The PolyHobbyist: tips

Last Labor Day long weekend, my workmates and I along with my boyfriend Chad went to La Union to attend Labor Union. We didn't have a concrete plan on what we'll do there LOL. But one thing's clear in my mind, I want to relax beside the beach and at the same time, I want to visit Tangadan Falls. Finding the resources to be able to visit Tangadan Falls is quite easy with all the blogs writing about it. I planned our trek just the night before. However, there is an important missing information that I was not able to know until I was able to talk to our tour guide. So to help you guys if you are planning to visit the majestic Tangadan Falls and its refreshing waters, here's my step-by-step DIY guide:

GET A TOUR GUIDE

Ang tour guide namin na wala nang pakialam sa SPF dahil di na sya tinatablan, Kuya Jacques! LOL

At first, I thought that we should go first to the jump off point of Tangadan Falls to be able to get a tour guide. Thankfully, I read some blogs and they gave their tour guides' contacts. The tour guide that I called, Kuya Jacques, was the one who corrected me that we should not head straight to the jump off point without going to San Gabriel Municipal Hall. If you don't have a guide yet, here are some of the contacts of Tangadan Falls tour guides plus Kuya Jacques':

Kuya Dan: 09956437922
Kuya Pedro: 09953992099
Kuya Jacques: 09454051679

If you want a funny and quirky guide, I suggest you go for Kuya Jacques. He never ran out of jokes and hugot's while we're trekking LOL. Guide fee costs 500 pesos per group.

WHAT TO BRING

The Long Weekend Warriors!

We did not bring spare clothes when we trekked to Tangadan Falls. We went home a little bit wet. I didn't saw any showerrooms plus we don't really intend to so here are just the things we brought:

water(The long trek is more than an hour long so better bring lots of water!)
coverups(Para di sobrang basa pauwi)
umbrella(Kung takot ka umitim or bawal ka maarawan)
sunblock(apply it before the trek!)
pocket money(500 is already more than enough for all the expenses)

I heard you can go camping there also so what to bring really depends on your own essentials. :)

HEAD TO SAN GABRIEL MUNICIPAL HALL

All tour guides will ask you to meet them at San Gabriel Municipal Hall. You will have to pay an Environmental Fee of 30 pesos per person that's why you can't just go straight to the jump off point.

How To Get There from San Juan, La Union:

Via Tricycle

There's a tricycle terminal just across the road from the resort we stayed in(Sebay Surf Resort) and they offered us 500 pesos Tangadan Falls RT per tricycle. One tricycle fits four persons.

Via Jeepney

This is what we took. We rode a jeepney up north with a San Gabriel posted on its windshield. Fare costs 18 pesos per person.

CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL

Right after we paid for the environmental fee, Kuya Jacques offered us two options to get to Tangadan Falls: long trail or short trail.

Long Trail

Long Trail Jump Off Point

The long trail lasts for one and a half hour one way. The long trail is an easy trek. Most of the paths are just long walks. The paths also are shaded with trees so it is not that hot. It also consists of river crossings but since it's summer, the water is shallow and it is way easier to cross. Just be careful with slippery rocks(the ones with algae). Getting to the jump off point can be reached via a tricycle with 20 pesos fare per person.

Short Trail

May hagdan nga, sobrang tarik naman huhu

The short trail lasts for only 30 minutes max one way. However, getting to the jump off point of the short trail is difficult. You can only reach it via private vehicle, jeep, or habal-habal. Let me break down the options for you:

VIA PRIVATE VEHICLE: The way off to the jump off point is not easy. Trust me when I say that it's literally a rollercoaster ride. The road is smooth but the elevation is not a joke. Most of the time we found ourselves going up a steep curve more than 45 degrees of elevation angle. You will need a professional driver for this one.
VIA JEEP: You can rent a jeepney that costs 1500 pesos RT. If there are a lot of you, this is already sulit!
VIA HABAL-HABAL: Habal-habal rates cost 150 pesos per person one way but this is pretty much dangerous considering the road it will take.

Aside from the difficult road, the short trail has steep trails which literally sent my leg muscles crying for help huhu. Yes it's short but I wouldn't mind taking the longer one due to its steepness.

WHAT TO DO

One of the reasons why I love chasing waterfalls is the refreshing feeling it gives when you splurge to its waters. But in Tangadan Falls, aside from just swimming, you can do the following:

CLIFF JUMP IN BABY TANGADAN FALLS

The first falls you'll see is a site for cliff jumping. There's also a store there where you can buy snacks and refreshments if you're already hungry. If you'll go cliff jumping but don't know how to swim, you can rent a life vest for 60 pesos.

ENJOY TANGADAN FALLS' REFRESHING WATER MASSAGE

Tanggal lahat ng pagod beshie!

Upon reaching the Mother Falls, we are all already feeling exhausted and sweaty. But seeing the falls and feeling its waters made us all feeling energized. We rented a raft for 300 pesos for all of us to get a natural water massage. We can stay below the falls as long as we want to so we really found it to be sulit especially if you are a large group.

OUR ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

We really enjoyed Tangadan Falls. We chose the long trail on the way to Tangadan Falls and the short trail on the way back. We also did not do the cliff jump and just opted for getting our natural massage. Here's our itinerary and expenses that day:

ITINERARY

Summary of Expenses

Sulit ang 389 petot! If I were to go back there, I think I would choose the short trail on the way to Tangadan Falls so I could save all my energy swimming then I would choose the long trail on the way back. That way, my muscles won't cry because seriously, sobrang sakit sa binti guys! And and, I won't do it during Labor Union or long weekend. Instead, I'll go there during weekdays so I could enjoy it all for myself haha.

I hope this DIY guide helped you guys plan your Tangadan Falls adventure! Add some spice to your La Union trip by adding Tangadan Falls to your itinerary. Tell me what you think or if I missed out on some notes on the comments box. :D

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Summer's here guys! Do you have plans on how to spend this more than 60 days of fine hot weather? If not, then I have just a perfect spot for you and your friends to bond this summer. Hint: It includes saying goodbye to signal coverage and social media but saying hello to nature and adventure!

Nagsasa and Anawangin Cove are two of the most visited camp sites in Zambales. And last year, we decided to visit the latter just to get our minds off work for sometime. When I posted something about Capones Island recently, one of you guys mentioned(Hi Karen!) that she will need some tips on how to prepare for a camping trip. So her question hatched into this post haha. Here are some of the things you should know when you go camping in Anawangin:

HOW TO GET THERE

Ride a Victory Liner Bus bound to Iba, Zambales then on the counter tell the cashier that you'll be dropping off at San Antonio.(The fare that we paid last year is P275). Alternatively, you can ride a Victory Liner bus bound to Olongapo then ride a regular bus off to San Antonio. Then from there, you need to ride a tricycle to get to Pundaquit Beach which cost us 30 pesos per person. From Pundaquit Beach, you will need to rent a boat to get to Anawangin Cove. We availed a package from my friend's contact so I won't be able to tell you how much it costs if you'll rent a boat on your own.

DO YOU WANT TO AVAIL A PACKAGE?

Water is cold and refreshing at that part where those people sat (c) Ken

Our package consisted of the following:

Boat transfers from Pundaquit Beach to Anawangin Cove and vice versa plus sidetrips to Capones and Camara Island.
Tent
5 gallons of water
1 block of ice
basic kitchen utensils(pots, spatula, knife etc.)
Anawangin Entrance fee

All of these cost us 2200 pesos for 4 pax which will cost each of us around 550 pesos each. If you want to avail this package you may contact ate Olive here: 09065156823

IMPORTANT THINGS TO PACK

The river inside Anawangin dries out at night.

Camping in the summer heat can be kind of draining especially that you're literally under the sun and you have no appropriate shelter to spare you from getting a heat stroke. To help you beat the heat and hassle while camping in Anawangin, here are the things you need to include when you pack:

sunblock
portable fan(sobrang init dun Bes! Magdala ka nito hindi ka magsisisi promise!)
mosquito repellent
powerbank
anti-boredom stuff during the times the sun is in full blast(cards, gadgets, movies, the works!)
cooler to keep all your refreshments cold and your food from spoiling(we left a raw chicken and ready to cook sisig in the cooler overnight and they did not spoil!)
lots and lots of ice!
flashlight
kitchen utensils(if you won't be availing any package)
portable gas stove(if you have any. This can lessen your effort in building a fire. Really works!)
lighter
travel bag with a hook(where you can keep your toiletries dahil hindi unlimited yung sabitan sa comfort room)

BIG DECISIONS YOU NEED TO MAKE

Where to setup your tent

Woke up to this view <3

There are two camp sites in Anawangin where you can setup your tent. One is near the beach but far from the comfort rooms while the other is far from the beach but a few steps from the comfort room. So it's just a matter of priorities. If you want to wake up with a cool view of the beach like the one below, then choose to camp near the beach. Also, the advantage of camping near the beach is that you can somehow get a glimpse of your things while swimming. But if unlimited water resource is what you needed more then choose to camp in the inner site of Anawangin.

When to do the island hopping sidetrips

Capones Island

The package included two island side trips but we were only able to visit one(Capones Island). Why? It's because the waves turned harsh and we are not advised to proceed to Camara Island. We are offered to do the side trip on our first day because the weather is great that time. But we opted to do it the next day. And yeah the weather became bipolar and it started to rain. So if you want to visit every island you could, then choose the right day to do the sidetrips or better yet do it already when the weather is fine.

OTHER TIPS

What. A. View

Create a list of resources to buy in the market and make sure to buy everything you need before you set off to the island.

On your way to Anawangin, the bus will drop you off at San Antonio Municipal Hall. Behind it is a market where you can buy all the resources you needed. There are also convenience stores around the area.

Prepare to be uncomfortable

Comfort rooms in Anawangin are not really that comfortable as compared to what we have in our respective homes so don't expect a lot when you're going to take a bath or nature calls. Since you guys will be camping, expect all kinds of discomforts.

Prepare to be cut off from communication

I did not really believe that there won't be a slightest touch of signal in Anawangin until we got off the boat and my phone became nothing but a camera and a movie player. But in point of view, this is a really great way of spending a vacation because you're also cut off from unnecessary work.

Missing the island food life <3

Ready- or Easy-to-cook meals are your bestfriends

None of us cook so well. So just to save us from the hassle of cooking and starvation, we bought ready-to-cook meals like Sisig! Yes! There's a ready-to-cook sisig available in groceries nationwide! We also bought raw meat and condiments in San Antonio market for Adobo. Cook only meals that won't spoil easily. Our Adobo didn't turn out to be delicious LOL. But we salvaged it into barbecue which tasted even better haha.

Go with someone who knows how to camp

This is one of the most important tip I could really give you guys. If you want a hassle free camping experience, be with someone who knows how to setup the tent, build a campfire, is not maarte, and above all, knows how to COOK!

Make sure you've made all things clear with your boatman

Since you will be cut off from any means of coomunication, you will need to set a time for when the boatman will fetch you to get off the island. So be clear and just wait and have faith that he remembers to fetch you. LOL.

Golden Anawangin Cove during Sunrise. I bet it's even better during Sunsets

Never forget to see the cove on top of Mt. Anawangin

Wake up early and you'll see the sun rising from the east. The golden rays of the sun made the view of the cove a hundred times amazing. The hike is just around 20 minutes and you won't be needing a guide to go there.

HOW TO GET BACK

You just need to reverse the process of how to go to Anawangin. However, from San Antonio Market, getting a decent seat in a VLiner bus could be difficult because the bus came from Iba so if that happens, you may ride a regular bus off to VLiner Olongapo Terminal then take a bus off to Cubao from there.

Note: All expenses here are as of last year, April 2016. Expect the prices to go a bit higher. :)

Go try camping and live a life outside the Internet! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did. ;)

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Ever since I bought my camera last January, I'm already itching to try it on an outdoor location. Good thing Pinto Art Museum is just an hour away from my hometown, Marikina. So what Chad and I did is to take a leave on a weekday to avoid the crowd, and just go for an adventure to one of the most photogenic museums to boot! Before we set foot there, I researched a lot about the museums: How to go there, what the galleries look like, the most photogenic spots, etc. But even though how much I researched about it, there are still things that I wasn't ready of. So with that, I made this guide for you guys who are planning to visit the museum anytime soon! Hope you'll find this post helpful. ;)

How To Get There

Gallery 6, My Favorite <3

Pinto Art Museum is situated inside a subdivision. Grand Heights Subdivision to be exact. They are open everyday from 9 am to 6 pm except Mondays. For those who will be driving, I guess you can already use gps maps to get here. As for commuters,

From Marikina:

Ride a jeepney bound for Antipolo Simbahan at the jeepney terminal in Marikina Bayan. Drop off at Metro Supermarket where tricycles will be waiting for you. Just tell them you're going to Pinto Art Museum and they'll get you there.

From Cubao:

You can either take the LRT Line Station 2 bound to Santolan Station then from there, ride an FX or Jeepney off to Antipolo Simbahan or you can already ride a jeepney to Antipolo Simbahan from Cubao. Get off at Ynares Center or Metro Supermarket then ride a tricycle to Pinto Art Museum.

Expenses

Transportation:

Transportation expenses cost 190 pesos for the two of us. 25 pesos each for the jeepney bound to Antipolo, then another 25 pesos each from Antipolo to Marikina. Then we paid 40 pesos for our tricycle ride to Pinto Art then 50 pesos on the way back (which is weird, but we paid anyways).

Admission fees:

Adult tickets cost 200 pesos while Senior Citizens would pay 180 pesos. But students with VALID IDs would only pay 100 pesos. Children below three years old are free of charge.

Rules and Guidelines

Most Photogenic stairs ever!

For you guys to enjoy staying at Pinto Art Museum without being thrown out, please abide by the following rules and guidelines(mostly provided by Pinto Art Museum admin):

Backpacks are not allowed inside galleries. But small bags like pouches or shoulder bags can be brought inside.
Touching or leaning on the artworks are prohibited.
Persons with disability are requested to seek assistance from their Museum staff to access the Museum PWD entrance.
No flash photography is allowed inside the museum.
No video shoot allowed inside galleries.
Food and drinks cannot be brought inside the galleries.
No smoking
No pets allowed.
No dress code is implemented.

Amenities

Pinto Cafe

Cafe Rizal

Aside from roaming around the galleries and taking pictures of the exhibits, Pinto Art Museum also has cafes inside: Pinto Cafe and Cafe Rizal. The museum has an area of 1.3 hectares composing of 6 galleries and sprawling gardens. Walking around would really make you thirsty or hungry so if you still have budget, you can dine in those 2 cafes. Cafe Rizal is a bit expensive though. But their Watermelon Shake is very refreshing and delicious. You can also have yourself tattooed. There's a tattoo shop at the Museum of Indegenous Art. Comfort Rooms are also strategically placed at different areas plus, their clean.

How to Make the Most of the Pinto Art Museum Experience

Chad and I really enjoyed every minute of our experience inside this huge museum. We took lots of photos and walked about 4000 steps but it is worth it. To make the most of the Pinto Art Museum experience, here's some of my tips:

Go there early and on a weekday. We arrived at Pinto Art at around 2 pm on a Friday and there's not much people so we were able to take lots of photos of us and the gallery without photobombers. It took us 3 hours to visit all of the galleries and an hour to cool down at Cafe Rizal. The museum closes at 6 pm so be sure to alot time to roam around.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The museum is an open area and a huge garden with Santorini-like buildings housing the galleries. You will be walking all day and oftentimes, the weather is hot so wear something you won't get all sweaty and wear shoes fit for walking so you won't get blisters.
Bring water. Though it will be left on the baggage counter, you can always retrieve it when you get thirsty.

Tripod, the greatest invention that day!

Bring a tripod and charge your batteries. There's a lot to see inside the museum! Make sure your gadgets are ready for taking lots of photos. Bringing a tripod is also very convenient. We won't be able to get our couple shots without it.
Wait for the sunset. The most beautiful sunset I've seen my whole life is from the view deck of Pinto Art Museum with the view if skyscrapers and trees. Be sure to not miss it.

Sunset, you're so beautiful <3

Have you been to the Pinto Art Museum? Share with me your stories, questions and your own tips on the comment box below so we could share it with others. Hope you enjoyed this post! :)

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When I started traveling, I knew I already signed up for activities that will challenge my physical and emotional strength. I also knew that I would face my fears anytime of the day. So when we booked a flight to Cebu, I am already aware of what's in store for us. Twelve letters - Canyoneering. The hype is real as this extreme adventure started roaming around social media and spreading like wildfire. Every adventure seeker would want to try it out eager to feel the adrenaline rush this activity offers. It is an extreme trekking activity but what will await every struggle is very much worth it. The hidden gem in the forest, the beautiful Kawasan Falls.

We'll be trekking down at this point

But I know I had to prepare for it. I watched some of them do it. It will not be easy. I'm clumsy. And I'm not a good swimmer. Heck I don't even know if I could jump several feet above the water. A few months before our trip, I tried cliff jumping in Pangasinan just to see if I could do it since that's what I've been seeing in all the videos that I watched regarding Canyoneering. I did it. I thought that was what it would all be about. I just need to jump then I would enjoy the water afterwards. That would be it. But man, was I so wrooooong!

So I made this post for every guy and girl who wanted to try Canyoneering but was not sure what will welcome them. Here's how I survived Canyoneering:

Go for a Local Guide

You will have to sign up first here before starting the adventure :D

There are different entry points in South Cebu where you can start the activity. As for us, we started our adventure in Badian. Go for someone who knows the place by heart. Also make sure that he's undergone proper training. There's a higher probability that no accidents will occur. Most of the news that I've heard regarding accidents was due to incapability of the guide to handle groups or the guide is not a local.

Prepare for long walks

Off to the starting point!

This is something that I didn't saw coming. I didn't know we had to hike for 30-50 minutes before we get to the stream.Good thing mineral water and umbrellas were included in the package.

Thank God for umbrellas

Wear comfortable but appropriate shoes(and also your safety gears!)

I wore the neon green one xD

Our package includes rental for safety gears and shoes. But if you can bring your own, that's better. I wore one of those shoes and though it was comfy at first, I had blisters after hours of trekking. Don't wear slippers. It will not only be taken away by the current, but it would also risk yourself of accidents.

Clumsy is not an option

The Great Outdoors

This is not a very safe place. You can slip on rocks anytime. You can outbalance yourself. You can go with the flow of strong current and bump yourself on rocks along the way. So try not to unleash your inner clumsiness. Take very serious precaution. In every step, make sure that what you're stepping on is a safe spot. Follow the saying, "It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you don't stop." Something like that. ;)

Accept all the help you can get

Keeeeep Holding Ooooon, 'Cause you know we'll make it through

Your guides are there not only to show you the way, but to also assist you in every way possible. Don't reject their offer. If you always want to be safe, listen to them and have a tight grip on their hand when crossing strong current or climbing up and down.

Just staaaay strooooong. 'Cause you know I'm here for you

Also do hold on railings or any thing with strong foundation when you're getting outbalanced.

Empty your mind before you jump

Trying to empty my mind because I almost panicked! That's a 20-feet jump!

This is always what I do when it's time to jump. Always try to empty your mind of possibilities that could happen when you jump. Overthinking can make you lose your balance and you could fall at the wrong spot. Concentrate and believe in what your guide says. Note that there are mandatory and optional jumps. Don't do the run and jump thing if you're very hesitant.

The current is not friendly at times

Just starting and it already gets interesting

Going with the flow does not apply here at times. Especially at strong currents. Always assure that you're prepared when you have to face it. Hold on to anyone that can try to balance you.

Enjoy every success

Choo! Chooo! Water train coming!

The feeling is very different when you've overcome one obstacle. It lifts the spirit and it makes you more confident to face the next one. So just take it one step at a time and enjoy every minute of it.

Food will always be on the way

Thank God for hotdogs <3

I mean literally on the way. You'll find food stalls along the way. So when you got hungry and it's just halfway through, you can always stop and take a break. I really enjoyed that spot. Luckily our guide has money and we're able to borrow from him.

Never give up

I almost gave up trying not to be carried away by the current here

When you're having second thoughts in doing this, make sure to decide early on. And not when you're already far from the starting point. Once you start to do it, there's no turning back. So you're only option is to push forward and take it one obstacle at a time. When you feel like the current is already pushing you too hard and your grip is becoming weak, never give up. Words of encouragement really helps at this point.

Peace out ya'll!

And that's it! Most of the things that I did to stay alive while we're at it. I suggest you guys really try this one out but always take precautionary measures. Have you tried this one too? Share me your experiences in the comment box below! ;)

10 comments