Snippets Inside the Malacañang Museum

I have always aspired to work in Malacañang, not as President, but a stern Presidential Spokesperson like Abigail Valte. That is just one of my exceptional ambitions in life despite being timid and reclusive. Even so, there is nothing wrong with dreaming big. Anyone can always dream no matter how ridiculous it is.

That's why when I got the chance to visit Manila, I immediately booked a tour in Malacañang to personally see its glory. Little did I know, the tour is only limited to the Presidential Museum & Library. The sprawling complex includes office buildings, numerous mansions, and the Presidential Palace which are generally forbidden to the public. I got quite dismayed that I won't get the chance to see and walk through the historic staircase where Philippine Presidents ascend following their inauguration.

Anyhow, I truly enjoyed this experience. I did not get to take a lot of photos because I took more time appreciating everything inside. The tour guide was also engaging, you won't get bored despite the bunch of information and trivia he had to share. On top of that, it was a group tour so it was quite difficult to take good quality photos without nuisance and obstruction. Video recording and flash photography are also prohibited.

One particular item that really caught my eye and left me astonished is this 18th century painting gifted to President Elpidio Quirino. It is said that if there should be an impending danger in Malacañang Palace, the painting behind this statue would be the first item to be secured and carried out. And if the Palace were to be destroyed, its market value would be enough to cover Malacañang's restoration. I like art, I just can't fathom how some paintings are given hefty price tags.

There is so much about Malacañang than the ghost stories and being the official seat and residence of the Chief Executive. The historic rooms inside the Kalayaan Hall are windows to our past while the intricate and resplendent woodwork, and the iconic Czechoslovak crystal chandeliers boast of imperial grandeur.

I have yet to see the main Presidential Palace, only God knows when. As of now, my heart still marvels to the fact I got to enter this timeless fortress.

If you wish to book a tour, you must submit a letter at least a week prior to the date of tour.

The request should be addressed to the Director of the Presidential Museum and Library and must indicate the following information:

• Preferred date and time of the tour

• Complete list of names and birthdate of all persons in the group tour.

• Name, contact details, complete address, and birthdate of the group representative.

Address your letter to:

THE DIRECTOR

Presidential Museum and Library

2/F Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang

J.P. Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila

Email: malacanangmuseum@gmail.com | pml@malacanang.gov.ph

The tour is FREE of charge but visitors must wear appropriate attire and observe punctuality.

Mt. Megatong Experience

In an effort to enjoy our short summer break in law school, my friends and I decided to trek Mt. Megatong in Sitio Talos, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. Initially, my friends wanted to climb Mt. Apo, but I begged that a novice like me wouldn't survive that major climb just yet, so I looked for an alternative which wouldn't be too difficult for beginners like me.

Even if it is classified as a minor climb, Mt. Megatong promises a full-pack adventure. No wonder many mountain climbers tagged Mt. Megatong as a perfect training ground before hurdling difficult mountains such as Mt. Apo, Mt. Dulang-Dulang, Mt. Katalungan and the likes.

DAY 1

We started our journey from Sitio Talos at 3pm. Depending on the person's pacing and endurance, trekking the breathtaking ridges going to the summit would normally take four hours. In my case, it took me almost five hours probably because of my weight plus the fact that I am not used to physical activities like this, and it was already dark and it started raining when we were already about 75% of the climb.

You may choose between a day hike or an overnight stay at the summit. For us, we opted to choose the latter just because we thought it would be fun to try camping and sleeping on top of a mountain.

As to our meals, we availed a tour package from the organizers. Thus, all we had to bring was our personal necessities and camping essentials. Our meals for dinner and breakfast were all provided for by Mt. Megatong Adventours.

However, we never had the chance to stargaze, revel the spectacular view of the whole Davao del Norte at night, and interact with other people in the group because the rain was still pouring by the time we reached the peak. Good thing our boys got there ahead of us and were able to mount our tents, so all we had to do was to change our clothes, arrange our stuff, eat dinner, and sleep.

Habal-Habal Ride to Sitio Talos

On our way to the summit

On our way to the summit

On our way to the summit

On our way to the summit

Be ready to fall on your knees

DAY 2

Mt. Megatong is also famous for its sea of clouds. Sadly for us, we were not lucky enough to witness its pride and glory. Nonetheless, Mt. Megatong still offers a breathtaking sunrise view over its relentless ridges. One can only think and thank God for all the wonders he has placed here on earth and forget about whatever bothers your mind.

Waiting for sunrise

Waiting for sunrise

Waiting for sunrise

Hello, Mr. Sun!

The relentless ridges of Mt. Megaton

The relentless ridges of Mt. Megaton

Mandatory groufie on top.

By 7a.m. we had to start our journey back to the jump-off point. Expect that it will be an assault back to Sitio Talos and be ready to fall on your knees. It would take 7 hours of walking under the scorching heat of the sun, but the best part of it all is having to trek and cross Kapaliku River. So better bring a comfortable and durable trekking sandals to avoid the hassle of removing stones and gravel that goes through your shoes.

River trekking!

Quick stop for water refill

Breakfast and rest

Overall, my first mountain climbing experience was fun! The difficulty of the trail had me questioning my life's decisions, but it was all worth it. Much like life, it is an uphill struggle, but the view from the top is great and worth every drop of sweat.

I will definitely hike and conquer more mountains in the future!

What to Bring 1. Tent 2. Sleeping bag 3. Headlamp/flashlight 4. Windbreaker or rain jacket, at least 1extra socks

5. Tissue / Wet Wipes 6. Camera 7. Powerbank 8. Trail food 9. Water 10. Trekking Sandals

11. Rashguard and Extra Clothes

12. Durable and comfortable shoes with good grip (Mt. Megatong's trail is steep, muddy, and slippery)

How to Get Here

- From Davao City, ride a bus from Ecoland Bus Terminal bound for Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

- From Sto.Tomas Bus Terminal, ride a habal-habal bound for Sitio Talos, San Jose, travel time is 40 to 30 minutes.

Tip: Join group hike such as one provided by Mt. Megatong Adventours. We only spent Php850 per person which includes our meals, habal-habal fare, and tour guide fee.

Mt. Megatong Itinerary

Day 1

12:00-1:00 pm – Meet up at 7/11 Sto. Tomas 1:00-1:30 pm – Habal-habal ride to Sitio Talos 1:30 – 3:00 pm – Orientation / Rituals 3:00-6:00 pm – Hike to Mt. Megatong Summit 7:00- 8:00 pm – Dinner Time 8:00-10:00 pm – Socials (In our case, we had to sleep right after dinner, because of the weather and we're all tired)

Day 2

4:30-6:00 am – Sunrise / Sea of Clouds / Picture Taking 6:00-6:30 am – Fix Tent and Prepare for Descent 6:30-8:00 am – Trek to Falls 8:00-9:30 am – Breakfast / Swimming 9:30-11:00 am – Hike back to Sitio Talos 12:00 noon – Go Home

#davao #mtmegatong #davaodelnorte #travel #hiking #mountainclimbing #trekking

Panas Falls -- New Corella, Davao del Norte

About two or three years ago, I stumbled on a blogpost featuring the magestic Panas Falls -- a promising tourist destination located in New Corella, Davao del Norte province.

The breathtaking waterfall offers layered streams and a few number of pools enveloped in a forest protected area operated by the local government unit.

Since then, I included this on my to-go-list and it was only this year I was able to tick it off from my long list of "places to be".

It was during a long weekend with my officemates that we decided to stay in New Corella instead of crossing the sea to Samal Island. Davao traffic is becoming insane these days, we might not be able to catch the last boat trip as we'll be leaving our place after work hours.

Moreover, we've been to Samal Island many times so checking out the beauty of Panas got us more excited than going to the beach.

But to our dismay, this is what Panas Falls looks like now. It's beauty is already fading, far too different from its unspoiled state years ago as posted in this blog.

The water is no longer flowing abundantly, considering it is the water basin of the province, and the water does not appear to be fresh anymore.

Perhaps it was not the best time to go there or the place has been abused by travelers. I actually caught someone on camera who was engraving his name on the boulders.

Caretakers deployed by the government should be strict in imposing policies(if there is) in protecting nature. After all, this ecotourism site is one of their economic drivers that attract tourists to visit New Corella. And for visitors, we have to respect and be responsible. Never leave traces is the number one rule, which pertains to your trash and imprints that will certainly spoil the place.

Though our trip was a little bit disappointing, I don't regret coming to this place. Because finally, I was able to put a check mark after Panas Falls on my bucketlist and seeing its fading beauty reminded me to be a responsible traveler.

I hope the Department of Tourism and airline companies based in the Philippines would launch an information drive about 'Responsible Traveling'. We have a lot of tourism campaigns promoting hundreds of our natural wonders but I haven't seen one that promotes for its protection.

With traveling just within our reach because of cheap promo fares and tour packages, our tourism sector is booming. Travelers from local and abroad flock to different tourism spots but not everyone knows what traveling etiquette is. Maybe it is high time that everyone be educated about it before everything gets spoiled.

#travel #environment #adventure #traveldiary #waterfalls #nature #trip #davaodelnorte #itsmorefuninthephilippines #philippines #mindanao