October 24, 2009 at 10:07 am (Southern Philippines)
I have always liked zip lining. Why? Simply because I always like the idea of flying (in one direction only!) Recently, we went to this place called Secrets of Lasang in Initao, Misamis Oriental.
And there, another adrenalin rush went thru me, as I did my nth zip lining. This time, the one holding the rope that controls the speed of my descending direction from the top of the 80-90 foot-long tree, let loose of his grip, thus making my flight a fast-crazy-but-love-it one.
December 27, 2008 at 7:24 pm (Southern Philippines, The Philippines)
Rafflesia in Baungon,Bukidnon
The first time we went to Baungon, bukidnon, from Cagayan de Oro City, was September 14. It was a bit frustrating because we were not allowed to enter the flower premises. They said the flower was in a fragile state and so no one was allowed to see it. Three months later, we hurried our way back to the place, to see the world’s biggest flower, bloom.
This started on Christmas day, when I got a text message from Manang fita, the caretaker of the area where the Rafflesias grow. She says it God’s gift to the people of Baungon. With the existence of the famous parasitic flowering plants, Baungon Bukidnon is slowly emerging as one of the destination places that local and foreign tourists want to go, to see the Rafflesia. It however blooms only once a year and survives for around 5-6 days before it withers.
Philippine Rafflesia, dec.08
So, on the 26th I gathered people to go with me to Baungon. This time, we were on a private vehicle; hence, the smooth trip to the area.It was drizzling when we arrived at Barangay San Vicente. But the kilometer descending muddy trek to the area was still fun.
rafflesia at a closer look
The flower has a 59cm-diameter. The caretakers say the water hampered the growth of the flower; hence, it did not bloom to its maximum growth range, which is about 90-100 cm. A little descending path just beside the area where the flower grew is a stream. They say, the water rises when it rains, and could cover the area where the flower is. Fortunately, the water did not wash the Rafflesia away.
Before we left, we saw another Rafflesia growing. Manang Fita said, it might bloom in another year’s time, and so would we be able to set foot at Baungon, Bukidnon again.
October 10, 2008 at 3:58 pm (Southern Philippines)
We set off to Cagayan de Oro’s Carmen Market at half past eight in the morning on September 14, 2008, to get to Baungon, to see the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.
Rafflesia Signage
Research says it is found in South East Asian countries like in the Malay Peninsula, Borneo Sumatra, including the Philippines. In the Philippines, it was found in Mt. Apo, Antique and in Baungon, hence, we moved our way to Barangay San Vicente in the Municipality of Baungon, in the Province of Bukidnon.
After an hour and a half, ( with a fare of Php52.00) we got to the area and went directly to see the Barangay Captain. And without hesitation, he accompanied us to the caretaker of the compounded flowers. But the caretakers and even him couldn’t let us in to the area without the permission of the Mayor. And so we waited and waited, for the Mayor to be contacted for us to ask for permission.
But as close as we were to the area, the Mayor said we cannot see it. Argghhh. The Barangay created a policy that visitors need to get permission from the Mayor. He said, the flowers are on its way to bloom and so it is on its critical stage. Come October, it is expected to fully grow, which he promised to immediately inform us.
He said, the flower could grow as wide as 99cm in diameter.
Scientific studies of Raflessia say it is a genus of parasitic flowering plants. It was discovered in the Indonesian rain forest, and got its name from the head of the expidition Sir Thomas Raffles. But what’s interesting is, they say, the flowers look and smell like rotting meat. Unfortunately, we haven’t confirmed that for ourselves yet. thus I am hoping that the Mission Rafflesia Part 2, will be a success, come this October.
July 20, 2008 at 4:37 pm (Southern Philippines)
My latest trip to Camiguin ( May 30, 2008 ) can be dubbed as a breath catching trip, as we actually had to catch our trip, not because I woke up late in the morning, but because I had to do an errand earlier.
GV pension house was one of the places that my sister recommended and apparently one of the cheapest yet decent places to stay in Camiguin, aside from the cottage-by-the-beach places in the island (where we usually stay during my previous visits). And indeed it was clean and comfortable with AirCon for P500.00/day for a double bed.
The typical round the island trip in a rickshaw was negotiated at P600/day (after a few minutes of haggling with the driver) instead of the “standard” pay of 1,000-1,200. Thus giving us our first day satisfaction, roving to the following places:
· Katibawasan falls- good for picnic
· Sto.Nino cold spring- a very refreshing splash in the spring especially during midday
· Ardent hot spring- used to be my fave spot, but didn’t quite like the renovations recently made in the hotspring area
· Soda water- water didn’t taste of soda at all!
· Sunken cemetery- the highlight of my trip. Good for snorkeling. (The colors of the corals are filled with so much life even watching from the water surface. With its depth of only 6-8 feet, its not hard to go snorkeling even for those non swimmers!! (am not mentioning any names here…) with a boat, one can easily just hold on to it while do coral-watching. (Though I hate to say I did make somebody’s feet hurt after the mentioned persuasive suggestion… sorry-o)
The next thing I want to do when I get around Camiguin would be Hibok-Hibok Volcano climbing. They say it’s not extinct…hmmm. Anyways, I also know where to look for a guide who won’t rip my pockets off. Just go to the owner of a popular fastfood in the capital, Mambajao.
