Hello dear readers,
I hope you are all doing great this summer (in the Philippines). Hope your water count is consistent because the heat outside is just hell. This week I have decided to go back to the social networking world after 8 months of rest from it (except for WordPress, I still consider this as the best!). I also decided to create a youtube channel. This is my first so please, I need your honest opinion about the clips. Click on the image below to subscribe.
Last March 2014, I had the opportunity to hike 3 Easy-Level mountains. If you want to start a career in hiking, you should definitely try the following treks.
1. Mount Sto. Tomas, Benguet (March 1-2). It is a very easy trek because the trail is actually part of the National Road. The spice of this trek is the cold Benguet air. If you want to leave the crowded Baguio City and want to try something new, wake up early and take the challenge.
Unforgettable personal experience: My cousin Jared and I had to take a rest. Since it is a national road, we sat in front of a stranger’s house, on the floor like some teenage Nomads, opened a canned tuna and soda crackers, and talked about larger than life topics. People passing at us were smiling as we invite them to sit and eat with us. (We also hitchhiked downhill. It was Jared’s first hitchhiking experience)
2-3. Mount Manalmon and Mount Gola, Bulacan. (March 8)– 2 mountains in 1 day? Possible? Yes it is. We actually booked a package under Trippy Travel. It is very cheap. The package includes a trip to Mount Manalmon, but my Dad decided to explore another mountain called Mount Gola. We just have to pay an extra amount of money for the guide. But everything is worth it. (If you want to try it out, go check Tippy Travel’s website at http://www.trippytravel.com/events/mt-manalmon-madlum-river-bayukbok-cave-adventure/ )
3 Unforgettable Personal Experience:
1. Since it is a package trip, we have to share the experience with other people. But this time, it is an experience worth sharing for. A bunch of yuppies were traveling with us and I enjoyed every minute I was with with them. The tour guides were not just guides but a bunch of big brothers willing to protect and guide the flock.
2. Any mountain, for me, is a huge spiritual object. It connects my spirit with nature, literally and figuratively. The feeling that the mountain gives you no matter how cold or hot the weather is will just heal your soul. During my trek, my dad and I had a heart to heart talk. We don’t usually have these kind of talks but the mountain opened doors for it to happen.
Last year, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. It was also the season when my Dad is preparing for a trek to Mount Pulag. We were all devastated. My dad associated that low season to mountain climbing. From that day on, he stopped hiking. He was traumatized. I guess this is the irrational stuff that depression gives us. I can’t blame him.
I didn’t know. I have regarded my dad as a tough guy with no soft spots. But this is quite a revelation for me.
While walking downhill, my dad suddenly told me that it was difficult for him to start climbing again. Because every mountain reminds him of my grandma’s cancer season (Thank God Grandma is now ok). But everything is ok now and the mountain, whom he once despised is now his friend again, and probably his healer. Mount Manalmon and Mount Gola is the 3rd and 4th mountain he climbed this year. 2 weeks ago, he climbed his 5th and as I write this post, he is planning for his 6th. I am waiting for his plans to hike Mount Pulag.
3. To start the Mount Manalmon trek, you should pass Madlum River. You have 2 choices: take the raft with zero level of difficulty OR take the monkey bridge with an infinite level of difficulty. Of course, life is short so I took the Monkey Bridge. It is a death defying act. It is a rope-walking thing without any harnesses or safety gears. Those are the moments when you are completely alive, without giving a damn if it is your last.
*Special thanks to Ace and his team for organizing this trek. Check out http://www.trippytravel.com
I am alone again after bidding farewell to the beautiful people of Brunei. I bought my ferry ticket to Labuan, Malaysia and took a seat. On my right are a couple of French-looking backpackers. The Korean tourists arrived in their usual bus. It was packed with retiring couples. That moment, I promised myself not to wait for my retirement to travel the world.
After a couple of minutes, I saw this mid-30 guy wearing a brown shirt and a shorts. He is Filipino looking but still having second thoughts because Malaysians and Brueneians look like Filipinos. But I would love to meet another Filipino in my journey in Kota Kinabalu.
When the gates to the immigration opened, the guy walked towards the queue to the Foreign Passport Counter. He walks really fast as if he’s rushing on something. He handed his passport to the officer and I saw the gold Filipino seal. I grinned. “I must meet this guy”
After passing the usual hostility of immigration officers, I stalked the guy and finally found a seat next to him in the ferry.
“Hi there. Are you a Filipino?”, I double checked.
“Yes, I am”, he answered while gasping. As I’ve said, he walks really fast.
I introduced myself, my travel plans, couchsurfing, and the usual introduction stuff.
“I am Anthony. I am working in Kota Kinabalu. I’ve been working there for 3 years now. I am originally from Manila”. Anthony is a soft-spoken man and a man of mystery, but his humility and his willingness to help is very evident. I forgot to ask about his work in Kota Kinabalu since he failed to mention it in his stories.
After an hour of relaxing ferry ride, we docked in Labuan, Malaysia. I told Anthony to help me find a simcard in order for me to contact my couchsurfing host in Kota Kinabalu. He told me that it is easier to acquire a simcard in Malaysia than in Brunei. He took me to this corner store and I bought the Hotlink sim card which is a sister company of our very own Globe Telecoms.
At lunch time, Anthony brought me to a hole in the wall serving local cuisines. When we were about to pay, Anthony insisted on treating me. That’s my first meal in Malaysia. And I am just happy that I gained another friend in the form of a Filipino stranger.
*I will be using pseudo-names for the privacy of the people I met in Brunei*
My cellphone alarm started screaming at me around 6am. I still can’t believe I am in Brunei crashing my first ever foreign couch. Although I am still terribly sleepy after a midnight flight, I really need to get up. I don’t want to look like a lazy head in front of Angel (my host) and her flat-mates which are all couchsurfers.
The moment I woke up, I took a cold shower and dressed up for travel. I only have a day to explore the country so I need to maximize my time. After a couple of minutes, a German guy went out of his room. It feels awkward at first because I am not sure if Angel told them that she’ll be hosting a couchsurfer for the night. What am I going to say? Do they know I am here? Are they expecting me too? But the ice was broken so quickly as Christian smiled at me and introduced himself.
“Hey! You must be Darby. I am Christian.”
“Hello Christian. Nice to meet you. I’m sorry for crashing your couch”
“No problem! I am a couchsurfer myself. Just feel at home and pretend that everything here is yours” he said while slicing a German bread and spreading jam on it.
“That’s awesome. So, what are you doing in Brunei?”
“I am studying Islamic Studies”
“Wow. So are you a Muslim?
“No. But it is very relevant for me since there are lots of Muslims in Germany”
“I see. So how long have you been here in Brunei?”
“6 months. You want some bread?”
“No. I am all set”, I lied. I am hungry that moment.
“Actually, I stayed in the Philippines for quite some time”, he said while munching his breakfast.
“No way!”
“Yes. I stayed in Samar but that was before the great typhoon. I volunteered there. The typhoon was terrible!”
“It is terrible. The rehabilitation is till on going. Unfortunately I haven’t been in that part of Visayas. I’d love to volunteer someday”
“Yes you should. There are loads of volunteer opportunities there, be it long term or short term.”
While we were talking, another guy went out of his room. I said hi, shook his hands and introduced myself. But the guy is still rubbing his eyes, still having a sleep hangover or probably hallucinating after a long sleep. You know those days.
“What are you doing here?” he asked with a bit of confusion. Then he realized I am Angel’s couchsurfer. “Oh I am sorry. I thought you are my other friend. You really look like him. I am Amir.”
“Its ok Amir! Your couch is awesome”, I said.
“Darby, Angel have work today. She cant take you around. Fortunately, today is my day off so I can drive you around the city”, Amir said.
“You are in good hands, Darby” said Christian.
“Oh stop it Chris!” Amir said while trying to kick Christian.
“Oh by the way, I am not bringing an extra pants, is it ok if I enter the mosques with my shorts?”, I asked.
“Ooops. I’m sorry. You cant. You have a tattoo on your ankle”,said Amir while thinking a way on how to go about it. Amir is Muslim.
“I have a Pajama though”, I said. Both of the guys laughed. I wondered why. In fact, I have brought a Pajama in order for me to travel comfortably.
“Aha! I have an idea”, Chris said while running to his room. After a couple of seconds, he was bringing a pair of pants and a belt. “Here. You can use this for today”
“This is awesome Chris!”, I said. I am a bit worried at first because my legs are too small for a German guy’s pants. But I am glad it was a perfect fit. I still consider it a mystery.
After the stress about the shorts, pajamas and pants, Amir excused himself for a shower while Chris went to his room to finish his breakfast. I went back to the couch and prepared myself for my travel with Amir.
We should have stayed here longer. I love Camiguin’s nature and all, but if I will come back, I will just spend a lot of time here.
“Call the Magnum Shuttle operator” said Mikoy as he handed me his iPhone 5 to show the phone number.
It was 1:30pm and we have to catch the 2pm shuttle in Cagayan de Oro. We are still in Bukidnon. If we miss the 2pm shuttle, we will be forced to hire a taxi for an expensive deal..or worse, we will miss our 4pm flight.
Everybody was tensed. Mikoy drives swiftly for us to beat the time. The girls at the back are a bit dizzy. I’m worried about missing the flight because I have experienced it before. Too much hassle.
I dialed the phone and gave it to Ate Penny.
“Maam, can we ask for a 5 minute extension before you leave at 2pm? We still have 2 passengers with us. We were caught in the traffic”, said ate Penny in Bisaya.
“What did she say?” I asked.
“Negative. They can’t wait for us.”, she answered.
“They can’t wait for just 5 minutes?”, Mikoy asked.
“They can’t. I tried my best.”
It’s 2’oclock when we arrived at the city proper.
“I’ll try to call..”, said Mikoy. They talked. He negotiated. But still negative. But we all decided to take the risk and still go to the shuttle operator.
When we arrived, we realized that the shuttles are on the other side of the road and if we will take a u-turn, we will be trapped with the Cagayan de Oro’s heavy Christmas season traffic. Mikoy parked his car in front of the shuttle hub and we crossed the street as we climbed the elevated thoroughfare.
Then we finally arrived. That was 2:10pm,
I don’t know but a miracle just happened. Because of the traffic, the 2pm shuttle failed to go out on the highway giving us the opportunity to ride it. There were no formal goodbyes and hugs with the awesome Cagayan de Oro’s Couchsurfers because we were rushing to ride the almost ready to go shuttle bus. Just like in the movies, we just waved our goodbyes at the semi tinted backseat mirror as the shuttle bus was able to enter the traffic jam. That was close. But the tension doesn’t end there. It’s already 2:15 and we still have to travel an hour away from Cagayan de Oro to Laginduingan Airport. We need to be there at exactly 3:15 for our 4pm flight.
The shuttle is running slow.
“This is way freakier than my zip line ride in Bukidon”, said Jogs.
“I know right. I’ve been in this situation before and I can’t afford to miss the flight again”, I answered.
I opened my GPS and realized that it is impossible for us to reach the airport on time.
“This is bad.. We will book the 5pm Cebu Pacific flight if we miss ours” I said. “It’s a chance flight”.
“Worst case scenario!” said Jogs.
But another miracle happened. The shuttle suddenly became swifter as ever. We arrived at the airport 6 minutes before the check in counter closes.
Safe and sound. But yes, it was freakier than the zip line ride.
I love this year. Its probably the most traveled year I had ever since I was born. And I can proudly say that because of these travels, I have become a better man and a better human.
February 8-10, 2013 – The Weekenders
A – Pampanga – Starting Point
B- Makati City – Brasilipinas– A Brazilian themed party held at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City. We all had fun and probably deep inside us we can all shout “PUTANG INA, SOBRANG SAYA!!!” Cheers to CS Manila!
C. Lipa City, Batangas- Ate the best Lomi ever. We were hosted by our Italy-based friend, Oyo.
D. Tagaytay City (Taal) – Saw the Philippines’ “Lake in a Volcano in a lake”
E. Binondo and Intramuros, Manila- Celebrated the Chinese New Year and ate some frog legs with the couchsurfers in Manila. Delish!
February 21-24, 2013- The Impromptu North Luzon Travel
A. Pampanga – Starting Point
B. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
C. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte – Experienced the beauty of the North and the best homestay ever.
D. Bangui, Ilocos Norte – The windmills are just awesome (and I am awesome for wearing a boxers while traveling)
E. Burgos, Ilocos Norte- Help! Im running out of adjectives!!!
F. Paoay, Ilocos Norte – Just like in the postcards.
G. Vigan, Ilocos Sur- A taste of the past.
H. Baguio City – witnessed my first Flower Festival or commonly known as the Panagbenga Festival.
March 22-29, 2013 – The Holy Week Adventure in Central Visayas
A. Cebu City – Starting Point. Couchsurfed @ Tsari’s Place
B. Dumaguete City – Toured around Siliman University and ate at Sans Rival Restaurant.
C. Siquijor City- Experienced brownout at night at the mystical island of Siquijor. Creepy? Nah! Hosted by the Abing Family.
D. Just passing by Dumaguete again
E. Oslob, Cebu – Whalesharks!
F. Carcar, Cebu – The heritage town of the province of Cebu
G. Cebu City- attended a seminar on Social Media and Website Making
H. Badian, Cebu – an extreme spiritual retreat at Terra Manna Camping resort
September 22-25, 2013 – The Birthday Trip in Vietnam
A. Hanoi Vietnam – Starting Point
B. Trang An, Ninh Binh Province – Paddled, Prayed and ate a goat..
C. Bai Dinh Temple – The largest temple in North Vietnam
D. Hanoi, Vietnam – traveled around the city and had the chance to spend it with the beautiful people of Hanoi.
December 6-9, 2013 – Being Complete in Bicol (Yep, Im a quarter Bicolano)!
A. Pampanga – Starting Point
B. Naga and Pili, Camarines Sur – Wild sports, spicy foods and very generous hosts– special mention: Kha and Jeson of CS Naga.
C. Ligao, Camalig, Cagsawa, and Legazpi, Albay – Extreme food trip, Brilliant Sites and awesome CSers– Special Mention: Julie and Jopz of CS Albay.
December 14-17, 2013 – The North Mindanao Trip, Last for the year.
A. Manila – Starting Point
B. Camiguin – Too bad there were no lanzones during that time.
C. Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental – Nightlife at its finest with CDO couchsurfers
D. Bukidnon – getting lost in the pineapple maze is worth it!
Short travels:
A. Ratha Yatra Festival, UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (February 2, 2013)
B. Ermita Church, Manila (March 2, 2013) – during the feeding program of CS Manila
C. Visita Iglesia in Pampanga (March 14, 2013)
D. Potipot Island, Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines (August 7-8, 2013)
That’s it for me this year. Hope you were able to enjoy the pictures the way I enjoyed them. If you are from the Philippines and Vietnam, what are you waiting for, our countries are really SOMETHING! If you are outside the aforementioned countries, come and visit us.
Happy New Year and lets welcome 2014 with a blast!
Pampanga, my hometown, is known as the culinary capital of the country. I have to agree that the food in Pampanga is undoubtedly tasty and delicious. But for a local of the town, you can’t stop me in searching for an alternate culinary capital– and that is Bicol. I am a bit bias because I am a quarter Bicolano. And here’s my Anthony Bourdain slash Biyahe ni Drew culinary experience in Bicol:
Biggs Diner is the largest fast food chain in the Bicol Region. They are everywhere. I love 50s themed diners as much as I love pubs so Bicol is basically heaven for me. During my 4-day stay in Bicol, I had the chance to try 3 branches– Naga City, Albay and Embarcadero. I also had the chance to enjoy the experience with amazing people I met along the way. Vintage cameras are everywhere as well..
BIGG’S NAGA (with Kuya Jeson)
BIGG’S OLD ALBAY (with Ate Jules and Jopz)
BIGG’S EMBARCADERO (with Ate Thet)
—-
When you are in Naga, don’t miss the Laing Pizza at Camsur Watersports Complex. Spicy. Tasty. Heavenly. Crunchy. A bit Fishy.
My host, Kuya Jeson bought some rice-based delicacies well known in Naga.
I also had a love affair with the famous soup dish in Naga…the Kinalas.
Bicol is the spice hub of the country. You should definitely try the Sili Ice Cream here:
…and the Rice Coffee Ice Cream..
and the Pili Ice Cream.
Our lunch in Let’s Pinangat is also an unforgettable one..
INGAT PINANGAT!
Street foods in Legazpi, Albay.. “The Hepa Lane” haha
There you have it… and I repeat.. Bicol is my alternate culinary capital!
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