Mt. Pico de Loro, Ternate Cavite : Dangerous even for Adventurous

I would love to share this experience while everything was still fresh in my memory. It wasn't a long planned hike but I was just invited by a friend to join and since my co-workers have been there the possibility of going back will surely be doubtful; so this became my first hike this 2016. Mt. Pico de Loro 664 MASL, also known as "Mount Palay-Palay" is located in Ternate, Cavite. It was named by Spanish sea-farers which means "Parrot's Beak" as its pointed summit resembles the shape of a parrot's beak. 

Credits to my hiking buddies for the pictures

As my SOP, I read blogs few days before the hike and note down itinerary. Our call time was 05:00 am at Coastal Mall where the bus terminal to Ternate Cavite is located, however, my sister and I arrived late so we left the area at 06:27 am and reached Ternate at 07:38 am. The bus stopped exactly at the tricycle terminal, where we rode going to DENR Campsite registration area. FYI: Overnight stay at Camp 2 is no longer allowed as of February 2015.

DENR Campsite

After having some errands we started to trek at exactly 08:20 am. It wasn't easy though because as starter we passed by a creek with slippery rocks and muddy trail. Excited as some were newbie we kept walking for 30mins. until we decided to rest and eat boiled egg. When our energy got restored we started to continue.  

Hiking buddies: Jennylyn, Jhorie, Mayang, Thet, Mitchay, Dhez

Are you guys ready? Trek with us!

therefore... A boiled egg a day keeps the tiredness day away!

Some hikers were already going back, when we asked them how far should we walked they told us 45mins. more. We got energized and kept walking, we passed by a trail wherein we need to pull ourselves up using a rope. It seemed an obstacle race as we hopped to the scattered logs along the trail then 45 mins. became more than an hour. 

Can I have a picture first? say...CHILL!

Kapit lang ng di gumulong!

first obstacle completed

 We had the first glimpse of Pico de Loro as we reached the Watch Tower (forgive me for there's no picture) We saw hikers reaching the summit and we were like.... "Paano tayo makakarating dyan?" Eager as other hikers we continue trekking but unlike other mountains I've been to, Pico de Loro has only one resting camp where all hikers rest, eat and take pictures before going to the summit and we arrived there at 11:30am. 

over sized roots along the trail

We decided to rest, eat and take pictures before finally going to the summit. While resting, I carefully observed the trail going to the summit and listened to the people around me, I got hit by the realization that it was never easy reaching its summit so I asked the mini-store owner if we can leave our bags. She responded positively and told me that other hikers did the same thing. 

Bili na po kayo... pang pamasahe lang po pa-uwe...

It was 12:00nn when we started to trek to the summit and true enough it was no joke. Literally "buwis-buhay" because one wrong move and you'll directly roll down. (Big thanks to Ate store owner, you made our lives hassle free) It was steep with nothing to hold on but your prowess. Traffic jam was superb because of the narrow trail and hikers cannot easily go up so we have to wait for our turn. 

Great view at Camp 2 with my sisterette Dhez

After all the hardships with nothing to hold on except scattered small rocks and over sized roots, we finally reached the summit!!! special thanks to the hikers who gave us a hand when were almost there.  

Here we are at the summit of Mt. Pico de Loro!

Group shot at the summit

The view was worth all the gathered courage. We stayed there for 45mins. took a lot of pictures because it will surely be hard to go back. Although some of us would like to go to the Monolith, we didn't permit them because of the long line of hikers plus the difficulty of a 90 degree way up to a cliff.

Relaxing view from the summit

Monolith over there

Here comes the hardest part, going down from a steep rocky summit. Good thing, some locals assist us going down, we just need to pay a little amount for a safe way down. 

Bare trail going down from the summit

We stayed at Camp 2 for almost an hour before descending and logged out at DENR registration at exactly 04:00pm. 

MT. PICO DE LORO

I came up with the budget plan (as of 2016) and itinerary. Hope this can guide hikers who wish to visit Mt. Pico de Loro. It's indeed dangerous even for adventurous. 

BUDGET:

Bus (Coastal-Ternate) P81.00

Tricycle (Ternate-DENR Camp) P85.00 (255.00/3pax)

Environmental Fee P25.00

Guide P200.00 (1,000/5pax)

Assistance (back & forth of the summit) P50.00

Assistance (back & forth of the monolith) P50.00

Toilet P10.00

Food:

Banana (13.00)

Mais/Saging con Yelo (25.00)

Halo-halo (35.00)

Pancit Canton (25.00)

SAMPLE ITINERARY
0530:Assembly at Coastal Mall Terminal
0600:Depart from Coastal to Ternate
0730: Jump off point DENR
0800: Start Trek
1100: Arrive at Camp 2 (take pictures and rest)
1145: Arrive at the Summit (take pictures and rest)
0130:Start Descent
0330:Arrive at DENR Site (wash up)

Let's find some beautiful place to get LOST...

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reactions about this post.

~thetskie here~ 

Chef Laudico Guevarra's

During Christmas season the never ending parties are everywhere. It's so hard to find uncrowded place with great food. Good thing my colleagues from MMC-CAST knew a hidden buffet style restaurant although it wasn't hidden at all! I made a call before going there to ask how will I find the restaurant, good thing I'm from Ortigas and their place is located in my neighbor city San Juan.

As usual, I've checked blogs for heads up. I learned that it was an old house renovated and preserved for its classic style. A woman in a modern Filipiñana attire (wearing Filipiñana top and short skirt) will welcome the customers. 

We were asked to wait outside for our turn as they served appetizers. It wasn't boring at all because we talked continuously that we even try to figure out some customer's thoughts when they leave the restaurant.

Selfie!

Our turn came and we're very excited to eat. After being settled to our seat, we headed directly to the buffet table where varieties of dishes were waiting. 

Okay?! Ready Set Go!

Yummy Appetizers

I guess he's in trouble!

Sweet tooth? Better be ready

This place instantly brought me to the past with the design and food. 

Plates signed by some celebrities and known personalities

 

The busiest man of the season.

The overall experience at Chef Laudico was something worth remembering. Being with my co-workers and setting aside paper works to relax and enjoy. I haven't tried all their food so I still have the reason to go back! probably with a new set of friends.

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reactions about this post.

~thetskie here~

Saab's LUCKY ONE on December One

Fourteen days before Christmas and as early as December one I got a gift I didn't imagine I will have. As blogger (newbie here), its normal that we follow other bloggers and read their entries too and even before I started blogging I'm already reading this http://spellsaab.juice.ph/ 

This blog site belongs to Maria Isabella Simone Arroyo Magalona-Bacarro known as Saab Magalona a blogger, singer, endorser, recently a DJ and all-time book lover. She's making her own name in her chosen field. Last November, she started decluttering her bookshelves and decided to give three stacks to three chosen people. Readers just need to place a comment on her post the reason why they wanted it. You may read her post http://spellsaab.juice.ph/book-club-take-me-home/

I was hesitant at first but I just wanted to try my luck so I decided to put a comment.

What can you say?

I checked my email the next day and got broken when I didn't received any message from her. Well to tell you honestly, 300+ place their comments and my chance of being picked was very low. It was December 1st! I got shocked to see her name in my inbox with a the word "Congratulations." OMG!! I won one stack #2!!! What caught my attention was the number I saw, she gave my Stack #2 while I wished for #3. I backtracked all the comments to know why Stack #3 was given to another person. I look for her name and here's what I found out...

She deserves it...

I'm lucky to be chosen out of the crowd's comment and even luckier to know the Stack I wished for was given to a deserving person. Thank you so much Saab for sharing your books and for choosing me. I'll surely update you once it was handed to my friend.

Books are meant to be shared; you may have a mini-library but if those books will just be covered by dust as it stays longer... I guess its better to let go and let their story be shared to other people. We all have different ways of loving what we have but sharing this love will surely be greater.

Have you had the same experience? Share it with me thru comments. I would love to read your own story. PS: I'm currently reading Unscripted (one of the book I got from Saab)... got inspired with popular people's own story...

~thetskie here~

REGINA RICA: Our Lady Regina Rosarii @ Tanay Rizal

It was a year ago when I learned about Regina RICA thru my Tita Mayra. We decided to plan our visit so I checked blogs to know more about the place and it got me even more excited. 

After a long ride, we finally arrived!

Who would have thought there will be a sanctuary like this? Thanks to the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii for bringing the experience of heaven to public. The 13.5 hectare has grown to be a place of prayer, an ecological sanctuary and a wellness environment.

This place taught me one good lesson. I went there with my Tita Mayra, my sister Daizyrry and my cousin Pearlyn. They wore blouse and skirt while I wore dress. Unfortunately, when we were about to enter the guard told me to borrow skirt near the orientation area. I was like... WHY??? He explained that skirt or dress should be longer most probably below the knee. They were laughing about my situation but I have no choice but to OBEY their rules and regulation. Good thing the color of their skirt complemented my dress.

What can you say?

All visitors must first undergo orientation to know more about its history and the different activities they have as well as their future plans for the place. After the orientation each will be given freedom to walk around and explore the beauty of the place. There are areas you needed to be oriented first before entering.

Our Lady of Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii) is a huge beautiful 71-foot high statue stands on top of the hill. It was made by the sculptor, Jose Barcena Jr.
 

The entire place was indeed a sanctuary where you can relax, reflect and meditate. You can also offer prayers and colorful candles according to your intention. We didn't let the opportunity pass to get inside Our Lady's mantle right after the orientation we went up. Inside her mantle is an adoration chapel called "SULOD" and Ilonggo word which means "enter". The sacredness of the place will hinder you for taking picture inside though it was really not allowed.

Tita Mayra while writing her prayer offering.

We heard the mass since it was Sunday when we visited. If you can notice, they were very organize from the gate to their facilities. It was also evident to their chapel. There were people whom will assist you to your place until communion. They also have healing prayer after the mass and anointing of the healing oil. 
 

The Chapel

A blessed Sunday indeed! We got inspired by how the devotees of Mary came up with a sanctuary. As heaven can move mountains; our faith can let everything happens. With trust and guidance with our Lord and Mary as our mediator. For more information about Regina Rosarii you may visit their website http://reginarica.org/rica/

Blessed!

We may not or need not to understand God's plan for us, all that is expected of us is to trust in Him, as Mary our mother did. Always be a blessing to others!


Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reactions about this post.

~thetskie here~

the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, was founded by Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil - See more at: http://reginarica.org/rica/?page_id=729#sthash.wJ4e78L4.dpuf

the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, was founded by Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil - See more at: http://reginarica.org/rica/?page_id=729#sthash.wJ4e78L4.dpuf

the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, was founded by Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil - See more at: http://reginarica.org/rica/?page_id=729#sthash.wJ4e78L4.dpuf

Congregation, the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, was founded by Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil, OP on May 13, 2005 in Quezon City, Philippines. Together with her were Sister Mary Carmen C. Advincula, OP., Sister Marie Amelia F. Brasil, OP., Sister Mary Matthew F. Brasil, OP., Sister Ma. Violeta P. Sobremisana, OP., and Sister Mary Sarah R. Ronda, OP. We were all former members of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines.

         We heard the call of the Spirit to start a new branch of the Dominican family where we can be contemplative witnesses, following Jesus,

- See more at: http://reginarica.org/rica/?page_id=729#sthash.wJ4e78L4.dpuf

Mt. Balagbag, Rodriguez Rizal 

I'm tired of seeing buildings and crowded roads since I started teaching in college. I simply need a break and finally I have it because it was our semestral break. February, when we hiked Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao Batangas after that we faced the busiest part of our working lives. We planned to hike Mt. Daguldol unfortunately, it didn't materialize. It’s almost the end of the year when we finally push through our next climb... Mt. Balagbag is located in Rodriguez Rizal. At over 777+ MASL that offers good view of Manila.

Since three of us were from Ortigas Ext. we just rode a jeepney to Cubao (P17.00 fare) to get rid of the preparation of APEC Summit during that time. From Cubao we rode a bus going to Tungko (P65.00 up) then we arrived at the meeting place after an hour and half. The terminal going to Licao-Licao (P28.00 fare) was just few steps from our meeting place. Mt. Balagbag here we come!

It took more than 30 minutes before we arrived at Licao-Licao.There were tricycle drivers who asked us if we wanted to get ride so well have shorter trek but being excited and adventurous we politely refused and started walking. According to the blogs I've read the trail was wide and obvious so the need for the guide was the hiker’s choice. 

May your best miles be covered by foot

Ready! Set! Trek!

We started hiking around 11am so we can reach the resort probably lunch time. Yes we're staying at the resort!!! We passed by at a grotto and (1) took a picture (2) rest as well. We kept walking but everyone's hungry, when we saw a small store with table and chairs made of bamboo outside we decided to have lunch! Happy tummy = happy trek! 

Good weather we pray...

We finally reached the Sitio Balagbag Health Center where we have to register and pay P10.00 each. We were advised to stay for a while because the afternoon sun was up so bright and hot! Dim-trekking was really recommended! We learned that the resort where we placed our reservation was near the mountain peak. Good thing we already ate lunch or else... we'll die in hunger.

Let the trek begin again! We met a lot of day hikers and bikers along the trail. The level of difficulty according to some hikers was 3/9 but while we were walking we came into conclusion that it depends upon the hiker's expertise. For newbies like us it will be 5/9. The trail was wide and easy but still it was too exposed to Mr. Sun and that made it more difficult.

Yay! At last we reached the resort! It was near the peak so don't expect too much but it passed our standard (lelz). There's only one swimming pool, decent restroom, wide space to pinch your tent, a sari-sari store and available drinking water. Entrance fee is P100.00 per head. You can also rent their long table with chair for P200.00 or their room for P200.00- 500.00. Convenience overload :)

Forget about your worries and swim calmly!

We decided to leave some of our things before going to the summit. It would only take 30 minutes trek from the resort but because of some photo ops... it took us an hour. Meet our adorable tour guide "Heidi". We met at the resort and from there Heidi never leave our side until we get back to the resort.

so adorable... Heidi

Cold wind plus breathtakingly beautiful view of Sierra Madre range... whatta welcome!

Group shot at the summit

We waited for the sunset because we decided to pinch our tent in the resort. Mr.Sun didn't fail to give a peaceful view as the dark clouds conquer the blue ones.

We made it!

While heading back to the resort other hikers encouraged us to stay but since some of our things were left at the resort we have to refuse them. Before I forgot, we paid P20.00 at the gate before the summit.

Arranged rock made a cave view

Indeed a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Though the next day will surely be full of body pains, nothing beats the experience we had.  

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post. 

~thetskie here~