Sagada Trip: Sunrise View at Kiltepan Peak

The next day, we woke up very very early just to witness the sunrise in Kiltepan Peak. Coming from long hours of ride manila to sagada, and the cold experience of the cave spelunking, I still wanted to get more sleep due to these tiresome activities and the ride. It was nice or i should say i miss this climate way back in college when i am in Baguio. Wrapping yourself with your blanket because it was cold. But back to reality we are here to explore the place with limited time. My friends were already up and it would be embarrassing if I were to stay behind. So I stand up, go wash, sip a drink and viola, the journey begins! We are going to the mountain, no jeep. We are going to walk! Imagine that it is 5am in the morning and it is freezing cold! But it was nice. I miss the fine trees anyway! :)

walking around 5am in the forest is freaking cold

How to get here:

Just walk with your guide for 30 minutes or hire a jeep or van :)

Next stop: Trekking to Bomod-ok Falls(Big Falls)

Sagada Trip: Spelunking at Sumaging Cave

Sagada is located 275 kilometer North of Manila, adjacent to its provincial capital, Bontoc. We reached the province of Sagada after 12 long hours of bumpy and dusty ride from Manila to Baguio then Sagada.  Everyone in our group was so tired when we reached the place so after checking in at Residential Lodge, we all rested for a few minutes. We unpacked are things and headed to Tourist  Information Center. We just rest a few minutes and we are ready for one of the highlights of our Sagada trip – Spelunking (for me: ‘sumuong sa masalimot na kweba!’).  Most of us are new to caving and some of our office colleagues decided to take the spelunking activity at Sumaging Cave. Sorry for the late late posts. This was last May 2010. :)

This is the signage  going to Sumaging  and Lumiang Cave.

Along way road. We walked for 30 minutes going to the cave. Below are the rock formations different forms.

 

 

I can fit obviously here like the rocks will eat me!

This is the point of the cave where your guide ask you to remove your footwear. So wear proper foorwear. Our guide knows the place more than we do so we left our stuff at one side. See things behind Namar. Also, this is a naughty rock formation :)

The more impressive one called the King’s Curtain. A huge limestone formation where water drips from the top of the curtain and into the pools below. I didn't have full picture because many are taking pictures with it. To go down one will have to shimmy down the two “curtains”. That is why the need to leave the footwear behind. 

See?!! A challenge one!

A rock formation

A small hole where one persons can fit. Our guide was the one supported us when entering hole.

How to go back, this is the final challenge. Going out  is to climb up the wall using that piece of rope that hanging the cave wall. At first, I was thinking I can not make it. But when i saw a girl larger than me, she make it to climb up successfully. So nothing to  worry about i said. But when the time i was the one, i am having a hard time because of my weight but still i make it to the top.

It felt really good after completing the challenge. It is dark, slippery and wet but still, no trip to Sagada is complete without experiencing its caves. The whole exploration lasted for less than three hours. Caving in Sagada is such a worthy experience. Difficult but well-worth it.

Rates for Spelunking at Sumaguing Cave

    Visitor Registration: Php10 per person
    Guide Fee: Php500 for 1 - 4 persons, 1:5
    Kerosene Lamp: Php50

Things Must Haves

    Licensed guide
    Quick drying clothes like rush guard or any
    Sturdy, comfortable and non-slippery rubber sandals
    Headlamp or Kerosene Lamp(c/o guide)
    Hand Gloves
    Plastic bags or Ziplocs (To put in your valuable things)
    Camera (preferably waterproof) with extra batteries and memory cards
    Small towel

Visiting a Farm at Bataan

I just want to share about the beauty of nature. The cool breeze, fresh air, fresh fruits, touching one's nature. I live also in a farm place at Pangasinan, Philippines. Most of the delicacies here are vegetables ( beans, eggplant, malunggay, okra to name the few, but most are in bahay kubo song). Mangoes also are many in Pangasinan. Here in Bataan, it  is considered as Preserved natural park. As you can see at the pictures, is just one of the farms in Bataan.  

path going to the farm

a bulb wire was use to separate one's property

Touring the greenery farmland

After visiting the farmland, reward yourself with refreshing buko (coconut)

This is the way of harvesting coconut according to Berto

hahaha! pagod na si papa magbuhat! :)

 Next time I'll post more!

Open Field Shooting Range

Most people who enjoy shooting at indoor ranges are very aware of safety. Wearing protections like for their eyes and ears is a must for beginners or even the amateur. But few wear respirators to protect their lungs from the lead dust that presents. Below are the steps how to shoot a Handgun, I have just collected online.

    ·         First, read the instruction manual. This applies for the beginner or first time or people who haven’t used it in a while.

    ·         Find a target (please not your enemy). Just aim at a safe target in a controlled environment. Never shoot randomly.

    ·         For proper safety gear, use eye and hearing protections. Use proper gears for your safety.

    ·         When picking up the gun, you have to be careful. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard. Be careful always.

    ·         Insert the magazine (for a semi-automatic) or rounds (for a revolver).

    ·         Hold your weapon in the firing-ready position.

    ·         Stand in the proper firing stance.

    ·         Align the front sight with the rear sight.

    ·         Aim for center mass. Bring your weapon to bear on the target. Maintain your focus on the front sight.

    ·         Slowly squeeze the trigger.

    ·         Practice firing several rounds. Do not rush.

    ·         Unload your weapon and re-verify that it is unloaded. Open the action of the pistol and properly store it. After go wash your hands and face; gunpowder residue can be toxic because of the lead

 Whew! That was the proper way of shooting pala! Hehehe. Guys be careful, lalong lalo na ke tatay! In grandpa’s farm in Bataan. They try to shoot in an open field using a handgun. Actually I was not informed they will try it. Sabi ko, sure kayo? Hehehe… Please don't try this at home without proper knowledge about shooting with handgun.

just trying to shoot don't know if it's successful :)

berto kayang kaya mu yan!