Green Goy

Location: 400 meters south of Mt. Bugabuga, and a few meters uphill from WW2 Peace Memorial. As we're toiling our way into tight narrow crevices and through the rugged dark passages, our venture to the one of the mazelike cave occupied by the Japanese stragglers 75 years ago, made me think of the hardships they had endured as they hid inside during the height of Leyte battle between December 1944 to April 1945 - where many of them took refuge here and was reportedly died from illness and starvation* The cave has chambers connected by small tunnels and you really need to hunker down to get into one chamber and crawl again to get to the other. Due to hunting expeditions in the past decades, where it was believed that there were treasures left by the Japanese, traces of excavations are apparent in each of the caverns. There are countless of diggings inside, dripstones were destroyed, and some passages were intentionally sealed with soil and rocks.

Bulak Adventure I was simply tagged in a post last month that set off my craving for a crawly adventure. It was about a cave with unique rock formations carved delicately by time. Located in the heart of the forested highland, the Bulak Cave of Matag-ob is boasted with seven massive chambers adorned with precious stalactites and stalagmites and is home to the distinct flying mammal, the harpy fruit bats. Our guide, Tatay Rodelio, who has explored the entire cave system, emphasized that everyone should expect to crawl and become dirty as we pass through tight caverns that connect all of the "7 chambers." Unfortunately, he refused to let us go any further inside since navigating the very dark tunnels was impossible, especially because none of us had carried a flashlight. Yet, we were still delighted to have witnessed the intricate artistry of nature even if we have just penetrated not further from the mouth alone.    A few meters before reachi

I was pondering where I should go next for adventure during the weekend. My thoughts were wandering back to Bondari, Buga-buga, Toril, or a nearby peak in the Villaba area. 'Why don't you go to Davao or Bohol,' my colleague said. Yes, there are many beautiful, well-known, and tall mountains in the Philippines, but I doubt I'd be able to meet them in person because I only have a few dimes. Visiting them would be impossible. They are not only too far away, but they are also prohibitively expensive in terms of transit, lodging, and fees. My budget can't handle it all just based on the fare. While in Leyte, a small amount of money will allow you to climb mountains and marvel at the natural splendor. In fact, almost locations are free, allowing you to take in the lovely scenery without spending any money. Robert, a friend of mine, invited me to climb up and camp overnight at Mt. Magsanga. I delightfully agreed because even if I'm on a tight budget I really

A week without a hike is a torture for me, and a long stay at home doing no 'advenature' makes me weak. Luckily, with a quick glimpse of my list of beautiful mountains in Villaba, Toril hill was a top choice. This hill had been visibly calling me for years every time I'm on my way home from Palompon. Its summit is enticing from afar, particularly in the Lingganay area, evoking surges of longing to set foot and be engulfed above. And this year alone, I am living my dream for the fourth time already to constantly praise its natural beauty and the vista that surrounds her. Going for a hike in the mountain is my chosen mode of exercise to surface out from stress. It contributed a lot of benefits to my well-being and health. So I encourage everyone to try the calming effect only nature can offer. "The beat of every step, the rustle of leaves, the musk of mountain air, the impeccable songs of the birds are enough things that can rejuvenate oneself   to be ha

Witnessing a rising sun at the sandbar The word ' Kalanggaman ' means 'birds' or 'flocks of birds' because before the island turns into a famous tourist destination, it is a stopover of many migratory birds coming from the neighboring country like Japan, Siberia (Russia) and Korea which having a chilly winter season from September to November. The island serves as their haven during a mile, long haul flight. Also, the island is abundant with shells, clams, and fish, that is why they prefer to stop here before heading further south to Mindanao and Indonesian archipelago. Meanwhile, when winter ends, birds will head North passing by the island between February to April. Today, seeing these birds in the island is rare as presence of people could scare them. Stargazing during the night Kalanggaman island nowadays is very well streamed both in local and international attention, where a kilometer stretch landmass with inviting turquoise waters and white sand