0 TRIP ITINERARY: GETTING TO AND FROM BISLIG CITY VIA BANCASI AIRPORT IN BUTUAN

At the Bislig Marker in Bislig Baywalk

Bislig City is said to be the "Booming City by the Bay" and I couldn't disagree more because this growing City has a lot of things to offer. Although one of my favorite places in Surigao del Sur is not really part of Bislig yet this is the closest place you can stay with numerous inns and hostels.

Enchanted River is the main reason why I wanted to visit Surigao del Sur. I have no idea how to get here and haven't set foot in Mindanao. When I was college I saw a picture of this magical river and I didn't know that it can be found in the Philippines. I thought it was somewhere in Europe or in Americas. Geeesh! I must explore the Philippines more. Anyway, make the story short, I promised to visit this place someday and I wanted to make it happen right on my very special day! And of course when I have work to finance my travels.

The time has come to witness its real beauty right before my eyes, thanks again to piso-fare promo. I was able to book a flight at a lower price. I learned Bancasi Airport in Butuan City is the closest airport to get to Bislig City, although Davao would be another option but land transfer takes longer time to travel compared from Butuan.

Bancasi Airport in Butuan

R4 mini cab.

Cramped! This mini-cabs are just like in MOA.

HOW TO GET TO BISLIG CITY FROM BUTUAN:
Don't be confused with Mangagoy (Ma-nga-goy) and Bislig, they're just technically one place. So either you say Mangagoy or Bislig, drivers will drop you off in one place. Mangagoy is one of the Barangays of Bislig City but here where most of the transient houses and establishments are situated. Therefore, it would be better to say you are going to Mangagoy if you are coming from Butuan.

We arrived at Bancasi Airport (Butuan) around 9 AM, then we rode an R4 mini-cab to get to the terminal where you can find vans that will bring you to Mangagoy. Please note that there are plenty of mini-cabs parked at the airport, those vehicles have different signs (R2, R3, R4 up to R12). "R" means road, and make sure to ride the R4 as Road4 passes through the city terminal.

Cool mini-cab graffities.

These are the vans piling outside the terminal.

Also do not entertain people that offer van for hire at the airport because it would cost you more money. I'm not saying those are illegal, those are private vans for hire.

VIA VAN:
When we arrived at the terminal, the driver dropped us right in front of the van bound to Mangagoy. There are other vans bound to Barobo and San Franz. By the way you also have an option to ride van bound to San Franz, and then from San Franz you can ride another van bound to Mangagoy. As of this writing, fare is 240 PHP (Butuan - Mangagoy). And because we were cramped with four people per row I asked the driver if I could pay another seat. The travel time is 4 hours and they actually dropped us off right in front of Tyffany's Inn where we stayed in Mangagoy.

This is the van waited for us bound to Mangagoy.

Photo op inside the van, when boring strikes. :)

Cramped, and so cramped ride. Thanks I paid another seat.

VIA BUS:
Bachelor Express is your choice. You can also ride an R4 from the airport and tell the driver to drop you off at Bachelor Express Terminal. They have buses that travel straight to Mangagoy. Travel time is 5 - 6 hours so if you are not in a hurry and you just want a relaxed road trip then taking bus is perfect for you. And likewise as van, you can also ride this bus bound to Davao just in case no more trip to Mangagoy, then alight at San Franz (San Francisco), then you can find van there that travels to Mangagoy.


MANGAGOY/BISLIG BACK TO BUTUAN:
You can ride a tricycle and tell them to bring you at the terminal. Note that if you wish to ride a van that go straight to Butuan for a hassle-free travel then you have to be at the Mangagoy terminal early in the morning before 10 AM. Otherwise, you can ride van bound to San Franz then from San Franz, another van bound to Butuan like we did.

Somewhere in Agusan del Sur en route to Surigao del Sur

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This post is part of my Bislig, Surigao del Sur Trip happened on my birthday July 26 - 29, 2015. And this is my first time to set foot in Mindanao.

■ Trip Itinerary: Getting to and from Bislig City via Bancasi Airport in Butuan
■ Staycation Guide: Where to stay in Bislig City/Mangagoy
■ The Enchanted River
■ Sibadan Fish Cage
■ Tinuy-an Falls
■ Hagonoy Island and Bon-bon sandbar
■ Hinayagan Cave
■ Staycation in Bislig City
■ Where to eat in Mangagoy

6 MT. DARAITAN AND TINIPAK RIVER: THE BOUNDARY OF RIZAL AND QUEZON

Perfect silhouette at the Summit of Mt. Daraitan, the atmosphere is still dark waiting for the sunrise.

First hike for 2015 and I am pretty excited coming back to the mountains. It has been a long time since then, I guess it's almost 8 months of silence. It is by choice, and for safety as well. The year 2014 wasn't really a good year for Pinoy mountaineers. I dunno but out of those numbers we were the one who experienced the kind of trouble. It was August 2014 when one in my group drowned at Mt. Romelo. That was really a bad experience and I'm the one who opened the climb. Thankfully he was saved after couple of minutes reviving his life. Therefore, I decided to stop til start of 2015. 

"The mountains are calling and I must go". 

Words lingering my ears. And I heard that my mountaineering group has been planning for a climb to start the new year. Of course, it's a go. I've been lonely for months bearing the speedy life of the city.

The group decided to conquer Mt. Daraitan in Tanay Rizal near boundary of General Nakar in Quezon. It is about four hours drive from Manila and no need to spend too much time for traveling. This place offers several activities like hiking at the summit of Daraitan and it's well-known for its sea of clouds, swimming at the Tinipak River and spelunking. 

Meet my TOSOC Mountaineers family.

We met at Shaw Boulevard and left at 6 AM with a rented jeep straight all the way to the jump-off point, in front Brgy. Hall of Daraitan. Although travel time is three hours but we stopped in Taytay market to buy foods to cook at the summit. 

Looking at the pictures on Google, I thought there will be river-crossing or riding in balsa but I'm surprised the local community placed a wooden bridge so that jeepneys and tricycles can pass through. We arrived in front of Brgy. Hall on time and took a rest for few minutes and then prepared to commence our climb.

Since we are 13, we are required to get two guides. They're strict with 1:10 ratio. We tried to make a deal, however, they're really strict so we got no choice.

And this is the ascent part..the entire trail is ascent I'm telling yah.

Take 5 is mandatory..no view yet but fresh air is important.

According to Pinoy Mountaineer, this is a minor climb with 4/9 difficulty rating. True enough, minor yet expect of more ascent trails. I can say the trails are likewise as Pico de Loro but I need you to put an extra energy, your lungs and intestines shall require you to get more air. The trail is well-maintained and covered with rocks and muddy. But nothing to worry there are trees to hold.

After four hours of climbing, we finally arrived at the campsite. There are three campsite locations in this mountain. First one is the largest that can accommodate up to 10-15 tents, but it's far enough to get to the summit. Second is about 15 minutes away to the summit and we stayed there, and the last one is at the summit itself.

The campsite is not flat, and it's really hard to pitch a tent. The place was covered with huge rocks and small trees, it can serve up to 7-10 tents.

SMILE even if you don't want to..hingal pa more. 

After we pitched our tents, we decided to visit the summit for the lovely sunset. It is really beautiful with a backdrop of Tinipak River and it looks like the great Amazon River. There are also rock formations on top where you can stand and get your amazing photo. Mt. Daraitan is surrounded by summits of Sierra Madre or I guess Daraitan itself is part of this Sierra Madre mountains.

This is the summit on Sunset and the trail of Tinipak River.

Photoshoot at this boulder at the edge of the summit.

One more photoshoot with Stifler!

Ater the sunset viewing everyone back on their tents and tidy up. We have no problem with the foods, glad "Tok" is with us, he is assigned to do the cooking. We had Sinampalokang Manok and CPA (Chicken and Pork Adobo) for dinner. And....of course lechong kawali for Pulutan! Unfortunately, we only bought one bottle of Empe Lights and two bottles of Ginebra Quatro Kantos.

And then lights out at 10 PM!

I set my alarm at 5 AM for Sunrise viewing, and before my phone buzz I'm already awake and waking up everyone. 

And here we are waiting for the beautiful Sunrise. Although we're not lucky to witness the sea of clouds that time but still thankful for the magnificent view. Per guide, sea of clouds only appear if it is raining the last night.

Patiently waiting for the Sunrise.

My Solo Project, thank you Francis for this photo.

After the Sunrise viewing, we had breakfast and started to break camp. At 8 AM we started to descent to meet the famous Tinipak River. We follow the trail down to the first campsite, but right after the campsite it would be a separate trail down to the river. It's like doing a traverse.

After three hours, we finally reached the neighborhood, which means, we are near the swimming area and the cave of Tinipak. The white boulders piling up along the shallow rivers. We traced the trail at the side of the river to get to the rest house where we can leave our backpacks and get to the river in light packs.

There you go, this is the swimming area of Tinipak River. It has clear and flowing waters and the huge white boulders. It is now notable as tourist destination in Tanay. Some of the groups decided to just stay at the Tinipak River and not to climb at Mt. Daraitan. Although Tinipak River is already part of General Nakar Quezon and Mt. Daraitan is still part of Rizal yet nothing to worry on additional fees.

This is Tinipak River with white huge boulders.

We decided to get to the cave first spending time at the river. And this is my favorite part in the river activities, there will be stepping on steep ladder, wall climbing and crossing the bridge. The mouth of the cave has small opening, enough to one person at a time. It is also required to bring flashlights as you know it is really dark inside the cave. And when you get in, expect of its magnificent formation of limestones and the common stalactites and stalagmites. The water is also pretty cold.

Daraitan and Tinipak River is indeed a place to visit, they have numerous activities to offer from the summits to deepest. No wonder those people don't like hiking are still coming to Daraitan, not to climb but to experience the beautiful rivers of Tinipak with its turquoise flowing water.

My Solo Project inside the Cave.

All in blue..picture picture after swimming inside the cave.

Here's the small basin at the cave, this would be the end of the trail. You gonna love the water here, it's super duper cold. Thanks Francis for the photo.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Your initial point is at Starmall in Shaw Boulevard. Ride FX/Van bound to Tanay and get off at Tanay Market. The travel time would be two hours depending on the traffic situation. Then from Tanay Market, ride a tricycle/jeep bound to Brgy. Daraitan, travel time would be one to two hours.

Note: Tricycle bound to Brgy. Daraitan would bring you straight to Brgy. Hall (like we did) but when rainy season, they will be removing the connecting bridge. Your choice is riding balsa for 5PHP. Also, we didn't do the public transportation, we hired a jeep from Starmall straight to Brgy. Hall. You can contact Joel at 0922-321-4698.

ITINERARY:

05:00 AM: Meet up at Shaw Boulevard

07:00 AM: Departure Shaw Boulevard

09:00 AM: Arrived in Taytay Market (Grocery)

10:30 AM: Arrived at Daraitan in front of Brgy. Hall

11:30 AM: Start Trek

03:30 PM: Arrived at the Campsite

05:00 PM and onwards: Sunset Viewing / Socials / Lights Off

05:00 AM: Wake up for Sunrise viewing

06:30 AM: Breakfast / Breakcamp

08:00 AM: Start decent

11:30 AM: Arrived at Tinipak River

12:00 PM: Explore Tinipak River and Cave

01:00 PM: Lunch

02:00 PM: Arrived back to Brgy Hall Tidy Up

03:30 PM: Travel back to Manila

EXPENSES:

• One guide is 1,250 PHP (overnight) and 850 PHP (dayhike) for 10 pax.

• You can try to haggle to get for a lower cost. I tried my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough.

• Per research, FX Ride to Tanay Market is 70 PHP. Rented Jeep from Tanay Market to Brgy. Daraitan is 3,000 PHP. Balsa whenever river crossing 5 PHP. Tricycle from River to Brgy. Hall of Daraitan 10 PHP.

SIGNPOST:

• I don't know if there's a strong signal for your cellular phones, but I got LTE using Globe. I don't have problem posting photos real-time during that climb. 

• I brought another phone using Smart sim, but the signal is on and off.

• There is no water sources at the summit. So per head is required to bring 4L of water. 1L for your own consumption and 3L for cooking.

• Guides are included on your food budget.

• Guide may also bring your stuff for 300 PHP.

1 THE 6TH PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL PYROMUSICAL COMPETITION HAPPENING ON FEBRUARY TO MARCH 2015 AT THE SM MALL OF ASIA

Once again the much-awaited pyro musical competition will bright up the Philippine skies.  It’s now on 6th year hosted by the Philippines. The 6th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition 2015 will be held every Saturday starting February 7, 2015 until March 14, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia seaside in Pasay City. The show starts at 7:00PM. I experienced this once in 2014 so I’ll make sure to watch it again this year; it will surely give you a pure joust in the skies with bright lights and colourful displays. Participating companies from all over the world promised to showcase the best of Fireworks and to the beat of music.

See also: Sky Wars. The 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES:

February 7, 2015

Philippines - Platinum Fireworks, Inc.

Japan - Akariya Fireworks

February 14, 2015 (Valentines Day)

Italy - Martarello Group

Brazil - Vision Show

February 21, 2015

Mexico - Sirius Pyrotechnics

The Netherlands - Royal Fireworks

March 7, 2015

Canada - Royal Pyrotechnie

United Kingdom - Jubilee Fireworks

March 14, 2015

China - Polaris Fireworks

Philippines - Platinum Fireworks Inc.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS AND PRICES:

You may visit www.pyrophilippines.com for ticket inquiries.

Contact: Jen Sta. Ana

Contact Number: 0917-811-4001

Email: platinumfireworksinc@yahoo.com

Other sites to visit for ticket reservation:

www.smtickets.com

www.ticketnet.com.ph

www.ticketworld.com.ph

Silver -  100 PHP
Gold - 300 PHP
VIP - 500 PHP
Patron (inclusive of dinner) - 1,500 PHP

15 A TRAVEL GUIDE GOING TO BATAD IFUGAO

Banaue Rice Terraces is one of the most rewarding places in the Philippines or perhaps in the world. What is more when you get to Batad Rice Terraces, one of the 5 terraces in Banaue and it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites among other four namely: Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, and Nagacadan. However getting to Batad wasn't the easiest thing to do but like they say, "work hard before pleasure".

Batad truly is wrapped with breathtaking views; lush green mountains covered with thick fog and its surrounding, the ever-smiling locals and of course the warmth of Ifugao culture. If you are planning a trip here then I have collected some practical guidelines getting there.

HOW TO GET TO BATAD:

You have plenty of options how to get to Batad, but I’m talking about different routes here because traveling by air is not an option unless you got your own chopper.

MANILA TO BANAUE VIA BUS:

Ohayami Transit located in Sampaloc, Manila has single trip daily that leaves at 10PM going to Banaue. Trips are added during peak seasons. It is advisable to book your seats in advance for 450 PHP.

Manila Terminal: J. Fajardo St., Lacson Ave., Sampaloc Manila

Contact Number: 0927-649-3055 / 02-516-0501 (Manila) / 0917-561-7344 (Banaue)

Email for Reservation: reservation@ohyamitrans.com

Website: www.ohayamitrans.com

Dangwa Transco is another option going to Banaue which is also located in Sampaloc Manila. Unfortunately they don’t have site nor email for reservation but you can try calling them at 02-781-5849 / 02-743-3809 or visit their terminal for reservation.

BAGUIO TO BANAUE VIA BUS:

If your initial point is from Baguio City, Ohayami Transit has daily trips also going to Banaue that leaves at 9PM located near Burnham Park. And again I suggest to make a reservation prior to your trip.

Arriving in Banaue Town Proper, one is required to pay 20 PHP as environmental fee. Then from there you will have options how to get to Batad. Please remember that the vehicle you get from Banaue Town Proper will only bring you to Batad Saddle Point, then from there you can trek down to village by foot for like 1 - 2 hours depending on your pace.

• The Tourism Center offers package for 600 PHP/person with guide and a day tour to Ampi-Theatre and Tappiyah Falls

• If you are on large group, you can hire jeep going to Saddle Point for 1500 PHP maximum of 20 individuals. Just advise the driver what day he will pick you up from Saddle back to Banaue Town Proper.

• Or you can contact Leemas Panhon from Ramon's Homestay; he will arrange you a trip to be joined in another group from Banaue Town Proper to Batad. You can reach him at 0935-980-7939, I guess this is more practical.

And again when you arrive in Batad Saddle Point you have no more option but to walk down to the village. If you have heavy baggage you can request for a porter. Also just piece of advise, Saddle Point is the last frontier where you can get cellular signal. Therefore, contact everyone where you at especially your family because down to the village there is no signal at all. 

Here's the rocky part of your trek. I would say the Local Government has on going project for a concrete road all the way down to the entrance of the village to provide easy access for visiting tourists. That's why you will see heavy machinery along the gravel road. I'm not sure what is the target completion date but we will know.

Here's Batad Marker, thou shall not forget to have photo opportunity. When you get on this part, please have a little patience because you are already inside the vicinity of the village. However you will have to walk more to get to the guest houses.

WHERE TO STAY IN BATAD:

There are several places to stay in Batad. Though it is easy for you to get a place without the reservation however if you are visiting during peak season then it is highly recommended to reserve a room.

It is not necessary for you to find fancy hotels or inns in Batad, there’s none and no need. It is a remote village living above the clouds so do you still need an air-conditioned room? I know you travel because you want to escape the city living so when you get here expect that you will be living like a real local. I would recommend Ramon Native Homestay, Mang Ramon himself is proud of his Ifugao heritage so when you stay here expect that you will experience the immersion-like vacation where you can help them doing the rice pounding or traditional way of processing wheat into rice grains, at night he prepares bonfire which is part of the culture that the families gather together around it while chatting and over a cup of coffee. Also what is more exciting is sleeping inside Nipa Hut, also called "No Nail House".

Contact: 0916-9848380 look for Irene Binalit (this is the number to call for booking)

Email: bireneann@yahoo.com / ramon_binalit@yahoo.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonsHomestay/info?tab=overview

You can also book online via Agoda.

Other Homestay in Batad:

• Batad Pension and Restaurant / Contact Person: Gina / 0916-488-8141 / 0918-964-3368

• Batad Top View Point Home Stay and Restaurant / 0935-130-2911

• Cristina Inn / Contact Person: John / 0906-977-3771

• Foreigner's Inn / Contact Person: David / 0905-397-2317

• Hillside Inn and Restaurant / Contact Person: Maya / 0927-761-6176 / 0905-769-9796 / 0919-379-9599

• Rita's Mount View Inn and Restaurant / Contact Person: Romeo / 0921-273-3051 / 0910-842-3076

• Simon's Inn / Contact Person: Simon / 0919-261-9566

THINGS TO DO AROUND BATAD:

The village of Batad is sheltered by majestic mountain ranges; there is no means of transportation here except by foot. So you will have to rely your foot to get around the village. A lot of trekking here so I guess it is also important that you came prepared.  Though going to the amphitheater stone-walled terraces and Tappiyah Falls is an easy trail yet I still recommend getting a guide. It is for the safety and most of the homestays offer guide service which price starts at 700 PHP.

• Trek to the Terraces.

• Trek going to Tappiya Falls about 45 minutes away from the village.

• Swimming in freezing water of Tappiya.

• Reach the highest point for the best view of Batad Rice Terraces.

• Meet the Locals.

• Taste their Rice Wine.

• Wear Ifugao costume.

• Help them with their daily activity, stay not as visitor but as part of Ifugao family.

Stairway to Heaven truly exist.

Walking at the Terraces.

Trek down to Tappiya Falls.

Photo opportunity in front of this beautiful falls and play with stone towers.

SOME TIPS AND INFORMATION:

• As much as possible book your bus tickets to and from Manila-Banaue. Like I say they only have single trip and Bus filled easily. Of course you don't want to seat on the aisle. When you arrive in Banaue make sure to book your ticket back to Manila. Bus leaves at 5PM (Ohayami) to Manila.

• I suggest to contact locals for your jeepney ride to Saddle Point than getting in the Tourist Center. Package price is bit expensive.

• Make sure when you get to Saddle Point, the jeepney driver you have contracted will be the one  to pick you up back to Banaue Town Proper. Give them your schedule when you leave in Batad.

• Guide is not mandatory, but better to get one, they will tell you the stories and you're helping them as well.

• The last area with cellular signal is Batad Saddle Point.

• Wear trekking shoes/sandals.

• Bring enough cash, there is no cash ATMs there.

• Prices of food, beers, and sodas are bit pricey, because it is really hard to transport them from Banaue down to Batad village.

• Bring enough sweater especially when your body is not used at cold temperature.

4 BATAD BANAUE: "GO LOCAL" AT RAMON HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

“Going Local”, that is Mang Ramon’s promised for tourists visiting Batad. I thought it is just simple words used for advertisement purposes and has no meaning at all. However they have exceeded the expectation of these two words. They are dedicated to provide unforgettable experiences for visiting tourists. They really mean it!

After nine freaking hours of long ride and nearly two hours of trekking down to the village, we reached Ramon Homestay. We already have a reservation prior to our visit because it is expected of more visitors coming for a long holiday break.  

In drowsy mood, we were welcomed by the owner himself Mang Ramon Binalit and greeted us with smiles on his face. Though the feeling is weary, it was replaced with a positive vibe. He brought us to one of the Nipa Huts. Ramon Homestay has 5 traditional Nipa Huts, one of which where Mang Ramon was born – a century old Nipa Hut built by his ancestors and he is preserving it for the benefit of visitors like us.

This traditional hut is very simple made of woods and roof is made of weaved cogon grass. Mang Ramon chose not to install any electric wires going to Nipa Hut not to avoid possible fire but to preserve its original customs. Outside Nipa hut, it looks like it won’t fit more people yet when you get inside it can actually accommodate up to 10 people. No nails being used to build this house and it has fireplace inside. We arrived sleepy heads so we decided to just take rest and sleep the rest of the afternoon.

We woke around 6PM and had dinner. Mang Ramon was there handy, greeting and talking to visitors. Everyone stayed at the dining area taking supper and talking to other visitors and making friends. Some were drinking cold beers and rice wine waiting for the Christmas Eve.

Mang Ramon and his nephew prepared for bonfire. He said he normally do this because he wanted everyone feel at home by knowing and talking to each other. He wanted to initiate the talking and everyone will have to introduce. He said that bonfire is their tradition back in the old days living in cold place. They used this so that the neighborhood gathers and share their story for a day activity. After we hosted ourselves he started sharing how this place built and the story behind the glorious Rice Terraces.

We greeted each other a Merry Merry Christmas when the clock touched 12 MN. It was really pleasure celebrating Christmas in a tranquil place away from heavy traffic. We went back to our huts when everybody feels sleepy and needed rest. 

We woke up the next day coming from a good sleep. Everyone was busy preparing for breakfast while some chatting over a hot cup of coffee. I decided to join locals picking the dried rice seeds and crushing it. The traditional way of processing wheat into rice grains for cooking. It really like immersion-ish and everyone is game of doing it.

When the food is ready, it’s about time to eat and have a huge carbo-load for the activity on that day going to the Rice Terraces and visiting the Tappiyah Falls which require time and effort. The food there is organic with a touch of local taste. They serve Chicken and Pork, Breakfast menu, Salad and short orders.

There is no signal there but some time you can get it when you keep your phone hanging just like on the picture. The guide also told us that latest phone won’t get signal only cheap phones. I don’t know if this is true. Anyway when in homestay there’s nothing much to do except looking at the Rice Terraces however it is a perfect time to emboss your social responsibility to other people by playing card games, dama, chess, or even a simple talk.

For me, it’s a perfect place to stay if you need peace. No phone signal and you are totally detached from the outside world which I guess pretty awesome. You don’t need to think much. It’s the best time to relax your mind. 

Aside from affordable rates and delicious meal, people here are really friendly and will treat you as part of the family. They’ll be asking you from time to time if everything okay and they will ask you as well if you wish to try helping them with their daily activity. It’s complete experience with Ifugao culture. Indeed, Ramon Homestay is the perfect place to stay because of such activity. Bonfire is one of the highlights where you can ask everything with your curiosity.

RAMON NATIVE HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE:
● Traditional Ifugao story-telling with bonfire.
● Local Rice Wine Making
● Native Coffee Lessons
● Wood Carving Lessons
● Rice Pounding
● Dressing Up in Native Costume

RAMON NATIVE HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines 3601

Contact: 0916-9848380 look for Irene Binalit (this is the number to call for booking)

Email: bireneann@yahoo.com / ramon_binalit@yahoo.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonsHomestay/info?tab=overview
You can also book online via Agoda.

You can also contact Leemas Panhon (Mang Ramon's Nephew) at 0935-980-7939. He will be your guide and will pick you up at the Banaue Tourism Center.

0 PANGASINAN 2014: BOLINAO FALLS OF PANGASINAN

First, I would like to thank my company for making this trip possible. You really guys understand the need of your employees, to get some refreshment from a nerve-wracking workload.

Straight from night shift, we have to leave early to get there as early as possible. We all know Pangasinan is located in northwest part of the country along Lingayen Gulf facing South China Sea. And it’s quite far from Metro Manila. It would require you to travel for about 4 – 6 hours (private vehicle) to get to this place.

Bolinao Falls is situated in Brgy Samang Norte and it would require you to travel for another 30 minutes in rough road condition from Bolinao town proper. If you are coming here renting a van, make sure the driver and his car is capable running in unpaved-rocky road. I would suggest contacting Mr. Dean Transport Service. This transport service been here and knows how to deal with it.

When we get to this discreet Barangay, people facilitating the parking area welcome us with a huge smile. And to get to the falls, it would require you for another five-minute walk. The fizzy sound of the falls would already give a bit of excitement en route to the falls. And the moment you will see the bluish color of water, the forest like panoramic view, and the people would surely eliminate the weary feeling. 

I hope the pictures would already tell you how beautiful it is.

I learned that there are two or three Bolinao Falls, named after the town. The one we visited is Bolinao Falls 2. There's a registration fee of 30 PHP regardless if you go on swimming or not. I told the collector that we would only stay for an hour but still they require us to pay. Anyway, the small amount of money would help the community to maintain the beauty of the falls.

  

Of course, I love the outdoor activities. Therefore I make it a point that I should be the first person within our group to jump and dive in unknown deep falls. I saw small kids jumping without hesitation so I followed them immediately. I always have the guts when someone did it first.

The feeling is intense, the time is almost noon yet the water is cold as hell. And I love it, really! I think I jumped three times, and glad that some of them within my group dared to jump as well. Like they say, face your fears.

The other groups that we are joined in were coming from Bagiuo and La Union. That was surprising, or I’m just expecting that most of the tour groups should be coming from hustle and bustle City of Metro Manila.  

Just so you know, if you wish to have lunch here, it’s possible. There are nipa huts set up that you can use but I’m not sure if it’s for free. I saw a family prepared for grilled fish and liempo. So I guess this place is so perfect for family vacation.

If you are planning to visit Pangasinan for Hundred Islands, one day is not enough. Make sure to spend two days as Bolinao Tour is also a must. Bolinao Falls is part of this Bolinao Tour package.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.