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

Bakun Trio

One of the hidden gems in the Cordillera region, "Bakun Trio" refers to the three mesmerizing mountains which are situated in the town of Bakun, Benguet and envelopes the Poblacion that also serves as the jump-off point for the three.

Each mountain has a distinct characteristic, trail class, surrounding view and level of difficulty. It is composed of Mt. Lubo which is the highest among the three and is also the easiest to climb. Mt. Tenglawan has the longest trail to reach the summit with it's famous "Carrot Peak", it also have Limatiks in some parts of the trail.  And last but not the least is Mt. Kabunian which is believed to be the home of god "Kabunyan" and for me, this is the most challenging among the three. It requires some serious rock scrambling that resembles "Batangan" of Kibungan making it not suitable for the faint-hearted.

I will blog my detailed write-up for Tenglawan, Kabunian and Lubo next month.

Mt. Lubo (Patulok)

Mt. Kabunian

Mt. Tenglawan

Photo Credits:  Ron Rondubio and Kiko San Luis

***I joined an event organized by Emil Gannod of Laqbai

Naambon Falls

My visit to Naambon Falls was a side-trip from Team Una's: "Summit to Sea" event from the nearby Mt. Daguldol which is located in San Juan, Batangas. I was surprised to know that it is a hidden gem consists of more than a 120 ft. cascade composed of 3 tiered drop through rocks and boulders that feeds a small catch basin. 

The trail that leads to the falls includes a 400 ft. descent from Mt. Daguldol's trail (turn right) where one has to pass through a forested and slippery trail for approximately 30 minutes. From there on, one will reach a stream and a series of boulders which then leads to "Naambon Falls". According to the locals, during summer the falls has hardly any water, thus it was named "Naambon" because the drop during that season is comparable to a drizzle.

***Naambon Falls is actually part of  Team Una's Summit to Sea event which also includes Mt. Daguldol hike and swimming in San Juan Beach.

Mt. Talamitan

Named after the "Talamitan" trees that used to grow in it's mountain slopes. Mt. Talamitan is believed to be a dormant volcano and is usually hike together with the neighboring Mt.Apayang for a twin hike. The first part of the trail passes through a woodland which then passes an open field for grazing cows and goats. Then the last part of the trail is consists of lush grassy fields composed of cogon trails consisting of at least 300 ft. assault to reach the summit.

It has an altitude of 2040 feet above sea level with almost 1400 ft. altitude gain from the jump off to the summit. Considered to be an easy hike which is perfect for beginners but then again, hikers are still encouraged to be cautious as some parts of the trail are steep (almost 60 degrees) and becomes slippery during rainy season. Thus, precaution must be observed at all times.

Since there are no trees present along the mountain trail, one will have to deal with the scorching heat of the sun. It also lacks the cool breeze and strong gushed of wind compared to Mt Batulao, thus it is quite exhausting most especially during the summer season. Nonetheless, the view from the summit is 360 degrees panoramic view of Batangas and Cavite, making it one of the best scenic view near the Metro.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas.

2. Alight in Km. 83 (Brgy. Aga) which is the jump off/registration area.

3. Secure a guide.

***I've visited Mt. Talamitan twice, the first one was a solo hike and my second hike were I joined an event organized by Mark Anthony Odang of Manlalakbay Mountaineers.

Guide: Haries Yu 09360245124