Visiting the infamous Calaguas Island

I only had few chances of going to far-flung places by boat, though it was few, I am quite thankful to be able to visit Calaguas island, Bicol, Camarines Norte. 

I've heard so many things about the island from different blogs and photos. While it has also been a trending topic in my circle of facebook friends, Calaguas is something like a gem in the pocket to them that I soon learned to adapt as my own.

Located in Bicol, the easiest way to get here is probably an 8 hour bus ride. Plus 2 hours boat ride which could be extended depending on the waves of the sea. It felt too much to travel all the way from Manila, but getting there was all worth it. 

IT'S THE BEACH: Far from being Boracay, the island doesn't boast any night entertainment and cheap check-ins from the locals. It is pure serenity with spectacular scene in any angle you point your camera. On one side of the coast, there is a big lump of rock that was formed by the waves splashed from hundreds of years yet trek-able to make 'coverphotos' such as this.

It was given that Calaguas doesn't offer any luxury hotels nor cottages for rent. However, this problem can easily be solved by pitching a tent or putting up a hammock among the trees. Life is relatively at slow-pace here.

Traveling is a hobby of all ages. It transforms us to become 'more open' people to the different traditions surrounding us. 

IT'S ABOUT THE GANG: What makes an awesome travel experience? How's a bunch of chefs from Manila specializing in different cuisines sound? The people who came with me on this trip to the south are the organizers themselves who paid attention in making a short vacation rather special. These are just two examples below.

IT'S ABOUT ADVENTURE: Being with gang doesn't really mean food is all about the adventure. Our great organizers even planned to have a few skills to learn while enjoying a peaceful time in an unexploited island such as basic culinary, fire exhibition, have-a-henna, photography, skim boarding, and wine mixing.

Skimboard

Playing with Lights

At night, we were to put ourselves into a challenge of who can perform the best fire exhibition and enjoy a few 'unlimited' drinks of wine to get to know our fellow travelers together. 

IT'S ABOUT VALUE: When I came in for the trip, I manage to shell out just Php 3,500.00. This includes bus ride to and from Manila-Daet, boat ride, buffet food, electricity via diesel generator, tents; almost everything is provided except for that beach outfit. 

The reason why I re-wrote my Calaguas experience is because I wanted my friends to regain the breath of Calaguas beaches'. It is such a nice escape for a gang who seeks no further than enjoying themselves the simplest way they could. 

Until then Calaguas!

© pagduaw.blogspot.com

Biking | Boracay de Cavite (Marine Base Beach Resort)

Hooyah!!!

Since 2010, my mind has been boggling about Ternate, Cavite where the famous Pico de Loro establised itself to reward mountaineers who are new to the sport. Within the vicinity of Ternate, most people who come to climb the said mountain don't know much of other pocket wonders they may see within the area. One of which I am about to share is the dubbed Boracay de Cavite. Much known as the Marine Base Resort I have come to know after climbing Pico de Loro after Typhoon Ondoy.

From Manila, the resort is around 75 kilometers away from the busy city. It takes 2-3 hours bus ride from Lawton, Manila but I managed to bike it all the way under 6 hours. This is something that I prefer, bike touring.

I left Manila at around 2pm and arrived there about seven at night. I packed the usual stuff I bring every bike tour; three sets of clothes, one swimming trunks, and a pair of flip flops because I am going beaching and bumming around. This trip also gave me the oppurtunity to ride alone, solo for the whole 150 kilometer round trip.

I set up my prefered stay, under the shelter of a cottage, with a good amount of meal I ordered to be cooked at nearby convenience store. Yes, there is a one stop mini shop inside.

In the morning... Well, at around 3 am in the morning, I was dozing inside my duyan or hammock in three star camping luxury but woke up because the vocal cords of training marines were singing military cadence. 

Hooyah! Hooyah! Mama, Mama, can't you see?

I can't even squeeze myself in a moment to take some photos because the training soldiers were actually in the beach. Something that is very forbidden to do.

But still, I managed to take some few photos that I could be happy to keep.

Shooting Star?

As soon as the sun rose, gradually I was able to see what's around me and I realized that the resort isn't really feeling special like those in Calaguas or El Nido. It does, however, serve as a true pocket wonder to those who wants relax after a day climb from Pico de Loro. Families living nearby Cavite area also love the idea of hitting the beach for summer, and this is too okay for the itinerary.

Entrance costs 100 pesos during the day. Overnight stay will set you back 200 pesos. There's a dry kitchen for cooking sinugba or barbecue and a videoke machine for that long joyful night. What about cottages? Ah, yes! It ranges from 250php to 350php depending on the size. Still try to haggle! =)

If someone wishes to enjoy the night at Ternate, you can easily check into their rooms which costs 750 pesos/night. It's no air-conditioned room though, but spending the night there can be cool and breezy so no fuss and complaints.

The morning was serene. Waves meet the ground calmly but somewhat kissing.

On Left: I noticed that Gibson boots or combat boots are a normal sight here and there. I wonder why these training marines need to dip into the water every now and then during my stay... Probably to vent off a weary body and to cool oneself.

Here's a video of the bike tour.

How to get here?

From Lawton, Manila. Take a bus going to Ternate, Cavite for 80-100php. Drop off at the intersection near Munisipyo de Bahra. Take the tricycle there and tell the driver that you will be going to the Marine Base Resort. This costs 300php per trip.

Tips:

1) There are no fish for sale in the area. You can go marketing in the town proper before hand for a sumptous grilled meal.

2) You can bring tents, just tell the assigned staff where to erect your portable house.

3) Bring anti-mosquito lotions.

Riding Fort Bonifacio Mountain Bike Trail at Night, Possible?

When it comes to trail biking in Manila, you either have three options to go for a bike ride. Camp Aguinaldo, Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroe's Cemetery), and the famous Fort Bonifacio MTB trail. But the big question is... Can you possibly ride them at night? 

The closest bike trail in my place is undoubtedly the one located in the Army Headquarters (Fort Bonifacio), so I decided to try and find out. 

Since the trail is only open from 6AM - 6PM, I decided to stay until sun down. I learned that because the trail is heavily covered by vegetation, the it will already dark enough to turn on my bicycle headlight at 5:30 PM in the afternoon. 

Here's a photo of the bike trail at around 5:30 PM.

Like what I said in my older post, the trail extends 5.8 kilometers in length consisting of technical turns. With the moon above me, night riding can be serious fun if your know what you're doing. The air is significantly cooler, easier to breathe, and the sense of danger wrapped by silence is just part of the package. Awesome?! Of course!

I was able to finish one round until the trail master closed the gate and calling it a day. 

Though I recommend night riding for everyone, here are some tips I can share.

1) Gear Basics - Helmet, Shoes, Proper Clothing (Dry Fit upper and baggy shorts)

2) Check weather. I used Google Now to update me most of the time.

3) Check your lights. Always have the right equipment for the job. If you don't have a good light, better not go into riding at night. The trick here is being visible at the same time your ability to see the road clearly ahead.

4) Know the Trail First. Ah, before I forget. One should ride the trail on daytime first before he gets himself into riding at night. Using this approach, you are more aware of the sudden turns and bumps in the route. It'll be a safer ride.

Again, ride safe. 

Bike Trails: Fort Bonifacio Bike Trail

Mountain Biking in the heart of the city means that you'll go well with what Fort Bonifacio Bike Trail has to offer. It has been a constant love affair with me and my bike every weekend whenever I am in Makati. After all, this man-made bike trail is just 30 minutes away from my place using pedal power.

 So what does this bike trail has to offer as opposed to the one in Camp Aguinaldo?

For a start, it does have two options for difficulty presented in either Blue or Red flags. Blue flags are actually the easy part of the trail. This route is best for beginners who wanted to try dirt cycling or mountain biking for the first time. It is relatively short at around 3.8 kilometers. 

While the red flag offers five-something kilometers and a lot of technical portions such as steep descents, and hill climbs. The red route will surely reward yourself into a bliss of adrenaline inside the city. I highly recommend this one for novice riders who wanted to test their handling and balance skills.

Now for what cost you ask? A whole day unlimited ride will set you back 50 pesos. Not bad considering how the trail has progressed to a more exciting getaway since the first route was established almost five years ago.

Other services you can avail inside the camp is their Bayanihan or Kamayan Hall where good food are being prepared by the enlisted personnel themselves. Don't fret when an officer stops by to ride, they're as harmless as you are... and would be happy to entertain visitors and make new friends.

Philippine Army Band practicing at Bayanihan Hall

What can I probably ask for more in this humble yet impressive little bike trail? Well, I always wanted to try out night riding inside the mini forest. I just wish they would extend the biking hours to 8pm. Just two hours more from the usual 0600-1800H time. Oh well, I just think they'll only be going to consider that when there's someone willing to post on duty for the extra hours. 

For now I'm just enjoying the privilege. 

What should you prepare before entering the trail?

1) Wear your helmet.

2) Wear closed shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

3) Bring your patch kits or extra tubes.

4) Bring your air pump.

5) Don't forget to pay and ask for receipts. It helps the trail master on duty, a lot!

Update: As of November 2012, there's a new dressing cottage for a quick shower. No details as to how much it will cost you to use the facility.