Susan Calo-Medina, My Travel Influencer

Photo: CTTO

More than 20 years ago, I remember staying up late on a Thursday night to watch episodes of Travel Time.  It introduced me to destinations like Boracay, and Pagudpud where very little development was done in those areas that time.  But it was her ending message that resonates to me up until now.  "Huwag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan" or Do not be a foreigner in your own country.

It was because of her feature of Taal, Batangas that influenced our thesis proposal in Architecture to propose a Tourism Development Within the Volcano Island.  During our site visit, we didn't know the duration of the trek, but we opted for the one that would take us to the actual crater navigating through lava formations and black sand dunes.  Unprepared, and with limited cash, we we're literally gasping for water once we reached the crater lake.  Once were back to the town of Talisay, came the challenge of commuting for the return ride back to Manila because we missed the last bus.  I remember, me and my partner Michelle Ramos (Now Michelle Cunanan) hitched a ride at the back of a pick up truck intended for produce going up to Tagaytay.  It rained the middle of the journey and we were soaked to our skin once reaching the top.  It was the monsoon season that time, and the rain continued flooding the roads entering Manila.  We ended up walking on flooded streets just to get home.  This was before mobile phones we're invented and our parents we're worried sick about us.

Susan Calo-Medina and her show Influenced my love for travelling although it was expensive during those times.  When eventually I started working, whatever is left of my pay check is usually spent on exploring different destinations.  My only regret was that there was no social media to document these adventures.  Otherwise, I would have been a popular travel influencer myself.  Back in the days, we were so focused on finishing the degree, making a career and your real life passion was sidelined.

I was able to visit Coron when the only affordable way to get there was through a 15 hour ferry ride.  I visited Boracay when boats were still allowed to dock on the white beach and the boat men literally carry you to the shore so you wouldn't get wet.  Those were fun memories.

It took 20 years, when I finally decided to make a living through travel and tours.  I retired from my corporate job in 2016, then spent the last 2 years figuring what future plans would be.  I chanced upon Airbnb experiences and made good money out of it until the start of this year.

It was only last year that I was able to come back to Taal Volcano.  This time, I was taking foreign guests to visit the volcano as part of the experiences I was selling.  My last visit just 5 days before it erupted.

Now, my experiences we're put on hold because of the COVID 19 Pandemic.  Just when I thought I was gaining momentum.

But I have no regrets.  I feel that my life skills prepared me for this.  I just need to re think my strategy so that when the travel ban is over, we're going to come out stronger.

My ultimate goal now is to look for experience hosts on all of the Philippine destinations, beyond areas serviced by the Airbnb platform.  With the availability of information on the internet, tourists are more keen on immersing themselves in the culture.  Instead of sight seeing and just tasting local delicacies, why not teach the guests how to make it themselves.  Would you agree if I suggest that on top of seeing Calle Crislogo in Vigan, making your own Vigan Empanada would make your visit more meaningful?

Not only will this revive the local tourism industry, it would also create additional income to the local hosts.  An empanada vendor would probably earn the same if she sells them the whole day for 20 pesos per piece as compared to teaching tourists to make them for 1 hour.

I just need to figure out where to get my resources.  I should probably start a Go Fund Me campaign.  But should you have connections, or this would be the same area you want to explore, or just maybe your also one of those people influenced by Susan Calo-Medina, please drop a message on the comment section.

RampaDora the Explorer Maiden Voyage

Today I am officially launching the 1st tour package for RampaDora the Explorer Tours.

I want to cater mainly to the LGBT market offering affordable packages of road trips I have experienced myself.  I want to customise trips according to our lifestyle and interests, creating a balance of adventure, art and culture.  

What would set our tour group apart from the others is our attention to details.  

Playlist

Every road trip would have a playlist of songs depending on the destination and guest preferences.  

I wouldn't want be stuck on a 4 hour ride listening to rock and 80's new wave, or worst the Porkchop Duo Concert.

VANity Kit

We know how expensive it is to maintain that perfect skin complexion and we would not to destroy that.  Each van is equipped with sun protection essentials from sun blocks to umbrellas (in pink). We also have alcohol, wet wipes and toiletries to keep you feeling fresh.

Interactive

This is something I have observed from other tour groups.  Some function like a transport service bringing you from one point to the other.  With us, we will ensure that all guests will experience everything that the place has to offer and be immersed with the local culture.  Before each trip, we will research on the Must Visit, Must Eat, and Must Do!

I have chosen Taal Heritage Town as the first destination because of its rich history, unique landmarks and places to visit aside from the many activities you can do within the town.

Taal Heritage Town (June 28, 2014)
Pic Pac Package
(Pic Pac Package are for destinations suited for photography and sight seeing.  It can also be a festival)

06:00 AM Meet-up
07:00 AM ETD for Taal Town
10:00 AM ETA arrival in Taal Heritage Village

Day Tour

Museums
Leon Apacible House
Marcela Agoncillo House

Lunch
Tampuhan Cafe

House Hopping
Villa Tortuga
Casa Villavicencio with Snack
Galleria Taal housing the biggest collection of old cameras

Church Tour
Basilica of Saint Martin, the biggest church in Asia
Our Lady of Caysasay

5:00 PM  ETD for Manila

Inclusions:
Transportation, Guide Fees, Entrance Fees, Lunch and Snack.
Optional:
Photo in period costumes at Villa Tortuga (200php)
Climb the Bell Tower of the Basilica (50php)

Rate:
1500/pax minimum of 10

Email me at omarpalero@gmail.com for reservation and payment details.

Mt. Daguldol with Corinthian Architects

The idea to climb for UAP Manila Corinthian Chapter's summer outing was conceived a few months back when we plan for the last quarter of the fiscal years activity.

It's something we haven't done before and I thought would be a nice idea.  We chose a mountain that's relatively easy, since we want to encourage beginners and a location that would allow for other activities.  Our Chapter Treasurer Jared Cruz, suggested Mt. Daguldol in San Juan, Batangas.  I'm familiar with the beach in Laiya, and agreed after being assured that its relatively easy.  I researched on the itinerary from other blogs and thought that we could manage the 2/10 difficulty rating.

I only posted the event invite 2 weeks prior because I was so loaded with work the weeks prior. Since we still have a budget remaining from previous activities, I did not had the event sponsored anymore. I just need to work on the logistics.  Initially, I intended to rent a bus if I have a confirmation of more than 20.  Only 13 confirmed on my event list but including the guests, I will have 24.  Knowing that some would still back out on the day itself, I decided to just get 2 vans that can accommodate up to 30.  I was able to get a rate of 5500 each for 2 days excluding diesel, toll and drivers meals.  It's still a lot cheaper compared to the bus at 21k excluding gas and toll.

The itinerary we used was that from www.pinoymountaineer.com and edited it according to our transportation arrangement.
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/11/mt-daguldul-670.html

MT. DAGULDUL ITINERARY

Day 1 0600 Assembly at KFC Taft for. Buendia 0830 Pick up Levy at Robinsons Lipa 1130 ETA Brgy. Hugom; Arrange for Guides. Lunch 1300 Start Trek - Beach Front 1530 ETA Mang Lizardo's place 1730 ETA Niyugan Campsite, Set Camp 1900 Dinner / Socials

Day 2 0500 Wake up call 0520 Start Trek going to summit 0540 ETA summit 0700 ETD from summit 0730 Breakfast 0830 Break Camp 0900 Start Descent 1000 Back at Mang Lizardo's place 1100 Take Naambon Falls sidetrip (1 hr) 1200 Resume descent 1300 Back at Brgy. Hugom; head to beach resorts 1700 Depart for Manila

A few days before the climb we posted the things to bring:

1. Water Containers (Preferably 2 liters per person, water source is abundant in the mountain)
2. Sun Block and Insect Repellant
3. Trekking Sandals or Hiking Boots (No Rubber Shoes or Slippers)
4. At least 3 sets of Light Clothing (Refrain from using or packing Denim garments) Preferably Dry fit clothes and allocate 1 for swimming.
5. Tent, provide tarpaulin undersheeting for moisture protection (can be shared)
6. Food (Dinner and Breakfast only at the camp) & Cooking Equipment
7. Trail food (Jelly ace, nuts, etc.)
8. Head lamp or Flashlight
9. Waterproof your gadgets at cameras.
10. Bring extra cash.

Prior to the event, I was texting  attendees confirming if they have a tent just to be sure we have enough.

Of the 24 guests I was expecting, 16 was present at the meeting place on the day of the climb, and 1 to be picked up in Lipa.

We left around 7:30 in the morning and was in Lipa around 9AM.  We did not stop for breakfast anymore, since some already used the waiting time to grab a meal at KFC.  We arrived in San Juan, around 11 AM, and made a stop at the public market to buy the ingredients for our dinner and breakfast and the supplies we will need.  Before heading to the jump off, Foursquare recommended Marimar Bulalohan for lunch.  Its located at the gas station along the road connecting the highway to Laiya.  They have huge servings and we were able to take with us what was left of the Bulalo, Bopis and Kaldereta.

We arrived at Baranggay Hugom around 1PM.  We were informed that we don't have to trek along the beach anymore, because the road leading to the jump off is accessible by vehicles.  Our guide brought us to a resort where we parked and reserved their cottage for wash up the next day.  After some last minute preparations and hiring porters to carry some of our bags, we started the trek around 2:30 PM.

It was very hot and dry at the start especially at the main road leading to the trail to the 1st station. We were soaking in sweat when we reached the resting hut, but was hopeful that the assault  to  the next station was more gradual.  We were wrong!

My pacing becomes slower and slower as we progress.  I literally am counting my steps and would stop every 10 to catch my breath.  Me, and my climb buddy Daphne limits our rest just until some of our buddies catch up.  We want to see the sunset at the summit.

By this time, I was really looking forward to the Halo Halo Station I've read from other blogs.  I know we were getting near because we can already hear songs from a karaoke emanating from somewhere.  True enough, a few minutes later, we were at the 2nd station.  We passed by a house where 2 climbers from a different group decided not to continue anymore.  I was hoping, that my team would still push through.  We just need to motivate each other.  After having 2 servings of Halo Halo, we were on our way to the third station.

Along the trail is a clearing that offers a view of the bay.  Most parts are forested shading us from the sun, but there are only a few breaks from the assault.  My legs and back are close to giving up by this time, but seeing how far we are into the trek, there's no way I'm giving up.

It took us 3 hours to reach the last resting hut before the Niyogan Campsite.  At this point, we are on the last stretch of the climb.  My motivation is to catch the sunset and lay comfortably in my tent.  We arrived at another stop selling Buko Juice a few minutes later.  That was the Niyogan Campsite, but instead of settling there, we trekked further to a better clearing.  When we reached the area, it was already occupied by a few group of mountaineers.  Although the sunset at this area was breath taking, we decided to push 10 minutes further to the summit, where the clearing is wider and offers a better view of the ocean.  Finally, we found the perfect spot, and settled on our camp area after almost 4 hours of trekking.

After pitching our tent, we immediately started preparing our meals.  One by one, our other companions arrive.   It was already dark when the last of our members reached the camp.

We shared on Hotdogs, what was left of lunch, Sinigang na Corned Beef and Kare Kareng Gulay for dinner.  It started to drizzle as we were eating, but luckily the rain didn't pour.

I was amazed at the strength of my companions.  My former professor is 54 years old, and the others were first timers, but nobody gave up.  Somehow, we took on different roles for the team.  Some went ahead so we can secure our campsite and get started with dinner, while the others supported each other every step of the climb making sure nobody's left behind.  It was really a test of strength and will power, and I think we passed with flying colours.  The rest of the evening was filled with stories of the trek.

We were so tired for socials that only half of the Emperador Light was consumed.

We woke up to a cold foggy morning.  After warming myself with coffee, I volunteered to get water from the source 10 minutes away so we can cook rice for breakfast.  After eating, and picture taking, we cleared the camp so it wouldn't be too hot on our way down.

The descent was faster.  We were stopping on stations one after the other, and it only took us less than 3 hours to reach the Jump-off.  Initially, we were suppose to have lunch at the cottage and order food from one of the Turo Turo in the area, but our accomplishment that weekend was too great that it calls for a celebration.  Instead, I decided to bring them to Sulyap in San Pablo after washing up and having light snack at the beach.

Happy Trekker L-R: Jared, Ana, Eileen, Angelo, Vhic, Gabbie, RAMM, Sheyne, Syoti, Candy, Ryan, Allan, Omar, Ludel, Levy, Alpha, Daphne

We left Laiya at 1 PM and arrived in San Pablo an hour later.  While waiting for our orders, the others took time to tour the property and gallery.  The place and the food was the perfect reward for our accomplishments that weekend.

Photos grabbed fro Sheyne, Eileen and Sir Gabbie's album.

Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

I can't resist an invite to visit new places, especially a secluded beach I haven't been to.  I received an invite from friends going to Burot beach during the last week of March for April 5-6.

Since I have nothing to do, we'll actually I have tons of things to do, but the opportunity is too good to pass out.  Plus, the pictures I've googled about the place is so tempting.

Our scheduled meeting time is 10 AM, but due to late arrival of companion and changes on meeting place, we left the South Bound Provincial Bus Terminal at NAIA Rd. around noon.  We took the Nasugbu bound bus, because the Calatagan bound has no air condition, and looks as if it has no plans of leaving. Three hours later, we arrived at the town of Lian.  This is where the Nasugbu bound bus makes a turn to the opposite direction to Nasugbu.  There, we waited for a mini bus to Calatagan, while others ordered a quick snack from a convenience store at the corner.  Bus going to Calatagan is very rare, and we don't want to wait any longer.  Instead, we went to the public market where there are jeeps departing as soon as it gets filled.  Luckily, we were the ones that filled the jeep and immediately went on our way.

The jeep took us to the Public Market in Calatagan.  There, we purchased our provisions for the night and the next morning.  Also, our tricycle driver contact picked us up and took us to the Beach.  It is still 15-30 minutes ride from the market.  We passed by a fenced property, over rough roads that seem to traverse mangroves and fish pens.  Towards the end is the stretch of white sand that is known as Burot Beach.  We arrived just in time for sunset, and it was breath taking.

Since, its the start of Summer, the beach is more crowded than I expected.  The shaded areas were occupied and we pitched our tent on a clearing above the beach.

Immediately, we started preparing our meals.  Actually, my friends started preparing our meals since, they don't trust my cooking skills.  There are toilet facilities in the area, but you have to wait for your turn, since the line gets longer as the beach becomes crowded.  There's also a store that sells ice and just about everything that you would need.  They even rent out tents.  Some guests would even drive their vehicle to the beach and camp beside it.

I still managed to swim while the sun was still out.  The evening was spent eating and drinking and star gazing.  We were blessed with a clear sky that evening and I managed to see a shooting star.  That was until the red horse took over me, because all of them seemed to be dancing.  Thanks to the store nearby, I think I managed to finish two grande.

It was surprisingly cool that evening.  That afternoon, my tent struggled with the wind.  The next morning was different story.  It was hot and humid by 8 AM, and since were at a clearing, It became unbearable for us, that we decided to pack earlier than our itinerary.  We left the place around 10 AM on board a bus from Calatagan Market straight to the South Bound Provincial Bus Terminal near Macapagal.

As usual, Robb, our organiser made it fun with new found friends who are just as eager to discover new places.

Our small group, with Robb taking the picture!

Mt. Gulugod Baboy, My Third Climb for the Year

I don't really consider myself a mountaineer yet.  It's just one of the things I enjoy doing and I'm still pacing myself to conquer more difficult trails.  It was my sister who influenced me to climb.  When she left to migrate to Canada, she left me all her equipment and might as well put them to good use!

It was a long weekend with April 9, Friday declared a national holiday.  The night before, I went out with friends and had very little time to pack.  Before the night out, I was just able to take out the dirt inside the tent from my previous climb.  When we got home, half drunk, I packed clothes, my costume, because it was supposedly a themed climb, the tent I just cleaned earlier and whatever toiletries I could grab.  I also included what I can spare from our pantry, a can of tuna, pasta mix and chocolates.

 

I finished packing around 3AM and checked the itinerary.  With the call time at 9AM, I still have 5 hours to sleep.  Our meeting place was at Buendia, Taft, where terminals going south are located.  Woke around 8:30AM and was on my way to the meeting place with my partner driving the car.  I was the 9th person to arrive and by 10AM, all eleven of us took the bus to Batangas City.

From the Bus Terminal, we transferred to a Jeepney that would take us directly to the jump-off at Philpan Dive Resort for 100php per head. We made a quick stop to buy last minute provisions and lunch that we will eat along the trail.

We arrived at the jump-off around 2PM and started following the continuous uphill paved road to the registration area.  From there we paid 20php registration fee and started following the narrow trail to the campsite.  There are houses that offer shade and sells soft drinks at 12php per bottle.  After almost 3 hours, we reached the campsite in time for sunset.

Cloudy Sunset

Immediately, we pitched our tent and settled our things.  I made a quick trip to the summit, which was not very far to get a better vantage of the surrounding scenery.  When I got back, some have already started preparing dinner.  We had pasta, salad, a really good pesto sauce and vinaigrette dressing complimented with canned meat and tuna.  You eat however you want to combine them.

Socials started afterwards.  We have 6 bottles of brandy and 11 of us.  With the amount of alcohol consumed that night, just imagine how crazy our topics were.  Not even the rain stopped us.

Was glad to catch the sunrise!  Isn't this enough reason to climb?

Woke up early to catch the sunrise.  Another reason is that I am so gassy that morning and would like to spare my tent mates of toxic gas I was about to release. It wasn’t long until one by one, people started waking up and prepared breakfast.  After the meal, we cleared the camp and were on our way back to the resort.  We made a quick trip to the summit to have the group photo, but the clouds didn’t cooperate blocking the view, also insects that somehow want to be included in the picture joined us.

The trek down was much faster but more challenging.  The rained caused the trail to get muddy and slippery.  Some of us actually slipped once or twice going down.  We were back at the resort in about an hour. 

This is also the Anniversary climb for the group I joined, Guys4Mountains.  To celebrate, we took the opportunity to swim and catch up with other members who decided to follow at the resort.  Our contribution for the entrance and cottage amounted to 100php per head.  Around 2PM, we took the same jeep that brought us to the resort, back to the terminal with a cheaper fare of 80php.

By 3PM, we were on the bus bound for Manila.  As always, it was fun and I have gained new friends.  Looking forward to my 4^th mountain next month!

My Vios-venture, Tagaytay to Matabungkay

Matabungkay in Lian, Batangas has always been a favorite beach destination since its discovery in the 1950's.  But unlike before, with the recent developments in Laguna and Tagaytay, even the trip is an adventure apart from the destination.

Last Saturday, we made this Batangas destination our weekend getaway.  We planned our itinerary so that we will be in Tagaytay in time for lunch.  We left Manila around 10:30 am taking the South Luzon Expressway.  We only made one quick stop for breakfast and to gas up.  Also, to get something to nibble on and other provisions.

We took the Sta. Rosa exit and continued to the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay connection, passing Nuvali and Silang.  As planned, we arrived at the ridge exit around 11:30.

We are in search of a place to have lunch.  After having been to Tagaytay many times, we want to explore something different from the usual Tagaytay offerings.  Enough of the Bulalo for now.  Just a few meters  from the Rotunda, we found Pamana Restaurant.  I remember the countless times we pass by the restaurant to get to our favorite Bulalo places like Leslie's and the stalls at Mahogany Market.

We arrived early, and was the 2nd group inside the restaurant.  I personally like the nostalgic interiors of the place.  The white walls are filled with old photographs and framed mirrors.  The miss match wooden tables and chairs adds a rustic appeal complimented with antique ornaments.  The condiments served in a sungka board was genius!  It wasn't long till the place was filled with the lunch crowd.

The food they serve were modernized versions of Filipino Classics. We ordered the Inihaw na Bicol Express, Pinangat, and Bulanglang.  All in all, it was good, although the leaves used in the Pinangat could have been cooked more and felt a itchy as you swallow.

After lunch, it took us another hour to reach Matabungkay.  During weekends, the local community asks for a 5 peso per head donation as you reach the end of the road leading to the resorts.  We were given a family room when we checked in.  It has a spacious living room and dining area.  It has a small nook that can be used as a kitchen.  The mini ref is also located here.  The bedroom has a large bed, that can accommodate up to 4 persons with the addition of extra beds.  Next to the bedroom is the toilet equipped with hot and cold shower and the closet.  Both sections has a veranda that opens to the grounds and the beach at the distant.  We have to thank Joie Oliveros of Matabungkay Beach Resort for the lovely accommodation and their generosity.

We spent the afternoon at the restaurant sampling their Halo-halo and Puto Bumbong over a cup of Kapeng Barako.

We explored the resort and head for the beach in time for sunset.  We went to the Helipad area to capture the moment at break-water with our cameras.  Although it was a bit cloudy that day, it was one of my best sunset shots.

We went back to the restaurant for dinner.  This time we were in the mood for the best that Batangas has to offer.  We ordered the Bulalo, Kinilaw na Tanique, and Lechon Kawali.  

We also took advantage of their Happy Hour Every Hour Promo, where a choice of appetizer is included with a bucket of beer (6 bottles).  We continued our drinking at the Videoke Bar and the sang the night away.

We woke up early for breakfast. They have Filipino and Continental Choices.  We ordered the Filipino Set, that can a choice of Longganisa, Tapa, Cornened Beef, Daing na Bangus served with garlic rice, 2 eggs prepared the way you wan it, fresh fruits, and coffee all for 250 pesos.  After breakfast, we decided to try the swimming pool.  The water was cold since it was too early, but got warmer as noon approaches.

After the swim, we went back to our rooms to prepare our things and checked out around 11 am, so we can go back to Tagaytay in time for Lunch.

Just as planned we were back in Tagaytay by noon.  We made a quick stop at Mushroomburger for a quick sampling of their meatless burgers, and continued to look for a place to have lunch.

What caught our attention was Tootsie's right after the fresh vegetable stalls near the Rotunda.  Although the restaurant does not have a view of the lake, they made it up with the country inspired interiors and the food.  They serve Ilonggo favorites, on top of the Tagaytay favorites.  We ordered Kansi, Inihaw na Bangus, Stir-fried Vegetables, and Lumpiang Ubod as a starter.  The food was great and immediately we fell in love with place and can't wait to try the other items on their menu.

After Lunch, we went to Ilog Maria in Silang for the Natural Soap and other Products from bees.  We missed the corner and had to go back since the sign is now almost covered with the tall grass on the main road.  My favorite is the Spearmint scented oatmeal and honey soap.  The scent lingers after every shower.  Also, I got me a bath gel, since it's more convenient to bring along for travels and the gym.  I am yet to try the bee propolis that I got and my throat spray.

Instead of continuing the Cavite route to Manila, we decided to go back to the Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay connection.  We made a stop at Solenad in Nuvali for desserts at Conti's.  Since were in the area, we also took time to feed the fishes.

After dessert, we were back in Makati just in time to catch the 7:00 PM mass at the Sacred Heart Shrine in Saint Paul.  After the mass, we got invited to have dinner at a friends condo in Shaw Boulevard.  She makes a really good Strawberry Margarita and Mudslide.

It was a really long weekend spent with great meals, destinations, and great fiends.