Snapshots: A Weekend of Everything That Flies

Flying. 

It's More Fun in the Philippines.

Little Miss Backpacker goes to the 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival | Part 2

It was almost 4 AM when I reached the entrance to the Hot Air Balloon Festival and there were already few people when I arrived. I patiently waited in line while I watched a lot of people arriving. The gate opened at exactly 5:30. 

To be honest, I was quite disappointed with the way they handled the entry of the people. It wasn't organized compared to last year. They first let the ones who already had tickets to get in and for us who didn't have tickets yet, we had to wait. There were no signs where ticket & non-holders should fall in line. I remembered one lady guard even said "Yong mga walang ticket, wag kayong magulo, nakakabala kayo." I found it really rude for her to say that considering that we've travelled so far just to get there early and besides, it wasn't our fault that they were not organized. *face palm*

Non-ticket holders started complaining here and there so the guards had no choice but to let us in already. *muahahaha* However, we still had to fall in line again to buy our tickets. So there, I bought mine and finally I was able to enter! Such a relief! It was a not-so long walk (for me) before I reach the event ground itself. 

A beautiful sunrise welcomed us that morning and I was so happy to be able to take a photo of it. It was a great feeling to see Mr. Sun again after few days of continuos rain. 

I was so happy to get up close with the hot air balloons as they were being set up. Here are some of the photos I took that morning:

What a big bouquet of Tulips! Imagine yourself receiving this on Valentines Day? HAHA!

Heating up the Balloon

And of course I wouldn't let this day pass without having a picture with balloons on my background. It's a must! However if you're travelling solo like me, you had to ask some stranger to take your photo. So a big big thank  you to the photographer who willingly took my photos. *hehe*

See SM got it all for you - even Hot Air Balloon! HAHA.

Flying bouquet of tulips, one of my favorite this year! 

One of the favorite photos I took that day, a mother and son moment. The cute little boy taking a photo of his mom. Very cute and sweet indeed. 

Why hello there Mr. Pilot. 

With the Event Director himself, Captain Joy Roa. (Please forgive my messy hair! I forgot to bring my hairbrush with me. Haha! )

This one was unexpected, but he made my day even more memorable. That's Gerald Anderson in awe while watching the Breitling Jet Team's aerobatic performance, one of the highlights of the event. Paparazzi Shot eh!

And of course I just had to! :)

It was indeed a day of everything that flies. I'm really grateful that Mr. Sun did show up that day. My solo travelling was worth it! I couldn't explain the different kind of happiness I feel whenever I get to see hot air balloons flying everywhere. It's that one time of the year that I always look forward to. It's actually my 3rd time here and it only gets better every year. But wait, my day didn't end here just yet. Read more of my Hot Air Balloon Festival Day HERE.

Godbless! :)

- LMB xx

Little Miss Backpacker goes to the 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival | Part 1

"A Weekend of Everything That Flies: 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival"

To go or not to go? - that was the question. 

It was already 7 PM when I finally decided to go to the Hot Air Balloon Fest. I had a hard time deciding whether I'd go or not because of two reasons: 1st - I was still recovering from the oral surgery I had 3 days ago and 2nd - it had been raining for the past few days and I had worries that it might still rain last Saturday. But thanks to the weather forecast c/o my iphone, it said it's gonna be a Sunny Saturday... and luckily it was!

After I've finally made up my mind, I grabbed my backpack, camera, few extra clothes and moolah then I was set to go. I was already at the Lipa bus station by  8:30 and the bus going to Cubao left at exactly 9 PM. 

It was a solo trip and actually my first time to commute to Pampanga. I had no idea how to reach Clark by commute, thanks to google for all the info I needed to get there. I reached Cubao before 11 PM. It was too early to leave for Pampanga yet so I decided to stay at Chowking near Victory Liner for awhile and had my very late dinner there. At exactly 12 Midnight I went to Victory Liner to check if there was still a trip going to Dagupan. (You can take any North Bound Bus and ask the driver to drop you off at Dau Terminal in Pampanga.) Unfortunately, the last trip going to Dagupan had left already and the first trip in the morning was at 4:30 AM. There were only trips going to Baguio, but what do you expect? It's Panagbenga Festival as well so sad to say, all tickets were sold out already.

I looked for other options, and good thing another bus line was offering a 24-hour trips to Dau. Thanks to Pangasinan Solid North Transit. The bus left at exactly 1 AM. I was filled with excitement as I was sitting on the bus seat and I really didn't mind having a swollen face at all. Adventure it is! 

I was able to arrive safely at Dau Terminal around 2:30 AM. I stayed at Jollibee for awhile and saw some people who were also heading to the Hot Air Balloon Fest. I left Jollibee at 3:30 and took a trike going to the jeepney terminal. And from there, I took the jeepney that could drop me off the field where the fest was held. The driver didn't drop us at the entrance so I had no choice but to walk to the entrance. It wasn't that far though.

PART 2 of the Hot Air Balloon Festival HERE

Godbless! :)

- LMB xx

Let the fasting begin!

If you happen to go out today (applies if you live in a Catholic country), you would see a lot of people walking around with ashes on their foreheads, because today is Ash Wednesday.

Today is a very significant day in the Catholic liturgical season as it marks the start of the Lent. 

When I was younger, I never really understood the significance of the ashes. But as I grow up, I slowly understand the deeper meaning behind it.

The ashes are actually signs of our mourning and repentance to God, a symbol of faith. We are reminded that God has done the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins. Thus, this is also the season when people make sacrifices such as "No eating of meat on Fridays", doing good deeds and giving up their vices.

I always hear people talking about the sacrifices they would make throughout this season, like giving up their vices - may it be drinking, smoking or spending in overpriced cups of coffee.  Others stick to the rule of no meat on Fridays while some promise to do good deeds once or twice a day.

I did a little reflection and self-assessment before I went to bed last night. This season is a perfect opportunity to evaluate ourselves on how we have been behaving as followers of Christ. I know that I have my own shortcomings and often times have I disappointed Him with my actions. But despite all of these, He continues to shower me with an overflowing amount of blessings that surprise me each and every day. 

I cannot find the perfect words to describe how amazing He is. I would be forever grateful for all the wonders that He has done in my life and I won't get tired of sharing my experiences. I know that no amount of sacrifices could ever compare for what He has done for us. But still, we do these sacrifices to show our gratitude and appreciation in return. I'm hundred percent sure that He appreciates even the simplest thing we'd do for Him. But don't you think He deserves only nothing but the best?  So why not challenge ourselves to become better followers of Christ by continuing to do good deeds even after the Lent season...

Here are some of the photos I took today at The Redemptorist Church:

I have already listed down the things that I'd give up this Lent and I might share them in another post. How about you, what are the things you are willing to give up this season?

I hope we all have a blessed week, and it's almost Valentines Day!

Spread the love. :)

God Bless!

- LMB xx

"It is through Him that I find love, joy and peace within myself because He,Himself, is the perfect definition of these words. "

A Day at the Lake : Lumampao

After a very busy week, I rewarded myself with a half-day trip to Lumampao, Don Juan, Cuenca, Batangas. It's actually my second time to visit Lumampao. The first time was last July 2012. I fell in love with Lumampao the very first time I visited it and I promised myself that I'd be back.. and I did! *hooray!* 

Lumampao is a perfect place if you're looking for some tranquility and some leg workouts! FYI, you have to take 1500 steps before you reach Lumampao, so brace yourselves and legs! Haha. 

So yesterday,  I went on a "Photo-Hike/Picnic day" with some friends, Jessie, Kuya Dave, Igi and Nelson. (Yes! I'm always one of the boys!) We left Lipa around 7.30 AM and we're able to reach Cuenca before 8 AM. The jeepney fare from Lipa-Cuenca (& vice versa) is P24.00.

Since it's Kuya Dave, Igi & Nelson's first time to go to Lumampao, we decided to walk from the market to the drop-off point instead of taking the trike.

This is the view of Mt. Maculot that welcomed us as soon as we got off from the jeep.

So we kept on walking.. and walking.. and walking til we reach the sign Geronimo Cuevas Avenue.  

We turned left and passed by the Brgy. Hall. (Landmark if you're going to Lumampao and Mt. Maculot.)

Many mountaineers and backpackers from different places visit Cuenca to go climbing on Mt. Maculot and sidetrip down to Lumampao after. Good thing, there are stores where they can stopover for last minute-buys before their climb.

We walked straight, and stopped by the sign going to Mt. Maculot for a photo. NO, this is not the way to Lumampao.... 

....This is! Haha. 

PS. I brought my Longchamp Backpack with me because it's the smallest backpack I have and I don't think using my North Face Surge is such a good idea considering I only have a few things with me. Duh. It's only a half-day hike. Tee-hee! 

We continued to walk til we reach the drop-off point going down to Lumampao. Then the challenge started here. This was our view as we go down to the lake.

Lumampao is known for it's 1500 steps. As usual, I forgot to count because I was more focused on my steps. I didn't want to trip and hurt myself. Hehe!

And so after a few minutes of leg shaking... This was the view that welcomed us as soon as we touched down the lake. Whew!

I've always loved Lumampao not only for the serene ambiance and picture-worthy views but also of the fact that people here are very nice and welcoming. 

We laid down banig, sat down, rest and had our little picnic. 

After we have recharged, we played a little "Hike & Seek". Imbento ko lang yon! Chos! Haha. We were like children playing on the big block of rocks. Iris and friends on the rocks! Parang cocktail lang. Haha.

We were game for some challenge and climbing this was no joke at all especially for beginners like us. So feeling pro naman kami, sobrang saya na namin nong nakaakyat kami. Wooo! Cheers to our mountaineering career! Haha. We still wanted to climb the higher part but decided not to since we didn't have the climbing equipments plus it's too risky. Next time na lang, pag medyo pro na kami. Haha. 

This is Igi with his victorious pose! He was so happy! HAHA. Spot me.

And another victorius, mayabang pose, by Nelson! Partida, naka maong pa yan. Haha!

Nelson, me, Jessie and Igi on the rocks, again! Haha. I was actually holding a "patpat", looks like I was fishing haha. I don't know why but I always have patpat with me everytime I go on a hiking. I feel pro. Haha. 

It's 10:30 already, we decided to pack our things and started our climb again. But before that, pictures muna ulit. 

Very cheesy and so timing name of bangka, since it's almost Valentines Day! Faithful Love. Naks! Ganon dapat. Haha. Love is everywhere, literally.

So the painful journey starts here. 

Jessie was our "hiking leader" kuno (the one wearing red). Look how far he was already! Oh oh! Must. catch.up! He was singing chants to motivate us, but obviously.. it didn't work! Haha. 

Then our first stop over. Couldn't help but take photo of this. Haha. "Hindi na po uulit." I don't patronize vandalism but this one was really funny. Hindi lang pala kami yong napagod sa pag-akyat but unlike the peson who wrote this, we will surely go back. :)

Our tired feet! Arte lang # 1.

And another arte lang pic! Haha. Wala lang. 

So we continued to climb the cemented stairs.. This view makes the cramps and blisters worth it. I was literally hearing my heartbeat. Looking for cardio workouts? I recommend you challenge yourself to Lumampao! Haha. I salute the people who live down there in Lumampao. Grabe ang stamina and cardio nila, akyat-baba. 

Spot me! Haha. I was really tired by this time. I had to force myself to climb up. My motivation? Lunch that awaited us up there. Haha.

 

At long last! Define haggard! I survived 3000 steps up and down. I'm so proud of myself! Haha. Ang dami ko kasing naburn na calories! Hehe! :))

Another note that caught my eye, "I don't want to comeback anymore!!!. then add nyo ko." Haha. 

"Can't imagine nabaitang ko 3000 steps". To whomever who wrote this, I can feel you!  

We decided to take the trike back to the market because it's almost 11:30 already and we needed to be back at Lipa by 1 PM for our SFC Chapter Assembly. Well, pagod na din naman kami. I couldn't wait for lunch! 

We ate at one of the eateries in the market. I had rice, torta and barbeque, all for P50. No extra rice. Solve na. :)

After lunch, we headed back to Lipa and prepared for our chapter assembly. 

I can still feel pain on my legs as I wrote this blog but as I always say, the pain is worth it. 

5 Things I suggest you to bring when you visit Lumampao:

1. Bottle of water ( I brought 1 liter with me.)
2. Extra clothes if you're going to swim/ or if you'd like to change cause you'll be sweating a lot.
3. Enthusiasm
4. Great cardio
5. Camera to take pictures of the beautiful views

Breakdown of expenses:

Jeepney Fare for Lipa to Cuenca          P24.00

vice versa                                         P24.00

Trike from Lumampao to Cuenca         P14.00/person

Market

Lunch (rice, torta, barbeque)              P55.00

Total:                                               P117.00

"Thank You Lord for my awesome friends and for the gift of nature."

How about you? 

How did you spend your weekend?

-LMB xx