Adrenaline Romance

Vertical Bivouac at Kiokong White Rock Wall: An Extremely High Adventure (Part 2)

Posted by Gian and Sheila on June 24, 2015 in Bukidnon, Rock Climbing

Vertical Bivouac at Kiokong White Rock Wall

It is always a great feeling to be the first of something. Sweetie and I are quite proud and honored to be among the first clients of Adventure Technology Outfitters to fully undertake the vertical bivouac adventure in Quezon, Bukidnon. Best of all, this amazing adventure is the first of its kind in the Philippines, which makes the experience even more special. Up here on top of the monstrous Kiokong White Rock Wall, we were treated to an encompassing vista, an excellent company of adventurers, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and of Mother Nature.

Tags: abseiling, Adventure Technology Outfitters, big wall, Bukidnon, extreme adventure, Heights, karst formation, Kiokong, Kiokong White Rock Wall, limestone, Mark Battung, Petzl Stop, Quezon, rappelling, single rope technique, Vertical Bivouac Permalink

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Vertical Bivouac at Kiokong White Rock Wall: An Extremely High Adventure (Part 1)

Posted by Gian and Sheila on June 19, 2015 in Bukidnon, Rock Climbing

Vertical Bivouac at Kiokong White Rock Wall

Succumbing to or overcoming the fear of heights is all part of adventuring. If you wish to enter into the world of adventure, sooner or later, you will have to face this challenge, from navigating slippery trails on mountainsides to climbing sheer rock walls. But let’s add something that makes the challenge more interesting—the opportunity to sleep on a tiny ledge hundreds of feet off the ground.

Tags: Adventure Technology Outfitters, ascending, big wall, Bukidnon, extreme adventure, Heights, karst formation, Kiokong, Kiokong White Rock Wall, limestone, Mark Battung, Quezon, single rope technique, Vertical Bivouac Permalink

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Camp John Hay: An Eloquent Piece of American History in Baguio

Posted by Gian and Sheila on June 13, 2015 in Backpacking, Benguet

Camp John Hay

We have a loveable country. A lot of visitors from other nations can’t resist our motherland’s call and come back here when given the opportunity. In fact, many foreigners have deeply fallen in love with the Philippines that they plan to set up shop or residence here. Even the Americans, our conquerors in the past and our allies today, decided to set up beautiful venues for rest and recreation in our land.

Tags: Baguio, Bell Amphitheater, Bell House, Camp John Hay, Cemetery of Negativism, city tour, Franklin Bell, golf course, Historical Core, History Trail, John Hay Air Station, John Milton Hay, Mile Hi Center, Panagbenga Flower Festival Marker, pine trees, Secret Garden, Summer Capital of the Philippines, The Bell that Does Not Ring, The Manor, The Totem Pole, Theodore Roosevelt Permalink

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Baguio City: Exploring the Summer Capital of the Philippines (Part 2)

Posted by Gian and Sheila on June 8, 2015 in Backpacking, Benguet

Baguio City

The nice thing about Baguio is that the attractions are really close to each other. Yes, you can just walk down the road; and sooner or later, you’ll find something that picks up your interest. And the best thing about Baguio? You can hike all you want without feeling uncomfortably hot because the fresh mountain air constantly cools your body. In fact, we wouldn’t mind walking around the city all day!

Tags: Baguio, Baguio Botanical Garden, Burnham Park, city tour, dancing fountain, Ketchup Food Community, pine trees, strawberries, Summer Capital of the Philippines Permalink

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Baguio City: Exploring the Summer Capital of the Philippines (Part 1)

Posted by Gian and Sheila on June 5, 2015 in Backpacking, Benguet

Baguio City

Located 1,540 meters above sea level in the mountains of Benguet, Baguio is one of the highest cities in the Philippines. That altitude and the inland location of the city gives Baguio unique characteristics; it is one of the few places in the Philippines where pines, orchids, and other exotic flora flourish. Most notably, however, Baguio is noted for its chilly climate, which is way unexpected considering that the Philippines is a hot, tropical country.

Tags: Baguio, Burnham Park, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement, city tour, horseback riding, Mines View Park, Night Market, pine trees, Pizza Volante, strawberries, Summer Capital of the Philippines, The Mansion, Wright Park Permalink

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Mt. Pulag, Akiki Trail: An Adventure-Filled Valentines Climb (Part 3)

Posted by Gian and Sheila on May 22, 2015 in Benguet, Mountain Trekking

Mt. Pulag Akiki Trail

Just like any woman, Mother Nature is extremely moody. At one moment, she is calm, happy and proud to show you her best. Then without warning, her mood can turn sour and deny you of her beauty. And if, unfortunately, you’re caught in her wrath, she will not hesitate to put your life in jeopardy without remorse or mercy.

Tags: Agno River, Akiki Trail, Ambangeg Trail, Ambuklao Dam, Grasslands, mountain climbing, Mountain Province, Mountaineering in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag, Philippine mountaineering, Ranger Station, Valentines climb Permalink

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Mt. Pulag, Akiki Trail: An Adventure-Filled Valentines Climb (Part 2)

Posted by Gian and Sheila on May 15, 2015 in Benguet, Mountain Trekking

Mt. Pulag Akiki Trail

At 2,922 meters above sea level, Mt. Pulag is Luzon’s highest mountain and the third highest mountain in the Philippines. It is the sacred home of the Ibalois, Ifugaos, Kalanguya, Kankana-eys, and Karao tribes. It is the home of hundreds of plant species, rare birds, and threatened mammals such as the Philippine Deer, Long Haired Fruit Bat, and more. It is a massive mountain that demands equally massive respect.