Mount Samat National Shrine in Bataan(2015)

The first time with my partner brought me here was way back year 2015 then The way up to Mt. Samat is kinda scary for a first timer like me. Aside from the zigzag road you can bangking on the road, on your left or right is a cliff, scared that we may fall if we are not going to be careful. But, when we reached the peak, it was an accomplishment for us basta swabeh lang pagpatakbo mo.. It was an adventurous and awesome trip for us. The entrance fee was only 20pesos. Before..but now..i think 35 t0 40 pesos on high peak season.

Here is the story of mount samat,
This article is about the National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mount Samat. For Mount Samat, the mountain in Bataan, see Mount Samat.
Mount Samat National Shrine (Tagalog pronunciation: [samat]) or Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valour) is a historical shrine located near the summit of Mount Samat in the town of Pilár, Province of Bataan, in the Republic of the Philippines. The memorial shrine complex was built to honor and remember the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II.

Location: Pilár, Bataan, Philippines
Coordinates: 14°36′20.80″N 120°30′32.17″E
Area: 73,665 hectares (182,030 acres)
Created: 1970
Operated by: Provincial Government of Bataan
Open: year round National Shrine April 14, 1966

👉Nationwide Riders Organization (NRO)

@joel sario escobal
The Adventurer,journey around the philippines

RIDES IN MANILA to APARRI CAGAYAN VALLEY PROVINCE

The Adventure northern luzon loop
Here is the some of Riders Blog rides

From manila you can take NLEX via TPLEX entry to binalonan pangasinan anden going street to rosario la union after that..if you use service road take McArthor Highway MANILA-APARRI, More or less 14hrs and 750klmtrs.
go street to san fernando la union wag kang kakanan pagdating mo ng rosario la union dahil ang bagsak mo pag kumanan ka is baguio city or pa mount pulag. So now..if you dont know road..you can use your google map or waze para walang kaligaw..so when you reach vigan city..pasyal pasyal ka muna or pweee ka mag overnight somewhere in vigan beaches or hotel town..but dont expect about expenses..kasi vigan is one of famous town kaya..expect muna yong mamahalin na anything you want.😊 after that the next big town is laoag city..anden pagudpud to Aparri province..
After a while of researching kong ano ano meron sa aparri pero wala naman syang pinagkaiba sa mga ibang town na kilala anput resorts and adventures places, and we decided to do it. So now..after all, Aparri is the northest ridable part of Luzon. The real “END OF THE ROAD” yan ang sabi ng karamihan..pero for me..the end of north luzon is..Sta. Ana Cagayan Valley.
Aparri!is a 1st class municipalityin the province of Cagayan, Luzon, Philippines. According to the latest census, Aparri has a population of 69,024 people.

Aparri has an approximate income of Php 90,000,000.00. Aparri sits at the mouth of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the Philippines, about 55 miles north of Tuguegarao, the provincial capital.
Aparri was then a Japanese trading post established on 1405 because of its location at the northern tip of Luzon. But it was established as one of the major ports of the Galleon Trade on May 11, 1680 because it is located at the mouth of the mighty Cagayan River towards the flourishing city of then Nueva Segovia. The original inhabitants of this town were the Ybanags/Ibanags. Later, as the Spaniards settled and with its strategic location, Ilocanos and Chinese people settled in the area.

Aparri is one of the most famous towns in Cagayan, rivaling that of Tuguegarao, the Capital City.It is also famous for its foods such as the “bulung unas” which is dried baby eels and the “ludung” which is the Philippines’ most expensive fish ranging from 4,000 pesos to 5,000 per piece. It is only caught in the Aparri delta where the Cagayan River meets the Babuyan Sea and is only available in the rainy months of November. #ridersctto #rideslast2017

RIDER ITENERARY;
👉 McArthor highway Service road
MANILA-APARRI, More or less 17hrs and 800klmtrs.
👉Thru NLEX-TPLEX via McArthor Highway
MANILA-APARRI, More or less 14hrs and 750klmtrs.

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👉 @Diary Ni Paps Joel

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Tha Adventurer,Journey Around the Philippines

RIDES in BALER AURORA PROVINCE

BOUNDARY OF BALER
We are headed northeast, passing of Nueva Ecija province before entering the Sierra Madre mountain range, which forms the boundary N.E and BALER

WELCOME TO TOWN OF BALER

HOW TO GET THERE IN BALER AURORA PROVINCE:

From Manila, travel time to Baler is roughly 5 to 6 hours. pero kong naka motor ka you can rides also 4hrs from manilla pero depende parin sa rider ng motor sometimes you get there in 6hrs. maximum tapus sa gas consumption depende rin sa rider kayo nalang bahala mag budget and If you're taking public transportation, the most direct way to get there is via the Joy Bus of Genesis Transport. You can also reach Baler via Victory Liner bus to Cabanatuan. From there, you'll have to transfer to a van or another bus to bring you to Baler.

If there is one thing I long ride sa iba pero but for me parang hindi na ako nalalayuan dahil ill go there in 5x rides BAKA NGA SIGURO NASANAY NA AKO SA BYAHE kaya parang malapit nalang sakin., but at the same time try to avoid in doing my rides dahil you got twistist on the road kaya sometimes pag kulang ka sa balance ng pagdadrive mo sa motor..you get SIMPLANG hehe more on zigzag sya pag nasa itaas kana ng bundok hangang sa pa town ng baler.,For those who have been following my journey, you should know that I’ve been to all 30 provinces in the island of Luzon, save for one – Aurora. From Matnog, Sorsogon all the way to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Countless trips going up north, doing the Northern Luzon Loop several times – there is always one destination missing and the only one I haven’t crossed out in my Luzon island bucket list – and that is the province of Aurora. I always seem to sort of skip one particular province for one reason or another. But now that I have a chance, I made sure I would conquer Aurora. One boring Sunday afternoon, and that’s what I thought. I didn’t know that a routine ride would be a trip of a lifetime for me.

 

 STREET FOOD IN BALER

I'm vegetarian and I was so happy to find this humble place serving local fern salad and salted duck eggs with rice. A must-visit in Baler!

We headed out for dinner. We first checked places around the beach and when none tickled our fancy, we took a tricycle or you can use your own motorcycle to going the town center, where we settled for a nice outdoor restaurant, ordering seafood and soup.

Sunrise in Dicasalarin Cove

There are a lot of surfing points in Baler - Sabang Beach, Cemento Beach, Charlie's Point, and Lindy's Point. Sabang Beach is perfect for beginners.

SEASIDE VIEW DECK in SABANG BEACH

Where to Stay in Baler

Accommodation in Baler ranges from budget inns to posh hotels and most of them are located in Sabang Beach, the popular surfing spot.

For solo backpackers, Jam and Jen’s Lodge KOBO (Contact Number: +639215983588 /+639162001731) offers single pwede rin mag jowa fan room for as low as P700-1000 per night. The place is along the street parallel to the beach, right beside Costa Pacifica. On non-peak season, you can get the room for as low as P600-1000 for two guest.

BAYAN NG BALER AURORA 

COCONUT – stands for major agricultural products of the municipality

RAYS OF THE SUN – the number signifies the five (5) barangay in the Poblacion which is the urban core.

BALOD (Mountain Dove) – a large mountain dove (Paloma Montes) that once abundant in the place. The number constitute the thirteent (13) outlying Barangays of the Municipality of Baler.

COCONUT TREE PALM (Palapa ng Niyog) – symbolizes the Barangays, which have been noted for agricultural base with vast rice land.

RICE FIELDS AND SACK OF RICE – represents the second major agricultural products which is palay/rice and the six (6) barangays with vast rice land

 SEA (Baler Bay) – characterized the rich marine resources of the place which is potential for fishery and eco-tourism development.

MOUNTAINS – shows endowment with natural resources and sceneries as pristine mountains, luscious forest, rock formation, inland water bodies and minerals as well as beautiful beaches.

BUILT-UP CONFIGURATIONS – it represent the town’s national historical landmark which is the Baler Church, Once served as the Spanish Garrison in the country. The old Municipal hall built during early 1950s, the site since then serves as the center of local government administration.

                                  BALER LOGO

It was founded as a mission by Franciscan missionaries headed by Fr. Blas Palomino in 1609. ... In 1703 Baler was returned to the Franciscans. On December 27, 1935, a big tidal wave or “tromba marina” wiped out the town, then located at Barrio Sabang.

SABANG BEACH 

For Php350 only, You got an hour board rental with instructor. I'm kinda nervous since it was my first-time ride like this here in baler bahala na si instructor sakin magmamarunong nalang siguro ako nito hehe., I've been wanting to try this since I find surfers soooo hot. Oops! Well, I just want to belong. Just want to try if I'll look hot too.

Riding the Waves of Sabang Beach

WAVE SEASIDE SABANG BEACH

Riding the Waves of Sabang Beach

I never thought that there would ever be a chance that I'll try surfing; I am quite scared of the waves plus I really do not know how to swim like a pro that was why I never dared to. But as the saying goes, "Life starts at the end of your comfort zone" .

Ditumabo Fall, the Mother Falls! 

Going Around and Away

Tricycle is the common mode of transport in Baler, minimum fare is P10. It is also the cheapest mode of transportation in touring the town. A tour of Baler can be arranged for as low as P700 (March 2013 rate) for a trike that can sit at most four passengers. The tour includes the attractions around the Poblacion (Baler Museum, Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon House, Baler Church and Plaza), Ermita Hill, Fish Port, Lukso-Lukso Islet, Anao Islet, Diguisit Falls, Mother Falls and the Old Balete Tree.

Buses, vans and jeepneys going to Cabanatuan, San Luis, Maria Aurora, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag are stationed in Baler Central Terminal while the Genesis buses to Manila are in their own terminal near the public market.

Baler is also connected to the northern towns of Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag by commercial boat. There are public boats that depart from its own port known as “Duungan”, but trips are only possible when the sea is calm.

The historic Baler Church

The church of Baler looks very simple but is actually rich with history. Some of the facts I learned from Baler’s website, information from the National Historical Commission and articles from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts surprised me.

SEASIDE KODO HOUSE 

AFTERNOON GETTING READY GOING BACK HOME IN MANILA;

We headed back to Sabang Beach para last na pagliligo dahil paawi na ng manila,we put all our valuables at the trunk of  my box  in my motorcycle and were escorted to our cottage keep on my all things para ligpitin. Tired from our early start/last today, we all took a nap. It remained overcast the entire afternoon.

Other notable places to stay are:

• Aliya Surf Camp and Resort (Sabang)
  Contact Number :+639399390929
  Email: info@aliyasurfcamp.com
  Room Rate:  P2,100 >
• Amco Beach Resort (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +639214117671/+6323303515
• Amihan Aplaya Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +639186328566 / +639184263268
• Bay’s Inn (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +639189266697/+639089823509
  Email: baysinnbaler@gmail.com
  Room Rate: P800 >
• Bayler View Hotel (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +639192863105 /+639273638735
  Email Address: baylerviewhotel@yahoo.com
  Room Rates: P1,400 >
• Cocohut Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +6342-2094341
• Costa Pacifica (Sabang) *Formerly Bahia de Baler
  Contact Number: +6325194249
  Email: inquiry@costapacificabaler.com
• Desiree’s Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +639204800978/+639217518490
  Room Rate: P600 >
• El Trophine Lodge (Suklayin)
  Contact Number: +639193737575/+639387972080
  Room Rate: P700 (aircon) >
• Isla Virgina Resort (Sabang)
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Isla.Virginia.Resort
  Contact Number: +63919-8653703/+63920-7550467
  Room Rate: P2,000 >
• Kahea’s Lodge / Surfer’s Inn (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +63920-8689477/+63921-5480823
• Little Girl’s Surfers Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +63907-7041186 / +63918-6859449
  Room Rates: P500 >
• Mel’s Nest Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +63920-5245004
• MM Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +63910-8440452/+63919-537940
• Moreno Lodge (Suklayin)
  Contact Number: +63-042-2094208/+63-042-2094207
  Room Rate: P750 (aircon) >
• Noel Carl’s Garden and Resort (Suklayin)
  Contact Number: +63-042-2094265/+63918-53933870
• Oasis of Baler Resort (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +63920-4606866/+63918-6676749/+63919-4749116
• Pacific Waves Inn (Sabang)
  Email Address: marvinlee12@gmail.com
  Contact Number: +63917-8950276/+63-5143020
• Sanchez Resort (Cemento)
  Contact Number: +63920-8129998
• Sea Breeze Lodge (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +63915-322-5994
  Room Rate: P500
• Secret Spot (Sabang)
  Contact Number: +639434898188/+639284531777
  Room Rate: P750 (fan)
• Trezzo Inn (Sabang)
  Contact Number: (+63) 927-894-7232 / (+63) 920-567-8153 / (+63) 916-255-6025
  Room Rates: P500

#RIDERblogger

JOEL ESCOBAL

The Adventurer,Journey around the philippines

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CHRISTMAS CHARITY at NATIONAL CHILDREN HOSPITAL

🎂🎁BIRTHDAY/CHRISTMAS CHARITY🎁🎂
at.. 🏨NATIONAL CHILDRENS HOSPITAL🏨

Thank you Lord for this wonderful day. Bless all the people who make this activity successful. To all our Guest Sponsors, Blessed Angel's Project and Friends, Clyte Gapas and Mark Ashlee Tee, Thank you so much and Advanced Merry Christmas from all NCH PT Staff, NCH Rehab Patients/Parents/Guardians. #BlessedAngelsProject #ThanksgivingEvent#GratefulToAllSponsors #Abundance #Blessings #ToGodBeTheGlory💗💕💓
#PTRehabDepartment

The Adventurer,
Diary Ni Paps Joel

CAPTURING with us.

RIDES IN BOLINAO PANGASINAN

ITINERARY RIDES:

TANDANG SORA-PAMPANGA-MARIVELES BATAAN via MORONG BATAAN ENTRY TO SBMA-IBA ZAMBALES via CANDELARIA ZAMBALES-BOLINAO PANGASINAN via DAGUPAN PANGASINAN-TARLAC via CONCEPTION-STA.ANA PAMPANGA-MANILA

KILOMETERS DISTANCE:870-900klmtrs
DAYS TRAVEL: 19-20hrs w/ STOP OVER
SPEED TRAVEL: Min.of 60kph Max.of 130kph to 145kph
TRAVEL USE: KEEWAY RKS150
RIDER: Philippine Looper Adventurer

Boundary of Bolinao and Bani pangasinan

We just had a quicky ride to Bolinao! Meaning we went there and headed back home all in just 2 day, without the privilege of sleep. This was one hell of an adventure, for sure.

We had our lunch at Chowking Alaminos and almost immediately, took off to find a place to rest and possibly take a nap. We found a very unlikely serene place to rest ourselves at patar beach bolinao using my tent sleep with 7hrs only after the day and after swimming go again to manila because i have a work and family for waiting for me.

JULIANS BUKO GRILL one of the best restaurant stop over of all riders here.
                                                  

JAVA RICE 

JULIAN'S SINIGANG SEAFOODS 

CHILI EXPENSIVE 15pesos each

Now, instead of taking the same route we traversed, we decided to head to

Pangasinan via Tarlac to make our trip more exciting and adventuresome. We just made a northern Luzon loop! Well, maybe, just the lower half of Luzon loop. Still, t’was a very long and exhausting ride, but the satisfaction of knowing and being able to share this accomplishment, everything is well worth it!

We all disbanded at Monumento at about 10:30pm arrived home.THANKS GOD.

#RIDERblog

#RGTheRGCommunity

JOEL S. ESCOBAL
THE PHILIPPINE LOOPER
The Adventurer,Journey Around the Phils.

VIGAN ILOCOS SUR, The Adventurer Journey Around The Philippines

ARK OF VIGAN CITY ILOCOS SUR

Vigan is a city in the Philippines, on the west coast of Luzon island. It's known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions. Near the white baroque Vigan Cathedral are Plaza Salcedo, offering fountain light shows, and Plaza Burgos, known for its street-food stalls.

Took us 8-10 hours motorcycle drive from Manila to this place. The road trip going up north is an experience as you witness vast lands welcomes you on you first 3-4hours on the road but can be tiresome seeing fleeting images as our motorcycle passes by for the next 3-4hours. After countless stopovers for restroom and meals, we then arrived in Vigan.

We were tired and weary from the travel, but the sight of the heritage houses, the gallop of the horses’ shoes against the cobblestone road, the smell of garlic and townfolks walking calmly along the streets brushed away our gnarly feeling and we begin to feel giddy inside.

Incredibly exceptional among other cities here in The Philippines as compared to other towns, because of the town’s preservation of old Vigan.

Kalesa

One of the oldest towns in the Philippines, Vigan is a Spanish-colonial fairy tale of Molave wood mansions, cobblestone pavements and clattering horse-drawn carriages or as we call it Kalesa.

Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and town scape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

VIGAN CITY OF THE MOST POPULAR STORE SOUVENIRS IN CITY 

The truth about this Unesco World Heritage site is a little more complicated. Vigan is the finest surviving example of a Spanish colonial town in Asia, but outside Crisologo and a few surrounding blocks, it’s a noisy Filipino town as well.

You may find it easier to appreciate the places where history is alive, where you can smell the aroma of freshly baked empanadas wafting past antique shops, pottery collectives, and capiz-shell windows.

Authenticity

VIGAN SHIRTS

Vigan has maintained its authenticity in its grid historic urban layout and use of open spaces. Local conduct commerce at the lower floors and uses the upper levels as their residences. The consciousness of the need to preserve authenticity has significantly increased since the site was inscribed. protection practices that have developed organically over the last three centuries are now being re-introduced, making use of a substantial reserve of traditional building crafts that have survived.

The city is approximately 406-410KM or 252.277 miles from Manila. You may opt to take your own car or motorcycle.

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DiaryRides Ni Paps Joel,The Adventurer Journey Around The Philippines