The masks making competition was held last Oct.2 at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s place and I was supposed to cover it but due to some important things I wasn’t able to go their or during the opening of the Village last Monday. But I’m happy to say that I was able to visit the Masskara Village yesterday and for 4 straight years out of 5.

Anyways, if you haven’t visited the MassKara Village yet don’t fret! As you still have until October 21, 2011 before the exhibit ends.

*****

ABS-CBN MASSKARA VILLAGE 2011

2nd Flr Robinson’s Place Bacolod

MakaBAYAN Masks

More photos later….

Pataan Mountain Resort is located at Sitio Pata-an, Brgy. Mailum, Bago City. The mountain resort is owned by a retired policeman and has been operating for 10 years. Sadly, I only heard of the mountain resort 2 or 3 years ago and was able to visit it only last year.

Anyways, Pata-an Mountain Resort is a bit far from Bacolod City and out of the way since there’s no public transportation going there. You need to bring your own car or hire a van, but if you are adventurous you could brave the rocky long ride in a habal-habal (motorcycle) or tricycle and be amazed with the scenic view along the way. I tell you it’s worth all the bumping you’ll experience.

The resort is now fully developed with 12 cottages, swimming pool, canteen and pavilion. One can also go camping during the night for a mere fee or if they want they can rent rooms too.

Well, we really had fun on our visit there, even though it rain really hard after lunch. The falls doesn’t have a big basin but it will do. It’s like you’re having a massage under the falls and it’s really relaxing. Well, it’s really a great way of bonding with your family and friends as its safe. Nature lover will surely have a great time here, as well as those who are not nature lover. The walk from the cottages going to the falls will only took you 2 or 3 minutes, unlike in Kipot falls.

Well, it is advisable to bring your own food going to Pata-an even though they offer a menu for it’s a bit pricey. Or should a say really really pricey?

Anyways, for more information on Pata-an Mountain Resort in Bago City Negros Occidental please call the resort at (034) 476-1330, 433-0443 or 434-6854.

How to get There:

From Bacolod: Go to the Libertad Market, hop on a Road Star Bus bound for Ma-ao Public Market for Php 30. Then at Ma-ao Public Market ride a tricyle or habal-habal and tell the driver that you’ll be going in Pata-an. The ride will cost you around Php 150. Just ask some locals for direction along the way and I’m sure they’ll be happy to help you.

Do you want change? Well, he want one…

Opps! I just realized that most of this graffiti was made for a radio station in Bacolod. 

Well, it was really hot during our visit to the gate so we were not able to check the whole area. We saw a bamboo house/hut at the back but no one was there so we were not able to get more details on the structure and of the house. Well, there’s also a small marine cemetery behind the old west gate.

Old West Gate

This gate was the entrance to the original Spanish Naval station established in Subic Bay in 1885. The principal Spanish construction lay to the east along what is now Rivera Point and consisted of an arsenal, several warehouses, and number of shop buildings.

Old West Gate Marker

The Base at Subic – Olongapo was used by the Spanish Navy to provide repair, supply, ammunition and medical support for ships. The post was commanded by the second commandancia of the base at Cavite and was considered a subsidiary of that command.

The Spanish garrison remained in possession of the Subic – Olongapo base until June of 1898 at which time they were driven out by FIlipino forces. The area was formally occupied by the U.S. Navy in September of 1899.

Last month, we went to Subic Tree Top Adventure for an extreme one-of-a-kind experience to end the summer vacation. The park really lives up to it hands down. And the best part, it is nestled at the lush, virgin forest of Subic.

Tree Top Adventure offers 9 different exciting outdoor activities such as Tree Top Adventure, Canopy Walk, Trekking, Jungle Survival demo, Aeta Tribal Presentation, Superman Ride, Interactive Free Fall, Silver Surfer and the ultimate of them all, the TREE DROP. The park is well-equipped with safety lines, harnesses, safety helmets and well-trained guides/instructors. The crew of Tree Top are really friendly, helpful and funny especially those in the Tree Drop area. Well, you don’t need to worry about safety in the park as this is their top priority.

Anyways, the first activity we tried was the Interactive Free Fall. Well, we want to try the Tree-Drop or the Silver Surfer first but unfortunately there was a long line and it was already late so the guides decided to close the lines, so we decided to go back first thing the next morning. Interactive Free Fall is a machine operated carries that can lift 3 persons. All you have to do is stand on a bar and it will shot up about 100feet high, then you’ll fall half way. This will be done repeatedly for 3-5minutes. It’s not as thrilling as the other rides, but it will make do especially if you’re not into extreme sports.

Next day…

It’s Tree Drop Adventure time! Yes, we were one of the first people in the Tree Drop area. We were that brave While other visitors were having a hard time deciding what to try we were doing the tree-drop. Aaahhh! Brave girls! But truth be told, we were scared but didn‘t want to show it. It was scary knowing you’ll be drop 60 feet high in just 2 seconds ala Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. It was suicide but I did it. I survived!

Well, at first I wasn’t so keen to do any activities as I was not feeling well that morning but after seeing my niece Em and cousin J doing it, I was so jealous that I decided to try it and forgot feeling nauseous. At least I have a reason if ever I vomit, right? Of course, I made sure that it was safe so I chatted with the crew. The guy told me “Ma’am, safe na safe po yan. Don’t worry! As long as hindi ka more than 360lbs”. Well, since I only weigh less than half of the 360 he told me “Hakang-haka yan ma’am. Yan nga hu mga 230lbs ata yan kayang kaya, ikaw pa! Sisiw ka lang ma’am”. After that he flexed his biceps and laughed as it was not that big. Anyways, we bought our tickets, signed the waiver, put on our safety gears, checked our weight and waited for the drop. The waiting was more frightening than the actual drop, as it was only a 2sec drop and before I knew it I was already on the ground. I didn’t have time to feel anything during the drop or to even scream my heart out, unlike Em who was really noisy as she banters with the crew and she even punched the guy before the drop while J had a hard time with the harness. It was a bit tight in the stomach so they had to adjust it again before they drop her. It was one heck of an experience and I highly recommend it. After the Tree Drop the rest of the activities were just so-so.

Superman Ride is like a zipline only you ride it in superman position, arms stretch on the bar in front of you while your legs are spread at the back. Then you’ll be whisked 500meters on the other tree then back for around 30seconds.

Silver Surfer is just like Superman Ride but instead of the flying position, you’ll be standing on one end of the metal swing while your friend stand on the other side like you’re surfing. The metal swing will then glide 500meters on the other tree, then back again repeatedly.

All-in-all Tree Top Adventure Subic is a great place for an extreme adventure with friends and family (not suitable for toddlers). Well, it was a unique way of communing with nature while doing extreme adventure. The crews are friendly, helpful and well-trained hands down. The rides are exciting. The place is perfect! The price not bad for an ultimate extreme experience.

TREE TOP ADVENTURE
JEST Area, Cubi Point, SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales

http://www.treetopadventure.com

Phone: (047) 252-9427

Five Simple Steps…

Be prepared to get wet this summer at Pataan falls. Located at Sitio Pata-an, Brgy.Mailum in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

***Blog post to follow… One Fine Day at Pataan Mountain Resort

It was a perfect morning for trekking as the weather was really good and the air was really cool. We trekked for 30 to 45 minutes to Igcabugao Cave from paddy fields, river & streams to climbing from rock to rock. It was not really my usual thing but I love it! It felt like I’m meant to be a mountaineer Well, just for that moment anyways.

On our way to the cave, I slipped at the paddy field as I was more interested on the view than where I was going – a very big NO, NO when trekking But it was really funny. I looked a sight for my legs and arms were covered with mud. Luckily, we passed a stream so I washed myself. Sadly, I forgot to take a photo first Well, after crossing 3 rivers & streams, we asked the guide if we’re already near the cave and he said yes. But of course it took us 15 more minutes to reach the cave as we kept on stopping to take pictures of the view and of course cam-whoring

Anyways, when we reached the entrance of the cave, Manong Morot distributed the helmet as this will protect us from falling rocks or from impact if ever we fall, and I’m glad to say that we didn’t. Yea! We rock! Well, while he’s preparing the petromax we had our photo op as this was our first time to be on a real cave. The cave in Crystal Cove in Boracay doesn’t count okay

Then we climbed on a make-shift ladder made of a small tree bark and it was very slippery. Actually, when I first saw the bark I was not really sure if it can hold our weight as it was really small but to my amazement, it did. Woot! Woot! Then we also crossed a bamboo bridge and we kinda had some troubles there. Well, Manong Morot crossed the bridge first to make sure everything was fine followed by Portia, Me and his son. But when it was Portia’s turn to cross, one of the bamboos she’s stepping on give way. It was scary and I think our hearts did summersault at that moment. Well, it didn’t hinder us from reaching our destination. We slide on the bridge instead of walking through it to distribute our weight on the bamboo and also in order not to slip. After that incident it was smooth sailing. Well, we weren’t able to see what’s on the other side of the cave for the water was rising. And we don’t have time to trek for another 6 to 8 hours to go back to the outpost so we decided to go back instead before we get trap inside.

Igcabugao Cave for me is really beautiful. Well, it may not be as beautiful as the other caves out there but it doesn’t matter right? The important thing is the cave is still healthy with lots of fishes, crabs and bats. The water is crystal clear and it’s very inviting. But as much as I want to have a dip I didn’t for I don’t want to get cold on the way to the falls. All-in-all Igcabugao Cave is a great place for spelunking, especially for newbies and those who just want to try it. The rate of hardship out of 10 is 2, as what the guide said. Well, for me as I’m new with this I could say 4, it was not that hard. I mean we didn’t prepare for it and we were wearing slippers a not so good idea as it is slippery but we made it with just a scratch so I think it was okay than fine.

Well, everything was easy on our way back. We didn’t have any problems or misadventure.

To be continued…

I glared killingly at my mobile phone for my mind and body was so tired and all it want is to rest for another couple of hours. Actually, I’m not a morning person so it was kind of hard for me to wake up and keep moving.

Well, to start my journey in discovering this hidden paradise one step at a time I drunk a cup of coffee with two spoons full of sugar to boost my energy as I was so tired, sleepy and a bit grumpy. But after a bath and a dose of caffeine in my system I was ready to take on any challenge the day has to offer. I so love the effect of the coffee in me even though it’s 3 in 1.

The view of Mt. Napulak

While drinking our coffee we heard the grumbling sound of an engine coming nearer and nearer, then it stopped all of a sudden just outside the gate. Well, it was our ride, and they were 15 minutes early so I jumped up and drunk my coffee, then brushed my teeth, peed and tossed all the things I think I needed on this trip in my backpack. We then said our goodbye to Auntie Pering and off we go.

It was a smooth and relaxing ride with a view of paddy fields, mountains, hills, rivers & streams, and a beautiful sunrise. I so love the exhilarating ride and the cold early morning breeze. After 30 to 45 minutes we arrived at Brgy. Passi and had to cross the make shift bridge on foot, as it can only accommodate 1 motorcycle (+driver) at a time. The bridge was destroyed last year by a typhoon and the local government hasn’t reconstructed it yet. We then looked for the login area but unfortunately we didn’t find anyone there as it was still early and one more thing it’s a holiday. We waited for our guide for 10minutes and then Manong Kola told us we better start our trek instead and he’ll be the one to guide us until his friend, the other driver, can get hold of the guide.

Wild sunflowers can be found everywhere in Igcabugao

From Brgy. Passi we weren’t able to ride up to Igcabugao as the other motorcycle is too small and not up for the uphill ride, so we went on foot. Portia had this comical look in her face I can only interpret as “what the? Are we out of our mind?” and I know I had the same look as well. The reason for this was we didn’t expect to trek from Brgy Passi to Igcabugao, as I read from my friends’ blog that she rode a habal-habal all the way to sitio Igcabugao. But we really didn’t have a choice since it’s either we trek on foot or risk our lives riding those rocky and jagged road.

One of the smallest mushroom in the world

Well, I think after 5 minutes walk we were already complaining and Portia told me later that she almost gave up but still we keep on walking. Along the way, we met Manong Morot (guide) and he told us that he didn’t received our text message the other day since he was in Mt. Napulak with a group of mountaineers and his mobile phone battery was empty. He only received the message at around 5AM that day and went to meet us at the tourist log-in area. We then continued our trek to Igcabugao.

We were almost half way to our destination when Portia gave us water and candies. I sipped a little water and popped the snow bear in my mouth, and guess what? That’s when I almost fainted and vomited. Well, all of a sudden I felt dizzy and disoriented. My stomach went sour and it’s kind of bubbling so I asked them if we could rest for a minute. Then I drunk some water and tried to vomit the sour taste but out of the blue I felt okay again, as if I didn’t feel nauseated earlier. I think what cause my upset stomach and nausea was the combination of the coffee and the menthol candy. Acid, acid, acid.

After that, we had 10 minutes rest at Manong Morot’s aunts’ house where we had a photo op of Mt. Napulak and the beautiful roses & sunflower there. Then we trekked some more and atlast we arrived at our destination finally, Sitio Igcabugao. All in all it was 1hour and 45 minutes of walking and when Mang Morot heard this he was a bit impressed since it would sometimes take mountaineers (with newbies) and other hikers’ 2-3hours to do it. Well, I think one of the reasons why we hiked faster than the others was because we didn’t have a lot of things with us and also manong Murot was the one who had our backpack. :p

Manong Morot with his kids

When we arrived at Mang Morot’s house in Igcabugao we met some mountaineers from Colegio de San Augustine who camped/stayed there. They were having breakfast and Manong Morot’s wife invited us to join them and since we only had Skyflakes on our backpack we accepted the offer. We were really “kapal” that time, not only did we ate their food, we also took advantage of the mountaineers from CSA as they were the one who washed our plates. Actually, we were going to washed it but the guy who’s on washing duty that morning told us that since he’s washing already will just give it to him so we did. Then we chatted with his friends, played with Manong Morot’s kids, and had a photo op.

Well, it was really a relaxing place with a beautiful view and cool winds. It’s a perfect place for an “alone & relaxing time”, away from the hustle of the city life.

To be continued…

Well, I guess I was just so excited to start my journey to Igbaras and see the biggest flower in the world. But unfortunately, I have to wait for Portia since she wasn’t able to join me in Iloilo the day before. When she arrived around 11:30AM, we decided to have lunch first before traveling for it will take an hour ride going to Igbaras town. We had lunch at the new branch of Ted’s La Paz Batchoy at the Diversion Road and met some friends there. I ordered a porkchop “namit” meal for Php120 (porkchop + batchoy & drink) while Portia ordered Ted’s famous Extra super batchoy. I love the taste and the crispiness of their porkchop but Portia said that she likes the taste of batchoy in SM Bacolod branch better. After lunch, we went to Days Inn hotel to leave the barquiron and barquillos to Enrico.

We went straight to Iloilo Terminal going to Igbaras at The Market. While waiting for more passengers, Portia chatted with the driver and discovered that they were related to some extent. Well, it was a smooth ride from the City proper to Igbaras town and the driver sort of become our tourist guide. Pointing out various tourist spots and providing us information along the way. Half way to our destination a group of 12 to 15 boys all dressed in black boarded on the top of the jeepney and sang their hearts out so lot of people were waving and smiling at us on the way.

After an hour and a half we finally arrived at Igbaras town proper (3:30PM). It’s time to stretch our muscles from the long and crumpy journey. Since it was late already and it was drizzling we decided to stay for the night at Auntie Pering’s house where we were greeted with warm smiles, we’ll just head to the mountain first thing in the morning. At Auntie Pering’s I met the uber talented and lovely girl, Inna. She entertained us all afternoon with her talents and antics. For such a young kid, since she’s 6yr old, she’s really good in declamation. I can’t imagine myself at that age declaiming a very long piece or even a short one. I can’t seem to get the hang of it. When we asked who taught her, she pointed and said “My mom”, and then we asked her how she memorized the piece and guess what her reply was. She said “I didn’t memorize it, I just read and read” WoahhH!!! A 6 yr old, who knows how to read, dance, sing, memorize, declaim, and act. I bet you’ll also like this cute kid too.

Anyways, Auntie Pering asked us where we want to go and we immediately replied “at Igcabugao” and they had this comical thingy in their faces saying “are you out of your mind?” They told us that it’s not that safe to go there on our own due to the leftist group. But we told them that we’ll be going with a guide and they said okay. They told us to contact Manong Kola, the driver, since he’s a friend of Portia’s cousin. So we did and we met at the town plaza. We arranged with him our departure time and also our guide name.

After that we had a photo op at the Church and the Plaza. On our way home we decided to checkout the sunset at this unknown bridge but unfortunately we weren’t able to catch the sunset there. But of course we didn’t waste our time at the bridge, instead we had another cam-whoring.

How to get there: Igbaras, Iloilo

Just ride a jeepney at the Iloilo Terminal Market bound to Igbaras or at Mohon Terminal in Oton. It’s an hour’s drive from Iloilo City to Igbaras. The jeepney will stop at the Igbaras Town proper near the Plaza.

The ABS-CBN Bacolod Masskara Village officially opened last October 5, 2010 with 61 colorful and beautiful masks designed by artists from the different cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental. Each artist has different style and concepts in making unique faces of Masskara. The masks are made from various materials such as pure beads, cloths, fiber glass, feathers and recycled materials to name a few. The Village just shows how creative and artistic the Negrenses are.

Well, out of the 61 entries, the judges will choose the top 10 finalist and then the top 3. There will also be special categories such as Photogenic Mask, Jolliest Mask and the Most Unique Mask awards. Aside from that the viewing public is also given a chance to choose their own bet for the People’s Choice Award, isn’t that great? All you have to do is to visit the Masskara Village Facebook page and viola you can vote for your choice.

The awarding for this years’ Masskara Village is set tomorrow October 15, 2010 at the Robinson’s Place Fountain Area. Hope to see you there! Anyway, here are some photos of the masks.

*****

ABS-CBN MASSKARA VILLAGE
2nd Flr Robinsons Place Bacolod