Oh My Janey

Bataan Day Trip: Mount Samat and Dunsulan Falls

view from mt. samat

This year, I decided that I will climb as many Philippine mountains as my weak and physically inactive body can. When Ate Marco suggested we go to Bataan for a day trip to climb Mount Samat and visit Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) in Pilar, Bataan, I immediately said yes.

We originally planned to go last month, but our plan didn’t push through. It almost didn’t materialize again when Ate Marco couldn’t make it, but Kimpee, Ayessa, and I decided that we have to go no matter what! So without our trip organizer, off we went to Bataan.

Last Saturday, we met up early in Pasay to board the bus going to Balanga, Bataan. After misunderstood landmarks and missing each other, we ended up leaving Manila at around 7 in the morning. We were an hour late in the itinerary, but it was okay. [Read more…]

Mt. Tagapo Day Hike: Ferry Rides, Bamboo Caves, Windy Trails

mt. tagapo

After weeks of planning and rescheduling, our Mt. Tagapo day hike finally pushed through. Though it was just Ate Marco, Ate Ninay and I, I’m still glad and thankful for our short climb up the mountain located at the center of Laguna de Bay.

Mt. Tagapo, also called Mt. Susong Dalaga, is definitely one of my most memorable day hikes, partly because it was the smallest group that I joined! Years ago, I wouldn’t have went if I knew majority of my friends weren’t going. But my desire for the great outdoors and beautiful sights are now greater than my introversion. For that I am thankful. Besides, I really missed Ate Marco and Ate Ninay, so a day with them will always be well spent. [Read more…]

Lazy Saturday at the National Museum of the Philippines

national museum manila

In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month, admission to the National Museum of the Philippines is free for the whole October! Ayessa and I took this chance to visit the museum, even though we’re not exactly artsy-fartsy person.

We were surprised upon arriving as there was a long line at the entrance. I visited the museum back in college, and I remember it looking a bit rundown and barely having visitors. It’s great to see the place buzzing with visitors, young and old. Besides a group of students having their school excursion, there were a lot a of families with young kids, couples, and groups of friends.

It’s uplifting to know that more Filipinos are paying interest to the country’s culture and history. The museum looks pretty new, too. It’s great how they’re investing on preserving our country’s national treasures, and the National Museum is definitely well-maintained. [Read more…]

Mt. Batulao Day Hike: Foggy Sights, Cold Drinks, Happy Heart

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These days, weekends are meant for resting and falling asleep in the most awkward places. But two Sundays ago, I braved to leave the comforts of my bed and went for a day hike up Mt. Batulao, the ever popular destination for newbie hikers. I haven’t traveled much this year, so I was itching to go back on the road again. It was the best decision I had in months, but I almost regretted it halfway up the trail.

While Mt. Batulao is often regarded as the mountain to climb for beginners, it was still physically exhausting and challenging for me. However, the view from the top, and even from the trail, was more than worth it. I realized that if you wanted to be rewarded with pretty sights, you need to work hard for it.

Good thing we pushed through with the climb, because the night before, it was raining heavily in Manila that we almost postponed the hike. Luckily my friends have better instinct than me, and they foresaw that it wouldn’t rain the next day. And it didn’t! Though it was cloudy and most of the mountain ridges were obscured with fog, we were blessed with a great weather condition all throughout the day.

After a two-hour bus ride from Manila to Nasugbu, we started climbing at around 9 in the morning. We decided to take the New Trail back and forth for prettier views and shorter route.

Though Stan and Elzer thought we’d arrive at the summit at 3PM because Tihn, Erika and I were taking too many photos (mostly Tihn) and taking too many rest (mostly me), we actually arrived before lunch!
[Read more…]

#SweatEatOut2015 at Olympic Point Island Resort, Tingloy, Batangas

olympic point resort tingloy batangas

Before the country’s bombarded with one typhoon after another, our company trooped all the way Anilao for two days of fun under the summer sun. I was extremely excited for two reasons. First, it was my only beach trip this summer! And second, it was my first outing with the new friends I made in my new company. I heard it’s the grandest outing in the company’s history, so I am more than glad to be a part of it.

Coming straight from our shift and from a week of cheer dance practice, I thought I wouldn’t enjoy the outing and would only sleep it off due to fatigue. But there were too much activities from the moment we arrived at the resort in Batangas down to our last hour in the island that skipping the activities wasn’t an option. It sure made the event memorable, though, and it’s probably the best company outing I ever had. [Read more…]

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