Manacota Cave and Underground River is located in Barangay Marag in the town of Luna, another teaser for the real jewels of Apayao. This is the final leg and the third exciting activity in our Apayao road trip. We set all again towards another fun-filled adventure which will bring us to the river crossing, cave sight-seeing, and rewarding water fun to a clean and clear river.
the stunning opening of Manacota Cave where sunlight was streaming into the blue-green river
“During the crucial times in our lives, we are forced not to rely on others to overcome our struggles and fears. This is where we must seek the strength of our inner power. You just need to believe it.”
Our rock climbing in Dupag Rock Formation is one of the most exhilarating experiences I did as a casual trekker and a middle-aged mom. The challenges I did in Masungi Georeserve in Tanay and previous hikes lessened my fear of heights and eventually, I gained more strength and courage to do any kind of activities now. To which I owe it all to God.
the happy Mama upon reaching the pinnacle of our trek
It is summer, time to beat the summer heat! But instead of going to the beach, Lhen Pelenio, my favorite trek buddy, and yours truly are up for another exciting adventure. We will go spelunking in Lussok Cave, rock climbing in Dupag Rock Formation, and sightseeing in Manacota and Underground Cave. All this is through the organizer Mayee Cavas which Lhen found on Facebook. Again, we are joiners and we will be mingling with another set of friends.
Let’s start our Apayao adventure!
the enchanting entrance of Lussok Cave
For this Lenten season, we skipped the out-of-town getaway for we opted to stay indoors. But we are a family who loves to swim, so we can’t stop ourselves from escaping the scorching heat of summer. We were given a complimentary ticket to the Water Park of Antel Grand Village Clubhouse by my brother who purchased property there. So on Black Saturday, we went there to enjoy a whole day water fun.
the Beach Pool has its island tropical feel
Summer is fast approaching and before I lay on the beach and bask in the sunlight, I want to start this year with a climb in Mt. 387 which is popularly known as the “Chocolate Hills of the North”. It is ringed by rolling hills and green valleys making it one of the wonderful hiking destinations in the country. I joined the group of Tahak Mountaineer headed by Mar Monge for P750 with my favorite trek buddy, the courageous and adventurous Lhen Pelenio.
The awesome verdant rolling hills of Caraballo mountain range which is dubbed as the Chocolate Hills of the North
Bearing its name as “City of Smiles,” Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental is one of the nicest places to visit in the province of Negros. The notable Masskara Festival which is held during the third week of October draws an influx of tourists to witness its colorful and lively festival. But aside from that, the city is also known for its original “chicken inasal” and the sweet delicacy piaya.
Never leave Bacolod City without visiting The Ruins, the most photographed spot in the city
Coming from a wonderful visit to Bais City and the Manjuyod White Sandbar, we now set off to Sipalay City, “the Jewel of the Sugar Island”. Home to numerous dive sites, pristine beaches, shipwrecks, and islets that resembled the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan, Sipalay City is definitely an emerging tourist destination and is another priceless gem in the province.
“I stood agape with wonder as I watched the fragmenting sandbar. I just couldn’t contain my fascination with the entire view. I thought I was only dreaming.”
I’ve read about Manjuyod White Sandbar in 2011 and was captivated by seeing its picture-perfect view of the glistening crystal clear waters, the sandbar, and the huts on stilts. From that moment I was itching to go there so I considered it saving in my bucket list.
I wish we could go back here with the whole family and we will stay in this lovely hut looming above the crystal clear water
For the second time with HSBC Philippines, I was so thankful that I was granted again a free flight coming from their exciting promo. My first was in Hong Kong through Cathay Pacific and now I will travel locally via Philippine Airlines. I enjoined my hubby, my favorite travel buddy to share this wonderful moment with me, which is a prelude to our upcoming wedding anniversary this coming March.
The Ruins, the most photographed tourist spot in Bacolod
We will spend our Christmas in Baguio City and for our fifth time, we decided to skip visiting places we frequented in the past, except at PMA for some nostalgic feel and at Camp John Hay for a coffee moment in the quaint old American bungalow of Starbucks Coffee. Guess where are we heading this time? It’s on Mount Costa! The newest attraction in the foggy land and the first stroll around garden of the North.
