Unang Pamumundok sa Mt. Batulao, Batangas

Mt Batulao

November 29, 2009 – Batulao, Batangas

welcome to mt. batulao, nasugbu batangas

gary b., drunkenlily, winceth, silverprex and jayrulezzz - hydrice at the back of the cam 

Two days ago I was invited by cindy aka drunkenlilly to join them in their climb during our small gathering at gilligans-makati, parang usapang lasing pa. without any hesitation, nag-oo ako, not considering the things that I should bring, i am not prepared. i would say it was really an abrupt decision. pagkakataon na to conquer the mountain. sa totoo lang, di ko pa naranasang mamundok. the plan was finalized the same night. the climb was scheduled same day with new balance power run. right after the race, i went directly to pasay terminal to meet the group, cindy, lorie, gary b., pat and carlo. we took the bus going nasugbu batangas. on our way, i felt some pain in my calf, not yet fully recovered with my previous race. when we arrived in batulao, the pain was overcome by my excitement. time to enjoy the walk, the climb, the nature.

i respect the mountaineers the way they respect others especially the locals. iba pala pag-umaakyat. long tiring walk, but making sure that i will enjoy every step I do. daming kwento na may kwenta, tawanan at iyakan (referring to lorie). we arrived at the camp site before 17:00h, prepared our things and built the tent. gary b. and cindz cooked for us. sarap ng adobo at bolognese sausage, rated gary b. 5 stars. syempre after kainan inuman which transformed us from comedy to drama.

malalim na  usapan between pat, cindy and me, same with lorie and carlo, the never-ending laughter man. sa mandaling salita natapos ang inuman at exactly 00:29h. i woke-up later than my expected time. i planned to hit the summit and wait for the sunrise, pero hindi ako nagising. not to spoil my time, I asked lorie to join me to summit. this was our first climb syempre first summit din. hirap pala. eto lang nasabi ko “astig”. isa sa di ko malilimutan sa summit ay ang mangutang kay aling mountain dew. we forgot to bring money, face value na lang pinangtapat namin. we went back to camp site, syempre sobrang kwento kami ni lorie. we packed our things but before we leave of course class pic (takbo.ph ritual). conquering mt. batulao is one of the experiences that i will treasure, same with the people who patiently accompanied me. salamat cindy, carlo, lorie, pat at gary b. sa uultin

summit of mt. batulao

sunrise

ang inutang na mt. dew w/ lorie

my first class pic w/ t.ph on the mountain - di sa race yan

*ang ibang litrato ay kuha ni carlo serrano

New Balance Power Run 2009

New Balance Power Run 2009
November 29, 2009 – Global City, Taguig
Distance: 10K
Time: 58.20mins

the race which has been postponed due to flood ondoy

my first finisher medal

Whew! PR again, a minute earlier that my RotaRun time. I can say that my first finisher medal was really dedicated for this race. New Balance Power Run is one of the races that I really support. It will benefit the Philippine Cancer Society. Also, I would like to give two thumbs up to the organizer for making this event a successful.

class pic

7th ANIMO Run

7th ANIMO Run

November 18, 2009 – MOA, Pasay
Distance: 5K
Time: 41mins

class pic

After I invited my colleagues to try running, only one person gladly joined me, Budz. He’s been my officemate for 4 years now. I thought he is just curious of the sport I am into, why I enjoy every moment of my race, my stories and my photos but after I learned that he just want to know the feeling of crossing the finish line, I encouraged him right away to register and have this run as his debut race. I paced him all the way despite of my eagerness to break my record for 5k (33mins w/ globe run for home). No PR thus I am happy that somebody appreciated the essence of running. Right after the race, I continued my run going to BHS for additional mileage and met the gang who ran with Piolo.

SWAC 3..Swak na Swak

Sheerwill Aquathlon Cup 3

Nobyembre 13, 2009

Mahogany One, Taguig

400M langoy, 7Km takbo, 400M langoy

May mga desisyon na dapat panindigan, mga pagsubok na dapat harapin, mga bagay na dapat pagsumikapan, ito ang mga katagang bumabalot sa aking isipan buhat ng ako'y magpasyang lumahok sa Sheerwill Aquathlon Cup 3. Masasabi kong hindi ako handa na sumabak sa ganitong karera, ni sumagi sa aking panaginip na magagawa ko ang bagay na ito. Ako ay isang runner ngunit hindi swimmer, isang novice na walang karanasan sa ganitong larangan. Dahil sa impluwensya ng takbo.ph lalo nila Rico, Ellen, Raff, Marga, Pepsi, Carina, Ross, Rodel at Mccoy, naging interesado ako na matuto. Maaring ito ang simula upang magpatuloy ako sa aking pangarap, pangarap na maging tri-athlete sa darating na panahon.

swac3 registration (by marga, doc pinks, que, cindy)

marking (by tracy)

ready to swim (wave 2) mga nagmamagaling

Biglaang desisyon, yan ang nangyari ng ma-corner ako ni Rico sa SB upang hingin ang aking kompirmasyon na lumahok sa SWAC3. Sa una, ako'y nag-alinlangan ngunit nanaig pa rin ang aking excitement. Tila ba may pintong nagbukas na subukin ang aking pagkatao, isang adventure na maidadagdag ko sa aking talam-buhay.

freestyle! seryoso?

Dumating ang araw na ako'y nag-duda sa aking kakayahan. Matapos mag-sink in sa akin kung ano ba talaga ang karerang pinasukan ko. 400 metrong langoy, 7 kilometrong takbo at 400 metrong langoy, paano ako lulutang, pano ako lalangoy, saan ko huhugutin ang aking hininga, makakatabo pa ba ako? Ngunit, hindi ito naging balakid upang ako ay mag-quit, fighting spirit sabi ng iba, guts sabi ni coach Mar. Sa totoo lang, di ako marunong lumangoy, malakas lang ang loob ko at sadyang makapal lang ang aking mukha. Pinagsumikapan kong magsanay, tatlong araw bago ang karera. Ilang galon din ng tubig ang aking nainom, isang 15ml din ng omega pain killer din ang aking naubos.

ready to run after the 400m swim

Oras na ng karera, ito na, bahala na si Batman kung ano ang mangyayari. Itinatak ko lang sa aking isipan na i-enjoy ang tubig at ang daan. Halong kaba at kagalakan ang aking nadarama bago ang hudyat. Di pala biro ang aquathlon, kaya bilib ako sa mga lumahok at tinaggap ang hamon ni Sheerwill. Here is my salute!

the host, the commisioner and chicksnimanok awarding me (my 1st medal)

Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa mga suporta, hiyaw at encouragement ng mga taong naging parte ng SWAC3, organizers, marshalls, cheerers, photovendoers at participants. Parte din kayo ng aking tagumpay, seryoso!

the marshalls, cheerers and supporters "maraming salamat"

"Masaya ako dahil natapos ko ang karera. Masaya ako dahil dito ako nagkaroon ng unang medalya. Masaya ako dahil may naidagdag ako sa libro ng aking buhay. Masaya ako dahil nag-enjoy lahat. Masaya ako dahil naging matagumpay ang SWAC3"

SWAC3 class picture

*photos courtesy of carlo and mccoy

Subic International Marathon, a Celebration of Life, a Fulfillment of One’s Dream

October 24-25, 2009

SCTEX (Florinda Blanca- SBMA) and Remy Field, SBMA

Distance: 21k++ doc art and cess pacer plus 21k (my 1st half mary)

Total Distance: 42k++

Time: n.a. (marathon pacer)

Time: 2.32.54h (1st half mary)

Yes, SIM was the most tremendous experience in my running career at this point in my life…full of excitement, adventures and challenges…my 1st half marathon and out of town race…the day that i was born to run…with the takbo.ph friends as my godparents

wer na me? hanapin niyo! sim article - phil daily inquirer page A26 - october 29, 2009

A week before the race, I am totally bothered…I haven’t arranged my transpo going to subic neither my accommodation…lucky enough that I still have space at marga’s van and  place to stay at ellen’s house…always, im a last minute person

The group arrived in subic around eight in the morning…no plan what to do next til ellen decided to take us around…doc sherwin, raf, ric and yan (yan, salamat nga pala for reg.)…the generous doctor lend us his everest together with kuya nilo as our driver…had our  pasta and pizza siesta at xtremely xpresso and went back to the lighthouse to rest... 

We were surprised that cess, our bunso had a slight fever…doc art asked me to pace with them for first 10km, if cess can’t make then I am there to assist…I was hesitant at first because I still need to reserve my energy for my 21k debut…”kaya ko ba, pano kung di na ako makatakbo bukas?”…after I saw cess, nahabag ako…I immediately put on my singlet and decided to join them…argo gave me the race kit of nao…baka di raw makapunta, I can use it just in case...before we leave, nao confirmed that she’s coming…I was relieved...we arrived at the startline 15 minutes before the gun start…some were surprised that I’ll be pacing the two in their first 10k…I was happy to see my takbo.ph family cheering for the new marathoners…I appreciate marga’s reminder…”wag magpapakapagod, may takbo ka pa bukas ha”

 

mga kuha along sctx - florida blanca exit to dinalupihan exit

doc art and cess

me, the bandit

jet

I know the reason why I was there…to give encouragement to cess and doc art…after reaching km1, I started to tease cess…”eto na cess, simulan natin…kwento mo sa akin ang talambuhay mo, para pagdating sa finishline line atapos na”

The sun started to set down…I told doc art that I can still run beyond 10k…I update the support team once in a while…2 kilometers after dinalupihan exit, doc art reminded me that I still have my half marathon, to stop and rest for tomorrow…he called pepsi to pick me up…when they arrived, pepsi and carina paced the two...along the way, we met up ellen and took us to her place…God's blessings…I woke up the following morning with no pain at all…

my silhouette along sctx - dinalupihan exit

Race day came…I was so excited…lot of runners were scattered in the oval…we were surprised that it will be a mass start…no marshals roving around…ang gulo…some started to shout their sentiments, others just observed…disappointed for a second but I turned everything positive…I don’t want to ruin my race day, my first half marathon…thought that this was only part of the challenges that I will encounter along the way…I started good but begun to slow down before i reach km5 marker…side stitch had attacked me…I decided to walk and enjoy the place, overlooking subic bay in the hilly route, watching the bats above…another surprised hill, almost a kilometer long uphill…”walang ganito sa  KOTR”

I had a split time of 1.12hr…good enough to reach 2.30hr in the finish line…I saw my 21k batchamates one by one, tracy with tim and luis, rj with bong, followed by julie, yan and lauren, carina pacing michelle, cindy, marga and mccoy…nabuhayan ako when I saw the group cheering for us

I realized that running half-marathon is not easy...i am tired already when when i reached Km13…frequent walk breaks after km16…I continued my run in a slow pace, not minding my target time anymore…

When I saw my takbo.ph family waiting for me at the finish line, i almost cry…I truly appreciate how supportive they are, especially to us, the devirginized half marathoners…i finished the race in 2.33.22...not bad according to them…still, more 21k race for PR

No turn around ribbon, no finishers medal, no finishers certificate…ayus lang…ang importante I did it, we did it…CONGRATULATIONS to all t.ph SIM and Nike+ HR participants...MARAMING SALAMAT!

"I think I'll go home now it's, been the greatest day thank, you for shedding life to my fantasy, throw me a wicked smile the one like yesterday, that threw me up and away, to the evergreen"

1st Quezon City Int'l Marathon

1st QCIM
October 18, 2009QC Circle – Commonwealth Ave. QC
Distance: 10K
Time: 61mins

QCIM was not really in my race list…no plan to join as I already reserved my last sunday for a long run somewhere here in antipolo in preparation for my 1st 21k in subic, also it’s my niece birthday and they need a runner to buy stuffs, that’s why my presence is really needed… 4 days before the race, I got a txt from marvin (hypermarvs) who happened to be in bhs registering for this event…i was confused, undecided…as always, I made up my decision in last minute…”sige marvs, reg mo na ako sa 10k, bahala na si batman, salamat”… I haven’t fixed my sched for sunday yet… saturday came, I was surprised that the husband of my colleague was stabbed… we rushed to their place to check what happen...i went home late, tired…I set my alarm clock at 3.45am…on my way to qc, not to blight my planned long run, i went off to katipunan-aurora blvd., decided to run all the way to QC circle not minding the distance thus more concern on my time, praying to reach the place before the gun start…I arrived 10mins before the race start, lucky enough to see marvin along the way, who have my race kit… we joined the t.ph group while waiting for the signal…glad to see my fellow runners, julie and cherry, ready to run again after the typhoon ondoy…I had a good start however, upon reaching tandang sora flyover, my right knee started to shaken which caused me to slow down and walk…8 walk breaks in total… it was a bad run for me after the rotarun where i pr for sub60, nevertheless I am happy to see my t.ph family again especially the 1st time distance finishers…

never ending class picture w/ quezon monument at the background...taken by carlo

find my shoe and win!

doc marvs, myk, globe phone ladies, rico, edu, me and carlo

w/ 21k finishers, parkner nao, cess and art

t.ph w/ the kenyans

LSD - Eastwood-Libis, QC - EDSA-Ayala, Makati plus Rescue Run @ MOA

LSD - Eastwood-Libis, QC - EDSA-Ayala, Makati + 
Rescue Run for Ondoy's Victim @ Moa
Quezon City to Makati plus MOA, Pasay 
October 11, 2009

Distance: 11.5K plus 10K

Target time: NA

no mileage since bagyong ondoy…yan and I decided to have our own lsd from eastwood, libis to edsa-ayala, makati, still in preparation for upcoming subic international marathon (SIM), my first 21k run…no plotted route…all we knew is that if we are going to take the wild wide road of c5 going south, this will lead us to global city, all the way to edsa-ayala which is near moa where the rescue run event was held…

yes, i registered and ran for additional 10k after our lsd…met tracey and sam, also the new signed-up members of tph, ian and ***. the event was attended by some running groups… this event was done and organized successfully, no target time for 10k as i am tired and wasted from my long run…

RotaRun '09

RotaRun '09
September 20, 2009
McKinley Hills, Taguig
Distance: 10K
Target time: Sub60

PR for me…never thought that Rotarun will be a good race after my irregular training. i wasn’t able to follow my training routine for SIM due to high demand of my busy sched, work as always…i decided to stay in the office overnight…1st more accessible than coming all the way from antipolo, 2nd have my human alarm clock, my colleague on duty and 3rd i can easily check new updates in my FB, unlimited internet time…

arrived at the venue around 05:30h. ..saw eire and bryan near the stage waiting for others…after i checked-in my baggage, i joined marga and group, chatted with them while waiting for the gun start for 10k and 15k respectively…

rotarun route was new to me…although i tried this route during urbanite, starting with uphill is different...you need to consume your energy wisely for you to maintain your target pace…happy that I did what is planned and I find it effective, learned it from carly, ang babaeng bakal…to sum it up, I maintained my 6min target pace and reached the finishline in 58.41mins (unofficial), sub60 yuhoo!...winning the seattle’s best coffee gc and discount card in the raffle was a plus….award na itong maituturing. Afterward, i invited hypermarvs which happened to be my kapit-bayan to join the group in post-run carbo loading at mcdo…

LSD: ATC - Daang-Hari - Filinvest v.v.

LSD - ATC - Daang-Hari - Filinvest - Daang-Hari - ATC

Date: September 13, 2009

Distance: 30Km

Long Slow Distance, often called LSD is one of the training methods where most of the runners both pro and neophyte follows in prep. for long run events. Although I am quite familiar with the terms which I commonly heard over the forums and discussions, I don’t have any idea how this training is being done, until I decided to join one of the LSD which was scheduled by the T.ph masters in preparation for those who will run their full this coming October (QCIM and SIM).

A week before the LSD, I decided to include my name in the roll call list despite that this will be held in south, far from my place. I learned from SB masters that LSD will help me build up my endurance and strengthen my muscles which is beneficial especially for long runs. Since I already registered for my first half-mary in SIM (Subic Int’l Marathon), my heart and my mind pushed me to join the group and at least experience running with T.ph. Bahala na si Batman kung anong mangyayari.

I went to Makati for an overnight stay. More accessible going to Alabang Town Center, the meeting place, rather than coming all the way from Antipolo. Heavy rain prior in the sched LSD did not blocked me to attend my most awaited long run.

I arrived at Mcdo ATC around 04:20h. Ate my breakfast to load some calories and waited for others to arrive. When the group was nearly complete, we all gathered and Eric, the master mind brief everyone about the running route.

We started around 04:50h. Since I am not from south, I don’t have any idea where Daang-Hari is as well as the distance that we are going to cover thus following the leader made me comfortable and troubled-free. Upon entering Daang-Hari, heavy rain started to pour. This made everyone to  doused, nevertheless did not stop to continue, enjoying each stride. I paced with Jet and Tim until we reached Daang-Reyna, our 1st leg. After a minute of rest, we went back to ATC for our 2nd leg pacing with Nao. Stop over at AAV Madrigal gate and waited for others. Paced with Nao again for our 3rd leg, running around Filinvest. Back to AAV Madrigal gate for our 4th leg, with Carly as my pacer. Recorded distance after the 4th leg was approximately 21Km. Half of us decided to relinquish and the other half to continue with the target distance of 36Km++. This time, my legs were already in pain however something had pushed me to continue running. I decided to run at least few more kilometers, half of Daang-Hari and return to ATC to wait for others who will finish the planned distance. I asked go signal from Jet for my U-turn.

I, once again the running hermit, running alone along the long wide road of Daang-Hari returning to where we started. After 3Km run, the sun began to show up. No more rain, no more drizzles. I felt exhausted and drained. I still managed to run in a very very slow pace, conserving my energy for few more distance. Although I still have water to replenish my dehydrated body, my body can’t take it anymore. When I reached Commerce Ave., I decided to walk, had a minute break under the acasia tree, prayed for a while as I felt helpless and then continued my walk until I reached Mcdo ATC.

I was fulfilled, finishing the LSD alone with my shaken legs. I rewarded myself with a Coke Float while waiting for others to arrive. So far, this was my longest run recorded. I am looking forward to join more LSD with T.ph. It was indeed a great experience.

I want to extend my whole heartedly thanks to Nao, Carly, Mark, Jet, DocT, Pat, James, Rico, Eo, Cris (LSD finishers) as my motivators during the entire LSD. To Marga, Eric, Tim, RJ, Doc Eire, Bryan, Neil, Rachel, Rafa, Doc Ranny and Doc Dianne who made my day worthy to be remembered...

Operation Feed and Give Project

Feed and Give Project

August 23, 2009

Jollibee Evangelista cor. Edsa, Makati

Feed and Give Project, 1st charity fun filled activity organized by takbo.ph. This time, runners gathered not to race, aim to finish and break each PR. Runners joined together, united for one mission, mission to spare time with the street kids under the care of Child Hope Asia, to feed and to give. It was a rewarding experience to be part of this program especially when Marga assigned me to take in-charge in one of the games, the tower of newspaper. Even I learned something thru this fun activity. Kudos to us all. Sa uulitin...

Levi's Fun Run '09

vi’s Fun Run

August 23, 2009

Fort Bonificio Global City, Taguig

Distance: 5K

Target time: n.a.

* Bandit - joins races without paying for the reg fee. Yes, my first bandit. A week without mileage decided me to ask Yan to pace her for Levi's fun run before heading to Feed and Give project which was set the same day. Night before the race I received a text message from Yan that she has an extra race bib that i can borrow, lucky enough that her friend can't join the race. We arrived around 05:30h, surprising us few runners waiting for the event to start. It was attended by around 300++ heads. The gun start was delayed 15mins as scheduled. I pace with Yan up to the finish line, not minding whether I could break my record for 5K or not. Easy route compared to Kenny's Urbanite. After the race, we met Bryan, Doc Eire and Pat and new faces Jenna, Doc Art, Glen, Cris and Shel. Photo opt was then followed in the presence of Doc Marvin and Argo, the official photovendo of the event. Doc Eire bagged 2nd place for 1.5K category.

*fr takbo.ph forum - Running Terms, Jargons and Churvas section

Kenny’s Open Urbanite ’09 Run

Kenny’s Open Urbanite ’09 Run

August 15, 2009

Fort Bonificio Global City, Taguig

Distance: 10K

Target time: 1hr 10mins

My first official 10K race, my initial PR to record and beat for my succeeding 10K runs. Gun start was set at 20:45h. I arrived on site around 19:50h and went directly to takbo.ph booth. There I met familiar and unfamiliar faces which I only recognized visually based on the avatar they have in the forum. Those I met previously and first time to meet.

It was a humid night. The race was well organized with sufficient water stations every 2.5K and visible marshals. Challenging race route surprised both the newbies and the pros. Upon reaching Km 7, McKinley hill, I had this side stitch which made me to slow down and walk. I slightly recovered in Lawton Ave. I controlled my pace until I reached the finish line. I was so happy and fulfilled finishing the race in 1:05:49hr earlier than my target time. I went back to takbo.ph booth, join the group and celebrate the victory with never ending class picture, salad, lechon and peanut butter. Also, I bought takbo.ph singlet, my 1st official.

We headed to New Orleans Steak in BHS for a dinner and RJ’s birthday party. Everybody went home with the loot bag, certificate and fun stories.

Takbo para kay Tata Roque

Takbo para kay Tata Roque

August 9, 2009

Brgy. San Roque, Marikina City

Distance: 10K

Target time: n.a.

Who’s Tata Roque? No idea, until the day of the race came up. It was an open invitational run in behalf of San Roque, patron saint of Brgy. San Roque, Marikina City. It’s a pre-celebration to their fiesta organized by Marikina Runners. This was my first attempt for a 10K run in preparation for Kenny’s Urbanite. Finishers were given a shirt with pandesal. A bountiful breakfast waited for us afterward. Salamat Prince (Joseph)

KR Guerilla Activation Run

KR Guerilla Activation Run

August 7, 2009

Salcedo Village, Makati

Distance: n.a.

Target time: n.a.

KR Guerilla Activation Run, my first time to meet the group. A night run which was posted in tph forum for the video shoot of KR Urbanite. Although I don’t have any idea who’s who, I still went in the meeting place. There I saw Yan who helped me introduce myself to the group. First person I met was Marga then Argo who lend me his takbo.ph singlet (I owe Argo). After the video shoot, the group went to Tokyo-Tokyo for a dinner then followed by a video-oke gala in Music 21 where I felt the warm welcome of the group. The night was filled with beers, music, and laughs.

Globe Run for Home

Globe Run for Home
July 19, 2009
Fort Bonificio Global City, Taguig
Distance: 5K
Target time: 40mins

 Globe Run for Home, my most memorable race so far. All my first “in running” happened in this event. My first race, singlet, bib, 5K run and even the timing chip which was first introduced to this race. I was so excited even though I have no idea what’s going to happen. I met Jhun, my friend and Yan, which I met over the forum. We went all three to Fort Global. I was overwhelmed with the crowd. Everything went well. I managed to control my pace, enjoying every stride. I am very satisfied with my record of 33.52mn. After the awarding, I left the area immediately and rushed to work with my post-run pain all over my body. Nevertheless, I was so happy less that I failed to meet the takbo.ph peeps at this time.

Newbie Runner

Untitled!!!

I haven’t written anything yet about running, my new passion in life, how it started, my races and finishing moments, people that I have met, experience, records, goals and achievements. I am not a blogger; I am just a plain guest and often a lurker who enjoys reading the articles of “my” fellow runners. It’s been a while that I attempt to start writing about running, but my ego doesn’t permit it. Now I am here in front of my computer,  thinking what to do, thinking what to write. I was amazed with the different stories behind each runner’s running shoes, stories which inspires me to struggle more in my goals, to be a finisher in every race and soon to be a placer.

I am a traveler, an adventurer but never been an athlete, not much with physical sports especially if requires upper body strength. Certainly, running is not in my bucket list. In the mid of May I decided to run within our village, to try it out. Then was followed the next day along Sumulong hi-way, unaware with the distance, pace and time. After a few runs, I noticed that my cross training shoe is about to retire. There, I started to make some research about running. I found out that there are some factors to consider if you are going to take it seriously, running shoe, training plan, sched races, etc. I was lost and don’t know where to start.

I saw one of my friends in fb who were into running. He advised me to get a pair of shoe first. I followed the instructions I have searched over the internet, unknowingly that I have a neutral foot. I bought my first shoe and break that in within the day.

In June 12, while searching for the races in the metro, thru the help of mr. google, I was redirected to takbo.ph website. I joined the forum and instantly post my first message in newbie section introducing myself. I once became a lurker and seldom join the shout box as a greeter.

I trained for 2 weeks for my first run, Globe Run for Home, July 19, 2009. It was my first 5K run but before the big day, I attended the Run Aid Event in ROX, BHS which brightens my mind in running.

Cagayan de Oro Ultimate Adventure

cagayan de oro, city of golden friendship, adventure capital of the philippines, friendly people, progressive city, rich in natural resources...
until now, i can not believe that i was given a chance to visit mindanao, particularly cagayan de oro, misamis oriental…situated in the northern part of mindanao, 1 hour and 20 mins from manila by plane…

me and my friends billeted at mountain suite apartelle in cugman, cdo for 2 days…about 15 mins drive from the town proper…luxurious place with complete amenities…pricey but worth it…
we have our 3.5 hours intermediate course white water rafting which i arranged with 1st rafting adventure phils ...it was an exhilarating experience...very nice panoramic view of the river rocky walls, untouched vegetation and sight of the resting haven of living creatures… absolutely i will return and kick off the the extreme course…another never-to-miss in cdo…two thumbs up to our river guides, madman and mau…cagayan river rapids are unbeatable…love it every time we douse and hit the rapids… one thing i regret is trying the canopy walk and zip lining at macahambus eco-park and spelunking…inexcusable lack of time...

we spent our remaining time at divisoria…known for its night market…i was startled about the ukay-ukay kiosk sprouting the area…incomparable even to baguio’s ukay-ukay… all items are assorted, by types, by brands…also, we visited the famous lim ket kai mall where i bought my souvenir shirt…it’s a vast place, even bigger than megamall…had also experienced riding a motorella, a tryke that can accommodate upto 8 passengers..whew…our stay in cdo is worthwhile but missed to experience 100% of its adventure…definitely , i will return...

ps

i want to thank ms hazel of oro asian for touring us around the city…

Exploring the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin

 can not believe that i could conquer camiguin island during the 1st quarter of this year. as what I remember, after I wrote my blog about my bohol expedition 6 months ago, I promised that my next destination would be camiguin…I don’t know why but maybe I am just enthralled with the photos and stories behind this place…but definitely no concrete plan at all, that this gonna happen as early as this year… now, I believe how powerful lexus cars aphorism is “if you can't you won't, if you can you will, you can, you will”…

my fascination in travelling begun after i travelled solo in bohol where I enjoyed god’s gift, the beauty of nature… i could say that i am lucky enough to experience the real affluence of the philippine island and not the scarcity were most of the filipinos are experiencing… anyways, selfishness is not a crime right?… sometimes, but the truth is i am just enjoying my life...

by this time, i travelled with my friends, not a bagpacker, not a loner… it was a different experienced… because of different moods, personalities and ideas, there were more arguments and silly moments but it was fun thou...

camiguin…a real habitat, a place to be…me and my friends stayed here for 2 days and a night…we billited at enigmata tree house http://www.enigmatatreehouse.com/ located at mambajao… arts were everywhere, thru the walls, in the ceilings, windows, etc… the place is cozy, really cool. it is built inside a semi forest-like environment…unfortunately i failed to meet rosalie zerrudo, the owner of the treehouse…if i was given a chance, then probably ill ask her to help me discover arts in me…by the way, thanks to baba for accommodating us…great food...i absolutely recommend their adobo, hot and spicy chicken teriyaki and chicken curry…delicioso!

we had our countryside tour the same day we arrived. thanks to mang dodong for being patient with us, the red multicab owner, our driver… first stop, katibawasan falls…doused for less than an hour and headed to mambajao market for groceries… had our lunch at coron-coron chix house…two thumbs up for their inihaw na manok…around 3 in the afternoon, we went to white island…never-to-missed place in camiguin…believe or not, when we arrive, i kissed the ground…if you think it is a paranoial act, i can’t explain either or maybe this is the way i appreciated the place i am craving to...had our ultimate beach bum for over an hour plus the photo opt..white island is a pristine white sand bar over viewing the famous mount hibok-hibok..it is about 5 mins boat ride from mambajao…best place for photoholics… incomparable to other island because, no trees and no grass growing…only rough sand, shells, corals, nothing else. we also visited the walkway to old volcano, sunken cemetery and old catarman church in gui-ob…behind it was the century old tree and a medium-sized lighthouse…very fastidious…lastly, we had our body immersed in a warm water of ardent hot spring....before we return to treehouse, we asked mang dodong to drop-by in vjandepp bakery for our pasalubong, the famous pastel in town…

we arrived at the treehouse around 8 in the evening wearing smiles in our face…everybody was loosen up and relaxed…whew!!!

i regret to have a limited time but still memory is memory...its was really a perenial experience!

i trully recommend this place for bagpackers and nature lovers…

until my next exploration, will apo island welcome me? we’ll see…

ps

i want to thank my friends, erwin, rizza, alex, misyel and mae for sharing this experience with me…ang galing natin!…welcome certified travelers…hahaha…san tayo susunod? dumaguete?