Mining tour - Balatoc Mines

 We have our school excursions in Balatoc Mines tour in the year February 2006. All I can say is that a great experience for us students.  We are required to go here for school paper. BalatocMines is about 30-40 minutes ride from Baguio City proper, passing though steep and narrow roads. In Ilocano dialect, they call it “Balitok” meaning gold. This mine used to be the largest in Cordillera, established by Benguet Corporation. Baguio City is reputed as the pioneer of the first mining operation in the Philippines. It was in 1997, that the company launched eco-tourism offerings, with its main objective to share the gold mining heritage in Cordillera.

old  PABX at the museum

PABX

The Balatoc Mines Touris the first show mine on the Philippines and thus said to be one of the most unique attractions. The mine was operated by the Benguet Corporation for eight decades. Now it is closed except for some minor activities by some locals who still mine in a most primitive way. The mine site once had nine main levels and nine sublevels. The entrance of the mine is at 600m asl, the lowest level is at -425m, 1,025m below the entrance. Access to the lower levels was provided by a mine-shaft. 

Milling process for golds

The mine visit is planned to resemble the daily life of the miners, so it starts with the reception of round-metal-sheet called chapa. They serve as an ID to the miners, everyone has one and takes it into a box when entering the mine. When coming back the miner collects his chapa again. Every day after the shift, the foreman checks the box and issues a search if chapas remain in the box. In case of an accident it is possible to count the plates and determine how many are still in the mine. 

at the back of the tunnel

Stones with gold are being displayed here

Mine visitors are equipped with boots and a hard hat, and then enter the mine on a mine train but we actually walk to see every corner of the cave. Inside ex-miners show the visitors how tunnels are dug and reinforced. I don't really know if they are using electricity inside the cave. Hehehehe. A sample simulated explosion was done to show to all of us. The tour also explains the mucking and the transport of gold bearing ore to the surfaces. Finally there is the old furnace where the ore is melted and poured out into molds.

Beneath the underground tour there is a fine museum about local gold mining and mining techniques. Gold bars called bullions and company memorabilia are shown here. The mineral collection shows specimens of various ores, some so high grade you can see beads of gold lining the white limestone rock.

Balatoc Mines Machinery

old fire extinguisher

Bridge going to the mine.."Eman, why are you so lonely"...hehehe!

How to go here:

Public: To get there take an Acupan–Balatoc jeepney (P28, 40 minutes) from Harrison Road near the Burnham Hotel.

Private: Upon departure from Session Road, you must go straight to the Loakan Road. From there, continue until you go past the main entrance of Camp John Hay. Continue until you reach the Philippine Military Academy or PMA. Then after PMA, take a left turn at the Kias junction and head on to Balatoc.

                                                                   

Conquering Mt. Pico de Loro

PICO DE LORO

Major jump-off: Maragodon

664 MASL

Days required / Hours: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

Summit of Pico De Loro

My first hiking/trekking experience was last March 2009, when my fellow officemates invited me to join in their mountain climbing activities organized by some coworkers in Pico De Loro. At first I was hesitate to join because I am not into mountain climbing. I taught it was only for boys because I taught it was difficult. I search Pico De Loro if it has easy trail. Upon searching and reading thru blogs and forums. I was amazed with the scenes. So I said, I will go!

Fellow Campers

Base Camp 1

Along trek

Jump shot at first Summit

Lots of campers

at the summit

It was fun and full of excitement since that was the first time I go for a climb with the height of 664 meters above sea level. I’m so happy because I made it to go to the peak to see the beauty of nature.

How to go there:

Going to Pico De Loro takes about a 2-3 hour bus ride to Cavite, where you get off at a town called Marigondon. From there you take a tricycle ride to the ranger station, where you also have to register. The tricycle charged us 200 pesos but from what we gathered from the locals, it was supposed to be a good deal. Or better have a private car to go there.

·         Bus from Lawton to Maragondon = P 60.00 (or if the fare increased)

·         Maragondon to Jump-off point (magnetic sign) = P 300.00 – 500.00 (Hired Jeepney)

·         Pay an “entrance” fee to the Nipa Hut described (not much but it will also be as payment for the use of urinal and replenish water)

  

First Time in Boracay

My first ever out-of-town was going to Boracay.  Being with my friends makes it more memorable. But I have notice several things that it’s not what I really want to expect in the place.

For first-timers, the White Beach is divided into 3 so -called stations. Station 1, quieter side of the White Beach.  Station 2 is where all the noise and actions are - Talipapa , D'mall, bars, restos and hotels while Station 3 has the moderately priced accommodations.  People who wants to relax and enjoy the sand, surf and sun, go to Boracay. 

Here are the things I like most in Boracay:

1. White Sand. The place with white sand likes me to roll and roll and play with it. Fine sand, no small shells when you    try walking bare foot.

2. Blue Water. It is really clean but in our first day, it is not because of the typhoon.

3. Small and Big Waves. I like it when I first set in the water LOL! It’s like I’m just a kid playing with other kids!

4. Establishments/Restaurants. Especially the one serves seafoods. I like it!

How to get in boracay:

You can always select where you want to arrive, Kalibo or Caticlan airport. But for me, I’d rather choose Caticlan because it’s already near the island. You can walk if you are fun of walking or some usually take the tricycle and pay a little amount. If your flight was arrived at Kalibo airport, you need to travel by van or coaster bus for another 2 hours. Upon arriving at port, you have to pay for many fees. It takes 10 to 20 minutes travel boat going to island. By the way, there are two ports going to the island.

Willy's Rock

Me and my Hubby

Rates below are for reference only, it varies if you book in advance thru agency or just do it when you get there:

Atv -  Php350 per person 1hour driving

Buggy Car - Php700 per unit 1 hour driving

Helmet Diving - Php350 per person, with free cd for 30 mins

Banana Boat - Php200 per person 15 mins

Flying Fish - Php500 per person for 15 mins

Parasailing - Php1500 per person for 15 mins

Zorb/ Hydro Zorb - Php 580 pesos solo rider

                          - Php 380 per person for 2 rider

                          - Php 300 per person for 3 rider.

Zipline - Php 600 per person

Island hopping with free snorkeling gear for 6-8 persons - Php1500pesos

Accommodations : It depends where you want  to stay

Here's an idea how long the trip from the Caticlan airport to Boracay island:  

Kalibo airport to Caticlan jetty port:  2 hours via coaster or van

Caticlan airport to Caticlan jetty port:  2-5 minutes

Caticlan jetty port to Cagban terminal port :  travel time 15 -  25minutes

Cagban terminal port to D'mall using tricycle: 12 minutes

Walk from D'mall to the beach road: 5 minutes

Conquering Mt. Natib

MT. NATIB
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Tala, Orani
1287 MASL
Days required / Hours: 2 days / 4-5.5 hours
Specs: Major, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-3

D' finisher

Mt. Natib in Orani, Bataan is my second climb with Sunmates. It is close enough to Manila, but at the same thing offers a challenging overnight climb. Closed for more than a year due to insurgency-related problems, it is fast becoming rediscovered by mountaineers, and in the 2008 climbing season, several successful climbs have been reported. Climbing this mountain needs training or better go there during summer. Not advisable to go there during rainy seasons.

Jump point Orani

Blood Leeches(Limatik)

The climb to Mt. Natib is commenced in Barangay Tala in Orani, which is an hour away via jeepney ride from the Orani Public Market. After registering at the outpost here, the trek is started. One hour away is Pinagbutasan; the rough road that serves as trail is spacious and the environments comprise of open grasslands and light woodlands. Houses may also be seen as the foot of the mountain is populated.

SunMates

The first landmark encountered is known as 'Pinagbutasan', around one hour away. The name is derived from the wall which has an opening (in Tagalog, 'butas') for hikers to enter. A water source ensues; the trail remains wide and comfortable - albeit somewhat lengthy - until the base camp is reached.

After the Climb

The base camp lies at the foot of the Mt. Natib, and it is also the bifurcation between the upward assault which leads to the summit, and the seldom-used trail that leads to Mt. Natib's other attraction, Pasukulan Falls on the other side of the mountain. The assault, seen as the highlight of the trek, features steep, rocky trails prior to reaching summit. At the top, where hopefully you will arrive before the sunset, the panorama is 360-degrees; there are good views of South China Sea (W), Bataan province and its mountains: Mt. Samat (NE) and Mt. Mariveles (W).

How to go there:

Bataan Transit and Genesis Lines, with terminals facing each other in Doroteo Jose (near LRT station), ply the route. You will drop off at the National Highway and walk your way to the Orani Public Market; and going back, it's the other way around; go to the highway and wait for passing buses to take you back to Manila. Fares cost around P150, one-way.

City of Majestic Waterfalls - Maria Cristina Falls

Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes named the “Twin Falls” as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. A landmark of Iligan City it was nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city. It is known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 98 meters/320 feet high waterfall is also the primary reservoir of electric power for the city’s industries by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.

Maria Cristina Falls

Maria Cristina Falls is only 8 km from the city, and can be reached by taking a jeepney ride or you can hire van from the pier to the area. From there, visitors can walk the rest of the way in about half an hour and they can view the falls from the 3rd floor of the building in the viewing deck of the tourist area. Public access to the falls is only granted on Sundays but i know now you can call to there office. The river is partially blocked by hydroelectric station during the week and the falls gets a single plunge, but on Sunday morn the plant lasts for 1 hour, leaving the river to run free and return to its natural split-double waterfall.

as of November 2010, entrance fees and park hours

At the dam entrance gate

view at the bottom

another view with my hubby

Friends and Classmates

At the NPC viewing deck, you could also find a small glass room full of pictures of Maria Cristina Falls.  It all started because of the two sisters named Maria and Cristina who lived near the falls. You may read the story of Maria and Cristina below: and the hydroelectric plant as it evolved through the years. It also has an interesting story on how Maria Cristina Falls got its name.

How to go there:
 

Getting to Maria Cristina Falls is easy. You can take a Buru-un line jeepney for P12.00 from the Iligan  City port area to Agus Bridge and from there you can walk the rest of the way for about half an hour. It’s a good opportunity for brisk walking. Or you can take a cab which will cost you P100.00 to P150.00. You can reward yourself with a delicious meal along the highway.

It is nice to reward after going to the Falls

Secrets of Tinago Falls

The Tinago Falls is situated in Buru-un, Brgy. Ditucalan in Iligan City here in the Philippines. Tinago Falls is another attraction in Iligan City and its popularity has grown all over the country.

Tinago falls

 The name “tinago” is based from the Filipino word which means “hidden”. Simply because Tinago Falls is covered by trees, bushes and going to the bottom area of the falls is only by means of walking down more than 400 hundred steps. It requires to be in a good physical condition, without any heart or breathing problems if you want to go there. Once you get to the area, All your efforts surely pay off as the attraction is really awesome and majestic. One of the best falls i have been through. Sarap balikan!

 

Me and my hubby

How to go there:

If by jeep:

From the city proper, take a Buru-un route jeepney. Ask the jeepney driver to drop you at the Buruun Market (talipapa). Minimum fare is P12.00. From the highway, take the habal-habal (motorcycle) to Tinago Falls (Php 10-20), the motorcycle will bring you to the jump-off point where you have to trek about 15 minutes most downwards, you will see the entrance asking for a Php 10.00 payment.

If by cab:

From the city proper, minimum fare is P150-200.

Way to the falls

Friends going down to the falls

Everything you use in Tinago Falls entails additional cost- Php 5.00 for the restroom, Php20.00 for the life vest, Php40 for the kiosk, etc.

Way to go to Ambon-Ambon falls

Ambon-ambon Falls is located in Brgy. Binukawan, Bagac, Bataan. It is 60 meters high.
You can reach it about 2-3 hours of trekking. Approximately 9 kilometers from highway. You can also hire 4x4 mountain buggy jeep. Then you can walk/trek for 15-20 minutes. But the view is fascinating and the ice-cold water are refreshing. Hidden beauty of Bataan.

How to get there:
From Pasay Rotonda you can ride a bus going to Balanga, Bataan (Genesis Bus Transit and Bataan Transit. Approximately 2-3 hours of traveling you will reach Balanga Terminal. From there you can ride a jeep route to Brgy. Binucawan, Bagac, Bataan. About more or less 30 minutes traveling, just ask the driver to take you to the Brgy. Hall. You need to register first and ask for some local guide that will bring you to Ambon-ambon Falls. You have two options either by trekking or by renting a 4x4 mountain buggy jeep.
From Brgy. Binukawan highway it will take 2-3 hours of trekking before reaching Ambon-ambon Falls. Approximately 9 kilometers distance. From there you can view the China Sea, Mt. Tarak, Pantingan Peak, Mt. Natib. and Manila Bay.

TIPS:
You should wear protective gear, sun visor, warmer during summer season due to the scorching sunlight. And you will need 2 liters of trail water during trekking. Bring pack lunch is also advisable. Ambon-ambon Falls the prize is very much rewarding. The view is fascinating and majestic. The ice-cold running water is very much refreshing.

Expenses:

Manila-Balanga (Bataan Transit or Genesis)                                                     - 200Php vise versa
Balanga-Binukawan(Jeepney going to Binukawan at Central Terminal Balanga) - 30Php vise versa

If you don't want to hike, hire 4x4 truck:
Rental 4X4 jeep   -  1500Php to 2500Php                                                                                            -