Rizal| Masungi Georeserve Trail

happened on March 2, 2017.. warning: photo heavy post

At my age, I should be very selective on the activities that I will join in.  As much as possible, I wanted to avoid straneous activities since my bones are more brittle now and I no longer have the same endurance and stamina that I used to have during my 20s and 30s.  But everyone on their 40s says that it's the time you'll realize that there are things that you wanted to at least try before you die.  You'll start creating the bucket list and determined to tick off each item (on the list).  You intend to be more courageous to face the thrills and challenging adventures.  I don't even know where the determination comes from; maybe dying without experiencing what life has to offer.  So, I'm also one of those who joined the bandwagon of creating "things to do before I die" list.

descending the giant duyan

Masungi Georeserve has been on my bucket list for so long but I was not aware how hard the trail is or what the courses are.  Fortunately, an ex-officemate invited my friend to complete their group.  It was out of the whim decision to join together with hubby and some other friends.  A group of 14 "almost not strangers" was formed. We got the 7:30AM schedule.  The full trail will take about 3-4 hours but depending on your pace.  It took us 6 hours and took a lot of time resting and taking pictures.  Mahirap pag madaming senior citizens ^-^.

Finding the location is quite hard as the signage is small and just a symbol.  There is only an open chicken fence and some parked vehicles to know that we are on the right location but still, we travelled past it and have to return. Don't rely on Waze too much as the mobile signals here are so weak and intermitent.

just look for km47 in Waze

Some important information before the trail:

1. Strictly by reservation only.  Weekday rate: Php1400.00  Weekend Rate: Php1800.00
Minimum group members: 7 pax  Maximum group members: 15 pax
Age limit: must be at least 13 years old and above
Please visit http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/ for reservations and more information.
Full payment must be deposited for confirmation.

2. Important things to bring - as much as possible wear light clothes and bring only the necessities - water, trail mix or light snacks, towel and a rain jacket.  Your shoes must also be fit for climbing and walking.

We walked for about 15 mins. going to the receiving and briefing area - Silungan.  Walking is very refreshing while enjoying the mountain scenery.

Orientation took around 30 mins. with the do's and don'ts and some important reminders.  We were given helmets and introduced to our guide.  We were also brief of its history and advocation.  I'm grateful for this kind of people; protecting nature for the next generation.  BTW, the guides here are the locals.

Boracay 2017| Station 1 Bystanders

happened on May 26, 2017

You didn't go to Boracay if you have not visited Station 1.  For those who are not yet aware of Boracay: it is an island divided into 3 stations namely S1, S2 and S3 based on the quality of the sand.  Station 1 has the finest powdery quality so it's a different experience walking on its shore.  Station 2 is in between and with lots of commerical establishments while Station 3 offers cheaper accommodation and dining options.  So far, Station 3 has the cleanest waters with minimum algae presence.

After our ATV and Puka beach activities, we decided to spend the remaining hours before sunset in Station 1.  We just stayed infront of Elizalde's property and people watch.  This is the best part to laze around with trees providing shades from the sun.

The smaller kids played with sand while the older ones swam and tried surfing.  The adults swam and chit chat while drinking the famous Jonas shakes.  Some of the kids went for banana boat ride.

We love looking at the sea and people doing all sort of beach activities.  It's just peaceful and calming.  We didn't even spend much money to have this kind of fun.  This is Boracay is all about - walking, swimming, eating, people watching, sunset watching and best of all  - having fun with loved ones and escaping reality for a while.

Boracay 2017| Ruined Puka Beach

happened on May 27, 2017

It took only a year for this beach to be completely ruined from my last glimpse.  Last year, there are still some wide spaces on the shore to walk around.  The cottages were fewer then.

Now, it became like this.  It's really disappointing to the point that you will be angry with the government for allowing this to happen.  It's too crowded now with commercialism.

Boracay 2017| ATV Ride Experience

happened on May 26, 2017

the gang and the beautiful secret beach

Last year, we experienced the buggy ride and enjoyed it so much that we included this activity again in our Boracay 2017 itinerary.  The secret beach is also a big factor why I wanted to do it again.

my beautiful half dozen family

Despite of having fears of an accident happening, I still have enough guts to ride the ATV.  I know it's not an easy vehicle to manuever but I needed to tick this off my bucket list.  Since we have some minors, they were not allowed for an ATV ride but on the buggy with a supervising adult, handling the steering wheel.  The kids are disappointed of course but rules are rules so we have to oblige.

Boracay 2017| Parasailing

happened on May 27, 2017

up up and away

I've been in this place for numerous times already but this trip is extra special since it's with my Windangan family and our kids.  This is the 10th year of our specially formed Windangan group.  It started in Boracay way back 2007 when I was able to score a cheap airfare for Manila-Boracay bound.  I just told my office guy friends about it and they decided to join us on this trip with their  respective wives.  So, it was a "couples' trip". Then our "wander itch" became a yearly habit.  We even have our summer getaways with our respective families.  As the years passed, the group got bigger and the kids grew older.  I may say that this group is one of my greatest blessings.  It's an extended family that we will never outgrew and will love dearly for a lifetime.

the incomplete gang

It has been my dream that my kids' first plane ride will be bound for Boracay and it finally happened.,  I'm more excited than my kids for this ride.

this is it pancit!