We Conquered Taal Volcano!

4.13-14, 2013

We were supposed to go to a relative in Pangasinan but the plan was cancelled. Since we're on vacation mode already, mommy decided to plan a Taal Volcano Trekking instead.

We left home for Tagaytay last Saturday night. Good thing we have an Aunt who has a rest house in Tagaytay Country Homes 3, so we had a free accommodation! :)

The next morning, around 7am, we went straight to Taal Lake Yacht Club for our boat ride going to the Taal Crater. 

This is Taal Lake Yacht Club. One of the attractions here is the Hobie. There's a  competition for this held here too.
We've inquired that a Hobie rental is P3,800 unlimited use for one day. Too bad this was not part of our itinerary. But next time, I want to try sailing this Hobie cat! 

Our boat ride to Taal (You can book this boat ride to Taal Crater at the TLYC priced also at P3,800 per boat with a capacity of 4-5pax, with tour guide per boat and Lunch meal at TLYC included).

Arrival at the shores of the Taal Volcano. I advice you to put sunblock, bring shades and cap, and lots of water. 

Trekking up. To make the trip more adventurous, we chose not to ride horses! We trekked to the crater.

Pictures at the View Deck!

 

 We really enjoyed drinking Buko Juice. One fresh buko juice is P50.

Resting at the view deck

Since we want to make the trip really worth it, we decided to treck down the crater inside the volcano to have a feel of the lake.

On the crater. We were supposed to swim but the water was too hot since it's summer (almost boiling) so we decided not to have a dip. But the view was very beautiful. I can't believe we're standing inside the volcano!

Trekking up was difficult. I even had blurred visions and almost fainted due to the heat (so I cheated and rode the horse). FYI. Horse rate was at P500-750 whether you rented them full board or half way only.

Lunch at Taal Lake Yacht Club

 

We ate home-cooked Filipino food like Fried Tawilis, Sinigang na Bangus and Inihaw na Pusit! We ate a LOT!

Satisfied with the food and the trip!

Finally, we took a shower at our Auntie's house and rested. Around 7:30 pm, we left Tagaytay and went back home. It's better to leave Tagaytay a little later on a Sunday to avoid traffic.

It was a tiring, but fun and once in a lifetime experience. A great bonding moment with family and relatives. We conquered TAAL VOLCANO! 

Till my next stop!

Shainey

Camping weekend at San Mateo Highlands

4.6-7.13

As of this period, I believe my mom and dad have already reached a level of contentment in their lives. They're neither focused on their hardware career nor on raising children and sending them school. Right now, I can see that they are enjoying their hard-earned money for some relaxation and enjoyment. Based on my observation, we have been going out almost every weekend because they are becoming fond of it!

This weekend, we didn't travel very far for some nature trip. This weekend, we simply packed our sleeping bags, some food (no clothes needed) and went on top of the San Mateo Mountains to watch the sunrise and sunset. Little did I know, it would be a very spectacular experience!

We went on this camping weekend with our close family friends/relatives (who by the way have hardware businesses too, and also have their pick-up vehicle). Our call time was 5:30 pm at our hardware in Kambal Road, San Mateo, Rizal.  We ran a little bit late from the call time because we all have to close our hardware stores. But it was just fine because the travel time was just 10 mins from the top of the mountain.

First, we stopped over the view deck to watch the sunset.

View from the deck! There were only some few seconds before the sun finally disappeared. But God was so kind to allow us to still have a glimpse of the sunset. :)

Edward was walking alone. Dramatic effect! haha :)

The road going up was scary - hindi lang zigzag road, literal na baku-bako yung daan na sumasayad yung makina sa ilalim ng kotse kapag hindi tama yung sinampahan ng gulong. All things on the car has to be secured because it will really fall off. Seriously, you need a 4-wheel drive to reach the top SAFE AND SOUND.

This was a sample view while were on our way up!

When we reached the top of the mountain, we were greeted by goats wandering in the grassland. But what really caught our attention was a one-of-a-kind modern hut standing firmly on top of the mountain. It was amazing! Carefully and creatively planned for the weather and other environmental effects that can happen.

It was a lighted hut, with comfortable chairs and table, with a welcome wine. It's like being in a hotel lounge . Very cozy and inviting!  

We brought rice, snacks, and grilled hotdogs, barbecues and fishes.

 We simply chilled, shared stories and watched the vast view of the city in front of us.

*We even saw a lot of fireworks (from MOA, Eastwood Libis, and even in Laguna). We were very lucky as well to witness a green falling star that disappeared in the sky after just a few seconds! It was one of nature's greatest miracles. :>

The bad news in the trip was we don't have a restroom, and not even water. Good thing we brought drinking water and cleaning water. We used "arinola" to pee.

To really make a feel that we are on a nature trip, we slept on camping tents! :)) There's no need for aircon/ fan because the temperature there was very cold!

The next morning, we went up early for the sunrise.

The sunrise pictures are the BEST.

Here's some of them

  

We had coffee and doughnuts for breakfast while watching the sunrise at around 5:40am.

Then we went trekking on 3 mountains/ hills nearby.

I can't believe that we reached the tower on top of the third mountain we trekked. That tower was actually a property of Meralco and  in our house it can only be viewed from afar. It was only just now that I come to see it so near. :)

We also experienced "provincial" life when we stayed in the kubo and sat in the duyan to rest.

After the trekking and regaining some energy, we packed up and we went to another mountain (where another friend lives) to see the view there.

On our way!

The slope was very steep! Again, this challenge needs to shift gear into 4x4!

This next attraction has more trees which gave us shade. We sat on "papag" chairs and beds made out of bamboo sticks, and just enjoyed the fresh air and the view under the large trees.

Meet our Kuya Kim with the farm animals around :)

The view wasn't visible compared to where we slept, but we really appreciated the trees here (especially now that the heat in the Philippines is terrible).

Then as we parted ways with our group by 11:30am, our family decided to have an ocular at Timberland Heights - the sort of 5th mountain/ hill we visted.

Timberland is like Tagaytay Higlands - it's an exclusive place for members so you better sign up for membership. Room rates are almost similar with hotels in Manila P6000/ night for 2 pax. We managed to enter for some ocular inspection only :P Timberland also allows bikers in, but on the condition that they have complete biking gears. It is a perfect place for Biking and for bikers. There are already cafes and restaurants designed for bikers there. One time, I want to go biking there too! :)



So in conclusion of my getaway, at a very minimal budget, we had this amazing weekend experience! It was just 10 mins away from our house so we didn't spend much on gas, there was no hotel cost because we slept on tents, food cost is on a  flexible budget too, depending on our needs! We didn't spend much, but we had a real breather weekend we will remember! At the short time, we felt at peace and one with nature. It is a highly recommended activity especially for families.


Since there is no water, we didn't take a bath in the mountain! :P So after all those experiences (which happened in less than 24 hours), we went home already for lunch and some real bath. :))


More adventures to come!

Shainey

On a Positive Note : Graduations :)

Last Saturday, March 23, 2013, my Brother Edmond graduated college! It was not just an ordinary day but it was also my Mom's birthday. I was really very touched by his message (click here to read : Edmond's Message to Mum :) ) that I became nostalgic.. and I wanted to reminisce my own graduation rites.

So now I'm writing because I want to share about my graduation stories, and a gist of my school life.

For three graduations, I marched at the Miriam College Sports Complex (since I graduated Miriam College- Grade School, High School, and College). See how loyal I am to my alma mater? :)

Grade  School didn't leave me much great memories. It was seven long years, and I just feel very average. I was a shy girl in gradeschool and I do not speak out. Actually, I am scared of my teachers and was always nervous to recite in class. However, I had a strong interest in arts, crafts, and painting. It was the only thing where I was able to express myself and where I excel at. I even received club awards in being a young artist club member. I did graduate gradeschool and I passed MC High- but yeah, as I've mentioned, just plain Average. :) I am thankful because my parents (most especially my mom) never really pressured me to be on the top, as in top. They are very proud even of my smallest achievements; and I really thank them for that kind of parental support.

In High School, I became more active. I made more friends, I sometimes recite already, I accept responsibilities in group works, I get perfect scores in Long Tests, and I even received second honors for some quarterly assessments, which made my parents even prouder. Again, I am very thankful for my parents' support for all the things I achieved; and I thank them for not complaining or asking for the things that I don't and cannot achieve.

BUT then, there was a turning point in my life come High School Graduation Day. FYI, I was still an average student in high school and will graduate average then. We had to march in the Sports Complex and exit by rows of two down the middle isle, and it's okay with me to march with any student. What is not okay is that the partner that I was going to march with was no less than our Student Council President that time, who was also our class Salutatorian, a Debater, a beauty ambassador, an exemplary behavior awardee, and the list goes on. Beauty and height, brains, heart, talent, etc.- name it, I think she has it! I am not against her because she's a real role model for a lot of students, but during the graduation ceremonies, I really cannot explain how I felt about it. She was in all smiles marching down the isle with overlapping medals, plaques, bouquets of flowers with everyone along the isle (be it students, teachers and parents) greeting her and saluting her for all that she has achieved; and, I was there too marching/ exiting side by side with her wearing only a loyalty medal and holding my diploma. Of course, I was thankful I graduated without problems, and I am very very thankful that my parents were there, as always, to support me for every achievement and award/ recognition I get. But I remembered the look on my parents faces when our SC President and I were passing by them. Yes, they are smiling at me, but I know that deep down, they are also admiring my partner and hoping that they can go up the stage too and be even more proud of me. They didn't say anything, but I know that deep deep down, they also imagined that.

From that point onward,  I told myself I should set a goal for myself to run for latin honors. Instead of taking that circumstance as a problem that will discourage me, I should make it my inspiration to strive harder. If she was able to do it, so can anyone else!

I entered college with much hope and determination to be more. I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to really persist. I always recite in class and I learned to speak up. I did a lot of volunteer work and took the initiative most of the time in projects. I was not afraid to talk to people anymore; as a matter of fact, I befriended some of my professors. I also became an active officer in our school organization (secretary, then even as president the succeeding year). I joined organizations and competitions outside school. I bought home awards, prizes and medals which not only made my parents but also my school proud. To top it all off, I was a consistent dean's lister and was even awarded twice an honor scholarship grant (given to the top three highest averages per year level). I can't imagine how I did all those transformations in four years! Getting all those things I've mentioned was not easy at all.

Finally, come college graduation, I gave my parents one of the best gifts they could ask for: to join me on stage as I receive my Magna Cum Laude and Top 2 award. :''> This is really for them!

I don't have a copy of the awarding on stage so I will put this picture with my parents.
I really love this shot. Nagkakawrinkles na sila Mommy and Daddy sa sobrang saya :)

While I was marching down the isle during my college graduation, a flashback of my high school graduation occurred to me. After 4 fruitful years of hard work, persistence and determination, I still can't believe I DID IT. It feels like I'm floating on air! on a high! hahaha. Really, I'm not exaggerating. Daddy/ Mommy also said s/he feels afloat. I know, and I can feel it that during my graduation, they are not just feeling good, but they are feeling at their best. :)

It was one of my milestones in life. I know I am a late bloomer (and maybe you can see it based on my progress as a student), but I would like to share these thoughts : It is not wrong and it is never too late to dream big. However, we should manage to set short term goals to attain our dreams/ goals. It's not easy at all and we will encounter times when we think we are hopeless, but we must learn to use the hard rocks that put us down as a stepping stone to bring us up and to rise from all those challenges. No one is perfect and there will be a lot of people who are above us, some people who will pull us down, or some who will not care at all. We should not compare ourselves with others, we should not make their success as our standard of our own success. We should have our own personal standards in our studies, work and life in general. I know it's a cliche that Graduations are not the end but truly, it is only the start of our life story.

YOLO - You only live once , so better make the most out of it and do something worthwhile. I believe nothing is really impossible when we face it no matter what the consequences may be.

Here's a picture of my friends and I before we took on our own fights in the real world.

To all the graduates, and for those who will soon graduate, congratulations!
 I hope one person can be inspired from this entry.

All the best,
Shaine