Mt. Batulao: 11 peaks

Batulao, Laguna

11 peaks and the Summit. 
This by far tops as my favorite mountain for a day-hike :) 

This is located near Tagaytay which is easy to reach about 1 hour drive in Manila. Taking the SLEX exit at Sta. Rosa Laguna take the Tagaytay-Nasugbu road. Find a safe parking rates at 50Php for a day hike and pack lightly! Taking about 2-3 hours to finish the whole trail! Easy-peasy! Climb the New Trail – Old Trail and expect to register on two (2) registration site. Pay 20Php on each registration.

NEW TRAIL:

Consisting of 11 peaks

At the SUMMIT:

This depicts the most legendary day of my mountaineer life! I got the chance to first meet the pinoymountaineer blogger himself Dr. Gideon Lasco.  

I always follow his blogs & journey on  Philippine mountains and international ones too. Fore more information about hiking in the philippines, Dr. Gideon is the perfect guide to rely on. Find the pinoymountaineer blogs here: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com

OLD TRAIL

Road trip: Around Luzon in 4 days

One crazy day when I decided to plunge into the crazy route of wandering around the whole luzon province. I ended up on a 4-day road trip to my journey on the different destination:

Here is the Map which i traversed around Luzon Province:

Manila - Vigan (day1)
6 HOURS DRIVE
- Vigan Tour
- spend the night at Gordion Hotel
- Check out 12NN

Vigan - Tuguegarao (day 2)

7 HOURS DRIVE

- Paoay Church
- Laoag City
- Bangui Windmills
- Pagudpod Beach
- Patapat viaduct
- Spend the night at Tuguegarao Cagayan Valley

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte (1710)

Laoag City

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte

Patapat viaduct Bridge (Pagudpod)
4th longest Bridge

Tuguegarao - Manila (day 3)
10 HOURS DRIVE
- Tuguegarao City
- Callao Cave at Penablanca Cagayan Valley
- Isabela
- Neuva Vizcaya
- Nueva Ecija
- Cabanatuan

Callao Cave Penablanca, Cagayan Valley

TOP 10: VIGAN

So what are the "must do" at Vigan City?

1. Ride the Kalesa.
Price: 150/hour
The Kalesa is one of the historical mode of transportation back in the Spanish regime. This tour will take you around to their Museums, famous Historical spots, Churches, famous pottery making and the "must see" around the Vigan tour. Roughly 2-hour ride can show you around best place of the City.

2. Bell Tower.
Price: Donation
Going outside Vigan, which takes a few minute Kalesa ride, a nearby town has its famous Bantay Bell Tower that sits on a hill just beside St. Agustine Parish Church. The locals said that this was known to be the venue of the filming of the Panday movies by the late FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) who is a main action celebrity of the Filipino Showbiz. 

3. Hidden Garden.
Price: Free
The Hidden Garden is owned by a Filipino Artist & Garden landscaping expert. This is open to all visitors just don't to forget to leave a comment before you leave. Once you enter the garden, expect a mini-shop to purchase some the plants for sale, plus you will be welcomed by the greatness of the art & exhibit of the beautiful garden. It is a wide landscape garden made with high rise Bamboos and pots which symbolise their very own product of Vigan. The aura of the garden was made to be in touch with nature. Take note: they do not only sell the plants but  have a restaurant called Lilong-Lilang where you can purchase their local food. Among the best of this area is to see the different Bonsai collection. 

4. Make your own Pot.
Price: Donation
The first idea of clay and molding it to be your very own creation of pottery is just simply feeling being close to be an artist. Getting your hands to experience it is the second best idea! This part would blow your mind to see how a simply clay turns out to be a big huge pot when you watch them create it with your own eyes. 

5. Baluarte. 
Price: Free
Are you in for a FREE trip to the Zoo? well here's one of the best zoo attraction of Vigan it's none other than the Baluarte.  This is owned by the Singson Family. They made this free to the public which its main attraction are the zoo animals. Take a free ride on the little pony that will tour you around don't forget to visit the Butterfly dome which is located on the upper level, and the Tiger's lair on the top of the zoo/park. 

6. Walk the Calle Crisologo
Price: Free
A stroll along the historical streets of Vigan is the famous Calle Crisologo. This area will bring you back to the spanish time wherein it's as if your part of it as you set foot along the bricks. Expect to see old spanish houses, antiques and other merchandise that you can find from food to coffee and even milktea! :)

7. Vigan Public Market
Price: Free
The kalesa will take you around the Public Market to show the busy life of the people. It's an option if you want to spend around. This is where you can buy the local delicacy of vigan like longanisa, Dila-dila, Sinanglao, Lomo. 

8. Visit the Museums.
Price: 10-30Php
Vigan has about roughly 5 museums, i had only the chance to visit 3 out of 5 namely, Crisologo Museum, Father Burgos Museum and Siy-Qui Mansion.  Each has it own story. Mostly regarding politics, spanish and life of the person about the museum itself. 

Tip: 
Don't go to the museums while on the Kalesa tour, this will consume most of the time and increase your rates. I suggest to ride tricycle or walk (if you wish)
Next, always have a tour guide before entering to have a deeper grasp on the knowledge about each of the Museums. 
Lastly, If your'e a student don't forget to bring along your School ID for a student discount! 

9. Eat Okoy & Empanada
Price: 30Php
Walk along Plaza Burgos and find the local vendors selling Okoy & Empanada. For a price of 30 pesos they will serve you with this huge and delightful serving snack. Watch them make it for you, it is surprising to see how they prepare it while you wait.  Enjoy while its hot! & especially dipping it on their local vinegar which is simply classic Vigan made. 

10. Watch the Dancing Fountain
Price: Free
The Dancing Fountain opened just last Dec 5 2013. I had the chance to view this newly made attraction by the government of Ilocos Sur. Prepare yourself to get a good spot of the vicinity. This is scheduled at around 7:30 PM located at Plaza Salcedo just at front of the City Hall of Vigan. Be ready for a breathtaking 30-minute fountain show. This is definitely  a good way to end your tour around Vigan. 

Mabuhay! Vigan City! 

Mt. Romelo: Mountains + Waterfalls

Located at Sinaloan, Laguna

The location of Mt. Romelo is nearby the famous Pagsanjan Falls.  Along a trip with private car, it took about three (3) hours drive from Manila. As I arrived past lunch time, I parked it at Manong Ronald with an overnight cost: 300 pesos. I am assured that it is safe and secured. Starting the trail without a tour guide, I managed to reach the camping site. I decided to save money and find my way along the trail and "Just follow the footprints".  

REGISTRATION

First stop, walk along the road that would lead you to the registration site. About 30 minutes find a sari-sari store and ask the locals. Register and pay for for 50Php. 
and you are set for the adventure! 

START 

Expect to cross a river at the start, which tells you that it this is going to be a wet and muddy trail. A total of 2-3 hr climb/trek to complete until you reach the camp site.  There are plenty resting spots and the locals sell shirts, souvenirs and "buko" (coconut) juice. 

Once you reach the camping site you will hear the strong splash of the falls and harsh flow of the river. This means that you are on the right track. Be on guard to look for Manang (picture below) and set your tent or you have an option rent for a “Hut” for 150/night. She has a mini-store  and bathroom to shower or clean up.

I personally put up my own tent for the night :)

Rest. Recover and get Ready for a wet trail.

Mt. Romelo is blessed to be having 7 waterfalls and rivers treks. This unique adventure shows a different kind of outdoor experience that entails a mountaineer to explore your capacity to climb, trek, cross rivers, swim, and walk along the different rock formations of the area.

Unfortunately, I only had the chance to see 3 waterfalls due to the less time on my hands.

1. BARUWISAN FALLS

2. BATYA-BATYA FALLS

3. OLD BARUWISAN FALLS

My journey here isn't complete here. I shall return to Mt. Romelo and I am eager to reach the summit of Mt. Romelo and get to the 4 waterfalls of this beautiful mountain.