A Traveller’s Boarding Addiction (A Surfing Hobby)

ARMIE YUSON ADVENTURES - A SURFING HOBBY IN SAN JUAN LA UNION    

 

                Now, I already understood why many people who have tried Surfing became so addicted to it, that the sport got stuck with them because for the very first time, your Pambansang Manlalakbay Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson has finally experienced Surfing and the feeling is very mutual with others who can’t let go of the unexplainable addicting sensation brought about by the muscular sport of Surfing…

                I was in large regret because for several years, I took the sport for granted and it was only now that I have tried Surfing. Eventhough, I’m only just an hour and a half away to one of the most famous Surfing Spots in Northern Luzon which is in “SAN JUAN LA UNION”. Until now, I still can’t believe that I never even tried Surfing there but after my exposure to it, it changed my whole belief to the idea of the sport. It was one of the greatest experiences in my Life. My first ever try was a “Job Well Done” because I stood up and balanced myself well on the Surfing Board. "It’s as if I felt that I’m soaring so high while I’m gliding above the cloudy bubbled waves formed by the immense Sea." Once you have learned to stand up and balance yourself longer on the board – that is where the addiction to the sport comes in because you just can’t get enough of it, you’ll just want more and more and more… Great thing, I could already stand up on my first ever try. Just imagine how fast I learnt in an hour...

                Now that Surfing is my newest sport and hobby, as well as my latest workout regimen (because you will use every bit of your muscles here), I am recommending the sport of Surfing more rather than going to the Gym… I will always be Surfing every week and the best time to Surf is at six in the morning during weekdays, as you can own the whole Beach by yourself which is what Happy Loner Traveller wants!!!

                At four in the morning, I would go down to San Juan La Union and Surf there for an hour or two & then I’ll come back right away to Baguio and return to my daily duties. Thank you so much to my Professional Surfing Instructor, Benjamin, for encouraging me to love the sport! Thanks also to the Surfing Instructors of SEBAY SURF RESORT namely Badz, Allan & Freddie, who always welcomes Happy Loner Traveller with a Big “Surfer’s Aloha Sign” and to the owner of the New COSTA VILLA BEACH RESORT, Mr. Ferdinand “Ding” Farnacio, for your very warm hospitality & for sharing your very beautiful resort to me. This is to the New Surfer Addict, your Pambansang Manlalakbay Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson saying YEBAH!!!

  

- Happy Loner Traveller

  *** This Article is dedicated to the "GREAT" ARMANDO Q. LEYVA. Tatay, I always miss you and I love you so much...

 

A Traveller’s Maiden Outskirts (The Mythical Falls of Ambon-Ambon & Limutan Of Binukawan)

 ARMIE YUSON ADVENTURES - LIMUTAN & AMBON-AMBON FALLS OF BAGAC BATAAN (PART 1)  

ARMIE YUSON ADVENTURES - LIMUTAN & AMBON-AMBON FALLS OF BAGAC BATAAN (PART 2)

                I, your Pambansang Manlalakbay Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson is thirsty for yet another unforgettable adventure, after my Tangadan Falls discovery in San Gabriel La Union, I became so addicted in discovering more places that have never been or was less featured on National Television, as well as on the Internet World.

                And so I have heard this Tale about Two Mythical Falls found in the virgin forest of Binukawan Bagac Bataan, fifty meters apart with thirty and sixty meters high. Yes! Two Falls found in one place for they are like sisters that is connected by one channel of continuous overflowing clear and pristine river that came all the way from the purest springs of the highest unchartered mountains of Bagac Bataan. You can even drink the water that is literally coming out from the rocks of the falls.

                But as you know, getting there is not easy. With what I have experienced, I can say that this is by far my most challenging adventure because my number one enemy here is the scorching heat of the sun. So like what Happy Loner Traveller is always saying, make sure that you are always prepared with all the basic things when you are planning for an adventure like this. Always rehydrate yourself, bring hats & long sleeves to protect yourself from the Sun and for the Ladies, you can bring your sunblock too. Also, wear rubber shoes, for the expected rugged terrain and long shorts or light pants for the sharp bushes.

                Right away, as I arrived in Binukawan, I started to hike the mountainous nine kilometer path towards the Two Falls. It was so muddy because heavy rainfall poured down the night before my big hike. For three gruesome and tiring hours I have hiked this mud-covered highland, I even had several rest-stops and my most favorite of them was when I have been welcomed by the owner (Mrs. Dely Velaňo) of this “Bahay-Kubo” located in a 4,000 hectare farm on top of the mountain. She is so kind that she allowed me to sit on the bench, under the mango tree and even offered several foods & fruits like coffee, coconut, corn, Indian mango and cashew to me. As I was resting there, I cannot help but appreciate the Life that they have… I can’t help to compare their Simple Life from our Urban Life, I envy them so much. While I was sweating profusely, it was easily compensated with the farm’s fresh breeze of the wind and the view of the Ocean from the West Philippine Sea. It was a perfect moment that you wish would never end…

                Ten minutes before reaching the First Falls which is Limutan, it suddenly rained, good thing I was prepared with waterproof plastics so that my valuable items won’t get wet… And now, the terrain has already changed, I have entered this Protected Sanctuary by the Locals of Binukawan, wherein its Virgin Forest embodies the huge rocks, colossal trees and music-producing streams… So while passing through this Paradise, I finally saw the Mythical Falls of Limutan and for a glimpse there, I literally lost my breath. The Legend is after all, a factual one… I swam, climbed and jumped on the thirty meter high Falls. I even drank water from the spring that came out in between the rocks. I sat for a while and just watched the water falling, I just couldn’t leave this place. I was so mesmerized by its alluring magnificence, probably my number one Falls in Luzon in terms of elegance, beauty and the way it gives you a peaceful feeling inside… This is an excellent place for those people who wants to do Soul Searching… Nearby is the sixty meter high Ambon-Ambon Falls and I’m on top of it, there is no other access to go down the Falls, the only option is to rappel yourself directly through the Falls, as it is jungle that you will encounter below it…

                Bataeňos are on top of my list when it comes to the kindest and most hospitable people in the Philippines. The way they take care of you and make sure you are comfortable at their home is astounding, they would make you feel that you are a part of their family. Thank you so much to my Friend, Former Classmate & Co-Pharmacist Ms. Karen Calatrava for guiding me the directions in how to get to Binukawan and to Mr. Fernando “Andy” Panganiban for treating me as a part of his Family in my short stay in their Barangay, he welcomed me in his home and has guided me in the Maiden Outskirts of Binukawan Bagac Bataan.

                 Bataan is the place to explore, as it is not much advertised by the media, you still can find its rich treasures such as its Virgin Beaches, Mountains and Forests. "Bataan Peninsula for me, is the Last Real Treasure of Philippine Nature…"


- Happy Loner Traveller 


 *** This Article is dedicated to the "GREAT" ARMANDO Q. LEYVA. Tatay, I always miss you and I love you so much...
 

A Traveller’s Tigress Cubs (Happy Loner Traveller Returns To Zoobic Safari)

ARMIE YUSON ADVENTURES - ZOOBIC SAFARI FEVER    

 

            I came back to Zoobic Safari to clear out a specific discussion wherein lately, Animal Keepers are having challenges when it comes to other people protesting against them. These Protesters think that these Animals in the Zoo or Waterpark are being abused because they are locked away from their Natural Habitat.

            Now, your Pambansang Manlalakbay, Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson will be the neutralizer between these 2 groups battling from what they know are right for these tamed animals. We already have ideas, as seen on the news, of what the Protesters have been shouting about. Now, let me take you to the other side of the story, where this time, we get the feelings and sentiments of the Zookeepers and in the end, you’ll be the one to judge, whether in what side you think your heart will go to.

            But first, I want to share to you why I’ve been dying to come back to Zoobic Safari, it’s because I told my friends there, Aprilyn Esposo and Elizabeth Alvarez, that if ever they would have tiger cubs again, they would right away contact me because I’ve been wanting to have amazing photographs with these super cute cubs. You have to wait for almost a year just to have these little cubs again, so when they told me, right away I planned a trip to Zoobic Safari. Finally, when I saw these 2 week old Tiger Cubs, I just felt so happy, I just can’t stop smiling, these cubs just removed all of my sadness in an instant! That is how cute they are! But let me remind you, that they are not allowed to be held and played with by the public, as they are very sensitive, they just made a very “special request” for Happy Loner Traveller because it is a part of my show. I am even required to rub alcohol on my hands before touching them. Also, when I returned to Zoobic Safari, I noticed new attractions that I haven’t seen the last time I was there. They already have this SKY SAFARI, a summed up 400 meter Zipline ride where you can have your own souvenir taken by a PHOTOZIP Staff. They also have this latest SEGWAY ride, which I have enjoyed so much, it’s an environment friendly transportation machine where it allows you to help conserve the usage of fuels and to reduce the emission of carbon gases. I also ate my lunch at their restaurant BUHO GRILL and it was a very tasty meal, just filled up my starving tummy.

            Now, let’s go back to the situation that I’ve wanted to clear out with the Zookeepers. I went to the Animal Care Center and interviewed their Zoo Veterinarian because She is the one who directly interacts with these Animals, so She is the best one to give answers to our questions. After interviewing her and hearing their side, I finally made a conclusion. Instead of protesting against the Zoo’s Management for these Animals, why not instead, volunteer and help the Zoos create a better program that would suit the welfare and safeness of these Animals that you are protesting for. Instead of creating a dilemma, why not encourage and discover solutions. Zoos are very essential to us humans because Zoos were created not only for profit and to generate money, but also to allow us and be given the opportunity to study closely these Animals, to learn their behavior and to know their needs that we would provide for them in the future. All Zoos all over the Philippines, Asia and the World coordinate with each other when it comes to their Science Research and they develop & improve new & old programs that would make sure their Animals would receive the finest and modern care possible. We can always have that opportunity and goal to be ONE as a Team, we may have different beliefs, mentality, cultures, rules and standards but we can always manage to interact with each other and make a common outcome for the betterment of everyone as a whole.

            So I hope, "We can help each other make the Philippines a better place to live in, that whenever We go out of our Country and visit other Nations, We will held up our heads high and be proud that we are “FILIPINOS”, who shines as a great example of a race that underwent many obstacles and yet we have managed to rise above it, through helping each other and becoming a one named identity, “FILIPINO”."

            I would like to personally Thank the ZOOBIC SAFARI Staffs namely Aprilyn Esposo (Photozip Staff), Elizabeth Alvarez (Marketing Officer), Noel Cañeda (Customer Relations Office Head), Jonard Villamayor (Head Of Zookeeping Department), Dr. Cherique Smith (Zoo Veterinarian), Jefferson Foo and Philip John Farne (Official Distributors Of Segway Philippines) for your unwavering and welcoming hospitality to Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson.

- Happy Loner Traveller

 *** This Article is dedicated to the "GREAT" ARMANDO Q. LEYVA. Tatay, I always miss you and I love you so much...