Saturday, August 17, 2013

Cooking Myself in Antique

Everytime there is an airfare sale, it just blows me away; Sometimes, as I am very impulsive to these kinds of deals, I overlap in the dates and I only find out too late when I already plot it in my calendar.

Anyway, one of the non sense purchases I made was a KALIBO-CLARK (one way only) dated April 9. I had four days availability next to that date so it's impossible that I let go of the ticket. The saturday, April 6, is also the last day of classes so I can use the trip to rebalance.

Within panay island, while I have just been to Ilo Ilo and Capiz last week, and I thought I could use the 3 days to conquer Aklan and Antique (which will complete my Panay conquest).

When pinoyadventurista posted his pictures in a Kawa sometime last year, I have made it a must do for my antique trip; I have also looked at other articles for antique and seen Mararison (aka Malalison) island in Culasi.

I bought my 2Go ticket to Caticlan the night before; It was high time I try the sail option too, which turned out not so bad as I enjoyed the bar and band and comfortable sleep in the ship.

We docked in caticlan past 7pm and I went straight to Antique. I wasn't so impressed with the falls as the water was almost dry. The view would have been great had it been the rainy season, especially the drop was really high. Nevertheless, I noticed the (guide) association has put some trash bins in the facility and I saw one of the guides picking trash while his group were swimming in the water;

After some quick dip in the falls, we went straight to Peter's lodge to try the Kawa.

When I told the caretaker I'll be going for the warm bath, he started filling it with water, and collected the wood for fire. Just after a few minutes, he put in some florals and guyabano leaves, tested the temperature, and I jumped in.


How to get there?
From Caticlan, take the Ceres Ilo Ilo via San Jose ordinary bus; Fare to Tibiao is P107; Ask to be dropped in Brgy Importante; From the drop off point, there will be habal services that go up the maintain to the barangay outpost - jump off to the falls and kawa; Fare is normally P70 per ride per way (P35 per head if two). From the outpost, you'll have to get a guide (ratio is 1 guide for 5 or even 10 depending on your negotiation). Guide fee is P100 only.

There will be 3 falls all in all. 1 being just next to the other, although you'll have to climb steep steps to get to the other, especially to the third; I was told there are total 7 falls but from falls 3, there will be no arranged trail to the rest. The basin in the third falls is said to be as deep as 18 feet. (water is not as clear though)

Kawa bath is P150; They also charge P25 per head entrance fees; They lease some kubo for P150 depending on the size. If you plan to stay overnight, they have a P300/night accomodation; or, for big groups, a kubo for P2500/night.

You can also request for Buko at P15 each. They don't serve food though so you'll have to bring your own; There are stores nearby in case for cigarette, canned goods, softdrinks, liquor, etc.






















See here for what I did next in Antique - Mararison Island
Everytime there is an airfare sale, it just blows me away; Sometimes, as I am very impulsive to these kinds of deals, I overlap in the dates and I only find out too late when I already plot it in my calendar.

Anyway, one of the non sense purchases I made was a KALIBO-CLARK (one way only) dated April 9. I had four days availability next to that date so it's impossible that I let go of the ticket. The saturday, April 6, is also the last day of classes so I can use the trip to rebalance.

Within panay island, while I have just been to Ilo Ilo and Capiz last week, and I thought I could use the 3 days to conquer Aklan and Antique (which will complete my Panay conquest).

When pinoyadventurista posted his pictures in a Kawa sometime last year, I have made it a must do for my antique trip; I have also looked at other articles for antique and seen Mararison (aka Malalison) island in Culasi.

I bought my 2Go ticket to Caticlan the night before; It was high time I try the sail option too, which turned out not so bad as I enjoyed the bar and band and comfortable sleep in the ship.

We docked in caticlan past 7pm and I went straight to Antique. I wasn't so impressed with the falls as the water was almost dry. The view would have been great had it been the rainy season, especially the drop was really high. Nevertheless, I noticed the (guide) association has put some trash bins in the facility and I saw one of the guides picking trash while his group were swimming in the water;

After some quick dip in the falls, we went straight to Peter's lodge to try the Kawa.

When I told the caretaker I'll be going for the warm bath, he started filling it with water, and collected the wood for fire. Just after a few minutes, he put in some florals and guyabano leaves, tested the temperature, and I jumped in.


How to get there?
From Caticlan, take the Ceres Ilo Ilo via San Jose ordinary bus; Fare to Tibiao is P107; Ask to be dropped in Brgy Importante; From the drop off point, there will be habal services that go up the maintain to the barangay outpost - jump off to the falls and kawa; Fare is normally P70 per ride per way (P35 per head if two). From the outpost, you'll have to get a guide (ratio is 1 guide for 5 or even 10 depending on your negotiation). Guide fee is P100 only.

There will be 3 falls all in all. 1 being just next to the other, although you'll have to climb steep steps to get to the other, especially to the third; I was told there are total 7 falls but from falls 3, there will be no arranged trail to the rest. The basin in the third falls is said to be as deep as 18 feet. (water is not as clear though)

Kawa bath is P150; They also charge P25 per head entrance fees; They lease some kubo for P150 depending on the size. If you plan to stay overnight, they have a P300/night accomodation; or, for big groups, a kubo for P2500/night.

You can also request for Buko at P15 each. They don't serve food though so you'll have to bring your own; There are stores nearby in case for cigarette, canned goods, softdrinks, liquor, etc.






















See here for what I did next in Antique - Mararison Island
Read More »

Climbing Mt Cinco Picos

Back in our disaster climb in nagsasa 2 years back, I've come to know about the water sources in the neighboring mountains; especially with what they said was a water basin at the summit of balingkilat. I have a biased interest for such convenient water supple mountains, thus I've maintained a solid interest with mt balingkilat and cinco picos; The latter's name, being hispanic-sounding also makes it enticing for me; So, when I saw an event for my group for this mountain, I immediately hit going; Besides, it's been a while since my last climb and my legs are itching some heights.

Then again, just weeks before the event, the organizer had backed out due to some school requirements; and having no back up plan for the date, and considering the thrill i have for this mountain, i thought about taking the lead.

The group agreed to meet in victory liner cubao terminal at 2:30 to catch the first trip to olongapo at 3. While some of us had been in the terminal as early as 1am, no one thought about buying the tickets right away. By the time we were going to get our tickets, all seats in the first trip are all booked! Dang..

So, it was already half past 3 when we left, and when we reached the first (Petron) fuel pump just after the NLEX toll, we were being flagged by the first trip bus. Broke! All passengers of that trip had to stand in our bus aisle (thank God we missed buying tickets early).

We reached olongapo before 7am, and as soon as we got there, although the plan was to take d bus to subic town, i thought about canvassing for a chartered service.

Just like what the blog said, subic-castillejos (blue) jeep were asking for 2500. I walked around and asked elsewhere. I got to a van terminal (olongapo-dau) and asked.. (.. And spoke in kapampangan to affiliate) how much to be dropped in cawag. I was asked P800. Not so bad huh?

So i called in the rest of the gag and off we were to cawag. In less than an hour, we were already in the cawag entrance; Pointed out the way to sitio martin, and as we move further around the twists and turns, i could read the driver's regret of giving that price. So, by the time we reached sitio martin, before he even ask for an additional, i told him we're giving 100 extra (totals 900).

The guides have approached us, and I asked for Marvin, our designated guide, the only guide who agreed for P600 (and its a long story of how i ended up getting that price, had to raise several arguments on several calls with a few people.

Anyhow, it was already almost 9am when we left. By around 11am, we came by an aeta household and decided to prepare lunch and have a break there. There was a river stream next to their house, and so i took a dip, while the rest were having a nap. We resumed the trek at 2pm, and reached the campsite at 5:30. There was again a micro water source in the campsite so i cleaned up (an i really love it when after a lot of sweating, i can wash and soap up; though the morning after, i saw a small frog dipped in the water).

The nextday, we traversed to silanguin cove. We broke camp at past 8 and got to the beachfront at 1pm.


Our guide Marvin, may be contacted at +63 915 328 7285. Please prepare provisions for food for the guide. They also dont have tents, so pls have another solo available.

Total paid fees is 40. 20 for brgy cawag and another 20 for sitio martin. Instead of stopping by brgy cawag, you may pay both fees (P40) at once in sitio martin









































Back in our disaster climb in nagsasa 2 years back, I've come to know about the water sources in the neighboring mountains; especially with what they said was a water basin at the summit of balingkilat. I have a biased interest for such convenient water supple mountains, thus I've maintained a solid interest with mt balingkilat and cinco picos; The latter's name, being hispanic-sounding also makes it enticing for me; So, when I saw an event for my group for this mountain, I immediately hit going; Besides, it's been a while since my last climb and my legs are itching some heights.

Then again, just weeks before the event, the organizer had backed out due to some school requirements; and having no back up plan for the date, and considering the thrill i have for this mountain, i thought about taking the lead.

The group agreed to meet in victory liner cubao terminal at 2:30 to catch the first trip to olongapo at 3. While some of us had been in the terminal as early as 1am, no one thought about buying the tickets right away. By the time we were going to get our tickets, all seats in the first trip are all booked! Dang..

So, it was already half past 3 when we left, and when we reached the first (Petron) fuel pump just after the NLEX toll, we were being flagged by the first trip bus. Broke! All passengers of that trip had to stand in our bus aisle (thank God we missed buying tickets early).

We reached olongapo before 7am, and as soon as we got there, although the plan was to take d bus to subic town, i thought about canvassing for a chartered service.

Just like what the blog said, subic-castillejos (blue) jeep were asking for 2500. I walked around and asked elsewhere. I got to a van terminal (olongapo-dau) and asked.. (.. And spoke in kapampangan to affiliate) how much to be dropped in cawag. I was asked P800. Not so bad huh?

So i called in the rest of the gag and off we were to cawag. In less than an hour, we were already in the cawag entrance; Pointed out the way to sitio martin, and as we move further around the twists and turns, i could read the driver's regret of giving that price. So, by the time we reached sitio martin, before he even ask for an additional, i told him we're giving 100 extra (totals 900).

The guides have approached us, and I asked for Marvin, our designated guide, the only guide who agreed for P600 (and its a long story of how i ended up getting that price, had to raise several arguments on several calls with a few people.

Anyhow, it was already almost 9am when we left. By around 11am, we came by an aeta household and decided to prepare lunch and have a break there. There was a river stream next to their house, and so i took a dip, while the rest were having a nap. We resumed the trek at 2pm, and reached the campsite at 5:30. There was again a micro water source in the campsite so i cleaned up (an i really love it when after a lot of sweating, i can wash and soap up; though the morning after, i saw a small frog dipped in the water).

The nextday, we traversed to silanguin cove. We broke camp at past 8 and got to the beachfront at 1pm.


Our guide Marvin, may be contacted at +63 915 328 7285. Please prepare provisions for food for the guide. They also dont have tents, so pls have another solo available.

Total paid fees is 40. 20 for brgy cawag and another 20 for sitio martin. Instead of stopping by brgy cawag, you may pay both fees (P40) at once in sitio martin









































Read More »

How to go to Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur


Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur




From Pagadian City, walk towards the Cerilles Terminal near the Public Market. From there, there will be vans going to Pitogo (Fare is P100). Vans leave every 15-30 mins regardless of the number of passengers (though they run as slowly as can so they have a good chance of catching passengers midway in case not in full load). First trip to Pitogo is 6am and last trip going back to Pagadian, from Pitogo, is 4pm.
Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

Destinations serviced by Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

en route to Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


In Pitogo, ask to be dropped in the Municipality and look for the Municipal Administrator (Mr. Roland P Eta’s office, 2nd floor). Seek permission so he can call the chief security in the island. Sir Roland generously shared his mobile number for questions and those who will be visiting on weekends 09185095741. You may also call his staff JP at 09497090607.


taken in the Municipality of Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


Boatride to Panikian island is about 30-40 minutes.


boats docked in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


Remember:
The island is as pristine as you can imagine. No potable water, toilet, etc so prepare to rough it out. There is reception though for both Smart and Globe cellulars.




This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here

Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur




From Pagadian City, walk towards the Cerilles Terminal near the Public Market. From there, there will be vans going to Pitogo (Fare is P100). Vans leave every 15-30 mins regardless of the number of passengers (though they run as slowly as can so they have a good chance of catching passengers midway in case not in full load). First trip to Pitogo is 6am and last trip going back to Pagadian, from Pitogo, is 4pm.
Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

Destinations serviced by Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

en route to Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


In Pitogo, ask to be dropped in the Municipality and look for the Municipal Administrator (Mr. Roland P Eta’s office, 2nd floor). Seek permission so he can call the chief security in the island. Sir Roland generously shared his mobile number for questions and those who will be visiting on weekends 09185095741. You may also call his staff JP at 09497090607.


taken in the Municipality of Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


Boatride to Panikian island is about 30-40 minutes.


boats docked in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


Remember:
The island is as pristine as you can imagine. No potable water, toilet, etc so prepare to rough it out. There is reception though for both Smart and Globe cellulars.




This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here
Read More »

Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur



shores of Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


It was such a regret that I had that 12 oz latte from Bo’s coffee in Robinsons C3 Mall in Pagadian Town Center. It was almost 3am when I lost consciousness, and it was past 10 in the morning when I woke up. The initial plan was to wake up at about 7 am, so I can do a quick day trip to the Panikian Island, and then head to Zamboanga city by night. Nevertheless, it was too late to whine; Second, cancelling the Panikian trip is not an option. I am already in Pagadian, and I’d rather cut from the latter plans that cancel this where I am in at the moment.

Meantime, I have yet to find out whether it is safe indeed to travel to Pitogo. Which made the decision making even worse; I sat on a bakery in front of the Cerilles terminal in Pagadian, ordered a cup of coffee and bread, while carefully analyzing my next move.

I received a text message from the Zamboanga tourism that Solo travelling is not encouraged. Likewise, I asked Doc Wendell of Journeysandtravels and said there might be some security risks at this time. What I thought was, since I was already in the terminal, I can probably head to Pitogo, and check with the Municipality.



It was already lunchtime when I left and took me an hour and half to get to Pitogo. I asked to be dropped in the Municipality and from there, met the Municipal Administrator Mr Roland Eta who has been so accommodating and kind to ask JP (one of his staff) to assist me in getting a boat to the island. I told them I just need a quick 20 minute in the island, and that I will try to catch the last 4pm trip back to Pagadian City. They’ve explained I may not make it, but best to get to the shore asap and try my luck, which we did.





We walked into some of his (JP’s) acquaintances, and the first 2 fishermen said it was already late. Thing is, the skies were dark and wind was blowing strong. Finally, the third one we approached walked us to the shore and was kind of evaluating the weather. It was even low tide such that his boat will not make it to sailing. I was quiet, and thinking of a good backup plan.

All of a sudden, the boatman spoke and said, if you want, you can sleep in the island, and then wake up early for the trip back to Pagadian. I was going to kiss his ass had he asked. It never came to mind, and such castaway arrangements are a delight.



JP and I walked back to the market for some goods (food, alcohol, cigarettes) and just a little while later, we’re ready to leave. It was almost 5pm when we reached the island. I was greeted by the security personnel in the island whom sir Roland called up ahead to inform.






After our dinner and midway thru the liter of Emperador light, one of the younger patroller asked me for the time; It was almost 8pm. I was asked if I’d be joining them go around the island and see the turtles as they lay eggs, which, of course I did. Apart from the hundreds of sparkling fireflies that flocked on some trees, we spotted 2 seasnakes, and 5 turtles (2 of which laid eggs).








It was around 8am when we left the following day. Before heading to mainland though, we had a quick roundabout of the island and the nearby islet. Sadly, the reef is a coral sanctuary except much of the corals are cracked down by dynamite fishing.



see here for post on how to go to panikian island in Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here


shores of Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur


It was such a regret that I had that 12 oz latte from Bo’s coffee in Robinsons C3 Mall in Pagadian Town Center. It was almost 3am when I lost consciousness, and it was past 10 in the morning when I woke up. The initial plan was to wake up at about 7 am, so I can do a quick day trip to the Panikian Island, and then head to Zamboanga city by night. Nevertheless, it was too late to whine; Second, cancelling the Panikian trip is not an option. I am already in Pagadian, and I’d rather cut from the latter plans that cancel this where I am in at the moment.

Meantime, I have yet to find out whether it is safe indeed to travel to Pitogo. Which made the decision making even worse; I sat on a bakery in front of the Cerilles terminal in Pagadian, ordered a cup of coffee and bread, while carefully analyzing my next move.

I received a text message from the Zamboanga tourism that Solo travelling is not encouraged. Likewise, I asked Doc Wendell of Journeysandtravels and said there might be some security risks at this time. What I thought was, since I was already in the terminal, I can probably head to Pitogo, and check with the Municipality.



It was already lunchtime when I left and took me an hour and half to get to Pitogo. I asked to be dropped in the Municipality and from there, met the Municipal Administrator Mr Roland Eta who has been so accommodating and kind to ask JP (one of his staff) to assist me in getting a boat to the island. I told them I just need a quick 20 minute in the island, and that I will try to catch the last 4pm trip back to Pagadian City. They’ve explained I may not make it, but best to get to the shore asap and try my luck, which we did.





We walked into some of his (JP’s) acquaintances, and the first 2 fishermen said it was already late. Thing is, the skies were dark and wind was blowing strong. Finally, the third one we approached walked us to the shore and was kind of evaluating the weather. It was even low tide such that his boat will not make it to sailing. I was quiet, and thinking of a good backup plan.

All of a sudden, the boatman spoke and said, if you want, you can sleep in the island, and then wake up early for the trip back to Pagadian. I was going to kiss his ass had he asked. It never came to mind, and such castaway arrangements are a delight.



JP and I walked back to the market for some goods (food, alcohol, cigarettes) and just a little while later, we’re ready to leave. It was almost 5pm when we reached the island. I was greeted by the security personnel in the island whom sir Roland called up ahead to inform.






After our dinner and midway thru the liter of Emperador light, one of the younger patroller asked me for the time; It was almost 8pm. I was asked if I’d be joining them go around the island and see the turtles as they lay eggs, which, of course I did. Apart from the hundreds of sparkling fireflies that flocked on some trees, we spotted 2 seasnakes, and 5 turtles (2 of which laid eggs).








It was around 8am when we left the following day. Before heading to mainland though, we had a quick roundabout of the island and the nearby islet. Sadly, the reef is a coral sanctuary except much of the corals are cracked down by dynamite fishing.



see here for post on how to go to panikian island in Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here
Read More »

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