MANABU PEAK

Summer season just ended and rainy season just begun, but we travelers can’t help but go to places we love to see no matter what the season is! I started mountain climbing in year 2000 with my co-workers. After a couple of climbs we decided to form our own group. Unfortunately, the group did not last long because we had to separate ways. I joined several mountaineering groups after that. Right now I am one of the founders of the group PHINAS where most of members are my co-workers.

Last weekend, we went to Manabu Peak for a day hike. I can't remember how many times I've gone to this mountain, but whenever I had time and wants to climb Mt. Manabu is the closest and the most accessible which is located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. This mountain is ideal for beginners because of its easy access to the peak. The trek is relatively short and easy giving you more time to relax and enjoy the view along the way. The dense forest was giving you a shade from the scorching heat of sun while trekking.

We arrived at Fiesta Mall in Lipa, Batangas at 8:00 in the morning, bought things/food we needed. Afterwards, we headed to Brgy. Sulok. There are two ways how to get to Brgy. Sulok. First, you can take a trike in Fiesta Mall which cost around P120.00 to P150.00 (well, it depends on how good you are on bargaining) or you may opt to ride a jeepney going to Sumbang. We arrived in Brgy. Sulok at 8:30, dropped by in Barangay Hall for registration and pay fees. We took a trike going to jump off.

Mt. Manabu, Sto. Tomas Batangas

At the jump-off, we did some stretching to warm up. At exactly 9:00 we started to ascend. The trail was muddy and slippery maybe because it has been raining these past few days. After several minutes of trek through the woods, we arrived in station 2, took a rest and buy fresh buko for refreshment. 

Mt. Manabu,, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

We continued to trek for an hour until we reached the hut of Tata Tino. He is well known by hikers because of his generosity of Alamid Coffee wherein you can try it for free! We took a long rest, killed some time by listening to the funny tales of Tata Tino.

Tata Tino's Hut in Mt. Manabu

The trail in the final assault to the summit were a little steep, but there are ropes installed around the area. 

Mt. Manabu

Mt. Manabu

It took us 2 hours to reach the peak! The highest point of the mountain was marked by a white cross. The plateau beside it was like a garden covered with grass and is serve as campsite. It’s quite big and can accommodate a large number of hikers who wish to stay overnight.

Mt. Manabu peak

You can see at the summit nearby mountains such as Maculot, Makiling, Batulao and Malipunyo.

After a few minutes of taking pictures and sightseeing, we finally started to descend. Going down were much easier and faster. The rain fell when we were in between station 3 and 2 so we decided to rest for a while and waited for the rain to stop. Several restrooms are available in the jump-off. We took a quick shower and headed to Corcolon Lomi, the famous Lomi House in Batangas to give it a try. 

ITINERARY:

0800  Meet up at Fiesta mall (buy things)

0830  ETD Brgy. San Pedro, Sto. Tomas. Take trike to ‘Sulok’ or ride jeep going Sumbang (registration at brgy. Hall )

0850  ETA ‘Sulok’, Brgy. Sta. Cruz

0900  Start trek

1000  Reach Tatay Tino’s place

1100  ETA summit.

1130  Start descent

1400  ETA jump off point (take a bath etc…)

1530  Going to Corcolon Lomi House at Pinagtung-ulan San Jose Batangas…

BUROT BEACH ADVENTURE

When the heat of summer is getting into my nerves, I decided to go out and beat the heat of summer!... As I am browsing the net, looking for a great weekend getaway, I accidentally saw Burot Beach.. I fell in love by its enchanting beauty.

We set the date, and finally, together with my co-workers/friends, we headed to Calatagan, Batangas and see the beauty of Burot Beach. As expected, the beach never fails me. It's beauty is pristine.  

Burot Beach is situated in Poblacion, Calatagan, Batangas. This is a private property acquired recently by SMDC. It is open to public for a minimal fee. It's location is a bit distant in the main highway. The road is rough when you enter the main entrance. Guards on duty will collect an environmental fee I guess, of Php30.00 per vehicle. After you pay, they will handed you the rules and regulations inside the premises along with the garbage bag. The dirt road will narrow down going through the beach  passing by a mangroves on each side. On the second gate, you will pay for the entrance fee of Php90.00 per pax.

You can go for a day trip or stay overnight. I strongly recommend the place, for the backpackers, looking for a quick and very affordable getaway near the Metro. Those who appreciate the beauty of nature.  I like it best, because it's still undeveloped. The place is good  as camping ground. The water is calm, the sand is semi-fine maple brown and a lot of rock formation can be found in the area.

When we arrived the weather is good, so we got to see the sunset. The sky is great at night since there's no electricity. I've really enjoyed the bright sky, the serenity and peacefulness of the place.

Don't expect too much in the area since, like I said, it's not commercialized. There are some open air nipa huts and benches around the area for rent or you may opt to use a tent (you can bring your own or rent it at Php300.00). There are comfort/shower rooms to accommodate the basic needs but not too decent. For those who wish to stay overnight, I strongly suggest that you bring a wood for bonfire. The wood sold inside is a little pricey. Bring also plenty of waters for drinking and cooking coz' the water there is not potable.

Rates:

Day trip: 

Children -  Php 60.00 (8 years old and above)
Adult   -    Php 90.00                

Overnight stay:

Children  -   Php 90.00
Adult  -   Php130.00

Parking:  Free

Nipa Hut: Php800.00 to P1000.00

Tent:  Php300.00