Mt. Malipunyo-Mt. Manabu Day Hike

From the foot of Mt. Maculot the other night, we traveled to Lipa City then from Lipa Terminal we hired a mini-cab going to the foot of Mt. Malipunyo. Here lives our tour guide for the next day's hike and here we will be spending our night. 

the backyard of our tour guide and where we pinched our tents

At 6am, we started out trek. The trail at first were a bit moist due to overnight's dew. The trail is abundant with lush green trees which I liked the most. We also came across at least 3 water source so we haven't had any problem with re-hydration. 

Before reaching Mt. Malipunyo's summit, we came across two peaks where you can have rest at. There is also a very challenging trail which is around 75 degrees inclined where you would only rely on the roots of the trees and to give it a more quirk, the presence of mud all over the trail. They have named it after a famous Filipino bad expression since you would glad saying it after you pass the trail.

Mt Malipunyo's summit view

Mt Malipunyo's summit view

From Mt. Malipunyo, there would be just a slight descent inside the rich forestry and would go straight to a series of mountains before reaching the Mt. Manabu's foot. We also pass by a tree house where the owner is our tour guide's mother. Here, we were served with hot native coffee and boiled cassava for free! It is always good to taste fresh and native delicacies straight from the plantations. Aside from that, I am also amazed seeing wild fruit-bearing trees such as lanzones and rambutan.

named as Susong Dalaga (a teenager's breast)

you would came across this scenic view and mountain-top before reaching the Mt. Manabu summit; from here you could see the summit as well

Before reaching Mt. Manabu's summit, be prepared for tall grasses and plants which could slash any part of your body along its way. Be covered!

Mt Manabu's summit view

Mt Manabu's summit view

Mt Manabu's summit view

Mt Manabu's summit view

The descent form Mt Manabu's summit can be swift and easy. There is also another water source along the way from a small nipa hut. Before reaching the end, there is a couple living in the area who will offer you another native coffee (kapeng alamid) for free! Then at the end of the trail, we washed up for Php10 at a local's house. Electricity is now present in this area. There are also tricycles in this area who will ride you back to Lipa City Terminal.

Mt. Maculot : Rockies-Grotto Traverse

This I would tag as my baptismal climb. I have no idea what to expect or to feel but all I want is to be with nature. My mountain climbing/hiking/trekking history starts from here.

Our meet-up was at JAM Bus Terminal - Buendia. Rode a bus bound to Cuenca and I think we were dropped off at Cuenca Town Market. From there we rode a tricycle to the Mt. Maculot jump-off. Travel time is roughly under 3 hours. It was a fair Saturday morning. 

The trail...They said that this mountain is apt for beginners but I am shocked feeling off the edge of quitting my climbing stint somewhere in the middle. That time I realized that my lower body strength is one of my weakness. This is the part before the "Rockies" having huge steps and felt my thighs are close to being numb. 

The Rockies...this is the most famous part of Mt. Maculot where you will have a spectacular view of Batangas. It is called Rockies because as its name implies, it is of pure rock (almost 1005 rock) so just be careful wandering around this area as it may be slippery and dangerous especially on the edges. 

The Summit...I was quite disappointed with Maculot's summit as you wont see a thing. There are high but not huge trees blocking every view you could think of. It is also unsafe to climb up the trees to get a view since it can't hold on an adult's weight.

this ain't the summit but the trail going to it, large and huge trees and grasses

on descent, you will experience a semi-rapelling stint

The Grotto...from the summit starts the descent to the traverse trail leading to a Grotto on a hill. Another fantastic view from here, good to cap off your Mt. Maculot climb.

view at the grotto

At the first community at the foot of Maculot, we were able to wash up in a resort for Php50. They also sell some refreshments and foods to recuperate your thirsty mouth.

Estrellas De Mendoza

Last May 11-12, 2012, our Company (Division) had its Offsite Communications Meeting (similar to Summer Outing) at Estrellas de Mendoza in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

Here are photos I captured inside our room using my Blackberry 9300:

view from the balcony door

two large comfty beds

two extra beds on the side and the bathroom door

the balcony door with seaview

Here are the pictures of the resort, got them from my colleagues:

the (only) main entrance at night

hallways

the cabanas and pool

pools (3feet and the 4-4.5 feet, though they appeared to be higher)
the beach is just a few steps form the pool area

main building view from the pool area

main entrance at day

Comments and critics:

• Room - cozy beds; small comfort room though and a bit narrow; lots of cabinets; I did liked the balcony and the electronic key cards plus the coffee maker and the refrigerator; though the air conditioning unit was not centralized, it can cool your room in minutes
• Pool - I don't think it's big enough to accommodate all people once all the rooms have been occupied; the big pool is too deep that some of my colleagues were afraid to go on to the middle; pool towels were provided and you may bring them on your room
• Beach - just about 20 steps shoreline (during normal tide) before the waters and the wide wasn't that far (about just 50 steps or so) but fairly good for a near beach experience outside Manila; you could go far out to the sea since it goes deep (very) gradually
• People/Staff - appreciated the guard on the beach shore, he let me leave my things with him while I was on the sea; haven't had a bad experience with any of them
• Over-all - it was a good accommodation but I don't know if I would bite to their price. Cheers!