Davao Series-Day Three: Hagimit Falls

Posted on September 29, 2013 by shadesandslippers

Our two-day stay in Red Parrot Inn in Kaputian Beach was indeed one of our best beach getaways ever. My family especially our kids still wanted to stay but we have to move on for another refreshing treat. Yes another nature tripping to Hagimit Falls which is located in Poblacion Peñaplata, still in the Island Garden City of Samal. We were so thankful to Barney and his family for making our Davao vacation so fulfilling.

From Kaputian, it took us almost thirty minutes reaching the parking space of Hagimit Falls. Barney paid the entrance fee. There were two trails in descending to the waterfalls. My family took the flight of concrete steps while the others took the rocky and slippery trail.

my son and our buddies were enjoying in the icy cold water

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GUIMARAS: Not Just Sweet Mangoes

Posted on November 24, 2012 by shadesandslippers

In going to Guimaras, what is commonly asked for a pasalubong is their sweet mangoes which is being exported worldwide. I’ve discovered that this island has something more to offer. Their stunning beaches, caves, yummy fresh sea-foods and verdant landscape made me say, “this is a holiday!”

sweet mangoes of Guimaras

Guimaras was once a sub-province of Iloilo City until it became an independent province on May 22, 1992. The primary gateway to the island province is through Parola and Ortiz Wharfs in Iloilo in a short and inexpensive boat ride.

I was so happy that my hubby was on break this Saturday from his provincial project in Iloilo. He had visited Guimaras last week with his colleagues, Jay and Bim, but he was still excited to go back there with me. I was so thankful to Flor, (my former office mate who is now based in Iloilo as a lawyer) for accompanying me yesterday on one-day Iloilo tour. Still relentlessly alive, she volunteered to go with us today in Guimaras.

at Cabaling Beach Resort

By seven a.m., Flor, with her best-friend Vic and Mat-mat fetched us in front of Amigo Hotel. We headed to Ortiz Wharf and bought ticket for P14/head. So affordable! We wrote our names on a logbook then we headed to our designated boat Sentosa. As soon as all seats were occupied, the boat moved in a sweeping motion. There was no overcrowding and there was a safety provision inside the boat. I was simply amazed of the organized set-up here.

Upon arriving at Jordan Wharf (pronounced as Hordan), locals approached us and offered a tour ride. Tricycle and “multi-cab” (a small jeepney vehicle) are means of transportation in the area. We chose the latter for a rate of P1,500.

Our first stop was in Guimaras Museum in Jordan, but since it was Saturday, it was closed for visitors. After picture-taking in front of the museum, we headed to Cabaling Beach Resort located in Sitio Cabaling, still part of Jordan. A friend of Flor referred the resort to us. She was excited to go there for it was her first time too.

closed on Saturday

The road was rough and there very few houses that we passed by. It was a remote but scenic route. Flor’s stories and the bumpy ride kept us so alive.

I got so excited seeing the sparkling blue water. We hastily hopped out from the van and went into the shoreline. The sand was ivory-white and the water was so clear. We passed by a little fishing area with lots of boats docked near the shore. We bought two kilos of fresh crab from a fisherman for P250 and he graciously offered to cook his fresh catch for P20 only.

our jolly jump in a creamy white sand

We were all awe stricken when we saw the resort. The water was clear and there was a short concrete bridge dramatically located in the middle of the little cove. It was so good to sit on the sand savoring the solitude and the tranquility that every nature lover would dream of. See the picture?

the dramatic sea view that took our breaths away

Entrance fee – P25/head. We were not asked anymore to pay for the wooden cottage (P500) on the beachfront for we will only stay for two hours. In return, we ordered grilled milk fish, rice and coke. We basked under the sun for less than one hour then we settled for lunch.

The crabs were so yummy and so the milk fish. It was a noisy lunch talking and laughing. Later, we were drawn into silence as we gazed into nature’s wonderful creation. The water was sparkling and the wind was gently blowing into our faces. Such a beautiful day!

the yummy fresh crabs

I was allowed by Elena, the caretaker of the resort to see the room on the ground floor. One night stay costs P3,500, good for two persons. Additional person is P150. It was so comfortable to spend the night in the room for it has nice bed, sofa corner, comfort room and window overlooking the beach.

cozy room

There was an infinity pool uphill. But we didn’t swim for we skip paying another entrance fee of P100/head. We just walked around and watched the beautiful sea view.

the infinity pool with a nice view of the sea

Manong our driver referred a fisherman who was in the vicinity to bring us to Alubihod in our island hopping for P700 only. It favored us since the route will be shortened on water trip and we saved P800 from the regular rate of P1,500. Little did we know, the boat is not the regular pump boat used in island hopping but a small fishing boat with no life jacket, hence the price. I was a bit reluctant when we boarded. But the good weather whisked off that fear.

the affordable fishing boat but with no safety provision

It’s good to see various rock formations along the way. It was flickering hot but the wind was so calm and so the blue water. Later I saw smoke coming from below the boat. The boatman hurriedly turned off the engine and fixed the problem while his assistant pumped out the water.

nice rock formations as we went to Alubihod

The water was still but the boat was turning slowly to the right because of the wind. Alubihod could now be seen from the distance. I prayed silently for our safety. Later, the engine roared up. Thank God. We didn’t hop to the cave anymore thinking of another boat malfunction. We headed straight to Raymen Beach Resort.

nice creamy white sand Raymen Beach Resort

My hubby was here last week. He didn’t enjoy much because of rocks on the sea floor. This time he discovered that there was an area where sand was so fine and free from disturbing rocks. But it was beyond the rope which serves as the safe boundary. The resort with its creamy white sand was stunning, really. We didn’t pay for the entrance fee because we didn’t swim. We did picture-taking and some lazy walk along the shoreline albeit the blistering heat of the sun.

refreshing mango shake for P45

We bought mango shake (P45) then headed to the souvenir store and bought items like key-chains (P30), magnetic fish (P100) and t-shirts (P200 to P300).

Our next stop is in Camp Alfredo along the highway in Brgy. Ravina, Sibunag. Entrance fee is P30/head. Exciting activity is the canopy tour, making the primary use of zipline, then crossing a thin hanging bridge and will go down through rappelling (P425). I was used to riding a zipline, but the height of the hanging bridge made my spine shivered. No one from us brave this fear factor activity. hahaha!

Rooms cost P3,500, good for four persons, but only two had free breakfast. There was a small pool, restaurant and bar, camping grounds, cabin rooms, stations of the cross, prayer area located uphill and air soft ground.

the exciting canopy tour

Our next stop is in Trappist Monastery to buy sweet mango products. We tasted Mango Bar which costs P95. It was yummy. We met the gentle monk, Brother Peter outside the prayer house.

enjoying the serenity in Trappist Monastery

We passed by lots of mango trees which was scattered beside the road. It was so wonderful seeing this verdant landscape though there were no fruits hanging on each trees because it was off-season. We bought fresh mango (P70 per kilo) and mango sweets in a fruit stand in Buenavista.

the verdant mango landscape along the way

We were given half slice for free taste. It was so sweet. The local government prohibits bringing mango into the island as this will cross-breed their sweet mangoes.

fruit stand in Buenavista

We went back to the wharf around 4 pm through the boat Sydney.

our boat way back to Iloilo

Exhausted, but I felt so elated. As I looked back to the Island of Guimaras, I was overjoyed for I had again another wonderful adventure with nature, nice beach, friends, and with my husband.

my souvenirs of our Guimaras tour

Ask if I will go back? Surely, I will.

Good bye Guimaras!

Vera Falls: A Taste of Paradise

Posted on April 8, 2012 by shadesandslippers

I was told by my former office mate Art Decena, a fellow Bicolano about their wonderful adventure in Vera Falls in my hometown in Malinao, Albay. They traversed across terrains, hills, forest trails in three hours coming from main highway. They clung through vines and stepped into slippery walkway in going down the main falls. He described Vera Falls a “hidden paradise”, a sanctuary of nature’s finest gift. From then on, I’ve been dreaming in getting there, to experience that amazing trek and see how stunning the waterfalls really are.

beautiful and serene view of Vera Falls

This summer, I was thrilled much when my cousin Poy and his wife Mercy who were living in Barangay Quinastillohan (near the turn off point in going to Vera Falls) told me that the waterfalls could now be accessed through single motorbike. But the bad news, no one from my buddies wanted to go far now. Our trip to Sorsogon and other scenic spots in Albay for three days had drained their energies. Instead, our last day was spent in visiting our relatives in our neighboring barangay.

we had fun traversing wide river and vast plots of rice-fields

We indulged ourselves with kamustahan, eating our favorite Bicol meryenda “pinakro” (saba boiled in coconut milk with sugar) and a refreshing swim in a cold natural spring. Mama mentioned about my urge to visit Vera Falls to my aunties, Tiya Glo and Tiya Nor who were also in a summer getaway just like us. When they said they wanted to go, we immediately planned for our sojourn activity. After few minutes of discussion, Gil generously transported the three of us to Poy’s house and enjoined my cousin who wasn’t been there yet to go with us. Gil went back when we reached the turn off point in Barangay Cumon.

the amazing cold natural spring that still provides potable water to the residents of this barrio

There were boys sitting in single motorbikes beside the road. Knowing where we will go, they offered a ride to the waterfalls for a fixed price of P70, one-way only. Poy haggled it to P50 but the boys declined in unison. We didn’t mind the monetary figure since we are after an exciting adventure. We agreed to pay for it, and so the four of us boarded in four separate motorbikes.

you will pass here before your adventure starts

The ride was smooth and amazing as we passed beside a breathtaking view of a long and bluish river. I was so overwhelmed watching its color and the gentle waves flowing swiftly. Our ride was temporarily cut as we were asked to step down from the motorbike. The concrete bridge was destroyed by a rampaging flow of heavy rain recently. What was left was a stiff, narrow road to where motorbike and bicycle are the only vehicles could pass on it. We walked for few minutes until we reached the main road and there we went again for our trip.

the stiff road

Few more minutes and we were in a roller coaster ride where I was so thrilled of our ups and downs. It was so wonderful seeing the lush vegetation, Mt. Malinao in a distance, the majestic but elusive Mayon Volcano, the clear blue skies, the locals and vast plots of rice-fields. The cool wind that gently brushed my face was so invigorating. For a nature lover like me, this place was a heaven and I just can’t sustain my happiness as of that moment. What thrilled me the most was the last portion of the ride where I gripped the driver’s shoulder tightly as he drove the highest hill in getting to the parking area.

the elusive Mayon Volcano

Our joy ride was twenty minutes only. Vera Falls was in Barangay Bulang, the third baryo from main highway. Mercy did mention about the helipad which was actually the cemented parking area. Quite amusing that this forested area had a helipad. I’ve learned from the boys that a certain priest, Father Vera introduced this place to the people, hence the name of the falls. From helipad, a virgin forest was now being invaded by the four of us.

the helipad

I was so excited seeing the trail downhill. Art’s adventure in this main spot flashed into my mind as I imagined how they clung to the vines like Tarzan in getting down to the waterfalls. Indeed, it was a great adventure. There’s no hard trek now for a concrete stair with safety hand rails was built for easy access to the waterfalls.

going down is so easy thank you concrete stair

We crossed a small wooden bridge and presto, we were at the base of the falls. All of us were in awe admiring how nature revealed its magnificent masterpiece. Vera Falls was truly stunning. The next minute, we were so busy taking pictures of what we found “paradise.”

the beautiful Vera Falls

I tapped my feet into the cold and clean water and quivered a little.hahaha! It was safe to swim because it was shallow. There were no big rocks and stones in the catch basin so it’s not surprising that there were lots of boys jumping from the peak. Few walks to the left, I saw two thin bamboos which according to the bathers, flowed the safest water to drink.

no need to bring bottled mineral water

There were thirteen small waterfalls coming from lime stones covered by moss and ferns. An overwhelming feeling surrounded me seeing nature dominated the whole place. It sets the mood of everything. You can feel its nurturing spirit as it will penetrate you, through the gushing sounds of water, through the humming of birds, through the mountain air.

the catch basin was safe for fearless jumpers

There were few tents pinched on big rocks and group of teens busy cooking their food using fire woods. There is no restroom here so it’s best to bring big towels in changing clothes. There is no entrance fee, no store and no electricity. Everything is of basic facility. It is advised to register with the Barangay Captain if a certain group is planning to stay overnight.

tents on big rocks

I was thankful to Art for introducing this wonder to me. His adventure seven years ago was so memorable for he had tasted the “true paradise”, for everything was basically unspoiled. Malinao was truly blessed with two wonderful waterfalls. And I was so grateful that I had been there both.

the angels

Next time or maybe next year, I will go back with the whole family. I’m sure everyone will enjoy. I am hoping that the local government will build another concrete bridge so Vera Falls could be accessed by four-wheel vehicles again.

HOT TO GET THERE? Vera Falls is located approximately 40 km from Legazpi City. If you have your car, from Legazpi City, take the route going to Tabaco City via Sabloyon Road. From Barangay Quinastillohan turn right to Barangay Cumon. You will pass Barangay Soa and will end at Barangay Bulang.

Palale Falls: Keep Coming Back to Tropical Paradise

Posted on April 5, 2012 by shadesandslippers

I woke up at 5:30 am, hailed the curtain and was captivated to see the sun embracing the vast rice-field. I took my cam and hastily went outside our vacation house. I stood at the edge of the main road and captured my favorite sunrise photo. Soon there was a cheerful blue sky.

I caught a glimpse of Mayon in its full splendor. I was so excited to capture a perfect shot. Haha! I felt a flare of delight watching this beautiful volcano. I was filled with wonder. Words can’t express the tranquility and stillness I felt while savoring the moment with nature. Life is really good.

After three years, we’re here again in our hometown in Albay for a five-day exciting vacation.

good weather awaits new adventure

The long journey coming from Manila didn’t wear out my buddies. Everyone was rejuvenated from a comfortable sleep last night. At breakfast, we feasted on the usual Bicol’s food delight, Pansit Bato, pan de Legazpi, binutong (sweetened rice with coco milk), the amusing small size pandesal and hot native chocolate.

We will rest for the day in preparation for our tour in Albay and Sorsogon tomorrow. But in the middle of our breakfast, my sister Gie mentioned about Palale Falls. The itchy foot team did not want to stay at home and so an off-the cut hike attack to this enchanting falls was settled. This is for Gie, Noel and Pol who haven’t been there yet.

I’ve been twice to Palale Falls which is several barangays away from our house but I’m not sure if I could get the trail starting from the jump off point. Our uncle Tiyo Ion volunteered to be our tour guide together with my nephews Macky, Ambet and Ervin. Our mother and my two-year old niece Rion were left for they can’t afford to take a strenuous activity. We will only swim before mid day so we brought bread and water only for there are no stores along the trail. We were equipped with caps, beach towels and umbrellas.

the tough walkers

As we set forward, I was surprised to see our little Shen Shen leading the hike with his big cousins. Me, my hubby, Pao, Miko and Pol were left behind. I was the last because I was so busy taking pictures with all the beautiful things that my eyes perceived. Its nature tripping anyway. We easily traversed the first river to the third river. The fourth river was wide and with playful waves.

Pao in his dramatic pose with Mayon as backdrop

The water was knee deep level but it was so tough walking on slippery stones with strong current. Macky helped me and Shen crossed the river successfully. My Manila-grown buddies who were not used to provincial life crossed hand in hand with a motto, “united we stand, divided we fall.” hahaha! It took several minutes for all of us to reach the safest area.

shallow river but the current was quite strong

The next three rivers were fairly flat. When we reached Baryo Diaro, Tiyo Ion approached his kumpare for a buko delight (young coconut). He was so kind for giving us a refreshing drink.

buko delight

According to Tiyo Ion, rainy days had passed two days ago and though it was sunny, plants and trees were filled with moist. I was so delighted walking on a forested trail with verdant vegetation, wild orchids, exotic plants, tall coconut trees and big leaves scattered on the ground.

Sound of rushing water became louder and louder as we were nearing the end of the trail. We passed by a big and tall tree with big slippery roots going up to the main entrance where everyone will pass atop the big rock leading to the falls.

It was then I found myself alone in this particular area. My buddies were all out of sight so no one will help me get into the top of the big rock. Holding my camera bag, I climbed seriously and was extra careful because it was slippery. Until I did it!

the last river

I slowly stepped down to the other side of the rock and finally there I saw again the beauty of Palale Falls. A tropical paradise teeming with lush surrounding. What amazed me here is the unusual kind of wall rock that enclosed the water basin which nature had wonderfully crafted to perfection. I have no idea how high this falls was, but certainly, it is higher than Vera, Busay, Majayjay, Kabigan, Hagimit and Daranak Falls.

My buddies laid our bags on a flat place enough to eat our snack and started heading to the cascade. I took my cam to capture the whole waterfalls which was my previous failures. I concentrated on navigating the area with lots of slippery big rocks to climb on. Wrong move might send me and my camera falling down the sides.

And through patience and luck, finally, I smashed on my dream shot of Palale Falls. See this picture?

at last I captured the whole falls

After taking my captured memories, I slid my cam to my bag and joined my buddies getting wet and wild on water. Just like the other waterfalls, the water was freezing cold. The surging cascade was a bit strong. We sat on the rocks splashing water to each other. Later we headed to the lower pool which was hip-level deep. My hubby and Noel enjoyed the massage therapy from series of small falls spilling down their backs. The water was clear and really really cold.

After an hour, we finally forced ourselves to reatreat.hahaha!

We ate our snack and after a while, we packed up leaving no wastes around.

enjoying the icy cold water

There is no entrance fee to Palale Falls. No huts to sleep overnight. No bathroom. No electricity. Everything is basic. This is open to everyone who wants to escape from the stifling atmosphere.

We had the place all by ourselves and so we had fun immensely. But what irritated me was seeing bottled mineral water and other plastic waste materials scattered near the entrance left by irresponsible people. The last time we were here in 2007, the surrounding was so clean though there were many bathers around. What happened now?

Nature was so kind for sharing its gift of wonder to us for free, but there are people who do not want to give kindness in return.

Our returned trek took us forty five minutes only. I was so grateful for this wonderful adventure with my family and relatives.

I’m sure I will go back here with another set of buddies for the next summer time.

Ilocos Norte Adventure

Posted on October 20, 2010 by shadesandslippers

Accounting team had finally set our Ilocos Norte getaway. It was Sir Alex, our boss who made the itinerary. It is a long journey by land going North. But I’m sure getting to famed beaches of Pagudpud with my team, will surely be a worthy vacation for all of us. We rented a service van from a local of Laoag which Sir Alex found the contact number through the internet. This includes pick-up service in Laoag, one day tour and transport service to Laoag City domestic airport for our way home on Sunday. Rate – P3,000.

Thursday night, we boarded in Florida Bus in Espana, Sampaloc and went off by 8:30 pm. We reached Laoag City around 5 am. We took a tricycle ride going to city proper and had our breakfast in McDonalds near the Sinking Bell Tower.

In Laoag

We went to St. William’s Cathedral but since it was closed we just walked around beside the church. Later we headed to Sinking Bell Tower, while waiting for our service van. We were fetched by 8 a.m.

Here are the places we visited for our first day.

Sand Dunes – is located in La Paz in Paoay, Laoag. We explored in the vast area full of sand and had our first exciting photo shooting. But we didn’t went far because of limited time. We missed seeing the location where the movie “Ang Panday” which starred our very own Fernando Poe Jr. was shoot. Anyway, it was a rewarding feeling seeing a rare geological creation which I only saw in the internet.

In Ilocos Norte

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse – also known as Burgos Lighthouse is a cultural heritage structure built during Spanish colonial time. I was not a fan of a light house but our encounter with Cape Bojeador Lighthouse awaken my curiosity. From the parking lot, its prominent octagonal shape tower looked so imposing. It was an easy climb as we hiked a flight of concrete stairs and presto, we were in front of the rustic gate. We kept on walking until we reached the pavilion made of red bricks. From the veranda, we enjoyed watching Cape Bojeador and the South China Sea.

It was quite creepy walking around but we never stop from there. We took the spiral staircase in getting to the tower and there we had the thrill of our lives. The view got even better as we peeked on the window and I loved the air brewing wildly into our skin.

We went inside the museum which was along the hallway, kinda creepy and headed back to the veranda for a picture taking of the whole group.

Lighthouse amused my senses and I love to see more in the future.

No entrance fee

From Burgos we headed to Bangui to see the site of the famous Bangui Windmills in Bangui Wind Farm. The beautiful white gigantic wind turbines, clear blue skies, cool air and the blue sea warmly greeted us. I was astonished standing beside one of the 15 wind turbines lined-up in a 9-kilometer stretch along the beach. Walking on the shore was the next big thing to do after photo shooting. But we were not allowed by our driver to swim on the beach because of electric current on water. Whether it was true or not, we didn’t step our foot on the water.

Aside from its 40% significant energy source in Ilocos Norte, the Bangui Windmills is also one of the top tourist attractions in the region.

There were stalls selling souvenir items and refreshments near the shore. We bought beautiful wooden windmill display item which ranges from P50 to P100 depending on sizes. I bought also a small windmill key-chain for P30 and bracelets for P80.

No entrance fee

Patapat Viaduct – is in the municipality of Pagudpud, 1.3 kilometers concrete bridge connecting Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Cagayan Valley Region. It is the fourth longest bridge in the country. Its beautiful curves, surrounding mountains and stunning view of Paselang Bay were worth the visit. We had our souvenir photos beside the railings and on the road. Our driver told us that the viaduct was built to avoid landslides which causes vehicular accidents in the area. There was another tourist spectacle found here, the Mabugabog Falls, a mini-hydro power plant which was just beside the winding road.

Bantay Abot Cave – a “mountain with a hole” is located on the shores of Baranggay Balaoi. As we were approaching the cave the sky was getting cloudy. We were so excited as we hopped our from our van and headed down to the walkway. But unfortunately, rain poured without any warning. We have no umbrella so we all went up so fast hurriedly to avoid from getting very wet.

Just a few kilometers from Bantay Abot Cave was Baranggay Balaoi’s white-sanded beach the Blue Lagoon also known as, Maira-Ira Beach. Thank God heavy rain stopped when we reached this resort, which is more like a cove than a lagoon. I was the only one who hopped out from our van so I took my precious time to walk around. I was fascinated by the creamy white sand, its fine texture and surprisingly, the aquamarine color of the water though it was gloomy. There was no one in the shore, but only me. And I just love to hang around at that very moment, savoring the serenity and stillness of the place. The cove had a unique charm which I would surely want to go back, come another Ilocos Norte getaway.

If there was a sunshine that time, I’m sure my photo is more picture-perfect.

Our resting place was in Barangay Saud. We had a reservation of three rooms for 3 days and 2 nights stay in Cathy Homestay.

We cooked for our dinner and after washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen, we all gathered near the beach for a bon fire activity. We didn’t swim because it was so cold. It seemed everyone still had a full energy as we had our night time fun, laughing at the top of our lungs.

I only have few more days with my team for I’ll be moving to another company. This adventure is just one of our memorable getaways that I will surely cherish in my life. I will be missing going to beautiful places with my good friends whom I had with for quite a long time.

It was almost 11 pm when we went to our rooms and settled to bed. We need energy for tomorrow’s another exciting adventure. Good night Pagudpud!

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