EL NIDO SUMMER ESCAPADE 2008

This trip covered the period from April 2 to 13, 2008 and was based in Sitio Diapila, Brgy. Tiniguiban, El Nido Municipality which is 3 hours from El Nido Town proper by boat. The trip included a day swim in the Big Lagoon of Miniloc Island in Bacuit Bay and a number of times savoring the clear beach coasts of the town proper bay beach front, the Corong corong beach coast; 7 Commando Beach; Maremegmeg Beach; sunset in Santican Viewdeck; island hopping in Vito, Diapila and Cagbuli Islands.

MY FIRST CARAMOAN GETAWAY: A BITTER EXPERIENCE

Municipality of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines

I have read a lot of good reviews of Caramoan islands and so, two of my friends and I had planned to visit it. The date was for the period April 9-12, 2009. It materialized. But it turned out to be a disgusting experience that I will not forget in my whole life.

View of Lahos island taken from its rugged tall cliffs

It was a DIY and so we boarded a bus from Cubao to Naga City for 16 hours when ordinarily, it will only be 12.5 hours. From Naga City, we boarded another mini bus going to Sabang Port for a travel time of almost 2 hours costing P90. From Sabang Port, we took a big passenger boat going to Guijalo Port for 2 hours costing P110 per head. The boat operator required each passenger to register his name to the passengers' manifest. Upon entry to Guijalo Port, each one was charged to pay for P30 for the Environmental Fee. It was not the end yet because we have to take another a tricycle going to Caramoan town proper for 30 minutes. A special trip costs P300 but since it has a capacity of 6 then, each passenger in a non-chartered basis is only P50. As we were only three, we waited for another three, so that we will not pay for the other vacant 3 seats. We did not have an accommodation booking and we instructed the tricycle driver to bring us to Bikal port where boats for island hopping are available.

Approaching Lahos island at almost 11:30 A.M.

We were referred to a boat operator who is at her past 60's and haggled for the boat package at P1,800 for an overnight since it was already 10:30 A.M. We further negotiated that they can tour us around 2 islands and stay overnight for the third island. And from there, they can service other guests while they already dropped us to the last island destination. However, the old woman boat operator insisted that it is not there policy because they do not want to leave the guests unaccompanied by the boatmen. However, they insisted that the P1,800 rental is only good for one day which runs till 6:00 P.M. and they have to transport us back to the mainland. And so the deal was finalized.

Frolicking under the heat of the sun

The three of us, Rome Frias, Teresa Corpuz and I, happily boarded the boat and with high spirits we headed to Lahos island. The boat man assured us that they will stay closely with us and never leave us. We were even assured not to take our bags with food supplies from the boat because they are accessible anytime we need them.

My amazement of the beauty of Lahos Island never subsided even the searing heat of the sun was highly evident

I think we were given by our boatmen a maximum of 30 minutes to enjoy the island. In fact, I was able to climb the tall cliff limestone just to capture it on top.

I was almost in spell enjoying the beauty of the island

After 30 minutes, the boatmen reminded us to go on board the boat because we are going to the next island, which means that we can really hop into three islands as we had agreed.

An entry to the rocky and coral-filled Hunongan Cove

Upon entry to the cove at around 12:30 noon, which I am sure not part of the itinerary, the boat men informed us that we need to wait because they have to take something from Lahos which is just across. We were even told to disembark from the boat at the middle of open shore dotted with sharp corals and we could hardly walk.

The cove has no white sand to bask with and swim

Since they told us to wait for just a while, we did not bother to get our food. We waited in vain. But no boat had come for our rescue and so we consumed our time playing with the handful of starfish we picked from the shore. It was low tide and so there was nowhere to swim.

Enjoying the company of starfish on the shady part of the cove

We were hungry already but the cove has no locals where food supplies from makeshift stores can be bought. We did not have choice but to wait in vain. There was no sight of our boat from a distance.

Playing with the live starfish though we put them back to the water

Boredom and hunger had struck us three at the cove but we did not have choice but to wait and wait. High tide was starting to invade the beach line and slowly the corals were already covered with water.

Pictorials at the middle of extreme hunger where no drinking water is even available

At last! at around 6:00 P.M. our boat arrived just to pick us up. And the boat were loaded with some guests. The boatmen told us that they were the first to get the rental services and we were only accommodated. I was shouting on top of my voice even when we already boarded the boat heading to Bikal Port. The other passengers were just silent. I have forgotten that I was so hungry then and I got silent for the rest of the boat ride to reach Bikal port.

My hungry companions while approaching Bikal Port

Just when I got out of the boat at the port, I rushed to the store of the old woman who was the operator and on top of my voice, I burst out all my anger. But she only said to me, "Have you paid any centavo for the boat rental services? Then, why are you angry? But I answered her in a very strong voice, "You! You!!!!!! you ruined our well planned vacation which we planned for a year!" I created a commotion at Bikal Port and a crowd was starting to grow. My two companions were giving bodily and eye signals to me to stop but I was unstoppable and I decided to bring our case for a police blotter as some people there advised me to do this move. It was Good Friday then. A local brought us to a certain house to stay with for overnight since all accommodations were fully booked.

Caramoan Municipal Hall

At around 7:00 P.M., a police came to our accommodation to bring us to the police station. The whole clan of the boat operator were present in the police station and one of her children even introduced to us as a public school teacher. She further said that her mom was a former public teacher, too. I asked myself then, "Then, what kind of public servants are these people?" On the other hand, the drunk Chief of Police handled the negotiation was obviously not on our side, but I told his assistant that if he will not leave the room, I will file a complaint against him being drunk on duty. So, he was advised to just leave us and the negotiation started. The boat operator only have question repeatedly, "Did you pay us? Why are you putting us to extreme embarrassment?" I repeatedly told them, "Where in the Philippines will you pay a boat man in advance, I am a seasoned traveler and a travel blogger and I am used to this arrangement, service first before paying." I uttered those words not to brag but with the intention of letting them feel my message that "Hey! you can not just fool me! I know tour operations run." Finally, the police officers, settled the negotiation by asking us how much damage we want to charge the boat operator, but I said, not paying their poor and lousy services is enough.

The shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Queen of Peace

We woke up the following day early and were happy that our host was very kind to us and they did not charge us anything for our overnight stay. We were not even charge with the sumptuous dinner. But in return, we gave them all our food stuff that we have intended for a 3-day trip. That day, our only destination was the shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.

The scene when we alighted from the passenger boat at the Sabang Port

We used the same transportation mode in travelling back to Manila. Surprisingly, I was amazed when we alighted at Sabang Port since it was lowtide and our boat cannot dock at the port and so, all of us were carried like goods going to the port.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you opt not to avail of a travel package, the following are your options considering that you are coming from Manila:

1. Several bus companies are plying from Manila to Naga City which will take 12-14 hours. Then, have another transport from Naga City to Sabang Port. From Sabang Port to Guijalo Port will be by boat. Then, another land transport from Guijalo Port to Caramoan town.
2. Fly to Naga thru Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Naga City is land transport to Sabang Port and then take a 2-hour boat to Guijalo Port and another land transport to Caramoan town.
3. Fly to Virac booking online at Trip.Com and take a 1-hour boat.
4. 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Legazpi City to Naga or Pili and take the same route like that of Options 1 and 2.

MOIUNT PALAY-PALAY CLIMBS (PICO DE LORO)

Location: Maragondon (Cavite) and Nasugbu (Batangas), Philippines
Major jump-off: DENR Station, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
Minor jump-off: Sitio Fronda, Brgy. Papaya, Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas
Elevation: 664 MASL (2,179 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Distinctive features: With a massive monolith adjacent to the summit, forests, scenic views of Cavite

My first two climbs in Pico de Loro were: June 12-14, 1998 and March 2-3, 2002. Our jump-off point was in Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas. It was so called Pico de Loro since its peak resembles to beak of a parrot and it has two peaks of which one is a massive stone which can only be climbed through harness.

Our group conquering the massive monolith of Mount Palay-Palay

The first time we climbed this mountain was with the EMBO Mountain Climbers and few acquaintance friends. It was the time when we were waiting for the next climb that Noemi Amador, who used to be my companion in all of my outings and major trips, tried to visit for the first time Majayjay Falls in Sta. Cruz, Laguna dated May 16 and 17, 1998. We met friends there in the person of: (1) Alexander “Alex” P. Vilar of Asian Spirit Airlines; (2) Ma. Rozanah “Chen-chen” G. Irisary and (3) Emmanuel Provido “Nuel” A. de Castro II of Wesarv Systems International; and (4) Oscar “Onching” F. Azarcon. The four invited us to join their mountaineering club called EMBO which stands for Exploration of Man Beyond ‘Orizon. Alex, Nuel and Onching were founding club members. We also met there some friends like Leonardo “Toti” M. Villamor of Toyota Motors Paranaque, Diego G. Castillo and Arnel M. Evangelista.

After a few get together and constant phone calls, our EMBO friends invited us to join their June 12-14, 1998 Pico de Loro Centennial Climb situated in Nasugbu, Batangas. This time, we invited Aldwin de Guia and Mon Crisol to join us including Noemi Amador and Jenny Ferrer. We were all sixteen participants of the climb namely: (1) Nuel de Castro; (2) Alexander Vilar; (3) Onching Azarcon; (4) Michael “Mhike” B. Fernandez – another EMBO Mountaineering Club founding member; (5) Chenchen Irisary; (6) Evelyn F. Varias and all the rest including myself were guest climbers, namely: (7) Jesus “Jojo” F. Borja Jr. of KLT Fruits, Inc.; (8)Emee P. Durban of UCPB Herrera Branch; (9) Mark Stephen “Mark” P. Endonilla; (10) Raymund Crisol of Allied Bank Edsa Extension Branch; (11) Aldwin de Guia; (12) Bernadette “Badette” C. de Jesus of Nesic Philippines, Inc.; (13) Noemi Amador; (14) Jenny Ferrer; (15) Diego Castillo; and (16) I.

A group picture at the summit

It was not purely a mountaineering activity since we also experienced rock climbing using harness to reach the other peak of the big massive rock formation of Pico de Loro. After descending the mountain, we went to Kutad Cove where we had night swimming and socials in a bonfire. We pitched our tents along the beach line. The following day, June 14, we almost spent our day in the beach together with the famous actor, Aga Mulach who’s enjoying jetski. He had with him his relatives boarding a private yatch.

The second time around, I was supposedly joining a qualifing test for the March 26-31, 2002 Mt. Halcon Major Climb and so I joined the March 2-3, 2002 Pico de Loro Climb in Nasugbu, Batangas. I thought then it would be less exciting for the second time but as the climb progressed, it turned out to be more challenging since unlike before this one was only a day climb. It helped us gain more stamina, endurance and strength as seasoned (?) and professional (?) mountain climbers. Together with me were my fellow PNB Mountaineering Club members, namely: Erwin C. dela Cruz (Expidition Leader); Christian Tagle (Lead Man) and his father, Arthur; Eduard “Jun” V. Mangyao, Jr.; Ricky Eslao; Connie Vasquez; Enrique “Ike” S. Abad; Jing Gumba; Menchu Segovia; and Antonio Alcaraz. Jun Mangyao served as my inspiration in the whole duration of the climb. Our entry point was in Sitio Hamilo, Brgy. Papaya boarding a jeepney from Nasugbu town proper. We started from the jump-off point at 11:00 A.M. of the first day and was at the peak at 2:38 P.M. We were back in the jump-off point at almost 5:00 P.M.

Spending an overnight at the Kutad Cove after our Mount Palay-Palay Climb

We boarded a jeepney to Brgy. Papaya proper and hired a motorboat to go to Kutad Cove in Hacienda Look owned by Henry Sy and Associates through a 20-minute motorboat ride from Brgy. Papaya port. We had our overnight along the beach of Kutad. Our socials was quite memorable in the sense that both Jun Mangyao and I were identified with each other during the body shots game. That game really gave me a sort of emotional satisfaction and hoped then it would not end. And at the same time, the game gave us an opportunity to know each other and became closer. It was on that night that Ricky and Connie confirmed their intimate relationship. I slept earlier at 12:00 midnight while the rest at 2:00 dawn. For the second time, I shared with the tent of Ike Abad together with Anton Alcaraz. The following day, we started our activity in cooking our breakfast and had swimming. It was such a very refreshing morning filled with so much fun and thrills. The sun was as playful as the group as it was not too hot to our tanning skin. Finally, our excitement diminished as our service motor boat arrived to cross us to Brgy. Papaya proper at almost 11:00 A.M. After our late lunch in Nasugbu, we boarded an airconditioned BLTB bus at 4:30 P.M. and arrived in Manila at 6:40 P.M.

MOUNT UGO CLIMB

Location: Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet
Jump-off points: Kayapa, N. Vizcaya; Brgy. Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet
LLA: 16.31916°N, 120.80166°E, 2150 MASL (7,054 feet)
Days required / hours to summit: 2-3 days, 9-10 hrs
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail Class 1-3
Distinctive features: Pine forests, highland villages, views of Cordillera peaks

Having fun along the trail

I had two climbs in Mount Ugo dated June 4-6, 1999 and November 1-4, 2006 both under PNB Mountaineering Club. Like the Mt. Napulawan Climb, Mt. Ugo offers a very refreshing and cold climate and this is located in Itogon, Benguet which was my second major climb. The first climb of the mountain marked the 9th anniversary of PNB Mountaineering Club. Mt. Ugo’s peak of 7,400 feet, is considered the highest of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges which covers partly of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet, Mountain Province.

Resuming the second day trek from our campsite where we spent overnight

Mount Ugo is the highest peak in a chain of mountain ranges with an elevation of 2,150 meters above sea level or 7,052 feet. It is located in the boundaries of the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet. Its name was derived from the Ibaloi word “Ugoan” which means “to cut the neck of throat”. It was discovered as one of the most favorite mountains to scale by the mountaineers when there was a tragic PAL plane crash in 1987 just few meters below its peak. Some professional mountaineers then volunteered to accompany the bereaved families of the plane crash victims with the assistance of the local guides in visiting the site for memorial activities. As such, its cool climate, unique scenery and flora had enticed some other mountaineers to experience scaling the mountain. PNB MC being a close ally to PALMC thru our very dear friend, Mr. Romy Antonio had shared scaling this majestic mountain as early as 1996 and by then became one of the most favorite peaks for induction climbs.

Heading to the summit

The second climb Mount Ugo dated November 1-4, 2006 was perfect since we were lucky to have a good weather. It was my only major climb for the year 2006 after my 11-month Qatar Work Tavel. 12 of the 13 pictures here were all from the second climb. The climb is consisting of 19 participants with six inductees and three guests. The jump-off point was in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya where we boarded a bus from Manila and we descended to Brgy. Tinongdan of Itogon, Benguet.

While at the summit

We had our chartered airconditioned bus which fetched us all in PNB Financial Center at almost 11:00 P.M. We were consist of 42 participants broken down into 33 regular members, 7 initiates and 2 guests. The members were: (1) Jose Enrique “Ike” S. Abad of PNB IT Group; (2) Johanna “Hannah” C. Acuna of Allied Bank – Head Office; (3) Rodante “Dante” D. Adajar of PNB PAIRD; (4) Sandy A. Alhambra of PNB Trust Division; (5) Noemi O. Amador of Allied Bank – Head Office; (6) Laudimer “Omel” G. Arandia of Blue Chips Management Corporation; (7) Maricris “Chris” B. Ballon of Allied Bank – Divisoria Branch; (8) Juanito “Jhun” C. Banela of CIBI; (9) Brenda B. Bernabe of Aztec Philippines Corporation.; (10) Policarpo Gregorio Osmundo “Ding” N. Capunitan; (11) Elmer C. Daus of PNB Office of SVP Ma. Cristina G. Munoz; (12) Ma. Salome “Sally” A. de la Cruz of Peoples Insurance; (13) Noel “Wewel” N. Dollentas of PNB Economics & Research Division; (14) Mary Jane “Jing” V. Gumba of Bank of Commerce – Head Office; (15) Norita “Norie” R. Jacala of PNB Cable Division; (16) Janet T. Lazarte of PNB GSD Accounting; (17) Manuel “Manny” I. Llesol of PNB Personnel Human Resource Policies and Planning Division; (18) Edmundo “Edu” C. Llondres of PNB SAAD; (19) Fidel O. Mendoza of PNB GSD; (20) Alvin J. Pascual of PNB Office of SVP Leopoldo A. Manuel; (21) Severo “Roy” Y. Pison IV of PNB Economics & Research Division; (22) Joseph “Jinky” G. Quiray of Peoples Insurance; (23) Sandra S. Reyes of PNB Trust Division; (24) Fortunato “Bong” C. Rosales of Pardee Computer; (25) Elino “Jun” Q. Sorquia, Jr. ; (26) Antonio “Tony” P. Sundiang of Tradecom Asia Pacific Gorporation and former PNB SVP of Trust Division; (27) Belinda Fatima C. Tan of Peoples Insurance; (28) Alan A. Valenzuela of Peoples Insurance; (29) Victor C. Victorino of CIBI; (30) Rolando “Rolly” O. Villanueva – PNB MC President and expidition leader; (31) Alberto “Abet” M. Zapanta, Jr. of PNB Reengineering Division; and (32) I.

Starting to descend from the summit

The pine forest as part of the trail in descending from the summit

On the otherhand, our initiates were: (1) Genevic “Gene” B. Baria of Angelus Medical Center; (2) Alona C. Beliganio of Belkin Management Consultancy Phils., Inc.; (3) Raymund “Mon” S. Crisol of Allied Bank – Aguirre Branch; (4) Erwin C. de la Cruz of Angelus; (5) Pompei Lopez; (6) Ma. Jeannie T. Mendoza of Allied Bank – Monumento Branch; (7) Norberto “Abat” Miranda, Jr.; and (8) Renato “Ren” S. Solinap of PNB International Eximbills Processing Division. There were two guest climbers, namely: (1) Ma. Concepcion of PNB Personnel Human Resource Policies & Planning Division, and (2) Ma. Consuelo “Connie” T. Vasquez of Alsons Cement Corporation. I considered this as my worst climb since there was a typhoon which started in the late afternoon of Day One until we reached the jump-off point.

Tinongdan hanging bridge

Almost done trekking leading to the barangay hall where I received my certificate of climb completion

MOUNT TARAK CLIMB

After a long absence in mountaineering activities since November 29, 1999 or 2 years, 2 months and 24 days to be exact, I rejoined again PNB Mountaineering Club’s climb with so much enthusiasm and excitement. The said climb was in the 3,700 feet Mt. Tarak in Mariveles, Bataan dated February 23 and 24, 2002. I felt then, it was my first time to climb a mountain. We were consist of twelve participants, namely: Fellow Philnabankers: Arthur S. Tagle and 14-year old son, Christian Dominique (also an inducted member); Ricky N. Eslao; Enrique “Ike” S. Abad; and Tony M. Alcaraz; former Philnabanker Jenny Ferrer; Erwin C. dela Cruz of Angelus Medical Center as the Expedition Leader; Eduard “Jun” V. Mangyao, Jr. of USAID as Lead Man; Jing V. Gumba of Bank of Commerce; Menchu B. Segovia; Connie Vasquez and I. I considered this climb as one the finest since it gave us an excellent weather condition, ideal group size, perfect and scenic campsite; good camaraderie as all the participants were seasoned regular members who has been together in previous climbs and the logistics were fairly good.

We first boarded Mt. Samat Ferry Express in CCP Bay Terminal at 8:30 A.M. of the first day (Feb. 23) and arrived in the Port of Capinpin, Orion, Bataan at 9:32 A.M. From the port, we boarded a chartered jeepney at 9:55 A.M. and arrived in Alas-asin Barangay Hall of Mariveles at 10:51 A.M. We started our trek at 11:00 A.M. and we reached the Gate Point of the mountain at almost 12:00 noon where we had our lunch. Gate Point is a grassy clearing with two big shady trees grown apart and the point where trekking cardiac assault starts. We resumed trekking again at 12:35 noon heading for Papaya River and stayed there for a rest for more than 30 minutes. An almost two hours cardiac assaults followed and reached the scenic campsite where we pitched our tents at 4:45 P.M. Hours followed were fun-filled even after our dinner and had socials until 11:00 P.M. This evening affair personally marked a spectacular night for me. We endlessly sang songs, talked and laughed as my companions drank bottles of gin diluted with pomelo. The moon then was right above us; full and simply huge.

The following day (Feb. 24) at 7:10 A.M. was our summit assault for 30 minutes and was back in our campsite after an hour. Early morning at the campsite has a soothing cool wind that inspired us to cook our breakfast and for our packed lunch. The magnificent morning scenery offered us an irresistible invitation to have some pictorials. We started descending the beautiful mountain at 8:50 A.M. and took our lunch in the Gate Point where we stayed there for almost two hours and had siesta time until 1:30 P.M. The group left me at 4:00 P.M. in Alas-asin Barangay Hall for Port of Capinpin while I proceed to Bataan Export Processing Zone in Mariveles alone.