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Fang-Od inspects the skin canvass she’ll be working on

It only took four months and I found myself face-to-face again with the legendary Fang-Od in Buscalan again. This time, my friends and I caught her building a fence for her new-born piglets and their mom once we got up the stairs to the village. At 94-years old now, it’s amazing she can still pound on the wooden post to sink deep into the ground. She greeted us with a glance, disappeared and shortly gave us a book where we can choose a design. I could see both anxiety and excitement painted on my friends faces as they pore through the pages. Probably wondering how painful this traditional tattoo is.

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So many stairs! The trail to Buscalan village

The Trek to Buscalan

We left Riverside Inn early to get a good head-start. We learned there would be a number of group going up to Buscalan for the holidays and we want to be the first in line for her. Fang-Od’s still human and at her age, she can get tired too. ” Kaya nya siguro mag tattoo hanggang sampung tao sa isang araw! (She can probably tattoo up to ten people a day!)” Our guide, Abdon Maliwag, told us.Abdon, our guide is a relative of Victor Baculi, he was referred to us by Johnny since Victor was currently guiding a group as well.

We caught a jeep heading to Bontoc by 8am. We top-loaded our way to Mar-O, just a few hundred meters past Bugnay where we originally climbed before. Abdon told us this route is more manageable. With all our bags in tow this was a good decision. The trail hasn’t changed much as before, I even learned that there are jeeps from Bontoc that heads straight to Saclit, the end road and jump-off to the narrow pathway to Buscalan. So if people want to go straight to the village its possible.

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A little bloody. Fang-Od working on a fern design

Fang-Od the Mambabatok at Work

It’s a good thing that I have two not-so willing models to take pictures at and observe the tattooing process this time around unlike before where I was the one under the “thorn”. I found the tapping sound I’ve heard before still soothing and meditative. Erick chose a gayaman (centipede) design for his forearm. I could see his initial look of pain but got used to it after a while. Rocel chose a nilawhat (fern plant) which is common to women as it is believed to bring good health and well-being. Here we could see different people with different type of skin, Rocel’s was more bloody as blood easily drips of her skin. I’m sure Fang-Od is already discerning of different skin types. I remember her telling us that it’s better if blood drips out than none at all.

I got somehow tempted to have another tattoo after seeing them both enjoying the process. This time I had a centipede design on my left shoulder. For some reason, I find the tattooing process more painful the 2nd time around or was she just tapping more forcefully since she’s a bit tired having me as the third client already.

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Where most jeepneys stop in Bugnay

A Nights Stay in Bugnay

Despite invitation to stay overnight at Fang-Od’s place we decided to head back. Since it was mid-afternoon already we’ll just see if we can catch a ride back to Tinglayan. I thought we made good decision as we head down, we crossed paths with two groups heading to the village. I’m sure it would be pretty crowded up there and Fang-Od will have her hands full. Good thing Grace (her niece) is there to help out. As for us, we found a friendly homestay in Bugnay where we spent the night. And surprisingly, Rocel, kicking me and Erick’s asses in our Pusoy Dos games. We didn’t know she could play cards that well. That’s a painful hit to our ego, more than the lingering soreness from our new tattoos.

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Hiking the road trail from Mar-O

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The small falls we passed by on the trail

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The stairways to Buscalan

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Fang-Od’s new born native piglets. So cute!

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Working on the Gayaman design. Believed to bring protection to its bearer

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Focused at work

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Tools of the trade

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Applying coconut oil to finish the process

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A Dancing Dragon near Binondo Church

All I see is red in a good way in the somewhat beautiful chaos of crowd on the first day of the Year of the Horse in Binondo China Town. I think it was two years ago when I last experienced the Binondo Chinese New Year celebration in Manila. I thought it would great and hope would bring good vibes to welcome this year’s Chinese calendar which coincides with mine, who is also born in the Year of the Horse. So off I go to Manila and met some friends who joined me chase dragons, shop for lucky charms and get some authentic Chinese bite or two.

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Dragon Dance in the mist of the firecracker’s smoke

Chasing Dragons

Drum beats here and there, firecrackers with their ear-piercing sound and the dragons getting lost in the smoke and dancing in circles around the firecrackers. It’s always entertaining to see their choreographed movements as they drive away bad vibes for the new year. They come in different colors and sizes, some with more lions than others. Chasing dragons is one of the spectacles to see during this season and they can just pop out from nowhere.

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People buying lucky charms

Lucky Charms

If you believe in luck, there’s an abundance here, lucky charms that is! While I still believe we are the driver behind our fortune’s wheels, it wouldn’t hurt to get some positive influence as well. There’s a lot of horse figures here, coins, bamboo plants and bracelets. I got myself a 9-eye Dzi bead bracelet, which is believed to bring good wealth and fortune for the Horse-born on the year of the horse. I’m not sure if it would work but there’s nothing to lose by having one.

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Streetside altar. Binondo shows the fusion of beliefs from Christian and Chinese

Chinese Eats

With Binondo Chinese New Year teeming with people, we only got to eat at one resto, the New Po-Heng Lumpia. I couldn’t complain though as it was cheap and filling and most of all, it was a new year’s treat from the RoadworthyMan himself.

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Prayers inside the temple

Guan Sheng Fu Zi Temple

We also visited one of the Chinese Temples in the area, particularly the Guan Sheng Fu Zi Temple found at the 3rd floor at one of the buildings in Ongpin. It was interesting to see their rituals here from burning a amount of incense, paper money, dragon candles and even drinking tea. Didn’t stay too long for the afternoon since I have a schedule later that day. I bid farewell to my companions Erick, Rocel and Jet. On my way out of Ongpin, there was a parade ongoing. I didn’t know there were parades like this before. Mayor Erap and Vice Mayor Isko was there. Probably their initiative this year. The parade made it more challenging to get out of China Town but I managed it somehow. Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year!

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Lucky Ginger

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Horses and jades are lucky for 2014

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A purple dragon

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Succulent plants like this are also lucky this year as well as lighting 8 incense while offering your prayer

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A vendor looking through his peddled goods

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Photographers seems to enjoy taking photos of this fire-breather

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We saw a fortune telling session at the street

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More dragon dance amidst the smoke and exploding firecrackers

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Green dragon at rest, children came out to play

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There’s a parade this time of the year and the Manila Mayor Erap as well as VIce Mayor Isko were present

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The Palm Fringed national road in Tagum City

It was not hard to notice the wide national road neatly fringed with rows of palm trees once we entered the City of Tagum, Davao del Norte while on a shuttle coming from Davao City proper. This is probably one of the cleanest and greenest national road I’ve seen in the country. The #TravelMindanao group visits Tagum City for a day trip to see what this fast developing city has to offer.

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The botanical park is expected to be full y developed by 2020

San Agustin Botanical Park

“Tagum City is not really blessed with many natural wonders such as lakes and waterfalls to boost tourism” Our host from the Tagum Tourism, Leo Timogan, was quick to point out. “But we do build man-made structures that are truly commendable” Leo followed while we were having lunch at Dencio’s Kamayan.

One project in development which I kind of sense they are really proud of is the San Agustin Botanical Park. It’s a sprawling hills of green about 31.4 hectare park area with about 37000 tropical trees and plants from different countries allowing visitors to see plant species not only from the Philippines. The park has several gazebos and pathways which are so ideal for picnics, outdoor activities like biking or to simply commune with nature. Tagum City envisions the park to be fully developed by 2020 when the trees are already fully grown.

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The most organized cemetery I’ve seen

La Filipina Public Cemetery

I wasn’t taking it seriously when we were told we’re going to a cemetery. But we did end up in the city public cemetery known as La Filipina, I was surprised to see a manicured memorial park with rows of apartment tombstones alphabetically arranged so people won’t have a hard time finding their departed loved ones here. I thought this was really commendable effort, it’s a far cry from the disorganised clutter of major cemeteries.

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The Christ the King Cathedral

Christ The King Cathedral

A fairly modern cathedral by design, painted in light gray and pale pastel orange. The cathedral was formally erected in 1962. I do admire its spacious interiors and eye-catching modern architecture. At the back of the cathedral is a huge rosary said to be the biggest in the world.

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Enjoying the sands at the Tagum Beach Volleyball Court (Photo by Tagum Tourism)

Sports Stadium

We also got to swing by their sports stadium and facilities. I really admire how the city promotes sports. Everything looks polished and new from the olympic-sized pool, the oval track and even their popular beach volleyball court where a number of renowned beach volley competitions were held.

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Many thanks to the Tagum City tourism for this day tour

Livable City

I can honestly say I like how Tagum City is developing. It’s looking to be a major city in the near future with projects and developments extending in their direction to decongest Davao City. New malls, hotels and facilities are ready to rise. Aside from the man-made tourist attractions, Tagum City has a slew of festivals every month to draw visitors like their popular Musikahan Festival every February. I certainly would want to go back here as I heard there are interesting natural attractions as well like the Nabintad River and the fine black beach of Banana Resort. I could certainly say Tagum City is a place I could live for a while if I’m looking for work in a city.

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Nice garden patterns and amusing cartoon signage

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One of the gazebos in the park

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A huge rosary at the back of the Christ the King Cathedral

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I would love to try running in this oval

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Attempting to play beach volleyball in Tagum (photo by Alex Singcol)

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The Palan-ah Falls in Tulgao

“No wonder not many people go here. This road to Tulgao Village is treacherous!” This I thought as I strive to keep my balance on our habal-habal (motorbike) as we ascend this very (very) rough road. At times we had to go down and walk just to be safe. I told myself that before that if I go back in Kalniga, I would visit the Palan-ah Falls we missed on our last visit. On our third day in Kalinga, we found ourself in a 30-minute hellish ride at a narrow high-altitude dirt road to Tulgao Village.

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Locals heading to Tulgao Village

Tribal Peace Pacts

There’s a certain air of caution when we ask people about going to Tulgao for Palan-Ah Falls. Two of our previous guides would recommend us getting a guide there or people who are from the area when visiting the place. I would always pick up the word “Peace Pact” between tribes being mentioned. Yes, it seems even at this time, tribal conflicts still happen and it pays to check first if the “Peace Pact” is still on hold, lest be caught in the crossfire of warring tribes.

We stayed in Sleeping Beauty Inn this time, which is kinda fortunate since it it owned by Kalinga Ex-Mayor whose from Tulgao. His recently-wed daughter helped us find a habal-habal who would take us there. After much haggling for a reasonable price, we got ready after lunch for an afternoon exploration of Tulgao. Just before we left, I noticed the legs of the habal-habal drivers we met. The ugly scars, fresh cut wounds and burn marks from the motor exhaust pipe on their legs isn’t a comforting sight. If it’s any indication of the road to Tulgao, I told our young driver to be more cautious even if we go slow.

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The village of Tulgao and their rice terraces

Tulgao Village

We breathed a sigh of relief as soon as we made it at the jump-off to Tulgao Village. Our habal-habal driver doubled as a guide so we waited for him to secure his bike inside one of the many makeshift garage in the area before proceeding. The village of Tulgao is much larger than Buscalan Village, the rice terraces are still in the preparation stage for planting season. We followed our guide on the pathway through the village and most of the way is a descending staircase. I was already dreading the way back-up with all these uneven stairs we’re going down to.

About 45 minutes through the trail, we finally caught sight of the falls high up from a deep ravine, and we’re still making our way down. I never thought the trek would be this strenuous! It’s very similar to going to Tappiya Falls in Batad (probably more difficult). The uneven height of the stairway was a challenging to descend, I almost felt pain coming back from my previously injured right knee, glad it didn’t worsen.

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Crossing a hanging bridge to access the falls

The Palan-ah Falls and Hot Spring

Palan-ah Falls was definitely worth all the trek. It sits nicely in between a crevice on a rock wall which looks like a chair (Palan-ah means “chair” in local language). Might be around 30-40 feet high and it’s spewing out quite a pour and spray. I even had to move further back to keep my lens from fogging. If there were more time I would have tried dipping on its waters, only my feet got the luxury to wade under its cold waters.

My feet was also lucky to dip-in on the hot spring just beside a the falls. A rarity to have something cold and hot in one place. Despite the coercing of fellow tourist from Tabuk we had to make our back to village proper.

As much as I dreaded the climb back, the urgency to get back before dark quickened our pace and found ourselves back in Tulgao Village town proper faster than we thought. We happened upon a village gathering, mourning a passing of an important person. We ended up being given a plate of meal, heaps of rice, broth and boiled meat. In all the talks of tribal war and peace pacts, its comforting to experience this kind of hospitality.

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Visitors from Tabuk enjoying the hot spring near the falls

Essential Info

Tulgao Village is 30-minutes away from Tinglayan Town proper. Palan-ah Falls and Hotspring is located at Tulgao West of the village. There are regular jeeps going to Tulgao from Tinglayan which leaves every 2:00pm (Php 60). Habal-habal can be hired any time of the day for Php 200 good for 2 pax on a habal-habal. Guides can be hired for the Palan-ah falls for Php 200 per person.

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Tulgao Village and mountains

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Water-filled terraces

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Palan-ah Falls from the ground level

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View of Mt Iraya while biking Tukon Hills

“Adjust your seat higher. It would help.” Our bike-tour guide Rene told me as he saw me struggle on our uphill ride towards our last stop for the day, the Vayang Rolling Hills. With my armpit at level with my bike saddle, I stretched my arm towards the crank center to determine the proper height for my saddle. I adjusted my saddle accordingly to let my legs fully extend on pedal. We continued our ride and I felt more at ease to somehow find my right cadence. Wow! They could have told me this earlier when we were trekking from Tukon Hills to Valugan Boulder beach. As we near the day’s end of our bike trek in Batan Island, I thought biking in Batanes is the most fun I had on the island on wheels.

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At a high point at Tukon Hills

Steep Climb to Tukon Hills

Coming back to Batanes, I was really looking forward to more biking in the scenic roads and trails of the island. Things fell into pieces when our friend, Joaquin, a certified-guide in Batanes who has been with us during our Backpack Photogaphy tours, lent me his brand-spanking new and handsome bike to use while I’m here. While working on a client in Batanes, they had a couple of guest who flew in their bikes and was set to do some biking in Batanes islands. I was invited to tag along and was delighted to join. Father and son, Raffy and Armand, had been biking for two years already and it’ll be a great opportunity to learn from experienced bikers.

Our guide, Rene, oriented us on the day’s route which is going up Tukon from western side of the national road then traverse the sloping hills of Tukon, then descend towards Valugan Beach. After which, we’ll head back to town and bike our way up to Vayang Rolling Hills. I said I’ll try to keep up and if I can’t make it, I’ll head back. A thought that almost crossed my mind while we climbed up the steep hills of Tukon. Many times I just wanted to go on foot but I wanted to challenge myself in this tongue-dropping and energy-draining route. But I made to the high point of the hill just after the Tukon Chapel and my companions congratulated me for making it that far. From here on, it was a joy ride, the slopes of Tukon was a roller coaster thrill as I let myself ride on the force of gravity with me at the helm to navigate the directions.

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A stop at Valugan boulder Beach

The Japanese Tunnels to Valugan Beach

Even if I’ve been to Batanes several times, it’s the first time I’ve been to the Japanese Tunnels, a hideout by the Japanese during the World War II. While the branching tunnels are a feat in itself, they are a product of forced labor by the Ivatans under the Japanese soldiers. We ventured part of the tunnels but didn’t go down the descending steps.

After the exhausting climb at Tukon, the descend and ride to Valugan Beach was a breeze. We had time to relax at the beach and have a little snack while enjoying the view. We headed back to town shortly.

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Our bikes and Armand enjoying the view of Naidi Hills

Sundown at Vayang Rolling Hills

I had an inkling the last part would be another challenge as well and I wasn’t wrong. Going up to Vayang Rolling Hills is another exercise in exhaustion especially at the latter part of the route. As much as I want to be on the bike all the way, I had to walk this one out on the steep ascend near the hills and rode again downhill to the viewpoint overlooking Naidi Hills. Done with our sightseeing stop, going down was much faster but I was careful with my descend since it was getting dark. A quick stop at the Basco Lighthouse for the sunset and we capped off the day’s ride. I was pretty proud of what I accomplished for that day. We biked about 19km from west to east over Tukon Hills then back. I haven’t biked that long and hard in my entire life. I’ve only biked around the city and was surprised I could almost keep up with them (or maybe they were slowing down for me to keep up). Despite the exhaustion, I wanted more biking in Batanes.

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North Batan Island bike route map

Essential Info

Bike Route: Basco Town proper > National Road to Tukon road > Valugan Beach > Basco Town Proper > Vayang Hills
Distance: 19 km
Max Elevation: 750 ft
Duration: 3-4 hours
Diffculty: Easy to Moderate

For a guided Biking in Batanes tours and packages do contact Batanes Grand Holidays Travel and Tours at +639175859288, +639357697918 or email pensionivatan@yahoo.com.ph. Also like our Batanes by Bike facebook page at www.facebook.com/bikebatanes for tour updates.

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With my biking buddies Raffy, tour guide Rene and Armand

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The steep ascend to Tukon Hills

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At a rest stop with our bike tour guide Rene

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Awesome views and thrilling slopes at Tukon Hills

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Stop over at the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnels

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The road to Valugan Boulder Beach

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Me and my bike at Vayang Hills many thanks to guide Joaquin for lending his handsome bike while I was in Batanes

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The Queen Double Room at Microtel General Santos

I was looking forward to those oh so comfortable chiropractic beds from Microtel when I heard we’ll be staying at their new branch in General Santos City. Microtel by Wyndham is no stranger to me as I’ve already stayed at their branches Baguio, Tarlac, Puerto Princesa and Boracay. The good thing about this chain hotel is that I can expect the same comfort I’ve enjoyed all through their branches, which is the bed where I’ve always felt rejuvenated waking up even with only a few hours of sleep. Microtel General Santos is no exception.

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Facade of Microtel General Santos (photo by Doi)

Microtel General Santos

Microtel By Wyndham Inn and Suites  have a knack on getting good locations, in Palawan they’re on a beautiful beach cove with mangroves, in Boracay they are on a prime beach, in Baguio they are attached to the bus station. Microtel General Santos is also set in a convenient location within a compound along the national highway. There are a lot of dining places nearby, some have 24 hour brewery. The Yellow Bus Station is a short walk as well and there’s a nearby mall a short ride south.

There are 66 double and suite rooms in Microtel General Santos, all with their standard chiropractic-approved beds, room air-conditioning, Cable TV, hot and cold shower, refrigerator, closets, and complimentary WiFi. Room hallway area is secured by door locks that can only be opened by room keys.

There’s a breakfast buffet available, a little conservative and basic but filling and satisfying enough for a hearty meal. I do like the furniture they used in the dining area.

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Cliff view at Maasim from Lemlunay Dive Resort

Maasim Saranggani Side Trip

Doi’s friend, Jet, a GenSan-based free-diver invited us to a quick trip at Maasim in the morning before we leave and free dive at the Tinoto Reef. We happily obliged as we were looking for some underwater activity after enjoying the free dive in Enchanted River. The drive from Microtel Gensan took less than an hour and we found ourselves enjoying the coastal drive to Maasim.

The jump-off to Tinoto Reef is from Lemlunay Resort. We did find the water too rough at that time it made free diving a lot harder but we did manage to get a glimpse of what the reef has to offer. We got around to find some good spots to free dive but got no luck as the water somehow receded. We only had limited time so we headed back.

We only had an overnight stay at Microtel General Santos but it was enough to give us a brief respite to prepare for a much gruelling leg ahead. We also met with a SOCCSKARGEN born and raised friend Allan of Lantaw with his wife where he treated us for a sumptuous lunch at a local eatery. A hearty send off for our #TravelMindanao South Cotabato and North Cotabato leg.

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Toiletries set at Microtel

Essential Info

Microtel by Windham General Santos is a hotel partner for our #TravelMindanao

Microtel by Wyndham – General Santos 
Address: Valley High, National Highway, General Santos City, Philippines
Phone Number: +63 83 553 8080
Mobile Number: +63 917 319 7447
Email:gensan@microtel.ph
Website: http://www.microtel-gensan.com/

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The Cherry Bus in El Nido

It’s always nice to have a healthy competition around. With El Nido growing into popularity, people wouldn’t mind traveling the 6-7 hours length just to enjoy El Nido, the northern beaches and islands of Palawan. Now with the entry of another bus company, Cherry Bus, there’s more frequency, convenience and cheaper travel to one of my favorite destinations in Palawan. Here’s how the new bus compares.

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Inside their new bus

Cherry Buses

The new gray Cherry Buses are slightly larger and has decent leg room. We could see they are new since most of the seat covers haven’t been removed yet. Airconditioning system works well and the sound system too. It’s just that they have a weird taste of music for me which is a personal preference. Just put on your personal headphones.

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Comfortable leg room but they should remove those seat covers so I can use those net pockets

On the Road

Like RORO Bus, Cherry also picks up and drop passengers along the way so expect travel time to get longer in busy days especially at day time. They also stop at Taytay station and in Roxas but in a different station from RORO. How was their driving? It’s fair to say they did well despite the speed, but we can never really tell how all of them do judging from one of their drivers.

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Empty seats

Cherry Bus Schedule

Aircon Bus Fare is Php 380 while non-aircon bus fare is Php 270.

Going to the San Jose Bus Terminal from the airport

The Cherry Bus is also stationed at the new San Jose Market and Bus terminal. The easiest way from the Puerto Princesa airport is not necessarily the cheapest. Tricycles can take passengers directly to the bus station from Php100-140 depending on your haggling skills. Travel time is 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic.

If you want it cheap and are not in a hurry, just walk outside the airport and take the Php 8 blue tricycle to the junction. Ask to be dropped there and you can take a multicab to the San Jose market for Php 13. The multicab’s last stop is at the San Jose Bus Terminal.

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Travel eGuide Batanes Batan Island

This is a concept that has played in my head since late last year. I’ve always wanted to do a Travel Guide for my site but I wanted to do it right. Ironwulf En Route has always been about narratives. If I wanted a Travel Guide, I want something that I can practically bring with me with on travels even offline. I swear how convenient guides like these were on my own travels. Hence, I made this Travel eGuide, a handy downloadable destination travel ebook. And as a début, I made sure I feature one of my favorite destinations which is Batanes!

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Batan Island and Basco Maps

Making the Travel eGuide

The concept was inspired by how popular my Batanes maps were and I could see people actually printing them as a guide. I decided it is time to really put out a proper destination guide here for Philippines but the task isn’t as easy as doing a blogpost. There’s the factor of gathering information and resource, deciding on the layout, deciding on the photography and multiple proofreading to iron out grammatical lapses and typos. There’s also the output and proper testing on how it works and looks in different devices. It was a meticulous and tedious task that took weeks to finish.

I can say this En Route Travel eGuides is a personal pet project where I poured all my skills and passion into. Most of the photography used, the illustrations, the maps, the layout, the design and writing were personally done by me. I did ask my good friend and creative conceptualist Oggie of Lagalog to help me out on the editing and proofreading as that task really requires another person’s eye for detail.

This Travel eGuide is just the first of many that would come and hopefully you find it handy to take to your travels. Download the first edition En Route Travel eGuide Batanes now!

Download Travel eGuide Batanes

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Morning at Lake Sebu

I will never get tired of this place. The nippy air, the sight of canoes slowly cutting through the placid waters of the lake, some egrets and other bird species suddenly landing on a leafy branch nearby and catching the changing hues during sunrise. Marvelling on how the light falls on the water and spread into the low mountains and hills. It is mornings like this, sitting by the porch in front of our room at Punta Isla Lake Resort, I’m at the front seat as nature unfolds before me. It’s no surprise I would be back in Lake Sebu for the third time. On this trip, I’m accompanied by my #TravelMindanao buddies.

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Our room at the resort

Commuting from General Santos to Lake Sebu

Coming from Microtel General Santos, we had to do a few transfers to reach Lake Sebu. It wasn’t really a hassle since transportation system in Mindanao is efficient. We took the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) from Bulaong Terminal headed Marbel. Travel time was about an hour for Php 84.00. From Marbel Terminal, we hopped on to another YBL bus going to Surallah. Travel time was about half an hour for Php 28.00. From Surallah, we took a van to Lake Sebu poblacion (town center) proper. Travel time was less than an hour for Php 35.00. From the poblacion there were plenty of habal-habal (motorbikes) which we took going to our resort Punta Isla Lake Resort. Fare was Php 20.00.

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The resort viewed from the floating restaurant

Punta Isla Lake Resort

This resort is already an institution. Even if there are already a number of lake-side resorts popping up, Punta Isla Lake Resort hasn’t change much since my first visit in 2007. Except for the thicker vegetation, the rooms has been slightly spruce up a bit and added wifi access to the common area. Then there’s the big tilapia (fish) on top of the floating restaurant which is way to kitsch for my taste. Still, we’re thankful for staying here as the place still feels homey. The nights were cool. The tables and chairs by the porch doubles as our working area with a view of the lake.

Morning by the Lake

Punta Isla Lake Resort has a wide area and has access to the banks of the lake. Dining huts by the lake gives a closer view of the fish farms. I like it that they have lessened the number of fish cages now in the lake letting it breathe naturally. After enjoying the morning unfold in myriad colors, I went down by the banks to see the fishermen starting early to tend to their nets and fish. It was such a serene moment seeing them glide gracefully over the water while a thin veil of mist linger and slowly evaporate on the lake. Lake Sebu always had that calming effect on me. I really don’t mind going back here again and again.

Punta Isla Lake Resort
Contact: (083)236-1053
Smart: 09194515015
Globe: 09052895134
Sun: 09239115053
email: reservations.puntaisla@yahoo.com

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A local tending the nets

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It’s nice to see lesser fish pens at the lake

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Even the young ones do their share on the chores

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Water lilies in full bloom in the morning while a fisherman tend the nets

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A kid getting painted as part of his costume

“I feel a little tipsy” I told my friends. I think it was a bad idea to drink that cupful of emperador in one gulp. I couldn’t refuse the drink out of good gesture from the locals. Now I’m wondering if the lechon I’m looking at has really lost the rest of its body with only the head left rotating on the fire. The Barotuan Festival parade hasn’t even started yet and I find myself trying to find a seat to gather my senses back. I guess if you go to any ati-atihan celebration, there’s always a chance you’ll get a little alcohol in your system aside from that little soot on your face.

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Helping each other apply soot to the body

Barotuan Festival

It was last year when I first witnessed the Barotuan Festival. It’s basically an ati-atihan celebration from the town of Barotuan found an hour north of El Nido town proper. Most of the people of this town were descended from Aklan migrants. To celebrate their ancestry and roots, the people celebrate Ati-atihan to honor the patron saint Sto Niño.

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A young performer from Taberna tries on his headdress

Behind the Scenes

This year’s Barotuan Festival is a lot modest. There were less participating groups due to lack of funds. Their costumes mostly were made of cheap and recycled materials but that didn’t stop them from being creative. Before the parade started, we visited the different groups who were competing for the street dance. It was interesting to see how they prepare and put on their costumes. They even made use of real paint on their bodies it know can be real uncomfortable for the kids. But we could see the dedication from the kids once they started their parade.

We didn’t stay for the dance competition but we heard yet again that Baranggay Taberna took home the main prize again. They have been unchallenged for more than a decade now.

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Painting them green

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Applying soot from the ground

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Face to face

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A young girl Ati performer

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A kid proudly wearing the Taberna headdress

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Another group using ferns as headdress

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Bike trek route to Chavayan village in Sabtang Island

It was almost pitch black. I was extra careful riding my bike as I could only see only about 6-10 feet of the road ahead of me. I was thankful for the cheap LED light I bought before flying to Batanes as I could never have ridden in this darkness. I left Basco as early as 5am so I could catch the first falowa to Sabtang island. After a day’s rest, I decided to continue biking in Batanes while I still have a group to join with, this time to bike Sabtang island. I wasn’t sure at first if I can handle the terrain but our guide Rene assured me Sabtang is a lot manageable than our North Batan Island ride to Tukon we did the other day.

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Securing our bikes on a falowa to Sabtan island

Early Ride to Ivana

First thing in order for Sabtang island is making my way to Ivana first. That means I have to ride about almost 14km from my lodging in Basco down south in about an hour since the boats usually leave around 6am. Riding in the darkness is not something I was accustomed to but it’s a good thing I’m quite familiar with the roads here already, the turns, the slopes, the hills but I was still extra careful. I reached Chawa Cliff viewdeck around 5:30am and it was still dark. Rested a bit, took photos and watching early riders pass by the area. The early morning bluish light came in and it was easier to pick up my pace. I reached the sleeping town of Mahatao shortly. I saw a small store open and remembered I haven’t had my breakfast yet but I continued on as I might miss my boat.

The road to Mahatao to Ivana has been developed tremendously since the last time I bike the area. Most of them are paved making my ride faster. But the cool wind, and beautiful morning light unveiling behind the mountains just makes me want to stop for a while and enjoy this quiet moment. But I pedaled faster way past Ivana town to reach the port. I got a sight of relief to see the boat hasn’t left yet. My biking buddies aren’t there yet so I enjoyed a cup of coffee and some biscuits at the Honesty Coffee Shop.

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Early portion of our ride to south Sabtang island

South Sabtang Island Bike Ride

My companions rode in just in time. There were 2 boats that morning end everyone at the port were accommodated. Our bikes were securely strapped on the boat. As usual, I took my seat at the back of the boat. The ride was much faster with favourable sea as we reached Sabtang island in 30 minutes. After completing our registration requirements, we were off to south.

The ride in this part of the island was manageable.  What we didn’t expect was the occasional wind blowing against our direction which posed a little challenge on some parts where there were elevations. We passed by Savidug village, then the zig-zag road leading to the picturesque Tiñan viewpoint in Chamantad. One thing I noticed thought that the dump site on that road is already gone. That’s a welcome change.

We had our buko juice break before the most exciting part of our bike trek – the winding road to Chavayan village. This is the most scenic and the most dreaded part for me. I had to control my momentum going down or else I’ll find myself flying off the cliffs. It was a tense moment as I descended the route but I found that I didn’t have to worry too much as I conquered the route with ease just being smart on my brakes and turns. We reached the end of the road in Chavayan.

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Taking a break at Tiñan viewpoint

The North Sabtang Island Ride

Having reached the end of the road means we have to go back that 9.5km length our bike trekked. And that means going up that steep road back to Tiñan. I gathered momentum as I went up, changed to the proper gear setting and pedalled my way up. I was personally proud of myself in reaching Tiñan without having to walk my bike. But it was after the zig-zag road and the stretch towards Savidug when I felt my right leg was about to cramp and my hands were starting to numb. I guess I wasn’t the only one feeling the exhaustion as we made a brief stop to re-energize with snacks.

It was the added 3km after Malakdang when it felt really strenuous as it was all hills after passing by the lighthouse. I had to pedal through the cramps and pace myself efficiently until we reached Morong White Beach for our lunch. I was glad the weather was perfect for biking that day as it was windy with passing clouds. I couldn’t imagine biking under the heat. We got back to Sabtang Port just in time before our boat leaves back to Batan Island. Our boat ride was a lot rougher this time around but it was awesome to see dolphins midway our sea journey.

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End of the road in Chavayan village

Ride back to Basco

Our bike trek didn’t end there. We all have to make our way back to Basco on our bike. I had to pop-in a pain reliever this time so I could ride beyond the cramps. We didn’t make stops until we reach Mahatao then surged all the way back to Basco town. We were back in Pension Ivatan by 5pm. Basing it on the map we totalled around 50km but Raffy’s cyclometer registers 55km in all on varying peaking elevations. Whichever is the correct distance, I have never bike that hard in my life. It was tiring but fulfilling and makes me want to do more biking in Batanes.

For guided Bike Tours in Batanes, do contact Batanes Grand Holidays at +639395844840 or +639062487909. You may also visit www.pensionivatanbatanes.com/batanes-tours/

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Waiting for the light at Chawa Cliffs Viewdeck

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Checking out the San Vicente Ferrer church

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Glad to see they removed the dump site in this zig-zag route

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Descending on the road to Chavayan village

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The author reaching the end road south of Sabtang island

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Riding back up to Tiñan from the village

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Going north this time

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Our final stop at Morong Beach, north of Sabtang island

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Lake Sebu Zipline over Hikong Bente

Lake Sebu has seen its share of development in the years. Apart from the tranquil three lakes in this land of dreamweavers, the Lake Sebu Zipline has been a big draw — being the highest in the country and personally the most scenic as well. The #TravelMindanao team of course wouldn’t miss experiencing this one. Even if I had rode the Lake Sebu Zipline before, I was still excited to try it again. The group headed to Hikong Alu, the first of the seven falls in Lake Sebu where the jump-off for the zipline is stationed.

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Hikong Alu

Hikong Alu Falls

We hired a few habal-habal for the day to take us around Lake Sebu. Hikong Alu falls was our first stop. There’s an entrance fee of Php 20 for the park. We headed straight to the falls which has significantly changed in landscape since the last major storm that passed by this area. The wide veil like pour still flows smoothly for Hikong Alu, only the surrounding land has changed due to landslide. Noticeable also at the bridge is a mock set-up for a zipline photo op. If one has no guts to try the zipline, they can still pose for a photo here. How exciting is that!

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Doi and Alex enjoying the zipline

Lake Sebu Zipline

There was a maintenance ongoing when we arrived at the Zipline launch pad. We didn’t mind waiting more than an hour for operations to start. We settled having snacks and taking photos as we build our excitement for the ride. Finally, the staff signalled they were ready. We paid our Php 300 peso per pax ride fee and off we go. The beauty of this Lake Sebu Zipline is you get to zipline two times. Zipping at the speed of around 100kph, the view of waterfalls, rivers, treetops, cliffs and hills is simply overwhelming.

The first zipline at the height of 740 meters zips over the sheer drop of the second falls, Hikong Bente and you could see the other falls. The 2nd part at 400 meters speeds you up closer to the trees and catapults you faster to an exciting finish.

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Powerful pour and spray from Hikong Bente

Hikong Bente Falls

The second falls Hikong Bente‘s majestic pour was taunting is to get closer. We quick made the short hike to the falls. The water gushing out was a lot stronger than the usual it was hard to take photos even if we were just from the bridge away from the falls. We still decided to get closer, following the rainbow created by the afternoon light striking the mist. We finally reached the end of the path where the towering Hikong Bente with all its might displayed before us. It felt so small being beside it. We left shortly as we were pressed for time. But it sure is amazing to see the seven falls again in different angles.

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Hikong Alu from the bridge

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Zipline photo op

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Following the rainbow, the path to Hikong Bente

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Catching what’s left of the sunrise

Sometimes it’s disheartening to see a place change. There are times when places are best not seen again as not to ruin the initial perception of a place. Like love at first sight, when emotions run high and the amazing sense of bewilderment how something could captivate your being without understanding. Sometimes it’s beyond words, like how the placidness of a lake can calms one’s inner being. How a wisp of mist gently dances above the water can hypnotise. How the light plays with your vision. Such is the morning at Lake Seloton when I first experienced the place. However, things have slightly changed on my recent visit.

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On a large bamboo raft

Lake Seloton the Sunrise Lake

The #TravelMindanao team decided to visit Lake Seloton for sunrise in our last day in Lake Sebu. We were up already by 4:30am but the habal-habal we hired didn’t arrive. We walked to the highway and found ourselves hailing any habal-habal that would pass by. Fortunately we found our rides and we made it in time with still some good light left. We entered the resort we were accustomed to shoot and I was aghast to find a pool being constructed by the lake. It certainly is something I feel would be out of place. Unfortunately the owners felt differently. Probably thinking that this added facility would attract more people.

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A dug-out canoe and a boat

Leaving Lake Sebu

Can’t this idyll simplicity enough to attract people? For a city folk like me, the sight of dug out canoes parked by the banks, water lilies in full bloom in the morning and the fishermen, gliding fluidly above still waters, the foggy mountains on the horizon is a balm to the weary eyes. I certainly traveled miles from home just to see this. As we left Lake Seloton that morning, I was keeping my hopes up that things wouldn’t change as much as to ruin my perfect memory of this place.

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A local fisherman gliding through the placid water

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Up the tree and the view from above

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The enchanting Asik-asik Falls

There was a little apprehension in the next leg of our #TravelMindanao adventure coming from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. We were headed northern counterpart of Cotabato this time and we can’t help thinking about its tainted reputation of sudden insurgencies. I’ve traveled to places like this while most of the time its safe, it helps to keep a low-profile so we were cautious. What ensued was the most arduous journey of #TravelMindanao in my opinion but rewarded with the sight of Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato. Personally, one of the most enchanting and surreal falls I’ve seen in the Philippines.

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Improvised bridge over Raradangan River

Journey from Lake Sebu to Midsayap

We were down to four. We had to bid goodbye to PinayTravelista from this leg on as she had to attend to personal matters at home. The TravellingFeet, EscapeManila and BagdokOnTheRoad were my trusty companions in this semi-covert exploration. From Lake Sebu we head to Surallah (Php 35), an hour’s ride to transfer to Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. There was a fiesta that time in Sultan Kudarat and we had to take a quick van transfer near the rotunda in Isulan for Cotabato City (Php 120). Travel time was for the 89km ride was about 2 hours. We had our late lunch in Cotabato City then we rode a van for Midsayap (Php 60) which took about an hour. We arrived in Midsayap, North Cotabato by mid-afternoon.

The journey was really taxing it was a good decision we spend the night in Midsayap. We got a room for Php 1200 good for four at White Hut Inn, a large compound with a pool and is touted for its reliable security. We ventured downtown as well for dinner and to restock our supplies. Midsayap, for a small town is bustling with many tricycles on the road, a school and some commercial establishments.

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The road from Upper Dado to the falls jump-off

Midsayap to Upper Dado, Alamada

And our journey to Asik-asik Falls continues the next day. We decided to just hire a couple of habal-habal to take us to Alamada, Upper Dado since we wanted to start early. There were actually jeeps available to Alamada but leaves at 10am. We checked out from White Hut Inn and left some of our luggage at their reception. We were on our way by 7am, heading back a short distance to Libungan then traversing the highway to Alamada. The 1.5 hours ride here was still manageable, there were sections of paved roads but most of them are dirt roads. No wonder they use heavy-duty large jeeps here. We even had to pass by a makeshift bridge over Raradangan River since the concrete bridge was destroyed from a recent flood. There’s a Php 20 fee just to pass by this improvised bridge.

Upon reaching Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato, we had to leave our hired habal-habal for a while and transfer to a much more heavy-duty habal-habal. We paid an entrance of Php 30 at the tourism center where we also registered. The accredited habal-habal (Php 100 per motorbike) were already waiting by the side and we got a couple for us four passengers. The ride was about 30-minutes but it was the most hellish habal-habal ride I had. The road was really rough and rocky that butt-numbing was an understatement. You really have to hold on tight as it is easy to get thrown off from the motorbike in this ridiculously bumpy ride.

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Beautiful landscape of Alamada

Enchanted by Asik-asik Falls

I breathe a sigh of relief as we finally reached the jump-off to Asik-asik Falls. There was a large pavilion where our habal-habal would wait and the place to get guides. From here on, it’s a short 20-30 minutes hike to the falls. It was a descending trail and I was just mesmerised by the rolling hills and mountains in the area. It reminds me so much of the pictures I see of Tuscany, sans the fall colors as these hills were all shades of green. Midway, there’s a 500+ descending stairway leading deep into the gorge. When we reached the stream, we finally got a glimpse of the falls.

The place was a set straight out of a fantasy novel where fairies, dwarves and other mystical creatures dwell. A 140 meter wide concave wall reaching up to 60 meters high covered with tropical plants like a vertical garden and water spewing out from random crevices. It’s not like any falls I’ve seen before with no main water source spewing from the top. In fact the stream is running against the direction of the falls. Just bizarre. I’m also glad the place isn’t badly developed. There are bridges, stairs, tables and chairs but they were all made of wood to keep the area as natural as possible.

Asik-asik Falls was just wonderful and relaxing that we spent about 3 hours in the place. We had the falls to ourselves arriving early and just had our bread snacks for lunch so we could maximise our time there. I took a dip at the icy waters. Chilly it may be, it was still refreshing. The wind draft from above made the place a lot cooler. I climbed up the rocks to enjoy the natural showers.

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Approaching Asik-asik falls

Long Road to Davao

It was sad we had to leave Asik-asik Falls sooner, I would want to stay longer in this place. There’s also another falls in the area named Daday falls which would be interesting to explore as well. We tracked back the way we went through including the extremely bumpy habal-habal ride back to Midsayap. We collected our bags from White Hut Inn and got on a van bound for Davao. It was another exhausting 5 hours travel which left us zoned out throughout the ride. Asik-asik falls is another gem in Mindanao I was glad to visit. It makes me think that sometimes places that have a bad rep can be an advantage to keep places like Asik-asik falls unspoiled. Then again, I think people deserve to know a wonderful place like this exist.

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The pavilion jump-off point to the falls

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The 500+ steps to the falls

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The picnic area at the falls

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The author enjoying the natural showers

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View on the other side of the falls

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The falls and a tree

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The foot bridge and river stream

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The river at Asik-asik falls with stream coming from the nearby Daday falls

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The jeep servicing the Midsayap-Alamada route

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En Route Sabtang Island Travel eGuide

Thank you very much for the 1st edition of the En Route Travel eGuides! It may not show on the page since I had to reset the permalinks but the first edition the En Route Batan Island Travel eGuide have reached more than 500 downloads since it came out. For those of you who downloaded, I hope you found it useful. The Batanes Travel Guide is a three-part edition divided based on the three main island. Now here’s the 2nd edition, the Batanes Travel Guide Sabtang Island. It is a slimmer 20-page PDF guide but still packs in information about the island. The PDF download is still FREE so click on the link below to lead you to the download page.

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Inside pages od the Sabtang Island travel eGuide

Sabtang Island Travel eGuide Download Page

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Let’s play at the Sandbox at Alviera Porac Pampanga

Summer is definitely here! Time to put on some cool comfortable clothes, splash in some sunblock and let’s get active at the outdoors. A new attraction has popped up in Porac, Pampanga. The SandBox Alviera, within the 1.125 hectare property of Alviera, is a giant playground for both the young and the young at heart. It got some unique rides and activities geared for group of friends, families or even corporations. We recently get to try these rides just before its public opening this April 12, 2014. And I got a treat for you guys. Read on!

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The 10-meter high Giant Swing

SandBox Attractions

Not minding the bearing sun, I and my companions quickly lined up for the rides which attracted us most. The Giant Swing was the first. Standing 10-meters high, it is the country’s tallest swing! I thought it would be simple but my adrenaline started pumping when they started pulling me up almost parallel to front frame and everything went crazy from the sudden release and let gravity take its action. The next second I was in the midst of a dry scream looking straight into the sky. It was really fun.

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Climbing wall at the Adventure Tower

I also wanted to try the Avatar One, the Philippine’s first roller coaster zipline but it wasn’t in operation yet. Maybe next time. I just contented watching people negotiate the 5-storey Adventure tower for a slew of height-challenging activities like wall climbing, rappelling and a free fall.

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The Aerial Walk

I also checked out the Pump Track, a vast 5,000 sqm mountain bike obstacle course to test your cycling skills. Nearby are the ATVs and Buggies. I got to try part of the original 40 minute trail and it was wild, dusty and thrilling as well.

The Aerial Walk Challenge may look simple, but the obstacle course does challenge one’s balance , agility and flexibility.

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The Pump Track

Mini Raffle

The Sandbox Alviera officially opens this April 12, 2014 with a special concert by Bamboo. You and three of your friends have a chance to drop by the opening or opt to use it some other time as Ironwulf En Route is giving out 4 Passes for the Sandbox Alviera to one winner! Each Pass is a Package A which includes the following:

• Sandbox Entrance Fee
• Aerial Walk
• Giant Swing
• Climbing Wall
• Roller Coaster Zipline
• Rappel Wall
• Free Fall
• Mini Golf

The pass is valid for one year. The contest runs from April 6-8, 2014, midnight of Tuesday. Participants must be from Manila or nearby provinces of Luzon. The winner will be announced on Wednesday April 9, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This mini-raffle contest is NOT endorsed by Sandbox, Alviera or Ayala Land. This is a giveaway by the owner of Ironwulf En Route.

The Sandbox is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. To learn more about Sandbox Alviera, visit www.alviera.ph and like www.facebook.com/AlvieraPH

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The buggies and ATVs

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Flying spinners

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The Maligcong Rice Terraces during the pre-planting season

This is where I bid goodbye to my friends Erick and Rocel. Coming from Kalinga. We headed back to Bontoc since the couple would be travelling back to Manila via Baguio. I, on the other hand would be staying in Bontoc to do further exploration. I got used to Bontoc mostly as a transit point to either Sagada, Kalinga or Banaue, but there’s this little upland town called Maligcong that’s only 30 minutes away from Bontoc that captured my curiosity. I heard of equally impressive rice terraces, scenic mountain hikes and cool clime.

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Maligcong Homestay and Coffee Shop

Maligcong Homestay and Coffeeshop

I missed the noon jeep going to Maligcong so I spent time at the cozy Goldfish Cafe and chatted with the owner Gemma. She had large photo prints of Maligcong Rice Terraces hanging up the walls. Her stories about the place certainly stirred my interest more that I didn’t notice the time was already 2:30pm, the next jeep was about to leave.

I ran just in time to catch the jeep to Maligcong. Like any other provincial jeeps it was big and heavy with a mix of cargo and passengers. I was still able to get a seat since it didn’t leave immediately as I thought. When the jeep rolled, I asked some of the passengers where Maligcong Homestay was who was owned by Suzette. They were nice enough to tell me when to alight.

Suzette and her youngest child greeted me by their red gate. Maligcong Homestay and Coffee Shop has a large area with a spacious lawn. They have their main residential home and the two rooms are separate from the house under a veranda. The rooms are large, each has two queen-sized beds and the walls were constructed with sturdy wood. There’s a shared bathroom outside which they have been kept clean during my stay. There’s also a water heater since it can get really cold here. My favorite spot is the veranda overlooking the rice terraces. There are a few tables and chairs which serves as the dining area. Suzette and her family made me feel at home there being the only guest. They make very good coffee and Suzette cooks up really tasty dishes. Her Oat Bars a really good and really filling, perfect as trail snacks.

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The rice terraces reflecting the sky

The Maligcong Rice Terraces

I decided to explore that afternoon when I came. Suzette suggested I try to visit her 5-year old’s son school and pointed at a green roof on a hill across the rice terraces. They call the place Fang-arao, where the Maligcong Elementary School is located. If her son just walks everyday there with their dog back and forth I thought it would be quite easy to reach before the sundown.

Fang-arao is only one of the six sitios the others are Mayayat the area by the road to from Bontoc Proper, Makunig, where the viewdeck and the homestay is located, Favuyan, the turning point and where the road ends, jump-off to the terraces, Ada-an, the area north of Favuyan at the slopes of the mountain, and Favarey, the further area where the Barangay Clinic and Barangay Hall are located.

My trek was a short one from Favuyan to Fang-arao, first it was a descending stairs from the turning point to the terraces. It was near the turn of the year and the farmers are preparing the rice fields for planting. The rice paddies were all water but it was an interesting pattern of glassy layers reflecting the sky. Most of the walls were made of piled stones and mud.  The trek wasn’t really that hard until the ascending stairs to Fang-arao. I reached the school and there is a basketball court high up that hill.

I retraced my steps back by 5pm and there were a group of locals heading opposite my direction, probably going to Favarey. The last jeep from Bontoc may have arrived with these passengers. I chatted some of them and most of them were relatives and loved ones coming home for the holidays. No wonder the huge boxes, luggages and bags. There was even one guy carrying a refrigerator on his back. As I near Favuyan, I caught the tail-end of the afternoon light reflecting on the rice paddies and a thin veil of clouds covering the summit of the norther peaks of Maligcong. It was a beautiful sight to end the day.

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A local cleaning and preparing her rice field for planting

Essential Information

There are regular jeep transfers between Maligcong and Bontoc Town Proper. The Jeep terminal is along the Capitol Road just behind the market. It’s easy to find and most people know if you ask. Jeep fare is Php 25 and travel time is 30 minutes.

Maligcong Homestay and Coffee Shop has 2 rooms than can accommodate up to 4 pax each. Rate per night is Php 300 per pax. Meals are also served but dependent on the ingredients available. She can also arrange tour guides for hikes around the villages. You may contact Suzette Chees at +639155463557.

Things to consider: Maligcong can be very cold from December to February. It’s best to bring jacket and warm clothes at this time. Globe and Smart cellphone signals can be erratic.

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My room at the homestay

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The pathway at Fang-arao

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Basketball court at the school grounds

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Transporting items across the terraces

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Heading home after a day’s work

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More locals busy on the fields

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Afternoon at the rice terraces

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A rice terraces closer to Favuyen

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The amphitheater at RAVE of Pasig

It’s funny sometimes that destinations within the neighborhood can be off our radar at times. I guess it’s the same case with the locals in the provinces. We admire places and their attractions, however for them, they rub it off as they see them everyday. Same case here in Pasig where I live, I never thought our RAVE Pasig Rainforest Park has been getting a lot of interest from the city folks especially this summer vacation.

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RAVE of Pasig has an impressive Waterpark

From Pasig Rainforest to RAVE

The last time I wrote about this Pasig Rainforest Park was back in 2006. I guess it’s about time to update a few information about this humble oasis in the metro. The Pasig Rainforest Park first opened in 2003 as gift to Pasigueños by Mayor Eusebio. The park is free for everyone with minimal entrance fees to some of the park facilities. About 3 years ago, they rebranded to RAVE which stands for Rainforest Adventure Experience and along with it, aside from the usual mini-zoo and park attraction they added adventure activities like a maze, wall climbing, bike parks, zipline and a boating lagoon.

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Large chess pieces at the chess pavillion area

Rainforest in the City

I had the luxury of having this rainforest park in the neighborhood. It only takes a 15-minute bike ride from my place to reach the area. There are bike racks at the entrance to secure my ride. I often go here as well since I visit the Fitness Center for the gym located at the center of the park. Sometimes I just go here to read under the tree shade as the park has in abundance which I really like. I also took my little nephews and nieces here and they really had a grand time every visit, from the petting zoo, train ride, the playground and the water park. The RAVE water park is really impressive. They have several pools that can cater for adults and children, large slides and an Olympic-size lap pool which unfortunately at that time are used by the park for swimming lessons as I would have wanted to do some laps there.

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Mini-train ride at the park

RAVE Park Attractions and Rates

There are just too many attractions in the Pasig Rainforest Park. Below are a summary of their attractions. Entrance fee vary. Pasig residents get a considerable amount of discount.

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Lots of trees at the camping grounds and tree houses

Essential Information

RAVE: Pasig Rainforest Adventure Experience Park
Address: F. Legaspi Avenue
Maybunga, Pasig City
Philippines

Contact Numbers:
Rainforest Admin (+632) 6425280
Rainforest Waterpark (632) 6284291

Operating hours:

• The whole park is open from 5am to 530pm. Though even past 5:30pm, people are allowed to jog in the area.
• The mini-zoo and butterfly garden at 8-11am and 2-4pm.
• The Rave Waterpark is open from 7am-6pm.
• The mini-train is open from 9-11am to 2-4pm.
• The Fitness Center is open from 6am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, 8am to 530pm Sundays.

How to go to Pasig Rainforest Park:

Coming from Crossing MRT Shaw Boulevard, make your way to ADB Avenue and catch FX and Vans en route to Angono or Binangonan with Floodway signboard. They will pass by the Pasig Rainforest Park along F. Legaspi Avenue. Notable landmark nearby would be Puregold, Finex, Dr Tam’s Vegan House and Parkwood. Alight before reaching Javier bridge.

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Adventure park for bike and skateboard ramps, wall climbing, rappelling and zipline

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Wonderful flower field garden

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The gym, aerobics and park admin found inside the Eusebio Fitness Center

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Boating lagoon are

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RAVE Waterpark children’s pool

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Olympic-sized lap pool

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Kiddie Playground

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A section for our beloved elderly

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A pavillion at the petting zoo

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The natural flowing pools at Sitio Timoga, Iligan City

Mid-day in Iligan City. The sun was blaring, the wind feels humid and after walking around the city streets to chase the Dyandi festival performers, it was a day begging for some nice cool dip. I guess the people at Iligan Bloggers Society (IBS) had foresight of what participants want for that day as we were scheduled to visit the Timoga Cold Springs in Buru-un. Iliganons seem so enthusiastic whenever I mention we’re going there. They said it’s a place of “flowing swimming pools”.

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Enjoying the natural cold spring water from this pool

Timoga Cold Springs Resorts

I shiver at the sight of a developed resort with cemented pools and pathways when we got down on a coastal road in Sitio Timoga, Buru-un. But the Timoga Cold Springs resorts wasn’t as bad as I thought when we entered. Several layers of pool and once we got higher, we saw the natural spring waters flowing. Everything was well-kept and in order. So the water from the pools on the lower floor came from the springs above. There was this natural pool with low cascades where we enjoyed having a back massage from its strong flow. Yes they resort did make some cemented pathways or bridges but they made sure the water flows freely that’s why the spring waters were clean, clear and cold. From what I read, the source of this spring water came from Lake Lanao.

The environment here is very easy-going. There may be a number of people aside from us but each have their own spaces and going about each others way to enjoy the place. The resort is large enough for groups and it is a perfect venue for picnics! Oh IBS was ahead of us again as they served us a feast for lunch. The resort allows people to bring in their own food and there are a lot of stalls along the street to buy them including one of the best lechon (suckling pig) I’ve tasted. Other goodies were the bundle of puso (rice in pandan leaves), roasted chicken, pansit and grilled fish. We ate with our bare hands and sucked out the goodness from our fingertips. After filling ourselves it was back to the cold spring water. Yes, it was that fun and refreshing!

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Ancestral house of the former first lady Evangeling Macaraeg-Macapagal

Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House

As a side-trip before we left Timoga Cold Springs, we visited the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House, the house by the late first lady and mother of the former president, Evangeline Macaraeg-Macapagal. It’s a beautiful ancestral house at the foot of the springs enough to hear its calming stream. It represents the grandeur of the family and I can only imagine how they have lavishly lived in this home. Aside from the semi-seductive painting of the young Gloria Arroyo, we also saw a her own playhouse. A very interesting visit place to visit when in Sitio Timoga.

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Painting of the young Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Essential Information

The Timoga Cold Springs is at Sitio Timoga, Buru-un, Iligan City. There are several way to get there. From Iligan City, ride a jeep bound to Buru-un and tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Timoga. Fare is Php 12. Taxis can also take you there and fare would usually go from Php 100-180.

There are a number of cold spring resorts in the area but they have the standard rates of Php 50 entrance fee per pax and rental charge of Php 60-500 for tables and cottages.

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Lots of bamboo in the area

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Lower pools at the Timoga Cold Springs

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Our lunch at Timoga

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Ancestral house living room

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Gloria’s very own play house

The post Iligan City | Refreshed at Timoga Cold Springs and Side-trip at the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House appeared first on Ironwulf En Route - The Philippines Travel and Photography Blog.

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Batanes Travel Guides for Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat islands

It took almost two months to get everything together but I’m glad we have finally completed the three-part Batanes Travel Guide collection. It was a really tedious process creating these guides but I enjoyed the moment I spent time with it. Cross-checking facts led me to several resources for Batanes that gave me deeper appreciation of the archipelago. You can now download the guides for Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat islands by clicking on their cover images below which will lead you to their download page.

Batanes Travel Guide

If you haven’t downloaded any of the Travel eGuides yet for Batanes here’s what you can expect.

• Information about the islands (Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat)
• Getting there and away
• The Ivatan people and culture
• Things you should know before visiting each island
• Maps of Batanes islands
• Where to stay and eat
• Insights on the attractions of each island

Thank you very much for the people who downloaded the Batanes Travel Guide. If you have used the guide and find that information needs updating (i.e. new numbers on hotels or establishments) do let m know. The beauty of having an electronic travel guide is that it is easy to update.

This Batanes Travel Guide collection is just the start of the destination Travel eGuides that I’ll be doing so just watch out for more. If you have suggestions on which destination you want featured, do drop in a comment or a line.

Advertising

For companies or brand owners if you are interested to advertise on the pages of our Travel eGuides email us at advertise@ironwulf.com. We’d be more than happy to send you a proposal.

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Batan Island Travel eGuide

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Sabtang island Travel eGuide

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Itbayat island Travel eGuide

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