Travel Guide to Tanay, Rizal

TARA SA TANAY, HANE!

Tanay is just 1 - 2 hours away from Manila, depends on the traffic. It has been serving a lot of tourists, mostly locals, a great escape from the bustling sound of Metro Manila. I don't know much about Tanay, whenever I hear about it all I can remember is that it is a place where Joseph Estrada was house arrested! Nothing more, nothing less.

Until recently, a friend of mine asked me if I have been to a falls in Tanay. I was puzzled if there is such a thing and I even doubt if it is really stunning.You can't blame me, it just an hour away from Manila and we all know how polluted Manila is!

Anyway, me and my travel buddies/photographers (c) Sir Elvis for the photos below (naks naman), set a date to explore Tanay for a day. I did not do a full research about Tanay, I just asked a co-blogger, Sir Jay, who has been there a week before ours. Since this blog is all about my travel, itinerary, how to's; I'm gonna give you guys my travel tips to Tanay! HANE?

This is our itinerary, hope this will help you.

TIPS!

1. If you are travelling with group like 4 - 5 pax, you may opt to rent a tricycle for a day. Rate ranges from 800 - 1000 depending on your haggling skills! Though if you are a group of 10, renting a van is the best option as there are no jeeps passing thru Daranak and Calinawaan Cave.


2. TRAVEL EARLY! As in 4am - 5am. To avoid heavy flow of traffic in Ortigas Ext., -___-

3. Gates of Daranak Falls opens at 8:00am, be there before the said time as it gets crowded. If you don't like being in a crowded place, Daranak Falls is not for you. Though I was able to get a good shot! ;)

4. Never miss Batlag Falls, yes the entrance is VERY EXPENSIVE!!! For the record, it costs 120 Php per head. I know, even I contest about it but I have no choice. IT WAS PRIVATELY OWNED BY A GREEDY INDIVIDUAL!!! Nevertheless, I enjoyed it because I was the only one swimming during that time!!! hahaha. #RareMoments

Photo Credit: Sir Elvis

5. Calinawaan Cave is not a must see. It is also privately owned by a clan and not properly maintained. If you are a celebrity fan, you'll recognize the place as it is one of the favorite locations for shooting. One of the recent movies filmed there was Bonifacio.

Photo Credit : Mark Garcia

6. Visit the old church of San Ildefonso, the one in the town center. It has a sculpted tree with an image of Mother and Child(Not so sure about it). It is worth visiting plus there is a saying that you can wish in a church when it is your first time to visit it.

Photo Credit : Frezian Villanueva

7. REGINA ROSARI. Largest Mama Mary I have ever seen! Reminder: Shorts, mini skirts and sleeveless are not allowed to go up to the statue but they are giving long skirt ("tapis"). The view up there is very relaxing, the lush greenery of Sierra Madre and the fresh air! Ahhhh!!!! Though it is really crowded -____-

Photo Credit: Frezian Villanueva

8. If you are a fan of balancing stones, you find a lot of it at the river below the gates of Daranak Falls!

Credits to Sir Elvis

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? VISIT TANAY NOW! ESCAPE FROM THE HUSTLE BUSTLE OF MANILAAAAAAA!


 Hope I helped you in any way. Please leave a comment if you have any clarifications and I'll be glad to answer it all.


Ano, TARA GUMALA??

CIAO.
--
GABRIELA.

Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

A SECRET HIDEAWAY IN SAMAL ISLAND

Samal Island or also known as IGaCoS (Island Garden City of Samal) is a small island in Davao Gulf under the jurisdiction of Davao del Norte. It is nearby Davao City and been a hideaway for people who wants to escape their city lives. Only 10 - 45 minutes away from Davao depends on where you want to go. 

Hof Gorei Beach Resort is second to none accommodation in Samal Island, it may not be as prestigious as the Pearl Farm because it is privately owned by a Filipina whose husband is an Austrian. One of their unique features is that they assign personal butler in every room. In our case we had two butlers because I booked two rooms. 

I will give you a list on why to choose Hof Gorei Beach Resort as your next destination in Samal. 

1. They are easy to deal with, their reservation officer is very accommodating and ensured our boarding in their transfer (Yes, they provide free transfers from port to resort v.v.).

It was a large pump boat and we were the only guests that were transported

2. Your personal butlers are very attentive and will ensure that all your needs are given! Kudos for this and for preparing a romantic dinner for my family! (It was my parent's anniversary) We experienced a not usual dinner because of their set up.

Meet our personal butlers! Not just one, but TWO!

The Dinner with candlelight. Soooo romantic

3. Their food is surprisingly delicious and fresh. I loved their Puting Paksiw! :) 

4. The attic room is the best! Very spacious and has a nice view from lush green landscape to a relaxing view of the ocean overlooking Mt. Apo!  :) You should stay at this room as it provides tropical vibe to your vacation. Highly recommended but it is not advisable for oldies as it requires going upstairs.

5. It was like we rented the whole place, it was not crowded compared to Pearl Farm! You will surely enjoy the serenity of this place from white sand shore to lush green landscape to their swimming pool. It may not have activities but enjoying the nature is already time consuming! :)

6. Their jacuzzi on top was a surprise as well as the view on the way there.

7. You will feel closer to nature from white sand to different exotic trees to paradise view on our windows  to endangered birds in their vicinity.

For inquiries you may reach them thru the ff:

Address: Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines, 8120

Website: http://hofgorei-resortdavao.com

Contact No.: +63 922 864 6814 | +63 920 966 7564 | +63 917 711 3868

Ano, TARA GUMALA? 

CIAO.

--

GABRIELA

Mt. Pulag : Adventure of a First Timer

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Mt. Pulag is very popular as it is one of the highest mountains in the Philippines, it is 2,922 meters above sea level and the magnificent "SEA OF CLOUDS". There are several trails up to the summit depends on what type of mountaineer are you. There are three prominent trails going to the peak, these are the Ambangeg - Ambangeg trail, Akiki - Ambangeg trail and Akiki - Ambaguio trail. 

Ambangeg trail is the easiest trail of all, this known as celebrity trail. (If it is your first time to hike, you have to choose this). I am not a mountaineer but this trail is like a walk in a complicated park. I will give you guys some tips on what to expect and prepare before your climb to Mt. Pulag.

1. Have a LEGIT tent.
This is very important because the COLD will bother you at night and having a good tent will protect you from extreme coldness. They said that it will be best if your tent's under sheet is NOT made of sack as it penetrates water compared to water proof cloth.

Someone's happy inside the tent!

   

2. THERE IS NO DECENT COMFORT ROOM
Well, what can you expect. The government is not funding it. According to the DENR officer, there was a project on coming up with a bathroom using the mist from clouds BUT. tsk. tsk. Anyway, if you could bare the smell of mixed feces and urine you may do so but I highly doubt, that is one of the most terrible smell I have ever experienced! EEK! >_<


3. You will enjoy the trail going up because of the scenery and cool climate, it is like walking in an air conditioned room.

 4. The trail is really tiring, it is a loooong walk (sometimes muddy) with some assaults, like 90 degrees assault all the way up to Camp 1. It is okay to 'take 5' (a.k.a REST). There is no race as everyone will be accommodated in the camp 2 and extension of Camp 2. Don't worry if you are left behind, in every climb there is a so-called 'sweeper' in every group, who makes sure no one gets left behind.

5. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE BONE SHIVERING COLDNESS OF MT. PULAG!!!
I was wearing 5 layers of clothes!

1st: Undershirt
2nd:Long sleeves
3rd: Knitted Jacket
4th: Wool Jacket (Gap)
5th: WINTER JACKET

I was also wearing 2 PAIRS OF GLOVES, socks, thermal stockings, leggings and trekking pants but the cold managed to penetrate in my skin!!!

Ohhh, never forget your scarf and bonnet! :)

 

That's it! You are now ready to conquer Pulag and witness the SEA OF CLOUDS! GOODLUCK!


Special thanks to Basekamp Galleria for organizing this event and making it budget friendly. You can visit their facebook page and follow their upcoming invitational climbs! For those asking how much it costs me to reach Mt. Pulag. I only paid 2,500 Php, ALL - IN! They also prepared our dinner and brunch. :)

It was my first climb and I am proud to say that I conquered Mt. Pulag!! I think you too can do it! Have faith and be prepared. :) I advise that you join Basekamp's climb to Mt. Pulag as they provide all your needs and patiently answers all your queries.

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA.

The Year I've become a traveller

2014 TRAVELS

List of places I've been for the past year

2014 is a memorable one mainly because of the following:

1. I started this blog TARA GUMALA. 

2. I started travelling and organized DIY travels. 

3. I got a life insurance. 

4. I traveled with my family.

5. I got a chance to do a volunteer work before the year ends. 

Hoooraaaaahhhh!

Okay, I do not know how to start this, I'm in a dilemma whether to present it chronologically or based on my favorite spots. :) I guess, to avoid any biases, I will just have to go with the chronologically order. 

1. Baler, Aurora

2. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

3. Albay, Bicol

4. Subic Beach, Sorsogon

5. Rock Formation, Biri, Northern Samar

6. Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

7. Puerto Princesa, Palawan

8. El Nido, Palawan

9. Boracay Island, Aklan

10. Davao City + Samal Island

11. Mt. Pulag National Park, Benguet

12. Sitio Yangka, Capas, Tarlac

Puro local lang travel ko for 2014, how about in 2015? :)

Wow, it was like I travelled every month. Amazing! Thank you Lord for this year of travel, for keeping me safe always.


Cheers to more years of travels! Cheers to endless wanderlust! Cheers, TARA GUMALA! :)


Thank you for travelling with me, looking forward to our future travels.

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO. 
--
GABRIELA

Basket of Joy 2014 | Initiative for Social Action

PASKONG PINOY!

(c) Dave Sinson III

I recently joined a group of young professionals, mostly law students from Ateneo and their group is called ISA or Initiative for Social Action. It was founded by Jaypee and Mark Robe. This  is purely volunteerism and giving service to the people, especially those in the marginalized sector. Since it only started few years ago, they only have an adopted community which is Sitio Yangka in Capas, Tarlac but they are planning to reach other communities in the near future.

Before our outreach last December 20 - 21, 2014, we had an orientation at the basement of a fast food chain. The orientation went well and everything were properly explained though I am still curious on what my contribution will be. (Ayoko namang maging palamuti lang dun). I was so excited the whole week, I really miss doing something that is out of my daily routine and meeting other people that I know will help me get back on track, which is really working with people. I was kinda lost when I started working in a medical setting.

(c) Jason Hernandez

Before our assault, we had an orientation/briefing at a fast food chain in Capas, Tarlac and stopped by at Paidyanan to give courtesy call and load 950 kilos of assorted goods to the 4x4 trucks, which will transport us to drop off point going to Sitio Yangka.

Going to Sitio Yangka was very challenging, we endured the 45 minute bumpy ride through lahar and crossed river just to get to the jump off point. Then, it took us 2 and a half hour to get to Sitio Yangka. The trail was harder than Ambangeg Trail of Mt.Pulag. It was all assault, as in 80 to 90 degrees and we were carrying some goods that will be given to the people of Yangka. Good thing is that, they helped us carry our thing. I envy their energy, they were running back and forth while I was panting to death. :P

Finally, when we got to the top, the whole community was waiting for us to give us their traditional welcome. They gave us necklace made of indigenous materials, children wearing their traditional dress (bahag and saya) while playing a clapper made of bamboo, and a bonfire which we had to circled.

We went straight to the classroom and settled down. The community prepared some refreshments and light snacks that we all enjoyed. SALAMAT PO! Then, we proceeded to the assignment of respective foster family.

Me and another volunteer, Nayie, were assigned to the Mendoza Family. They are composed of Tatay Dexter, Nanay Princess, Althea and Aljur. Tatay Dexter was not born nor raised in Yangka but preferred to settle down there because he found serenity in Yangka together with his family. Nanay Princes is from Yangka and she is only 20 years old but I prefer to call her as Nanay to show respect. Althea is so cute and does not want to wear undies or shorts while Aljur always want to be carried by his parents. hehe.

Let me tell you some things about Sitio Yangka their people and environment that I observed during my 24hour stay with them (I prefer not calling them as Aeta because labelling them is discriminating).

1. Basically, they live on top of a mountain,  which is not accessible by any motor vehicle, bringing in and out of goods is not that easy. In order to get there, you must really walk and hike your way up. Accordingly, you can walk 4 hours from the nearest town or ride a 4x4 truck going to the foot of the mountain and hike your way up to the top. Being so, basic commodities like hospital, market and school are not within their reach. But they have the most scenic view above!

"main road" of Yangka

This is their daily view

They have beautiful sunset here! 

2.People of Yangka live a very simple life, they do not have electricity nor gas range stove and water is not that accessible but I envy them for not whining about it. They are content with their usual routine, which is, waking up early in the morning, have some coffee, have a small talk with their neighbors about life and then proceed to their farms. All they want is a land to till and equality.

They usual way of eating together

An ordinary house in Yangka

Mendoza Family House

3. Just like the other Indigenous Communities they are facing human rights issues. (i.e. discrimination, basic education, health and sanitation, ancestral domains, even voters education and financial literacy) This is kind of frustrating because their voices is not really heard, that even the IPRA law is really applicable to them, they are still having a hard time fighting for their rights!

4. Family is what they value the most, all of them are related to each other. They are leaves in a tree, they are individual but still in same tree.

5. The energy of the people will recharge your soul, that no matter how tiring the hike was, it was all paid off with the smile and laughter they gave us. Specially when you hear the children scream "KAMUCHI!!!"

Every child in Yangka knows how to play this, I tried but I fell.

Kamuchi!

Children having fun with their bubbles!

Salamat Sitio Yangka dahil pinatunayan niyong di kailangan ng marangyang buhay upang maging masaya. Sana maging inspirasyon kayo sa nakakarami. Salamat dahil sa kabila ng lahat ng diskriminasyon na inyong natanggap ay patuloy pa din ang inyong pakikipaglaban sa ating pagka-pantay pantay! Padayon!

I want to go back to this place, it is a haven for me. The tranquility of the place and the energy from the children are priceless. Also, they are very respectful (which you will hardly see in children living in the metro). This is a perfect blessing for me this Christmas, they returned me to my roots and made me realize how blessed I am, to be thankful for all the things I have in life. I think every young professional should join these kind of activities, it is very enlightening and inspiring to be a better person. Instead of posting all the products of commercialism, why don't you help others who are mostly in need. Sometimes, our fast - paced life make us forget what is really the essence of life.

So, how was your Christmas? Did you touch someone else's life?

Ano, TARA GUMALA?

Ciao.

---

GABRIELA.