Laguna - #Project81Ph

(2016, Oct 8 - Oct 9)

"(Laguna) Nang ito ay marating ko
(Laguna) Para bang ako ay nagbago
(Laguna) Kakaibang damdamin (ahh)"


Remember that song by Sampaguita? True enough, Laguna gives you good vibes and memorable experiences. If you need a quick get away from all the stress the city life gives you, Laguna is a perfect place to go to! It usually only takes an hour travel from Manila.

Laguna is known as the "Resort Capital of the Philippines", because there are numerous resorts built in the province. Also, it is known for its natural hot springs and the famous Pagsanjan Falls.

This trip is just a random thought that I shared with my hike-mates, and because they are free that weekend, we decided to push through our not-so-planned trip.

By the way, this is a DIY trip, and we only spent less than 1000 pesos for 2 days! Check below how it was possible.

Expenses:

135 pesos (Bus Fare going to SM San Pablo) x2 = 270
7 pesos jeepney fare going to San Pablo Market x2 = 14
15 pesos jeepney fare going to Pandin Lake = 15
350 pesos guide fee (divide it on the number of participants, in our case, 6) = 58 pesos each
360 pesos Lunch and 2 hour stay at Pandin lake = 360
15 pesos jeepney ride going to Underground cemetery = 15
25 pesos jeepney ride back to San Pablo Market = 25

A total of 757 pesos!!!

Itinerary (Overnight)

Day 1

14:00 Meet-up at JAC Liner (along Edsa, Ride Bus going to Lucena, disembark to SM San Pablo, 135 pesos.

18:00 ETA SM San Pablo, ride jeepney going to San Pablo Church/ Market, 7 pesos.

18:30 ETA San Pablo Market, buy food and other stuff.

19:00 Ride jeepney going to Pandin Lake (route to Liliw), 15 pesos

(Don't be fooled by tricycle drivers, they will offer you a ride for 150 pesos)

19:30 ETA to Pandin Lake, It will require 15 minutes walk to reach the jump off/ camp site.

(Actually, there's no space for camp site. We just ask Tatay [forgot his name] if we can camp beside his house. We just gave him 150 pesos for using comfort room).

20:00 Dinner, Socials, etc.

Day 2:

06:00 Breakfast, cleaning up, clearing up tents, preparing for the hike.

07:00 Start of Hike to Mt. Mabilog, 350 pesos guide fee. (We are six so we paid only 58 pesos each).

09:00 ETA Summit. Clear view of Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw can be seen at summit. <3

11:00 ETA Jump off, lunch at Pandin Lake, 360 pesos (sumptious lunch!!) for 2 hours

(You can swim at the Lake, there are life vests available)

> We had lunch past 1:00 pm because Pandin Lake is overcrowded during weekends

15:00 ETA going to Underground Cemetery, jeepner fare is 15 pesos

(Underground cemetery is open until 5:00 pm only, unfortunately we arrived past 5:00 pm so we haven't had the chance to see the inside)

17:00 ETD going back to San Pablo Market20:00 ETA to JAC Liner Terminal at Edsa.


Mt. Mabilog

Mt. Mabilog, located in San Pablo, Laguna is classified as 2/9 difficulty with a 441+ masl. It usually takes 2 - 3 hours to hike, depending on weather conditions. Our jump-off is at Pandin Lake, but there are other jump offs too like in Brgy. Sulsuguin, Nagcarlan and Brgy. Sta. Catalina, San Pablo (major jump-off).

The trail is not that established so one might be lost hiking without a guide. It is relatively filled with different tree species which partially cover the trail so it is not that hot compared to other mountains I've hiked.

It rained the night before we hike so the trail is wet and slippery

Lots of green scenery along the trail

At the summit

Barkada Shot while resting at the summit. Craving for lunch!

We spent almost 3 to 4 hours hiking Mt. Mabilog, including all the picture taking and rest. You can see the Nagcarlan and San Pablo vicinity at the top and also the Pandin and Yambo Lake.

Group shofie at the summit, our shoes maybe dirty but the fun experience with these guys will never be replaced

Le jumpshot

Pandin Lake

Pandin Lake early in the morning

Pandin Lake, located in San Pablo, Laguna, is one of the go-to places during weekends by locals or by travelers. For only 360 pesos, sumptuous lunch is served with 2 hours stay swimming at the edge of the lake, a strip land separating it from its twin lake called Yambo Lake.  

The cool roofed bamboo raft where the lunch is served! Sarap!

The kaladkarin gang :)

It is a must to come early because Pandin Lake is overcrowded during weekends. First come, first serve basis is implemented. But it's worth the wait :)

The food and the ambiance

This is perfect for a summer getaway! Having a very delicious lunch in the middle of Pandin Lake is one of the things one must really try. For only 350 pesos, a sumptuous lunch will be served and 2 hour stay in lake is included. Super sulit :)

Lunch! Grilled Tilapia, Ensaladang Paco and Fish Fillet with rice and Buko juice on the side :)

My most favorite dish of the lunch, Ensaladang Paco! I even bought one for home :)

Grilled Tilapia is just the best. Yummy!

The rice was wrapped in Banana leaves, which make it more delicious!

Swimming at Pandin Lake

After eating, it's time to relax. You can stay up to 2 hours and swim at the lake. The water is so fresh and cool, making you want to dip more than the allowed time. :) Wearing life vest is a must here to prevent drowning even if you are a good swimmer.

Picture perfect spot :)

We enjoyed swimming in the lake, seriously

Enjoying the cool water of Pandin. Wearing life vest is a must here.

Hi I'm Sheen, your bangkero for the day! 

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, located at Brgy. Bambang, Nagcarlan, Laguna, is declared as a National Historic Landmark. Its design is highly influenced my Spanish architecture and it serves as a resting place for the locals. After its declaration in 1973, no more burials were allowed. It was opened in public  on October 1981. 

Group shot. Tiring but happy and adventure packed day.

It was past 5:00 pm when we arrived so we weren't able to enter inside the cemetery because it is only open up to 5:00 pm. So we decided to make the most out of what's left in our time and take pictures at the cemetery park.





The door going inside the underground cemetery is already closed. I strongly suggest if you plan to go here, the best time is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am or 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.



Some of the tombs at the cemetery park. It is very evident that the place is properly maintained, the cleanliness is commendable and the grass is cut regularly.

          

There are lots of picture perfect spots here in Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. It would really be interesting if a pre-nuptial photo shoot will be done here, sending the message "till death do us part"across the world. 

Spend less, enjoy more

At the summit of Mt. Mabilog. Great trip plus great friends equals awesome experience. 

It was truly an awesome experience to travel and spent less. I realized we really don't need that much money to enjoy and spend the weekend outside the city.  You just need willingness, guts and crazy, adventurous friends to make unforgettable memories.

Travel more, worry less.

Sheen