 AM ETA Arrival and breakfast for 30 minutes. Eateries are open in the tricycle terminal. <br />
7:00 AM Hire a tricycle to take you to DENR Office for registration. <br />
7:45 AM ETA DENR Office for Registration. Registration Fee (Php 25.00). <br />
8:00 AM Start Trek <br />
10:00 AM ETA Saddle Campsite<br />
11:45 AM ETA Summit, Lunch, Photo Op, Scaling the Rock Monolith<br />
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<b>Option 1: Back Track to Ternate, Cavite</b><br />
1:00 PM Start descent, backtrack to DENR Station. <br />
3:30 PM ETA to DENR Station forwash up. <br />
4:30 PM Take tricycle back to Ternate then take bus back to Manila. <br />
8:00 PM ETA Manila.<br />
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<b>Option 2: Traverse to Nasugbu, Batangas</b><br />
1:00 PM Start descent to Nasugbu-Ternate Highway<br />
4:00 PM ETA Nasugbu-Ternate Highway,<br />
Options to take early dinner, hire tricycle to Nasugbu-Manila bus terminal<br />
or hire Tricycle to pass the Kaybiang Tunnel back to DENR Ternate for wash up.<br />
7:00 PM If from DENR, hire tricycle back to Maragondon Bus terminal<br />
7:30 PM Last bus trip to Manila leaves at 7:30 PM<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Estimated Expenses</span><br />
Php 81 Bus ticket to Maragondon, Cavite <br />
Php 225 Tricycle fare from Maragondon to DENR Office in Ternate, Cavite <br />
Fare can be shared from 3 up to 4 passengers. This is a fix fare, we tried to negotiate but nil. <br />
Php 25 DENR Registration Fee <br />
Php 81 Bus ticket fare to Coastal Mall, Pasay.</div>
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Other expenses will be Carinderia meals or packed lunch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On The Map</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ang Pala-lagaw Photo Gallery</span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">These photos are all published in my Flickr Account.</span></span></div>
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>Click here for more: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/67468335@N02/sets/72157644710887713" target="_blank">Mt Pico de Loro</a></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl">One of the most responsible Mountaineer I ever met. Sir Teo is not carrying his own trash, he picked them up while trekking.</span><br />
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<span class="fsl">Overlooking the Nasugbu Landscape.</span><br />
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<span class="fsl">Trails near the campsite is distinguished by clusters of Bamboos.</span><br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-16832261827637496392015-05-23T16:24:00.000+08:002015-09-13T00:40:36.215+08:00TREK GUIDE | Mt Arayat (Ayala - San Juan Bano Traverse) 1,026 MASL<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The North Peak as seen from The South Peak of Mt Arayat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mt Arayat Ayala-Juan Bano Traverse (ArTrav) 1,026 MASL</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Trek Guide</span></div>
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Mt Arayat is an extinct Stratovolcano proudly standing like a lone Island in the flat plains of Pampanga with 1,026 MASL, with steep slopes littered with Rock Boulders, pristine trails within forested areas that passes through the broken Caldera that we now call the Northern and Southern Peaks. This mountain stands with a proud silhouette all over the towns that surrounds its base, it cast a wide shadow that it can be seen even from neighboring provinces like Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales and Bataan.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Facts</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 645px;"><colgroup><col width="645"></col></colgroup><tbody>
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<li>Mount Arayat is an extinct
Stratovolcano.</li>
<li>
Rising to a height of 1,026 MASL
(3,366 FASL).</li>
<li>
Located within the Municipality
of Arayat and Magalang, Pampanga.</li>
<li>The mountain is considered a
mystical one, the legendary home of Aung/Aring Sinukuan/Sinkuan/Suku or the
Fairy known as diwata Mariang Sinukuan depending on which version of the
story the readers or listeners prefer, but in ancient Kapampangan folklore as
well as the research known to have been gathered by Kapampangan students of
Henry Otley Beyer, it was and is the abode of Apung/Aring Sinukuan, rival of
Namalyari of Mount Pinatubo, who is in varying versions, the son of
Cargon-Cargon who was mortally wounded in a fight with a giant from the
Zambales Mountain Range which is said to be the home of Apu Namalyari.
(Source: Wikipedia Mount Arayat) </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trail Notes</span></div>
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The blogger has traversed Mt Arayat on the same Ayala - San Juan Bano Trail twice last September 2014 and January 2015. See <a href="http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2015/02/mountain-chased-by-typhoon-in-mt-arayat.html" target="_blank">Chased By A Typhoon In Mt Arayat.</a></div>
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Assault via Brgy Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga, North West of the Mountain where large grottos of Stations of the Cross are placed. The new trail is established following the power lines reaching the Mt Arayat North Peak Campsite at 1026 MASL where the Telecom tower is situated. This trail is forrested with many tree tunnels making the hike easy. Not much challenge except the continues steep slope with few Rock Boulders. This side of the mountain has trail markers in yellow, painted in rocks and huge boulders. The North Peak campsite is a bare patch of land, the highest point of Mt Arayat itself.<br />
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From the North peak, descending to the South peak has a few challenge especially to first time hikers. Vertical clay and Rock walls with rope segment abound making this a Technical Climb and not easy after all. The Andesitic dome known as White Rock is along the way and once the South grassy peak is reached, you can look back and realise that you just circled the broken Amphitheater like Caldera. Thickly forrested trail, Banyan Trees with extended long vines constantly block the way, creeping Bamboo grasses are abound too.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once the descent has started from the South Peak side, it becomes a continues rocky trail untill you reached the open plains and paved road in San Juan Bano side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suggested Itinerary</span></div>
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Entry point: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga<br />
Exit point: Brgy. Juan Bano, Arayat, Pampanga<br />
Dayhike of Estimated 8 Hrs, 10 kms.<br />
<br />
0300 Assembly at Victory Liner Cubao EDSA South Bound.<br />
0400 ETD Terminal<br />
0500 ETA SM Pampanga<br />
0530 Take jeep bound to Magalang, Pampanga.<br />
0630 ETA Magalang Jollibee, breakfast, take tricycle to Brgy. Ayala (jump off)<br />
0730 Commence trek<br />
1100 ETA North Peak (summit), lunch<br />
1200 Resume trek, head to South Peak via ridge<br />
1300 ETA Haring Bato<br />
1400 ETA South Peak<br />
1430 Descent<br />
1630 ETA Bgy. San Juan Baño, Arayat<br />
1730 Take tricycle to bayan, then jeep to SM Pampanga<br />
1800 ETA SM Pampanga, dinner/snacks/post-climb<br />
2000 ETA Manila<br />
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NOTE: We hired a jeep on our arrival in SM Pampanga to take us to Brgy Ayala for the first registration, and the jump off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Estimated Expenses</span></div>
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Bus: Cubao to San Fernando, Pampanga - Php 102</div>
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Jeep: San Fernando to Magalang - Php 35</div>
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Tricycle: Magalang to Bgy. Ayala registration desk (jump off) - Php 70/trip</div>
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Tricycle: Bgy. Juan Bano to bayan - Php 50/trip</div>
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Jeep: to SM Pampanga - Php 25</div>
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Bus: San Fernando to Manila - Php 102</div>
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Guide: Optional, Php 400-500 range.</div>
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Hiring a Jeep from SM Pampanga is an option if within a group, this eliminates all the tricycle expenses. Amount is negotiable with the driver, depending on the number of climbers.</div>
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Hiring a van from Manila is also an option.</div>
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Brgy Ayala side of Magalang do not require registration fee, only guide fee ranging from Php 400 - 500 and donation when passing the DENR entrance guarded by the Philippine Army. Each hiker or group of Hikers needed to be logged as this station would be responsible for rescue efforts if something where to happen.<br />
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Brgy Juan Bano requires Php 20.00 registration fee wether you are Ascending or Descending on their side. Unfortunately, the rumors of extortion is well noted on this side. Caution is given in making negotiations like hiring a guide for traverse.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On The Map</span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Click here for more: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/67468335@N02/sets/72157649427609239/" target="_blank">Mt Arayat Traverse</a></span></span><br />
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One of Mt Arayat's trail resident.</div>
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Some parts of forested trail has open canopy.</div>
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Trail markers in the Ayala side are painted in rock boulders.</div>
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Tree tunnels make the assault hike pleasant.</div>
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Peak 2 or sometimes reffered to a South Peak as seen from Peak 1 (North Peak).</div>
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The summit is a bare patch of land, serves as the campsite and location of the tower and police outpost.</div>
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Before that climbing down a vertical rock wall is this site with the sweeping view of Pampanga plains.</div>
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<b><span id="goog_93384275"></span><span id="goog_93384276"></span>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-29944023489438169442015-04-24T12:41:00.000+08:002015-09-13T00:37:14.249+08:00North Cotabato | Magpet At The Foothills of Mt Apo<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NORTH COTABATO | Magpet At The Foothills of Mt Apo</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mt Apo's Elfin Woodland</span></div>
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Thickly forested sloping terrain with diverse Flora and Fauna, Magpet being situated at the foothills of the Talomo-Apo Mountain Range is one of the easy trails to consider when hiking Mt Apo the Philippines highest mountain.</div>
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<span id="goog_93384270">Before we started the trekk, we hired a jeep to drive us to Tawsuvan Falls</span>, in Brgy Bongolanon of Magpet. Tawsuvan Falls is a 30 meter falls sliding in a rock wall and adorned with thick foliage which I'll be blogging about in a separate post. As was told by Karl from the Kidapawan Tourism Office, our chosen trail to Mt Apo is called Bongolanon trail. For our day 1, we opted to reach Camp Anos before night fall. From Tawsuvan Falls to Camp Anos took us over 2 hours to trek in wet shoes. We didn't know and we were not warned that we had to waddle in the pool of Tawsuvan as our trek starter, perhaps it is just as so since for this entire expedition, we are expecting to trek with wet shoes all the time.</div>
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We had to cross this pool in Tawsuvan Falls to start the trek through Magpet Trail.</div>
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<span id="goog_93384270">Mt Apo has many trails, and the one coming from Magpet is thought to be the easiest; but just because it is said to be easy doesnt mean it can be underestimated, Mt Apo is after all the highest mountain in the country.</span> The Magpet trail sits right smack in the Mt Apo Natural Park protected areas, use of this trail requires the approval of the Tourism Office before it can be trekked, there are instances wherein this trail is closed off to hikers to allow the forest to rehabilitate and for the resident animals mating season, hence it maybe the easiest trail but requires more paperwork. Trekking Mt Apo would be like an expedition, as it will not only challenge you physically but also mentally. </div>
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We reached camp Anos in over 2 hours from Tawsuvan Falls. A ridge designated as camp site still in Dipterocarp terrain level with covers of fruit bearing trees.</div>
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A pleasant night for us as we prepare dinner in Camp Anos, this site has water source. We were visited by a snake with gold sheen who was probably attracted to the heat of our stoves. Mye, our team leader who is known to have a third eye for other worldly beings claimed that she heard a woman singing during our lights off. She said that it wasnt hostile to us and that she was lulling us to have a good night sleep.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Bewildering Elfin Woodland </span></div>
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Three terrains you have to pass through in Magpet trail to the Mt Apo summits, the Dipterocarp forest from the jump off to Camp Anos is in part cleared for farm lands. At some point from Camp Anos to Camp Bob'Bong you will notice a change in the trees, though gradually at approximate 1,500 MASL is the Elfin Woodland Terrain a.k.a Mossy Forest characterized by Gnarled Oak Trees covered with Moss, this part is so extensive. We trekked the whole day in this mossy forest without hope of finding a different terrain. Orchids, Huge Ferns, Pitcher Plants and at regular intervals are towering Oak trees that would need 7-10 people holding hands together to measure its base. </div>
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Trekking in the middle of the forest, I imagined being faced with one of those deadly Dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park movie. It won't be far fetch as it looks and feels like I'm on site with Isla Sorna and Isla Nublar the Jurassic Park movies Dinosaur Islands. This Elfin Woodland stretches forever and we were the aliens come to invade in this environment.</div>
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Contrary to the cautionary stories and claims I heard before this expedition in Mt Apo, the Magpet trail looks and feels pristine. I've never seen any debris of garbage except for a bag of trash left in Camp Bob'bong by previous hikers; there's nada of garbage. It certainly is a different story than the one I heard that Mt Apo is dirty, perhaps in other trails. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Becoming A Strong Hiker</span></div>
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I came back after 3 Nights and 4 Days of this trip to Davao and
SOCCSKARGEN Regions and became strong as a hiker. It has to be noted
that before this, I was always the one to lag behind my trekking buddies. Its
shameful to admit but I was a heavy smoker and this vice had only slowed
me down. One of the things I realised through introspection as I trek
under the forest of Mt Apo Natural Park is how weak I am, thereby as I
became tired and trembling in my knees, I learned to push further beyond
my physical limits. Though next only to the Porters who seemed like walking in the park and our guides Francis and Angelo who looks like they have Mercurian sandals in their feet, I was the at the head of the pack of my buddies. I endured taunts from our guide Francis saying that they are deliberately trying to be slower to matched our pace. It took someone to say it to me at face value, that I am slow and weak, hence I decided that from then on I will not be ridiculed for what I lack. You could say, my strength came from character and pride.</div>
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I guess its a far greater experience by learning
the extent that our human bodies can endure. I was battered by the time
we reached Lake Venado, but I only needed a good night sleep to be ready
for more physical battering to the summits of Mt Apo. This has become
one of those epic adventure that I will surely reminisce for the rest of
my life. Now, months after this unforgettable experience, I've begun to crave far greater challenges and had continuously been hiking esteemed mountains near Metro Manila. </div>
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We reached Camp Bob'bong a little too early, ate our pack lunch and did a little wash up before resuming the trek. Camp Bob'bong deserves a separate feature. Its like a Garden in the middle of a forest, laden with wild flowers, and natural springs, the gnarled tree roots all covered with moss and the ground is blanketed with ferns.</div>
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Camp Bob'bong spring water source.</div>
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Resuming our trek from Camp Bob'bong, the trails are hidden in thick foliage of ferns. Suddenly we found ourselves covered in mist on the middle of the day.</div>
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Joane and I were taking a 5 minute break as we wait for our buddies, see how lost and alien we are in this environment. The long stretch of this mossy forest is getting in our nerves that we decided to trek closely with our buddies for comfort.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Well Organised Climbed</span></div>
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Compared
to other mountains I climbed with usual Local Goverment Unit (LGU) and
community organised guide trips, Mt Apo is directly managed by
Department of Tourism (DOT). Never
mind the many preparation to be done for before this climb, once you
witness the efforts that the DOT has done when it comes ensuring the
safety of
climbers, the reminders of the off limit areas and the scale of
logistics and contacts to coordinate with, you'll be thankful in
realising that someone is doing their job and doing it well. Karl, the
Tourism officer from Kidapawan DOT was like a godfather looking out for
us from a vantage point. From our trek start in Magpet to our traverse
in Kidapawan, he made sure to keep track of our whereabouts and that we
successfully completed the expedition. </div>
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Our
guide Francis Pogosa made sure that we did our training climbs before
we even set foot in Davao, he kept tracked of our training climbs months
prior to climbing Mt Apo, this of course means that we already sealed
the deal with him beforehand with the required task to secure
reservations. On a personal note, I was very thankful I did the
training climbs so when the time came to trek Mt Apo, I was ready. As a
group, we did Mt Makiling as training for trekking in a forest and
developing fast pace; we did Mt Arayat of a stormy weekend, this gave us
the training we need for wet climbs and trail reading while raining. I
climbed Mt Batulao for leisure, but it became my introduction to
trekking in muddy trails; then two weeks before the trip to Davao, I
went to Banaue and trek the Batad Rice Terraces to Tappia Falls, the
long exposed stairs trekking up and down was a painful exercise but it
sure did prepare my legs for the more arduous task ahead.</div>
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A stark contrast in a world of greens in a forest teaming with life. I enjoyed some of my take 5's with selfies, after all there's no one to take my photo but me.</div>
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Strange trees of this Elfin Woodland. This looks like the leaves of one of those pines or oaks along the trail.</div>
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One of those red berries which I didnt dare munch.</div>
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There's a scaterring of these wild flowers in every clearing. They also varry from different shades of orange, to yellow and white. There's no shortage of these natural floral gardens.</div>
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This is just one part of my Mt Apo Adventures.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Planning on trekking Mt Apo?</span><br />
<br />
Please contact our young and fun guide.<br />
<b>Arde Vien Francis Pogosa</b><br />
SMART: 0920577553<br />
GLOBE: 09365342628<br />
SUN: 09334819114<br />
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<b>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-12336026952354179242015-04-06T14:03:00.001+08:002015-09-13T00:36:13.060+08:00North Cotabato | Cold Mornings In Lake Venado<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>NORTH COTABATO | Cold Mornings In Lake Venado</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Enchanted 2nd Highest Lake In The Philippines</span><br />
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Kim and I were actually taking each other's photo, marveling at the clear reflection we have in the lake. Joanne is trying to warm up with a little walk. The saturated greens and blues of the photo were no exaggeration; I don't over enhance my photographs.<br />
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Enchanted and Beautiful, this Endorheic Lake near the summit of Mt Apo is the Philippines 2nd Highest Lake in elevation. It's not surprising since Mt Apo dubbed as "The Grandfather of Philippine Mountains" is the country's roof top. We camped here after a daylong of trekking the forested Boholanon trail of Magpet, and here's an account of what happened when we arrived and waking up near a sublime body of water with the facade of Mt Apo's many summits looming before it.</div>
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With my trek buddies, I was first to arrive and feel the sandy banks of Lake Venado. Our guides and porters went ahead setting up camp so I waited for the first ones to arrive in this clearing, sure enough Joanne was the first to round the bend, my camera flash greeted her arrival.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Way To Lake Venado</span></div>
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It had been a long day, trekking in Magpet early morning from Camp Anos to Bob'Bong Camp site for our quick lunch. Magpet trail was amazing as it is right smack in the Mt Apo Natural Park; it was the place for ultimate forest adventure a hiker could wish for. It's the end of November, dry season is about to start in this equatorial tropics, though we came ready for the rain and wet trek, it didn't pour down on us, the only lucky souls who dared trek Mt Apo at this time of year. We had Magpet trail to ourselves, even the Kidapawan trail where we traverse as we trek down Mt Apo, I haven't seen another soul aside from my fellow hikers all seven of us, our two guides and two porters. If you had the whole day of walking along forested trail, it can get into your nerves, I have made a lot of self introspection which made me a stronger hiker.</div>
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Lake Venado was my inspiration for the whole day; I wanted to see for myself and photograph the night sky over Mt Apo and to experience its enchantment and magic in the wee morning hours. The long hours of trekking, what with our easy pace took a toll on most of my buddies. I felt a sudden rush of elation as I pushed aside the last of cogon grasses that obtructed my view, and there I behold Mt Apo in the shadows, its Kidapawan and Digos peaks are a stark contrast and easy reminder that we still have to take on that sheer height and elevation. </div>
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As our guides and our humble porters have predicted, it will be a very cold night. We were confident, as we mostly had experienced the freezing cold of Mt Pulag in the Cordillera's, but as I sat there waiting for everyone to gather, my dri fit clothes that had been wet all day seemed inappropriate as minutes pass by. Cold air breezes pass us and as much as I would just like to lay down in the sand and imprint into memory the landscape of Mt Apo before me, we have to move. I learned to move faster and become a lot more determined as I grew tired and weary. I had been selfish thinking only about myself, it was a numbing realization as one of my buddies started crying for no reason at all while waiting and resting in the sandy banks of Lake Venado. A whole day of trekking was a lot to take in but for now, this scenic place enveloped in darkness with numbing cold temperature and sheer looming shadow will be our home for the night. Lake Venado is undoubtedly beautiful at night, makes me eager to experience its cold mornings when the blades of the grasses are laden with dews and the sublime body of water reflects the blue sky.</div>
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This landscape greeted me as I crept out of the tent. The saturated greens and yellows, the low banks of Lake Venado reflecting the morning sky like a mirror.<br />
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I found Dona, seated on big firewood wrapped up in her jacket and sleeping bad.<br />
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The pre requisite portrait before the landscape, I didn't know what to pose really, in this I was getting ready for a jump shot when Kim pushed the button.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before Trekking The Summit</span><br />
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How fast time flies when you are recuperating. I was well rested within the tent, but the cold we all felt is a reminder that we are finally near the summit of Mt Apo. The plan to trekk at 3 or 4AM to see the Sunrise
in the peak was discarded much to our relief. We were too cold to move
anyway. Light crept, and as it lighted even the inside of the tent, it
has become difficult to ignore. We had to prepare breakfast and
ourselves for a trek to the summit.<br />
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We arrived yesterday early evening, though the night sky has a scattering of stars. We were too cold to explore the surroundings. I am weak against cold, thankfully everyone felt the same way hence we had an early lights out. As I take in the view of Lake Venado in the morning, our excitement is palpable. We were thinking of swimming in the Lake but decided against it for safety reasons, a hiker died from drowning in this lake in 2007. We dare not under estimate the cold water of the Lake, and the mystical guardians that the locals say claim lordship over this place.<br />
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These next set of photos features the lake and our assault to the summits of Mt Apo.</div>
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A morning walk around Lake Venado, Time to explore the area as our guides and porters prepare the breakfast.<br />
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On rainy days, when the lake is overflowing, this make shift bridge is sub-merge. Hikers will be forced to skirt the wide expanse of the lake.<br />
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Because this is an Endorheic Lake, water is stagnant, cold and clean. Though we can't tell what is in the bottom, according to reports, the water is 20 feet deep while our guides say that it is deeper than that as it has deep crevices that you can find in most volcanoes.<br />
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After crossing the make shift bridge, is the wide expanse of hard sandy flatlands. With wild flowers, thick forest and the rock boulders and grassland before the rocky summits of Digos and Kidapawan peaks, the latter are the 2 highest points in Mt Apo.<br />
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We scrambled through slippery mud and water sources along the forest area, and beyond that is the steep slope. I looked back and behold as I can see before me the majestic Apo-Talomo Mountain Range, Lake Venado is a sight to behold from this vantage point along with the Mt Apo Natural Park. <br />
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A wide expanse of open grassland, here I took a selfie while waiting for my buddies to catch up. It's cold with occasional wind gust, explains the purpose for my thermal jacket. It's become hard to breathe as oxygen at this elevation is thin; I'm already above cloud levels.<br />
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A summit like no other, thanks to our guide <a href="https://www.facebook.com/arl.francis?fref=ts" target="_blank">Arde Vien Francis</a> for this photo. That humbling feeling of being minuscule realizing how big this world is, but at the same time, it was one of my proudest moment being in the roof top of the Philippines Mt Apo.<br />
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As a promise dare to a departed friend, I should have a photo of being topless in the summits of high altitude mountains. Mission accomplished my dear Khendi, I included the vantage view of Lake Venado in this.<br />
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With Joanne and Mye, we raced back to the camp. The feeling of accomplishment is all over us; we can't help but feel the hard ground Lake Venado's sandy banks.<br />
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Break camp at Sunset. The only Sunset photo I have in Lake Venado. It was beautiful, the entire area is lighted with different hues, I could only wish for more time but we were already late. We will be night trekking to Kidapawan. Kim with his heavy pack, tent and tripod is just a few paces before me.<br />
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This is just one part of mt Mt Apo Adventures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Planning on trekking Mt Apo?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Please contact our young and fun guide.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Arde Vien Francis<span class="fsl"> Pogosa<br /> <span style="font-size: small;">SMART: 0920577553<br /> GLOBE: 09365342628<br /> SUN: 09334819114</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span id="goog_93384275"></span><span id="goog_93384276"></span>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-64769961315117527002015-04-04T01:19:00.000+08:002015-09-13T00:29:31.402+08:00Rizal | Sunset at Mt Daraitan<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">RIZAL | Sunset at Mt Daraitan</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Far Corner of Taytay Rizal</span><br />
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The January wind is strong, it blew away any chance of cloud formation that would have made this moment more scenic. It was a long day, traveling to this far corner of Taytay Rizal after a graveyard shift, with the midday trekking under cover of Mt Daraitan's forest, I could not wish for a more pleasant way to cap this day than Sunset watching. Mt Daraitan's rocky summit proved to be a pleasant viewpoint to watch the Sunset as we feel the light rain and strong winds pass us by.</div>
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At 739 MASL, Mt Daraitan is an easy trek but it became a little challenging for me as the mountain side where the trails steady incline is void of blowing wind, on a hot day it can become unbearable even under forest cover.</div>
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Standing on limestone rock boulders with sharp edges facing west, the Sun's sphere is turning a darker shade of yellow to orange to red as it dips down the cloudy horizon. The snaking Tinipak or Agos river is a pleasant foreground to the landscape. I understand now why the guides of Daraitan prohibits camping in the summit, there's is just not much space and the bare patch is littered with growing bushes that may become huge trees someday, it won't happen with human interference so it needs all the assisted regeneration it can get.</div>
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For now the only interference I hear is the mindless of the women I was with in this trek, armed with the selfie stick they took the most prized real estate on top of the sharp rocks with the best view of the setting sun. I don't mind standing with my trek pole as support, I have my camera with me and the wind feels cool in my skin, I'm not wary that it would rain even though rain clouds hover above us, the vestiges of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the Tinipak River is all that I need to relax. It had been a long day after all and the setting sun is our reward.</div>
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<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16613331120_c56c6fab0d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16613331120_c56c6fab0d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>As seen from the summit of Mt Daraitan, is this Tinipak or Agos River is a sure wonder to look at from this vantage view.<br />
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<b><span id="goog_93384275"></span><span id="goog_93384276"></span>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-15630614938041687122015-03-23T12:06:00.000+08:002015-09-13T01:25:52.138+08:00Benguet | Sunset At Kabayan Hills<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Benguet | Sunset At Kabayan Hills</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A Third In A Row, Return To Mt Timbac</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
conclude that the most scenic of Sunsets are in the Highlands, people may
disagree since the experience of watching the setting sun vary, and for the
most part we remember them for the feeling it gives us. I'm romantic like that; I love
to watch the shadows play as the sun is gradually going down in the horizon,
the warm and cool colors are splayed together in one frame, the spherical shape
of the sun turning dark yellow to reddish and could be framed by the passing
clouds, but by being in the highlands like the Cordillera's, the pine laden
hills can complete the ensemble.</span></div>
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I have preference with Natural Lens Flare because shows the Sun like the star that it should be.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's the
blue hour, the time of the sunlight hours where we can sit down and look into
the Sun without hurting our eyes. If I am with someone sitting beside me, I can
imagine the feeling of trying to take the view into memory, feel the warmth
while the temperature is gradually dropping. I will never compare one Sunset to
another because its always different even when we are looking at the same sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is the 3rd year of my visiting the Fire Mummies of The Philippines in Benguet
province. It was a long road trip, from my work shift from Makati City, to the
winding assault of Kennon Road, and finally to a lunch break in La Trinidad
after an hour of traversing the heavy traffic in Baguio City. Baguio City is
clogged with the heaviest road traffic in the last leg of Panagbenga Festival.
We still have more than 2 hours before we arrive in Atok Benguet to buy more
supplies for an overnight stay in Mt Timbac, the 9th highest peak in the
country and home of the Kabayan Mummies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
arrived mid afternoon, the earliest compared to the previous years I've visited
here, so we decided to take a tour of the mummy graves open for visitors. This
is a side trip that we normally do on the 2nd day, but I decided to look out
for a place to be where I can watch the Sunset. I realized that there is no
other better place than the jump off place to the Mummies, the silhouettes of
the hills with Pine Trees and Power lines would make an amazing foreground with
the Sun dipping in between slopes. I was right, and we all enjoyed a silent
moment, feeling the cold temperature drop as the sun sets in the horizon,
inhaling the freshest air and everyone's company. Moments like this makes me
feel that I am in the right place at the right time, my answer to the reason
why I need to be on the road and to be outdoors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is in part of the 5th Year, Sykes Outdoor's Tsinelas ni Juan Outreach in Mt Timbac, Sayangan, Benguet.</span></div>
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On this trip I decided to leave my Telephoto lens to lighten my back pack, only to regret it afterwards. It was thanks to my friend Rhone Fabon, who to the last minute allowed me to use his Telephoto lens for just a few frames so I can take a closer shot of the Sunset. I was grateful in that this lens is actually mounted in his Nikon DSLR, so I only have but few seconds to take my shots and return it to him. The result was some of the most astonishing Sunset photos I ever shot. Having the right lens on a given light setting and the of course the right setting for the camera makes a lot of difference. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On The Map</span></div>
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On a closer look. Mt Singakalsa is an a.k.a of Mt Timbac, a closer look on the map will show the Timbac Mummy Caves along the hills facing the town of Kabayan. The snaking green mark is the Halsema Highway along Atok, Benguet while the straight green lines is the Upper Agno River Basin.</div>
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Mt Timbac as shown on the map and its distance from Kabayan, Benguet and the more popular neighbor Mt Pulag. I place a circle in the Timbac Mummy caves.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2013/03/travel-guide-mt-timbak.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">MOUNTAIN</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> | Mt Timbac (Mt Singakalsa) Travel Guide</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2013/03/benguet-fire-mummies-of-philippines.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">BENGUET | Fire Mummies Of The Philippines</span></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2014/01/landscape-and-sunset-photos-from-benguet.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Landscape And Sunset Photos From Benguet</span></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2014/03/benguet-above-clouds-and-under-stars.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">MOUNTAIN | Above The Clouds And Under The Stars</span></a></span></span></div>
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<b><span id="goog_93384275"></span><span id="goog_93384276"></span>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-75891570820552720222015-02-15T14:12:00.000+08:002015-09-13T01:26:15.943+08:00Mountain | Chased By A Typhoon In Mt Arayat<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">MOUNTAIN | Chased By A Typhoon in Mt Arayat</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Traversing The Extinct Stratovolcano On A Stormy Weekend</span><br />
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Loveless. My friend Lovely is hugging this Andesite Rock Wall like a caring boyfriend under the rain.<br />
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Its an outdoor adventure with added challenges. Chased by the approaching landfall of Category 1 Typhoon Kalmaegi locally named as Tropical Storm Luis which was expected to make landfall over Cagayan Valley of Northern Luzon on the same day as our planned Mt Arayat traverse.</div>
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From the rocky slopes of Mt Manalmon, in San Miguel, Bulacan, Mt Arayat's silhouette is impressive.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Facts </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Mount Arayat is an extinct Stratovolcano.</span></li>
<li>Rising to a height of 1,026 MASL (3,366 FASL).</li>
<li>Located within the Municipality of Arayat and Magalang, Pampanga.</li>
<li>The mountain is considered a mystical one, the legendary home of
Aung/Aring Sinukuan/Sinkuan/Suku or the Fairy known as diwata Mariang
Sinukuan depending on which version of the story the readers or
listeners prefer, but in ancient Kapampangan folklore as well as the
research known to have been gathered by Kapampangan students of Henry
Otley Beyer, it was and is the abode of Apung/Aring Sinukuan, rival of
Namalyari of Mount Pinatubo, who is in varying versions, the son of
Cargon-Cargon who was mortally wounded in a fight with a giant from the
Zambales Mountain Range which is said to be the home of Apu Namalyari.
(Source: Wikipedia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arayat" target="_blank">Mount Arayat</a>) </li>
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DENR Registration Site, they take donations instead of entrance fee.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trail Traverse </span><br />
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Assault via Brgy Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga, North West of the Mountain where large grottos of Stations of the Cross are placed. The new trail is established following the power lines reaching the Mt Arayat North Peak Campsite at 1026 MASL where the Telecom tower is situated. This trail is forrested with many tree tunnels making the hike easy. Not much challenge except the continues steep slope with few Rock Boulders. This side of the mountain has trail markers in yellow, painted in rocks and huge boulders. The North Peak campsite is a bare patch of land, the highest point of Mt Arayat itself.</div>
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From the North peak, descending to the South peak is a challenge especially to first time hikers. Vertical clay and rock walls with rope segment abound making this a Technical Climb and not easy after all. The Andesitic dome known as White Rock is along the way and once the South grassy peak is reached, you can look back and realise that you just circled the broken Amphitheater like Caldera. Thickly forrested trail, Banyan Trees with extended long vines constantly block the way, creeping Bamboo grasses are abound too. The descent will surely test the toughness of one's knees, rocky all the way down, I dare not run in this trail. Since this climb is besiege with Typhoon, the trail is filled with running water, it was like walking on a canal, we just followed the waters direction untill we reached the DENR office in Brgy Juan Bano, Arayat.</div>
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A fork in the trail, this particular grotto has to be noted, as this is where the trail breaks to the left side, the straight way is a dead end.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why Climb When The Storm Is Coming?</span><br />
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A training climb with outdoor friends, we are all preparing for the epic traverse of Mt Apo
the Grandfather of Philippine Mountains in the next 2 months. In all
honesty, I haven't done anything as daring as climbing a Mountain with
an approaching severe Tropical Storm in our tails. Sure, I've raced the
Philippines Highways of the Kalinga
comfortably sitting inside a bus while floods, rain swept roads and
swaying palm trees can be seen from the bus windows. I've woken up from a
lavish resort room of Pamarta Bali in Morong
Bataan expecting a beautiful beach sunrise to photograph only to find
myself in middle of a Signal Number 3 Storm (Signals numbers are
used to categorized the strength of Storms/Typhoons in the Philippines).
These weather disturbance never fazed me, I was born and raised Visayan, and this country being Archipelagic,
closer to the Philippines Equatorial South and right smack in the
Pacific Ring of Fire, Typhoons and Tropical Depressions are a regular
occurrence. There are those typhoons that become historic in the wake of
devastation they bring, as always, its easy to forget and move on
fixing what was broken, eventually remembering just the good things that
happen. </div>
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Mt Arayat is an extinct Stratovolcano proudly standing like a lone Island in the flat plains of Pampanga with 1,026 MASL,
with steep slopes littered with Rock Boulders, pristine trails within
forested areas that passes through the broken Caldera that we now call
the Northern and Southern Peaks. This mountains stands with a proud
silhouette all over the towns that surrounds its base, it cast a wide
shadow that it can be seen even from neighboring provinces like Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales and Bataan.</div>
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before the climb, reports of the approaching Typhoon is a baddest of
Bad News for every outdoors men. Knowing the responsibilities and
rigours of wet climbs, our Team Lead decided to push it through against
strong caution, the Storm is expected to make landfall by midnight by
which time we should be safely back in our homes sipping hot coffee in
the middle of raging winds and heavy rains. We took calculated risk, and
with 12 souls we decided to brave Mt Arayat expecting to be drenched by rain water, its part of the training anyway, as we would be expecting a wet climb in Mt Apo.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Banana stalks, Acacia and Narra Tree are a plenty with swaying cogon grasses. This is the open trail before entering the forrested area. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suggested Itinerary And Notable Expenses</span><br />
Prepared by Mye Enrile<br />
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<span class="fsl">Entry point: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga <br /> Exit point: Brgy. Juan Bano, Arayat, Pampanga <br /> LLA: 15.2067N, 120.7441E, 1,028 meters above seal level / 3,379 feet <br /> Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5 hours (North Peak) 8 hours (South Peak) <br /> Specs: Technical Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-4 (10kms)<br /> <br /> 0300 Assembly at Victory Liner Cubao EDSA south bound. <br /> 0400 ETD Terminal<br /> 0500 ETA SM Pampanga <br /> 0530 Take jeep bound to Magalang <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 0630 ETA Magalang Jollibee, breakfast, take tricycle to Brgy. Ayala (jump off)<br /> 0730 Commence trek <br /> 1100 ETA North Peak (summit), lunch <br /> 1200 Resume trek, head to South Peak via ridge <br /> 1300 ETA Haring Bato <br /> 1400 ETA South Peak <br /> 1430 Descent <br /> 1630 ETA Bgy. San Juan Baño, Arayat <br /> 1730 Take tricycle to bayan, then jeep to SM Pampanga <br /> 1800 ETA SM Pampanga, dinner/snacks/post-climb <br /> 2000 ETA Manila</span></span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">NOTE: We hired a jeep on our arrival in SM Pampanga to take us to Brgy Ayala for the first registration, and the jump off. </span></span></div>
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<li>Bus: Cubao to San Fernando, Pampanga - Php 102</li>
<li> Jeep: San Fernando to Magalang - Php 35</li>
<li> Tricycle: Magalang to Bgy. Ayala registration desk (jump off) - Php 70/trip</li>
<li> Tricycle: Bgy. Juan Bano to bayan - Php 50/trip</li>
<li> Jeep: to SM Pampanga - Php 25</li>
<li> Bus: San Fernando to Manila - Php 102</li>
<li> Guide: Optional, Php 400-500 range.</li>
<li>Hiring a Jeep from SM Pampanga is an option if within a group, this eliminates all the tricycle expenses. Amount is negotiable with the driver, depending on the number of climbers.</li>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">The Ayala side of Magalang do not require registration fee, only guide fee ranging from Php 400 - 500 and donation when passing the DENR entrance guarded by the Philippine Army. Each hiker or group of Hikers needed to be logged as this station would be responsible for rescue efforts if something where to happen.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Brgy Juan Bano requires Php 20.00 registration fee wether you are Ascending or Descending on their side. Unfortunately, the rumors of extortion is well noted on this side. Caution is given in making negotiations like hiring a guide for traverse.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Ang Pala-lagaw Photo Gallery</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">These photos are all published in my Flickr Account.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Click here for more: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/67468335@N02/sets/72157649427609239/" target="_blank">Mt Arayat Traverse</a></span></span></div>
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L to R: Joanne and Mye, my Mt Apo colleagues, still dry from this trekk start.<br />
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Should be noted that the trail follows the Towers and Power lines to the summit, the yellow arrows are also painted in the rocks to guide hikers.<br />
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Huge Rock Boulders with Tree Roots and Banyan's wrapping them up.<br />
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Once you reached the Stone Shelter where the Military is housed and is guarding the Telecom tower.<br />
Military prescence is prevalent here since Mt Arayat as once an abode of Rebels and NPA's.<br />
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The North Peak itself is a bare patch of flat land, this is also a camp site.<br />
Here we are, the only 12 souls that braved the wrath of Typhoon Kalmaegi. We ate our packed lunch from this site, before our descent to the South Peak.<br />
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Our trek to the South Peak was experienced with worsening weather condition. By this time, the rain is torrential and you can hear the wind howling as it hits us in this Caldera. by this time, I've hodden my DSLR camera and brought out my underwater Lumix to continue documenting our traverse.<br />
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L to R: Dona and Joanne, ready for the torrential rain and smiling. They are also training for Mt Apo traverse.</div>
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The rock wall with rope segment. Surprisingly, the women in this hike were the strongest hikers we have, leading the trails in breakneck speed and yes, even this rock climbing part. Lovely in here was shrieking in fear before she decided to climb this slippery rock on her own. It's just like her to complain that she is tired, but then you'll see her running the trails when they are flat. Makes you realise that you can never judge a girl's strength by fragile appearance.</div>
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This is me, drenched by the torrential rain all over.</div>
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<b>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, True Explorer...</div>
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fbalgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396188221888470683noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333296036763539762.post-80753167521203733972015-01-18T14:10:00.000+08:002015-09-13T01:26:31.160+08:00Falls | The Cold Tappia (Tappiya) Falls of Batad<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">FALLS | The Cold Tappia (Tappiya) Falls of Batad</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Batad Rice Terraces, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao </span><br />
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“Waterfalls are exciting because they have power, they have rainbows, they have songs, and they have boldness and craziness!”<br />
― Mehmet Murat ildan<br />
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To trek down to Tappia Falls is to carefully walk along the paddies of the stone Rice Terraces.<br />
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It is known that in most provinces of the Cordilleraa, they practice to burying departed love one's in their backyard. Markers like this didn't surprise me at all, I can only presume that someone was buried here.<br />
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The UNESCO World Heritage site of Batad Rice Terraces is a marvel of ingenuity by Banaue's ancestors the Ifugao's, but since rice crop planting is only done once a year this limits the best time to view the terraces filled with teaming green rice grasses saturated by the sun. For the most part, the preparation and the after harvest time, the place is left to elements in its grey and muddy banks. Makes us wonder what can be done here for a traveler who can't be tied up and wait when the place is a saturated green? Thankfully, Tappia (Tappiyah) Falls is just around the corner for visitors to take a dip when coffee and ogling at the Rice Terraces becomes too much.</div>
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The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordillera's were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. The Batad Rice Terraces is one of those 5 sites inscribed in the list and is under the Municipal Jurisdiction of Banaue. Not to be confused by the Banaue Rice Terraces this can be viewed from Banaue’s Poblacion along the number of View Points. Batad Rice Terraces is perhaps the most popular due to the Amphitheater Terraces, its close proximity to Banaue and the Tappiyah Falls itself. To reach the falls is to trek down a long stairs down the side of the mountain following the Tappia River upstream reaching the gale end of high rock wall. </div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things To Consider </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: black;">Trek down and up the Batad Rice Terraces and the long stairway after is an arduous task.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">The water is ice cold, but a regular sunny day, swim gear is not needed. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">The trek back up will dry out your clothes. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Tappia (Tappiya) Falls is a Grand Water Fall with 70 meter drop.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Tappia and Tappiya are widely used spelling to name the falls. </span></li>
<li>Guides are not required to the falls as long as you are billeted to any of the inns and lodges in Batad.</li>
<li>It would take 45 minutes to an hour trekking from Batad Saddle point to Hillside Inn.</li>
<li>From Hillside Inn, another 45 minutes to an hour to Tappia Falls. </li>
<li>From a viewpoint, the Rice Terraces look like Staircases, but each step is actually about 8-10 ft tall.</li>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I consider myself a seasoned mountaineer, at least for the Philippine
Mountains, but I would rather scale steep slopes where I can pace myself than
the calculated steps in the many flight of stairs. Going up and down long
staircase is physically demanding especially in the leg muscles, it is of no
wonder that outdoors men are strongly opposed to mountains with road or steps to
its summit, only someone who knows nothing about trekking would come up with
such an atrocious idea, that aside, the long stairs to Tappia Falls may have
been made for its visitors but it also benefit's the locals. As it is, the way
can be slippery and knowing that this is the highlands, rain here can be very
daunting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So just a word of caution for visitors who are not very religious with squatting
exercises or running in steep terrains, the trek will certainly hurt. This will
be felt afterwards, on the way back to the Terraces as there is no other way
but up.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On The Map</span><br />
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<b><span id="goog_93384275"></span><span id="goog_93384276"></span>Francis Balgos</b>
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All Rights Reserve<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.</span></div>
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