Tres Marias Naliwatan Peak

A few weeks ago, my cousin, Ivan, created an Event at Facebook titled Mama Mary’s Birthday Climb at Naliwatan Peak scheduled on September 17, 2016. A was excited and was eager to join the climb but I only hit “Maybe” because I’m not yet sure whether I could join them or not because of some of my compliances at work and I lack of preparation. As you can see, Naliwatan Peak is the second highest mountain in Region VIII next to Alto Peak of Jaro/Ormoc, Leyte. So a good preparation physically and mentally is really needed. I have no time to prepare physically because I have work and compliances to be done. The night before the D-Day, I met with my fellow climbers and had a meeting prior to the climb. I met new friends and a distant relative who happens to be our guide during the climb.

Though I am not physically prepared for the climb, I still decided to join them because I missed trekking and going on an adventure.

D-Day

Jump off Area at Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Bilira
left to right: Ryan Kyle, Janine, JV, Ivan, Makoy, Me, Julius and Deo

Had our lunch at a river going to the camp site

Nomads Falls

We left Naval at about 0930H and went to Brgy. Sampao, Almeria, Biliran and from there we trek and pass thru Ulan-Ulan Falls, Recoletos Falls and Nomads Falls (Named after the first Mountaineering Group who explored the area). On our way to the campsite, we river trek, cross tree lines and rocks that needs to be hugged literally just to be able to continue your trek because it blocks the trail and is the only way to reach our destination. We reached the camp site at about 1430H and immediately prepared our sleeping paraphernalia. I don’t have a tent but I have a hammock with mosquito net, a usual item for PNP Members. After the dinner, we prayed the rosary in honor of the birthday of Mama Mary. Had few shots of brandy and then hit the bed because we were scheduled to go to the peak early  on next day.

On our way to the camp site

Camp Site area

After our Rosary, had a get together

Day 2

We were supposed to wake up at about 0430H the next day so we can see the sunrise at the Mt. Naliwatan Peak but to no avail because everybody woke up late. So we decided to just eat our breakfast and then hit the trails to the peak. The trails to the peak was hard compared to the trails to the campsite based on my own opinion. Because there are certain areas there that you’ll have to walk to the edge of the mountain and have to hold on to the roots of the trees. Going to the peak, you’ll see a lot of pitcher plants, different birds and insects that can only be found at the mountain. The peak of Tres Marias Mt. Naliwatan was very mossy. It was cold and it feels like it’s already 1800H but it was still 1000H when we reached the peak. We took photos and had minutes of rest then traversed back to the camp site. After reaching the camp site, we immediately prepared lunch then packed up our things so we can reach the Barangay (village) proper of Sampao before the sun sets. On our way to Brgy Sampao, we had a stopover at Nomads falls so we can take a dip for a few minutes. After Nomads Falls, we trekked back to Brgy Sampao and hit the roads to Naval.

Day 2 on our way to Naliwatan Peak from the camp site

Mossy forest of Tres Marias

Group Picture at Naliwatan Peak

When you’re new to Biliran, you can also try to visit other wonders of the province like the Tinago Falls, Sambawan Island, Higatangan Island, Acaban Cave, etc.

I really enjoyed my experience from Tres Marias Naliwatan Peak because I was able to make new good friends and was able to appreciate more the beauty of our nature. 

Mt. Panamao

The second peak of Tres Marias

Pitcher Plant

Moss

Me at the 2nd highest peak of Eastern Visayas

First time I saw an orange moss

On our way back to Brgy Sampao

Visit Acaban Cave at Biliran Island

One of the interesting place that can be found in Biliran Island is the Acaban Cave aside from the waterfalls. It is located at Brgy Acaban, Culaba, Biliran; a 30 minute drive from Naval, Biliran’s Capital. The entrance fee is just P20 and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal waters of the Acaban Cave.

The Cave of Acaban is wide enough to let the people enter it but the only accessible part of the cave is about 20ft from the opening. Legend has it that the Cave is not natural but man made. The caretaker of the place said that treasure hunter once blasted the cave believing that they can find a treasure in the area. I haven’t asked though if they were able to find one.

When you go swimming at Acaban Cave, make sure that you know how to swim because the water is too deep especially in the middle part. Bringing of life jacket is advised for the kids and even adults if they don’t know how to swim. Snorkeling is a fun activity when going to Acaban Cave because there are different type of fishes that you can see there. You can even feed them with bread. It’s definitely a must for the visitors of Biliran to have a look at Acaban Cave. I have here below a video presentation I made during my visit at Acaban Cave.

Whale Shark Watching at Oslob, Cebu

One of the fun activities you can do when visiting Cebu is the Whale Shark Watching at Oslob, Cebu. Whale Shark are the gentle giants that resides in tropical waters like the Philippines. Luckily, we have this chance of watching over them here in the Philippines. The Whale Sharks of Oslob are protected by the Local Government Unit and are permanently monitored by the Oslob Bantay Dagat. I and my family was able to visit the place last weekend and good thing the weather was cooperative. When going to Oslob, you can ride a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal and should depart early because Whale Shark Watching is only open until 12:30p.m. I am not certain how much the fair is because we rented a car going to Oslob.  For the local tourists, Whale Shark watching will cost you P500 and P1000 for foreign tourist. Some rules that needs to be followed when watching is to avoid touching the whale sharks, maintain 4 meters distance from them, no applying of sunblock/sunscreen when swimming, no flash photography and no riding. Here are some of the photos I took during our Whale Shark Watching experience.

On the way to Oslob, Cebu

Arriving at the destination. Its about 6-7am and there are a lot of people who arrived earlier than us.

Orientation for the Do's and Don'ts during the swim.

Picture first before riding the boat

Cousin selfie with the Whale Shark at the background

The Whales of Oslob

The Whale Shark enjoying her meal

My niece's amazement seeing the Whale Shark for the first time

Me on a snorkel

My Ultimate Selfie

Dalutan Island Beach Resort

Yesterday, my girlfriend invited me to join with her high school classmates visit Dalutan Island of Almeria, Biliran. I was hesitant at first because I am not that close to some of her friends. So I was thinking if should I join them or not but the thought that I haven’t visited the Island yet gave me the urge to go with them and visit the Island. Dalutan Island is situated in Almeria, Biliran right in front of Agta Beach Resort, Talahid Beach Resort and VRC. The island is owned and managed by Engr. Dondon Muertegui, a childhood friend of my father. The distance is probably 2 or 3 kilometers away from the main land of Biliran, so it should take about 15-30 minutes boat ride from Talahid, Almeria.

Our group arrived at Talahid at around 1pm and was able to find a good deal for the boat ride. The boat ride was suppose to be P600 but we were able to haggle up to P500 (Hmm. P100 is still P100).  When arrived at the beach line of Dalutan, we were asked to pay P20/head for the entrance fee exclusive of the cottage and table. Since we were the only beachbum that day, we then asked if we could just pay for the entrance and use the table for free for our lunch. The caretaker was too good to let us use the table and some facilities.

My girlfriend with her high school classmates

That afternoon was all swimming and diving for my girlfriend and her high school classmates. Me, I tried to roam around and search for some interesting sites near the shoreline. Most part of the Island has rock formation on its side and only a hundred meters approximate for the beach line.

The Rock Formation of Dalutan Island

On our way back to the mainland of Biliran, the boatman was so generous to tour us to the back part of the Island. The Island has a cave on the right side wherein bats reside during day time and the only way for you to enter is to swim inside or by boat. I don’t know if that part of the island goes low tide though.

A panoramic view of the beach line with my girlfriend on it.

If you want to visit the Island, you can travel by motorcycle or a 4-wheel vehicle to Talahid and ask for a boatman that goes to Dalutan Island. Try to haggle for the fare because for me, P600 fare is too expensive for the two way boat ride. Bring your own foods on the Island because you won’t see any convenience store in it. The management also doesn’t allow an overnight stay to their visitors so at 5pm, you should be going back to the main land of Biliran together with the caretaker of the Island.

Bokeh by Ang Maniniyot

For all this time, I have been amazed of the art of Bokeh. If you don't know what Bokeh is, check on this link for some info about Bokeh. I practiced Bokeh but for some reason, I'm still no good at it. I don't know if it's the camera or its just me. So just take a look at some of my Bokeh shots and give me critics about it. You can also teach me how to dougie, aw, Bokeh I mean. ☺

Christmas Light Bokeh during the Midnight Mass at Naval, Biliran

Christmas Light Bokeh again at the house of my Uncle

Took this Bokeh just outside our room at  Palm Beach Resort and Spa Mactan

Bokeh from Vivo KTV Bar's Private Room

Bar Hopping at Ormoc City

Me and my colleagues decided to go bar hopping one night at Ormoc City. Our team was augmented there for about 2 months. Before we go back to our home base, we went to some bars of Ormoc and tried to relax and had some beer. One bar was Vivo KTV Bar somewhere in downtown. They have private rooms for you and your friends to hang out and sing the Karaoke. I manage to take some snapshots inside of the private room and at the hallway. I forgot the names of the other bars where we entered but yeah, its just there somewhere at the downtown Ormoc.

Bokeh of a lamp inside the private room of Vivo KTV Bar

Colleagues

The hallway. Those lights both sides are the door for their private rooms

Palm Beach Resort and Spa Mactan Cebu

You see, I really don't have something to do inside our room at the Palm Beach Resort and Spa at Mactan Cebu so I was again playing with my brother's camera. The room we occupied was good for the whole family. It has 3 beds, a fridge, a lavatory, an LCD Television, a hot and cold shower etc. One con that I observed during our stay is that the Wifi signal can't reach the 4th floor. So I'll have to go to the lobby just to surf, good thing I was registered to Globe's Unlisurf999. So here are some of the pictures I took inside the room. It is the night before the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon at Shangri-la Resorts and Spa Mactan Cebu

The vase right beside my bed

Featuring Nokia N8. :D

Parents smiling back at me. Woot!

Hanging Boat

I was resting at the back of our barracks and trying to feel the sea breeze. This boat is newly painted and so I took a photo of it because it seems so nice. This shot was taken using my Nokia N8 phone and edited through Molome.

Rocks and Trees

Rocks and Trees at Baybay, San Jose, Tacloban's shoreline

I was walking along the beach of Baybay, San Jose, Tacloban and saw this huge collection of cut coconut trees. Got interested on their different formations so I took a snapshots of them. Too bad I haven't noticed the uneven horizon at the background because I was totally focused on the trees and rocks.

Mommy, Mommy

I took this shot at a farm owned by the family. I really had a hard time taking this shot because both of them were moving. I think this one is the best shot on this set. ☺

Anchor

I was really wondering when was this shot taken but yeah, I was the one who took this shot. Its somewhere near the Redstone Ville. That anchor was attached to our floating kubo.