HOW TRAVEL CHANGED MY LIFE?

Mt. Pulag's summit, December 13,2015

They say "Life begins outside your comfort zone". I couldn't agree more to that. Because for someone who's life rotates within a four-cornered room, travelling is such a blessing.


I was once a typical girl who only stays at home, spend 9-13 hours in the office, drink coffee, watch movies and read books. Its like my daily life was confined in a cycle that you have to repeat the steps 1 to 3. Its boring right? I know! That's why I decided to break that cycle ,add some spice to my life- and my journey started. 

Catching sunset at Anawngin Cove, Zambales

I learned to be contented. 
I travel with only enough money in my pocket. I don't always book in luxurious hotels, I don't eat in fancy restaurants- my tent, my hammock and cook set were my best friends. For me, spending a night inside my tent at the campsite,counting stars and be mesmerized by it is far better than staying in a 5-star hotel. 

Relaxing at Pag-asa Beach, Camarines Norte

I learned to be confident.
Before travelling, I was always worried about what other people think of me. How I looked and dressed, how I talked and act were really important to me. I always had to look “nice and good” to impress people and I thought I really needed it for people to accept and like me. 

Now, I am more confident with myself. Wearing dry fit shirt and trekking shoes is much more comfortable for me than a branded dress and a high heels. I am more confident with myself that I will be able to attract people who would like and accept me for who I am. 

at the summit of Mt. Sipit-Ulang, MASCAP, Rizal

I learned to be humble. 
Of course I learned to be humble! Before travelling, I thought achievements in life is what will define a person. I thought it is your knowledge that will bring you to different places. But when I started travelling, I became no one. Whatever I achieved in life suddenly became nothing and I love it! 
Humility is one of the best things I've learned from climbing mountains. Mountain thought me that no matter how high you reach, your feet are still on the ground. 

Mt. Pundaquit, Zambales

I learned to live. 

As I visit different places, explored remote areas within our country, I discovered more people that needs a helping hand. I was blessed to be given opportunities to be a bridge of help to indigenous tribes and less fortunate children in remote places. Though I don't always understand their language, culture and beliefs, there's one thing I know, "I want to be a blessing to them". So i decided to get involved and even lead outreach missions that would deliver medical  and school supplies to remote places. Seeing them smile would totally relieve all the problems you have. Hearing tiny voices saying "Thank you" would energize you again to do another 8 hours trekking.

Outreach Mission with my team, Ulayaw-Ahon at Camarines Norte (nebeficiary: Tribu Kabihug) 

We all have our own reasons why we travel. To meet new friends, understanding one's culture, eating mouth-watering dishes (I think that's everyone's favorite, lols), waiting for the sunrise on the mountain top and waiting for it to come down while lying on the shore. With all those reasons and learning, I think I know now how travel changed my life?

with one of the local kids of Dumagat Tribe at Mt. Paliparan who received our Joy pack! 

"Before, I travel to escape the life I have. Now, I travel to find life and share it to others"

How travel changed my life could also change yours. 
So get out of your comfort zone, plan your first adventure and see how amazing this world could be.

Share yours too!
   Visit https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/how-travel-changed-my-life-blogger-       contest

   Keep traveling!

   Raine

   #TravelokaPH #WhyITravel  #TravelokaStories

DIY Dayhike: Mt. Daraitan traverse to Tinipak River

It was 31st of July, 2015 when me and my girls decided to conquer one of my "Dream mountains" - Mt. Daraitan. We were only group of 5 "Maarte girls" who wants to unwind and explore the world outside our graveyard industry - BPO.  (not including my 15 years old younger sister)

Mt. Daraitan is located in Rizal near the border of Quezon Province, which would take 3-4 hours travel time from Quezon City proper. Standing 739-meter-above-sea-level (MASL) is a great way to escape Metro - but with a thrill and fun adventures.

For me, this is just the 4th mountain that I've visited within this year, but I can say this is the best one so far. The trail is almost 60-75% assault which made it hard to climb. I almost blame myself of hiking without enough sleep and even proper work out few days prior.

But then... all sweats and muscle aches are all worth it!

Note: I'll be posting the photos first from this adventure and you can check the important details at the end of this blog.

Start of the trail. (I will not be a spoiler, so just visit this mountain and look for this sign) =)

View from station 1. (Original trail is composed of 3 stations only)

One of the main reasons why I love mountains - Because I can capture simple yet amazing creations. 

Note: All photos were captured using my Samsung Note 2, No filter, No edit.

Sharing this amazing view from the above, 10-15 mins far from the summit. 

You'll see the heart-shaped Tinipak River from afar.

 THE SUMMIT! Enjoy the 360 degrees view of Tanay, Rizal and Quezon. An amazing creations that will simply amaze you and would want you to live nearby the mountain's side. Of course, this wonderful view will be meaningless without a groufie :)

 

Proud Ate here! My 15 years old sister on her first hike ever!

Mt. Daraitan Hike wont be that awesome if not of its side trip - the Tinipak River and Caving.

All of panting and shaking legs will all be wiped out once you've seen this amazing river. 

 

Me\, my sister and my friends highly recommend this hike whether you're a beginner or experienced. Exploring the beauty of Daraitan will make you comeback and would want to stay for an overnight because locals will convince you to see their very own "Sea of Clouds". Who would have thought that with all the "kaartehan" we have, we were able to enjoy simplicity in life and conquer a one of a kind adventure. BTW, for the record, our tour guide told us that by observing us, we will reach sumit after 4 hours of hiking. And he is so wrong! We reached it just by 2 hours and 25 mins (proud are we...hahaha)

So as promised, here are things you should know when planning for MT. Daraitan Dayhike.(I wont be giving an itinerary, you can create your own so that you'll enjoy it even more -- Less expectation, over delivery. ^_^

*Terminal is at Starmall Shaw, you have 2 options if you will be commuting:

    1. By Van (which would cause some delay since then need to fill it in before leaving, fare is 70php)

    2. By Jeep (cheaper option, though ride would take an hour to 1 hr & 30 mins, fare is 58 php)

*Get off at Tanay Market terminal and ride a Tricycle going to Bgy. Daraitan. We only paid 500php for the 5 of us. Some blogs said its 600 max of 5 pax, but since we have talent in haggling, we were able to get it for 500 php only (another 1 hour to 1 hr and 30 mins drive)

*Take a boat for 5php each to cross over the river and ride tricycle for 10php per pax going to Bgy. Daraitan's Barangay Hall.

*I suggest you contact their Tour guides Club at least 2 days prior to confirm your arrival.

Contact Number:

President:  090695333470 (I forgot his name)

*Don't forget top check Accuweather 3 days prior your set hike to ensure the good weather, for your enjoyment and safety. 

*Tour guide fee for Day hike is 500php only. 

*If you're planning to go on overnight but you dont have equipments to use, you can contact them prior and they can set up tents for your group. I am not aware how much it is since we only do a day hike trip.

That's it for me, As I said, i am not a spoiler. I do share my experiences, but it'll be better if you'll create and write your own. :)

Enjoy hiking!

-Raine