All Smiles in Alibijaban Island

Alibijaban (Alibihaban) Island, San Andres, Quezon

Having doubts about the traffic ahead and the strict available time i have, i asked to go 1hour undertime just to be sure i catch the san andres bus in Lucena grand.

pickers in Alibijaban Island, San Andres Quezon

It was 4pm when the LUCENA lines bus bound to Lucena Grand left the central terminal in cubao.

Because of the weekend rush, it was already 20mins past 8pm when i reached Lucena grand.

When i got there, that last bus was already almost full, and totally jam packed with baggage. Alighting passengers literally climb the dump of goods on the bus aisle.

Mangrove in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

A few mintues after 9pm, the bus left; And, so, there we were... I'm finally riding an R&R bus(by far my third attempt to reach alibijaban)

2 bus stops from there, we reached San andres market. From there, my co passengers had advised me to speak to yet 2 sets of passenger who are bound for Alibijaban. They said that the trips going to alibijaban will be later at about 7, and I might want to negotiate with the other passengers so i can ask to fit in their boat.

Walking around Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

The first set were 2 ladies with 2 babies and plenty of baggage. The boat was too small for me to fit me in, plus the waves were strong at the time. The boatman agreed to come back though to fetch me and the other passengers, which he did in less than an hour.

Fisherman in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Fisherman in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Children in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Children's pick of weeds from the waters of Alibijaban

It was when I was in the boat when i felt how kinda risky the waves are. The boat was swinging left and right, smashes forward, and my grip on the boat was just hilarious. There isnt even a comfortable seat in there.. I felt like i'll be thrown away. Plus, the boatman didnt even have a light.

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Luckily, we docked safe.
Although the moon wasn't around to give some light, from the shore, you could tell how clear the water is. You'd see the silhouettes of the stones; The sand was obviously bright.

I sat on a bench and waited for the sunrise.

Kuya randy, the boatman, stood with me for the time and entertained with quick facts about alibijaban.

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

By the time it was bright, he volunteered to walk me around after getting permission from kagawad (Kaptain isn't there at that time). 

After telling kagawad about ME and stuff, he asked Randy to go ahead and escort me. We walked through a guesthouse which he said is intended for visiting tourists. It's actually a DENR facility though since it's not really occupied most of the time, they allow tourists to stay in it. 

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Next to the facility is the barangay school, which, according to Randy and the locals is impending turnover into a resort.

Further inland, we got to the mangroves, the dismantled boat (in Dong Ho of Eskapo's blog, it was still erect and docked), then the bridge to the next barangay.

kids in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

kid in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

After the bridge, we walked back to the bench and off i was for my picture moments.

By 9am, i felt sleepy and walked back to the guesthouse and took a nap. 

When i woke up, it wa already past 11. I woke up very hungry and cooked some noodles. Lit a cigarette and then then walked back to the beanch to find kuya randy. 

Along the way, There were some locals along who asked if i were bound to 

bayan, and walked with me towards randy's boat. 

By 12:30, i was already at the bus station. Since the bus is leaving only by 1pm, i took the time to charge my phone.

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

It was already past 1 when it left and thank god the bus isn't as loaded as it was at the night. Every so often, the bus has to stop to pickup passengers along the way. Just before reaching san narciso, a man walked in carrying a toddler and a kid. As soon as he sat, he yelled over a woman in the window. My tumor has it, they were on a fight. When the conductor came to get his fare, he was pleading to be excused as he doesn't have money. The conductor noded and left. Try doing that in manila. Also, on my trip going to san andres, a lot of the passengers were bargaining on the fair. I was amazed how the system here is.

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Meantime, along san narciso, traversing through the mountain range, the other extension of the province was very visible. It seems that they also have white sand at that part. I asked my bus seatmate, and she said it is called punta. It is a beach stretch all over the coast of the land between that going to bicol and san narciso. Something to add up to a alibijaban itinerary.

kids in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

waters of  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

departing  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

*add'l details:
*from Cubao to Lucena Grand terminal is P218. Trips to san andres, from lucena starts 5am. Last trip at 8pm (they actually leave 9, but you wont want to be left by the bus, just like what happened to me before and i had to cancel the trip in lucena itself). Fare is P270. Prepare to tight fit in your own seat as people would normally carry boxes and bags of whatever goods they can get from the city.

Regular boat fare from and to san andres pier to alibijaban is P20 (though i had to pay kuya P50 in the morning dahil wala ako barya; And P200 on my way back to the port since it was supposedly a special trip plus considering his hospitability).
*people in the island, and generally in town are very, and i mean very, superstitious and speculative. Quezon is known for the pogi (Communist brothers), so all eyes on unfamiliar faces. When i got off the bus, foot set in san andres, i had some coffee in one store and opened a converaation with manang about the island. She asked if i was carrying my water as it is unsafe to drink from there. In turn, i said yes, but again asked if it were with the quality of the water. She exclaimed it was of poisoning which I was having a hard time to believe. Meantime, when I was with the other passenger waiting for Randy to come back, the passenger was telling me too not to eat just on anywhere. Again, he said it was bec of poisoning.


*an even better view was the kids enthusiasm on the cam. When they see you taking pictures, they'll get close and will be very happy to pose for you.
*please approach and talk to the locals. They'd love to talk to u.. They're rather just hesitant.
*try the bibingkas sold on stopover.
*i was informed that a lot of the people from the pier offer guiding services, etc and ask for vain tip. Careful.
*kuya randy may be contacted, for guide and boat service, at 09773708487, 09982758413 (new as of June 2015).
*you can also do a sidetrip to Sombrero Island in San Pascual Masbate which shall be 2 hours boat from Alibijaban island (see burias island post for details)
*superlines now ply cubao-san andres



see here for the outreach activity we did in Alibijaban
see here for a cool sidetrip of your travel to Alibijaban: Talao Talao Rock Formation in San Narciso

Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Alibijaban (Alibihaban) Island, San Andres, Quezon

Having doubts about the traffic ahead and the strict available time i have, i asked to go 1hour undertime just to be sure i catch the san andres bus in Lucena grand.

pickers in Alibijaban Island, San Andres Quezon

It was 4pm when the LUCENA lines bus bound to Lucena Grand left the central terminal in cubao.

Because of the weekend rush, it was already 20mins past 8pm when i reached Lucena grand.

When i got there, that last bus was already almost full, and totally jam packed with baggage. Alighting passengers literally climb the dump of goods on the bus aisle.

Mangrove in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

A few mintues after 9pm, the bus left; And, so, there we were... I'm finally riding an R&R bus(by far my third attempt to reach alibijaban)

2 bus stops from there, we reached San andres market. From there, my co passengers had advised me to speak to yet 2 sets of passenger who are bound for Alibijaban. They said that the trips going to alibijaban will be later at about 7, and I might want to negotiate with the other passengers so i can ask to fit in their boat.

Walking around Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

The first set were 2 ladies with 2 babies and plenty of baggage. The boat was too small for me to fit me in, plus the waves were strong at the time. The boatman agreed to come back though to fetch me and the other passengers, which he did in less than an hour.

Fisherman in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Fisherman in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Children in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Children's pick of weeds from the waters of Alibijaban

It was when I was in the boat when i felt how kinda risky the waves are. The boat was swinging left and right, smashes forward, and my grip on the boat was just hilarious. There isnt even a comfortable seat in there.. I felt like i'll be thrown away. Plus, the boatman didnt even have a light.

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Luckily, we docked safe.
Although the moon wasn't around to give some light, from the shore, you could tell how clear the water is. You'd see the silhouettes of the stones; The sand was obviously bright.

I sat on a bench and waited for the sunrise.

Kuya randy, the boatman, stood with me for the time and entertained with quick facts about alibijaban.

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

By the time it was bright, he volunteered to walk me around after getting permission from kagawad (Kaptain isn't there at that time). 

After telling kagawad about ME and stuff, he asked Randy to go ahead and escort me. We walked through a guesthouse which he said is intended for visiting tourists. It's actually a DENR facility though since it's not really occupied most of the time, they allow tourists to stay in it. 

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Next to the facility is the barangay school, which, according to Randy and the locals is impending turnover into a resort.

Further inland, we got to the mangroves, the dismantled boat (in Dong Ho of Eskapo's blog, it was still erect and docked), then the bridge to the next barangay.

kids in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

kid in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

After the bridge, we walked back to the bench and off i was for my picture moments.

By 9am, i felt sleepy and walked back to the guesthouse and took a nap. 

When i woke up, it wa already past 11. I woke up very hungry and cooked some noodles. Lit a cigarette and then then walked back to the beanch to find kuya randy. 

Along the way, There were some locals along who asked if i were bound to 

bayan, and walked with me towards randy's boat. 

By 12:30, i was already at the bus station. Since the bus is leaving only by 1pm, i took the time to charge my phone.

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

It was already past 1 when it left and thank god the bus isn't as loaded as it was at the night. Every so often, the bus has to stop to pickup passengers along the way. Just before reaching san narciso, a man walked in carrying a toddler and a kid. As soon as he sat, he yelled over a woman in the window. My tumor has it, they were on a fight. When the conductor came to get his fare, he was pleading to be excused as he doesn't have money. The conductor noded and left. Try doing that in manila. Also, on my trip going to san andres, a lot of the passengers were bargaining on the fair. I was amazed how the system here is.

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Meantime, along san narciso, traversing through the mountain range, the other extension of the province was very visible. It seems that they also have white sand at that part. I asked my bus seatmate, and she said it is called punta. It is a beach stretch all over the coast of the land between that going to bicol and san narciso. Something to add up to a alibijaban itinerary.

kids in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

Ian Limbonis in  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

waters of  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

departing  Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon

*add'l details:
*from Cubao to Lucena Grand terminal is P218. Trips to san andres, from lucena starts 5am. Last trip at 8pm (they actually leave 9, but you wont want to be left by the bus, just like what happened to me before and i had to cancel the trip in lucena itself). Fare is P270. Prepare to tight fit in your own seat as people would normally carry boxes and bags of whatever goods they can get from the city.

Regular boat fare from and to san andres pier to alibijaban is P20 (though i had to pay kuya P50 in the morning dahil wala ako barya; And P200 on my way back to the port since it was supposedly a special trip plus considering his hospitability).
*people in the island, and generally in town are very, and i mean very, superstitious and speculative. Quezon is known for the pogi (Communist brothers), so all eyes on unfamiliar faces. When i got off the bus, foot set in san andres, i had some coffee in one store and opened a converaation with manang about the island. She asked if i was carrying my water as it is unsafe to drink from there. In turn, i said yes, but again asked if it were with the quality of the water. She exclaimed it was of poisoning which I was having a hard time to believe. Meantime, when I was with the other passenger waiting for Randy to come back, the passenger was telling me too not to eat just on anywhere. Again, he said it was bec of poisoning.


*an even better view was the kids enthusiasm on the cam. When they see you taking pictures, they'll get close and will be very happy to pose for you.
*please approach and talk to the locals. They'd love to talk to u.. They're rather just hesitant.
*try the bibingkas sold on stopover.
*i was informed that a lot of the people from the pier offer guiding services, etc and ask for vain tip. Careful.
*kuya randy may be contacted, for guide and boat service, at 09773708487, 09982758413 (new as of June 2015).
*you can also do a sidetrip to Sombrero Island in San Pascual Masbate which shall be 2 hours boat from Alibijaban island (see burias island post for details)
*superlines now ply cubao-san andres



see here for the outreach activity we did in Alibijaban
see here for a cool sidetrip of your travel to Alibijaban: Talao Talao Rock Formation in San Narciso

Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Read More »

Balaki Island, Infanta, Pangasinan

Ian Limbonis in Balaki Island, Infanta, Pangasinan

Having been to beaches in Anda, Bolinao, Alaminos, and Dasol, i thought there was nothing else left to see in Pangasinan. Not until
One day, i was watching tv, and i saw a feature on yet another supposed white sand beach..balaki island.

The morning after, i immediately searched it on the net, and a lot of the available posts are narratives of tambobong beach which include balaki as part of their day tour, in addition to colibra island, balinmalok, cabacungan, crocodile island, hermana etc.

headed to balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Had there been other places available to check out, i would have scheduled the trip myself, no matter if i have to be alone. But then, there's really nothing else..

Then, one of our best friends cum beach buddy is booked for a sat flight to the Phils from SG. That's when i thought about conquering balaki island. We can't leave fri night cause we have to wait for her arrival saturday 8pm, and a daytrip would be very appropriate for such itinerary.

cooking in balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Our arriving friend landed 8pm, and it was past 9 when we left DMIA; after some sideturns here and there, we arrived in tArlac around 12mn.

In cAmiling, 3 kilometers before the T diversion to malasique, there was a horrible accident that took place just a few minutes ahead. It was among a motorcycle, container van, and an L-300 passenger van. The rider was dead om the spot, and his body was just lying on the road bleeding and no hope for revival. It has caused blockage and it took almost half hour before we were allowed to move.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

At a bit past 2am, we stopped at a Caltex petrol pump to stretch out. We initially thought of making coffee but because of the balikbayan's longing for videokeing, we sat for a bottle of Red Horse instead and sang.

It was almos 3am when we left. Heading straight further passing through Burgos, Dasol and eventually Infanta,

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

By 5:46am, and after 247 kms from Pampanga, we reached the barangay outpost. We were only going to ask for directions there but Brgy kagawad Mandy Collado said he can actually get us a boat from there.

We waited a bit while he fetched his kumpare who owns a boat. As soon as they were back, we took the car to his comrad on the coast and waited to be boarded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

From the coast it seems as if the island is so close, but it took us close to 30mins to reach, considering it was an almost flat current. It was low tide at that time and the boat can hardly dock close.

The sand isn't white. It's Cream brown just like that of bolinao. I have expected it to be like that of tambobong since it was close but i was wrong.

The place where we camped was also quite rocky; a little bit later, the waves are becoming more rough. We couldn't really have beach fun. Since everyone didn't get enough sleep, after having our meal, all of them slept.

Meanwhile, i took the chance of touring the island. It would have been better if we camped on the side facing colibra island. Water was more quiet, less rocks on the bed, and it was sun shaded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Walked back and checked out the other side. That one was great for pictures because of the fallen trees, just like that of potipot's trademark. The trash of previous campers are everywhere though.

After some pictures, walked back again and everybody's still asleep. If only i had a number to reach the boatman, i would have asked him to pick us up and we'd rather go tambobong beach. After all, we'll have to drive back to Dasol; Anyway 3 of us haven't been there yet. Unfortunately, the boatman does not have a mobile.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

*Pangasinan's best beach is Tambobong... shall be on priority before anywhere else (though Patar in Bolinao is most convenient for transport, especially commute).

Ian Limbonis in Balaki Island, Infanta, Pangasinan

Having been to beaches in Anda, Bolinao, Alaminos, and Dasol, i thought there was nothing else left to see in Pangasinan. Not until
One day, i was watching tv, and i saw a feature on yet another supposed white sand beach..balaki island.

The morning after, i immediately searched it on the net, and a lot of the available posts are narratives of tambobong beach which include balaki as part of their day tour, in addition to colibra island, balinmalok, cabacungan, crocodile island, hermana etc.

headed to balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Had there been other places available to check out, i would have scheduled the trip myself, no matter if i have to be alone. But then, there's really nothing else..

Then, one of our best friends cum beach buddy is booked for a sat flight to the Phils from SG. That's when i thought about conquering balaki island. We can't leave fri night cause we have to wait for her arrival saturday 8pm, and a daytrip would be very appropriate for such itinerary.

cooking in balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Our arriving friend landed 8pm, and it was past 9 when we left DMIA; after some sideturns here and there, we arrived in tArlac around 12mn.

In cAmiling, 3 kilometers before the T diversion to malasique, there was a horrible accident that took place just a few minutes ahead. It was among a motorcycle, container van, and an L-300 passenger van. The rider was dead om the spot, and his body was just lying on the road bleeding and no hope for revival. It has caused blockage and it took almost half hour before we were allowed to move.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

At a bit past 2am, we stopped at a Caltex petrol pump to stretch out. We initially thought of making coffee but because of the balikbayan's longing for videokeing, we sat for a bottle of Red Horse instead and sang.

It was almos 3am when we left. Heading straight further passing through Burgos, Dasol and eventually Infanta,

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

By 5:46am, and after 247 kms from Pampanga, we reached the barangay outpost. We were only going to ask for directions there but Brgy kagawad Mandy Collado said he can actually get us a boat from there.

We waited a bit while he fetched his kumpare who owns a boat. As soon as they were back, we took the car to his comrad on the coast and waited to be boarded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

From the coast it seems as if the island is so close, but it took us close to 30mins to reach, considering it was an almost flat current. It was low tide at that time and the boat can hardly dock close.

The sand isn't white. It's Cream brown just like that of bolinao. I have expected it to be like that of tambobong since it was close but i was wrong.

The place where we camped was also quite rocky; a little bit later, the waves are becoming more rough. We couldn't really have beach fun. Since everyone didn't get enough sleep, after having our meal, all of them slept.

Meanwhile, i took the chance of touring the island. It would have been better if we camped on the side facing colibra island. Water was more quiet, less rocks on the bed, and it was sun shaded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Walked back and checked out the other side. That one was great for pictures because of the fallen trees, just like that of potipot's trademark. The trash of previous campers are everywhere though.

After some pictures, walked back again and everybody's still asleep. If only i had a number to reach the boatman, i would have asked him to pick us up and we'd rather go tambobong beach. After all, we'll have to drive back to Dasol; Anyway 3 of us haven't been there yet. Unfortunately, the boatman does not have a mobile.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

*Pangasinan's best beach is Tambobong... shall be on priority before anywhere else (though Patar in Bolinao is most convenient for transport, especially commute).

Read More »

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

My group has been to Mt stomas for god knows how many times. In fact, 3 in the group as just been there last month.

While it has been initially planned for Mt Damas, since the group is climbing Mt pulag early march, they thought about diverting the plan to Mt Sto Tomas as dry run for the upcoming climb. Due to the 2weekend days+1weekday required time, i thought it is so much loss on my part considering how much I will be spending to get there plus what i'll be loosing if i time off from work. I thought i'd rather wait and join a group that'll try to fit it in a sat-sun (plus i'd rather take the more challenging akiki trail).

Ian Limbonis in the Jump off point for Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Due to my consistent tardiness, it was already past 10am when we left Gerona Tarlac. I was supposed to meet them in Pampanga but because of the glock of peiple in the bus goibg to the hot air balloon, i told them to go ahead and that i will meet them instead in Gerona where were supposed to meet the rest of the group.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It was past 2am when we got to te jum off point. Along the palispis highway, right in front of the the petron gas station is the entry to brgy green valley, dontogan. Just a few hundred meters from there, will be rough road, just like that going to sagada. There'd be occasional landslides and totally steep inclines that our hyundai getz 1.1 couldn't handle; we had to get off for it to climb.

We left the car in front of the Church and trekked from there. The rest of the group in the van drove even further 500 meters further.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Just an estimated 100m from the jump off are the PAGASA weather radars. Then, From that point, I could see clearly the path to the camp site; where the Globe Telecom towers stand (which were very visible from Kennon Road). I heard that that is the highest point in Baguio.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It took us an hour and a half walk to get to camp. And since it's getting dark, cold begins to strike.

Immediately after getting set with our tent, we got the balloons and cupcakes ready for a senior member's birthday surprise. By about 7pm, dinner was served. Our staple camp dinner, tinolang native na manok and adobo; and, even more a surprise, a huge watermelon came out of someone's 40L bag.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Then came the Remy Martin; since we're more used to emperadors, GSMs, or da Bars, half of the group was drunk in less than 2 bottles and an hour. I also did not like the taste so I quit it..after all, none of those left awake are really drunkards so i knew i'll be left alone in a deuce with the bottle with a bonus headache the following day. Besides, it was getting very very uncomfortably cold.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

I went inside the tent but i just couldnt stand the 6 degree celcius cold. I wore all my spare shirts,5 of them, slid in my other spare pants and socks, wore my shoes, wrapped my hands with some more cloth, took out my blanket, wore my jacket..nothing helped. The wind is even making it worse. I was about to turn out the butane stove inside the tent but i was more worried about not having gas for coffee the next day. I couldnt get enough comfort to get to even sleeping level 1. More than an hour later, i heard someone moving his tent somewhere closer to the transmission facility gate. I realized there's less wind there because it hids in the summit side; pulled my stuff out and pulled my tent...there you go. Problem solved.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Consequently, Everybody woke up quite late the next day. We would look up every so often checking out the sun, but to no avail. It was still very cold. Til the time we left, i did not feel like dropping a sweat.

My group has been to Mt stomas for god knows how many times. In fact, 3 in the group as just been there last month.

While it has been initially planned for Mt Damas, since the group is climbing Mt pulag early march, they thought about diverting the plan to Mt Sto Tomas as dry run for the upcoming climb. Due to the 2weekend days+1weekday required time, i thought it is so much loss on my part considering how much I will be spending to get there plus what i'll be loosing if i time off from work. I thought i'd rather wait and join a group that'll try to fit it in a sat-sun (plus i'd rather take the more challenging akiki trail).

Ian Limbonis in the Jump off point for Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Due to my consistent tardiness, it was already past 10am when we left Gerona Tarlac. I was supposed to meet them in Pampanga but because of the glock of peiple in the bus goibg to the hot air balloon, i told them to go ahead and that i will meet them instead in Gerona where were supposed to meet the rest of the group.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It was past 2am when we got to te jum off point. Along the palispis highway, right in front of the the petron gas station is the entry to brgy green valley, dontogan. Just a few hundred meters from there, will be rough road, just like that going to sagada. There'd be occasional landslides and totally steep inclines that our hyundai getz 1.1 couldn't handle; we had to get off for it to climb.

We left the car in front of the Church and trekked from there. The rest of the group in the van drove even further 500 meters further.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Just an estimated 100m from the jump off are the PAGASA weather radars. Then, From that point, I could see clearly the path to the camp site; where the Globe Telecom towers stand (which were very visible from Kennon Road). I heard that that is the highest point in Baguio.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It took us an hour and a half walk to get to camp. And since it's getting dark, cold begins to strike.

Immediately after getting set with our tent, we got the balloons and cupcakes ready for a senior member's birthday surprise. By about 7pm, dinner was served. Our staple camp dinner, tinolang native na manok and adobo; and, even more a surprise, a huge watermelon came out of someone's 40L bag.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Then came the Remy Martin; since we're more used to emperadors, GSMs, or da Bars, half of the group was drunk in less than 2 bottles and an hour. I also did not like the taste so I quit it..after all, none of those left awake are really drunkards so i knew i'll be left alone in a deuce with the bottle with a bonus headache the following day. Besides, it was getting very very uncomfortably cold.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

I went inside the tent but i just couldnt stand the 6 degree celcius cold. I wore all my spare shirts,5 of them, slid in my other spare pants and socks, wore my shoes, wrapped my hands with some more cloth, took out my blanket, wore my jacket..nothing helped. The wind is even making it worse. I was about to turn out the butane stove inside the tent but i was more worried about not having gas for coffee the next day. I couldnt get enough comfort to get to even sleeping level 1. More than an hour later, i heard someone moving his tent somewhere closer to the transmission facility gate. I realized there's less wind there because it hids in the summit side; pulled my stuff out and pulled my tent...there you go. Problem solved.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Consequently, Everybody woke up quite late the next day. We would look up every so often checking out the sun, but to no avail. It was still very cold. Til the time we left, i did not feel like dropping a sweat.

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Mt Pico De Loro

It was 2:20 when we reached the jump off point, after the registration at the DENR office, which is about 50m past. From there, less than 30mins after, we reached base camp 1. 

waiting for a trike service who'd agree on a P150 one way service to the jump off (none came. P200 being very good already)

Having looked at the location of base 1 camp and the campsite on google maps, i was so easy about the time. We took certainly more than 30 minutes at base camp 1: used the toilet, made coffee, and smoked plenty. When another group of 6 arrived, we decided to leave. I was quite confident about the climb because I've read that the trail is clear which from that point seems indeed. 

pico de loro base camp 1

We met several groups along who constantly advised us how much time further it'll take us to get to the camp. From the base 1 camp, it was an easy stride and glide. But after about 30 minutes from there, the trail becomes steep and quite rocky rough. Bush alao becomes thicker. It was quite like the last hour of the arayat (banyo) trail. Since I had to wait for my friend, i'd constantly look back to see that see's just along. At that point when we reached the peaked, what I and her didn't notice was a wooden arrow pointing left. 

further past base camp 1

We went straight, and though it feels strange that we had to descend from the peak to reach the camp, i thought it was perhaps the way to get to another peak; so, we just went ahead. It was a straight descend all the while until it has almost taken us an hour and we were halfway downhill, i guess. That's the time I finally said we're probably on the wrong way. A little descend was normal, but to reachsuch point was clearly strange. Likewise, the trail was getting unclear as we progress. It was impossible that with that much people we met along, trail wouldn't be tht obvious. Since then..i'd say my adrenaline was up. It was almost 6pm, verydark, and the bush was just so thick there's no way to tell which point we're in. We were yelling, and we hear some people yelling too but no one seems to approach. 

jungle log??

Walking back further, we've gotten back to a wilkin's trash. I clearly noticed that trash a moment back. I am kind of irritated about rubbish on the moubtain and that's what made me pay attention to it. Then, i got puzzled how we quickly got back to that trash when we had been walking almost for almost an hour since we spotted it the first time. It wa very strange. That's when i had to practice the conventional belief..turning my shirt over. 

odds of the pico de loro trail

We didi it quickly and just a little while, we say the arrow pointing left right at the peak. We were asking ourswlves how we missed that arrow. Perhaps because we had to be looking down at what were stepping on; perhaps, i must haved looked back at my friend from that point, whatever it is, thank God, that led us to the camp and we got to site at almost 7. 

pico de loro trail: just like that of tarak

finally reaching pico de loro camp

We woke up at 5am, made Breakfast. Right after, we made the summit trip. It was quite windy and foggy. From the summit we could see 2 people up in the parrot peak. I also some going down to the peak from the summit..so i thought i can make it. 

I'd say a fifth of the total no of campers

Going down itself was nerve wrecking as it was quite steep facing a ridge. I've made it tote back of the peak but from there..i had to pull it back. I was having a hard time stepping up with that rtw shorts i was wearing. So, i just went back to the summit then back to the camp. The influx of mountaineers was also constant. Had coffee again then packed up an left.

getting off from the summit to the pico de loro peak

Because of the incident the night before, i had my camera ready to take picture of that brown arrow that points to the left towards the campsite. Surprisingly, we missed it again and I was puzzled how quickly we got to one point Be mindful of the signs. If someone can paint them with a bright color would help i guess. 

from summit back down to camp

view of pico de loro summit near camp

ready to leave pico de loro

Since it was a wood and had the same color as the bush, thats probably one reason we missed it. And i was correct, walking further straight past that arrow leads either to nasugbu or maragondon.

en route back to pico de loro base camp 1

It was 2:20 when we reached the jump off point, after the registration at the DENR office, which is about 50m past. From there, less than 30mins after, we reached base camp 1. 

waiting for a trike service who'd agree on a P150 one way service to the jump off (none came. P200 being very good already)

Having looked at the location of base 1 camp and the campsite on google maps, i was so easy about the time. We took certainly more than 30 minutes at base camp 1: used the toilet, made coffee, and smoked plenty. When another group of 6 arrived, we decided to leave. I was quite confident about the climb because I've read that the trail is clear which from that point seems indeed. 

pico de loro base camp 1

We met several groups along who constantly advised us how much time further it'll take us to get to the camp. From the base 1 camp, it was an easy stride and glide. But after about 30 minutes from there, the trail becomes steep and quite rocky rough. Bush alao becomes thicker. It was quite like the last hour of the arayat (banyo) trail. Since I had to wait for my friend, i'd constantly look back to see that see's just along. At that point when we reached the peaked, what I and her didn't notice was a wooden arrow pointing left. 

further past base camp 1

We went straight, and though it feels strange that we had to descend from the peak to reach the camp, i thought it was perhaps the way to get to another peak; so, we just went ahead. It was a straight descend all the while until it has almost taken us an hour and we were halfway downhill, i guess. That's the time I finally said we're probably on the wrong way. A little descend was normal, but to reachsuch point was clearly strange. Likewise, the trail was getting unclear as we progress. It was impossible that with that much people we met along, trail wouldn't be tht obvious. Since then..i'd say my adrenaline was up. It was almost 6pm, verydark, and the bush was just so thick there's no way to tell which point we're in. We were yelling, and we hear some people yelling too but no one seems to approach. 

jungle log??

Walking back further, we've gotten back to a wilkin's trash. I clearly noticed that trash a moment back. I am kind of irritated about rubbish on the moubtain and that's what made me pay attention to it. Then, i got puzzled how we quickly got back to that trash when we had been walking almost for almost an hour since we spotted it the first time. It wa very strange. That's when i had to practice the conventional belief..turning my shirt over. 

odds of the pico de loro trail

We didi it quickly and just a little while, we say the arrow pointing left right at the peak. We were asking ourswlves how we missed that arrow. Perhaps because we had to be looking down at what were stepping on; perhaps, i must haved looked back at my friend from that point, whatever it is, thank God, that led us to the camp and we got to site at almost 7. 

pico de loro trail: just like that of tarak

finally reaching pico de loro camp

We woke up at 5am, made Breakfast. Right after, we made the summit trip. It was quite windy and foggy. From the summit we could see 2 people up in the parrot peak. I also some going down to the peak from the summit..so i thought i can make it. 

I'd say a fifth of the total no of campers

Going down itself was nerve wrecking as it was quite steep facing a ridge. I've made it tote back of the peak but from there..i had to pull it back. I was having a hard time stepping up with that rtw shorts i was wearing. So, i just went back to the summit then back to the camp. The influx of mountaineers was also constant. Had coffee again then packed up an left.

getting off from the summit to the pico de loro peak

Because of the incident the night before, i had my camera ready to take picture of that brown arrow that points to the left towards the campsite. Surprisingly, we missed it again and I was puzzled how quickly we got to one point Be mindful of the signs. If someone can paint them with a bright color would help i guess. 

from summit back down to camp

view of pico de loro summit near camp

ready to leave pico de loro

Since it was a wood and had the same color as the bush, thats probably one reason we missed it. And i was correct, walking further straight past that arrow leads either to nasugbu or maragondon.

en route back to pico de loro base camp 1

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