BATAD, BANAUE, IFUGAO | A Narrative of Plot and Subplots in Aha-Timeline

PROLOGUE |

I was never good in math but I have always been interested in learning history.

I am fascinated by the analytical formation of each theory based on different genus: personal, ideology, science or mere experience. The scriptures describing the fall of a certain empire or how an entire race triumphed over alien conquerors must have been made – imagined and witnessed or both - by geniuses. So, I wandered into wondering along the northeastern edge on the map, to learn and unlearn things: old and new ones, too.

Due to consistent urbanization of Banaue, it did not meet the criteria to be included in the listings of UNESCO Heritage Sites, but its neighboring town, Batad, has long sought to preserve and conserve the magnificent landscape.

Batad, 12 hours away from kilometer zero, is highly popular for its spectacular topography: natural and man-made. Waterfalls,  Rice terraces and aboriginal cribs pleated on forested mountains bring resolve on how the indigenous Ifugao ancestors had protected the land and their tribe. 

Communing with the mountains of Batad is like reading a book. The content on each chapter presents special tones, theme and mood - what are your choices? You read it from preface to conclusion or you don't read it at all.

It is my quest to abridge the gaps of what is illustrated in books versus the imageries painted in my imagination.

I am excited.

ELYU | Surfing into the Waters of San Juan

ELYU | 

One of the four provinces in Ilocos Region - La Union - bring diverse people together to do similar interest – surfing. It is closely situated to the provinces in the north: Ilocos, Abra, Pangasinan, but is also accessible by a seven-hour land travel to those who are coming from Manila. For the past years, it has been called as the surfing capital of the North, fostering amity among tourists and locals, and realizing dreams of the young and young at heart. And, whether surfing is a juvenile curiosity or an established skill, you’ve got the full coastline of San Juan – its waters and big waves – willing to give you that kind of stoke you’ve been chasing.

BIYAHENG SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE | Don't Panic, It's Organic

SAGADA | 

Sagada, not long after the release of a local movie stole the attention of romanticists, has become an instant resolve for adventurers: happy and sad. It is surprisingly amusing how a faint, antiquated, held in reserve, sheepishly pretty little town has promptly become the “tadhana capital of the Philippines.”

So yet again, we travel hundreds of kilometers to get lucky, either to make a break or bend and mend our own kind of tadhana: past, current or potential.

What is your Sagada story?

What is your tadhana story.

I’d love to hear it, dear.

BAGUIO | Photo Op & Street Photography : A Narrative of Art, Culture and Sophistication

How do you start a conversation with someone:

a stranger you’ve just met, a familiar soul you’ve known all your life,

or someone you’ve yet to meet, either by chance or choreographed encounter?

What are you supposed to feel?

What are the right words to say and where to find them?

Where do you start?

How do you start?

How do you tell a story?

SAN FELIPE, ZAMBALES | A Chronicled Stoked Memento From Liwliwa

BARANGAY STO. NIÑO, SITIO LIWLIWA | San Felipe, Zambales

Sitio Liwliwa or Liwa as named by most visitors, was a small fishing village before it became known as one of the surfing spots in the north. The western coastline that faces the South China Sea produces exciting waves during the wet season - starting from September which can last up until the month of February, hence attracts surf enthusiasts from different parts of the country.

MANG ADOR'S CAMPSITE, NAGSASA COVE | Advantages of Wet-Weather Camping

IT'S RAINING AND IT'S COLD, YOU SEE? WIFM? |

The tail end of summer is here and rainy months are fast approaching, hence entails a perfect opportunity to hit a few travel destinations. Travelling during off-peak season equates to relatively low cost airfare tickets and accommodation but would quite mean a little higher rate on tour packages due to limited number of clients and resources. While most people are flocked outside during summer, some are patient enough cocooning while waiting for the monsoon to come when beaches and campsites are empty. Such emptiness of these places provides a favorable time to kind of celebrate being on the loose.

NAGSASA COVE, SAN ATONIO, ZAMBALES | The 4 Elements of Life - Earth, Fire, Water and Air

NAGSASA COVE | San Antonio, Zambales

Nagsasa Cove, tucked in the heart of Pundaquit, Zambales, dubbed as one of the best camp spots in the north. It is approximately 5 hours away from Manila; combined land and sea transfers. The neigboring islands  - Anawangin, Camara, and Capones are in close proximity, if ever one decides to go on hopping. For people who are looking for a  cool spot, whether to camp for a few days or take a week of restoration - this should be on your list. Locals and exotic tourists find this place as haven of unending tranquility.  More so, an amazingly budget-friendly destination either for a solo happy camper or mad squads.

MT. BATONG-LUSONG | Tanay, Rizal

Wake up before sunrise

MT. BATONG-LUSONG | Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal

Rizal, easterly sits from Manila, completes the Southern Tagalog Region – CALABARON.  Its provincial capital is Antipolo, serves as its opening wedge for an urbanized trade and industry. Its dominant language is Tagalog, while Roman Catholic dominates the religious sector. Its topography is very mountainous with manageable slopes, which is appropriate for beginner hikers; water inlet and beautiful waterfalls can be points of interest too.

BAKIT KA NGA BA NAAKYAT NG BUNDOK?

Bakit ka nga ba naakyat ng bundok?

Siguro nagsawa ka na sa siyudad

o baka trip mo lang subukan na hawakan

ang mga tala sa likod ng mga ulap

doon sa kalawakan.

Marahas na init

Matatalim na tinik

Sumusunog sa iyong balat

Sumusugat sa iyong laman

Habang pataas nang pataas

Tila palalim rin nang palalim

Mga bakas na iniiwan habang ikaw ay paakyat

Di alintana ang hangin, ulan pati kalam ng sikmura

Kasi yung tuktok maabot mo na

Konti na lang, ayan na

Alam mo malapit na

Lahat ng pagal, hingal at uhaw tanggal

Pagdating sa summit

Shit! Tanaw mo ang lahat

Buong mundo

Silang lahat

Hahalik ka sa  lupa

Makikipagsayaw ka sa musika ng hangin

Mga ibon iyong kakausapin

Tapos, hihilig ka sa balikat ni Haring Araw

Ipaghehele ka niya hanggang sa ika’y makatulog

At makabawi ng lakas

Hanggang kaya na ng mga binti mo

Ang bumalik sa kapatagan

At umakyat muli ng panibagong bundok.

NATIONAL MUSEUM | A Time Travel: Flash Photography; Etiquette and Gallery Decorum

SPOLIARIUM | Juan Luna

NATIONAL MUSEUM | Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila

National Museum, housed on Taft Avenue in Manila, is committed in providing an extensive latitude for arts and culture geeks. It safeguards the country's brilliant works of prominent artists and serves as an avenue for modern visuals for the new generation. A quick visit would quite mean time travelling - from past unto future; as interesting, rare pieces might just share you a story.

CAGBALETE ISLAND, Mauban, Quezon | A Piece Of Peace Over The Seas

Tamed waters of Cagbalete during afternoon

CAGBALETE ISLAND | Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete Island, part of Mauban Quezon, sits quietly amidst the open shore of the Pacific Ocean and Mauban Strait. Slowly becoming one of the tourist landmarks in the region of CALABARZON, it surely radiates beauty over and above simplicity. The accessibility and being such a budget-friendly getaway, makes it a real deal for a quick weekend backpacking flee.  The unsophisticated lifestyle in the island is solely leaned towards fishing while most young adults are being associated with tourism - boatmen and tour guides; various resorts too create jobs for young adults and homemakers benefiting the local communities.

CITY OF BAGUIO, Benguet | Just 5 Of The Hundred and Forty Six Other Things To Do In Baguio

CITY OF BAGUIO | Benguet

Baguio City, core spot for trade in Cordillera Administrative Region, is one of the most hyped destinations by tourists in the province of Benguet. Boasting an altitude of more than 5,000 feet, it sure make as a nice hideout in the mountains. The roads tend to be packed by either cars or tourists during late afternoon especially on the busiest part – Session Road, so wear comfortable foot gear as you will be using your bottom most of the time. Pack enough sweatshirts of any type to keep you warm as it is going to be chilly at night. Yes, baby, it'll chilly. 

HOW TO GET TO BAGUIO CITY

From Manila

1. Several bus companies offer regular trips bound for Baguio. Victory Liner Inc., for one, accessibly scattered around the Metro - Cubao, Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan; transports passengers conveniently to and from Baguio at a fare of Php 450, with 15-30 minute interval. An hour to an hour and a half of regular rest room privilege is provided to commuters as you pass along the northern provinces. Travel time is approximately 6 hours. De luxe type, with built in rest room and seat back recliners, is also offered at Php 750, leaving at an hourly interval. Travel time is cut down into 4 hours.

** There are many ways to explore the city, you can rent  a cab, ride a PUJ or act like a pro and use your feet! **

The last is always the coolest and as always, GET LOST.

5 THINGS TO DO IN BAGUIO CITY

NASUGBU, BATANGAS | FORTUNE ISLAND - Passé and Beautifully Ruined

Fortune Island

Fortune Island, to be found in the municipality of Nasugbu Batangas, became one of the most fitting landing-places for backpackers. It was a popular luxury island resort but has now turned into a humble destination for beach bummers and adventure seekers. Time might have depleted its fine beauty but the character still swanks dignity and pride; beautifully aged and wonderfully ruined, I say.

ANTIPOLO, RIZAL | EGGS FOR BREAKFAST CAFÈ - Egg Hunting On A Sunday

Eggs For Breakfast Cafe, a domestic bistro in Antipolo Rizal, 

offers amazing food selection to diners

 who go for a casual good vibe to start their day.

BORAWAN ISLAND, QUEZON | Sweet Little Trance From a Distance

how tropical can you get? - Kwebang Lampas

Quezon, formerly known as Tayabas, is one of the provinces in Region IV-A which completes the CALABARZON constituency. Its heavenly topography and climate makes it ideal for exceptional summer setting. Being able to be rewarded with vast coastal – Tayabas Bay and Ragay Gulf; it sure vouch nothing but just great sea adventure.

ILOCOS NORTE | Throwing Back To A Little Piece Of Joy

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse 

Ilocos Norte, a province in Ilocos Region, pulls tourists for its first-class panorama and full of flavor cuisine. It has a room for anyone who goes for a tan or wants to feel reflective all at once.

LAIYA, BATANGAS | PALM BEACH RESORT

infinity pool # 2

(for day tour guests)

Palm Beach Resort

Palm Beach Resort, formerly named as La Frondosa, is modestly positioned at the uttermost stretch of Laiya’s shore. The site is rather steep following the natural curves of nature; consequently, raising the adrenalines to keep up for an expected adventure. Do not fret if you are not up for the dare because the resort provides a private car to pick up and drop off guests at the foot of the hill with regular intervals.

TAAL, BATANGAS | Afar Off and My Little Musings

Basilica de San Martin de Tours

Taal, Batangas

I fear darkness.

But, I like it sometimes.

It gives me a different kind of scare.

Or maybe, it's the different kind of brave I get

that's what gets me excited.

And just like that; A light, no matter how least,

amidst the dusk is still the brightest.

SAN JUAN CITY, BATANGAS | A Ticket to a Familiar Route

San Juan Nepomuceno Church

San Juan, having one of the longest shorelines in the country, has been always welcoming visitors who look for an adoring weekend escape without really snatching their budget.

Lipa City, Batangas | Untold Surprises of a Weekender

public green area

Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Cuenca, Batangas

"But I'll tell you what hermits realize.
 If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet,

you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything." - Alan Watts