Mt. Tabayoc and the mystical lakes // September 8 to 9, 2018

A week before Typhoon Ompong wreaked havoc in Northern Luzon, I've joined a team in visiting the Cordillera.  Our goal was to twin-climb Mt. Timbak and Mt. Tabayoc, but someone in absolute greatness has only granted us a single path.  It was not a warm welcome.  To begin with, as we reached the land of berries, heaven has started to shed tears, some roads were blocked, and debris from previous landslides was still around.  In the end, it turns out that nature was only testing us.  At the peaceful village of Ballay, after setting up our camp, gray changed to blue, and eventually,  a huge floating fireball has revealed itself and smiled down at us.   

The campsite beside the mystical Lake Tabeo

At the Campsite

Some closed their eyes and fall asleep

The hands of the Gourmands have filled the craves

Some moved around and made some clicks

Others just watched the passing of clouds 

Reaping the fruits of their hard works.  Farming is the fundamental source of living of native inhabitants.  Crop production is highly focused on carrots, potatoes, and cabbages.  They are applying organic fertilizers in boosting.  I don't like the smell of that hummus!

Freshly picked carrot.  What's up, doc?

Playing outside, doing several things under the blue sky, and returning home with mud-stained clothes.  It's so nice to encounter children who are still having an ideal childhood; disconnected from the realm of virtual reality.

It was around the afternoon when we have started to move and visited the other lake...

I've already seen a lot of terraces in the other places of Cordillera.  Still, the one located in Ballay is another man-made masterpiece to see.

The marker of Lake Bulalakaw - a wooden lion's head

It is said to be the second cleanest inland lake in the Philippines.  The first on the rank can be found somewhere in Mindanao.  Just out of curiosity, I asked our guide if I can drink from it, then he answered, no!  Hmmm, so how it becomes a clean lake?

Capturing the moment at Lake Bulalakaw

 It was getting colder when we came back.   In a short while, a veil of cold-fine mist have wrapped the campsite, it moved slowly, as it touched the surface of the lake and rolled over on the surroundings' hills...

At the golden hour, streaks of red, blue, and orange lights have started to show up across the wide sky, they illuminated Lake Tabeo

The Night

Then here came darkness and swallowed the golden sky

Stars from above have boasted their twinkling lights

A loop was formed beside the mystical pool
And the hush was broken by the Hoho of all

Deep in the night, where most are at peace
Melodies of chains have started to play around
Nature was calling, Oh! nature was calling!
But someone was lurking, I got afraid to heed

Day 2
The following day, the spell of the morning dews have made the soil damp and the surroundings bone-chilling.  Before we started to march, in silence, we have sought the guidance of the stars.
Mike wasn't able to join us and he just stayed at the campsite.  For what reason, I'm not so sure... :o

The Pacers

Three transformed into jaguars and boosted their speeds

Two into kangaroos, they have springs on their feet

Three remained at the tail with the light of the trail

But one is also a beast just hiding its teeth

The mossy forest of Mt. Tabayoc

Within the woodland

A newfound hiking buddy.  Someone who is at par with my speed.  Mt. Tabayoc is her first peak.  Since we both ended at the rear, during this climb, we established the Slow Pacers Mountaineer.  Will it last?

Jezer, our trail light

After 3 to 4 hours of "chill-climb" (Pine), finally, we have reached the summit of the 7th highest peak. The place is shaded by the branches and leaves of mossy trees.  There's a man-made view deck at the summit, where one can see an overview of the nearby ranges, but previous storms have damaged it. Although some of them were able to step on near the edges, I didn't dare to move further. 

The summit

Landscape from the view deck.  The Cordillera that I greatly love!

Most hikers are considering their first peak as their mother mountain.  But, I affirmed with the self-concept of Cheryl Owen, stating that a mother mountain must be the peak which is closest to a hiker's heart.  It must be the mountain where one can seek inner peace and feel a surge of nostalgia, every time he/she will climb on it.  I'm glad that I already found them; they are the mysterious and sublime mountains of Cordillera.  I will climb them all!  

I would like thanks Mike for organizing this climb.

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to look back)
- Rekindling Abra's myth of 7 inches
- Stories in green while descending back to the campsite
- ayyyy, ayyyy, ata eh,,,,,
- The speed maniac-reckless driver.  I'm hoping that we will never cross-paths once again!!!
- "Ruf-Ruf" stew.  I was quite disgusted
- Chill lang yung hike noh? - Carloiskie

Other Photos Taken

To the campsite

Ranger Station

Lake Bulalakaw

Experiencing the farming life

Going to Ballay

Oh! we just hired a truck that will take us there.  Anyway, great decision!

Cooking the buttered chicken

Our host.  Yung ground sheet ko ui!

Caloiskie conquering the view deck

The Fast Pacers

At the first view deck

Photo credits to Gids, Carlos, and JC

END

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Cebu City Tour / Personal Journal / Album // May 22 to 25, 2018

Sustaining Unity in Nation - Building through Service, Harmony and Innovation to Nurture Economy (SUNSHINE)

Last May, my company sent me to Cebu to attend a 4-day seminar conducted by the Government Association of Certified Public Accountant (GACPA), at the Waterfront Hotel of Lahug.  Discussions revolved around various updates in the accountancy profession and most of them were so technical that I no longer want to remember :D  I'm a reading and kinesthetic type of learner.  Attending a seminar is not my way to learn. I'll just sleep and wait for the food to be served. 

Exploring the beautiful beaches and amazing waterfalls of Cebu are the things that I really wanted to do, but due to time constraints,  I was only able to go in some of the prominent landmarks nearby the city.  Happy Trip!

Sirao Garden
Surrounded by a spectacular view, the garden of Sirao is a great place to get in touch with oneself while appreciating the beauty of nature.  Several eye-catching structures and flowers of different kinds and colors can be seen inside.  A place for all ages!

"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature (Nerval)".  The Amsterdam within the queen city of the south. My growing tummy around the spider plants.

Sirao Peak
Sirao Peak is comparable to most mountains of Rizal.  Its trail is abundant in limestones and most parts are shaded by trees.  June, my habal-habal driver who accompanied me throughout the hike mentioned that every weekend, the summit of Sirao is full of campers.  There 2 trails existing: the shorter trail which will only take 15 minutes to reach the summit and the challenging trail which will take 3 to 5 hours hiking time.  There are a river and waterfalls located on the other side.  Too bad that I didn't have enough time to see it.  Anyway, I'm planning to have a week-long vacation in Cebu next year.  Maybe I can revisit this place and climb it through the other side.    

Sirao Peak

Some parts of the trail and summit view

Temple of Leah
True love is priceless?  Yes! It is skyrocketing!  This "temple" is a grand symbol of priceless and eternal love of a certain Teodorico Adarna to his wife.  It's not a temple, rather, it's a cenotaph.  It's more appropriate to call it "Cenotaph of Leah".  Unless her remain was actually buried there, then, it should be called "Mausoleum of Leah".  I didn't have the chance to view the interior due to on-going constructions.  

Temple of Leah

Churches, Temples, and Museums
I had the opportunity to visit some historical landmarks and other places of attraction during my second day, as the seminar has started in the afternoon.  Since no one was watching over me, freedom is in my hands... But it doesn't mean that I didn't show up! I signed those white sheets... I was there! :D

The Dragon Temple of Cebu is a mind-blowing fortress of Taoism standing high on a hill.  The sound of absolute silence is creating a spiritual ambiance, making it an ideal place in seeking inner peace.   There's a touch of beauty in every corner - sculptures, ornaments, and the overall architecture... Magnificent and calm!

 A place worthy to be called as Malubog Flower Terraces.  Terrazas De Flores Botanical Garden is another great place of solitude. The scenery is breathtaking.  I enjoyed the tranquility while having a cup of coffee

The rich history of Cebu is reflected in its centuries-old churches. The Basilica of Sto. Niño is one of the oldest churches in the country which housed the image of the child Jesus.  I feel the ambiance of Quiapo that time.  The place is overly crowded even on a weekday.  Visitors are willing to stand and wait in a very long queue just to see the relic.  I just went into the small museum where highly valuable artifacts can be seen.  Taking photos is not allowed for security purposes... There's a goldmine inside!       

Located outside the church is a pavilion which housed the Magellan's Cross

The cross which Magellan brought to Cebu in 1521, was encased inside this new cross made of Tindola wood.  For God, Gold, and Glory!

A previous military bulwark which turned into a museum.  Fort San Pedro is another remnant of Spaniard's colonization in the Philippines.   

The bishop's place.  Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is not as crowded as the Sto. Niño church.  But definitely, it's another impressive structure which worth a visit.

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu

Collection of artifacts

Sugbo Mercado
There's an old maxim stating that the best way to man's heart is through his stomach.   The passion of Filipinos for foods is highly remarkable, so it is not surprising to witness the rise of the food market industry.  After attending the GACPA fellowship night, I went inside Cebu I.T. Park and noticed that their weekend food market was already open.  Sugbo Mercado is a great place to hang out before the weekends as it offers diversified food products.  I'm glad to experience it during my last night in Cebu - an evening filled with foods, drinks, lights, and music. 

Food is love!

10,000 Roses and Lantaw Restaurant

Reflectors of light at day, while sources of light at night.  That's the 10000 man-made white roses of Cordova.  There's nothing much to do around as it's quite small (Expectation vs. Reality!).  I had my lunch in the floating restaurant adjacent to the place.   Simple, but splendid.   I was able to occupy the whole place alone and took photos from different angles. 

Ten thousand man-made light reflectors

Waiting for the foods to be served and looking at mangrove swamps in the distance. 

Mactan Shrines
This was the last place I visited before going back to Manila.  The ground where a fiery and bloody battle once took place between the Spaniards and the natives of Mactan.  Afterward, Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu immortalized their names on Philippine's history.  

The warriors' shrines

Other Photos Taken

A canopy of colorful umbrellas at Cebu IT Park

GACPA Fellowship Night.  This photo is a proof that I really attended the seminar and acquired "new" learning..... hmm... yeah yeah... great dishes!... burp!... Thank you GACPA! :D

Two young lovers at Mactan Shrine? #ususero

A man playing the guitar at his music stall

2 Taiwanese kids playing on the seesaw at Mactan Shrine

The Waterfront Hotel of Lahug taken during the first day

A vintage car being displayed inside the Archdiocesan Museum

This was the first time I dined in a local eatery that is not providing water to its diners.  A peso for a glass of water.  I wonder what will they do when someone's choked out...:P

Moments and Thoughts to Look Back
- Sir, san po may pinakamurang hotel dito???
- The taximeter was running fast..... goodbye 350 Php
- Sir pwede na po ba makuha yung certificate of attendance? :P.....wag ka lang maingay ah...... opo di po ako magiingay.... boom!
- lechon Cebu!
- asan na yung pagkain ko kinuha mo na yung food stub!
- A talk with a foreigner inside a small convenience store while waiting for my Ramen.

- I suddenly recalled a quote from a previous mentor during the 2013 testimonial dinner while waiting for my foods to be served at the floating restaurant: "reach for the stars, if you fail, at least, you will be on the rooftop (Agatep, 2013)". 

End
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