Mt Daraitan Traverse to Tinipak River

Mt Daraitan is situated between the borders of Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon which stands at 2300ft above sea level. This mountain offers several ecotourism and outdoor attractions such as mountains, caves, springs and limestone formations making it a gem at the heart of Sierra Madre. Mt Daraitan is also surrounded by Tinipak River which is one of the country’s cleanest, free-flowing rivers, which are then surrounded by large marble rocks that are great for bouldering.

Mt Daraitan is great place to hike most especially to those who are introduced to hiking. The trail is steep but very established with a total of 1620ft altitude gain equivalent to 1.49km distance from jump off to summit, and I was able to reach the summit in 1h5m. Those who will reach the summit will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the province of Rizal. It is also a vantage point for witnessing the sea of clouds but unfortunately we did not have the chance to witness it, yet still thankful that we had a nice clearing. The trek is usually a traverse to the "Heart Peak" which then descends to "Tinipak River" for an elevation loss of 1730ft and a total of 5.5km passing through limestones and karst formations which may become slippery during rainy season.

As viewed from the Heart Peak

The limestone formation at the summit

The blogger at the summit

Heart Peak

Sierra Madre Mountain Range

Tinipak River offers a dramatic marble rock formations, which makes this gem a perfect getaway for the weekend. It is located in between boundaries of Barangay Daraitan in Rizal and General Nakar in Quezon Province and is considered the cleanest inland body of water in Region IV.

One of the iconic Marble/Rock formation

Ice cold water of Tinipak River

Tinipak River

Rock Formations

Marble and limestones

How to Get There:

1.) Ride a jeepney from EDSA-Shaw to Tanay, Rizal

2.) Take jeep to Sampaloc

3.) From Sampaloc, Tanay. Take tricycle to Brgy. Daraitan

The Historic Island of Corregidor

Located about 48 km. of Manila (inland), the word Corregidor comes from the Spanish word “corregir,” which means to correct. According to some historians, during the Spanish time all ships that enters Manila Bay were required to stop and have their documents checked and corrected, the island was called then called “Isla del Corregidor” (Island of the Correction). Another version claims that the island was used as a penitentiary or correctional institution by the Spanish and came to be called “El Corregidor” or Mile-Long Barracks. Corregidor Island is flanked by several islands (Caballo islands, Carabao Island and El Fraile Island) that formed the harbor defenses of Manila.

Contrary to popular belief, Corregidor is actually a part of Cavite with a size of 5 sq. km. that is shaped like a tadpole and the highest elevation of the island is about 650ft above sea level. Corregidor was fortified with several artillery and ammunition magazines to defend the entrance of Manila Bay and the City of Manila from attacks by enemy warships. 

During World War II, Corregidor played an important role during the invasion and liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces. It was actually the second most heavily bombarded island next to Malta. The ruins left on the island serve as a military memorial to American, Filipino and Japanese soldiers who served and lost their lives on the island. 

There are several point of interest inside Corregidor among which are: Pacific War Memorial, numerous gunneries, Ruins, and the Malinta Tunnel, which served as a supply depot, hospital and MacArthur’s headquarters.

Corregidor tour is indeed a must for every Filipino. It is an effective reminder of the sacrifices of soldiers who fought for our freedom.

How to Get There:
1.) The best and most efficient way of going to Corregidor is thru a group tour.
2.) Go to the Esplanade Seaside Terminal located near MOA, you can book a tour at Sun Cruise, tour also includes a buffet meal..

Bato Springs

Located in San Pablo City in Laguna, Bato Springs is often described as a resort amidst in the middle of a jungle which makes it truly one of a kind. According to the locals, it was originally a series of flowing river and spring which came from Mt. Banahaw. It was then developed into a resort in 1981 together with its unique artificial waterfalls and river-fed cold swimming pools.

Because of its proximity from Manila (2-hour drive without traffic), Bato Springs has become a perfect getaway, especially during summer because of its crystal clear and refreshingly cold water making it an ideal retreat at an affordable price and commune with nature at the same time.

Selfie is life most especially if you are a lone traveller

Tents are also available for rent

How to Get There:

1. From San Pablo City (Cathedral)

2. Ride a tricycle to Goldilocks, or you can walk (jeepney terminal bound to Brgy. Cristobal).

3. Ride a jeepney going to San Cristobal. 

4. Tell the driver to drop you at Bato Springs (You still have to walk several meters).

Fantasy World

Fantasy World was an unfinished theme park located in Lemery, Batangas. The location was so ideal for medieval inspired theme wherein a castle sits atop a hill that overlooks greenland pastures and ridges. It was built with colorful walls which perfectly blend to the surrounding greenery. The stalwart structure seems to transport you back in the middle ages, it was definitely grand and could have been the Disneyland of the Philippines. But due to bankruptcy and lack of funds, the construction was halted, and to this day it still remained a fantasy.

The once colorful facade are slowly fading. Interior paint are slowly peeling from the walls of its unfinished rooms. The rides which were never used, lays dormant to this day with no hope of moving even it's first journey.

Eventhough the themed park never became operational, one can still enjoy explore and take pictures inside the whole place. Over the years, it has also become a favorite shooting place for TV shows like Majika (GMA7) and movies like Got to Believe and Fantastica. 

Mt Maculot can be seen from afar

Photo Credits: Amor Cabasan

Photo Credits: Amor Cabasan

How to Get There:
1. From LRT-Buendia ride a bus bound for Nasugbu. Tell the conductor to drop you off at the “Boundary.” It refers to the Cavite-Batangas boundary.
2. At the boundary, ride a jeepney bound for Lemery and tell the driver to drop you off in front of Fantasy World. If there are no jeepneys, you can take a tricycle.

***I joined an event organized by John Sarco which is part of our hike to Taal via Tabaro trail.

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/ 

Art In Island 3D Museum

As an artist myself, I know what looks good and not, and what is a masterpiece. So, when I learned about Art in Island, I immediately paid it a visit last April to check the jaw-dropping paintings that could turn the artistic side in you.

Art In Island Museum is located in 15th Ave. Cubao, Quezon City. It is a 3D museum where guests and visitors are invited to interact and “BE PART OF ART”.  It is actually the largest 3D interactive museum in Asia, with several hundred hand-painted attractions distributed into several themed-zones where guests can take photos as much as they want.

• Aquatic Adventures (underwater zone)
• Journey to the Jungle (animal zone)
• Winter Wonderland (Christmas zone)
• Religious (religious zone)
• Ancient Times Dungeon (central hall)
• Mysterious Walls (fantasy zone)

According to the museum staff, Art In Island was founded by Yun Jae Kyoung together with a team of several Korean painters who were called to do the project. The museum had more than 200 masterpieces which include bridges, mountains, animals, Egyptian ruins, Garden of Eden, Time Magazine and even a depiction of the North Pole all of which are 3D paintings. The paintings creates an illusion of depths and liveness which is perfect for Filipinos’ penchant with taking selfies and sharing them on Social media just like me.

There is also a 3D mapping presentation which depicts "The biblical creation, the great flood, Christianity up to the time period of missionaries and conquistadors which is the main highlight of the museum.

Some of the house rules that one must follow:
1. No shoes allowed
2. You can take pictures, but flash is not allowed

Hirap tlaga pag solo ka, hanggang selfie ka nlang.

Random kids that I took pictures of

How to Get There:

1. Go to Cubao, this is actually at the back of Araneta Center.

2. 175 15th Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines 1109