Taal Volcano National Park - The Brighter Days

I was lucky enough to have visited Taal lake, the pulo (island) and its neighboring towns so many times that it has now become a ‘usual place’ for me.  From a casual weekend getaway in Talisay town coupled with an easy hike to view the ‘island within a lake within an island within a lake’, to an easy hiking trip on Mt Maculot (which is part of the Taal Volcano National Park), or the countless overnights in some hotels along Tagaytay (caldera) ridge;

And once in a while – a more serious lake activity ranging from boat rescue training or race event, a +2-hour kayak visiting the innumerable fish pens, a topper or hobie cat sailing course, and even a grueling 35km Taal island kayak circumnavigation. 

Rescue Regatta event - using plywood 'bahangka' for the race (myself standing, doing final checks before the whistle-start).  At Talisay town (north of the lake)

Although I’ve “seen” Taal in its nastiest mood – particularly old black-and-white photos displayed in Taal Hotel (Tagaytay), I couldn’t say that I’ve really seen her violent side.  Until now, or perhaps more on the days to come.

While it’s temporarily difficult to see the true beauty of Taal, and just to peel away from the sobering sights of ‘death and destruction’, it may be a good time to reminisce the good old days.

Of Yosemite, Boracay, Travel book, 100 runs and Rabbits

2019 – A year in review

I finally made it to Yosemite, finished writing the first draft of my travel manuscript, did an outreach in a urban poor day care center, finished my 100 x5km run (500km), discovered recipes for my healthy dish versions of duck and rabbit meat, and did a few other minor things.

The summary somehow revealed that I should be doing more in life, but of course – my summary did not mention responsibilities at work and at home which usually takes a lot of our personal time.

Still, it was a good enough year creating a momentum to do more, to eat healthier, to travel more, and yes – to go back climbing!

Travel

My US travel was my only major travel last 2019 but which covered New York, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Napa Valley and the highlight – Yosemite national park.

At Pier 39 San Francisco - tourists meet lazy sea lions!  (2019)

Of Sheep and Kiwi

(excerpt)

I arrived at Christchurch in an icy early morning time and not wanting to lose a day, I decided to skip town and headed north.  Kaikoura on the South Island’s northeast would be my first point of tour.  

Violating my flexibility principle of not booking anything in advanced, I’ve decided to play safe for the first day and booked a 25-NZ$ hotel in this remote town.  Who knows what I’d find or who I would encounter in some mysterious far-off coastal village that had killed and harvested thousands of whales in its hay days.  I’ve imagined drunk old men resembling a bad version of Jack Sparrow, glistening hooks hanging around and blood-stained walls. Of course, that was just the effect of watching too many horror movies.

It was a tolerably long bus ride covering a little more than 180 km in less than (3) three hours.  Along the long road, countless sheep in vast green fields were the common sight. And as if to emphasize that point, one road section was temporarily blocked by hundreds of slow-going sheep strutting their way on and along the road.   The bus driver halted on the roadside letting every single one of them safely cross and move to the other side. For us tourists, it was a curious moment. We alighted for a good photo opportunity.

Interestingly, sheep – among many other larger-than-rat mammals were not native to New Zealand and most were in fact invasive.  So were snakes.  Presence of a single snake on board a docked ship would be a headline news!

Like Summer in Tuscany

Above the hill overlooking the city of Florence.

Riding a train from Roma to Florence was easy.  Except that we were left behind by our train. Like in a movie scene where one was running tens of meters behind an accelerating train, sprinting hard to catch its rail… In real life and in our case – we ran as fast as we could but we failed to catch the train!

Booking the next train seemed painful but there was a simple lesson there.  Don’t buy a ticket 10 minutes before departure!

After an hour, we boarded our more patient train. The ride was easy, the train clean and fast and the country-side view compensated for my ‘pain’.   It was not long before we arrived in the station. 

Disembarking with my 20-kg bag, I started navi-guessing and this time, given relatively smaller city– I found it so much easier to navigate around.  Our yet-another-mysterious hostel, do not have signage but a mere building number. We buzzed in an old building when we saw a floor that bore the hostel’s name ‘Leonard’.  It seemed like, few of the rooms and floors of the old building were rented as hostel.  Probably a common practice in Europe.  Why build a hotel when you can rent a building floor, right?

The room was old but wasn’t bad.  Its toilet has a vintage mechanical flush which was functional and looks cool. We settled down, changed clothes and prepared for a stroll-out.  It seemed for me that Italian in general, and specially in Firenze – people make an extra effort to dress up unlike a typical New Yorker.

Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon - A quick visit

Playing around with a petrified rock 

Petrified Forest

As a little boy, I would tirelessly browse through old maps and books, and one particular favorite was this book about the great wonders.  It has cartoon pictures of the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest and other intriguing sights.  I was sure that I would never see them or visit them in my life – and was just contented with my own little world of imaginings.

Luck and opportunity do present itself as miracles – and after decades of working my butt off, I guess it was time to revisit those childhood ‘impossible wishes’ and make them come true.  I mean it was not like climbing Everest where failing could mean the ultimate price, but more like closing a childhood curiosity.   Like an itch, it simply needed some scratching!

Machu Picchu - An Old Incan Wonder

At Machu Picchu complex. 

(Peru travel story excerpt. From a new book project "Biyahe -- Travel Stories Around the 7 Continents")

In any travel, we should always define our priority no.1.   This will help in planning itinerary including backup plans or trim-down plans if things go sour.  In our plan – Machu Picchu would be the must-see or must-do site.  Non-negotiable!  Unless the mountain crumbled and Machu-P disappeared forever. 

This ‘mysterious’ Incan abode is on the southeast of Lima, more than 1000 km or 18hrs of drive.  Going there, one can start from Arequipa and either head straight up to Cusco or take a six-hour bus ride to Puno. Cusco is six hours northwest of Puno by bus, or alternatively - hop on the train from Puno to Cusco, an expensive but more scenic alternative.

We stopped by Cusco to see the cathedral, eat a good meal and stroll around.  We stayed for the night and booked a train to our next stop - Aguas Calientes.  This is three hours from Cusco by train then another 20min bus to Machu.   If I was on my own with extra week of time, I’d do the Inca trail hike.  It would be like reliving how the pre-colonial Incans travel from the low lands to their mountain abode.

My Year-2018 Highlights

at Bryggen, Bergen (Norway).  Using a small 2x2ft rain puddle to create this reflection effect.

Once again, the whole year zoomed by so fast that I barely had enough time to plan for everything in my to-do list!

But I can’t complain – it was but another good year with a good mix of planned and unplanned surprises.  So time to do my short version of introspection by revisiting some highlights of my 2018.

Wacky shots with fellow supporters and the marathoner - Louie.

An Autumn in Tromso

Disappearing Aurora captured by 15 secs of exposure.   It later re-appeared in different shapes.

There are but a few reasons why a traveler would want to visit the cold northern parts of Norway -  in late autumn or even winter…

And to see the Northern Lights would be on the top of the list!

Tromso – at 69-degree latitude, is above the arctic circle (66.5 degrees) and naturally cold, gloomy and dark in winter times and have short day light during late autumn and early spring.  For usual travelers visiting the warmer parts of the world,  a short day span or cold winter nights is not a very welcoming proposition to ‘have fun’!  But if one wishes to see the enchanting Aurora – that’s the only best chance. 

Of course, winter time will also offer other interesting activities such as dog sledding, visit to the wilderness to see the reindeers, snow mobile rides – albeit in a cold, gloomy or dark night.   If you don’t mind the cold or not seeing sunlight, and love partying at night – then it would be a good, unique travel destination.

Karakoram - Trek to K2 Base Camp

(from my book Akyat)

K2 (2nd highest mountain) behind me, at Concordia camp, on the way to the basecamp.  2001

 Godwin-Austen Peak, locally known as “Chogri” - popularly known as “K2”, is the 2^nd highest mountain in the world (8611m) but the toughest mountain to climb.  It is said that the death rate of K2 is 1 death for every 3 who made it on top - a lot more than Everest in terms of Death-to-Summit ratio. Everest used to have 1:6 but greatly improved over the years now I think 1:10.  Still scary - but better.  Anyway, I think K2 got its name from the old survey and expedition map with numbered peaks.  The Map of course covers Karakoram (“K”) and the peaks where numbered 1,2,3… so on.  Godwin-Austen was marked “K2” (Karakoram #2 peak), and so the name.   Movies such as “K2” and “Vertical Limits” popularized this mountain.  It’s the most dreadful peak, an extreme challenge to the most elite of mountaineers. Since I was only a tadpole-class mountaineer then, my plan was to do K2 half-half --  Hit the basecamp, and dream the rest. :) 

Enchanting Hawaii

Diamond head crater hike, Honolulu (Oahu).  Only a short ride bus away from Waikiki, a simple 1hr (or less) hike - but with a spectacular view all around.  

I've always wanted to visit Hawaii to see its active volcano (no, not to ride their scary surf), and so finally booked my ticket, packed my bags, hauled my tour group and took off.

The good and bad news about the flight is that - it's relatively short distance from Manila (10hr 1-way), but there seems to be no reliable airline.  The local 'P' airline I used was delayed by 6hrs going out, and at least 4hrs going back.  A waste of precious time!

But Hawaii did not disappoint.  This is probably my most "chill" travel, so far - staying several days in one place, even 1 whole week in Waikiki.  I thought that spending a week each in my 2 target islands will be enough.

Big Island (Hawaii) was my first target, staying in both Hilo and Kona.  Hilo is quieter, more like a retirement paradise.  That is, if you don't mind frequent rains.  If you're after the volcanoes (Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kilauea) - then this is a good jump-off place.
Kona is more vibrant with good beaches, nice restaurants and bars.

2016 Year-Ender – my Top Picks

1.       (Sports) Padyak Palawan.   I was glad this pushed through even with little support and sponsorship.  Here, I clocked my fastest mountain bike ride (58kph – that’s fast for me), my longest tour (~700km), and longest travel by bike (11 ride days).  More importantly, it was good that we decided to make it a conservation ride, and was able to raise a modest fund for our partner NGO – CCI.  If there’s one problem with this, it is that – it could be addicting and we might do another trip! :)

First day of our 12-day ride.  Here pedaling from Buliluyan (Southern most pt of Bataraza), an escort of policemen and marines tailing the team (only in this section). 

2.       (Conservation) 25,000 Trees -  Reforestation program.    25,000 trees seems easy but I realize that inviting or bringing self-funded people to a remote mountain to ask them to plant in a steep and rough terrain is not particularly easy. But I’m glad my team from UP Mountaineers pursued this project (3 trips this year and more next year). We always say ‘give something back’, and there’s no better way for mountaineers to give back (to the mountains and community) than to rehabilitate a denuded mountain.

A selfie - showing off my first planted sapling (wilding).  I only planted 58 saplings that day, the terrain was really challenging. 

Padyak Palawan 2016 – Top 10

Ready to go. In Caruray (behind is the bgy hall were we stayed for the night).  L-R: Uncle Bob, myself, Mon, Aris, Russ, Tin, Jilyan, Eng, Charm, Cess, Pen, Levi, Noky, Danny, LA. (missing: Bunny)

A bit of background, Palawan adventure was supposed to be a kayak tour from south end to the north islands of Palawan, an idea that was conceptualized 5 years back – but is a project that I found difficult to start for many reasons.  I mean, a 600-700km paddling trip, on measly sit-on top kayaks, on a country frequented by typhoons (never mind the pirates or terrorists) – is not an endeavor that can easily be pursued without serious challenges.

Now biking comes as a natural, more feasible alternative to the plan – knowing that ‘I can bike’, and there are many crazy guys who want to do this!

The idea is a bike tour, with a bit of rugged terrain (since we’re using mountain bikes), that will traverse the mainland from southernmost point to the northernmost point.  It is aimed in promoting Palawan as an eco-tourism destination!  But knowing how fragile the ecosystem and natural resources of the island, my team decided to make it ‘for a cause’ , and not just campaign for conservation – but to generate funds for our partner NGO – The Center of Conservation and Innovation.

Planning the route was relatively easy – using google maps! :)  I was lucky to have people in the team who know more about maps and routes and navigation – which not only ensured that we’re taking the right road or path or trail, but also gather useful data on the route.

Fast forward after ~700km of biking later, in El Nido – not only did I survive, but now inspired to pursue more bike-touring in the future. The entire team was happy about the trip and will surely be there if or when a second Padyak event comes to life.   

Around Mt Pinatubo

Tambon(?) Lake is a mere 20-30min 4x4 'Jeep' ride from the jump-off.  Heavy presence of shellfish and snails (their pink eggs in this picture) and fish - make it challenging for a relaxing swim (but possible).

Went to Mt Pinatubo to once again visit the crater lake, but as fate would have it - the crater area was suddenly (and indefinitely) closed due to some 'territorial fee issue' between two towns...  Politics or greed do affect adventure tourism, or someone's semi-planned vacation trip.
But living the motto of 'make the best of whatever is there', my small team went around the area anyway and still had a great time.  Sans the crater view.

Having Fun with GoPro - in Boracay

With its 'wide' setting, intentional framing using various types of surrounding creates varying effects; here in a 6in diameter hole x 7-8in deep (in the sandy beach); time lapse of 1f/sec to get various poses and actions (in a waterproof case of course)

I’ve used GoPro since 2011 but mainly for video, and lately started using it more for photography.  Starting my Instagram also helped me discover hundreds of possibilities of how to photograph using this highly portable camera unit, and some of my experiments are based on the pictures that I saw in various GoPro-related pages. 

So here are some samples, with half-review / half-tip kind of remarks...

Travelon Tour Bag – Product Review

Big enough to carry several gadgets such as GoPro, still cams, powerbank, tablet, a small book, eyewear, etc. And yet small enough to easily carry it comfortably.  (It's almost Christmas, I subconsciously used my holiday-themed yak wool shawl as backdrop).

Let me first say that,  this bag has ANTI-THEFT as its primary set of features which is something that I have not (or even wished to) try or prove for real. :P

But obviously, knowing that I will “not be slashed”, or my magnetic cards remotely copied, or my bag secretly ‘pocket-picked’ - already add to my confidence and comfort while traveling or strolling in crowded areas.

I’ve used this bag a number of times either as my secondary office sling bag, or my ‘malling day bag’, and have used it in a couple of travels abroad.

I have several, what I call “sling bags” –  mostly local (Philippine brands) and made from hand-woven textiles (yes – I collect), and serious-and-mean bags such as Travelon.  Well, not all design and colors are of course ‘serious and mean’, but I chose black and more manly design for it to exude that ‘aura’.

Arizona in My Mind

A rock hill near horseshoe bend (May 2015)

I did the Grand Circle Tour covering mainly Utah and Arizona last summer.  The area of natural parks in Southwest US is vast and immense that even a month-long trip will not be enough to cover most popular sites.

With a time constraint, my small team hopped from one site to the next, trying to take in everything that we were seeing and experiencing!   It was tiring at times, but yes – it’s all worth it!!  And typical of any great place to go to – we ended up feeling ‘bitin’ (wanting for more).

Tour medium: mostly by tour van (and side trips by hiking, 4x4 jeep or optional cruise in the lake).  Best travel if time/money allowed would be a drive-your-own, the key challenge is finding the right accommodation in the right place (they could be far away from the sites), and driving 150-250mi a day.  

Nepal Trip Oct 2015 – 10 Days

(last revised Aug17 to include Monjo School Project)
 
When the unfortunate earthquake disaster hit Nepal a couple of months back, a few wondered if it is wise to still pursue a trip this year.

If you read through the news and see pictures of devastation – you may conclude that the infrastructure is totally wrecked that a travel will not be feasible.  

Well, the good news is that – 90% of the infrastructure is still operational, and by autumn – it would even be better.  And in some aspects, maybe even better than last autumn and this recent spring!

There are two major reasons why one should visit this year – first, tourism helps rebuild economy and the lives of those affected by the calamity.   I had a similar campaign post-Yolanda here. 

A Taste of Utah

At Arches National Park near Delicate Arch (May.2015)

Long before the movie "127 hours" was filmed, I already fell in love with Utah.
Various pictures of out-of-this-world rock formations are both "curious" and beautiful.  It's for this reason that I put Utah as a 'must visit' place in my bucket list.

Southwest USA (covering Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, etc.) is popular to most US outdoor or climb magazines that I've read.  I can only envy the people that live near or around it, having such a majestic panorama of natural beauty.  Well, the good side is - I don't have to endure a difficult 'long-distance' desert life, where one travels 100miles to hop from one location to the next ha ha!

Here are some southern Utah pictures for visual tour (I went on to Arizona to see Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe bend, Monuments Valley and Petrified Forest).

Zion national park. A secret alien/ET base? :)  Long, long ago, Utah was underwater, then it surfaced forming very unique rock formations shaped by age and natural elements.

Zion. Curved by nature. Solid rock mountain, easy hike when dry, deadly when wet/icy.

Desert cactus abound. (Zion)

Admiring a cave structure, perhaps a Dinosaur's rest house...

10 Million years in the making, Chekerboard Mesa sculpted with vertical and horizontal lines. (Zion)

Arches National Park.  Here doing less than 5km hike to Delicate Arch. Easy hiking suited for all ages. 

(Arches) 'Windows', stunning giant arch. This is just one of the thousands arches in this vast Moab territory.

Flowers by the Window?  Spring bloom at the Arches.

A distant Arch. I wish to get closer but time is sometimes not a luxury (Arches)

Balancing rock, there are many in this places. Rock material of top and bottom is different and bottom erodes faster.  In due time, this rock (and even all the Arches) will fall.

Delicate Arch. Like some alien-made 'Gate of time'/ portal. Here (if you could see me) pushing the rock for more room.

Finally, spectacular view of the Delicate Arch after 1:20min easy hike.

Sometimes, one needs to look upwards. Here, under the giant Arch. 

Some tribal rock drawing made in the 1700 is somehow preserved (near the trail head of Delicate Arch).

In the mercy of time.  It's always good and nice, while it last. (Arches)

Desert has its own inhabitant, can you spot the rabbit? (Arches)

Doing the Samson Act, at a minor arch on the way to Delicate.

Magnificent rock formation at Bryce Canyon national park.  Another 100 years and all these may disappear.

Bryce, at a distance. Like some giant castle on top of a mountain.

Bryce, as seen from its interior.

"Mask"? rock formation at Bryce's interior.

My shirt said it all!

Short hiking at Bryce Canyon's interior.  Really an amazing place...

Well, practicing survival in case there's sudden ice storm! (Bryce)

Taj Mahal - a Quick Trip in India

at Taj Mahal (1999), one of the true (man-made) wonders of the world!

(1999). I had this business trip in Mumbai for 2 days and had experienced India for the first time.  Mumbai, and the rest of India have so many interesting historical monuments and wide variety of things to do or places to visit.   

In Mumbai, I  stayed in Taj Mahal palace hotel, a huge hotel built in early 1900s with several hundred rooms.  (Of interest - In 2008, a terrorist group attacked this same hotel which left almost 40 people dead, and total 167 including other parts of Mumbai).  

My trip in Mumbai was primarily for business so I only did a quick tour.  But I  took the opportunity to know the country better so I extended my stay to about a week. My primary tour objective was of course to “verify my history book”, and see if Taj Mahal was for real ;).  I took a plane to New Delhi instead of the long haul train ride.  Delhi is to the north of India and shorter train ride to Agra and Jaipur.  The area of the 3 cities is more popularly known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ as it forms a triangle in the map.   Tourist will almost always follow this path in different sequence, but the same 3 cities anyway -  with Agra as the highlight, as it’s where one would find one of the famous wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal.

Italy Travel - A Glimpse of Rome

Here, admiring one of the well-known structures in the world - the Colosseum.

The lolos (grandfather) of my lolos have been claiming that our clan – Garduce, were all descendants of Italian migrants to the Pacific.  Given current genetic look, I’d say, if ever there were some truth in it, maybe less than 3% of Italian blood/genes run through my veins.  So other than the plan to visit the land of the Roman conquerors, I guess it was time to ‘trace back my claimed roots’ (my added alibi).

 

a 'semblance' of my surname made me think again.. hmm :)

(April 2014)
Visiting the land of Euros would be a financial challenge, so the thriftiest way of travel must be considered.  It will be a shame not to visit, what I’d call ‘the big three’, so planning the itinerary became simple.  Rome, Florence, Venice.  All the rest would be side trips.