A Batangas day trip Part 1: Conquering Mt. Talamitam

Batangas' Mt. Talamitam
by: anakngkidlat

Another opportunity came to the tropa to be together once again. Luckily almost all of us had available schedules for the weekend and of course the group's promotor Brian cooked up another day hike for us. One of the tropa had even invited her friend to come with us. This time I already made preparations prior to the trip like food and enough water and conditioning for long walks.

We had met on the same meet up place on an early Saturday morning and went to Taft Station (Via MRT) to hook up with the rest of the group and rode the bus that made it straight to Mt. Talamitam. After at least a two hour bus ride, We came at our stop and sought for a guide. There's also the barangay hall where you'd have to register and pay a small fee.

The Barangay Hall that serves as registration area and prep point 

 With the preparation and payment made, we started our hike. Since were only 3 guys (including the guide) I was the sweeper.

And here we go!

 Just a simple factoid, Mt Talamitam is located specifically in Nasugbu, Batangas. Categorized as a minor climb, the hike usually lasts within an hour and 40 mins but since were not that experienced and conditioned that much, we would be having it a little bit longer. Besides we would want to enjoy and take as much as many pictures while going up.

Pictures here and there...

 We also had stops as the sun was striking hot and there wasn't enough trees for cover.

Photo Opps!

 As far as I can remember we had least 3-5 stops before we had made our way to the top. And as much as possible I try to shoot pictures.

yeah!

One of the stops we had

Moo!

Compared with Mt. Humarap, I would say this was relatively easier. Maybe it was the soft ground that helps minimize stress on the knees or the slope of the mountain was not too steep. The down side (I think) is that there were a lot of land mines (poop) on the way.

Yikes!

The cool breeze relieves much of the tired feeling we have. With no trees around the mountain, we can easily see the scenery.

As we go near the peak, winds also start to pick up.

Just a little more..

  And finally we reached the summit! As far as I can recall it was 10 am when we had made it to the top. We had our lunch then and made much of our time taking pictures!

Lunch Time!

More group pics!

What's wrong with this picture?

Finally! A complete group picture

Planking.. It's more fun in the Philippines!

We went down the mountain at 12 noon. Brian had set another place to visit so we had to maximize our time so went on the more steeper end.

The shortcut

As a side trip, we had taken a bath in the river nearby. The cool and relaxing waters erased the stress from the hike.

One tatay for sure is enjoying the slide! 

I must say that even though this is a minor climb, No hiker should miss this mountain on their list. For its unique landscape and diverse features, Mt. Talamitam has an identity of its own. Thanks to Brian of xplorerboyz.blogspot.com and Aleli of me-and-my-lens.blogspot.com for some of the photos in this blog post.

Saan ang lakad ngayong 2012?

What to do and Where to go this 2012?
by anakngkidlat

Many people might say that it is a bit too late for posting my wishes for 2012. But hey, it's just February and there are 10 months to go before this year ends as they say "It's better to be late than never". So here are the things that I hope I could accomplish:

1. Buy a new camera (to be exact a RED Panasonic Lumix G3!)

The Panasonic G3 in RED!

You would ask: "Why Panasonic? Why not a Nikon or Canon?" My answer : "To be different". I don't question the performance of both Nikon and Canon that's why they are selling hot like pancakes. I just simply want to deviate from what most people would choose. Besides, my first camera is also a Panasonic (FZ20). I was satisfied with it but I felt a need to change from a hybrid to an interchangable lens camera.

The Thing is: Currently the price for the G3 is expensive for me (30,000++ php for a single lens kit and 40,000++ php for a 2 lens kit) and there are few distributors not only for the model but for the whole Panasonic line! Although I haven't checked Hidalgo if they do have this. (I hope they do) If there would be ways to have it free (as long as it is Legal) then I would do it. I hope people from Panasonic would see this post ^_^

Update (3/17/2012) I might change my mind in buying a G3. Due to difficulty in finding stores with separate lenses, problems with an available service center and there is a more cheaper DSLR that could match it. Sad to say I might eat my words of being different from the Nikon and Canon users. ( Panasonic needs more reinforcement of stores in the Philippines or else face being unknown against big DSLR competitors with more stores and availability to service)

2.Have my first DOMESTIC airplane trip

Zest Air plane (credits to visitpinas.com)

You would ask: Really? cheap fares and go light trips have been almost everywhere and you haven't bought one? My answer: Yes... (T_T) You may have noticed though that I specified a Domestic flight. That is because I already had an International flight to USA almost 2 years ago. Sadly, I have not started this blog back then and had no camera to document too.(not even a decent point and shoot). The Destination could be anywhere as long as I could travel by plane.

The Thing is: Although the destination could be anywhere in the country, I would also consider the cost and the weather conditions. It may be cheap to go to Boracay for example, but you can't fully experience it if you went there during the rainy season (Obviously!)

3. Have an out of town or country trip with my wife

Don't leave the country without this!

No need to ask why. There are some things you would want to experience with someone special (That would be my wife)

4. Go to a real Fiesta!

You would ask: What do you mean? My Answer: What I know (at least one aspect) about a real Fiesta is that you would go from house to house and they would serve you with what they have cooked. At the end of the day your stomach will be so full you can't even get up! (correct me if I'm wrong about this)

The Thing is: With the current economic problems  the Philippines and the rest of the world is currently into, Free food would be a scarcity. Don't get me wrong that I just want to go to a Fiesta for food alone.There's something in that practice that I couldn't explain because I haven't tried inviting strangers in my home and feed them on a Feast Day.

5. Meet at least one Blogger that I have been following

You would ask: What for? My Answer: Isn't it great to talk to someone that shares your drive and your passion? I'm not talking about the ordinary blogger. They are the people who had been doing it, had been through a lot of places, had experienced a lot of difficulties and comforts of travel and live to tell it all.You may say that I have accomplished it already with Lakwatserong Tatay but he has paved the way for me to be into blogging and get to know fellow bloggers and their experiences. On that certain level I would like to meet one. (or shall we say another)

The Thing is: With a hectic schedule (not to mention managing VLs) I would need to at least set up a trip and ask the blogger to join or fix my schedule to conform to the Blogger's trip to meet up.

6. Have a Major Climb

Mt. Pinatubo crater (credits to pinatubo4x4.blogspot.com) 

You would ask: Why? My Answer: From the climbs I have been, Brian told that they were just minor. I thought, if I'm feeling strain in my legs, get exhausted and yet feel energized once reaching the peak, how does it feel if it is a major climb? It could be twice the pain, but definitely twice the reward!

The Thing is: I would need to ask or join a major climb. The preparation would also be a must! 2012 is still far from over so I hope for at least one major climb. =)

How about you? Have you made your wishlist for this year?