Places in the Philippines, Dito Kay Shellan, Page 7

Taal: The Little-Cutie-Volcano Within a Lake

Posted on February 20, 2015 by shellan

Last day was a perfect day to go on hiking. The sun was perfectly hiding behind the clouds every once in a while and the breeze was not that warm for the skin. And so I said, ‘finally I’ll go hiking for the very first time. No more cancelled plans! :D’. And we all know that when you’re turning 25 in a few months you got to grab more of the awesomeness of this life given by God.

So our location was this little-cutie-mountain, I mean volcano. As I have said, this was my first time to climb a mountain, so this little-cutie-volcano was perfect for first-timer like me.

Taal Volcano

This little-cutie-volcano, which is called Taal and is considered the smallest volcano in the world, is found in Tagaytay, Philippines. But truth be told, it was actually part of the Municipality of Talisay, Batangas. It’s funny that I grew up believing it is in Tagaytay when the truth is it’s in Batangas. You can only see the beautiful sight of this volcano in Tagaytay but once you go there, you will be heading to Batangas. You will also know this once you heard the accent of these people who will welcome you. If you’re a Filipino, you will know these are Batanguenos.

And before you think this post is about the issue of this volcano’s ownership, let’s now talk about this amazing adventure.

Once you arrived in Olivarez, Tagaytay, and you don’t own a car, you will be riding a tricycle all the way down to Talisay. Please prepare P50 each for this ride. And prepare for a 20-minute rough ride. 😉

I was glad to see foreigners visiting this place, of course it made me feel proud as a Filipino.

Tourists in Taal

Aside from being the smallest volcano in the world, Taal is also a volcano within a lake, and it has another lake within it. Isn’t that wonderful and amazing?

From Talisay, you will need to ride a boat to Taal. It’s amazing to experience all these adventures before you even get to the actual volcano. It was all worth it. Renting a boat costs P1,500, with a maximum of 6 people, this also includes a ride back to the port. So P250 each isn’t a big amount for explorers on a tight budget, like us.

Boat to Taal

But before you ride a boat make sure you have a hat, if not, then please buy or rent a Bulihat, I swear, you’re going to need this. It was pretty available everywhere.

Bulihat

The lake is so clear, you can see what’s actually within it.

Taal lake

I must remind you this isn’t an ocean. This almost 1-hour boat ride is a ride within a lake. Yes, it’s such a wide lake. And if you don’t believe me, taste the water to find out.

Taal lake

The island is full of tourists and travelers and tour guide. But no, you won’t need a tour guide. But if you want to help one of our fellow countrymen earn an income then go and get one.

The entrance fee only cost P50, and it’s up to you if you’d ride a horse up to the top or use your feet to get there. We chose the latter. Not because we’re explorer on a tight budget but our goal was to experience the environment and treasure the moment and explore – literally explore.

Entrance Ticket

Taal Volcano hiking

You will need a face mask, but if you don’t mind inhaling ‘alikabok’ then don’t bring one.

The scenery as you climb higher and higher is so breathtaking. And the word ‘beautiful’ is not enough to express how the views look like. It is maybe beyond beautiful. These things prove how real God is. Even them, tell it to our face that our God is an amazing God!

Taal Scenery

Other parts of this volcano were used for planting and harvesting vegetables, i guess?

Plants in Taal

As we climb, I noticed a path which was not part of the trail for tourists, and my curiosity attacks.

Taal trail

As I was following this path I suddenly heard a noise behind the bushes. And I thought it wasn’t a good idea to follow this mysterious path, so I headed back and just follow the trail for tourists. But these I swear, when I get back there (together with someone), I will know where that mysterious path ends.

Taal Volcano

The moment you see this smoke from underneath this volcano, which is actually hot, you will know that you are almost at the top. But the challenging part as a climber without a horse, and as a horse, is yet to come. Because this is where the real ‘matarik’ spot you’ll need to pass.

Taal hiking

And after that last challenge. Dyaraaaan!!!! The lake within the volcano. The amazing crater of Taal volcano.

At the top of Taal

Wow, this feeling when you have reached your goal.

Whether you’re wearing this or that, it’s still the amazing feeling you got that matters.

Don’t forget to buy souvenirs. And drinks if ever you forget to bring your own.

At the top of Taal

And please, as a Filipino, I also strongly recommend to follow this reminder! Have a great trip!

A friendly reminder “Please maintain the cleanliness of the environment.”

P.S. It’s haeder to go back down. So brace yourself on your way down. 😉

Travel Expenses:
1. Tricycle from Olivarez to Talisay – P50 each
2. Boat from port to Taal – P1500 (maximum of 6 pax, back and forth)
3. Entrance fee – P50
4. Tricycle ride back to Olivarez – P300 (as a whole payment)

Must Have:
1. Jag/Big tumbler full of water
2. Face mask
3. Hat
4. Plastic/Safety Bag (for gadgets)
5. Sandwiches
6. Extra shirt
7. Tissue
8. Wet wipes

The once in a blue moon event: Pope Francis in the Philippines

Posted on January 15, 2015 by shellan

Days before this event, I had made my decision that I will witness Pope Francis’s arrival here in the Philippines, not because I am a big fan of him but because I want to blog about this event. I mean, this thing does not happen everyday. And this is one big shot on Philippine History, so I want to be a part of it, literally. These pictures were taken 8 hours before the Pope’s arrival.

Let’s see how Philippine Authority prepared this once in a blue moon event.

As I started the journey to the hi-ways which the Pope will be parading along, I was actually impressed not only with the security and orders on these places, but most especially, what I saw behind my camera were something awesome. I mean to see these hi-ways without a jumble traffic congestion is something new. This was my first time to see Taft Ave. and some other places without smoke and noise pollution from different vehicles both public and private.

photo by: Shella Salud

Phot by: Shella Salud

And I noticed that as soon as I walk in the middle of this hi-way and took shots of the place, others grab their phones and took their own selfies. I bet they found it amazing too. And maybe they will be posting their photo on their social media account with a caption, “before #Pope’s arrival :D” or “waiting for #Pope Francis. ;3”.

photo by: Shella Salud

And though I fear that police officers might yell me, “Hey, no picture!” or “Why are you walking back and forth here? You’re under arrest. You look like a threat”, I know that sounds funny, but that’s the stigma when you had already faced that kind of accusation. I mean, when you work in a media production and you’re doing something without a permit, you might find yourself on that situation. Yet still, I took the risk. While my mind was telling me to stop taking pictures of police officers, I think my hands were not listening.

And maybe I could just give these officers a credit for a job well done (I hope so, and I pray for). They were really the ones who were taking care of this operation. And so let’s give them a clap.

Let’s not forget the Media people. This one was really waiting patiently on his post.

Phot by: Shella Salud

But when I felt like 8 hours was way too long for me to wait for the actual parade of Pope Francis, I then decided to go home. You might be probably asking me why the hell? I was already in the place and all I have to do was to wait. I know, and I might ask me the same question if I were in your place. But truth be told, didn’t I get what I want? I just want to capture the event and these pictures were part of the event. Part of the Philippine history. That once in a blue moon these congested hi-ways everyday were once transformed into something like a big abandoned hallway because a great visitor will walk on its way.

And just like what Pope Francis said, “I am not supposed to be the focus of the apostolic trip to the Philippines. Jesus should be the focus.”, I went back home and opened the Bible (after posting this) and reflect on the One greater than our great visitor Pope Francis; His name is Jesus.

Aside from that, this long weekend will surely put a big smile on many Filipinos.

Simplicity of Life

Posted on January 2, 2015 by shellan

photo by: Shella Salud

Somewhere in GMA, Cavite, Philippines.

This place reminds me how the simplicity of life can bring real peace in our lives. And so with peace comes genuine happiness.

We need to be in this place every once in a while. Take a break from city lights and let the moment serenade you with the beauty of this nature.

Feel refreshed with the lashing sound of the river and with the joyful voices of birds flying around.

It’s never wrong to have a busy life but it’s wrong not to enjoy the beauty of this kind. It’s a gift from God. 🙂

A Bigger Picture

Posted on December 29, 2014 by shellan

This was captured at the top of a building somewhere in Alabang, Philippines. And oh, how breathtaking it is to see the wonderful landscape below.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I find it so amazing to see the world at its larger scale. It brings out the best in her. It’s funny that though the reality of this landscape is somewhat not attracted when you are actually below and walking on the sidewalk; I mean gosh, the traffic, the noise, the waste, not to mention the smell; We still can’t deny the beauty that this place has when we look at it from the top, and a little bit farther.

And so I remember someone who told me to see something on a larger scale. We maybe experiencing something awful or something we don’t like, but the truth is, it’s just part of a bigger picture. And when you see the whole picture, you’ll see how amazing, that those little things, are also working for this picture to be so beautiful. It’s just like peeking on a key whole, you only see some part of what’s behind that door, and when you see it completely, I can only imagine how amazing it will be. And that is how God works in our lives, and the most awesome thing is that He knows what He is doing and it is always for our good.

Always.

Dito Kay Shellan

They say people view the world differently from each other. And so, this is how we see ours.

Places in the Philippines

Taal: The Little-Cutie-Volcano Within a Lake

Like this:

The once in a blue moon event: Pope Francis in the Philippines

Like this:

Simplicity of Life

Like this:

A Bigger Picture

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: