2018 is just around the corner and few days from now, a chapter of a hundred years book will be completed. Although several plans didn't materialized, there's no doubt that my 2017 has been a phenomenal year! This writing is intended to recall what took place on the past 365 days. The great adventures... New found friends... Gatherings... and more!
My Past 365 Days...
Summaries of Visited/Attended Beaches, Museums, Landmarks, Events, etc. For the Year Ended 2017
1. 21st Philippine International Balloon Festival (February 12, 2017)
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| Balloons! with John, Loraine, Rai and Ren (Purgatory Team). We did this once; we will never do it again! Attending the Balloon Festival entails a hundredfold stress! ~.~ |
2. Anawangin Cove (July 15 to 16, 2017)
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| The HOD |
3. Bidding and Award Committee (BAC) and Technical Working Group (TWG) Training at Discovery Suites (March 16 to 17, 2017)
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| Kumain at natulog lang... may natutuhan ba? :P |
4. Baguio - Sagada Tour (November 12 to 14, 2017)
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| Oh! I'm already 3 years in the MBA Program. I stopped for 2 semesters....ang sarap gumala eh :D |
6. Casa Verde (November 16, 2017)
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| Dave's treat after he received his "paluwagan". Our celebration after the Baguio-Sagada Tour. Another thing to celebrate.......May TV na ulit sila!!!! - The HOD |
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| Taste Great! |
7. Clash of Burgers (Various Dates)
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| Who would have thought that there's a great place to dine a burger near our home? December 7, 2017 - The HOD |
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| Despedida of Kat. December 11, 2017 |
8. Conquer Trail Run Final Legs (September 16 to 17, 2017)
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| Team Support! I didn't run. I gave my slot to Jay |
9. Dad's Buffet (August 4, 2017) (Ate Tina's Birthday)
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| The whole Accounting Department celebrated the golden years of Ate Tina |
10. Delicious Restaurant (November 30, 2017) - Another old dining place. I learned the existence of this restaurant through the FB Page of Memories of Old Manila and Beyond
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| Original Lomi, Crispy Pata, Yang Chow Fried Rice and Machang |
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| It's a holiday! Thanks to Andres Bonifacio! Wow! Traffic ang Mendiola.....The HOD |
11. Divisoria (Various Dates)
Ariel was my constant shopping buddy in Divi... There were times when PJ, one of his close friend was joining us.
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| 168 (September 10, 2017) |
12. Fort Santiago (July 29, 2017)
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| For the nth times |
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| Ang mahal ng beer can ah! |
13. Greenfield District (Coal/Kaleidoscope) (Various Dates)
Our hangout of the year award goes to Coal!
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| Christmas Dinner with The U (December 16, 2017) at Coal |
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| Casual meet up with Memz and Ernest (August 11, 2017) |
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| Before their trip to Kalinga (November 24, 2017) |
14. Jane Villanueva's Birthday Celebration at the office (August 21, 2017)
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| The Material Management Department (MMD) |
15. Kangaroo Jack (November 4, 2017)
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| No secret can be hidden? |
19. Lucky Chinatown and Binondo Tour with Trix and Skyy (September 30, 2017)
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| Eng Bee Tin |
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| 2 buckets of beer |
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| Gerry's Grill |
20. LUCP Mountaineers Night (October 4, 2017)
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| The Senpai. Naki gate crash lang ako dito :O |
21. Ma Mon Luk (December 10, 2017)
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| Revisiting an old dining place in the heart of Quiapo |
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| Their signature Siopao, Mami, and Siomai |
22. Makansutra (July 7, 2017)
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| They said that this is their specialty. I don't like it!!! (Chicken Clay Pot Rice) |
23. Mararison Island (April 12 to 16, 2017) - Side trip
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| After the hike at Mt. Madjaas |
24. Masasa Beach (May 6 to 7, 2017)
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| Golden hour at Masasa Beach. I'll be back! Panalo ang beach nila |
25. Max's Solo Dine (August 25, 2017)
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| The way through a man's heart is through his stomach! (Undated) |
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| We had visitors from Hong Kong who visited grandma naks (October 1, 2017) |
26. Museo Orlina and Dreamland Café (October 17, 2017)
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| Out of town during the strikes season |
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| The ambiance is great; the price is ...hmm OMG! :O hehehe |
27. Pinto Art Museum and Antipolo Church (August 12, 2017)
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| Revisiting this relaxing place of arts and music. My travels started here! |
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| Praying for a peaceful and joyful year-end climb to Mt. Napulauan (December 24, 2017) |
28. Red Station, Greenbelt and S&R Pizza (September 21, 2017)
I first started working at SGV and Co. Now I realized that I left the firm so early... I miss Makati!... should I go back soon?
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| Pizza Craving at Glorietta. My favorite hangout before |
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| Red Station with Lei |
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| Greenbelt Chapel |
29. Rizal Med Goes Broadway @ Crowne Plaza (December 8, 2017)
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| Founding anniversary and Christmas Party. I love the foods and Teas :P - The House of Dave (HOD) |
30. Ryca's Birthday Celebration (October 13, 2017)
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| A kid's party at the office huh?! |
31. Shrine of St. Andrew Kim Taegon and Grotto Tour (March 5, 2017)
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| Unfinished Grotto |
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| Korean Shrine |
32. Silantro (September 7, 2017) (Birthday Celebs)
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| Located near Capitol Commons |
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| Their signature Finger Lins |
33. Sitio Pukis (Outreach Kae's Event) (April 23, 2017)
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| Aeta's Tribe Dance |
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| Outreach Program at Camiling Tarlac in a community of Aetas. Near the jump-off of Mt. Damas. Theme: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love - Mother Teresa" |
34. Sizzlin Steak (October 13, 2017)
A night with Lei at Megamall- Atrium
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| Steak 1 |
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| Steak 2 |
35. Taal Town Tour (October 22, 2017)
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| Tinatawag ko kayo!!! |
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| At the Bell Tower of Taal Basilica - The HOD |
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| Attended a children's party afterward |
36. Table Escape and Café UK (September 30, 2017)
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| Remembering the days of my CPA Board Review |
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| Mint milk tea |
37. The Grass Residence at Paulo's Place (Various Dates)
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| November 4, 2017 |
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| Undated |
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| Our first time at the grass (Trix, Jerico, Pau and his 2 little angels) (Late March or Early April 2017) |
38. The House of Dave (HOD) (Various Dates)
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| July 6, 2017, The founding anniversary of The House of Dave (HOD). The team was named after Kristoffer Dave (KD) Domingo (The Founder) inside their home at Caniogan, Pasig City. Co-founded by Aries Andrada, RRT, Jake Christian S.A. Chua (JSC), CPA, REB, and She Joy Malatuba (Dave's future wife). |
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| Celebrated the 29th Birthday of She (July 25, 2017). This was the formal celebration a week after our Mt. Pundaquit and Anawangin Tour. |
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| Celebrated Andres (Andy) Rebato 39th Birthday (September 5, 2017). A prodigy of music and writings. Oh! What should I expect from a former seminarian? He has a very colorful life! |
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| Our new brand. During this day, we had a board meeting (joke lang) and decided that we will collect all the flags. (October 20, 2017). Probably I should start writing "The HOD By-Laws" :P :P :P soon!!! |
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| Aries 29th post birthday celebration (November 7 to 8, 2017) |
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| The House of Dave Pre-Christmas Cheers (December 21 to 22, 2017) |
39. The Original Laguna Hotspring (October 7 to 8, 2017)
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| I used to be here every weekend before. Listening to stories of old people #chismosoalert |
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| A pool with natural spring flows |
40. Tiendesitas (December 6, 2017)
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| A Tunnel of light and music |
41. Weekend in Tanay (November 2017)
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| A hidden falls somewhere in Tanay. Do you want to know where it is? Nah! This is a peaceful place to share! :P |
42. When in Manila (August 27, 2017)
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| A moment with Lei. We visited the National Museums and other historical landmarks within the walls of Intramuros |
43. Underground Cemetery and Bunga Falls (July 9, 2017)
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| A unique resting place in the country |
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| Also known as Twin Falls |
44. Celebrated New Year at Tita Leila's House (January 1, 2017)
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| Welcoming the new year with a blast! |
45. Salomon 2017 Trail Run (July 23, 2017)
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| My first. I thought I can do it in 45 minutes :P It took me 2 and a half hours to finish the 12 km trail. |
46. Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen (February 6, 2017)
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| Casual lunch-out with officemates (nakakuha ng vouchers sa metro deal) |
47. Imang's Birthday Celebration (December 1, 2017)
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| A Rizal Med retiree. Saling pusa lang kami ni Aries sa party ng HIMD - The HOD |
48. Pericos (December 9, 2017) in Mendiola
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| College days! They started small, now, they are expanding. |
49. Kenny Roger (December 8, 2017)
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| Before the grand party |
50. Sbarro (October 28,2017)
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| Lasagña with overflowing hot sauce. I think this was before our hike to Mt. Kalawitan |
51. Office Parties
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| Accounting Christmas Party (December 21, 2017) |
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| HR Christmas Party. Aries, Analou and I were selected as judges of their singing contest. I'm very kind in giving scores... hmmm? 78, 79, 80, 90 and 95??? :P Veerryyy kind huh? :O (December 21, 2017 at the Country Lodge) |
52. Noche Buena at Tita Betsy's Place (December 24, 2017)
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| Christmas Theme: Black, White, Red, and Green |
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| Family Picture |
53. Our Lady of Manaoag
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| Pilgrimage 101 (December 25, 2017) |
54. Pre-Climb Meeting to Mt. Napulauan
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| Meeting na nauwi sa inuman? Discussions of load sharing and food plan |
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| With the DIY master, Melvin "Memz, Memo" Moradillo. May Pre-climb edi dapat may post climb :D |
55. Pateros
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| The salted eggs of Pateros (October 8, 2017) |
56. Tong Yang
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| The House of Dave Christmas Dinner. The selfie king is back! (December 27, 2017) |
Summaries of Hiking Logs For the Year Ended 2017
1. Mt. 387 (Batong Amat). Nueva Ecija. March 19, 2017. Joiner (Jerico, Team Hero, etc.) Cristel's Event
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| While Descending to Aloha Falls |
2. Mt. "Matubiguhaw". August 5-6, 2017. UGAT
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| At least we had a great clearing at the summit |
3. Mt. Batulao. Batangas. June 3-4, 2017. UGAT (Trail Run)
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| The saw-tooth of Batulao |
4. Mt. Halcon. Mindoro Oriental. March 8-12, 2017. UGAT
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| At the Skateboard. Expectation Vs. Reality. Marathon to Aplaya! |
5. Mt. Halcon. Mindoro Oriental. June 9-12, 2017. UGAT (Exploratory climb via new trail / Outreach Program) - Failed assault!
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| Outreach of UGAT in a community of Mangyans |
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| 3rd tribes. The nipa hut is their typical housing style. Currently, there are 6 tribes in the northern trail of Mt. Halcon. We only reached the 3rd tribe, then proceeded to Puerto Galera. We will be back to finish the trail. Maybe next year! By the way, I'm planning to name the river after mine: Jake's River! |
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| River crossing. The trail has resemblances to Sapang Uwak trail of Pinatubo and Lantuyan trail of Mt. Halcon |
6. Mt. Kalawitan. Mountain Province. October 29-31, 2017. UGAT
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| Summit of Kalawitan. We don't die; We multiply! |
7. Mt. Lagyo, Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Susong Dalaga Trilogy. Rodriguez Rizal. July 2, 2017. Joiner with Darwin Narte
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| City view from the summit of Mt. Parawagan |
8. Mt. Mabilog. Laguna. July 9, 2017. Joiner (Kae's Event)
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| Beautiful Lake Pandin |
9. Mt. Madjaas. April 12-16, 2017. UGAT
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| Certainly! One of my best climb this year. Will be back for the Madjaas-Nangtud Traverse Hike. |
10. Mt. Manalmon-Mt. Gola Twin Hike. January 29, 2017. Cristel's Event
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| First time I attended a hike for a cause. My first encounter with The Senpai (Memz, Joward, and Raymond) and their other friends. An event which was organized by Cristel Fontarum (TEL) |
11. Mt. Maranat. Rodriguez Rizal. May 20-21, 2017. UGAT
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| Group picture with Tatay Nestor. I was able to conceptualize a thesis title after this hike. Hopefully, it will be approved next year. |
12. Mt. Masaraga. Albay. August 31 to September 3, 2017. UGAT - No one has reached the summit!
My worst climb this year! 2-3 limatiks entered my eyes. Very irritating! I suffered a minor corneal abrasion. A failed summit assault! Will I go back? NO!!!!!
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| Taken during the descent and after the rain. Finally, we're going home! |
13. Mt. Napulauan. Ifugao. December 29-30, 2017.
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| One of the most beautiful mossy forest I've seen. An enchanted highland! |
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| Group Picture at the summit. We had no clearing! Thanks to Rakerong Trekero! Thanks, Memz! |
14. Mt. Oro, Mt. Sipit Ulang Twin Hike. Rodriguez Rizal. June 17, 2017. The House of Dave (HOD)
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| This is a mystical mountain. Small but terrible! Elementals are real and they are playful! |
15. Mt. Pinatubo via Sapang Uwak. February 17-20, 2017. UGAT
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| My mother mountain in her second form. My most difficult hike this year. I thought it was only me, but, after hearing the stories of others, we arrived at the same conclusion |
16. Mt. Pundaquit. Zambales. July 15-16, 2017. The House of Dave (HOD)
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| At Ohana Cafe before the hike. Ohana means family; family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten - Lilo and Stitch |
17. Mt. Sembrano. Pililia Rizal. January 7-8, 2017. UGAT through Pot
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| At Manggahan Campsite with the locals. Thanks, Pot for inviting me! Naisahan ko sila sa inuman! |
18. Mt. Talamitan, Mt. Apayang Twin Hike. Batangas. June 25, 2017. Kae's Event (Team Ligaw)
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| At the summit of Mt. Talamitan |
19. Mt. Ugo. Nueva Vizcaya/Benguet. January 20-22, 2017. UGAT
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| I miss those passion fruits! Thanks, Pau for the JackWolfskin pants! |
20. Tarak Ridge. Bataan. May 13-14, 2017. UGAT (Rebelz)
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| The Us! An unwinding weekend at Bataan! |
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| Post-climb in Farmers |
21. Mt. Batolusong. Tanay Rizal. March 27, 2017. Skyy and Jerico (The Trio-UGAT)
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| Sweet Revenge! |
22. Mt. Binicayan. Rodriguez Rizal. March 25, 2017. The House of Dave - Dave's Birthday Climb
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| The Founder of HOD turns 31! |
23. Mt. Pamitinan. Rodriguez Rizal. February 5, 2017. The House of Dave (HOD)
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| Finally, after a year, I reached the summit of my 3rd mountain. Another sweet revenge! I was suffering a corneal abrasion during this hike. My eyes were sensitive to light >_> |
24. Mt. Romelo. Famy Laguna. August 19-20, 2017. UGAT
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| The flowing water of the 100 ft. Buruwisan Falls |
25. Mt. Ulap. Benguet. January 14-15, 2017 with John, Rai, and Ren (The Purgatory Team)
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| Ulap turns to a pilgrimage site? What happened to a once solemn place? |
26. Mt. Tangwa-Mt. Ngusong Kabayo Twin Hike (December 23, 2017)
In preparation for the year-end climb to Mt. Napulauan, I joined a day hike event to some of the newly opened mountains in Laiban. #solojoiners. Thanks to Kagawad Toto!
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| Mt. Ngusong Kabayo |
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| 2nd falls of Laiban: Mahangin |
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| Last Part of Laiban: Kalaparan. |
Summaries of Quotes
1. If anything doesn't go according to plan, remember the 4 Es. You are there to Explore new places... to Enjoy each moment... to be Enlighten regarding the unknown... and at the latter part, to Enforce an action plan. - JSC (January 2017).
2. I'm not yet strong; but, I'm on the right track - JSC (March 2017)
3. Real beauties are not hidden; they can easily be seen.....at the top! - JSC (June 2017)
4. The colorful adventure usually happens when the sky is gray...when nature roar and cast a powerful splendid light - JSC (July 2017)
5. 75 years from now, I will take a moment to reminisce the highlights of my 100 years of existence - JSC (August 2017)
6. A climb is successful if you enjoy each moment, and able to come back home safe and sound - JSC (August 2017)
7. Nature is the masterpiece of all art...can't be replicated...the most sublime! - JSC (November 2017)
Summaries of Firsts
1. First time to see real pitcher plants
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| A plant full of water |
2. First time to see a Rafflesia
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| At Mt. Mabilog. Where's the corpse-like smell? |
3. First time to taste a passion fruit
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| A sweet and sour fruit |
4. First time to taste a Philippine Raspberry (Sapinit)
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| Sweet and Juicy |
5. First time to taste a Cacao Fruit
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| Sweet and Sour. It has a unique taste |
6. The first peak in the Visayas... and Madjaas was her name
7. Code Name: "Alibijaban Island". Sponsored by Pringles, Beer na beer and Ate Baby's Kubo
8. Code Name: "Mt. Maranat".. When red turned to green... Black and white combined that became gray... The dancers and the rescuer...
9. The first limatiks encounter at Mt. Halcon. Luckily, they failed to earn a single point.
10. First time to cook Spaghetti and I mastered it!
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| Pulutan at The HOD (September 27, 2017). Muntik na kong masunugan! After 3 months I had my own recipe.... very spicy!!! |
11. First Hike for a cause
12. First time to see a snake on the trail of Mt. Maranat
13. First Knife-Edge
14. First time to taste gin (At Mt. Ugo)
15. First time to see a dragon fruit plants (there's a plantation in Pililia)
16. First time to see a Persimmon Tree
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| Taste like chiko? am I right? |
17. First time to see an Orange Tree
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| Unlimited fruit picking for 30 minutes |
18. First time to taste a Guava Wine
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| Guava, Persimmon and Rice Wine at Egbert Dailay Clay House. He imparted us an interesting knowledge in wine tasting. How to distinguish a great wine from a mediocre one? Talk to him and you will learn a lot about the winery. He's a master! |
19. First time to taste a Rice Wine
20. First time to taste a Blueberry Wine
21. First time to taste Mango Paradaise and Very Old Captain Rum (We combined them: Great taste!)
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| Rapsaaa (2:3) |
22. First and last BD... Hmmm hopefully :P
23. First time seeing someone carrying a stuffed toy on the trail
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| Hi Jordan! |
Travel Distinctions
Worst Hike of the Year: Mt. Masaraga
Most Difficult Hike of the Year: Mt. Pinatubo via Sapang Uwak Trail
Most Memorable Hike of the Year: Mt. Madjaas
Mountain which has the most stunning view: Mt. Madjaas
Most Memorable yet Jaw-Dropping Tour: Alibijaban Island
Best Hiking Buddies of the year: Rommel, Trix, Eco, Papa Rhey, Skyy, Luisa, and Monsigñor Roderick Valenzuela
Best Cooks: Rommel, Trix, Luisa and Skyy
Best Travel Buddies (Island hopping and tours): The HOD, Jerico, Trix and Paulo (kasama ka ba dapat dito surr? lolx)
Most Mischievous Travel Buddy: Paulo Marte and Roderick Valenzuela
The Great Persuader of the Year: Paulo Marte
Most Dramatic Person of the Year (Dakilang Hugutero): Paulo Marte
The Transformer (From Calm to Wild): Rean Sumpay (alak pa more!)
Best Cheering Buddies: The HOD and The Us
Best Malling Buddies: Lei and Ariel
2018 Major Milestones
1. Climb Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia (Our target date is on September 2018... Hopefully)
2. Travel to at least 12 provinces of the country (Project 82)
3. Indo-China Tour
4. Try free-diving at Binukbok Viewpoint Resort (Tsaka na ang scuva-diving)
5. Try Sky diving
6. Finish the remaining 3 subjects of my MBA program (thesis lacking pa!) (sana sipagin :P)
7. Find another work outside finance
Thanks to all who has been part of my 2017; it was indeed a colorful year! I know most of us, might already forgotten each other's names and faces. Let's accept the fact that people will come and go and not everyone is meant to stay. The most significant thing after each parting, is to become a storyteller of that golden hours; stunning mountain scenery; star performing sea waves; and other great and terrible experiences we witnessed and shared together. Let's move on and continue our journeys! Happy holidays and have a great 2018 ahead!
Photo Credits to the owners
End
-JSC
