Mt. Manalmon

An ideal getaway to any outdoor enthusiasts looking for an easy day-trip within the proximity of Manila which has a historical value coupled with adventure and great landscapes. It is part of the historical Biak-na-Bato National Park where Emilio Aguinaldo established the "Biak-na-Bato Republic" and made it their headquarters for a time.

Like it's twin peak Mt. Gola, Mt. Manalmon is classified as a minor climb which is very suitable for beginners that are being introduce to hiking. Both mountains shares a common trail on the first part of the hike that passes a cave, grassland and river crossing which is then separated by a river gorge. The left trail leads to Mt. Gola while the right trail leads to Mt. Manalmon.

Even though it stands at only 643 feet above sea level and relatively small for a mountain, but the view on the summit gives a picturesque 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape that includes Madlum River, Mt. Gola, San Miguel and the surrounding towns of Bulacan, even Mt. Arayat can also be seen from afar.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Cabanatuan.

2. Alight in San Miguel, Bulacan (town proper)

3. Ride a trike to Sitio Madlum (DENR Registration)

*** I joined an event orgenized by Adventurous People

Mt. San Isidro

The highest peak in the province of Pangasinan which stands at an altitude of 2450 ft. above sea level, the summit also serves as the Repeater Station for National Grid Corporation. 

The trail leading to the summit is well established and is composed of a cemented pathway on the first part. It eventually becomes a dirt road (it can get muddy during rainy season) which somehow resembles the trails of Tapulao until reaching the summit after 2 to 3 hours of hiking which serves as a repeater station and houses two communication towers. The summit (it is a private property, ask permission before entering the premises) offers a scenic view of Pangasinan, Lingayen Gulf, Sual Power Plant, and even the surrounding nearby mountain ranges.

Lingayen Gulf

The trail resembles Tapulao

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Alaminos, Pangasinan tell the conductor to drop you off in Labrador.

2. Once in Labrador, ride a trike bound for Sitio Kadampat in Brgy. Bolo (you have to ask permission first from National Grid Corporation before going on a hike).

Nayong Pilipino

The "Nayong Pilipino" which means "Filipino Community" in Tagalog language is located in Clark, Pampanga (used to be located in Pasay City). 

It is a cultural theme park that showcases replicas of tourist and historical sites of the country. Different native villages that feature traditional houses such as the Ifugao, Kalinga and Aeta Village can be seen in the park, as well as the lifestyle of the locals in the particular area are also displayed.

Another highlight of the tour is the cultural presentations that showcases the talents of Filipino performers through folk dances and other cultural shows.

How to Get There:

1.) Ride any bus bound to the North, then alight in Dau Terminal (stop-over)

2.) Then ride a jeep bound to Clark

Hot Air Balloon Festival (Clark Field)

The annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is held during the month of February in Clark Field, Pampanga. My sister who attended the aviation festivity shares her account about the said spectacle which is a four-day flying activity, thousands were in attendance who flocked the event. 

According to her, hot air balloons need cool air and cool wind to lift off and the ideal time to see them is around 6AM and the next time of the day is around 6PM. Hot Air Festival is not only limited to hot air ballooning but also includes aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, powered paragliding, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, and balloon bursting.

***The 21st Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival was held every month of February in Clark Field, Pampanga.

La Cosina Antonio

Honestly, I didn't expect that I would find a cozy restaurant in the laid back town of Pila in Laguna. I was only told by a fellow blogger that it was featured in the drama show "A Love to Last". Thus, it sparked my interest to check La Cosina Antonio Restaurant.

Just a brief historical background of Pila- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the town plaza and surrounding ancestral houses a National Historical Landmark on May 17, 2000 by NHI Resolution no. 2, series of 2002. Certain shows was shot in the said town among which are the Amazing Race 2 and it is also a favorite location among ABS CBN's drama shows.

The whole place was refurbished from an old ancestral house, turning it into a restaurant which combines antiquity and elegance giving a classy dining experience to it's diners. Since we were the first customer we enjoyed taking pictures and exploring the place.

We didn't wait that long before our orders got served. I like their Blueberry Cheesecake, not too sweet and it melts in your mouth with the perfect blend of cheese, their "Fresh Lumpia" is also great, it was stuffed with cheese giving it a distinct cheesy taste. The price is very affordable that suits the budget.

Rating:

7 out of 10

Japanese Garden (Laguna)

A memorial park that was built by the Japanese government in 1973 to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died during World War II, thus a Shrine in honor of General Yamashita was also erected inside the park.

One will be greeted by towering trees, flowering plants, open space of grassland once inside the park which is ideal as picnic areas and a mini Pine Forest that gives a Benguet-like setting. A man-made lagoon is the center piece of the park which used to have Kois and Goldfish some years ago but still offers a picturesque view that has become a favorite venue for Prenuptial photo shoot. There are also several cottages that can be used free of charge, ideal for those going on a picnic- food is allowed to be taken in but be sure not to leave your trash behind (some irresponsible visitors doesn't have proper etiquette, please practice leave no trace principle).

Even though the place is no longer beautiful as it used to be, it is still a nice place to commune with nature because of the cool breeze and strong gush of winds that is comparable to Tagaytay. The highest part of the park offers a commanding view of Lake Caliraya and Sierra Madre ranges.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta Cruz, Laguna (DLTB or Greenstar), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.

2.) Alight in Pagsawitan then ride a jeepney that passes Caliraya Lake (Lumot bound jeeps) then tell the driver to drop you off in Japanese Garden.

Mt. Gola

Situated in the historic Biak-na-Bato National Park in Bulacan, Mt. Gola is usually hiked together with it's twin peak Mt. Manalmon. Even though it only stands at 560 feet above sea level yet the summit offers a breath taking view of the surrounding landscape.

The hike is classified as a minor climb which is very suitable for beginners that are being introduce to hiking. Both mountains shares a common trail on the first part of the hike that passes a cave, grassland and river crossing which is then separated by a river gorge. The left trail leads to Mt. Gola while the right trail leads to Mt. Manalmon. The trail of Gola is much steeper compared to that of Manalmon and with more rocky portions, thus rock balancing has become a common sight on the trail.

Upon reaching the summit one will be rewarded with a picturesque view of the surrounding mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, Mt. Manalmon, Madlum River, the towns of Don Remedios and San Miguel, even Mt. Arayat can be seen from afar.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Cabanatuan.

2. Alight in San Miguel, Bulacan (town proper)

3. Ride a trike to Sitio Madlum (DENR Registration)

*** I joined an event orgenized by Adventurous People

Madlum River (Biak na Bato)

Madlum River is located in the historical Biak-na-Bato National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan. The river is centered on a mountain gorge which is almost similar to Tinipak River, Montalban Gorge and Minalungao National Park, all of which lies in Sierra Madre ranges. It is composed of marble rock formations, thus compensating for a truly a remarkable environment that has attracted travelers and thrill seekers alike. 

The water is pristine and clear which is inviting to swimmers, but the main attraction is the "Monkey Bridge" - a bridge where one has to cross by hanging through a rope to reach the other end of the section. Extreme precaution must be observed at all times especially during rainy days where rocks becomes slippery and flash floods does occur which has already claimed several lives in the past.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Cabanatuan.

2. Alight in San Miguel, Bulacan (town proper)

3. Ride a trike to Sitio Madlum (DENR Registration)

*** I joined an event orgenized by Adventurous People