My Unexpectedly Beautiful Sanchez Peak Adventure

First, I would really like to express once again, my deepest gratitude to God for this great opportunity to climb another mountain (with great friends) after a year of deprivation just staring at them daydreaming, and only traveling places like as if I'm a wealthy tourist in her best modern-city OOTD (which I'm totally not). My love for mountain climbing is therefore irreplaceable.

We rode to Gensan via bus at around 8 AM from Davao City, with my hiking buddies Jake and Kela, plus her recruits and my friend, Aia. We took our lunch first upon arriving and met our hardcore female guide, Ate Sherlyn Riaz. We bought few more goods along the way and proceeded to Barangay Olympog, our chosen trail, to start the trek. We chose this option because it's more challenging than the other trails and has some shades of coconut trees and tall grasses we can walk under for some time against the burning heat of the sun.

Photo credit: Rahratt Hudieres

Behold, the handmade of the Lord!

Sanchez Peak is indeed known as a natural tourist destination in Gensan that many people are coming to, especially during weekends overcrowding the peak like a famous beach resort. We did not expect the number of visitors and locals in the area bringing with them their single motorcycles via Balasinag/Balakayo trail. The land owner, Sir Jun Sanchez had put up a few open cottages and a mini store at the peak that sells a gallon of water for Php50, ice, canned goods, beverages, snack chips, and barbeque. They can also cook chicken tinola for you!

Photo credit: Rahratt Hudieres

Photo credit: Rahratt Hudieres

View of Mt. Matutum from Sanchez Peak

We had heard, read and thought that Sanchez Peak is just a minor climb but the one we got was not what we expected. We wanted to visit the waterfalls, so we had to do long hiking over several mountains and river trekking, which is good to get relief from the sun, then to Amsicong/Kalaja Falls. But the descent trail we took was made for real adrenaline junkies with not just hiking along slopes and cliffs or jumping over big rocks, but also wall climbing!

Conquering the 127 Hours rock. lol

I made it to the top. Photo credit: Aia Lou Bangcong

The trek was overall, rad! I loved the rock climbing even though I got a little nervous but this was my choice, to get lost and get wild. (And to feel physical pain, I guess) So this wasn't just a minor hike, I daresay. And I appreciate a company that doesn't complain but fights the battle within themselves despite the exhaustion and tests of nature. 

End of Trail.

P.S Congratulations to Korrina, Shyla, Fergie, Steph and Aia for conquering their first climb!☺☺☺

AWAO FALLS On-Site Photography Contest 2015

Awao falls in Monkayo, Compostela Valley is one of the biggest waterfalls I've seen. It has three series after the first grand waterfall itself, and it was named after the place in particular, Barangay Awao. I didn't had the slightest idea about it, never even heard of it from friends, until I was caught with an image of its beauty on facebook.

So this explains my piece here how I got to witness another stunning waterfall in the island, all for free. Yes, I took the opportunity despite my fear and shame of joining such event from which I am not even capable of calling myself a photographer, but with my crazy friend, Aia, we drove over. Just my lucky day! :)


This. is. Monkayo.

Courtesy call at the Municipal Hall of Monkayo with Mayor/Vice Mayor Brillantes

From here, I thought our target was almost near but Barangay Awao was so far I haven't count the time and my excitement almost faded out. lol

When we arrived at Awao from the bus, we rode again in a mini cab instead of the scary skylab (thanked God we had that option!) to get to the falls. I expected this kind of rough adventure but I haven't prepared enough for the trip because I thought, first, the event was cancelled, and second, Aia was kinda precarious a night before. So that day thinking my camera was enough, I forgot to bring any sun protection and extra clothes to change.

Look at them weapons!

This is just the second waterfall. Locals above the picture shows rappelling can be done from the third falls down to here. We did not access the third falls because it requires technical skills which I would dare to take but wasn't given the chance, and the LGU itself did not rather advice it to their "photographers."

Now going to the first grandiose waterfall, we needed to walk carefully downhill in an approximately 80 degree slope. That wasn't EASY!

But hey! Aia made it though extremely panting

Presenting! Awao Falls!!!

They said it's more astonishing if the waters are abundant that it covers the whole rocky part of the picture. Notice how small those people look from here? It's awesomely great to see this in person. And what are you waiting for? Visit Monkayo and experience the hugeness of Awao falls! ;)

For the love of nature!

I am not a professional lensman for the event though, but I promote natural wonders.

Mission Accomplished.

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Cheap Samal Destinations for Mere Naturelovers

I've been talking about many other places I've traveled but not so much about my hometown. Yes it's tremendous to be in a place you've never been to before, but this time, just let me share my favorite spots nearest to my comfort zone, Davao City.☺

Last Sunday, I went back to this island with my family (which was a miracle in an instant) and this reminded me of my love and passion with nature after being fed up of having hard days work (and so write anything about it).


• Hagimit Falls

Hagimit is found in Peñaplata, Samal passing the terminal and public market and way up after a bridge as landmarks.☻ Water is cold, perfect to dip in under the tropical sun if you don't want to get totally sunburned in the beach. Entrance is Php40.00 for adults and Php20.00 for children. There's also a 5peso environmental fee along the entry road from the main highway.

A natural relaxing massage for lil bro

Exploring with Sherwin

*Throwbacks:

Second time with workmates

First time with highscool friends

• Canibad

The far most perfect location away from the busy city life and to catch sunrise! I only got here for a while during an island day tour but the place was really relaxing yet simple. It has a wide coastline and a diving spot by the rockies which I haven't tried yet, but sure soon I will. ;)

Midyear 2011

• Isla Reta

Also an idyllic romantic location for naturelovers, even great for those with brokenhearts. LOL! Far away from the metro, this island in Talicud, Samal can be reached after an hour of sea travel from Magsaysay Port, Agdao but it's all worth it! I just love Isla Reta so much it gives me euphoria!

*Yes, my favorite.. but I lost my own old photos in this gorgeous white sand beach♥♥♥ I'll be back soon then! :)

• Sunset Beach Park

Facing the city is this famous inviting resort named Sunset! It is easily located near the island main port with only Php40.00 entrance. Party nights are on Saturdays if you are in the mood for social entertainment.

Night chill with O.R buddies

• ISLA Beach Resort

The cheapest last resort you can have but can still enjoy the view of the city across and the beach itself for only Php25.00! It would not be the place that matters after all, it's the company you have all along.♥

With team cupcakes Summer2015 :)

Visiting Maragusan

March 27, 2015 5AM | We left Davao City to Tagum City via public van for P70/head in an hour. Then from Tagum terminal, we rode another van going to Maragusan for P130/head in almost 2 hours. We chose to visit this place for Kharren's 24th birthday on the 28th of March because we wanted adventure, plus they have a family friend who can guide us there, and it's a new place for us to unwind.

Hello Maragusan!

This is where we stayed

We first visited the nearest Tagbibinta Falls which has long been famous in the place. It can be reached easily but it has several more falls beyond Tagbibinta but we only reached 3/7. The trail way up is slippery and it gets pretty more challenging.

Tagbibinta Falls

2nd series

3rd series

Tagbibinta Pool

After this afternoon river trekking sport, our next destination was at Haven's Peak. We planned to go there for the night to get a view of Maragusan with the whole municipal lights on. It's located near the terminal so you can easily spot it once you arrive in Maragusan. We experienced the skylab ride that thrilled us for a moment of joy and danger, and the panting of our breath as we walked up the hill. But the ambiance of their restaurant was so serene it made us feel relaxed afterwards. We also enjoyed their videoke that can be heard all over the town, so you better sing at your best! Kharren's friends, Janjan and Janmark who accommodated us, had beautiful voices they can serenade you like Bruno Mars!

Janjan at Haven's Peak

Romantic Restaurant

Haven's Peak Kiddie Pool and Adult Pool

We spent the rest of the night at Tago bar, with Janjan and Janmark's friends, and met Kharren's birthday with cupcakes and candles, and a birthday song played over the sound system.


Day 2 | Aguakan Cold Spring

Aguakan Cold Spring

4-10 ft. Adult Pool

We started the day late in the afternoon for Aguakan because of hangover. We missed the hot spring that would assuage our muscle aches, but we wouldn't want to miss more the last trip to Tagum, so we packed up for home. Sure we will never forget this place and the hospitality that Janmark's family and friends showed, Janjan, Winjay and more, so thank you so much guys for the time and accommodation! :)