When was the last time you walked for a full hour or two? When was the last time you literally had a breath fresh air, seeing the world’s natural beauty at your feet?
From the perspective of those who grew up in an urban setting, traffic jams and noise are part of the everyday scene. But when the hustle and bustle of city life gets overwhelming, we seek adventure that offers radically different landscapes.
One such adventure is hiking or trekking in mountains near the metro. Though easily accessible, these destinations can be a step out of your comfort zone.
#1. Mt. Batulao
How far from Metro Manila?
From a three-hour road travel from the Coastal Mall Terminal in Pasay City, one can conquer the zigzag trail of Mt. Batulao situated at the Evercrest Golf Course in Nasugbu, Batangas. Considered as minor climb, this is a recommended trek for beginners.
Trail Guide
Unlike other mountains, Mt. Batulao gained popularity because one can choose from its two major trails—the “old trail” and the “new trail”, the former being more challenging with steeper slopes and rope-assisted ascents.
For beginners, it’s better to wear trekking shoes than slip-on shoes to spare you from the trouble of getting stuck or slipping. Loose soil remains prominent along the trail, but reaching the summit would require extra willpower, as rocky ascents will take its toll on the trekker. But the effort is worth it–the summit of Mt. Batulao offers a 360-degree scenic view of Batangas.
When is the best time to climb?
February is the perfect month for hiking activities as the cold and dry wind of amihan (northeast monsoon) prevails. Nevertheless, Mt. Batulao is one of the highly recommended mountains to trek anytime of the year. Still, it’s best to check weather updates before the climb.
Hiking Essentials
Practice packing light. Bring enough extra clothes and a towel. Water sources are available in the area or you may just buy from locals selling atop of the mountain. You may be surprised that they even sell halo-halo, buko juice and soda there.
#2. Mt. Daguldol
How far from Metro Manila?
At the southern part of Batangas in San Juan nestles a coastal mountain known as Mt. Daguldol, a three-hour ride from the Metro. Upon reaching its jump-off point, the breathtaking view of Laiya Beach welcomes you.
Trail Guide
Before the four-hour trek, hikers are required to pay an environmental fee of Php35 each and hire a guide for Php 400 per group.
There are parts along the trail where soil and rocks are loose and muddy. But unlike Mt. Batulao, the trail of Mt. Daguldol is covered with a thick green forest.
The summit and campsite of Mt. Daguldol is spacious with a vast grassy terrain. Overhead, you can enjoy the stunning view of seascape and rolling slopes.
After trekking, cool down at the beach situated at the foot of Mt. Daguldol. Entrance is free to mountaineers.
When is the best time to climb?
Since Daguldol offers the best of both worlds— the mountain and the beach, the best time to climb here is between the months of March to May. According to PAGASA, hot and dry weather is very pronounced during these months. Less rainfall is also expected so trekking would be a lot easier.
Hiking Essentials
Climbing Mt. Daguldol is more demanding than Mt. Batulao. Make sure you get plenty of rest before the four-hour trek.
Water is very important to keep you hydrated throughout the trek. Bring compact high-energy foods such as raisins, nuts, and sweets to help fuel you during those long hours of ascent.
Extra clothes, towel, tissue and emergency kit are among the necessary items to bring.
#3. Mt. Pico De Loro
How far from Metro Manila?
Within the boundaries of Cavite and Batangas is the majestic Mt. Pico de Loro, also known as Mt. Palay Palay. Trekkers may choose between two jump-off points: Nasugbu, Batangas and Ternate, Cavite. The road trip to both points may take two to three hours from Manila.
Trail Guide
A new trail opened at Mt. Pico de Loro, and unlike the old trail, this offers an easier trekking experience. Starting from the middle of the trail to the campsite, expect the path to getting steeper. Reaching the campsite requires trekking with an average of two hours trek from Ternate, Cavite.
Mt. Pico de Loro is the highest point in Cavite with topography of 664 meters above sea level. Its campsite is an amazing vantage point that offers a high-altitude view of jagged landscapse and mountains that pepper Batangas.
On the other side of Mt. Pico de Loro lies the famous Monolith (also known as Parrot’s Beak). Considered by many as death defying, the monolith is a vertical stone structure that can be scaled with a rope or harness. Recommended only for the experienced climbers.
When is the best time to climb?
Mt. Pico de Loro is accessible all year round, but for monolith, it is advisable to not to climb between the months of mid-May to September. According to PAGASA, the onset of rainy season usually starts on these months, and the peak of tropical cyclones activity in the country falls on July to August.
Hiking Essentials
Since, Mt. Pico de Loro is a DENR-protected area, vendors are not allowed to camp and sell goods. Cooking at the campsite has been also prohibited. Hikers are advised to bring their own food and water.
Safety First
Because a mountaineer is at the mercy of Mother Nature, prepare for the worst possible scenario before you climb.
Accidents and even deaths are possible. In fact, the death of seven first time hikers in Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan made headlines in August 2014. Popular for its Madlum River, Mt. Manalmon is considered a mere hill, and can easily be conquered in two hours. But because of a sudden and heavy downpour, flashfloods were triggered, causing the fatalities.
Before climbing a mountain, make sure to register at the barangay or at the nearest DENR office that covers the area. Get their contact number and leave yours.
Study the mountain first. Research heavily prior to the scheduled trek. Make sure to have all the necessary items needed for the type of mountain you’ll be trekking.
Check the weather. PAGASA’s website is accessible 24/7. You may even call them at (02) 927-1335 to check the weather condition in a particular area. Through this, you’ll know what to expect, or at the very least, obtain important facts from the state weather bureau.
Always rent a guide. Local guides know best, so keep them at your side.
Aside from fulfilling our dream of adventure, mountain climbing is the perfect way to commune with nature. Remember the mountaineer’s creed, “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.” Be a responsible mountaineer and Mother Nature will reward you a thousandfold.
Today, the whole archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the prevailing Easterlies.
The said weather system currently affects the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas.
Easterlies are winds coming from the east, passing through the Pacific Ocean, bringing warm and humid weather to the country.
Everyone is advised to take precautionary measures against the expected rise in temperatures.
Be aware of the common diseases this hot and dry season. Read http://www.panahon.tv/blog/2015/03/staying-cool-this-hot-season/
SALUTE TO THE VETERANS
In honor of the Filipino war veterans who served the country and today’s Filipino soldiers, we observe the Philippine Veterans Week and the 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan with the theme: Ipunla ang Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan.
This celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 466, declaring April 5 to 11 as Philippine Veterans Week, and Executive Order 203 designating April 9 as Araw ng Kagitingan.
The annual Tribute to All Filipino Heroes is slated today, April 7, at the historic Corregidor Island.
The said event honors all Filipino heroes, patriots, martyrs and defenders, as well as veterans of various military campaigns, who fought and died for the country in times of war and peace.
With Commander Guillermo L. Parayno Jr, Director of Philippine Veterans Bank, as Guest of Honor and Speaker, the Flipino Heroes Memorial will be attended by veterans and other guests from Manila, Bataan amd Cavite.
Meanwhile, Veterans will be given free rides at the LRT and MRT this week, April 5 to 11 from 5 am to 9 pm.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, around 2 million die from consuming unsafe food containing bacteria, parasites and other harmful substances, which give rise to more than 200 diseases.
With the rise in population and globalization come alterations in methods of food production, distribution and consumption, posing new threats to health. That is why, this year’s World Health Day, celebrated today, April 7, focuses on improving Food Safety from farm to plate.
(Photo from http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2015/event/en/)
Panahon TV joins WHO in engaging the different sectors of society in promoting efforts on Food Safety. Watch the video and learn how you can ensure food is safe at all times for you and your family.
A student who has finished Grade 7 (under the high school curriculum or the new K-12 curriculum) outside of the PSHS System may be allowed admission/entry to the PSHS, provided s/he fulfills the following requirements:
- a Filipino citizen with no pending application as immigrant in any foreign country;
- belongs to the upper 5% of his/her class or should have a grade of 85% and above in all subjects;
- should have a character rating of at least Very Satisfactory (VS) or its equivalent; and
- must pass the qualifying examination in each of the following three (3) subjects:Mathematics
Science
Communication Arts (English)
APPLICATION PROCESS
The applicant must submit the following on or before April 20, 2015:
an accomplished application form which includes certification from parents of no pending application for immigration in any foreign country certification from the present school enrolled in, regarding academic grades and character rating a photocopy of the student’s report card, with the original copy brought along for verification purposes; two (2) recent 1×1 pictures; and a non-refundable processing fee of Php 100.00.
The PSHS Campus Registrar issues the Lateral Entry Qualifying Examination Permit upon completion and evaluation of all requirements submitted by the applicant. The Permit shall clearly state the particulars regarding the schedule of the examination and the things to bring on examination day.
Last day for filing of application: April 20, 2015
Tentative schedule of examination: April 28, 2015
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT: http://www.pshs.edu.ph/products-and-services/student-application/application-for-lateral-admission
Formerly Bagyong Chedeng, now a Low Pressure Area, is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility today before dissipating.
From an almost supertyphoon intensity, Chedeng weakened as it moved closer to the archipelago due to cold air intrusion and strong vertical wind shear, both factors hindering the retention of the cyclone’s strength.
Added to this is land interaction. When Chedeng’s center hit Dinapigue, Isabela, 8 in the morning of April 5, it gradually became a LPA.
Now estimated at 215 kms. northwest of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, the LPA will bring cloudy skies and rains over the regions of Cordillera, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley. Metro Manila, and the remaining parts of the country, on the other hand will experience a fair weathered Monday, apart from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, a new tropical cyclone is spotted outside the PAR. A tropical storm category, this cyclone has an international name of Haishen. PAGASA estimates the cyclone at 2,560 kms. east of Mindanao.
Weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar says this cyclone is too far to affect the country and is actually expected to weaken in the following hours. Therefore, Pinoys do not have to worry about Haishen entering our area of responsibility in the following days.
By: Jesy Basco
Tropical Storm Chedeng has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA). The state weather bureau PAGASA has issued its final severe weather bulletin at 5 pm today, stating the LPA was located 60 kilometers southeast of Laoag City or in the vicinity of Kabugao, Apayao. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, the said weather disturbance is forecast to exit the landmass of Ilocos Norte tomorrow early morning and exit PAR by Tuesday. The LPA has a slim chance to intensify into tropical cyclone, Quitlong added.
All Public Storm Warning Signals are now lifted.
Due to its extended cloud bonds, light to moderate rains are expected in the Northern and Central Luzon including Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos.
Small sea vessels are still alerted against moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, including the coastal areas of Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience generally good weather aside from partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Another tropical cyclone
Another tropical cyclone is being monitored by PAGASA. Located at 2,700 kilometers east of Mindanao, tropical depression “Haishen” (international name) has a maximum sustained winds of 55 kph.
Quitlong said, TD “Haishen” is forecast to dissipate within 24 to 48 hours and brings no threat to any part of the country.
An average of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones visit the Philippines yearly. The country is also included in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where most of the volcanoes are active.
Typhoons, flashfloods, storm surges and volcanic eruptions are among the disasters Filipinos often experience.
Be prepared. Here are the hotlines that can save you and your family.
UPDATED AS OF 8:56AM (PST) — Originally 10 kph shy of being a Super Typhoon by PAGASA standards, Chedeng further weakened to tropical depression category this morning.
From the original 215 kph wind strength, it now packs only 55 kph near the center, allowing PAGASA to lower Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) except in the provinces of Isabela, Aurora, Quirino and Polillo Island, which are still under PSWS #1 today. These areas will have occasional rains with gusty winds within at least 36 hours.
Aside from being downgraded into a tropical depression, Chedeng also remained stationary. In fact, PAGASA states it is expected to remain almost stationary in the next 6 hours.
State Meteorologist Samuel Duran says as of 8 o’clock this morning, Chedeng has already made landfall in the vicinity of Dinapigue, Isable. With unfavorable conditions, now including land interaction, Chedeng has a high chance of weakening into a Low Pressure Area instead of hitting the land.
The constant factors of its continued weakening and becoming almost stationary include two High Pressure Areas north and west of the country, as well as a strong vertical wind shear. These made the cyclone unable to retain and gain moisture to sustain its strength and continue its projected track.
With this, the threat of storm surge is removed. However, gale warning is up over the northern seaboards of Luzon. and the eastern seaboards of Northern and Southern Luzon as Chedeng will still generate rough to very rough sea conditions. Fisherfolk, especially in small seacraft, are then advised not to venture out due to risky sea travel especially.
EASTER SUNDAY WEATHER
Today, areas under PSWS #1 will experience occasional rains and gusty winds due to Chedeng. The Bicol Region and Samar provinces can expect a rainy Sunday as Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the country may experience a fair weather condition.
Everyone is advised to bring umbrellas for sun protection and possible thunderstorms later in the day. Also, continue monitoring weather updates thru Panahon TV social media accounts.
Typhoon “Chedeng” maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 160 kilometers per hour. At 8:00AM today, it was located at 500 km East Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 265 km Northeast of Virac Radar, Bato, Catanduanes.
Moving west northwest at 19 kilometers per hour, Chedeng is expected to make landfall over the coast of Aurora-Isabela area tomorrow morning. It will then exit the landmass through Ilocos Sur by Sunday evening and will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday morning.
Public storm warning signal number 2 is up over Catanduanes where winds of up to 61-100 kilometers per hour in at least 24 hours. Meanwhile, Signal number 1 includes Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Quezon including Polillo Ilsand, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Apayao, Cagayan, Benguet, Kalinga, Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Isabela and Mountain province. These areas will experience winds of up to 30-60 kilometers per hour in at least 36 hours.
Potential impacts of the winds:
PSWS #2
Moderate damage to agriculture
Rice and corn adversely affected
Few large trees uprooted
Large number of nipa and cogon houses partially or totally unroofed
Some old galvanized iron roofing may roll off.
Travel by all types of sea vessels and aircrafts is risky.
PSWS #1
Twigs and branches of trees may be broken .
Some banana trees may tilt or land flat on the ground.
Rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage.
Some nipa and cogon houses may be partially unroofed.
Sea travel of small seacraft and fishing boats is risky.
PSWS serve as warnings and should not be taken as an indication of the present situation. Because preparedness is the key to any disaster, PAGASA provides these storm warning signals ahead of time.
Holy Week Weather: Black Saturday
According to PAGASA, stormy weather is expected over the regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon and Catanduanes. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
Fishing boats and other small sea craft are prohibited from sailing as gale warning is still up over the northern seaboard of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Bicol Region and Visayas. These areas will experience wind force of 52 to 63 kilometers per hour and wave height ranging from 3.4 to 4.5 meters.
Meanwhile, another tropical cylone is now being monitored outside the PAR. However, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran said it is at approximately 2, 000 kilometers east of our boundary and is still too far to affect the country. As of now, our weather men are focusing on Chedeng as it moves closer to landmass but once the tropical depression outside the PAR shows development, PAGASA will also provide updates.