Something about Buruwisan Falls

Due to the impending structure change at my work, one of the two teams I handle will be transferred to a different manager to promote a more efficient structure.  As of the moment, I handle two different data sets that are from different time zones.  Few months ago, upper management decided to transfer my EST team to another team lead who also handles a group of analysts within that same shift.

Because of this, my team decided to plan an adventure trip that will serve as a farewell activity to our small group.  It was a good thing that one of my colleagues is from Siniloan (Laguna), and his house is near the gateway to Buruwisan Falls.

Buruwisan Falls is located in Mt. Romelo (Siniloan, Laguna), and it is one of the five falls of Sierra Madre Mountain Range. My colleague mentioned that the trail to the falls is not that difficult and that his mom successfully completed the hike without any major fuss.  With a collective hiking/trekking experience relative to none, we all felt that this must be the adventure we are looking for.   

Siniloan is a few hours away from Tanay, Rizal.  The initial plan was to take a shuttle from Shaw Boulevard to Tanay and from there, we’ll take a jeepney to Siniloan.  But since the team’s shift end at 6am, and mine around 12mn, we then decided to just meet up at Tanay.

From my dad, I learned that there are Tanay bound jeepneys near Sta. Lucia East in Cainta and this is where I started my journey.  As advised by the friendly guards from the mall, I took a Cainta Junction jeepney and from there, Tanay bound jeepneys are aplenty.

Day 1 of the adventure is consists of travel to Tanay, Laguna, and even to Real in Quezon, which is around 2 hours from Siniloan.  At the evening of our first day, we went to Exotica, a restaurant that offers exotic foods. (Photos are taken by Alissa Evangelista)

Fried frog - taste like chicken

Adobong Palaka (frog)

Sizzling Eel - Aldrin's favorite

Canada Team with Aldrin and Jomar

On the day of the trek, we woke up around 5am but journey to the falls started at 7am.  We were expecting that it would be a easy hike to the falls, but to no avail, it was a challenge for all of us.  It was a test of balance, patience, and will power.  I almost gave up, good thing I didn’t because the view was amazing.  

It took us three hours to reach the falls, and 2.5 hours to return to the base.

Photos below are taken by my colleague, Alissa Evangelista

Quick bite before ascend

Lake at the base of the Mt. Romelo

Trail

Hike Up

Tired but still excited

With our tour guide (two kids in the middle)

Rest

Buruwisan Falls

Canada Team at Buruwisan Falls

Canada Team at peak

All of Us

Something about going back to Puerto Princesa...

Palawan is my favorite place in the Philippines.  I was enchanted by the island during the first time I set foot on Puerto Princesa on September of 2008 with my office mates.

Puerto Princesa is known for the Palawan subterranean river national park, which is a couple of hours drive from the City.  But what I remember most about the trip is the colorful sea life that inspired me to learn how to swim.  I used to be terrified when my feet is unable to touch the sea floor but seeing the corals and fishes while snorkeling made me feel that I am at a very special place and that I was supposed to be there to witness the beauty of our marine life.

From then on, I know that Palawan will always have a very special place in my heart and that it will be one of the places in the Philippines that I will never get tired visiting.  True enough, one year after I visited Coron (which is more beautiful that I expected) and since then, I’ve been dreaming to see El Nido. 

For now, I went back to Puerto Princesa, and fell in love all over again.  Here are some of the photos I took last May 5 to 7, 2012.

On our way to our second Island

Tamilok - shipworm that tastes like oyster

Small walk to Underground River Port

Gateway

Rock formation

Rock formation - Holy Family

Rock Formation - Puso ng Saging

Rock Formation - Looks like Jesus

Bird or Bat?

Happy Easter

Something about remembering what was...

I decided to start writing again to share my experience and to have some sort of reminder of my adventures with family and friends. Earlier, I decided to write a post about what happened almost six months ago. I thought I could revisit this specific past and come up with something that is inspiring and worth while. Although, I know it would be difficult, I really thought that I can do it. I'm ok now, and I don't see any major obstacle in completing my entry.

I was wrong!

This blog was supposed to keep all my memories - Good or Bad. The entry I had in mind was supposed to be a reminder of what had transpired over the days that lead to "that" irrevocable loss. I wanted some sort of a time capsule that I could revisit every time I think about her.

Someday, I'll write something about you.  I promise.

Attempt 1: Failed!

Something about Mt. Pinatubo...

Trek to Mt. Pinatubo had been a part of my “list” for years. Each year, I would always receive an invite to see the crater of this famous volcano, but I always had a reason to say no. It’s just now that I finally committed and agreed to scratch this adventure in my list.

Mt. Pinatubo is an active volcano located between three Provinces in Luzon – Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. According to Wikipedia, prior to 1991, its historical upsurge was unknown. The volcano flare up was felt world-wide. The global temperature dropped, whereas ozone depletion increased substantially; many houses near the area where covered by Lahar, crops were destroyed, and thousands of Filipinos were evacuated in nearby towns. I was six years old when this happened, and what I remembered most is the dark skies that covered almost all of Manila.

The trek to the crater made me realize that we’re taken care of, that our past may have brought significant challenges and concerns but it may still lead to something beautiful. Who would’ve thought that something that used to be so scary will be this magnificent? It’s like the universe is telling me not to worry, that everything will be alright. It’s like He’s whispering that “It’ll be great, just wait, trust me”

Photos Courtesy of She Balajondra

Bumpy Ride

Looks like a lake, but it's really the crater of the volcano

Mt. Pinatubo Crater

Flowing water

Us

Trekking

Something about the Capricorn Birthday Bash

Every Year, my High School group of friends (also known as SuperFriends) have 3 major events that we always look forward to – Christmas Party, Summer Outing, and the Capricorn Birthday Bash.

For this year’s celebration, we took advantage of a barkada promo package found in CashCash Pinoy at Caza Ibiza.

Caza Ibiza is a Mexican Inspired Resort in Antipolo. The Cabana and Villas looks like the Mexican apartments from the telenovelas we grew up watching. The Resort has two pools, a bar, and a miniature team building facility. The resort also has an area that may serve as venue for wedding and parties. Albeit small, the telenovela feel made me want to go back and organize a photo shoot.

Something about Random Photos...

For 2012, I hope that I could blog more and take more beautiful photos. Here are some of the photos I took from my trip at Malagos Garden in Davao last October 2011.