My Top 11 for 2011

This list is the top destinations and events I’ve been to for the past 12 months. A lot of firsts here for me! Here we go...

February 2011

Batulao Forest Trek, Nasugbu, Batangas – February 19, 2011 - My first time here and wanted to go back this 2012. Thanks to Sandari Batulao for organizing such a meaningful and wonderful activity. It's a must for those who wanted a side-trip before going swimming down town and for those camping and hiking at Mt. Batulao. It's only a two hour trek so it will not be that difficult to do...;-)

Corregidor Island, Cavite – February 20, 2011 - My 3rd and 4th time this year (another one was last August 2011) but it never ceases to amaze me especially this mile long barracks. Very beautiful ruins. I wish to explore this at night someday...;-)

March 2011

Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas – March 12, 2011 - I've been to some famous mountains of the Philippines but it's my first time to climb the highest peak of Nasugbu. Again thanks to some serious effort of  Sandari Batulao for organizing this event. I climb this same mountain after a month as organized again by Sandari Batulao.

April 2011

Twin Islands, Nasugbu, Batangas – April 24, 2011 - Another first for me to stay in one of the twins. Very cool place to go to when you go swimming in Nasugbu. It's only 30-minute boat ride from one of the beach resorts along the famous Nasugbu coast line. Rent a motorized banca for as low as 700-2000 (depends on the season).

July 2011

Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City– July 24, 2011 - Kobe Bryant. Need I say more?

August 2011

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 27, 2011 - First stop on the twin city tour. All I can say is there are so many businesses (small or medium). The local government here is doing a great job for employment and tourism. Need to go back here and explore their tourist attraction someday...;-)

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 28, 2011 - The main destination of our twin city tour. This is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail. The city was clean and the foods were great. Only had one bad experience and dunno if I ever go back to Dakak.

September 2011

Rock Rizal Concert, Mall of Asia, Pasay City – Sept. 16, 2011 - The best and the brightest rock bands in one FREE concert. Totally epic night! Thanks Rock Ed Philippines.

October 2011

Taal, Batangas – Oct. 15, 2011 - The heritage town of Batangas. My first time to explore the town up to its hidden Spanish cemetery. But the best part, I was so amazed at the collection of Mr. Manny Inumerable, the owner of Galleria Taal aka Camera Museum. From the oldest to the rarest camera he has it. Ever seen a gold Nikon FA camera? Visit Galleria Taal...;-)

November 2011

San Jose, Batangas – Nov. 20, 2011 - The poultry capital of Batangas. One small town so rich in history. Also home to one of the best organic restaurant in the province - the Casa Rap. That's why I'm surely coming back for more - food....;-)

December 2011

PEBA 2011, Trinoma, Quezon City – Dec. 09, 2011 - My first time to be nominated as a blogger. Even though that I have a slim chance of winning I still attended the event for experience purposes. Luckily for me, Mr. Jim Paredes was there to give an inspirational talk. Been wanting to see him for the longest time. And as a bonus for attending, I won a gift card worth 1000 from Ayala Malls... Merry Christmas to me...;-)

And. That. Is. All... Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Sandari Forest Trek Adventure

Summer has ended and typhoons take turns “visiting” our country. Floods to familiar grounds, trees fallen, destruction to agriculture and infrastructure abound, and Filipinos still live in fear. One of my friends posted this on his Facebook wall:

       “...LOITERING and THROWING garbage on street should be treated as a crime serious offense. Kill them all! They make the city flood!”

            A bit harsh but he has a point. Even small garbage makes a difference. I myself am proud to say that I DON’T THROW MY GARBAGE ON STREETS or ANYWHERE. I always find time to look for a trash bin to deposit my waste. If I don’t find any, I always bring it home. It’s a good thing when some individual, organizations or company protect and promote the environment/property they have. And some even invite people to join their eco-activities in promoting not just the cleanliness but protection of our environment.

            Here in Nasugbu, there’s an annual beach clean-up where people from different walks of life volunteer to clean the beaches. There’s the initiative of SM’s Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines to protect the biodiversity of our seas. Even Pepsi came to town twice to promote their Ayos Pinas Project. And just last summer, Citystate Properties and Management Corporation (CPMC) the developer of Sandari Batulao organized a summer full of fun and adventures not just for families but for everyone who wants to do something different.

            Their first offering was the Sandari Forest Trekking Adventure. Set in a 52-hectare Sandari Forest Reserve sprawled near the famous Mt. Batulao, outdoor enthusiasts, week-enders, the crew of Batulao View magazine, with the assistance of CPMC staff and  the forest caretaker and trek guide Mar Salazar of Batulao Bio-Loop Farms, we enjoyed the best nature has to offer. From low-lying shrubs to gigantic century-old trees, my fellow trekkers marveled at the unique variety of flora & fauna during the more than two-hour trail while indulging our thirst for adventure. Flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees are also interspersed in the high-density growth of greens, providing color, diversity and beauty to the Forest’s ecosystem. But what attracts us the most were the distinct natural structures formed inside the forest such as the intertwining Balete trees (e.g “The Arc”) and the drooping vines.

            Here’s a short video I made… Enjoy!

            TRIVIA: Some scenes of GMA 7's Mulawin was shot there!

            One thing I would never forget on that day, it was my first time I travelled and joined such activity alone. Good thing that the staff of CPMC especially Mam Charry Concepcion-Malabo and Sir Yahoo (our Official Photographer) made me feel comfortable with their warm welcome. After the trek they’ve treated all the trekkers to a very Filipino lunch – adobo, kangkong and talong with bagoong and inihaw na tilapia.

            This was the beginning of my summer and the first of 3 activities I joined that was organized by CPMC’s Sandari. One thing I learned on this activity, it’s easy to say you love Mother Nature, but it’s a whole different level when you actually live it by heart.  For the participants, you all saw the forest, you all have your memories taken, but it doesn’t end with photo ops. What you saw, what you heard, and what you learned, share it to everyone and start living the life of a true eco-warrior.