The Makiling Botanical Garden

Makiling Botanical Garden is part of the protected forest area in the College of Forestry, UPLB which is approximately 500 ft above sea level. It was established in 1965 as a support facility for those studying forestry and plant sciences. 

The Makiling Botanic Garden occupies an area of 300 hectares of forest land divided into three sections: the Arboretum, Nursery and Recreational areas. The forest reserve is consist of about 1060 different species of flowering plants and ferns that can be seen inside the protected area. A creek flows through the entire garden, and creates a  cascade of waterfalls, and natural swimming pools. The trek inside the Eco Trail is consisted of almost 1.8 km to circumnavigate the whole trail via a cemented pavement. There used to be a wildlife and Aviary section but it was moved to DENR  Main Office last 2009.

Flora and Fauna



How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (DLTB), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in College.

3.) You can then ride a Jeepney bound to UPLB (Forestry)

Ternate Beach

Boracay de Cavite is located inside the premises of Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite. We were disappointed to know that it was no longer open for public use, hence we looked for alternative beach near the area and so we ended up in Ternate Beach Resort.

The beach is composed of fine grain grayish sand and strong splurges of waves were present due to the recent aftermath of Monsoon rain. Thus, I cannot tell if the natural state is pristine and clear water or is it really murky and brown.

Ternate beach by itself is not a worth it visit if it's the only place you are planning to go on your trip, but it is a nice side trip after a day hike from Pico de Loro or Mt. Marami.

How to Get There:

1. Ternate Beach is a nice sidetrip from Pico de Loro, you can flagged trikes and ask them to drop you off in Ternate Beach.

2. In reality, it is not an advisable place to visit if you don't have your own vehicle due to it's accesibility.

Cafe Antonio in Los Banos

Cafe Antonio in Los Banos is a quaint indie coffee bar that serves espresso beverages. They brew their own Coffee, and it is freshly roasted by 18 Days Coffee Roaster and Luca & Tosh Coffee Lab to enjoy that distinctive flavor of taste.

Aside from coffee, they also serve Italian and American menu. I asked the waiter with regards to their house specials, so we ended up ordering different menu which according to them are their "best seller" - Chicken Pesto, Fish Fillet, Classic Quarter Pounder Burger, Calamares and Chocolate Truffles. The resto aims to promote "Health Walk" so most of their menus are served with vegetables.

Food tastes great and even recommended by Trip Advisor. On the other hand, the place is a little bit small which can only accommodate 12-15 person at a time and is not ideal for those who are claustrophobic. Then I also noticed that cobwebs are filed up in the ceiling, I'm not sure if it's a design or what, but I believe they should regularly clean it.

Rating:

7 out of 10

How To Get There:

1. Located in Brgy Maahas, Los Banos (ask the locals).

Gen. Paciano Rizal Shrine

Paciano Rizal is the elder brother of Jose Rizal. During the Spanish regime, he actively supported Propaganda Movement for social reforms and supported the Movement's newspaper known as "Diariong Tagalog". After his younger brother's execution, Paciano joined General Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite. He was appointed brigadier general of the revolutionary forces and was elected Secretary of Finance in the Departmental Government of Central Luzon.

During the Philippine-American War (1899–1913), he commanded the Filipino forces in Laguna and U.S. troops captured him on 1900. He was released soon after and settled in the town of Los Banos, Laguna.

His retirement house is located near the old municipal building that was turned into a museum which displays memorabilia and antiques that belongs to Rizal's family. Authentic items which the family once owned and even Paciano’s deathbed could still be seen inside the house. The ambiance is good and well maintained, no entrance fee but any amount of donation is accepted.

A park/playground was built in honor of General Paciano near the shrine and a hotspring with massage center is also a nice visit. 

How to Get There:

1. This is a nice side trip after a Mt. Makiling hike.

2. If you are coming from Manila, tell the driver to drop you off in Los Banos Bayan.

3. You have to walk 100 meters, just ask the locals (beside the old Municipal Hall).

The Philippine Military Academy

It was almost 2 decades ago when I had a taste of cadet life in the PMA. It molds me to who I am now, a man of discipline and character. It thought me the word professionalism, that no matter how hard the circumstances, through perseverance and positive mental attitude you can overcome all the challenges and still succeed in life. I may not have the privileged to graduate, but the experience is still euphoric, it is something that lasts a lifetime and will always stay in my memory till my last breathe.

"I came from the land of kings where everyone can do what he wishes, I hiked the plains of Luzon and hurdled the mountains of Baguio just to reach my precious destination, the Philippine Military Academy." Now I'm here not as a Plebe but as a Traveler and Blogger.

I just want to share a brief history with regards to PMA when the Corps of Cadets went to occupy on May 20, 1950 the current site of the Academy in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City near the Loakan airport.

A Cavalier once said, "If a cadet is a larva, the Philippine Military Academy is his cocoon where transformations take place, where the larva slowly develops into a beautiful butterfly. PMA is the cocoon that molds a young boy into a man of character and wisdom." The Academy with it's mission: "To instruct, train and develop the cadets so that each graduate shall possess the character, the broad and basic military skills and education essential to the successful pursuit of a progressive military career", equips him the necessary  skills and attributes he needs to be able to face  the many uncertainties of life as he performs the multifaceted role in the society as a soldier.

The cadet's training starts the moment he is received as a plebe. Throughout the  four-year stay in the Academy, he will undergo rigorous physical training to develop stamina to continue even if he feel like quiting, the endurance to withstand pain even if he is pushed to the limits. It is demanding but he has to take it all because he knows that there are more difficulties in the future and he needs all the preparations he can get to be able to meet the demands of an ever-changing environment.

(wordings are excerpt from Peemayer and Gray Notes) 

How to Get There:
1. Once in Baguio City, you can ride a PMA bound jeepney with signboard PMA - Kias

2. Sandals and slippers are not allowed inside the academy, be sure to wear proper shoes.

Big Belly's Resto for a Hungry Tummy

Big Belly's started out as a small kiosk in Robinsons Cybergate Tower 3 and expanded to have their own store and now with different branches including here in Laguna and Batangas.

The food is just average, but they have a good meal package at a very affordable price for only 75 pesos. A variance of  Pork, Chicken and Fish, then you can choose between different sauces (cheese, teriyaki, kung pao and garlic) plus a hefty serving of Rice bowl which also comes with a free drink and of course a generous serving of vegetables, now that is what we call value meal.

What I personally like about the setting of the place are the display of pop culture paintings which features pot-bellied superheroes. Since this is one of the most affordable food station compare to those in food court, they usually have huge number of customers and order time might take a while.

**This is definitely sulit for your money most especially for students and for lunchtime during office hours where we religiously have this for a lunch

The Historical Lingayen Beach

Lingayen Beach (Gulf) played a crucial part in Philippines history. Situated on the northwest coast of Luzon, it suffered two invasions during World War II: the first was in 1941 with by the Japanese; the second was three years later, by the returning American forces. Lingayen Gulf was taken over by the American troops on the 9th of January 1945. This beach was occupied by the Allied forces of US and Filipino soldiers and has become one of the supply depot during the Pacific War.

Lingayen Beach boasts not of white sand or colorful seashells but rather fine grey sand, the shore is a long stretch of more than 2 kilometers  where anyone can relax and enjoy under the sun.

Vintage war memorabilia used during World War 2 are also on display on the Veteran's Memorial Park located beside the Lingayen beach which includes: tank, war plane and an anti air craft gun.

How to Get There:

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

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Lingayen Capitol.