Oplan Hatid: Stories of Typhoon Survivors

Days after Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan struck Leyte and Samar, Phil. and foreign military personnel started to bring the survivors to Manila, with at least 6 C130 planes landing in Villamor Air Base everyday. Then a few caring Manilans noticed that some evacuees are left on the streets, with no means to get to their relatives in Luzon. So this core group of Manilans started the Oplan Hatid (Operation Drop Off) campaign for volunteer motorists to help transport the evacuees to their safe havens.

 

I joined Oplan Hatid last Wednesday night, and continued for 5 more days/night until the night of 30 Nov. 2013. During those 8 trips I made, I heard a lot of stories from the survivors, as well as from fellow driver volunteers. When CNN stops reporting the plight of the typhoon victims, at least this post will remind us on the victims' ordeals.

Second Dayhike to Mt. Kalisungan

I miss hiking! So despite the busy work and social life, I was able to insert a dayhike in Mt. Kalisungan with my eldest son and nephew last month. This time, we did it DIY to avoid the P400 guide fee.

After registering at the Brgy. Lamot hall, I parked our vehicle in front of Mang Gideon's house, where we've also had our pancit snack and post-hike shower. Even the local guide suggested for me to park elsewhere, because of previous car-vandalizing complaints in the barangay hall, like what we've experienced before.

IsKarGu Restaurant in Calauan, Laguna

After our second dayhike in Mt. Kalisungan in Calauan/San Pablo area, we went to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan restaurant in Bay, Laguna. But they have so many customers, that even just calling the attention of waiters takes too long, so we decided to leave and try another restaurant.

From the Duck Junction of Victoria, we've seen this quaint restaurant along the highway, named Iskargu. It is actually an acronym for Isda (fish), Karne (meat), and Gulay (vegetable). I saw many vehicles parked on its frontage, so I think they must have been serving good food.

Aling Cora's, Weegol's, & Margie's of Butuan

Butuan City may have few tourist attractions, but they compensate that on nice food options. The city is like "Bacolod" in Mindanao, but on smaller scale. These are my reviews of the restaurants we tried, and my experience on their wet market.

Lutong Bahay ni Aling Cora

This "dampa-carinderia" style restaurant is just across Gaisano Mall along Jose Rosales Avenue. Customers can choose between cheap set meals, or raw seafoods that can be cooked any style. 

Their specialty is roasted chicken inasal style, seems well marinated, and a bit on the sweet side. Still, Aling Cora could do better for their signature dish, as it lacks its own identity. It is served with 2 cups of rice.

Prince Hotel in Butuan City

There are many inexpensive accommodations in Butuan City. En route from Surigao del Sur to Manila, we stayed for a night in VCDU Prince Hotel along South Montilla Boulevard. Perfect location as its along the route of Bachelor Bus, and just walking distance from McDonalds along Jose Aquino Avenue.

We were given a room on the fifth floor. The view is not so nice, but at least we get to see the downtown from our room, being one of the highest buildings in the city.

Historical Tour of Butuan City in Agusan

Right after arrival and heavy lunch in Butuan City, Wife and I started our historical tour of the city. We went first to the city's museum but it is closed for renovation. The guard directed us to visit the Balangay Shrine Museum instead.

Our contracted trike driver charged us P 120 for a round trip and waiting package to the Balangay Museum. He do not know its exact location, so he asked the locals in the Paradise subdivision how to get there.

Casa de Babano in Mangagoy, Bislig City

In Mangagoy, Bislig City, it seems that there are very few choices when it comes to accommodation. Based on the limited blog reviews and Trip Advisor, I chose to book in Casa de Babano through their Facebook account, as they don't have a website. They reply both on SMS (0926-7597277) and FB messages.

Their reception desk is simple, where guestroom monitoring is still done traditional style. The staff are helpful and friendly, in answering my various queries. A tourist map is posted on the lobby area for guests' reference.

Gail's, Casa Babano & Ocean View Restos

One good thing when traveling is we get to try the food in other areas. When outside of Metro Manila, the food are usually fresher and cheaper as well. Here are some of the food we tried in Bislig City, including those I found in the market.

Casa de Babano Coffee Shop

We were starving when we arrived at night on the pension house. For our dinner, we ordered a chicken barbecue, a pork sisig, and malasugui fish in sour soup.

Hinatuan Blue Hole / Enchanted River

Our third and final destination in Surigao sightseeing tour is the Hinatuan Enchanted River. From Hinayagan Cave, we traveled northeast to the coastal town of Hinatuan. We turned right from the highway junction to the barangay registration office. We paid Php 30 each, with official receipt that we have to present on the river entrance. 

Then we traveled 12 km more to Brgy. Talisay, first with wide cemented road which was followed by paved soil road. We've seen heavy equipments preparing the road to be cemented, so we hope it will improve the travel time and comfort of the visiting tourists. Riding from a habal habal, I was not able to take photos along the way.

Hinayagan Cave in Bislig City, Surigao

After lunch, we headed north to Hinayagan Cave in San Vicente, Bislig City. The cemented road became rocky, so its quite a pain in the butt for 20 minutes at the back of the habal habal ride. 

Our driver Jikjik doesn't know the jump off point to the cave from the road. Good thing that we stopped right near the jump off point, where a local old man reside nearby, and guided us to the cave. The jump off point is on the left side of the road, with a small nipa hut and signage.

Desperate Measures to Eradicate Corrupt Politicians

You may have heard of an old story when God created Earth. Just like the yin & yang, God is showing Archangel Michael that He is putting a balance on each country that he creates. There are both good and bad things in any place. In Europe for example, He made the people smart to start the Industrial Revolution, but He also gave them cold winters. In Middle East, it is very hot and barren, but He gave them crude oil.

Then Michael asked why Philippines seem perfect, with lots of natural resources, happy and smart people. Where is that "balance" here? God's reply to him -- "Wait until I give them their politicians".

Transparency International have included two past Filipino presidents (Marcos & Erap) on their list of 10 most corrupt leaders in 2004. I wonder if GMA will be included on their list on their latest update.

Majestic Tinuy-an Falls of Surigao Del Sur

Majestic. Grand. Overwhelming. Magnificent. Breath-taking.

These are just some of the adjectives I could use to describe the Tinuy-an Falls in Burboanan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. You've got to see and feel the place personally to appreciate it!

From Mangagoy, the largest barangay in the country, we hired a habal-habal to take us first to Tinuy-an Falls. The barangay road is cemented and flat on initial part, where we crossed about 3 wooden bridges.

Caleruega Retreat Center and Sky Ranch

If you are tired of the usual attractions in Tagaytay, you can go further in Caleruega Retreat Center in Nasugbu (Batangas) after the Alfonso town. I've been to Mt. Batulao twice, but never got the chance to see the nearby Caleruega. Last July, I took my family and in-laws to this famous place for weddings and retreats.

Caleruega can be accessed by entering the Evercrest Golf Club (not operating anymore), just a few kilometers from the Nasugbu arc. But instead of going left to Mt. Batulao, we turned right on that fork in the road. Then its a downhill drive on mostly rough road. We paid entrance fees and parking fee, about Php 20-30 for each fee.

Preview of Cordillera's Rice Terraces

On our way back to Manila from Sagada, we chose the Ifugao-Nueva Vizcaya route instead of passing Baguio City. It was another zigzagging traverse of the Cordillera roads, with views of mountains and pine trees. Yet Halsema highway would not be included on the world's most dangerous highways, if not for ravines and rock/mud slides we've encountered on a rainy roadtrip.

Aside from various waterfalls which I have no opportunity to take good photos, we have also seen many rice terraces, where we made two stops along the way. The first one is at Bay-Yo Rice Terraces in Bontoc, Mountain Province above.

Spelunking on Lumiang & Sumaging Caves

Tired of the trails and views on top of the mountains? Going under the ground is a good break, to literally see what is beneath us. One of the major draws of Sagada is spelunking, or exploring its 3 interconnected caves. With 6 known entrance/exit points, Sagada caves are considered as the deepest caves in the country with lowest vertical drop of 163 m.

I booked a Lumiang-Sumaging cave connection tour which costs Php 400/head, minimum of 2 persons with a guide for every 5 clients. I thought that I would do the tour alone, but I was surprised that Mr. A from our seminar decided to join me. Our guide Joey (0919-2151096) is the VP of SAGGAS, one of the two guide associations in Sagada.

Sights of Sagada and Besao in Mt. Province

Sagada is on my bucket list of the must-see places in the country. Our group left Manila at night of 27 June 2013, hoping for a nice weekend weather despite the onset of rainy season. Below is one of the many nice views along the road as we entered Mountain Province.

The town’s poblacion is small, with the new municipal building on the center of various inns and restaurants. 

My Stay and Food Experience in Sagada

For a small poblacion in Cordillera region, the town of Sagada in Mountain Province has a lot to offer to tourists. Allow me to share my experience with these establishments in the area.

George Guesthouse

Our group of about 30 people stayed in the neighboring hostels of Canaway and George guesthouses. Above left photo shows the facade of George Guesthouse. The rock on the right photo is along the road to the caves and Mt. Ampacao.

Solo Dawn Hike to Mt. Ampacao in Sagada

While on a seminar in Sagada, Mountain Province, I managed to squeeze a hike on the town's highest mountain. But to do that, I have to wake up at 4:00 am to start my trek by 4:30 am from the guest house. Understandably, it was all dark and quiet, as only a few souls are awake at that time.

It was a peaceful and not-so-cold early morning of 29 June 2013. I did not wore my jacket, but I brought my disposable raincoat, in case it rains. Though its dark and I'm unfamiliar with the trail, I felt no fear, except for those aggressive dogs who I thought would bite me as they got near my path.

Food Experience in Bangkok, May 2013

Part of any travel experience is also trying the food options in the place that we visit. Below are some of the nice food experience I've had in Bangkok recently.

KFC's Fried Chicken Fillet

When outside of my locality, I avoid the international fast food chains. This time, I made an exception, just to see what is the difference of the KFC menu in Bangkok against what we get in Manila. Well, their chicken fillet meal on the first photo shows how fiery hot it is. Yet its quite healthier as the side veggies offset the fats from the fried chicken.

DIY Tour of Ayutthaya Ruins in Thailand

Two months ago, I was sent by my company to assist Thai Country Club, just a week after I arrived from Hong Kong on business. I decided to come a day earlier, so that I can finally see the Ayutthaya Ruins, which I failed to see during my two visits in Bangkok a few years ago.

From Hualamphong station in Bangkok, I took the northbound train to catch the 8:00 am trip. Though slightly uncomfortable, I chose the 3rd class car with THB 20 fare just to try the locals' practice, and for adventure. 

Traverse Hike of Amah Rock & Lion Rock Hill

If there is a good hiking spot on a place I visit, I try to include it on my itinerary. Two months ago, I was able to do that in Hong Kong, my first hiking activity outside of the Philippines. It was a perfect day hike of Amah Rock and Lion Rock Hill on my half day schedule.

From the information I gathered from the web, I decided to do a traverse hike of Lion Rock Hill that passes Amah Rock from Tai Wai to Wong Tai Sin areas of the New Territories. Its a northwest to southeast trek that I finished in about 3 hours. 

Hong Kong Food Trip 2013

On my two trips to Hong Kong last April and May this year, I was able to try many other restaurants that I missed during my previous visits in the former British colony. Here are their brief reviews:

A Chinese Restaurant in Carnarvon Road

In search of a good Chinese restaurant for breakfast in Carnarvon Road, our family stumbled on this old and simple restaurant in upper Carnarvon Road, near the corner of Cameron Road. It has no English name on its small entrance, but the roast meats on display and the presence of many HK locals inside made us try it. That decision proved to be a good one.

We ordered many types of dimsum, noodles in broth, and rice with barbecued duck topping. Their food on above photo are delicious, even the kids enjoyed them all. Their menu prices are cheaper than the more upscale restaurant beside Golden Crown Guesthouse, on the other end of the same street. This is a nice find for an authentic yet cheap Chinese food in TST.

HOFEX May 2013 Event in Hong Kong

A week after bringing my family in Hong Kong, I came back to this beautiful city, this time on business. My company sent me to attend a company meeting, then meet exhibitors and see the hospitality products on the HOFEX event.

From TST, we rode the Star Ferry to cross to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). It is faster and cheaper than taking the MTR, plus less walking effort too. The giant rubber ducky is still floating on the Kowloon harbor, as we got to the pier.

Staying in HK : Yiu Fai, Yesinn, Island Pacific

During my two trips to Hong Kong this year, I was able to try 3 hostel/hotel options. The first one was in Yiu Fai Guesthouse at Golden Crown Court in TST, which houses other hostels as well. My family got 2 triple rooms with room rate of HK$ 550/night, which is not bad due to its prime location, plus its very near the MTR and A21 bus stations.

We were assigned in rooms 131 & 133 on the fifth floor, near their reception desk. They offer free hot & cold purified water for use by their guests, aside from room amenities that include dental kits. 

Reservation was handled by Raymond Tran who asked me to pay 1 night guarantee through Paypal. They employ a Filipina housekeeper who can translate our conversation with Raymond's parents, who have difficulty speaking in English.

Hong Kong Day 3: Ocean Park

Our third day was spent in Ocean Park, with tickets that were purchased at HK$ 240 per adult in CTS.  From TST, we rode the Star Ferry to the Central Pier, which is faster and cheaper than riding the MTR. Then we waited about 15 minutes for the Bus # 629 to Ocean Park, paying HK$ 10.60 fare per person. The journey to Ocean Park via a double decker bus took half an hour.

After entering the park, we took some maps and checked the schedule of the shows. The first show we watched is the sea lion show, on the area with kiddie rides. Here, the sea lion performed antics like blowing bubbles, throwing trash on garbage bin, clapping, and loud barking.

Hong Kong Day 2: Disneyland Theme Park

Our second day in HK was spent in Disneyland. Same with NP 360 tickets, we bought our tickets from the CTS airport booth at HK$ 388/adult. After a noodle & dimsum breakfast in Carnavon St., we rode the MTR at Tsim Sha Tsui to Tung Chung line.

We transferred to Sunny Bay line of MTR. Here, the train seats are more comfortable with upholstered cushions. The windows and ring handles have the iconic Mickey Mouse shape as well.

HK Day 1: Ngong Ping 360 via Cable Car

On last week of April 2013, my family and I went to Hong Kong. This is the Kids' first trip out of the country, so they are excited and impressed by what they have seen in HK. After dropping our luggage and quick lunch in TST, I decided to bring them to Ngong Ping 360, because we don't have enough time to maximize Disney or Ocean Park that day.

Upon arrival at HK airport, we bought octopus cards and 7 discounted tickets to NP 360, Disney, and Ocean Park on the China Travel Service booth. The round trip cable car to NP 360 cost HK$ 120/adult, while my two kids (age 11 or below) got discounted tickets. From TST, we rode the MTR with one transfer to take the Tung Chung line. 

Tribu Mindanawan and Green Buffet Haus

On our first night in Davao, we watched the Tribu Mindanawan show beside the Crocodile Park. We arrived past 5 pm, so we were not able to watch the crocodile show. Good thing that we were not required to pay entrance or show fee of Tribu Mindanawan, as long as we dine at their Kaonanan Restaurant.

Visitors are welcomed by the female drummers who are also the fire dancers of the show. One or two members of our group danced to their rhythmic beats on the street, while some of us took photos and video of the fun event.

Mt. Apo's Magpet Trail & Tawsuvan Falls

Right after breakfast and packing our things, the remaining part of our group started our 2-hour descent to Lake Venado. A pair had descended an hour earlier via Mandarangan trail, since they have to be in Davao that night, while the rest of us will spend another night along Magpet trail. Below is a photo of Lake Venado that morning, about 30 minutes after we left the summit.

I was following the porters who went ahead of us. My trekmates as seen on their descent.

Mt. Apo : Ascent to Philippines' Highest Peak

Reaching the summits of Mt. Pulag and Mt. Kanlaon last year, I’ve been looking forward to climb Mt. Apo, to complete the trilogy of Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao highest peaks. This plan had finally commenced last month with 6 members of AKAC team.

 

We stayed overnight in Davao City first, had watched the Tribu Mindanawan where we also had our dinner, before leaving to Kidapawan the following day. We left the Green Windows Dormitel while its still dark, then rode the van to Kidapawan at Php 150 fare/person. Below is the view of Mt. Apo from the southwest road that leads to Digos City.

BPI Pizza Hut-Taco-Dairy Queen Promo 2013

After more than 3 months of waiting, BPI reintroduces their promo with Pizza Hut group, namely -- Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, and Taco Bell.

Promo period is from 15 May until 31 July 2013. Redemption period is until 29 September 2013. Below are the product entitlements after meeting the minimum purchase requirements.

Maalangaan Caves in San Rafael, Bulacan

I have been very busy that I got so many backlogs on my blog posts. Anyway, this post is an account of a unique place we went to last Holy Thursday, more than a month ago.

My brother-in-law have arranged a summer outing for his workers, and we just tagged along as soon as we arrived from Laguna. The place is called Maalangaan, with natural spring and cave system in Brgy. Tukod, San Rafael, Bulacan. Coming from Bagong Barrio, it took us about 45 minutes in cemented and rough road to arrive in the area.

Zinio: A Digital Newsstand's Tempting Offers

I used to subscribe with Time, Readers Digest, etc., all in hard (paper) copies when I was younger with plenty of time to read them. Nowadays, I just read e-books and sometimes browse the electronic copies of newspapers abroad from my notebook or smart phone. 

Five days ago, I was contacted by Zinio, a digital newsstand with more than 5,000 magazines titles from all around the world. They offer magazines in digital format, in attractive bundles and incentive pricing, that can be read in laptops, iPad, Kindle, tablets, and smart phones. 

By reading magazines in digital form, we also spare some trees from being cut to make paper, avoid packaging and shipping to reduce our carbon footprint. Below are some of their nice, attractive offers. Just click the hyperlinks below:

Ternate - Nasugbu Traverse of Pico de Loro

AKAC team and I had summited Mt. Palay Palay last 02 Dec. 2011 here, but we were not able to climb its famous monolith named Pico de Loro or Parrot's Beak, due to the absence of a rope. Since then, I knew that I would return to the same mountain to scale that monolith, to settle that unfinished business.

Last 24 March 2013 with Peninsula Mountaineers, we were presented with that opportunity not only to climb the Parrot's Beak, but also try the Ternate-Nasugbu traverse trails. I brought my eldest son (Daniel) with me thru public transportation from Carmona to Ternate, Cavite. 

Amici, Mary Grace, Sumo Sam, Tempura Restos

I was browsing through my photo files, and saw the pictures I took on my recent dining experiences this year. Then I remembered why I took those photos, to briefly write comparisons about my first impressions. The food I tried were quite limited, so my reviews do not necessarily reflect the overall quality of a restaurant's food choices.

 

A month ago, I was able to try Mary Grace Restaurant's branch in Greenbelt. It has casual ambiance, and I noticed that they already have many customers, unlike their neighbors. Clueless on what are the must-try food there, I sought the recommendation of my colleagues. I ordered the spaghetti in olive oil sauce with seafood below. 

Mt. Tagapo: From Santa Rosa to Talim Island

I have been wanting to climb Mt. Tagapo in Talim island, especially when I saw it from the summits of Tayak Hill, Mounts Kalisungan and Cristobal. Finally, that dream had materialized last 10 March 2013 with AKAC group and my boys.

Half of our group met at Central Mall in upper Binan, where we took our breakfast and bought sandwiches at a fastfood restaurant. We left the mall before 7:00 am on a jeepney to Sta. Rosa Plaza, with fare at Php 9/person. Near the Mercury drug store, we rode tricycles that traversed the baybay (lakeshore) road to brgy. Caingin's dulo (end) at Php 11/person.

Lety's Buko Pie of Los Banos, Laguna

For many outsiders of Los Banos, Laguna, they prefer the Orient buko pie, as evidenced by long queue of buyers outside their lone store in the area. But for locals of Los Banos, the more popular brand is Lety's buko pie, which I was able to try twice about a month ago.

Coming from Calauan, Laguna, we stopped beside a gasoline station a few meters after the store of Orient buko pie. This is where Lety's main branch is located, and good thing that we arrived before 5:00 pm when their stocks are about to be depleted.

Forest Club Camps in Calauan, Laguna

Looking for a venue of a team-building activity? Well, if you are tired of the usual resorts on the outskirts of Metro Manila, you can try the Forest Club Camps in Calauan, Laguna. Below are the photos I took when we did an ocular visit.

Our company’s division enjoyed the place with its wide range of challenging yet enjoyable outdoor activities. There is forest canopy walk, obstacle course, spider web, mud crawl, and lots of choices to keep your group busy for the whole morning.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy & Aqua Venture Resort

The following Sunday after AKAC’s hike in Mt. Kalisungan, I accompanied the Peninsula Mountaineers on another fun hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Mabini, Batangas.

Borrowing info from Pinoy Mountaineer, see below the technical data of this mountain:

MT. GULUGOD-BABOY
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini
LLA: 13°42'55"N; 120°53'43"E; 525 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
Features: Scenic views of Batangas Bay and Balayan Bay

Lakes & Mountains Around Mt. Kalisungan

Mt. Kalisungan in Calauan, Laguna is one of the big mountains that can be seen along the road to Sta. Cruz, Laguna after Mt. Makiling. With fellow AKAC members and 3 guest hikers from Peninsula, we hiked there last 10 February 2013.

Converging at Caltex station along SLEX, we took our breakfast in McDonalds plus bought sandwiches. At around 6:00 am, we turned right at the Duck Junction and started looking for the barangay hall of Lamot 2. After registering and gave our donation, our local guide JV led the team on the Kalisungan trail that starts near the Field of Faith center.

The Sports Warehouse in Binan

Three weeks ago, my eldest son asked me to buy him a new pair of shoes, to replace his tattered rubber shoes that he outgrown. Now on his teenage years, he is growing much taller, and wants a pair that he can also use for basketball games.

So the following Saturday afternoon, we took him to the Sports Warehouse which is about 15 minutes drive from our place. From Mamplasan Exit of SLEX if coming from Manila, just drive straight after the intersection, then enter the first building on the right. Sports Warehouse is sandwiched by Builder's Choice and Print Town.

Dayhike to Mt. Malipunyo / Malarayat

Having missed hiking last December, I quickly accepted an open climb invite by Ms. SP for a Mt. Malipunyo - Mt. Manabu traverse dayhike on last Sunday of January. With more than 15 participants, she arranged a van to take us to our jump off point in Lipa City, Batangas.

Below are the specs of the mountain from Pinoy Mountaineer's blog:

 
MT. MALIPUNYO (MT. MALARAYAT)
Batangas and Laguna
Entry point: Brgy. Talisay, Lipa
Exit point: Brgy. Atisan, San Pablo City
Elevation: 1005 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 2-3

A Brief Tour of Taal Town in Batangas

Last month one Sunday afternoon, I decided to take my family on a roadtrip in the historic town of Taal, Batangas. I have always wanted to see their basilica and their balisong shops.

We took the Tagaytay-Lemery route, passing the castle structure of the deteriorated Fantasy Land below. We took a short break along this zigzag road for some photo ops.

Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Laguna

Early last month to celebrate the birthday of my youngest son, the whole family spent dinner at Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Calauan, Laguna. It is situated along the highway after Los Banos leading to Sta. Cruz. Its hard to miss it, as its facade has these large Egyptian(?) statues.

The place is a feast for the eyes as there are many statues, that attracts both old and young diners. Seated statues of Presidents Erap and Tita Cory are at the receiving area, as we entered the restaurant.

Baguio Ukay2, Hotel Supreme, Mines View

On our first night in Baguio during our cooperative seminar, we went to the area's famous ukay-ukay (second hand flea market) after our dinner. We strolled first along Session Road, and visited the cathedral, just to kill time since the street market starts at around 9:00 pm.

The ukay-ukay occupied half the whole stretch of Harrison Road, just outside Burnham Park and parallel to Session Road. There are lots of local tourists looking for good finds, mostly used clothings, as well as knock offs or fake products. 

Dayhike of Mounts Cabuyao & Sto. Tomas

My last hike for 2012 was done on the last day of November, my 4th hike for that month. Actually, I just inserted it on my schedule, after arriving in Baguio City at 4:00 am to attend a seminar. It was a 2-in-1 hike, of the neighboring Mounts Cabuyao and Sto. Tomas, located in Tuba, Benguet.

Supposedly a solo hike, good thing that my seminar co-attendee RS accompanied me on this hike, despite the short notice and without much gears. It was still dark when we left the hotel and arranged a taxicab to bring us to Mount Cabuyao for Php 600. Pinoy Mountaineer has the following technical description of the 2 mountains: