Batac City, Ilocos Norte » Understanding the Final Argument of a Dictator's Town

My Ilocondia getaway seems rather uneventful in the retelling. I know. And it surprises me a little to say that my travel experiences in Ilocos has become a meaningful part of my summer which was rather really short and scorching, maybe because of climate change or maybe because it is naturally hot in Ilocos. I review my Ilocos tour blog posts and realized that they are sprinkled with subtleties – an unconscious way of looking at things and at life. The reason maybe has as much, or more, to do with life context as with the Province of Ilocos. Ilocandia makes me feel old and think old, and I like it.

It’s an odd thing, probably no decent Filipino would think or consider, but upon entering any old town in the Philippines with century old church at its center, I always felt that Filipinos don’t really have a nation as the Spaniards or as the Japanese do. We are just a persecuted minority. That’s what they’ve done to us.

View of Immaculate Conception Church at Batac City Central square

 

However, upon entering Batac, the quaint town in the province of Ilocos Norte and hometown of many significant figures in the history of the Philippines, the seat of Marcos’ enigma, I realized that the fabric of Filipino society – the culture, rules and laws and customs that we lived by – is reflected in direct proportion to how many revolutions we had and how many uprisings we are still planning. When we pause and stop, that is the only time we will have a nation. When the Filipinos stopped being angry.

Marcos during wartime in the Philippine Army

Pardon me, but this is how Batac City makes me feel. I admit I’m born a little late for the revolution. I’m just a child then in Mindoro, happily playing and jumping at the haystack after the palay harvest oblivious of nuns and freedom fighters chanting Hail Marys against tanks in EDSA.

I don’t know why I feel this compulsion to understand – maybe because the body of the greatest leader for the Ilocanos and a usurper and dictator for the human rights victims lies here.

But wait, before we move on, let me grab one of those famous Ilocos Empanada and a bowl of miki at the Riverside Empanadahan.  [gutom lang siguro to.]

Batac Riverside Empanadahan

The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

There is something about my Batac experience that I find disturbing. It is the famous preserved body of the late Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos in a refrigerated glass crypt for public viewing – which, to my surprise is actually a wax!

Marcos has a wall dedicated to Marcos' wartime service in the Philippine Army, as a soldier in the defense of Bataan and with American Forces after liberation. There are also photos of him and Imelda, his military awards, his letters, important documents, license plates of his cars, the bust of the president and his work desk at Malacanang.

The Marcos Museum is a large stately tomb supposedly housing Marcos’ embalmed remains, which is contained in a vacuum-sealed glass coffin. It is the first structure seen from the main street and is the one, which follows the lines of a Spanish wood-and-brick house, with solid ground floor walls and an upper storey of wood decorated with floral carvings. The Mausoleum is a cube of adobe blocks and is stepped towards the top of the structure. Its centerpiece is the body of Ferdinand Marcos encased in glass, dressed in a white barong tagalog with a red, white and blue ceremonial sash and polished medals. The dark interior is divided into a square path lining the elevated glass coffin with white capiz flowers and shells underfoot. The dark echoing room is eerily filled with Gregorian chants like summoning Ferdinand to come alive.   

It would be hard to classify me as credulous and uncritical – because I firmly believe that – with the right level of common sense, you can instantly know what you’re looking at. Some insisted it’s the actual body of Ferdinand Marcos, but let’s face it, those who are saying it are blind loyalists. See it for yourself.

Batac World Peace Center and Photo Gallery  

A few blocks away from the Mausoleum is the Marcos Photo Gallery (World Peace Center), a photo archive of the Marcos family which include a collage of news clippings and photos during the Marcos era. 

Gregorio Aglipay Monument and Church

Across the gallery is the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Church, which was founded by Msgr. Gregorio L. Aglipay. Gregorio Aglipay was a former Catholic priest who, due to his support for the Philippine Revolution, was excommunicated and later on founded the Philippine Independent Church aka the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI).

The final argument

The title of this post caused me a lot of trouble. I thought it was brilliant like the treason of the intellectuals theme but unfortunately when I came to write the body to go with it, I found difficulty in making a match – maybe because I am not there at the EDSA revolution. For a while it seemed that my post was leading only to Batac and understanding Marcos and its symbolism but it did give me reason to traipse around Aglipay Shrine, meet peace loving and friendly Batacqueños, have a bite of their famous Empanada, miki and bagnet.

I gathered a fair amount of sense of history on my short stop to Batac City. There is, however no time to go into analysis of the contrasting beliefs of Marcos’ state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and of the distinct political and religious circumstances and debate surrounding the Marcos-Aquino-EDSA names.

But one thing is for sure, Batac is still a loyalist, forever arguing that no dictator ever lived in the Home of Great Leaders. Visit Batac so you’ll understand.

    
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Batac City Ilocos Norte Quick Facts:

• Batac is located in the mid southwestern portion of the province of Ilocos Norte.
• The town was founded by the Augustinians in 1587 under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception.
• The word "Batac" in a local dialect translates as "pull". More loosely, it refers to "the people's pulling their efforts together."
• Travel time by motor vehicle at this time is very convenient because of well paved roads and is 15 to 20 minutes to Laoag City and 8 to 9 hours to Metro Manila.
• On February 2011, the supreme court upheld the cityhood of Batac
• Major event is the of City Charter Day which highlights the Empanada Festival, a showcase of the famous product- the BATAC EMPANADA held every June 23rd.

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HERE ARE THE DETAILED POSTS ABOUT OUR  Ilocandia Time Travel

• Ilocos Tour » Laoag-Pagudpod-Vigan Impromptu Weekend Getaway
• Ilocos Tour – Laoag, City of Sunshine » Waking up in the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia
• Ilocos Tour » Sinking Bell Tower and McDonalds’ Rising Golden Arch 
• Cape Bojeador Lighthouse » Death of Elegance, Creepy Tales and A Spark of Wisdom 
• Bangui Windmills » Catching Scattered Memories Beyond the Wind  
• Pagudpud Beach in Saud, Ilocos Norte » Detecting Your Average Summer Happiness Level 
• Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte » The Best Lazy Trekking to Waterfalls in Ilocandia
• Jun and Carol Beach Resort Review » Affordable Pagudpud Beach Front Accommodation
• Patapat Viaduct and Kalbario Patapat Natural Park » Pagudpud Tricycle Tour Pit Stop 
• Magical Blue Lagoon and the Cascading Agua Grande » Pagudpud Tricycle Tour Pit Stop
• Allegory of the Bantay-Abot Cave and Timmangtang Rock » Is there such a thing as end-of-the-road?
• Batac City, Ilocos Norte » Understanding the Final Argument of a Dictator's Town 
• Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte » Architectural Heresy and Our Obsession with Heritage 
• Ilocos Tour - Guerilla Style » 5 Interesting Places to Visit On Your Way Out of Ilocos 
• Calle Crisologo Vigan Ilocos Sur » Sojourn to the Past

 

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References:

»  Official websiteof the City of Batac: http://www.batac.gov.ph/
» “Batac” Wikipedia Entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batac

[Mt. Pinatubo] Walking on Ashes » Why trek towards the crater of destruction

With the realization that a lot of what I do lately are mostly stressful and that a lot of my priorities are slowly dying in spite of – or perhaps because of – having been too cautious and afraid to make sudden decisions, I registered for the Mt. Pinatubo bloggers’ trek without a second thought. Also, I guess I badly need to remove myself from the mad rush of my daily routine.

However, the night before the trek I got this second thought and asked myself what the hell do I want out there in the endlessness of ashes and volcanic rocks? I’m silly and mad sometimes, I know that, and maybe this is one of those find-yourself-on-spiritual-walk kind of thing I used to do before.

So I go, though it seemed unlikely that anything spiritual might suddenly expand there on the ashes.

Memoirs of my own pilgrimage

I tend to have these clear mind and flow of ideas on long airplane ride or lazy walk, but I tend to forget them the following day. This time, I made a point to remember, made mental notes and write down all my Mt. Pinatubo trekking thoughts.

It’s been a while but I can still feel the medley of dark volcano rocks, ashes, pieces of burnt wood and dwarfed grass under my feet. Nearby was a fellow blogger fussing with his camera against the romantic rain and mud, questioning his decision in joining this Pinatubo climb. On the horizon are silhouettes of mysterious mountains, blanketed by struggling greenery, hiding behind droplets of rain and dreary fog.             

The 4x4 jeep ride going to the main trail, its funny rubber wheels throwing mud at me, was a cheerful mess - like that childish euphoria when I first learn how to ride a bike. Activities like this, small things that can bring up childhood carefree feelings in our stressful adult world are priceless.

Strong lahar mudflow, during Pinatubo’s tantrum years slightly divided the terrain in half thus creating a sunken semi-flat trail now famous for trekkers. This is actually a walled trail, like a snaking rat maze slightly tilted upwards so you know where the exits are. I spied other trekkers staring at these walls of cracked volcanic ash, hardened by time and sewn together by the roots of wild talahib grass, marveling at these sacred walls.

I paused to catch my breath and stared at these walls too, and realized why human race is creating monuments of war and destruction – creating pieces of bronze art sculptures, parks, beautiful historical markers and ornate mausoleums. It is not to remind us of death and suffering but an innate desire to create beauty out of chaos.

We adopted it from nature maybe that is why we call it “human nature” – the ability to turn pain into butterflies.          

Therefore I am wrong. There is some kind of spirituality on the Pinatubo ashes after all.

Why trek towards the crater of destruction

Fools rush in to Pinatubo with only one goal of having a glimpse of its fabled turquoise crater. It is worth it, that I can assure, but you don’t go walking and climbing the Pinatubo just to see the crater.

Why not use these moments of monotonous trekking and walking to expand your awareness, relax your mind, wash away the stink of your chaotic public and professional adult life and increase your experience of freedom? By slowing down your fast-paced life and focusing on each step – the journey rather than the destination – a trek to Pinatubo could be totally relaxing and can stretch more time for yourself. 

Being on nature and traversing a demanding terrain has taught me that life is simple, and you can cross any pass if you have the spirit. The mysterious appearance of a place, a tiny leaf or a colored rock on a trail can reveal to you something about the complexities of life hidden within. You just have to know where to look, and how to hear the colors, and how to embrace the sounds.

Pinatubo hiking could be also intellectually invigorating and emotionally relaxing which can boost your memory and sharpens judgement. Each step can allow you to temporarily shrug off time and savor your personal solitary moment.

Moreover, this trek will not only stimulate your different senses by encouraging you to be more admiring and perceptive of the world around you but it will also give you a chance to reflect inwards and be more honest and introspective with yourself.

This is how you can best experience Mt. Pinatubo trekking – walk with intention of mindfulness.

So grab your trekking sandals and get moving. Something serene awaits you there!

Plus of course a dive into the legendary turquoise Pinatubo lake is an extra treat.   

________________

Mount Pinatubo Pictures / Trek Photos and other related trekking experiences: 

» Mt. Pinatubo Hiking Pictures and Photos by yodz : Mt Pinatubo Hiking » Capturing Beauty out of Chaos: Mobile Phone Photography

» Mt. Romelo (Famy) Laguna Hiking » How to Torture Yourself to a Trek and Be Happy About It

» Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte » The Best Lazy Trekking to Waterfalls in Ilocandia

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Other Pinatubo Selected Articles, Information and Links:

» Trekking Mt. Pinatubo - Trekking and Hiking Tours from Manila Philippine Adventures [http://www.trekkingpinatubo.com/]

» GMA News Online: "Mount Pinatubo still shadows lives 20 years after eruption" posted: 06/20/2011 | 12:53 PM [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/223918/nation/mount-pinatubo-still-shadows-lives-20-years-after-eruption] Retrieved: 17 August 2011

» Reyman, Roman Leo. “Face to Face with Mt. Pinatubo” posted: June 9, 2011 [http://romanleoreyman.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/face-to-face-with-mt-pinatubo/] Retrieved: 17 August 2011 

Photo Credits & Citation: 

» Image Source (First Image:  "Beyond Reach" by n05feratu [http://n05feratu.deviantart.com/art/Beyond-Reach-2182536] Retrieved: 17 August 2011
» Other Pinatubo pictures: taken by yodz insigne via SGS mobile phone
SBECKNTKQZRG

Banchetto » Street Food Fiesta for the Hungry Insomniacs

''Humans are inherently nocturnal eaters'' - Ori Hofmekler, Author of The Warrior Diet.

After long weekdays of working like ants, we usually meet up with friends and officemates on Friday nights to chill out, have a bottle of beer or simply satisfy our cravings to reward ourselves for surviving a toxic week. On a TGIF night out, my officemates and me normally go to a nearby pub, usually at Cuba Libre in Starmall or Central BBQ Boy Grill in Madison Square. 

  

However, there are specific barkada moments when we all get tired of vodka and beer and just want to pig-out and hunt restos that can satisfy our nocturnal hunger. This is when we discover Banchetto at Megatent Meralco Avenue in Ortigas. The area is conveniently located at the business district of Ortigas at the parking area of Megatent, which is also a tricycle ride away from our office along EDSA.

Parking Lot Food Fiesta

It was my first Banchetto food trip, which has turned my regular rainy Friday evening into one long night, seven times satiated and seven times satisfied. I could still smell the savory smoke and the appetizing flames teasing the t-bones and steaks against the lovely rains.

Banchetto Megatent: Parade of Food

Buon appetito is the only Italian word I know (which I learned from the animated movie flick Ratatouille – which is actually French) but I later learned that Banchetto is also derived from Italian word that means, “feast.”

Food stalls at Banchetto Megatent parking area

By the way, if you haven’t tried Banchetto don’t get the notion (like me) that it is an Italian restaurant. Banchetto is an overnight street food fiesta held weekly right in the middle of a parking lot or a street. They put up mini-tents for the food bazaar and dining tables and chairs for the food trippers. According to Banchetto’s official website, it is a project commissioned by the Ortigas Center Association (OCAI) and Rotary Club of Ortigas Center (RCOC) hoping to promote the Ortigas Center Tourism Council.

View of diners and food stalls from the dining area for guests

BPO companies are no doubt booming like mushrooms at the Ortigas business area and the initial target customers of Banchetto are the call center employees who work in the wee hours of the morning. However, it turned out that call center agents are not the only hungry insomniacs in the area that’s why Banchetto gained popularity even for daylight zombies like us.   

Foodie Ukay Ukay

Cheap sweets, cakes and pastries

Barry Schwartz  in his article The Tyranny of Choice argues that sometimes although having  some  is  better  than  none, more  is  not  always  better  than  less. Simply  put,  he  argues  that  sometimes  having more  options  is  not  always  beneficial  to man. Maybe he is correct but I must say in Banchetto, like an ukay-ukay – more food options, mas happy!

Original Glomy's Empanada from Batac

For the appetizer, we tried the giant double egg especial Empanada, famous in Batac Ilocos Norte. Yes, that’s right – you don’t have to go all the way to Batac Ilocos Norte just to have their famous Empanada.

Food stalls are filled with variety of food from the usual street foods - siomai, fishballs and isaw to jumbo burgers, pasta, pizza T-bones and steaks.

Banchetto also offer a wide array of home specialty food, Pinoy and rural delicacies, Chinese and Japanese food varieties, fruits, veggies, meat and seafoods. Definitely you’ll never run out of choices.

Ooopps, don’t forget to leave a space for dessert because there are lots of sweets to choose from. Cakes and desserts of all sizes and flavors would be an awesome finale on your night’s food trip. Then take it all down with a nice freezing fresh fruit shake! 

This is what I ate on my first Banchetto experience

Banchetto Good Points

• Wide variety of food to satisfy your cravings
• Very accommodating and professional food vendors
• High quality and delicious yet cheap foods
• Foods are carefully prepared and clean
• Location is very convenient for commuters
• Security guards are available and the crowd are mostly professionals
• The “Bring Me” game helps in setting up the festive mood

Observations and Tips  

• Not enough tables and chairs to accommodate the crowd of food trippers
• Schedules and locations are always subject to changes unlike in regular restaurant so always check the announcement first before going.
• Best enjoyed with your barkada, officemates or together with the whole family
• It’s better to grab a bottle of softdrinks or water at a convenience store on your way to Banchetto
• Best time checking in is an hour after the opening when all the food stalls are already opened.      

Miscellaneous Information:

Banchetto Locations:

» BANCHETTO MEGATENT

The Megatent is an event venue is located along MERALCO AVENUE, (between Renaissance Towers and the Department of Education building) Pasig City, Philippines. Click Location Map  

» BANCHETTO LIBIS

Located at the OPEN PARKING AREA  of SHOPWISE LIBIS, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue Quezon City, Philippines

Click Location Map

» BANCHETTO FORUM

Located at the back of Cybergate Plaza and Tower 1 Delivery Bay area of FORUM Robinson's

Pioneer Street corner EDSA, Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

Click Location Map

Schedule:

For important updates regarding Banchetto schedule, please check their website or contact them on their contact details below: 

or check the Schedule of Events (2011) : Banchetto Schedule of Events 

BANCHETTO CONTACT DETAILS:

Website:   http://www.banchettomanila.com/

               http://banchetto.multiply.com/

Mobile:     63 922 8178910 / 63 922 8800861

Landline:  63 2 6550590

Email       info.banchetto@gmail.com

Online Contact Form:
               http://www.banchettomanila.com/p/contact-us.html

Twitter:   (@ilovebanchetto) for real time updates

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Banchetto/141191545906217?ref=ts

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Related Links and Articles

» ALVAREZ , KATRINA PAOLA B.  07 December 2010 “A Midnight Feast” Businessworld Special Features: 07 December 2010 [http://www.entreprenews.com.ph/inside.php?url_link=1291651200&id=53&article_type=mainstory] Retrieved: 08 August 2011
» Biado, Ed. 27 October 2010 “Food trip at Banchetto” Manila Standard Today, Lifestyle
[http://edbiado.blogspot.com/2010/10/food-trip-at-banchetto.html?ref=nf] Retrieved: 08 August 2011
» Bolido, Linda B. 05 January 2010 “Nights at the Forum”Philippine Daily Inquirer: Money-Top Stories. [http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100501-267522/Nights_at_the_Forum] Retrieved: 08 August 2011
» OIGA, JACKY LYNNE A. 07 April 2010 “Chowtime from dusk till dawn” Manila Bulletin-Lifestyle-Food [http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/251509/chowtime-dusk-till-dawn] Retrieved: 08 August 2011

Citations: 

» Thumbnails Image Source: Photos Inspired by Seven Deadly Sins 

» Schwartz, Barry The Tyranny of Choice: The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less – Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paradox_of_Choice:_Why_More_Is_Less [retrieved: 08 August 2011]

Hong Kong Hustle » Three Days In The Shadow of the World's Most Vertical City

It ends like a 10-minute dream carried by a greased lightning. Yet all was vivid – the zooming train, high rise buildings, cable cars, Disney Land, giant buddha, crazy shopping and the smell. Yes, I’ve been to Hong Kong. All the pre-departure excitement was now replaced with thrilled nerves, sore feet, and a nice dose of Hong Kong aristocracy and sarcasm.

Though we stayed there in just three days, I have lots of things to tell you. It was a whole new set of exciting travel experience but it’s not all fun. All of it deserves separate posts.

In the meantime I want to share here our initial itinerary and travel plans. We tried maximizing our limited time for us to visit as much places as possible but of course in travel, there is no such thing as perfect itinerary.

There are always on the spot changes – and that’s the beauty of travel. Randomness. If it’s perfect, it’s boring.

Here’s our original backpacker whirl-wind itinerary if you are planning a Hong Kong tour in just three days and don’t want to get stuck in costly packaged tour:

DAY 1 : 16 July Saturday

05:40 AM   Depart Manila going to Hong Kong
                via 5J108MNL/HKG 0540H/0740H

07:40 AM   Arrive Hong Kong

08:25 AM   Check-In at Panda Hotel (Tsuen Wah Street)

Peeing at the Ocean Park Entrance

09:30 AM   Visit Ocean Park (Explore The Waterfront,
                The Summit, Ride Cable Car)

Ocean Park Cable Cars

 

04:30 PM   Visit Victoria Peak

                Attractions: Visit Peak Historical Gallery / Peak Tram Ride /
                Visit The Peak Tower Madam Tussauds / Peak Market

08:00 PM   Watch Symphony of Lights (Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront) *cancelled

10:00 PM   Visit Night market (Mongkok or Temple Street )

Shopping at Mongkok

DAY 2 : 17 July Sunday

07:00 AM   Wake-up Call

Camwhoring at Avenue of the Stars

Scenic Aberdeen Fishing Village

09:00 AM   Compulsory Hong Kong City Tour

                Visit Avenue of the Stars, Victoria Peak (mid-level),
                Aberdeen Fishing Village, Jewelry Factory,

Magical Disneyland

11:00 AM    Visit Disney Land

09:00 PM    Back to Hotel

10:30 PM    Leave hotel going to Macau  **cancelled

11:30 PM    Arrive Macau

                Invade Macau until morning , Venetian Macau,
                Ruins of St. Paul, Macau Tower, Lisboa,
                House of Dancing Water

            

DAY 3 : 18 July Monday

05:00 AM   Leave Macau back to HongKong

06:00 AM   Back to Hotel - (Breakfast) then sleep

12:00 PM   Hotel check-out

Cable Cars going to Ngong Ping 360

Big Buddha at Ngong Ping

12:30 PM   Visit Ngong Ping 360 (Cable Car, Big Buddha, Wisdom Path)

04:00 PM   Back to Hotel

09:00 PM   Depart Hong Kong back to Manila

This is our original plan, but we cancelled our trip to Macau (*sigh*) - hopefully we can visit the place some other time.

If it’s you’re first time in Hong Kong, you have to do a little advance research on the location of the places you want to visit and don’t forget to grab a map. Also, touring the city requires a lot of walking (I repeat – LOTS OF WALKING) so invest on comfortable footwear.

More of our HK adventures and photos soon! 
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!!

Mt. Romelo (Famy) Laguna Hiking » How to Torture Yourself to a Trek and Be Happy About It

July seems to be not a good time to experience the magic of mountains. Late July brings bitter weather and wetter days, however Mt. Romelo surprised me, even at this time of the year. Ignoring a forecast for overcast skies and crazy rains, we conquered Mt. Romelo in Siniloan Laguna. Call me crazy, but I don’t see how anyone can tolerate a sit-on-your-ass all day cubicled job staring at the computer, so yes, even if it’s raining (and a possible typhoon coming) I decided to go trekking at Mt. Romelo, a lovely mountain range which is part of the legendary Sierra Madre, known to mountaineers simply as Famy.

The sky was a bit over generous that day and gave us lots of cold rain at the jump-off. Well, we just shake it off with a bottle of The Bar vodka over a bowl of beef wanton at Ros Anthony Dimsum Kubo - how’s that for a pre-trek ceremony – cool ayt?

A round of vodka before the hike

Ready to hike..hiyaaaa!!!!

Although unconventional, it did break the ice among our group and the cool guys from Emerson Outdoor Group (EmeROG) who actually arranged the trek.

Crossing the rapids

Calmed by a round of vodka, we started the trek at around one o’clock wearing disposable raincoats and trash bags to protect us from rain. I felt my heart beating a little faster as we were doing the initial steep climb – I don’t know if it’s vodka circulating, Blair Witch Project on my mind or I’m just a little excited, it’s the latter I guess.

The torture trail

Along the narrow and muddy trail, we came across a lady riding a pony like Jesus entering Jerusalem. I instantly thought, what’s the damn point of having a wretched pony do the trek for you? Eat some mud, prima donna! Well, yes it’s none of my business, thank you. (just a pakialamero thought.)

Muddy trail - slippery when wet

Going back the trail, unfortunately it’s not your usual a-whole-new-world tra-la-la-la trail during rainy season. Like many things - when wet, it’s slippery and will make you kiss the mud. Many times we literally slide our way down and made love with the mud. We end up having muddy ass, sore feet and few bruises. But despite that, after each fall, we end up lighthearted and happy.

Bleeding leech bite and bruises

Oh, and did I mention the leeches? Well, don’t get excited ridding yourself of mud or washing too long on small streams – you may end up leech infested. Although it is not deadly, seeing trickles of blood on your arms and feet is disturbing.

View of Mt. Romelo after sunset

But don’t fret, en route you will be treated with amazing vistas of the mountain vegetation while climbing steadily through fields of talahib grass with occasional peeks into the rugged province of Laguna and the surrounding lake. And don’t forget a walk into the fog is always an extra treat like a scoop of ice cream on your halo-halo (although fogs remind me of death).

Camwhoring at Buruwisan Falls

Majestic Buruwisan Falls at the end of the Mt. Romelo trail

Also, at the heart of Mt. Romelo is the Buruwisan Falls descending majestically into a wide catchbasin. The waterfalls look like it is veiling an enclave verdant with moss and ferns hiding the magical throne of the queen fairy of Mt. Romelo. At 180 ft, it is ideal for rappelling, but we didn’t try it due to heavy rains. Our local guide told us that Buruwisan Falls is named after a hardwood variety that used to grow on the banks of Romelo River. But our other local guide has different theory, he said Buruwisan actually came from the word Buntisan because many girls got pregnant after the hike – hmmm lovemaking in the mountains eh (excitingly-sexy, I wanna try it someday weeee)

Steep trail going down Buruwisan Falls

Want to add extra trekking challenge? Do the trek descend at night, like what happened to us. Imagine this: walking in the middle of a mountain on steep, muddy and dangerous trail on a pitch-black night under the rain. That’s a real blast! (Ooops, I’m not actually endorsing it ok. I’m just extra happy because we survived it… cheers! Happy to Climb! clap clap clap)

Each step on the mud is priceless

"Each step on the mud, each fall, the laughter, the extended hand of a fellow hiker to pull you up – that is priceless"

We are in fact torturing ourselves on this Mt. Romelo trek and so happy about it. Ironic, but I guess that’s the beauty of having this hike. It will make you realize that accomplishments and success doesn’t always mean having big houses, grand vacations, luxury cars or executive position in the company. You can find feeling of accomplishment and moments of happiness on mundane things as crossing a raging stream or getting on the other side of a steep and muddy trail. Each step on the mud, each fall, the laughter, the extended hand of a fellow hiker to pull you up – that is priceless.

The uber-cool guys from Emerson & my Eastgate buddies (Eddie, Anjho, Carla, Grace, Gennell, Bern, Ruben, Mel, Kuya Vanny, Leslie and Claire)  Talu-nan Happy to Climb!!! Clap Clap Clap..yes!!!

I still find this day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, the trails I want to walk, all the photos I want  to take and all the new friends I want to spend more time with   - yodz -  

_____________________

Miscellaneous Information:

Here’s a quick information if you and your buddies are planning to conquer Mt. Romelo:

MT. ROMELO

Location: Siniloan, Laguna

Major Jump-off: Brgy. Macatad, Upland Siniloan

Elevation: 300 MASL

Days required / hours to summit: 1 day, 2-3 hours

Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail Class 1

Note: Mt. Romelo is often referred to as Mt. Famy because the town of Famy is where mountaineers usually get off the bus from Manila. However Mt. Romelo is not even in Famy, it is already part of the adjacent town called Siniloan.

Buruwisan Falls

Has a more or less 50-meter drop suitable for rappelling

Ideal training ground for neophyte mountain climbers

The largest falls among other nearby falls: Batya-Batya, Sampaloc and Lanzones

Location : Brgy Macatad, end of Mt. Romelo (Famy) trek, Siniloan, Laguna

Our Itinerary:

Mt. Famy Dayhike (July 31, 2011)

ITINERARY

0700 Assembly at RSC

0730 ETD for Siniloan

1030 ETA jump-off point. Register (P20/person)

Lunch Break (jump off). Packed lunch.

1130 Start trek

0130 ETA Campsite. Visit Buruwisan and other Falls (if possible).

0500 Back at campsite.

0515 Start descent.

0700 ETA jump-off; tidy-up.

0730 ETD going to Manila

1000 ETA to Manila (RSC)

THINGS TO BRING:

1. Trail Water (at least 1L)

2. Packed Lunch

3. Towel

4. Trail Food (jelly ace, crackers, chocolates, chicha, etc.)

5. Extra Shirt

6. Personal Hygiene Kit

7. Personal First Aid Kit & Medicines (for emergency)

8. Extra cash

9. Isopropyl Alcohol (for the leeches)

Actual Expenses:

Van Rental :             4,300.00

Meal and Parking       200.00

Jump-off Registration 50.00

Local Guide               400.00

Shower Fee               20.00

You might also like to visit Majayjay Falls also in Laguna, check out my entry: Getting High at Majayjay » Taytay Falls, Laguna Escapade

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Related Links and More Info: [Retrieved: 02 August 2011]

» Mt. Romelo (240+): Pinoymountaineer.com – Your guide to Hiking in the Philippines [http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-romelo-240.html]

» Climb Advisory (May 2011): Theft situation in Mt. Romelo and Mt. Sembrano [Pinoymountaineer: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2011/05/climb-advisory-may-2011-theft-situation_18.html]

» Siniloan River: Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siniloan_River]

» Buruwisan Falls [http://www.worldsaurus.com/guide/Philippines/CALABARZON/Buruwisan-Falls-172.html]