Mt. Tapyas

I decided to hike Mt. Tapyas last Sunday since I wasn't sure where the church is located. Many villagers told me that when you reach the top, you will surely be blown away by the breathtaking and spectacular landscape of Coron; which was indeed true. 

            

 Just like what others say, you won't appreciate something unless you work hard for it. That is why before reaching the top and in order for you to see the wondrous landscape of Coron, you have to face a challenge and that is to climb or walk about 723 steps. As Bob Dylan once said "Behind every beautiful thing, there's some kind of pain."

The Panaromic View of Coron Islands

The giant Cross which you could see from below. 

One of the tourist which I was with said that the island above is called the "Sleeping Giant". 

Another panaromic view from another perspective of side of the mountain. If you could actually notice, there's a path going downhill where a small cottage is situated in order for tourist and visitors could rest or stay while resting or waiting for the sunset.

While I was hiking up the mountain, I was actually about to give up and quit. But I remembered a caricature (as shown below) of a person tunneling for diamonds and at the end with only one strike he could have found the diamond, he quit. Then, I realized that I don't want to be that man. In addition, I put myself in a situation that above that mountain if my success of being a lawyer, and if I would quit now then it means that I am not deserving to be one.That gave me the drive and determination to reach the top and not to give up. 

Reach your dreams

without hesitation

xoxoxo

~0~

Coron Invasion

CORON, PALAWAN - is considered to be one of the best vacation and tourism spot in the Philippines. Known for its great natural beauty and ecosystem, this is the best place for people who would love to do wreck diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, sun-worshiping and exploring. 

You might be wondering what am I doing here in Coron. If you are guessing that I'm here for vacation, you are definitely wrong. I'm on my internship in Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Inc. (ELAC) under the Ateneo Human Rights Center of ADMU. The significance of this internship program is to provide  law students the experience in order for us to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitude of being a human rights lawyer who renders service to sectors who are vulnerable to human rights violations. In my case, I advocate the rights of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology and campaign against the further impairment and destruction of our ecosystem and environment. However, apart from the law internship, I take this chance to see and appreciate the exquisiteness of the rock formations, white sands, coral reefs and crystal clear water of their seas. In short, a mini-vacation for me. Yey!

To start my Coron Adventure, my boss invited me to an overnight in Nici Island. It is a private island owned by his Brazilian client. 

It took us 1 hour bangka ride going to the island.

My boss asked me what could be the possible reasons why there are no trees on the mountains. I was thinking maybe its because of mining or illegal logging; but to my surprise its due to the soils acidic consistency because of  the oozing large amount of manganese underneath it.

Look at the pretty and clean water of Coron. No wonder, people from Coron are really advocating their environmental rights to have a balanced and healthful ecology. Let's maintain cleanliness and the integrity of the ecosystem and stop the further destruction of coral reefs and the habitat.

Ta-daaa. Look at the house. Its a simple bungalow house with 3 bedrooms. The client owns the whole island, so we were taking (with my boss) and we said that it would be more beautiful if it was a glass house. Apart from that, there are two things which surprised me.

First,  they have a built in pool and its actually intended to be an infinity pool, overlooking the wide ocean view from the top of the island.

and Second, this Lawn Tennis court at the backyard. I just can't believe  that this actually exist in the island. :D I was beyond my expectation.

After, looking around the island, we decided to go snorkeling before it gets dark. What's amazing is that the place is a coral reef laboratory (as what they call it). There are great and amazing coral reefs and fishes. Below, are some underwater photos which we took when we snorkeled around the are. 

Hard Coral reef with black weeds/fern.

This is one of my favorite, a spiral coral. I love how its spirals resembles a rose.

This is quite blurry, but look at the blue fishes. :D

They look pine trees, its just that they are found underwater. I wonder if fishes also celebrate Christmas. *kidding.

Lastly, this is also another favorite. I actually don't know what the blue thing is but I love how it was taken and with that small black fish. Too bad, it was not Nemo. :D hehehe. I'm expecting more fun before my internship ends, hopefully, I could go snorkelling again and take more great underwater photos. 

 Do what we can, summer will have its flies

- Raplh Emmerson 

~x~x~x~

o

Pagudpud: a haven away from the city

NOTE:  I would like to say sorry for this very very late post. This was supposed to be posted a month ago , but I was just waiting for the other photos from my Aunt because she has better shots. Unfortunately, she was able to delete all the photos in her DSLR so I have to deal with a poor resolution shots.

Pagudpud would be probably the "Boracay of the North." Its white-sand and crystal blue water makes it a haven for tourist. It will never fail to surprise you how beautiful and serene the place is. 

Hannah's Beach Resort, is an exclusive and luxurious beach resort, located in  front of the famous Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach) at Brgy. Balaoi, Malingay, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. 

When you are in Hannah's, you would really have an amazing experience, which you will surely never forget. It gives you the feel as if you are in  Los Angeles, California, sunbathing and dipping in the beach. The whole place was actually a paradise because it gives you an extra-ordinary moment away from the metro or city.  

    Rooms are furnished with elegant and luxurious interior.  For accommodations, you can check it here

Of course, going to beach wouldn't be the same if you won't try to get some henna. haha. Because of this, I just can't wait for my future Boracay escape (I wonder when will that be.)

A stolen shot by my cousin, me with my aunt after the wonderful and amazing banana boat ride.

The place was filled with human-sized statue or sculptures of fictional characters like Gundam, Spongebob, Dinosaurs, Shrek Family, and even a huge Palayok (Pot). Too bad other photos were deleted so I have only few nice shots.

The view from the inside of Hannah's. It really looks like an exclusive subdivision of Los Angeles. Philippines do have world-class beaches, we just have to develop and preserve the beauty of it. We surely have everything to provide for the world and we can compete with other world-class beaches.

Me, fooling around with the sculpture of Mr. Bean. It surely doesn't look like him. Therefore, this is an epic fail of Mr. Bean's replica. hahahaha.

This is the view from the top of the Hannah's Resort, which captures a wonderful view of the whole resort.

It has been numerous times since I visited Pagudpud, but this is certainly the best experience I ever had. It really surprised me how beautiful this resort is. I just want to spend a night here with someone special to me. It would be fun if we have our other relatives spend this experience with us. 

Infinity pool on top of Hannah's Beach Resort.

Another pool on the other side of the resort. 

Adam's play is a playground for children. It has a trampoline, seesaws, slides and many more that children will really enjoy and have fun. 

On our way home, we decided to stop by in the famous leaning church of Ilocos Norte. The St. Andrew Church and the Belfry were constructed together in 1953, but the church was destroyed by an earthquake; hence the rebuilding of a new one.

We were not able to go to other must-see in Ilocos Norte because the trip was really exhausting. But I am looking forward for another Ilocos Norte Escapade with my Family. I know this would not be the last trip, since Vintar City of Ilocos Norte is our hometown. I shall return and conquer more adventure.

Dare yourself to take an adventure.

Feel being young, wild and free.

x o x o