Monday, July 30, 2012

Mt. Kanlaon: The Highest Summit in Visayas

Mountain climbing is my passion. I've been to the highest summits of  Luzon and Mindanao before  so this  time I decided to climb the Highest summit in Visayas with an elevation of 2,435masl located in Negros Occidental.


Mt. Kanlaon is one of the most active volcano in the Philippines. Prior  the  climb, a permit together with the filled up registration forms and waivers duly notarized  must be secured from the  DENR-MKNP superintendent.  Registration Fee is  Php300.00 per person. You may choose from these trails:  WASAY to  GUINTUBDAN, a 3 -day climb, GUINTUBDAN trail entry and exit, a 2-day climb. 



Day 0: We took an evening  flight from Davao to Cebu and a bus ride  from south bus terminal to Dumaguete City. After we bought our food and everything we needed for the climb, we left Dumaguete City and took the Ceres Bus bound for Bacolod via Mabinay, . It was the first time that I traveled on a daytime and  I was amazed by the spectacular views of the Province of  Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. 


After five hours of travel we stopped at the Junction and  took another bus to La Carlota City.  It was already dark when we arrived in Barangay Ara-al,  La Carlota. We met  our Guide and rented a house for us to stay for  the night. We were all excited to climb the next day.



Day 1: It was very cold when we woke up but I still decided to take a bath in a freezing cold water. After preparing our breakfast and packed lunch we started the trek at 6:30am. The trek took us around six hours before we reached the campsite.  We were 30 minutes away from the  summit but the guide didn't allow us from going to the summit because the clouds  were covering the peak.   We decided to trek the summit the next morning.








Day 2: Wake up call was 5:00am but the whole place was still covered with fog. We have no choice but wait until the fogs will disappear because the guide told us that it was dangerous if we can't see the trail clearly. While waiting we had our breakfast and prepared our packed lunch. We waited until 9:00am but the weather is still the same. We had no choice but to go back.





Although we haven't  made it to the summit but the climb is still worth it. Thanks to my travel buddies Kristina Corpuz and Mario Lopez for the  great company.











Saturday, July 28, 2012

Food trip at "Santander, Kainan ng Bayan, Inato lang, Ihaw-ihaw"

 Last July 14, 2012  Davao Bloggers  in cooperation with Davao City Tourism Office held a day tour entitled "DAVAO LIFE IS HERE DAVAO BLOGGERS DAY TOUR". Participants were divided into four groups and I was able to join  "The Calinan thrill -seekers" group composed of 10 bloggers and  photographer. Here's the last   part of my blog:

Before we headed back we had our last stop at "SANTANDER, Kainan ng Bayan, Inato Lang, Ihaw-Ihaw" owned by Barangay Captain of Tugbok Mr. Angelico Santander. They served different dishes of Hito (Catfish) and native chicken at a reasonable price. All you have to do  is  buy live Catfish  per kilo and have it cooked.  You may choose from their variety of dishes like Deep Fried Hito, Adobong Hito, Sinigang na Hito, Ginataan na Hito, Grilled Hito, and Paksiw na Hito.


Deep Fried Hito (photo courtesy of  Joshua S. Alfelor)
Adobong Hito (photo courtesy of  Joshua S. Alfelor)
Ginataan na  Hito (photo courtesy of  Joshua S. Alfelor)
Grilled Hito (photo courtesy of  Joshua S. Alfelor)
Sinabaw na Hito (photo courtesy of  Joshua S. Alfelor)
It was an experience full of fun. Thanks to  Davao Bloggers Association, Davao City Tourim Office and Smart Communications.

 The Calinan Thrill-Seekers Group!!! (photo courtesy of Joshua S. Alfelor)