Davao Side Trips

After climbing Mt. Apo, it was a loooong line to the shower. So due to random picking up of names, I was part of the first half. We showered first, ate dinner afterwards. We ate in Jenny's Fried Chicken since we learned that it was dirt cheap and because of the picture we had on our way to Mt. Apo. Then we walked around for a while, inquired on the videoke. The rest of the group already showered by this time, and we again had dinner on Bulca Chong, where they served spicy bulalo. Yum! Then we went back to the videoke for one hour of singing despite our raspy voices from the coldness of Mt. Apo.

The next day, we woke up late at around 8 am. We had breakfast in Tapsi's, looked at a few souveneirs in a nearby shop. Due to the time constraint, JM and Sha weren't able to join our city tour. We rented a jeep to go around the city for about PhP 2000 to be able to tour Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle, Crocodile Farm, and the Zip Line, ending with a dinner in Jack's Ridge, supposedly. Good enough since there were 10-11 of us... If it pushed through! Unfortunately, since we were late in starting, and our driver got lost, we weren't able to go to Eden Nature Park and Crocodile Farm. Though we did bought some pomelo and durian along the way. Cesar needed to be at the airport because his flight was at 8 or 9 pm.

The day afterwards, we pushed through with the Davao River Tubing, which costs PhP 500/head for an unforgettable experience and bonding! We woke up around 5 am, to get a jeep or bus going to the town (tagalang matipid ang grupo namin! Haha); It was so early, because some of us had flights at lunch and at 2 pm. LJ woke up earlier because his flight was around 6 am. We ate at a local carinderia (cheap thrills!) while we wait for the river tubes to be prepared. Then, the adventure begins! It was a blast getting washed up over and over again haha It was definitely better than river rafting that's for sure! Though people also get more accidents in river tubing hehe We missed those people who didn't share this experience with us.

Once the river tubing ended, coach took a taxi straight to the airport though he was still wet hehe He made it to his flight on time! Hehe For those leaving at 2 pm, Leo, Marlon, and Victor, they were able to try Lyndon's Ribs for an eat-and-run lunch and headed straight to the airport. They barely made it (only able to check in because they used web-check in, but the check-in counter was already closed hehe).

I was the one next on line to go the airport, with my flight at around 9 pm. We did some souveneir shopping nearby, and tried to take a nap. But found it futile, so Rose and I just went in search of Lachi's, the famous dessert place in the area. We got lost because apparently, it was moved! I almost gave up, but eventually the tricycle driver we rode on the way back knew where it was, so yey, we made it! There was no time for dinner however, and by this time, both our cash funds are low and we need to withdraw! Hehe Their cheesecake also costs less than PhP 100, and I wanted to bring home some to my family, just like what I did in Bacolod. However, I realized that I'll be bringing home Dates and Walnuts Cake from my friend who was in Dumaguete at the time, too, so I just took 2 slices of cake. (I wanted more, but I'm getting fat! Haha) Anyway, I also made it to the airport on time.

Pictures to follow

Mt. Apo Climb

Majority of us arrived in Davao on November 7, 2012 on the first (and second) flight to Davao. There were 8 of us so we rented a van to go to downtown and check in at our dormitel in Green Windows along Mt. Apo street, near Davao Doctors Hospital. Since a lot of us were sleepless from the very early flight that we took, we basically had breakfast, slept while waiting for the others, shopped for supplies in the nearby Gaisano South mall, took a nap again, and had dinner in Barbecue Boss. (Yes, we could have done a Crocodile Farm tour or something but we didn’t… Maybe if we were a bit more organized!)

On our second day in Davao (Nov. 8), we woke up around 5 am, had breakfast in the dormitel at around 6 am, and was finally on our way to Digos around 7 am. We arrived in the Municipal Hall around 9 am, waited for our permits to be printed, and was finally at the Barangay Covered Courts at around 11:30 am. While Deo negotiated with the habal-habal, most of us went around the area, scouting for food! Hehe The habal-habal ride consists of two hikers/bike and a 30-to-45-minute dirt road to get to the jump off point. We had to walk amidst the beautiful plains for about 30 minutes before we reach another stop-over and had lunch.

At the Brgy Covered Courts

Backpackers United at the Drop-off Point of the Habal-Habals (Photo Credits: Victor Ayson)

via Kapatagan Trail (plains) with rows and rows of vegetable plants

Nice view (and cute puppies) while stopped-over for lunch (Photo Credits: JM Esmeralda)

Mt. Apo was, is really beautiful. From the plains, you could see views of hills, greens, organized crops together. Knowing it is possible my last climb, I tried to take everything in. I wanted to slow down, stop, and appreciate the little things: the plants lining our path, the cool fresh breeze, listening to the wind roaring and animal sounds in the forest. I appreciated every step that I have to endure, every ounce of strength that I mustered, every branch and tree that I hanged on to climb. Nope, I didn’t try to appreciate the muddy trails, especially where my shoe would go in. But I did feel for the sweat falling off my forehead and into my shirt, my pants, my shoes, and the trail. I didn’t even bother wiping them.

A Very Muddy Trail Indeed

Backpackers United at the Emergency Camp (which I forgot the official name)

Since we were late in starting our hike, we only reached the first camp, the E (for emergency) camp. The guides and porters discouraged us from continuing for another 2-3 hours of night trekking just to get to the Goody-Goody camp, which was the original plan. It was a good thing, too because the trail was technical, and second, there were another group of campers at the time.

On our third day (Nov. 9, 2012), it was a long hiking day. Since we were late, we woke up around 4 am, ate breakfast, break camp, and started hiking. And hiking. And hiking. In the forest, you would appreciate the technical routes of branches and trees, stones, leaves. I tried to appreciate the animals and birds, but I couldn’t find any... But I can listen to them sometimes. I appreciated the shades given by the canopies of the forest and the anti-slip hold given by the rocks.

Nearby water-source to our camp (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Parang sa Kanlaon trail lang, trees to go over... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

... and trees to go under... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Goody-Goody Camp (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

We reached the Goody-Goody camp around 8 am, where the other campers were eating breakfast and breaking camp. Deo was now pressuring us at this time to hurry our pace because there was another group of campers. So much for appreciating the plants and the trees and the route, right?

After the forest were the boulders. Since Mt. Apo is a volcano, there was a part full of many rocks that you have to climb. It was murderous because of the scorching sun. There was hardly any shade because the clouds were below us! Only the soothing wind was rewarding. I just had to stop for a while to appreciate its cool breeze. But then, the cold wind was also harder to breathe especially when one is carrying a heavy pack. I did feel my nostrils constrict because I have a cold, making it harder for me to breathe, especially once the air gets cooler. I can feel my heart beating fast because of the effort I had to endure.

End of the covered forest, and gasp, start of the scorching heat (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

With the sulfur coming out of the volcano (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Such a mesmerizing view while going up the boulders (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Pang inspiration picture ito. Melted by the scorching heat pero going up pa din (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

The rocks seem to go on forever... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Since I wanted a slow pace, despite the urgent pressure coming from Deo, I just volunteered to be the sweeper. That plus, I was just feeling really sad and down on this second day of climb. It’s like unconsciously, I don’t want to reach the summit… yet. I was so glad in taking my time, going through my own pace. I really don’t want to hurry along. But on an ordinary day, I would have like the challenge of going through those rocks, despite the heat. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… or do I? I was just so slow that people were offering me water and chocolate, and the porter offered to carry my bag. Since I was a bit dizzy at the time with dimness of vision, I relented and gave him my bag. Despite that, I still had easy fatigability and occasional dimness of vision, so I was just going through my own pace, letting them all go ahead of me, as long as one of the porters stayed with me. (I diagnosed myself with syncope!) Eventually, the climbers from the other group overtook me… and I reached their sweeper hehe We talked for a while, and I realize that talking with locals and new people seemed to lift my spirits. I don’t know why. It’s like… I’m just sad with the other group. Why is that? I don't know why, I'm happy with them... right? But that will be further reflected upon in my other blog.

Finally reached Boracay at the endless mountain of boulders (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

"Yes, we're going to scale that um 80-degree wall behind us in 30 minutes" (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

 Anyway, on a less personal note, after the boulders, there was the place they called “Boracay” because of the sand. There was a big rock where we could rest and shade ourselves from the sun. By the time I arrived, the rest of the Backpackers United started the trek going through the almost 90 degrees. The other group of campers rested and had their lunch there. The sweeper team, consisted of Leo, Victor, Marlon, and me stayed for a while. Leo and I wanted to even sleep because it was so hot, and it was 1-2 hours away from the camp site anyway. I just wanted to trek when there’s no more sun. But there was a problem of lack of water supply at this time, because of the heat of the sun and the boulders. I wasn’t hungry, more of thirsty only, and just really sleepy. (Well, could be because of this deep sadness that I’m feeling.)

Fight! Kaya pala with less than 30 minutes i-assault eh! (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

 Eventually, around 1 pm, we started our trek going up the almost-90-degree wall. It took us less than 30 minutes, and when we reached the end, Lake Venado was waiting for us. We walked around, had our pictures taken. The rest of the BU was also up at the summit, waving down at us. Anyway, it was another 30 minutes of up trek going to the campsite, where they were already having lunch.

Nag mumuni-muni hehe (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

The Lake Venado (is this the old Crater?) after the assault, but it's not a potable water source
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

I wasn’t really hungry; I was just thirsty, dirty, and sleepy. So I changed clothes and slept, barely ate lunch and just drank. I woke up when there was a little drizzle, a little time before we had to hike to try for a sunset summit. Not everyone was into it, but since I had a mission, I just HAD to do it. We had to wear our raincoats over jackets and thermal wears and shirts, because it was cold, reaching about 12 degrees, if I remember correctly.

Our campsite (still early in the afternoon, why do we have to hurry through the boulders anyway??)
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Resting on top of the near-by bleacher-like bench hehe (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

We hiked to the summit, hoping for a view of the sunset. It was just hope, but it was successful! We had a glimpse! People were screaming whenever we get a clearing! Hehe We also had to remove our raincoats and jackets for pictorial purposes hehe But soon, it became dark and we had to go down. And from that glimpse, I knew I had my answer. Sigh… Anyway, we had dinner inside the tent. Hardly anyone wanted to drink, so we barely had socials. (Besides, everyone knew each other anyway.)

Sunset picture at the summit (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

When one of us went out the tent to pee, he commented on the stars. Some of us who were still awake (Rose, JM, coach, and me) stargazed for a while until we were freezing! They were just SOOOO many of them, so many bright stars! It would have been nice to sit somewhere, stargaze in silence, and reflect on life for a while. It was so beautiful, I could have cried if I was alone. I saw two shooting stars. And I knew it was another sign. My last night in the mountain was just perfect.

We woke up around 4 am, break camp, and went to the summit. There was a bit of a drizzle at this time, so I wasn’t in a hurry that there would be a clearing (and yes, I was again the sweeper by choice). Leo and I were the sweepers, but we didn’t go directly to the topmost area of the summit, where most of the BU where located. We went to the rock nearest the sunrise. Hence, when the sunrise appeared, Leo and I were in the pictures! Hehe That sunrise summit was so majestic I could have cried if I wasn’t shouting for happiness and excitement.  If I was alone. If I had my own thoughts only to ponder. But since there were a lot of us, and we were all excited and ecstatic, I just can’t cry! But it was a perfect sunrise! (That now, my eyes are getting misty reminiscing about that sunrise, writing about it.)

Yey, the sun made it through the clouds! :) Ecstatic and very good position for pictorials hehe
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Shh... Quiet... Mt Apo is talking to me here (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Backpackers United at the Sunrise of the Summit of My. Apo

At around 7 am, we eventually had to start going down. After all, there were the deadly boulders made murderous by the scorching sun. We don’t want to go through the deadly sun, right? (How I wish that we just traversed through the Kidapawan Trail. But my colleague said that Kidapawan was the easiest trail, so Kapatagal was still harder than Kidapawan.) We eventually stopped near the end of the boulders for breakfast.

Going down the steep wall, happy, hot, and covered in my white jacket. Time to take it off!
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Quick Picture in Boracay (Photo Credit: Leo Pineda)

Dahil kulang ng water, we used the berries on the trail as trail food and juice. Berry power! (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Breakfast Amidst the Boulders. Ayun ako o... Nasa pinaka shadiest part ng picture na ito hehe (Photo Credit: Deo Calumba)

Back to the Kapatagan Trail (with Mt. Talomo, I think, behind) - Photo Credit: Victor Ayson

It was easier going downhill than uphill, obviously, as we were able to finish the route in one day. And by this time, I was more accepting about my fate, so I was also happier I think. (That’s how I fooled myself anyway.) We were listening to our own music portals and singing our hearts out while hiking! Hehe

We had lunch in the place where we had our lunch on the first day. Some played with the cute puppies there, while some played basketball, while yours truly sat, put my feet up, and tried to get some rest (failed because we just chatted)! Afterwards, it was another short walk to the jump-off point. It was another round of habal-habal to the barangay basketball court, and a jeepney ride back to Davao City.

Nope, this climb was not a blurry hazy memory or dream. It was a memorable climb.

Kapatagan Trail on a clear sunny day (The first day was rainy so it was cloudy) - Photo Credit: Victor Ayson

Negros Adventure: Part 3: Maskarra Festival (Day 9)

Day 9:

When we arrived in Ceres North Bus Terminal, we boarded another tricycle to take us to McDonald’s at Lacson, which is one of the main streets of Bacolod. Troy and Julius would meet us there, and show us the homestay where we are staying. Since we were hungry, we ate at KFC while waiting for Troy and Julius.

We went to the homestay, washed ourselves, and well, fell into a nap Hehe Except for Victor and Leo who went ahead to the parade. Around 2 PM, we woke up, washed and went out. We asked a guy outside for directions on how to get to the plaza. Then we also asked where we can eat some good Bacolod food, he pointed us at Chicken Deli… where he apparently works! Haha

In fairness, there really were a lot of people there given the time. But the service was soooo slow! It felt like it would have taken half an hour just to get our order! Anyway, we ate the famous inihaw na manok of Bacolod, and some sisig while waiting for the rain to subside. Quality-wise? Normal…

Then we walked to the end of Lacson to ride a jeep to the Plaza. (The street was closed because of the parade.) We met up with Leo and Victor at the end of the parade. But we positioned ourselves to watch the Dance Competition, presented by different grade and high schools.

They were all so colorful, so vibrant, and full of energy, despite the dreary rain on their parade. I think this would be better shown by the pictures (by Victor Ayson).

After getting rained on the parade and in the dance competition, Cesar went ahead to meet his friend while we went to SM Bacolod to buy some clothes Haha Running out of supplies!

Because most of the jeepneys were being re-routed and Lacson was closed, we just walked going back. We passed by the Lagoon where there where many people hanging around, waiting for the parade, and eating. As we passed by, we tasted some street food: pancakes (PhP 5), mango shake (PhP 5), isaw (PhP 10 I think), fried chicken, roasted chicken, roasted liempo, etc. But since Cesar was waiting for us, we only ate some before we finally reached Mushu.

Wow, Mushu was said to be a mediterranean restaurant according to Cesar, but it was a bar at night! There was also an event, where Globe was the sponsor, and we have to pay an entrance of PhP 200. On the way to Mushu, there were a lot of parties and drinking done on the streets. What made us think otherwise in Mushu? Tsk tsk! It was just like one of the fancy social drinking pubs in Manila, where people are dressed WELL hehe Slippers are not allowed inside, but Leo was wearing one and we were allowed in... our damp clothes! Hehe we SO DO NOT belong here! Hehe We just said Hi to Cesar and his friend Anton, drank our consumable drink, then went out for some real dinner.

We ended up in Shakey's hehe There were so many people outside, drinking, eating, and partying. None of us were really party people (except for Ray-An), so most of us are sleepy hehe After dinner, we went to visit Troy's booth near our place. They already had a bit of drinking, and just to socialize, we all had one beer of Red Horse. Then head home for some slumber time!

Negros Adventure: Part 2: Twin Lakes of Sibulao, Casaroro Falls, and Dauin Beach (Day 8)

Day 8:

The day started with Mariel and Rey-An coming in from Bacolod via Ceres Bus and knocking our door at 5:30 AM. And so… The day starts. We arranged for the cheapest room where we could put our things while we wait for our bus back to Bacolod (later on).

Originally, we were supposed to have a day tour in Siquijor, but the ferry schedule didn’t fit our schedule, plus some were already a bit scared and wary of going there (haha Guess who?). Instead, we planned a trip going to the Twin Lakes, Casaroro Falls, and Dauin Beach for Mariel and Rey-An. Actually, we copied Leo's itinerary with his cousins hehe

Breakfast in Dumaguete with (L-R) Cesar, Mariel, Victor, Ray-An, me, Shee

Anyway, we ate breakfast at the inn, and then went to ride a tricycle (PhP 10/head) to ride a jeep bound for Sibulan. Since there were six of us, the driver offered to take us all the way to the lake for PhP 2,000. Knowing that the habal-habal will charge us PhP 150-200, we told the manong that we don’t have the budget. We can only offer PhP 1,400, which eventually we agreed on PhP 1,500. And so we went, all roomy in the jeep and everything. But it was a really bumpy ride with lots of inclines. I really feel it’s safer to take the jeep than to take the habal-habal.

When we got there, there’s a parking fee of PhP 10, and an entrance of PhP 10/Filipino head and entrance of PhP 30/jeep.

Entrance Fees at Twin Lakes

  

Once we’re inside, we had some photo-ops by the hilltop, and then rented a boat to cross the lake (PhP 250/boat) and see its twin on the other side. Photo-ops. Return to the dock. Back to the Jeep to go to Dumaguete Proper. We saw Leo and his cousins on the road, just on their way to the twin lakes.

We dropped Shee off in Harold's Inn because her flight back to Manila will be around 4:30 pm. We told the jeepney driver to drop us in the jeepney stop to Valencia (PhP 12/head). Then learning from our previous mistakes, we really looked at the TODA for the official price of the habal-habal, which was PhP 100/1-way but can have a maximum occupant of 2 (PhP 50/head). At first the drivers were disagreeing, despite the official pricelist and announcement. Eventually, some drivers agreed reluctantly, just to have some work to do. And off we went on 3 habal-habals.

As if yesterday's hike didn't bring my muscle pains back to life, I was peer pressured into coming back! Hehe Okay, and maybe yesterday's muscle pains weren't enough. But I felt a bit nauseous after the jeepney ride from the Twin Lake. When we got to Valencia Town Proper, I wanted to find a pharmacy to buy something for the dizziness. (I left my meds at Harold's.) Unfortunately, they didn't have much pharmacies, or even any kind of medications for dizziness. Instead, I just chose a halo-halo for only PhP 12 haha Anyway, I felt better and less nauseous after eating my lunch and medicine of halo-halo, and we were on our way back to Casaroro Falls.

So... more photo-ops especially for Ray-An and Mariel, who weren't there yesterday. I just really really wanted to sleep so I just told them that I'd wait for them by the rock to "guard" their things while they go up close to the falls. At around 3 pm, we started trekking our way back up to our jump-off point where our habal-habal were waiting. It was perfect timing, because there was a jeep bound for Dumaguete, only waiting for the 6 of us so we could go! Great! And then, we saw Leo and his cousins on the road again, just on their way to Casaroro Falls.

When we get back to Dumaguete Town Proper, it was almost 5 pm, so we were hesistant in going to Dauin because pretty sure, it will be dark by then. Victor was very optimistic, so we went. We rode a tricycle to take us to the jeepney stop bound for Zamboangita, then road a jeep to Zamboangita, and dropped off at Dauin Marine Sanctuary District 1.

Yes, we finally we met with Leo and his cousins. Apparently, they didn't go down anymore to the falls. Anyway, we swam for about 30 min before it went completely dark. They brought some roasted chicken, while Victor brought some liempo (which was meant for Casaroro earlier, if Leo and his cousins were there earlier) which we ate.

Anyway, we eventually cleaned ourselves up back in Harold's Inn and fixed our things, since we were scheduled to take the midnight bus back to Bacolod for the Maskarra Festival. We had dinner in Hous of Sansrival, yes this time it's DINNER plus dessert. Since they were in Top 3 of Trip Advisor, we taught to try their dinner... Which for me was average delicious. Leo and his cousins also came in for dessert. Hence, we really finished the dessert selection hehe

Haus of Sansrival: Our table for the last 3 nights, Deo and his cousins on the other table,
and Brownman Revival on the far left of the picture/restaurant - by Victor Ayson

The manager was really nice. He probably recognized us since the first day we visited them, and the day after that because we sit at the same table! Hehe Anyway, he told us that the band Brownman Revival was coming for dinner prior to their gig at the Buglasan Fesival in front of the Capitol. So we hang out for a while, enjoying our dessert. We eventually got a picture with them hehe

Brownman Revival - Photo by Victor Ayson

We were thinking of where to go because we still have time to kill before the 2 am bus trip back to Bacolod. We tried Whatever for some KTV, but they were full until 1 am. (Yes, even on weekends and Buglasan Festival, they still close at 1 am!) We were thinking of going to the Buglasan Festival, but when we returned our bicycles to Harold's, we got the blues of katamaran and took a nap until about 2 am! Hehe Except for Ray-An, the ultimate party boy who stayed out, went to the Buglasan Festival, and even went to Hayahay Bar.

We took a tricycle back to Ceres, and rode the aircon bus back to Bacolod. The moment I sat, I was already down! Haha I didn't even wake up when the conductor came in, or when we started moving. I just woke up some traffic in Bacolod in the morning! Haha

Ceres 2 AM Airconditioned Bus Back to Bacolod

Expenses:

Trike to Sibulan Jeepney Stop - PhP 10

Twin Lake Jeepney Rental - PhP 1500/group

Entrance to Twin Lakes + Parking - PhP 10/head + PhP 40/jeep

Boat ride in Twin Lakes - PhP 250/boat

Trike to Valencia Jeepney Stop - PhP 10

Jeep to Valencia - PhP 12 x 2 way

Habal-Habal - PhP 50 x 2 way

Entrance to Casaroro Falls - PhP 10

Lunch (Halo-Halo) - PhP 15

Trike to Zamboangita Jeepney Stop - PhP 10

Jeep to Dauin - PhP 12

Dauin Marine Santuary Table Rental - PhP 150

Jeep back to Dumaguete - PhP 20

Trike back to Harold's - PhP 10

Dinner at Hous of Sansrival - PhP 200

Negros Adventure: Part 2: Casaroro Falls (Day 7)

Day 7:

Originally, we wanted to go to Oslob and have a daytour with the whale sharks there. But we weren’t sure of the schedule of the ferry going to Siquijor. We (except for Shee) also wanted to try a dayhike for Mt. Talinis, but we weren’t sure of the route (Yes, we’re addicted to pain and mountains; I wasn’t even sure if I had fully recovered from the Kanlaon experience!). So we had a day tour in Valencia instead, where we saw the Casaroro falls.

Siyempre, we ate our free breakfast. There was butter and coco jam for the toast, but Victor was more creative and put on some Lemon Garlic, Black Pepper, and Pizza seasoning… Yes, buti hindi sumakit ang tiyan sa biyahe. It was actually good that I had 5 slices! Haha Takaw mode

Free Breakfast At Harold's Inn

We took a tricycle to drop us off the jeep going to Valencia. They really cram the jeepneys full, even worse than Manila, because they have benches in the middle where people could sit. Anyway, once we reached the sleeping town of Valencia, habal-habal drivers were there to offer their services.

Initially, they offered to do it PhP 100/2-way. So for safety reasons, we had one habal-habal each. Somewhere in the middle, the driver told me that it’s PhP 200/2-way. So we were flabbergasted, and we refused for them to wait for us. We just gave them the PhP 100 and told them that we will just trek our way down. (I think we’re too proud that we’re mountaineers hehe Plus I don’t like the feeling of being deceived!)

Near the Casaroro Falls was also the jump-off point for Mt. Talinis. Apparently, we can climb it in 4 hours to reach the twin peaks. (So we can do a dayhike, which we wanted haha) We tried climbing it on our own for about 30 minutes. But after the initial 10 minutes, Shee wanted to go down plus Shee seems to having an asthma attack as well! Anyway, we weren’t sure of the route, because there were dead ends, thorny branches along the way. So after an hour, and some photo-ops at the foot of Mt. Talinis, we proceeded to Casaroro Falls.

To get to Casaroro Falls, you have to pay an entrance fee of PhP 10. You have to go down about 90 meters in altitude. It may take a 30-45 minute hike to the falls, depending on your physical level, degree of avoidance of getting wet at the time, and time for taking pictures hehe It starts out with concrete stairs going down and down and down, followed initially by a cemented pathway to the falls. (Unfortunately, recent typhoons and habagat rains destroyed this pathway, so instead of a 10-minute walk, it became 30-45 minutes.) Then you have to trek through the rocks and boulders of the river.

But the falls was marvelous. It was a sight to behold. (That or I'm just biased because I'm a waterfall person more than a beach one.) The water was very cold. Yes, we just have to swim and take a dip because we're there! The temperature reached around 23 C but that also counted my body temperature. (I didn't remove my watch, which was what I did at the Kanlaon crater.)

Casaroro Falls

 After a series of photo-ops, and oh my, what photo I had! (I couldn't recognize myself!) We went back up to civilization, and went to a Forest Camp-wannabe named 374 steps. There was also an entrance fee of PhP 10, and up we went to see the view of the Mt. Talinis Twin Summits, Bacolod City, and well, we didn't recognize the Japanese Grotto which can be viewed from there, as well.

We were running late, since the last jeep for Dumaguete was around 6 pm... And we were going to trek downwards! (Stubborn mountain egos, I guess.) We passed by this small hut, who were selling flowers, and saw that they have two motorcycles. We asked the lady if they offer habal-habal services back to the town proper for a price of PhP 50/head. And they agreed, so we were able to make it to the town proper around 5:30 pm but there was no jeep bound for Valencia anymore.

We just ate some street ice cream (c/o Victor) and some isaw (PhP 3.50/stick which we bargained to be 3 sticks for PhP 10). Then we rode a tricycle from Valencia to the next town (PhP 10/head), switched tricycle to get to Dumaguete town proper (PhP 10/head), and another tricycle to get to Harold's (PhP 10/head), where we cleaned ourselves up and get ready for dinner.

We met up with Leo, who was working at a coffee shop nearby. While waiting for him, we ate some pasta and got some shake in its partner cafeteria, also known as food stop 1. Then we moved to the coffee house part, and ordered some dessert and cookies, also known as food stop 2. Still, we want some real dinner (and Leo was still working), so we decided to try Hayahay Seafood Restaurant, rumored to offer the best seafood. We already tried the top 1 restaurant according to Trip Advisor (KRI, which we all agreed to serve great food). The restaurant was actually a bar, and there were bands playing, people hanging out and drinking beer. We want to be able to talk, so we went to Lab-As where they served Japanese food. Since the owner was the same, we were also able to eat seafoods from Hayahay. The food was ok, usual delicious-ness.

Food Stop 3: Lab-As (Japanese) Restaurant

Food Stop 4: Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza at Hayahay

As we were going out, we passed their tarp showing some weird seafood pizza combinations such as mushroom and oyster... Hence, we stopped and ordered a round! Hehe It was delicious (And sa lagay na yan, kakakain lang nmn ng dinner hehe) 

By that time, it was around midnight, and we were really tired, so we opted to get some sleep.

Expenses:

Trike to Valencia Jeepney Stop - PhP 10

Valencia Jeep - PhP 12

Habal-Habal to the falls - PhP 100

Entrance fee of Casaroro Falls - PhP 10

Entrance fee of 370 steps - PhP 10

Halab-Habal to Valencia Town Proper - PhP 50

Isaw - PhP 10

3 trikes back to Harold's - PhP 30/head
Food trip 1: Pasta and shake - PhP 80
Food trip 2: Cookies - PhP 30

Food trip 3 & 4: Lab-As and Hayahay - PhP 140 (I think)