Of Tales and Trails

I'm a full time and professional daydreamer whilst part-time traveler. I'm forever in love with the mountains; sometimes, deeply infatuated with beach water and surfing.

[straykittie]

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” – Anne Frank

—

Photos taken at Cavinti Laguna where I spent my Labor Day while almost everyone’s at Boracay partying ‘til dawn. My DMW family enjoyed the quiet and serenity of the lake. We had the whole island/lake to ourselves.

I’ve seen a (relatively) lot of sunrises and sunsets, most of them when I’m at the summit of whatever mountain I’m fortunate enough to climb. But by far, I was most awestruck by the sunset I’ve witnessed here. It may be because it gave me that Noah-and-Ally feel from the classic novel of Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook. I don’t even have to have a special someone to fall in love with this place. Simply put, the place is undeniably beautiful.

PS. As much as I want to share to everyone the direction to get to this lovely place, however I can’t because I’m not sure about the exclusivity of the place plus we were in convoys (private cars and motorcycles) when we visited the lake. All I know is that Cavinti is next from Pagsanjan, Laguna. (Sorry for the lack of info, you guys can google it of course.)

[straykittie]

Yolo weekend

Last weekend marks the official start of summer season.

To start it off, I joined the Run with the Heroes Fun Run at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Since it was my first fun run, I wanted to be sure that I wouldn’t die while I’m at it so I opted to just try their 3km. It’s funny because majority of the 3k runners are kids ages 5-7 years old with their parents running alongside them. It’s funnier (and what a shame) that there were also kids who were waaaaaay younger than I am who ran for 5k.

Evenso, I finished it at 26 mins which I think is not bad at all. (Just don’t compare it to the kids’ official time hahaha)

My colleague rank 10th in the 10k Women’s Category with her 57 mins (more or less) official time.

After the run, with no plans at all we head straight to Subic.

It was an hour drive away from where we were and we figured ‘yeah, why not, we can do YOLO today, sayang naman ang araw..’

We tried probably the third resort we saw because we figured we’ll only stay for a maximum of three hours. We stayed at the Half Moon Beach Resort. The day tour (stay) costs Php120/head while the cottage is at Php1000.00 which we are glad to split into six. For lunch, we only had silogs and sardines because we are not prepared and the place doesn’t have any restaurants.

It was a good idea because the place is clean plus we almost had the beach to ourselves with only two groups to share it to.

After a bottle of Empi light and a few swim and stories, we headed back to Manila.

After our duathlon (hahaha), I went straight to meet my friends to see one of our dear friends and her family to the airport.

No one cried, fyi, because they’ll be back in three months time with our pasalubong.

No time was enough to make up for the last year that we haven’t seen each other (that which we were complete)

Early the next day, we had a Gender and Development movement which is the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

Being in a male-dominated organization, I can say that the support the higher management gives to this kind of activity is very high.

The said activity was a simultaneous march and street dancing at the Quezon City circle. The participants wore face paints and performed the official dance steps of "Juana, Ikaw ang Manguna!”.

The celebration recognizes the important role of women in decision making which doesn’t directly translate that we always make the right or wrong decisions rather, we provide a different perspective and background on what is best for the society.

The number of participants was overwhelming with those coming from different government and even privately owned organizations.

Over all, I can say that my weekend was well spent despite my lack of proper sleep and rest. Cheers to the next weekend of YOLOing!

[straykittie]

Why not Maranat

While everyone’s busy food and field tripping in Binondo during the Chinese New Year (19 Feb 15), my friends and I went on a dayhike in Maranat. If you’ve read my previous blog post, you prolly already know that I’ve been only in Maranat once, exactly a month ago. The trail is a bit confusing and it was my first time to be the lead but I think I did great though. (Hahaha)

The original plan is to meet up around 6 am at Tungko Jollibee to start our trek early but because we are pinoy, we met an hour late. With me on the lead, we started around 8:30 am at Licao-licao looking oh so fresh and fab (so gay haha)

We were only four in our group, two of which are first time hikers. Maranat’s trail is easy thus making it very suitable for beginners, though sometimes you still need to give them a little push and throw in some words of encouragement to continue.

The weather is better compared last time. It was not that sunny, in fact it was drizzling in some parts.

We reached the river at around 12 nn just in time for lunch and a little rest before going up to Tatay Nestor's place and venturing out the falls.

#selfeet

It was a surprise to see another friend at the river. Too bad she doesn't want to go any further to see the falls.

Grateful to have reached Tatay Nestor's nipa hut with my friends unscathed, we again rested a bit. We asked for guides who can accompany us to the falls.

The beautiful Maranat falls, I can say, is not the only reason why a lot of mountaineers go back to the place, but I think the friendly and very accommodating treatment of Tatay Nestor and his family. 

It's a waste not to take a dip at the refreshing cold water. But like what I always tell my friends, we have to take responsibility of our own trash so as not to destroy the cleanliness of the river. 

It was a tiring but fun adventure, I hope to climb with them again soon :)

Here’s a tribute to our tired but accomplished feet :)

[straykittie]

Thoughts on Tarak Ridge

Last February 7, 2015 I crossed out one of the items in my bucketlist of mountains to climb. I first heard of Tarak Ridge in 2013 while we were climbing Mt. Batulao. A friend recommended Tarak and said that it’s a challenging but friendly major climb to try.

Here’s a glimpse of the jump off place where one group can hang their mountaineering banners after a successful climb. 

We were almost 20 in our group, most of us were just ‘sabit’ hence the name of our team. It was a big adjustment to be in large company I have to admit but I guess one thing that you’ll learn from mountaineering is how to easily cope with what life gives you (hugot pa more) and besides, they’re not really that difficult to be with. :)

Many people ask why a lot resort to the mountain for escape when things and situations become extremely unbearable. It’s probably because sometimes you need to be reminded that the world is bigger than your struggles and its such a waste to just sit around and mope.

Maybe seeing the sunset (or sunrise) helps.

Or simply being with other people whose only motto in life is to have fun makes them forget even for just awhile.

Whatever the reason is, I think the mountain’s natural way of healing one’s struggle or broken heart is as effective as what other self-help books offer.

It gives you this great feeling of self accomplishment and self worth that you prolly lost and haven’t noticed until now.

It gives you this bird-like feeling of freedom, having the chance to witness the sun rises, hear the winds and leaves as they dance to their own rhythm.

I could talk all day about the reasons why I chose this to help me heal and put back the broken pieces of my life but I’d rather just enjoy basking under the sun and try capturing (and failing) the beauty of the sceneries the mountains give.

I especially want to thank all the people who made the climb fun and worth it. It was a great experience and a pleasure knowing all of you Team Sabit/Team Pusit :)

Photo credits to Jayson Mercado ang ma’am Jhem 😁

[straykittie]

When I'm gone, Please don't come looking for me. My path may not be clear now, And every step I take may not be as sure as it was before, But do be certain that all of these will be for the better. It's not that I don't want you, it's just that I'm not ready to be someone's somebody yet. I just need time. Enough time to know and love myself fully. Enough time to come to right terms with myself without needing anyone's approval and validation. When I'm gone, please. Please. Please don't come looking for me.

[straykittie]

Holiday at Mt. Maranat

The overwhelming 5-day Papal visit of his holiness Pope Francis (and that meant a very long holiday for me) took me back to the trails again and this time I’m all set for an overnight camping in the mountains. 

 Mt. Maranat, like the Lioness and Rhino rock formation, is just a stone’s throw away from our home in Norzagaray. Standing at more or less 850 masl, Mt. Maranat is a good place to spend a lazy and chill weekend on. It is in conjuction with another mountain, Mt. Balagbag, and it lies at the border of Rodriguez, Rizal and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan,

It was raining all throughout our hike, no wonder it took us about four (4) hours to reach the camp site even though the trail is easy enough even for beginners to follow. 

We were greeted warmly by Tatay Nestor when we reached the campsite. Cold, wet and hungry, the boys were all gentlemen to pitch the tent and cooked our dinner.

The next morning, we were blessed to see the sun shine again. We set out to visit and take a dip at Maranat falls. 

The water’s crystal clear which makes it irresistible to us. We took our time exploring, taking pictures and swimming. 

Here are some of our snapshots during socials and the day after at the falls.

Since I’m more on to chasing everything that’s difficult (literally and figuratively speaking), Tatay Nestor and Jayson guided me to see the twin falls. It was very slippery, mind you, I think I slipped two to three times, but at the end it was all worth it.

The twin falls was what I expected, breathtakingly beautiful and though we have cameras to capture its beauty, I think experiencing it and seeing it with your own eyes is better than anything else. 

And because Mt. Maranat is very close to home, I wouldn’t mind going back to it anytime. 

All photos credited to Jayson Mercado

[straykittie]

Stony Path | Lioness and Rhino Rock Formations

A week after the long holiday is over (and with my tight budget running low), I set out and jump started my year by being a tourist in my hometown, Norzagaray Bulacan.  

The Lioness and Rhino Rock Formations is starting to slowly make its way to every adventurer’s bucket list. It is located at Bigte, Norzagaray Bulacan, a more or less than three (3) hours commute from the Metro. The place offers a variety of activities for every explorer to do like rock climbing and caving. 

Reaching the top of Lioness will only take about an hour or less depending on how clever you are at choosing the right rock to step at or hold to. It is also advisable to bring gloves because the rocks are extremely sharp.

The view atop is not that grand compare to other mountains but the rock formation itself will compensate for it. Plus the fact that the Lion’s head (more of like a sphinx) is very photogenic and provides a great photo for anyone who’s brave enough to sit and stand atop him.

Always remember that climbing these rocks is risky as there is no harness or ropes provided to ensure the safety of the climbers. So it is everyone’s responsibility to check the safety of others especially if travelling/climbing in big groups.

Conquering these steep and sharp rocks takes me back to my college years and my mantra back then, that is "No matter how stony the path is, some forge to the front. And no matter how easy the going, some lag behind." Everything that we aim we can achieve, we just have to be patient, take one step at a time, one challenge at a time. Our determination and perseverance will take us there.

Here's my biggest smile for your viewing pleasure! Haha

Photo credits to Emaill Roman

[straykittie]

You tell yourself that you're ok and it's okay to be bitter because it's an essential stage of moving on. You tell yourself that its ok to always want to shout at the sweet couple you always see holding each others' hand around the block because they remind you of the way you both used to be. You convince yourself that being bitter is an essential phase to moving on. But the truth is, you just feel alone and sad. You're just afraid to recognize the thought that you'll never love again because of the hurt it gave you. On days like these, you just want to run, to tire yourself. Or sleep and hope that you'll be lucky enough to have a dreamless sleep. Your friends and common friends (mostly his friends because he never wanted to meet your friends before) tells you there's nothing wrong with you. They tell you that its not your fault, that it was no one else's fault, he also tells you that you were enough, that you've always been enough. But still.... Still he longed for another's touch, another's company. What the fck happened? How did it fcking happen? There was never a problem that you two never sorted out before. You try so hard to keep him interested by suggesting new things to try, new places to visit. It makes you think that maybe it just wasn't enough. You weren't good enough. You wake up on a weekend asking yourself how you will spend the day doing nothing. You try so hard to not think about him and resist the urge to text him. You stare for five minutes at his number on your phone and his name on your messenger. You see him online, but what is he doing? Is he checking his new girl's profile like the way he used to stalk you at the beginning of your relationship? Or is he stalking you? Checking on how your holding up after the breakup. You hope that he sends you a message saying he misses you but at the same time you want to block him and all his friends and family so they won't have even the vaguest idea about your life anymore. Its so hard to be in this stage when you convince others, yourself included that you're on your way to being ok. Because the truth is, you're not.

[straykittie]

Start Anew

Like promised a few blog entries ago, I went back to Pico de Loro. And like a dejavu, it marked the end of another year.

But unlike the other one, this climb was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing. Without a clear plan on how to spend the holidays, I decided to go back to the trails.

It's been months after my last climb and I didn't know if I'm still fit to climb or if I can still endure the uphill trail.

Surprisingly, I still am. 

And I'm still capable of socializing and making friends.

It made me realize the things I've been missing because I have other priorities before.

Climbing mountains proved to be a very healthy outlet for me. 

The best way to release stress, go away and run away from all the things persons.

I gave myself another chance but I still haven't tried climbing the monolith because it was so foggy, as if the mountain's trying to tell me that some things are better off left alone. HAHAHA

Start anew this 2015. Cheers y'all!

Photo credits to sir Jayson Mercado

[straykittie]

An Open Letter to the One who Broke my Heart and Let me go

I’ve been meaning to write you a letter 3 years ago when we started our relationship. However, for some reason, I just couldn’t find the rights words nor the right time for it. So here, after everything that’s happened, I find myself writing to you to express, to let go, to say all the things that my heart can’t articulate in spoken words. Maybe its a bit voyeuristic to have other people read this but wth, all I want is to let all these feelings out. I’ve decided that while 2014 is not the right year for me to love, I at least have 2015 to start anew.

They say that people come and go, that it’s not always in our power to make them stay if we want to, because we are all given our free will, thus, giving us the right to chase our own happiness. I know that you only did what you thought was right for both of us. I know that you only made a choice and in that choice that you made you broke my heart and let me go. In love, like they also say, pain is inevitable. You may thought that you saved me from a bigger heartbreak by giving me your ‘its-not-you-its-me’ and ‘i-just-need-time-and-space’ reasons, using euphemisms to sugarcoat the real reasons. But I want you to know that you’ve hurt me and broken me in a way that I can’t put into words. I was deeply hurt that for awhile I didn’t think it was possible to continue living the way I should be. For a time I believe that I’m a better person because I have you. But now I know different. It was in losing you that I’m beginning to learn that I can be my best even without you.

Regardless of everything that’s happened and still happening, I want to thank you. Yes, there’s a lot of things I’m still thankful of. I’m thankful because first of all, you gave me my family and friends - those new ones that I wouldn’t have met if not for you, your friends who, like your family will guide you and who will support you in all your decisions; my family and my old friends before you, the people who I thought I already lost because of the countless times I turned them down for you. They are now the ones who patiently listen to me and help me recover. I’m specially thankful for the love and experience in the three years that we had. Through the heartbreak and all the pain, I know that I will come out stronger and I will grow to be the best that God had plan me to be. And yes, I know that there will still be days that I will shed a tear in your honor, maybe tonight or the day after tomorrow, or whenever I hear a song we used to like, or visit a place we used to hang out and even go to a place we made plans to go to. But know that I will be OK. I will be OK because I am capable of healing and forgiving. In time I will understand everything. I will wear this heartbreak like a battle scar, like an armor so that when the right time comes for me to love again, it will be better.

I pray for both of us to be stronger everyday. I also pray for the right time for forgiveness and acceptance. I still want you to be happy and fulfilled even if you’re not with me.

Lastly, to everyone who thought that it was us until the end, I want to also thank you for the support and love you’ve shown us. What we had was special and it will always be.

Always,

Cy

[straykittie]

Stay

It’s crazy how people can stay in love with each other.

It’s not like they’re stuck in the relationship or that they keep it by default — as if there’s no other people available for them.

Everyday that they fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other.

 They stay because they choose each other, over and over again.

[straykittie]

Puerto Prinsesa PalaWANDERING

After a year (and a day) of procrastinating, I am now letting you guys have a look on our Palawan trip. It was my boyfriend and I's first time to go on a solo out of town trip, and well of course, do the planning (accommodation and tours) DIY style.

We booked a couple of months before our flight via Airphil, so that we can do a lot in terms of preparation -- plotting leaves, researching and of course, saving. It was a two days and three nights trip -- beach bumming and touring, and we planned to maximize it as much as possible. We had our reservations with Kawayanan Resort managed by Ms. Mahal who was very accommodating and kind to have arranged our tour just the way we like it. You can visit their website here.

Here's a glimpse of their function hall. The place is cozy with a decent swimming pool which we never got the chance to try because of our jam-packed schedule.

We rested for a while before we set out for our city tour which consists of a visit at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, Crocodile Farm, Mitra's Ranch and Baker's Hill.

So this is us goofing around at Baker's Hill.

The next day, we visited the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River, which is now considered as one of the seven wonders of the world and the Ugong Rock/Cave.

Of course, a visit to Palawan won't be complete without dining in at Kalui. It's a very cozy place, perfect for an intimate dinner date after a tiring tour. 

For our last day, we went snorkeling and island hopping. It rained a bit on our way to Pandan Island but it's okay. It didn't do anything on our wanderlust souls (haha!), we just went out and enjoyed the day just eating and relaxing on the beach.

'till our next adventure!

[straykittie]

Wedding 'Bhelles' and 'Cis-taining' Friendship

Okay. Let me start by saying that this post is far different from the ones that I usually blog. But I just really want to post this just because…

A month ago, I got a call from one of my very close friends informing me that Cis and Bhelle will tie the knot a month after, I can’t help but say, "Sht, this is it! This is really is it! Ikakasal na sila!"

I know little about Cis before because we have different set of friends in high school and I’ve always thought of him as the boy from the other section who never takes his education seriously. I know that he has this certain characteristic to make all girls fall for him. I know that he has history of dating a lot of girls — he dated almost all the girls in our group! Bhelle, on the other hand, was our Filipino teacher and adviser. She was a very good teacher. I look up to her, wondering how she can make our boring discussion on El Fili and Noli Me Tangere interesting. She was never just a teacher to us, she is a friend and we used to call her “Nay Bhel”. I remember she even played a cassette tape made by Cis for one of our friend (think ‘Brown Eyes’, my friends :) ). Never in my imagination did I see them getting together and I think no one did. But here they are, after 6 years of being a couple, they finally decided to tie the knot tighter.

Their love story is not mine to tell but I know its crazy and beautiful and fun, amidst all those people who doubted and passed judgement on their relationship. I know it’s very unusual that we see our former high school teacher dating our classmate, but who cares, right? I saw them happy. I saw love in their eyes.

As Bhelle walked down the aisle to meet her groom, I can’t help thinking how they were so blessed to have found each other. They said their vows in front of God and people who love them.

I would have done more to help them in their wedding preparations than just show up and read a verse during the ceremony, but I know nothing can compare to being able to be there during the wedding.

Sometimes it absolutely smacks you in the face how quickly life goes. One day you’re just sitting in school, waiting helplessly for drunken friday nights, and before you know it, you’re already looking for that perfect dress to wear at your friends’ wedding day. It was something that we all knew would happen one day. I knew that one day there would be wedding bells, and here it actually was. I’m still in shock in a good way, I just can’t help remembering the times when we were all just bunch of careless and free teenagers.

Because finding “the one” is hard to do, and the fact that my friends have is pretty amazing even if it means less booze and party. I know we’ll still be friends and I know that we’ll still find time for each time even if we all have different and bigger responsibilities as grown ups. After all, there is no doubt that one or two will be godparents to each others future children. :)

Congratulations Bhelle and Ciz! A new and sweet chapter of your life has begun today. May you two always find comfort and love in each other’s arms in the years to come. <3

Photo credits to EJ, Chamie/Loraine, Lace

[straykittie]

This Way to the Sea of Clouds

Anyway, this time around, since I'm blessed with an adventurous boyfriend, we decided to fulfil that dream.

After a month of preparation (budget and equipment wise) we were set to conquer Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest peak in the country. At 2,922 MASL, we were awed to see the cottony clouds and witness the breath taking sunrise.  

Because it was both our first time climbing Mount Pulag, we opted to join Travelfactor's Byaheng Victory Conquer Mt. Pulag (to know more, you can visit http://travelfactor.org/) scheduled last February 15-16, 2014. It was our post Valentine and advance 26th monthsary date.

 It was a very good experience with Travelfactor as they have very friendly tour coordinators. One good thing about joining travel tours and having travel agencies organize the tour for you, is having a hassle free adventure. Travel factor handled everything for us, from transportation (our team occupied almost the whole Victory bus bound to Baguio and vice versa and three monstrous jeepneys from Baguio to Mt. Pulag's jump off location and vice versa), sumptuous food (Lunch and Dinner on the first day as well as our breakfast and lunch during the second day), and the accommodation or the camping tents.  

I now realize that I shouldn't be frustrated that I didn't finish my training with the UPB Mountaineers because I know that God had planned for me to experience this wonderful sunrise with someone who I know won't be gone by sunset.

[straykittie]

Mt. Pico de Loro, Year end hike 12.29.13

Just about two-three hours away from the metro is Mt. Pico de Loro. It's a DENR protected area with its jump off point located in Ternate, Cavite. Mt. Pico de Loro or the Parrot's Peak is most famous for the Monolith or commonly known as the Tore. Beginners (or advance beginners) take pride in reaching the mountain's summit and conquering the monolith.

The Parrot's Peak

View from the summit of Mt. Pico de Loro

The infamous Monolith

This is us after registering at DENR.

Just a couple of minutes from DENR is the jump off.

The trail is easy. With lush trees covering the trail, you don't have to worry being sun-burnt or what not; trees served as natural umbrellas shielding us from the heat. It was a 3-4 hours trek. While we thanked the trees for providing shade on our way, its roots and big rocks served as a challenge for us. 

The obligatory picture at Camp One.

Pahingahan. A quick stop to catch our breath and rest.

We made friends with other groups :)

I like how they all agreed at wearing the same color of clothes, we'll do that too, right Tin? :D

Eagle man ready to take flight. So this is Mark who served as our guide and our photographer. One thing though, he was very fast!!

Grotto near the summit

Tin on the way to conquer the Monolith. I didn't try it, maybe next time, but this brave girl did! :)

  It was a perfect climb to cap the year 2013. Eventhough I didn't get to explore the Monolith, I'm still blessed to have had the chance to reach it;s summit. And yeah, I'll definitely go back to this place  :)

CHEERS TO MORE MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB THIS 2014! :D

[straykittie]

Mt. Manalmon, San Miguel, Bulacan

Among the many mountains I’ve had the privileges to explore, Mt. Manalmon earned a special place in my heart. You see, my roots are from San Miguel, Bulacan. So I’m especially proud of this place. Aside from our infamous yema/pastillas and historical biak na bato, Mt. Manalmon and Madlum River are both slowly starting to earn it’s place in every adventurers’ bucketlist.

Mt. Manalmon stands 196+ MASL. Although, merely just considered as a hill, Mt. Manalmon provides a lot of activities to its visitors — trekking/mountain climbing, spelunking/cave exploring, river crossing, swimming and of course, trying out the monkey bridge (I was too afraid to try this one, maybe next time haha) With just an hour (or less) trek, you’ll see lush green views at the rock atop Mt. Manalmon. Right across the view of Mt. Manalmon is Mt. Gola and other part of the Madlum River.

Since it was rainy season when we went there, it was difficult to cross the Madlum River due to its very strong current. Thankfully, our guide was good and assisted us very well. It was a very quick adventure for us because it started raining soon as we reached back the jump off point.

How to go to Mt. Manalmon: Ride a bus going bound to Cabanatuan and alight at Camias, San Miguel, Bulacan. Then ride a tricycle going to Sitio Madlum (approximately 30-40 mins trike ride). Sitio Madlum is the jump off to Mt. Manalmon. Note: Hiring a guide is mandatory with a P300 fee for a group with minimum number of 5 persons. There’s also a registration fee of P5 per person.

[straykittie]

"I don’t want to fight, hey let’s go fly a kite; there’s nothing that we can’t cure, and I’ll keep you in my arms for sure; so don’t let nobody stop us, free spirits have to soar; with you I share the gift, the gift that we now know oh oh oh 🎶" (LOVE IS MY RELIGION, Ziggy Marley)

Pandin Lake, San Pablo, Laguna

What better way to jump start the year by going on a relaxing trip to the twin lakes of San Pablo, Laguna. Pandin Lake and Yambu Lake are just two out of the seven lakes one can find in Laguna.

Folklore says that Pandin and Yambu were former lovers who were cursed. (See: Wikipedia) According to our guide/raft driver, Pandin, being the woman, yearly has her menstrual cycle. There are times that the water turns reddish (true to her words, it was, really). And that is why we only get to swim in one part of the lake. The water is refreshingly cold, not clear enough to see what’s underneath but nevertheless, it’s clean. It’s also deeper than it looks, hence they require swimmers to wear life vests when swimming.

All around the lake are different shades of green. One will feel really close to nature. It provides a calming and relaxing feeling that you don’t get anywhere in the metro. The water is serene, air is fresh, even the locals are friendly and lax. There’s also this branch where you can use as a swing, so much for ‘Tabing-ilog’ kind of scene.

So if you’re the kind of person like we are (who prefers to spend lazy weekends on a lax adventure like this), Lake Pandin is one of those place that needs to be on top of your list.

How to go to Pandin Lake: This paradise is three hours away from the Metro. Just take a bus trip going to Lucena then ask the driver to drop you off at San Pablo, Laguna (landmark: Jollibee) then ride a trike and ask them to take you to 711 (city proper) where the jeepney station is at going to ‘ilog’. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Parking lot or the “jump off” going to the lake. There are kid guides who will take you to Pandin Lake. Note that it is always better to make a reservation via SMS to Aling Siony (09299789565) as there are a lot of visitors especially during weekends.

Fees: The usual fee is P180/head for raft rental. You may also opt to avail their lunch package for also P180/head —- lunch includes Pako with salted egg, inihaw na tilapia at liempo, rice, ginataang (maliliit at cute) na hipon, bananas and fresh buko juice.

PS. Our photos are always just taken by an iPhone, so excuse the quality :)