My First Ever Trail Run – Sight Seeing at Campuestohan

I'm making a comeback on running… After a long time. This is just part of the changes i wanna make for 2013.  Ive joined several marathons but this is the first adventure trail run I ever experienced. As expected, no matter how fast I am, but i guess i need more endurance and stamina in terms of uphill running. It’s kinda steep but the views are spectacular.  I was worried last night because the weather is a bit gloomy and might rain in the morning during the run which will of course prevent me from continuing. But God has been great, He blessed us with great weather for this event. 

Bantay Bata Adventure Trail consisted 3 events… 20 KM bike, 10 KM Run and 8 KM walk.  All event should simultaneously start at 530 AM but there was a delay  because according to the organizer, the trail is a bit dark than expected. So we waited for at least the Sunrise to start the event. We left the starting point at exactly 6 in the morning.  All runners are very excited just like me, run at medium pace but it slowed down when we started trekking the side of the mountainous area of Alangilan. So the Run event became “Walk” for most of the runners :) Even the bikers sometimes would stop and drag their bikes if its too steep of bumpy. So maybe i am not alone :)

  As expected, locals became spectator of the event.  Some are waving and smiling back to us when we greeted them with smiles.  After an hour of running on flat grounds, the challenge started when the we passed Alangilan ang trekking all the way up to Campuestohan, but there are great landscapes surrounding that makes this trail run very memorable for me. It’s  my first time to go Campuestohan and I wanna take advantage of the event. I paid Php 150.00 for the registration which of course gave me some freebies and a shirt at the same time it will cover entrance fee on the resort which is the same rate :)

The Off Beaten Trail Run

Some of the participants did not make it until the finish line and gave along the way, there were marshals roaming around and you can just ride a vehicle when its seems difficult for you to continue. At the back of the mind, no matter how difficult this trail, i will finish it.  And yeah, I did it after 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tired but smiling when I ended and made my way to the finish line.

When we arrived, there were food served and at the same time a short program with awarding ceremony for the winners.

A group of aerobic dance club also performed during the program. They danced the all time “Gangnam Style” This brought smiles on the spectators.

I am just happy that i set my foot on Campuestohan and reached the finish line unscarred. Although my feet were really tired, but I ended up smiling and feeling grateful.

Of course as expected, I wanted to roam around and discover how great this place. I am overwhelmed with all the images ive seen online and it did not disappoint me.   The newest tourist attraction in Negros Occidental. The Campuestohan Highland Resort. The best place when it comes to providing the best view of Negros Occidental.  Nestled in one of the highest peaks of a mountain bordered by Bacolod City and Talisay City, the five-hectare Campuestohan Highland Resort offers the best panoramic view of Negros, and even overlooking the seas and island of Panay.

You can see all the beauty from Campuestohan Highland Resort, which is about 40 minutes from the downtown area, located on the border of Bacolod City and Talisay City. Pass through Barangay Granada in Bacolod City and follow the signs. It is an uphill ride to Campuestohan Highland Resort. Admission is P150 per head and includes use of the swimming pool. A cottage rental for the day starts at P600, which includes a BBQ grill. Campuestohan Highland Resort is such a wonderful place to spend the day during a family outing.

Take a look at the shots I got in  my short visit.

       

It’s Time for us to Fly: Pinoy Festivals: Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2013

It’s another year of colorful flying as this gigantic creatures filled the sky. Are you ready?  The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be held on February 21-24, 2013 at Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

Schedule of Events for the Philippines Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013:
21 February 2013 - First Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM - Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM - Hot Air Balloon flight
7:30-8:00 AM - RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM - Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM - Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:15 AM - Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration
9:15-9:45 AM - PT13 Stearman
9:45-10:30 AM - PNP Sky Diving Exhibition
10:30-11:30 AM - AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
11:30-12:00 PM - Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
12:00-12:30 PM - German aerobatic glider flight
12:30-1:00 PM - KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition
1:00-1:45 PM - Airlink / WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha flyby
1:45-2:30 PM - AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
2:30-2:45 PM - FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM - Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo
3:15-4:00 PM - ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
4:00-4:30 - PM RP /U.S./ Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition
4:30-5:00 - PM Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition
5:00-5:30 - PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
5:30-6:00 - PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers

22 February 2013 - Second Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM - Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM - Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM - RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM - Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-8:45 AM - PT13 Stearman
8:45-9:30 AM - Sky diving exhibition
9:30-10:30 AM - AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
10:30-11:00 AM - ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
11:00-11:15 AM - FEATI / PHILSCA Rocketry /RC Demonstration
11:15-11:45 AM - Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:45-12:15 PM - Para-Gliding Tow Exhibition
12:15-12:30 PM - KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition
12:30-1:15 PM - WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha / Leading Edge flyby
1:15-1:45 PM - German aerobatic glider flight
1:45-2:15 PM - Car Drifting Display
2:15-2:45 PM - Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM - ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights
3:15-3:45 PM - AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
3:45-4:15 PM - Sky diving exhibition
4:15-4:45 PM - Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:45-5:15 PM - RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding/Towing Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM - Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers

23 February 2013 - Third Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM - Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM - Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM - RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM - Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM - Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM - AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
9:45-10:30 AM - Tandem Sky diving exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM - ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:00-11:30 AM - Turbine RC flying display
11:30-12:00 PM - Helicopter flight display
12:00-12:30 PM - Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM - PT13 Stearman / AOPA-P Flyby
1:00-1:30 PM - WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink flyby
1:30-2:00 PM - Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
2:00-2:30 PM - KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
2:30-3:00 PM - Paragliding Tow Exhibition
3:00-3:30 PM - Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
3:30-4:00 PM - ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
4:00-4:30 PM - Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:30-5:00 PM - Skydiving Exhibition
5:00-5:30 PM - RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM - Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers

24 February 2013 - Fourth Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM - Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM - Hot Air Balloon Flight
7:30-8:00 AM - RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM - Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM - Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM - Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
9:45-10:30 AM - Tandem Skydiving Exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM - Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:00-11:30 AM - ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:30-12:00 PM - Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
12:00-12:30 PM - Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM - German aerobatic glider flight
1:00-1:30 PM - Car Drifting demonstration
1:30-2:00 PM - PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
2:00-2:30 PM - KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
2:30-2:45 PM - FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM - ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
3:15-3:30 PM - PT13 Stearman fly by
3:30-4:00 PM - Sky diving exhibition
4:00-4:30 PM - Meynard Halili aerobatic Show
4:30-5:30 PM - RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM - Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers, Fireworks
I have been waiting for this event and will make sure that I will witness it myself this time :)
Photo Courtesy: thirst4life.wordpress.com

New Year, New Me!

We are all fond of creating New Years Resolutions but most of the time if not all the time, we were not able to fulfill it.  We are very determined at the start of the year,  making a checklist on what needs to be improved but as the days and months passes by, they become mere list to look at and just abandoned. Right? At the end of the year, when we look back and check our list, we sigh because we barely kept those promises.  We take a deep breath and make a recycled pact that next year will be much better. We'll be a better person.

Truth is, we don’t really need a new year’s resolution to make us better persons. Or better yet, it doesn’t need to be New Year for us to start working on improving ourselves.  We can change ourselves anytime, any day of the year.  But we all know that creating a new set of promises at the beginning of the year is more dramatic, not to mention inspiring. If anything, it gives us a new sense of hope and a glimmer of light, as bright as those fireworks on New Year's Eve.

I'm not fond of doing New Year's Resolutions myself because I'm simply terrible at keeping them. I have to admit though that creating a list is fun. Such was the case when I made this last year. And since I was entertained by the mere act of creating one, why not do another list this time? Doesn't really matter how many I’ve accomplished.  Now, that's not so bad at all, is it?

Without further ado, here's my 2013 Resolutions, not just as a traveler and as an office worker, but as a well-rounded individual as well.

EAT WELL

People can attest how good my appetite, and I can just sit and pig out the entire day if I want to. I love sweets, I will die for it just to get one. Give me chocolates, Ice cream and the like and I will love you for the rest of my life.  I had a very bountiful year last 2012 and most of those meals were fast foods and instant made meals. I admit, I suck when it comes to cooking. I have tried several times, but I still fail, so why try more? This 2013, I will make sure to limit my sweet intakes and increase healthy foods consisting of fruits and veggies. Cut down instant meals and fast foods too.   I will indulge myself eating a lot of seafood's instead.  Explore seafood restaurants (the cheaper ones though).

EXERCISE MORE OFTEN 

Traveling, in a way, is a form of exercise already, what with all the walking, running and hiking required to get to a destination. Not to mention the requisite jump shots that take various takes before achieving the perfect shot. But it's still important to do a regular exercise, like going to the gym. I started sprinting and regular short distance running last Christmas to keep burning more calories aside from the indoor routines I'm doing at home.  I wanted to also engage more on a particular program that will let me reignite my passion for dancing. Whew! The last time I can remember I had serious dancing moves….hmmm… that was close to 7 years ago.  I don’t know if I still have that same grove now, but I will do my best to at least keep myself moving and swaying. For the record, I lose weight even during holidays, I really call it “self determination + self discipline”. It’s expensive to buy new set of clothes, so I would rather loose weight, I guess its less expensive in all aspects. Also, I would like to do regular swimming. So help me God!

SMILE / LAUGH OFTEN AND BE MORE SPONTANEOUS

It's the best medicine, period. And it just feels good to laugh. Makes you look younger beyond your years too. But this should be done appropriately, otherwise people can mistake you as someone who's not right in the head. Read a funny book, watch a funny movie, go out with crazy friends.  Smiling, according to some studies, have health benefits, like boosting the immune system and relieving stress. It also helps you win friends. Having a winning smile is beneficial in traveling - can score you a big discount on tours or accommodations. I am already spontaneous and would like improve more on my skills about this.  Let’s see where this spontaneity will take me this year.

BE GRATEFUL

Because we're too used to getting things in exchange of money, we consider all efforts as part of the job. Thank a co worker or a team mate for reporting to work and for doing a great job. Thank the cab driver for getting you to your destination safe. Thank the waiter who served you good food. You don't know what a simple thank you can do to someone's morale.

READ MORE BOOKS

Reading makes you smart, because it boosts analytical thinking. It improves the memory and the best part and is also beneficial for me is that it helps improve writing skills. Last year, I haven't read as many books as I had in the previous years. This time, I'll try to read as many books as I can.

EXPECT LESS

High expectations usually ruin things, because more often than not, those expectations are hardly met, so you end up feeling disappointed. The key to enjoying is not expecting anything. Surprises are way more fun.

BE LESS EMOTIONAL

 

Moping rarely does anything good. Everyone needs drama, but everyday drama is unhealthy. Perhaps keeping a private journal can help avoid pouring your emotions out on Facebook/Twitter. I mean, my emotions. So no melodramatic outbursts for me this year. Crossing My Fingers on this one. One reason I bought a hardbound Diary.

BE MORE PRACTICAL

Jeepneys and buses over taxi cabs. Free water as opposed to soda. Needs over wants! The list goes on. Bottom line: I need to be wise, which brings us to the next item --

SPEND LESS, SAVE MORE

One thing I've been working on really hard is saving. Traveling is an expensive hobby but creating a huge hole in the pocket can be minimized by proper budget management. Old school but I maintained a coin bank every time I'm preparing for something, might be a new gear, a new travel or anything. I will make sure that everything will be properly managed.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

This 2012.. I've tried a lot of NEW THINGS and one of them is Traveling solo… It’s a fun experience that taught me great deal of lessons and realizations about life and what i really wanted.  This year, I'm in a look-out for something new and exciting. I will try Surfing and Scuba Diving and will attempt to do camping in a remote area…Giddy about the idea, this will be sooo much Fun. Always challenge yourself to do something new and trust me you will learn and discover a lot! Suggestions are most welcome!

DO SOMETHING YOU HAVEN'T DONE IN QUITE A LONG TIME

Dancing, for instance.  I can recall, I danced seriously 7 years ago. I terribly miss it.  Watching Movie maybe in a Cinema and one thing I missed that I did this year, I had my hair curled. :)

CLIMB MORE MOUNTAINS | DISCOVER MORE CAVES | EXPLORE MORE CORAL REEFS | BEACH BUM MORE OFTEN

You don't know how addicting these hobbies if you don't get to experience one.  I can clearly recall  when I am still studying, I usually spent my summer doing Day Hikes and Spelunking on Local Caves. I love the cool feeling if im inside a cave, I love to look at the beauty contained in it not to mention the stalactites and stalagmites. Also, more often than not, snorkeling will not be forgotten every time we plan for a team outing. I am bitch opps..beach person and I love anything and everything that goes with.  Last year I was able to complete my snorkeling gears and this time, I'm serious about becoming a mountaineer.  This year, I'm going to climb more, but I need to invest on gears needed for hiking first. Tent. Sleeping bag. Hike pants.

CHOOSE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

The country is rife with destinations that are literally off-the-beaten tracks. For the past years, I've been attracted to famous destinations and I was afraid to venture to the less-known paths. But that might change now. Hopefully.

BE A TRAVELER BY HEART – TALK TO STRANGERS

I've a tendency to be an introvert. More introverted than I already am. I rarely strike up a conversation because I'm afraid of getting rejected. But my solo trips have somehow taught me to talk to people I don't know and build a meaningful connection.

Okay, well, this list is getting longer and I don't want to bore you so I'm stopping right here. I'll get back to this at the end of the year to check the things I was able to do. These are a few commitments I'm quite serious about.

Happy new year!

Fresh View for 2013!

Everyone celebrated and rejoiced to welcome the New Year! The Year of the Water Snake. 2013! There are a lot of things in store for us this year. Let’s make sure that we start the year right and do things that we are passionate about.
My first post for 2013. As what you can see, its an amazing scene of a picturesque sunrise. I made sure that I didn’t doze off today to see this amazing view. I wanted to make sure that I’m alive and kicking as the sun rises. There are a lot of things I wanted to put into place this year. One is LOVELIFE? (hehehe!) nah!
I wanted to continue my quest to travel and explore the Philippines. I wanted to make sure that I get back the passion I seemed  to withdraw at work. I need to keep myself focused this year to make sure that I get what I wanted and meet other people’s expectation. Yes, I am starting to get really independent.  This year, I am still targeting to travel from Luzon, Visayas  until Mindanao. I am really planning to do extreme adventures and be serious about my solo back packing trips but I’m still open for group trips and travels with companion but this will never be an issue to me. I am also excited to meet other travel enthusiast. I wanted to complete all my gears, save up for upgrades maybe and will make sure that everything i do is properly tracked. This time I will take control of my life and how I wanted it to be lived. But of course, I am still aware that God is existing, with His guidance I will be able to fulfill my dreams. I am still hoping that Ill get what I wanted this year, I will make sure that I’ll work hard and prove my self worth.
MORE TRAVELS…CHEERS to 2013.