Twelve years ago, I eyed the grandest sight of a sea of clouds from the summit of Mount Pulag, the Philippine’s third highest peak. I was blown away by the natural picture. The blinding core up to its golden extensions was a spectacle of pure magic. The iced crumbles of earth under my feet and … More Rizal’s Sea of Clouds
The Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal is more than the contemporary pieces it contains. You may find the white and terracota walls amazing. You may enjoy flowers in unexpected nooks. You may even inspire the artist in you when you see the beauty of sunset while sitting in the Café Tan-aw. The Contemporary Masterpieces. … More Pinto Art Museum
When I was still working for the Botany Division of the National Museum of the Philippines, I had to pass through the shabby avenue of Bacao everyday. Sunrises and sunsets were made dramatic with silhouettes of houses in stilts. I could say that I had a love-hate relationship with the area. Love for the silhouettes … More Rememberin’ Bacao
I am determined to slash out one entry from my bucket list on my way back to Manila, ie to end the year and start the new year in sync with nature. With my friend Tetet’s suggestion to climb Mount Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas, the bulb in my head lit up like a thousand fireworks … More From The Bucket List: Spend “Two” Years On A Mountain
I have been hearing Mt Sembrano from friends as one of the ideal mountaineering destinations. However, more recent news about this mountain are all about negations — robbery in the broad daylight and intentional slash-and-burn cultivation. Locals also say that natural fires occur in the areas dominated by Imperata cylindrica (commonly known as cogon). With … More The Scorching Trails of Mt Sembrano
When Lobo was mentioned to me by Jerry, the first thing that crossed my mind was Tectona philippinensis (commonly known as the Philippine teak). I searched for additional information and found the Submarine Garden, Ulupong Falls, Mt Banoi and the pebbly beach. The smooth pebbles at the Malabrigo shore in Lobo, Batangas. People might tag … More The Pebbly Beaches of Lobo
Mount Makiling, south of Metro Manila, is regarded as the mother of mountains in the Philippines. They often say that its biological diversity exceeds that of the US and Canada when combined. It was named after a diwata (deity?) whom everyone refers to as Mariang Makiling. When traversing from Sto Tomas, Batangas to Los Baños, … More Plants in Mt Makiling, Luzon Is
