Surprising! Meeting A Virtual Friend For The First Time During My Unplanned Trip!

THE PLEASING City of Ormoc has been marked by most people as City by the bay. It is the largest city by land area in the island of Leyte. The city has a stunning Ormoc bay that overlooks the beautiful Magsanga mountain peak.

Before the destructive attack of the typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the city faced a devastating typhoon on the 5th of November 1991 that submerged some parts of the city. After the two highly destructive natural disaster ruined the beautiful City of Ormoc, it gently got back on it feet. The people slowly returned to a normal state of living and slowly regained one’s strength.Nowadays, Ormoc City’s tourist attractions are progressively getting the attention of many travelers from different places of the world. And one of its main attraction is the Lake Danao Natural Park. A guitar-shaped lake nestled in upper barangays (villages) of Ormoc City. It is simply the largest fresh water reservation in Western Leyte.

Well, let me share with you about my invasion in the beautiful attractions of Ormoc City. This is actually one of the unforgettable travels I had so far, because visiting the city of Ormoc is not really on my list.Over the weekend, my plan was to come over again to Camotes island since I was not able to see all of their natural attractions during my 1st visit way back last year. It was a sunny Saturday at around 12:30 in the afternoon, I arrived at the Ocean jet ticketing office in the port of Cebu to get a trip ticket for Cebu-Camotes. It happened that the next trip schedule is 3:00 PM and I can’t afford to wait for 2 hours and 30 minutes before the next scheduled trip. I became impatient because I just came from working overtime and was feeling exhausted. And that made my mind a sudden change for that weekend trip. I quickly approached the teller and asked if there are any available sooner schedule to any Visayas destinations. The teller promptly replied, “Yes Sir! Naay para CebuOrmoc 1:30 PM”. (“Yes Sir! there is a schedule for CebuOrmoc at 1:30 PM” ). After hearing it, I was not hesitant about buying the ticket.

Since this is an unplanned trip, I immediately pulled up my Agoda online account and searched for cheap hotels that I can possibly stay in Ormoc City. I even posted on Facebook and asked assistance from some of my friends who knows about the City. Luckily, I have one virtual friend who’s originally from Ormoc and he just arrived that time from Cebu. What’s even good about this unplanned trip was that he voluntarily accompanied me in my quick jaunts to the Lake and the newly discovered natural wonder of Ormoc which is the Sayahan Falls. (Nhagz piece about Sayahan Falls was re-printed in this paper last week, however, a correction as to the distance have to be made. He originally printed 72 kilometers away from the City, but actually, it is just around 30 kilometers, more or less. Gaas is around 25 kilometers away and the falls is estimated to be 3 - 5 kilometers hike from the village.)

After the 3 hours of traveling, I finally sat my adventurous spirit in the City of Ormoc and got ready to get lost. And briskly started a dealing for a motorbike to take me to Rizal Street where the pension house that I booked is situated. Well, enough of my personal thoughts about what I did during my first day in Ormoc. Lol! Because I just stayed inside the room and decided to hit the hay early

After gaining consciousness on the next morning that is full of excitement. I got a chance to take a simple breakfast in the number one snack house in Ormoc, the Mayong’s Bakeshop. I tasted their bestseller cheeseburger that only cost me 40 PHP. At exactly 7:00 AM, my friend and his Dad finally arrived riding on a motorbike. While driving up going to the mountainous part of the province, I was pleasantly surprised its rich green sceneries and the cool temperature. My friend told me that it is because the mountain going through Tongonan village is the second highest peak in Western Leyte. Also, the location of the lake is highly elevated and about 650 meters above sea level.

After 30 minutes of driving, a big sign along says “Welcome to Lake Danao Natural Park”. I quickly jumped from the motorbike and immediately moved nearer to the entrance and paid for the amount of 25.00 PHP.

When I finally saw the spectacular Lake, it was really astounding because it is really huge. Aside from that, the lake offers the very best of nature plus some exciting activities to enjoy such as kayaking, boating and floating cottage. I was able to take a pleasant ride on their floating cottage that gave me an opportunity to experience and explore more ways into the heart of the lake. While spending my time enjoying the ride on the lake, we had lunch as well as we requested someone to cook for us some tab sisig ir “bland clams” from the lake.

There were a lot more activities to try in the lake but I had enough with their floating cottage ride. In this place, you can also enjoy a full body massage offered by some local therapist there. It only costs 250 PHP for an hour whole body massage. Before proceeding to our next destination which is the newly discovered waterfalls in Brgy. Ga-as which is the Sayahan Falls. 

I tried to have some chit-chat with the 2 kids who lives there who’s name is Clark and Brian. They told me a lot of interesting stories about the lake. Many divers attempted to dive to get the measurement if how deep is the lake. Unfortunately, no one was able to get the measurement successfully. But there is one story that makes my eye teary. I was told that the lake looks extremely attractive before the typhoon Yolanda. I can really see how tough it was for them. And it is truly inspiring that they are able to overcome and how the tragedy made them better. 

This story makes me more proud being a Filipino because despite of the challenges we can still smile and remain optimistic. While we are on our way to our next destination, I discreetly smiled and realized that visiting the Lake Danao is one of the best travels I had and this is something I have always to share about with my friends. I am so thankful that I was able to step my foot in such beautiful place. I am so grateful to spoke with the locals because it encourages me more to inspire people through traveling by sharing the experiences I had and the learning that I received from the people we encounter and interact with.

I Conquered The Highest Peak in Eastern Visayas | Alto Peak

Since it still hard for us to go out and look for an adventure, I decided to recover my old blog posts , travel stories and have it posted on social media. To give a try, let me start my story with this unforgettable travel adventure in Ormoc City. Why unforgettable? Because this story was my first major hiking adventure.

On May 5-9, 2017, I was invited by Pocholo Franco, the VP of Tourism council in Ormoc City to explore the hidden gems of Ormoc City. I was on the impression that these are only water escapes. When he sent to me the itineraries, my adventurous spirit was surprised because it was more on mountain climbing/trekking.

There are two peaks that I need to conquer with his proposal and those are the Sulpatara Peak and Mt. Aminduen also known as Alto Peak. This peak is known as the tower of the East since it is highest peak not only in the Province of Leyte but in the whole Eastern Visayas Region. This would be my first time scaling a peak with an impressive elevation of 1332 MASL.

Alto Peak is waving!

The beautiful lake Janagdan - This lake can be seen on the other side / part of the trail going to Alto peak

During the mid portion of the trail, there was a sulfur mountain standing around 80 degrees of cliff and it is bounded by these wild strawberries. It seems that the trail going to the camp site was just literally a walk in the park. You can also see a lot of floras and faunas as you go along with the trail.

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As we reached the assault of Alto Peak, the trail is more difficult, with the surrounding filled with slippery roots, steep assaults continuous uphill that elevates to up to 80-90 degree at some point. The terrain’s certainly ain’t getting any easier.

The Campsite

Good Things We Have Missed During The Lockdown | Nhagzventures

On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, to be a global pandemic. Since then, the outbreak has evolved rapidly with governments around the world taking swift action to slow the spread of COVID-19.

      Photo taken @Catmon, Cebu

We are all tucked inside our homes due to the worldwide lockdown. Its been months we didn't step out of our houses. With Unlock 1, things are getting back to normalcy but we still have a long way to go if we look at the rising number of cases in the country. We have been craving to step out, go for a trip for a while now but let's face it, its not going to happen anytime soon. Frequent travellers know the struggle! It isn't easy to be at home all day long, wandering around the house, irritated. 

The lockdown was the perfect time to go through all the travel pictures you have collected through months, years and take a trip down the memory lane. Many of us just keep on posting throwback pictures on their social media account, saying" Throwback muna, May Corona pa".

@Mt. Lanaya- Alegria, Cebu

We all know that it is still not safe to step out and wander. Let your collected memories turn into fun by creating a travel scrapbook or make it a travel blog or vlog- This is the time!

@Panglao, Bohol

If you never thought of documenting your travel memories, why not give it a try? Take out all your pictures and videos from your trips and create your own blog. You can also create a travel vlog with these pictures and videos and publish them on your social media. 

It is difficult to go for a trip now but things will get better eventually. Now that you are at home, plan for a road trip or a solo weekend getaway. Prepare a proper plan, check out what to explore when you are there, or list down the things you would need to take along. 

Everything will get better with time and we will get to travel again! Till then, enjoy your time at home, travelling virtually.

Helping My Community During The Corona Virus Pandemic | Pahina Central Community

 

We all know that many people suffered this COVID- 19 Pandemic. A circle of Kindness started by ordinary people. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. Even in the era of social distancing, these organization turned their fears into true compassion.

These individuals just want to leave a mark in the community that Kindness to others is the best part of our hearts and with those around us.

So Where do Random Acts of Kindness Started?

A lot of systematic inequalities has been exposed as the realities of the pandemic response set in. When these group of individuals (Pahina Central Community Admins) headed by Gilbert Romo with the coordination of the Community Leaders, have seen that many people are struggling in uncertain times, they initially set up an initiative by collecting groceries to random people and contacting those less fortunate individuals to offer small support.

I've Learned That Amid the Fear, There is also Community, support and Hope.

I always agree that helping others has a lot of benefits for us, as individual. It is good for our mental health and well-being. It can also help reduce our stress and improve our emotional emotional well-being.

Doing Good, Does You Good

I am always motivated by my genuine warm feelings. I always want to do something that can help others by choosing kindness. I always believed that good deeds needn't take much time or cost any money.

Small help can make a big difference, really! When the Corona Virus climate threatens a lot of many people, I can see that this is a different period of time in our life. But i take it as an a challenge and opportunity to inspire people that kindness is what we need in unforeseen times.

Volunteering

We all have so much going on in our lives, including competing strains and stresses- not to mention the Corona-virus pandemic.This can see kindness pushed to one side, in favor of what is urgent.

It can be easy to signal kindness by volunteering because it can help us feel a sense of belonging,make new friends and connect with our community.

Doing Something Good For A Cause

At times like this we are learning to adapt the requirements needed to prevent the spread of corona-virus.As a result we have had to rethink the way we do our hobbies and pursue our interest.

Getting involved with a cause that is close to my heart has a huge beneficial for both of my cause and my own sense of well-being.

Act of Kindness

Act of Kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place.Even a small act of kindness can mobilized friends, family and the community to help others during this challenging time, it will also moved people's heart to support each other more in various aspects of daily life.

Sometimes, helping others is not easy, especially in events when you personally or your own family needs help.I admire those people who are always finding ways to end their hands in times of difficulty.

You are a blessing to our community! I am proud to be one of the volunteers!

Watch the Full video here : 

https://www.facebook.com/nhagz.torrecampo/videos/vb.100005879081334/1241369899402301/?type=3

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Job well done natong tanan! Congratulations sa tanang winners. Thank you Gilbert Romo for the effort bisag wala ka sa Pinas. Thank you usab sa mga nitabang ug nipaambit.

To our Brgy. Capt. Carlo Yap and to all the Pahina Central Community, Salamat kaninyong tanan.

Let's continue to help one another and Inspired others.

#StayAtHome #SharePeaceandLove #FightCovid19

Why I stand with ABS-CBN?

One thing that bothers me so much is that why do I see a lot of people celebrating regarding the  ABS-CBN Shutdown?

I am not sure why you are reading this because you are Anti or you are a Pro.I am writing this not because you are anti or pro but I am pro humanity , I am pro kindness. The fact of the matter is I am never on pro on people who will suffer and I will never celebrate it just because it is because it satisfied our need to prove them wrong.

ABS-CBN has import good culture, they have been apart of my childhood and I think most of you. Somehow, ABS-CBN was there all those time. They have been part of our lives. Part of you is who you are because of them.

Do you dtill remember when you are still a kid and you don't know what to do. There are these kids program that actually shape us to become of who you are right now.

Sineskwela, remember the time when you always wanted to see Hiraya Manawari, Bayani and all those stuffs. Who could've forget Home Along Da Riles, Cidie at ang pagbabalat ng patatas ni Princess Sarah.

Remember those times that you have to wait once a week for "Maalala Mo Kaya" because there's just wonderful stories of inspiration in life and love.

Remember those days, those times that we enjoyed. Whatever we want to say the TV Network was able to bring good in us. They made us feel happy when we're sad and made us feel accompanied.

They were able to give us information actually all this time whenever we need them and that's what ABS-CBN brought to us and I'm sure just like everybody else. The TV station is not perfect, just like you, like me, like everybody else. We make mistakes.

But is that the reason for us to laugh at someone else's demise?

I hope you guys would understand that it's not fair and it's not right. If you really have a right moral compass you won't celebrate. You just have to sympathize. Empathy!

People are not perfect. This is not just for the fact that we should apply this for the TV Station. But let's apply this to our life in general.If someone commits a mistake.Let's condemn the act not the person.

I don't know what really happened behind to us why the government really urges and pushed through removing the franchise of ABS-CBN and I don't know maybe the network did not comply it at all.Fine!

Regarding those technicalities, it doesn't matter. What matters to me is that there are people affected by it. And I don't like the fact that I see on my wall people are celebrating and making fun the demise of one specific TV Station that has been there.

There are people their on that TV station that has been working for a long time and they are not just losing the job but they lost their family, they lost the part of them. WILL YOU LAUGH AT SOMEONE IF IN CASE NASUNOG ANG BAHAY NILA? Let's remove any biased at all. Let's just become any human beings who cares.

Let's not have selective sympathy wherein we just see and care for those people who are in need. Everybody who is in need needs our sympathy. We don't choose them.

WHY DO WE ALWAYS BLAME THE STATION ITSELF? We saw that the network got shutdown and we would just say, " Good for you, ABS-CBN". Let's stop that, we are better than that.

It's not good to somehow laugh at someone who suffered a major set back. Regardless of who they are, where they come from and regardless of any circumstances at all. Always remember, it's good to always become a bigger person. Laughing at someone else's demise doesn't make us cool, great or wise.

It makes us a less of human being. Let your heart speaks my friends!

I am writing this not because I am a pro or anti ABS-CBN. I am writing this because I wanted to tell everyone that I am pro Happiness and I am pro human being.I wanted to tell everyone that it is not the right thing to do.

What I am ANTI is , kicking someone when they are down. Kindness is King!

I wanted to tell everybody that in this trying times we need to be together. We need to be with each other. And start it with yourself.

Maybe the reason why the world is not changing as much as we want because we are waiting for the other person to do so.

The best way for us to contribute to the CHANGE that we long for is to start it with ourselves.

#IbalikAngABSCBN #IStandWithABSCBN