White Island, Camiguin (Day 3)

by Almyr

White Island, Camiguin (Day 3)




We've been told by our driver that someone will fetch us at our place for the island hopping at the White Island. We didn't wake up early because it had been raining really hard earlier. After the rain we walked to the jump off point of our banca ride to the island.

From the shore, we could see the White Island but the waves were big and the cloud was gloomy. For beach bums like me, bad weather can't hinder me from feeling the sand on my feet and taking a dip in the sea.






The island was great, I love the waters, even the big waves, and most especially the white sands. Indeed it was saving the best for last. After eating our breakfast, we packed our bags and headed back to CDO.






















Photos Courtesy of Raymond Lazaro

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Camiguin Day Tour (Day 2)

by Almyr

Camiguin Day Tour (Day 2)

I woke up early to catch the blue hour (term used by photographers before the sun rises, but I'm not a photographer just a photography enthusiast) at the beach. Then our day started with our home cooked breakfast courtesy of our host cooking the dried squid we bought yesterday during our stroll.

Our vehicle for the day tour arrived and we have to bid good bye to our first home in Camiguin. We brought all our things and carried it with us for the rest of the trip (you don't have to worry leaving it with the driver because they'll offer to look out for it without extra charge).

We started with the old Vulcan, that has the 14 stations of the cross on its path, the top most would give you a better view of the sunken cementary and the open sea. Though on the 12th station we decided to go back since it was starting to drizzle and the thick clouds was beginning to hover above the peak.


Then we proceed to check the sunken cemetery. It was still drizzling and we chose not to go down the beach to get a lower view of the cemetery and we only took photos in the viewing deck.


We dropped by the Old church that was destroyed when the Old Vulcan erupted way back. The walls of the Old Church was there but the church itself was destroyed.


A small chapel was built in the middle of the ruins and the back of the church was filled with green grass, we stayed longer because it was a nice scene for some picture.


The sun was already above our head and we already felt the humidity rising. Good thing, we are already at the Soda Spring. It was a cold spring and the cool temperature was so refreshing and just in time to freshen us up.


After a quick dip, we went to Sto Nino spring. This time we opted not to take a bath since the first spring was enough to freshen us and the ambiance of this second resort is not that appealing. So we just waited for our lunch to be ready before we set to visit another site.


The next place is the Katibawasan falls. It was too far from the remaining spots because it is in the mountains of Camiguin. But the travel was worth it. The falls was tall and you can take a lot of different perspective. The water was very inviting, very clear but it was too cold when I attempted to take a dip.


Next stop was at Ardent Hot Spring. This time I took a dip in the hot water in the first pool (some say that there is another pool which is more hotter). But I think the water was just slightly hot to look warm. Nothing beats the Mambukal hot spring when it comes to hotness of the water.


After our ardent adventure we went to our second accommodation in Camiguin where we were originally booked, the Gamorot cottages.


This time, the place doesn't have a shoreline where we can stroll but a known Resort (Paras Resort) has a break water that is open to non-guest. We also decided to eat our dinner in Paras al fresco. Though the food is not worth the price we've paid.













Our second day at Camiguin ended.

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From CDO to Camiguin (Day 1)

by Almyr

From CDO to Camiguin (Day 1)


One advantage of seat sale is we are given an opportunity to travel and explore different places. The last seat sale brought me to Boracay, this time we are heading to Cagayan de Oro.

Our plan, to experience white water rafting and explore the Islands of Camiguin. After arriving at CDO airport, we planned to go directly to Camiguin via Agora terminal and rode a bus for approximately 3 hours to Balingoan Wharf. From there, the wharf was only walking distance, so if you plan to visit Camiguin, ignore the tricycle drivers offering you a ride to the pier and start walking and appreciating the countryside.

The schedule of ferry is not really consistent so to pass our time for the ferry to depart, we took pictures and just relaxed in our seats. It could also be a time for you to mingle with fellow travelers and ask them to join you on the multicab (which cost 1500 pesos for a day tour) to cut the expenses. Which is what I did, since there was only me and my husband who occupies the 10-12 person capacity cab. But unfortunately, there was a few tourist and most have already booked their transportation.

When we arrived, we took a van for hire (P 50 pax) then rode a tricycle (P 10 pax) to the place we were suppose to stay. But we were brought to a different place with almost the same name, though we didn't know about this until we were able to contact the person who booked our room (there was no signal for sun network and we have to use the caretaker's mobile phone, because we haven't brought an extra sim for emergency).

But we opted to spend the night at Gamorot residence for a discounted price and we were the only occupants at that time. Then the following day we transferred at Gamorot Cottages. The nice thing about the first place was the shoreline. Even if it wasn't white sand, but you got to enjoy early morning walk at the beach. But the lather has cheaper rates and a much bigger place that can accommodate a whole family or barkada.

We opted to spend the day exploring the place and the community. We dined in the only foodshoppe in Barangay Yumbing that is budget friendly. We made a trip to the rice field and just simply refusing to take a ride with any transportation and enjoyed strolling.

After getting a glimpse of the sunset, which is really not the right angle at the place we've stayed, we retreated to our room and spent the night watching television. It was a long day for us, and we know tomorrow would be longer because its scheduled for our day tour in the Island.


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My Big City Urban Adventure (Manila)

by Almyr

My Big City Urban Adventure (Manila)


I was sent to Manila for one week training at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute in Quezon City. But instead of being house in a hotel, I agreed to stay at a relative's place in Pasay. I was planning to take the public transportation and experience the buzzing life of the urban jungle. Its not my first time to set foot in Manila, but this will be my first time commuting, most of my visit are for 2-3 days and private transportation is always available.

So my plan was to ride the MRT from Taft Avenue to Quezon Avenue then ride a jeepney to Commonwealth and from there walk going to PNRI building. So I think I'm set for my Urban Adventure.

On my first day, since my uncle knew that its my first time commuting, he sent one of this trusted friend to accompany me and teach me the things I need to know when riding an MRT. Luckily, my uncle's place is just a walking distance from an LRT that intersects with an MRT station. Then the LRT train arrived at Gil Puyat Station and the people started coming out from the train. After everyone was out my uncle's friend lead me the way to ride when suddenly, the doors close without him in it.

I was alone in the train, my guide was left in the platform. And I don't have his cell phone number! The other passengers jokingly teased me because I was alone. (all I could think of was, WTF! how do I know what station to stop) So I calmed myself and remembered the things I've read on where I should be riding the MRT. TAFT AVENUE. That's all I remembered. Then I saw the route of the LRT, and traced where I was coming and knew that I need to go down on the second stop. At Taft Avenue LRT station I decided to wait for my guide. They say the train has a 15 minutes travel gap. 15 minutes isn't that long to way. The next LRT arrived and even with the crowd, I was able to spot my guide.

He lead the way for the MRT Station which is connected by foot bridge. We lined to buy the ticket and taught me where and how to place it on the entrance. And from there I was left to travel alone.

With that incident, I knew that life in the big city is different from the life I've lived in the Island. Everything is fast pace and everyone is always fighting for a seat in the MRT (hahaha, you'll even experience being pushed around, especially when you're line in an all women cabin compared to the cabin that is mixed with men!).

The jeepney ride wasn't a stress since there is always a line, its the traffic that could be draining.

This was my everyday commute for five days and the experience was liberating. I never thought I could survive such fast pace life, but I did. I also got to familiarize the places and cities and I can conclude that there is a lesser chance for me to be lost in the big city. It was one hell of an Urban Adventure and I wished to experience in a bigger city again...

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Mt. Apo Peak to Kapatagan (Day 3)

by Almyr


Mt. Apo Peak to Kapatagan (Day 3)


We rise early to catch the sunrise. Wondered how it looks like when you are on top of Philippines' Highest mountain. I wasn't able to bring a hike sandals so I was left trailing the peak with my city sandals, it was slippery and have slipped a lot of times, got pinched by some thorny bushes on the way too. But everything was worth it. Another splendid scenery right in front of me. Clouds was below us, and the other mountains looks so small. We are indeed at the top of the highest mountain.

On our way back to camp, we stayed longer to pick some wild berries. Another delicious treat from the mountain. We prepared our meal, this time it was my turn to cook pasta for our breakfast. My first time to cook with fewer ingredients and I was reminded not to be choosy because I am not in the city. So there goes our breakfast together with other served meals and coffee. When the sun was high, and some of our clothes have dried, we packed and start hiking. This time, taking the Kapatagan Trail.

We passed the volcano's crater (actually Mt. Apo is a volcano). Then the boulders, with sulfur vents. It doesn't smell good. It's like sew water and the fume is very strong . Then my knees started to swell. I have been having problems with my knees before the climb, good thing I brought my knee pads to assist me. It was a descend so a lot of pressure was given on my knees. I thought I couldn't make it. But I can't be weak in this part of the climb, because everyone else was having a hard time dealing with all the boulders and a cry baby is not necessary. So I continued then after the boulders, I have to stop and transfer my knee pads on the other knee to minimize the pain. Then we started descending again on a slippery trail with dried leaves on the floor and mud. Most of the time, I slide through this trail just to minimize adding pressure on my knees. Then we crossed the river and entered Godi-Godi.

Another majestic forest. The temperature was cool and it was misty. Then we stopped to take our lunch at Godi-Godi Camp. I also got the chance to take my pain reliever to help my aching knees.

Unfortunately the place was dirty and trash were littered everywhere. The previous climbers failed to bring there trash with them. So we decided not to spend the night here and started hiking to reach the village before night.

I've trekked, slide, climbed over and climbed under big trees. Crossed rivers and got pricked by thorny bushes. Then the forest ended. Then a muddy trail started to appear. At first I thought that this is only for a few meters, but I was wrong. It was mud until the trail ends at the village. Lemme count the number of times I fall on my butt... hmmmmmmmmm I can't! I've fallen a dozen times already, my butt was starting to hurt. And I cursed the trail. I hate the mud but that made me forget my aching knees. Because all I was thinking about was to reach the village and get this mud done.

Then we met a horse and its tender and he told us that the village is near. I started to worry because I can't see any of my group, there was only three of us in the lead pack. 2 of our guides and me. I can't hear their footsteps and no lights from there headlamps (it was almost dark during this time) and I was afraid that they were lost. I have to admit, I didn't mind if someone was behind me during the trek, because I was too focus to finish the muddy trail.

We arrived in the village and we were offered water to clean ourselves. We washed ourselves and waited for the rest to arrive. For almost 2 hours of waiting, we saw signs of lights coming from the muddy trail. And we know that it is them. They've made it. after everyone has finished washing there selves, we started to cook for dinner. Another socials. No pressure anymore, the trail going back to the city is not that hard, and transportation is available at the foot of the mountain.

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Reaching the Peak (Mt. Apo Day 2)

by Almyr

Reaching the Peak (Mt. Apo Day 2)

Hardly had enough sleep last night, and woke up to the freezing cold. We have to start hiking early if we want to reach the peak before dark. After packing our things and cleaning camp, we started our climb. It was a steep climb and there was mud from time to time. Good thing I got a rain gear pants made of plastic, I think I got the cleanest pants among the group. I was wearing it not because I don’t want to get dirty, but I was trying to get rid of leeches, since I’ve read that in this part of the forest, there are a lot of leeches.


We were trekking the forest floors and all we see are tall trees, vines and wild flowers. The sun's rays would shine from time to time and we could measure how high we are by some openings along the path and see the opposite mountains but that is too seldom. There are also some strange noise and hiss, which our guides told us that these are sounds of snakes. Though I don’t wish to see any of them. I don’t want to disturb the peace of the forest because of my scream.

Before we push to reach Lake Venado, which is our target destination to eat lunch, we made a trip to Mainit Falls. This is actually one of the campsites, if we got to the jump off point earlier and we could bath in the waters before we start the trek. But since its only a side trip for us all we got was pictures. It was enough but to experience bathing in its water could be more rewarding.

So we started our climb and passed the killer 90 degrees trail. It wasn't that hard, since there were already ladders that helps us in the climb. We started to feel the cold air of the forest and you could see that the trees are covered with moss, the weather was inconsistent with unexpected rain.

Then we reach the swamps. Lake Venado is within our sight. It was magical. It left me speechless. I can find the right words to describe its beauty. We were the first to arrived in the group so I had the change to take a lot of pictures of the scenery even if it drizzles (I was told that this is because of the clouds surrounding us). During the time when the sun was out, we got the chance to dry our wet things, that includes my sleeping bag that was so wet when I slept the previous day.

I could see the peak and the different forest that we will be traversing. There's the tall trees, then midget trees den some fruit bearing trees that I thought was the wild berries. I tried tasting it and realized how spicy and hot it was. Then the real berries started to emerge, it taste delicious, though from the trail, you can find the ripe ones, maybe because the previous climbers have harvested it. Rain started pouring again and the air was cold. It was almost dark. I was so tired, too much effort needs to be made to take a single step. But I told myself that I can't stop, the peak is so near.

Then a flat view with cogon grass started to appear and I realize, I am already at the peak! Success!

But before I enjoy the view, I have to change my clothes, I was soaking wet and I am feeling very cold. It was too much for me. I am not used to cold weather. My thick warmers was not enough. I have to join the others in one tent to be warmed. Alcohol was served to help us in warming our bodies. Socials started and by midnight, we called it a night so we can still enjoy the sunrise. So there goes our lights off. Our second day at the peak ended.



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