Sip & Gogh

Last April we had our team's engagement activity in Sip & Gogh. At first, I never taught that I would enjoy that activity since I don't have any artistic talent in me, how wrong I was. 

Sip & Gogh is the first-of-its-kind paint and sip studio in the country which started last 2012. It is a perfect place to be with family and friends to socialize, explore hidden talent and enjoy time painting together.. 

For 1000 pesos you will be able to do an artwork while sipping wine or drink the beverage of your choice with some pica-pica cheese, grapes, and crackers. Everything that you need is provided which includes: canvas, paints, brushes, palette, easel, and apron. All you have to do is unleash your artistic side, enthusiasm and of course your creativity. You can also take home your own artwork, so better turn it into a masterpiece (If I only knew earlier, mas mganda sana ginawa ko hehe).

I thank all my teammates in Team Digital and Analytics for this great engagement, and for all the staff who were very kind and attentive in guiding me during the session.

Team Digital Marketing & Analytics

The master preparing for his masterpiece

My simple painting (Cawag Hexa)

Sample artwork that you can copy

Tapos na kmi sa aming mga artwork

For more details, feel free to check their website https://www.sipandgogh.com/ 

Mt Timbak Revisited

I have visited Mt Timbak also known as Mt Singakalsa on two occasions. My first visit was a complete disappointment due to the torrential rains that was brought about by a typhoon that gave the surrounding view a zero visibility, shrouded in fog. Then my recent visit was the exact opposite where I had the chance to witness the 360 surrounding view atop Luzon's third highest peak, something Mt Timbak can proudly offer.

This is definitely one of the easiest hikes among the top 10 highest mountains in the Philippines. It ranks as the third highest peak in Luzon and ninth overall in the country which stands at 8,914ft above sea level.

It is also one of the most accessible mountains in the Cordillera that can be accessed from the Halsema Highway which is the highest road in the Philippines via a public vehicle. But if you have a rented vehicle like our Timbak event where the whole group decided to let the van drove all the way to the school (except for me, I wanted to start from the highway). Trekking time can be lessened by at least an hour if the trek starts in Mangoto Elementary School which also translates to almost 1000ft elevation difference. From there on, one can reach the summit in almost 15 to 20mins depending upon one's pacing which is equal to 505ft altitude gain. 

The trail which leads to the summit is composed of a cemented pathway which then leads to vegetable terraces where the locals grow carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and different flowers as well. This is also considered the highest place in the country where the locals reside near the summit. Mt. Timbak offers one of the most stunning views of the sunset and it offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape which includes Pulag, Ugo, and the Halsema Highway and a chance of Sea of Clouds.

Mt Timbak as seen from the highest Hi-Way in Halsema

The blogger at summit's grotto



Team Buwang (Photo Credit: James Berwin Aluning)

Mt Pulag's Sea of Clouds



Vegetable Terraces



Halsema Highway 

How to Get There;
1. From Baguio City, ride a bus bound for Sagada or Bontoc
2. Alight in KM. 55 (tell the conductor you are going to Mt Timbak (left side, there is a big signage)
3. Once you arrived in Timbak Elementary School, just ask the locals for directions.
4. Be careful not to trample over vegetables, please be courteous when passing by, ask permission first.

***I joined an event organized by Sabin Montero and Team Buwang which is part of our Luzon 3-2 hike that includes Mt Tabayoc and the 4 Mystical Lakes of Kabayan.