Category Archives: Recreational Outdoor Activities

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park (Whistler, British Columbia, Canada)

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Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

From the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, a 43-km. (30 min.) drive brought Grace, Jandy, Danny and I to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park which is located adjacent to BC Highway 99, between Garibaldi and Whistler. Managed and operated by Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd. Sea for BC Parks, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, located 11 kms. (7 mi.) south of Whistler, off BC Highway 99, and 47 kms. (30 mi.) north of Squamish, is the perfect detour for anyone travelling between the two towns.

Danny, Grace and Jandy

A day use only park, it doesn’t have a lot of facilities, just a few outhouses and picnic tables.  The huge, de luxe parking can accommodate large recreational vehicles, though not overnight. There’s also a Squamish First Nation Info Legend Display Kiosk.

Check out “Sea-to-Sky Gondola”

There are two versions on the origin of the name Brandywine. In the first version, Jack Nelson and Bob Mollison, two surveyors for the Howe Sound and Northern Railway, made a wager over the height of the falls, with the closest guess winning a bottle of brandy (wine). Measuring the height with a chain, Mollison won the bottle of brandy and Nelson then named the falls Brandywine.  The second version comes from around the 1890s when Charles Chandler and George Mitchell passed out there after drinking too much Brandywine in their tea.

Squamish First Nation Info Legend Display Kiosk

The spectacular, 66-m. (218-ft.) high falls, located on Brandywine Creek, has its origin in the Powder Mountain Icefield to the west.  It was formed by the lip of a lava flow flanking the west bank of the Cheakamus River.

Cheakamus Creek

The vertical walls surrounding Brandywine Falls are comprise of the Cheakamus Valley basalts, at least four basaltic lava flows of Late Pleistocene Age that are part of the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt, a northwest-southeast chain of volcanoes and related lavas that form the northern end of the Cascade Volcanic Arc.

The smooth, easy and flat trail

The lava, flowing over deposits of glacial till, silt, and gravel, then cooled, creating a hard, weather-resistant top cap over loose unconsolidated and easily weathered material, the perfect conditions for the creation of a waterfall.

Approaching the covered wooden bridge

Around 10,000 years later, ice from the Fraser Glaciation receded from Cheakamus Valley, releasing melt water and creating Brandywine Creek.  Working its way downstream, the creek started to erode the looser material and undercut the hard basalt top layer, creating the falls.

The covered wooden bridge

Around the early 1900s, Brandywine Falls used to have a train station and many log cabins (some still seen, in a dilapidated state, by the side of the trail) adjacent to the falls. As part of the BC Highway 99 improvements for the Whistler/Vancouver Winter Olympics, the area was subject to many day use improvements which replaced overnight camping with parking and picnic tables.

The BC Rail Track Crossing

Brandywine Falls is best seen from a large and elaborate observation platform at the top, directly opposite the falls, reached by a quick and easy, 1-km. (15-min.) hike over smooth, flat and easy terrain. From the parking lot (just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway), a short walking trail, beneath some towering fir trees, passes close to Cheakamus Creek.

The author, Grace and Jandy at the BC Rail Track Crossing

At the trailhead, we crossed a covered, wooden bridge over the creek. On the other side of the bridge, a marker (Falls Lookout 300 m) pointed us to the trail to the right.  The route to the left would take you along the Lava Lake Trail which extends 2.7 kms., through the forest, to a series of two small lakes at the northern boundary of the park.

The marker pointing us at the right direction towards the falls

Following the wide, well-groomed trail for a few hundred meters, we came upon the BC Rail tracks.  Just before the track, a split, off to the left, leads towards Swan Lake (not a great spot to swim as there is no beach).

Brandywine Falls

We crossed over to the other side of the track, first making sure that the coast is clear.  Keeping to the right, after 10 mins. and a few hundred meters, we were brought to a clearing beside the viewpoint.

The author, Grace and Jandy at the observation platform

The viewpoint also presents some marvelous views of the surrounding mountains and Daisy Lake, just downstream of the falls, which spreads out below as the monolithic Black Tusk probes the skyline. Depending on the time of year, the dammed lake may be, more or less, at “full pool.”

Daisy Lake

Spray from the escarpment that creates the falls, coats the sides of the gorge into which it plummets, with ice in winter and nourishes lush growth in warmer months.  During our visit, we were lucky to see a rainbow over the waterfall.

The rainbow over the falls

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: Whistler, British Columbia.  Coordinates: 50°02′07″N 123°07′07″W.  There are no parking fees or entrance charges.

Shannon Falls Provincial Park (Squamish, British Columbia, Canada)

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Shannon Falls

From Britannia Beach, Grace, Jandy, Danny and I next drove the short 7.2-km. distance, along the Sea-to-Sky Highway on Howe Sound, to 87-hectare (210-acre) Shannon Falls Provincial Park, established on August 29, 1984 and located 58 kms. (36 mi.) from Vancouver and 2 kms. (1.2 mi.) south of Squamish.

Check out “Britannia Beach“

Picnic Area

One of the town’s most recognizable features and visible along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (making it a popular day-use park), facilities in this park are operated by Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd. The small concession and information center, located next to the flush toilet building on the trail to the waterfalls, is managed by the park operator and offers food snacks, park and outdoor recreation information and souvenirs.

Concession and Information Center

The main point of interest in this park, which also protects the surrounding area on the north-east shore of the Howe Sound, is the 335 m. (1,099 ft.) high, iconic, scenic and towering Shannon Falls, composed of a series of cliffs.

The start of the hike …..

The third highest waterfall in British Columbia, it is ranked behind the 481 m. high Della Falls (Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island) and the 396 m. Hunlen Falls (Tweedsmuir Provincial Park near Bella Coola).

Shannon Creek

The falls was named after William Shannon who first settled the property in 1889 and made bricks in the area. The tumbling waters of the falls originate from Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot. Shannon Falls rarely freezes but, when it does, it’s the subject of intense ice climbing interest. The falls and adjoining woods are commonly used in television and film production.

It is just a short hike to the spectacular viewpoint just below the falls.  From the parking lot, we walked towards the park area where the picnic tables and the building with washrooms were located. From there, we veered left and began walking uphill as our path turned into a gravel trail.  At the first junction, we went straight and continued, along the gravel path, as we entered the forest and continued walking next to scenic Shannon Creek.

Shannon Falls seen from the viewpoint

The route, going up a short hill, then reaches a paved path.  We went right and, as we continued walking, soon heard the sound of the roaring falls until the waterfall came into view.  This first viewpoint was an excellent place to take photos and selfies. Further up the trail is the Sea to Summit Trail, a second viewpoint, with Shannon Falls viewed at a slightly different angle.

L-R: Jandy, Grace, Danny and the author at the viewpoint

Shannon Falls Provincial Park: Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Tel: 604 986-9371.  E-mail: info@seatoskyparks.com.  Website: www.seatoskyparks.com.  Coordinates: 49°40′10″N 123°09′21″W

Fox & Firefly Cottages (Loboc, Bohol)

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Fox and Firefly Cottages

Lunch during our Bohol Food Trip was to be at Fox & Firefly Cottages, a bed and breakfast place located in the forest areas of Loboc. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with organic, homemade kombucha, an effervescent, sweetened black or green tea commonly consumed for its purported health benefits.

Also on hand to welcome us was owner Ms. Joan Christine Soupart, one-half of the husband-and-wife team (the other is avid Belgian paddle boarder Frederic “Fred” Soupart) behind this quaint inn and its SUP Tours Philippines Sports Center.  Joan is a registered Sivananda yoga teacher and ASI SUP yoga flow (Vinyasa) instructor.

Fred and Joan fell in love with the riverside town of Loboc, seeing it as an ideal place to exercise their passion for sports and adventure as well as to live with nature.  They built a three-bungalow inn (initially called Paddle’s Up Guesthouse) beside the ever flowing Loboc River in 2013.

Front Desk

Here, they could operate stand-up paddling (SUP) tours.  Now it is a favorite destination for adventure seekers, backpackers and nature lovers.  According to Joan, the place was renamed (in 2014) after their beloved Pomeranian-Japanese Spitz dog Fox as well as the occasional firefly that flutter around amid the trees along the Loboc River at night.

Fox and Fable Restaurant (second floor)

Lunch was served at their in-house Fox and Fables (also named after their dog Fables) Restaurant along the banks of the Loboc River.

Vegan fare at Fox and Fables Restaurant

Here, they serve traditional, Western, vegetarian and vegan meals anytime of the day. We feasted on healthy meals and vegan dishes such as monggo soup, avocado salad, somtom (Thai papaya salad), talong salad, G-chili shrimps, maranding manok (dry coconut chicken curry), chicken halang-halang soup (a Visayan version of tinola with coconut leaves and moringa leaves) and their vegan kare-kare which was paired with a bagoong alternative made from locally sourced mushrooms.

Author (foreground) at Fox and Fables Restaurant

They also offer specialty beverages such as organic drinks and shakes, cocktails, wines and authentic Belgian beer.

The place also suffered during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) and, after repairs and renovation, reopened again on May 1, 2022.

We checked out one of the simply furnished, clean and comfortable cottages, one of 11, of this riverside accommodation facing a rice field.

Suite

Designed in the Filipino traditional architecture, with a modern but cozy feel, it featured a queen-size bed, a spacious patio with hammock, bamboo furnishings, fan (the cool, riverside breeze passes through naturally), mosquito nets and a private, nature-inspired outdoor bathroom.

Outdoor bathroom

Other facilities include a common lounge. They offer mountain biking tours and stand-up paddleboard activities. You may also practice yoga, join a class or meditate at their Santosha Yoga Shala.

Paddle boards for rent

Mountain bikes for rent

The inn also exhibit and sell artworks, inspired by nature and Boholano surroundings, by young Boholano artists.  Proceeds from the sale go to a village livelihood program called “Build a Boat, Build a Barangay.”

Artwork of Boholano artists for sale along the hallway

Fox and Firefly Cottages: Barangay Rd., Brgy. Valladolid, Loboc 6316.  Tel: (038) 537-9011.  Mobile number: (0917) 713-7577, (0947) 893-3022 and (0917) 703-9979. E-mail: info@suptoursphilippines.com. Website: www.foxandthefireflycottages.com and www.suptoursphilippines.com.

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office: G/F, New Provincial Capitol Bldg., C. Marapao St, Tagbilaran City, 6300.  Tel: (038) 411 3666.  Email: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Website: www.bohol.ph.

Department of Tourism Regional Office VII:  G/F, L.D.M Building, Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 254 6650 and(032) 254 2811. E-mail: dotregion7@gmail.com.  Website: dot7@tourism.gov.ph.

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Mobile numbers: (0998) 843-0262, (0998) 964-1868 (Ms. Margie Munsayac – VP-Sales and Marketing), (0998) 962-8277 (Ms. Louee Garcia), (0919) 912-9663 (Mr. Manuel Sandagaon) and (0908) 890-9013 (Ms. Kate Biol).   Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph, resrvations.panglao@bluwater.com.ph, margie.munsayac@bluewater.com.ph, louee.garcia@bluewater.com.ph, manuel.sandagon@bluewater.com.ph and kate.biol@bluwater.com.ph.  Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Cebu Pacific Air currently flies seven times daily from Manila and thrice weekly from Davao City (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport.  Visist www.cebupacificair.com to learn about their latest offerings, safety protocols and travel reminders.

Hike from Camp A to Camp B (Fresno Agro-Forestry and Eco-Tourist Campsite, Tanay, Rizal)

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The author, Jandy and Mon at the summit of Sambong Peak (629 MASL)

On our second day at Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite, we woke up before 6 AM to witness an equally fiery sunrise.  At the restaurant, we hadr a filling breakfast of hot coffee, corned beef omelet and garlic fried rice prepared by the staff from our leftover rice the night before.

Check out “Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite“

Dawn at Mount Kulis

After breakfast, we met up with Mr. Edong Penamante, the katutubo head of the 200-strong Fresno Tour Guide Association (about 90% of which are also katutubo) who was to be our mandatory guide for our 5-hour tour of Camp A and Camp B.

Our guide Edong Penamante

Posing at the summit of Mount Kulis. Mon and I are wearing our Don Bosco Makit batch 1975 T-shirts

After a preliminary briefing by Edong, we all went down Mount Kulis, via a cleared dirt trail (the sides of which have been leveled to accommodate more tents), to the giant Spider Web, a favorite of most trekkers which (just like Noah’s Ark), on weekends, has a long queue of visitors wanting to try it out and take Instagram-worthy shots.

View of the Spider Web and kubos from the dirt trail

The giant Spider Web. On weekends, it has a long queue of visitors wanting to try it out and take Instagram-worthy shots. As we visited on a week day, we only had to wait a little while for this previous group to finish. Their guide, high up on a perch,, directs his group to create star-like configurations before taking their photos.

We only had to wait a little while for a previous group to finish. Getting on board was tricky and we had to crawl to make it to the center of the “web” (made with nylon ropes).  Once in place, Edong, high up on a perch, directed us to create star-like configurations before taking our photos.

As directed by Edong, we created a star-like configuration….

Getting back to solid ground was difficult for us senior citizens. We had to crawl, Mon on his knees, me on my butt …..

Posing with members of the previous tour group…..

At one side of the area are some 13 native-style huts, of different sizes, which are rented out.  Nearby are some common public toilets.

A-frame huts perfect for couples……

Some of the larger cottages

It was uphill from thereon as we made our way up, via a steep and rocky trail, to Sambong Peak (629 MASL) or Heart Peak (named after the heart-shaped, flower-lined wood and bamboo backdrop where couples pose).

The dirt trail leading up to Sambong Peak (or Heart Peak)

Two senior citizens finally make it up the summit of Sambong Peak

Located at the back of Mount Kulis, it was named after the generous number of native sambong plants (Blumea balsamifera) in the area.

Father and son bonding

There are also limestone karst formations on a cliff, perfect for Instagram shots.

Standing on limestone karst formations

 

From Sambong Peak, we next made a 30 to 45-minute hike, along a trail involving mountainous slopes, rocky and grassy areas, to Noah’s Ark.

Taking a water break and resting before making our final push up Noah’s Ark…..

Noah’s Ark is approached via a wooden bridge with bamboo railings. A sea of clouds sometimes envelopes the mountain and Noah’s Ark was designed as such to create the illusion that you are sailing over this sea of clouds. One of the visitors is posing atop a limestone karst formation beside the bridge.

This boat-shaped wooden structure, with bamboo outriggers, sits atop a limestone karst formation and is approached via a wooden bridge with bamboo railings.

Too bad there was no sea of clouds during our visit. This will have to do …..

Jandy doing a Titanic pose atop Noah’s Ark…..

A sea of clouds sometimes envelopes the mountain and Noah’s Ark was designed as such to create the illusion that you are sailing over this sea of clouds. Visitors also pose atop a limestone karst formation beside the bridge.

Making our way back to the Registration where we will have our lunch……

From Noah’s Ark, it was another 30-minute hike to the Registration Area were we had our lunch and rested awhile prior to our visit to Camp B.

Mon, Jandy and I on board our toro-toro, a makeshift 4×4 vehicle that would take us, on an exciting roller coaster ride, to the hanging bridge and the swimming pool. There were no seats, so we had to travel standing up and had to hang on tight as we went down the steep trail, ducking when we encountered tree branches…..

It is a steep uphill-downhill hike to get to the Hanging Bridge at Camp B but, luckily, there was an open top 4 x 4, driven by Mr. Stephen Fresno (a relative of campsite developer Reynaldo Fresno), that would take us there.

The author at the Hanging Bridge

Still, it was a bumpy, roller coaster ride going to the Hanging Bridge, always on the lookout for tree branches that could knock us off our feet. For safety purposes, only a maximum of 7 persons are allowed on the bridge.

After crossing just halfway for our pose, we made our way back and hiked, along another dirt trail, to a riverside swimming pool created by a dam.  Here, we rested our tired bodies as we immersed ourselves in its bracingly cold waters.

This riverside swimming pool was created by a dam. The waters were bracingly cold

This capped our tour and we made our way back, this time uphill via the same 4 x 4, back to the Registration Area (where others alighted) and continued our way, again uphill, back to our campsite at Mount Kulis.

Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite: Sitio Maysawa Brgy. Laiban/Cuyambay, Tanay, 1980 Rizal. Mobile number: (0999) 553-4449 and (0946) 552-3659. E-mail: jimmydelasada24@gmail.com.  Official website: Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist.  Official Facebook page: Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist.

Admission: Php200 (day tour, 4AM – 3PM), Php300 (overnight, 4PM – 1PM). Tent Rental: Php500 (good for 2 persons), Php800 (good for 4 persons), Php200/tent pitching (bring your own tent). Guide Fee: Php500/5 pax (day tour), P1,250/5 pax (overnight). Note: Mandatory guide if you go on Noah’s Ark and Lion Falls House.

How to Get There: Via Cogeo, ride a jeepney (PhP25/pax) or van (Php35/pax) From Araneta Cubao (in front of Gateway Mall, along Aurora Blvd.), to Cogeo Gate 2. At the end of the City Market, there’s a jeepney terminal.  Take a jeepney (Php48/pax) bound for Sampaloc and tell the driver to drop you off in Maysawa Circuit. Upon reaching Sitio Maysawa, ride a tricycle (Php150/4 pax) that will take you to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite.  Via Tanay, ride a jeepney or van going to Tanay town proper. From Tanay Public Market, ride a jeepney that will take you directly to Sitio Maysawa. Upon reaching Maysawa charter a tricycle that will take you to Fresno.

Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite (Tanay, Rizal)

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Mt. Kulis (620 MASL) at Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite

After nearly two years of being cooped up indoors due to the Covid Pandemic and its accompanying lockdown, the lowering of alert levels gave us an opportunity to get out and breathe the fresh air.

Prior to camping, Mon, Jandy and I had lunch at restaurant beside the registration area of Fresno. They serve silog meals.

Upon the suggestion of then Tanay Senior Tourism Operations Officer (and now Municipal Development and Planning Officer) Mr. Jeff Pino and with the assistance of acting Tourism Officer Ms. Joicee Jules Gapido, I made plans to again try out no frills camping at Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite, a hiking destination opened last 2019.

The restaurant

Owned by Mr. Mabini Dela Sada, an IP (Indigenous Person), the campsite was developed and managed by Mr. Reynaldo Zapanta Fresno, a Capiznon from Mambusao town.

The registration area

Their advocacy is to provide livelihood enhancement programs to the indigenous people (katutubo) from the 10 mountain barangays (recognized to be an ancestral domain) of Tanay as well as the preservation of the beauty of the mountains.  In coordination with the DENR, they have started planting fruit bearing trees.

The dirt road leading up to Mt. Kulis

Joining me in this camping trip were my son Jandy and Mr. Ramon “Mon” Sarinas, a fellow Don Bosco Makati high school batchmate and an avid outdoorsman and photographer.   The trip to  Tanay, via C-6, took all of two and a half hours, passing the towns of Cainta, Taytay, Angono and Cardona and making two toilet breaks and a short stopover at Morong Park in Morong.

Check out “Morong Park“

Our parking area

Upon reaching Jollibee Tanay, I followed the instructions given to me by Joicee, turning left at Sampaloc Road and then drove for 15 kms..  Upon reaching the Sampaloc Barangay Hall, I again turned left at Marilaque Highway, driving for about 30 mins. as the road wound for 13 kms., passing by many of Tanay’s many roadside resorts and restaurants famous for their scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

The unfinished pavilion

Upon reaching a fork, I turn right on Maysawa Road.  Upon reaching a tricycle terminal, I again turned right to a partially paved but mostly dirt road all the way to the gate of Fresno.

The green-roofed cottage sits on the site of Cardo Dalisay’s kubo, destroyed during Typhoon Ulysees.

We arrived just 30 mins. before Mon and we met up at the camp’s registration area beside the entrance. Before anything else we had lunch at the restaurant which served served silog meals (tapsilog, tocilog, etc.).

The terraced hillside where tents could be set up

As we arrived on a Monday (peak days are weekends), we were allowed to bring our cars all the way up, via a rough, steep and narrow dirt road, to the summit of Mt. Kulis (620 MASL) in Camp A, parking our cars just outside a pavilion.

Setting up our tents…..

The pavilion was still a work in progress.  The building, when finished, would house some 10 rooms and a second floor view deck where one can watch both the setting and rising sun.  Already in place are restrooms and a restaurant where you can order, in advance, silog meals (tapsilog, tocilog, etc.).

The summit once housed, beside the pavilion, “Cardo Dalisay’s” kubo (the “bahay ni Cardo” from the ABS-CBN primetime TV series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano“) but this was destroyed during the powerful Category-4 Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco).

Time to relax and enjoy the view …..

Beyond the building is the campsite where the grassy hillside has been terraced to create level platforms where campers could pitch their tents.

The terraced platforms can accommodate some 16 tents.  As we arrived on a week day, we were the only campers (it gets packed on weekends with tents all around the place sprouting like mushrooms).

Dusk was soon upon us…..

Sunset over the Sierra Madre Mountains

Despite the afternoon sun, a cool breeze was blowing.  Around us we could espy, on the east side of the hill, the destinations for our tour tomorrow – the Spider Web and some kubos below us and, in the near distance, Mount Sambong and Noah’s Ark much further away.  Come dusk, we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

Check out “Hiking from Camp A to Camp B“

The restaurant at Mt. Kulis

View deck where you can enjoy the setting sun…..

After a delightful dinner of pork liempo grilled over our stovetop grille (bonfires and campfires are not allowed), with rice cooked by the staff at the restaurant, we retired to our tents and warmed ourselves with shots of fruit-flavored gin while listening to cool 1970s and 80s music.  It was lights out by 10 PM, a curfew set and enforced by management.

Mon preparing dinner over a stove topgrille

Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite: Sitio Maysawa Brgy. Laiban/Cuyambay, Tanay, 1980 Rizal. Mobile number: (0999) 553-4449 and (0946) 552-3659. E-mail: jimmydelasada24@gmail.com.  Official website: Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist.  Official Facebook page: Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist.

Admission: Php200 (day tour, 4AM – 3PM), Php300 (overnight, 4PM – 1PM). Tent Rental: Php500 (good for 2 persons), Php800 (good for 4 persons), Php200/tent pitching (bring your own tent). Guide Fee: Php500/5 pax (day tour), P1,250/5 pax (overnight). Note: Mandatory guide if you go on Noah’s Ark and Lion Falls House.

How to Get There: Via Cogeo, ride a jeepney (PhP25/pax) or van (Php35/pax) From Araneta Cubao (in front of Gateway Mall, along Aurora Blvd.), to Cogeo Gate 2. At the end of the City Market, there’s a jeepney terminal.  Take a jeepney (Php48/pax) bound for Sampaloc and tell the driver to drop you off in Maysawa Circuit. Upon reaching Sitio Maysawa, ride a tricycle (Php150/4 pax) that will take you to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite.  Via Tanay, ride a jeepney or van going to Tanay town proper. From Tanay Public Market, ride a jeepney that will take you directly to Sitio Maysawa. Upon reaching Maysawa charter a tricycle that will take you to Fresno.

Dahilayan Adventure Park (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon)

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Dahilayan Adventure Park

After covering the opening of the Kain Na! Food and Travel Festival and checking into and freshening up at Seda Centrio Hotel, we met up with tourism officer Ezra Glinogo at the hotel lobby. Instead of continuing with our coverage of the food festival, we were instead treated to a visit to the Dahilayan Adventure Park in the town of Manolo Fortich in the adjoining province of Bukidnon.

Check out “Kain Na! Food and Travel Festival” and “Hotel and Inn Review: Seda Centrio Hotel“

The 57.3 km. drive, along the Sayre Highway, took 1.5 hours and, at the Manolo Fortich boundary, quarantine staff there stopped our vehicle and requested all of us to step down and step on foot baths to protect Bukidnon from foot and mouth diseases.

Moving on, we enjoyed the breathtaking countryside and mountain views along the way and, before reaching the park, we passed by Camp Phillips where the massive, 23,000-hectare  pineapple plantation of Del Monte, one of the biggest in the world, is located.

After passing through lush greenery and breathtaking views, we arrived at Dahilayan Adventure Park, nestled at the foot of Mount Kitanglad, by 4:10 PM.  Its cool and invigorating climate reminded me of Baguio or Tagaytay.

Since its opening in September 2009, Dahilayan is famous for its Zipzone, two dual ziplines, with a drop of 100 m., which are said to be the longest in Asia at 840 m. long.

The author being suited up by a park staff

Guaranteed safe and fun for every age, Zipzone has been visited to over a thousand enthusiasts and has become the ultimate adventure destination for young and old alike, including a courageous 2 year old and a 77 year old grandfather. It was an opportunity too good to miss, and Kristian, Marco, Paolo and I were excited to try it out.

L-R: Kristian, Marco, Paolo and the author

First, the staff suited all four of us with helmets, harness and other safety gears. Once suited up, we all boarded a 4WD Safari vehicle for the short drive to the launch tower 4,500 ft. above sea level. Marco and Paolo were the first to try followed by Kristian and me.

On board our $WD Safari vehicle

We were strapped in a face-down position, Superman-style and, upon taking off, zoomed through the lush rainforest canopy at 60 to 80 kms./hour.

Arriving at the launch tower

The launch tower

Midway through my flight, it had already started to rain and I was already soaked when we landed safely at a platform deck using a special arresting gear system. Still, we got the thrill of our life from this scream inducing ride.

Paolo and Marco strapped face down in a Superman position

All strapped upand ready to go……

We were also slated to try out the Skytower Base Jump ride, the highest parajump in the Philippines, but the persistent rain prevented us doing so.

The zipline

From an 8-storey platform on a cell site tower, riders first experience a split second free fall, followed by a gradual descent and ending in a soft landing, all in less than 10 seconds.

The cell site tower – site of the Skytower Base Jump. Maybe next time ……

Dahilayan Adventure Park: Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Tel: (088) 309-4708. Mobile numbers: (0922) 880-1319 and (0917) 715-4399. E-mail: zipzoneinq@yahoo.com.  Website: www.dahilayanadventurepark.com.
Zipzone Booking Office: Parasat Centrio Ayala Mall, 3rd Floor Building (in front of Centrio Cinema), CM Recto Highway, Cagayan de Oro City.  Open daily, 11 AM to 8 PM.

Isola di Francesco (Panglao, Bohol)

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Isola de Francesco

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

After our Dolphin Watching Tour, we proceeded to the nearby Isola di Francesco (“Island of St. Francis”) on Pungtud (or Pontod) Island.

In the past, I have seen this island only from afar, from the vantage point at nearby Virgin Island.

Check out “Virgin Island“

The island is owned by the Philippine Centre of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, a devotee of Italian Capuchin monk St. Pio (Francesco Forgione) of Pietrelcina, who was said to have been once blind. He was said to have prayed to St, Pio and his eyesight was restored.

A mere 10-min. boat ride from Panglao town proper, Isola di Francesco is a destination for meditation, silent prayer and reflection in harmony with the lapping of the waves and the chirping of the island’s resident birds.

Upon arrival on the island, we were greeted by the welcoming arms of a huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

The author with the huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

This solemn and peaceful island has a chapel (opened in 2016), a visitor’s center, a mini museum, clean restrooms, water tanks, changing rooms and guest houses.

Tableau of the Crucifixion

There are also several religious sculptures (some in the middle of the sea) of Jesus Christ, the saints, angels, cherubs, and the Holy Family.

Life-size statues of Jesus and the Apostles on a fishing boat

Just off the waters of the beach are  quite unique, life-size statues of Jesus and the apostles. Most of the cost to develop this place was donated.

Cherubs hanging from trees

The interesting Isola di Francesco’s Nature’s Art Museum, filled with photos of the Franciscan friars as well as artwork that speak of the grandeur of God and His Creation, was opened last March 2017. A 10 AM holy mass is said every 23rd day of the month in the chapel.

Nature’s Art Museum

This serene island, maintained by the faithful as religious shrine, is not your usual tourist trap and is not often included in the island hopping packages, an exact opposite of the much crowded and touristy island and beach destinations of Panglao. You only need an hour or so to explore the island.

Young mangroves shoots found offshore

This beautiful sandbar is open to the public and there is free boat shuttle service, at Poblacion Panglao, near the church, going to and from the island for those who wish to offer prayers for healing, pay tribute or simply just want to visit the place.

The tourist trap called Virgin Island seen from Isola di Francesco

Visitors can stay as long as you want. Even the use of the kayaks, snacks (bottled water, soft drinks, etc.)  and birds’ food to feed pigeons are free (however, donations are welcome). There’s a souvenir shop selling religious items.

Visitors Center

The beautiful island has white sand all over, with plenty of seaweed, some mangroves and big and small starfish but no fish. The waters around the sandbar are pristine and clean and very good for swimming.

The doves and pigeons of Isola de Francesco

The island is a dove and pigeon sanctuary and you can see eggs and babies in nests in the central garden area.

The author hand feeding some of the doves and pigeons

You can feed the doves and pigeons by donating any amount in the store for a plastic of bird feed. Even when there’s a sign to not scare them, some people scare the doves away to get a beautiful picture of it with them.

Statue of St. Michael the Archangel

However, here are rules to be followed.  You cannot bring any food or drinks on the island.

The chapel

At the chapel, you cannot enter if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. (however, they can lend you a sarong to cover yourself).

Rosaries hanging from trees

As this is a shrine, peace and soft talk is very much appreciated and public displays of affection and ogling is frowned upon here. 

Statue of St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of Panglao

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. 

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Loboc Night River Cruise (Bohol)

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Loboc Night River Cruise

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

From the Bohol Biodiversity Center in Bilar, we again boarded our coaster for the 19.3-km. (30-min.) drive to the Loboc River Port where we were to try out the Loboc Night River Cruise of Village Floating Resto and Cruises as guests of Loboc Mayor Leon A. Calipusan and cruise owner Ms. Maria Lourdes Tuyor-Sultan, both of whom were joining us on the cruise. This would be my first nighttime cruise of the river (the others were during the day).

Check out “Bohol Biodiversity Complex,” “Loboc River Cruise (2014)” and “Loboc River Cruise (2003)”

Boarding the Village Floating Resto

The first of its kind in the Philippines, this nighttime cruise is a welcome diversion to the day cruise which, for quite a time now, has caught the fancy of local and foreign tourists. The four floating restaurant operators (the others are Mary Jo Varquez of Busay Monarch, Sonia Balbido of Long River Cruise Floating Resto and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto) have been servicing an average of 800 guests daily for the upstream daytime cruising.

The table setup…..

All 19 floating restaurants are served by a commissary which employed a chef to oversee food preparations for the hundreds of tourists who board and eat at the restaurants each month.

The buffet spread…..

The night cruise, introduced by the Provincial Tourism Council as an option to help ease congestion at the river, actually had its beginnings in 2006.

Appetizers…..

Dessert…..

That year, Gov. Erico Aumentado embarked on the lighting of the Loboc River, with Chinese businessman (the chairman of Filipino multinational Liwayway Group whose flagship enterprise is the manufacture and distribution of Oishi snacks) and Philippine Special Ambassador to China Carlos Chan funding the riverbank lighting project and commissioning lighting experts from China to determine the requirements of Loboc River.

Grilled prawns ….

Thus, the P13.5 million project of lighting the whole 2.85 km. stretch of the Loboc River was born, with some 450 lampposts and floodlights being installed from the modern, PhP10-million (also partly funded again by Mr. Chan), 120-m. long docking port (which houses the eco-tourism center and includes the tourism office, a visitor’s lounge and air-conditioned comfort rooms) all the way up to the Busay Falls, including the two bailey bridges crossing the river.

The very Christmas-like light show along the riverbank

Our cruise was sort of an inaugural run as the original night cruise was discontinued after the October 15, 2013 earthquake damaged the lighting system.  Cruising the Loboc River at night, soothing to the spirit, was a different experience altogether, relaxing both body and mind and infusing peace and harmony to weary souls.

The on-board live entertainment…..

The cool night air, the eerie lights on the riverbanks (lighting up the palm trees and putting to shadow other vegetation) and their colorful reflections shimmering on the waters coupled with the soft serenading music of the performing band while we dined on a delicious buffet spread lent a romantic air to the night cruise.

The author enjoying the cruise…..

The night scene, with myriads of shimmering lights reflected on the waters, casted a shimmering splendor on the river.

L-R: Ms. Corazon Cagahastian, Mr. Diego Cagahastian, the author, Ms. Teresa Chanco, Loboc Mayor Leon A.Calipusan, Mr. Pete Dacuycuy and Mr. Pedro “Boo” Chanco.

Village Floating Resto & Cruises: Brgy. Valladolid, Loboc, Bohol. Tel: (038) 537-9223  and (038) 501-8078. Mobile number: (0928) 507-7627. E-mail: villagefloatingresto@yahoo.com.

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Bohol Biodiversity Complex (Bilar, Bohol)

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Bohol Biodiversity Complex

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

After our visit to Loay, we boarded our coaster for 24-km. (40-min.) drive, via the Loay Interior Road, to the 25-hectare (6.5 hectares occupied as ecotourism site) Bohol Biodiversity Complex (BBC) in Bilar. Along the way, we passed its man-made forest of mahogany trees.

Check out “Church of the Holy Trinity” and “Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano“

Our lecturer….

We were slated to do the Tree Planting for Legacy eco-tour (individual tree planting), undoubtedly the highlight of a visit here but, due to our tight schedule, just attended a lecture (with fresh buko juice) on sustainable development and toured its facilities.

The BBC, surrounded by 1.2 hectares of rainforest, is perfect for the nature lover and the environmentally-conscious. It showcases various endemic tree seedlings and continues to raise awareness and conservation concerns among both locals and tourists.

This facility, and the eco-tour it offers, is the fruit of the Bohol Environment Code of 1998, which had the Bohol provincial government and the DENR sharing the responsibility of protecting and conserving Bohol’s amazing plant and animal species, particularly its endemic tree species.

Glamping Area

The complex, a unique and memorable alternative to a typical Bohol tour, houses a training center, organic vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, vermin-composting facility, farm animal sheds, reforestation area, Karst trail, gene bank, a dipterocarp mini laboratory and lodging quarters for anyone keen on lending a hand to sustainability and tackling all the BCC has to offer.

Setup inside tent

The sprawling grounds of the complex also make it ideal as a camping ground or a picnic site. Our guide showed us the glamping site with tents set up.  Each tent, which can accommodate 5 pax, is rented out for PhP2,000/per night (breakfast not included).  Near the site is a cottage housing communal shower and toilet facilities and a dining facility.  We culminated our visit with a merienda of corn coffee, steamed kamote, puto and fried saging na saba.

A honeymooner’s setup

The Tree Planting for Legacy eco-tour is a great way, whether going solo or traveling in a group, to proactively support conservation while having fun. It takes travelers beyond sightseeing and into environmentally-friendly and fun activities, letting everyone join and pitch in the efforts of restoring the breathtaking forests of Bohol by giving them the chance to leave a “tree for legacy,” their very own green thumb mark on the island of Bohol.   The endemic tree saplings they planted are taken care of by the center until they reach maturity.

Cottage housing shower and toilet facilities and dining area

Currently, with the help of the Provincial Government Offices of Provincial Economic Enterprises Management Office, Bohol Environmental Management Office, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, Bohol Island State University and NGO Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc., the complex is undergoing development to help improve its services, Aspiring to become a model eco- agritourism site in Bohol, it promotes conservation of Bohol’s unique flora and fauna and appreciation of Boholano culture, especially in its agricultural industry.

Bohol Biodiversity Complex (BBC): Bilar, Bohol. Mobile number: (0950) 124-6588. E-mail: boholbiodiversity@gmail.com. Admission: PhP100/pax. Tour Group Price: PhP1,850/15 pax maximum. Admission includes seedling, name plate, laminated label and corn coffee/bottle of water (included only for group tours).  Open Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM – 5 PM, on request basis for holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. 

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Werribee Open Range Zoo (Werribee, Australia)

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Werribee Open Range Zoo

Our second whole day in Australia was to be spent on a half-day tour of the Werribee Open Range Zoo, about 32 kms. (20 mi.) southwest of Melbourne.  After brunch at our apartment, we walked towards the Melbourne Central Station where we took a one-hour train ride to Werribee Station. We arrived at the station by 11:20 AM and, from the station, we caught the Bus 439 Werribee South to the zoo.

Check out “Melbourne Central Station“

The 225-hectare (560-acre) Werribee Open Range Zoo, an African-themed zoo in Werribee, is ocated on the Werribee River in Werribee Park, adjacent to the Werribee Mansion.

Jandy, Kyle and Bryan at the Werribee Visitor Information Center

Gift shop

It is part of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board or ‘Zoos Victoria’ which also includes Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.

Ticket Office

Meerkat Cafe

Cafe interior

Here’s the historical timeline of the zoo:

  • In 1975, the 120 hectares of land on which Werribee Open Range Zoo now sits was acquired to act as agistment for the surplus stock from Melbourne Zoo. The board aimed to use the property’s landscape to develop an open range zoo.
  • In 1983 Werribee Open Range Zoo was opened to the public and guests were offered a guided safari-like tour around the property. Species at the zoo were mostly ungulates including bison and deer along with ostrich and kangaroos. Whipsnade Zoo provided a pair of Southern White Rhinoceros.
  • For the next ten years, guests boarded a bus, paying an admission fee as they entered, from a shelter at the Werribee Park Mansion, across the road from the zoo.
  • In 1996, the zoo was completely relaunched with a bistro, shop, discovery center and walking trail opened to add to the experience.
  • The next year, the Volcanic Plains Trail, showing off the Western basalt plains which is an endangered grasslands ecosystem, was opened.
  • During 1999, four new rhinos from South Africa arrived at the zoo to begin a breeding program.
  • In 2002, the zoo’s first rhino calf was born and was named Ganini.
  • In 2004, the Lions on the Edge habitat was unveiled.
  • In September 2006, Kubu River Hippos, the zoo’s largest development ever, was opened.
  • In December 2008, an African wildlife habitat was unveiled.
  • In 2010, the zoo celebrated its 25th birthday.
  • Also in 2010, the Australian comedy duo Hamish and Andy, posing as gorillas playing with golf clubs and toy cars, appeared in the zoo’s under construction gorilla enclosure as part of filming for a TV show.
  • In 2011, a gorilla exhibit opened with three male western lowland gorillas (an adult silverback and his two sons) gained from Melbourne Zoo.
  • In 2014, a koala habitat was opened along with a bandicoot hideaway (a nocturnal house where people can discover critically endangered eastern barred bandicoots). Squirrel gliders, dunnarts, tawny frogmouths and striped legless lizards also live here.

The African-themed village

The zoo has a simulated African village whose educational and entertaining includes a mock scenario of an African ranger and his adventures tracking lions, and an interactive soundscape walk with simulated lion sounds surrounding the walker.

A Learning Center teaches more about the history and geography of animals in their environments. This very children-friendly zoo also has lots of animal-themed playgrounds (such as the monkey rope play) around the walking trail near the exhibits.

Children’s playground

Werribee Open Range Zoo also has an animal/adoption sponsorship program, which is used for gifts and other altruistic purposes.

We followed two independent trails with signs everywhere pointing us in different directions to each animal enclosure.

Meerkats

The Pula Reserve Walking Trail focuses on African animals, including a antelopes, rhinoceros, zebras, lions, hippopotamus  and meerkats at the picturesque grassy savanna.

The new Gorillas Calling, a 10,000 sq. m. (2.5-acre) island home sanctuary (one of the largest in the world), houses the 3 gorillas and features wide-open spaces, climbing structures and indoor facilities.

A pair of camels

Rhinoceros

This facility enabled Zoos Victoria to provide best-practice care for the bachelor gorillas and confirm the organization’s reputation as a world leader in gorilla management.

Hippopotamus

Kubu River Hippos, a 3-hectare (7.41 acre) hippo paradise, is Australia’s only drive through hippo river. It has a boardwalk that allows visitors to view the hippos from every angle while the Kubu Queen, a semi submerged barge, allows for a closer view.

The area also has an adventure trail, archaeological dig site, interpretive centers and a hippo water play area with 5 life size hippo sculptures.  It can also be experienced on the safari tour.

A pride of lions

Lions on the Edge, with its beautiful pride of lions, has many great interactive elements including an abandoned jeep, half in and half out of the exhibit, where you can sit face to face with a lion.

Smaller habitats for prowling cheetahs, a troop of 18 vervet monkeys  (the only one’s of their kind on display in Australia) at play, and serval are also available for viewing.

Kangaroos

The author

The Australian Journey Walk, through Victoria’s vulnerable basalt plains grasslands, focuses on free wandering Australian animals such as the brolga, koala, emu and kangaroo as well as the cassowary.

A pair of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

An ostrich

Come 3:30 PM, we availed of a bus tour (included in the zoo admission price), which takes up to 140 people in a unique safari bus and normally lasts 35–40 minutes, multiple times a day.

The unique, open air tour bus

The tour takes us out into the 45-hectare open savanna section of the zoo where we could find animals such as the hippo as well as animals of the grassland, such as bison, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, ostrich, eland, antelopes and rhinoceros, as well as the camel and the scimitar-horned oryx.

A small herd of zebras

Werribee Open Range Zoo: K Rd, Werribee South, Victoria, 3030 Australia. Open daily (except Christmas Day), 9 AM – 5 PM (entry closes 3:30 PM).  Tel: 1300 966 784. Admission: adult (38AUD), child (19AUD) on weekdays, free on weekends. Visitors can also book various ‘specialty’ tours, including the Off Road Safari, or close encounters where you can feed gorillas, stroke servals or giraffe. E-mail: contact@zoo.org.au. Website: www..zoo.org.au/werribee/.