Ternate Beach in Cavite

After our rainy day hike in Pico de Loro we headed to Boracay de Cavite to clean up, it was located inside the premises of Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite. We were disappointed to know that it is no longer open for public use, hence we looked for alternative beach near the area and so we ended up in Ternate Beach Resort.

The beach is composed of fine grain grayish sand and strong splurges of waves were present due to the recent aftermath of Monsoon rain. Thus, I cannot tell if the natural state is pristine and clear water or is it really murky and brown.

Ternate beach by itself is not a worth it visit if it's the only place you are planning to go on your trip, but it is a nice side trip after an ardous hike from Pico de Loro or Mt. Marami.

How to Get There:

1. Ternate Beach is a nice sidetrip from Pico de Loro, you can flagged trikes and ask them to drop you off in Ternate Beach.

2. In reality, it is not an advisable place to visit if you don't have your own vehicle due to it's accesibility.

Wawa Dam and the Legendary Montalban Gorge

According to a local legend, a folk hero named Bernardo Carpio have separated the two mountains namely: Mt. Binacayan and Mt Pamitinan by his brute force in an act of self-liberation, creating Montalban Gorge, Wawa river, and the rock formations.

Wawa Dam is being fed up by the Wawa river that slithers across the gorge. The Dam was  built in 1909 during the American colonial era to provide the water supply for Manila. It ceased operation in the 1960’s when the Ipo-La Mesa-Angat watershed was established. 

Now it serves as a destination for sight seers and photographers seeking a taste of nature without going far from the city. A dam creates a dramatic cascade similar to that of a waterfalls where some people swim. Small make-shift cottages and rafts are also available for rent. 

How to Get There:

1.) From Cubao, you can ride UV Express bound to Montalbon. Once in Montalbon you can flagged trikes to Brgy Wawa (jump off of Pamitinan)

2.) I joined an organized hiking event headed by Sir. Jed Marcos (09424936007) together with the Akyat Tuklas Mountaineers.

Gen. Paciano Rizal Shrine w/ side-trip to LB Therapeutic Massage & Spa

Paciano Rizal is the elder brother of Jose Rizal. During the Spanish regime, he actively supported Propaganda Movement for social reforms and supported the Movement's newspaper known as "Diariong Tagalog". After his younger brother's execution, Paciano joined General Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite. He was appointed brigadier general of the revolutionary forces, and was elected Secretary of Finance in the Departmental Government of Central Luzon.

During the Philippine-American War (1899–1913), he commanded the Filipino forces in Laguna. U.S. troops captured him on 1900. He was released soon after and settled in the town of Los Banos, Laguna.

Located near the old municipal building, the house was turned into a museum which displays memorabilia and  antiques that belongs to Rizal's family; authentic items which the family once owned and even Paciano’s death bed could still be seen inside the house. The ambiance is good and well maintained, no entrance fee but any amount of donation is accepted.

A park/playground was built in honor of General Paciano near the shrine and a hotspring with massage center is also a nice visit. The place is quite humble in it's facilities but when it comes to service, they are at par with the best. Take a dip with the relaxing hot spring and go for a whole body massage for only 175 pesos, just add 100 pesos if you want to experience Bentosa therapy.

Los Banos Therapeutic Massage Spa

How to Get There:

1. This is a nice side trip after a Mt. Makiling hike.

2. If you are coming from Manila, tell the driver to drop you off in Los Banos Bayan.

3. You have to walk 100 meters, just ask the locals (beside the old Municipal Hall).

Laiya Beach

The Southern Tagalog, specifically the province of Batangas is one of the most famous tourist destination in the region with it's fair share of scenic landscapes, mountains and of course beautiful beaches. Fifteen towns in Batangas lies in the coastline of  the West Philippine Sea, whereas beach resorts in the said province are some of the places that tourists loves to visit due to it's close proximity from Metro Manila.

Laiya is the coastline barangay of San Juan, Batangas which borders Quezon province in the North and is about 140 km. South of Manila. The coastline stretches a total of 12 km. and is composed of fine grain sand that varies between white, cream and gray sand. Several private resort can be found along the beach front that offers places to stay but the Pinoy Solo Traveler opted to just take the Public Beach.

The beachfront is enveloped with Mt. Lobo at the backdraft giving it a paradise like setting.

How to Get There:
I.). In Cubao/LRT Taft there are buses (ALPS) that has direct route to San Juan (Batangas).
     Once in San Juan town proper, ride a jeepney bound for Laiya.

II.) Another option is to ride a bus bound to Lucena, then alight in Candelaria town proper.
     Ride a jeepney bound to San Juan, and once in San Juan ride another jeep bound to Laiya.

Bass Fishing at Sierra Lake

Sierra Lake, also known as Lumot Lake is a man-made water reservoir located in Brgy. Lumot in Cavinti, Laguna and lies in the Sierra Madre Mountain ranges. The lake was created when Lumot Dam, an embankment dam, was constructed damming the Lumot River, creating an auxiliary water reservoir for Lake Caliraya as part of the Kalayaan Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Plant

Sierra Lake is less known to the passersby who probably think it is still Caliraya Lake. In my opinion, I believe it is more beautiful than Caliraya Lake. Like the latter, Sierra Lake is also surrounded by lush vegetation and tall trees. The water is also cleaner and clearer than that of Caliraya Lake. No trash can be found near the lake. 

The lake is a popular watersport and fishing competition spot. Every year the LGU team organizes the watersports tournament and also Bass fishing contest. The lake is rich with fresh water fish such as Tilapia and Large Mouth Bass.Thus, one would occasionally see a group of men fishing on banks of the lake.

The place has the same altitude as Tagaytay City, but with a much cooler breeze and stronger gush of wind making it my favorite getaway during weekend. Boats for rents are available if you want to tour the lake and the nearby islets. Islands (Sundang) with cottages can also be rented for a night.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (alight in Pagsawitan).

2. Once in Pagsawitan you can ride jeepneys bound for Lumot.

Pahiyas Festival (Lucban)

Pahiyas Festival is one of the most colorful celebration in the country held every month of May in Lucban, Quezon. Local houses are decorated with agricultural harvest (fruits, vegetables, rice grains, rice stalks, flowers, and ferns) and colorful rice wafers, called "Kiping".

"Kiping" are leaf-shaped wafers made of rice dyed in brilliant colors. The leaves used include the kabal, kape (brown coffee tree leaf), talisay (umbrella tree), kakaw (cocoa tree), and saba (banana). Rice paste is used to create the kipings. 

Every household competes and gives their best in terms of decorations for the annual competition as they vie for the honor of being recognized for their creativity. When the awards are handed over to the winning house, the decorations of the house are given away to the huge flock of people as a free treats.

How to Get There:

1. Pahiyas Festival is held during the 15th day of May.

2. From Manila, you can ride buses bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

3. Tell the driver to drop you off in Pagsawitan. Once in Pagsawitan, you can then ride jeeps bound for Lucban.

Trampoline Park (Greenfields)

Europe's phenomenal Trampoline Park is now in the Philippines, and is one of the first trampoline park in the country which opened last February 2016. The park is a great place to unwind, workout and experience something different after a busy day from work- some of my colleagues and I decided to try Trampoline Park in Greenfields, Mandaluyong City.

The whole warehouse was converted into a trampoline park with several activities which includes:  Basketball (dunk), Gravity Dodgeball, Air Volleyball, Zumba, Plyometrics (explosive jumps) and fitness classes for adults and kids are taught by professional instructors. 

It was said that a trampoline workout burns more than any normal workout because you’re required to use more energy, all the while strengthening your muscles– I can personally attest to that, my sweat was drifting as if I ran 21 km.

Personal safety and caution should be exercised when in Trampoline park, I was guilty of not following safety guidelines, thus I had a slight sprain. It was a great experience, I just hope they will have an available water dispenser, because their bottled water is way too expensive.

How to Get There:

1. Located in Greenfields, Mandaluyong you can alight in Edsa Shaw and ask for Trampoline Park.

2. You can also buy promo vouchers from Metrodeal which my colleague did.

Revisiting Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach is located in the town of Lian, Batangas. According to the locals it was “rediscovered” in the early 1950s by Germans who were looking for a go-to paradise within proximity to the bustling Manila. Since then, Matabungkay transformed into a tourist destination from a simple fishing village. The shore is enveloped in a cove and is strewn with ashen sand and off-white fine grain sand that sparkles a white glow when struck by sunlight. It is bordered landward by a long, cramped lane of resorts and stores. 

The waters of Matabungkay is clear, vivid and calm with no strong splurges of waves. It does not also have a sudden deep section making it safe for swimming even for children. One interesting feature of the beach are the traditional bamboo floating rafts or balsas (floating cottages) that can be rented for a day. Also available for rent are the Banana Boat, Jet Ski, Pedal Boat and Speed Boat to complete a total beach experience.

 

 

How to Get There:

1.) You can ride a bus bound for Nasugbu, then alight at Lian Town Proper.

2.) Once in Lian, you can then ride jeepneys bound for Matabungkay Beach.

The Historical Mestizo River Cruise

The Mestizo River Cruise is operated by the City Geovernment of Vigan to reinforce the Heritage Conservation Program using the historical Mestizo River to trace the historical timeline of the said city. Through the 45 minute river tour, a voice over is played narrating the City's origin, historical background and other life sized tableaus. Classical and ilocano folk music will be heard throughout the cruise, and the tour guide also explains more about the stories of the Mestizo River. The graphic representations serves as stopovers to depict the major historical events that shaped Vigan to what it has become today as a UNESCO World Heritage City in the Philippines.

The  recorded narration also  tells why Vigan was able to preserve it's vibrant past. During World War II, Fujihima Takayashi successfully convinced his fellow Japanese soldiers to spare this town from the ravages of war.

How to Get There:

1. Once in Vigan, tell the Trike driver that you are interested in Vigan Heritage River Cruise.

2. A fee of 100 pesos for per person will be charged for anyone who wants to experience the cruise, boat leaves even with a single passenger