Sea of Clouds: The Other Worldly Scenery of Benguet

Having no coastline or seaport, Benguet province is confined to freshwaters located in the Southern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It is also known as the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines" because of its huge production of upland vegetables.

My friends and I were lucky to experience travelling Benguet last October 30, 2015. We left Manila 10:00 o'clock in the evening riding a Victory Liner bus at Pasay City. It was a six (6) hour trip from Manila. We arrived early at Baguio City and rode a jeepney going to Benguet to have our breakfast. 

Travelling is fun with amazing friends!

The zigzag road brought us to our 1st stop where we took our breakfast. I had a delicious Tender Boiled Beef Soup and rice which cost me P90.00, and it was worth the price. You can taste the pure beef and fresh vegetables served. Our next stop was the Ambuklao Dam situated at Bokod, Benguet. 

Ambuklao Dam

Sad to say this, but our guide told us that after Marcos regime, Ambuklao Dam became privately owned by Aboitiz. The view was breathtaking and you can feel Benguet's cool climate. You can also see the powerplant at the Ambuklao Dam.

Powerplant

We left Ambuklao Dam riding the jeepney on a top load. The experience was exciting and thrilling at the same time, because the roads have hair-raising steeps and rocky road. Fortunately, we made it until we reached the Hanging Bridge. The hanging footbridge that benefited communities in the remote area of this town, provides safe passage for school children and facilitates transport of products from local livelihood like fish. I have also learned that it was inaugurated by SN Aboitiz Power Benguet.  

Our guide decided to proceed at Baban's Homestay for us to rest before our Mt. Pulag climb. Upon arriving, we were welcomed by the owner of our homestay and experienced their soft beds and good service. 

We strolled around our homestay feeling like an heir, because of the vegetable farms everywhere. The view was relaxing. The flowers and the trees were gently swaying in the breeze and the view was awesome. I was also challenged to take a bath or should I say take the icebucket bath challenge. My friends requested for a hot water which cost them P40.00 and for very cold water is P20.00. I can't help but shout inside the bathroom but it was a refreshing bath after a long walk. 

View from Baban's Homestay

Perfect place to stay.

Dinner was served at 6 in the evening. We had a sumptuous dinner at Baban's serving their best Watercress vegetable, Beef Stew with potato and carrots, and their best soup on a cold night. It was a very romantic dinner too. We used candle lights and laugh our hearts out while eating our dinner together. We slept at 7 pm and woke up at 11 pm to fix our things for our Mt. Pulag climb. We rode the jeepney going to the foot of Mt. Pulag. The howling wind, drizzle and fog welcomed us as we hiked the mountain. When we attended the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) orientation, we were told not to make a loud noise while climbing the mountain. It is believed that the gods can hear us and might bring strong rain once we make a loud noise, resulting to not having a chance to see the sea of clouds and the sunrise that everybody is crazy about.

Foot of Mt. Pulag

At the Grassland Summit with our guides Cynthia and Brent

We took the Ambangeg Trail. They said it was easy, yes it was! (haha) but it requires a lot of strength because it was a 5 hour hike from the foot of Mt. Pulag. The trail was slippery and muddy. The mountain challenged us with strong howling gusting wind, drizzle, fog, muddy and slippery trail but we managed to keep up the pace with our guides. We watched our steps as we walked in the wilderness to avoid falling from the cliff and it was a one-way road with ascending trails. 

As the third highest mountain in Luzon, the highlight of our climb include the montane forests and the grassland summit with its "sea of clouds". Mount Pulag is also the natural habitat of the Pine trees, Edelweiss flower and Moss trees. Mount Pulag is the only place that hosts Cloud Rat species.

Moss tree

Pine Tree

Edelweiss Flower

Fresh water is also available at the mountain. The DENR advised us to follow the Leave No Trace policy so we can preserve the cleanliness of our nature. It is also one way of respecting our mountains in the Philippines.

I saw the sun peeping already at 5:25 in the morning. I gave my best effort to reach the top of the summit just to witness the sunrise ever! I was in awe when I saw the sea of clouds. God's creation was so perfect. Suddenly, the sun rose and I was mesmerized by the beauty of the mountain and no words can describe the majestic view on top of Mt. Pulag. 

I have learned that when you respect the mountain, 

the mountain will reveal its beauty to you. 

The sea of clouds was steady for hours and it was worth reaching the summit of Mt. Pulag despite the strong howling wind, drizzle, fog, slippery and muddy trail. We descended from the mountain 7 in the morning and the sun-kissed our cheeks. We felt warm as we walk down the mountain, and lessen our jackets to feel comfortable. We reached our homestay and ate the freshly cooked vegetables and their own version of Tinola at Baban's. Splendid meal!

If you are planning to climb Mt. Pulag, wearing knitted long sleeves, a poncho and light weight jackets are really helpful. Wool socks is better and a heavy duty headlamp to light your way up the mountain. A pair of gloves is essential for climbing. You need to hold onto the grass as you climb the mountain to keep away from falling off the mountain. Water and trail food is a must too. I also tried the Habal- Habal experience for P100.00 only and it was really fun despite the steep mountain slopes and rocky road. Happy trails! 

Habal-Habal Ride

Travelling is fun with great friends!

I am sharing with you this video that I had on top of the summit of Mt. Pulag. 

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.

The Superhero in Me

I have never been this grateful in my life, since the day I became a teacher. At first, I was so overwhelmed because I will be teaching students from South Korea, and at different ages and levels; Knowing that I will be teaching subjects like Writing, Social Studies,Speaking in Reading, Reading, Pattern I and II, Grammar and English and Vocabulary too.

Students also get involved in activities and have fun while they are away from home. It was a great opportunity meeting wonderfully warm people, learning their culture and us understanding each others differences. My patience level was tested though. It was a life-changing experience to teach English as a Second Language. I miss them now since I'm back into the real world!

No, I am not a superhero. I am something more powerful. I am a TEACHER. I don't need a cape, because I am lifted up by the amazing and inspiring kids I teach.

My students and co-teachers.

I salute all teachers in the world. It is not only teaching but studying our lessons help us become better teachers. Indeed, we touch lives. I am now on vacation since it has been two months that I haven't had an outdoor activity.

By the way, this song is my students' favorite! They are my Lucky Strike.

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.

Mt. Batulao: May Trail Pala to Forever, Forever Hike

June 27, 2015 - It was my first time dayhiking at Mt. Batulao. It is located at the Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu, Batangas. Before climbing I tried contacting Roel, a guide for the New Trail at Mt. Batulao. I saw his number 09279008496 in one of the blogs posted, but unfortunately that number is not his anymore. (haha)

Since my apartment is situated nearby, I decided to leave at 4:30 in the morning. I rode a bus from my apartment going to the coastal mall which cost 40 pesos. Upon arriving at the Coastal Mall, I rode an ordinary bus going to Nasugbu Batangas for P90.00 only. I didn't think that the bus that I rode was slow, until I arrived 8:30 in the morning at the Evercrest Golf Course. Upon arriving at the Evercrest, tricycle drivers were already asking me to hire them going to the Jump Off point but I decided to get a guide and we started walking from the Evercrest. It took us 40 minutes of walking and it was a warm up for me already. If you want to take a tricycle, it cost P100.00 only.

start of my hike (evercrest)

Melvin, my guide asked a favor for us to stop at his house just along our way to Mt. Batulao. He needs his cap on while hiking Mr. Sun, because you are so hot! Literally hot.

House of Melvin, my guide

Then off we went hiking again. The weather was actually humid during our climb. I guess it rained after I left Mt. Batulao.

I asked my guide which trail he prefers first. He advised me that we take the old trail first because it might take us 3 hours of hiking. 

And yes! This is how the Old trail looks like. 

The old trail like the new trail is narrow. 

Everywhere, you will encounter Talahib, a bush with razor- sharp edges so I advise you to wear something that will protect your arms and legs. 

Taller than me, Talahib.

The irony of bringing my laptop and some things that I need to bring home. (hahaha) But I was really determined to finish the hike in 3 to 4 hours! (hahaha)

I see the first registration area already!! (haha) hooray!!!

Registration fee at the first stop is P10.00.

You will meet at the registration area Kuya Luis and you can lie down on the wooden chairs or use their swing and hammock for awhile. 

After a few minutes of staying at the first registration area, we decided to continue our hike. 

Almost there at the second registration area. Beautiful Mt. Batulao isn't it?

Finally, we reached the second area and registered my name on it. Fee is P20.00 only. I felt the need of drinking a very cold soda, so I bought one for me and one for Melvin a Mountain Dew. We ate crackers and glad that we reached the second registration site at 10:00 am.

I started to feel that the trail was getting harder. But as we reached Camp 1 it was relaxing, trees were everywhere and you feel more connected with nature.

CAMP 1

After 3 minutes, we reached Camp 2. It was more like a place to date your girlfriend or boyfriend. (hahaha) You can even choose which camp you would like to set up your tent and enjoy your friends company. Same with camps 3, 4, and 5.

CAMP 2

CAMP 3

CAMP 4

When I reached Camp 5 there were 4 hikers I met, who were having fun. They asked me to take a shot of Emperador Brandy, so I granted their wish. They were like "Mam! You are so cool! You were the only one who took a shot for us." And they took a selfie with me and I did too. It was nice meeting you guys! Jic, Edward, Mac and Macky. 

New friends. Nice meeting place. Camp 5. 

Camp 6 it is. I was told by my guide, Melvin that we will be encountering lots of assault at the old trail.

Despite it all Mt. Batulao I smile.

Let's go! Camp 7. Upon reaching the said camp. Group of hikers were also there. They opted to rest first and talk a bit. I decided to proceed with my hiking, so we would not be crowded on the narrow trail ahead.

So, here I go and started climbing the narrow trail and rocks were everywhere. I was thinking that it was named Mt. Batulao because of the rocks or Bato in Filipino. (haha)

Passed on to this Biak na Bato. 

I didn't notice about Camp 8 and 9, but it was the hardest and toughest part of the trail at Mt. Batulao because of its slopes and rocks that you'll rappell and climb. 

Road to forever!! (hahaha)

I have no rappelling skills by the way. (hahaha) But compared to Pico de Loro's, I find this rappelling in Mt. Batulao easier because there is no monolith! And the ropes were  really durable compared to Mt. Palay-Palay.

Stretched my legs and found out that there's more. (haha)

Reached Camp 10 with a smile. I was very happy knowing that I will be descending at the new trail. 

CAMP 10

I descend.

And found this Majestic View! 

Again, all of them were wandering why I was hiking alone. I told them that my friends have different schedules, and it feels good too when you meditate in the mountain and de-stress yourself after a week of working your ass out.

In descending the new trail, you'll also see ropes which are helpful to hikers. The trail has a slippery form of soil, so I was very careful. 

Making faces to add fun in hiking. (hahaha)

I finished the Old trail-New trail (traverse) of Mt. Batulao in 4 hours and drank Buko Juice. I also paid my P30.00 registration fee there. I changed my clothes at the Jump off point for P10.00 if you will only urinate. A shower in the bathroom for P20.00 only. I rented a tricycle going back to Evercrest Golf course entrance for P100.00 only. I am thankful for our heavenly Father, that he guided me and gave me this strength and wisdom to hike Mt. Batulao. Thankful also for my guide, Melvin Villanueva. 

I bought a souvenir Dri-Fit shirt for P300.00 at the end of the new trail.

Until my next journey. 

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.