I like going to places, even on my own or with a group. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to explore the northern part of Luzon - thanks to North Philippines Visitors Bureau's Lakbay Norte Media Tour. This is my first major travel experience for the year, and to say that it was quite amazing would be an understatement.
The numbers are in. We've conquered 9 provinces, traveled 1,728 km, stayed in 6 hotels in different areas and spent more than 40 hours on the road inside the coolest (coldest?) bus (Victory Liner) for 7 straight days. With overflowing food and a group of enthusiastic, videoke-addicts and daring (Ella) individuals who share the same passion for seeing more of our beloved country - it was truly a great way to start my 2010.
Our bus left the Victory Liner terminal in Kamias a little past 8pm. We geared up for the long journey ahead of us. Most of us dozed off or at least tried to and I was fortunate enough to get probably two hours of sleep. It was the longest land travel I have had so far - 10 hours on the road...
And so our adventure began...
Day 1: Cagayan
We arrived at Tuguegarao, Cagayan, our first destination at around 5:30am and proceeded to the Parish Pastoral Center to enjoy the breakfast hosted by Cagayan North Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNCVB). It was quite a hefty breakfast comprised of the local delicacies - patil . After the press briefing and a short presentation about Cagayan Valley, the troop geared up for our first adventure destination - Callao Cave.
The stalagmite and stalactite formations inside the cave were truly impressive and equally so was our energetic tour guide Gerald. He took us through the whole seven cave chambers:
1) Aviary Chamber - where Nido birds can be found
2)Highest Chamber - 162ft from ceiling to the ground. There is also a mother and child limestone rock formation that can be seen on the ceiling
3) Dark Room - where the "anaconda vs. crocodile" rock formation makes an interesting spectacle
4) Cream Room - derived from the rock formation that looks like scoops of ice cream
5) Jungle Area
6) Adventure Chamber
7) Eroded Chamber
After going through all the chambers in the cave and listening to Gerald's creative and animated description of the limestone rock formations, I went to try out one of the other adventure activities being offered in the area - rappelling. With harness in place and after hearing the instructions given, i took one step off the ledge and was quite unsuccessful - the result, a badly bruised and scratched leg. I had to be pulled up. That was my first attempt but then, my battle scars would not have been worth it had i not tried again and so I did and this time around, I reached the ground in good form (at least that what they said).
My first sort-of-extreme activity for the day -- CHECK!
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