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).