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Bataan | Out and About with Osprey Packs Philippines

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On the road up to Mt Samat

On the road up to Mt Samat

About 2–3 hours away, north of Manila, is the province of Bataan. A place commonly known for the historic Death March, where Filipino and American soldiers stood their ground in World War II and was eventually led by the Japanese to a torturous 130km march to Capas, Tarlac. The Memorial Cross at the Shrine of Valor is a towering reminder of the war and to honor these soldiers. Osprey Packs Philippines, recently led an adventurous bunch of explorers from traditional media and travel bloggers to discover Bataan,  the historic attractions and beyond. Each of us were equipped with our very own Osprey Packs for the tour. My Osprey Momentum 32, a 32 liter technical pack ideal for active traveler sporting a pocket-full design along with its two major compartments, a rain-cover tucked underneath the bag and an AirScape back panel making it easy and comfortable wearing the bag as we go out and about in Bataan. For me who was last here in 2011, it was a surprise to see the development happening in this province in the realm of tourism.

A good looking tourist center in Bataan

A good-looking tourist center in Bataan

Bataan Tourism Center

Tourism centers in the country are mostly modest offices, designed to just basically provide information to visitors. It was a pleasant surprise to see the Bataaan Tourism Center going to lengths to offer more services. With a wonderful display of World War II dioramas, an Art Exhibit section, a Souvenir and Pasalubong Shop showcasing local products along with the usual help desk, this tourism office is a destination in itself. Most of us agreed that this is one of the best tourism center we’ve seen in the country.

On the mangrove boardwalk at the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park

On the mangrove boardwalk at the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park

Balanga Wetland and Nature Park

In barangay Tortugas, Balanga, is the country’s first Wetland and Nature Park. A haven for bird watchers, Balanga Wetland and Nature Park also surprised us with its neat birdcage-like Information Center building, bird-watching viewing decks and wooden boardwalk through a mangrove to see more of our avian friends. Binoculars can be rented to zoom-in on the 35 species and 15 families of birds living in the wetlands, mudflats and mangrove forest.

Inside the UP house at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Inside the UP house at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

With our Osprey Packs in our backs, we explored the cobblestone streets and visited ancestral houses in this open-air museum and heritage park, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. It was back in 2011 when I last visited this place for a photography lecture I conducted and I was impressed that the area is continually expanding, adding more heritage houses and landscaping in between its canals. It was an enjoyable trip back in time.

Going up to the Shrine of Valor

Going up to the Shrine of Valor

Mt Samat National Shrine

I’m a little ashamed to admit, I have been to the mountains of Tarak-Mariveles, hiked the trail to Quinawan point and observed the reeforestation at Anvaya Cove but I haven’t been to the summit of Mt Samat. That’s one reason I was excited with the trip with Osprey Packs Philippines. Our van throttled up the ascending road of Mt Samat as we marvelled at the surrounding views as the elevation got high. It was late in the afternoon, but the group managed to climb the 302-ft Shrine of Valor. I, however ran down trying to get a good angle of the cross and the sunset 550 meters above sea level. Sunset was fast but I’m glad to be able to see what’s left of it.

The fountain at the Balanga Plaza Mayor

The fountain at the Balanga Plaza Mayor

Balanga Plaza Mayor

Balanga, the capital of Bataan was our home for the night. We were billeted at the elegant Plaza Hotel right smack in the middle of Plaza Mayor in Balanga. This was another surprise as this is one beautiful plaza with a wonderful fountain, surrounded by heritage government and commercial buildings and charming old church. The night is especially entertaining just watching people go by while the fountain dances through the night.

The control room at BNPP

The control room at BNPP

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

Sci-fi and post-apocalyptical fantasies come alive in our visit to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. A project of the Marcos regime but never utilized. While I’m not on the side of using nuclear energy, especially for a country within the ring of fire, a visit to this power plant is highly informative. The maze of tubes, the multitude buttons and seeing the fuel rods is like being in the live episode of megastructures of National Geographic. There’s a lot to learn and admire with BNPP.

Two of the rescued turtles at the center

Two of the rescued turtles at the center

Pawikan Conservation Area

Our last stop is quite meaningful in their endeavor. The Pawikan Conservation Area used to be a place for pawikan (sea turtle) poachers but now is a center for rescue and home to pawikans. These gentle sea creatures amazingly returns to their hatching ground after 25 years that’s why hatching turtles and letting them crawl at the beach to the sea is significant as they remember the scent, the environment and the conditions where they came from. Its saddening though that there’s only a small ratio of survivors from each hatch. There’s no turtle hatch when we came but a little downtime at the beach was a welcome end to our tour.

Downtime at the beach with my Osprey Momentum 32 backpack

Downtime at the beach with my Osprey Momentum 32 backpack

The two-day tour is an eye-opener as Bataan seemed to be an underrated tourist destination only three hours from Manila. From the sea to the summit, we were able to enjoy some of what the province offers and there’s a lot more reason to go back to. Our Osprey Packs, especially my Momentum 32, made moving around much easier from site to site. Thank you Osprey Packs Philippines and Primer Group of Companies for this trip. Follow their Facebook page at /OspreyPacksPhilippines.

For more information on Bataan and the tourist site mentioned, contact Bataan Tourism Center at:

Address: Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 2100
Contact: (047) 237 4476
email: tourism_bataan@yahoo.com

With media friends and travel bloggers sporting their own Osprey Packs

With media friends and travel bloggers sporting their own Osprey Packs

The post Bataan | Out and About with Osprey Packs Philippines appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.


Tañon Strait | Snorkelling in Moalboal

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In a breathing reef

In a breathing reef

The soothing comfort of Hale Manna in Moalboal may tempt us to just lounge around its garden in solitude but Tañon Strait, just over the cliffs, is calling to explore its depths. We’re on our fourth day into our Oceana Photosafari in Tañon Strait and it’s the day we get to become water creatures by being on the ocean the whole day visiting the denizens below. I was excited for this part of the trip that I made sure to bring my own snorkelling gear set. Some of our companion would be diving which I’m sure they’ll get the front seat in seeing the underwater spectacle. Some of us though would just content ourselves to explore near the surface and free dive once in a while.

Pescador Island

enroute-ph-map-tanon-moalboalSmall fishing boats litter the waters surrounding the coral island of Pescador, our first stop for the day. The warm waters of Pescador Island is rich in marine life with over 2,500 species of fish in the area alone hence the many small fishing vessels around for their daily catch. Pescador Island is a marine park though, no destructive or massive fishing is allowed. It’s a favorite diving destination especially for the “Cathedral Cave” west of the island.

We went into the water to follow where the divers would go through. Visibility isn’t top notch but I did get to see plenty of small fishes upon first dive. Along with that are a number of jellyfish in the area which I usually cringe upon seeing. I had to brave it though and followed the others to the west side of the island where the water was a lot colder and less jellyfish in the area. There were some corals but its interesting to see the area where the ocean breaths. So much bubble coming from the soft bed of corals below. I heard the cathedral cave was somewhere below the area. There were moments the annoying jellyfishes would even rub into our faces and itch like hell but it never stopped us from snorkelling. Soon we saw our diver friends slowly ascending and we followed soon.

Our diver friends at Pescador Island

Our diver friends at Pescador Island

Talisay Reef Point

We moved closer to the shore at Basdiot for the Talisay Reef Point whose wall is also a favorite among divers. When I got into the water, I was astounded by the vastness of pristine coral garden in the area. Vibrant and very much alive. The depth is much deeper but I try to get closer. Again from above we followed the path our diver friends below, swimming close to the wall drop and just admiring the length of reef. I’m just so glad they were able to preserve this area.

Doing underwater photography at Talisay Point

Doing underwater photography at Talisay Point

Panagsama Beach Sardine Run

We had a brief lunch break at Club Serena and revelled at their deeply rich hot tsokolate after. A little downtime and we’re back into the water. This time we’re a lot nearer at Panagsama Beach. Local kids doing acrobatic dives into the water greeted us. I knew this was the site for the famous “Sardine Run” I’ve heard of but it never really prepared me for the visual overload first time seeing it underwater. It was like a great swarm yet fluid moving, glistening even under the afternoon light. The sardines move like a single ectoplasmic being. It was a marvellous and almost menacing to look at.

The “Sardine Run” is still a phenomenon waiting to be explained. It may be a mass reproductive migration but further studies are still being done. The abundance of this fish makes for an effortless fishing for the locals in this area. They need only to put down a line or hook and for sure they’ll get a catch. Large predator fishes await below for their chance to get a bite from any sardines that find themselves lost from the group. Pescador Island also have a Sardine Run but was briefly gone after a 2012 earthquake. So the behaviour of this fishes may change from time to time.

We finished our day with some snacks again from Club Serena and walked back to nearby Hale Manna. It was an awesome day of discovering the underwater world in this side of Tañon Strait. And seeing all of these wonders makes me want to protect this seascapes more.

Our divers treading the wall of Talisay Point

Our divers treading the wall of Talisay Point

About Oceana Philippines

Oceana Philippines seeks to restore the health, richness, and abundance of the Philippine oceans. By working closely with civil society, academics, fishers, and government, Oceana Philippines will promote the use of sound science based policies to help ensure sustainable fisheries and vibrant marine ecosystems.

Follow Oceana Philippines on Facebook and Twitter.

Details of small fishes on a coral

Details of small fishes on a coral

The post Tañon Strait | Snorkelling in Moalboal appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

Pililia Rizal Wind Farm: Windmill Wonder near Manila

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A local worker in Pililia overlooking the nearby wind turbines

A local worker in Pililia overlooking the nearby wind turbines

It used to be that the towering wind turbines of Bangui in Ilocos Norte was the sole site where people can marvel at these slender sentinels watching over the sea. Now, in barangay Halayhayin in Pililia, Rizal, these megastructures were erected on the undulating hills sloping along the scenic Laguna Lake. With only a couple of hours away from Metro Manila, where the country’s leading demand for electricity is at its highest, not only would the Pililia Rizal Wind Farm be able to supply renewable energy in a close proximity, but people like me who marvels such machinery in a beautiful nature backdrop would be ecstatic not to travel more than 500 km just to see them.

The tourist center with infographic boards

The tourist center with infographic boards

Road to Rizal

The APEC break finds me and a couple of travel buddies of mine Oman and Allan, spontaneously driving south to Rizal escaping the mayhem of Edsa to visit the Pililia Rizal Wind Farm. I have read about this wind farm for a while from Kara and Allan before but haven’t got time to explore it. I think this was a good time as many of the access roads winding through the 27 wind turbines within the 4,515 hectares area of the wind farm are already open for exploration. Vehicles just need to be 10 meters away from these turbines when parking.

It was refreshing to drive down this route as I haven’t been in this parts for ages. Antipolo has developed well and the Manila East Road has some scenic overlooking spots of Laguna Lake. As we head close to the junction leading to either Jala-jala or Mabitac, we could already see the windmills from the distance. We took a left to an ascending road and eventually found one of the entry points to the Pililia Rizal Wind Farm.

Some horses at the Pililia Rizal Wind Farm hills

Some horses at the Pililia Rizal Wind Farm hills

Pililia Rizal Wind Farm

One of the guards at the entrance point led us to an overlooking platform where a structure, still in the finishing touches, looks to be the information center. There are infographic boards there about Pililia and the wind farm. One interesting fact on why Pililia was chosen as the site for these wind turbines –  these hills have a natural wind corridor with a monthly average of 36kmh windspeed passing through the hill and heightens during Amihan (north-east winds) season from October to March. Each of these turbines generate 2 MW of electricity with the wind farm collectively generating about 54 MW electricity. In estimate, this Pililia Rizal Wind Farm is able to generate 150 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annualy. With Manila’s average household consumption of 200–300 kwh every month, the wind farm can power an estimate of 66,000 households continuously.

A group of tourist enjoying the view

A group of tourist enjoying the view

Windmill Wonder

Aside from the benefits of this renewable energy, the installation of these wind turbines marked Pililia Rizal on the tourism map. Bangui in Ilocos Norte made a big name because of this and I won’t be surprised if the same thing happens here. It’s not by the beach but the hills and the view of the lake makes it a unique attraction. I found the hills ideal for bikes and even trail runs, I guess, with the many motorbiking groups and cyclers have the same idea as we encountered droves of them. We stayed there for the sunset and wasn’t disappointed with the afternoon light. Being close to Manila, I might find myself going back here once in a while to catch some fresh air while admiring the wind turbines of Pililia Rizal Wind Farm.

Admiring the wind turbines up close

Admiring the wind turbines up close

How to Go There

Pililia Rizal is about 55km away from Metro Manila. Here’s a couple of ways to go there.

Private Vehicles

  • Drive your way to Manila East Road passing by the towns of Taytay, Angono, Binangonan, Cardona, Morong, Baras and Tanay before Pililla.
  • When you pass by Villa Lorenzo Resort on your left, you are near the fork on the road. The right leads to Jala-jala. Take the left road heading to Mabitac, Famy and Real. There’s also a Pililia Rizal Wind Farm sign that’s hard to miss.
  • After the lookout point of Laguna Lake high up the road, the first entrance should be on your left.

Commuting to Sampaloc

  • Make your way to Tanay Public Market in Sampaloc. There are FX and Vans plying the route from Starmall, Mandaluyong and Araneta Center, Cubao. Fare is around Php 70.
  • From Tanay Public Market, hire a tricycle to take you to the Pililia Rizal Wind Farm. At the moment, tricycles charge Php 300 one-way per tryke exclusive of waiting time. It is best to negotiate a round-trip cost as there are no tricycles available to hire at the wind farm.
Look up at the turbines

Look up at the turbines

A motorbike group taking posterity shots

A motorbike group taking posterity shots

Windmills aligned

Windmills aligned

Catching the setting sun against the windmills

Catching the setting sun against the windmills

Enjoying the dusk light at the hills

Enjoying the dusk light at the hills

The post Pililia Rizal Wind Farm: Windmill Wonder near Manila appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

Stay | F1 Hotel Manila: The City Suite Room Luxurious Comfort

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The F1 Hotel Manila in the middle of the buildings

The F1 Hotel Manila in the middle of the buildings

The name F1 may seem to be a brand speeding off the race tracks, but F1 Hotel Manila have nothing to do with formula one racing. Though, the hotel has the reputation of having preceded everyone in the hotel industry being the first that stood in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Offering upscale accommodations suited for both business and leisure travelers in the midst of a sophisticated BGC community.

Hotel reception at the 5th floor

Hotel reception at the 5th floor

F1 Hotel Manila

BGC has been a favorite venue for a variety of running activities happening almost every day of the weekend. I for one was scheduled to join a run a week ago and it was fortunate that I was offered a great deal from Dealgrocer on their City Suite room. F1 Hotel Manila is situated at the 32nd street of BGC in between 5th and 7th street. Conveniently, just across S&R Membership Shopping and St Lukes Medical Center Global City, and a short walk to the Mind Museum and BGC High Street.

The F1 Hotel Manila have 243 rooms in three categories – Deluxe Room, City Suite and Fort Suite. I have reservations for the City Suite Room. For check-in, I had to go to the 5th floor for the reception area. I simply showed my voucher and ID to confirm my booking which I called-in a week before to check availability. I was asked for Php 3,000 for incidentals in which was returned after checkout. Their room key has a security feature as guest can only access floors they are roomed in. My only addition with their lifts would be to add indicator lights for the elevator doors seen from the lobby lifts.

The City Suite Room

The City Suite Room

The City Suite Room

I was billeted at room 1408, found at the left-end of a narrow corridor. The City Suite Room was generously spacious that it has its own living room and a low divider for the twin beds facing the window. Not much in terms of view from my window but the room has two large LCD TVs, one facing the bed and the other for the couch. There’s a work table by the wall near the bathroom. The room also has a large bathroom with walk-in shower.

I can imagine more than four people fitting in this room with still ample space to move around. Air conditioning keeps the room steady cool. I was also there mainly to work on some of my projects and I’m utterly pleased with their high speed internet connection. Enabling me to upload large image files to my cloud storage in a short time giving me more time to enjoy the hotel facilities.

The children's pool and lounge pool

The children’s pool and lounge pool

Leisure Activities

Since I was preparing for a 16km run the next morning, I decided to do an easy workout at their gym. It was small but clean with state-of-the-art equipment for weights and cardio exercises. From the gym, which is located at the 3rd floor mezzanine, I could see the three pools below on the open air third floor platform they call the Canary Lounge. There’s the kids pool, lounge pool and the sexy lap pool. There are also tables and chairs there to hangout and enjoy the city skyline views of BGC. It’s also at the third floor where the main restaurant, F All Day Dining, is located. Elegant fixture adorn the restaurant.

The F All Day Dining restaursant

The F All Day Dining restaursant

Summary

So I had my 16km run the next day, leaving about 4:30am in the morning without a problem. I had a restful sleep. Quiet and deep under the thick blankets and comfortable on the bed cushions. It was that restfulness that helped me conquer the hilly terrain of BGC. When I got back at the hotel, I still had time for the breakfast buffet. They had good coffee, though service staff could be more attentive. Buffet choices had a good variety and most I had were quite tasty so it was more than satisfying to say the least. I also asked for a late checkout since I wanted to enjoy the room more which was fortunately available.

For a weekend staycation, I had a productive and relaxing time. The rooms are huge, the internet is blazing fast, the facilities are excellent, location is convenient at central BGC and the good value deal from DealGrocer made it all the more enticing to have a vacation within the city.

Trying out the cardio machines at the gym

Trying out the cardio machines at the gym

The Canary Lounge

The Canary Lounge

The living room area of the City Suite

The living room area of the City Suite

My work desk at the City Suite Room with high speed internet lan

My work desk at the City Suite Room with high speed internet LAN

City skyline view from the reception floor

City skyline view from the reception floor

The lap pool

The lap pool

Dusk at BGC

Dusk at BGC

The post Stay | F1 Hotel Manila: The City Suite Room Luxurious Comfort appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

California | Torrey Pines State Reserve Trail Hike and Beach Time

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Descending at the Torrey PInes State Reserve Beach trail with stunning rock formations

Descending at the Torrey PInes State Reserve Beach trail with stunning rock formations

The day started with an amusing little chaos. It’s funny how logistics can quickly screw up at times. The plan was to spend time with relatives at La Jolla Cove not really Torrey Pines State Reserve. My sister and I took the AmTrak train from Vista to San Diego where our cousin picked us up at the Old Town Station to meet up with the rest of our cousins. A little misunderstanding went us driving around in circles at the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla. And when we finally got to meet heads with other relatives and laid our options did we get a clear direction where we’re going. Everyone agreed we’ll visit Torrey Pines State Reserve for the rest of the afternoon. I was excited as I’ve been yearning to do some trail hikes in San Diego since I came in the USA. That’s one of the things I like about in the country, the importance of parks and reserves and their accessibility in the city.

Hiking up Torrey PInes Road from the beach

Hiking up Torrey PInes Road from the beach

The Torrey Pines State Reserve

The Torrey Pines State Reserve is a 2,000 acre coastal state park under the community of La Jolla, Southern California. From Torrey Pines Road, the bluff may seem like a featureless lump rising by the beach. But within this natural reserve is the Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana), a rare species of pine tree found only here and also one of the Channel Islands in USA. This reserve was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1977 as it is home to several wildlife and flora like bobcats, coyotes, cacti, coastal chaparral, racoons, rabbit and including the rare Torrey Pine.

PWD accesible trail at the Whitaker Garden

PWD accesible trail at the Whitaker Garden

Torrey Pines Hike

Within the Torrey Pines State Reserve are more than 8 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty and scenery. At that time, I had no idea of the trails and let our cousin Buddy, who had been here before lead the way. We started at the Torrey Pines State Beach where we left some of our other cousins to enjoy the beach near the bridge. From the beach, we walked up to the park road leading to the High Point where a beautiful panorama of the reserve and pacific ocean can be seen. Nearby, benches are available, shaded naturally by pine trees. There’s also the Whitaker Garden, where even person with disabilities (PWDs) can enjoy this area as the trail is accessible by wheelchairs. There’s an amazing display of rare southern maritime chaparrals here. It is sad though that category 3 drought has clearly affected some of the vegetations at that time.

I was curious of the rusted colored rock platform people from a distance and asked my cousin if we could visit the area. The open trail here gets narrower and dusty but the trails are marked appropriately. So we reached the Red Butte, a prominent geological formation made of laterite soil full of iron oxide hence its red rusty color. It has a 360 degree vantage point of the reserve.

The trail forks to several points from the Red Butte, but since we’re heading to the beach we took the straight Beach Trail but the rock formations here as we descend further down the trail is absolutely fantastic. The work of art on the rock walls formed by natural erosion is impressive to look at. I could imagine this area in better light. The trail itself would be really nice to do a trail run as I can imagine. Shortly we could see the beach below and carefully navigated a set of stairs down. People are warned to venture near the cliffs as erosion may unexpectedly occur.

Rare maritime chaparral in the area

Rare maritime chaparral in the area

The Red Butte with people on top seen from a distance

The Red Butte with people on top seen from a distance

Passing through a few Torrey Pines

Passing through a few Torrey Pines

On top of the Red Butte

On top of the Red Butte

Find myself enjoying the highest part of the reserve with a jump shot

Find myself enjoying the highest part of the reserve with a jump shot

On the wide open beach trail with some runners resting

On the wide open beach trail with some runners resting

More of the beach trail after the descent

More of the beach trail after the descent

Finally the view of the beach and the Flat Rock

Finally the view of the beach and the Flat Rock

The Torrey Pines State Beach and essential info on the next page…

The post California | Torrey Pines State Reserve Trail Hike and Beach Time appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

Batanes Travel Guide | Batan Island 2016 Edition Now Available

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The Batanes Travel Guide Batan Island 2016 Edition

The Batanes Travel Guide Batan Island 2016 Edition

The Ironwulf En Route Travel Guides is your offline travel companion. I’m proud to announce the update to the comprehensive Batanes Travel Guide, the Batan Island 2016 edition. The new edition expands to 50 pages updating the latest info on Batan Island, updated map of the island and Basco town proper, latest transpo rates,  accommodation listings and more places to dine. Unlike the first edition, the new edition is a paid download as a lot of time and effort has gone into making this ebook from layout, illustrations, photography and copy. I hope you find it worth as a support for this site and share it to your friends for a discounted price. For more details on what’s inside visit the dedicated page for the Batanes Travel Guide | Batan Island 2016 edition.

Buy now

Updated maps and hotel listings for the Batan Island 2016 edition

Updated maps and hotel listings for the Batan Island 2016 edition

Additional content and updated photos

Additional content and updated photos

The post Batanes Travel Guide | Batan Island 2016 Edition Now Available appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

Tañon Strait | Mantalip Reef: From Starfishes to Starry Skies

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Sunrise at Mantalip Reef station at Bindoy, Negros Oriental

Sunrise at Mantalip Reef station at Bindoy, Negros Oriental

It was hard to get used to the comforts of Hale Manna and explore more the beauty of the underwater world of Moalboal as in day 5 of our Oceana Philippines Photo Safari, we were on the move again. Off the coast the large white liveaboard outrigger vessel from Harold’s Dive Center in Dumaguete awaits to ferry us from Cebu, across Tañon Strait to Mantalip Reef in Bindoy, Negros Oriental. It was an impressive boat, spacious with lots of sitting and lounging areas, a well-kept mess area, restroom, and solar charging area. Ocean travel always had that soothing comfort, embraced by the breeze with boundless possibilities seen across the horizon.

A mangrove pavillion at Bindoy

A mangrove pavillion at Bindoy

Sail to Bindoy Negros Oriental

enroute-ph-map-tanon-bindoyThe sea travel took only an hour and a half to reach the guard house/ ranger station of Mantalip Reef but we had to skip by it for a moment to head to the mainland of Bindoy. On a smaller speedboat and a rubber raft, our group sailed on. We docked in a beautiful mangrove enclave where a distinct wooden pavilion stands at this coast. A lot of locals sought shelter under the natural shade while enjoying the cool clear waters below. Kids climb the sinewy branches of the mangroves for a joyous splash.

Our host from Bindoy prepared a gracious lunch which includes a serving of a lechon (suckling pig) Along with salads, grilled fish, tasty kakanin (rice cakes), and delicious locally baked cake. It also gave us an opportunity to meet and converse with Mayor Yap of Bindoy about their environmental programs in the region. Bindoy is an ideal example of a protected mountain to reef ecosystem. Aside from avoiding mining on the mountains to avoid siltation, the local government made sure to keep the periphery free from large-scale fishing allowing the fishes to flourish within their natural habitat under the mangroves.

Snorkeling Mantalip Reef

I was excited to go back to the ranger station to snorkel and see what the underwater world here is like. Some of our diver friends got ready and us snorkelers boarded a smaller boat to explore the reefs a bit further from the station. The water was deeper but definitely still clear and it felt like we swam a few hundred meters but the corals were just too deep for us to appreciate.

Our friend from Oceana, Yas, suggested we go back to the station and just snorkel around it. It was a great idea as there was a dazzling array of corals and kaleidoscope of small fishes there. A large congregation of black spotted snappers and bright blue starfishes were quite evident among the variety of corals. The tide was getting low that afternoon so no huge fishes can be found as they move through deeper waters but I’m quite satisfied with what I saw here.

Arriving at the Mantalip Reef Station

Arriving at the Mantalip Reef Station

Beautiful array of corals

Beautiful array of corals

Night at the station on the next page…

The post Tañon Strait | Mantalip Reef: From Starfishes to Starry Skies appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

Tañon Strait | Bais Dolphin Watching and Talabong Mangrove Park

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A playful dolphin jumps out to greet us in Bais Negros Oriental

A playful dolphin jumps out to greet us in Bais Negros Oriental

A cup of coffee taste so great while at sea. Our breakfast of bread with peanut butter, saba bananas and a unique concoction of crushed cereal with honey made by Harold himself of Harold’s Dive Center was enough to energize our morning. It’s the last full day of our Oceana Philippines Photo Safari and time simply flew by fast here while at Tañon Strait. From Mantalip Reef in Bindoy we were headed to our last stop in Dumaguete but not before we do some Bais Dolphin Watching and a visit to the largest remaining mangrove forest in Negros Oriental, the Talabong Mangrove Park and Bird Sanctuary.

Bais Dolphin Watching

enroute-ph-map-tanon-dmgteI was comfortably propped on the portside of the boat listening to some tunes when I heard a commotion on the topside. “Have you seen a manta ray mating?” I heard from Danny, one of the enthusiastic staff of Oceana PH who came from a Greenpeace background hence his strong-willed personality and dedication to his work. People were excited to see a manta ray jump out of the sea and seem to be involved in some coital activity. I did not catch the jump but only saw a few dark flapping fins passing fast into the distance.

I never did try to go back for some snooze as we were already in Bais City, a city 45km away from Dumaguete and known as the largest producer of raw sugar in Negros Oriental. The name “ba-is” interestingly came from a native species of brackish-water eel. It was just early on in this decade that Bais Dolphin Watching grew in popularity. The regular sight of dolphins and occasional whales made the city decide to mark it as a tourist attraction and it certainly didn’t disappoint. There was a high probability of dolphin sighting and we can attest to that.

From afar we could already see pods of dolphins. Our boat carefully navigated on its side to follow their direction as we spectators shifted from side to side enamored by these graceful and fun creatures swimming and sometimes jumping on the sides of our boat. At one time, I decided not to shoot and simply enjoyed watching these playful creatures. There were a mix of spotted dolphins, spinners and bottle nose. These dolphin encounters happened several times but on occasions, cut short by other boats not really trained for dolphin watching. It was annoying to see other boats trying to cut through the dolphin’s path just to get close (and their tourist passengers could take a selfie).

More jumping dolphins

More jumping dolphins

Another jumper from the distance

Another jumper from the distance

Quick side-trip at the Manjuyod Sandbar

Quick side-trip at the Manjuyod Sandbar

Talabong Mangrove Park and Bird Sanctuary on the next page…

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Happy Holidays 2015!

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Warm Christmas!

Warm Christmas!

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.” ~ Neil Gaiman

Taking this opportunity to wish everyone Happy Holidays for this 2015! Ironwulf En Route will also be on a holiday until early next year, 2016. May you use this long holiday as an opportunity to enjoy time with your friends or family. Get out! Enjoy nature! Travel! With this, greeting everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year ahead! Thank you for being part of my 2015!

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Tañon Strait | Oceana Philippines Photo Safari Chronicles

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Expedition map of Tañon Strait photo safari

Expedition map of Tañon Strait photo safari

Sometimes it takes someone else’s eyes to see the beauty that surrounds us. Familiarity can be numbing at times and comfort can make us overlook what’s in front of us. That can be said the same to some people living along the area of Tañon Strait, the largest protected seascape in the country sandwiched between two major islands, Cebu and Negros. Ask where the strait is to a few, they would show a blank face, not knowing that the sea in front of them is part of it. Oceana Philippines, organized a photo safari to explore the length of Tañon Strait and I was fortunate to be part of this 6-day expedition. It was an exciting project as everything was new to me. Our objective was to capture and showcase the beauty and bounty of Tañon Strait. Maybe, just maybe, through our photographer eyes we could share and let more people appreciate this natural wonder.

The Expedition

The narrow Tañon Strait Protected Seascape runs from the northern tip of Cebu down to the southern portion of Dumaguete. It extends 160km long with a total area of 5,182 square kilometers. Our expedition goes through its length starting in Cebu City up to Bantayan Island working our way down south Cebu, crossing the Strait to Negros and sailing down to Dumaguete. Here’s the breakdown of our journey.

  • Day 1: In transit Cebu City to Bantayan Island. Our first full day finds us assembling in Cebu City with other members of the group. Photographers from Cebu, Ferdinand Edralin and Tonee Despojo, Tañon Strait social media manager Edwin, and Oceana Philippine’s Candeze Mongaya. Also coming from Manila is photographer Oggie Ramos, author, Criselda Yabes, Oceana’s Communication Manager, Yasmin Arquiza. Riding north, we headed to Hagnaya Port to catch a ferry for Bantayan Island. We arrived at Anika Island Resort and captured the late afternoon scene by the beach and watch the full moon rise.
  • Day 2: Virgina Island and Madridejos. Waking up early to capture the morning scene. Mid-day, we went to Virgin Island with beautiful white sand beach and clear waters. Afternoon to evening, we explored Madridejos, its market and old boardwalk with a light house. Fantastic sunset overlooking the coast.
  • Day 3: Transit to Moalboal. A long road down south to Moalboal. On the way, we stopped by Aloguinsan for its wonderful mangrove cruise along Bojo River. By early evening, we reached Moalboal where we stayed at Hale Manna.
  • Day 4: Moalboal Snorkeling. We had a full day of being in the water and it seems it wasn’t enough. I’m sure our diver friends would agree. Starting our awesome snorkeling at the jellyfish-filled waters of Pescador Island, we then went to the expansive and impressive reefs of Talisay Point ending the afternoon chasing sardines run at Panagsama beach.
  • Day 5: Sail to Bindoy: We were excited to see the big white liveaboard boat from Harold’s Dive Center waiting for us that morning. Here, Oceana Philippines Danny Ocampo, also an underwater photographer, joined us. We’re crossing Tañon Strait for Bindoy Negros Oriental. We had lunch with mayor amidst a mangrove forest then later went to the Mantalip Reef Station for more snorkeling. Spending a night at the reef station.
  • Day 6: Chasing Dolphins at Bais. From Bindoy we sailed down to Bais enjoying the mid-morning sun while watching out for pods of dolphins. After a side-trip to Talabong Mangroves of Bais, we ended our journey in Dumaguete.
The first exhibit in Manila at Eastwood libis

The first exhibit in Manila at Eastwood libis

Highlights

The six full days of expedition was nothing short of spectacular. Each place has its own unique character. From the stunning beaches of Bantayan, the culture and nature rich Aloguinsan, the mesmerizing depths of Moalboal, the eco-tourism development of Bindoy, and the exciting dolphin encounters of Bais. From above and below sea level, there’s a lot to love about Tañon Strait. My only regret from this trip is not having brought proper equipment for shooting underwater. I know I was tasked to shoot more of the landscape, people and culture but I felt I could have captured more underwater too. Still I enjoyed every bit of the experience.

Throughout the months succeeding the Tañon Strait photo safari, the a few selected photos has been exhibited in several areas in Visayas and Manila. The Treasures of Tañon Strait Exhibit hopes to spread awareness of the protected seascape through visually capturing on-lookers and passersby at the high traffic venues. And recently, the Images of Tañon Strait coffee table book has been released as an additional tool to help Oceana Philippines spread its cause.

Images of Tañon Strait coffee table book released

Images of Tañon Strait coffee table book released

About Oceana Philippines

Oceana Philippines seeks to restore the health, richness, and abundance of the Philippine oceans. By working closely with civil society, academics, fishers, and government, Oceana Philippines will promote the use of sound science based policies to help ensure sustainable fisheries and vibrant marine ecosystems.

Follow Oceana Philippines on Facebook and Twitter.

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Bohol | Anda’s Mystical Lamanoc Island

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On the shores of the mystical Lamanoc Island

On the shores of the mystical Lamanoc Island

A vast field of mangroves filled more than half my vision as I start my way down a two story rocky stairway. Somewhere beyond this 1,400 hectares of mangrove at Cogtong Bay, Anda, Bohol is Lamanoc Island, a small limestone island enveloped in an eerie veil of tales of a banished witch and a place where shamans congregate. Why would I visit such a spooky island? Because within its shallow caverns and lush tangled vegetation are remnants of a fascinating culture dating far beyond the pre-colonial era.

The mangrove boardwalk leading to the jetty

The mangrove boardwalk leading to the jetty

From Mangroves to the Island

The 310-meter boardwalk cutting through the mangrove forest looks fragile and creaks on with every step but remains sturdy as I walked along with my young guide. It helps to slow down and admire the 33 species of mangrove that are said to be in this area alone. At the end of the boardwalk, there’s a bamboo and wood jetty where paddleboats await to take visitors to Lamanoc Island. The ride is a short 10 minutes paddle on shallow water. At low tide, visitors can even opt to wade and just walk towards the island.

Approaching Lamanoc Island

Approaching Lamanoc Island

Ancient Dwellings

As soon as I step on the island, there’s a different feeling in the air, a thickness I can’t describe that’s pressing against my skin making it tingly all over.

Lamanoc Island is surrounded by rocky shores and mangroves. As soon as I step on the island, there’s a different feeling in the air, a thickness I can’t describe that’s pressing against my skin making it tingly all over. I shrugged it off as our main guide, Mang Fortunato, a man in his 60s who has been touring visitors here called my attention to start the tour. It was getting late in the afternoon and I was the last lone guest that day.

Fortunato led me up on a trail to the side of a limestone wall leading to a rock shelter with an open view of the sea. Before I got lost on the scenery, he pointed me to a few boat coffins on one side of the cave. The wooden dugout boat coffins made from tugos (molave) are called lungon. This burial method, widely practiced from the 8th to 15th century in Southeast Asia, is evident in Lamanoc Island with remnants of human skeletal remains and a few pieces of lungon in the rock shelter.

“One of my clairvoyant guests saw a dwarf sitting there” Fortunato told me while pointing to a rock ledge near the trail. I didn’t see any creature but broken potsherds littering the area which were evidence of earthenware jars also used for burials. Many of the burial jars here were damaged by looters who found human remains instead of treasures they were seeking. The National Museum conducted archaeological digs in the area and were able to find some good pieces and items like ceramics, beads, bracelets and iron blades that were believed to adorn the deceased in the belief that they would take them to the next life. Now the scattered human bones are respectfully gathered in a makeshift stone container encased by a clear glass.

We backtracked and went to a different trail leading to another rock shelter. A large wooden cross stands on this cave which I remember seeing earlier as we approached the boat. But the highlight of this cave is the crimson smeared walls on what study reveals to be hematite (red iron oxide) paintings. These ancient drawings are believed to belong to the Stone Age. Wear and tear, however, have made most of the paintings almost indistinguishable.

Mang Fortunato guides me through the island

Mang Fortunato guides me through the island

The burial cave

The burial cave

Human bones gathered into a makeshift container

Human bones gathered into a makeshift container

Remains of boat coffins

Remains of boat coffins

An old cross erected in the shallow caves

An old cross erected in the shallow caves

Old hematite paintings

Old hematite paintings

Mysterious caves and essential info on the next page…

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Bohol | Paddling through Banacon Island Mangrove Sanctuary

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Entering Banacon Island mangrove

Entering Banacon Island mangrove

“We can’t find our boat!” paddling master, Buzzy Budlong, tells me after several attempts of trying to spot our convoy outrigger boat through the maze-like passageways of Banacon Island, north of Bohol. Buzzy was at the back of our double kayak as I was the one in charge to shoot. We wait for the others south of the largest man-made mangrove island in Asia. He switched places with my assigned-writer friend, Oggie, back to his favorite yellow stand-up paddle (SUP) board, Mango Float. His sight looked far to the mainland. “Let’s head to that lighthouse!” he pointed. “Is he kidding?!” I thought. That’s almost 10km away by sea and we’re passing through two sea channels and an island. But he paddled on. He’s crazy like that which also partly makes him great.

Buzzy leads our group in this mangrove tour

Buzzy leads our group in this mangrove tour

Buzzy Budlong

We were looking for a different kind of adventure in Cebu and Bohol. And here comes Buzzy Budlong, a passionate paddler, whether on a kayak, SUP or a canoe. Water is his element and he moves fluidly on it. I watch him stand-up paddle his way to shore and marvel at the ease of his paddling and form. Earlier I saw him effortlessly do a bound-headstand on his Mango Float while paddling through calm waters within the mangrove forest passages. It is unquestionable that he has the skill. He even paddled from Saranngani Mindanao to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte for 88 days back in 2009, guiding (and pushing) his Singaporean counterpart, Koo Swee Khoo in an epic paddling expedition. And in this trip, we look into his recommendations for paddling adventures.

Up to 15-feet high bakauan mangroves

Up to 15-feet high bakauan mangroves

Banacon Island Mangrove Forest

A 425 hectare mangrove forest north of Bohol under the municipality of Getafe (also called Jetafe) was our first destination. This man-made island has a good concentratin of “bakauan” (Rhizophora Stylosa) a common specie of mangroves in Bohol living along tidal flats. To get here, we rode a large outrigger from Mactan, Cebu. Keeping us company are, environmental researcher, Maria, line-fishing enthusiast Vincent and the ever reliable boat crew.

We prepared our kayaks and paddle boards off the island and started our way through the mangrove passages. As we get closer, the aquamarine water gets incredibly clear. Banacon Island mangrove forest is a community initiative which has started since 1957. Fifteen hectare of the land is occuppied by about 200 families relying on the rich marine life living within the ecosystem such as shrimps, shells, mollusk and other crustacians. We made our way through narrow passages and also shallow estuaries. We saw the bridge where a community resides. One problem the mangrove forest faced was the misuse of its resources. Some locals, resort to cut the mangrove trees to use it as firewood. To protect the island, it was turned into an eco-tourism destination.

Banacon Island is the largest mangrove plantation in the country

Banacon Island is the largest mangrove plantation in the country

A kid from a local community watches us as we pass by

A kid from a local community watches us as we pass by

Getafe and essential info on the next page…

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Bohol | Abatan River: Butterflies, Fireflies and Moonlit Nights

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Firefly watching at Abatan River

Firefly watching at Abatan River

Loboc is not the only river town in Bohol. The island province, home to the chocolate hills and the tiny primates, tarsiers, have four major rivers intersecting through the island. Up northwest is the Inabanga River, the largest on the island and Ipil River up north. Utilized for eco-tourism is Loboc River coming from the center of the island down to the southeastern coast and recently, the Abatan River flowing to the southwestern coast. Our adventure guide, Buzzy Budlong, found excellent paddling opportunities on the latter and set-up shop along with the town’s RiverLife tours to offer something different and new.

Paddling at Bacong River

Paddling at Bacong River

The Abatan River

The Abatan River stretches 20km long and winds through the villages of Antequera, Balilihan, Catigbian, Cortes and Maribojoc. Before the roads where paved, the river became the means of transport between villages. It became the venue for trade and cultivation of culture along these riverside villages. Now, a Visitor Center stands along the banks of Abatan River, in the village of Cortes, 10km from the city of Tagbilaran. It is the jump-off for the RiverLife Tours showcasing the crafts and culture of the five towns. This also the start of our paddling expeditions.

Dense mangrove midway at Bacong River

Dense mangrove midway at Bacong River

Bacong River Butterflies

Coming from an exciting Sea Kayaking tour at Banacon Island, our paddles dug deep into the river waters this time on the second day of our off-beat Bohol adventure. Early morning we ventured at a narrow tributary of Abatan River, the Bacong River. The water was clean and green. Fringed by common palm mangroves. Our morning paddle was also to catch the small white butterflies playfully frolicking at the surface of the river every morning. The river widens midway and we found ourselves crossing under Bacong Bridge. Buzzy chose to use his Mango Float stand-up paddle board here again while the rest of us were on our kayaks. We reached a dam where we parked our kayaks, made a short river trek and climb over the wall. Buzzy made use of the water flowing mid-through the damn as a jacuzzi. There were also some interesting thorny shells in the area. We headed back from that point on. It took us at least a couple of hours to explore the river and back.

Going under the Bacong Bridge

Going under the Bacong Bridge

Easy river trek to the dam

Easy river trek to the dam

Enjoying the view from above

Enjoying the view from above

Buzzy enjoying the dam jacuzzi-like water flow

Buzzy enjoying the dam jacuzzi-like water flow

Maribojoc Firefly and essential info on the next page…

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Romblon | Aglicay Beach Resort Tablas: Where Nature Abound

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View of Aglicay Beach from a hill

View of Aglicay Beach from a hill

My motorbike ride roared through the narrow ascending road hugging the side of the hills. It’s always exciting to step on a new island. In this case, my feet, finally grounded on Tablas Island, the largest of the three mjor islands in Romblon province. I flew into the island via PAL and landed in Tugdon airport. My motorbike is taking me to Aglicay Beach Resort in the neighboring town of Alcantara. My eyes were constantly peeled as I absorb the idyllic landscape of this island countryside. We got off the main road and saw a sign “4km to Aglicay Resort”. I’m glad where I’m staying is only less than half an hour from the airport. As the motorbike took its twist and turns entering the distant baranggay of Comod-on, my senses were captivated by the road side view. The ocean vista opening up its glorious view and the cove just ahead. Stunning white sand beach before us hugged by verdant hills. This is going to be an exciting escape, I thought. Aglicay Beach Resort, my home for a couple of nights in Tablas, Romblon.

Lovely stretch of beach and inviting waters

Lovely stretch of beach and inviting waters

Aglicay Beach Resort

The sprawling 20-hectare Aglicay Beach Resort is owned by amiable couple Guillermo and Glenda Martinez. A property they purchased from their relative while they were working for 36 years in the USA. The lush and quiet cove with waters rich in marine life was originally planned as a retirement home. But after clearing the area, building access roads and adding facilities, they decided to share the place by initially opening it to friends. More resort facilities were built by 2004 and it quietly opened to the public by 2006. By 2007, it became a full service resort having been accredited by Department of Tourism (DOT).

Beachside accommodation

Beachside accommodation

Home at the Serene Cove

Almost a decade since it opened to the public, Aglicay Beach Resort didn’t seem to have lost a bit of its charm. The whole area, already vast in itself, is clean and impeccably maintained. The beach area has little to no sign of litter, the manicured garden and bermuda grass areas were healthy green and flourishing. I was welcomed warmly by Jean, the person in charge at that time at their small open air restaurant which doubles as the reception and also a small store.

Aglicay Beach Resort has 10 rooms divided in two sections – the beachside rooms and the hillside rooms. I had a beach side room and boy was it big. It can fit at least 3–5 people inside. The rooms are concrete but airy. It is nothing fancy but comfortable and well-kept through the years. There may be room for upgrades but I had a good night’s sleep in my three day stay here which is important factor for me to any stay. Airconditioning was working fine and water pressure was quite strong. I like that I could already see the beach when I leave the room and conveniently a few steps away to the restaurant.

The restaurant and beach area

The restaurant and beach area

The open beach cottage for day trippers

The open beach cottage for day trippers

Outdoor dining area

Outdoor dining area

My beachside room

My beachside room

View of the beach from my room

View of the beach from my room

Accommdations lit at night

Accommdations lit at night

More on nature getaway and essential info on the next page…

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Maligcong | Mt Fato: Embracing the Wind on Rocky Grounds

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Sunrise at Mt Fato Maligcong

Sunrise at Mt Fato Maligcong

A mountain is never the same. The looming form may remain but the trails, the ecosystem and the peak weather changes constantly. Call it moody but the micro-climate dictates whether the view from the top is cloudy or not. Such is the case when we climbed Mt Fato in Maligcong for the second time. The neighboring Mt Kupapey (Mt Kofafey) with its outstanding view of Maligcong Rice Terraces and nature trail may have grown popular to the visitors of the region but Mt Fato offers a different side of the terraces as well as the mountain peaks of Kalinga and Sagada. My first visit with Backpack Photography gave us a clear view, my return howevers was welcomed with a cold embrace from the clouds.

Climb to the Rocky Peak

“Let’s take a short cut”, says Tina, our reliable guide. Don’t be fooled by her small stature. Tina knows these woods like the back of her hand. Our climb was steady in the cold 4am morning. We could see the faint flickering lights of Bontoc town below. The darkness hiding the cliff drop only a few steps on our side. We stopped to take our breaths and wait for the rest of our companions. I look up to the sky and saw the stars peeking through the trees.

Mt Fato has a different trail from Mt Kupapey. With our Backpack Photography participants, we went back on the road leading to Bontoc and then took the road on the right when it forked. It was wide enough for vehicles but it wasn’t paved and our vehicle could only take us 1/4 of the way. The hike here was a lot easier than Mt Kupapey as major part of the trail is from the road. I also noticed there were trail markers on what seemed to be from a run event. Tina said trail running events are usually held here, organized by trail runners from Bontoc and Baguio.

Our young porters climbing the rocks and the trees

Our young porters climbing the rocks and the trees

Mt Fato Summit

Much like Mt Kupapey, Mt Fato has trail winding through a pine forest. Bordered by nearby Guina-ang, part of the mountain is being disputed by the latter and Maligcong. As we got closer to the peak, was saw large limestone rocks jutting out towards the sky. We went through a narrow passage to the back and we’re finally at the summit.

It was a field of ferns surrounding the rocky outcrops. A picturesque tree stood watching on the side overlooking the rice terraces of Maligcong. From here we could see the summit of Mt Kupapey. Looking at another direction, the Sleeping Beauty of Kalinga can be sighted as well as portions of Sagada. There was no sea of clouds at that time but the purple sunrise was present and the cold. Our guides Tina and Terrance were passing hot cups of coffee to us and a cupcake. A warmth we certainly relished amidst the cold breeze at the summit. I hear a rustle of leaves above us. It was the kids, the porter guides we hired, playing up the trees. So carefree and effortless in their climb. They are at their element on these mountains.

On our way down, the boundless energies of these kids seem limitless. They were racing down the trail, now fully lit by the morning sun. For them this was a game. When we managed to catch-up with them on the trail, they were playing some native music, improvised, using gin bottles they found by the roadside. It was impromptu, unrehearsed and raw yet it sounded wonderful.

Our Backpack Photography group in Maligcong

Our Backpack Photography group in Maligcong

Back at the summit of Mt Fato

Back at the summit of Mt Fato

More of my return to Mt Fato and the trail on the next page…

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Romblon | In Search of Garing Falls in Odiongan Tablas

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A group of teens enjoying Garing Falls

A group of teens enjoying Garing Falls

While I was searching for places to go in Tablas, Romblon, I noticed there were plenty of waterfalls for such a small island. I knew I had to allot time to visit a few of these waterfalls during my stay. My travels have fortunately been kind to me most of the time and this one is no exemption as I was able to easily find a motorbike hire to take me around the island. Mang Alex, who I hired from the Tugdin Airport to Aglicay Beach Resort would be my wheel for chasing waterfalls in Tablas, Romblon. Our first on the list is Garing Falls in Odiongan which would be the nearest from where we are. I have to blame Jean of Aglicay Beach Resort for showing me wonderful photos of the falls though warned me it may not look like that at this time. I still decided to go anyway. Jean talked to Mang Alex and made sure we get to where we were supposed to go for the day. Mang Alex may know the main thoroughfares but not all the inner roads of the island. Our engines roared and off we go for a day of searching for waterfalls.

There's sign of development but the place still feels serene

There’s sign of development but the place still feels serene

Ride Deep Into Progreso Weste

I was excited to go for a motorbike ride to the other parts of Tablas, Romblon but never thought I’d go deep into one of the towns of the island. Garing Falls is found in the heart of Progreso Weste. Asking directions from the locals in the area, we had to leave the comfort of the paved road to ride the narrow inner roads leading to the falls. Mang Alex was adventurous enough to take his motorbike through dirt roads past fields and even crossing at least five streams. At times, I would get off the bike for treacherous descents. We did get a sigh of relief when we saw a small signage to the falls. About half an hour of riding we were at the entrance to the falls.

At the upper level of Garing Falls

At the upper level of Garing Falls

Two-layered Garing Falls

A soiled tarp of the falls serves to welcome visitors before the descending stairway leading to the falls. The stairs is not that high but still can break a little sweat. The place has little development but remains lush. An elderly woman who was sweeping the grounds welcomed us and asked us to register and pay the Php 20.00 entrance fee per head. A group of teen boys were already enjoying the moderate cascades of the lower falls. One, dangling happily from a thick vine over the basin. It was wide and a bit stagnant that time since the water flow wasn’t that strong but it didn’t stop them from swimming. It was 15 meters wide and as deep as 18feet below. The boys told me that I could go up the upper basin too but its not as deep now.

It was far from the photo Jean had shown me, nor the photo from the welcome tarp. Water flows but conservatively. I could see the side of the rocks where the water may have flowed if it was stronger and just painted it in my mind. As with waterfalls its beauty is dependent on the season but the tranquility of the place remains. I went down again to the main basin and saw the guy up the rope-vine again.

When we were about to leave, a family just arrived and is ready for their picnic. I’m guessing not too many tourist go as far as this place so most of the visitors are locals. On our ride back, we found a different route which was much easier. The road isn’t as narrow and can fit a tricycle and passes through the main area of the town. We only passed by only two streams this time. Still we enjoyed the initial ride going there. Shortly we were back on the main road off to the next waterfalls.

Young locals enjoying Garing Falls

Young locals enjoying Garing Falls

Going to Garing Falls

Garing Falls is deep inside Baranggay Progreso Weste in Odiongan, Tablas Romblon. It is best to hire a motorbike to bring you directly to the entrance of the falls. For assistance, best to call the Municipal Tourism Office at (042) 567.6300.

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Romblon | San Andres Mablaran Falls and a Pag-alad Falls Side Trip

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Mablaran Falls in San Andres, Romblon

Mablaran Falls in San Andres, Romblon

I asked the locals what their favorite waterfalls is on the island of Tablas, Romblon. Mablaran Falls in San Andres always seem to pop up so it got me curious. The group of teen boys I met at Garing Falls in Odiongan told me it’s much easier to go there from the main road. The way is paved like a highway and people can swim at night because there are now lights. Not that I’ll go there for a night swim, but I’m interested how it looks and why is it a local favorite. From Odiongan town proper, we rode our motorbike 23km to the northern region of the island for San Andres.

Locals enjoy jumping on the falls basin again and again

Locals enjoy jumping on the falls basin again and again

Jumpy at Mablaran Falls

It was interesting to pass by Odiongan town where trade and transit happens. It is the island capital where a lot of the accommodations are located and the main entry port of the island for incoming and outgoing sea vessel. It’s a typical provincial coastal town as I see it with low-rise buildings and essential facilities can be found. There were some interesting eateries too. We dropped by one of the airconditioned cafeterias for lunch before heading north.

The road to San Andres was smoothly paved. When we got to San Andres, we asked people there for directions and once I asked and elder guy for Mablaran Falls, I got a reply “Ah! Yung swimming pool!” Swimming pool? Then I had some unpleasant imagery of an overdeveloped and crowded falls in my head. But we went on. The inner road was wide but there were patches of dirt road as they try to complete the whole length of the road.

By 15 minutes, we reached Mablaran Falls and paid the entrance of Php 5.00 per person. The first thing I saw was a huge pool. No wonder they call it a swimming pool. The water comes naturally from the falls but they built structures to keep the water on hold. Yes, there were development but it wasn’t as crowded as I expected for a weekend. There were a group of friends having a picnic lunch across the river pool where I can walk across being only above the knee high. I finally got to see the falls. It was low and has strong flow. The water looks inviting and deep. And again there’s a swing. At first I wasn’t that impressed with the height but people love it because they can jump on the pool again and again. I guess locals love it because its a fun falls and easily accessible. The surrounding is also still lush and refreshing. There was even a tree opposite the river and falls where a snake sleeps deeply tightly coiled on a branch. People seem to know about the snake and leave them there undisturbed.

Water no longer flows at Pag-alad Falls

Water no longer flows at Pag-alad Falls

Pag-alad Falls Side Trip

As I was about to leave, I met this guy on dreadlocks with his young niece and cousin at Mablaran Falls. He works in Manila but was there for vacation. He grew up in San Andres and recommended I visit this Pag-alad falls he was highly fond of growing up. Since it was on the way back and nearby, we followed his lead and rode to his village. It was indeed a short ride from the main road but had a steep dirt path I had to walk up and leave the motorbike for Alex to ride up safely.

Pag-alad falls is inside a private land but is open to the locals. It was a very short hike that leads to a small dam. The dreadlocks guy hasn’t been to the falls for over a year working in the metro and was disappointed to see the water flows only in trickles now since most of the water were diverted to the town. It was disappointing to see. Despite having weak flow, the local kids continue to enjoy the falls as there’s still a basin to jump to. But this is one of the disappointing effects of development. The village had to sacrifice the falls to have a water source for the town.

Refreshing surroundings at Mablaran Falls

Refreshing surroundings at Mablaran Falls

Essential Info

Mablaran Falls is located at Baranggay Linawan, San Andres, Romblon. There are jeeps to San Andres from Odiongan. Travel time is 30 minutes. Motorbikes may also be hired. Entrance fee is Php 5.00

Pag-alad Falls is also at San Andres in Baranggay Pag-Alad. I wouldn’t recommend a visit since there’s no longer water flowing. But probably this may change during the rainy season.

For assistance, best to call the Municipal Tourism Office at (042) 567.6300.

Resident snake in slumber

Resident snake in slumber

Inviting blue-green waters of Mablaran Falls

Inviting blue-green waters of Mablaran Falls

 

The post Romblon | San Andres Mablaran Falls and a Pag-alad Falls Side Trip appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

Romblon | Follow the Stream to Tuburan Falls

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The upper layer of Tuburan Falls

The upper layer of Tuburan Falls

It was mid-afternoon already and I was contemplating whether to visit another falls. One thing is for sure, my motorbike driver Alex is not familiar with all these places we’ve been visiting. For him, it was also an adventure but for me, it takes a bit more time stopping by, asking for directions and at times getting lost. I decided to gamble on the last fall on my way back. Tuburan Falls is already within the municipality of Odiongan so we left the main road again to find this falls on our way back from San Andres.

Inviting clear water of the upper pool

Inviting clear water of the upper pool

Follow the Stream

Like Garing Falls, Tuburan Falls is found deep into the village. The road is more accessible up to the stream where we found workers collecting some rocks by the bed. Despite many suggestions from the locals, Mang Alex didn’t want to leave his motorbike behind and would try to ride out the shallow stream until it could no longer pass on deeper water. We had no guide with us. Since he didn’t want to leave his bike, he was afraid some locals might puncture his tire I told him to wait for me instead.

From the people we passed by, they kept telling me to just follow the stream. I found a house and a local and he told me to just go straight. So I walked on the shallow rocky stream then going on the sides until I found what seems to be a trail. It crisscrossed the river which I was confident was the way. Then I found some fresh tracks of people’s foot steps ahead the soft soil. I was relieved when I crossed path with another local and told me its just a few minutes up ahead a turn. Finally I found the hut by the falls and the two foreigners with their guide. They were just about to leave when I arrived. “Wala ka pong guide? (Do you have a guide?)” their guide asked. I said none. But I was glad to finally reached the falls in less than half an hour.

Water flowing through the limestone rocks

Water flowing through the limestone rocks

Tuburan Falls

Tuburan Falls is a multi-layered falls. Again, it’s a low falls just like any other falls on the island of Tablas. What I liked about this one is the flow is strong and there are pools on different levels. I went up and found this clear water basin which leads to the bigger drop below. I went up a little and found I can navigate on the higher levels going up the white rocky boulders. I see a cave opening up ahead which I heard leads to “Cayatong”, an enchanted home of the faeries.

Being alone at the place and afternoon going deeper, I don’t think I’m adventurous enough to explore the land of the fairies. Instead I took the opportunity to take a dip at the clear pool for a few minutes. It was cool and refreshing as expected. I would have stayed longer but we still have a way to go back to Aglicay Beach Resort in Alcantara. Tuburan Falls may be the last I visited for the day but it certainly became one of my fave on the island.

It was hard to resist this clear waters

It was hard to resist this clear waters

Essential Info

TUburan Falls is at Barangay Tuburan in Odiongan. Motorbikes can take you to the jump-off of the fall. The hike by the river/stream is less than 30 minutes. Wear comfortable footwear that is okay for river crossing. Bring enough water and snacks.

For assistance, contact the Municipal Tourism Office at (042) 567.6300

Water flowing to the lower level of the falls

Water flowing to the lower level of the falls

The post Romblon | Follow the Stream to Tuburan Falls appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

San Vicente | Port Barton Island Hopping

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Approaching an unnamed beach in Port Barton

Approaching an unnamed beach in Port Barton

There’s an advantage and disadvantage of staying in San Vicente town proper as I have learned. Advantage is that I get to stay real close to San Vicente’s Long Beach, the longest white beach in Palawan which I have immensely enjoyed combing through. Disadvantage is that Island Hopping here is costly unlike if I stay in Port Barton. The Island hopping tours (A to D) only cost Php 700 per head for a minimum of four people in a group. But since I’m travelling alone, I would have to shell out Php 2,000 to get to Port Barton by boat. The people at tourism office said if there are any groups from here that would do the tours I could always join in but from the looks of the people coming and going through this town, chances are pretty slim. I was resigned to spend my last full day in San Vicente by the beach when Ate Flor, the owner of Ursula Long Beach Travaller’s Inn called me up while having breakfast that she’s at the tourism office and managed to get me a slot to join a group doing a Port Barton Island Hopping Tour. I immediately said yes, quickly packed my camera and gear and hopped on a motorbike to take me to the port.

Sea anemone and fishes at the Twin Reef

Sea anemone and fishes at the Twin Reef

Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

Port Barton is a small village of San Vicente, Palawan separated by mountains and hills. It has a different access road coming from Puerto Princesa, though there are talks of road construction connecting Port Barton from San Vicente town. Port Barton Bay is where most of islands and reefs are located in San Vicente. From the Port Barton town, the closest tourist spot is only about 2.7 nautical miles. Since we’re coming from San Vicente port, we had to travel at least 7.5 nautical miles which is around an hour travel time.

Twin Reef teeming with fish and good set of corals

Twin Reef teeming with fish and good set of corals

Snorkeling at Twin Reef

I was the only outsider from the group on the boat. I was with a friendly French family with a French guy married to a Filipina. Tagging along is their young daughter probably of 4 or 5 years old. The French guy’s parents were also there and as well as his brother and the bro’s girlfriend. They were touring Palawan coming from El Nido and Taytay making their way down to Palawan. They were a friendly bunch and I never felt left out during the Port Barton island hopping tour.

The Twin Reef was our first stop. I couldn’t see where the name came from if it was the characteristic of this reef it’s not that apparent. What I do know is that the water here is shallow but deep enough to swim around. It has good set of corals in very good condition and fish aplenty. I enjoyed this first part of the tour and it seems my French companions as well that went down to snorkel.

German Island panorama

German Island panorama

German Island Hammock Time

It was already inviting from the approach. German Island, is how tropical paradise are often pictured – gleaming emerald waters, blinding white sand beach topped with coconut trees. Named as such because a German national rented this private island for 20 years. This was our lunch stop. A native gazebo in the middle of the island and toilet facilities near the low hill. It’s a beautiful small island with a nice beach and surrounding waters home to a few resident pawikans (sea turtle). It was mid-day with the sun at its highest so I wasn’t in the mood for a swim. The hammocks beckoned and I spent the rest of my time there after lunch.

Approaching German Island and hammocks by the beach

Approaching German Island and hammocks by the beach

View of the nearby island from the German Island beach

View of the nearby island from the German Island beach

View of the Exotic Island

View of the Exotic Island

The gazebo at the center of the island

The gazebo at the center of the island

Hammock time

Hammock time

Exotic Island, unnamed beach and essential info on the next page…

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San Andres | Follow the Flow to Tigbi Falls

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The many cascades on the lower levels of Tigbi Falls

The many cascades on the lower levels of Tigbi Falls

Our bleary eyes and drowsy heads from the six-hour red-eye road trip from Manila to San Andres, Quezon was suddenly shook awake. We knew we would take a motorbike to our first destination which is Tigbi Falls, but I guess we were not ready for the tough and rough road (which is an understatement) ahead. Suddenly, I was harkened back to those butt-beating rides to waterfalls like in Asik-asik Falls in Cotabato and Tulgao Palan-ah Falls in Kalinga. While it’s certainly not of the same level of difficulty, it is that close to a tough ride in at least half an hour for me to recall them. But all that was a rewarding transit. Aside from the scenic landscape of Banaba village on the way, Tigbi Falls is where stuff of enchantments and lore are born.

Scenic but rought ride of the Banaba Hills on the way to Barangay Mabunga

Scenic but rought ride of the Banaba Hills on the way to Barangay Mabunga

Road to Tigbi Falls

Where is Tigbi Falls exactly? Since this is a side-trip from a more popular destination, the Alibijaban Island in San Andres, Quezon, it seems common knowledge that the falls is under the same municipality. In fact, its common name for the locals is Banaba Falls which is a Barangay in San Andres. But the jump-off point goes through Baranggay Mabunga which is already on the next municipality of San Francisco. I asked several of our motorbike drivers where exactly the falls fall under, the closest answer I could accept is that it’s at the border of both San Andres and San Francisco. Going by GPS and the geotag of my photos which I know isn’t exactly accurate, the location from google indicates that the spot is under San Andres.

The green trail. My companions seen far behind the trail

The green trail. My companions seen far behind the trail

Wondrous Levels

No matter where it’s at, we had to hike about 30 minutes to reach the falls. We had to pass through a couple of streams and walk through soft soil and evergreen trail along a river. I thought the hike was easy to moderate but can get really difficult if it rains as it gets really muddy and slippery.

The firs level we could see the the cascades already getting stronger. There’s a nice small cascade on the left as we enter the trail. Then we had to navigate the side of the falls to go down. I noticed that the locals have already carved some steps on the rocks to make it easier to descend amidst the gushing water. I thought this wide curtain of a falls was already the main falls but its not.

Finding this small cascade on our left on the first level of the falls

Finding this small cascade on our left on the first level of the falls

More photos and essential info on the next page…

The post San Andres | Follow the Flow to Tigbi Falls appeared first on Ironwulf En Route Travel Blog Philippines and Beyond.

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