The Historical Bessang Pass

Situated along Route 4, which is now known as the Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur which is considered as the summer capital of the said province by Resolution No. 88 Series of 1993. It also serves as the jump-off point for Mt Namandiraan.

Bessang Pass lies on the southeast side of Langiatan Hill, which reaches a height of 4,000 feet, South of the pass, Mount Namogoian rises to 6,830 feet while the East is Magun Hill at 4,500 feet. The area serves as a gateway to the Cordillera mountains and the city of Baguio. It used to be a stronghold of the Japanese imperial forces under Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, known as the “Tiger of Malaya”. It was part of the triangular defense of General Yamashita in the north which defends the Ifugao-Benguet-Vizcaya borders.  

It once played a huge historical importance in the Philippine history and is considered by many historians as one of the greatest victories won by the Filipinos. The battle initially started on February 1945 and ends on June 14, 1945, which paved the way for the entrapment of Yamashita’s forces in the Cordillera until the general’s surrender in September 1945.

In commemoration for the gallantry of men who lost their lives, a monument was erected which honors the 1,395 USAFIP-NL members who were killed during the battle that was unveiled in the park in 1954. The park also contains pine forests as well as mossy type forests. It is crossed by the Bessang Creek and Matukbo River which provides the water supply for Cervantes and other surrounding communities. The park is also the habitat of several bird species, mammals, and reptiles such as the monitor lizard and different species of snakes.

References:

http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/history-and-culture/1508/battle-of-bessang-pass/

http://manilastandardtoday.com/opinion/columns/to-the-point-by-emil-jurado/268049/battle-of-bessang-pass.html

https://tawidnewsmag.com/2017/06/19/battle-bessang-pass-one-greatest-victories-won-filipinos/

http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/268049

***Special Thanks to Daang Hari Mountaineers (DHAMO) for the event invite which is a nonprofit hike that was a fundraising project for Baby Blue. Thumbs up guys (Sayang wala tayo group picture s Bessang Pass) kya hiindi ko naisama sa blog.

Pinoy Basketball Terminologies

Basketball has been one of the most favorite sports and even pastime in the Philippines. In almost every corner, there are makeshift basketball courts where one can see people playing either with their worn-out shoes, slippers or even barefoot.

As part of a common streetball, there are certain terminologies that players use to describe certain basketball plays or remarks which I'm going to share that I have observed during my years of streetball experience.

1. Agawang Buko - Scramble for rebound most especially on the floor.
2. Ankle Breaker - A very good Cross-Over move that breaks the ankle of the defender.
3. Ala Hoy na Tira (Hail Mary Shot) - a very impossible shot with little chance of getting to the basket.
4. Babad sa Laro - a player who has played several games without any substitution.
5. Bakaw - These are players who doesn't believe they have teammates, thus they take all the shots. In simple language, they are greedy players "hog ball".
6. Banban - Pertains to players who are dumb inside the court.
7. Bangko - Second string player who doesn't see the real action, a bench warmer.
8. Batang Milo (Milo Boy) - a player who has great ball handling and dribbling skills.
9. Biyabit - One kind of one-handed layup without the aid of the other hand.
10. Butata - A solid and good block.
11. Children of the Mist (Batang Hamog) - They are types of players, who lives and plays basketball all day as if their address is in the nearest basketball court.
12. Hindi Nag Star Margarine - a miscalculated shot that comes too short towards the ring.
13. Inararo - An offensive player who forcefully drives towards the basket, ala Lebron.
14. Inter Tsinelas - A group of players who are wearing slippers and in some cases barefooted.
15. Ice Tubig - This is the official drink among stretballers, sold at 3pesos. A water that is haft ice and haft water that perfect to give a soothing refreshment.
16. Kalawit Rebound - To rebound with one hand.
17. Magulang - a player who is an expert with all kinds of dirty tactics.
18. Miss - refers to a shot which decides who gets the possession of the ball.
19. Nagkape pa sa Ere - These are players with great leaping ability and hang time which creates poetry in motion.
20. Nana - pertains to those players who repeatedly asks for a foul even with the slightest contact or even with no contact at all.
21. Nangalabaw - To force yourself against a player or a group of defenders towards the basket.
22. Nangitlog - Three seconds violation.
23. Onse/Bente Uno - A kind of round-robin warm-up which involves a long-range shot (2points) and a close shot (1point), first to reach 11 or 21 points wins.
24. Pabanda - Using geometry, it is a shot which utilizes the backboard in order to create a high percentage shot. 
25. Panis - This is a victorious claim, stating that your opponent is no match for you. It can be compared to the word “In your face”
26. Pasang Jawo - A very strong pass even at close proximity.
27. Patay Ang Butiki - It refers to a shot that hits nothing but the board including the side of the backboard.
28. Patay ang Lamok - A defensive player slapping the ball carrier's hand so hard while trying to steal the ball. 
29. Pasikat - A player who loves to perform exhibition moves like: crossover, sidestepping move or even ridiculous layups even though there is no one guarding him.
30. Pektus - It is done by flicking the ball with the wrist usually during layups so that when the ball hits the board it spins towards the ring. 
31. Pinayungan - A kind of defense where a group of players raises their hands towards an offensive player who is underneath a basket.
32. Plakda - When a player falls hard to the ground usually during a block.
33. Pustahan - It pertains to a deal between two opposing teams what price they get after winning a set of game.
34. Rebanse - To bounce back after a defeat or chance for another game.
35. Sakuragi - A very good rebounder.
36. Solar Boys - These are players who can play at all weather conditions, even under the heat of scorching Sun. The more a court is exposed to the Sun, the more aggressive they are.
37. Sumabay ka Pa! - An over confident remark of an offensive player usually during a drive to basket where he thinks he can easily outmove any defender.
38. Tabyos - a miscalculated dunk which comes short wherein the ball is usually blocked by the ring or solidly hit the rim. 
39. Taga Baba ng Bola - Point guard

***Since I don't have any scheduled hiking events, I accepted my college friends' invite and so after almost 5 years I was able to play a nice and competitive game again. 

Mt. Lubo (Patullok)

Mt Lubo is one of the mountains included in the "Bakun Trio" which refers to the three mesmerizing mountains that are situated in the town of Bakun, Benguet. It is the highest among the three which stands at 6850 ft. above sea level and is also the easiest which is ideal for beginners.

It is also known as "Mt Patullok" among the locals because the shape resembles a pointed cone "Patusok". From the jump-off point to the summit, it has an approximate distance of 4.5 km. which gives a total of 9km distance through the back trail with a total elevation gain of 1700ft to the summit. It passes several communities and vegetable plantations passing through a cemented pathway that eventually leads to the final 400ft slope of Mt Lubo's summit characterized by steep rocky trail and loose soil. Safety railings were put in place to aid hikers during the ascent and most especially during the descent.

The summit offers a 360 degree panoramic view of  Bakun and the surrounding Cordillera mountains.

Photo credits to Ron Dubois

Photo credit to Kiko San Luis

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound for Baguio

2. From Baguio, ride a jeep bound for Bakun (chartered jeep)

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

Virtual Reality Coasters

After my morning run from Pagsanjan to Caliraya Lake and back, I've decided to have lunch at Sun Star Mall. I looked around inside the place and to my amazement, I was so curious to try out the VR Coaster which is only 80pesos per ride. The ride can accommodate up to 8 people, but even with just 1 rider like me who goes solo, the coaster ride still proceeds.

VR Coasters is a kind of ride attraction which consists of a roller coaster facility and riders are provided with virtual reality headsets to wear while on the ride. The headsets are portable which displays a synchronized video to the riders who experience the same motions of the ride where the person experiences the same twist and turns in different angles combined with the alternate reality provided through the headsets. 

It may not have the exact hair-raising experience of a gravity-defying roller coaster but still, it offers the same thrill and offers one of a kind experience which is worth it for your 80 pesos.  

Photo credits: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/itfffmlRgJY/maxresdefault.jpg

A virtual reality coaster is the best way to enjoy a roller coaster ride most especially for someone who is acrophobic like me. 

1954 Diner's Project

The name sounds synonymous with the famed 50's Diner of Baguio City, and just like it's counterpart they will let you experience old-fashion dining with a modern twist as if you are going back in time and being nostalgic about in that era.

I personally consider 1954 Diner's Project as one of the best restos in Los Banos where they offer the classic favorites which include: burgers, milkshakes, chicken, grill & many more. When it comes to food serving, they serve American standard size which only means a hefty amount of serving that can be shared by 2 people. They cater any time of the day for snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will surely fill your appetite with mouth-watering food items on their menu. And hey, the price is really affordable and worth it for every bite.

Address: Centro Mall, Lopez Avenue, Barangay Batong Malake, Los Banos, Laguna 4030

Mt Daguldol

Located in San Juan, Batangas, Mt. Daguldol is one of those mountains which is considered as a total package because of side trips to falls (Naambon Falls) and a beach (Hugom Beach). It was Team Una's first organized event for "Summit to Sea" series because of it's relatively short and beginner friendly trail ideal to those who are being introduced to hiking. Mt Daguldol has a total elevation of 2198 ft and a surprising 1850 ft elevation gain from the jump off until reaching the summit.

The trail is mostly ascent with minimal flat terrain that passes through a established trail which is lined up with several huge boulders, coconut trees, and forested portions until reaching Sitio Catmon which marks more than half of the trail and a total elevation gain of 1000ft. From there on the trail becomes steeper that passes a much steeper terrain which ranges from muddy to loose soil and some rocky portions. There are several stores along the trail which sells softdrinks, Buko Juice and Halo-Halo for the refreshing feeling.

After several hours of hiking, we reached the summit which is characterized by a huge grassland ideal for grazing cows. It offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area including the neighboring Mt. Lobo and Naguiling where we took some pictures, played around and just enjoyed the soothing breeze of the summit.

Team Una: Michael, JC & Emer

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

How to Get There:

I.). In Cubao/LRT Taft there are buses (ALPS) that has direct route to San Juan (Batangas).

     Once in San Juan town proper, ride a jeepney bound for Laiya.

II.) Another option is to ride a bus bound to Lucena, then alight in Candelaria town proper.

     Ride a jeepney bound to San Juan, and once in San Juan ride another jeep bound to Laiya.

Singkil

I was able to watch a Singkíl performance during our visit to Villa Escudero which is a part of their cultural presentations held during weekends. 

Singkil (or Sayaw sa Kasingkil) is a folk dance of the Maranao people in Lake Lanao based on the epic legend Darangen which is an adaptation of Ramayana, it was then popularised by the Bayanihan Philippine Folk Dance Company.

It portrays an Indian epic Ramayana which involves the rescue of Princess Gandingan who were abducted by the diwatas led by the legendary Prince Bantugan. It is a popular dance performed during celebrations and other festive entertainment. The dance takes its name from the heavy rings which were worn on the ankles of a Muslim princess. A "kulintang" and an "agung" ensemble always accompanies the dance.

The female lead dancer plays the role of Princess Gandingan of the Darangen epic while wearing heavy rings around her ankles to keep time while she dances. In an episode of the Maranao epic, the princess is caught in the middle of the forest during an earthquake caused by the diwatas (or the guardian spirits) of the Kingdom of Bumbaran. The diwatas abducted the princess and entrapped her into a forest to teach the philandering Prince Bantugan a lesson. The falling trees during the earthquake (which the princess gracefully avoids) are represented by the bamboo poles arranged in a criss-crossed fashion and clacked together in a unique, syncopated rhythm. During the performance, the female lead dancer graciously steps in and out of the bamboo poles as she manipulates two elaborately designed fans called apir which represent the winds that proves to be auspicious. The entrance of the male dancer symbolizes the arrival of Prince Bantugan who is determined to rescue the princess from the diwatas.  The clacking bamboo poles represent the forces which the two characters had to overcome. The dance ends with the princess going home with the prince.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singkil