It was supposed to be a Mt. Pulag climb last weekend but due to a not so good weather forecast and advise from my reliable contact there not to push through, I am glad that we didn’t. The original plan was replaced by this trip because I was really hesitant to pursue the climb. I’ve been to Pulag 6 times (5 via Akiki Trail) and had my most terrifying experience when a sudden change of weather happened during our climb in December 2006.  I don’t want to take the gamble again especially when I have first timers with me.

Buruwisan Falls is located in Mt. Romelo, often mistaken as Mt. Famy.  It is one of the five waterfalls found in Sierra Madre Range.  Buruwisan is the most famous of all because of it accessibility.

The height of Buruwisan Falls is estimated at 180 ft. It is very ideal for rappelling and landscape photography. It also has cold and clear water which is good for bathing.

The trek going to waterfalls is  an easy 2 hours hike but when it rains and trail becomes muddy (read as: really really muddy).  I just experienced my muddiest trek last weekend.

Although the trek can be done by day trip, an overnight stay is more recommended to maximize the visit and have an ample time to explore the area. If you’re lazy to bring a camping tent, nipa huts are available for rent.

The jagged mountain

My first climb of Mt. Batulao was 9 years ago. It was a night trek with my college friends with the help of a Mapua Mountaineer friend, Lee (may he rest in peace).  Second was in 2008, I organized a climb in TipidPC.com Mountaineering Thread. We took the newly opened trail that is very popular now because of its challenging but scenic terrain.

Last Friday (02/03/11), my friend Allan sent me a message via BBM “Bai wala tayo climb before Pulag?” Since I needed a practice climb for Mt. Pulag on the 18^th, I replied that I am good to go tomorrow. The day hike finally happened after two years. The gang planned to do this two years ago but because of our different schedules the hike didn’t push through.

We took the 430am trip of San Agustin Bus at Park Ride Lawton bound to Nasugbu. We arrived at the jump-off point at around 6:30am and ate breakfast at the carinderia along the road. The weather was foggy and chilly. It was favorable for us since the mountain trail is notorious for being exposed to direct sunlight.

The mountain summit was covered by clouds when we first saw it. There was a little drizzle but a believe they’re just fog or low lying clouds. There was a little bit of excitement on my part because I can already see the beautiful jagged trail from afar.

The new trail going up is gradual and well established. Some stretch is steep, about 2-3 feet wide. Climbers with vertigo will surely have a hard time crossing  those.

Wanna hear how strong the wind is? Check the video below

There are several campsites you can choose from. Two of the biggest campsites are no. 7 and 8 . The grounds are well established and can accommodate no less than 10 tents.

After the easy trek up to the Camp 7, we crossed the steeper trail going to the summit. The wind became stronger that made our pace slow down a little bit.

We made a detour before the camp 9. We took the forest trail, covered by trees that serve as shade from the sun. I think this is a safer route compare to the other one.

The stretch after the Camp 10 is tricky. The trail is made of loose soils and rocks. We used both our hands and feet just to climb up to the established section of the trail.

We reached the summit at around 11:40am. I enjoyed the 360 view while eating my sandwich, took some photos and had a little chat with fellow climbers.

Our day hike coincided with the 4th anniversary of the opening of the new trail. Locals are treated the campers to a feast in the night socials. We met a couple of locals carrying pigs, chickens and goat going the campsite.

It is a good trekking day for us. The weather really cooperated and met new friends along the trail. I will surely go back here for an overnight camp. The sunset here is lovely.

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On our way down, I saw a signage installed from Camp 5-10. As I scrutinized the marker, I realized that the photo in the background is mine. You can check the photo http://roadworthyman.com/2011/10/13/sawtooth-trail/.  This photo was used a couple of times without my  knowledge. Two mountaineering groups used this in their posters and the Mt. Batulao profile picture in Facebook. There is a lifestyle & adventure e-publication who also used the same photo without my permission and the worst part is, they cropped my watermark. Good thing there is DMCA. I reported it to the authority  and the website was suspended until they removed my photo.

I can give my photos if it is for a good cause. We, travel / landscape photographers risk ourselves and our equipment from injury just to get a good spot and capture good photos. Please don’t steal or use our hard work.

Kids doing the Lion Dance

January 23, 2012 marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese holiday, celebrated by billions of people around the world.  Each of the Chinese New Year Calendar is represented by one of twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. For 2012, it’s the Dragon.  It is the creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and power.

I went to Binondo Chinatown last Monday to witness the celebration there.  This is the first time that the Chinese New Year here is a holiday.  I wasn’t surprised with large crowd because I was also there the day before to scout and feel the ambiance of the place.

The mood is very festive. There are lion and dragon dance moving to the beat of the drums,  people dancing with Ati-atihan, the restaurants and food establishments are jam-packed.

I also visited Kuan Kong Temple to pay homage to Kuang Kong and to observe our Filipino-Chinese brothers and sisters how they pray.

There are also a lot of photographers in the area. I saw different types of camera DSLR, SLR, Rangefinders, Lomo, Micro 4/3, Point & Shoot even tablets and cellphones. There is a joke that day  “Mas marami pa ang photographers kesa sa mga Intsik”.

The streets are also filled with vendors of lucky charms. I really wanted to buy the dragon puppet (see photo below) but I don’t know where to place it in my room. I also read somewhere that 2012 is not a good year for Dog people since Dog and Dragon have a fighting relationship.

I admit that I am not into festivals  but this one is an exception. I can’t explain why but I am really fascinated with the Chinese cultures and traditions.

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

Ortigas Center - 02/16/10

Ortigas Center is the second most important central business district after Makati. It is a 4,000 hectare land known as Hacienda de Mandaloyon in 1930s. It was a virtual wasteland when acquired by Ortigas & Company but now a home to many skyscrapers, famous offices, shopping malls and restaurants.

Ortigas is sorrounded by of Pasig, Mandaluyong,  San Juan and Quezon City.

Photography Gears: Nikon D80 + Nikkor 18-70mm
Settings: 18mm, 30 secs, f8, ISO 100

Makati Central Business District - Makati City - 12/09/09

Makati is the financial center of the Philippines. It was Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the first Governor-General of the Philippines who spotted the area in 1570′s. The name “Makati” came from the word “kati”, which means tide, referring to the tide of Pasig River located north of Makati.

Photography Gears: Nikon D80 + Nikkor 18-70mm
Settings: 18mm, 30 secs, f7.1, ISO 125

Nativity Scene (Belen) - Ayala, Makati - 11/20/10

Wishing everyone a meaningful and happy Christmas. Let us not forget to give thanks to all the blessings we received this year. A little prayer for our brothers & sisters in Northern Mindanao who were affected by Typhoon Sendong.

Photography Gears: Nikon D80 + Tokina 12-24mm
Settings: 12mm, 1/15 secs, f4, ISO 800

Mambukal Falls - Negros Occidental - 08/24/08

The 7 falls of Mambukal can be seen at the Mambukal Mountain Resort in the town of Murcia, Negros Occidental. It also serves as gateway to Mt. Kanlaon, the highest mountain in Visayas.

We bypassed the first six waterfalls to focus on shooting the 7th and the topmost falls. It took us 2 hours of hiking before we reached it. We didn’t regret on climbing up to the last falls because it was indeed beautiful.

Photography Gears: Nikon D80 + Nikkor 18-70mm + ND8 Filter
Settings: 18mm, 6 secs, f22, ISO 100

Ifugao, Banaue - 10/04/08

The native of Ifugao are also called Ifugao not Igorot. The name Ifugao came from the word “I” which means “people of” and “Pugo” which means “from the hill”.  The term Igorot came from two words “I” and “Golot” which means “mountain range”.

Photography Gears: Nikon D80 + Nikkor 50mm 1.8f
Settings: 50mm, 1,250 secs, f1.8, ISO 100

Capones Lighthouse - Zambales - 10/23/11

It was my third time to overnight camp in Capones Island last month but I always keep coming back. Why? One of the reasons is that I don’t have decent shot of the lighthouse.  I don’t have an UWA lens on my first camp and the UWA lens that I borrowed during my second camp has a problem.

Faro de Punta Capones or Capones Lighthouse is one of the few remaining old Spanish lighthouse in the country. The lighthouse became operational in 1890. It has been operational for more than 100 years guiding vessels entering and leaving Subic Bay.

Photography Gears: Nikon D90 + Tokina 10-20mm + CPL Filter
Settings: 12mm, 1/200 secs, f8, ISO 200

Capones Island - Zambales - 10/22/11

It was a well spent weekend, overnight camping with friends at Capones Island. Capones Island is one of most favorite places to camp because of its beautiful white sand beaches and of course the sight of both sunrise and sunset. I didn’t shoot much this time because I have been to this island a couple times, it was a sleep eat then repeat mode for me. I am looking forward to camp on the lighthouse side on my next visit.

Photography Gears: Nikon D80 + Tokina 10-20mm + GND Filter
Settings: 12mm, 1/40 secs, f8, ISO 100