Taal Volcano Island (via Tabaro trail)

Taal Volcano may be small but it is considered as the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located in Taal lake which is the third-largest lake in the Philippines located in Batangas and home to the Vulcan point island. It is described as an island within a lake within an island, within a lake in an island, it may sound confusing but that's how complicated it's order. Contrary to popular belief, some may have thought Mt Binintiang Malaki and Mt Balantoc (the most prominent landmark as viewed from Tagaytay) as Taal volcano which is completely wrong.

We visited Taal volcano via Tabaro trail almost 2 years ago since we prefer to see the crater lake up close. If you to visit Taal volcano via the Tabaro trail, boat ride starts from San Nicolas, Batangas where one can see the Alas-as Bird Sanctuary; home of migratory Egrets and the dry lava field. According to our local tour guide, Mt Tabaro's crater was formed during the 1965 phreatomagmatic eruption. The trail starts from a established pathway that passes numerous rock formations that were formed from lava gully, most were black color that signifies rich in Iron mineral. The trail continues until reaching a sandy part filled with ashes which then leads to Mt. Tabaro, it was a backtrail and so we decided to head towards the crater lake of Taal. In order to reach the crater lake, one has to ascend a 340ft trail composed of sandy and ashes, then descend to 360ft to reach the crater lake.

Throughout history, Taal volcano has 34 recorded explosions since 1572 including the recent (January 12, 2020). According to Philvocs, 1754 and 1911 may have been the most devastating eruption.  According to the book The Mysteries of Taal, 1991 written by Thomas R. Hargrove, "Taal Lake was Salt Water prior to 1754. The huge 1754 eruption that lasted for 6 months from May to December 1754 changed the salinity of the water from salt to fresh water. It sank 5 Batangas towns formerly located along the shores like Tanauan, Taal, Lipa, Bauan and a lost town that was never revived named Sala. Because of that tragic eruption, the map of Batangas was drastically changed so you have to respect and adjust with nature and learn from its violent history."

I would describe the crater lake as so blissful and serene but at the same time, dangerous where it constantly smells sulfur due to its volcanic activity.

Taal Volcano crater lake

Taal Volcanic Island

Mt Tabaro on the background

Photo credit: Joen Panado

Black ashes/sand as a prominent part of the trail

Bird sanctuary for Egrets

Mt Binitiang Malaki  & Mt Balantoc often mistaken for Taal Volcano

***I joined an event organized by John Sarco
** Some excerpts were taken from Marra Zambrano's post (The Mysteries of Taal, 1991 written by Thomas R. Hargrove)

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..

Alligator Lake

Alligator Lake is a freshwater crater lake-filled maar which is situated along the southern shore of Laguna de Bay in Los Banos. The Alligator Lake protrudes out of the shore of the larger lake and they are separated by a crater rim from the surrounding Laguna de Bay which is a piece of land that is about 40-meter (130 ft).

The lake was named Alligator Lake since the Spanish colonial period when it was known as Laguna de los Caimanes (Lake of Alligators or Alligator Lake) where a great number of Alligators used to live in its waters, thus it was named after.

Resorts around the lake offers water activities such as Kayaking, Paddle Boat and Banana Boat Ride. The Lake itself boasts of clear water due to low nutrients which resulted in low Algae production. A noticeable "cut" on the hill makes a picturesque distinction around the lake that attracted my attention. The highest point on the quarried portion of the hill is approximately 210 feet and is composed of almost 200 steps. The hill had also became the nesting ground for thousands of Bee Eaters.

As seen from Mt Makiling's peak 2

How to Get There:
1.) Take a bus bound to Sta Cruz, Laguna (DLTB or Greenstar), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.
2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Bagong Kalsada.
3.) You can ride a Trike or walk towards Alligator Lake which is 20-30mins.

Mt Kalawitan Circuit

Situated in Mt. Province which is located in the heart of Cordillera, Mt. Kalawitan stands at 8905ft above sea level and is considered as the 10th highest peak in the Philippines. This blog post was already long overdue, we hiked last April 28, 2018 via the "Kalawitan Circuit" which according to our guide is more challenging than the backtrail and the traverse. The circuit trail has a total of 35km distance, 17km from the jump-off point to reach the summit and the traverse via the circuit trail back to jump-off is 18km. As I have hiked Kalawitan Circuit and Namandiraan Traverse were I was both part of the lead group, I can honestly say that Kalawitan Circuit is more challenging. It has steeper rolling terrain which are all assault that leads to the summit and has a total elevation gain of 5350ft (4820ft jop to summit).

The name Kalawitan have originated from Kankakeny word "Kalawit" which means to climb, true enough Mt. Kalawitan is among the most challenging mountains in Cordillera alongside Amuyao and Napulauan. The initial part of the trail commences through a cemented pathway (Golden farm Resort) which then leads to a myriad of pine forests until reaching the first campsite where we regrouped and had our lunch. From there on, the trail becomes steeper which leads to a very thick mossy forest characterized by steep rolling terrains, infested with limatiks which only proves of its rich biodiversity. Since our hike was a circuit trail our guide told us that it was advisable to camp at the summit and not at the prior campsite which was still an hour away and usually used by those who go on a backtrail.

After seven grueling hours of hiking at the lead group where I followed the guide at his pacing, we finally reached the summit. It was raining that time, and the whole place were covered with fog and limatiks were everywhere but thank goodness they were not that aggressive. After minutes my teammates started to arrive, we then set our camp, had our dinner and socials afterward amidst the freezing cold. 

I have been to Amuyao, Napulauan and Kalawitan and I can say that the latter is the coldest among the three considering that we did our hike during the month of April which was recorded at 7degrees. Amuyao (December @10degrees) and Napulauan (February @9 degrees) hike all were recorded at 1am.

The following day, I woke up early just in time for the sunrise where the whole place was still covered by a thick mist. Mt. Kalawitan's summit is like a plateau characterized by a summit marker, dwarf bamboos, and overgrown trees which makes a 360degree view, not a possibility. But by sheer patience and determination, one can still piece together images from various vantage points by stepping on a tree, I witnessed the magnificent sea of clouds which were also shared by the neighboring Amuyao and Napulauan on the other side.

After we had our breakfast, we started the descend via the traverse circuit trail characterized by a very moist and steep inclination of 60-70 degrees passing through a very thick jungle with more aggressive limatiks as compared to the backtrail. The trail at that time was still semi exploratory with overgrown grass as we were among the first few groups who did the circuit trail for a total of 18km to reach the resort (jop) from the summit. The succeeding part of the trail then passes rolling terrains which consist of pine forest, river crossing, rice paddies and hanging bridge. Then the final phase of the circuit trail is a 500ft ascent to a cemented pathway which then leads to the stair path where the backtrail and circuit trail separates.

The tree at the summit which serves as the viewing deck

Sea of clouds

L-R: Derrick, Emer, Bien, Memz, Mojo, Jumong
Rachel Anne, Katrina, Joward, Deesh, Jetro

Tropang Kalawitan

Trees at the summit

The lead group while waiting sa mga ksama nmin

The thick Mossy Forest

The blogger with our rock star guide

Pine trees at the descent

Ferns and Pine trees

One of the first few groups to do a circuit trail

While waiting sa mga kasama, hokage pose muna.

River crossing

Rice Paddies which signifies the last part of the trail

Personal Rating: 7/9 (Circuit trail) and 5-6/9 (Backtrail)

***I joined an event organized by Deesh Tan and Rachel Ann of Lunsulan Adventures.

Thank you sa mga nkasama ko sa hike na ito , kay Sir Bienvenido na nagpasilong sa amin s knyang tent, maraming salamat brod. Sa masayang tawanan na hatid ng mga Bagani Moutaineers na sina Sir Memz Moradillo, Joward, Jetro, Jumong, Derrick (birthday nya that time), Mojo at Katrina.

Photo credits nga pla sa mga groupies na pictures nmin, pag aari yun nila Memz Moradillo at Deesh Tan, kinopya ko nlang sa GC.

Zark's Burger

When it comes to great burgers at an affordable price, Zark's is the first thing that comes to my mind. I religiously pay Zark's a visit mostly during payday as it became my regular comfort food. The name of the burgers in Zark's menu are categorized into two: The Minor League and The Major League. They used well striking and quite catchy names that I myself find it humorous that includes: Strikeout, Homerun, Tapout, Three-Pointer, King James, Stonecold, Tombstone and so on. But what made me laugh so hard is the Floyd Chicken Burger. I said to myself, if the inspiration of this burger is the badass Floyd Mayweather, then it serves him well. 

The waiter told me that they have this challenge - finished the Tombstone or Jawbreaker Burger in just 10 minutes and it's free, well I am not interested in the challenge even if it is free, I am not a competitive eater so I'd rather savor what I'm eating.

I usually order Mushroom Garlic Rice Meal along with my favorite Zark's Ultimate Burger. It is filled with cheese sauce, sauteed mushrooms and bacon. Back then (about 7years ago) , their burgers were not that good when I had my first Zark's experience in their first resto in Taft. I could still recall their beef patty which breaks easily, also the buns that they used were just like any buns sold in local bakeries. Today, it's a little bit different, the patties are more crunchy yet tender, same with their buns that has improved greatly. Zark's ultimate burger is my classic favorite which is richly garnished with bacon strips that are haft cooked or caramelized, it is much better if it's crunchy. 

I also ordered the Three-Pointer burger, it uses three kinds of cheese: mozzarella, cheddar and cheese sauce which is worth it for its price. As a burger lover, whenever I am in Zark's all  can I think of is to munch on the mouth-watering meal everytime it is served right in front of me. 

Three-Pointer Burger

    

Mushroom Garlic Rice Meal

The "Tombstone" challenge 

Rating: 

7 out 10