I'm very excited for an event this coming Oct. 13. Another outdoor activity that would surely make me more capable and equipped for my leisure.
 
The event will be held in Mt. Balagbag, Rodriguez, Rizal. It is near the metro and is so very easy not just to locate but also to conquer. It is a Must-Bike mountain. Some of the downhill mountain bike competitions were held in the said mountain.

I first trekked this mountain - solo. Yes, solo as it's just a abrupt decision. The experience is just like going to a mall in Baguio city. I challenged myself by doing it the hard way. From the jeep terminal to the forked road going to the summit took me an hour. A non-stop stroll with a 10k backpack with just a liter of potable water.The scenery is so breath taking and will surely make you think and reflect.

The coming event is quite not new to me. What's exciting about the event is that I'll be able to commune with nature once again. Also, I will meet new people sharing the same passion and advocacy. New ideas and tips will be shared.

For aspiring trekker - camper, or what we call tramper, Philippine Climb recommends ZE Tramping Group's activity.

For more details just comment on the provided comment area.
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Once again, my wife and I are asking for your help dear friends to please support the project of Akyat Aral. You might ask us, 'Why Akyat Aral?'. We keep on endorsing AA in a reason that my wife's true, closest friend Avie Chua is part of AA Family, and I have personally meet AA officers. Akyat Aral members are all professionals. They have auditing team, and all the money and donations are being audited and are transparent to the group. And my family supports this group whole heatedly.

And this is the message from the group:

We at Akyat Aral Org. would like to once again knock at your generous hearts and spare us a portion of your blessings.

You might not know her, nor you have not heard of her name, but she needs our help.

Wilma Joy Daquioag is a good friend of Avie Chua our PRO. She was also one of the people who believes in Akyat Aral's advocacy as she never fails to extend her support by handing over of goodies/candies for the kids in the mountain. A week ago, She faced the biggest challenge of her life. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She’s scheduled for operation on September. The surgery alone will cost around P130,000 (not including other costs like medications, doctor’s fees, Chemotherapy, etc).

We, her friends, and Akyat Aral Team are going to help to raise funds for her. We need the help of people to pledge and donate P100 each—a small amount that can go a very long way if a lot of people pitch in to help. (Of course, if you’d like to pledge a bigger amount, we will reach the goal much faster.)

In Line with this, Akyat Aral Org will be having a "Share a Bread, Save a Life: A Feast for a Cause Project" - A Back to Back Feeding & Fundraising Projects - for the Benifit of Sitio Cablao and Ms. Wilma Joy Daquioag on September 21 and 22. This is open to everyone who also wish to be part of this project.

For pledges or inquiries, Feel free to text/call me - 09471737311 or Any Akyat Aral Member and pm us here on facebook.

BDO Account
Accont Name: Emerson De Jesus
Account Number: 002090354077

UCPB Account
Account Name: Alpha Lowenza Cabasal
Account Number: 201610001886

"Superheroes have superpowers to save lives of unknown people. Unknown people can be heroes by reaching out and helping unknown individuals..."

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Another natural phenomena is set to give Metro settlers a headache. The tropical depression was named Nando. Some parts of the country are still flooded due to Maring-Habagat tandem when it poured more rainwater the city could accomodate for a month in just few days of nonstop rainfall. Luckily at this very moment, there is no signs of storm in Makati, as the TP is in the southern part of the country.

My kiddo in the cart

Last night, as we enjoy our family bonding, we saw rows of shoppers buying goods for an expected rainy long-weekend. I've seen noodles, breads, canned goods and junk foods on their carts just to name some. Seems that they are just going to a long lazy break watching movies at home while and enjoying the chilly climate.

Roaming around the Mall

We went to the mall to buy diapers for our kiddo and to spend quality time together as my spouse's class was suspended. We enjoyed strolling around and comparison shopping. We played Lego blocks together like kids in one of the shops. Ayala's Market! Market! is an extention of the house for us. The mall is just a tricycle ride and minutes of walking from our place so whenever we get bored at home you'll see us in the said mall.

My wife in black with my kiddo

Playing lego for free!

My Creation 

My Wife's Masterpiece

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It's rainy season once again. Being a househusband I got all the opportunities of having almost all the firsts of my daughter.

I missed the outdoor. I'm on my nostalgic state whenever I browse my pictures with my wife having outdoor trips and enjoying the cool breeze of air in the campsites. These activities made our relationship stronger and understand each other more.

One of these trips where planting trees in Mount Makiling. We joined twice in one of White Mountain's (Sir Caloy) tree planting activities. The event was held in UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños). I'm not sure if the activity is being continued until now, due to political or some issues.

I missed planting trees, trekking, laughing with friends, hearing birds chirping and a lot more. Someday I will definitely let our child have the experience and hopefully she'll also join the advocacy of promoting and nurturing mother nature even on her little ways. 
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In Manila, the authorities are trying very hard to relocate informal settlers to a nearby province giving a decent home. Unfortunately, the relocated families are complaining on their situation in the community.

The said family members are complaining of it's distance from their works and source of living and some lacks electrical source.

Subdivisions were built around the metro to provide housing for the homeless. Spreading to the decreasing farm land and maybe, just maybe, some trees were cutted down that might added to the flooding of Metro Manila.

With these, I'm wondering why the developers or the government authorities make a housing project vertically. With adequate flooding system, flora and fauna, great amenities and better governance. Yes, a tenement housing for the homeless.

Makati and Taguig City has those tenement houses (as examples). Housing like these might save more farm lands or forests. A very big budget needed? Well let's just look to a long term significance of this.

The relocated families might just sell the houses given to them due to some reasons and be back to their former community.We may just try to make better lives by switching to tenement projects. 

What do you think?
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My family is fond of eating a lot (obviously!) and we are always in search for delicious, affordable meal. And since we are a trike away from Market! Market!, we tend to eat at this food stall. And if you want to explore the mall and you are hungry, why don't you try at Flaming?



It is situated at 5th floor Food Court. It is beside Sizzling Plate. Expect that the line in this stall is a bit longer. It is ideal for those who have kids. Why? Because their meal is with Spaghetti. For only 59php, you will enjoy their affordable meal, spaghetti plus your chosen part of chicken plus gravy plus cup of ice tea. It is really budget friendly, compared with Fast Food restaurants around the mall. The spaghetti tastes like Sbarro's and the chicken's gravy can be compared to Jollibee ± KFC.

But the bad thing is the long queing and if there is no spaghetti, rice will be the replacement.

Other meals are porkchop with spaghetti or with fried egg, Hungarian Hotdog in a bun plus fries, or Lechon Kawali.

My family, especially my daughter, loves to eat at Flaming because their food really fulfills our appetite.

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At last! A seed is now ready to become a tree.

Right in our very own paved pathway, I once desired to have my very own plant. So I tried to find a way to plant. I used emptied ice cream container, mayonnaise jar and big pet bottles as pot. I succeeded at first growing calamansi but later died because of bad soil. I put a lot of ashes from paper that made the soil un healthy.

Then I tried putting all the leftover fruits and vegetables in one of my pots including a mango seed. Seems its better this time when I saw a leaf came out of the seed. I then took care of the pot watering it every afternoon.

Then walla! Now it's ready to be planted in the mountain. I hope my friends can help my plant grew bigger by taking him and planting him in the mountain. I can't tramp for now because of paternity obligations but someday I hope I can commune with this tree of mine..

Question is, does it follows LNT? I hope this one is exempted..



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Akyat Aral, a non government unit - group of outdoor enthusiasts, who finds leisure in sharing found a community to help once again.

Located in a far away land in Nueva Ecija, the ocular team spent the holiday trekking to meet and greet a tribal community. It is said that they are composed of 200 adults plus more than a hundred students.

 

 

 

 The classroom of the community is made up of light materials and cannot withstand a strong typhoon. A heavy rain accompanied by strong winds might blew the galvanized roof of the hut like education facility.  Students of the hut like school were taught the basic reading and writing. The products of the learning center are not privileged to advance to elementary education due to poverty. They have to travel to a distant town in order to have a formal education.

 

Are you a fan of the cowboys?  Well, I suppose this is the Philippine version of cowboys. Sleeping in a very small house not strong enough to withstand a typhoon signal 1 or a 30 kph wind. 

Ms Aileen Pajarillaga

Ms Aileen Pajarillaga, an accredited teacher finds it hard to teach in this community. Having two hundred pesos (Php 200) allowance were sometimes sacrificed to buy materials for her heroic deed in teaching in the community. According to our humble hero, students here trek mountains to catch the class. 

Have you tried walking bare foot? These kids are prone to illness and parasites, hook worm to name one.

The humble servants of Akyat Aral Org. are once again seeking help for a project that might give hope for these children. 

If you always complain of simple things in the city and wanted to find answers to your queries, join the team's project.

If you are bored of the city life, have time to join the event.

If you complain of having your favorite pizza served cold, think again. There is a community eating one serving of sweet potato a day. 

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My wife and I loves eating. Eating is our way of bonding and a stress reliever. 

For the past month we craved on a special burger in a nearby all day all night burger stand. A midnight snack that makes our day.

With a price of fifty five pesos (Php 55) with a tag "Buy one Take one", its a money well spent. Tasty, mouth watery and delicious. 

The burgers basically sandwiched a beefy patty, bacon, special sauce, a teaspoon of coleslaw and cheese spread. You may also add sunny side-up egg and coleslaw with a minimal charge.
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The school year 2013 - 2014 have already commenced weeks ago. Students were welcomed by thunderstorms and floods in the Metro. 

As early as May, parents and guardians went shopping for their children's school supplies such as notepads, pencils, crayons, ballpens, notebooks and many more. An annual event in the metro. Kids have the privilege of choosing the color, design and brand they prefer.

Akyat Aral, a group of professional outdoor enthusiasts, is once again seeking the help of kind hearted people to share a part of their blessing thru volunteering or donations.

A small deed means a lot for Dumagat kids, share a part of your blessing and give a brighter future for less fortunate kids in the mountains.

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Going out for a trip  or strolling around the metro? Have your eyes protected from the UV rays with a Philippine product that will surely fit your get-up. Zalvaje Eyes Eyegear has the answer!

 Clan2012-TB-PB

 Clan2012-TG-MS

If you are a fashionista who wants to stroll around and be hip, the CLAN line will fit your get-up. It comes with different glass tints and metal frame colors.

 GRIND8878-TG-RB

GRIND8878-TG-RP

Sporty? The GRIND line best suits you for its rubberized frames that will prevent it from slipping. 

The RASTA edition will best suit those who loves reggae. The line is endorsed and exclusively made for "Jeck Pilpil and the Peacepipes". The lens are tinted and UV Protected.

The SPOTLIGHT edition is made up of hard acetate. Made for those who wanted to look like a rocker. Grab your own pair and be a star. It comes in different color that will fit your taste.

 LI8228-PG-RB

Zalvaje Eyes Eyegear products has a patented PHOTOCHROMIC lenses so there's no need to change your lenses whenever your on a trip. The LI line or LENS INTELLIGENCE technology is surely a best buy. The lenses automatically changes its tint depending on the UV light coming from the sun. The patented technology can block 95% UVA and UVB rays.

What about the price? Prices ranges from P1295 to P2500. Its durable and hip, a Filipino product that we should be proud of.

You may avail products online or thru selected boutiques.  For more information visit their Zalvaje Eyes website. Once you purchase don't forget to register to be a certified owner.

For more information :

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I get excited whenever I see any outdoor activities. Though I'm not that sporty like known outdoor enthusiasts, I feel like I am one of those who are triumphant on their sport.

Atimonan, Quezon

I tried find any video that would equip me somehow for the leisure,by the way I am not a bookworm. Watching clips of techniques and proper "HOW TO" basically made me mentally ready for the recreation.

A. TECHNIQUE - set game plan on how the way you move.
stay relax

A.1. Footwork and Handhold

Handholds
crimp, half crimp, hang, slopers, pinches, cupping, combo's, undercuts, side pulls, reverse side pulls

Footholds
edging, smearing, pockets, polished
 
A.2. Flow and Pace

A.3. Steep Rock Technique

A.4. Slabs and Rounded Features

B. STRENGTH

Finger strength - ability of the fingers to hang on the holds
Arm strength -ability to pull through

C. POWER - pushing to a certain reach

D. BODY TENSION - keep your body and feet swinging on to deep terrains

E. ENDURANCE - ability to preserve energy for a longer time. A product of a good technique.

F. MENTAL PERFORMANCE

G. SKILLS and TACTICS

H. TRAINING - always the new things that made you improve.



These are the Components or Criteria of a Good Climbing Performance. I will let you know more, or update this post soon. Ciao!





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Here's a Post in Facebook by Loida Batoy.

PRECLIMB MEETING MAY 31 Friday at Mcdonald, World Business Center, Shaw Blvd. Crossing Mandaluyong. (landmark-across Starmall)

Second outreach for the Dumagats of Sitio Inuman on
June 28 at 1:00am until June 30 at 8:00pm

100 families of the tribe in Sierra Madre will be the beneficiaries. Seedlings of rice, corn, different kinds of vegetables and fruit bearing trees were needed for their livelihood.


The team will be needing
 
50 sets of school supplies
100 pairs of slippers and other footwear of different sizes
old clothes and beddings

We will also clean wounds. 
Teach basic education.

BUDGET :

400.00/pax - Transportation EDSA to Jump-off (BALIKAN)
200.00/pax - Shirt (optional)

May 31 (Friday)
4am - meet up crossing,edsa
5am - ETD MANILA
8am - JUMP OFF
5pm - Sitio Inuman
7pm - dinner
10pm - lights off

June 1 (Saturday)

5am - wake up call
6am - start preparing breakfast
7am - breakfast / preparation for event proper
8am - EVENT PROPER
10am - Snack (open for suggestion - ano kakainin ng mga dumagat)
11am - RESUME Activities
12nn - Clean up / CLOSE PROGRAM
1pm - LUNCH
7pm - Prepare dinner
9pm - start socials

11pm - Strictly (lights off)
June 2 (Sunday)
7:00am - WAKE UP CALL
*Prepare breakfast (open for suggestion)
*HEAVY BREAKFAST
9:00am - BREAK CAMP / START DESCENT
11:00am - START TREK (on way home)
8:00pm - ETA MANILA (HOME SWEET HOME)

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED, WORST TRAIL. :) ETC... SAFETY FIRST :
- Road trek
- River trek
- River crossing
- Bouldering
- Forest trek
- Assault

What to bring :
Shelter
tent, hammock, sleeping bag
cookset
burner
butane
headlamp
batteries
flashlight
extra batteries
compass
whistle
first aid kit/medicine
tissue/wet tissue
sunblock
insect repellent
socks, arm warmer
raincoat/poncho/coldgears
Valid I.D / and 1 xerox (copy ng brgy)
3 liters water each
trail food : (jelly ace, chocolates, cookies, candies etc.)
3 packmeals for DAY 1 (june 1)
bring canned goods if ever maubusan ng pag kain
bring rice 2cups each. (if ever maubusan)
make sure lahat ng gamit naka water proof

Thats all for now Sirs and Ma'ams!

Keep posted po!

God bless us!
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