Trek to Mount Banahaw

Mount Banahaw is the mountain that serves as a border between Majayjay, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon. There are many hikers who visit the place because it is the nearest 2000-meter mountain to Manila. This mountain is also popular to the pilgrims as this is known to be a holy place.

Around the area of the mountain, there are some residents who adore the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. They make Rizal as their savior. They even have a chapel where they praise the national hero.

One will love the place because of its natural beauty. It has a verdant mountain, clear water river, and small and big-mouthed caves.

The river is clean and pure. You can submerge yourself in the water without worrying if you will have skin itchiness after. There is also waterfalls here where you can jump from the top into the river. The water in one river here is believed to have a curative power. When you pass by this river, you will see people taking a bath because they believed they will be healed.


If you like spelunking, this place is also good for you. There are caves here with various sizes of exits and entrances. Be sure that the cave you are getting into is safe. When we had our field trip before, there was once who almost got injured. She exited to the dead end. It was a very small cave and you could get through it only by crawling. She should turn left, but instead, she went straight. Good thing that we had good tour guides who helped her.


Going to the top of Mount Banahaw is very tiring, but once you are on top, it is very rewarding. This is the destination of most pilgrims during the holy week because there is a holy cross at the summit of this mountain.


Mount Banahaw, Philippines
March 2006
With PI 100 students under Nilo Ocampo

Alone in Baguio

My first travel adventure was when I traveled alone to Baguio. Like some of the first time travelers, I felt scared at the beginning. However, since this was what I wanted to do in life, I had successfully overcome my anxiety.

I went at the Victory Liner Bus Station in Kamuning, Quezon City. The bus to Baguio would leave at 12 midnight and it would reach the place at 6 in the morning. I could not remember anymore the bus fare, but maybe, it was not lower than 500 pesos.

I arrived at the Summer Capital of the Philippines at six in the morning of April 2007. When I arrived in Baguio City, I felt really scared and worried. Only then I realized that it was Friday the 13th plus I was a graduating college student. According to some superstitious beliefs, something bad would happen on Friday the 13th. On the other hand, a graduating student would be prone to accident that might cause injury or death. This thinking scared me most. I even tried to ride in a bus again and went back to Manila. But then, there should be no back-outs. I should overcome my fear.

I stepped out from the bus and started my journey. As I walked outside the bus station, I could feel the cold wind. I bought “taho” so I would feel warm. I looked for Baguio Resident’s Hall (BREHA), a dormitory in UP Baguio (UP students usually have discount here once they show their UP ID). I paid for one night stay in this dormitory. I was alone in the room. Again, I was scared because Baguio had been known as a home for ghosts and other spirits. But then again, I should overcome my fear because this was what I wanted to do in my life (I keep on reiterating this to give me confidence).

I left my baggage in the dormitory and began my exploration. I strolled around Baguio so I would be familiar of the place. These were the places I had seen:

1) UP Baguio Campus. As a UP student, I should not miss the chance of visiting the UP Baguio Campus and seeing its oblation. The UP Baguio Oblation is smaller than the oblation in UP Diliman. It is color black, and it stands on a structure surrounded by flowers and plants.


2) Sunshine Park. On the way to SM Baguio, one would passed by a small park called Sunshine Park. There are colorful flowers and lush plants here that make you feel relaxed.


3) SM Baguio. Baguio is also popular because of its ancient collections. During graduation in UP, we wear Filipiniana costume. I scouted for this Filipiniana costume in SM Baguio because I knew they had the nicest Filipinana. Yes, they had the most wonderful costume, but it was very expensive. I then texted my mom and informed her that we would just buy the Filipiniana costume in Manila.


Those are the places I have visited in Baguio City. I still plan to come back to see the other tourist destinations I have not visited before.

Baguio City, Philippines
April 2007
Alone

Why I love to travel

My interest in traveling has been triggered by my history subjects during my high school years. I have been attached to Philippines and Asian History, so from then on, traveling around Philippines and Asia has been added to my goal lists.

As I start to travel, I find many reasons to continue this passion. Here are some of those things:

1) Form of Relaxation. When I travel, I am immersed in a new environment. Everything I see and experience is new to me. This gives me an invigorating feeling. I become refreshed and renewed when I go back to my real life.
2) Meet new friends. I meet several people as I travel. These people are usually the drivers, hotel personnel, restaurant staff, tour guides, tourists and many more. These people especially the local residents give me a more intensive information about the place or the tourist attractions I am visiting. I can expand my network by chatting and mingling with them
3) Learn many things. This is my fundamental reason of traveling. Travel provides me a lot of learning experiences. I explore and discover more about the place’s history, its culture, and its people.

Traveling is the best hobby of all hobbies. I spend money, but it is all worth it since the learning I get along the way is eternal and non-payable.