Panimahawa Ridge, Bukidnon

How I miss spending weekends peacefully in a corner of nature. Hopefully with a view as breathtaking as the verdant ridges of Bukidnon.

Fresh from my grand Mt. Apo adventure, my mountaineer soul became restless. On an impulse, as I often do, I just booked a ticket to CDO two days prior the climb. My destination – the bucolic town of Impasug-ong. The place shot to fame because it served as one of the backdrops of the romantic Tagalog film “Love Me Again (Land Down Under)”.

I reached the jump-off point in Brgy. Impalutao, way too early. People at the registration site would normally recommend for those wishing to camp overnight at Panimahawa Ridge to start the climb at around 3 pm. It’s just a minor climb pero kung tirik ang araw, good luck, nakakahimatay!     

Since I’ve got some time to kill, I decided to rent a habal-habal and visit the Communal Ranch. The 642-hectare property is vast, beautiful, and the only government-owned ranch in the country. Di ko na pinalampas mag horseback riding and it simply blew my soul away.

Cedar Falls, which is nearby, is also a must visit. 

I was assigned with a young mountain guide, so napilit ko na umalis around 2 pm. It was so hot that day; kahit na it is a minor hike, the heat of the sun was sucking my energy. Good that there are huts/ resting area, along the way. Meron din sari-sari store, manned by the locals. And while nearing the summit, the view gradually becomes more picturesque. It usually takes more or less two hours to reach the summit.  

Panimahawa has an elevation of 819 MASL. Camping grounds are numerous and spacious.  I found a nice spot on the ridge. Come night time, weather was perfect – windy but not too cold. But since it’s a popular dayhike detination, madaling araw pa lang andami nang tao, so magigising ka sa ingay nila. 

But the sight of nature – mountains, sunset, sunrise – was invigorating. It seems like a healing place for a broken heart. 

From CDO, take a bus or van bound to Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. Drop off point is Impalutao Elementary, School. From there, take a habal-habal to the registration area of Panimahawa Ridge. Other tourist areas are accessible via habal-habal.

Tokyo, Japan

Staring at you, secretly mesmerized.

I’m glad I was assigned a window seat, giving me a vantage point of viewing Mt. Fuji from 35,000 feet high in the air, during our Manila – Haneda flight. Almost fully surrounded by sea of clouds, it looks majestic; and simply captivated my heart.

It’s nice to be back in Japan. One of the major destination countries of our Filipina marriage migrants and OFWs. A highly developed country with beautiful sakura, mouth-watering ramen, the finest comfort rooms and amazing Shinkansen; and the land where almost everybody loves to walk.

We were based in Tokyo; and though this was an OB trip with my colleagues, we were able to squeeze in some gala after we’ve successfully completed our activities.

Tokyo Tower, a prominent landmark of the city, is just a short walking distance from the Philippine Embassy. The tower is standing 333 meters high and patterned after the Eiffel Tower. It has an observatory offering a sweeping 360 degree view the city and its skyscrapers (really looks romantic at night!). It is the country's tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. On the ground floor, it has One Piece theme park, dedicated for the anime fans.

The last time I crossed Shibuya Scramble Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection), I wasn’t aware that Hachiko’s statue is just around the corner (near Shibuya station). This time, I made sure to see the iconic statue of the dog that kept faithfully waiting for its master even after his death.

Akihabara is known as cultural home to diehard fans of gaming, manga and anime - the otaku. It is a major shopping district for video games, electronics and computer-related goods. Icons from popular anime and manga are displayed prominently on the shops in the area.

A colleague recommended that we visit Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. She said that anyone who prays at the temple (Tokyo's oldest and most significant housing some the Seven Lucky Gods) shall have their wish granted for sure. I just wished for my family’s good health. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto shrine, as well as many shops with traditional goods.

I’m fond of maneki neko or popularly known as lucky cat.  The small beckoning cat doll is believed to be a lucky charm that brings in customers and money into the shop. They come in all sizes in Gotokuji Temple, located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. In a small corner within the temple complex, over 1,000 lucky cats are put on display. There is also a cemetery located within the temple complex.

Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. I was in awe seeing the replica of the Statue of Liberty, the bold architectural design of Fuji TV Building, and of course the giant Unicorn Gundam Statue.

The highlight of our trip was our day trip to Kawaguchiko and the hiking we did to reach the Chureito Pagoda. I love how the trees burst with color in the fall. From the top, we could clearly see the breathtaking Mt. Fuji. I wish I could climb it one day.

The most exciting part of our everday is none other than having authentic Japanese food. I will never get over Ichiran 5 and Ippudo Karaka Ramen.

The land of the Rising Sun never ceases to amaze me.

And with all the problems happening in the world right now, I hope that soonest the sun will rise again.