Tara Gumala: Bulacan

Showing posts with label Bulacan. Show all posts

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Mudhike at Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon, San Miguel, Bulacan

This hike was organized by BaseKamp Galleria, a shop selling outdoor stuff and organizing budget hike for marketing purposes. It was not our first time to join their event and I vouch that they are great with what they are doing.

Mt. Manalmon is part of the historical Biak - na - Bato National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan. From Manila it is just 2 hours drive from Manila. Mt. Manalmon is famous for its Rock Formation and the monkey bridge at the Madlum River (which was featured in the Bear Brand Commercial). Summer is the best time to visit this place because the trail is dry and you can do river crossing, plus the water is clear.

Ikaw saan ka kumukuha ng tibay mo?

Huhuhuhu!

Anyway, this hike was rescheduled because of a storm and you know what happens to the mountain after a storm. MUD! Yes, we were welcomed by mud. I was not prepared for it and even my shoe gave up for too much mud. :( The hike would have been easier if the trail was dry! Haii. I will do a revenge hike for this. Probably when my schedule permits.

Here is a sample itinerary:

5:00 AM Ride a bus that is bound for Cabanatuan (via Bulacan) *Baliwag Transit has an hourly trip going to Cabanatuan.

7:00 AM ETA San Miguel and take a tricycle to jump - off

8:00 AM ETA Jump - Off, Register at Sitio Madlum get guides at community

8:30 AM Start trek

10:00 AM ETA summit of Mt. Manalmon; take pictures. Have lunch

12:00 NN Start descent

2:00 PM Side trip at Madlum and/or Bayukbok Caves (Optional)

4:00 PM Try Monkey Bridge at Madlum river

5:00 PM Freshen up | Travel to the main road

6:00 PM Bound for Manila

8:00 PM Home Sweet home!

For the registration and guide fees you may inquire with this number. (0948) - 916 - 3928. This is Sir Lian our guide in this hike. He is friendly and even let me borrow his hammock when I decided to just stay at the registration while I waited for my team to return from the Bayukbok Cave.

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA: Mt. Manalmon is a very easy hike what makes it challenging was the excruciating mud! It is a must visit for beginners during summertime. I will definitely comeback and do a revenge hike.

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Monasterio De Tarlac

This very timely since it is the Lenten Season or commonly known as Holy Week. This is the season that we reminisce the sacrifices that Jesus did to save the humanity. It is also the season when Catholics repent all

their sins and abstain. In Filipino we call it "Mahal na Araw" and we always hear the phrase "Mangilin ka".

Most Filipinos are doing "Visita Iglesia" during holy week. Visita Iglesia is visiting different churches. They believe that you can make a wish if it is your first time to visit that church and your wish will come true. Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac have numerous historic and holy churches like Barasoain Church, Malolos Church, San Guillermo Church, and St. Michael the Archangel Church.

If you are a devoted Catholic or even not, Monasterio De Tarlac is a good place to visit. It has a beautiful landscapes and castle like houses, has a beautiful scenery, and a gigantic statue of Jesus just like the one in Brazil. The said statue is the must see in Monasterio De Tarlac. Lastly, they held masses in the open area during Lenten season to cater the number of devotees.

The Christ Redeemer Statue

Beautiful Sunset at Monasterio De Tarlac

Monasterio De Tarlac is really far from the Tarlac City. I think it took us 1 hour and a half just to get there. There were tricycles for hire but I am not aware how much will it cost you.

From Manila, you just have to take NLEX then SCTEX and exit at Tarlac. From there, it will be another 1 and a half hour going to Monasterio De Tarlac. There are sign boards around the area and asking the locals will help. We got lost but it was fun, travelling with your family is priceless.

Ano, TARA GUMALA!

CIAO.

GABRIELA

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The year I've become liberated

2013 : Year of my LIBERATION

O yes, you read it right. Liberation. I become liberated on 2013. You want to know why? Simple lang pero first, let's define what is liberated. Liberated means to be freed, not bound from traditional roles. So why liberated? Kasi nga po, I turned 21 last year. It means, I'm an adult and I take charges on my actions. I can decide on my own (though I still ask for some advice), go out of my comfort zone, and use my right to vote. This is also the year I got my license and started my graduate schooling. Lastly, I am free! Not everybody on my age can do such thing. I started backpacking locally and internationally without any help from my mother, yes without any help and I'm so proud of it. I also learned new thing e.g. Diving, snorkeling without any life vest, train system, culture, and how to while in Malaysia. I even enrolled in Graduate School.

2013 has been a great year. Damang dama ko pagiging adult ko. I had problems financially and have to pay bills! Yea, BILLS are really part of adulthood. HAHA. On the bright side, I had the chance to explore some cultures of my beloved Philippines and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! So liberating right?

Highlights of places and events I've been to last 2013: