Category: Mountains

Nagpatong Rock Hike with UNHCR and Atom Araullo

Post author By Ferdz
Post date May 15, 2019
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Standing proud atop the famous Nagpatong Rock in Tanay, Rizal

Tanay is becoming a hiking haven near Manila with several climbing destinations in close proximity with each other. One destination which has fascinated me for a time is the unique looking limestone platform of Nagpatong Rock at Barangay Cuyambay. When I got an invite for a day climb, I quickly jumped-in. Not only to satisfy my curiosity of the place but to support a cause. I joined United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and their ambassador Atom Araullo in climbing Nagpatong rock to spread awareness on their campaign “2 Billion Kilometers to Safety”.

Tags Atom Araullo, Rock Formations, Tanay, UNHCR

Mountains Nature and Wildlife Philippines Rizal

Masungi Georeserve Legacy Trail: Into the Heart of Conservation

Post author By Ferdz
Post date August 5, 2018
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Amihan views at the Masungi Georeserve Legacy Trail

The Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal got immensely popular for its well-managed and exhilarating Discovery Trail. Nature lovers reveled in the natural rock garden playground where they traversed through forest trail, find their balance on giant hammocks and savor the scenic rocky peaks while learning more about the surroundings. But this trail is only a part of the huge 2,000 hectare Masungi Karst Conservation Area. Just recently, the Masungi Georeserve Legacy Trail was opened as a separate offering. The new trail highlights the project’s conservation efforts, immersion and insight into the challenges they continue to face.

Tags Baras, Masungi, Masungi Georeserve, Trails

Adventure Laguna Mountains Philippines Rizal

Day Hike | Crossing Boundaries for Mt Mamara

Post author By Ferdz
Post date April 15, 2018
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At the summit of Mt Mamara with the summit of Mt Daraitan behind

Change of plans. I love it when my companions are just ready for anything. Meeting hiking buddies Christine and Marky early Friday morning in Cubao, we were supposed to go to another mountain. As fast as the changing wind, we decided to visit another mountain at the vicinity of Daraitan – Mt Mamara. A smaller brother of Mt Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal, Mt Mamara was opened as an alternative to climbers who got cut-off from the maximum 300 pax per day limit of climbers for Mt Daraitan. It may be a minor mountain but the rewards of the climb is equally captivating.

Tags Daraitan, Minor climb, Rizal mountains, Siniloan, Tanay, tinipak river

Mountains Philippines Tawi-Tawi

Tawi-tawi | Transformation of Bud Bongao Eco-Tourism Park

Post author By Ferdz
Post date December 13, 2017
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At one of the peaks of Bud Bongao

You could tell if a destination is gaining ground in terms of tourism when their infrastructure starts improving. During my recent visit to Tawi-tawi, I was able to climb Bud Bongao again. I certainly noticed a new building, paved stairways and other pleasing developments. It was eight years ago when I last climbed Bud Bongao. A time when there still a heavy stigma hovering over the province. But now that stigma is slowly lifting. People are learning that Bongao, Tawi-tawi is relatively safe which resulted to a three-fold increase in tourism arrivals just this year, 2017. At the forefront of the province’s tourism project is the Bud Bongao Eco-Tourism Park. A 342-meter high sacred mountain with an imposing presence at the center of the island.

Tags Bongao, Bud Bongao, Eco park, ecotourism, Islam

Batanes Mountains Philippines Treks

Itbayat | Hiking the slopes of Mt Riposed for Tayawun Rock

Post author By Ferdz
Post date July 26, 2017
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The Tayawun Rock at Sta Lucia, Itbayat

I could feel the heaviness and strain in my body already. I’ve been hiking almost daily around Batanes for the past week. My stamina is dipping. Trudging early morning on the grassy slopes of Mt Riposed in the dark, I told myself I have reached my quota for challenging tramps such as this. I deserve a pat for having finally visited Rapang Cliffs the day before. While I want to explore more, Itbayat can really drill a hole on your wallet if you’re travelling alone. While I welcome my guide, Jojo’s suggestions on other places to visit. I had limited budget. So why not end my Itbayat sojourn at the island’s highest point.

Tags Itbayat, Rock Formations, Sunrise

Adventure Benguet Mountains Philippines

Mt Pulag with Peak Pursuits: Back After Almost 14 Years

Post author By Ferdz
Post date March 24, 2017
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Catching the sunrise at the summit of Mt Pulag

13.6 degrees centigrade according to my watch barometer. We were inside our tent. I could imagine how cold it was outside our tent hearing the unrelenting howl of the wind. It is 2:30 am and we’re at the Camp 2 of Mt Pulag, the highest mountain of Luzon and considered as the third highest in the country. I braced for the chill as I zipped open the tent door. A draft came in as I peeked outside. The sky was clear with stars jubilantly sparkling. The waning moon illuminated the landscape. “We have a clearing!” I gleefully thought. Thank god the weather was on our side and after almost 14 years, I’ll be back at the summit of Mt Pulag.

Tags Climbs, mt pulag, peak pursuits ph, Summits

Benguet Mountains Philippines Sightseeing Travel

Benguet | Buguias Bountiful Beauty

Post author By Ferdz
Post date December 12, 2016
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Lettuce and Potato fields in Buguias

“I know what you are doing!” exclaimed an old man I crossed paths on the narrow paved road amidst a vegetable field in Buguias. “I’m taking pictures!” I replied with a smile. “No! You are looking for gold!” he answered with a grin on his face. He walked away slowly as I was a bit surprised by the conversation. What I do know is I have long been fascinated by Buguias that I finally had the chance to stop by this municipality where the marvelous Halsema Highway cuts through.

Tags Buguias, Farms, Highlands, Landscapes, Road, Vegetable Fields