Laiban Quatro

One of the newest hiking destination in Tanay, Rizal, "Laiban Quatro" refers to the four attractions which includes 3 peaks and a series of waterfalls situated in Laiban, Tanay. It is composed of Ngusong Kabayo (2050 ft) which is the most famous among the peaks, it was named as such because the shape resembles that of a horse's snout, some rock scrambling is required in order to reach the top. Then there is also Lubo Peak (1600 ft), Mt Tangwa (2050 ft) and the 4 majestic waterfalls that are the main highlight of the trail. The waterfalls offer a challenge in itself as some would require clinging to a rope in order to ascend or descend. 

Like any mountains in Rizal, the trails are composed of open grassland which is almost identical to Maynoba and Batolusong were both limestone and Karst formation are abundant, but the main highlight of the trail are the waterfalls. In good weather condition there is also a big possibility that one can witness the Sea of Clouds in Laiban. Some portions of the trail have also the presence of the notorious blood-sucking limatiks, thus one is advised to be aware at all times.

How to Get There:

1. From Cubao, ride a jeep bound for Tanay.

2. From Tanay one has to ride a monster jeep in order to reach the jump off point in Sitio Mayagay, Bgy. Sampaloc, Tanay

3. Register in Brgy. Laiban 

***The following pictures were shared to me by John Sarco, thus it was based on his pictures and narration that this write-up was made.

Lomihan sa Madalumot

After our Taal Volcano tour, we've decided to have a taste of authentic Lomi which is among the specialty in the province of Batangas. After driving several hours and passing several makeshift carenderias, we came across "Lomihan sa Madalumot" which was established in 2002 and is located along Calaca hi-way.

The place is a picture of simplicity yet they serve one of the most awesome Lomi there is. To give a simple background, Lomi is a popular Filipino dish particularly in the province of Batangas where it is believed to have originated.  It is made with a variety of thick fresh egg noodles which is about a quarter of an inch in diameter.

The resto offer several variances that are available to choose from which includes: Seafood, Chicken, Sisig, Pork, and Lomi Overload to name a few and they also serve other dishes such as burgers and sisig. 

The price is affordable with a huge amount of serving and it was generously garnished with ingredients.

Rating: 7/10

The Importance of Running

Since the dawn of time, running is considered to be one of the oldest and most complete exercise a human can do. It was used to measure the stamina making it among the most traditional and ancient discipline that is included in the Olympics. Because of its simplicity, it is the best cardiovascular exercise where it makes your whole body work, thus making your heart beats faster. According to HealthStatus.com an hour of moderate running burns half again as many calories as an hour of vigorous weightlifting. By this metric, running is superior as an exercise for weight loss than most, if not all, resistance workouts. 

According to Men's Health Magazine, running can raise the levels of good cholesterol while also helping increase the lung function and use. In addition, it can also boost the immune system and increase the overall level of health. When done on a regular basis, running is a great way to increase the stamina, agility, while also giving a runner a well-toned body and tremendous shape.

Contrary to popular belief, it may seem that when an individual runs, he only works the lower part of his body (glutes, hamstring, ankle, knee, hips, quadriceps) but in reality running actually requires the whole movement of several parts of the body which also includes the arms, shoulders, wrists, abdomens and many more.

I don't consider myself as a runner because I don't run religiously, but I can run between 15 to 32km on any given day (average speed of 6m20s per/km) even without warm up. As a hiker and an athlete, I use running to prepare myself for upcoming hikes, most especially for cross-country hikes where it requires endurance and lots of patience.

Photo was taken at PCARRD-DOST Rd., Los Banos, Laguna

20.1 km run

25.2 km run

32.1 km run

35.1 km run

***It is important to warm up before running so that you can prepare all the muscles and tendons involved with the activity that you are about to perform or develop. Warm up the toes, feet, legs and stretching your self is an acceptable way of warming up. 

Baguio Bell Church

One of the hidden jewels in Baguio City that is truly a remarkable landmark, the Bell Church is a Taoist temple which is intricately designed with Chinese architecture where buildings are adorned with flags, bells, statues of traditional Chinese warriors and dragons. There werw also pagodas and designed arches surrounded by well maintained landscaped gardens. It is located at the boundary of Baguio City before La Trinidad.

My visit to  Bell church was actually a side trip from my Mt. Timbak day hike, it is a nice place to find solitude since the whole place is solemn. The first thing I noticed when I entered the temple was the concrete stairs with vertical white wall written with Chinese inscriptions, I have no idea what it means but I guess they are names of people with great importance. There is also a koi pond where people make a wish. As I enter the main temple, one can joss burning incense stick to several Taoist entities. It is also requested that you don’t take any pictures out of respect inside the temple.

How to Get There:

From Baguio City, ride a jeepney bound for La Trinidad and tell the driver to drop you off at the Bell Church.

** I joined an event organized by Laagan Outdoors