Mount Pico de Loro Climb, Batangas, Philippines

After our Trek in Mount Pinatubo last December 2014, we decided to try another mountain in Luzon which is famous for first timers. Mount Pico de Loro which is also known as Mount Palay-Palay is a dormant volcano located in Cavite. It's name came from the Spanish sea-farers which means Parrot's Beak because of its shape.

Before our travel we join a tour group which was organized by Cheaptravel.ph. Not knowing who will be the people in the tour group we give it a go as the tour/trek is cheap as well. It was a very smooth transaction with this travel agency. They reply fast and they will try to cater to all your needs as soon as they can. 

Our day started with meeting the drivers in Mcdonald's near SM MOA at 6:00 am. The tour group mostly is consist of college students to young adults who are ready to start their journey. 2 hours passed by and the driver dropped us in the Major jump-off point: DENR Station Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite. A tour guide will then brief you on the path that the trekkers will be taking, things needed to do and not to do. 

From the jump off point we started our trek in slippery rocks area where a path has been made by the locals to help people with the ease of trekking

A small stream which captured our eyes can be found at the beginning of the trek

After hours of trekking we reached a point where a view could be observed. We did not notice that we were already this high since the path that we took is more on trees 

Branches were used by some (like me) to help them go up and down of steep areas like this. One must be very careful 

After 2 hours, we finally reached the summit where there were tents being set up. I saw some UP Mountaineers (from my school) and veteran mountaineers whom we had the chance to chat with 

There are currently two Sari-sari Stores in the summit. You can buy there from there wide array of coffee to noodles. They also have Rice meals, Toilet Necessities like shampoo and soap which the campers who forgot their toiletries can buy. To add to the rice meals, Halo-halo and Mais Con Yelo are also serve here 

At the summit

The popular Monolith. It was hard for me already to climb and go down the summit to the point that I want somebody to carry me down. It is the very steep and there were no safety ropes you can hold onto. It is only the grass which can help you survive. I did not dare try to climb the monolith as it is much harder and steeper so kudos to those people who were able to conquer their fears.

This family has been going up Mount Pico De Loro for countless of times already. I admire the fact that they climb together. The mother of the family told me that their son loves nature. It's either trekking or swimming in the falls for them. Someday I would like my family to be like there's as well. Kids are more involve and exposed rather than staying at home playing video games. 

View from the top. A magnificent view indeed 

Tired like crazy! But it was so fun. A few stops on our way to eat or have a water break. For us it's to take selfie 

Sometimes you just have to connect with the nature and appreciate what money cannot buy. 

The only place where I know I can look at and climb at. I know someday I can conquer my fear of heights. I just hope that it will happen soon so I could climb more mountains and jump from falls 

Now I know why people do love to climb and experience nature. I hope this will not be our last climb.

Gallery by Vask, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines

January has been a very busy month for me because of work and a lot of travels. Well January is also my birth month. I did not have any plans of celebrating my birthday when I came back from Ireland because after a few days I had to fly again. So my boyfriend said that we'll just have dinner in BGC after my work in a place where he said is kind of related to my work. My first reaction was “If you’re going to make me work on my birthday celebration then I’ll pass” Ofcourse it was a joke. 

Our journey started outside my office. He did not exactly tell me the name of the restaurant or building but just the street and avenue number. Fast forward, we arrived in the restaurant 10 minutes late but nonetheless the waitress ask for his name as you need reservations prior to arrival. 

As we enter the building, my boyfriend revealed the big surpirse: Gallery by Vask- a 16 course degustation restaurant. I am not that familiar with these kind of places, yes I have been in a fine dining restaurant but a 16-course degustation? No! A first timer I am! I asked my boyfriend why he chose this place and he simply said “Because I know you’ll appreciate this place because it is somewhat related to your work” True enough I did appreciate and love it a lot and it is related to my work (I work as in Research and Development of a Food Company by the way). 

There are two types of menu which you can choose from and my boyfriend chose a Filipino Cuisine which is entitled “Alamat”. Each dish is prepared freshly using fresh and indigenous produces from the locals. As they present each dish (change plate and cutleries) a chef who is responsible for the creation will explain what you will be eating. Each and every bite counts as the flavour burst inside your mouth.  

Balubad 
Kamote- Local Cucumber- Kamias Sorbet

Sizzling 
Wagyu- Iberico- Chili- Onion- Calamsi 

My happy boyfriend ( Hahaha)
Taho 
Goat’s Milk Tofu- Muscovado Tapioca- Ginger Perfume 

Cassava
Coconut- Carabao Milk- Biasong

Buen Viaje 
Sticky Rice- Mango- Tablea

3/11
Milk Textures 

Sungka
A game where you could try different desserts

Last Surprise for the day, because they know that we’re already too full. A simple and small portion birthday dessert from the restaurant 

After so many foods and wines I still look so happy! 

Alamat Menu

In conclusion Gallery by Vask gives you a very unique dining experience. Art, Architecture and Exquisite flavour this is what Gallery by Vask is all about. It is a bit pricey but if you want your special someone or loved one enjoy his or her birthday or any special occasion I seriously recommend this restaurant.