Coming Soon..... "Conquering Mount Pulag"

Yes! my countdown for conquering the Majestic Peak/Summit of Mount Pulag has just began... my wandering eye and busy fingertips is now moving fast in my keyboard just to search down some articles about Mt. Pulag.  Its been a long long time ago since my last ascend to  mountain in Pangasinan which I've got scars and nearly lost my soul. That memorable near-death-experienced marked the scars of my bravery and independence that ends my fears and low self esteem. (Glad this experienced has change me alot in a positive way) too much for the flash back...

So as my search engines rolls down, Mt. Pulag was described as the third highest mountain in the Philippines. It is Luzon’s highest peak at 2,922 meters above sea level. The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.Because of its high elevation, the climate on Mount Pulag is temperate with rains predominating the whole year. Rainfall on the mountain averages 4,489 mm yearly with August being the wettest month with an average rainfall of 1,135 mm. Snow has not fallen on its top in at least the past 200 years.

The mountain hosts 528 documented plant species. It is the natural habitat of the endemic Dwarf Bamboo, (Yushania niitakayamensis) and the Benguet pine (Pinus insularis) which dominates the areas of Luzon tropical pine forests found on the mountainside. Among its native wildlife are 33 bird species and several threatened mammals such as the Philippine Deer,Giant Bushy-Tailed Cloud Rat (“bowet”) and the Long-Haired Fruit Bat. Mount Pulag is the only place that hosts the 4 Cloud Rat species. It has one of the most diverse biodiversity of the Philippines, with the newly found (since 1896) 185 grams Dwarf cloud rat, Carpomys melanurus, a rare breed (endemic to the Cordillera) and the Koch pitta bird among its endangered denizens.^[2][3] (source: Wikipedia)

My dormmate and friend ate Malou invited me for the trail together with her co-worker engineers, She told me that we'll take the Ambangeg Trail (the easiest one) We book our mountain adventure at TravelPilipinas which cost Php 2,990 for a 3-dayventure tour with a  rountrip bus ride here in Manila to Mt. Pulag.

the famous scene at the top of Mt. Pulag "THE SEA OF CLOUDS" this is my expectations when we will ascend the mighty PULAG on April...i'm so so..so  much excited about it.

If God permits, this will be my  second ascend, I know that hiking is a tiresome but a challenging hobby where it requires alot of discipline and determination, unlike my other hobbies like painting, singing, writing poetry and composing, which requires deep emotions coming inside your soul. Well, hiking is different in a way that your stamina was being  tested unlike painting. The commonality of them all is the unexplained feeling and contentment after you finished each artwork/composition. In hiking the after effect of conquering the mountain gives you an unexplained or somewhat an enchanted feelings which brings you and nature (mother earth) in touch and connected.

I'll be posting my photos and tips after my trail, so for now i'll be busy anticipating happy thoughts about my Mt. Pulag dreams...till my next post!

Photo credits: runtrunner.wordpress.com
                      ontravelevents.com
                      wikipedia

Top Ten Beaches/Islands in the Philippines

10. Pearl Farm Beach Samal Island, Davao

     Situated in an idyllic islands of Samal & Malipano, Pearl Palm Beach is a perfect hideaway for those who are in search of blissful retreat and tranquility. This area has been a pearl farm where numbers of white-lipped oysters moved from Sulu Sea were tended because of their pearls of different colors.

     Davao Pearl Farm Beach Resort is situated in an archipelago made of nine islands that is about twenty eight thousand hectares called the Samal group of islands. The place itself where this resort is located is beautiful and really offers serene, calm, quiet, and bizarre place that you can compare to a paradise. The island's shore is embossed with powder like sand beaches, very rich aquatic life, some rock formations, mangroves and palms, floral plants and some fruit-bearing trees scenery.

9.  Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

     Calaguas is a group of islands in the Philippine province of Camarines Norte. It includes the major islands of Tinaga Island and Guintinua Island, the minor Maculabo Island, as well as several other minor islands. Recently, the island of Tinaga where the famous long beach called Mahabang Buhangin is located is experiencing influx of tourists in the area despite the absence of accommodation. Campers and backpackers are coming and going daily to experience its powdery white sands.

8. Camotes Island, Cebu

     Camotes Island is located off the coast of Danao City in mainland Cebu and is known as the “Lost Horizon in the South” due to its unspoiled natural beauty. Camotes Island is very rich in culture, heritage and history. This island which is part of the Cebu Province is a perfect getaway to people who wants to escape from the hassle and bustle of the city life. This place is excellent for foreign and local tourist because you can have a total relaxation. This is one of popular vacation destination here in the Visayas.

     The Camotes Islands are made up of 3 major islands and 1 minor islet, divided over 4 municipalities. On Poro Island are the municipalities of Poro and Tudela. Pacijan Island's sole municipality is San Francisco. Ponson Island's sole municipality is Pilar. Tulang Island is an islet and part of San Francisco. The main islands of Pacijan and Poro are connected by a causeway bridge. Ponson is separated by the Camotes Sea, lying about four kilometers northeast of Poro. Tulang is located off the northern tip of Pacijan.

     The Camotes are low-lying with several hills, some used by a telecommunications company for relay stations. The highest point is Altavista, 950 feet (290 m) above sea level, on Poro. Pacijan has a large lake, Lake Danao,one of the cleanest fresh water lakes in the country. Palm trees are the dominant plant on the islands. There are also numerous native varieties of fruit such as banana, mango, pineapple and other plants. The main port is the Poro Port.

7. Tambobong, Colibra Island, Dasol Pangasinan
     Tambobong and Colibra/Culebra is a small island in located at the municipality of Dasol, Pangasinan. You can walk around the island for only 5-10 minutes but the rock formations and clear water is really mesmerizing. This can be a sidetrip when you're in Tambobong Beach in Dasol, Pangasinan.If you are looking for a less crowded and peaceful place this is the perfect island for you where discernment retreat and rediscovering of yourself is your concern. These islands are not yet widely known to foreign travellers and there are no hotels and beach resorts avaible in this place. Staying in this island is a perfect to a nature lover couple. The scenic view and the tranquility of the place amazes you and will give you the feeling of serenity and simplicity.

How To Get Here: From Manila, take a bus to Alaminos, Pangasinan. From Alaminos, ride another bus to Burgos, drop off at Burgos Market. Take a tricycle to Tambobong Beach and upon reaching Tambobong ask a local boatman/fisherman to take you there.

 

6. Panglao Island, Bohol

     Panglao is an island in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas,province in Bohol with an area of 80.5 sq. kilometers. Panglao has a terrain that range from plain, hilly to mountainous. Panglao is made of Maribojoc Limestone, the youngest of the limestone units found in the western area of Bohol. The limestone composition halted the development of an airport as coralline limestone is soluble which causes formation of caves and sinkholes. One interesting geological feature found in the island is the Hinagdanan Cave which has an underground water source. The cave is an important water source as the island has no rivers or lakes.Panglao Island is one the main tourist destinations on the Philippines. Talking about Panglao most of the people immediately think about "Alona Beach". Similar to Boracay you can find an amazing white beach and crystal clear water. Unfortunately also like Boracay this place has lost lots of its former beauty. Every season more and more restaurants and bars are opened and the beach gets pretty crowded during the high season. Still the diving around the island is one of the best of the Philippines.

5. Dakak Park and beach resort, Taguilon Zamboanga

     Taguilon is home to the Dakak Park and Beach Resort. It is a producer of coconut and agar (based on sea weed) as well as a fishing port. The pier in Taguilon is a secondary/alternate port to the main passenger/cargo port in Dapitan City. Additionally, during severe storms at sea, ferries and other ships find shelter in the Taguilon cove. One can find the mount Lalab overlooking the islets of Silinog and part of Balyangaw

4. White Island, Camiguin

     White Island is an uninhabited white sandbar located about 1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi) off the northern shore of Mambajao in the volcanic island of Camiguin in the Philippines. The island is generally horseshoe shaped, although the tides constantly resize and reshape its exact form. There are no trees or shelter of any kind, and it is composed solely of white sands with the picturesque view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcano as its backdrop. It is the ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and viewing the sunrise and sunset over Camiguin.

Location: Two (2) kms across Agoho and Yumbing.

3. Boracay Island, Aklan

     Boracay is a small island in the Philippines located approximately 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies.^{[Note 1]} The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak municipality of Malay, province of Aklan. The island is administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority and the provincial government of Aklan. Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also famous for being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation.It is also emerging among the top destinations for tranquility and nightlife. Boracay is a perfect place to walk in without wearing slippers, because of the powdery texture of white sand. Bora is one of my favorite destination, although the crowd of tourist both local and foreign is quite overwhelming, I can still say that this Island is one of Philippines' or even "World's" best tourist destination.

    In 2012, Boracay was awarded as the best island in the world from the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure and Philippine Department of Tourism reported that Boracay had been named the world's second best beach after Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

2. Batanes Islands

     Batanes is an island province comprising ten islands that are located in the Luzon Strait between the islands of Luzon and Taiwan. It is the northernmost part of the Philippines and is also the smallest province, both in terms of population and land area.

The island group is located about 162 km north of Luzon and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan, separated from the Babuyan Islands of Cagayan Province, Luzon, by the Balintang Channel and from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. An extensive survey of the ecology of Batanes^[6] provided the scientific basis for confirming the need for a national park in Batanes protecting the Batanes protected landscapes and seascapes, proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, submitted on 15 August 1993

      Considered as the country’s smallest province, Batanes is made up of 10 islands. Dubbed as the Scotland of the Philippines, Batanes is an enchanting place with the wind swept islands, distinct landscape and cool waters. The most unique thing about these wind swept islands is the architecture of the homes which are built to withstand rough typhoons. The Heritage site House of Dakay can be found in the province the fishing villages, the churches and lighthouses, island hop,and best of all, it is a beautiful place to reflect and admire nature.Since Batanes is separated from the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans (the name of the people of Batanes) have developed a different culture. Ivatans are honest, gentle and polite but brave and robust. They are proud of their their heritage and their land. Overlooking the beach sea and mountains the landscape of Batanes is also distinct from other Philippine provinces – steep cliffs, rolling hills, deep canyons and boulder-lined shores the most noticeable of all features of Batanes is the architecture of the houses – stone walled and thick thatched roofs to withstand the battering of typhoons. Batanes BeachThe weather of Batanes is cool and windy. And it rains any month of the year. It has an almost temperate temperature from December to February where temperatures dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade. Although Batanes lies along the typhoon belt and gets hit by strong typhoons, it get it’s fare share just like other provinces on the north. But in spite of the reputation of Batanes as a backward region, it now has modern conveniences like mobile phones (cell sites by Smart & Globe Telecoms), electricity and cable television but hardly any vehicles.

     Batanes Stone House on Batan Island There are a lot of things to do and see in Batanes, swim on the many beaches, see . A trip to Batanes bestows one a feeling timelessness…an experience that will linger long after arriving back home. It makes one appreciate the simple things in life, but in a deeper sense. But be forewarned though, once you’ve experienced Batanes, it will haunt you and your feet to come back.

1. El Nido, Palawan

     Situated in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, covering a land area of 465.1 square kilometres (179.6 sq mi)^[5][10] in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the north, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west. It is composed of 45 islands and islets,^[6] each has its own unique geological formations. The highest peak is at Cadlao Island, towering up to 640 metres (2,100 ft)^[11] above sea level.The climate in El Nido is distinguished by two seasons: generally dry, from December to May, and wet, from June to November. April and May are typically the driest months, while the heaviest rainfall occurs around August. The Northeast wind blows from December to March, occasionally interchanging with the North wind during December to February. The Southwest wind is felt from June to October while the East wind, the mildest of all winds, blows during the months of April and May

     El Nido is famous its majestic scenery of white beaches, rocky mountains, wild life,marines and everything that goes about nature...El Nido is a breathtaking, heavenly place to visit where you can never get tired of coming back every now and then. 

and that's it I hope you enjoy viewing my blog and for my next post, maybe next week, I'll be posting some kind of Philippine delicacies, places or anything about Philippine culture....till then ...see yah!

Sources:

www.wikipedia.com

www.Elnidotourism.com

www.leisurebuddies.com

www.tripnidorangexplorer.com

The Cancerians

Cancerians are usually dubbed as "the most emotional creatures" among the 12 astrological signs. I personally knew people born under this sign. My father is a cancerian so to speak though I wasn't given the chance to know him and be with him  that long (since he died when I was about 4 years of age), tell-tales from my mother revealed that my dad is an indeed emotional and sensitive person however, despite being senti, my mom told me that he is a protective, nurturing and loving dad. I can still remember vividly when my dad and I used to draw, he patiently teaches me how to make circles, and anything that I asked him to draw. My father is a great artist and a music lover (he has a great voice) (and I thank him for that, I was able to inherit his talent..hehe) Creativity and patience is one thing that a cancerian possess like my dad and I, On the other hand despite the positive attitude of a cancerian there are also negative traits that will surely puzzled people around them.

As the moon quickly changes his forms, so as do with the cancerians mood. You can notice a sudden shift of moods from a frowning face to a laughing one. Moreover  the change of moods will not affect the innate behavior or characteristics of a cancerians, just wait and see that after the sudden mood swing, the real cancerians will be back again. Make sure that you just  let them enjoy their longingness of being alone when they are in  solitude and after that, for sure they will be back as soon as the moon change its phase.

Despite the hard shell that they have, these individual are deeply soft inside. Both male and female cancers are both family oriented and are loyal with a motto of  "one man one woman" or rather "stick to one and die for it."

I'll be posting some information which I extracted and collated from different articles/sources regarding the crustacean crabs personality. I personally taught that understanding our traits will help us understand ourselves and understand others. It is helpful also that we were able to amend our negative behaviors so that we can get along with others harmoniously or even avoiding conflicts. 

THE CRAB

The sign of Cancer (June 22 – July 22) has very little to do with that prickly crustacean, believe it or not. In fact, it’s hard to pin down exactly what constitutes the Cancer personality. The ancient Egyptians perceived Cancer as the sacred scarab. It was a symbol of resurrection and immortality and they often placed a carving of a scarab in the body where the heart had been, as part of the mummification process. In the Zodiac Great Year, the Age of Cancer fell between 8600 and 6450 BCE. It was a time characterized by the worship of mother goddesses. During this period alcohol fermentation was discovered and people began to use copper.

Cancers are very imaginative and intuitive. They make great artists and musicians. They’re not risk takers, and will take the time to contemplate all sorts of outcomes and probabilities before taking on a new venture. They’re very sympathetic and protective of those around them. They will help out in whatever way they can, although not impulsively and will temper their generosity with calculating all the risks first. They’re emotional and loving, and great family and pet people. 

Cancer Personality

The Cancer personality can be cynical, pessimistic, worrying, crabby, grumpy, and ill at ease. Like the Taurus, many born under Cancer will find themselves in positions where their "negative" personality traits will be rewarded. They can be accountants, lawyers, investigators, soldiers, prison wardens, or other professions that involve a certain degree of negative thinking.

The Cancer Man

The Cancer man may enjoy competition, but he is not necessarily as determined to win as the Leo. For the Cancer man, the fun is not in winning, but in humiliating the opponent. The Cancer man can be a bully, a practical joker, or a fierce protector. His reliance on negative thinking may lead him to believe that approaching women will be futile, so the Cancer man is sometimes prone to shyness around the opposite sex.

The Cancer Woman

Many Cancer females fight like Cancer males, but others fight using the weapons of words. Some Cancer females are catty, enjoying gossip and rumors. They have long memories and do not forgive and forget easily. They enjoy getting respect, but will only give it to others if they deem them worthy of it.

Cancer's  Love

Cancer's traditional crabbiness can complicate romance. Someone with a fiery temper, like an Aries, or easily hurt feelings, like a Pisces, may initially clash with a Cancer, though once they understand that they should not take things too personally, the relationship can begin to work. The consideration of others and using kind language can be an effort for a Cancer, but it is an effort that they are willing to make if they know it means a lot to someone that they love.

The Cancer traits of pessimism can lead them in certain directions in which negative thinking is helpful, but it should not control the Cancer's entire worldview and lead to a dreary outlook on life. The Cancer's penchant for crabby behavior can complicate a romance, but if they are determined to make it work, they can learn to be kinder and more loving.

Cancer Male and Female in Love

As a water sign, Cancer is often emotional, dreamy and imaginative, enjoying the romance. Many are naturally charming and can attract others without being aware of it, which can result in some broken hearts. Although some Cancer individuals are sensitive they may be unsympathetic to other people's problems. Most Cancer individuals possess good intentions and never intentionally hurt others. A typical Cancer who feels insecure can be demanding and some may have a tendency to sulk.

An archetypal Cancer female in love is compassionate, faithful and tender. Cancer may take time to build trust before giving their hearts away easily. Once in love, she is a true romantic and will be sentimental treasuring memories from a lover. Cancer women may be vulnerable to criticism, so tread carefully if something needs to be addressed.

The typical Cancerian man also likes romance, though is often quicker to fall in love. The classic Cancer male enjoys daydreaming about the future and is likely to be a “one woman man” and will focus all his energies on her with plenty of attention and gifts. Negative traits of Cancer in love include jealousy, moodiness, and possessiveness.

Cancer Compatibility With Fire Signs

Cancer and Aries are very differing personalities and may lead to to a shaky union if Aries is not mindful of Cancer's sensitivity. Success here is possible if both are willing to understand each other. A Cancer and Leo match can work as the planetary combination of the moon and sun are compatible. If both can work together on their differences then a happy relationship can result. A Cancer and Sagittarius pairing can be difficult with two very different people with contrasting approaches to life. This is not generally a recommended match due to Sagittarius' traditional lack of fidelity and classic Cancer's emotional nature.

Cancer Compatibility With Earth Signs

Cancer and Taurus union can be compatible with Cancer taking care of Taurus and Taurus balancing Cancer soothing any disturbed emotions. This can be a very compatible match if Taurus can be sensitive to Cancer's moods. A Cancer/Virgo pairing can work well though arguments may arise from Virgo's critical behavior. A lasting partnership is possible with some effort and understanding. Capricorn and Cancer can work well together and could have similar interests. A successful relationship is likely if there is a stable home environment.

Cancer Compatibility With Air Signs

Gemini and Cancer can make a meaningful connection if they work to understand one another; combining emotion and intellect to make a balanced and loving union. Libra and Cancer may have few things in common and some astrologer suggest Cancer may not be emotionally suited to cope with Libra's roving eye. Cancer and Aquarius could quarrel as both may have conflicting tastes and ideas. Though it is an unadvisable match they could learn a lot from each other. Success could be gained if one partner is submissive and lets the other lead.

Cancer Compatibility With Water Signs

A union of two Cancer individuals could be wonderful or terrible. With two such emotional signs it could be difficult to keep peace. Yet romantic Cancer may form a joyful bond if they keep their emotions in check. Cancer and Scorpio have much in common, and if they manage to avoid bottling up bad feelings could form a wonderful relationship.

A Cancer and Pisces pairing is likely to be a creative and intuitive bond. Sharing similar emotional needs they are likely to form a long-lasting and satisfying match.

Cancer is probably most compatible with fellow water sign Pisces, and may share a deeply romantic, loving, and tender union. A match with Scorpio is also positive where they share many personality traits and easily understand one another. Connections with earth signs can work too, though fire and air signs are less likely to be good matches in love.

Cancers make good journalists, writers or politicians because of their ability to think and judge independently what they’re told. They’re good in public service, perhaps in social service agencies. Cancers are good providers because they themselves love comfort and a good life. Cancers can procrastinate and can upset their families with this trait. They’re not too good at taking orders, so positions where they’re required to be submissive or subordinate may not suit them well. 

Famous Cancers comprise an interesting mix of accomplishments. They include the Duke of Windsor and Bob Fosse, Sylvester Stallone, the Dalai Lama, Robin Williams and Ernest Hemingway. The best partner for Cancer is Taurus, while the sign with the least potential for a harmonious relationship with Cancer is Aries. 

Cancer Zodiac Sign General Statistics:

Symbol	The Crab		Lucky Numbers	3 & 7
Color	Green/Silver		Attractive Trait	Loyalty
Birthstone	Pearl		Body Part Ruled	Breast/Stomach
Element	Water		Polarity	Feminine
Metal	Silver		Animals	Shell Creatures
Ruling Planet	Moon		Trees	Rich in Sap
Key Phrase	"I Feel"		Lucky Day	Monday

In General: Cancer (the crab) is one of the most difficult zodiac signs to understand. Cancers can have many different personalities. Most cancers like to be at their home, and enjoy large families. You seem unsociable to some people, but you enjoy chatting and gossiping as much as anyone else. You tend to day-dream very often and can be found in a state of fantasy. You enjoy art, writing, and drama, but acting may not be a good career for you because of your tendency to Overact. Cancer is the sign most likely to believe in the zodiac, as well as other psychic happenings. You make a loyal friend and also very patriotic.

The Famous Cancers

Bill Cosby Billy Eckstine Bill Haley Courtenay Love Carly Simon Charles Lawton Calvin Coolidge Dalai Lama Eva Marie Saint George Orwell Gina Lollobrigida Li'l Kim

Kathy Bates Helen Keller Harrison Ford John Cusack Tom Cruise Liv Tyler Lena Horne Mike Tyson Meryl Streep  Mick Fleetwood Linda Ronstadt Nancy Reagan

Natalie Portman Jerry Hall Susan Haywood 50 Cent O J Simpson Princess Diana Pierre Cardin Paul McCartney P T Barham Robin Williams Tom Hanks Yul Brynner

Sylvester Stallone Pamela Anderson Kathleen Robertson Georges Pompidou Camilla Parker Bowles Abigail Van Buren Olivia de Havilland Genevieve Bujold Nelson Rockefeller King Edward VIII Ingmar Bergman George W. Bush

Sources:   http://cancer-star-sign-personality.blogspot.com/
               http://www.bubblews.com/news/643398-cancer-astrology-personality
               http://suite101.com/article/love-matches-for-cancer

So, crabs will be crabs folks! no matter how lunatic we may be at times, but rest assures that all cons will be overruled by the pros. Being a cancerian isnt bad at all I find it more interesting than others (pardon me for being bias) but i think it is. So,  if you think of a serious relationship and mystifying thrill of ride then go get a cancerian...hahahaha.... I hope that you enjoy reading, see you in my next post. Have a nice day ahead!