Happy new year to everyone… another year has ended and it was a fruitful year for this blog.

Visited many outdoor spots in this island of Mindanao mostly southeastern part.

I started my outdoor escapade last year February of  2009 with a major climb at the third highest mountain in the Philippines which is  Mount Pulag located at Benguet. Click here for the story

This year, I will climb again the fourth highest mountain in the Philippines — Mount Kitanglad which is located at  Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. I’ve been there before in my inactive days of mountaineering and not knowing that it was already the peak of Mount Kitanglad since it has electricity and bunk houses. It is a communications center for telecommunications companies.  I was there as part of  the team contracted to setup and install a communications tower on my previous job.

So much of  my story, January 2 will be the start of our climb. I will update soon

ciao!

Happy new year to all!

Kanlawig Hot Spring Photo by Arthur Yap

“As you sit on the hillside, or lie prone under the trees of the forest, or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream, the great door, that does not look like a door, opens.”  ~Stephen Graham, The Gentle Art of Tramping

This is the third and last part of our tour.

Click here for the first  part.Marangig Falls

Click here for the second part. Tagbibinta Falls

The tour last stop will be Kanlawig hot spring it is just along the road going to poblacion proper. The location is great with a wide plain in its background as well as the mighty Mount Candalaga.

Scenery along the way. Mount Candalaga - Photo by Bryan Hao

It’s a very relaxing moment for me as I dipped into the spring with other participants , the water in it’s pool is flowing and mild hot just enough to feel warm in the body.

Party People in the hot pool - Photo by Brian Ang Baring

All are happy and had their great time in the resort.  The Kanlawig hot spring has many cottages with a store enough to cater their visitors basic food needs. It has an entrance fee and corkage fee which is worth it to pay for. It was 4:30 in the afternoon when we decided to move on and travel back to Davao City.

Final pose - Photo by Caroline Espejo

Since the tour was themed as our outdoor Christmas party, we do have prepared a raffle of prizes as well as Exchange gift. It was done inside the bus while we are travelling on our way to Davao City.

The program was hosted by Jem Sacapano and Ariel Macatiog.The raffle prizes were sponsored by Habagat Outdoor Shop at MTS  and Higher Ground Outdoor Shop,  Jenny Plaza,  Ariel Macatiog and Arthur Yap. Items for raffle are Dry bags, Higher ground bag and wallet, Cool bonnets, Plastic containers and strong outdoor slippers from Habagat.

Habagat Outdoors
Matina Townsquare, Matina, Davao City, Philippines
Business Hours: 11:00am – 8:00pm
habagatsm_davao@yahoo.com

Higher Ground Outdoor Shop
Davao City
Contact person: Jorge
mobile number: 09228774048

5:40 in the afternoon and we arrived at Nabunturan area to stop and buy some pasalubong back at home. It was past 8:00 in the evening when we arrived at Davao poblacion.

I gained new friends, experienced new things in life and I am sure the other participants as well. Thanks to all who joined the tour, to the participants. Until next outdoor adventure!

Thanks to Sarah Elizar, Arthur Yap and Elmer Abanid and others who contributed to this event to be a successful one you know who you are guys…

Special Thanks to the local people who are involved in this event – you made our tour easier.

Click here for the first  part.Marangig Falls
Click here for the second part. Tagbibinta Falls

“ Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan, let’s promote local tourism!”

Tagbibinta Falls

“The only calendar I need is just outside my window. With eyes to see and ears to hear, nature keeps me posted.”  – Alfred Montapert

This is the second part of our tour.

Click here for the first part: Marangig Falls.
Click here for the third and last part: Kanlawig Hot Spring

All are refreshed and trekked back to where our bus stayed it was already 10:55 in the morning when we started our travel into our second destination which is the Tagbibinta Falls.

Bus Top Load Photo by Keir Ashley Lim

Tagbibinta falls has a series of 7 falls and located just 5 kilometers from the poblacion proper. It is located at Barangay Coronobe, Municipality of Maragusan. The waterfall measures 700 feet high. It is also the exit point of Climbers coming from Mount Candalaga.

Taking a walk to Tagbibinta Falls - Photo by Caroline Espejo

The place is neat with cottages for rent and  there’s a wide open space  ideal for camping.

As the tour progressed, tired feeling are setting in to some participants due to trek and bus travel from Davao. The place at Tagbibinta camping area is a great scenery and the falls is just at the back of those cottages that we can even hear the raging water from above.

Tagbibinta Falls Camping site - Photo by Arthur Yap

While the participants are taking a rest in their cottages, Food for lunch was prepared – Yummy crunchy Lechon baboy was chopped as well as other foods were served.

Festive Lunch - photo by Caroline Espejo

It was a festive ambiance as the food were serve in front of all the cottages we occupied and the participants started to took their share. Smorgasbord! (Did I spell it right? hehe )Burp!

Gushing water from the falls

Happy faces - Photo by Sherry Mae

Here we are - Photo by Bryan Hao

One by one we proceeded to the falls and photography session started.  Others dipped into the cold waters of the falls while some climbed up higher and took a bath there. The falls is also surrounded by lush vegetation. Flowing waters gathered in a turquoise colored lagoon were I dipped into. Chilling and cold, it is a great relaxing treat to participants who took the dip.

It was 2:00 in the afternoon when we proceeded to our last destination – Kanlawig hot spring.

Continuation of our Maragusan Escapade will be the Kanlawig hot Springs… Keep posted!

This is the second part of our tour.

Click here for the first part: Marangig Falls.
Click here for the third and last part: Kanlawig Hot Spring

Photos owned by their respective owners.

Marangig Falls

“Life is an intricate pattern of simple designs; we see the intricacy, but once awareness is raised, we can then see simplicity in all things! Start with nature – get outside and embrace it today!”

Click here for the second part: Tagbibinta Falls
Click here for the third and last part: Kanlawig Hot Spring

Allured by the natural attractions of Compostela Valley  province, We hopped in 2 distinct falls and on 1 hot spring.

Nature lovers, adventurers joined the tour and experienced the magnificent beauty of nature in it’s natural setting. Municipality of Maragusan was our destination to wander.  Before I start,  I would like to share some bits on the area we visited. Maragusan is a third class municipality in the Comval province. It is also named as “Summer Capital of Davao Region” due to its cooler climate (but can’t wait for summer to come  to enjoy this!) and  Marangig Falls, Tagbibinta Falls and Kanlawig hot springs are our specific destination in that area .

Participants gathered at  the right wing of  Victoria Plaza near McDonald’s  at around 3:00 in the morning. The tour encompassed of about 66 participants of different professions, talents and characters but bonded by only one purpose – One with nature.

The Maragusan Scenery - Photo by Keir Ashley Lim

Forty minutes past 3:00 am and the deluxe bus started it’s engine and off we went. The air was cold as it is also a season of windy and lower temperature. Six fifteen in the morning and we arrived at Nabunturan and took a break and have a sip of hot coffee and some kakanin to eat. 15 minutes had past and we started our travel again on our way to Maragusan. Even if some portions of the  road is not that fully cemented, the scenery and the cool breeze of air was our reward while we are traveling.

River trekking

Several banana plantations and white colored reefer container vans encountered along the way.  It was 8:30 in the morning when we arrived at the poblacion proper of Maragusan. 7 kilometers from the poblacion proper,  It took 20 minutes before we arrived at the jump off site for Marangig falls at Barangay New Albay then another 10 minutes river trek to the falls.

Relaxing at the falls - Photo by Sammy Tajolosa

Marangig falls composed of  13 series small falls and this is also the jump off point when climbing Mount Candalaga. What I noticed is the lush vegetation in it’s surrounding, the rocks with green algae’s all around the area. It is great to see again the nature’s beauty.

Scenery while trekking

Participants started to pose for a shot while other photography hobbyist set their tripods and start shooting while others climbed up to the side of the falls to see the other series.

The Photoholics - Photo by Arthur Yap

Happy ladies - Photo by Bryan Hao

Some took their breakfast meal just along the side of the falls while others dipped into the cool waters and took a bath.

Taking a break - eat before swim

It was a very lively event as all participants did all their best to appreciate nature for 2 hours in the area.
Continuation of our Maragusan Escapade will be the Tagbibinta Falls. Click here

Click here for the second part: Tagbibinta Falls
Click here for the third and last part: Kanlawig Hot Spring

Photos owned by their respective owners.

Where: Maragusan Comval Province
When: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Fee: 750 pesos

Itinerary: (Click underlined text for images)

3:30 am Assembly Time @ Mcdo Bajada
4:00 am ETD  Davao to Maragusan
6:30 am ETA Maragusan
7:00 am Poblacion (breakfast)
8:00 am Tagbibinta Falls Parlos Games, Exchange gift
10:30 am Lunch
12:30 nn Marangig Falls
2:30 pm Kanlawig  Hot spring /image
4:30 pm ETD Maragusan to Davao
7:00 pm eta Davao City

Fee inclusions: Fare, Lunch only

Exchange gift is optional – 200 pesos and up

Please bring your camera, food utensils , swim attire and extra wears.

Deadline for registration will be this December 04, 2009.

Please contact: Weng     @ 09295980194
Sarah     @ 09392383900

Turtle Island, Surigao del Sur

“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.
Don’t let yourself indulge in vain wishes. ” – Rabindranth Tagore

Second part of my story.
Here’s the first part:  Enchanted River Revisited: Surigao del Sur

This was the story of the tour that I previously posted.

All are set and ready for our next destination which was the Cabgan Island. It was 3:45 in the afternoon when we went to the docking are of the boat just at the back of their public market. We are divided into three boats that brought us to the island for about 30 minutes boat ride. From the horizon, we can clearly see the islands which on the left is the Cabgan Island this one on the right that look like a turtle. Hence, called Turtle island.

In the boat...

Cabgan Island (Kabgan) is still part of  the Municipality of Barobo as well it’s neighboring islands.

Cabgan Island shoreline

Once landed, we then clear the flat area from wood debris brought along by the waves of water to the shores and proceeded to pitch our tent. I first noticed the 1.6++ Kilometers long pristine white powdery sand  beach curving along the shores. The water is so clear that you can visibly see what’s below. The island is raw and is not even developed to accommodate visitors in terms of comfort like a resort with cottages or comfort rooms and no water  and untouched by any man made alterations except for 3 houses I saw and one big patio with no nipa roof.

Sunset at Cabgan island

Good thing the event was organized and when it comes to dinner times, superb seafood’s served on the participants – it’s like a smorgasbord of seafoods.  Sunset shoot on participants with camera’s and swimming time for other participants. Bonding on participants tightened after the dinner as everyone mingled just like an old friend. Some are playing cards, drinking spree – moderately. Hehehe All we could hear is laughter and chit chats.

Participants stroll along the stretched of the shore later at night with only headlamps, flashlights for us to see what’s ahead. It was really fun!

Sunrise at Cabgan Island

Morning came and participant with camera are the early birds who got up to glimpse and took a sunrise shoot as the Turtle Island and part of the Cabgan island stretch on the horizon.

Island hop

Disappointment is NOT an option here; we then have an island hopping participants’ onboard three boats. We took a round on the Cabgan Island with unique stone formations, on the famous Turtle Island, and the vanishing snake island with a skeleton of a house structure were it’s sand appears only when water level becomes very low. Other islands that was visited was the one with a Grotto.

As we are back at the Cabgan Island, we took our breakfast  which was a grilled fish ” Isda sa bato : mol-mol”  no idea what’s the name of that delicious fish.

Bogac Spring

Quarter to 11 in the morning and we departed from Cabgan Island, we then arrived at Barobo specially at Bogac Spring at around 11:40 where we take a dip and bathe to cleanse our body from salt. Although, the spring is still salty but much lesser since the buoyancy is much heavier compared to open sea.

Past almost 1 in the afternoon that all are refreshed and dressed, we stayed in one corner where there’s a store that subscribed to pay per view on Pacquiao – Cotto fight. Hhehe we then took the opportunity  and watched the event. Imagine the old days as only one household in a sitio had a television with all the neighbors are clinging into the windows just to watch the event. The house was jumped packed with people outside specially on it’s windows. Typical Philippine on rural and on crowded areas in the city.

The bus arrived at around 2:20 in the afternoon to pick-up the participants and brought to the new Barobo public market  where they bought fresh seafoods packed in styro boxes and dried fish like danggit! Yeah danggit. Hehehe

We departed from the public market around 3:30 in the afternoon and took a stop at one of the eateries along the highway of San Francisco for 40 minutes, still part of Surigao to have our meals.

Six forty five when we arrived at Nabunturan and took a stop for 15 minutes to buy ” Kakanin pasalubong”  before heading straight to Davao City. It was 7:30 when we arrived at the City and one by one participants were drop to locations where their house is near.

We would like to appreciate the generosity  and kindness of  Ma’am Mary Grace “Weng” Sanchez, Chairperson of Department of tourism in the area for the help.

Again, to all the participants. You saw and feels the nature’s beauty and let’s take our part to protect to fully enjoy it’s bounty. Thank you very much and until next nature escapade. Keep posted.

I would like to thank Anna Marie Tan Gonzales and Jem Sacapano for some of the images.

Kudos to the organizers who made the Event possible: Arthur Yap, Sarah Elizar, Elmer Abanid and the rest of the team.  Ciao!

Enchanted River - Hinatuan, Sirigao del Sur

“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn’t have any doubt
– it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere else.”   – Hal Boyle

First of two parts…

This was the story of the tour that I previously posted.

Time and time again, the excitement of going back or visiting a location you already gone before always feels like for the first time especially if the area is a sweet spot to relax and enjoy.  Much of a feeling that a first timer set foot on the area, I know they have it as one great experience to enjoy the natures bounty that we should care for.  – All these felt when we are at Barobo, Surigao del Sur – Exploring it’s islands beauty , the Cabgan Island and the Turtle Island , Vanishing Islet and Bogac Spring.

Barobo is a 4th class municipality second district in the province of Surigao Del Sur under CARAGA region XIII . It lies in the central part of the province of Surigao Del Sur.

All was set in and our Assembly area was at  Bajada  along Mc Donald’s. It was already 2 am when we departed from the area. We dropped by on a convenience store for other needed stuff. We are a  large group composed of 46 individuals on a  69 seating capacity bus named “Mallen”  with a good choice of music and nice sound system. Well, not just the drivers gadget but even the participants gadget can be plug into it for everyone to hear and listen. It was 3:45 in the morning when we stop and drop for 15 minutes at Nabunturan for an early sip of coffee or indulge on their “Kakanin Specialties” link Tupig, Bibingka, Suman, Puto and other delicacies. Common to Philippines, just got different names. Moving on…
We passed by at Mangagoy  after two hours and thirty minutes (that would be 6:30 in the morning.. hehehe ) travel. We are heading to our First destination which was the Enchanted River at Barangay Hinatuan. It is located on the southeastern part from the Municipality of Barobo, the road is not bad at all but … (there’s a but  hehehe) It was a 1 hour long drive to reach our first destination.

Welcome!

It was raining when we arrived at the Enchanted River at around 7:30 in the morning. I noticed that a beautification was done in an effort to promote the spot and they did it right from the modification of stairways to wood inspired railings made of cement and some small round tables. There’s a newly built comfort room (Not near river but much farther) separately for men and women but it is inadequate with water system for flushing or cleaning after using the room. Bet this will be taken cared of soon.

Jump right in!

Even if it was raining, that did not stop the participants to change an attire for swimming. The current of the river was strong as it was still raining and it’s like dragging you out into the mouth of the river but that did not took long since current was normal after the rain stopped. Still the color of the water was so relaxing…somewhat like greenish bluish whitish color… my interpretation of what I saw. J  You really can’t avoid the temptation to take a plunge and feel the water.

Crystal clear Enchanted River

A complimentary breakfast meal was prepared which was a blanched and grilled octopus (am I right? for sure that was not a squid the squirts. hehe) and a fish. A little talk here and there, splash from jump, swim crossing back and forth on the opposite banks and hardworking cameras captured the moments that what was going on.

Fifteen minutes before twelve noon we departed from the enchanted river with much anticipation on what’s ahead for the next destination which was the Island tour can offer.

Dropping by at Wakat

We dropped  by at Lianga Cave  Barangay Wakat just along the highway for the participants to see the area. Many locals at the mouth of the cave are washing their clothes as well as bathing on the flowing water out in to the ocean just across the street.

We did not stayed long as others are feeling hungry already, by 1:30 in the afternoon we proceeded to poblacion Barobo and ate our lunch meal on one of the eateries that served chicken lechon and other  good tasting food. Agree?  Yes or Yes?

Participants took a long stay just outside the eatery to have an opportunity to stroll around the poblacion proper looking for some good things to eat or buy while preparing for the boat to be use to bring the participants to the island.

Again, to all the participants. You saw and feels the nature’s beauty and let’s take our part to protect to fully enjoy it’s bounty. Thank you very much and until next nature escapade. Keep posted.

End of first part.

I would like to thank Gilmarie Munez Sta. Lucia for  the image (Hinatuan signage)

What:  Island escapades in Barobo, Surigao del sur

When: November 14 and 15, 2009.

Itinerary:

Day 1

1:30 am Assemble Time MCdo Bajada

2:00 am Etd Davao

7:00 am eta Barobo Breakfast

8:00 am Eta Enchanted River (Hinatuan, Surigao Sur)

11:00 am Lunch Hinatuan

1:00 pm boundary of Barobo and Lianga Cave

3:00 pm going to Cabgan Island

4:30 pm Lights off Pitch tent (Cabgan)

Day 2

4:30 am sunrise Shoot Cabgan Island

6:00 am Breakfast

7:00 am Turtle island, Sbnake Island

9:00 am going to Panaraga

11:00am Lunch Panaraga

1:00pm Bugak

2:00pm ETD Home Sweet Home

6:00pm ETA Davao

Things to bring: Tent,Burner, Flash Light Extra Batteries, Camera, kitchen Utensils.

Estimated budget is P1,200 inclusive of fares, day 1 dinner and day 2 breakfast.

Please confirm on or before November 6 together with your down payment of P500.00 each and full payment must be done before the activity to avoid inconvenience.

For more details please contact 09295980194 or 09323279060 and look for Weng.  You can leave a comment here.

One Day Event @ Island Garden City of Samal – IGACOS

When: October 11, 2009

Tour Package Rate: 800.00 pesos
Tour Package Rate inclusions:

-Round trip chartered jeep : Davao to IGACOS
-Entrance Fees

ITINERARY

6:00 am Meeting time @ Outside City Triangle Roxas Ave.  in front Marco Polo Hotel

6:30 am ETD Davao

7:30 am ETA  Kinawitnon Wharf

8:00 am Monfort Batcave Brgy. Tambo, Babak District

9:30 am Tagbaobo Falls Brgy. Tagbaobo, Kaputian District

Rappelling -Lunch (BYOB)

3:00 pm Maxima Brgy. Cawag, Penaplata District

5:30 pm ETD Peñaplata

6:30 pm ETA  Davao

For inquires contact:

Sarah 0939-2383900

Elmer 0909-9458885

Edwin 0929-5980194

Arthur 0923-3535477

Mantunao Falls Last drop

“Let us permit nature to have her way.  She understands her business better than we do.”   ~Michel de Montaigne

Here’s the first part  of the Davao Oriental Escapade: Aliwagwag Falls
Here’s the second  part  of the Davao Oriental Escapade: Mabuyong Falls
Here’s the third part  of the Davao Oriental Escapade: Langyawan Cave

Coming from spelunking at Langyawan cave , the travel was a bit rough but exciting. It’s past 6pm when we arrived at the ecopark. The area has a camp site, with clean comfort room made with coconut lumber and there’s a park chieftain and staff  who are willing to lend a hand when you’re  there in the area.

Ecopark Camp Site

We pitched our tent for overnight stay and socials will follow once all is set for dinner. Foods were served like grilled fish and the tasty roasted pig. Some bathe on the falls that night relieving some body pains for sure that others have gained. Ehehe

The natural pool

Morning sun was great and some participants headed down to the area to take a bath on the falls. The area was established but did not take away the nature feel of the area. The water is so cold in it’s blue green color. The falls has a three  drops  to dip with. That must be the reason why it was called Tres Marias? anyone who can answer? ^_^

Second drop of the falls

10 am in the morning after all the relaxing dip on the waterfall pool we then walked for almost 15 minutes where the Bus named “Mallen” is waiting at us outside CFC- Taytayan Multi – Purpose Cooperative.

First drop of the falls

The bus is owned by the Buenaflor Family of Cateel. Almost 11 am when the bus started moving and  by 1:30 pm we were are Compostela Valley area and stopped by on a eatery along the road to take our lunch. By 3 :30 pm we arrived at Davao City.

The cooperative

In behalf of the group, I would like to thank Ma’am Lulu and Bobong for the extra mile given when we are there in the area as well as the Barangay Captain.

Thank you to the participants and kudos to the organizers as well. Until next adventure.