Trekking in Taal

''The world’s largest island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island.''

So confusing right? But i got chance to visit and joined Bridgetone's Mountaineering Society climb to Taal. It so happened that one of my office mate was part of that Org and so fortunate that we participated and experienced the beauty of this tiny Island within a Lake . : )

I am fascinated on mountain climbing but i didn't have means of enjoying this hobby. Haha! This was my second climb. First was in Mt. Talamitanm in Batangas that i surmise won't fit for a beginner like me ( Or maybe the trail that we took was difficult than the other trail )

After riding a boat from town of Talisay ,It took us 4 hours and 30 minutes to finish the climb. Some tourist rode a horse but i guess, it's much better to trek to maximize the thrill of going up. My few steps was difficult, I experienced shortness-of-breathing, maybe its because i am not used to on this activity ,but continuing and motivating myself to go on walking was really worth-it! Haha

I love this view while walking! I've felt so motivated. Haha!

Ok fine! That's me selling M&Ms while trekking. ( I don't have a backpack that time so i was in-the-mood on using that M&M's bodybag . Of course, teasers and mockers are everywhere, haha! )

STOP OVER

This man loves to carry stuffs when we resumed, since he knew that we're beginners, he willfully asked for our things and seems enjoyed on carrying those. Unfortunately, this admirable man.. yes.. his name is Glenn, died on a certain sickness 2 years ago. I only met him once but i've got a hunch on what kind of person he was. You could see the positive personality on him within the time that you 're with him. I noticed that he's fond of Old songs too. Too bad that we haven't got a chance to have few chats together. I know it's too late to say ''THANK YOU GLENN'' for carrying my stuffs. I indeed,appreciated your effort!'' (sigh! )

Volcanic Smoke that contains Sulfur coming out from the soil

..and we're almost there!

We're here. Time to cook our food!

BRIDGESTONE MOUNTAINEERING ORG

I super like the soil's color

Since I cannot look directly down to the crater, so my feet did and became a hashtag-selfeet (#Selfeet)

We're not allowed to climb down near the lake itself . The caretaker told us that over those sulfuric smoke coming out near the lake, you may be able to cook an egg. So we just enjoyed the view.

I still managed to take a pose near the crater, wrong move for me then i'l be drop dead! Haha!

The thrill has not ended , it 's been an adventurous bumpy ride going back to Talisay . THe lake wasn't calm and we're wet all over. We also stranded for a few minutes and needed to transfer to another boat. :)

A Town that heals

I am not a hardcore traveler but I confess that visiting the whole Philippine Islands is one of my frustrations. I grew up flipping pages of Mabuhay Magazines,admiring landscapes and going out-of-town became my escapes for boredom and emptiness. For me , something was filled within every time I had nature trips. I was in the peak of my desire of going out-of-town , until something has happened.

It was May 2011 and i was pregnant, the fact that my pregnancy was unplanned and due to impulsiveness, I was anxious and feared of being not able to go out and travel again. I can't helped but entertained the scenario playing over my mind that being a Mom will defer any future plans of an easy-go-lucky woman like me. I was worried that i'll get stuck for 9 months and that's horrible for me . I can't imagine being a a full-time corporate working mom and not having a moment for myself! Was this a penance for being an irresponsible-laid-back woman?

This distressing emotion succumbed my mind and I immediately decided to have my last out of town for that year and it should be for myself! I usually go out of town with friends so this will seem a hibernation for me to relax and rest my weary mind! I have asked a friend to accompany me on his place and decided to explore some places in Southern Leyte, Maasin .

Visiting this town was actually a double purpose: To loosen up and to personally meet a friend.

It was June when I decided to book for August 2011 for a trip to Leyte and searched for hotels.

A few chosen friends knew that i will be doing this out of town. Funny thing was , some friends also advises me not to pursue because this town is popular for witchcraft. They said that on meeting with Julius i might get cursed and he might give me a ''gayuma" ( love potion ) and won't let me go back in Cavite. So whatever happens so-be-it!

Leyte for me is an underrated town in Philippines. I wasn't heard anything much of this town unlike other towns. Seems they've just lacking advertisements! That's why when I set foot on this town, I promised to enjoy and discover more of this , aside from what i have read.

Cacao Falls in Maasin Leyte

The 3D/2N tour that i had planned was extended for another 3 weeks. I bled due to the activity i did on my 2nd day riding a ''habal-habal''(motorcycle). I got tired and that didn't allowed me to travel back to Cavite. The Ob-Gyne gave me a matter-of-life-and-death question of ''Iabort nimo ang bata para mubyahe ka pauli sa Cavite o bedrest?'' ( Abort the baby and go back in Cavite or bedrest? ). I was stunned and responded after few seconds.

Despite of my resistance to stay, at the back of my mind , I feared for my life and for the life that i am carrying. After all it was all my fault! I prioritized my impulsiveness and now I am suffering dealing with my guilty conscience. I've been selfish and realized that this time should be different. I told a friend that I will stay and need a hotel wherein I could stay for another 3 weeks, yet, he offered their house .

Next step i did was to call our HR Officer that im so lucky is my friend and asked her to helped me process documents needed to extend my filed vacation . A conference call for my parents and friends informing them that i am staying and resting on this town , assuring them that I am in good hands.

Still, these 3 weeks was never wasted! I got time seeing Macrohon but this time I am more cautious. I studied basic Visayan language and also celebrated my 30th birthday. It wasn't that glamorous, but meaningful for me! That's the first time I celebrated my birthday without my friends and family. It was weird, but special after all. It was , because I'm 30 and I'm a Mom!

Kuting Reef in Macrohon Southern Leyte

This sweet town helped me recover from the shattered mind I had. To strongly look forward and deal life with acceptance! It leads me to embrace Motherhood and dismiss selfishness. After all, freedom of going out was not taken away from me , it will be minimized. I knew that going back to Cavite will not be the same life I've had since I decided pursuing pregnancy .It was still vivid in my mind how this travel healed me. Yes, every town have its own appeal but for me , I am claiming the tranquility , security and happiness I've experienced in Leyte. People are so accommodating. I've felt sincerity from their smile. How his family accepted a total stranger like me. Neighborhood offered the same kindness. It was very rare in these times that you'll find people with amicable character.

Southern Leyte is really a HOME for me . I have felt love on that city and been in-love! I surmise, a friend was correct on her judgement that I might be cursed going there for the first time. I was, and really am in love with that town . I promised that after I gave birth, I will go back and visit another place. I did last 2012 and we're already booked for 2014.

Digyo Island of Cuatros Islas

It was 3 years ago, and my son , was born healthy and smart ! Julius and I we're still together, but this time, we're together here in Cavite. He was a total stranger but he's my man up until now. Life may offer uncertainties between us , however, what I have experienced on his town was merely remarkable! I am not a laid-back woman anymore but a responsible one.

Actually, a new life that's full of hope and dreams was also born after i gave birth.