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Photos of Hulugan Falls have spread like wildfire all over social media and so tourist and adventure-seekers alike started flocking in Luisiana, Laguna. I, too, decided to join the bandwagon.  Countless features and blogs have been written about this newest gem (and this has to be the nth) but I'm pretty sure that each of them are still worth reading for each experience, no matter how similar to others, is still unique on its own. With that, allow me to share my own.

Luisiana, Laguna, home of three lovely waterfalls: Talay, Hidden and Hulugan Falls, is roughly 4 hours away from Manila, depending on the traffic. (A quick shoutout to Barefoot Travels for a hassle free adventure.) I'm not just talking about water which happens to drop from rocks here, no. These waters beautifully cascade through what seemed to be carefully carved rocks. How often do you get to visit three lovely falls in a day? Carpe Diem, indeed.

From the registration area, we rode a tricycle for (insert number) minutes to the jump off point. T'was quite a ride, steep roads that somehow reminded me of Baguio. Our first stop was Talay Falls. The trail was muddy but not as muddy as Mt. Romelo or Daraitan on a rainy day. It's fairly easy, no ascends whatsoever. At this point, one could already think that this would be just another walk in the park. Roughly thirty minutes and we're already at the first level of Talay Falls.

Isn't it cute? Haha. Took a quick dip here just to cool myself out but most of us just took some pictures and went straight on to the second level. Just under five minutes and you're already there. Going there was quite a challenge for some, though, since you have to go through a short but steep and muddy trail and cross a makeshift bamboo bridge. It was so much for some that they just chose to wait for us in the picnic area. Well, at least they had the first level to themselves.

The second level's nice and sheek. Haha. I like that it's framed by thick wall of rocks and that its basin is surrounded by huge rocks. It looked quite man-made actually. The kind of garden waterfalls that professional landscapers make on lifestyle channels. :)

Chill hike, you say? Not so much going to the next falls as it involves hugging of boulders and a bit of rapelling. Personally, I found it challenging. Even experienced mountaineers are no match for mossy rocks. I'm more scared of the idea of falling and bumping my head on these rocks than falling per se. It should take you about fifteen to twenty minutes to get to Hidden Falls. Just follow exactly what your guide tells you to do and you'll be safe.

If you think the two-leveled Talay Falls is lovely then Hidden Falls is even more so. Its water cascades over beautifully stacked boulders that resemble bricks. Most in our group opted to be up close and personal with Hidden Falls but honestly I was satisfied with the view from where I was, so I passed. Plus by the time that we reached the falls it's already crowded. So while they're struggling with the buwis-buhay rock climbing just to get close to it, I took advantage and did quick long exposure shots of the falls. I was done when they got close to it so I'll save that up close and personal for my next visit. :)

And the main event of the season... drum rolls please... Hulugan Falls. Yes, saving the best for last.

The trail to Hulugan was mostly descent. I found that kind of weird, actually. Usually the main events are full of ascends. The path's clay and grass all throughout. Good thing it wasn't raining yet otherwise it would be like a mud slide though the thought of it kind of excites me. Anywho... The trail's pretty straightforward, just one fork that either way would lead you to the same trail.

Our guide said it should take us about twenty minutes to reach Hulugan but I didn't keep track, just savored every step. As soon a we heard the gentle running waters, we knew we're almost there. Then we saw a glimpse of the falls, it was captivating even from afar. It thrilled us even more.

It was lunchtime when we reached Hulugan. Quick photo ops while the others were still on their way. It wasn't as crowded as I expected. Perhaps because the weather was quite unexpected these past few days, whatever it is, lucky us.

See that beautiful drop? Quite dreamy and rather picturesque, like it's flowing in slow motion. However, such a small basin for such a towering waterfall, don't you think?

After taking some photos, me and my adventure buddy Vanni had our lunch. I wasn't that hungry but I finished my lunch as fast as I could 'cause I wanted to make the most of our stay. Quick yosi break (be responsible for your trash), sat by the cave beside the falls, breathe in, breathe out, and admired its beauty. Few minutes later, I couldn't hold it anymore. Thinking how can I let myself get soaked by the rain (yes, its already drizzling) yet not take a dip in its basin? I'll get soaked either way so might as well jump in. I had to. I had to swim. I had to feel its icy waters wrapped around me. I find a certain comfort when I'm in the water, so. :)

I know how to swim but my weight could only handle so much of the current. Good thing they have this buoy tied by the foot of the falls. The good souls at the other end would throw it whenever someone wants to go under the falls and just pull them closer. I hope I didn't cause the person that was pulling me much trouble. I threaded as much as I could, I promise. :)

Halfway through, it started to pour heavily. We didn't mind it. After three minutes, perhaps, the heavens started trembling and the what used to be dreamy drop of the falls had started gushing. In my mind, I think we should get back. I glanced over at our group at the cave and our coordinator's already signaling me to go back (Yes, they didn't join me so I joined the other group. Haha). There goes my cue and I obeyed. The weather worsened by the minute. Voices in my head went "Houston, we got a problem", "This is the real deal. This is not a test".

Such a relief to have reached the shallow part of the basin. It was time to trek back to the jump off point and yet it's still raining cats and dogs. Much to my surprise, the "descend" was actually an ascend, an all assault trail. Wait, I'm I missing something here? The ascend was a descend and the descend was an ascend. Mind boggling. Here's the thing, I enjoyed it and by that I meant a lot! Yes, it was an all assault trail but the heavy rain kind of worked. I imagined myself taking the same trail but on a sunny day, that wouldn't have worked for me. I would have sworn with every step. Pointy rocks, steep assault, but I almost didn't noticed it since the rain was very relaxing. It's like you're being massaged while climbing. That's how good it was.

So there. Hoping for the same weather on my next visit. Check out my IG @jasiticer for videos of this trip. :)

TIP BITS:

1. Waterproof all your stuff. As you can see, the weather's very unpredictable.

2. Drop by Aling Taleng's at Pagsanjan on your way home. "The best halo-halo in town". :)

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I met Nice and Sarah a few years back when I was still working for a Korean company in Clark, Pampanga. We haven't seen each other since I left the company and it felt like it was about time we reconnect. Since I'm already based in Zambales and Nice and Sarah were both based in Pampanga, we thought we could meet halfway. We were all looking for some peace and quiet as we reassess ourselves so... our destination --- Oyster Island.

Formerly known as Playa La Caleta, Oyster Island is an islet approximately 30 minutes away from the crowded shores of Bagac, Bataan. I learned about this through Bataan Nature Adventures. They offer packages on the island and its nearby cove. We availed of their 2D 1N package for 1600.00 PhP per head inclusive of tent accommodations, toiletries, island tours and  eat-all-you-can buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus snacks and socials), booked through Sir Mike. I mean come on, how can we say no to this?

DAY 1

I got to Balanga earlier than Nice and Sarah so I took the liberty of exploring the town while I'm waiting for them. Picked up a few items from the local convenience store and returned to the Balanga Central Bus Station just in time for their arrival. From there we were picked up by Kuya Glen  to join the other campers who were already at Jollibee Plaza. After a few chitchats,  we're off again to the Central Bus Station. Haha. Kuya Glen, really? We didn't mind, though, since we were all excited. From the terminal, we rented a jeep to Bagac. Then from Bagac, a speed boat was already waiting for us. Interesting boat, seats were not arranged like the usual island hopping boats do. Seats were arranged like that of a bus' and surprisingly comfy, too.

After some 20 or so minutes we were greeted by clear waters and a lovely cove in sight. Touch down! The sand was not white and sure, it could be finer, but what matters is that the shoreline is clean.

Our tent was already set up for us with each of our team names attached to it. Ours was Team Ja, that's me. :) Our tent was huge, I think you could fit six persons in it. I'm loving this whole Survivor-themed escapade so far.

We were welcomed by Sir Mike's team with fresh mango juice and singkamas on a stick with alamang. Talk about merienda ala probinsya. Wait there's more! I wasn't expecting much of the buffet lunch but boy oh boy, was it a lot! Half of the dishes, I haven't heard of but they look so inviting, I couldn't resist. This was the first time I had rice after how many months. Haha. That in itself was worth the price. I couldn't believe that was just our first meal. Haha.

After lunch, sunlight's already painful. We took a nap. After which, we had a few beers and resumed swimming and photo ops until sun down.

(my photo)

Thank you Sarah G for this. :)

SOCIALS

It's mandatory. Worry not my introvert friends, I'm anti-social most of the time too but I have to say, the socials was pretty darn genius. I have always wondered, how can one be in such a large group tour yet not share a single word with his or her tourmates? Well, this might be the answer to that.

Grill sets were arranged at the dining area per team. Sausages, smores, junk foods and even fondue. Yes fondue, smores and fondue, someone pinch me. Quick roll call and team introductions and the socials began. During the socials, different teams (the one clipped at your tent) compete against each other. I won't spill the game for you guys, sorry, find it out for yourselves. Lol. The losing team at the end of each round had to take shots of the island mix prepared by Kuya Mike himself. Our team was very competitive, we lost only once that other teams shared their shots to us just so we can taste it. Lol. T'was such an awesome experience. We stayed at the tables even after the games and shared stories with new found friends until midnight over a bottle of vino Shout out to Sir Edwin and co. 

DAY 2: ISLAND TREKKING

After a hearty breakfast, we're off to explore Oyster Island--- the very core of this entire escapade so this should not disappoint. Plus we were told that we will be cliff diving/jumping so you can only imagine how excited I was. The terrain was easy, it should not take you more that 30mins to reach the island by foot, yep you heard me. Very accessible as you can just walk through the stone bar (see what I did there? ) to reach it. Of course, I preferred to be at the back of the pack so I can snap photos whenever I want to without worrying the person after me. 

The landscape was just beautiful. Next to Palawan, this has to be the clearest waters I've ever laid eyes on. Yes that was me after the jump. I honestly wanted to tell you more about this island trekking experience but no, I'll just leave to it you guys, discover this gem on your own. I tell you, it doesn't disappoint, totally worth the try. See the photos for yourselves. :)

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I still have a few write ups on queue but I couldn't let this day pass without sharing where I went today. I couldn't contain my excitement.

Eversince Baguio Craft Brewery posted on Instagram that they will be opening their newest branch in Harbor Point Subic, I've been planning ways on how I can make it to their grand opening. I had a mini heart attack upon seeig their post and really, I just knew that I had to go.

I've only been to their main branch once, way back when they had just started. It was love at first sight (and taste!).  We went there quite late and in the midst of a typhoon but every minute was  an ecstacy. From the location to their beers and appetizers, down to their staff and facilities, everything was just on point. Interesting thing, though, number one rule of businesses is location, location, location and yet their main branch is not located in the heart of Baguio BUT it works! It totally works. It only goes to show that what the people behind the brewery are offering, is outstanding. I mean, it must be, otherwise people won't be bothering to go an extra mile just for that. Personally, I don't mind that its not in the city proper. It saves it customers from the hassle and bustle of the city and gives a more relaxed atmosphere, plus the view is to dieee for! Perfect chill place, if you will.

And the day has finally come, ladies and gentlemen.

Nice ambiance as always. Couldn't help but compare it to the main branch where at first glance you'll know you're in a brewery. For such limited space, however, its quite nice. Wish the bar was a little longer, though. :)

Good friend Vanni joined me. :)

So what makes their beers so special? Beyond their unique flavors, for me, its that nostalgia you get with every sip. Its no secret that Baguio hold a special place in my heart for its my second home. I lived there for almost seven years. Their beers remind me of Baguio and everything that I love about it. The culture and its people, fog and night lights, that certain comfort from the pine trees, its calmness, cold beers on even colder nights, just to name a few. It reminds me of home and right now, this is the closest I can get to home. I couldn't thank you enough, Baguio Craft Brewery. More powers to you, kampay!

P.S Sorry for the lack of photos. I'm having such an awesome time that I almost forgot to take photos. Haha. Plus the place's jammed. Why am I not surprised? :D 


xxx

They say that every great story should be told so as not to be forgotten even years after, but I'll say some of the greatest stories are just too great to even start telling and be best kept treasured in our memories. Same is true for this one. So allow me:

What happens in Daraitan, stays in Daraitan. 

Worry not, though. I may not give you the gist but I'm known for my generosity in giving previews. Trolling. 

1. This is my third time joining Barefoot Travels.  Also, my third time to be in their pioneer batch (quick trivia, we're one of those who requested for a Daraitan climb) but second time to be in an all girl group. 

2. I've never camped in the mountains before, so this is my first ever. By the looks of it, definitely won't be my last. :)

3. There's something ethereal with Tinipak River. Take the photo above as reference, doesn't it look Game of Thrones-ish to you? :)

4. I'm not sure whether this one's considered as major hike or not but whoever told you that the trail is difficult, believe them 'coz they ain't kidding you. I thought to myself, sh*t got real, man. To think that we took the (relatively) easier but longer trail.

5. Always. Always. Always expect the unexpected. Weather at the summit may be quite unpredictable. It was a perfectly good weather when we reached the summit but when it was already our group's turn for photo ops, it started raining cats and dogs, thus zero visibility as seen in the pictures. Really an iyak-tawa moment but it was epic!

Kudos to the Barefoot team for another amazing climb. Can't wait for the next! :D

xxx