Cruising

By ARIS R. ILAGAN

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. (more…)

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.” (more…)

By Anjo Perez

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. (more…)

SUMMER – oh, that season of wonderful memories! The time of the first dance, first kiss, first swim, first camping trip, first trek, first adventure. Summer never seems to leave without some water fun, be that afternoons in the club pool, mornings at the beach, weekends in a farm near a waterfall or river, camping along a lake. How can a summer pass without a water activity? (more…)

Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay. (Photo by Anjo Perez)

A four-day jaunt may just be the ideal vacation an urbanite needs to enjoy respite from urban drudgery while delighting in more pursuits not offered in a typical tourist package. Within this time frame, the traveler won’t be pressured to throw in every activity into the itinerary. Rather, it encourages a relaxed pace, ideally in a remote destination which can be reached after a long drive or commute via land.

(more…)

Heritage Village. (Photo by Jovel Lorenzo)

By Mae Lorraine S. Rafols

A three-day trip may not sound like a vacation. Most people if given a three-day break from work, would probably opt to stay at home, sleep or simply go to the mall if in need of entertainment.

(more…)

By Chris A. Datol

Picnic Grove

For tourists with two days to spare and a craving for a weekend out-of-town escapade, Tagaytay looms as an ideal choice for its cool mountain weather and varied selection of travelers’ pursuits.

(more…)