Monday, September 30, 2013

Aeta outreach Project in Sitio Banaba, Porac, Pampanga

 




It all started upon knowing that we have a waterfall in my hometown. At this point that I have heard about this waterfall, I would have climbed several mountains and been pinned to nature already.

So, upon knowing I had one on my hometown, i thought it was but unfair that I have not seen it. In just days, I immediately visited it. (see here and here for my previous posts on these visits).









It may not be as mesmerizing as Tinuy-an falls, or even Ditumabo falls, but there was that enchanting feeling when I stood in front of the waterfall over sturdy walls of the mountains next to it, like in a dome of praise. Then I thought about writing an article to give more information, and hopefully encourage more people to visit what we have.



I got a few comments on my write up which meant indeed, more people getting interested in the place. I realized this could be an alternative livelihood for the aetas who can guide guests for some fees.

Meantime, I did not want these Aetas to be like those in Cawag, Zambales who wouldn’t have anything with them when they guide; No tents, no water bottle, no bags whatsoever.











I have a hammock which I use in place of a tent, and most of those travel/hike buddies who has seen it were asking where I got it. Then, I thought about using it to raise funds. I bought in bulk, and topped the price with what they’d normally pay in fare to get to the supplier. I sold enough to buy 2 sets of bags and tents.

I was looking for an occasion where I can hand these out, and came up with this bright idea of bringing my mountaineering group, Sabit Sabit Mountaineers, to the spot and probably conducting a feeding program too since we’ll come across the aetas along the way. Their diet depends on their resources which is just basically bananas and yam, and I wanted them to have a taste of something else.





Further, we thought about gathering some donation so we have something to leave them with, perhaps at least a kilo of rice, 2 noodles, and a canned good. Heavens blessed us, we solicited about P30K pesos of cash and about P20K worth of goods, plus about P10k of funds among joiners for the feeding program.













Friday came and we met in Victory Liner. I think we filled the compartment of the bus no 807 with donated goods (not to mention we have a bulk, probably twice as much, packed and waiting at our house in Pampanga).

















We arrived in Pampanga with our energy levels as if we have just awoken. The loud voices couldn’t deny; Daes and Nikki were so confined at their cooking, while the rest were uninterruptible with their repacking; I am so glad I got the right people.

Just few hours later, I received a message from Al that they’re close to the where I am supposed to pick them up. The kitchen crew were almost done so I requested that food be ready so we can do a boodle fight breakfast before heading to the Municipality where the truck is waiting. We planned on cooking right in sitio banaba, but then, we thought it would be most time effective if we rather bring it cooked.

By 8am, we were already in the Municipality. The truck came after just a little while. Everybody having fun, and everything was so much in place.

Then again, just less than a kilometer away from sapang uwak, we start with the slippery mud terrain... The truck can’t handle it; It was too slippery that gravity and the mud pulls it more than it can push itself. We had no choice but to disembark. I asked the group to trek henceforward, while we detoured back to the barangay to chance on 4x4s if not carabaos; Worst and Unexpectedly, none of these options wanted to help us. Time was running and I was kind of lost of options.

Soon enough, the sitio’s chieftain has arrived. As I have informed her of our plans during our ocular visit 2 weeks ago, she had expected our arrival and was close by when that happened. She called in some of the local aetas from her sitio, and asked to bring some of the goods. She has also requested help from the other aetas from Sapang Uwak, but these people did not want to carry knowing that they are not the benefactors (whoof!). We had to ask the locals of Sitio Banaba to advance and to call in additional help; The goods were too heavy though and the movement was very slow.

Some of my peers have called me and suggested that we ask the people from sitio banaba to trek down and pick up their goods individually (per family), but It wasn’t a good idea as I did not want the Sapang Uwak locals to envy their folks. Besides, it’s really going to be a riot if we distribute there especially we don’t know who’s from where. We’re really running out of time, so I asked chieftain Bulaglag to stay while I walk with my pack and some goods to the Sitio to command some help from the locals there.




On my way to the Sitio, I’ve seen Rose – the other head of this event who I have full respect for her genuine desire to help – from planning to execution. Ahead of even the boys, she was hurrying to get to the good and help lift. The rest of the team came, including the not-really-a-trekker doctor whom we have plead to join us to check the medical condition of the locals.




Gladly, by past 12noon, we were all in the site with all the goods. We’re almost done with cooking too, and the site is filled with the expected number of locals already. It’s time we serve food.

I couldn’t forget the spirit there was with the locals after they’ve eaten. Everyone was cheered up and ready to play fool; Young ones and even adults were dancing around. At one point, I stood away to have a wider look, and couldn’t help but smile at my fulfilment. I was at awe at how much our effort has paid.

It was beginning to rain, and darkness is catching us. We distributed the goods, took some pictures with our patrons banners/fans signs and then set up our camp. Instead of the planned camping at the Porac viewdeck, weather wise, we thought about staying so we can comfortably conduct our fellowship.


Special thanks to Victory Liner for ever supporting Sabit Sabit Mountaineer’s activities; Those who donated cash and goods, and some even coming from overseas (June Kim, Sir Franc Uy, Stat, Renan, Francis, Cecille, JC of Byaherong Ilonggo, Mami Weng of Byaheng Jologs, Yeng of Manaloto Accounting Firm, Julie, Josie, Pam, Charisse, Major, Loreen, Ron, Ozcar, Erwin, Joy, Donna, Dang, Jhopay, and a lot of Rose friends).
 




It all started upon knowing that we have a waterfall in my hometown. At this point that I have heard about this waterfall, I would have climbed several mountains and been pinned to nature already.

So, upon knowing I had one on my hometown, i thought it was but unfair that I have not seen it. In just days, I immediately visited it. (see here and here for my previous posts on these visits).









It may not be as mesmerizing as Tinuy-an falls, or even Ditumabo falls, but there was that enchanting feeling when I stood in front of the waterfall over sturdy walls of the mountains next to it, like in a dome of praise. Then I thought about writing an article to give more information, and hopefully encourage more people to visit what we have.



I got a few comments on my write up which meant indeed, more people getting interested in the place. I realized this could be an alternative livelihood for the aetas who can guide guests for some fees.

Meantime, I did not want these Aetas to be like those in Cawag, Zambales who wouldn’t have anything with them when they guide; No tents, no water bottle, no bags whatsoever.











I have a hammock which I use in place of a tent, and most of those travel/hike buddies who has seen it were asking where I got it. Then, I thought about using it to raise funds. I bought in bulk, and topped the price with what they’d normally pay in fare to get to the supplier. I sold enough to buy 2 sets of bags and tents.

I was looking for an occasion where I can hand these out, and came up with this bright idea of bringing my mountaineering group, Sabit Sabit Mountaineers, to the spot and probably conducting a feeding program too since we’ll come across the aetas along the way. Their diet depends on their resources which is just basically bananas and yam, and I wanted them to have a taste of something else.





Further, we thought about gathering some donation so we have something to leave them with, perhaps at least a kilo of rice, 2 noodles, and a canned good. Heavens blessed us, we solicited about P30K pesos of cash and about P20K worth of goods, plus about P10k of funds among joiners for the feeding program.













Friday came and we met in Victory Liner. I think we filled the compartment of the bus no 807 with donated goods (not to mention we have a bulk, probably twice as much, packed and waiting at our house in Pampanga).

















We arrived in Pampanga with our energy levels as if we have just awoken. The loud voices couldn’t deny; Daes and Nikki were so confined at their cooking, while the rest were uninterruptible with their repacking; I am so glad I got the right people.

Just few hours later, I received a message from Al that they’re close to the where I am supposed to pick them up. The kitchen crew were almost done so I requested that food be ready so we can do a boodle fight breakfast before heading to the Municipality where the truck is waiting. We planned on cooking right in sitio banaba, but then, we thought it would be most time effective if we rather bring it cooked.

By 8am, we were already in the Municipality. The truck came after just a little while. Everybody having fun, and everything was so much in place.

Then again, just less than a kilometer away from sapang uwak, we start with the slippery mud terrain... The truck can’t handle it; It was too slippery that gravity and the mud pulls it more than it can push itself. We had no choice but to disembark. I asked the group to trek henceforward, while we detoured back to the barangay to chance on 4x4s if not carabaos; Worst and Unexpectedly, none of these options wanted to help us. Time was running and I was kind of lost of options.

Soon enough, the sitio’s chieftain has arrived. As I have informed her of our plans during our ocular visit 2 weeks ago, she had expected our arrival and was close by when that happened. She called in some of the local aetas from her sitio, and asked to bring some of the goods. She has also requested help from the other aetas from Sapang Uwak, but these people did not want to carry knowing that they are not the benefactors (whoof!). We had to ask the locals of Sitio Banaba to advance and to call in additional help; The goods were too heavy though and the movement was very slow.

Some of my peers have called me and suggested that we ask the people from sitio banaba to trek down and pick up their goods individually (per family), but It wasn’t a good idea as I did not want the Sapang Uwak locals to envy their folks. Besides, it’s really going to be a riot if we distribute there especially we don’t know who’s from where. We’re really running out of time, so I asked chieftain Bulaglag to stay while I walk with my pack and some goods to the Sitio to command some help from the locals there.




On my way to the Sitio, I’ve seen Rose – the other head of this event who I have full respect for her genuine desire to help – from planning to execution. Ahead of even the boys, she was hurrying to get to the good and help lift. The rest of the team came, including the not-really-a-trekker doctor whom we have plead to join us to check the medical condition of the locals.




Gladly, by past 12noon, we were all in the site with all the goods. We’re almost done with cooking too, and the site is filled with the expected number of locals already. It’s time we serve food.

I couldn’t forget the spirit there was with the locals after they’ve eaten. Everyone was cheered up and ready to play fool; Young ones and even adults were dancing around. At one point, I stood away to have a wider look, and couldn’t help but smile at my fulfilment. I was at awe at how much our effort has paid.

It was beginning to rain, and darkness is catching us. We distributed the goods, took some pictures with our patrons banners/fans signs and then set up our camp. Instead of the planned camping at the Porac viewdeck, weather wise, we thought about staying so we can comfortably conduct our fellowship.


Special thanks to Victory Liner for ever supporting Sabit Sabit Mountaineer’s activities; Those who donated cash and goods, and some even coming from overseas (June Kim, Sir Franc Uy, Stat, Renan, Francis, Cecille, JC of Byaherong Ilonggo, Mami Weng of Byaheng Jologs, Yeng of Manaloto Accounting Firm, Julie, Josie, Pam, Charisse, Major, Loreen, Ron, Ozcar, Erwin, Joy, Donna, Dang, Jhopay, and a lot of Rose friends).
Read More »

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

White water rafting in Cagayan de Oro city


Travel bud Choks arranged everything in this trip, and I must be honest I have no preparations nor any contribution for this trip. All i know is that i decided to go just a day before the flight, had to finish my laundry the night before, and have not had sleep at all.






Upon landing in landinguin airport, we head straight to Vines pension house in Cagayan De Oro where we will be picked up by the Kagay team (our tour operator for the whitewater rafting).

It was a not so quick jeepney ride to the river, which as they say, divides cagayan and bukidnon. Apart from our group, There were 3 others in the jeep who will go for beginner level; So, after dropping us to our jump off, they proceeded somewhere else where they waited for us while we track through the advanced level.

Funny thing that happened was, we didn't flip anywhere in the advanced level rapids, but twice on the beginner level. The first time we fell off the raft was awkward. It was actually very easy; yet, we were foolig around at the time so 3 of 4 fell off the raft.





The second one was rather unprecedented. I could see from the face of the guide that he didn't expect us flipping. I think it was due rather to the distribution of our weight thats why we flipped. The rapid is facing the white wall, and while we were trying to maneuver sidewards, we were caught off hook diagonal to the direction of the current, such that we hit the wall with the heavier side of the raft on the latter position.


I must say it was a bad flip and I could tell from the face of the guides how unexpected it is. Overall though, had we not flipped, i would have found the rafting 100% boring (not sure because lack of rest and sleep made me short of good vibes). It takes too much time to get to the next rapid; and it is not called rapid for nothing; it happens too quickly, and takes too long to get to each of the 24 rapids.

There was also some part where we spotted some snakes hanging up the trees. (One more thing that made it less boring). Also, i jumpe off the raft at some streams; let myself flow woth the water, to make it more fun.



We each paid 1100 for the advanced level rafting with Kagay.



Essential: sunblock and armsleeves perhaps. The 3hours course under the burning sun is sure going to cook you well done.

At the end of the course is a nice resort with P50 entrance. Might want to add that to the iti. They also serve food and snacks for guests (and finishers of the rafting).


Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

Travel bud Choks arranged everything in this trip, and I must be honest I have no preparations nor any contribution for this trip. All i know is that i decided to go just a day before the flight, had to finish my laundry the night before, and have not had sleep at all.






Upon landing in landinguin airport, we head straight to Vines pension house in Cagayan De Oro where we will be picked up by the Kagay team (our tour operator for the whitewater rafting).

It was a not so quick jeepney ride to the river, which as they say, divides cagayan and bukidnon. Apart from our group, There were 3 others in the jeep who will go for beginner level; So, after dropping us to our jump off, they proceeded somewhere else where they waited for us while we track through the advanced level.

Funny thing that happened was, we didn't flip anywhere in the advanced level rapids, but twice on the beginner level. The first time we fell off the raft was awkward. It was actually very easy; yet, we were foolig around at the time so 3 of 4 fell off the raft.





The second one was rather unprecedented. I could see from the face of the guide that he didn't expect us flipping. I think it was due rather to the distribution of our weight thats why we flipped. The rapid is facing the white wall, and while we were trying to maneuver sidewards, we were caught off hook diagonal to the direction of the current, such that we hit the wall with the heavier side of the raft on the latter position.


I must say it was a bad flip and I could tell from the face of the guides how unexpected it is. Overall though, had we not flipped, i would have found the rafting 100% boring (not sure because lack of rest and sleep made me short of good vibes). It takes too much time to get to the next rapid; and it is not called rapid for nothing; it happens too quickly, and takes too long to get to each of the 24 rapids.

There was also some part where we spotted some snakes hanging up the trees. (One more thing that made it less boring). Also, i jumpe off the raft at some streams; let myself flow woth the water, to make it more fun.



We each paid 1100 for the advanced level rafting with Kagay.



Essential: sunblock and armsleeves perhaps. The 3hours course under the burning sun is sure going to cook you well done.

At the end of the course is a nice resort with P50 entrance. Might want to add that to the iti. They also serve food and snacks for guests (and finishers of the rafting).


Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro
Read More »

Thursday, September 19, 2013

P13,273: What I spent in Mindanao for 13 days

I left manila with a 10L backpack stuffed with 4 pairs of clothes, a towel, battery bank, portable speaker, underwater iphone case, toiletries, atm and student id (very imporant :-) ). I have been enjoying spontaniety a lot, so not even an itinerary with me (except that I knew the provinces I wanted to go to and Asik Asik at the top priority). More than that, I just asked around, and researched on my 3G while in the airport, jeeps, bus, trikes, etc. (Did I mention I brought my Mcdonalds Happy Meal minion with me? :-) )

Below is what I spent in 13 days and where I got myself to:







Day 1: Gumasa Beach (with 3 others)
Taxi 250/4=62.50
Jeep to Gumasa fr Lagao: 50 (topload)
Habal back to Glan from Beach: 20
Food: 30
Van to Gensan: 70 (student fare)
Trike to Tyongson: 8
Dunkin Donuts: 180
Room: 700/4=175
Total: P720








Day 2: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Breakfast: 57
Trike from Kadulasan St, Gensan to Bus Terminal: 16
Bus from Gensan to Denmark Van Terminal in Marbel: 75
Van from Marbel to Lake Sebu: 55
Skylab: 200 (Half day service: 150+tip)
Lunch: 105
Entrance (7falls): 20
T'boli Costume Rental: 50
Dinner: 90
Alcohol: 144
Lodge: 60
Total: P875




Day 3: Lake Sebu + Marbel City (had to stay in the city as I have an online exam in grad school)
Habal: 100 (from Lodge to National Artist and back to terminal)
Cassava+Cofi: 16
Van from Lake Sebu to Marbel: 55
Lunch: 35
Trike: 8
Internet: 27
Trike: 8
Eduards Lodge: 230 (single fan room common toilet)
Dinner: 75
Cofi+bread:35
Internet: 35
Trike: 8
Total: P642









Day 4: Sultan Kudarat Capitol, Pink Mosque Datu Saudi Maguindanao
Breakfast: 65
Trike to yellow bus: 8
Bus Fare: 45+15 (From Marbel you have to Pay up to Tacurong; And in Tacurong, they issue another ticket for P15)
Trike: 20 (The bus missed dropping me in the capitol so had to take a trike back, and then return to roundball, a.k.a. roundabout where I took the jeep to Datu Saudi Maguindanao).
Jeep to Datu Saudi: 40
Softdrink: 10
Jeep from Datu Saudi to Cotabato City: 50
Lunch: 60
Van from Cotabato City to Midsayap: 60
Skylab to kitacubong, alamada: 70 (missed the last trip; was supposed to sleep in the outpost but was lucky to catch a habal service on his way home willing to take any amount; jeep fare from midsayap to alamada was P50 so gave P20 extra)
Dinner (3burgers, 1 zesto)=73 (Didn't eat all burgers; 2 i handed over to the barangay tanods with me in the hall; just makng clear im not a bburger monster)
Internet=16
Total: P532



Day 5: Asik Asik Falls
Marlboro: 60
Coffee+Pandecoco: 16
Coffee+bread: 15
Habal: 550 (alamada-asik-Linungan)
Misc food at asik: 101 (me & habal driver)
Entrance: 35
Food at Libungan Term: 98 (me & habal driver)
Bus to Cotabato City: 50
Hotel Filipino in Cotabato City: 300
Cigarette: 45
Dinner at jollibee: 123 (missing Jollibee by now)
Prepaid Load: 50
Total: P1438



Day 6: Pagadian City
Fare from Cotabato City to Pagadian: 300
Dodol: 20
Suman: 10
Lansones: 25
Habal to town center from Integrated Bus Terminal: 30
Fan room at roxan hotel: 300
Coffee at roxan: 15
Sikad to Gaisano: 10
Nailcutter: 20
Sikad Gaisano to City hall: 10
Bbq: 10
Meal at Kamayan: 140
Latte at Bo's: 95
Misc hygiene: 26
Total: 1006




Day 7: Overnight in Panikian Island, Pitogo
breakfast: 40
Bread+coffee+load: 50
Fare to pitogo: 100
Misc food: 650
Total: P840





Day 8: Leave Panikian, sidetrip to Lakewood, and travel to Zamboanga
Boat: 1000
Fare: 100
Meal: 65
Bus to tubon: 25
Habal to resort: 40
Entrance: 50
Banana split at Lakewood: 45
Marlboro: 30
Habal back to Tubon terminal: 100
Food at terminal: 52
Fare tubon-zamboanga city (student fare): 265
Coffee+bread: 20
Habal: 60
Lodge: 150
Total: P2002



Day 9: Malamawi Beach, Lamitan Basilan, transit to Jolo, Sulu
Jeep from Lodge to Port: 8
Brekkie: 64
Terminal Fee: 10
Student Fare from Zamboanga to Basilan: 125
Load: 22
Tawid from Isabela City to Malamawi Island: 5
Habal: 100 (Special fare for single passenger; 2 passengers will be P50 each for back and forth ride).
Merienda: 30
Fare back to Zamboanga from Basilan: 125
Terminal fee in Isabela City: 4
Meal: 64
Fare to Jolo: 400 (used the same terminal fee ticket; instead of spending for lodge in Zamboanga, you might want to head to Jolo instead; it's a comfortable sleep with the ocean breeze in the ferry's upper deck).
Total: P957



Day 10: Quezon (Patikul) & Maugu Beach (Jolo), Capitol, Sports Complex, Pangasinan Island in Panglima Municipality, Badjao Stilts
Trike (Special): 300
Coffee: 12
Meal (Ginataan and some rice delicacy): 21
Yosi: 56
Meal : 228 (4 cuts fried chicken; 4 cuts chicken caldereta; mee goreng; 2 serves rice, and a softdrink for me and trike driver in BlueXXXX restaurant in Jolo Market)
Coffee: 18
Boat from fishport to Pangasinan Island: 350
Hotdog: 15
Bike from Stilts to Port: 15
Coffee: 22
Trike from Port to Sports Complex:30
Trike: 30
Lansones: 10
Misc food: 68
Ferry: 400
Total: 910



Day 11: Sta Cruz Island, Zamboanga, transit back to Pagadian
Meal: 26
Load: 50
Sta cruz Island: 288 (shared among 8; I joined a group of 7 in this trip; inclusive of a lot of crabs and tour of mangroves, cemetery, etc)
Cig+coffee: 55
Meal: 75
Fare: 8
Malong (pasalubongg): 200
Bus from Zamboanga to Pagadian: 295
Mealstop (banana bread 2 bbq hotdogs): 28
Water: 20
Trike from Pagadian Integrated Terminal to Town Center: 30
Roxan hotel: 300
Total: P1375




Day 12: Transit back to Cotabato City from Pagadian
Cigarette: 16
Misc: 54
Food: 55
Van to cotabato: 350
Meal stop: 30
Room at Hotel Filipino: 450
Meal: 225
Cig: 40
Fares: 76
Total: P1296








Day 13: Travel back to Manila
Jollibee: 65
Malongs (pasalubong): 425
Internet: 18
Fare: 15
Trike: 7
Load+coffee: 65
Terminal Fee: 85
Total: P680

Total Spending: P13,273. 


I was initially intending to spend only 7 thousand pesos for this trip; But, when I was in Asik asik falls and contemplating on the time I am comprimising versus budget, I thought my time was more valuable.. Also, especially in Pitogo, I thought it was but fair that I give back to the people who shared time for me. Besides, my average spend is P1000/day on my trips so my overall spending is just right for this solo (mostly) trip.



I managed to take a picture of the fares from Pagadian To Zamboanga





I left manila with a 10L backpack stuffed with 4 pairs of clothes, a towel, battery bank, portable speaker, underwater iphone case, toiletries, atm and student id (very imporant :-) ). I have been enjoying spontaniety a lot, so not even an itinerary with me (except that I knew the provinces I wanted to go to and Asik Asik at the top priority). More than that, I just asked around, and researched on my 3G while in the airport, jeeps, bus, trikes, etc. (Did I mention I brought my Mcdonalds Happy Meal minion with me? :-) )

Below is what I spent in 13 days and where I got myself to:







Day 1: Gumasa Beach (with 3 others)
Taxi 250/4=62.50
Jeep to Gumasa fr Lagao: 50 (topload)
Habal back to Glan from Beach: 20
Food: 30
Van to Gensan: 70 (student fare)
Trike to Tyongson: 8
Dunkin Donuts: 180
Room: 700/4=175
Total: P720








Day 2: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Breakfast: 57
Trike from Kadulasan St, Gensan to Bus Terminal: 16
Bus from Gensan to Denmark Van Terminal in Marbel: 75
Van from Marbel to Lake Sebu: 55
Skylab: 200 (Half day service: 150+tip)
Lunch: 105
Entrance (7falls): 20
T'boli Costume Rental: 50
Dinner: 90
Alcohol: 144
Lodge: 60
Total: P875




Day 3: Lake Sebu + Marbel City (had to stay in the city as I have an online exam in grad school)
Habal: 100 (from Lodge to National Artist and back to terminal)
Cassava+Cofi: 16
Van from Lake Sebu to Marbel: 55
Lunch: 35
Trike: 8
Internet: 27
Trike: 8
Eduards Lodge: 230 (single fan room common toilet)
Dinner: 75
Cofi+bread:35
Internet: 35
Trike: 8
Total: P642









Day 4: Sultan Kudarat Capitol, Pink Mosque Datu Saudi Maguindanao
Breakfast: 65
Trike to yellow bus: 8
Bus Fare: 45+15 (From Marbel you have to Pay up to Tacurong; And in Tacurong, they issue another ticket for P15)
Trike: 20 (The bus missed dropping me in the capitol so had to take a trike back, and then return to roundball, a.k.a. roundabout where I took the jeep to Datu Saudi Maguindanao).
Jeep to Datu Saudi: 40
Softdrink: 10
Jeep from Datu Saudi to Cotabato City: 50
Lunch: 60
Van from Cotabato City to Midsayap: 60
Skylab to kitacubong, alamada: 70 (missed the last trip; was supposed to sleep in the outpost but was lucky to catch a habal service on his way home willing to take any amount; jeep fare from midsayap to alamada was P50 so gave P20 extra)
Dinner (3burgers, 1 zesto)=73 (Didn't eat all burgers; 2 i handed over to the barangay tanods with me in the hall; just makng clear im not a bburger monster)
Internet=16
Total: P532



Day 5: Asik Asik Falls
Marlboro: 60
Coffee+Pandecoco: 16
Coffee+bread: 15
Habal: 550 (alamada-asik-Linungan)
Misc food at asik: 101 (me & habal driver)
Entrance: 35
Food at Libungan Term: 98 (me & habal driver)
Bus to Cotabato City: 50
Hotel Filipino in Cotabato City: 300
Cigarette: 45
Dinner at jollibee: 123 (missing Jollibee by now)
Prepaid Load: 50
Total: P1438



Day 6: Pagadian City
Fare from Cotabato City to Pagadian: 300
Dodol: 20
Suman: 10
Lansones: 25
Habal to town center from Integrated Bus Terminal: 30
Fan room at roxan hotel: 300
Coffee at roxan: 15
Sikad to Gaisano: 10
Nailcutter: 20
Sikad Gaisano to City hall: 10
Bbq: 10
Meal at Kamayan: 140
Latte at Bo's: 95
Misc hygiene: 26
Total: 1006




Day 7: Overnight in Panikian Island, Pitogo
breakfast: 40
Bread+coffee+load: 50
Fare to pitogo: 100
Misc food: 650
Total: P840





Day 8: Leave Panikian, sidetrip to Lakewood, and travel to Zamboanga
Boat: 1000
Fare: 100
Meal: 65
Bus to tubon: 25
Habal to resort: 40
Entrance: 50
Banana split at Lakewood: 45
Marlboro: 30
Habal back to Tubon terminal: 100
Food at terminal: 52
Fare tubon-zamboanga city (student fare): 265
Coffee+bread: 20
Habal: 60
Lodge: 150
Total: P2002



Day 9: Malamawi Beach, Lamitan Basilan, transit to Jolo, Sulu
Jeep from Lodge to Port: 8
Brekkie: 64
Terminal Fee: 10
Student Fare from Zamboanga to Basilan: 125
Load: 22
Tawid from Isabela City to Malamawi Island: 5
Habal: 100 (Special fare for single passenger; 2 passengers will be P50 each for back and forth ride).
Merienda: 30
Fare back to Zamboanga from Basilan: 125
Terminal fee in Isabela City: 4
Meal: 64
Fare to Jolo: 400 (used the same terminal fee ticket; instead of spending for lodge in Zamboanga, you might want to head to Jolo instead; it's a comfortable sleep with the ocean breeze in the ferry's upper deck).
Total: P957



Day 10: Quezon (Patikul) & Maugu Beach (Jolo), Capitol, Sports Complex, Pangasinan Island in Panglima Municipality, Badjao Stilts
Trike (Special): 300
Coffee: 12
Meal (Ginataan and some rice delicacy): 21
Yosi: 56
Meal : 228 (4 cuts fried chicken; 4 cuts chicken caldereta; mee goreng; 2 serves rice, and a softdrink for me and trike driver in BlueXXXX restaurant in Jolo Market)
Coffee: 18
Boat from fishport to Pangasinan Island: 350
Hotdog: 15
Bike from Stilts to Port: 15
Coffee: 22
Trike from Port to Sports Complex:30
Trike: 30
Lansones: 10
Misc food: 68
Ferry: 400
Total: 910



Day 11: Sta Cruz Island, Zamboanga, transit back to Pagadian
Meal: 26
Load: 50
Sta cruz Island: 288 (shared among 8; I joined a group of 7 in this trip; inclusive of a lot of crabs and tour of mangroves, cemetery, etc)
Cig+coffee: 55
Meal: 75
Fare: 8
Malong (pasalubongg): 200
Bus from Zamboanga to Pagadian: 295
Mealstop (banana bread 2 bbq hotdogs): 28
Water: 20
Trike from Pagadian Integrated Terminal to Town Center: 30
Roxan hotel: 300
Total: P1375




Day 12: Transit back to Cotabato City from Pagadian
Cigarette: 16
Misc: 54
Food: 55
Van to cotabato: 350
Meal stop: 30
Room at Hotel Filipino: 450
Meal: 225
Cig: 40
Fares: 76
Total: P1296








Day 13: Travel back to Manila
Jollibee: 65
Malongs (pasalubong): 425
Internet: 18
Fare: 15
Trike: 7
Load+coffee: 65
Terminal Fee: 85
Total: P680

Total Spending: P13,273. 


I was initially intending to spend only 7 thousand pesos for this trip; But, when I was in Asik asik falls and contemplating on the time I am comprimising versus budget, I thought my time was more valuable.. Also, especially in Pitogo, I thought it was but fair that I give back to the people who shared time for me. Besides, my average spend is P1000/day on my trips so my overall spending is just right for this solo (mostly) trip.



I managed to take a picture of the fares from Pagadian To Zamboanga





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