Conquering Mt. Pico de Loro

Adventure with nature has always been of my bucket list. Being with nature for sometime will let you feel calmness and peace by merely view the wonders of nature.

Just like one of my previous climb I was invited - to the summit of Mt. Pico de Loro. What the group had was a day hike, so we started the assault to the top early morning. Reaching the summit was an achievement. Looking that the vast, wide view of the plains and sea on the other, what a wonder it was!

About Mt. Pico de Loro --

Considered the highest mountain of the province of Cavite, Mt. Pico De Loro (also known as Mt. Palay-Palay) is so called because of a unique rock formation near its summit.  Pico De Loro, in Spanish, means Parrot’s Beak.  

more photos..

Location

• Located approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Manila by road, the mountain actually lies along the boundary of the provinces of Cavite and Batangas.
• There are two suggested jump-off points – one in Cavite and another in Batangas. Although logistically more difficult to stage (especially to visitors bringing their own vehicles) it is possible — and recommended — to traverse the mountain from one province to the other (i.e. From Cavite to Batangas or vice versa).
• The generally recommended route is to jump off at the Cavite side and descend to Nasugbu in Batangas.

How to get there..

• To go to the jump-off point from the Cavite side, follow the route going to Caylabne Bay Resort (Take SLEX and exit at Carmona).  Roughly 60 kilometers from Alabang/Filinvest, the jump-off point is a point along Ternate Hi-way known as the Magnetic Hill (there is a sign along the road), passing by the entrance to Puerto Azul.  The trail starts at the DENR outpost in Ternate, Cavite.
• Commuting visitors may take a bus at Lawton in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila going to either Ternate or Maragondon in Cavite.  Upon reaching Maragondon, take or hire a jeepney going to the jump-off point.
• The Batangas-side jump-off point is located at Barangay Papaya in Nasugbu, Batangas.
• Commuting visitor for the second jump-off site may take a bus ride to Nasugbu from Manila. From there, arrange for transportation to go to Barangay Papaya.

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Adrenaline Rush and Nature Trippin' at Jest Camp..

I always like to explore the beauty of nature.. It's always nice to be somewhere else; away from the stressful environment of the city. Got lucky to have been chosen and take part of exploring an adventure park in Subic. Welcome to JEST CAMP ADVENTURE & BIRD PARK!

JEST Camp, otherwise known as Jungle Environmental Survival Training, is an adventure camp for those who wants to have a chance to learn indigenous skills in an active, hands-on environment, educate them how to work with the wonders of nature responsibly through unique attractions (some first in the Philippines) and give them an unforgettable close-up experience with our beloved animals, critters and plants.

Since JEST Camp was firstly known for jungle survival, we had first hand demonstration on the basics.. 

Trying to make fire.. Not quite easy..

Can't wait to experience the actual jungle survival camp soon!

Now JEST Camp is more than that.. It currently has a bird park, where you can get up close and personal with different bird species. I, myself, got to experienced that.. Look!

But before we got to check out the birds and feed them, we were given that chance of experiencing ultimate adrenaline rush with two of Jest Camp's attractions - GOLIATH'S SWING AND AERIAL ADVENTURE WALK..

I love extreme adventure. Tried wall climbing, rappelling, mountain hikes and treks. All of these I'm into just to overcome one thing - fear of heights.. But when I tried the Goliath's Swing, it's a different story. One, your hanging 30 meters high.. Second, you'll never know when will the cord be released. Lastly, you'll definitely feel G-force as you are swinging back and forth. Best thing to do while doing this?? SHOUT!

I'm already praying at this time.. (photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)

The only words that came out my mouth when the cord was released - HOLY SHIT!
(photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)

I almost felt like my heart and stomach was left up there as I was swinging.. I just thought the rocket ride at Enchanted Kingdom was the extreme I experience; I was wrong..

Another attraction at JEST Camp was the Aerial Adventure Walk.. It's a series of obstacle trails from one tree to another.

Me, spearheading the first group who tried it..

Orientation before the challenge.. (photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)

Adventure walk.. (photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)

It was first time doing it and I want to this AGAIN!

With all these adventures and thrills we've experienced, we definitely need something to satisfy our tummies also.. Remember the survival photos shown earlier? Guess how our lunch was cooked.. No other than in bamboo trunks!

There goes our sinampalukang manok cooked in bamboo..

LUNCH! The JEST Camp way.. :)

I'm currently planning when to visit JEST Camp again.. Surely, it will be by next year.. EXCITING!

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#MakatiStaycation at Holiday Inn

It was a dream come true for me to be able to have that chance to stay in one of the iconic hotels in Makati - HOLIDAY INN.

I made my reservations few days after the #MakatiStaycation press launch. Ms. Teri of Holiday Inn was very accommodating in making sure everything's set by the time I check-in.

I was welcomed by the hotel's general manager ... That is my! Flattering.. Though I'm not used to it. Bit nerve-wracking!

Going back, our room was located at the 11th floor; and I so love the ambiance.. Explored the room; and what amazed me were the multimedia ports that are not actually located at the back or side of the flat screen TV. Cool!

First thing I did was jump in my bed and watch cable.. Talk about relaxation.. I am enjoying it!

While waiting for my sister to arrive from work, one of the staff brought something to my room. Fruits courtesy of the hotel. Still snuggled in my bed, more TV and internet; Wi-Fi connection is really good.

By the time my sister arrived, we called for some food delivery. Afterwards, slept like babies til 6:30-ish..

Good morning sunshine! That what greeted us by the window the next day.. We first have a dip in the hotel's swimming pool located at the roof deck. Their gym is also located in the same level.

Pool by the roof deck..

Then we let ourselves be famished with the hotel's sumptuous breakfast at Flavors.. Yum! Yum!

Food was definitely great. That was heaven for me! 

We were already packing up when the hotel representative called me and said that we can extend our stay a bit more. Cool!

My sister had a short workout at the gym. Afterwards, we said our appreciation from the hotel staff for the wonderful stay. More photos here..

Hope to experience this again. ^_^

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STAYCATION: Spending the Night at Eurotel

With all honesty, my first impression with Eurotel was just another motel in the metro. You may ask why? Maybe because of the location, some of their branches are quite near with other inns or apartelle that caters short time stays. Another reason was the building color; I'll say, I'm used to how other hotels in the metro looked like.

But that changed when I, myself experienced staying in one of Eurotel's branches located in Angeles, Pampanga.

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Exploring Mt. Daraitan

Exploring new places is what I like the most.. Those places not so much visited, nature well-preserved, great view, calm environment. These, me and my former colleagues encountered when we trekked to MT. DARAITAN..

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