Lazy day for New Discoveries

We can't let this summer passed us by without having a day of being outdoor despite this pandemic. of course, we have to be extra careful not to acquire a virus once we get out. That's why we have decided to go on a road less traveled. We always dreamed of crashing waves, scorching heat, and lined coconut trees for a perfect summer destination. But due to our current situation, we cannot afford to go out like that. Good thing, one of my good friends happens to buy a farm lot somewhere near Mt. Balagbag and Maranat. As a frequent Mt. Balagbag visitor and Mt. Maranat, I Know there are plenty of falls nearby unknown to the public but enjoyed by the locals. That's where we took the chance to discover some unnamed destination while the two mountains are still close to visitors. And so we spent a night having a laid-back atmosphere at my friend's developing farm lot. It was a purely laid-back experience since they don't have electricity not unless they use solar panels or generators. Water supply directly coming from the water running in the mountain. It was an almost perfect country-style kind of bonding with the presence of bonfire and liquor. not until it rains heavily that we have to go inside a kubo and continue our drinking sessions. we thought of not having asleep until dawn, when we met a local that will show us some of those unnamed falls but taken care of by the locals. But because of the continuous downpour of rain, we dozed off for about 2 hrs. 

The next thing to happen was waking up and waiting for our local resident guide to accompany us going to what the so-called kawa-kawa falls. It wasn't a hard trail actually, but due to rainfall, the path has gone muddy like quicksand where every step leads to slippery. Not long enough, we reached the part where grass and stones combined so it is much easier to walk until we reach the steep part of stone descending to get to the falls and its pool. 

It's literally a refreshing morning as we dip our tired bodies into the cold waters. Good thing that no one was there, that we can enjoy the whole place to ourselves. Playing like a kid whose freedom was deprived for a while. Never knew this place exists and it's almost close to home.

To be honest, I never expect any outdoor activities yet again for the 1st and 2nd quarter of the year since we face another lockdown series and various community quarantine guidelines. But it seems like the universe can hear my body demands and sent me those acquaintances who also want to get some break from this world's misery. Not a doubt that we all have the kind of weekend we all deserved. Even it is just a short borrowed time, I am grateful enough to have been given a good time to breathe. A short time to spend moments without wearing facemask and face shields; a time to spend for a good laugh like there's no threat of covid; a time to spend for some laid back motion and a time to reflect and evaluate if you're still on track.  And because of this, I now look forward to more simple outdoor stories like this.

Bundok Series: Pandemic Edition at Gabriel's Sanctuary

This Camping happens February 2021. Before we all face another ECQ.

 A Breath of Fresh Air amidst Pandemic woes at Gabriel's Sanctuary. A place of tranquility just within our reach. It's been a year since we become slaves of lockdown, face mask, face shield, social distancing and travel restrictions. Not knowing where to go somewhere safe and not being infected by the virus seems like a big reason for our anxieties. In a regular season and situation, burn-out moments like this will be the loudest sign that we are in need of time-off, a time to take out all loud voices in our heads and scream all our hearts out while taking a deep breath over the mountains or sea breeze. 

While the country is slowly opening its tourism economy, there still a big threat of COVID. I was still hesitant to go from places to places since I have Asthma and more vulnerable to infections. Luckily, there's this rising attraction from Antipolo. Yes, it was just within our reach. It offers real life camping experience without breaking our wallets. Another good thing was, Only few People discover this hidden simple place in Antipolo, or even if they know this, they opted to go to much popular place like Mt.Kulis. Sounds good right? We can take advantage of lesser crowd and get to enjoy the place without the fear of being expose to virus. Next thing I know was, we were carrying a tent and foods all the way to Gabriel's Sanctuary right after a day of work. We got little trouble by riding the wrong bus that has taken to the other side of Antipolo. It was just a minor misfortune that we later on brushed off. When we arrive, I think there only 3 groups who also pitch their tents and we were still given the chance to pick the highest area to camp-out. It was a good spot to wait for the sunrise and a good spot to stay late night until you ran out of things to talk about. Vent out everything before the sun rise up and face a new morning with hope that one day, We will wake up in a world where face mask, shields, physical distancing will be lifted. 

I don't have much stories to tell for now since we just camp overnight and seize the moment of being one with nature once again. There were attractions nearby to try on but we opted not to pursue any. As we all know COVID is still around the corner and we don't want to run the risk of being expose to different people. Just let me show you how we managed to take advantage of everything at once. 

It's refreshing to go out and get some kind of this picturesque scenery in the time of Pandemic. Quite fearsome that you have to make sure everything will be planned well, most especially the health safety protocols. We are all affected in this pandemic woes, so, we must be kind and considerate to all. do not demand everything, for, they are also trying hard to get back on what they lost (income) during the lockdown. With small act of supporting local tourism and products, we can all rise up one day. We are all experiencing worries and anxieties on what and where we will be doing on the days, weeks, or year. we doesn't even know when it will end or at least subside its effect. We are all trying to beat the deadlines for not knowing we might get another lockdown and even trying hard to save up because of the fear of not sustaining our needs for longterm once our job has been threaten due to lockdown. We need to get over this somehow and focus on the good things we can do to lighten up and hang in, until everything is over. If given the chance to relax on a time like this, then, make the most out of it. It's one the best way to keep our sanity and fight back to life's challenges. But make sure that to be responsible for our actions. Do everything with love. Do not irresponsibly enjoy the moment then put the risk of your loved ones when you got home. Health Safety Protocols must be the highest form of showing how responsible we are, this will also help our economy to open more on a wider range.  

Breaking dawn

Literally Coffee over the mountains

Real Sea of Clouds experience

Breathing In and Out

Waking up this view

Dramatic Sunrise

Sun bathing

just want to flex my compass tattoo

Mr. Sun is almost up

scene at 7am

about to go home

Coffee over the mountains