2 MT. MACULOT EASTER SUNDAY HIKE 2016

#TGGoesHigher our official hashtag for Maculot dayhike. TG stands for Team Guttom and that's my running team. Climbing is not new to me, in fact, this would be my second time to climb Maculot that's why I gave this hike for my team. And one of the reasons why I chose Maculot to be their "first kiss of the mountain" is because Rockies has one of best of the panoramic views atop plus it's an easy climb which is perfect for newbie hikers.

I'd like to give thanks as well to Coach Nur (our swimming Coach who is a certified Mountaineer, Swimmer, Diver and one of the strongest triathletes in the country) for helping me guide and making this event possible and successful. See that guy hugging the Marker post. That's him! Some of the pictures tho are taken from him.

We started the hike at Mountaineers Store at Brgy. Siete. We hired two guides as it is required and one of them is already our contact before getting to Cuenca. The first part is a pavement downhill all the way to this marker. And as usual, the hike wouldn't be complete without having a picture at the marker. It's required. Lol. Then another pavement uphill all the way to the end of the concrete road. And the start of the real trail. Honestly, I'm not so worried for my team even though it's their first time. They're all runners, in fact faster runner than me. So I know legs are strong enough to overcome the trails. Though there are challenging parts like sliding sands trail.

Along the trails, there are stations where you can rest for "take5". The most common mountaineers lingo. I'm not sure how many stations but what you like about this stations are locals do sell buko juice for 10PHP and some food stuff. And knowing my team, every stop is a photo opportunity plus some of the "hugot lines". Darn this climb should have another hashtag, "#hugotmaculot". 

Then passed few stations, we reached the second to the last station where you can see a good view of coves around the Taal Lake. Perfect time also to show our love to Jeff Lo's Pinoy Fitness. Hope he could give us one of the shirts tho. Lol. Honestly, we didn't talk about it of what to wear. Maybe because they're just too comfy to wear especially for activity like this. Let me add na din the hashtag, "#pflifestyle".

We finally reached the campsite but we got no time to rest, I asked the team to immediately go to the Rockies so we finish early and take lunch back to the campsite. Also, the sun is up and started to heating up. The most challenging part is going to the Rockies, not the boulder part but again the sandy trail. It's really slippery going down, glad the locals have put ropes as a support but should be very careful.

And you might wondering why the Rockies. Because this part you gonna see huge boulders. You have the be careful when climbing the rockies, otherwise, your head will surely kiss'em as my experienced the first time I climbed here. But not now! Lol.

And after you passed the boulders, you will received a sweet present of nature. The Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in full view and the provinces of Laguna, Cavite and Batangas. Welcome to the Rockies. I hope you forgive me for the endless selfies but hey we deserve a death fying photo-ops ayt?! That's what we here for -- spirit and adventure. But do take necessary precaution.

Also just a side note, Rockies is not the summit. Summit is about an hour hike from the campsite depending on your pace but we didn't climb there. We just stayed at the campsite and lunch there after photo-ops at the boulders.

After a few hours of photos and witnessing the beautiful view of Taal Lake we head back to the campsite for our sweet moment. Ka-ka-in na! I asked the team to pack light and yes, they actually packed light but not with the packed lunch. That was the most awesome lunch at the top of the mountain. Team Guttom mantra is present. Train hard, eat harder! The campsite has small kubos with tables and you can use it for free. It has also small sari-sari store. 

After our lunch, we stayed there for a couple of minutes to rest. Also Coach Nur had a quick conversation about BMC (Basic Mountaineering Course). Then we commence back to the jump-off.

There you go, thanks for the Easter Sunday dayhike team. This is just the first of many mountains to conquer. Congratulations to your first mountain hike! 

If you are commuting, you can ride jeep to SM Lipa and the ask the driver to drop you off at Lomi King in front of La Salle Lipa. You can tell the driver that you are going to Lomi King. It's most visited lomihan after climb. Then ride jeep again to SM Lipa Terminal. There where you can catch JAM liner to LRT Buendia at 125 PHP.

FAQ's

HOW TO GET HERE:

Private Car - Pass through the SLEX then Star Tollway to Batangas taking Tambo exit. From Tambo exit turn left in Lipa - Tambo Highway all the way to Banay-banay. Turn right before Phoenix Gas Station and follow straight the National Highway going to Cuenca Town Proper. Then from Market area, take the first right and ask the local for the registration site and mountaineers store.

Commute - Buendia Station going to Lemery via Tambo Exit signboard. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at Cuenca. They usually ask if you are climbing Maculot then they know where to drop you off. From drop-off take tricycle that would bring you to registration area and then afterwards will bring you to the mountaineers store. DLTBCO and JAM travel to Lemery via Tambo exit.

EXPENSES:

• Bus Commute - 147 PHP

• Tricycle to Jump-off - 20 PHP per head

• Registration Fee - 20 PHP per head

• Guide Fee (Required) - 400 PHP (per 4- 5 pax) Rockies only / 800 PHP (per 4 - 5 pax) to Summit.

You can contact Joseph 0977-328-9791 / 0935-664-4553. He is our guide.

• Wash up at the Mountaineers Store - 15 PHP (per timba)

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• You need to surrender one ID at the Registration Site per group.

• It is required to get a guide.

• Bring at least 2L of water.

• Has a strong signal to all networks. But if you need internet or cellular data, it's strong at the Rockies. I was able to post a status on Facebook. Lol.

• No water source on the trail, but you can buy buko juice along the trail plus there's a sari-sari store at the campsite. Price is higher tho.

• Rice, yes, there's a rice at the campsite for 30 PHP.

• Need to do the number 2. It's near the campsite. XXX

• Don't forget the LNT. Be responsible mountaineer. You know what that is. https://lnt.org/

0 SUMMER GROOVE AT CANYON COVE IN NASUGBU

Summer Fiesta! Whew this year I’ve been in to different summer activities, really is a fiesta bonanza. It started from climbing the highest vantage point in Bataan, then grabbing the roads with fun run activities, and of course it will never be complete without visiting the beaches. And so, Batangas would be the perfect and the closest place to escape the summer heat. It started in Lemery Batangas, with my team but I never thought the entire department will go back there for another beachneering spree.

So this time, all plans and itineraries will not be posted here. All decisions were coming from the team leads. We were just waiting for their emails about the details. Then I learned that it will be Canyon Cove. I heard this place but I still asked Mr. Google about it.

Logistics is also provided by the company, they hired buses that will bring us up to the place. However since one of my colleagues brought his car, so I decided to hitch with them. We left at the same time but on a different route. What funny was the five us doesn’t know how to get there, but thanks to my Google Maps we were able to locate the place thru GPS.

The bus took Tagaytay route via South Luzon Expressway; but we decided to take Cavitex as it is much shorter than the bus route.

HOW TO GET THERE

So if you are using private vehicle, you can follow this route. Take Cavitex then exit via Centennial Road, and then you will be passing EPZA Diversion Road. Continue with your driving until your reach Antero Soriano Highway, it will be a long drive until you reach the Governor’s Drive which is also a lengthy highway. You will then arrive in Ternate Cavite. You know if you are in Ternate if you are seeing a mountain range. You will be passing uphill road traversing Mt. Palay-Palay, exit in Nasugbu, Batangas via Nasugbu-Ternate Higway, and continue driving until you reach the Canyon Cove. Please refer to map. Just check the blue line below near the, seaside route.

I suggest taking this route so you will have the chance the see the now becoming famous Kaybiang Tunnel. Most of the private cars passing this tunnel got time to stop and take picture as background. And if you continue with your road trip, reaching the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway, you will have also the chance to see the Batangas Best Coves and Islands nearby that can be seen up from the foot of the mountain. And once again it has panoramic view where most of the motorists got time to take picture of themselves.

Afterwards we just continue our journey as we near the Canyon Cove. Obviously we arrived early, so instead of coming inside we decided to stroll around while waiting for them and look for something to eat. We would like to taste some flavors in the province, we found a small eatery and decided to take brunch. And the taste is so perfect, we ordered some fish and beef, the ingredients, and the taste is so natural and fresh. It turned out that I consumed three cups of rice. I can’t help it.

We then received message from the team that they’re already inside so we packed up and followed them. I’m so amazed with the place; they have large pools with stunning landscapes. And the beach is just few meters away from the pool so you’ll have an option to either go on the pools or party in the beach.  

The beach is not as fine as other beaches and not as white as Boracay, there are parts that are rock-strewn and few types of seaweed that’s why we were wearing flip-flops that is also perfect for summer style when we get to beach. But it still tolerable, they have also activities like kayaking, banana boat, pedal boats, etc.

Since this is a company outing, we don’t have problem with the food, Canyon Cove serves us with buffet style. I’m not sure and I don’t have the nerve to ask how much the catering and even the entire expenses so I can’t give you that details. I heard that they have corkage but guards are not strict so you know how to use your charm. I don't have pictures to post about their rooms because we were only on day tour. But you can check their site below for the amenities and rates.

Overall, Canyon Cove is one of the best places for some beach loving. It’s just two hours away from congested Manila. You can also drop-by at Tagaytay for some Bulalo and pasalubong before going home, or they usually say back to normal life.

*Thanks to my Concur Family! And the entire Client Support Team.

CANYON COVE RESORT

Far East Road, Piloto Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas, PH

Website: http://www.canyoncove.com.ph/

7 Seize the Day, Summer Getaway 2014

In subsequent to Presidential Proclamation 115-A, March declared as Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines and the year thereafter. Arriving the third month of the calendar year is a sign that cold temperature is over and an indication that summer is yet to come. Henceforth we decided to set our team building as early as second week of the month. And it’s undeniably the perfect time to start summertime. So please join our team to Kick-Off Summer Party 2014! Summer, Summer, Summertime. Time to set back and unwind. :)

And how we delimit Summertime? Just like an ordinary way. As a quote say: Hair gets Lighter. Skin gets Darker. Water gets Warmer. Drinks get Colder. Nights get Longer. And of course, thou shall not forget that you are in the island where most of the best and talented singers are here. Pepede ba namang mawala ang videoke?! Laging kasama sa budget yan. So let’s Music gets Louder and Life gets Better. J

And knowing the Philippines? duh, here where you can only find the World's Best Beach. And speaking of beach, our team would like to do more. So we decided to sweep the sweetest island’s sand. It’s indeed the perfect escape from the four-cornered work station covered with thick blankets and sweaters. And I know there’s a lot of choices where to go, actually not to mention – there are thousands of options depending on your preference.    

And since we only have weekend for the opening salvo of summer escapade, we decided to just bowl nearby shorelines. Thus Batangas would be the place. It is only 2- 3 hours travel time from the capital city, Manila. This province offers different selection of beach resorts – black sand beaches in the northwest coastline while white and fine sand beaches in the northeast. Please click this site for some list of beaches in the province.

In our case, we went to Lemery, the town next to Cuenca Batangas where you can find the highest elevation at the hand of Mt. Maculot (Rockies). I’m thinking not to mention where we stayed but I guess I have to. We checked in at Heart of D’Ocean (http://www.heartofdoceanresort.com/), you gonna love the background scenes courtesy of their website. And when you get there, I would say it’s clean and spacious. You have the option to either go to beach or just plunge into the huge pools. I so love the place, however I don't like the way they treat customers when it comes to charges. It’s conflicting from their service mark – “Where your holistic well-being is d’♥of our service”. I dunno if the heart logo means love or just heart. Well either way, we feel like we we’re robbed. Everything is about money. They are thirst collecting money from their patrons. It’s like more on hidden charges. 

Okay going back, our summer escapade turned out worth remembering because it’s not really the place, it’s about the people whom you with. Sabi nga nila: “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles”.  We arrived 2PM so we don’t have much time for outdoor activities, we just prepared everything needed for our ultimate adventure. We decided to schedule our island hopping the next day morning and just feel the sense of team building. Thanks to my company who shouldered some of the expenses.

Next day morning after breakfast everyone is geared up for Island Hopping, I think this is the only outdoor activity. I’m not sure though if there’s any, well aside from beach volleyball. Since shorelines in Nonong Castro are black sands so bankeros are pleased to say that there will be a white sands island that is part of hopping itinerary. Oh okay, pero hindi talaga ganun ka white and fine. Hehe.

Traveling time is 45 minutes (1 1/2 roundtrip) and there will be P30 entrance fee per head for the white island. Pero dahil nga hindi siya ganun ka white, we had an internal agreement with the bankero to just stay for snorkeling. By the way Island Hopping is included (I guess required) during our reservation so we only have 3 hours to go back and forth, otherwise we have to pay extra. As a result we settled to just go on snorkeling.

Aside from snorkeling, we have another sidetrip, the bankero brought us to a “cave”. Honestly I really thought of Palawan like underground-river. But it’s not what I expected. It’s just a big boulders sitting at the edge of shoreline where the sands and sea waters met. And there’s like tiny bowl-shaped that looks like cave. So we hopped in instead and went to tiny waterfalls. And to give justice of extreme-like outdoor activity we did some wall climbing. Overall, twas a great summer escapade and we opened the beat of the heat activity real time. Let’s go for more summer activity either by the sea or by the mountains.