Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay)

"Pico de Loro" also known as "Parrot's beak is located in the mountain ranges of Mt. Palay-Palay in Ternate, Maragondon (Cavite) and Nasugbu (Batangas). It is the highest elevation in the whole province of Cavite with an altitude of 2,178 ft. above sea level.

Pico de Loro was first named by Spanish sea-farers which means "Parrot's Beak" as its pointed summit (monolith) resembles the shape of a parrot's beak from afar and  is commonly used as a signal by sea-farers to turn east to get to Manila Bay.

The jump off point starts from the DENR registration office in Ternate which passes a forested area and river crossing that resembles Mt. Makiling (UPLB trail). The first part of the hike is a gradual ascent until a rope segment, it only becomes steep after the tower deck towards the camp site. Once on the campsite a steep ascent of 200 feet will lead you through a rock portion before the summit that gives a 360 degrees view on a clear day which includes: the Monolith, Ternate Beach, the province Cavite and the town of Nasugbu.

Since it was raining hard we when we hiked, the Monolith was just a glorious shadow of what I expect it to be, it was almost zero visibility making it like a silhouette from afar. My plans of a picturesque view did not come into fruition because of the annoying Monsoon Rain, and I was so disappointed.

** PS** Contrary to popular belief, only the Monolith is closed due to the cracks, thus hikers are not allowed to scale it upward.  The whole Pico de Loro park is open to the public.

Guides are optional and you can do the whole trail in 2 hours (depends on the pacing.).

How to Get There:

1. From Coastal Mall, you can ride a bus bound to Ternate.

2. Once in Ternate you can hire a trike, tell the driver to drop you off in DENR. (250 to 300 for one way).
3. I Joined an event organized by the Salvation Mountaineers 

Real Beach: Surfer's Paradise near the Metro

The coastline of Real beach does not have white sand but rather it is composed of grayish sand, rock formations and pebbled stones that can be seen along the shoreline. What makes it special are the waves that are ideal for surfers making it the nearest surfing destination from Metro Manila which is only 2 to 3 hours of travel. The waves are ideal for beginners and all surfer levels which are usually 2 to 4 feet and not  far from the shoreline making it a nice place to learn surfing.

It was mid day when we arrived at a certain resort in Real, Quezon. The water was almost calm and no waves or splurges of water making it not ideal for surfing, thus no surfers was in sight during that time. Local says that early morning or late afternoon is the most ideal time to surf.

Several resorts and recreation centers offers surfing board for rent and tutorial.

How to Get There:
1. If you are planning to go to Real, you can ride buses bound to Infanta, Quezon. Then alight at Real.

Roadtrip to Real, Quezon

Real, Quezon is located in the Sierra Madre ranges of Eastern Luzon which is the shortest route from the Metro to reach the Pacific. Driving requires through a winding road of rolling terrains which passes hills, forest and greenery that leads to a coastal area which directly faces the Pacific Ocean.

The picturesque countryside beauty of Real's coastline was on full display as we drove to Balagbag Falls. The stunning views of the rugged rock formation similar to that of San Juan beach in La Union and the pebbled stoned beach which is similar to that of Lobo Beach in Batangas made us stop at various points along the coastline of Real-Mauban Road to take some pictures.

It may not have white sand beaches but it offers a whole lot of other attractions which includes: white water rafting, falls, surfing and of course the affordable seafood which are readily available along the highway "Talipapa" (wet market). Some stores offers "Paluto" (they will cook your fish/seafood) to any dish of your choice.

Real Quezon: Facing the Pacific Ocean

The Food: 

Grilled Bagis

Fried Samaral

Sinigang na Samaral

Palos

How to Get There:

1. If you are planning to go to Real, you can ride buses bound to Infanta, Quezon. Then alight at Real.

The Picturesque Batanes Island

My sister who had a vacation tour in Batanes shared her own experience with regards to the paradise like setting of the place, culture and people. Thus, it was based on her pictures that this writeup was made.

Batanes is an archipelago province located in the northernmost part of the Philippines. It is also the smallest, both in population and land area. The capital is Basco located in the island of Batan and the native inhabitants are the tourist-friendly Ivatan people.

According to her, the whole place is composed of lush and green vegetation composed of rolling hills and terrains that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The shoreline is composed of long stretch of fine grain white sand beach along the coastline with rock formations and lighthouse that creates a picturesque view, it is truly a sight to behold. "Stone houses" are also a common sight- built to withstand storms and typhoons most especially that the island lies in the typhoon prone location.

Some of the must see places in Batanes are: Marlboro Hills, Spanish Lagoon, Chamantad-Tinyan View Point, Beaterio House in Sabtang Island,Mahatao View Deck, Mahayaw Arch, Morong Beach, and Valugan Boulder Beach.

How to Get There:

1. Travel promos are available in Metro Deal

Mt. Pingas

Located in the town of Pakil, the eastern portion of Laguna lies Mt. Pingas which is situated in the ranges of Sierra Madre mountain. The peak is about 1650 ft. above sea level with an ascent of about 1100 ft. from the jump off point with several 45 degrees slope that passes through a cemented road and shady path. After a 900 ft. ascent through a pavement road, one will reach the arc that leads to the site of Mt. Pingas' Holy Cross which consists of 250 steps. 

Upon reaching the viewing deck,  one will be rewarded with clear view of Mt Tagapo, Jala Jala Penisunsla, Mt Sembrano, Laguna de Bay, the sprawling rural community of Pakil and the broad rice fields. The landscape is fascinating, indeed a panoramic beauty and grandeur.

To explain the history more, they have placed plaques made of marble, with the story engraved on it. I've rephrase what the inscription states:

"During the Spanish period around 1671, a Franciscan priest took a vow as a penitent to climb a mountain carrying a wooden cross. Upon his death, the people of Pakil, out of greath respect, put up a wooden cross in this mountain. In the belief that it cures ailments especially asthma, townsfolks cut out (Pingas) small portions of the cross to use as medicine, thus the place then came to be known as Mt Pingas."

How to Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound for Sta. Cruz (Laguna), alight at Pagsawitan.
2. Then ride a jeepney bound for Siniloan, tell the driver to drop you off at Mt. Pingas' jump off which is in the town of Pakil.

Lolo Claro's Restaurant

After our Mt. Palay Palay hiked and Ternate Beach sight seeing we've decided to have a stop over lunch at Lolo Claros Restaurant which is located in Maragondon, Cavite.

They are known for their fried chicken which is comparable to that of a well known restaurant chain which the owner once worked as a manager. He was then inspired to start his own restaurant business and bring the taste of his cooking to the people of Maragondon and all traveler.

Ambiance is not that cozy, no air condition, but the whole place is well ventilated and uniquely inspired. The best part is that our orders did not take too long to arrived,  I ordered their famed fried chicken - not bad, it actually tastes like Max but much affordable. I also ordered "Lumpiang Ubod" - it was great except that the sauce is too sticky, "Halo-Halo" - it was big enough for two, ideal for sharing. 

All in all, it is best value restaurant that you can find in the middle of nowhere, prices are affordable with generous amount of serving. 

Rating:

7 out of 10

Patar Beach (Bolinao)

Bolinao is located in the northwestern most portion of Pangasinan composed of numerous beaches that lies along it's shoreline. Among which is the Patar Beach, where it boast of it's fine grain, creamy white sand and huge splurges of waves suitable for surfing.

The town of Bolinao is a primary tourist destination with numerous places of interest that includes: caves, falls, rock formation and the iconic Patar Light House which stands at 350 feet. It was built in 1903 and is located atop Punta Piedra Point - a towering hill of solid rock that has stood for more than a century of existence.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Bolinao (FiveStar), they have terminals in Cubao and Pasay.

2.) Once in Bolinao, you can then ride a trike bound to Patar Beach.