THE GRAND HYATT MANILA OF BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY (BGC)

 Location:  BGC, Global City, Taguig City, Metropolitan Manila, Philippines

The imposing Grand Hyatt Manila

The Grand Hyatt Manila is a 5-star luxury hotel located at 8th Avenue corner 35th Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.  It occupies the top floors of the 318-meter-tall Metrobank Center where it features 461 rooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool, the 24/7 Illume Spa, and upscale dining spots like The Peak.

The lush garden view of the hotel

The hotel features an integrated indoor-outdoor green space centered around its signature Garden Pavilion and pool area rather than expansive ground-level botanical gardens with an are of 597 square meters with an architectural venue constructed from glass and wood, designed to blend natural outdoor views with full air conditioning.  And to top it all, it has floor-to-ceiling transparency, natural light, and a surrounding decorated archway and manicured greenery utilized for intimate ceremonies and social gatherings.

A state-of-the-art swimming pool

Its swimming pool located on the 6th floor podium is a 25-meter heated outdoor lap pool with a separate unheated children's pool.   It is also equipped with a heated bubbling jacuzzi/whirlpool.  It opens daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (or 8:00 PM depending on specific seasonal advisories) with free access for registered hotel guests.

Enjoying an evening swim at the hotel

The pool area is framed by modern BGC skyscrapers and lush landscaping, designed to have stone paving, comfortable lounge chairs with umbrellas, and thatched-roof cabanas.  Guests can access the poolside bar for refreshments, alongside nearby wellness facilities including the 24-hour fitness center and Illume Spa which offers saunas, steam rooms, and additional jacuzzis.

The hotel's imposing tower as captured from the Garden Pavilion

The spacious Garden Pavilion is really ideal for corporate gatherings, where guests can utilize its scenic spaces for product launches, networking cocktails or executive reception.

Relaxing morning at the poolside

The Pool House offers a relaxing al fresco and indoor/outdoor seating directly beside the hotel's heated outdoor pool, featuring views of the BGC skyline and a dedicated grill/barbecue area.  It serves to guests international and Asian fusion dishes, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, grilled meats and steaks, and signature items like Laksa and Nasi Goreng, alongside cocktails and tropical drinks.

Just after an evening swim

Bringing workload before sleeping in my hotel room

After buffet dinner and an evening swim, I went to my hotel room to work for at least two hours.   After that, my friends and I decided to go out for a stroll.

A stroll at the nearby Uptown Mall

It only takes 5 minutes to walk from the hotel to the Uptown mall - an upscale, modern lifestyle center developed and managed by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.  The mall features a design and vibe which is glossy, chic, and relatively spacious with an upscale urban atmosphere.

The Dancing Fountain at the Uptown Mall

The mall is also equipped with a multi-auditorium complex featuring Ultra Cinema (with La-Z-Boy recliners), Tempur Cinema, and the Boozy Bar.  It also has an open-air oasis on the 4th level that houses al fresco dining options and the St. Gabriel the Archangel Chapel. Its Dancing Fountain on its facade is complete with lights and pyrotechnic displays.  Furthermore, the mall has around 150 tenants, including global fashion brands, specialty lifestyle stores, supermarkets (The Marketplace, Rustan's Supermarket), and a diverse mix of casual-to-gourmet restaurants.

Beyond the Uptown Mall

Nightlife in BGC is just endless with a number of options to go and roam around.  So good for the family and groups to enjoy this beautiful place.

The Grand Hyatt Manila is just one of the 5-star hotels in Metropolitan Manila.  If you want to know more about the 16 cities and 1 municipality of the Metropolis Manila, then, you may click this The Modern and Tech-Rich Metropolitan Manila.

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THE VERDANT MOUNT MALINAO OF ALBAY

 Location:  Bounded between the municipalities of Malinao, Tiwi and Polangui (Albay)

The heavily blanketed lush tropical forest of Mount Malinao

Major/Frequently used jump-off point: Sitio Kulapnit, Brgy. Sugcad, Malinao, Albay, Philippines
Alternate Jump-off Point 1: Barangay Tanawan, Alinao (Malinao), Albay
Alternate Jump-off Point 2: Gabas Elementary School, Buhi District, Camarines Sur (Polangui side)
Alternate Jump-off Point 3: Tiwi Town Plaza/Tiwi Municipal Hall, Tiwi, Albay
Alternate Jump-off Point 4: Brgy. Amtic/Sabluyon, Ligao City, Albay
Elevation: 1,548 MASL (5,079 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days / 4 - 7 hours
Specs: Minor climb, 5/9 Difficulty, Trail Class 2-3

Features: It is an ancient collapsed caldera with strong fumarolic activity.  Its trail varies with ridge of lower agro-systems to secondary montane forests which transitions to secondary dipterocarp montane and dense upper-elevation forest zones on its mid-to-high point levels.  Its mid-level and upper forest structures include regenerating saplings (such as Shorea species) alongside various epiphytes, orchids, ferns (Medinilla, Vaccinium), and Rhododendron), and climbing vines.  As the terrain climbs past the 900-meter mark and toward the caldera peaks, the forest becomes significantly denser and richer, eventually shifting into narrow ridgelines, steep moss-or root-covered paths, and areas dotted with tall grasses, bushes, and low shrubs near the upper rim and crater edges.

Day 1 

The scenic road heading to Malinao municipality

I was a joiner of this climb, which I paid for P2,200 for this climb package thru its organizers, Azzur Rex and Rica Barizo of Mountain Joiners: Trek with Excitement Outdoor Club in Albay.  This was my third climb with them and so I've known a few of their joiners.  In fact, the assembly point was at Daraga Shell, but Sir  Shernel John Logenio Perdigon, who was one of my climbing buddies from first two climbs of this service provider offered me to pick-up from my place with his car in Guinobatan, Albay.

Our Mount Malinao Team of climbers

We arrived at the jump-off point at 10:24 AM.   The place has a store and it is still along the concrete road.  We stayed there for 32 minutes and even have our group picture clad with our event t-shirt which is a part of the climbing package of P2,200.  Azzur Rex always see to it that in every climb, there is a t-shirt provision.

Just a few minutes of our trek

In my mobile phone, the time clocked at 10:56 AM when we started to the climb.  It was not so hot then but we started with an open trail.

An abaca plantation along our trail

This local dense abaca plantation just form part of the initial leg of the trail with relatively gradual terrain.   I can even see some local farmers harvesting or processing the abaca fibers drying it under the heat of the sun when we passed this section.

Our first regrouping at 12:22 Noon

Passing thru this point at 1:19 PM

I was so extra cautious of my steps at this section as the massive rocks where we stepped on are mossy and slippery.  The water was so clean and clear that it was so inviting to swim.

Exploring further this alternative stream

Everybody was enticed to stay on this picturesque and clean & crystal clear stream, that some of us plunged to irresistible river system.

Moving farther to its water source

As we moved along, we found ourselves into a 2-tiered water falls which appeared to be magical pushing me to be completely spell bound.

The freezing cold water falls

Despite the cold water from the water falls, it did not stop a few in our group to experience its cascading waters drip into their willing bodies.  I personally opted not to join them as I knew my body tolerance o cold temperature.

Back on trail at 2:24 PM

I suppose the water falls engagement was just a side trip.  Our organizer where we stayed there for more than 30 minutes enjoying mother nature at its best.

Pitching our tents at the campsite for overnight camping

We arrived at the Sugcad Plaza or campsite at 2:42 PM and after pitching out tents, we started our socials, for this was nothing to do but to feel the breathtaking view of the place.

The sprawling lowlands and the sea beyond of Albay

What is so rewarding being at Sugcad Plaza campsite is that with its 685 meters above sea level (MASL) elevation, it can showcase the vast lowlands of Albay and even the sea beyond it.  It was not really sunny then, but the day was still up, staying inside our tents was uncomforably warm.

Gathered around praying first to later feast on a sumptuous dinner at 8:00 PM

One of the best reasons why I kept joining Azzur Rex group was him and Rica are the best chef in the mountains, serving us with delectable meals with a complete set of rice, meat, vegetables or viands of four dishes supplemented with dessert --- all freshly cooked in the mountains, while us, joiners are completely mesmerized of being in the mountain.

Ready for the evening socials

The best part of a climb, wherever mountain it is, is the socials.  It helps all the joiners to get to know each other.  Mostly sharing of life's experiences, but mostly travel and climbing experiences.  It is even funnier when joiners who had been together from previous climbs recall their experience from happy to extreme ones.

Day 2

Scaling to higher elevation of the mountain at 6:11 AM

The wake-up call was at 5:00 AM to prepare ourselves for the resumption of the climb this time heading to the summit.   Breakfast was already ready at 5:30 AM with hot coffee and hot chocolate.  Our packed lunch was already provided.  It was still dark in the forest when we started the trek where obviously I had a head light of mine.

Capturing Mount Mayon volcano from a clearing point at 7:03 AM

From this point, we were already exploring a highly dense forest of montane secondary dipterocarp nature exhibiting the highest plant diversity generally of lower tree statistics compared to old-growth primary forests.

Group picture at the Wild Boar Peak at 7:30 AM 

We first passed thru the Wild Boar Peak, which is 1,450 MASL, but there was no clearing.  We stayed for 15 minutes to wait for the clearing but to no avail.

While at the North Peak at 8:19 AM with 1,513 MASL elevation

It took us 49 minutes of trek from the Wild Boar Peak to the North Peak.  Heading to this direction involves steep dirt paths, root-heavy ascents, and occasional scrambling or use of hands for balance on rocky or muddy sections.  Along the trail, one can witness a tropical mossy forest, ridge walks, and dense alpine-like or upper-montane greenery typical of the volcano's upper crater rim.  It is prone to slippery soil, mud and strong, cold wind exposure as you approach the upper ridge lines and cloud-line levels.

On our way to the campsite at 10:53 AM

The distance from North Peak to the South or Main Peak is 2.3 kilometers and at 1,548 MASL elevation.  Heading to the summit was a struggle as it was zero visibility and with dense tropical rainforest and highly lush greenery, we were not able to get an angle to get a view.  Majority of the trail were steep ascents of muddy and slippery surface.  If only there was clearing, its details of fumaroles and thermal sources around the lower flanks can be captured by the camera.

Back to the campsite at 12:05 Noon

By the time we reached the campsite, lunch was already served for us.  As usual, food was too festive to feast on.  We were so hungry that we literally devoured the food served.  Massive thanks to our tour provider cum chef, Azzur Rex and Rica.

Heading home at 3:33 PM

We reached the jump-off point at 2:36 PM, where our chartered van was waiting.  Though, I hitched again with Sir Shernel back home where he dropped me in Guinobatan.

You may also want to read my blog post of the Summary of My 100 Plus Climbing Portfolio  and the detailed blog post of my Asia Trilogy Climbs of Mount Fuji Climb (Japan), Yushan Climb (Taiwan) and Mount Kinabalu Climb (Malaysia).

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SIMALA CHURCH OF CEBU HOUSES THE MIRACULOUS IMAGE OF VIRGIN MARY OF OUR LADY OF LINDOGON

 Location:  Barangay Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines

The grand staircases and arcade of the church complex

The famous Simala Shrine is also known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist with medieval European castle aesthetic featuring Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.  It spans a sprawling, terraced hilltop estate in Marian Hills in the municipality of Sibonga.  It showcases a castle-inspired monastery building, gardens, courtyards and other ongoing expansion areas.  Public records and official write-ups from the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration do not publish a specific numerical land measurement for the entire complex.

The medieval-style stone towers, turrets and spires of the shrine

The shrine is owned by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration (MMEA), a religious group originally from Pampanga that relocated and purchased the land where the shrine is erected.  It was founded and constructed in 1998 which houses the image of the Our Lady of Linogon (often referred to as Mama Mary of Simala).

The main entrance of the grand staircase

Things you should know when visiting the shrine

1. Entrance is free
2. As it is the place of worship, everyone should avoid loud noises that will distract others who are in their solemn prayers.
3. Food, drinks and alcoholic beverages are not allowed the inside the sacred zones. Bottled water are allowed while still falling in line from the grand staircase to the candleAfterall, there are a lot of restaurants outside the shrine.
4. Revealing outfit is not allowed inside the shrine, such as shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless dress, spaghetti straps, plunging blouses, transparent pants and tubes.
5. Schedule of Masses:  Monday to Friday: 12:00 Noon;  Saturday: 10:30 AM; Sunday: 12:00 Noon & 3:30 PM; and Every 13th of the month: 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

An open walkway to the church

From the entrance gate of the grand staircase to the main church building is around 50 steps and usually on weekends and holidays, there is a long line heading to the miraculous image.  Thus, you need to equip yourself with an umbrella.  It it so hot here and there is no shade to hide.

Just giving you an idea how long will be the line

My trip sponsor, Rome Frias

Rome Frias, is a good friend of mine and he was the one who sponsored me of this 3-day trip in Cebu City.  This is our Day 1 right after arriving at Mactan Domestic Airport.

Almost at the entrance of the church near the votive candle stand

It took us more than an hour on a queue from the grand staircase entrance to the church door in the middle of the scorching heat of the sun.  By the time, I stepped near the door of the church, I thought then that was the end of the line.  I was wrong, because I was following a line leading to the miraculous image heading to the back of the altar.  It was such a long line snaking from the a series of tiered stairs up to the miraculous image.

While at the votive candle stand

The votive candle stand is just opposite the church main door, but the line heading to the miraculous image is not heading inside the church, but a few meters past the church main door.

Colored candles and offering prayers

Each color of the candle represent a corresponding prayer as follows:

• White - for purity, and achieving guidance and enlightenment
• Yellow - for peace, hope, strength and courage
• Violet - for achieving one's plans in life
• Red - for love, including family, engagement, friendship and unity
• Pink - for happiness and thanksgiving
• Orange - for reconciliation among or between sweethearts
• Gray - for deliverance from bad spirits, things and ways
• Green - for success of one's business, study and exams
• Gold - for healing physically and spirituality
• Cream - for faith or conversion of one's household or children
• Blue - for perseverance in a devotee's assignment, career, promotions and employment
• Brown - for vocation
• Black - for the pardon and forgiveness of souls

As I peeked inside the church while our line passes thru the main door

Our line passed thru surrounding walls and rooms that display letters, photographs, medical records, crutches and wheelchairs left behind by devotees testifying to miraculous healings.  I had read some letters which narrates that prior to taking a government board examination, they visited the shrine to pray for their petition, and after passing the exams, they returned to the shrine and wrote their thanksgiving letter.

The in-house museum

The museum offers insights into the shrine's history and the Marian Monks.  Devotees and and visitors alike can discover relics and Marian statues and learn about miraculous events like when the image of the Virgin Mary of Our Lady of Lindogon miraculously shed tears.

The hall where devotees and pilgrims write their prayers and intentions

There are also some prayer rooms and spaces where devotees can contemplate while praying to God thru the intercession of Mama Mary.  It is like asking Mama Mary to pray to God on your behalf, much like asking a friend or family member to pray for you.

The counter that receives holy mass requests

The above photos were captured while I was still on my line heading to the miraculous image.  As far as I can remember it passes a series of stairs going upstairs.   I can also see some devotees simply resting on the massive hall tired after kissing the miraculous image.  There is also on in-house religious articles store and souvenirs. By the way, all those who will go up to kiss or touch the miraculous image leave their footwear at the entrance of the massive hall. Everybody strut along the series of stairs barefooted.

Finally, my turn at the miraculous image

Actually, devotees can have an option either just to attend mass or visit the miraculous image.  But most devotees prefer to do both or even offer some petitions.  

After kissing the miraculous image, we headed down and cool ourselves down the massive hall.  I literally lied down the cold cemented floor as there are no available seats or benches.

First side trip while heading back to Cebu City

It was good that we chartered a taxi and thus, we can easily request from the driver to drop us whenever we wish to have pictures.

The century-old Sibonga Church, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish

Archdiocesan Shrine of Teofilo Camomot

The facade of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Teofilo Camomot

This was our third stop while heading to Cebu City.  The shrine is where the remains of Venerable Teofile Camomot rest at Domus Teofilo also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Teofilo Camomot in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City, Cebu Province.

While inside the shrine

The shrine also include an associated chapel of St. Teresa de Avila, a modern chapel built to accommodate pilgrims and visitors.  The shrine, museum, and tomb are managed by the Daughters of St. Teresa (DTS), a religious congregation founded by Archbishop Camomot.  His tomb/remains, personal belongings, vestments, writings, and a museum space dedicated to his life and ongoing cause for sainthood are being housed here.

The shrine's interior

Our chartered taxi was rented for the whole day for  P3,500 from the airport and until 6:00 PM.   But for those who want to cater on public transportation going to Simala Shrine, this is what you can do.

Follow these steps:

1. Arriving at Domestic Arrivals of Mactan Airport at Terminal 1, proceed to Taxi Bay or Terminal 2 at the Bus Bay (International Arrivals), look for the MyBus ticket booth or staff table near the bay to purchase your ticket before boarding the shuttle bus for P50 or US$0.79 heading to SM City Cebu daily from 7:00 AM to 8:20 PM.  Interval: Departs every 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Take jeepney from SM City Cebu to South Bus Terminal with code 10H or 10M directly from SM City Cebu jeepney terminal.  Ask the driver to drop you off at the Seaoil Gas Station or directly in front of the South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Avenue for a fare of P15 or US$0.24 for about 20 - 30 minutes drive depending on traffic.
3. Take a bus bound for Oslob and ask the driver to drop you off at the Simala crossing or bus stop for around P80 fare or US$1.26.  Then, board a tricycle heading to the shrine for P30 or US0.47 fare for 10 to 15 minutes ride.

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