Lessons Learned

 In a few hours 2011 will be gone and 2012 is here. As we looked back the 365 days that passed, there will be joy, sadness and regrets. Unforgettable memories, achievements and trials. All of which became the ingredients of who we are right now. You may not know or felt the transformation, or the difference, what is important is you have changed for the better.  We are who we are right now because of the past. Let us learn to look back to the past for the lessons it taught us but always move forward to relive the lessons learned. 

As we move forward to 2012, let us give our thanks to the people who have inspired us, who have challenged us, motivates us  - for without them the best in us will never bloom. We will be meeting new people, waiting for us to be their inspiration, challenger and motivator - for we are all instrument in molding the individuality of every person.

For the next 365 days let us realize our dreams, defy our fears, learn a new hobby, explore places, invent a new dish, befriend a stranger - it is never late to try and discover things. Though we will always stumble and get hurt, what is important is how we stand up and heal.  We are sure to face new challenges and trials but keep in mind that in the end you will always win the battle. For it is not the last person standing that will be the victor, but who fought well.

Lastly, learn to give, laugh out loud, speak your mind, let us enjoy every moment, appreciate every kindness, and seize every day of our life - celebrate life. 

                                      

At the mouth of the Volcano

Before the politicians of Batangas ruin the beauty of Taal Volcano by putting up that "BATANGAS" sign, me and fellow friends decided to witness the beauty of Taal with our  own eyes. And we did not just plan to view Taal Volcano from Tagaytay but to set foot in the island itself.

Getting There for Commuters:

- Ride a Batangas bound bus that can drop off passengers at Tanauan. You can choose to ride the bus either at Cubao bus  station or at Taft. Fare if from Cubao is Php 104.00; if from Taft Php 89.00

- At the drop off at Tanaun, go to the nearby market to ride a jeepney that has a signboard of Sampaloc or Laurel/Talisay. You can ask the locals on where you can ride jeepneys bound for Sampaloc or Laurel/Talisay. Ask the driver if he can drop you at a boat rental for Taal Lake, or if you are in a big group you can hire the jeepney to take you to there. If you cannot find any jeepney and you are in a small group, you can also rent a tricycle like what we did. 

Fare from Tanauan to boat rental Php 350.00 negotiable. Travel time: 30 mins.

- Rent a boat to Taal Volcano. Boat Rental Php 1,500.00 - good for 6 persons

Upon reaching Taal, you can opt to trek by foot or ride a horse to reach the crater. The horse ride is Php 450.00 which already includeas a jockey/tour guide. The crater has a view deck which consists of cottages where tourists can relax and have refreshments after their 30 minutes journey.

the boat ride

the trail to the crater

                                           

 Things to Bring at Taal:

1.Water, lots of water. Though there are vendors selling water, it is more practical to bring your own. The mineral water is expensive, it costs Php 50 for a 500ml.

2. Sunblock. On a clear sky you will surely feel the scorching heat of the sun.

3. Face mask. The road is dusty especially when going down. There are also vendors selling face mask at Php 10.00 each.

4. Hat or cap. To block the sun's heat.

5. Extra shirt. You can get wet during the boat ride.

6. Food. If you plan to stay long at the crater, bring some food. There are no stores in the area that sells food. Or you can eat a heavy meal before going there.

7. Camera. The most important thing in your luggage. A beautiful experience and scenery should always be caught.

an overview of the island

boat parking

the crater

Summer at the Mountain

Last May, instead of spending the summer at a crowded beach or going to the Philippines summer capital, I decided to go to a less crowded place, not too far but still with a breathtaking view. And upon searching the web, I discovered the Sierra Madre Resort and Convention Center in Tanay, Rizal. The resort is situated, literally at the mountain range of Sierra Madre and is right along the zigzag road of the National Highway.

The resort does not only boast their swimming pool but it also has other amenities which cannot be found in other resorts like a convention center, prayer mountain, waterfall, zipline, golfcourse, horseback riding,  mountain trail, and playground to name a few.

a view of the resort

Because of its location at the mountain, the resort have a climate like of Tagaytay, which is evidenced by pine trees growing abundantly and other floras and faunas as well.

One of the beautiful attraction of the resort is their hanging bridges and as I remember they have two or three hanging bridge.

There are three swimming pools for adults one is located near the Hotel Rooms and the other two is located at the Spring Valley Area. There is one pool for children which is also at the Spring Valley. The Spring Valley is kinda far from the hotel, you have to trek downhill - which is steep; and narrow if you will use a car. The spring valley also have two or three rooms that can be rented.

one of the pool  at the spring valley

If you are already at the spring valley, you better try go to the waterfall which you also have to trek downhill. There is a pathway and directional signs that will lead you to the waterfall. You have to be very careful in going to the waterfall since it is steep and slippery and the stairs going down the waterfall is made from rocks that is alongside the waterfall.

the waterfall

Here are the other amenities of the resort:

the gazeebo

prayer mountain

horseback riding

the pool in front of the rooms

How to get there:

For fellow commuters like me, the easiest way to go at Sierra Madre Resort is coming from Marcos High-Way Cainta, Rizal. You need to ride a jeepney or an fx that can drop you off at Cogeo market. At Cogeo Market ride a jeepney with a signboard of Sampaloc and tell the driver to drop you off at Sierra Madre.

The Treasure of Capones

Ever dreamed of going to paradise, or finding yourself imagining a picturesque place where you can idly walk and enjoy the breeze? Well, the islands of Zambales is one of the places that can satisfy your hunger for relaxation. The province of Zambales is known for its exquisite beaches and islands that lure both the locals and the foreigners. Capones is one of the three famous islands located at Pundaquit, Zambales.

Our boatman brought as to the rocky side of the island, where the waves and rocky shore welcomes us. In this side of the island you have to climb a steep trail of stairs that is made of the islands rocks.  The ruins is very evident in this side of the island, wherein you can see a tunnel like structure. This route to the lighthouse is much easier than coming from the other side of the island.  

the lighthouse

                            

The lighthouse gives a perfect view of the whole island and the South China Sea; your eyes will never get tired of admiring the wonderful landscape. From the ruins of the old house to the spiral staircase and the even the broken windows adds up to the whole scenery.

view of the island from the lighthouse

After being captivated by the lighthouse of Capones we decided to take a few walk in the island. We headed to a nearby cliff to be amazed again by the beauty of the island.

We walked through a field in reaching the cliff, wherein the breeze of the South China Sea will touch your skin. But be careful in exploring the islands, it is always nice to have a local tour guide with you. Locals have different stories regarding the island as being enchanted; which just add up to the whole adventure.

the cliff

  Things to do at Capones:

1. Island Trekking - explore the whole island, don't forget to get a local guide.

2. Swimming - ask your boatman to dock your banca at the side which is not rocky; or ask your guide to show the place where you can swim.

3. Camping - bring your tent and food, there is no store and comfort rooms in the whole island.

4. Photoholic - enjoy the scenery, take pictures!

walking through the fields

   

enjoying the view of the South China Sea

 the view of the lighthouse from the cliff