A Guide to See Mt. Fuji in its Full Glory

Our 10-day trip to Japan includes Mt. Fuji in the itinerary. We decided to stay for a night at Fujiyoshida so we can be early and grab a nice spot in anticipation of that perfect moment with Mt. Fuji.

So we travel from the City lights of Tokyo to the Country-side, to the laid-back Fujiyoshida.

How To Get There:

Take the JR Chuo Line and go west to Otsuki Station, then transfer to Fujikyu Line. If you are a JR Pass holder, the Fujikyu Line is not covered by your JR pass and you need to pay 960 yen each from Otsuki to Gekkoji Station. Travel Time from Otsuki to Gekkoji is about 45 minutes.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at Mt. Fuji Hostel Michaels. The hostel comes with a view of Mt. Fuji and is a 4- minute walk from Gekkoji Station and 3-km from Fuji-Q Amusement Park.

We stayed at their ryokan style room with futon-style beds and chabudai dining table.

Best Spot to see Mt. Fuji:

They say that there is a higher chance of getting that picture perfect moment with Mt. Fuji in the morning. As early as 5:45am, we trekked to the iconic Chureito Pagoda on the hilltop facing Mt. Fuji in Arakuyama Sengen Park.

After 400 steps, the snow white-capped Mt. Fuji welcomed us in its full glory.

15 Things To Do / Places To Visit in Tokyo

Minsan nangarap akong magkaron ng sariling travel show. Dahil hindi naman ako celebrity, nag self-produce nalang ako :-)

Inspired by Sandy Daza's Food Prints and Travel Channel's Pacific, I asked my husband to take videos of me and follow my lead during our 10-day travel in Japan. (hindi lang producer, director na din!)

Click here for the 10-day itinerary

We stayed in Tokyo for 5 days and here is our itinerary:

Day 1
Arrival 
Check-in at Hotel Horidome
Shibuya Crossing
Kabukicho, Shinjuku

Day 2
Odaiba
Ginza
Tokyo River Cruise / Sky Tree
Harajuku

Day 3
Ueno Park
Tokyo Imperial Palance
Sensoji (Asakusa) Temple
Roponggi

Day 4
Tokyo Disney Sea

Day 5
Travel to Fujiyoshida

The video below highlights our Tokyo trip. It was tiring yet happy that we were able to pull this off without any guide. Hindi kami naligaw! yahooo!

Tips and Tricks 

1. Buy a 4G Unlimited internet SIM. It is easy to get lost in Tokyo. You need google maps for directions and local train schedules and apps like Hyperdia for shinkansen schedule. Thank me later!

2. Buy a 72-hr Tokyo Subway Metro Card. It will save you money and a lot of time than buying train tickets using the machine.

3. If you are visiting more than 7 days in Japan and will also be traveling to Osaka, get a 7-day JR Pass. It actually depends on your itinerary and length of stay, pero if magpapabalik balik kayo, this is super sulit.

4. The average meals in Japan costs around 1,000 yen or 500 pesos, sa mga nagtitipid, you can get real meals at 7-11 for only 150 to 500 yen or 75 to 250 pesos. Try also Yoshinoya, our comfort restaurant in Tokyo. 

5. Good Luck!

Hotel - Hotel Horidome Villa 

 1 Chome-10-10 Nihonbashihoridomecho, Chūō, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan

What I love about this hotel is that they provide their guests free use of smartphone with unlimited internet which you can use outside during your stay in the hotel. But of course, you have to return it upon check-out.

It is also near subways which will take you about 10 to 20 minutes walk

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Comment here and please feel free to ask questions, I'll be very happy to make chicka with you.

10 Days in Japan Itinerary for First Timers

If you were given 10 days in Japan, where will you go?

After preparing for at least a year, we were able to visit 5 prefectures in Japan during our stay from 30 November to 09 December 2018.

Here is our itinerary for 10 days. Of course, it depends on your preference and priorities, but for my husband and I, this is the perfect itinerary for us. This is a full-packed itinerary and involves a lot of walking and shopping.

TOKYO
Day 1 - Arrival at Tokyo / Shibuya, Shinjuku
Day 2 - Odaiba, Ginza, SkyTree,  Harajuku
Day 3 - Ueno, Chiyoda, Asakusa, Roponggi
Day 4 - Disney Sea

YAMANASHI
Day 5 -  Travel to Fujiyoshida
Day 6 - Chureito Pagoda, Travel to Osaka

OSAKA
Day 7 - Universal Studios  Japan, Dotonbori

KYOTO
Day 8 - Fushi Inari, Gion District

HIROSHIMA
Day 9 - Miyajima Island, Peace Park

Day 10 - Cup Noodles Museum, Osaka Castle

EXPENSES for 10 days (for 2 pax)
Cebu Pacific Tickets with 20kls baggage allowance and travel tax - 31,000
Visa single (promo at JTB at 600@) -1,200
7-day JR Pass (Klook) for 2 - 25,220
72 hrs Tokyo Subway Pass for 2 (Klook) - 1,382
SIM Card 7 days for 2 (Klook) - 1,500
4N Hotel Horidome (Tokyo) - 12,013
1N Mt Fuji Hostel Michaels (Fujiyoshida) - 3,644
4N Hotel Chuo Oasis (Osaka) - 13,665
Universal Studios Japan - 6,984
Tokyo Disney Sea - 6,600
Food, Pasalubong, Shopping Pocket Money Other Fare etc. - 30,000
   (average meals cost 500 pesos per meal)

Total : 133,2018 or 66,6104 per pax

I will blog about the details on my next posts, for the meantime, here is a teaser during our trip. Hope you enjoy!

Ace Hotel Suites and Water Spa : Through the Eyes of a First Timer

Sa dalas namin sa Ace Hotel and Water Spa (once a month na ata), it is difficult for me to give a review about the place that first-timers can relate with.

And since October is my birth month, I tagged my officemates, including aspiring millennial vlogger "Benedikt with a K" at Ace Water Spa, for them to experience what it feels like.  Sabi nga, hindi sya gino-google, ine-experience sya.

Please check out this video, and alamin kung ano etong flavored water na sinasabi nya sa vlog na eto.

Subscribe to his channel for more "adulting" stories.

DAY6 in Manila : You are Worth The Wait!

South Korean K-Pop Band DAY6 serenade Philippine fans in a sold-out concert on Saturday,  06 October at Kia Theater. 

The five-member band composed of Park Sungjin (lead vocalist), Park Jaehyung (guitar), Kang Younghyun (bass), Kim Wonpil (keyboard), Yoon Dowoon (drums), melt the hearts of their My Day Ph fans and promised them that they will be back soon.

More than 20 songs were performed including their recently released single "Shot Me," "You Were Beautiful and Congratulations" made the concert an unforgettable night for the fans.
  

Their 1st World Tour "Youth" kicked-off in Seoul and will end in Jakarta for 2018. Additional concerts for 2019 were already released.

I went to the concert with my teens. I personally witnessed how their fans went crazy over this K-Pop band. I actually don't know that much about them, but I am quite familiar with their music. My personal favorites are  Letting Go and Shoot Me.

Dahil hindi naman talaga ako fan, ano ang ginagawa ko dito?

Yung feeling ng pagiging nanay and event organizer mode ko ay nag activate during the concert.  Yung tipong tinabihan at binakuran  ko nga mga event security and organizers to check on security protocols, paano ang flow sa pila, etc. I also assisted sa pag arrange ng pila para walang siksikan. 

Masunurin naman ang mga bata. Organized ang mga fandom, clean fun lang, walang gulo. But you need to  prepare your eardrum, grabe sila sa tilian.

Pasig River Master Plan Completed

The PRRC, in collaboration with UP PLANADES, designed the Pasig River Integrated and Strategic Master Plan (PRISM) with a vision that by 2032, the Pasig River and its surrounding basins are resilient life-sustaining ecosystems that are able to support diverse human needs and biodiversity towards inclusive, harmonized, and balanced development co-managed by competent and adaptive institutions with responsible and empowered communities.

This new restoration strategy covers water quality management, stream flow management, catchment management and riparian management so that the Pasig River will again enshrine socioeconomic, aesthetic, environmental, recreational and cultural values amid changing risks and natural perturbations.
The illustration below provides a brief summary of the integrated wastewater treatment systems, one of the 19 priority projects proposed in the PRISM to help improve the water quality of the Pasig River, and for concerned agencies to comply with concession agreement, and other environmental laws.

Philippines' Pasig River Vies for Asia River Prize Award; Competes with China's Yangtze River

The Philippines' Pasig River, the cradle of early Manila civilization, has been selected as a finalist in the first-ever Asia Riverprize by the prestigious International RiverFoundation (IRF) which recognizes and rewards organizations who are making a difference through effective river basin restoration and management programs.

It is a back-to-back nomination for the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) who just came from a successful campaign in the 2017 Thiess International Riverprize competition where the Pasig River was hailed as runner-up to the winner, San Antonio River of Texas, USA. PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia says that “the consecutive entries of the Pasig River as a finalist in the 2017 and 2018 Thiess International and Asia Riverprize, respectively, is a testament that the world recognizes the efforts of the Philippine government to restore the Pasig River and its environs since PRRC was established in 1999.” Initially, the competition was called the Asia-Pacific Riverprize Awards which was opened to entrants from New Zealand, Australia, and 45 other countries. However, according to the IRF, due the to the high number and quality of entries received, they have made the decision to split the promoted Asia-Pacific Riverprize into two: Asia Riverprize and another category for the Australasia Riverprize. After a series of tedious deliberations, the IRF has announced and congratulates the organizations chosen as Asia Riverprize finalists with the highest honors in river restoration and protection namely: the Pasig River (Philippines) and the Yangtze River (China). Goitia adds “last year, the Philippines is the only third world and developing country that made it into the international finals and bravely competed with the US and the United Kingdom. In this year’s Asia Riverprize, we will be facing another super power – the red dragon, China. However, with an indomitable spirit, we remain steadfast and optimistic that we will stand triumphant in the end.” In behalf of the IRF’s board of river basin experts, IRF Director Professor Bill Dennison says that “these different river stories are united by a common theme: excellence in river management.”

The Riverprize is not a competition of which river is more beautiful or cleaner. This is the reason why the IRF, comprised of river management experts and professionals from around the world, has given importance and consideration to the rehabilitation efforts of the PRRC to bring back the Pasig River system to life. It has acknowledged PRRC’s commitment in delivering quality projects, programs, and activities in easement recovery, housing and resettlement, riverbanks development, waste and water quality management, and public awareness. Compared to the 1990s when it was declared "biologically dead," the Pasig River's condition now has significantly improved. Although the Pasig River development is a work in progress, many areas along the historic river have already shown signs of aquatic life and it has already become conducive for transport, recreation, and tourism. PRRC’s Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia, together with Public Information, Advocacy and Tourism Division Head George Oliver G. De La Rama, will be presenting and defending the Philippines’ Pasig River entry to a panel of esteemed judges in the upcoming 21st International Riversymposium on October 14 to 18, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Members of PRRC’s Management Committee will also form part of the Philippine delegation. The winner of the 2018 Asia Riverprize will receive widespread global recognition which can build new partnerships, provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and best practices, and open doors for international support. Furthermore, the winner will automatically qualify for Stage Two of the Thiess International Riverprize in 2019. As one nation, the PRRC seeks everyone’s support to its Pasig River entry in the 2018 Asia Riverprize. The Pasig River's victory is the victory of the Philippines and every Filipino who works hard and shares the same vision of saving our waterways and the environment. It will be the triumph of all who believe that the dream of a clean and alive Pasig River is within reach!

Top 5 Reasons To Take an ACEtacation at ACE Hotel and Suites

There are countless reasons why we should take that well-deserved vacation.  But sometimes, due to financial limitations, it is better to take a staycation rather than a vacation.

Staycation ("stay and vacation") refers to a way of taking a break without leaving your home or your city.  It may involve day trips to local attractions and may or may not require overnight accommodations.

And if we wanted to take a break without breaking the bank,  there's always one hotel that comes to our mind --- ACEtaycation at ACE Hotel and Suites.

Why do we love ACE Hotel and Suites?   Here are our Top 5 Reasons.

1. ACE Water SPA - Hydrotherapy Massage

Number 1 on the list, of course, is ACE Water Spa.

Hydrotherapy massage is a kind of therapeutic massage that utilizes "Ultrasonic Jet System" that massages specific areas of the body with its aquatic strategically located to relax and soothe tired and aching muscles.  

Hydrotherapy reduces muscle tension and relieves pains, rehabilitates injured muscles, boosts the immune system, and encourages detoxification, among others.

How can I resist the hot herbal pool after lounging at the dry sauna for 10 minutes?  The smell, the temperature of the hot herbal pool is truly relaxing.

2.  ACE Internation Buffet

Have a taste of the world on your plate!  Treat yourself in the buffet selection of the finest cuisines of Ace International Buffet and indulge in unlimited drinks coupled with salad bar, pasta, grill, carving stations and more.

Don't leave the restaurant without trying their shabu-shabu and maki. Shabu-Shabu sharap!

Open daily from Monday to Sunday

     serving Lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

     serving Dinner from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

For inquiries and reservations, please call +632.2.4628224 or +63.9175499196

3.  Party! Party! Family KTV

Love videoke?  Then sing your heart out and enjoy the night with family and friends at Party! Party! Family KTV.  As a matter of fact, I celebrated my 41st here together with my HS Barkada and it was really fun reminiscing our high school life through songs.

Party! Party! Family KTV offers the following packages :


     2,500 net for maximum of 10 pax

• inclusive of 3 hours use of Standard room
• five (5) orders of any of the following drinks : iced tea, lemonade, orange juice, hot tea, brewed coffee, bottled water, softdrinks, San Mig light, Pale pilsen
• one (1) set of any of the following choices :  (a)  Chicken lollipop, spiral fries, onion rings; (b) salt and pepper calamari, spring roll trio, tortilla wrap

      4,800 net for maximum of 20 pax

• inclusive of 3 hours use of Superb room
• ten (10) orders of any of the following drinks : iced tea, lemonade, orange juice, hot tea, brewed coffee, bottled water, softdrinks, San Mig light, Pale pilsen
• one (1) set of any of the following choices :  (a)  Pepperoni pizza, fish and chips, burger poppers; (b) quattro pizza , yaki sausage, salt and pepper calamari

      6,000 net for maximum of 25 pax

• inclusive of 3 hours use of Superb room
• ten (10) orders of any of the following drinks : iced tea, lemonade, orange juice, hot tea, brewed coffee, bottled water, softdrinks, San Mig light, Pale pilsen
• one (1) set of any of the following choices :  (a)  Pepperoni pizza, fish and chips, burger poppers, four season maki rolls; (b) quattro pizza, yaki sausage, salt and pepper calamari, four season maki rolls

Located at the 6th floor of D' Ace  Plaza 
Monday to Thursday -  5:00 pm to 1:00 am
Friday and Saturday - 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
Sunday - 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm

4.  Sky High Bar

Imagine this.  A 360-degree  view of the Metro as you sip a glass of your favorite cocktail. Visit the Sky High Bar to get a different kind of high atop the Ace Hotel and Suites as you munch on yummy chow, entrees, and appetizers while sipping a delightful concoction.

Penthouse, 21st floor, Ace Hotel and Suites
Sunday to Thursday - 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
Friday and Saturday - 5:00 pm - 2:00 am

5.  Accommodation

Indulge in style and comfort at any of their well-appointed rooms, whether it be business on weekdays, leisure on weekends, milestones worth celebrating or bond with your family especially on a long weekend.

 

 

So next time you feel like you need to take a break, head on to Ace Hotel and Suites for that perfect staycation.


ABOUT ACE HOTEL AND SUITES
United St. corner Brixton St.
Pasig City, Metro Manila 1603
Email : inquiries@acehotelsuites.com
http://www.acehotelsuites.com/

Ang Huling El Bimbo : Pagbabalik Tanaw sa Nakaraan

"Gusto mo ba?......Gusto mo ba?...... Gusto mo bang......sumama?"

Pagkatapos manuod ng Huling El Bimbo, umuwi akong nag-iisip.  

Iniisip ko nung mga panahong nasa kolehiyo ako.  Kamusta na kaya ang mga kaklase ko?  Kamusta na din kaya yung palagi naming tinatambayan tuwing lunch time? Nagbebenta pa din kaya sila ng estopado?  Isa ito sa mga paboritio naming ulam nuon.  Kamusta na din yung computer shop na lagi din naming tinatambayan nuon? Dami kong naubos na pera kaka-rent duon.

Kamusta na kaya yung mga manliligaw ko?  Kamusta na din pala ang mga crush ko nuon?  Tumaba na din kaya sila?  

At isa isa kong binalikan ang mga ala-ala.

Ang mag joy ride sa Antipolo at mga inuman sa Tia Marias sa Greenhills kahit walang pera.  Memorable eto kasi first time kong malasing.  I was only 16 years old.  My gash, bawal pero nakainum padin ako at nalasing.  Buti walang nangyari, hindi katulad ni ..........<spoiler alert>

Kamusta na ang Club Dred?  Kamusta na din ang mga paborito kong banda katulad ng Introvoys. Naalala ko, may nagawa pa akong tula para sa kanila. Minsan isang panahong nag-concert sila sa university, isa ako sa mga organizers kaya hanggang ngayon naalala ko ang mga pag-papatawa ni Paco Arespacochaga sa back stage.

Bigla ko ding naalala yung kaklase kong nagintroduce sakin sa musika ng Eraser Heads. Tinanong ko sya bakit ganyan ang lyrics, may pagmumura pa?

Kamusta na din pag-rarally namin sa harapan ng Pop-eye.  Ano nga ba ang ipinaglalaban ko nuon?  Karapatang pang-tao?  Pagbaba ng tuition fee?  Ano nga ba?

Kamusta naman din ang mga sandamakmak na org na sinalihan ko?  May mga sikat na ba sa kanila?  May mangilan ngilan napapanuod ko sa entablado.  Meron ding sikat na napanuod ko minsan sa Ms. Saigon.  Meron ding may mga sumikat na na album.  Masaya ako para sa kanila.

Minsan sa may Theresa, tayo'y nagkatagpuan

May mga sariling gimik at kanya-kanyang hangad sa buhay

Sa ilalim ng iisang bubong

Mga sekretong ibinubulong

Kahit na anong mangyari

Kahit na saan ka man patungo

Maraming masasaya, malulungkot, mga struggles na pangyayari.  Ngunit sabi nga sa kasabihan "Our past makes us who we are in the present and based on the decisions we made and are going to  make in the future, will decide our fate..."

Masarap din minsang balikan ang mga nakalipas na alaala.  Maraming Salamat sa aking mga tunay na kaibigan!

_______________________________

Malamang isa din eto sa naging epekto sa inyo pagkatapos nyong manuod ng Huling El Bimbo! o di kaya'y magiging epekto sa inyo para sa mga hindi pa nakakapanuod.

Pwede pang humabol hanggang September 2 nalang.

Source :  Resorts World Manila's website

_______________________________

Ang Huling El Bimbo is a story of friendship told through the songs of the most iconic Pinoy rock band from the 90's.  It is an original story that should resonate with people who understand how the powerful bond between friends shapes our lives. It will also be a nostalgic journey, driven by songs that have become part of the collective Pinoy psyche.

Written by prolific playwright Dingdong Novenario, the musical will feature a stellar production team headed by one of today's most respected stage directors, Dexter Santos.

_______________________________

Some of our Photos during the Gala Night

with Ely Buendia of Eraser Heads

with the main cast
Mark G., Boo Gabunada, JLo, Tanya Manalang, Bibo Reyes, Reb Atadero

JLo and Mark with the El Bimbox

 

The Glittering Calinawan Cave

There are a lot of points of interest in Tanay, Rizal that can easily satisfy your hunger for adventure.  Daranak Falls, Tinapak River, Masungi Georeserve, Batlag Falls, Nagpatong Rock Formation, to name a few.  But because of its proximity to the Metro, we sometimes overlooked that the town of Tanay offers a lot of attractions that will meet our standards when it comes to delighting our adventurous soul.

Aside from numerous waterfalls, rivers, rock formations and all those wonders of nature, Tanay is also the home of Calinawan Cave.

It was one summer in 2018 when we visited Calinawan Cave.  The heat of scorching sun did not stop us from including this in our itinerary for our Annual Team Building Activity.  It was really challenging organizing this trip knowing that I have kids, senior citizens and pregnant in the group.  So the question is, “Kaya ba nila?” or “Pwede ba sila?”.  How’s the difficulty level?  These were the questions that are popping in my head as I enter the deep, dark, yet glittering Calinawan Cave.

HISTORY OF CALINAWAN CAVE 

The history of Calinawan Cave dates back during the World War 2 as this was said to have been used by the Guerrilla warriors as hideout against their enemy, the Japanese. Here became clear the aspirations and hopes of our ancestors and here dawned to them the realization to fight for freedom against the oppression of the foreign conqueror, hence the name “Kalinawan”. Nowadays, Calinawan Cave is famous for being a filming spot for both local and international movies.

Source : https://www.tanay.com.ph/listings/calinawan-cave/ 

THE EXPERIENCE

As a disclosure,  I am writing this blog from the point of view of someone who's been to Sumaguing Cave in Sagada and had been to several caves already.

For first timers, I guess this is your chance to experience caving without having to fear if you can do it or not.  Calinawan Cave is a dry cave during summer but during the rainy season, ibang usapan na yun.

During the exploration, the guide informed us to refrain from touching any rock formation inside the cave. They said that the acid produced by our body may leave damage to the structure.   And we really do not want that to happen, because it takes a hundred years or more for a  dramatic stalactite and stalagmites to grow and build such gorgeous formation.

Inside, you will see a lot of magnificent formation that naturally glitters.  And for you to be able to see all of these,  you will do a lot of crawling, bending, squatting and at the same time, you will hear a lot from your concerned friends shouting "Ulo! Ulo!" 

It was easy for me naks!  

I can still recall that moment when the guide asked all of us to turn off our flashlights.  It was my first time to experience total darkness.  So eto pala yung zero visibility, as in zero, "waley", "nada" akong makita.   The absence of light made me nervous a bit.  "Nakakatakot din pala, ganito palang maging bulag."

Appreciating all these beauties makes me think, ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas.  And what else to do?  

Sa mga nakakakilala sa akin, alam na ang kasunod.  It's time to change my DP! yey! 

ABOUT CALINAWAN CAVE

Baranggay Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal
0998-277-1495

Entrace Fees - 20 pesos per pax
Guide Fee - 200 pesos (per 10 pax) 

A Beautiful Disaster : Mt. Pinatubo via Botolan, Zambales

Mt. Pinatubo is an active volcano in the Zambales Mountains. After its eruption in June 1991, which makes it the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, a crater lake was formed.Today, the Mt. Pinatubo crater is open to tourists. You can take the Capas, Tarlac or Botolan, Zambales jump off.

Taking Botolan will take you an hour of 4x4 ride and 2 to 3 hours (depending on your phase) trekking going to the crater.

The Mt Pinatubo Adventure will start with an orientation at the base camp located at Camp Kainomayan in Botolan. The tour coordinator will discuss first how to protect yourself from lahar dust.

From here, ihanda ang sarili sa mahigit isang oras na paglalakabay sakay ng 4x4. Protect your eyes, nose, hair because anything exposed will be covered with lahar dust.  I don't have a mask with me, but  who cares "dry hair don't care!"

Check out our adventure below:

  

We booked through TriPinas and here's the itinerary:

ITINERARY 

0200 Meet up (McDonalds El Pueblo, El Pueblo Real De Manila, ADB Avenue corner Julia Vargas  Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.)

• Meet the tour coordinator - Pay your balance - Sign the waiver form

0600 Estimated arrival time at the base camp in Botolan, Zambales

Free coffee, orientation and transfer to the 4X4 (or 6X6) vehicles for the off road adventure

0830 Start trekking (around 2 hours walking or less if the short-cut is passable that day)

1000-1100 (depending on your pace) Estimated arrival time at the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo

•  Relax, photos, lecture about the history of Mt. Pinatubo, picnic lunch (at clients' account)

1230 Start return trek (around 2 hours walking or less if the short-cut is passable that day)

1430-1500 (depending on your pace) 4X4 (or 6X6) ride

1600-1700 Back at base camp. Freshen up

1730 Departure from the base camp to Manila

2030-2230 (depending traffic) Estimated arrival time in Manila (McDonalds in Ortigas)

OFF ROAD ADVENTURE

The dispatch of the 4X4 (or 6X6) vehicles is based on a queue which means that we can't choose the vehicle you will ride. Some are open and some are close, there are no seatbelts and the ride is very bumpy and extremely dusty.You will share the vehicle(s) with other groups.

TREK

The trek takes an average of 2 hours to complete (or less if the short-cut is passable that day). A fast hiker can do it in 1 hour and 30 minutes, if you take your time it will take 2 hours and 30 minutes. We will visit an Aeta village on the way. This itinerary can change depending on the mountain conditions, trail availability, weather and military exercises.

LIST OF THINGS TO BRING

• sunscreen/cap/hat
• dust mask (the off road ride is very dusty due to the lahar)
• rain gear/poncho/umbrella (afternoon rain is common)
• light jacket (it can be windy and cold on the morning and also during the transfer due to the aircon)
• trekking sandals (there are several river crossings so use preferably open shoes)
• extra clothes and extra pair of footwear (so you can change after the trek)
• packed lunch, trail food (fruits, nuts..) and trash bag
• water (1.5L or more per person)
• small beach mat to use for picnics at the lakeshore
• personal first aid/medications
• camera
• copy of a national ID (or copy of your passport for non-Filipinos) -it might be checked by the local tourism. If you are more than 59 years old you may need a medical certificate
• small backpack
• your happy self