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. :)
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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
