I first heard about Mt. Kinabalu from a roommate during my early college days at U.P. The guy was a geology major and he would always talk about places he wanted to go to someday, one of them was Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. I found it quite interesting because almost every other week, my friend would come from a camping expedition from some mining fields and mountains as part of his class activities. I never heard from him after college and I’m not sure if he ever got to climb Mt. Kinabalu.

Just recently, I never imagined that I would be able to climb Mt. Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 14,000 feet. The climb was one of the options offered by Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Isuzu Malaysia for those attending the Isuzu D-Max Dura Mission in Kota Kinabalu in November 2009. It was a very busy month and although I never got to prepare well the way I did when we climbed Mt. Pulag and Mt. Apo, I took the challenge along with seven other members of the delegation.

Isuzu Philippines president Keiji Takeda said they chose Kota Kinabalu to give us a broader peek into Isuzu’s achievements in this part of the world. He said, “The clamor for the D-Max has expanded in Malaysia when it was introduced here in 2005. Last year, the D-Max sales in Malaysia jumped by a whopping 67 percent. Being accepted as a real business tool, the D-Max has gained an unbeaten reputation here.”

Meantime, Isuzu Malaysia president Takashi Hata noted that IPC could not have chosen a better destination. ”Sabah is Isuzu Malaysia’s biggest market. The hilly terrain and rugged countryside make vehicles like our D-Max ideal for tackling the tough road conditions.”

On our second day, four D-Max 4×4 units lined up at the hotel driveway  for us to test drive. Our first destination was the Mari-Mari Village, an authentic tribal community. The next two hours became an immersion of sorts into the Malaysian culture, food, and way of life. Of course, with a wacky group such as the motoring journalists, we had a lot of laughter in between.

After lunch,  the D-Max I shared with Dino Directo of Manila Standard Today and my son Ronald, and the rest of the group drove for about an hour to KK’s main river for the white water rafting adventure.

After more than hour, the water adventurers hit dry land and we prepared for a real 4×4 drive to the Mt. Kinabalu Hertige Park where our hotel is located.

The D-Max’s shift-on-the fly 4×4 mode came handy as we tackled moderate to serious off-road driving conditions. A simple push to a button made shifting to 4×4 high or low very easy. Even at 4×2 mode, the D-Max survived some relatively hard maneuvers but when darkness enveloped the mountain roads, we maintained it at 4×4 high to make sure we had better traction on loose sand and gravel.

The only time we shifted to 4×4 low was when we passed a long muddy, 40-degree incline road that led to a sharp curve when we were about half an hour away from our hotel. It was like off-roading in Tanay, Rizal in the old days.

At 9 a.m. on our third day, all eight climbers assembled at the hotel lobby for the transport stage to the Timpohon Gate, the starting point for the climb at more than 3,000 feet.

Among those who saw us off were Mr. Takeda, IPC EVP Yuki Kato, SVP Art Balmadrid, public relations manager Timmy de Leon, PR supervisor Ronald Baladad and sales executive Rico Macalintal and colleagues Dino Directo and Anjo Perez of Manila Bulletin.

With a backpack of about seven kilos, the first two kilometers of the climb was tolerable but on the next two kilometers, the bag became heavier and my legs started to wobble. My rest stops became longer hoping I could harness some energy with three-minute cat naps.

Climbing Mt. Kinabalu is a major tourism activity in Sabah, The climb is divided into two  parts. The first one is  from Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu Park HQ to Laban Rata and the second one from Laban Rata to the summit.

On our 4-km rest stop and after about six hours of climbing, I gave my backpack to our porter and settled for my small backpack enough to carry my water canister, videocam and digicam. It was cold what with intermittent rains coming our way but I continued perspiring under my jacket.

At 2,515 meters or about  8,000 feet, the fourth shelter offers vistas of wild flowers and orchid ferns. The largest moss in the world, Dawsonia  grows up to a meter  high in this area. There are supposed to be a number of  animals to be spotted here but I only saw squirrels as the other animals are either nocturnal or shy away from visitors.

Despite a lighter load, I still had a tough time taking the last two kilometers up to Laban Rata where our hotel in the mountain stands. The trail is harder than Mt. Apo (which I climbed almost four years ago) but much safer because of the well-laid out steps and directional signs to the summit. Mt. Apo has almost none of these and much more slippery.

On the 5-km mark, at Pondok Layang Layang the intimidating rocky wall of  Mt. Kinabalu showed itself. By this time, we were already above the clouds and the air felt thinner.

A small  hut serving as a temporary shelter stands on an open exposed ridge. The vegetation changes dramatically, where the trail crosses the orange-cinnamon soil.

The forest becomes progressively shorter and much more open.

I finally made it to Laban Rata at 11,000 ft. (1,000 ft higher than Mt. Apo). I was so exhausted and hungry, I went straight to the restaurant after depositing my bags in the hotel-dorm.

The hotel was comfortable and cozy and had limited hot shower and heater in the room but the air felt thin I did not get a good sleep. Joseph felt the same way when we saw each other at 1 a.m. of our fourth and last day. This was the time all climbers  suited up for the  2:30 a.m. summit hike.

Joseph and I decided to stay and sent our six climbers off together with about a hundred foreign climbers. I worried I might injure myself if I pushed for the summit which was 3,000 ft more and had sharper incline.

Reaching 11,000 ft itself was no mean feat, I consoled myself. At this elevation, the clouds were several hundred feet below us and the view was already spectacular.

But at around 8 a.m., I decided to hike further up to get a better view of the peak and to welcome our hikers back and interview them on my video cam too. It was a tremendous view from another 300 feet up.

Finally the summiteers arrived one by one – Hermes Canon of Isuzu, Ayvi Nicholas of Philippine Star, Ronald Rey de los Reyes, Charles Buban of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Enrico Subido of Gadgets and Larajill Santos of Isuzu. They said they were happy to survive the very cold temperature, possibly 5 degrees, the wet surface and ropes, the slippery conditions and climbing in the dark. The  view at Low’s Peak was spectacular and they were so thankful that they saw one of Nature’s most beautiful creations.

Breakfast and a two-hour rest followed and then we all headed for the descent, another six kilometers of hiking. Having rested a bit, I was the first to reach the starting gate at Timpohon.

The day before, I spent eight hours climbing while the others averaged six to seven hours. On the way back, I made it in less than 3.5 hours. Going down was not really that easy but we tried to make it as fast as we could because we had a 7 p.m. flight to catch.

After a late lunch, we shuttled to our meeting place at a seafood restaurant more than two hours away but we only had a few minutes to arrange our baggage and we hurried to the airport just in time for our flight back to Manila.

Whew! The Kota Kinabalu challenge is something we will remember for a long, long time.

A winding stone staircase at the back of the Sanssoucci Castle.

It was already the end of May, but the weather in Berlin was still cold as we were standing at the platform of the Friedrichstrasse train station, waiting for our train to Potsdam. My husband Alex and I were staying in one of the still-being finished hostels (The Bax Pax) in Berlin in the Mitte area, along Ziegelstrasse, a stone’s throw from the big rail station along Friedrich St.

The area of our hostel was in the throes of building upheaval — across our room was a four story-building that was just finished, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls to fully utiliize natural lighting, and where, for the next five days we witnessed a transformation: first the carpets were laid out, then furniture was moved in; slowly, books, lamps, a stereo system, tables, swivel chairs, and finally a bed, were carefully arranged in the different parts of the third floor unit. It was like watching a silent movie, with the workers busy doing a different task each day, and the spacious box-like rooms were transformed slowly before our very eyes.

One day, light blue curtains were hoisted up, and the place became a private place especially at night, where lights could be seen at the edges of the window covers. With our own third-story room (we were given a big family room, good for a couple with three children) having the same floor-to-ceiling glass walls, I’m sure we also presented a full view of ourselves to the neighbors, until we drew our own cheery red curtains at night.

All over the Bax Pax hotel finishing touches were still being done, and we could smell the freshly-poured concrete, and even met some of the workers in stained overalls, with their paint cans and brushes, and the smell of turpentine along the corridors. It was a fresh smell of renewal, so distinct around the area around where we stayed, as we contemplated the huge, heavy and severe buildings just around the corner, brown-orange and still, their small windows probably the only source of sunlight in airless rooms, an acute reminder that we were living in what used to be East Berlin before the country’s reunification in Nov. 7, 1989.

We planned to visit a popular local destination that day, the park and Schloβ (castle) Sanssouci, about half an hour away by train from Berlin. “Sans soucci” literally meant “without worry” or “carefree” in French. It was built by the German king, Friedrich II (also known as Friedrich the Great), who was obviously a Francophile.

As if to highlight the vagaries of the weather (and how puny we all humans were) we reached Potsdam as the skies broke into a steady downpour. As we stepped out of the warm rail station we were greeted by blasts of icy wind and heavy rain. Our lightweight umbrellas were not too helpful as we hopelessly looked around us, most of the alighting passengers already rushing out into the rain, with their thick rainwear and umbrellas.

We looked around for some signs to the palace grounds and found none. Because of the thick rain it was also impossible to orient ourselves to the new place. Feeling cheerful and confident however, we briskly strode out of the rail station and followed what looked to be the main road, and started walking.

The rain became stronger, and horizontal, and I felt the moisture seep through four layers of an outer jacket, a knitted sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, and a thermal wear. The scarf and the golf hat I wore helped to keep me warm, but I had to walk faster to avoid shivering.

After trotting purposefully for almost 30 minutes we reached a small awning of an open garage and car repair shop that looked dry and we instinctively stopped for cover. The rain didn’t seem to have let up, and we were getting soaked. Each time the wind blew I could almost feel that Alex and I shivered at the same time.

We exchanged looks, asking the same question in our minds: do we continue (how? where to?), or simply go back to the train station (to ask for direction? go back to Berlin? Not a good option, the last one!)

As we were contemplating our predicament, like a dues ex machina in our Greek texts, a middle-aged man suddenly appeared from the inside of the garage, smiling.

Alex and I promptly chorused, “Guten morgen!” and smiled back.

He had an open face, a kindly smile, and we liked him immediately. Sad to say that quick phrase was the one of the only handful working knowledge we had of Deutsch, as we could only stammer out, “Schloβ Sanssoucci?”

He immediately got the idea and pointed out the other direction from where we were, and then pointed out our damp clothing. He then asked us, using the universal language of signing, to come, join him into his car, parked just outside the garage.

With the smallest of hesitations I got into the back seat of his light blue hatchback while Alex joined him in front. We expected him to simply deposit us in front of the main road, or even the train station, but we were so surprised that he drove us across the big expanse of the city, constantly saying (probably to reassure us) “Sanssoucci! Sanssoucci!”

We winded our way through the main streets and smart shops, some schools, and even the local church. Still we went on, and after about 20 minutes he stopped in front of a gated park, and said something in German, pointing to the gates.
“Sanssoucci?” we asked. “Ja! ja!” he laughed.

We could hardly contain our gratitude for such kindness, and this from a stranger in a foreign land. But because we could not even ask for his name and address (we didn’t bring our German phrase book that day, nor our trusty but thick and heavy Let’s Go guide book where a three-paged ‘Useful German Phrasebook’ was), we could only say, over and over, shaking his hand, “Danke schön!” And he kept answering, “Bitte! Bitte!,” waving us off with a wide, wide smile, and simply drove off.

A month later I was able to get the e-mail address of the Tourism Board of Potsdam and sent them a note, together with the photo of our journey’s angel, thanking him again, for this grace from a stranger. To this day, that kindness evokes a bittersweet gratitude in us, and has become a highlight when we think about our German travels.

Sanssoucci Gardens was a huge 600-acre park, half of which was in Baroque style — gardens with straight paths intersecting at centers with fountains and topiaries, statues of naked, frolicking nymphs; and half in English-style landscaping which was rambling and rolling grassy terrain. As if on cue, the rain suddenly stopped as we stepped into the entrance, and the sun even peeped out for a few minutes. We could only shake our heads in bewilderment, and laughed at nature’s whims.

We didn’t want any formal directions on how to walk about the park, so we simply followed our noses, and walked right in. A few locals were walking their pet dogs of all sizes — and as we went deeper into the woods following trails, the grass remained as manicured as any well-cared for estate.

Because of the rain the smell of damp earth was so fresh and pervasive I couldn’t help but take deep lungfuls of it, and apparently the forest denizens were enjoying the weather too, as squirrels scampered about, and melodious birdcalls were heard all over, as we paused to look at the large red, violet and orange blooms that studded the meticulously-tended garden.

We got into the straight paths by chance, and true enough, they ended in round areas where there were stone benches for tired feet, and about 500 meters away were another round area with the same stone benches but entirely differently-designed topiary or classical statue melding very well with the surrounding plants and trees. Definitely it reminded us of the Versailles gardens, until we reached the castle itself, which reiterated that impression.

It sat on top of the hill, and even from afar it looked very ornate, indeed. An architect friend would probably describe it as in rococo style, with its carvings and lampposts with curlicues, its wide winding outdoor stairs leading to the main door.

That day, though, the castle was closed, and we simply contented ourselves with looking through the glass doors, and saw that inside was a repeat of the very ornate and baroque style, with gold trims on the cornices.

Rambling further in the park we discovered the beautiful Chinesisches Teehaus (a small building with a porcelain exhibit inside) with its oriental motif, the most prominent of which was the rooftop Buddha holding a parasol. The pillars surrounding the house had delicate, gold-plated figurines, depicting characters from Victorian periods.

At this point we were surprised to learn that it was past 1 p.m., no wonder we were looking for food.

Managing to return to the entrance of the park we slowly walked through a well-paved path and espied a signage with a red dragon in one corner of the street, which said, “Dragon Restaurant.” Without hesitation we entered the place (feeling like homing pigeons) and found ourselves face to face with a smiling Asian young man who showed us to our seats.

Because of the late hour, we had the whole place to ourselves. Lacquered and intricately-carved wooden panels served as dividing walls between the banquettes, while soft Chinese instrumental music played in the background; and as we looked through the proffered menu we realized that it was a Vietnamese restaurant.

Outside, the sun shone brightly, as if telling us, all is well indeed, in the world.

Tired and feet-weary we trudged back to Bax Pax passing by our favorite Doner Kebab place just off our hostel. Because of the influence of a large Turkish immigrant population in Germany, the Doner Kebab (shawarma) has become one of the “national food” in the country.

We got two to take back to Bax Pax in case we decided to call it an early night. True enough, it was.

POINSETTIAS at Bokod.

My original plan for the five-day vacation after Christmas was to take things slow, and just spend days lazing around in Banaue and Sagada. In fact, I already packed my hammock and brought several books, and was already looking forward to doing nothing but just reading under the cool shade of the pine trees in Sagada.

However, when I arrived at the assembly point in Alabang, I knew my plan would change. It was only my friend Caloy and his wife Nancy who showed up. The rest of the people whom I invited somehow could not make it.

There is one big advantage of travelling either solo or a small group of two or three: it is very easy to change itinerary. Caloy is one of my most adventurous friends, so it is very easy talking him into changing the original plan. Over breakfast we discussed that our new itinerary must be flexible, and would allow us to visit destinations in the Cordilleras outside the usual tourist paths.

DAY 1: Manila – Baguio – Ambuklao – Bokod – Kabayan

As soon as we fixed the new plan, we left Alabang at 4:30 a.m. and drove my 4×4 D-Max to Baguio. Traffic was very light and by 10 a.m. we were already in Baguio for our last fuel refill before we head to the mountains.

Our first stop after we left Baguio is Ambuklao Dam. Located 35 kilometers from Baguio, this dam was completed in 1956. Considered at the time as the highest and biggest dam in the Far East, it provided 75-MW of hydro-electric power to the region. However, in 1999 due to damages caused by earthquake, Ambuklao Hydro-Electric Plant was shut down.

Nowadays, Ambuklao Dam serves only as a catch basin for upper Agno River. During the recent typhoon Pepeng, waters that flooded Pangasinan came from Ambuklao, passed thru Binga Dam, and then finally, San Roque Dam.

Ambuklao’s fate, however, may soon change. It is now being rehabilitated by a private company so that it’s worn out turbines will soon be upgraded to again produce better and higher hydro-electric power capacity. There is also a newly constructed detour road that now avoids passage thru the aging dam. And, the newly opened well-paved Aritao-Ambulao road makes the access from Baguio to Cagayan Valley easier.

From Ambuklao, we drove 10 kilometers to take a quick lunch at Jang-Jang Eatery in Bokod. For many climbers of Mt. Pulag, this quaint eatery is the final stop where one can get a full meal before ascending to Luzon’s highest peak. I saw several young climbers with their designer backpacks and expensive gadgets milling around Jang-Jang. It made me smile as I remembered my first climb to Mt. Pulag decades ago when I had to make do with climbing outfits and gears bought from second-hand stores.

At the 50 km. junction, we took the road on the left bound for Kabayan. After more than two hours drive along dusty road, we finally reached Kabayan proper. Lodging in Kabayan is available only at Coop Lodge (P200 per person).

Nestled in a bowl-like valley surrounded by mountains, Kabayan is an interesting alternative to Sagada. It is a nice place to relax, hike, explore its many burial caves, drink its famous Arabica coffee (P5 per cup at Manang Catherine’s cafeteria at public market) and see its famous mummies.

Between 500 to 1,000 years before, the Ibalois of Kabayan practiced mummification. According to history, the process of mummification starts immediately after the deceased breathes his last. The deceased is immediately undressed, tied securely on a high chair, his mouth opened, and a solution of salt and water poured through the mouth.

A low fire is then lit under the chair to help in the process of drying. Tobacco is also blown through the mouth to help preserve internal tissues and to drive out worms.

Although there are several sites around Kabayan where mummies can be found, only two known sites are accessible: the six-hour trek Timbac Caves or the short-distance Kabayan Museum.

We opted to visit the latter. Another interesting site to visit in Kabayan is the easily-accessible Opdas Mass Burial Cave where skulls and skeletons of hundreds of deceased Ibalois can be found.

DAY 2: Kabayan – Bugias – Tinoc – Kiangan – Banaue

Our original plan for Day 2 was to visit two of the five mountain lakes of Mt. Pulag: Tabeyo and Bulalakaw. Unfortunately, we cannot contact our guide (no signal), and visiting the lakes would require us to make a long detour, that we finally decided to postpone the visit the lakes to some future adventures.

The 21-kilometer road from Kabayan to Buguias is also mostly unpaved. Three kilometers after Buguias poblacion, the road forks: straight to Abatan junction (12KM) in Halsema Highway and the dirt uphill road to Tinoc.

The road between Buguias (Benguet province) and Tinoc (Ifugao province) passes through Mt. Tabayac with its magnificent view of pine forests and vast vegetable terraces.

We made a brief stop in the barangay of Katlubong in Buguias to marvel at an endless field planted with all types of upland vegetables. We met Elion Madino, a vegetable grower, as he proudly showed us his fresh harvest of cabbage and pechay. According to him, the farmers at Buguias take all their produce to Baguio via the long mostly unpaved road to Abatan (three hours), before finally reaching Bagsakan Center (another three hours). I checked the trucks they are used to transport vegetables: they are all second-hand 4×4 Isuzu trucks.

From the last barangay of Katlubong, the road makes a steep climb to the provincial boundary of Ifugao. Big rocks and deep mud lined the almost hidden road, and only 4×4 vehicles with high clearance can navigate the 24-kilometer stretch to Tinoc.

As we reached the mossy forest at an elevation of almost 2,300 meters, we stopped our vehicle to take a closer look at wild flowers and dwarfed plants, covered with green and brown moss, framed by the bluest sky and cooled by thin but unpolluted air.

From the highest point, the road makes a long and winding descent to Tinoc. We arrived at the poblacion at already half past one, and when we ask around where we can find a place to eat, we were directed to an eatery at the corner of the ‘oval’. When we arrived at the eatery, we were told that they are serving the town’s specialty: dog-meat. We settled for a can of sardines and cup noodles.

The road from Tinoc to Kiangan was only formally-opened this year. Once fully-completed, this road makes an interesting alternative to Halsema Highway. The road is very narrow, and even during dry season, is mostly muddy. It took us more than three hours to navigate its 40-kilometer stretch.

We arrived in Kiangan already past 5 p.m. The roads in Kiangan are lined with bettle-nut trees instead of pines. We also had a glimpse of its famous Julungan and Nagacadan terraces, both of which are World Heritage site listed. It was already dark when we made a brief stop at its pyramid-shaped War Memorial Site.

Kiangan is Ifugao’s oldest town and former capital. Around its poblacion are well-preserved American-era mission houses. Kiangan is also an alternative base to explore Ifugao province. Kiangan is better known as the place where General Yamashita and his staff surrendered to the U.S. Army. There are still many hunters combing Kiangan looking for Yamashita treasures.

Nine kilometers from Kiangan, the road connects to the highway leading to Banaue (another 30 kilometers). We arrived in Banaue almost 7 p.m., and we immediately asked our friend, Leo Bustamante, owner of Las Vegas cafe to prepare a special dinner for us. When dinner arrived, we immediately consumed the hot vegetable-noodle soup, fried bangus and red rice which Leo prepared.

We stayed the night al Leo’s Las Vegas Lodge. Although the place is located one kilometer from the center, it has a good parking, hot water and charges only P200 per person.

DAY 3: Banaue – Bontoc – Mainit – Sagada

After two days on bumpy roads, we decided to take it easy on the third day. The 48-kilometer drive from Banaue to Bontoc was a breeze as we navigated through almost well-paved roads. We made brief stops to view the barangay of Bay-yo, with its high fortress-like terraces, and the village of Talubin, with its interesting rows of galvanized roofs.

Bontoc is the capital of Mountain Province, and the Cordillera’s biggest town. Nestled at a valley of 800 meters, it is the region’s oldest trading center. Bontoc is also an ideal base for expeditions to Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga, with its network of public transportation, inexpensive lodging and food, and very knowledgeable guides.

An interesting outing from Bontoc is the village of Mainit. From the Provincial Capitol Building, the road on the left climbs to Mainit. 15 kilometers from Bontoc and at an elevation of over 1,200 meters, Mainit has some scalding hot springs. Rows of wood and galvanized houses and small pools lined the smoking hot creeks. The local government has now built a lodging house near the village entrance so that tourists can now stay overnight in the villagers. At night-time, villagers and guests gather around the public pools to enjoy the hot spring waters while sharing a bottle of tapuy (rice-wine).

From Bontoc, it is an easy one-hour uphill drive to Sagada. We checked in at St. Joseph’s Guesthouse. St. Joseph’s still maintains the old dormitory room which they rent out for P500 (good for two).
As soon as settled in Sagada, I jumped into my usual Sagada routines: walk around town, buy native oranges, eat pasta with tuna sauce at Shamrock, enjoy coffee and lemon pie, and have a relaxing massage. By 8 p.m., I was asleep.

DAY 4: Sagada – Sabangan – Bauko – Tadian – Cervantes – Bessang Pass – Suyo – Tagudin – Bantay – San Vicente – Vigan.

Day 4 is a long drive as we retraced the old Spanish trail that linked the Cordillera with the coastal town of Ilocos. Before the Americans built the Kennon Road in Baguio, trade between the mountain people and the lowlanders already flourished. Among the most important trading centers during the Spanish time is Cervantes, which can be accessed thru Tirad Pass from Candon.

The province of Mountain Province originally came from the old sub-provinces of Lepanto-Amburayan. This old Cordillera sub-province originally included Tagudin, Suyo and Cervantes. The river between the last town of La Union (Supiden) and the first town of Ilocos Sur (Tagudin) is called Amburayan.

From Sagada, there are two ways to reach Cervantes: the unpaved road via Besao and the better-maintained road via Sabangan. Both roads meet in Tadian, where a 17-kilometer stretch of mostly-unpaved road leads to Cervantes.

We left Sagada at 8 p.m. and by 9 p.m. we were already at Sabangan junction, where the road on the left leads to Bauko, then Tadian. The first few kilometres of the 12-kilometer stretch is well-maintained, until we reached a “Road Close” sign where we were rerouted to a dusty road up the mountain. At the end of the detour, the road leads to a junction: turning left returns to Halsema, turning right leads to Tadian.

The 10-kilometer road between Bauko and Tadian is well-paved. Tadian has a beautiful town hall and a sprawling campus. I also saw an old boungavilla tree right in the middle of the road blooming with red flowers.

From Tadian, the 17-kilometer dirt road descends to Abra River before finally reaching Cervantes. The bridge which used to connect the Cordillera with Ilocos Region still remained unrepaired. All vehicles crossing to Cervantes and vice-versa now have to go down to the river and wade through knee-deep water.

After travelling for three hours, we finally reached Cervantes. The town has a very interesting location: a valley at 600 meters nestled between the green Cordillera mountains and the brown Ilocos mountains, with fertile rice lands in the middle irrigated by the upper Abra River. Cervantes is known as a source of the red mountain rice and the black malagkit rice.

Cervantes was formerly a small Igorot village known as Mantamang. It became part of the sub-province of Lepanto-Amburayan in 1879, and by 1899, when the Americans captured Cervantes after the fall of Tirad Pass, it became the capital of the military province. During the American occupation, Cervantes became an important base for expeditions to the Cordillera. Even today, a dozen American mission houses still stand around Cervantes.

From Cervantes, two important mountain passes cut through the Ilocos mountain rage: Bessang Pass which leads to Tagudin and Tirad Pass which leads to Candon. Both have historical significance: Bessang was the site of the bloody battle between the Japanese and the joint American-Filipino forces, and Tirad between American and Filipino forces.

The road to Suyo from Cervantes snakes through Besang Pass. This empty well-paved road which reaches an elevation of 1,600 meters has a roadside landmark at its highest point commemorating the Battle of Bessang Pass. The same landmark is also the jump-off point for exploring a mountain peak called Nose Bridge where a 55-meter Japanese dug-out called Yamashita Cave can be found.

The 64-kilometer Cervantes-Tagudin road takes less than two hours to drive before it joins the main highway to Vigan. Compared with Candon which was an old Igorot trading center, Tagudin was established as a mission base among Igorots occupying the Amburayan River. Nowadays, with a sparkling newly-constructed bridge crossing Amburayan, Tagudin is poised to regain its reputation as the gateway to both Ilocos Sur and the Cordillera.

From Tagudin, the most important trading center during the Spanish time of the North, Vigan, is only 85 kilometers away.

Located at the mouth of the Abra River, Isla de Bigan was an important trading post of the famous Silk Route connecting the Philippines with the rest of Asia, Arabia, America and Europe. Seafaring merchants bartered gold, beeswax and other mountain products from the Cordillera with exotic goods coming from the rest of the world. It is through these merchants, mostly Chinese, that the world discovered the golds of Lepanto –Amburayan.

Vigan was a very important trading post between the merchants and the natives that the Spanish government felt it should be well protected. The Spaniards built baluertes or watchtowers at the mouth of Abra River: Bantay in the north, and Santa (previously Sta. Catalina de Baba) in the south. Bantay (Ilocano word for “Guardian”) bell tower sit atop Calvary Hills served as a lookout for approaching enemies and pirates. When we climbed the belfry during our visit, the guide explained that each bell was rung depending the type of boats the watchmen see approaching from South China Sea.

Before entering Vigan, we made a brief detour to the adjacent town of San Vicente to check its distinct twin-towered Baroque church and the impressive, but now abandoned, Asilo de San Vicente. The Church of San Vicente de Ferrer is now sporting a brand-new coat of paint, but the Asilo, which was once used as governor’s vacation home, is now in a sorry state with its once ornate windows falling off and its once beautiful garden is now a grazing ground for cows.

It was already dark when we finally entered the city of Vigan. My D-Max is now covered with mud and dirt after a four-day expedition around Cordillera. As we traversed the elegant streets of Vigan, we can’t help but get disapproving stares from locals and tourists. This must be the same reaction when the mountain people of the Cordillera roamed around the mestizo district in the past.

We finally checked in Vigan. We had a quick dinner of empanada and okoy. The whole Crisologo Street was filled with tourists mostly from Manila. I was planning to do some night photography but there were so many people around that it was very difficult setting-up low-light photography with a tripod. By nine o’ clock, I was asleep.

DAY 5: Vigan – Manila

I woke up early to take some photographs of Crisologo Street and Plaza Burgos. As I was going out of the hotel lobby, I realized that my Cordillera adventure was not over yet: the hotel where I spent the night is called Cordillera Inn. Perhaps, the owner of the hotel was aware of the historical significance of the Cordillera in the development of northern Luzon that he named the hotel Cordillera Inn.

When I arrived home nine hours after we left Vigan, I felt happy of the wealth of information I learned criss-crossing the Cordillera. I now have deeper appreciation of the peoples of the mountain, of the many struggles and difficulties they went through to survive and to preserve their culture. The people I met and the places I visited and the new trails I discovered made this expedition to the Cordillera even more endearing. I was glad that we took roads less travelled in Cordillera.

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta (Photo by KJ ROSALES)

A stroll along Rizal Park in Manila, can also be described as a walk for patriotism – not only because of its historical significance, but because the place has the power to stir a sense of national pride.

This was the experience I encountered when Cruising visited the National Park to once more discover its well-known charm.

Better remembered as a family park, Rizal Park, more popularly known as Luneta, is often in one’s childhood memories. Most Filipinos, especially those in Luzon, have visited the place at least once – mostly to enjoy the fresh breeze of Manila Bay that gently wafts through the park’s abundant trees and garden plants. Picnic is popular around the area, with wide open spaces where visitors can simply spread a blanket and enjoy time with the family.

There are many places to rest: The quaint Japanese Garden with its serene pond; the Chinese Garden with the statue of Confuscius commemorating the friendship between the Philippines and China; the Orchidarium and butterfly sanctuary for the plant lovers; and the Bulwagan ng Sining (Artist’s Haven) for those who enjoy installation art pieces. Some of the areas such as the Japanese and Chinese gardens require a minimum entrance fee (P5). Rizal Park is under the management of the National Parks Development Committee.

But a more significant way to enjoy Rizal Park is to discover its historical significance. The 22-hectare area is colored with important pieces of history which helped shape the Philippines. Luneta was coined from the Spanish word lunette or moon, which describes the park area’s peculiar shape. The property was used during the Spanish times as buffer for invading forces trying to get in the walled city of Intramuros. The paved area made it easier to see ships and groups coming in from the Manila Bay.

Begin the walk from the side of Taft Avenue, and make your way through Roxas Boulevard, in front of the Quirino Grandstand. A diorama of the Philippine archipelago can be seen upon entering the park, a feature which lights-up at night.
Rising in the middle of the area near Taft Avenue is a large statue of Lapu-lapu – known as the first defender of the country. The area is sometimes used to stage national celebrations.

Cross Maria Orosa St. to get to the next area of Rizal Park, which offers a better option for visits. A shallow lagoon which used to showcase dazzling light show in the evening now serves as a gallery for several granite busts of various Filipino patriots. Surrounding the lagoon are the faces of Rajah Sulaiman, Hermano Pule, Juan Sumuroy, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and others.

On the right side of the lagoon is the Japanese Garden where one can find the marker for the Trese Martires or 13 Martyrs. The site honors the execution area of 13 Filipinos who died in the hands of Spanish soldiers while trying to penetrate nearby Intramuros.

Up ahead are large sculptures depicting the plight of Filipinos during the Spanish times, such as the large figure of a mother cradling her suffering children. The sculpture is titled ‘El Madre Filipinas’ (Inang Bayan). Another sculpture showcases yet another stirring image of suffering Filipinos. It is dubbed ‘Punla ng Kalayaan’ (Seeds of freedom). One can’t help but imagine the hardship our ancestors might have suffered on their fight for independence.

Just across the sculptures is another significant marker – the site where the three martyr priests, GOMBURZA, were hanged. Beside is the area which gave Luneta (known during the Spanish times as Bagumbayan) its historical significance: The location of Rizal’s execution. It was here where even in his last moments, Rizal showed his love for the country, by willing the last of his strength to face the sun, refusing to fall face-down, after he was shot. A smaller park beside the execution site is a mural of Rizal’s life, with diorama sculptures of the National Hero’s last walk before he was killed.

The highlight of one’s visit is of course, the monument of Jose Rizal, where his remains lie – a structure erected by a group led by his brother, Paciano, along with other Filipino patriots. The country’s love for the famous martyr is apparent in the care shown for the area. Here, unlike other parts of Luneta, the grass are kept green all throughout the year. The flowering shrubs are in full bloom, and young soldiers continue to guard the last resting place of Rizal. A special wall etched with Rizal’s famous “Last Farewell” stands.

The monument site is a special place. It witnessed various important events – the declaration of independence from American rule, peaceful demonstrations against the Marcos administration, and recently, the country’s farewell bid of another beloved icon, the late President Aquino. A large flag in front further marked the importance of Rizal Park, it is also labeled Kilometer 0 – the point of beginning of all roads in the country.

One can’t help but wax nostalgic with all things the Rizal Park represents. For many, it is a place of childhood memories. But most importantly, it is a place for hope that the country it represents, will once more bask in the old glory the heroes in the park so valiantly fought for.

The official marker of the Quezon City Circle

The 26-hectare Quezon Memorial Circle is a natural landmark that locates six main roads of Quezon City –  Quezon, East, Katipunan, Commonwealth, Visayas, and North Avenues – that start from its perimenter.  The three-pylon monument which stands 66 meters, is the official marker of the Circle; it is the monument for Manuel L. Quezon, the first President of the Commonweatlh, and father of Quezon City.

The best view of the Quezon Memorial monument is coming from Quezon Avenue.  Unobstructed, it stands as a natural landmark to remind travelers where they are in their trip.  To those doing business in the the Quezon  City Hall, the monument announces that they are almost there.  Those who live in the north find comfort in the thought that they are almost home.

To the people who live in Quezon City , the Quezon Memorial Circle is an emotional landmark – it stands to measure time. The times one faithfully jogged or walked, to lose weight. The weekend a child learned to balance on a bike. The Sunday a son went off with a group of bikers – or runners – to join a race. The days of class field trips when you had to climb a wall, run a distance, and learn about herbs – and now, you are walking with your children. The hot afternoon when first love – or an old love – said hello – or goodbye.

The Quezon Memorial Circle has grown old with the city.  Thirty years ago when my family relocated to Quezon City, that park was where we spent unexpected free time.  It was always a pleasure to walk, bike, picnic in the Circle.The trees were generous with shade, the grass was always lush, and wide space made one feel truly Outdoors.

Today, the trees have become mini-forests, spreading wider shade. The grass seems lush but with the number of people there on a recent Sunday, one forgets to see the green.  And although the park remains to be 26 hectares, the space does not bring the ambience of the Great Outdoors.  The success of the Quezon Memorial Park has attracted so many people to enjoy this place, drawing commercial activities offered by restaurants, food stalls and souvenir shops.  On top of that are the charming sights of small vendors –dirty ice cream carts, fruit stands, cotton candy makers are still there, or how can the air of a carefree Sunday truly be there without them?

It was the Sunday after New Year’s Day when we visited, so we still caught the carnival.  The holidays was still in the air with the tivoli lights defining the ride attractions.  I remember that on New Year’s Day, the crowd at the carnival spilled out to fill up every space of picnic ground in the Park, prompting the police to assign an unprecedented number of uniformed officers to patrol the area.

There is no time to get lonely at the Circle.  You can walk around alone, but you’ll step into the lives of people trying out a skill.  Prepare to be entertained by the sight of people oblivious to passers-by like yourself. They are in the process of mastering a stunt (juggling bottles); a dance (moving to the rhythm of “Nobody but you”); a sports skill (daring biking jumps); a vending talent (peeling a coconut with a knife in seconds); a song; a speech; or just the sight of a graceful runner passing by.  If you go in the morning, you’ll have a panorama of bodies some graceful in aerobics, others struggling to keep up with the pace.  And if you catch the ballroom dancing sessions (which a poster announced), you’ll likely be enticed to join!

Credit for the rehabilitation of the Circle is given to former QC Vice-Mayor Charito Planas, who heads the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation.

For members of the media that are typically pampered by hotel reservations and a veritable buffet of cars to choose from, seeing them up and about at the crack of dawn was a refreshing site.

The occasion? The Subaru and Thule Bike for the Environment.  Participants assembled at the crack of dawn at the Motor Image Pilipinas Subaru dealership last Friday, January 8. Bikes were loaded onto a whole fleet of Subaru vehicle each equipped with Thule Bike Carriers mounted on the tail gate, roof and in most of the cars, both places. Two Impreza 2.0R’s, an Impreza WRX sedan, an Impreza WRX STi, a Subaru Forester and Subaru Tribeca were allotted for the adventure. Whether sedan, hatchback or SUV, each one was easily equipped with a carrier that is just as easily removed.

No troubles loading as the Thule carriers were easy to configure and adjust to various bike sizes. Tire locks and frame locks kept them secure, whether mounted behind or on top. No worries leaving the bikes unattended for a while as all of the roof racks come with secure locks to prevent bike theft.

From there, participants headed to the La Mesa Nature Reserve in Quezon City. Accompanying them and giving trail tips was seasoned biker Edmund Mangaser, proprietor of All-Terra bike shop in Ortigas Home Depot.

Veterans will know this is as the former 4×4 trail entrance, past the Sacred Heart Novitiate. Once inside, there’s ample parking and a receiving area for first timers to have a short briefing about the project and its recent developments.

Once a denuded victim of slash and burn farming, the 2,700 hectare watershed has been declared a reservation, reforested and is slowly coming back to life. Now a project of ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan, a small donation asked of each rider goes to the continued preservation and maintenance of this delicate area.

Upon payment of the environmental conservation fee, participant will be given a short briefing about the area and its development. The groups will then be asked to choose a trail which can be a short and easy 12 kilometer trail to the very challenging and lengthy 34 kilometer trail. The ride can be expected to take anywhere from an hour to 4 hours depending on the riders’ skill. No need to worry as each group will be assigned a guide. Each guide, in turn, is equipped with a radio for easy coordination with the base in case of any problems. Any injured or exhausted individuals can be quickly evacuated by motorcycle through the fire access roads. The guides themselves are very patient and understanding, taking as many stops as needed and adjusting to any rider’s pace.

Each trail promises to be both breathtaking and challenging, snaking through wooded terrain. There’s rolling trails with quick turns and lots of ups and downs or gently sloped trails with straight sight lines. There are some steep descents that lead through wooden bridges over water before steep but short inclines once again. Rest stops are dotted along the trails that serve as unique photo opportunity. How does the scenic watershed, a watch tower or even tree house sound for a backdrop?

Those planning a trip should know that each group requires a guide. Be ready with lots of water and fluids. For those taking the long trail, a kind old lady is waiting at a shed on the halfway point with some snacks to refill weary pedalers.

A part of the 35-km bike trail at the La Mesa Dam Nature Park. (Photo by ANJO PEREZ)

A 10-km stretch of bike trail known as Loop No. 4, whetting the appetite for uphill and downhill adrenalin rush, or enduring a 700-meter uphill climb with a 20-degree inclination in the killer Loop No. 12?  It’s not a choice, it’s part of the easy and difficult trails in the 35-km bike trail at the La Mesa Dam Nature Park.  But if one’s stamina fails for any reason – lack of skill, sleep or guts – there’s always a way out that leads to the main road and back to the reception area.

Bikers are starting to discover this bike trail’s endless challenges for the beginners to experts, enticing most of them to come back for more, said Glenn Paul C. Flores, Bantay Kalikasan-Save La Mesa Dam senior forester.

Loose dirt road, rocks and pebbles, protruding roots of trees and even narrow planks test the rider’s reflexes during the entire ride. Categorized in 12 loops within the 35-kilometer trail, the 41-year-old forester guarantees scenic spots where cyclists can rest and enjoy brief photography.

A native of Baguio, Flores assured that all their “trail masters (guides)” are aptly trained on first aid and certified by the Philippine National Red Cross.

Equipped with radios and cellular phones, Flores assured of quick emergency response anytime.

After a day in the bike trails, here’s my advice to those who will find their way there next weekend: Grip tightly to the handle bars as the dirt roads are tricky. Don’t let the dirt stretches overwhelm you as they are deceiving and oftentimes, dangerous. Be cautious on downhill manuevers as there might be a big jump waiting below just before a tight bend.

For experienced and expert riders, prepare for the killer Loop No. 12 that involves a punishing 700 meters of uphill with a  20-degree inclination. Master your gear-changing skills and pedal hard to endure the climb.

The reward… a scenic view of the entire Ortigas Center from the viewing deck of Tower 1 right at the apex.  Minus the morning smog, riders can also view the beauty of Mt. Arayat in Pampanga and Mt. Samat in Bataan.  For those with 20-20 vision, the historic Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat can also be seen.  Most of the time, the Port Area in Manila also shows up in Tower 1.

Another rare feat in La Mesa Dam’s bike trail is the river crossings. But if you don’t want to wet your feet and expensive biking shoes, then take the adjacent makeshift bridge.

Setting an authentic bike-friendly atmosphere, every Loop resting stations are equipped with wooden benches and bike stands to make riders feel at home while talking about the trail experience.  Littering of trash is strictly prohibited.

“We ban people from entering the premises if we catch them littering,” Flores warned.

There are also safety rules that are strictly implemented by trail masters, among them are the “no helmet, no ride” policy, bikes should be road worthy and no cutting of trees and no fishing.

Trail fee is set for P200 for every rider in a group with a minimum of five. For those who want to go solo with less five riders, P1,000 is for each rider. The fee goes with a trail master.

Exorbitant? Maybe. But remember the “magic” this organization has done to the La Mesa Dam Watershed. If not for them, that huge parcel of land may have just remained as a big squatter area, denuded of forest and worse, no water to hold for Metro Manila residents.

Some four decades ago, La Mesa Dam was always considered a picnic ground for families who only had a day for a get together. During those days, there were thick forests, fauna and flora, and clean lake area that welcomed Metro Manila visitors.

The 2,700-hectare La Mesa Dam Watershed, 700 hectares of which is the reservoir and 2,000 hectares forested area, is owned by the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

Before the February 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, the La Mesa Dam Watershed – a primary source of drinking water for more than 12 million Metro Manila residents – deteriorated to become an abandoned government entity.  However, the fast deterioration of the facility caught the attention of concerned environmentalists who cited the negative effects of La Mesa Dam’s denudation to Metro Manila’s dwindling water supply and worsening air pollution.

In 1999, “Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch)” of ABS CBN established a partnership with MWSS to undertake the Save La Mesa Dam Watershed project with the objective of rehabilitating, reforest, preserve and protect the area.

More than a decade after the project was launched, Metro Manilans are starting to reap the fruits of their noble effort for the dam now having two sections- the Eco-Park and the Nature Park.

Other than the refreshing picnic grounds, swimming pools, boating lagoons and fishing area to be enjoyed in the La Mesa Dam Eco-Park , there has been a new “play ground” for the urban dwellers to explore and to take challenges in the surrounding La Mesa Dam Nature Park – the 35-kilometer bike trail.

The mini port at the La Mesa Eco Park

By JOHANNES L. CHUA

Standing on a sea of green on a breezy Sunday afternoon seemed like the best way to welcome a New Year. I was at the La Mesa Eco Park a few days into January because I felt I needed some “fresh air” to boost my sagging spirit after the punishing holiday schedule got me sick and exhausted.   Thankfully, I was able to convince my best friend Kenford (or did I bully him?) to drive me to this park, which I said “was just near the Quezon City Memorial Circle.”

The “nearness” of the La Mesa Eco Park will definitely surprise first-time visitors. Kenford, also a first-time visitor, was delighted with the smooth road leading to the park. Since it was a weekend, traffic was very light along Commonwealth Avenue that we were at the park’s entrance 20 minutes after finishing a light merienda in Jollibee Philcoa branch (the one near the entrance of the U.P. Diliman campus).

There were a lot of vehicles in the parking area and I noticed that a number of families were coming in and out of the park’s gate. There was life – in the voices of moms concerned with the safety of their kids who by now are running and laughing, in the way that chairs of different sizes are being dragged and carried, and in the voices asking for food, softdrinks, or utensils (add more laughter here).  This is what a park is all about, I said to myself.  It’s very comfortable that families seemingly treat it as an extension of their home’s dining table.  There’s a constant buzz of activities that will surely put a smile on your lips – or a bit of envy especially if you have not had that kind of bonding experience with your family for a long time.

In the midst of an “orderly” chaos, there was a sense of serenity. The air at La Mesa Eco Park is fresher, the breeze cooler and that time seems to literally take its time.  Even if there are a lot of people around you, you can find a quiet spot inside the very expansive park. You can pause for a while in one of the stone benches, or sit (or even lie down) on a patch of grass – which is what I did.  And in that moment of silence, I relaxed and began to renew my spirit by assessing what I have done in 2009 and what I could accomplish in 2010. It sounds “cheesy” (a new term for being sentimental) but I felt that’s the right thing to do when your mind is clear and there’s no cellphone, youtube, PSP, etc. to distract you.

However, Kenford was more interested in more active activities. We walked further and arrived at a mini port where small boats for rent are docked along a clean river. The water comes from the waters of the La Mesa Dam. On that Sunday afternoon, the sun was softly caressing our skin. The whole scene was picture-perfect (we forgot to bring our digital cameras, which was a bad decision!) and the view reminded us how the beauty of nature has the power to evoke the senses. I was glad that I was “dragged” to that area though I didn’t try out the boat ride.

It was already around 4:30 p.m. but we haven’t totally explored the whole eco park yet. I noticed that the crowds especially in the picnic area were thinning out. And the sound of the forest seemed to reverberate more in our ears. The sun was turning like a mandarin orange hanging in the vast blue sky. The wind is now icier and I just kept myself warm by crossing my arm over my chest.
It was not exactly a spectacular experience but I was glad that I found a place to renew my spirit in this park

The La Mesa Dam Nature Reserve

In the outskirts of the metropolis lies a very scenic place where one can commune with nature, learn nature conservation, have a dose of fresh air and even get an adrenaline rush by going through the trails carefully laid out inside 2,700 hectares of forested area.  That place is called the La Mesa Nature Reserve, which can be found in the fringes of Quezon City.

Located just 12 kilometers from the Quezon City Memorial Circle is the La Mesa Nature Reserve.  It is actually a part of the La Mesa EcoPark, but it is where  gardening processes of seedlings are prepared for use in the entire La Mesa Watershed.

Unlike the EcoPark, the Nature Reserve does not have any permanent structures in the area except for a steel watchtower – used by the forest rangers in spotting forest fires – and a small concrete outhouse for the guests.  The visitors’ center, the nurseries and even the staff house are all made of timber with straw as roofing material.

The Nature Reserve is managed by Bantay Kalikasan which is the environmental arm of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.  They are responsible for the reforestation, management and protection of La Mesa’s 2,700 hectare watershed which is the source of water for over 12 million people in Metro Manila.  La Mesa gets most of its water from the Umiray, Angat, and Ipo watersheds.

In 1999, the management and protection of La Mesa was given to Bantay Kalikasan after the 2,000 illegal settlers who occupied wide tracts of land within the area left it in such a devastated state.  Back then, only 500 hectares of forests remained and the water was almost filthy as it was tested to contain high traces of coliform bacteria.

With the help of the Quezon City government, the illegal residents where resettled to other areas putting a stop to the wanton destruction of the watershed brought about by hillside clearings, slash and burn activities and timber poaching.  By 2001, when most of the illegal settlers were gone, the Bantay Kalikasan, through the help of donors, started its reforestation program — and in just nine years, have successfully reforested 1,400 hectares of the 1,500 hectares of denuded forest area.

After the successful rehabilitation of the La Mesa watershed, Bantay Kalikasan is now working on sustaining their program by offering nature appreciation activities and tours for a small fee.

Bantay Kalikasan offers nature appreciation tours for families where visitors walk through a long trail and road network inside the forest with in-house foresters giving the visitors a briefing about the dynamics of the forest.  This tour brings visitors inside the forest with treks lasting for two hours.

An educational tour is also offered to schools.  Foresters brief the students about the global, regional, national and local environmental conditions.  They are then led through the forest and are taught the inter-connectivity of the various ecosystems such as grassland, forest and river ecosystems.

In the nursery activity, visitors are taught the preparation of seedlings for planting at the La Mesa watershed.  Aside from being taught how to properly plant trees, visitors are also briefed on the advantages of organic farming as well as the process of producing nutrient-rich natural fertilizers trough vermiculture.

Bantay Kalikasan’s most prominent attraction however is the mountain bike trail.  There are 12 loops available for trekkers and bikers alike with loops as short as 1.9 kilometers to trails as long as 35 kilometers.

Five highly trained Foresters are available seven days a week and can handle tour groups of any size.  Two in-house agriculturists are on hand for nursery tours and 10 trail masters are always on stand by to guide visitors inside the forests.

All of the Bantay Kalikasan staff are well-trained in providing first aid to visitors with an emergency vehicle always on stand-by at the visitors’ center prepared for any eventuality.

A fee of P200 is collected from every person who visits the nature reserve.  They are open all-year-round but everyone is required to make a reservation before they visit.  Bantay Kalikasan can be reached at 938-2540.

Public parks and nature parks will never go out of style, no matter the theme parks and malls that offer attractive entertainment and more comfortable amenities. Nature offers the best attractions of a park – green grass, shady trees, colorful shrubs, water ponds, rock gardens. Twinkling lights tracing posts and trees cannot beat that. Neither can clowns, marching bands or heart-stopping carnival rides.

We’ve seen how theme parks have developed, attracting guests that fill up every space during holiday and summer breaks. Yet, public parks have not lost their share of crowds. It’s free, offers wide spaces to roam or to picnic, and it’s usually located in the middle of the city, or is accessible by public transportation.

In this issue, we feature three popular public parks – Rizal Park, Quezon City Memorial Circle and La Mesa Eco Park and Nature Park. La Mesa Nature Park has developed an area for bike trails and forest walks.

We’ve all spent hours in those parks but the visits the staff did for this story rolled out new and interesting emotions.
Lorraine’s visit to the Rizal Park inspired feelings of patriotism. Anjo’s and Aris’ trip to the La Mesa Nature Park sparked their affection for speed, riding skill and endurance. Johannes’ New Year’s Day walk in the La Mesa Eco Park slowed his pace for spiritual reflection. And my trek around the Quezon Memorial Circle roused happy memories of pleasant afternoons in the park with my three children, two of them now with their own families.

One memory of the Circle that always brings a laugh when we remember is the time a thunderstorm and heavy rain caught us while we were in the middle of the park. The girls were about 8 and 5, frightened by the thunder and lightning more than getting wet in the downpour. They laugh at the way we marched to my beat which went – “walk, walk, walk faster!”
Public parks are like that. They seem to be standing there forever. When you have the time to step into its rim, the sight of green grass, a wooden bench, an ice cream cart always brings a string of memories.

Why don’t you step into a pleasant memory next weekend? Visit the park.

Have a pleasant journey!