Saturday, January 9, 2016

A SCENIC DESTINATION OF BAGUIO WHICH ONE SHOULD NOT MISS TO VISIT OTHER THAN A PRIME TRAINING GROUND FOR PMAers

Location: Loakan, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines 2600

Telephone No.: (074) 447-3690 local 6620

Note: This is a part of my solo January 1-3, 2016 Baguio trip where it includes the following: Camp John Hay, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio Museum, University of the Philippines Baguio Campus, Tam-awan Village, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, The Mansion, Mines View Park, Baguio Botanical Garden, Wright Park, Dominical Hill and Retreat House, Our Lady of Atonement (Baguio Cathedral) and Burnham Park.

As a background, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is a 373-hectare campus considered premier military institution of the country and is the training ground for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as created thru the virtue of Commonwealth Act № 1 or the National Defense Act which was enacted on December 21, 1936. It was modeled after the United States Military Academy with officers from the Philippine Scouts and regular United States Army as instructors and members of the general staff.

Standing proud at the Dimalupig Park


Whenever I visit PMA, I usually start it from the main gate and just have a walk going to the main campus. It is really a long walk from there but once you do it, you will be amazed of how the camp has been conceptualized and planned. In terms of facilities, it is complete by itself. In this recent visit, my documentation was so comprehensive as it is so detailed, and let me narrate it one by one.

The main gate to Philippine Military Academy


That's the main gate. Public Utility Jeep (PUJ) with a route from Burhnam Park-PMA usually transport their passengers to the main campus where the jeep terminal is located but I opted to go down and started my documentation right in front of the main gate.

General Gregorio Del Pilar Monument


This is just a few meters from the main gate and this road is an approach going uphill further. Yes, indeed! the first monument that greets visitors when they enter PMA is that of Gen Gregorio Del Pilar Monument.

PMA's Ensignia, Saber and Sword Monument


The Cavaliers Park


On 23 October 2004, The Cavaliers Park is also known as the Philippine-American Memorial Project which was officially launched on October 23, 2004 where it has a length of 0.12 Kilometer. Its groundbreaking rites and the laying of a time capsule was led by PMA Alumni Association Chairman Commodore Carlos Agustin, USNAPHIL President Congressman Roilo Golez, and WPSP President Ambassador Joey Syjuco Jr.
The Relics Point


Old artilleries at the Relics Point


A 105mm Howitzer M2 (USA)


A 105mm Howitzer M3 (USA)


A Sherman M-4A1 Medium Tank (USA)


An M-7 Self-Propelled Howitzer (USA)


A Landing Vehicle Tank (LVT) 4 (USA)


Its label was removed the time of my visit


A 75mm Mountain Gun (Japanese)


The 12.2 mm Light Field Howitzer (France)


The fully-armed combat tanks


The last artillery showcase at the rear part of the Relics Point


The Exit point of the Relics Point


Walking Further to inner part of PMA


The welcoming pine huts along the main road


The Evangelical Church


Our Lady of Fatima Grotto


The entrance to the Grotto


The Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima


Saint Ignatius Chapel


The Chapel's Interior


The Chapel's Altar


The Chapel's facade


Overlooking Eleuterio Adevoso Avenue from the chapel's door


The Personnel Housing Lane


Housing provision for the personnel and their families


The Camp's Hospital


Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital


The Main Campus


The Melchor Hall Building


The Philippine Military Academy Headquarters with the Sun Dial at the Foreground


The open museum for old helicopters


An old Navy helicopter in the open museum


The Open Museum for Old Vintage Helicopters


The Florendo Hall Building


The Dimalupig Park with the Tree House at the back


Dimalupig Park showcases and explains the four distinct classes of the student body of the Philippine Military Academy which is officially called the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and it is composed of the four distinct classes:

1. First Class Cadets

They are the ruling class and as such they occupy the major positions of responsibility in the cadet chain of command. They are designated the chairmen and cadet-in-charge of the various committees, clubs and corps squads. They also enjoy certain privileges peculiar only to the "firsties." Their academics are also more specialized as they now embark on the final year of their training for future officership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

2. Second Class Cadets

Second class Cadets are also called the "cows." The second class year marks the point at which the cadet starts to specialize according to the branch of service he or she has elected to join. Thus, the second class cadets no longer take the same subjects as each of his or her classmates but they now take different subjects depending on their branches of service and fields of specialization. Within the cadet chain of command, the second class cadets now act as squad leaders. Moreover, in the absence of the first class cadets, they take over the responsibility of running the Cadet Corps.

3. Third Class Cadets

The life of thirdclass cadets, sophomores in civilian universities, and called the "yearlings" in the Academy, starts upon completion of fourth class year. During this period, the yearling adjusts to life as an upper class cadet. Although they are the least ranking of the upperclass cadets, they are now entitled to the privileges of being upper class cadets. One of their responsibilities is being a "buddy" to a plebe. As buddies, they set the examples of how a cadet should behave and they are responsible for ensuring that the plebes conform with the standards of cadetship.

4. Fourth Class Cadets

The fourth class cadets are the first year students. In the Academy, they are traditionally called "plebes" and are the equivalent of the college freshmen in civilian universities. The first day of plebehood starts with the Reception Ceremonies on April 1 of each year. Then, they undergo an eight week summer training or "beast barracks" during which time they are indoctrinated with the military and cadet systems of training. During this period, the plebes form the New Cadet Battalion and their training is handled by the tactical officers and upper class cadets forming the "Plebe Detail." After the beast barracks, the plebes are formally accepted into the ranks of the Cadet Corps in another ceremony called Incorporation which is held during the last week of May.

The Tree House at the Dimalupig Park


The breathtaking scenery from Dimalupig Park's viewdeck


The Borromeo Field


A teaser view of Borromeo Field


Overlooking the Borromeo Field from Tirso G. Fajardo Memorial Grandstand


A dramatic backdrop of the Field with the big signage of the academy’s motto: “Courage, Integrity, Loyalty.”


This one has a specific name but I lost my notes


I had a chance to interview a certain cadet and the picture above has its own name. I just cannot find my notes which I wrote out from that interview I made. No websites can answer my query. I will just go back there and conduct again another interview related to my concern.

The Tirso G. Fajardo Memorial Grandstand


PMA's Amphi Theater


The Viewdeck to the Amphi Theater


PMA Amphi Theater (Photo Credit:PMA Official Website)


The photo above was captured from PMA Official Website, since during my visit, this part of the Campus was under renovation and nothing can be seen on it.

The Camp's Barber Shop


The Camp is equipped with a barber shop where the cadets go


Lopez Hall of Leaders


The Lopez Hall of Leaders


This hall is just adjacent to the campus canteen and a sort of bazaar where visitors and cadets alike can buy their food and other necessities. This is just a block away from the PMA Museum.

The PMA Museum


A fee of P50 is charge for guests and visitors to enter this camp's museum with rich collections of PMA's history, its founders, key figures and other memorabilia.



























HOW TO GO THERE

A. By Public Transport

1. Manila to Baguio City

There are a few bus companies with Manila-Baguio route for at least 26 times trips in a day where Victory Liner is one where as of this writing the fare rate is P445 one-way. You may find this link useful for your on-line booking reservation. The number of trips in a day may increase during peak seasons. This land travel has a duration of 5-6 hours most particularly in a night travel. Nowadays, this travel time has been decreased due to accessibility given by the SCTEX and the new highway opened.

2. Baguio City Proper to Fort Del Pilar

Get a jeepney ride just adjacent to the Igorot Garden at the Burnham Park almost facing the Veniz Hotel with a signboard of PMA/Loakan for a rate of P18 (one-way) as of this writing. It is better to ask because this terminal caters to numerous routes going outside the city proper. Under a regular condition with less traffic, this road travel will you a minimum of 25 minutes. Ask the driver if he will get inside PMA since other jeepneys will just drop you at the main gate of PMA. Going back from PMA Campus to Baguio City proper, there are jeepneys inside the campus which will take you back to its Igorot Gardent jeepney terminal.

B. By Private Vehicle

Note: This advisory has been adapted from Out of Town Blog which reduces the travel time from 4 to 5 hours.

1. Drive through NLEX.
2. Take Exit 85 right into SCTEX.
3. Transfer to the right lane and drive to Baguio via Tarlac.
4. Take the Tarlac exit and follow the road signs that will take you to MacArthur Highway.
5. Once you’re on MacArthur Highway, drive straight to Tarlac and Pangasinan until you reach Rosario, La Union.
6. From the Rosario junction, you can turn right into famous Kennon Road. This is the most popular and scenic route up Baguio City.
7. If you prefer the wider lanes of Marcos Highway, drive further into Rosario and turn right towards the new entrance.

BAGUIO CITY ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation in Baguio varies from transient houses, house-for-rent, dorms, inns and hotels ranging from budget to luxury ones. This link can be useful in your search for comfortable accommodation.

Teachers can rent in Teachers Camp for as low as P120 a day if they have a government issued Identification Cards. It is a must to reserve for accommodation during peak season

Thursday, January 7, 2016

THE NEWLY REHABILITATED BURNHAM PARK ATTRACTS MORE TOURISTS THAN BEFORE

Location: Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Address: Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, Baguio, 2600 Benguet

Note: This is a part of my solo January 1-3, 2016 Baguio trip where it includes the following: Camp John Hay, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio Museum, University of the Philippines Baguio Campus, Tam-awan Village, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, The Mansion, Mines View Park, Baguio Botanical Garden, Wright Park, Dominical Hill and Retreat House, Our Lady of Atonement (Baguio Cathedral) and Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

The Scenic Man-Made Burnham Lake


Enjoying boating in the Burnham Lake


I have been to Baguio City several times since 1988 but this place never failed to continuously mesmerize me to keep coming back. Tagging it as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" is an understatement for it remains to be a vacation hub all year round. There are so many reasons why one must visit this charming city. Lovers, newly weds, seminars and tourists as well love it to unwind and feel its cool climate.

The serene Burnham Lake at night with the SM City Baguio at the far background


One of the attractions of Baguio is the Burnham Park. This lush park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. It was named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert, watch a football game, go biking, or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.

A very lush park


Wearing the Igorot costume while at Burnham Lake


The following are the facilities of the Burnham Park:

1. Burnham Lake

The park features a man-made lake situated at the center where tourists can enjoy boating with rented boats.

2. Children Playground

Government of Baguio City and SM Prime Holdings Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the improvement and rehabilitation of the Children’s Playground inside Burnham Park.

3. Skating Rink

At the southern end of Burnham Park, A public rink was constructed where skate rentals are available.

4. Rose Garden

One of the developments that clearly enhanced and improved the park is the major development of the Rose Garden. A bust of Daniel Burnham was erected inside the Rose Garden.

5. Orchidarium

At its center lies an orchid house and different kinds of orchids and other flowers.

6. Igorot Garden

It is very popular with the locals who like playing Chess. The Garden is dominated by a Statue of the 5 main Igorot Tribes the Ibalois, Bontocs, Kalingas, Ifugaos and the Kankanaeys.

7. Melvin Jones Grandstand

It has become host to a number of events, most notably the visit of the late Pope John Paul II in the 80s.

8. Baguio Athletic Bowl

It is planned to be rehabilitated including the installation of tartan tracks in the oval, the concreting and rehabilitation of its canals to include changing the roofing and posts in the view deck.

9. Picnic Grove

10. Japanese Peace Tower

11. Pine Trees of the World

12. Sunshine Park

The following pictures showcase how picturesque and interesting Burnham Lake is:

Boats for rental for a maximum of 7 pax at P150 per hour


Another boat rental operator


Burnham Lake with the SM City Baguio on the background


Burnham Lake taken in a different angle


Boating as a means for family and friends bonding


The Melvin Jones Grand Stand and the Athletic Bowl


This part of the Burnham Park accommodates sports competitions, functions and ceremonies. It is quite accessible and a few blocks to the Session Road where most of the activities occur.

The Stage of the Melvin Jones Grand Stand


Aerial view of the Athletic Bowl and the Melvin Jones Grand Stand


The spacious and well-maintained Athletic Bowl


The Rose Garden


In this recent visit of Baguio City, I learned that Rose Garden is just a part of the entire Burnham Park and one of its attractions is its dancing and light fountain. It provides more concrete benches with an architectural design authentic to the culture of its people.

Tourists flocking around the refreshing fountain


The fountain with the Veniz Hotel at the background


Arched-case concrete benches for lovers and the like


Its design looks like intended for lovers lane


The ramp connecting the Burnham Lake to the Rose Garden


Roaming around the garden with my cousin, Nilda Ayong Cois, who is already a resident of Baguio City, I can't barely see rose flowering plants where the garden was named.

The Fountain Show


This is something new at Rose Garden where visitors will be amazed by its fountain show using LED lights and it is consist of three fountains, namely: (According to 8 Mountain Movers)

1. The Veterans Fountain, anticipated to please the senior citizens, features a flower layout with one nozzle in the middle and six nozzles in the perimeter.

2. The Reflection Fountain, located at the center, has 10 nozzles in one alignment. The water and lighting move in a staccato motion, cutting in, jumping out, and continuously flowing all in a choreography that leaves audiences in awe.

3. Finally, the Youth Fountain is where we shall take the kids. Lauded as the most splendid among the three, the Youth Fountain has the most number of nozzles and lights. Also, come summer days, children can safely frolic in the fountain with the nozzles concealed under surface making it safe for little feet to not trip over.

The Picnic Grove


Part of the park is the place where families and friends can bond together where they can even pitch tents to have the feel of being in the woods as this part is densely grown with pine trees to make give more shade to picnic goers. This is just adjacent to the biking and skating rink.

A place for family picnic and outdoor activities


The Igorot Garden


The main entrance to Igorot Garden along Harrison Road corner Shanum Street


The imposing monument in the heart of the garden


The elder locals hangout for chats and debates


The Sunshine Park


I never thought that Sunshine Park is a part of the Burnham Park. I like most this park since you can see a lot of fragrant flowers which can only grown in a cool climate. And mind you, it is in this place where educational cultural shows are regularly showcased for the tourists delight.

Main entrance to the park


The park's ornamental landscape and character


The park's events stage


The Biking Lanes and Skating Rink


Burnham Park is not only for adults and lovers but kids can also enjoy biking and skating. Bike rental operators abounds the biking lane at an affordable rate. Policemen are strategically posted at some selected points to look for the safety of the riding kids and the roads which were used as biking lanes are closed for all types of vehicles.

Highly safe lanes for enthusiastic bikers


Kid bikers in their unguarded moments


The bike-for-rental operators


Restaurants and Refreshment Establishments


Tourists and the like need not go to far other points of Baguio City to feed their hungry stomachs after enjoying varied activities in the park. Restaurants abound within the area of the park just next to the lake. Grilled and barbecue stations are many from the side of the Igorot Garden in a very affordable meal packages.

The first restaurant I dined-in in Baguio City


I still remember the first time I visited Baguio City in June 1987 when my benefactor for college scholarship, the late Reverend Mother Maria Sousa, RVM, gave me the opportunity to spend a week vacation in Baguio. Part of her treat was dining-in in the above pictured restaurant.

Barbecue centers just across the lake


HOW TO GO TO BAGUIO CITY

By Public Transport

There are a few bus companies with Manila-Baguio route for at least 26 times trips in a day where Victory Liner is one where as of this writing the fare rate is P445 one-way. You may find this link useful for your on-line booking reservation. The number of trips in a day may increase during peak seasons. This land travel has a duration of 5-6 hours most particularly in a night travel. Nowadays, this travel time has been decreased due to accessibility given by the SCTEX and the new highway opened.

By Private Vehicle

Note: This advisory has been adapted from Out of Town Blog which reduces the travel time from 4 to 5 hours.

1. Drive through NLEX.
2. Take Exit 85 right into SCTEX.
3. Transfer to the right lane and drive to Baguio via Tarlac.
4. Take the Tarlac exit and follow the road signs that will take you to MacArthur Highway.
5. Once you’re on MacArthur Highway, drive straight to Tarlac and Pangasinan until you reach Rosario, La Union.
6. From the Rosario junction, you can turn right into famous Kennon Road. This is the most popular and scenic route up Baguio City.
7. If you prefer the wider lanes of Marcos Highway, drive further into Rosario and turn right towards the new entrance.

BAGUIO CITY ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation in Baguio varies from transient houses, house-for-rent, dorms, inns and hotels ranging from budget to luxury ones. This link can be useful in your search for comfortable accommodation.

Teachers can rent in Teachers Camp for as low as P120 a day if they have a government issued Identification Cards. It is a must to reserve for accommodation during peak season

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

MONDEJARES PUERTES BEACH RESORT AND SEASIDE LODGE: A HIDDEN GEM RESORT

Location: Barangay Saljag, Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines

The luxurious beach resort of Mondejares Puertes


This luxurious beach resort has its advantage of its good location with a not-so-crowded place nestled along a prestine beach coast richly shaded with tropical coconut trees in Barangay Saljag, Calbayog City which is just 35 minutes from Calbayog City proper. It caters for a family accommodation, a traveler on a budget or a romantic couple wanting a romantic getaway. Guests here has the option to enjoy a swim on its pool or on its beach front. Its location is more than two kilometers away from Pan Philippine Highway and from there, one needs a private transport. But there is a public transport from Calbayog City which passes from that point of the highway. I suppose, from that point, there might be tricycle for hire to get inside this resort.

The landmark going to Mondejares


In the picture above, it shows that the left road is heading to Barangay Tomaligues while the road to the right side is heading towards Mondejares Beach resort which is around 150 meters further.

The inviting pools and its slides


The beach have two acquatic activities such as swimming in pool and sea, and boating using kayak and speedboat where the guest will really enjoy. There are also other services offer; the cottages where the guest put there things while enjoying the beach, the canteen and function hall which is good for different occasion like birthdays, seminars and etc. It has also tower in the center of the resort,it's about 3 stories high where you can see the view of the resort from above. There is plenty of space and a karaoke, for the people who like such things. There are rooms to be rented for those who'd like to stay overnight or for more days. The type of rooms to be rented are single, double, private and luxury room.

From atop a tower accommodation adjacent to the pool


Obviously, the architectural design of its buildings are magical and bizarre. Its towers are like that of the castles of the Renaissance period. Its location gives access to its adjacent beach front where guests can have the option to do kayaking, jetski and purely a leisurely beach swim.

If you want to just visit this beach resort for a picnic or just visit for the day to enjoy the aquatic activities such as swimming and boating you can. The owners of this seaside lodge are beautiful people and they make everybody feel welcome. Cottages cabanas are available for rent at 200 peso per day kayaks are available for rent at 150 peso per hour. There is also a speed boat for hire at 2000 peso per hour. This is a great place for a birthday celebration or any other special occasion such as a wedding. The function hall is available for hire at only 2500 peso free table and chairs. The restaurant is able to cater for any function but you have to make arrangement with the owner of the establishment with sufficient time for him to make sure all needs are catered for.

The Administration Building


For those guests who opt to stay overnight, they can have the following choices:

(1) SINGLE ROOM for PHP 1,300.00 - Fully air-conditioned with cable TV, comfort room, good for two persons. The rooms are very clean and well-kept with splendid new modern furniture. This include deluxe amenities like cable TV, On-demand movies (surcharge), Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge), In-room safe box, Room service, Wake-up service, Work desk & chair, Multi-line phone with voice mail, Hair dryer and Cosmetic mirror. This room is good for the guest who had plan to stay overnight in the hotel and looking for affordable room. While renting this room for overnight and more nights you will enjoy the stay and facilities of the resort. It's give you comfort like you are in your own home, so, book now via online or phone.

(2) DOUBLE ROOM for PHP 1,600.00 - Fully air-conditioned with cable TV, comfort room, good for four persons. The double room contains cable TV, On-demand movies (surcharge), In-room safe box, Work desk & chair, Hair dryer and Cosmetic mirror and you will enjoy the Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge), Room service, Wake-up service, and Multi-line phone with voice mail. This room is good for four person or a family who plan to stay in the beach overnight.

(3) PRIVATE ROOM for PHP 3,000.00 - Two beds, fully air-conditioned, with cable TV, comfort room, sala & kitchen, dining table, for family. It has On-demand movies (surcharge), In-room safe box, Work desk & chair, Hair dryer, Cosmetic mirror, sala and kitchen and a dining table for a family. And the same time you will enjoy the Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge), Room service, Wake-up service, and Multi-line phone with voice mail.

(4) LUXURY 1 ROOM for PHP 3,000.00 - Two beds, fully air-conditioned, with cable TV, CR, sala & kitchen, dining table, & refrigerator. It has on-demand movies (surcharge), In-room safe box, Work desk & chair, Hair dryer, Cosmetic mirror, sala and kitchen, refrigerator and a dining table. This is very affordable and the same time you will enjoy the great services in the beach. All things needed are already in the room.

The cottages along the beach front


CONTACT INFORMATION

Reservations: (632) 512-0365, (632)512-5485, (632) 514-6494

Reservation Fax: +639065553493 OR +639277185695

General Contacts
Calbayog City,
Samar, Philippines

Main Number: (632) 512-0365
Toll Free: (632) 512-5485
Mobile: +639158250089 OR +639277185695

The main gate of the resort


If you are in Calbayog, you can also visit the following:

Capul Island, San Antonio Island, Dalutan Island, Sambawan Island, The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine, Ciriaco Hotel, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Other Calbayog tours, San Juanico Bridge, MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Limasawa Island, Bangon Water Falls, Tarangban Waterfalls, Dakdak Beach Resort, San Rafael Farm (Babatngon, Leyte), Kalanggaman Island, Biri Rock Formations, Tabokno Water Falls and Pink Beach of San Vicente Island

HOW TO GO THERE

You might find this link useful if you opt to travel by bus to Calbayog City

Please note that when you travel by bus, you have to pass through the Pan-Philippine Highway along Bicol Peninsula heading for Matnog Port of Sorsogon province, the tip of Luzon Island. Then, a ferry boat of 1 hour and 30 minutes will take you either to San Isidro or Allen ports, both part of Northern Samar and the bus drive will take you for another 1 hour and 30 minutes heading to Calbayog City. If there are no delays most particular in the ferry boat travel, it will only take 17 hours from Manila to Calbayog City but be prepared for additional money for your meals during bus stops for meals averages to P150 not to include the drinking water. The cost of the ferry fare is already included in the bus fare. However, the terminal fee in Matnog and Northern Samar is shouldered by the passenger.

Or you may also opt to travel by plane where Calbayog has its airport and this link maybe of great help to you.

OTHER CONCERNS:

To avoid costly food during bus stops, take with you food and drinking water. In addition, it is also very cold in the bus as you are boarding an airconditioned one. Thus, take with you a thick jacket.

It is also advisable to take with you additional cash for the crossing in Matnog to Northern Samar sometimes get delays and so you need to spend additional cost for your meals.

It is also cheaper to travel in group as expenses can be shared. Chartered vans are available in Calbayog City and you can even maximize your travel itinerary on a Samar-Leyte-Biliran trips where I tried it in a group of 10 for 8 days and we only spent approximately P14,000 which we opted to take a bus travel from Manila to Calbayog City and going back to Manila we took our route via Cebu City by plane coming from Maasin City of Southern Leyte.

Do not worry, if you spend this amount. There are a lot of places where you can visit in Calbayog but that will entail additional cost. Good luck and enjoy.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

A 20-MINUTE TREK IS WORTH TO VISIT THIS MAJESTIC WATER FALLS

Location: Barangay Cagbayang, Oquendo District, Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines

The enchanting Tabokno Water Falls


Tabokno is a 50-minute drive from Calbayog City proper to Barangay Cagbayang, one of the 46 barangays of Oquendo District of Calbayog. The whole of Calbayog is divided into three districts. Calbayog District alone is consist of 84 barangays and the third district which is Tinambacan District has 27 barangays. The three districts has a total of 157 barangays.

The end of the 50-minute drive from Calbayog City


Since, I was only with my nephew and we were only two, we decided to board a green center car from Calbayog City to Barangay Cagbayang with a fare of P30 per pax. If you opt to have a cutting trip, whether it is far or near, you will be charged with P25 per head. Center car in Calbayog parlance, is a single motor, housed at the center and carrying 10 passengers. Two passengers on both sides of the driver and 8 from the rear part of the vehicle.

The bridge leading to the villages near the water falls


Actually, the landmark where we were suppose to lift was a bridge, but the driver forgot it, so we were dropped to Cagbayang Elementary School which is a few meters away the bridge. I think, maybe 10 meters.

The irrigation canal - part of the 4-kilometer 55-minute trek


The day we visited this spot was December 30, 2015 and it was Wednesday. It was not a weekend and nobody was around to go to Tabukno Waterfalls. I have asked around for a guide but there was no guide. Good that my nephew has once visited this place and so he knew the place. The first trail after the bridge was muddy since rain has just stopped that moment. Then, after that was the almost endless irrigation canal where you have to balance walking over it.

Rice fields as a common sight along the trek


Refreshing green fields are just part of our trek. By this time, fields were just plowed for planting rice. It is understood that by this time, they have just started to plant rice. The irrigation canals are filled with water distributing water to nearby rice fields.

The locals using the irrigation canals as a convenient trail


Surprisingly, there were some locals where we met or trekked fast ahead of us carrying sack of coconut shell for sale in the barangay poblacion which will be burned for charcoal. I even saw small kids also carrying with them a sack of coconut shell where the sack was even longer than them. Amazing!!! They are already working as young as they are!

Alternative trail other than the irrigation canal


Maybe only 10% of the trail was a muddy track as an alternative of the irrigation canal. I actually find it difficult to walk over the irrigation canal since some of its walls are filled with mud from the local who passed thru it barefooted carrying with their feet substantial amount of sticky mud and leaving it along the irrigation tracks.

Wider irrigation canal is a good trail


My nephew find it convenient to walk inside the wider irrigation canal but since I was wearing a trekking shoes, I opted not to wade along the shallow water of the irrigation canal. Thus, I even find it difficult since I have to expand my legs to step on both sides of the canal and walk like an Egyptian.

The landmark which tells that one is halfway to the falls


My nephew told me that when you happen to see the house of the picture above, you are halfway to the waterfalls. With this, I trekked fast unmindful of muddy trail or slippery irrigation canal.

The dam - a landmark that tells you that you are almost near your destination


Crossing the dam made me feel better as I my nephew told me that the falls is barely 5 minutes which was true enough and my heart jumped with joy as I hear the cascading sound of the water falls.

Overlooking the waterfalls a few meters away


It was feeling of relief and excitement as the clearing of trees slowly and dramatically showcased the stunning and marvelous sight of Tabonok Waterfalls. It was more than a prize of my 55-minute trek.

My most coveted prize - the splendorous beauty of Tabokno Waterfalls


The water was inviting then and I wasted no time to plunge in the cool basin of the waterfalls. It was only me and my nephew who enjoyed the sublime beauty of the water falls.

If you are in Calbayog, you can also visit the following:

Capul Island, San Antonio Island, Dalutan Island, Sambawan Island, The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine, Ciriaco Hotel, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Other Calbayog tours, San Juanico Bridge, MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Limasawa Island, Bangon Water Falls, Tarangban Waterfalls, Dakdak Beach Resort, San Rafael Farm (Babatngon, Leyte), Kalanggaman Island, Biri Rock Formations and Pink Beach of San Vicente Island

As to the budget, it can be broken down as follows:

SN Particulars Amount
1. Round trip bus fare from Pasay City to Calbayog City (P1,200 one-way)
2,400
2. Round trip center car transport from Calbayog City to Barangay Cagbayang (P30 one-way)
60
3. Affordable and decent accommodation in Calbayog City in 3 Gems Pensione overnight (good for two) with an address in JPR Subdivision, Barangay Obrero with landline at (055) 2094055
550
4. Average costs of meal in Calbayog (Jollibee, Chowking and other fastfood) for three meals for an average of P100 per meal
300
5. Average cost of meals during bus stops at least two not to include the bottled water of P30 for 500ML
300
6. Matnog terminal fee
30
7. Northern Samar Port terminal fee (Either Allen or San Isidro)
25
8. Comfort room usage fee during bus stops for P5 (3 stops)
15
TOTAL
P3,680


There are a number of hotels in Calbayog City ranging from the luxury hotel of Ciriaco to budget accommodation but for a backpack traveler like me, I prefer 3 Gems Pensione House.

HOW TO GO THERE

You might find this link useful if you opt to travel by bus to Calbayog City

Please note that when you travel by bus, you have to pass through the Pan-Philippine Highway along Bicol Peninsula heading for Matnog Port of Sorsogon province, the tip of Luzon Island. Then, a ferry boat of 1 hour and 30 minutes will take you either to San Isidro or Allen ports, both part of Northern Samar and the bus drive will take you for another 1 hour and 30 minutes heading to Calbayog City. If there are no delays most particular in the ferry boat travel, it will only take 17 hours from Manila to Calbayog City but be prepared for additional money for your meals during bus stops for meals averages to P150 not to include the drinking water. The cost of the ferry fare is already included in the bus fare. However, the terminal fee in Matnog and Northern Samar is shouldered by the passenger.

Or you may also opt to travel by plane where Calbayog has its airport and this link maybe of great help to you.

OTHER CONCERNS:

To avoid costly food during bus stops, take with you food and drinking water. In addition, it is also very cold in the bus as you are boarding an airconditioned one. Thus, take with you a thick jacket.

It is also advisable to take with you additional cash for the crossing in Matnog to Northern Samar sometimes get delays and so you need to spend additional cost for your meals.

It is also cheaper to travel in group as expenses can be shared. Chartered vans are available in Calbayog City and you can even maximize your travel itinerary on a Samar-Leyte-Biliran trips where I tried it in a group of 10 for 8 days and we only spent approximately P14,000 which we opted to take a bus travel from Manila to Calbayog City and going back to Manila we took our route via Cebu City by plane coming from Maasin City of Southern Leyte.

Do not worry, if you spend this amount. There are a lot of places where you can visit in Calbayog but that will entail additional cost. Good luck and enjoy.