Manila Trip 2013

Day 1.  The Arrival.  La Mesa Eco Park.

Finally our plane landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport  (NAIA) at around 12:12 noon of March 1, 2013.  Nyl knew how excited I was about our trip to Manila since this was our first travel to the northern part of our country.  Darymel, Nyl's friend, was already waiting for us at the arrival area; I was thinking he would be holding a piece of paper with our names on it like the rest of the people there. LOL! Anyway, we took a metered taxi from NAIA to Baclaran Church since it was the easiest way to the LRT station going to Quezon City, where we are staying for our entire trip. 

 After having lunch and taking a few minutes  rest we then decided to go to our first destination- the La Mesa Eco Park. One way to get there was to ride an FX at SM North Edsa and ask the driver to drop you off at Winston St in East Fairview Subdivision. :)  From there take a tricycle to La Mesa Eco Park.

La Mesa Eco Park is an ecological nature reserve site in Quezon City.  The place was good for everyone who likes to escape the city life for a while.  There you could bike, stroll, picnic, run, or simply lie down on the grass. 

The entrance fee for the park is Php 50.00 but they offer discounts for residents of Quezon City which is Php 40.00, Php 20.00 for students and  free for senior citizens.

There we tried their archery which cost Php 100.00 for 10 arrows and Nyl tried their bungee which cost Php 120.00 for 3 minutes.  Nyl and I were able to take a close look at the La Mesa Dam yet I wasn't able to took some pictures of it since it was prohibited.

La Mesa Eco park

Day 2.  Luneta.  Ocean Park.  Star City.  Fort Santiago.  Bario Fiesta.

Our second day was the busiest of all, imagine going to an amusement and historical sites in Manila for just a day.  Before we went to Manila Ocean Park, we first drop by at the Rizal Park or also known as Luneta Park.  I thought we could get near the monument but I was wrong.  So after taking some pictures then we cross the street to get to the Manila Ocean Park which was behind the Quirino Grandstand fronting the Rizal monument.

Going to Ocean Park was one of the funny part of our trip that day.  We have to cross Roxas Boulevard in order to get there but before crossing the street Darymel informed us that we should follow the traffic sign or we will be charge Php 500.00 for jaywalking, so we waited for the red light to turn green (it's the traffic light near a ring sculpture )  .  We stood there awhile and later we realized that the traffic light was not working so we ran across when the street was clear.  I guess some of you have also experienced the "traffic light that always stops". : )

Luneta Park

Manila Ocean Park.

After crossing Roxas Boulevard, we walked toward Quirino grandstand since the park is located behind it.  We thought we arrived there early yet there were already hundreds of students there waiting for their educational trip to begin.  There were also other guest who lined up to buy their ticket, for us, Mesay (Darymel's wife), have already bought a ticket for us through metrodeal.  So she just lined up to the window intended for guest who bought their ticket online for validation.

It was our first time to visit the park, I mean Nyl and I, so we were really excited that day.  The park was great since they have integrated urban resort with marine life attraction and more.  There, we were able to witness some sea-lions and birds doing a few tricks. There were also other marine animals and penguins too.  There, you could feed the penguins with your family and freinds but you have to pay Php 500.00 which was good for 3 persons plus you have a soft copy of the photos taken while feeding the little ones. : ) There was also an interactive show that talks about penguins, they call it The Penguin Talk Show (of course).

Anyway, they also have a snow village where you could experience how it feels to be in antartic. There you could see some snowman, penguins statues and ICE. :)

The park also offers aquanaut voyage and shark encounter, I'll try them next time.

Well, our entire experience in Ocean Park was great!  I should suggest that if you decided to go there bring a high qualitycamera that could capture nice pictures without using flashes, some extra battery and  memory.

Manila Ocean Park

Star City

After getting out from Ocean Park we took a taxi to get to Star City, there, we paid Php 60.00 each for our entrance fee.  Star City offers packages for their rides wherein you pay less and try all their rides. We just decided to check the place and try their shooting and wall climbing stuff.






Well, the place was great but sad to say we didn't try their rides.  After awhile of strolling,  we decided to  go to our next destination - Fort Santiago, Intramuros.

Star City

Intramuros- Fort Santiago.

We took a taxi to reach our next destination - Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila. 

 Fort Santiago can be seen inside the walled city or also known as Intramuros.

If you want to have a glimpse of the past you should try this place.   The entrance fee for the park is Php 75.00 each but they give discounts to students all you have to do is to present your school ID upon paying.  Personnel wearing an old style army uniform will validate your ticket upon entering. For some reason I really love going to places where you could see some old structures and stuffs.

I was amazed on how thick the wall was.  Just imagine how they build it using their bare hands without the existence of heavy equipment present today.  There was also a place called Rizal Shrine where some of Rizal things were preserved.    Inside the Rizal’s Shrine camera flashes was not allowed in order to preserve the solemnity of the place.  Anyway, on the first floor of the Rizal’s Shrine you will see some sculpture of Rizal, an original copy of his novel Noli Me Tangere, his calling card, his old medical equipment, some old pictures of the woman he loved and more.  You could also check the place where Rizal stayed when he was on trial. On the second floor of the shrine you’ll see more of Rizal things and a room where his poem was printed on the wooden floor.  The exit of the shrine will lead you through the walls of Intramuros to another structure that is near the Pasig River.  There you could also see some underground chambers.   

I really love the place sad to say that even though how much the administration tried to restore the place and maintain its' order and cleanliness there were garbage seen inside the old tanks.  :'(  If only everyone was responsible enough about their garbage.

By the way, if you would like to try to take ride on a “kalesa" (a cart being pulled by a horse) the rate is about Php 350.00 (Intramuros) to Php 500.00 (inside Fort Santiago).  You could also check the Manila Cathedral which is just across the street fronting the entrance of Fort Santiago.  We weren't able to get in since the management is making some repairs.

Fort Santiago

Before we went back to Darymel's place, we had dinner at Bario Fiesta in SM North Edsa.  The Kare-kare was so delicious that I forgot all about my diet.

Day 3.  UP Diliman.  Parting Time.

 I thought our plan to jog that morning will be cancelled since it was raining early that morning but Darymel was positive that the rain would stop.  He cooked a very nice soup for our empty stomach. His wife, Mesay, lend me some clothes, a pair of socks and shoes for jogging.  Thanks Say!  

Before the jog, they both taught us some proper techniques in stretching and proper breathing.   Then off we go ...

The place was really great!!! Trees were all over the place and the air was fresh.  We didn't even mind that it was raining.  It really feels good.  We just completed one round then we cool down and went to the market afterwards.

UP Diliman and INC- Central Temple at Commonwealth Avenue

I must say that our entire stay in Manila was great!  Thanks to Nonoy, Mesay, Tita and Cedric for opening their home to us and for everything they did for us.  We shall forever be grateful to you guys. Thanks a lot!

Exploring CARAGA

It was on the night of August 21, 2013 when we arrived at Cabadbaran. This was my first trip to CARAGA Region and I'm so thankful to ate January for inviting me in their two days trip and for her friends for the warm welcome.

DAY 1. August 22, 2013. It was already 6:57 in the morning when we left ate Angie’s place and started our trip. It was a long travel from Cabadbaran to our first destination – the Enchanted River.

Enchanted River is located at Talisay, Hinatuan Surigao del Sur.  From the main road you could get there by using a private vehicle or van for hire, habal-habal or by feet.  Well, the last option would not be a very nice idea since you have to walk 12 kilometers from the main road to the river.  And the road ... well, certified rough road.

Upon arriving, we paid Php30.00 per head for our entrance and Php150.00 for our cottage.  Well, there are also some picnic tables which you could rent for Php100.00 only.   As for our lunch, we only ordered some foods cooked by the locals there. 

The river has two parts; the bluish color indicates the deep area while the greenish one indicates the shallow portion of it.

 A trivia about this river is that NOBODY knows how deep it is.  There were people who tried to reach the bottom of it, yet no one has ever succeeded.  What makes it more mysterious is that the river seems to have no source and it taste a little bit of salty though the current flows towards the Pacific Ocean.

My trip there wouldn't be complete if I hadn't tried swimming.  Good thing that there were available life vest that we rented for just Php15.00 which helped us in crossing  the other side of the river. We also rented some goggles for only Php20.00 which we use during the fish feeding. 

Fishes were being feed by locals there during 12NN. During that time, all tourists were requested to stay on the side of the river.

Fishes from different sizes and colors would appear and race over the foods that were being fed to them. 

After taking our lunch and changing our clothes, we then proceed to our next destination - the International Doll House.

The International Doll House is one of  Ocean View Park Restaurant attraction. It is located on a hilltop at  Purok 6 of Cumawas Bislig Surigao del Sur.

From the entrance gate, we climbed 273 steps in order to reach the doll house.  But before we could get inside, we paid Php20.00 each for our entrance fee.  Every  guest is requested to remove their footwear upon entering the famous house of Bislig.

Various dolls from different sizes, costumes and colors  were displayed on the room.  Aside from the dolls, there was also some stuff toys, clowns, mini cars and figurines displayed there.

The room where the dolls were displayed is fully air-conditioned 24 / 7.  I wonder how much they are paying for their electricity.   

The last place we visited that day is dubbed as the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines" - the Tinuy-an Falls.

Honestly, I thought we wouldn't be able to check this place since it was already late but nothing stops ate and her friends (which I loved).  So, at around  4:30 in the afternoon we arrived at Burboanan, Bislig City where the majestic three layered waterfall lies.

We paid Php50.00 for our entrance fee, ate January said it used to be Php20.00 the last time they visit the place.  Looking around, there was a wooden bridge that leads you to the other side.  There were also some tables, cottages, washrooms and souvenir shops in the area.  Near the falls was a bamboo raft which is use in getting underneath the waterfalls.  There were also some mini pool at the side but it was already filled with mud and rocks.  On the right portion of the falls was a stairway that leads to the second part of the falls but that area is close based on signage that was placed there. But guess what! We were able to go to that part  with the help of the locals there that serve as our guides.  At the top, we took some pictures and sat as the waters falls at our back which was so relaxing.  This kind of experience should not be missed  by every traveler. 

It was already getting dark when we went down from the falls but our adventure was not yet over.  Using the bamboo raft and with the help of the guides we were able to get near the falls and even stood under the falling water which was a bit painful because of the huge volume of water falling down at us.  Sad to say that we weren't able to took some pictures during that time.

I wonder how this place looks during day time.  One of our guide said that a rainbow would appear on the falls in the morning.  Oh how I wish I have that chance to see it .

Anyway,  it was already 6 in the evening when we left the place and went to Casa de Babano where we stayed the night.

DAY 2. August 23, 2013. 

We left Casa de Babano early that morning and went on to our next destination-  Britannia Group of Islands.  

It took us hours before we arrived at  Salvacion San Agustin Surigao del Sur where the famous Britannia Group of Island lies.  The islets were liked mushrooms in Lianga Bay.  The water was clear and the sand was creamy colored fine one.

I'm still looking for the right words to describe the place but I can't make up my mind which one to use so I rather post some picture of it.

Well, after putting on some sunblock and ordered our meals from the locals, we then started our island hoping.  We rented a small boat for the whole trip which cost Php1,500.00.  First on the list was the NAKED ISLAND. Do not be misled by the name itself.   The islet was named NAKED since there is nothing on it but merely creamy colored fine sand. We then moved to another islet named Hagonoy.  Unlike the first one, this one has tree growing on one side,a wrecked hut and some rocks that comes in different sizes and textures.   There were also some locals cleaning the area when we went there.  After checking the place and taking some picture we then proceed to the last islet - the Buslon Island.    This is the islet where an image of the Virgin Mary can be seen.  The whole islet is shaped like a turtle shell.  We actually went around the islet during low tide.  There were also two islets that look like the same as Buslon. During low  tides tourist could actually cross over to these two islands but with extra careful for they might step on some sea urchins. We also had our lunch there before going back to the resort and went back to Butuan City.    It was already 5 in the afternoon when ate January and her friends drop me off to Butuan terminal.  There, I  took a bus back home to Cagayan de Oro City.  These places we have explored for two days are one of Mindanao gems that we Filipino should be proud of. 

Kampo Juan @ Dicklum Manolo Fortich Bukidnon

It was on the night of December 30, 2013 when Raine and I finally decided to check Kampo Juan.

Kampo Juan is one of the newest tourist destination in Manolo Fortich Bukidnon that offers the first anicycle here in Northern Mindanao.

How to get there:

From Cagayan de Oro City Agora Bus Terminal take a bus bound to Bukidnon - Davao area and inform the bus conductor to drop you off to Kampo Juan Dicklum, it will only cost you Php40.00 if you take a non-aircon bus.
For us( Raine and I), we only paid Php10.00 for our fare in the bus since our starting point was in Alae Manolo Fortich Bukidnon bus stop.

Don't worry you won't get lost since there is a huge signage of Kampo Juan along the highway. From the main road, you need to take a motorcycle ride that would only cost you Php 20.00 to get there. But before you could reach the entrance gate of Kampo Juan you will be able to pass through Gen.  Mc Arthur Landmark.

Gen.  Mc Arthur Landmark built by the Rotary Club of Northern Mindanao.

This is the place where Gen.  Mc Arthur, his family and staff took off to Australia before the fall of Bataan and Corregidor.

 Raine and I paid Php 50.00 each for our entrance fee.

The Gazebo.

We went directly to their gazebo where guest could have their meal and rest for a while.

The Rides.

Raine and I decided to try their rides all you can for just Php 600.00.

Anicycle

One of the main attraction of Kampo Juan is their Anicycle.

Some might be scared biking in a cable which is 600ft in length and 200ft in height but for me it was an experience of a life time.  In fact, it only took us a few minutes to reached the other end after we were released from the starting point.

Zip-line

There are two zip-line in Kampo Juan, the first one is 210m long and the other one was 570m long.

Hanging Bridge

The hanging bridge is 120m long.  For me, this one was a little bit scary than the anicycle.

Our guide

Our meal 

To sum things up:

Non-aircon Bus fare from Alae Bus Stop to Dicklum (vice versa) : Php 10.00 x 2
Motorcycle Fare from Dicklum Highway to Kampo Juan( vice versa) : Php 20.00 x 2
Entrance fee : Php 50.00
Rides all you can : Php 600.00

Total Expenses : Php 710.00

Dahilayan 2013

Our department  decided to spend our year-end party at Dahilayan Forest Park  this year. This is my second time to visit the place yet I am still excited to go there.

                               

Getting there:

The famous landmark in Camp Philips

Well, there are various ways to get there.  There are establishment such as Coffeeworks in Corrales Avenue that offers a shuttle ride for only Php350.00.  If you want to commute, you could take a bus that goes to Bukidnon-Davao Highway and stop at Alae bus stop.  There you could ride a single motorcycle bound to Dahilayan.

Dahilayan Forest Park is located at Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon.  The place have lots to offer such as Bungee Bounce, Net Trampoline, Tree Top Adventure, ATV, Buggy Ride, Mini Golf, Astrozorbit and Luge Ride.

Riding crocodiles is alot of fun here... just kidding!

The entrance fee of the park is Php100.00 for adults and Php 50.00 for kids during weekend, holidays and peak days. While on weekdays it would only cost you Php 50.00 for adults and Php 20.00 for kids.

There are tables in the picnic ground which you could rent for just Php200.00 during weekends, holidays and peak days; and Php 100.00 during weekdays.

We tried their Astrozorbit wherein we were strapped inside a giant inflated ball and was then rolled down a hill.This ride cost Php 250.00 per head.

While some of our officemates tried the Bungee Bounce.

I also had the chance to try their Buggy Ride for just Php800.00 with my co worker Montir.  Together with our guide Elmer, we took a ride along the 3.5 km forest trail of rough road and steep hills. 

Well, we had a chance to take a picture of ourselves at the starting point of the Forest Luge for free : ).  This ride cost Php 600.00 which covers 2 rides at the luge and a change to play at their mini golf. 

After strolling around the Dahilayan Forest Park we decided to go to Dahilayan Adventure Park where tourist can try the longest Zip line in Asia and the 120ft DROPZONE.  Along the way, we were able to buy some strawberries which were sold by the locals for just Php100.00 per pack.

Since I have already tried their zipline the first time I came here, I decided to try their new attraction -  the 120ft DROPZONE.

What on earth am I doing?  What ifs ....

These were the words playing in my head when we were slowly lifted up in the air.  My emotion was mixed,a part of me was excited while the other part was really scared to death.  I could hear my co-worker cheers for us below and my heart was beating slowly but louder than before.

Rona looked at me and asked me if I was ready, I nodded at her and then we started to fall.

Honestly, the really scary part was the falling and the rest was fun wherein we swing back and forth for a few minutes.  For me, this ride was the best in Dahilayan and everyone should try this one.

By the way, this rides cost Php 750.00 if you want to pair up with your friends or relatives and Php 500.00 if you want to try it alone. 

I have created a video that would sum up our entire experience for that day, hope you like it.

Well, if you guys want to know more about the place and its rates you may check it at their websites at :
http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com/   for  Dahilayan Adventure Park or
http://www.dahilayanforestpark.com/ for Dahilayan Forest Park