Adrenaline Romance

Scuba Diving in Twin Rock and Cathedral, Anilao: An Adventure-Filled Affair with an Alien World

Posted by Gian and Sheila on December 3, 2015 in Batangas, Scuba Diving

There is a land so alien, mysterious, and dangerous that we barely know anything about it. Yet, this place is very near us; it starts where the green plains end and the azure sea begins. Yes, we are talking about the beautiful, colorful empire beneath the waves, a kingdom of vast coral reefs, biological wonders, and strange geological formations. In the Philippines, we are thankful to have a large share of that empire. A part of that natural treasure happens to be situated just 3 hours away from Manila in the sleepy dive resort town of Anilao, Batangas.

Tags: Anilao, Batangas, Chapel, dive site, Mabini, Philippine dive sites, scuba diving in the Philippines, Twin Rock Permalink

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Mt. Maculot: Listening to the Whispers of Mother Nature

Posted by Gian and Sheila on November 26, 2015 in Batangas, Mountain Trekking

What does a mountain tell you? In this much quieter part of the land, you can hear its soft voice. A mountain may proudly share its treasures. It may weep in agony. It may teach you lessons in life. And it wordlessly tells you its poignant story. For this trip, we decided to listen to the silent tales of majestic Mt. Maculot, the jewel of the municipality of Cuenca in Batangas, Philippines.

Tags: Batangas, Cuenca, mountain climbing, Mt. Maculot, Philippine adventure, Philippine mountain, Philippine mountaineering, Rockies, Taal Lake, Trekking Permalink

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CrossFit Subtero: Crush and Grind to Top Shape

Posted by Gian and Sheila on November 16, 2015 in Cebu, Wall Climbing

Rock climbing, mountaineering, long-distance trekking, trail running, and other outdoor sports and extreme adventures are physically strenuous activities. True, anyone, from children to seniors, has the capability to do these endeavors. However, it would be safer, better, and more fun if people who want to engage in such activities are fit and healthy. Generally, the more fit you are, the better your performance.

Tags: bouldering, bouldering cave, CrossFit, CrossFit Subtero, fitness, health, workout Permalink

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Dramatic Entrance: Deep Into the Heart of a Verdant Watershed

Posted by Gian and Sheila on November 6, 2015 in Cebu, Mountain Trekking

The Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) is one of the most important drainage basins and watersheds in the island of Cebu. It is here where the metropolis gets a large portion of its water supply. Indigenous birds such as the Cebu flowerpecker, streak-breasted bulbul, and black sharma make this watershed their home. Rare plants such as the Cebu cinnamon tree can also be found here. As advocates of environmental preservation, we want to learn and explore more of this local natural treasure.

Tags: Buhisan, CCPL, Cebu Central Highlands, Central Cebu Protected Landscape, DENR, Dramatic Entrance, hiking in Cebu, practice climb, protected area, watershed Permalink

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Scuba Diving in Chapel, Apo Island: Finding Love, Beauty, and Wonder Under the Waves

Posted by Gian and Sheila on October 27, 2015 in Negros Oriental, Scuba Diving

Apo Island is a peaceful, postcard-perfect island paradise. It has a rustic town, uniquely formed sea cliffs, an expansive snorkeling area, white-sand shores, and tree-covered hills. But like many of the amazingly beautiful places we’ve been around the country, its true beauty is hidden. The real gem of Apo Island lies beneath the blue waves, an array of magnificent dive sites whose beauty almost defy imagination. Our anniversary culminated with an excellent dive in one of these dive sites.

Tags: Apo Island, Chapel dive site, coral reef, corals, Green Sea Turtle, Malatapay, Marine sanctuary, Negros, protected landscape, scuba diving Permalink

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Apo Island: Celebrating Love in a Sea Turtle’s Haven

Posted by Gian and Sheila on October 19, 2015 in Island Hopping, Negros Oriental

Apo Island

Sweetie and I are always on a vigilant lookout for more exciting adventures. Instead of having dates in classic romantic settings, we spend our loving moments risking our limbs and lives, feeling the invigorating pump of adrenaline, and shamelessly immersing ourselves in childlike wonder observing Mother Nature’s treasures. For our third-year anniversary, we decided to have an adventure-filled underwater date in the magnificent Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental.

Tags: Apo Island, Green Sea Turtle, Malatapay, Marine sanctuary, Negros, protected landscape Permalink

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Kalanggaman Island: A Favorite Island of the Gods

Posted by Gian and Sheila on October 10, 2015 in Island Hopping, Leyte

According to an ancient Filipino legend, when the bathalas (gods) made the world, they took special time in creating the verdant and lovely island nation of the Philippines. The expenditure of extra time was worth it as they saw how beautiful the country is. They were so impressed with their creation that they decided to make 7,107 more of these islands, each with its own geologic, historical, and cultural characteristic. Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte is one of these beautiful paradises.