CAMIGUIN DE BABUYANES

Camiguin Bay as taken from the shore of Brgy. Balatubat of Camiguin de Babuyanes Island

This October 3 to November 4, 2003 trip has started when my Batanes Trip ended. As soon as I arrived in Laoag City from a Basco flight, I boarded a bus going to Allacapan town of Cagayan province right after crossing the Golden Gate like bridge of Magapit for five (5) hours bus travel. From there, I boarded a jeepney going to Aparri town for 50 minutes. I did not have itinerary then. I just asked PNB Aparri Branch personnel how to go to Camiguin Island of Babuyan. Since it was already 5:00 P.M., I just bought for food and other necessities which I felt I need in my forthcoming trip. Then, I checked in at Room 407 of St. Patrick Garden Hotel for an overnight. While in my room, I have been texting Joms Acebes, an acquaintance in Uganda for some queries about Camiguin Island including a referral for my accommodation which she advised me to stay with Juanita "Awit" Llopis.

The long stretch of white beach of Naguillian away from Brgy. Balatbat

Babuyan Island Group is consist of five (5) major islands, namely: Babuyan Claro, Fuga, Dalupiri, Camiguin and its capital Calayan. So, when I arrived in Camiguin, I stayed with my host couple Leopoldo “Luding” and Awit Llopis in Brgy. Balatubat. They have four children, namely: Apple, Junjun, Imee and Michael. This is my most major vacation in terms of length of time for one month. Aside from climbing its highest peak of Mt. Camiguin at 712 meters or 2,336 feet above sea level. Since, Awit is closely associated with the parish church, I became close also with the missionary Dominican priest in Camiguin in the name of Fr. Oscar "Auckhs" Enjaynes who served as the Director then of the Lyceum of Camiguin High School. He is the lead guitarist of the Inggo 1587 Band who is composed of four (4) Dominican priests and by then the Director of Lyceum of Camiguin. Being close to them, I was inspired attending the evening Black Rosary and the holy masses. With this, I had the opportunity to know the townfolks in the personal level. I have been close also with the parish priest of Camiguin's St. Vincent Ferrer Parish church in the name of Fr. Ogie C. Quirao, OP.

The picture was taken in Pinon Islet with the backdrop of Camiguin de Babuyanes Island

Together with Fr. Auckhs, Awit Llopis, Jojo Delubio, Joshua, Noring Asaja, Titoy Alejo, Elvis Nanay, Ricky Aguinaldo, Salvador Asaja and Jerry Mendoza, we had a picnic and swimming in Siship Hot Spring in the Mararag Point on October 8, 2003. This is quite a unique hot spring in the sense that it opens in the seashore and its source comes from the neighboring volcano of Mount Camiguin. We stayed long in the beach to take advantage of the presence of the hot sea water. The same group also landed in the beautiful Pinon Islet just opposite Manguilinguitit Point and Magasasuc Bay and cruised toward the opposite side in the scenic Pamuctan Island. My favorite spot in Camiguin is the Naguillian Beach which is a 3-kilometer of serene, white and powdery sand beach. It could rival Boracay of its beauty and the good thing is that, it is an undisturbed beach with no tourists going there except me who always spend then my solitude on its fine white powdery white beach.

With me in the picture is Fr. Oscar "Auckhs" Enjaynes, OP at the center and Awit Llopis in orange shirt

On the other hand, I also stayed in Sitio Morol of Brgy. Minabel in Camiguin in the house of Edelberto Estorba for the period October 18 to 26, 2003. Together with us was Edel's scholar, Norberto "Simpling" Aguinaldo. Simpling is a Grade VI student of Edel. His classmates Zaldy Baloloy and handsome 15-year old Roland Aguillon used to sleep in Edel's house. Morol is an 8-hour trek from Brgy. Balatubat. Fortunately, I visited Morol with the company of the students from Lyceum of Camiguin who are also living there, namely: Rosa Pedronan, Michel Antonio, Raymund Irice, Arnold Antonio and Vergel Antonio. It was on October 25, 2003 that Vergel, Edel and I had an spelunking in Diapon Cave located in Sitio Diapon just near Vergel's house. I also visited the nearby fishing village of scenic Panan. My life in Sitio Morol was quite memorable. I also enjoyed having videoki almost every night in Edel's house and watching movies since Edel has an electric generator. Other than that, my life in Morol was so basic and simple and enjoyed the company of the elementary pupils of Morol Elementary School. In fact, I had spent few of my days teaching dance lessons for the pupils as requested by the teachers of the school. When I returned to Barangay Balatubat, I joined the company of Michel Antonio, Gladys Pedronan, Selma Antonio, Rowena Corpuz, Gina Antonio, Allyn Corpuz, Juvelyn Antonio and Vergel Antonio.

BANAHAW DE TAYABAS CLIMB

This is so far my very first climb which at first, I was hesitant to be a part of mountain climbing, but Maricris B. Ballon of Allied Bank – Edsa Extension Branch, a friend of my officemate, Jennifer T. Ferrer, convinced me to join their Banahaw de Tayabas Climb dated May 1-3, 1998 in the province of Quezon. I thought then that such activity is not really exciting but after the climb, I realized that it was really the cup of tea I would like to have for the rest of my life. In this activity, too, I felt the essence of brotherhood and a lot more about camaraderie because there was close bonding for the whole duration of the climb, helping and assisting each other and sharing all the fun, laughter, inner thoughts, ingenuities, values, peculiarities, point of views and some other things that excite us. My companions then were so friendly and supportive and they were as follows: (1) Jennifer T. Ferrer; (2) Maricris B. Ballon, (3) Raymund “Mon” S. Crisol, and (4) Josie J. Gustilo of Allied Bank; (5) Mel M. Mata and (6) Edwin “Didin” F. Reyes of Dual Technology in Edsa, Pasay; (7) Alfonso Rodrigo “Goy” Y. Quemuel of Amkor/Anam Pilipinas; (8) Glenn Carlos Abitria de Guzman of De La Salle University; and (9) Aldwin A. De Guia of Adamson University

After the climb, we headed for Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas, Quezon for a sumptuous lunch. This is a famous restaurant in Tayabas with floating and artistically designed nipa huts in the heart of man-made cascading falls and fish ponds and awesomely landscaped environment. While it was still early, we decided to have swimming in Bukal na Buhay Resort. It is a natural cold spring developed into a concrete swimming pool. Finally, since May 3 was Sunday, the group agreed to attend the 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. Holy Mass in the Basilica de San Miguel Archangel Parish in Tayabas town clad in our mountaineering gears and paraphernalia.

CORREGIDOR TRIPS

CORREGIDOR ISLAND Location: Manila Bay Coordinates: 14°23′8″N 120°34′23″E Area - Length: 6.5 km (4.04 mi) Area - Width: 2.0 km (1.24 mi) Highest Elevation: 589 ft (179.5 m) Blogger Note: Corregidor Island has played a significant role for both Spanish and American regime as it served as a part of the naval defense for invaders of the Philippines. It has its strategic location being near the entry point of Manila Bay. It is one of the historical icons most particularly during the World War I where it houses the American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese forces. Click here for more information

View Corregidor in a larger map

I had already two trips two Corregidor Island which is always a day trip package of which the first was on July 30, 1995 and the second one was on May 3, 1997. The first trip with former PNB Buendia Branch officemates, namely: Noemi P. Restum, Angelita C. Melanio and Lynn Quiacos boarding M/V Tennesse Walker from Manila Hotel’s anchor port at 8:10 A.M and had a cruise in the majestic panorama of the Manila Bay. It was such a very memorable historical tour with almost 80% were foreigners mostly Japanese and Koreans. The cruise was more than two hours but it was not all boring because we had some acquaintances on board like the one we met who was an American citizen by birth but both parents were Filipino in the person of France Salas. And the second was with former PNB Makati Avenue Branch officemates Angie Melanio and her sister, Gigi; Emma Pinto; Dulce Comia; Jenny Ferrer; Lynn Quiacos; Louella Roa with her niece Joanne and Pamela where we boarded Stella Marris Ferry of Grand Seawary Ferries via Lamao, Limay, Bataan and took an ordinary motor boat to cross to the island.

As a backgrounder, the name Corregidor was derived from the Spanish word corregir meaning to correct or check as this island served as a check point for vessels entering Manila Bay during the Spanish and American occupation. It earned the name Guardian of Manila because of its strategic location at the mouth of Manila Bay which was once an island under relentless siege.

Corregidor Island lies from the depths of the aquamarine sea which gently rises like a tranquil emerald haven. The distance from its Topside to Bottomside is approximately three kilometers long. Its width is approximately five kilometers at its widest point. It has an elevation of 628 feet above sea level at Topside, its highest point, and 50 feet above sea level at Bottomside, its lowest point. It has Mariveles, Bataan on its north and the province of Cavite on its south.

This island is now a sacred tribute to the heroes who took part in its dramatic past. It is a veteran’s historic isle of remembrance. An eternal witness to the valiant heroism and chilling horrors of war. Now, only the gentle lapping of waves fill the silence and lush greenery veils victories and devastating defeats march on in the shattered ruins and noble relics.

You will really be poetic enough when you set foot on this Philippine island fortress and witness its beauty and splendor. We arrived on its port at 10:38 A.M. and we were accommodated by the tourist buses and registration followed. The first point we visited was the General Douglas MacArthur Park which has a statue of the General at Lorcha Dock ruins at the Bottomside of the island where he boarded the PT boat on March 11, 1942 for Mindanao and then to Australia where he sent his famous message of “I SHALL RETURN”. Then our tourist guide, brought us to the Corregidor Bird Park where the famous talking “Megastar Bird” was there and anybody can hold it for picture taking purposes.

Thirdly, we proceed to the remains of soldiers’ and officers’ quarters like the Mile-Long Barracks and Middleside Barracks and numerous artillery batteries such as the: Hearn, Crockett, Hamilton, Geary, Ramsay, Stockade, Cushing, Wheeler, Monja, Cheney, Sunset, Hanna, Rock Point, Smith, Grubbs, Way, James and Morrison are found. Fourthly, we visited the Pacific War Memorial Shrine which was completed in 1968 to honor Filipino and American soldiers who participated in World War II. It also houses a modest museum which contains numerous war artifacts, a documentary film projection room and a souvenir shop. The Eternal Flame of Freedom sculpture is within the same complex at Topside.

We had also a chance to experience the delight of the breathtaking view of Manila Bay, the South China Sea and a bird’s eye-view of the island from atop the lighthouse located on Topside, 628 feet above sea level. The original lighthouse was built in 1836 by the Spaniards. A bigger one was erected in 1897 but was destroyed during World War II. Then, we proceed to the Filipino-American Friendship Park which is a 2,000 square meters fully landscaped park, located at Middleside, with 10-foot statues of Filipino and American soldiers depicting their enduring friendship in times of war and in peace.

The next point was the Japanese Garden of Peace Park which is a 2.2 hectares area at Tailside where a 10-foot Jibo-Kannon stone buddha, Shinto Shrine, various Japanese soldier memorial shrines and anti-aircraft (AA) guns relics are erected. This is also a praying area for Japanese War Veterans and their relatives. And the most of all was the Malinta Tunnel experience. This tunnel was completed in 1922 and has a main tunnel at 835 feet long and 24 feet wide with 24 laterals branching out from it. Originally an arsenal and an underground hospital, its unique location beneath the Malinta Hill made it an ideal bomb-proof headquarters for embattled Filipinos and Americans and served as the seat of the Philippine Government under Pres. Manuel L. Quezon. Part of this was experiencing the thrills vividly-staged Light and Sound Show. It was scripted by National Artist and outstanding Filipino film director Lamberto Avellana, a show which reenacts the World War II’s dramatic events.

The last site we visited was the Corregidor Hotel at the Beach Resort Complex which houses a 31-room comfortable accomodations. We left the island through the North Dock Port boarding again the M/V Tennesse Walker at 1:45 P.M. where a sumptuous lunch was served for us. Though, we were still tired, most of us did not take a rest during the Manila Bay cruise as we enjoyed the Karaoke, watching TV and endless pictorials and most of all meeting new friends. We arrived in Manila Hotel at 5:18 P.M.

BUD BONGAO CLIMB

Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
Major jump-off: Barangay Pasiagan, Bongao
Elevation: Tambisan Peak - 314 MASL (1,030 feet); Sibutu Peak - 342 MASL (1,122 feet)(
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 2
Features: It is within the 250-hectare dense forest of Bongao Peak Eco-Tourism Park with a 3,608-step cobblestone trail in some parts inhabited with the wild long-tailed Macaque monkeys. The mountain itself is formed by 6 massive vertical limestone cliffs which represents its 6 peaks.

While at Sanga-Sanga Beach with the backdrop of Bongao's Peak

This is a four-province tour dated June 1 – 6, 2002 in the part of Mindanao, Philippines. Personally, I considered this an achievement to visit Tawi-tawi, Jolo and Basilan. It somewhat changed my bad impressions about these places overplayed by the media as high risk and no-go areas. I could vouch that the people of Tawi-tawi in particular are fun and peace-loving people. Christians and Muslims there live in harmony as I witnessed in the parties I was invited to attend with.

Bongao's Peak as captured from Sanga-Sanga Beach

I was based then in Zamboanga City and every time, I tour to each island, I would go back to Zamboanga City as my point of origin. Tawi-tawi was the last island that I traveled to. I only have three things to do in this island, one is to have a picture of PNB Tawi-tawi signage, to have a swim on its Sanga-sanga beach and finally to scale Bongao’s peak.

PNB Tawi-Tawi Branch: My Accommodation for free

While in a 3-day stay in Bongao, I enjoyed the company of the employees of PNB Tawi-tawi Branch where I stayed in branch manager’s house. This is one of the perks of being a Philnabanker. I also met there some friends from the Philippine Marine Group and attended a festive and party where both Christians and Muslims are the guests and we are all in harmony.

The seal of Tawi-Tawi at its municipal hall

My PNB connected provided me a great help in having a research about the place most particularly about Bud Bongao with the Tourism Office on its municipal hall. I learned that the said mountain is really called Bud Bongao with the word “Bud” on its Sinama dialect which is translated to Filipino as “Bundok” or “Mountain” in English. Thus, locals call it as “Bud Bongao”.

The tourism officer had repeatedly told me that the mountain is sacred and therefore anybody who will scale it should show respect to it. It is sacred because there were two preachers who are followers of Karim ul-Makhdum, the founder of Islam in Tawi-Tawi buried here located along the cross-trail to Simunul and Tambisan peak where locals call it Tampat Rocks. First, he told me to buy a cloth which will be used to wrap up my neck which I forgot its local name. Then, he told me to buy more than enough bananas for the wild long-tailed Macaque monkeys (Macaca Fascicularis).

I also learned that Bud Bongao is just the second highest mountain in Tawi-Tawi with an actual elevation of 342 MASL since Mount Sibangkat of the Languyan town is the highest at 535 MASL located at the borders of the municipalities of Bongao and Panglima Sugala.

The six peaks of Bud Bongao are: Bongao - 230 MASL, Sibutu -342 MASL, Simunul – 328 MASL, Tambisan – 317 MASL, Tinondakan – 309 MASL, and Pajar – 260 MASL. My trek was from its jump-off point at Barangay Pasiagan to Tambisan Peak at 317 MASL following a trail of 3,608-step cobblestone trail. The viewdeck at the Tambisan peak provides a view of the Celebes Sea and Tambisan Island. Each peak has a viewdeck where the island it has been named after it can be viewed. I had my climb here on the second day of my stay dated June 4, 2002.

BATANES TOUR

BATANES Location: Batan and Sabtang Islands, Province of Batanes, Philippines Provincial Capital: Basco Capital Municipality Class: 5th Class Coordinates: 20°35′30″N 121°53′46″E Total Area: 219.01 km2 (84.56 sq mi) Blogger's Note: This province island group comprises of ten islands that are located in the Luzon Strait between the islands of Luzon and Taiwan, namely: Yami, North Island, Maduvis, Siayan, Itbayat, Dinen, Batan, Dequey, Ivojos and Sabtang. It is the northernmost part of the Philippines and is also the smallest province, both in terms of population and land area. The island group is located about 162 km north of Luzon and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan, separated from the Babuyan Islands of Cagayan Province, Luzon, by the Balintang Channel and from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. Click this link for more information. and choice of accommodation and where to go

View

An aerial view of Basco Town, Batanes

This trip dated September 25 to October 3, 2003 just covered the two of the ten islands of Batanes Islands group, namely: Batan and Sabtang. Batanes, the Philippines’ smallest province, consist of tiny islands that form the northernmost frontier of the country. Its center is situated at longitude 121 degrees 53 minutes east and at latitude 22 degrees 20 minutes north. This location, which is near the upper boundary of the Tropic of Cancer, gives it a semi-temperate climate through most of the year. It is nearer Taiwan (190 kms north) than Aparri, Cagayan (280 kms south), the nearest town of Mainland Luzon. It is 860 kms. North of Manila. Its proximity to Taiwan is a source of diplomatic irritant ---- Taiwanese fishing boats regularly intrude into its territorial waters and fishing grounds.

Naidi Hill offers cool refreshing afternoon walk with Basco lighthouse and the Pre-War Telecom buildings in the backdrop

Naidi Hill which offers a 360 degrees scenery of that aquamarine blue seascape of Basco is really good for meditating and soul searching. It is as well therapeutic as you inhale the fresh air all around you. I was fortunate enough that in my week-long stay in Batanes, there was no rain and so afternoon walk in this part of the town was so rewarding.

An aerial view of Basco lighthouse and the Pre-War Telecom buildings

Part of the Marlboro country with scenic coastline and Mount Iraya in the backdrop

A scenery from an abandoned US Weather station on a hilltop which offers a 360-degree view of Batan Island, the South China Sea, Mt. Iraya, Basco Proper, boulder lined cliffs and the Pacific Ocean

The islands are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the east, the China Sea on the west and the Balintang and Bashi Channels on the south and north, respectively. The Pacific Ocean drains into the China Sea and vice versa in these channels creating powerful and treacherous underwater currents. This, combined with its distance from the mainland, strong winds that blow throughout most of the year and frequent typhoons, have kept the islands in a relative state of isolation, a situation that is both a boon and bane to the province’s economy. The ten (10) islands of Batanes from north to south are as follows:

1. Yami Island – the northernmost island of the Philippines, a neighbor of Lanyu island of Taiwan (also called Orchid Island and earlier Botel Tobago)
2. North Island
3. Mavudis Island, literally “low-lying island”
4. Siayan Island, literally “separation island” as in paysyayan
5. Itbayat Island, the largest in the Group
6. Dinen Island, the “tatus coconut crab” habitat
7. Vatan (Batan) Island, the second largest island
8. Dequey Island, literally “Small Island” to Dampier the “Good Island” because of the great number of goats in his visit in 1687 and westernmost island.
9. Ivojos Island – cattle and goats raised, unique for its reefs extending almost to the middle of the channel separating it from Sabtang.
10. Sabtang Island – third largest in size and southernmost island.

I started the tour boarding Autobus Transport from Manila on September 25, 2003 to Laoag City for an 11.67-hour bus travel and stayed there for an overnight at Room 310 of Hotel del Norte in Fonacier Street. The following day, September 26, 2003, I boarded Asian Spirit flight No. 6K124 seated at 5D for a 50-minute air travel from Laoag City to Basco, the capital of Batanes located in Batan Island. I did not have any reservation for accommodation and I just sought the assistance of PNB Basco Branch. It was them who referred me to stay in Shanedel Inn and Cafe owned by Shane and Del Millan located in No. 0669 National Road corner Abad Street, Brgy. Kaychanarianan, Basco. Del was a former employee of PNB Basco Branch. It was Del who arranged for my package tours. The whole tour only covered two of the ten islands of Batanes which is Batan and Sabtang.

Part of the Mavatoy Cliff Rock formation along the Ivana Highway

Batan alone is a bunch of beautiful sceneries. One of the best thing that I did in Batanes was when I climbed Mt. Iraya which is the highest point of Batanes Islands Group at 1,517 meters or 4,976 feet above see level. Some places I visited were: (1) Brgy. Chanarian of Basco; (2) Paderes Winding Road of Basco; (3) Viewdeck of Basco; (4) Fisherman’s Village in Sitio Jura, Diura, Mananoy Bay of Mahatao; (5) Racuj-a Payaman (Communal Pasture land) which is the Marlboro county of Batanes located in Mahatao. It is overlooking Mt. Mataran which is an extinct volcano standing 495 meters at its summit, Mr. Iraya and Mananoy Bay; (6) End-of-the-world Point or called Imnajbu of Brgy. Imnajbu, Uyugan; (7) Alapad Rock Gate Formation between Brgy. Imnajbu and Itbud, Uyugan; (8) Ghost town of Songsong in Brgy. Itbud, Uyugan abandoned by its residents after the tidal wave in the 1950’s; (9) Vatang Rock Cliff Formation, National Highway of Ivana; (10) Mavatoy Rock Cliff formation, National highway of Ivana; (11) 18 century house in Ivana; (12) San Carlos Borromeo Church and Convent in Mahatao; (13) Francisco Cariaso’s Green 18th Century house in Mahatao; (14) Pre-war telecom buildings and Lighthouse in Naidi Hills; (15) Basco Valugan Rock Bay – the cradle of myriads of smooth stones of different sizes and colors; (16) Radar Tukon – an abandoned US Weather station on a hilltop which offers a 360-degree view of Batan Island, the South China Sea, Mount Iraya, Basco Proper, boulder lined cliffs and the Pacific Ocean; (17) Tamolong Bridge with a backdrop of Batanes Resort and its imposing hillsides; (18) Basco Welcome Tablet overlooking Mt. Iraya, Kanyuyan Beach and seaport, Baluarte Bay, Naidi Hills and Basco town proper; and (19) Sto. Domingo De Guzman Cathedral in Basco.

Valugan Rock Bay – the cradle of myriads of smooth stones of different sizes and colors

The Fisherman’s Village in Sitio Jura, Diura, Mananoy Bay of Mahatao in the capital Island of Batan

The century-old Ivana Church where the Radiwan Port going to Sabtang is located boarding falowa

On the other hand, I visited the beautiful island of Sabtang on September 29, 2003. Going to Sabtang Island from Batan Island is only a 30-minute falowa (boat) ride from Radiwan Port in Ivana. Ivana is a 45-minute jeepney ride from Basco town proper. Sabtang island was only a day trip and I contracted the minitruck of Ricardo "Carding" Hornedo to have a tour around the island. He was referred to me by his auntie, Mrs. Aurora V. Hornedo - a teacher from Sabtang Elementary School after giving homage to Saint Vincent, the Patron Saint of Sabtang housed in San Vicente Parish Church in Sabtang Central. Indeed, the island has an undisturbed and unspoiled ecological attractions guaranteed to satisfy even the most sophisticated travelers and nature lovers. It has a number of fish sanctuaries in Chavayan. It has also intermittent white sand beaches like Lokoy Beach in Brgy. Savidug and along Chavayan coastline. The steep mountain of Mount Genbalungot in Chavayan is a view to behold. There are also deep canyons in Chavayan with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline. I also visited the Idjang in Savidug --- a columnar megalith structure of andesite type and a castle-like configuration with defied codification.

The entry point of Barangay Savidug in Sabtang Island with Mount Genbalungot and its nearby hills in the backdrop in Sabtang Island

A typical century-old stone house in Sabtang Island where it is being preserved for tourism purposes

Lokoy Beach in Sabtang Island

Lokoy Beach with its picturesque surrounding hills

Chavayan coastline in Sabtang Island

Another shot in the windy Chavayan coastline

CORON, CALAUIT and CALAMIAN ISLANDS GROUP TRIP.

This place is located in Northern Palawan offering such an absolutely wonderful travel experience dated March 29 to April 1, 2002. This was where I deeply appreciated kayaking and snorkel at its best where limestone islands, lagoons, white sand beaches, jungle vegetation of towering tropical trees, plants and lianas were just but a common sight. Like mountaineering, the tour package offered an accomodation of tent by the beach where we only hear the sounds of the waves and the wind.

The tour was organized for us by Travel Impact owned and managed by Rolly Villanueva, Ding Capunitan and Ed Valenzuela. We were a total of 22 persons who boarded WG and A’s M/V Our Lady of Medjugorje on March 29, 2002 (Good Friday) at 4:00 P.M. in Pier 4, North Harbor, Manila. Rolly, Ding and Ed were with us during the whole duration of the trip. Ed’s wife and only 7-year old child were with us. There were also six Filipino tourists of different companies and nine in PNB Mountaineering Club, namely: (1) Glen R. Monterozo – an AMA Computer College graduate; (2) Dr. Genie Rosa F. Tagab of S.M. Lazo Medical Center; (3) Janet T. Lazarte of PNB GSD Accounting; (4) Jenny Ferrer; (5) Noemi Amador-Capunitan, (6) Benjie G. Autencio Jr. of PNB Training Office, (7) Elmar D. Portento of Raco-Haven Automation Philippines, Inc., (8) Manny Llesol of PNB Personnel Department, and (9) I. Glen was joined by his cousin, Joemar P. Ramos and tour cook, Totie Tubig.

Our ship arrived in Coron town at 6:00 A.M. and we proceed to Maxx and Baby Restaurant owned by Maximo and Baby Cruz for our breakfast located in Barangay 3 of Coron town. After our breakfast, we met the owner of the big motor boat we boarded in the name of Jimboy Palanca. The boat pilot was Greg Amit joined by his 16-year old son, Anthony and a certain 18-year old Nonie Abreau Cavillo to assist us during the trip. We had island hopping, snorkel, kayaking in Sangat Island, then in the Japanese ship wreck sunk by American bombers in 1944 of Lusong where corals were at its best. We visited also the fascinating and virgin Black Island where limestone and cliff rock formations were breathtakingly beautiful and an awesome piece of natural beauty. Finally, we went to Calauit Island to witness its vast wildlife of animals like giraffes, zebras, mouse deer and many others. Calauit island showcases upmarket safari camping – a vacation model famous in southern Africa and was adapted to the Philippines. We pitched our tents there to have our socials and overnight stay.

Day 2, March 31 was even more exciting when we visited the mystical limestone island of Coron. With more than 60 km around or 8,000 hectares land area and 14,000 hectares of sea area, it offers that rare combination of rugged coastline, impenetrable interior, clear aquamarine lagoons like Barracuda and Kayangan, white sandy beaches, bat and swiflet caves, coves, reefs, a stretch of undercut cliff faces and a strong, living culture. We had an ample time in Barracuda lagoon where we had our lunch and had a refreshing swim in Kayangan Lake. This lake is absolutely beautiful. Its hidden beauty and tranquility was somewhat seldom disturbed by human intruders. It offers such a haunting visual impact. The lakescape and the surrounding landscape are pared down to its barest essentials of beauty with strange allure. Tagbanua control the land and islands of their ancestors in Coron, having becoming the first Filipinos to win an äncestral domain claim from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. There is a permission required to enter Coron Island through Tagbanua Foundation and the Council of Elders of Cabugao. This includes the mystique Barracuda lagoon and the Kayangan Lake.

After Coron Island, we crossed through the dashing waves to the exceptionally picturesque island of Dibatuc where overnight stay will be more memorable but we missed it. I was really amazed on the shapes of rocks, still surprisingly sharp despite the scouring of wind and water down the centuries. Its white cliffs formation stood out against the blue of the sea and to add up the cloudscapes and the pattern of sand in its narrow coast line. Indeed, this island is a photographer’s delight. The serenity of the island offered much time for us to ponder and realize how beautiful the Philippines is. Our stay of two hours was only worth a minute because the place has put our senses to a complete halt and the only thing left was our sense of admiration. On the other hand, the location of the campsites were somewhat squeezed in the narrow corridor between the high water mark of a beautiful white sand beach and the towering limestone cliffs. Thus, not even a single hut and resort was erected. The place was wholly ours for complete and ultimate enjoyment.