Wednesday, November 25, 2015

3-Day Stay in Low-key Mindoro (Bongabong & Bulalacao)




For this year’s sembreak, we sailed to Mindoro. Well, we didn’t really ‘sail’. But unlike our usual roadtrips, this time we were mostly traveling by water. A welcomed first for our law school #squad since we usually travel north to the boondocks.

Mindoro trip satisfied more than I expected. It’s the kind of vacation I needed. Satiated my wanderlust. Relaxed my stressed mind.

First RoRo Trip Ever




It was APEC week in Manila (and I honestly didn’t want to be a part of all the crazy). We left Tuesday night, right before the start of the declared holiday. We departed from Manila 7pm and arrived in Batangas at 10pm. Reina Delas Flores of Montenegro Lines departed past 10:30 pm.

It was my first time on board a RoRo. I did expect to get scared since I fear being in the middle of the ocean, or space, or anything endless really. But the whole ride was okay. I didn’t get sea sick or scared. Just a little anxious at first. The RoRo trip lasted for 3 hours.

Inside RoRo Pilot House


My friend, Cindee, befriended the officers manning the vessel. We stayed in the Pilot House (or Bridge as they call it abroad). There were two officers there who explained to us the different apparatus they use. I remember the radar and forgot everything else. Very educational really. For a first-timer, a visit to the Pilot House was pretty spectacular.





Day 1 in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro 

We arrived in Calapan, Mindoro around 2am. Since we were starving, we stopped at this roadside eatery. They serve goto, mami and bibingka. They also give salabat for free. That was the nicest salabat I tasted. Their goto was different. It looked more like papaitan, but really delicious. I would probably be looking for this goto one of these days after a booze fix. Their bibingka was simple and tasty and cheap. We ordered 7 gotos and 4 bibingkas. It only cost us 280 pesos all in all. 




By the way, the couple who run this gotohan sent their 3 children to school using their income from this small business. So a plea to all travelers who care to listen: when you go to the provinces, spend your money on these small businesses. They need and deserve it more.





We drove from Calapan to Bongabong.

Our first day in Bongabong, Mindoro was pretty laid back. We just rested, talked, ate and ate some more. Thank you to Cindee Guno's family for their warm welcome and for spoiling us. 

The latter part of the day was spent on Lito Camo’s beach house, which he offered for free. Thanks to Niño Liwanag for arranging this accomodation for us and for accompanying us on most of the places we visited. 


Lito Camo's Beach House

We capped off the night lying by the beach, chatting, looking at the stars -- one of my favorite parts of this trip. 

Day 2 in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro 

We woke up at 4am to start our day.We traveled to Bulalacao by car, had a brief courtesy call with the Bulalacao Mayor. He arranged for our boat ride for our island hopping. Again. For free. A lot of freebies for this trip.



Island Hopping. By island hopping, we mean 2 islands. The islands are separated a little far from each other. And we didn’t get to go to the other islands because of the huge waves that day.



Aslom Island. There’s nothing much on this island. It’s actually mostly privately owned and still under construction. We were still allowed on some parts however. It was windy here. I can imagine a lot of water activities, like windsurfing, that travelers may patronize. We just had our lunch there and left. 

Aslom Island


Tambaron Island. This is the highlight of our trip. We were the only ones in Tambaron (except for the caretakers of course). Imagine an entire island all to yourself. It was beyond words. The pictures cannot capture the serenity that this island has left me. 

We were accommodated by Tambaron Green Beach Resort. (See below for cost and contact details)

You can go to the other side of the island by trekking for 15 minutes or so, or you can go there by boat. It is as beautiful. I don’t know if there are accommodations available on the other side. We just had our photo op and went back.

Tambaron Island

You can go swimming and boating in Tambaron. Here’s a picture of my friends as I watch them own that part of the sea. They were the only ones there. I mean...it was beyond amazing.

Tambaron Island

Tambaron Island


Mandatory sunset pose!

Tambaron Island


And of course drinking session near a bonfire, by the sea, under the stars. What more can I ask for?

I woke up at 5 am, sat by the shore alone, watched the light breaking through the darkness as I hear the calm waves hit the sand, deep in my thoughts. No pictures. Just me, and the ocean, and the sky. It was my favorite part. 

Day 3 in Bongabong, Mindoro 

We had our breakfast in Melzar’s Restaurant. Very scenic. Food needs improvement.

We went around Bongabong, Mindoro. We lounged by the river...

Bongabong Mindoro

We walked around...

 And we went up this lighthouse.

Bongabong Lighthouse

It was my first time to ever go up a lighthouse. Usually pictures are just taken with lighthouses as backdrop.. We were allowed to go up and I have to say...it scared the hell out of me. I’m not afraid of heights or of narrow places; I anticipated that kind of steel ladder; I’ve always wanted to go up a lighthouse; but I didn’t expect it to shake so much as we climbed up. There were 6 of us who were supposed to go up and I seriously didn’t think that the lighthouse could carry all the weight of 6 people, but I went up anyways because #YOLO. Two of us fortunately yielded so I breathed a little. I was still scared since it shook a lot when somebody was using the ladder. That lighthouse seems short, but it felt like forever climbing up the ladder. The thrill was nice though. And that’s a part of my non-existing bucketlist crossed out.



We departed from Mindoro at 4am November 21, 2015. If I felt anxious on my first RoRo ride, I was asleep the entire trip on my second.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Cost
What we spent during our entire trip.
Note: The table below does not contain our expenses for food (except for the one in Tambaron).

Expenses
RoRo Fare - Montenegro Lines (for Private Car, one way)
1,600 pesos approx.
(Depends what car you have)
RoRo Fare (one way)
192 pesos per head
(No fee for the driver)
Gas (Manila to Batangas,Batangas to Manila, around Mindoro )
2, 000 pesos approx
Toll fee 
600 pesos approx.
Tambaron Resort Overnight Dorm
350 pesos per head
Boat ride fee fromTambaron Island to Fish Port*
700 pesos
Dinner in Tambaron Island
1, 500 pesos 
(Enough for 8 people)
Tips
600 pesos


*We got a free boat ride from Bulalacao fish port to Tambaron. If you want to go to Tambaron Green Beach Resort, you can just contact them and they will arrange the boat ride for you (back and forth). Here are their contact details:



Sunday, September 27, 2015

Mt. Sipit Ulang Dayhike

Mt.Sipit Ulang was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t even know this mountain exists until last week. They said Mt. Sipit Ulang's Paniki trail is a recently opened trail. In fact, Pinoymountaineer just recently blogged about this mountain last August 31, 2015. Just barely a month ago.

Mt.Sipit Ulang is located at Brgy. Mascap, Rodriguez, Rizal. We went there by car.

TIP #1: For those who would bring a car, you can park for free near the barangay hall.

We planned to be there by 7am, but because of few bumps in the road, we arrived at 9:30am.

TIP #2: Arrive at around 7am or 8am to enjoy the entirety of the Paniki trail. Because we started the trail around 9:45am, the tour guides made us take the Banayad trail halfway to arrive at the summit by noon. [We did ask them to take us to a route where we would arrive at the summit by noon since we plan to be home early.]

Once you arrive in the barangay hall, you would have to register and pay 50pesos each for environmental fee. For the tour guide fee, they recommend 400pesos.

The Tour Guides

We had two tour guides, Pogs and Meljoe. They were substitute tour guides since all the regular tour guides were already taken when we arrived. Pogs and Meljoe were to be taken as one since they merely tag teamed as newbies. We paid them 500pesos each. We thoroughly enjoyed their company. I think they are cut to become regular tour guides. They are two of the best I’ve met so far. They were enthusiastic, patient,and communicate really well.


The Trails

There are two trails. The Banayad and Paniki trails. The Banayad trail is the easier one and is recommended to take for the descent. The Paniki trail is the more challenging trail going up.

You would have to enter some caves...

climb this tall ladder...


 and rock scramble...


It was not that exhausting because you would have to pause from time to time to let your companions catch up because sometimes you can’t do the task all together. If you don’t mind getting dirty, tight places and interesting obstacle courses, you would definitely enjoy Mt. Sipit Ulang.

TIP #3: Bring some gloves. The rocks are really sharp. Anyway, I had no bruises in my hand so you’ll survive without one. But really, bring one to make things easier for you, especially in maneuvering in the sipit ulang rock formation in the summit.

There are a few stops like this along the way.


And a lot more of breathtaking views.


The Summit

For the summit, you would have to climb the sipit ulang rock formation. I’m telling you, it’s not an easy climb. It takes guts to do. Just trust your tour guide. Make sure you hold on tightly, that you have a good foothold, and voila! Epic summit shots!


It's achievable. Just be really careful. One slip can be fatal. Take your time.

Itinerary.

Pinoymountaineer's itinerary compared to how our day went.

Pinoymountaineer's itinerary
0400 Take van from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal
0530 ETA Rodriguez, Rizal; take trike to Brgy. Mascap
0630 Arrival at Brgy. Mascap. Register at barangay hall
0700 Start trek up Hapunang Banoi via Paniki Trail
0930 ETA summit. Explore rock formations
1000 Retreat to the benches - possible lunch stop*
1030 Start descent via the Banayad Trail
1200 Back at Brgy. Mascap. Tidy up.
1300 Head back to Rodriguez town (or proceed to Mt. Ayaas)
1400 Back in Eastwood, Rodriguez. Take van back to Manila
1530 Back in Manila.

How our day went
6:30 am - Left McDo Bustillos
9:30 am - Arrival at Masicap (we got lost plenty of times so it might take you a shorter time)
9:45 am - Start hike
12 noon - Summit
12-1pm - Lunch and wait for your turn for summit photo op
1pm - 2pm - Summit Photo Op (Because we were the last group and no one was waiting for us to finish. Plus it’s really hard to maneuver in the summit)
2pm-3pm - Descent
5:30 - Back in Manila


Budget

I spent a total of 500pesos. 200pesos for gas. 50 pesos for environmental fee. 200 pesos for tour guide fee. 50pesos for food.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Kwentong Atty. Amurao


This post is a tribute to my most favorite law professor, Atty. Amurao. He passed away last Thursday. Atty. Amurao was well-known for being one of the most -- if not the most --  feared professor in San Beda Law. He is also one of the most loved and respected. 

Photo Credit: LSG San Beda Law Mendiola

Unlike the others, I’m not going to say that Atty. Amurao taught me how to persevere nor would I say that he instilled in me the discipline needed to study and love the law. He didn’t inculcate in me the importance of getting back up after failing. I already knew all those before I had him as my Criminal Law 2 professor. 

But why do I respect him so much? And why do I feel so heartbroken that he would no longer walk the halls of San Beda? Because I idolize him. He didn’t compromise. From the very first meeting to the last, he was consistent with his ethics and professionalism. His dedication to teaching is immeasurable.

***

Lahat naman ng recit sa law school, nakakakaba, pero iba talaga yung kaba sa klase ng isang Atty. Amurao. Yung puso ko parang lalabas sa dibdib ko sa sobrang tibok. At hindi yun nawala. Usually, masasanay ka sa prof at magiging kampante, pero kay Atty. Amurao, hindi. Hanggang huling araw ng klase, malala pa rin yung pagkabog ng puso ko.

Kahit matanda na sya, palagi syang pumapasok. Hindi sya na-late ng more than 15 minutes. Nagbibigay sya ng grade as low as 60, pero kung tuloy-tuloy ang recit mo at wala kang sinabing mali, hindi nya ipagkakait ang 100.
Ilang taon na rin akong nasa law school. Marami na kong recit na nakita na sobrang galing pero hanggang 85 lang ang binibigay na highest ng professor. Hindi ganun si Atty. Amurao. Kung deserve mo ang perfect score, yun ang isusulat nya sa classcard mo.

Kahit may Amurao Notes, tadtad pa rin ng 65, 70 at 75 ang recit grades ko. Nakalimang sunod-sunod na bokyang recit ako sa kanya bago ko nakatikim ng 100. Bago yun, naisip kong di ko kaya. Nagalit ako sa kanya. Pero nung nakatikim ako ng una kong 100, sobrang saya ko! Eventually, na-realize ko na kaya ko. Naintindihan ko na gusto nya lang akong matuto.

Matututo ka talaga sa kanya. Kanina nga, nagbibigay ng eulogy yung isa sa mga Beda profs at nabanggit nya yung Art. 247 ng Revised Penal Code. Alam mo yung article number pa lang, naalala ko na agad yung lessons namin. Kasi sobrang tatatak talaga yung mga recitations sa kanya. Syempre marami na kong nakalimutan, pero sa subject nya talaga ko pinakamaraming naaalala.

Sa ibang prof, swerte na yung matawag ka ng 3 beses sa buong semester. Kay Atty. Amurao, 3 beses bawat meeting. Sa ibang prof, pwede kang magbasa ng libro, maghabol ng aral habang nagkla-klase. Kay Atty. Amurao, kelangan makinig ka sa kanya. Hindi sya umuulit kapag nasabi na nya yung tanong. Kelangan din mabilis ka sumagot kasi huminto ka lang ng mga 3 segundo, magtatawag na sya ng sunod na estudyante.

Madalas nilang sabihing malupit sya, pero kung tutuusin, hindi naman eh. Hindi sya sumisigaw. Hindi sya namamahiya. Reasonable ang mga tanong nya sa recit at sa exam. Kaya lang talaga, pag mali ka sa recit, upo ka kaagad. Pag di maayos ang sagot mo sa essay sa exam, 2 over 10 ang score mo. At least may partial points! Minsan nga sa iba wala.

Malupit ba kung nage-expect ang prof na ibigay mo sa kanya yung tamang sagot sa tanong nya? Mabait si sir. Mahirap lang talaga magtanong. Mataas lang ang standard. At yun ang dahilan kung bakit maraming takot at umiiwas sa klase nya.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ma-imagine ang law school life ko nang hindi ko naging prof si Atty. Amurao. The Amurao Experience, so far, is the best part of my law school years. It was the most trying and the most fulfilling time.
I am very honored to have passed his subject -- one of the only two students in our class who did -- and be called an Amurao Baby.

I would never forget our small encounter in the hallway. I would never forget that smile. Hindi sya ngumingiti sa loob ng classroom kaya sobrang pinapahalagahan naming mga naging estudyante nya yung simpleng ngiti nya sa labas.

I know he was old, but I can’t shake the feeling that he was gone too soon. Wala man lang kaming picture together. Hindi ko man lang sa kanya mapagmamalaki yung grade ko sa Criminal Law sa Bar Exam. Alam ko magiging maayos ang score ko sa Criminal Law. I was taught by the best.

Sir, more than anything, thank you for tearing my confidence down so it had nowhere else to go but up. Thank you for reminding me how to turn fear to inspiration, frustration to hardwork. You are one of my heroes. I’ll keep you in my heart. I feel so privileged to have been under your tutelage. Thank you, sir. Rest in His loving arms. 

Monday, July 6, 2015

ILOCOS ROADTRIP: Paoay and Vigan


" I can't say I wasn't hoping for it, but I didn't see it coming."  -- Jessi Kirby, Golden

Our trip to Ilocos was definitely unplanned. We were running out of things to do in La Union so we decided to drive to Ilocos. It was my first time in Ilocos, and I can say that our trip was definitely one for the books. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte


We arrived in Suba, Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte at 5:30 pm. We had the place to ourselves!



First up, 
4X4 ride!!!

I had never ridden a 4x4. It was my first time and it was epic! Mostly thanks to our “tour guide” slash “driver” slash "photographer" slash VICE MAYOR of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. We had no idea at first that he is the vice-mayor of the town. We only found out after he had already driven the 4x4, took our photos, taught us how to sandboard, and became the best possible tour guide to our group.  Vice Mayor Jessie Galano is thus far the coolest executive official I've ever met. I don't know if he only does this tour guide-thing for votes. Anyway, he knew we were not voters of Ilocos and the entire sand dunes was practically empty for him to put up a show. My conclusion is that: he's just cool like that.


Vice-Mayor Jessie gave us the ultimate experience of riding the 4x4. You really have to hold tightly because you’re going to be thrown out if you don’t.


4x4 ride (already includes sandboarding) costs 2,500 pesos. The truck will fit 5 people. The fee is fixed regardless of how many you are in the group, so long as you don't exceed 5. There were 8 of us  so we rented 2 trucks.


Sandboarding


It’s actually easier than it looks. Though I fell flat on my behind twice, it was manageable. Sandboarding is probably my favorite experience during this La Union-Ilocos trip. It was fun and scary and fulfilling. And again, we had the whole sand dunes to ourselves! There were young boys assisting our “tour guide” and watching us sandboard which made the experience pretty awesome. It was like having a supportive audience. 


Picture-Perfect











The quality photos are probably creditable to the magic of GoPro, but I swear, the place is really amazing. I loved the sunset! One of the best sunset experiences of my life. Great sunset with great friends. 


Owning Vigan, Ilocos Sur


We arrived in Vigan at 11pm. And again, just like Suba Sand Dunes, we had Calle Crisologo to ourselves. No annoying photobombers. I never wanted to go to Vigan. I could not imagine a half-day travel just to visit Calle Crisologo. But combined with our sand dunes trip, it was definitely worth a visit.









              




LA UNION TRIP: FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, HALO HALO DE ILOKO, SURFING

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel Review

I was really looking forward to staying in Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel. I heard about its “hip” reputation long time ago. When we arrived, I can say I was a little disappointed. For 780 pesos a day (on weekends for kubo dorms), I expected more. But I think the place kind of grew on me on the second day.

During our stop in La Union, we practically just stayed inside the hostel. I guess the best thing about the place  is the feeling of relaxation. It’s very laid back. You can do nothing the whole day and not feel guilty that you’re wasting time (at least for 2 days). 


Pros and Cons of Staying in Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

Cons:

  • Costly compared to other hostels
  • Common bathroom. For 780 pesos each, a group of 10 deserves its own comfort room. There are only 2 showers for girls and 2 showers for boys. The good thing is that there are only a few dorms; each accommodates 8 persons.
  • If there are only a few of you, you’d have to share the room/kubo with strangers. (This can be one of the pros)
  • The rooms are not air-conditioned. If you’re not used to fan rooms, or when the sun is unforgiving, your stay would be difficult. (Their website sufficiently informs you that they provide fan rooms.) 
  • For 8 persons, the kubo room is small. You’ll definitely be crowded. (But if you’ll be staying outside most of the time, then that’s fine.)
  • Free breakfast does not include protein choices.


Pros:

  • Very hip! There are hammocks, bean bags, kulambo/mosquito net, cool lanterns, etc.
  • It's an artists beach. If you're an artist or feeling-artist, then it's the best option for you.
  • The decors are amazing. It looks great on pictures!
  • There were 10 of us and we were allowed to stay in 1 kubo. #closeness
  • Food tastes great. You don’t have to leave the place for a food trip.
  • Free breakfast  (cereals, fruits, coffee, juice, a lot of jams and bread)
  • It’s a little far (still walking distance) from the surfing spot, which is great for me. The part of the beach fronting the hotel feels exclusive.
  • When there are no customers in the restaurant, the hostel feels exclusive to guests like us. The place feels so much bigger that way. You’ll get to experience this every morning. It gets crowded at night.

I would not recommend Flotsam and Jetsam if you’re looking for a place of comfort. But if you’re looking for experience and some cool vibe, it’s definitely a must-go to place. Check out their rates here.


La Union Surfing




I thoroughly enjoyed surfing in La Union. I actually have no idea on what kind of waves are good for surfing, but I had a relatively easy time riding those waves so I think they’re great. Also, La Union is not as crowded as Baler -- at least during  the times I'd been in these two surfing spots. Maybe the difference in the crowd was due to the fact that I visited Baler in April, and La Union in June.











Halo Halo De Iloko

We had our lunch in Halo Halo De Iloko. I highly recommend their pancit, especially if you’re with a group. Their Pancit En Grande was worth the price. The other dishes are okay, not outstanding. 

The halo halo? Nothing extraordinary. Costly for something normal. Normal for a resto with halo halo in its name. The place looks great though. Great interior decor! Very meticulous! It's like every piece inside was well-thought of. Just to see the place, I would pay for a higher price than usual. Anyway, experience is what is being bought nowadays.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

We Know Nothing: Game of Thrones Season 5 Finale Recap

I had to write this to move on.

Warning: If you have not watched Season 5, Episode 10 of Game of Thrones, this contains major spoilers.

Watching Thrones
and waiting for the Starks reunion have been excruciating. One, that’s impossible because half of them are dead. Two, the rest are in a tight spot. Bran and Snow almost had a reunion back then. Arya almost reunited with her mother and brother during the Red Wedding. Can I have a mini-reunion? Even just two Starks together, please.
I don't own rights to this photo


Jon Snow

Let me start with that ending. I’m not going to rave about it that much. We all have the same speculations. The only question is how. I believe that one of these 3 will do the trick.


Ghost photo credit: http://rebloggy.com 



Let’s hope that it is no coincidence that Melisandre was back in Castle Black before that betrayal. It has also been widely speculated that Snow is a warg and probably have warged into Ghost before he died. I have not read the book, but they said that Snow’s last word in the book is “Ghost”.  Or it can be this king of white walker, though I think that’s a long shot. But what do I know? All I know is that the story would make less sense without our favorite bastard. 

He can’t be dead. He just can’t be. Not because I’m attached to his character, but because he looks delicious on TV. I kid! But because he’s the main protagonist on the battle against white walkers and because he is a crucial part of the story. Along with everybody else, I believe in that “R+L=J” fan theory. That was just a cliffhanger. That’s all there is to it. He’ll live in one way or another. It would be nice if he’ll still be in the body of Kit Harrington. Kit has said that he won’t be back next season. That can be a lie. Or truth... But that doesn’t mean he won’t be back next next season, like Bran. Gahd, I hope he's not dead!


Arya Stark

After everything that happened to our favorite Starks, it’s great to see that there’s someone out for revenge for us. I don’t want you to be no one, Arya. I want you to kill all who have wronged your family and tell them that you are Arya Stark. Go get them, Arya!


Sansa Stark and Theon

Theon Greyjoy finally grew his dick back. I hope they truly escaped. I can’t take a scene where either of them is being skinned by crazy Ramsay. Sansa has suffered enough. Give her a break!


Stannis

It has been written by one of the articles I’ve read that this episode was about the consequences of leadership. Stannis, Jon Snow, Daenerys and Cersei. One is dead. One we’re all denying to be dead. Another soon to be abducted. And the last one shamed by her subjects. Stannis Baratheon...How crazy was he to go to battle with hungry and exhausted men? Well, he burned his sweet daughter for power. He is crazy. I kind of feel sorry for him though. I think he knew he was fighting a losing battle, but he has done too many terrible things already to back out. He knew that battle was his death sentence and he brought all his men with him. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this scene. 
I don't own rights to this photo

Slaughter.


Myrcella

I didn’t want her dead mostly because she’s pretty, and seems to be the sweetest Lannister. She barely had a screen time, but I guess it’s how you die in Thrones that matters. Poor Jamie... Finally one of his children accepted him, only to have her taken away right at that moment. Go get them, Jamie!

Brienne

Of course, you missed the candle! Glad that another character got to avenge somebody. Now go find Sansa.



This Dorne girl

She’s funny.

I don't own rights to this photo



Daenerys

After that epic escape, Drogon was just done for the day. Daenerys while looking for something to eat found herself surrounded by Dothraki-looking men. I found Dany doing an Olivia Pope. She dropped her ring. When you're about to be abducted, leave a trail. Presence of mind under pressure.


I don't own rights to this photo


Cersei

ALL THE AWARDS FOR LENA HEADEY!!! I have loved Cersei ever since this scene.


I don't own rights to this photo


She’s not a role model. Definitely. But she’s one of the more interesting characters. I love to hate her. I hate that I love her. That walk was brutal! But you have got to love GRRM's sense of history. Go get them, Cersei. All of them!


----

Game of Thrones is entertainment at its finest. You have wars, incest, direwolves, kings, princesses, giants, zombies, nudity, mutilation, dragons, great actors, movie-quality production and a killer plot. If you're not watching this show, I don't know what you're doing with your life.

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“My readers should know better than to take anything as gospel." - George R.R. Martin