Tree Planting in Mt. Maranat // May 20 to 21, 2017

It was another turn of an event due to the intervention of Paulo The Great Persuader; but, there's no doubt that it was a weekend well-spent.  UGAT mountaineers go to Mt. Maranat!  We enjoyed being in nature; and at the end we left living legacies, hoping that one day, they will become symbols of life and strength.  

The Hike
The trail is generally fair; but, there are some junctions.  Are you familiar in an old dictum stating that not all who wander are lost?  If one is not vigilant, the nearby Mt. Balagbag is waiting and ready to showcase its features to a lost sheep :P   The first part of the trail is a moderate assault; followed by a continuous descent to the waterfalls.  There's another 10 to 15 minutes assault from the waterfalls to the campsite (Tatay Nestor's Hut).  

Photo Blast

Rommel.  UGAT's El Presidente

Marching on the ground

Entering the forest

Mild Assault

Continuous Descent

At the water source 

1st waterfalls

Campsite
We just settled at the campsite.  The summit of Mt. Maranat has no great views and only surrounded by trees.  It is said that some parts of the trail are no longer visible.

Arrival at the campsite

Tatay Nestor's Hut

Happy Campers' Meals
Spaghetti, "Bulalong Paa ng Manok (ANO DAW?!), Sinampalukang Manok, Kare-Kare (May iba pa bang makakagawa niyan sa bundok?), Dinakdakan, Tomato Omelette and 9 bottles of Alfonso Light (Mga lasenggo sila!!! :o)

Rommel Preparing the meals

Pulutan

Main Course

How will you define Happy Camping?
These images say it all in thousand words!

Waterfalls Chasing
The DENR is currently restricting the number of hikers climbing this mountain and all climbs must be organized "for a cause". The entire falls were ours!  

The waterfalls near the campsite

Having a water massage while listening to the symphony of nature

Socials (May Alfonso pa rin :o)

Group pic at the waterfalls

Tree Plating

Tatay Nestor while presenting images of reforested lands.

Getting the small trees in the nursery

Rommel while digging the holes where trees will be transplanted

Group Pic

Another photo ops before leaving

Going Back 

A trail surrounded with bamboos

The Persuader of the month

We will go back to visit our fully grown trees

Mr. President, are you looking for "Sagip Kalikasan"???

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now - Chinese Proverb

Actual Itinerary
May 20, 2017 (8:00 am): Departure Manila (Shaw Blvd) to Licao Licao, Bulacan
May 21, 2017 (9:00 pm): Home Sweet Home

Going There
1. Take a bus going to Tungko (We gathered at McDonald Greenfield)
2. Take a jeepney going to Licao Licao at Tungko Market (Drop off)

Note
1. A permit must be secured in DENR prior to a climb (As of the writing).
2. Licao Licao is the same jump-off point of Mt. Balagbag.
3. There are water source along the trail ("Mini-Stop", the first waterfalls and at the campsite).

Safe Budget
500 per head (for a group of 11 pax)

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
-  Party! Party! Dance! Dance! at the campsite while the sky is red (Dirty Frog)
- Ngayon lang ako naging ganitong kasiya..........Nasan si Luisa?! - Trixie (Dual Personality?)
- Salubungin natin sila - Luisa
- Luisa rolling on the ground (3 times)
- Gusto mo ng bayabas?
- Tanga.... Tanga... - Jerico (When a crow appeared)
- Kailangan nating magtanim ng maraming puno para sa susunod na henerasyon - Tatay Nestor
- Dahil 25 ka na, kailangan mong magtanim ng 25 na puno bago matapos ang taon - Tatay Nestor to me
- Ayun yung mga punong tinanim niyo dati, malalaki na - Tatay Nestor to Rommel 
- Moments of cheers inside the bus and jeepney
- Love is all that matter
- Magtricycle nalang tayo - Paulo 
- Ang taong umihi sa jeep :o

Photo Credit: Mary FG Style (:P) and Paulo Marte

End

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Spending the weekend in Masasa Beach // May 6 to 7, 2017 (Photo Blast)

At Masasa Port

I've already made plans for the weekend, when Paulo initiated a getaway to Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas with his other friends.  His persuasion skill is remarkable.  He was able to convince Trixie and Jerico, who already have other plans to come along.  A mandatory tour took place!  

Photo Blast

Shopping at Anilao Market.  Live Tilapia

Food Supplies

Late lunch

Group picture before going to the shoreline

The shoreline of Masasa is generally composed of clear water and coral rocks.

Happy hour before enjoying the sea water

Dramatic Sunset of Masasa Beach

Actual Itinerary
March 6, 2017 (8:00 AM): Departure Manila (Buendia) to Batangas
March 7, 2017 (3:00 PM): Home Sweet Home

Going There
1. Ride a bus to Batangas Terminal (Php 157)
2. Ride a jeepney to Anilao Port (Php 40)
3. Ride the boat to Masasa (Php 100 + 30 environmental fee)

Contact Person
Mommy Anes Alvares: 0905-293-5006 (Her place is located in front of the port)

Note:
1. There is a market located at Anilao Port.
2. It is said that overnight sleeping in tent is no longer allowed.  Tent pitching is only until 7 pm.  
3. It is advisable to buy potable water at Anilao Port.
4. Electricity runs from 12 noon to 12 midnight
5. The place is a common side-trip after a hike to Mt. Mag-asawang Bato (a reason to go back).  
6. A 3 days itinerary is highly recommended 

Safe Budget: More or less 1.5 to 2k

Worth remembering (moments and thoughts to look back)
- "Marami pa pong guest na darating"
- Flying Nalgene (Does it hurt?)
- The other side of Paulo Marte (hmmm according to him :P)
-  Water Baptism under the Moonlight: Reconciliation of Religious Perspectives (are they drunk?)
- "Yung di pa nauuso ang ____________ siya ang unang nakadiskubre" - Mark at Batangas Terminal
-"Mas maganda po kung bababa nalang kayo" - Boatman 
- Hi Jordan! - Paulo

End

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