2009 Surigao Summer Escapade: Hagonoy Island

Hagonoy island from afar

“The ocean . . . cold and wild the surf, rushing in to overwhelm the beach, the wind, stinging my cheeks, enveloping me  in total freedom”   – Scott Holman

Here’s the link of the first segment of my 2009 Surigao Escapade : Tinuy-an Falls

It was 1:30 in the afternoon when we departed from Tinuy-an Falls at Barangay Burbo-anan, Bislig City. Traveling 30 minutes passed before reaching city proper at Mangagoy, we saw a serene body of water – lake. As locals call it reservoir lake, and it is  located at Barangay Burbo-anan. It was a water reservoir for PICOP (Paper Industries Corporation  of the Philippines)

Serene water of the reservoir

Our next destination on that day was an island facing Pacific ocean and in the middle of Bislig bay Called Hagonoy Island.

Coming from Tinuy-an Falls it was 2:35 in the afternoon when we arrived at Mangagoy, Bislig City Proper and went to the city market to buy needed resources for our Island overnight at Hagonoy Island.

Showing eagerness

Hagonoy Island is a 30-45 minutes travel by boat from Market Side area of Mangagoy. It’s already 4:45  in the afternoon when we departed from Mangagoy Market side and arrived at the island at around 5:30 in the afternoon.

Powdery sand of the island shore

The sunshine sky is closing in to darkness as it is ready to pour rain on us. After we pitch all our tents on the powdery sand that a light rain pours.

Our overnight shelters

Rain stops after 20 minutes and started preparing our dinner and socials follow until lights off and lights on for a drinking session. Hehehe

Beach Hut

Day 2 May 31, 2009. Some of the group woke up  as early as 4:30 in the morning just to catch a glimpse of the spectacular Sunrise. Cameras and videos are busy to capture the moment.

Sun has risen

As the sky opened wide to start the day,I started to noticed that the water is a crystal blue at shores and  the island is isolated from the mainland of Surigao for about 3 Kilometers.

It only took 10-15 minutes to walk around the pear shaped island and it was just the size of  about 4 to 5 basketball court. Imagine… hehehe Only our group was on the island except for the 2 caretakers who managed the island beach resort.

All in the group was relaxed and mesmerized by the beauty of the island as you look your vision to the horizon of the pacific ocean as sky and sea somewhat connects. Imagine it again… hehehe

The group before leaving the island

After all the pose and click of the cameras, we started to fix our tent as our boat already arrived to bring us back to the main land. 7:35 in the morning as we departed from the island and all are excited to anticipate our next destination which is the Hinayagan Cave which was  located at Kapatagan 2, Barangay San Vicente Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

Photo courtesy of  Elmer, Randy, Anne and Arthur

Thanks for sharing your captured moments.

This is  the second part of my overall 2009 Final Summer escapade at Surigao del Sur.

 

2009 Surigao Summer Escapade: Tinuy-an Cascades

The mesmerizing Tinuy-an Falls

“A man’s moral worth is not measured by what his religious beliefs are but rather by what emotional impulses he has received from Nature during his lifetime.” – Albert Einstein

It was a perfect midnight in May 30, 2009 as our group decided to meet outside parking area of Victoria Plaza near Mc Donald’s, Bajada. The group composed of individuals with different personalities but with the same goal – Go nature tripping!

As what the group decided to visit was Surigao del Sur, it was a month long preparation to gather information and contacts especially the transportation that would bring us to our destination. Individuals contributed their time as to what ,when who and where just to have this “ Final  2009 Summer Escapade” to be smooth and be realized.

The group

All are excited and prepared as we departed from Victoria Plaza at Bajada area 12:30 in the morning. Our driver named Allan was energized to bring us to our prospected destination.

2:30 in the morning and we made our stop-over at New Sibunga, Nabunturan for Early morning coffee break and eat something until we arrive at our destination.

The group decided to take a long travel going to San Francisco, Agusan del Sur via Barobo instead of Directly going to Bislig City to avoid lesser rough conditions of the road. Imagine our travel to go full circle up to the northern part of the Surigao del Sur. Still worth it. ^_^

5:10 in the morning and we made stop at San Francisco, Agusan del Sur were we bought hot “Pandesal”  and then proceeded to 4^th class Municipality of Barobo en-route Bislig City possibly avoid rough roads.

Indeed a rough road ahead

It was 7:30 in the morning when we got stuck on the road for some off-road action near Barobo due to some Log hauling trucks are having a hard time passing through the merciless  road. Our transportation “Lawin by Sarao Motors” did not failed us, it bravely surpassed all the rough it gets along the way.

Subida Outdoor shop - Mangagoy, Surigao Del Sur

We arrived at 3^rd class Bislig City in the province of Surigao del Sur at around 8:30 in the morning and proceeded to Barangay Mangagoy touted as its center of trade of the city. We took our breakfast at one the eateries in the area and at the same time took a rest from travel. We parked the Jeep at Subida Outdoor shop just infront of G-Mar Commercial Supermarket.

For others to know about Bislig City, it is home of the now defunct company “PICOP resources, Incorporated which happened to be the largest paper mills in the country, and formerly the largest paper mill in Asia. No wonder I saw more cut trees of  Falcata along the road and obviously the log haulers we encountered at our travel.  PICOP permanent shutdown was mid- 2008.

Going back to my story, we departed Barangay Mangagoy at around 9:40 in the morning on our way to Barangay Burbo-anan, Bislig City  where Tinuy-an Falls is situated.

Magnificent view of Tinuy-an Falls

It has a 6 Kilometer stretch of almost uphill road going to the area. For the record, Tinuy-an falls is named as “The Niagara Falls of the Philippines” due to its 55 meter (180 Feet) high with 3 tiered levels flow of curtain looking white water with 95 meters width.  It’s rock formations are natural. Deep breath.. ^_^

White Crystal curtain flow of water

We Arrived at around 10:30 in the morning at the Tinuy-an Falls and from there on, all cameras and videos are up as all are glancing to take pictures of the magnificent falls. Water is cold and the mist of the gushing water from above embraced us as a reward to our tired bodies due to traveling. Entrance fee to the area is 10 pesos and they offer cottages for rent as well as tables. We took our lunch at the side of the falls on the slabs of big logs and flat rocks.

Lunch time at Tinuy-an Falls

The sides of the falls are still covered with ferns and vines as well a giant trees around the area. I can say it is still called rainforest due to it’s lush greens and thick canopies of leaves in the area. Going up to the upper cascade level of the falls is a metal stairway that makes the tourist comfortable as they get to the second level of the falls.

Second tier level of tinuy-an Falls

Photo courtesy of Sarah, Elmer, Randy and Anne

Thanks for sharing your captured moments.

This is just the first part of my overall 2009 Final Summer escapade at Surigao del Sur.

 

2009 Final Summer Getaway

I will be traveling to Mangagoy and Bislig, Surigao del Sur  later at around 1:00 am  May 30.

I have personal matters to attend with in the area but I  will have my time to visit nice places like Tinuy-an Falls, Hinatuan Cave, Enchanted River and Hagonoy island just to have a grandiose ending of my summer escapade this year 2009.

I am ready to go.. all packed up!

I am very excited…   Be back for the update.  ciao!

 

2009 Summer Escapade: Isla Reta Beach Resort

Relaxed and free in the hands of nature

“Each season has its joys to treasure, to lift one’s spirits and bring us pleasure.“

One of our cousin decided to start the summer season at Isla Reta Beach resort located at Sta. Cruz, Talicud, Samal last Sunday, April 12.

Far shore Isla Reta

Packs are set and ready and  off we went to Sta. Ana Wharf on that Sunday morning and sooner the boat started it’s engine and started sailing at around 9am. The boat fare was 75 pesos.

The shoreline under shade of trees

After  1 hour and 15 minutes boat travel, we arrived at the beach and owed to the spectacular view of the beach afar. There was less people at the shore and quite a nice way to end  the long vacation that we had since we are all working the next day.

The entrance fee of the beach was 75 pesos for a day tour and 150 pesos for an overnight stay at the beach. They are also offering cottages for rent and I will give the contact number later of this post. ^-^

Quite and Serene

We ate our heavy breakfast then started preparing our meal for lunch.

Pictorials did not lose it’s luster as soon as we boarded the boat until we passed out tired after swimming.

Summer on the loose

It was almost 2:30 when we started to wrap up and packed all the things to board the boat back to the City. It was 4:30 when we arrived at the Sta.Ana Wharf.

It was a pleasant day for all of  us, the sky is cloudy, the water is crystal clear with nice sand beach. Thanks to Lloyd and Pichon Family for organizing the summer escapade.

This is my third summer beach escapade… ^_^ I was at Canibad Beach Resort last Thursday and Friday. My first was at Dayang Beach Resort. hehe I’ll post soon my escapade at Canibad… ^_^

Isla Reta Signage

Photo Courtesy of Lloyd.  Thanks !

 

Columbia Sportwear products

Last Saturday I received a present from my cousin Lloyd and it’s a a Booney hat and 2 pairs of socks.

UPF50 booney hat

I’ve been using Columbia sportswear products since from the start and it never failed to make me comfortable. I am not paid by using this products but I was just saying how tough this products are for outdoor activities.  ^_^

Columbia Madruga Peak II Hiking Socks

I am a proud user of local made products too like Sandugo, Habagat, Conquer outdoor brands.  All of these local products I mentioned are tested proven by my outdoor activities.

Thanks to my cousin Lloyd for this wonderful pasalubong. ^-^

Photo courtersy of winfields and Columbia Sportswear.

 

2009 Summer Escapade: Dayang Beach Resort

Dayang Beach Resort

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under coconut tree on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky is by no means a waste of time.”   – J. Lubbuck

It’s the start of summer season and most of the time it is associated with beach or any other outdoor activities. My summer escapade this year 2009 started so early and hope there a more activities to come since I am quite busy now with my work . ^_^

On my way ...

I went to Dayang beach resort located at Talikud , Samal and it’s just beside Babu Santa. It took almost 1 hour boat travel from Sta. Ana Wharf and that cost me 60 pesos for the boat fare. The scheduled trip usually at 1:30 pm and that’s for overnight purposes and there’s a 7 am boat schedule at Dadatan Wharf. In my case, I went there via chartered boat ride at 7 am for a day tour. ^_^

calm and serene

The place was serene white beach sand and pebbles with a nice landscape of coconut trees and grass and it’s very relaxing to the eyes and soul.

Tranquility is the word

I talked to Malou Villahermosa a resident in the area about the specifics of the resort and here it is :

• No entrance fee for Dayang Customer
• Cooking services at 30 pesos per kilo
• Water for 15 pesos per container
• Table for 100 pesos
• Small and big tent 50 and 100 pesos respectively
• 4 units of room for 450 pesos
• Close cottages with bedding can accommodate 5 persons at 350 pesos
• Open cottages with 5 persons accommodation is 250 pesos

The place was called Dayang which means Princess for a Muslim language since Ma’am Malou are half Muslim-Christian. ^_^

The beach is also a stop over spot  for lunch for those who are having an island tour of Samal.

For more info contact 09213070367 Malou.

Want more beach escapade this summer!!!!! more!  ^_^

 

Start of Summer 2009

It would be my first time in 7 years that I will not climb any major mountains for the reason that I was so busy on my work and thinking on other things right now.

I am still hoping that I can came up with an idea to wander in time of this special week. Maybe a stress reliever climb at Puting Bato of Samal Island will do. ^_^ I’m still itching and it’s very obvious. hehe

Anyway, as the title of this post suggests and I already did start my 2009 summer. I went to Dayang Beach resort and I will post some images soon after cyber chaos and network  wars end in our office. heheh ^-^

 

2nd Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge

There will be a 24 hour extreme adventure race this coming April 29-30 2009 from the beach lines of  Sta. Cruz , Davao del Sur to the boulder face of Mount Apo by means of mountain biking, trekking, water tubing, road running, tree planting  and some mind twister events. ^_^

The winning team will receive a whopping 60,000 pesos while the first runner up will receive  40,000 pesos and 20,000 pesos or the second runner up.

Race Director of the event Engr. Albert Gabriel said that they will also give 5,000 pesos as a consolation prize to each of the next thee finishers

The participants must be at least 18 years old and physically fit and the  team shall be composed of 2 Athletes who will come from female and male and 1 logistic crew.

Deadline of registration of entries will be on April 25, 2009. Fee per team is PhP2,500 inclusive of race jerseys.

For more information, contact:

• Engr. Albert Gabriel at 09193142117 or e-mail him at adventuregabo@yahoo.com

• Ms. Camila Infiesto with cell phone number 09203136792 or e-mail her at csinfiesto@yahoo.com,

• Mr. Julius Paner at cell phone number 09208567991 or e-mail him at trekjulpanz@yahoo.com.

 

Earth Hour 2009

THIS IS THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL ELECTION, BETWEEN EARTH AND GLOBAL WARMING.

On March 28 you can VOTE EARTH by switching off your lights for one hour.
Or you can vote global warming by leaving your lights on.

The results of the election are being presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. We want one billion votes for Earth, to tell world leaders that we have to take action against global warming.

2,398 cities, towns and municipalities in 83 countries have already committed to VOTE EARTH for Earth Hour 2009, as part of the worlds first global election between Earth and global warming.

source: www.earthhour.org

 

Araw ng Dabaw Fun Run

My singlet and race number

This will be my first time posting here about fun run where I joined in.  Vic Sai Araw ng Dabaw fun run was held last Sunday with start and finish line at Gaisano Mall.

The crowd is not that festive but still the run was fun. I can say not festive because only one water station was established – turning point and finish line, no free meals ater the run. It was my fun run with no free “Lugaw” hehehe  but as I said it was fun.

youngest runner - Nicole

My all time favorite  is the daughter of Sarah named Kelzie Nicole joined her mom at the run, I’ve seen her every fun run in the city. Check her out when another fun run event happens in the city.

Happy faced runners

Awarding of finishers proceeded and was followed by raffle of some gift certificates.

For those who joined the event? What can you say? how was it from your point of view?

Just my two cents.

photo courtesy of Sarah.