We are going to a waterfall . The name of the waterfalls is Mampweng Falls, formerly known as Malabig Falls by the original settlers  the Aetas. Before our journey started, the group had a heavy breakfast at Chowking Olongapo.  We need to get energized for this trekking and hiking because we didn’t really know how to get there.  Our guts and intuition will get us to the there because no clear instruction or information from the internet was available though we GMG’d for an hour. We found an article on this blog – Batang Gapo, entitled “GANDA NG MAMPWENG, IDI-DEVELOP! ” just the place where it can be found Old Cabalan. Good thing our resourceful and inquisitive “Anton” managed to ask his friends and co-workers a week before the hike about Mampweng Falls.  Though he gathered insufficient data we decided to pursue and will just ask people who live nearby.
After breakfast, we rode a brown jeepney  and stopped at Kalapati.  Grocery stores and Kitchenettes are available at Kalapati where we bought our food and water.  We took a tricycle to our jump-off, the place is called Malawacat.When we reached a river, we asked the locals on how to get to Mampueng Falls.  We learned that before getting there we will pass an Aeta Resettlement Area called Mampueng.  Now it is clear that the name of the waterfalls was after the place inhabited by these natives.  The guy whom we asked for directions also told us that there is another waterfall, a closer one and is called Martin Falls located on the opposite side of the mountain.  We also instructed to look for Purok who lives in the resettlement area.
While on our way, we saw an old maroon Jeep crossing the river.  Christian who was left behind looking for rocks to step on, avoiding to get his shoes wet, made the move and asked the driver for a hitch.  Luckily he was allowed to hop in, so we joined.  Christian was the hero of the day because if we walked, it will take us thirty minutes to reach the resettlement.  We were lucky it happened that the driver is the son of Purok so we were dropped exactly in front of Purok’s house. At Mampueng we’ve been told that Purok’s name is Juanito Hardin.  We asked for his help on how to get to Mampueng Falls.  He gave us a tour guide, his name is Kuya Cesar – a funny and talkative Aeta.

 

Central Park is an urban park in Manhattan, New York City. It is located between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, roughly bounded by Fifth Avenue on the east, Central Park West (Eighth Avenue) on the west, Central Park South (59th Street) on the south, and Central Park North (110th Street) on the north. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States, with 40 million visitors in 2013, and one of the most filmed locations in the world. In terms of area, Central Park is the fifth-largest park in New York City, covering 843 acres (341 ha).

The park was established in 1857 on 778 acres (315 ha) of land acquired by the city. In 1858, landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and architect/landscape designer Calvert Vaux won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they titled the “Greensward Plan”. Construction began the same year, and the park’s first area was opened to the public in the winter of 1858. Construction north of the park continued during the American Civil War in the 1860s, and the park was expanded to its current size in 1873. After a period of decline in the early 20th century, Robert Moses started a program to clean up Central Park. Another decline in the late 20th century spurred the creation of the Central Park Conservancy in 1980, which refurbished many parts of the park during the 1980s and 1990s.

Central Park was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1963^[5], which in April 2017 placed it on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage sites.^[6] The park, managed for decades by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, is currently managed by the Central Park Conservancy under contract with the municipal government in a public-private partnership. The Conservancy is a non-profit organization that contributes 75 percent of Central Park’s $65 million annual budget and is responsible for all basic care of the 843-acre park.

The Eiffel Tower (/ˈaɪfəl/ EYE-fəl; French: tour Eiffel [tuʁ‿ɛfɛl] ( listen)) is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.

Constructed from 1887–89 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, it was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world.^[3] The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world; 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015.

The tower is 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was finished in 1930. Due to the addition of a broadcasting aerial at the top of the tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft). Excluding transmitters, the Eiffel Tower is the second tallest free-standing structure in France after the Millau Viaduct.

The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. The top level’s upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground – the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union. Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs or lift to the first and second levels. The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second. Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually accessible only by lift.

 

 

 

The Cappadocian Region located in the center of the Anatolian Region of Turkey, with its valley, canyon, hills and unusual rock formation created as a result of the eroding rains and winds of thousands of years of the level, lava-covered plain located between the volcanic mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan as well as its troglodyte dwellings carved out of the rock and cities dug out into underground, presents an otherworldly appearance. The eruptions of these mountains which were active volcanoes in geological times lasted until 2 million years ago. A soft tuff layer was formed, 150 m in thickness, by the issuing lavas in the valley surrounded by mountains. The rivers, flood water running down the hillsides of valleys and strong winds eroded the geological formations consisting of tuff on the plateau formed with tuff layers, thus creating bizarre shapes called fairy Chimneys. These take on the names of mushroom shaped, pinnacled, capped and conic shaped formations. The prehistoric settlements of the area are Koskhoyuk (Kosk Mound) in Nigde, Aksaray Asikli Mound, Nevsehir Civelek cave and, in the southeast, Kultepe, Kanis and Alisar in the environs of Kayseri. This area with usual topographic characteristics was regarded as sacred and called, in the Scythian/Khatti language, as Khepatukha, meaning “the country of the people of the chief god Hepat”, although there are more poetic claims on the origin of the region’s name, such as the Old Persian Katpatuka, which allegedly means “the land of beautiful horses”. The tablets called Cappadocian Tablets and the Hittite works of art in Alisar are of the important remains dating from 2000s B.C. After 1200s B.C., the Tabal principality, of the Khatti Branches of Scythians, became strong and founded the Kingdom of Tabal. Following the Late Hittite and Persian aras, the Cappadocian Kingdom was established in 332 B.C. During the Roman era the area served as a shelter for the early escaping Christians. There are also several underground cities used by early Christians as hideouts in Cappadocia.

 

This reconstructed iron-rail bridge has become the immortal symbol of the Death Railway’s 414-km stretch. Linking the two sides of the Kwai Yai River, the bridge is perhaps the most photographed landmark in Kanchanaburi and has attracted travellers from all corners of the world. The one standing today is actually a reconstruction of the original bridge built by the Allied POWs under the Japanese army, which was bombed and destroyed in 1945 after being in use for 20 months. Set against a scenic backdrop of the river, the bridge is still used today. You can walk on it and cross over to the other side of the river, but be careful of trains (twice a day) and motorcycles sharing the narrow path. It’s a good idea to drop by the JEATH War Museum before you actually head to the bridge, to learn about its history and stories behind the construction of the Death Railway.

Located in western Thailand and admired for its beautiful scenery and accessibility to national parks and waterfalls, Kanchanaburi is best known for the Bridge over the River Kwai that is linked with the historic Death Railway to Burma in which thousands of Asian laborers and POWS died during its construction under Japanese occupation during WWII. Several museums and war cemeteries all present information about the city and its bridge during the 1940s Japan occupation. Outside of Kanchanaburi are several national parks, including Erawan and Srinakarind National Parks, which offer beautiful scenery, waterfalls and caves.

 

 

From mid-April until early May each year Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu turns a sea of pink with moss phlox flowers (芝桜, shibazakura). The many different hues of pink, purple, blue, and white attract a huge number of visitors each year, as well as media attention from across the country. 400,000 shibazakura of 9 species cover the 17,600m² of the the park during this time, and there are many benches above the fields where visitors can take a rest and gaze upon the vivid colors.

Although Hitsujiyama Park is normally free, an entrance fee of ¥300 is requested during shibazakura season. You can also purchase tickets outside Seibu-Chichibu Station. The park is about a 15-minute walk from the Seibu-Chichibu Station—including a 700-meter fairly steep uphill climb to reach the entrance. During the shibazakura season there is also a large market area just after the main entrance where you can buy food, sake, beer, refreshments, as well as a variety of souvenirs.

 

A Brief History

Daehan Dawon, the largest and oldest tea garden in the southern county of Boseong, dates back to 1937, when the first green tea trees were planted by Japanese colonialists. The area’s rich soil, humidity and day-to-night temperature differences made it a perfect location for tea cultivation.

Presently, the tea fields boast approximately 5.8 million plants which are harvested to make yubi-cha—often considered to be Korea’s best variety, thanks to its superb taste and aroma. The seemingly endless rows of tea hedges trace a number of walking paths that are punctuated by groves of cedar, bamboo, maple or cypress trees.

The cedar path—perhaps the most notable attraction of the site, second only to the tea plants themselves —commences at the ticketing office by the plantation’s entrance, and features trees that soar more than 30m (98 ft.) above the fields. The journey continues to the rest area, where visitors can opt to climb up the stairway to get to the central observatory, which overlooks the plantation’s majestic green tea landscapes. Or, they can follow the cedar path toward the field observatory or the sea observatory, both of which offer views of the extensive plantation, its thick forests and the sea in the distance.

South Korea, with its unique blend of hyper-modern cities, dramatic natural landscapes and ancient traditions, is a land of contrasts. One of Asia’s offbeat hotspots, South Korea is a country where ultra-modern design and fashion collides with Confucian tradition. Likewise, it’s a place where the rush and pulsing of 24-hour cities bump against serene mountain valleys. While it’s easy to focus only on side of this dichotomy, experiencing the vibrancy and depth of the country means seeing both the rapid changing cities and serene countryside.

SK is a country well-suited for travel, and a place where everyone is welcoming to strangers. Though cities like Busan and Seoul are strikingly modern, parts of the countryside in Korea seem strangely untouched by the 21st century. What’s more, it’s a nation whose hidden valleys and corners are as accessible to luxury tourists as they are to hardcore backpackers. In addition to the mesmerizing sights, the quality and variety of Korean cuisine offer a plethora of delights to food novices and foodies alike.

Exploring South Korea demands a couple of things – a sense of adventure and openness to the unexpected and new.

Get out of town. Get into an extreme water adventure, unplugged from social media and treat your skin in a hot spa bath. You can get all these in a remote area such as Tibiao, Antique.

When we arrived in Tibiao Antique, it is quiet but not scary quiet. It actually has designated areas to uplift the adventurous spirit.

The province of Antique is located in the southwest area of Panay Island, Western Visayas. Aside from Antique, the Panay Island is composed of three more provinces. On its southeast side is the Ilo-ilo which is popular for old and beautifully structured Churches built during Spanish colonial era. On the east side of the Panay Island, just above the Ilo-ilo, is the province of Capiz which known as a home to Asia’s largest Church bell made out of several sacks of coins. In the northwest area of Panay Island is the province of Aklan which covers the white sand beaches of Boracay.

The province of Antique is located in the southwest area of Panay Island, Western Visayas. Aside from Antique, the Panay Island is composed of three more provinces. On its southeast side is the Ilo-ilo which is popular for old and beautifully structured Churches built during Spanish colonial era. On the east side of the Panay Island, just above the Ilo-ilo, is the province of Capiz which known as a home to Asia’s largest Church bell made out of several sacks of coins. In the northwest area of Panay Island is the province of Aklan which covers the white sand beaches of Boracay.

The History of Tibiao was part og Nalupa from 1596-1840. Nalupa with its central government in present-day Jinalinan controlled the area of what is now Tibiao, Barbaza and Laua-an. In early 1730, Nalupa gradually depopulated due to the Moro pirate attacks. By 1733, Culasi had a direct control of Nalupa and Pandan. In 1796, Nalupa ceded from Culasi. As an arrabal, notable village chieftains were Paris, Oguid Pagsuguiron and Nicolas Amar (1818).

In 1840, Tibiao separated from Nalupa and became an independent pueblo. Capitan Mariano de los Santos became its first gobernadorcillo based in Paris (a sitio of barangay Importante).

In 1841, Capitan Juan Nicolas moved the seat of government in Camiabsan.

In 1850, the catholica church was established with padre Oloy as its first Cura Parroco.

In 1851, Capitan Ildefonso Yuson transferred the poblacion to its present site.

In 1898, Pedro Bandoja (changed his name to Bandong) was the local revolutionary leader of the town.

 Sagada

Sagada is a town in the Cordillera Mountains, within the Philippines’ Mountain Province. Echo Valley’s hanging coffins are displayed high on cliffs, while centuries-old coffins are stacked in burial sites like Lumiang Cave. The nearby Sumaguing Cave has unusual limestone formations. To the north, Bomod-ok Falls has a natural swimming pool. Rice terraces are carved into the area’s surrounding mountainsides.

Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins. This is a traditional way of burying people that is still utilized. Not everyone is qualified to be buried this way; among other things, one had to have been married and had grandchildren.

Popular activities include trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee. Most of the guides are natives, also known as Igorots.

You must take a long bus ride up a mountain in order to reach the beautiful place that sits above the clouds, known as Sagada. Gazing down at the world from above the clouds is a pretty superior way to go soul searching.

Sagada, as well as all of the municipalities located in Mountain Province, offer a lot of fun adventures for travelers to embark on. Warning: While visiting, you may feel inclined to buy large hoards of rice and coffee.

And According to legend, Sagada was founded as an ili or village by Biag, a man from Bika in eastern Abra. The people from Bika were forced out of their ili by raiding headhunters. Biag’s family resettled in Candon but when baptism or the giving of names was enforced, Biag’s family chose to move back toward the mountains in search for a settlement. Along the way, he and his siblings decided to part ways. A brother, Balay, chose to return to Candon, a sister to Abra. Another brother settled along the upper Abra River. Biag pushed further to the east until he came to what is now Sagada.

Perhaps for lack of transportation and willing guides, few conquistadors set foot in Sagada during the Spanish Era, and a Spanish Mission was not founded until 1882. As a result, it is one of a few places that has preserved its indigenous culture with little Spanish influence.