KIDZ POOL Mountain Resort, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

Kidz Pool Mountain Resort along Coto Mines in Masinloc, Zambales

I've heard about coto mines from a friend's friend on one booz session I had. The source is a Palauig local and when I've told him about Magalawa island, he claimed Coto Mines is a much better adventure.

The resort is actually KIDZ POOL MOUNTAIN RESORT though most of the articles on the net refer to it as COTO MINES (and people in the national highway would know COTO Mines and not kidz pool.)

The morning after, apart from I was still quite dizzy and weak as I drank so much the night before, I couldn't do any better than just sit and do whatever I could while sitting...browsing randomly as the best.

I took the time to look for whatever information I can find about that place called Coto Mines. When I googled, I could get enough pictures but not really enough information. Nevertheless, the pictures would tell so much about how great it is an experience that, again, I had to include it in my must list for destination.

There hasn't been much leisure happening lately as I have commenced work, and it was getting me real bored; So, i took the decision to go to Coto Mines. I had been sending messages to friends back and forth to get a company to come with me, however, nobody else confirmed but my good friend Ivy. We also managed to pull in our mountaineering buddies khai and james.

get this or you don't get in

Several radio calls from the guard and several enumeration of a list of names, after about 30 mins, we finally got the permit. It took a while to get that permit as we had 2 non-filipino nationals who are in the other group. As soon as they handed the permit, we were told there will be 4 checkpoints ahead, with the 4th being where we pay the P60 entrance fee and where we'd get briefing prior to being allowed to get into the resort. We were also warned about the terrain and that there had been some groups who didn't get to the resort because they lost patience with the 27kilometers rough road to the resort. In fact, we were also told that our car, Hyundai Getz, might not handle it, and I just told them that the 4 of us in the Getz will transfer to the Everest in that event (though I knew we'll get it through by hook or by crook).

19 bridges away and 4 strict checkpoints passed, we finally got the resort. My research said it'll take us an hour to finish the 27km rough road, but because of the car, we actually took 2.5hours. At most of the trail, we ran at 10-20kms/hr speed, but for a fifth of the distance, we could only run at 5-10kms/hr speed.

en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

a bead shop en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc Zambales

en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc Zambales

there's about 14 of these wooden bridges en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

there's about 14 of these wooden bridges en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

The view along the way was amazing. It starts with a thick forest; then through mountains and then river stream; Your eyes could only feast on the greenery.

right as soon as you get to the gate of the resort, your sight could tell you how cool the water is...the hanging bridges and the rocks...a totally different experience. We parked the car next to the villas and had to walk through the hanging bridge to get to the Kidz Pool where swimming happens. We boiled the rice and left it to cook itself while everyone ran after another to the diving board to jump out to the water: 500% excitement. The pictures will speak for me for how great an experience it is.

Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

According to the other guests who are locals in the mining site, the water source is actually a huge lagoon from the mountains. The mining company has built a pipe from the lagoon to distribute water to the households and operations, and had put an articial falls by drilling through this pipe.

I also traced the waters of Coto through google maps, and I see that the waters come all the way from several mountains in Tarlac that crosses all together in the boundaries of Tarlac and Zambales.

herebelow are the kilometer readings I took note on trip:

To get to the resort, from Iba Public Market in Zambales, it will be 29.9kms away on the national highway taking the candelaria route (From barangay panolingan in palauig, it shall be 11.8 kilometers through the national highway). Take right on the arch for Baragay Narra, drive straight until 1.9kms after, the road curves towards right exactly where the first checkpoint is. (The wharf where the permits is issued is going to be on the opposite side of the national highway; Just right opposite the entry to Brgy Narra).

Just after 400meters after the first checkpoint, the paved road ends and starts the slow journey. The first bridge will be right after 200m and yes...all the bridges are safe for passage (just not outrightly obvious).

7.3kms after, you'll have a great panoramia of both the river and the mountains. Another 1.5 kilometers after, you'll have a viewdeck for a better preview of the river. 7.2kilometers further, you'll see a 'BOTIKA'. 1.7 kilometers more is a standalone (quite hilarious) crafts store.

2.6kms after will be the second checkpoint. Just 500m after, you'll get to the Mandaloy Elementary school and right infront is a store with enough convenience (you can get even cuticle remover and some vegetables there; Prices are OK; I bought a pack of 20s Marlboro lights for P36 and we also got ripe mangoes for just P15/kilo considering it's not even the season). 3.5kms more, you'll get to view an actual mining site and 200m further is the final checkpoint where you'd pay the P60 entrance fee. Just 800meters from there will be the resort.

From a few kilometers towards the resort, there will be diversions but always take the wider road.

Kindly contact Aling Coring (caretaker for Kidz Pool Mountain Resort) for inquiries: 09213540633..

Update June 12, 2015:

Last 2013, I went back to Kid'z Pool for one reason: To jump off the bridge. Back in our first visit in 2011, there were dive boards in place but I was so scared to jump. I went back to do it, and not only on the diving boards (which are not there anymore) but on the bridge. It is said to be 30 feet up and 30 feet down. I did it twice, and immediately after jumping, we left :-). 

As of that visit, there are no more permits required to get in. You can get a jeep from town proper that gets to the place. It is so nice to topload the jeep as there are a lot of mangoes along the way that I filled up a whole plastic bag with mangoes, atis, and avocado :-).

Update March 14, 2018.

The place has never been maintained, trash all over, all hanging bridges broken, andI regret, its totally not worth visiting anymore, to think that only perhaps 2% of the road has gone better.

Kidz Pool Mountain Resort along Coto Mines in Masinloc, Zambales

I've heard about coto mines from a friend's friend on one booz session I had. The source is a Palauig local and when I've told him about Magalawa island, he claimed Coto Mines is a much better adventure.

The resort is actually KIDZ POOL MOUNTAIN RESORT though most of the articles on the net refer to it as COTO MINES (and people in the national highway would know COTO Mines and not kidz pool.)

The morning after, apart from I was still quite dizzy and weak as I drank so much the night before, I couldn't do any better than just sit and do whatever I could while sitting...browsing randomly as the best.

I took the time to look for whatever information I can find about that place called Coto Mines. When I googled, I could get enough pictures but not really enough information. Nevertheless, the pictures would tell so much about how great it is an experience that, again, I had to include it in my must list for destination.

There hasn't been much leisure happening lately as I have commenced work, and it was getting me real bored; So, i took the decision to go to Coto Mines. I had been sending messages to friends back and forth to get a company to come with me, however, nobody else confirmed but my good friend Ivy. We also managed to pull in our mountaineering buddies khai and james.

get this or you don't get in

Several radio calls from the guard and several enumeration of a list of names, after about 30 mins, we finally got the permit. It took a while to get that permit as we had 2 non-filipino nationals who are in the other group. As soon as they handed the permit, we were told there will be 4 checkpoints ahead, with the 4th being where we pay the P60 entrance fee and where we'd get briefing prior to being allowed to get into the resort. We were also warned about the terrain and that there had been some groups who didn't get to the resort because they lost patience with the 27kilometers rough road to the resort. In fact, we were also told that our car, Hyundai Getz, might not handle it, and I just told them that the 4 of us in the Getz will transfer to the Everest in that event (though I knew we'll get it through by hook or by crook).

19 bridges away and 4 strict checkpoints passed, we finally got the resort. My research said it'll take us an hour to finish the 27km rough road, but because of the car, we actually took 2.5hours. At most of the trail, we ran at 10-20kms/hr speed, but for a fifth of the distance, we could only run at 5-10kms/hr speed.

en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

a bead shop en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc Zambales

en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc Zambales

there's about 14 of these wooden bridges en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

there's about 14 of these wooden bridges en route to Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

The view along the way was amazing. It starts with a thick forest; then through mountains and then river stream; Your eyes could only feast on the greenery.

right as soon as you get to the gate of the resort, your sight could tell you how cool the water is...the hanging bridges and the rocks...a totally different experience. We parked the car next to the villas and had to walk through the hanging bridge to get to the Kidz Pool where swimming happens. We boiled the rice and left it to cook itself while everyone ran after another to the diving board to jump out to the water: 500% excitement. The pictures will speak for me for how great an experience it is.

Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

Kid'z Pool, Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales

According to the other guests who are locals in the mining site, the water source is actually a huge lagoon from the mountains. The mining company has built a pipe from the lagoon to distribute water to the households and operations, and had put an articial falls by drilling through this pipe.

I also traced the waters of Coto through google maps, and I see that the waters come all the way from several mountains in Tarlac that crosses all together in the boundaries of Tarlac and Zambales.

herebelow are the kilometer readings I took note on trip:

To get to the resort, from Iba Public Market in Zambales, it will be 29.9kms away on the national highway taking the candelaria route (From barangay panolingan in palauig, it shall be 11.8 kilometers through the national highway). Take right on the arch for Baragay Narra, drive straight until 1.9kms after, the road curves towards right exactly where the first checkpoint is. (The wharf where the permits is issued is going to be on the opposite side of the national highway; Just right opposite the entry to Brgy Narra).

Just after 400meters after the first checkpoint, the paved road ends and starts the slow journey. The first bridge will be right after 200m and yes...all the bridges are safe for passage (just not outrightly obvious).

7.3kms after, you'll have a great panoramia of both the river and the mountains. Another 1.5 kilometers after, you'll have a viewdeck for a better preview of the river. 7.2kilometers further, you'll see a 'BOTIKA'. 1.7 kilometers more is a standalone (quite hilarious) crafts store.

2.6kms after will be the second checkpoint. Just 500m after, you'll get to the Mandaloy Elementary school and right infront is a store with enough convenience (you can get even cuticle remover and some vegetables there; Prices are OK; I bought a pack of 20s Marlboro lights for P36 and we also got ripe mangoes for just P15/kilo considering it's not even the season). 3.5kms more, you'll get to view an actual mining site and 200m further is the final checkpoint where you'd pay the P60 entrance fee. Just 800meters from there will be the resort.

From a few kilometers towards the resort, there will be diversions but always take the wider road.

Kindly contact Aling Coring (caretaker for Kidz Pool Mountain Resort) for inquiries: 09213540633..

Update June 12, 2015:

Last 2013, I went back to Kid'z Pool for one reason: To jump off the bridge. Back in our first visit in 2011, there were dive boards in place but I was so scared to jump. I went back to do it, and not only on the diving boards (which are not there anymore) but on the bridge. It is said to be 30 feet up and 30 feet down. I did it twice, and immediately after jumping, we left :-). 

As of that visit, there are no more permits required to get in. You can get a jeep from town proper that gets to the place. It is so nice to topload the jeep as there are a lot of mangoes along the way that I filled up a whole plastic bag with mangoes, atis, and avocado :-).

Update March 14, 2018.

The place has never been maintained, trash all over, all hanging bridges broken, andI regret, its totally not worth visiting anymore, to think that only perhaps 2% of the road has gone better.

Read More »

Magalawa Island: the unfinished business

Whenever I have internet on my phone, and have nothing in mind to do over the internet, my final resort would be zooming on my google maps to find some great islands to check out. With pangasinan and zambales being my convenient destination, I have come across magalawa island. Thru google search, I got some information about the island, until I finally got to their facebook account; took their details and then organized a side trip along with my friends on a comeback tour i had to Potipot Island in Candelaria.

creepiness ahead

arrival in the island

Getting to the island for the first time was horrible. We got lost here and there, going back and forth the national highway. We had to ask the locals around who apparently are not so familiar either, who pointed us towards brgy San Juan. 

here's a video of how horrible the san juan route is during our first visit:

Being the locals we trusted them enough and took that route. We have come across several aged bridges; Even those where we had to stop and waited for a passer-by to confirm that it is passable by motor vehicles. The terrain goes worst as we forward, until we had to get the directions from the resort owners who confirmed we’ve taken the wrong route.

preparing dinner

got them in IBA public market; squid was at P60 per kilo (w/c in pampanga was at P140) and the fish (whatever it's called) was P42 for the piece (P70/kilo)

nom nom nom

There was no choice but to take a U-turn; 3 hours lost. It was quite late, almost 9pm, when we got to the jump-off point (Oslet’s house). The day after, my friend who took the camera left it on the shore and when he rose from the water, the camera’s wet and non-functional. The water has risen abruptly.

socials with the other guests of the island

It was quite disappointing that we did not recover even a single picture; All we had were those poor resolution shots and videos from our phones.

good morning magalawa

Last Saturday, Aug 20, we scheduled a trip to Coto mines in Masinloc Zambales. Unfortunately, we got to zambales so late, around 5pm, and when I called our contact person for coto mines, he said we might not be allowed to get in at that time. We didn’t have a choice but to find somewhere else to stay for the meantime, and spending the night in Magalawa Island will be a very good alternative. First, it will be nearby and would allow us to quickly jump to Coto mines in the morning, and second, So I can get pictures (by making it a point that I don’t leave the camera on the shoreline).

The resort is a bit improved this time. They had life vests on the boat; There was electricity to light the island on nightime; And there are airconditioned rooms for the more refined guests. They’ve also put up some better comfort rooms, as opposed to what was only available then during our first visit. They are also serving food nowadays for the no-cook travellers. And yes, the entrance charges were hiked too; What used to be P50 for a day trip is now P100, and the P100 overnight fee is now P300.

signature jump

another way to do it

alternative to the jumpshot :-)

Just like our first visit, by the time we reached the island, it was quite late. Too good I had the food ready from home and all we had to do was boil rice and fire up the charcoal for the barbeque. Apart from us, there were 2 more groups who pitched tent on the island. One of the groups joined us on the socials after dinner, who, after telling them about our plans the next day and what I have heard about coto, said they’ll go with us to coto.

walang magawa

We slept at half past three, after some good sharing-whatever-you-could-talk-about, and by 6am, I woke up to prepare the breakfast. The bad thing is, I think I forgot to keep the rellenong bangus inside the tent, so when we woke up, I couldn’t find a trace. I think the dogs took them (shiiit!!! I couldn’t get over it even the next day!). What’s left is the Maling and Tofu we bought in Iba Public Market.

Right after breakfast, we swam, and this time, it seems they’ve trimmed the meter high seaweeds i’ve seen during our first visit, which I suppose is the reason why the water isn’t that clear as it was before. Back on my first visit, I’ve spotted plenty of starfishes too of varying colors, including blue, but this time, there’s isn’t as much anymore and all I’ve seen were the brown ones. We  walked towards the shoreline on the left side of the island up to the far back where the mangroves are but there isn’t much to see too. By 10 pm, we were ready to leave the island for coto mines in Zambales.

Magalawa island’s entry point is in Brgy Panolingan in Palauig. It is 30.8Kms away from Iba public market thru the national highway. From that point will be 5.7 kilometers of rough terrain (average speed of less than 10kms/hr); then 2.3 kms of concrete, and then another kilometre of extremely rough terrain (average speed of 5kms/hr) to Oslet’s residence (the designated parking area and jump off point for the boat to the island; Paid parking at P100. It took us an hour and 14 minutes from Iba Public market to the jump off point. From Iba, there is a Y-road where left points to Palauig and right points to Candelaria. Either way takes you to the entry point in Barangay panolingan, but the Candelaria route will be faster i suppose.  There will be some stores before the jump off point but in case of cigarettes, better have your Marlboro or Winston ready beforehand because most of what you’ll get there are the Fortune, Mighty, Champion brands. As for liquor, they have spirits, d’bar, gin, emperador, red horse and colt 45 (I didn’t see san migh light or strong ice there; don’t even expect gilbey’s or tanduay ice or vodka cruiser J ).

Next to the island is San Salvador island which has white sand too. It is a bigger island and has far more families/inhabitants residing in the island. The boatman on our first visit to Magalawa island however said the seafloor is quite rocky, though when I see some pictures online, it seems to be just as good as magalawa. It will be a convenient sidetrip for a magalawa visit.

Magalawa is known by the way for ‘sandflies.’ A day after my first visit to the island, i got some itching which looked like mosquito bites. My friends who went with me on the first trip experienced the same. Another friend went to the island a week after and had the same thing. Before this second visit, i’ve read some more articles about it, and it seems, all visitors had the same complain. And, I wasn’t wrong. Just hours after we left the island, I got the itching again L urgggh!

the group along with the newfound friends for a final take before leaving island

getting ready to leave

the other white sand island; nearby San Salvador island

update:

As of last year 2013, Magalawa island is now charging P150 for daytrip and P300 for overnight; Nothing has changed from the island from the time I first visited, except for that the water has gone unclear, and reef is almost bald. Suggesting Silanguin Cove as an alternative; Jump off is also closer.

Whenever I have internet on my phone, and have nothing in mind to do over the internet, my final resort would be zooming on my google maps to find some great islands to check out. With pangasinan and zambales being my convenient destination, I have come across magalawa island. Thru google search, I got some information about the island, until I finally got to their facebook account; took their details and then organized a side trip along with my friends on a comeback tour i had to Potipot Island in Candelaria.

creepiness ahead

arrival in the island

Getting to the island for the first time was horrible. We got lost here and there, going back and forth the national highway. We had to ask the locals around who apparently are not so familiar either, who pointed us towards brgy San Juan. 

here's a video of how horrible the san juan route is during our first visit:

Being the locals we trusted them enough and took that route. We have come across several aged bridges; Even those where we had to stop and waited for a passer-by to confirm that it is passable by motor vehicles. The terrain goes worst as we forward, until we had to get the directions from the resort owners who confirmed we’ve taken the wrong route.

preparing dinner

got them in IBA public market; squid was at P60 per kilo (w/c in pampanga was at P140) and the fish (whatever it's called) was P42 for the piece (P70/kilo)

nom nom nom

There was no choice but to take a U-turn; 3 hours lost. It was quite late, almost 9pm, when we got to the jump-off point (Oslet’s house). The day after, my friend who took the camera left it on the shore and when he rose from the water, the camera’s wet and non-functional. The water has risen abruptly.

socials with the other guests of the island

It was quite disappointing that we did not recover even a single picture; All we had were those poor resolution shots and videos from our phones.

good morning magalawa

Last Saturday, Aug 20, we scheduled a trip to Coto mines in Masinloc Zambales. Unfortunately, we got to zambales so late, around 5pm, and when I called our contact person for coto mines, he said we might not be allowed to get in at that time. We didn’t have a choice but to find somewhere else to stay for the meantime, and spending the night in Magalawa Island will be a very good alternative. First, it will be nearby and would allow us to quickly jump to Coto mines in the morning, and second, So I can get pictures (by making it a point that I don’t leave the camera on the shoreline).

The resort is a bit improved this time. They had life vests on the boat; There was electricity to light the island on nightime; And there are airconditioned rooms for the more refined guests. They’ve also put up some better comfort rooms, as opposed to what was only available then during our first visit. They are also serving food nowadays for the no-cook travellers. And yes, the entrance charges were hiked too; What used to be P50 for a day trip is now P100, and the P100 overnight fee is now P300.

signature jump

another way to do it

alternative to the jumpshot :-)

Just like our first visit, by the time we reached the island, it was quite late. Too good I had the food ready from home and all we had to do was boil rice and fire up the charcoal for the barbeque. Apart from us, there were 2 more groups who pitched tent on the island. One of the groups joined us on the socials after dinner, who, after telling them about our plans the next day and what I have heard about coto, said they’ll go with us to coto.

walang magawa

We slept at half past three, after some good sharing-whatever-you-could-talk-about, and by 6am, I woke up to prepare the breakfast. The bad thing is, I think I forgot to keep the rellenong bangus inside the tent, so when we woke up, I couldn’t find a trace. I think the dogs took them (shiiit!!! I couldn’t get over it even the next day!). What’s left is the Maling and Tofu we bought in Iba Public Market.

Right after breakfast, we swam, and this time, it seems they’ve trimmed the meter high seaweeds i’ve seen during our first visit, which I suppose is the reason why the water isn’t that clear as it was before. Back on my first visit, I’ve spotted plenty of starfishes too of varying colors, including blue, but this time, there’s isn’t as much anymore and all I’ve seen were the brown ones. We  walked towards the shoreline on the left side of the island up to the far back where the mangroves are but there isn’t much to see too. By 10 pm, we were ready to leave the island for coto mines in Zambales.

Magalawa island’s entry point is in Brgy Panolingan in Palauig. It is 30.8Kms away from Iba public market thru the national highway. From that point will be 5.7 kilometers of rough terrain (average speed of less than 10kms/hr); then 2.3 kms of concrete, and then another kilometre of extremely rough terrain (average speed of 5kms/hr) to Oslet’s residence (the designated parking area and jump off point for the boat to the island; Paid parking at P100. It took us an hour and 14 minutes from Iba Public market to the jump off point. From Iba, there is a Y-road where left points to Palauig and right points to Candelaria. Either way takes you to the entry point in Barangay panolingan, but the Candelaria route will be faster i suppose.  There will be some stores before the jump off point but in case of cigarettes, better have your Marlboro or Winston ready beforehand because most of what you’ll get there are the Fortune, Mighty, Champion brands. As for liquor, they have spirits, d’bar, gin, emperador, red horse and colt 45 (I didn’t see san migh light or strong ice there; don’t even expect gilbey’s or tanduay ice or vodka cruiser J ).

Next to the island is San Salvador island which has white sand too. It is a bigger island and has far more families/inhabitants residing in the island. The boatman on our first visit to Magalawa island however said the seafloor is quite rocky, though when I see some pictures online, it seems to be just as good as magalawa. It will be a convenient sidetrip for a magalawa visit.

Magalawa is known by the way for ‘sandflies.’ A day after my first visit to the island, i got some itching which looked like mosquito bites. My friends who went with me on the first trip experienced the same. Another friend went to the island a week after and had the same thing. Before this second visit, i’ve read some more articles about it, and it seems, all visitors had the same complain. And, I wasn’t wrong. Just hours after we left the island, I got the itching again L urgggh!

the group along with the newfound friends for a final take before leaving island

getting ready to leave

the other white sand island; nearby San Salvador island

update:

As of last year 2013, Magalawa island is now charging P150 for daytrip and P300 for overnight; Nothing has changed from the island from the time I first visited, except for that the water has gone unclear, and reef is almost bald. Suggesting Silanguin Cove as an alternative; Jump off is also closer.

Read More »

Mt Tarak Ridge, Mariveles, Bataan (July 2-3, 2011)

in line with the group

Mt Tarak is said to have gotten it's name from the local word "tarik" which translates to an adjective to describe a height or altitude, i.e. steep.

itchy bitchy bushy

that's how saturated the soil is

From Tarlac City, through SCTEX and it's Dinalupihan exit, we reached Mariveles, barangay Alasasin at 7:49 am. We paid P20 ppx for the registration in the barangay hall which is just a few steps away on a left turn from kilometer 156 of the national highway. At this same point on the national highway is a talipapa where travellers can market fish, meat, vegetables and some grocers. From there, we transferred to a pre-arranged jeep (P300 for a return trip for the whole group/jeep) to take us to the jump off point, Nanay Kording's hut.

some more shots of the trail

The descend was called at 8:45 am, and in a nutshell, it was a fertile clay ground of moist grass and woods.
By 9:49am, We've come across a clearance that lends a 180 degree view of Bataan coasts, towns, the Nuclear power plant and even a trace of Manila bay up to Cavite province. There is also a view of an isolated waterfalls which' stream has atuned to the chirp and breeze of the jungle for something like an hour and a half of the trek. It was a perfect catch up, as our eyes are beginning to sour at the heat of the daylight.

at the view deck

As usual, the seniors of the group, along with their 800-peso porters reached the campsite ahead. When we heard their voices, and the amplifying downstream of the papaya river, the brisk walking has turned into 90 steps per minute marathon. Nobody ever cared if anyone's being left behind.

take 5

hop away

After three hours, few minutes to noontime, we've setup the camp and brought out our well prepared lunch - Maling, sunny side ups and hotdogs; which, after that much strain, won't taste anything less than a porterhouse or even a mignon. Just while having lunch, the other groups were soaked in the creek and I would always peep on envy. But then again, we're scheduled for an assault at the ridge.

a crab i've spotted after i lifted a rock to sit on

It was 2pm when we began the assault. Two in our company were left in the camp to prepare 2 of Nanang Kording's live chicken for dinner.

the slippery climb close to the summit

As I've been used to camping in the summit, I thought Mt Tarak was a giveaway. Little did I know that the actual climb is only about to start. The assault starts with some crawling and climbing through some roots or branches (im not even sure as it's all mixed up). As we move forward, the trees become even more gigantic. The concrete ground then turns into vines for vines of roots. Approaching the clearance next to the summit, the ground turns into slippery pebbles and waist high grass. The temperature is really low, and clouds will be all over. It was almost half past three at that time.

the summit assaulters :-)

At the summit, there is a canopy of trees that serves as a campsite for those who prefer a cool lodge. For the next hour, everyone was just taking pictures after pictures. Up there, it's a different set of plants, mostly
moss.

cool and comfy

fooling around in heaven

As usual, I was more worrisome going down. The thing is, unless I turn my head back, going up, I don't get to see what i'd fall to shall I slip; Also, in case I do a bad step, I can just pull my feet back. Down wise, it becomes very risky. I could get so nervous and shaking at the sight of the slope; And, if I make the wrong step, it'll be very hard to pull it back. Luckily, I did not slip throughout (unlike in Arayat). We were safely back at the camp by 6pm, just about time that dinner was ready.

some socials

and my favorite part...booooOOOO000ze.

in line with the group

Mt Tarak is said to have gotten it's name from the local word "tarik" which translates to an adjective to describe a height or altitude, i.e. steep.

itchy bitchy bushy

that's how saturated the soil is

From Tarlac City, through SCTEX and it's Dinalupihan exit, we reached Mariveles, barangay Alasasin at 7:49 am. We paid P20 ppx for the registration in the barangay hall which is just a few steps away on a left turn from kilometer 156 of the national highway. At this same point on the national highway is a talipapa where travellers can market fish, meat, vegetables and some grocers. From there, we transferred to a pre-arranged jeep (P300 for a return trip for the whole group/jeep) to take us to the jump off point, Nanay Kording's hut.

some more shots of the trail

The descend was called at 8:45 am, and in a nutshell, it was a fertile clay ground of moist grass and woods.
By 9:49am, We've come across a clearance that lends a 180 degree view of Bataan coasts, towns, the Nuclear power plant and even a trace of Manila bay up to Cavite province. There is also a view of an isolated waterfalls which' stream has atuned to the chirp and breeze of the jungle for something like an hour and a half of the trek. It was a perfect catch up, as our eyes are beginning to sour at the heat of the daylight.

at the view deck

As usual, the seniors of the group, along with their 800-peso porters reached the campsite ahead. When we heard their voices, and the amplifying downstream of the papaya river, the brisk walking has turned into 90 steps per minute marathon. Nobody ever cared if anyone's being left behind.

take 5

hop away

After three hours, few minutes to noontime, we've setup the camp and brought out our well prepared lunch - Maling, sunny side ups and hotdogs; which, after that much strain, won't taste anything less than a porterhouse or even a mignon. Just while having lunch, the other groups were soaked in the creek and I would always peep on envy. But then again, we're scheduled for an assault at the ridge.

a crab i've spotted after i lifted a rock to sit on

It was 2pm when we began the assault. Two in our company were left in the camp to prepare 2 of Nanang Kording's live chicken for dinner.

the slippery climb close to the summit

As I've been used to camping in the summit, I thought Mt Tarak was a giveaway. Little did I know that the actual climb is only about to start. The assault starts with some crawling and climbing through some roots or branches (im not even sure as it's all mixed up). As we move forward, the trees become even more gigantic. The concrete ground then turns into vines for vines of roots. Approaching the clearance next to the summit, the ground turns into slippery pebbles and waist high grass. The temperature is really low, and clouds will be all over. It was almost half past three at that time.

the summit assaulters :-)

At the summit, there is a canopy of trees that serves as a campsite for those who prefer a cool lodge. For the next hour, everyone was just taking pictures after pictures. Up there, it's a different set of plants, mostly
moss.

cool and comfy

fooling around in heaven

As usual, I was more worrisome going down. The thing is, unless I turn my head back, going up, I don't get to see what i'd fall to shall I slip; Also, in case I do a bad step, I can just pull my feet back. Down wise, it becomes very risky. I could get so nervous and shaking at the sight of the slope; And, if I make the wrong step, it'll be very hard to pull it back. Luckily, I did not slip throughout (unlike in Arayat). We were safely back at the camp by 6pm, just about time that dinner was ready.

some socials

and my favorite part...booooOOOO000ze.

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Poracay Resort: monologue

Entry to the cottages

When I was younger, come march, our summer meant going to any of the swimming pools/resorts nearby. Considering that people then were less mobile than now, travelling around 100+ kilometres happens in perhaps only every third month or so.

Today, now that we got faster cars, more tollways and better paved roads, as in NLEX, 100 kilomters is easy for 30-45 mins. My friend who works as a medical representative drives a minimum of 125 kilometers a day. Goodbye out of town , hello out of province trips.

1st pool on the left, pathway to the cottages, cottages on the right; I think these ones are P1000 each

The first time I heard about Poracay was probably in the 2000s; Being less than 5 kilometers away, I had never been really interested in this Resort, and there hasn’t been anyone all throughout these years to convince me to even check it out.

Two days before last weekend, my friend, whose family owns a canteen within clark air base, invited me to the family’s Sunday Plan. Sunday will actually an electric blackout and the canteen will not be operational.  As the canteen operates 7 days a week, they take this time for family outings.

For this dayoff, Tito Pijong thought about JED’s island resort in Bulacan. When my friend Ivy told me about the plan, I, in fact resisted; I think resorts are direct rip offs. I mean, they charge several hundreds at a minimum for half day cottage rental, a 100 to several for entrance, corkages, etc, only to dip for an hour or two on supersatured chlorinated (and perhaps wee weenated) sun warm water. I said, no thanks. I’m not going to enjoy anyway and I might just spoil their excitement. So, I told my friend, please let them know im not coming.

this is the cottage we've taken for P700. comfy enough

Saturday evening came, I got a call from Ivy and to my surprise she was telling me to get up real early as, as soon as the electricity comes off, they’ll be off to location and will pick me up along the way. Well, she does not remember being told that I’m not coming.  To complicate it further, she told me Tita has chosen to prepare food I had looked for in our last trip. At that point, it will be really embarrassing if I don’t come.  She’s also told me they’ve changed the plan from JED’s island resort to Poracay, which is quite nearby anyway. I’ve also been hearing about a man made lagoon where you can go BALSA.

I got Ivy’s call at 7am asking me to prepare. I had just finished some stuff then and have not slept just yet. I had not choice though but to ready myself and my stuff. At 10am we were already in Poracay.

apung pijong and facundo on the bbq pit

Having null and void interest in swimming in pools, I was probably the lousiest guest they have that morning. The location of the resort too, within a quary site next to the deserted mancatian river, was a huge turn off.  Making moods worst, I was so irritated with having to wait less than an hour to get in because of unnecessarily redundant entry checks and collection.

Entrance charges to the resort costs P120/head for 8am-5pm daytrip, and P150 for an overnight stay.

While waiting to get in, I noticed a streamer advertising their Zipline. The fact that there was a Zipline within my town was like a 10 positive points for interesting-ness J. Moving forward, we’ve parked the car and from there you can see the villas, cabanas, and it’s abundant greenery. Compared to the resorts in Baliti (San Fernando, Pampanga), Poracay is far tidy and zoned (I meant, cottages/villas/huts/amenities were systematically positioned).  By then, the rating was already at ‘may be interesting’.

the lolengs and the lagoon behind

 We got to our designated hut, unloaded our stuff, and fired up the coal. The nipa was the size of probably 2 meters by 2meters, a table within, with lights and electric sockets (While there’s a sign saying there is a charge for using electrical devices, no one seems to check . ) Each hut has it’s own shaded barbecue pit, and a faucet right behind. (According to Ivy’s brother Harlan who walked to the cashier upon entry, the cottage was P700.00. A bigger cottage, double the size of ours, is P1,000. We’ve also seen some Micromatic Umbrellas for the budget conscious and some halls for private functions. )

The huts behind us were named after the barangay’s of Porac. I felt happy about the nomenclature for it’s own way of promoting my town. I hung my hammock, and while there was already Ivy and her sister preparing the food, I chanced on a nap.

Thirty minutes past and food was ready. We munched on chicken and pork barbecues along with a soy dip with 4 extra hot chillies. After that lunch, since Ivy and her siblings are not really allowed to smoke, we had to excuse ourselves for a swim for them to be able to smoke; I don’t really have enough cigarette then so we walked to a convenience store within the resort to scout. The half pack Marlboro lights for P25. One cigarette for Joyce and Harlan, another one for me and Ivy. Joyce and Harlan took further tour while enjoying their smokey dessert while Ivy and I chose to jump into the water.

(Apart from cigarette, the store has ice cream, siomai, chips, cooking supplies, which even includes barbecue sauce brush, swimming attire and apparatus, souveneirs, and a restaurant sits next to the store).

The water was extra cold and it seems only a very minimal amount of chlorine has been dissolved. I’m supposing it was deep well water and each pool has a falls-like structure where the water falls towards the pool.

We also tried the other adult pool (all in all, i’ve spotted 2 adult, 5’5” pools plus 4 children’s, 2’ pools) but since it was quite elevated, the heat of the sun was burning up there.

For safety, there’s a designated lifeguard for every pool.

Atop the pool area is the Zipline and people from the pools would be cheering at the guest swinging from the line. Not sure if the cheerers were actually related or that they get stimulated at whatever they could spot from the ladies hung in there. A staff said the zipline costs P300 for a back and forth swing. On my estimate, the zipline is probably only 250 meters long..

Later in the afternoon, after the spaghetti snack prepared by Harlan, it rained very hard and thought it was the best time to try the lagoon. We hopped in a guest’s BALSA ride, snatched our Gilbeys Lime Mix, and went round and round. There are fishes in the lagoon and a board says fishing is actually allowed. I just wonder how these fishes would taste like as the lagoon is the last catch for the water flowing from a pool to another)

Just a little while later, it was past 5pm and we decided to wash and be ready for exodus. There were comfort rooms and separate shower rooms here and there, so you don’t really have to tire yourself and your probably bare feet, just to find one. The comfort rooms were good enough (I can stand being in the comfort/wash room for more than an hour); Nothing stingy. There were maintenance people assigned for each comfort room.

And, what I liked most, I got to meet Vanessa Due...my long lost classmate back in Elementary School whom I’ve long been hunting on facebook. I was too overwhelmed I forgot to get her contact details or even her facebook lookup name...dang!

My apology for having no pictures as I never thought I’d actually like it here...and so i did not bring a cam, other than the one on my phone!!!



For adventure seekers, game for treks and such, consider Miyamit falls in Porac

Entry to the cottages

When I was younger, come march, our summer meant going to any of the swimming pools/resorts nearby. Considering that people then were less mobile than now, travelling around 100+ kilometres happens in perhaps only every third month or so.

Today, now that we got faster cars, more tollways and better paved roads, as in NLEX, 100 kilomters is easy for 30-45 mins. My friend who works as a medical representative drives a minimum of 125 kilometers a day. Goodbye out of town , hello out of province trips.

1st pool on the left, pathway to the cottages, cottages on the right; I think these ones are P1000 each

The first time I heard about Poracay was probably in the 2000s; Being less than 5 kilometers away, I had never been really interested in this Resort, and there hasn’t been anyone all throughout these years to convince me to even check it out.

Two days before last weekend, my friend, whose family owns a canteen within clark air base, invited me to the family’s Sunday Plan. Sunday will actually an electric blackout and the canteen will not be operational.  As the canteen operates 7 days a week, they take this time for family outings.

For this dayoff, Tito Pijong thought about JED’s island resort in Bulacan. When my friend Ivy told me about the plan, I, in fact resisted; I think resorts are direct rip offs. I mean, they charge several hundreds at a minimum for half day cottage rental, a 100 to several for entrance, corkages, etc, only to dip for an hour or two on supersatured chlorinated (and perhaps wee weenated) sun warm water. I said, no thanks. I’m not going to enjoy anyway and I might just spoil their excitement. So, I told my friend, please let them know im not coming.

this is the cottage we've taken for P700. comfy enough

Saturday evening came, I got a call from Ivy and to my surprise she was telling me to get up real early as, as soon as the electricity comes off, they’ll be off to location and will pick me up along the way. Well, she does not remember being told that I’m not coming.  To complicate it further, she told me Tita has chosen to prepare food I had looked for in our last trip. At that point, it will be really embarrassing if I don’t come.  She’s also told me they’ve changed the plan from JED’s island resort to Poracay, which is quite nearby anyway. I’ve also been hearing about a man made lagoon where you can go BALSA.

I got Ivy’s call at 7am asking me to prepare. I had just finished some stuff then and have not slept just yet. I had not choice though but to ready myself and my stuff. At 10am we were already in Poracay.

apung pijong and facundo on the bbq pit

Having null and void interest in swimming in pools, I was probably the lousiest guest they have that morning. The location of the resort too, within a quary site next to the deserted mancatian river, was a huge turn off.  Making moods worst, I was so irritated with having to wait less than an hour to get in because of unnecessarily redundant entry checks and collection.

Entrance charges to the resort costs P120/head for 8am-5pm daytrip, and P150 for an overnight stay.

While waiting to get in, I noticed a streamer advertising their Zipline. The fact that there was a Zipline within my town was like a 10 positive points for interesting-ness J. Moving forward, we’ve parked the car and from there you can see the villas, cabanas, and it’s abundant greenery. Compared to the resorts in Baliti (San Fernando, Pampanga), Poracay is far tidy and zoned (I meant, cottages/villas/huts/amenities were systematically positioned).  By then, the rating was already at ‘may be interesting’.

the lolengs and the lagoon behind

 We got to our designated hut, unloaded our stuff, and fired up the coal. The nipa was the size of probably 2 meters by 2meters, a table within, with lights and electric sockets (While there’s a sign saying there is a charge for using electrical devices, no one seems to check . ) Each hut has it’s own shaded barbecue pit, and a faucet right behind. (According to Ivy’s brother Harlan who walked to the cashier upon entry, the cottage was P700.00. A bigger cottage, double the size of ours, is P1,000. We’ve also seen some Micromatic Umbrellas for the budget conscious and some halls for private functions. )

The huts behind us were named after the barangay’s of Porac. I felt happy about the nomenclature for it’s own way of promoting my town. I hung my hammock, and while there was already Ivy and her sister preparing the food, I chanced on a nap.

Thirty minutes past and food was ready. We munched on chicken and pork barbecues along with a soy dip with 4 extra hot chillies. After that lunch, since Ivy and her siblings are not really allowed to smoke, we had to excuse ourselves for a swim for them to be able to smoke; I don’t really have enough cigarette then so we walked to a convenience store within the resort to scout. The half pack Marlboro lights for P25. One cigarette for Joyce and Harlan, another one for me and Ivy. Joyce and Harlan took further tour while enjoying their smokey dessert while Ivy and I chose to jump into the water.

(Apart from cigarette, the store has ice cream, siomai, chips, cooking supplies, which even includes barbecue sauce brush, swimming attire and apparatus, souveneirs, and a restaurant sits next to the store).

The water was extra cold and it seems only a very minimal amount of chlorine has been dissolved. I’m supposing it was deep well water and each pool has a falls-like structure where the water falls towards the pool.

We also tried the other adult pool (all in all, i’ve spotted 2 adult, 5’5” pools plus 4 children’s, 2’ pools) but since it was quite elevated, the heat of the sun was burning up there.

For safety, there’s a designated lifeguard for every pool.

Atop the pool area is the Zipline and people from the pools would be cheering at the guest swinging from the line. Not sure if the cheerers were actually related or that they get stimulated at whatever they could spot from the ladies hung in there. A staff said the zipline costs P300 for a back and forth swing. On my estimate, the zipline is probably only 250 meters long..

Later in the afternoon, after the spaghetti snack prepared by Harlan, it rained very hard and thought it was the best time to try the lagoon. We hopped in a guest’s BALSA ride, snatched our Gilbeys Lime Mix, and went round and round. There are fishes in the lagoon and a board says fishing is actually allowed. I just wonder how these fishes would taste like as the lagoon is the last catch for the water flowing from a pool to another)

Just a little while later, it was past 5pm and we decided to wash and be ready for exodus. There were comfort rooms and separate shower rooms here and there, so you don’t really have to tire yourself and your probably bare feet, just to find one. The comfort rooms were good enough (I can stand being in the comfort/wash room for more than an hour); Nothing stingy. There were maintenance people assigned for each comfort room.

And, what I liked most, I got to meet Vanessa Due...my long lost classmate back in Elementary School whom I’ve long been hunting on facebook. I was too overwhelmed I forgot to get her contact details or even her facebook lookup name...dang!

My apology for having no pictures as I never thought I’d actually like it here...and so i did not bring a cam, other than the one on my phone!!!



For adventure seekers, game for treks and such, consider Miyamit falls in Porac

Read More »