We conquered Mt. Pinatubo

A couple of my friends and I joined a trekking trip to Mt. Pinatubo last Saturday called Conquer Pinatubo! by Travel Factor. We had such an awesome time! The view was definitely breathtaking and made the trek worth it. I want to join the next trek, but I'm hoping it'll be with my cousins. We haven't been able to really go out and spend time with each other because all of us seem to be busy these past few months.

Back to Pinatubo, here are a few pictures we took on the trekking trip. Enjoy!

4x4 ride to the jump off point

starting our trek up to the crater

finally!

group shot

the entire group

what a breathtaking view!

down by the lake

looking up and being in awe with how far up we were

group shot by the lake

my feet were killing me a bit already at this point...we hadn't even started trekking back yet

late late Bukidnon vacation entry

With my recent family tragedy (my grandfather's passing), I haven't been able to update my blog. The past 2 1/2 weeks have been stressful not just for me but also for my family. Three weekends ago I was at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (south of the Philippines, the Mindanao area) to spend a few days with my family. It was also the last weekend of the Kaamulan Festival. When I got back to Manila, the only places I'd go to were the office and the hospital (my grandfather was confined for a week before he passed away). From a fun weekend to two weeks of stress, sadness, and mourning. Oh well.

To brighten up this entry a bit, here are a couple of collages of some of the pictures I took during my Bukidnon mini-vacation.

The Parade/Street Dancing

Flowers at my family's house in Malaybalay

In memory of Capt. Jacinto F. Ortega, Jr--my grandfather

b. November 27, 1934, d. March 16, 2009

CAPT. JACINTO F. ORTEGA, Jr.

He was a man so full of spirit
So full of life
For years he soared the sky
Like an eagle with wings spread wide

He let nothing and no one hold him down
Even age was not a hindrance
As if life had no limit
And years were nothing but numbers

A man of principle and dignity
An inspiration to many
Discipline, respect, and integrity
These are what he instilled

The self-made man’s story has come to an end
Beginning from humble means
Finishing with humility and self-surrender
To the Almighty
Now, soaring once again in the sky
With his wings spread wide
The self-made man is home with Our Father in Heaven.





I love you, Lolo Jake. I miss you. We'll see each other in Heaven someday :)