Mt. Humarap (Tatlong Krus)

Situated in the eastern part of Laguna which lies in  the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Mt. Humarap is located in the town of Paete - paper mache and wood carving capital of Southern Tagalog. The peak (Tatlong Krus) is about 1020 feet above sea level, gives a clear view of Mt Tagapo, Jala Jala Penisunsla, Mt Sembrano and Laguna de Bay (perhaps that's why it called Mt Humarap - facing Laguna Bay).

The uphill ascent is a minor climb through a forested area with shady paths that is comprised of more or less 700 steps which makes it an easy trail, nonetheless upstairs climbing can be quite exhausting to the legs compared to an actual uphill trek. Just 300 ft before the summit there is a fork leading to Matabungcca Falls with an approximate cascade of 60-70 feet drop, it's a nice sidetrip when you descent from the summit.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz  (DLTB), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Pagsawitan.

3.) Once in Pagsawitan,  You can then ride a jeep to Siniloan (choose those with Paete loob)
4.) You can then walk and start the trek at Brgy Ilaya Norte, just ask the locals if you're in doubt.

Tondol White Beach

Located on the island of Anda in the North Western tip of Pangasinan. Tondol White Beach is the most beautiful beach in the said province, it lies in the stretch of Lingayen gulf on the northern part of the Hundred Islands. It also known as the "Little Boracay of the North" where it is composed of fine grain of white sand, clear and unspoiled waters that offers a paradise like setting. Even with the recent aftermath of typhoon "Lando", it only proves that Tondol Beach is one of the must visit places in Pangasinan.

A nearby island can also be found along Tondol beach,  "Tanduyong Island" which is almost a kilometer away and can be reached by a boat. It takes a minimum of 10 passengers for the boat trip to the island (100 pesos per person). It's just unfortunate that when I visited the place I was the only one around and I could not afford to pay for 10 shares. Some locals said it can also be reached by foot when the tide is low, and in my opinion it is the closest thing to Boracay.

How To Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound to Alaminos City in Pangasinan.
2. Once you are in Alaminos, ride a jeep or mini bus bound to Anda.
3. You can then ride a Trike bound for Tondol Beach.

Twin Falls of Kalayaan

A nice getaway hidden in the heart of Sierra Madre range in Laguna. Kalayaan Twin Falls offers a pristine, fresh water and calm commune with nature. The Pinoy Solo Hiker just learned about the said falls from a fellow traveler whom he met in Bataan, so he decided to visit the place.

There are 5 falls located in the "Twin Falls of Kalayaan" but the twin falls are the two distinct falls. In order to reach the twin falls one would need to do a short trek with a minimal ascent which will pass through a forested area. After a 10 minutes trek, one will reach the first of the two waterfalls - it is a medium-sized falls that fed into a small but deep catch basin with smaller cascades that meandered through a large rocks scattered all over the stream bed. Some huge boulders stranded along the stream gave an indication of past floods that have sculptured the landscape of the place.

The resort is managed by the local barangay office of San, Juan, Kalayaan and a fee of 30 pesos is collected as an environmental fee.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz (DLTB), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Pagsawitan.

3.) Once in Pagsawitan, you can then ride a jeep that will pass the town of  Kalayaan (Siniloan, Paete) alight at the St John the Evagelist Church, there is a signage beside and the hike is about 200mtrs.

Calda Pizza

Established in Cebu City, Calda Pizza has expanded to different parts of the country with a bold claim as the number one Pizza shop in the said city.

Calda Pizza has about twenty seven variance available. Sizes range from 11 inch Regular to a Super at a whopping 36 inches and all prices are very reasonable, a real value for money. I love the generous toppings and the thin crust, most especially that it was served hot, fresh from the oven. It does not leave a greasy taste, making you to crave for more. My wife and I decided to try 2 of their flavors: so we've decided their bestseller which is the Calda's Special (tomato sauce, mozarella, ground beef, ham, salami, onions and green bell pepper).

Overall, I was satisfied because the food is a real value for it's worth; perfect most especially for a large group. Their pizza tastes much better compared to that of Big Guys.

Rating:
7 out of 10

Mt. Batulao

Located at the town of Nasugbu in Batangas lies the beautiful mountain ranges of Mt. Batulao which came from the word "Bato sa Ilaw" or illumined rocks and stands at an altitude of 2450 feet above sea level in the summit. The trail is comprised of rolling terrains between the mountain ridges in an open space of grassland and ravines.

There are three trails for Mt. Batulao: the Old Trail which is an open space composed of ridges and ravines; no trees but offers a picturesque view and of course, the New Trail is composed of woodlands and no ravine yet does not have a great scenery. We've decided to use the Old Trail because we want to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the said mountain, we didn't also have a guide and so we trekked at our own pace. Then there is also the less traveled Toong trail which is a bit challenging than the usual trail and what makes it recommendable is that it does not have syndicated and illegal toll fees from the locals.

In general, Mt. Batulao is a great mountain for beginners because of the breathtaking views that it offers and the beginner-friendly trails that can be easily negotiated. But then again, since there are no trees to cover from the scorching heat of the sun, it becomes a challenge most especially to those who are relatively new to hiking. Along the trail, one will encounter 3 separate rope segments where one has to rappel 70 degrees upward slope. 

Then after 2-3 hours of trekking one will reach the summit which will reward anyone with a refreshing breeze and a 360 degrees view of the surrounding landscape that includes: Tagaytay City, Nasugbu beach, Talisay, South China Sea, Taal Lake, and even Mt Maculot can be seen from afar as well as the neighboring Mt Talamitan.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Nasugbu (DLTB or Jac Liner), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Ever Crest Golf Course.

3.) Once in Ever Crest. You can then ride a trike to the jump-off point (the Pinoy Solo Hiker together with his friends opted to walk approx. 30 mins)

***The locals along the trails of Mt Batulao are notorious for their illegal toll fees making all throughout the trail and I do not condone such actions. I would recommend Batulao via Toong trail instead.