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...

A Love For May

            It was the year of my Medical Internship and I was assigned to have my one month Manila rotation at San Lazaro Hospital and Jose Reyes Hospital for the month of May…

            From Baguio, I arrived in Manila at the condominium that I rented for a month on the eve of April 30th. Right away, I unpacked my things, removed all of my clothes and had a quick cold shower. After changing into my home clothes and feeling fresh again, I just jumped-off into my bed and pulled the curtain at its side, I just stared at what the Metro could offer, Manila’ skyline and City lights…

            While looking from afar and imagining what I will expect in my 1 month Manila life, I suddenly remembered this Girl close to my Heart, I have recalled all of my promises to her months before going here in the Philippine’s version of “A City that never sleeps”, that I would spend all of my time with her while I’m here in Manila for a month, being a keeper to my promises, I tried to call her and have asked her exact address as I was making an alibi that I would send her all the movies that we talked about. After getting her address, I right away rode the taxi and went to her place to give her a sweet surprise. There is a saying that “A key to a Woman’s Heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time” and I’m really after this Girl’s Heart, so I’m willing to take that extra mile to make her the happiest Girl in this lifetime & I wanted to be the sole reason of her happiness.

            So when I arrived at her place, she still wasn’t there because she just took off from her work, oh by the way, I forgot to mention, she’s a Flight Attendant and has an evening flight prior to that. So I sat and waited outside her apartment’s door for 3 hours… And then I heard her heel’s loud steps, I stood up quickly, with the excitement within my chest and hanging up onto my face. Then she saw me… Just as I imagined her, shocked with me being there, a priceless and perfect moment… She said right away “Oh my Gosh, Armie, what are you doing here?! You’re crazy! I can’t believe you would do this!” with an unexplainable awe and smile. And then I said to her “I wanted to surprise you, a promise is a promise right?”, then She just kept quiet still keeping that unexplainable smile and hugged me right away… I made her speechless… While we were talking about this moment back in Baguio, She was already so excited – excited with all the time and plans she would spend and do with me here in my month’s stay in Manila.

            Every after duty, I would swiftly change my uniform and run as fast as I could to arrive at our meeting place, endless surprises I have prepared just so that I could see her smile over and over again, that enchanting smile that keeps my Heart securely grounded to her…

            On our First Real Date, with Her having no idea where I would bring Her, even if She kept on asking where, I’m still not giving Her any clues coz’ I don’t want to ruin my plan and the moment of excitement to the both of us. So I really kept my lips sealed. As we have arrived at our destination, just as I thought, She became quiet and was speechless again for the second time around, Her face painted an overwhelming expression, I knew at that very time, it was romance filling up the air, it was the perfect surprise, I reserved a Dinner Cruise for the Two of Us along the Manila Bay… So while the Yacht was Cruising, spellbinding breeze of the wind just blew us away, with a fine sumptuous dinner and an acoustic performance singing old romantic love songs… It was the perfect First Date… At that very moment, I knew, I already had her Heart and this time, I intended to keep it safe within my hands…

            One of my many surprises that is close to my Heart was when I brought her to this Treasured Haven outside the busy buzz of Manila. It was Nature at its best, enchanted and Idyllic. We had our own privacy and time together. 6 days of romance-filled adventure, voracious food tripping and just exploring the exquisite & admirable Province together. It was the perfect First Vacation. I had the chance to let her experience how I lived my life, what my world was all about, I was given the chance to reveal to her the “True” Me… And I knew at that very moment, that she felt within her, that she was good to stay…

            While we were walking down this seemly antiquated but scenic Dock at a divine & restful Sunset, I pulled this anchored boat towards us & lend her a hand while she slightly leaped into the boat, as I too have followed. I removed the anchored rope and just continued paddling until the boat was in the middle of the Lake… And then I stopped, I held her hands again, looked right into her, with her enjoying the place and moment that we have… I called out her name and she looked right through my eyes. And then I said to her “After going through at what I've thought are the grueling series in my life, from the day I gave up at everything, there I met you… You were unaware that you were already saving me from doing something bad to myself. You were unconsciously giving me the reason why I should pick up myself again. You let me believe that there is still Life within Me and that remaining Life is all you… Thank You… Thank You…” And He added “Please stay in my Life, I want what we have to be permanent, I realized how beautiful Life is again because I have something to look at now and that is you… I Love You…” With a short pause, she kept in silence, still gazing at her golden brown eyes while waiting for what she would say back to me… Then She replied but I did not hear what She said (Fireworks came into our background), I said “What did you say?” And She repeated it again – I did not hear Her for the second time until She is becoming blurry to my sight, it’s like I’m losing Her. I keep on calling out her name…

AND THEN I WOKE UP.

            With a hazy vision at first, I looked around to orient myself where I am and then it clearly hit me, I’m at my condominium in my bed. I called out Her name and no one is responding, I suddenly looked at the clock and it’s Seven in the morning, I grabbed my phone and briskly scanned it, there’s no undeleted calls or saved messages coming from Her and I asked myself “What is happening?”, And then I saw on my phone’s screen that it’s May 1st… That is the time I knew that we never saw or even talked with each other at all, that I just had this Beautiful Dream… And when I woke up, it just left an Imprinted Memory within my Soul, even if it actually never happened in my Real Life…

            I stood up, looked at the clock again with a sudden realization that I’m already late on my First Day of Duty. I was in a rush to take a bath & put on my uniform and then I opened my unit’s door & just when I’m about to leave, I looked back inside my condominium, thought of my Dream with Her and slowly closed the door…


- Poetic Prince


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

A Letter From A Granddaughter

Dear Tatay,


         October 29 was the toughest moment we had to go through and experienced as an entire family especially Nanay. It was not just us but everyone who dearly admired and loved you.

         You know why? Of course I know you do or else you won’t be where you are now.

         It was early morning of that day we asked you or I meant shouted at you so you could hear us loud and clear “TATAY! FIGHT! FIGHT! LABAN KA TAY!” to fight for your life until you wake up and be back to normal. I guess you got tired of fighting from the night before and just gave yourself up in the hands of our Lord.

         You know what Tay, this was the time that God did not answer our very important prayer. We prayed alone so hard. We prayed together so hard. We kneeled and beg him so hard to bring you back to life, to wake us up from this bad dream. But as you always say to us “MAY PLANO ANG DIYOS SA LAHAT NG NANGYAYARI SA ATIN - KUNG SASAGUTIN NIYA ANG PANALANGIN NATIN O HINDI. LAHAT YUN AY PARA SA ATING IKAKABUTI.”

         It hurts so much Tay to see you lifeless at the hospital bed but after the doctors and nurses removed the tubes in you, we all saw what is behind those — a SMILE ON YOUR FACE. Despite the pain you’ve gone through the night before, you were smiling. It is for us to conclude that you are happy where you are now. Happy in the presence of our Father. Then we again remind ourselves how God’s plan will always prevail and how it is always good.

         Tatay, allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the best grandfather in the whole world (no one could ever replace you in my heart and in my life), for loving us, for being concern with our studies, jobs or anything that we do, for appreciating our efforts or any of our achievements, for being proud of us always, for your guidance and most of all for being an exemplary model of putting Christ first in our lives. You are a great man of God - you were always there with open arms and open heart to help those in need. You were never greedy and you knew what it meant to extend a hand. You gave away things and properties that were valuable to you just because God impressed it on your heart. I have attest of you putting all your words into action thus you’ve left a legacy behind — look at all the people who are mourning at your lost. They could not wait to see you at that box so they started seeing you while we had the 12 hour waiting period before embalmment.

        Tatay, we will miss you a lot. I will deeply miss your presence, your persistent calls to buy immediately what you wanted us to buy for you, your lectures and your knowledge on the new Apple gadgets available in the market that you would like to buy immediately.

         I would also like to apologize if I’ve done anything that hurt you. Also Tay, sorry that I haven’t married yet, as you always say “Ano? Di ka pa ikakasal? Matanda ka na at tumatanda na rin ako.” I know you would like to meet the man I would be married with and I feel so sad knowing you won’t be there when I walk down the aisle but I know you’ll be watching from above. You know what Tay, the reason I’m not yet married is because no one is asking (ha ha ha) but the main reason of it all is I would like to be married to a man who has a character like you. You have set the standards and I think it is just difficult to be like you because I myself is still not half way of what you are. I’m praying to be just like you.

         Tay, I know you would not like us to cry and be sad at your loss. If you are just here, I know you’ll tell of us “Tama na yan! Masaya ako dito oh! Babantayan ko kayo lagi. Ang importante, magmahalan kayo lagi at wag kakalimutan ang Diyos. Magpasalamat lagi sa kanya dahil yung ang pinaka-importante sa lahat.” For now Tay, allow us to grieve at your passing. It was so sudden, we’re left broken or paralyzed if that could be a better term of what we are feeling right now.

         My thought when I was at your place — seeing your cars, the dining table, the massage chair, your room and everything in it — “How do we all stand, when the pillar is gone?” Tay, I know it will be so difficult for all of us to stand and move on our own but please guide us in anyway. You will be our GUARDIAN ANGEL.

         Right now, God is helping us understand and accept peacefully why He got you. We all believed that you have accomplished all tasks He asked you to do. So you simply, gave up your working tools and joined Him in Heaven so you could both watch all of us from above.

         Tatay, I love you so much. I will do all my best in work, school and life so you could be proud of me more in heaven. I will continue doing what you’ve taught us to do. I will love everyone in the family and the ones you love as well. We will take care of Nanay and put her best interest first than ours.

         I know you are already in Heaven watching over us. I am sure you are also looking down with love and pride at the family you built. You can be rest assured that we will never forget what you have taught us and that we will pass it down to the next generation.

         I know I can speak for everyone, we will miss you and we will never forget you because you’ve been the best and you have imprinted yourself permanently in our hearts. We love you.

         I will see you soon.

                                                              Love,
                                                             Ceetee


- The Thoughtful Son


*** This Article is dedicated to the "GREAT" ARMANDO Q. LEYVA. Tatay, I always miss you and I love you so much... Happy 79th Birthday Tay... :_(