The Hanging Tree (Last Sampling)

Dear Blogger,

After going back and forth in Oriental Mindoro for several times, finally it is our last sampling for our thesis.

At this time, we’ve stayed in Mindoro for quite a few days as we had to conduct survey to support as well as prove the efficiency of our study. We were able to talk with both Tagalogs and Mangyans in the area. Although we had to struggle a little while talking with Mangyans since they speak their own dialect.

Moreover, we were also got to be back again in the mountain for the third time and yes, I had to encounter my favourite creature for the last time. Oh, my limatik… you we’re so small yet so bloody…I believe that it won’t be the last time we got to meet each other…since I dreamt to be part of the Philippine Mountaineer someday… we’re definitely see each other again…and probably I need to be brave enough…

Anyway, we also had time to visit Bulusan Zoological and Recreational Park located at Calapan City. We were actually planning to go somewhere far but since we had no time and had to stay in the house where we staying for we still have to air dried at room temperature those sample we have collected. We searched places in the internet and found the park. 

At first, I am very excited because I thought the place is quite good to visit and also because of the zip line we really find time to visit the place. The entrance fee is 40 pesos. And when we started walking in the park, I’m starting to doubt what the internet says about the place. I pity those animals in the park. They were so alone and I felt like the people in there didn’t taking care of them very well. Also, the park is not in so good condition. The zip line although we didn’t try it, it looks really dangerous. But anyway, I really enjoyed taking pictures with my friends.

This would be the last time we were able to go back in Mindoro. Hopefully, just for this year…’cause I know someday my adventure in this place will continue….

See you next time, Mindoro.

Love,

Grace

A rainy day in Oriental Mindoro

Dear Blogger,

I just want to share my experience during our second sampling for our thesis. So here we go again! we’ve went again in Brgy. Villa Cerveza, Oriental Mindoro to get lichen samples and it was indeed another experience that must be put into the basin of memories.

(View of Mt. Kisluyan, Brgy. Villa Cerveza, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro)

Since it rained really hard during our sampling, I’ve made an improvised raincoat out of garbage bag. Yes, we’re looked like kinda hilarious with our outfit but we had no choice but to wear it just for us not to get wet and of course not to be sick.

It was really hard to get up into the mountain but in the end it was really worth it. Although, the intense part is that scary creature “Limatik” that’s how they call it. They’ve got to say hello to my blood again.

It was a short journey because of the weather. But overall, it was another experience that I’ll never forget in my whole life. Thank God we’ve made it and we’re safe. 

Love, Grace

CAGBALETE ISLAND #TBT

Author’s Note: There are moments in our life that we want to treasure forever. So, I’d made this blog post. As long as I can still remember these moments in my life. I want to put it into words. Someday, if I want to go back from that very moment, all I have to do is to read this.

(Btw, Photos were randomly added. Yes, I'm a lazy kiddo.)

Dear Blogger,

It has been almost seventeen months since our so called “expedition.” Well, So far it is the most thrilling yet exciting event that ever happened in my life.  It happened last February 22-25, 2013. This is a throwback.  Since, I wasn’t able to make a blog post about it before.

The story goes like this…because of our Biology class my classmates planned a trip where we can discover some species and most likely to collect some of it. So, we went to Cagbalete Island in Quezon Province.  Our class planned to meet at exactly 8am in Buendia but because of so many “Pa-bebe.”(Well, I believe it’s the exact term I have to used.  *insert smiley here* Lol. ) we had departed a little bit late. So, from buendia we rode a bus going to Lucena. Well, the experience that I will never ever forget while were travelling going to Lucena is when our Biology Professor keeps on calling us. She told us that we have to comeback in Manila. Err, sort of problems occurred that time. I don’t think I have to elaborate it here since it is most likely personal issues. Yet, nervousness runs through us that time and to add in the intense situation “Sasabog na Urinary Bladder ko!.” That was my line at that very moment. All the happenings, the things going through my head that time were mostly likely stop at that very moment, all I had to think is that I badly need to pee! And I survived. Hooray for me!

Because were all “pasaway”, “hard headed” we still continue our journey. From Lucena we rode a van going to a port. Since we arrived late we rented a boat going to Cagbalete Island.  I will never ride that kind of boat again! I feel nausea and vomiting that time because of the engine of the boat. Err. After that, we walked most likely about half an hour but it feels like it’s a never ending road. Since it raining that time we experience all the muds and such, while we’re going to Villa Cleofas the place where our group stayed for almost four days. Our first night although it’s been a tiring day for all of us yet, we enjoyed the night we drank lambanog and felt like we’re  all young, wild and free!

Our second day we woke up early in the morning as we wait for the sun to rise. After that, since its low tide we went to a small island in the middle of the sea. They have a name for it but sadly I forgot what they called it.

In the afternoon, one of my classmates suggests if we can go to a market nearby.  He told us that we can walk by there for only half an hour and since we’re kinda bored, we come along with him. But, it took us about two hours back and forth. It was really exhausting and thrilling. We had come across with a sea snake in an attack position for Pete’s sake!

Nevertheless, after we went back to the cottage, as if we didn’t feel any tiredness in our body. We had bonfire and despite the coldness coming from the breeze we drunk had and stayed up all night. We shared secrets to each other and talked about life.

On our third day, we went snorkeling in the sea. I’m a bit frustrated and disappointed with myself since all I can see were sea weeds since, I’m not really a good swimmer. Oh well, I still managed to enjoyed it though. We’ve played “habulan” and encountered a jelly fish which scared me a lot. And that night, my classmates had a party for our last night but I wasn’t able to join them since I didn’t get a good sleep the other night and I’m really tired.

And on our fourth day, we had departed early in the morning. For this time, we didn’t walk in the muds. We rode with a carabao.

Those four days of my life were really an extraordinary experience and if I were given a chance to be back to that place again, I’ll definitely do.

Hugs and Kisses,

Grace