March 1, 2013

Why Flying is More Fun in the Philippines: The Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013 Adventure

The heat is on once again as the 18th Clark Philippines Hot Air Balloon Fiesta kicks off this year – and for sure Adventuroj wouldn’t miss this one. Not just that, a couple of friends also went along with me this time!

So here’s a round up of photo taking under the scorching heat of the sun that happened during the day of everything that flies.

Hot Air Balloon flight

The show started early with the morning hot air balloon flight that many long to want in sight.

Trivia: You may wonder why Hot Air Balloons fly only early in the morning or late in the afternoon?

A: Despite the intimidating size, balloons are very gentle aircraft, indeed they are sometimes referred to as Gentle Giants. Balloons need cool stable calm winds to operate effectively and the hours following sunrise are the most suitable before the heat of the day. As hot air balloons are the only form of flight which moves with the wind, the weather is most important.

Aerobatic Shows

Fantastic flying skills came up next as aerobatic shows were shown.

Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition

One of the biggest highlights this year is the performance of the Breitling Jet Team, the largest civilian aerobatic display team in Europe. Based in Dijon, France, they fly seven Aero L-39 Albatros jets.

The Breitling Jet Team flies an aerial display lasting 18–20 minutes that includes close formation flying, opposition passes, solo routines and synchronized maneuvers. The team flies displays across Europe and the Middle East and each year undertakes a busy schedule of engagements, including major international air shows and Breitling corporate events – just how lucky we are for them to perform for us here!

Kite Flying Exhibition

The skies were once again filled with these colorful flying little wonders.

Love Story in the Scene

And in the middle of all these things – we were lucky enough to witness a love story of these two love birds, who let themselves burned under the heat of the sun particularly unaware of their surroundings, so deeply engrossed in attention with each other alone.

If only I was able to caught in camera the almost 3 hours of gazing, fighting, apologizing, and making up again – and simply being inlove of these two – you surely will believe that true love still do exist.

And so the day continued with more flying stunts, photo ops and plane spotting.

Plane Spotting

Ultralight Flying

Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition

Night Glow

Flying Friendships and More Photo Ops

Fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers meet up with Mai from Budget Biyahera and Yaj the RJ d Explorer.

More photo opportunities with the gang that made it all happened – my travel buddies!

Until next year again Philipppine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

Posted in Clark, Pampanga, Shoot, Travel
Tagged Aerobatic Show, breitling, clark hot air balloon, clark hot air balloon activities, clark hot air balloon festival, clark hot air baloon, Flying Exhibition, hot air balloon, hot air balloon festival, hot air baloon, hot air baloon festival, kite flying, paragliding, plane show, Sky Diving, ultralight
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February 22, 2013

2013 Lake Holon Outlet Adventure Invitation Climb

You probably had been to South Cotabato, but I’m sure you haven’t had a chance to visit this spot yet – none other than the Lake Holon.

Lake Holon: The Philippines’ Cleanest Lake

Nestled on the mountains of T’boli, South Cotabato, as the caldera lake of the famed Mt. Parker, Lake Holon is considered as the Philippines’ Cleanest Lake.

It is said to be so clean that you can drink water from it while swimming.

At 1400 MASL, the water is also so cold, but even then, you will desire to swim for that rare moment when you will feel as if you were in some scene in “Crouching Tiger / Hidden Dragon”.

Surrounded by mountaintops and a virgin forest, it is so secluded and peaceful, even to the point they said that you will not be surprised if a dinosaur sprung out of the forests.

An Invite to Trek this Natural Wonder

Lake Holon Outlet

So when I received an invite from the tourism department of T’boli, I instantly said yes!

The itchy feet couldn’t resist this chance of a lifetime!

Lake Holon Itinerary

Here’s the itinerary for the said trip, registration fee is ONLY 350php inclusive of tshirt, transpo and 1 dinner meal:

March 8, 9, 10, 2013

March 8 (Friday) DAY 1

8:00AM-4:00PM – Arrival of Participants/Registration
Tourism/Information Office
4:00PM-5:00PM – Fetch Tents Besides Tourism Office
5:00PM-6:00PM – Dinner Preparation
6:00PM-9:00PM – Free Time
9:00PM-Beyond – Lights Off

March 9 (Saturday) DAY 2 –

5:00AM-6:00AM – Wake up call/Coffee Time
6:00AM-7:00AM – Breakfast
7:00AM-8:00AM – Fixed Tent/Gear up
8:00AM-9:00AM – Orientation c/o MENRO
Jump off Poblacion to Barangay Salacafe
9:00AM-10:00AM – Arrival (Barangay Salacafe)
10:00AM-10:30AM – To Sitio Nabul
10:30AM-2:00PM – Trekking to Holon Outlet
2:00PM-5:00PM – Fetch Tent/Photo Ops
5:00PM-7:00PM – Dinner Preparation
7:00PM-9:00PM – Mountainers’ Way
9:00PM-Beyond – Ligths Off/Be considerate to other Mountaineers

March 10 (Sunday) DAY 3

5:00AM-6:00AM – Coffee time
6:00AM-7:00AM – Breakfast Preparation
7:00AM-8:00AM – Trek to outlet downstream
Going to Landslide Area
8:00AM-10:00AM – Photo Ops/See the Destruction Made by 2001 Earthquake
That causes a flashflood that affected some part of the
Province of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato along Allah
River
10:00AM-12:00N – Still on Landslide Area
12:00N-1:00PM – Lunch
1:00PM-2:00PM – Trek Back to Campsite
2:00PM-5:00PM – Break Camp/Pack up Logistics
Trek Back to Barangay Salacafe
5:00PM-6:00PM – Transportation (Salacafe-Poblacion)
6:00PM-7:00PM – Fetch Tent/Washed up
7:00PM-12:00MN – Giving of Certificates/Dinner
Mountaineers Night

March 11 (Monday) – “HOME SWEET HOME”

Lake Holon Trivia

Lake Holon was said to have been formed by a volcanic eruption on Jan. 4, 1641. At this time, the mountain was called Melibongoy. Centuries later, a n American surveyor pilot named Parker crashed in the mountain, and since then, the mountain has been named in his honor.

Looking forward to this! Kita kits!

Posted in South Cotabato, Travel
Tagged lake holon, lake holon climb, lake holon invitational climb, lake holon south cotabato, lake south cotabato, tboli lake holon, where to go in south cotabato
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February 22, 2013

Seslong Festival 2013, T’boli, South Cotabato: Schedule of Activities 2013

Want to witness another festival down south from South Cotabato?

Look no more and head for this year’s Seslong Festival!

Here’s the schedule of events for the 2013 Seslong festival in the municipality of T’boli, South Cotabato, happening this March 5-16, 2013.

Seslong Festival Schedule of Activities

February 22, 2013

Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival – Baguio Panagbenga Itinerary

After last year’s Hot Air Balloon experience, I am all set now for another adventure up, up, and away.

Clark Hot Air Festival 2012

Together with 5 more buddies we’ll be attending the grand and colorful festivity on the 22nd of February (see the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities here), then off to Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival on the 23rd, my first time to attend such flowery festival.

And so here’s our itinerary for this budget trip, taking place on February 22-25, 2013.

Date & Time	Activity	Est Cost

February 22, 2013 (Friday)
4pm	Arrival in Clark
	Jeep to Downtown	50
	Stroll in Nayong Pilipino / Air Force / Clark Malling
	Dinner	100
	Camp in Clark Air Field for the overnight stay

February 23, 2013 (Saturday)

	Hot Air Baloon Festival
	Entrance	250
	Lunch	100
9pm	Depart to Baguio	300
	Overnight in Victory Liner Baguio

February 24, 2013 (Sunday)	Est allowance for the day	700
5AM	Early Morning Strawberry Taho
	Eat breakfast
	Burnham Park \| Session Road \| Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral) Downtown area
	Session Road – Cathedral tour – Attend Early Morning Mass
615AM	Short walk in Session road to find a good spot for the parade
8AM	Start of Grand Float Parade
945-10AM	End of Grand float Parade (at upper session road/SM Baguio)
10AM-1030AM	Deposited our bags at baggage counter at SM!
	Lunch at Good Taste (Behind Baguio Center Mall)
	Pizza Volante located in Session Road. The house specialties are Pasta Puttanesca and Vegetarian Pizza. For a budget of only Php300-Php500

	Botanical Garden \| Wright Park \| The Mansion \| Mines View Park \| Good Shepherd (Leonard Wood Area)
	Walk down to Session Road
	Reach McDo Session at the lower Session Road, turn left to Mabini Street (marker is Danes Bakeshop) and look for the jeepney terminal with jeepneys going to Mines View Park
	Ride and tell driver to “Mines View Park”. Fare is “long trip”.
	Mines View – Ketchup Community Series
1PM	To Mines View Park
120PM	Mines View Park
	Arrive in Mines View Park for some photo ops with horses, the view deck and big dogs. No entrance fee but there is charge for photo ops with the animals.
	Then ride same jeepney (going back to downtown), tell the driver to drop you off to The Mansion.
	Photo ops “The Mansion”. Walk to the side of the mirror lake until you reach the gazebo. By this time you are already in the Wright Park.
	Picture taking with the horses or ride the horse (for P200).
	Lunch time in Ketchup Community. By this time it’s already noon. If you are on a budget you can get back to town and eat in cafeterias or fast food restaurants.
	The Botanical Garden – Haunted White House Walk Tour
	From Wright Park, head to Leonard Wood Road passing through Pacdal Circle. Walk until you reach the Botanical Garden.
	Photo ops inside Botanical Garden.
	Walk out of the park and continue walking until you reach the Baguio Haunted White House.
	Get inside it. *This is an update: the Haunted House is now open to public since late last year. Entrance fee is P50.
	The Camp John Hay Tour and Adventure
	From Wright Park, you can turn left going to The Baguio Country Club and finally Camp John Hay. You can take photos of the wide green fields there.
	You can also check out there Cemetery of Negativity (where you bury your negative mind setting and being there).

	Baguio City Market
	Baguio City Market sells almost anything. The place boasts its cleanliness and cool environment. You can also find great deals and bargains for items (especially if you are good with haggling). This place is ideal for last minute shopping for souvenirs and gift items.
	Your stay in Baguio may be short but you know that the memories will be treasured forever. The long ride can be tiring but the environment and weather of the city can relieve you from your pains and aches.

	Evening – Night Market
	Wait for the Night Market to open along Harrison Road. Night Market opens at 9PM.
	Ukay-ukay to the max (second-hand goods and thrift goods market). This is where you can buy jackets, hoodies, pants, shirts, bags and more…at the cheapest bargain!
	After the Night Market, you can try café or night bars (with or without dance floor). Paddis Point and 18 BC are night bars.

February 25, 2013 (Monday)	Est allowance for the day	700

4am	Bell Church \| Strawberry Farm (La Trinidad Area)
	Jeep to La Trinidad (Market)
	Walk to La Trinidad Strawberry Farms
	Souvenir Buying at Strawberry Farm
	to Bell Church in La Trinidad, Benguet
	visit Rito’s along Marcos Highway. This restaurant serves bulalo and crispy pata.

Option 2	The Grotto-Diplomat-Tam-Awan Tour
	From Lourdes Grotto, you walk your way to Diplomat, or ride same jeepney, then drop off to the foot of the Diplomat Road.
	Photo ops inside Heritage Park. Diplomat Hotel Ruins and the World’s Largest 10 Commandments Tablet is there.
	On going back, you ride same jeepney (Dominican Hill) back to downtown. Near the Abanao Square, the terminal of Jeepney going to Tam-Awan Village is at Shagum St cor. Kayang. Signboard says “Quirino Hill” or “Quirino Hill via Tam-Awan”. You can also ride jeepney going to “Long-Long”.
	Walk a bit to Tam-Awan Village (driver will instruct you).
	Photo ops inside Tam-Awan Village. It’s another hiking thing so you have to prepare for this. Picture taking of the different artworks is strictly prohibited.
	Visit Arko ni Apo that is just across Tam-awan Village. Different metal works and wood works art gallery are showcased in this place.
	Continue your tour with a visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and this has 252 stairs before you reach the top of the grotto.
	The last place to visit is the Ben Cab Museum
	On going back, ride the same jeepney going back to downtown.

	Departure from Baguio	300
	Arrival in Clark	100

		2600
	Terminal Fee (Back & Forth)	400

	TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES	3000

Posted in Baguio, Benguet, Clark, Travel
Tagged attend Clark Hot Air Balloon, Baguio budget itinerary, Baguio itinerary, Baguio Panagbenga, Baguio Panagbenga itinerary, clark hot air balloon, Clark Hot Air Balloon itinerary, clark itinerary, Panagbenga festival
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February 22, 2013

Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013: Schedule of Activities

Excited in witnessing this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark?

Clark Hot Air Festival 2012

Here’s the schedule of activities for this colorful event.

21 February 2013 – First Fiesta Day

6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon flight
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:15 AM – Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration
9:15-9:45 AM – PT13 Stearman
9:45-10:30 AM – PNP Sky Diving Exhibition
10:30-11:30 AM – AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
11:30-12:00 PM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
12:00-12:30 PM – German aerobatic glider flight
12:30-1:00 PM – KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition
1:00-1:45 PM – Airlink / WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha flyby
1:45-2:30 PM – AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
2:30-2:45 PM – FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo
3:15-4:00 PM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
4:00-4:30 – PM RP /U.S./ Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition
4:30-5:00 – PM Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition
5:00-5:30 – PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
5:30-6:00 – PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers

22 February 2013 – Second Fiesta Day

23 February 2013 – Third Fiesta Day

6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM – AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
9:45-10:30 AM – Tandem Sky diving exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM – ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:00-11:30 AM – Turbine RC flying display
11:30-12:00 PM – Helicopter flight display
12:00-12:30 PM – Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM – PT13 Stearman / AOPA-P Flyby
1:00-1:30 PM – WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink flyby
1:30-2:00 PM – Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
2:00-2:30 PM – KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
2:30-3:00 PM – Paragliding Tow Exhibition
3:00-3:30 PM – Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
3:30-4:00 PM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
4:00-4:30 PM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:30-5:00 PM – Skydiving Exhibition
5:00-5:30 PM – RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM – Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers
24 February 2013 – Fourth Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Flight
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM – Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
9:45-10:30 AM – Tandem Skydiving Exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:00-11:30 AM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:30-12:00 PM – Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
12:00-12:30 PM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM – German aerobatic glider flight
1:00-1:30 PM – Car Drifting demonstration
1:30-2:00 PM – PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
2:00-2:30 PM – KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
2:30-2:45 PM – FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
3:15-3:30 PM – PT13 Stearman fly by
3:30-4:00 PM – Sky diving exhibition
4:00-4:30 PM – Meynard Halili aerobatic Show
4:30-5:30 PM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM – Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers, Fireworks

Visit www.philballoonfest.net for more info.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM MANILA

1. Take a bus going north and get off at Dau, Pampanga. Fare is Php 200 – 300 pesos.
2. From the bus station, take a jeepney by the highway that will bring you to Clark Main gate.
3. Ride a jeep to the main gate. Fare is Php 8.00 pesos.
4. From the main gate, ride a jeep again to the venue. Fare is Php 10.00 pesos.

ENTRANCE FEE AND WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

250 pesos entrance fee / person / valid for 1 whole day
You can purchase tickets at the gate, at any SM Ticketnet outlet, at ROX Bonifacio Global City, or at ROX Marquee Mall Clark.
You may call 833-3264 or 384-0085 for ticket inquiries.

RIDING THE BALLOON

It’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. Register at the Information Booth, fee is US$250 per person. Children should be at least 10 years old to ride.

For more information, visit http://www.philballoonfest.net

February 22, 2013

Fruity Experience at the Baguio City Public Market

Before heading back to Manila after our Mt Pulag trip, we’ve had a quick stop over at the public market of Baguio City for some fruity finds.

Find out what we found!

Of course Baguio won’t be Baguio without the Strawberries!

Baguio strawberry

Baguio Public Market

Posted in Baguio, Benguet, Travel
Tagged Baguio, baguio city, Baguio Market, Baguio pasalubong, Baguio Philippines, Baguio Public Market, Baguio strawberry, Fruits in Baguio, strawberry
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February 21, 2013

Ambuklao Dam: The Biggest Rock Filled Dam in Asia

Damn!

Do you just love dams?

I sure hope you do! For our next stop will be no other than the the Biggest rock filled dam in Asia, yes – it’s the Ambuklao Dam in Benguet!

What is Ambuklao Dam?

Ambuklao Dam is a dam that supports a hydroelectric plant in the mountains of Bokod, Benguet province of Philippines.

It is the is the first among the largest hydroelectric power plants constructed in the Philippines, made of earth and rockfull which measures 129 meters in height and 452 meters in length – and is one of the oldest.

Ambuklao Dam

The facility was constructed for power generation and flood control and runs along the upper portion of Luzon’s third largest river, the Agno River.

Aside from generation of electric energy, the water held by the dam is used to irrigate the agricultural fields of Pangasinan. The dam helps minimize floods by absorbing the high peak flows by releasing water over longer periods.

Ambuklao Dam Spillway

The Ambuklao Hydroelectric power facility stands as a symbol of one of the biggest accomplishments in power development by the Philippine government, an engineering feat which Filipinos are proud of.

How to Get There

From Baguio City, take the jeepney or mini bus at Dangwa Terminal (infront of Baguio City Market at the back of Centermall) or at Slaughter Compound in Magsaysay. Take the Kabayan trip. This will take you to Ambuklao Dam using the Ambuklao Road in Baguio near Pacdal Circle. This will usually take you 3-4 hours. Another way is to take the short cut way using a private vehicle: From Baguio, take magsaysay road passing by Trinidad. From the Benguet Capitol Building, take the road going to Halsema Highway. The travel time will be around less than 45-minutes, and there will be a junction point and on the right a rocky road going down. This will take you more than an hour to reach Ambuklao. The Ride will be a bumpy and a “death-defying-cliff edge” experience.

Posted in Baguio, Benguet, Travel
Tagged Ambuklao Dam, Dam, Dam Benguet, Philippines Dam, Water Sources
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February 20, 2013

Hanging by the Bridges in Benguet

Apart from the scenic mountains of Mt. Pulag and bubbling sulfur springs of Badekbek, Benguet also boasts of loooonng hanging bridges.

Take a look of our quick stop and photo shoots!

And from the bridge, one could also see the beauty of the Ambuklao dam.. more pictures in my next post!

Posted in Benguet, Travel
Tagged Benguet Hanging Bridge, Hanging Bridge, Hanging Bridge Philippines, Hanging Bridges, travel philippines
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February 19, 2013

The Unique Badekbek Sulfur Spring

As part of our Mt Pulag Adventure, after the hike we found ourselves in a bonus tour around Benguet.

First stop is the Badekbek Sulfur Spring.

Trek to Badekbek

The sulfuric bubbling muddy hot spring

Badekdek Sulfur Springs in Benguet

It is a potential natural attraction found in Daclan, also known as Daclan Hot Spring.

It is a sulfuric bubbling muddy hot spring, hence the name “Badekbek”.

Badekbek Hot Spring

The smoke and sulfuric scent emitted could be seen and smelled from a distance. The hot water from the spring is believed to have some therapeutic effects.

It is situated two kilometers away from the Bokod-Kabayan national road and is accessible to vehicle transport.

By public or private transport, it is two hours ride from Baguio City.

Posted in Benguet, Travel
Tagged badekbek hot spring, badekbek sulfur spring, hot spring, hot spring baguio, hot spring benguet, hot spring in the philippines, hot spring philippines, hot springs, hot springs resort, hot springs vacation, sulfur spring, sulfur spring benguet, travel hot spring
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February 18, 2013

Mt Pulag: Trekking Luzon’s Highest Peak

A journey to the clouds – that’s what I aimed for my birthday trip this year.

Picturing myself standing in Philippines’ third and Luzon’s highest peak with a sea of clouds behind me is how I wanna start this 2013 – aiming for the highest as high as the clouds in my remaining travels and adventure.

Taking Up the Challenge

The trek to Mt Pulag is a long and arduous one.

No, there were no heavy snowfall, gusty winds or mighty boulders along the way, but heavy forest mist and a tough trail instead when we went there on Friday, February 1. These can be quite challenging for first-time hikers.

In addition to that is the freezing weather that looms as you reach higher and higher.

There’s even a recent news that the climate in Mt. Pulag had reached below zero-degree. Wow! Imagine that!

But for sure Adventuroj wouldn’t let that stop a dream of climbing the third highest peak in the Philippines!

Challenging Rough Roads

To reach the top you have to pass through several pit stops –

a 4am meet up at the Victory Liner Baguio City with the group we’re coming with

While waiting for the group .. a quick coffee at 7/11

Trying the Taho at Baguio City

While waiting at Victory Liner I’ve had my first taste of the popular Strawberry Taho in Baguio. Indeed a must try for the sweet tooth!

After the meet up, we boarded a 4×4 Jeepney then proceeded to the Mt Pulag Tourism Office for the registration and the orientation.

Pt Pulag First Stop

Mt Pulag Tourism Orientation

Mt Pulag Tourism Office

Mt Pulag Orientation

Then off we go for another zigzag slippery ride on a narrow road that with just a single mistake will send your Jeep rolling on a cliff. Scary huh?

4×4 Jeepney Ride to Mt Pulag

Aboard the jeepney, one could also witness the unique construction of the houses here to combat the cold weather.

Unique Houses in Benguet

4×4 Jeepney Ride to Mt Pulag

After a challenging ride, we reached the 2nd stop at the Ranger Station.

Mt Pulag Ranger Station

Here the trekkers will be dropped off and the hike will start.

In the ranger station also is where you’ll hire your tour guide to accompany you through the night and towards the peak.

Tour guide fee – 500 / guide / group

You could also hire a porter to carry your things if you want the trail to be a lighter one.

Porter fee – 500 / porter

*Tents can also be rented at 200php.

Hike to Mt Pulag: The Start of the Adventure

At around 1pm, the hike began.

Hiking to Mt Pulag

At first an easy one, enjoying ourselves to the luscious green and scenic view from the mountain tops.

Wild Berries in Mt Pulag

But as time passed, our bags got heavier.

We realized we should just opted for a porter. Probably that way we could have enjoyed the hike more.

Reaching Camp 1

Mt Pulag Camp 1

Camp 1 Mt Pulag

After 2 or more hours, we reached the first camp.

Here one could rest in a man made shelter, and could also set camp if you want to spend the night.

Spending the Night at Camp 2

Mt Pulag Camp 2

But we proceeded to Camp 2 and stayed there for the night, an hour or two away from Camp 1, but nearer to the summit.

Sunset Snapshots at Camp 2

We were also lucky to witness the sunset at Camp 2 , and so here are some photo ops.

Mt Pulag Sunset

The Fatal Challenge: Surviving the Night

The trek is nothing compared to the challenge we’ve endured as night time approached.

Night-time be a true test of grit with the cold reaching near-freezing levels. I even thought that I’ would die in the cold.

Having 5 shirts and a thick jacket plus 3 jogging pants sure DID NOT made me warm enough to have a comfy sleep. The winds are horrible and scary, they are howling making as if the tents will fly away in any second.

Rising Up for a New Journey to the Summit

But we did it! We survived the freezing atmosphere!

The heavens were filled with a cacophony of stars as we woke up at 4 am to bravely make that trek towards the summit to catch the sunrise. It was awe-inspiring.

We were awoken by our guide for the early trek to the summit in expectant of a sunrise and to see the majestic sea of clouds that every Mt Pulag climber wishes to see.

A Slippery and Wet Journey to the Clouds

But as we proceeded the weather didn’t seem to cooperate.

It started to drizzle. And when we reach the summit it’s freezing though it’s already 6am.

Zero visibility and yes – NO sea of clouds 😦

A Rewarding ‘Heavenly’ Experience

Although I did not get to witness the sea of clouds, the journey, however, is more than rewarding.

The experience of a rich flora along the trail – it’s like entering an entirely new realm as the sight of wide open slopes give in to that of closely-huddled trees, ferns of different shapes, and other rich vegetation.

Alas, even a most courageous heart is no match for the elements when one is not properly-geared. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes aside, though, one can never match the company of people with happy dispositions when taking on such a tough adventure. Bring lots of them when you make that journey to the clouds.

For those who’ve reached Mt. Pulag’s peak, meanwhile, the reward, as they say, was “heavenly.” And they’re being literal about it.

At 2,922 meters above sea level, after all, reaching Mt. Pulag’s peak is like reaching the heavens. They have photos of the clouds behind them to prove it.