Majestic Mt. Apo Experience

It all began with hesitation, but as soon as we started our journey on a broad daylight, I know there’s no coming back. This is no ordinary journey and certainly not for the faint-hearted.  We’re heading to Mt. Apo, the grandfather of Philippine mountains and the crown jewel of Philippine mountain climbing experience.

Last Holy Week, I felt like Bilbo Baggins of Shire—plucked from his comfort zone to take a part in a journey that could only be described as an ultimate adventure of a lifetime.  I certainly know how this journey would take its toll on us, especially on me—an obvious heavyweight and an inexperienced mountaineer. One would certainly wonder why I decided to join and the fact that we are aiming to reach the summit of the highest mountain in the Philippines for my first major climb is totally a crazy idea. As what we always say along the trail, kiat ray agi. Climbing Apo is not really included in my bucket list because I know that mountain climbing is not my cup of tea. Originally, I already planned to do a documentary about the holy week activities in Tagum last week but when I realized that majority of my officemates are joining the trip, I hastily agreed to take part and might as well give it a try. The journey to Apo started in Tagum two weeks before March 28, in early mornings at Energy Park where I did my exercise regimen.With just a little bit of jogging and more on walking and just few days to do it, I know this wouldn’t be enough. But still I pushed through with the plan, this time inspired by the idea of standing in the spot that every true-blooded mountaineer dreamed of reaching.

Mt. Apo's reflection is seen in a portion of Lake Venado. The country's highest lake sprawls at the foot of the country's highest mountain. According to local tribesmen, the lake is believed to be enchanted, killing countless mountaineers in the past.

By the time we arrived at Magpet in North Cotabato where we spent one night, we had already had our baptism of fire. The jeepney’s engine that produced boisterous sound as it makes its way to Magpet from Kidapawan was killed in action—in the middle of an uphill road wrapped in total darkness. We have no choice but to walk, carrying our heavy bags containing food supplies for the next four days.

There are many trails leading to majestic Mt. Apo, one of which is the Bongolanon Trail in Magpet which packages its trek as a “rainforest adventure.” Based on internet research I did prior to the start of this trip, some bloggers consider this as the easiest trail to the Majestic Apo, never mind its far location and the time you will spend hiking in its forests. Normally, it would take you two days of hiking in Bongolanon Trail before reaching Lake Venado, located at the foot of Mt. Apo.

Faith in Baclaran

The Baclaran Phenomenon is, first and foremost, the incredible number of people who come to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran every Wednesday to make the Perpetual Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It is estimated that at least 100,000 devotees come on regular Wednesdays, reaching about 120,000 on the First Wednesday of each month.

Weekend Getaway in Islas de Gigantes

PROVINCE OF ILOILO—From afar, the majestic silhouette of Northern Iloilo’s little-known jewel radiates a feeling that somewhat a giant is waiting to be either conquered or explored. Braving the rough sea and the wild clash of the big waves, I managed to set foot at last in this province’s last frontier—Isla de Gigantes—which is brimming with natural wonders ripe for the world to see.

Lodged in the northeastern part of Panay Island, Isla de Gigantes boasts of pristine and raw beaches that are exuding charm and mystery. Legends and folklore immediately speak as I arrived in the island at night. Legends have it that the Gigante Islands are reigned with “giants” way back then, and this is supported with artifacts found in one of its many caves. I didn’t see real giants when I stayed there; what I saw instead are warm people standing tall and proud like a giant with their prized possession: the islands itself.

And this is where I experienced my first solo backpacking trip—in this little-known place and undoubtedly a hidden gem that’s poised to carve its name in tourism circles for its enchanting charm. 

One would surely fall in love with its group of amazing islands like the Cabugao Gamay which is my favorite. Here, you can climb in a rocky hill where you’ll have a fantastic vista of the whole island itself. Up there, the sight of fisherfolks resting on midday is a worthwhile experience while witnessing viewing the frantic union of the white sand and the blue-green water. This explodes into white foam as it reaches the shore. 

Traveling Louie on top of the Cabugao Gamay Island in Isla de Gigantes, Carles, Northern Iloilo.

Shot First, Eat Later: A Taste of LA Cafe

The usual traffic woes when you're in Metro Manila would surely bore you to death. Imagine this: it's 8:30 in the evening, and you still haven't eaten your dinner and you find yourself in the middle of a worst Friday Night rush hour. From the City of Manila, we traveled north, specifically in Quezon City, where it took us one hour and 15 minutes to drive--too far from the usual 30 minutes without the annoying traffic.

But never mind because I found out later that we were in for a real treat.

Our group chose to dine in probably one of the best restaurants I've been to: A Taste of LA Cafe. Located specifically in Roces Avenue. cor. Tomas Morato, Quezon City, this restaurant boasts of mouth-watering menu that had left me in eternal craving.

Appreciating History in Manila American Cemetery

Marble crosses standing silently amidst a well-manicured lawn greeted me upon entering a solemn gate east of Manila. Away from the annoying noise of the urban jungle, this place had become a shrine that reflected the deep historical ties that the Philippines and the United States share.

Having visited Metro Manila for many times now, I wonder if there are still known places I’ve never been to and it turned out that there are still places that ordinary vagabonds wouldn’t probably do: visiting memorials and cemeteries.

Located in Fort Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial resonates with solemnity. It is the largest cemetery site administered by the United States Government judging by the number of graves and of those missing whose names are recorded in the walls of the memorial.

Falling in love with Dahican

It was high noon when I arrived in the sun-kissed Dahican in the City of Mati in the picturesque province of Davao Oriental. The seven-kilometer shoreline bleeds with awesomeness and offers charm that will detach you from the hustle of the metro.

PARADISE would be a perfect word to describe Dahican in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines.

Wandering in Baní Falls in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato

The moment we started walking after that one-hour bus ride from Davao City that took us to the picturesque side of the Davao-Bukidnon Highway, I said to myself I’m in for a real adventure. It’s Sunday and the sun was on its mightiest, the blue sky hosted scattered clouds amidst a sea of green. Welcome to Arakan Valley, North Cotabato, where hills that seemed manicured greet you upon reaching this place that could only be described as paradise.

Arakan Valley is home to the majestic Baní Falls which, when seen from afar, is oozing with silky white hue that stands out amidst a green foliage. I was told that going there wouldn’t be easy, and it would require a lot of stamina and endurance since the site is abundant with cogon grass and with just few trees standing on its soil. That could only mean you have to walk under the heat of the sun since no shade of trees will give you respite on your long walk heading to Baní Falls. This prompted the Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Foundation to partner with the Bagobo tribe to come up with a greenhouse nursery, just one of the first steps in the reforestation efforts in that part of Arakan valley.

The 100-meter Bani Falls in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato