ARGAO
Part 1
ZETS NATURE TRIP
BUGASOK FALLS ARGAO NATURAL PARK
November 15,2009
ZETS AT BUGASOK FALLS
"Take an adventure trek to discover Bugasok Falls. Walk up river and experience an enchanted walk along forested cliffs and solid rock boulders. " Source from http://www.sali-argao.gov.
For visitors with a streak of adventure, a trek to Bugasok falls in Barangay Conalum, one of Argao’s mountainous villages, is a must. A national treasure, Bugasok can be reached by walking upriver along forested cliffs and solid boulders. Those pressed for time, though, can choose to do it in less than two hours by riding the “habal-habal,” a motorcycle that is the usual ride in the mountains.
From there, it is a 20-minute trek down to the river that feeds the falls. The hike though is only half of the effort of the trip
For a view of the falls, one needs to cross the river, climb some part of the mountain, and then go down on the other side.
These are by no means easy tasks but the breathtaking view of the falls will be reward enough for such a difficult and tedious excursion.
Argao Canyons"
View of Mt. Takliad from Usmad
Bugasok Fall
ZETS ECO-CULTURAL TOUR
"Tres de April Ciudad de Cebu to Pueblo de Argao Backpacking Adventure"
April 3 and 4, 20010
Day 1 at Argao Wharf"
Backpacking Adventure Tour started at TRES DE APRIL MONUMENT Cebu City :
Remembering Tres de Abril
Pueblo de Argao Cultural Tour
- Argao Municipal Hall
The Municipality of Argao is located in the Southeastern part of Cebu Province. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of Sibonga; on the South by the Municipality of Dalaguete; on the West by the Municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal and Badian; and on the east by Bohol Strait. It is approximately 66 kms. from Cebu Citycaption="
Lawis Point Argao
Lawis Point is now considered the Skim boarding capital of Cebu south, because of its fine sand and shifting sand bars which stretches out to the sea. Whether its habagat or amihan one part of Lawis either north or south of the sandbar will always have good waves for skim boarding.
- Saint Michael Archangel Church
The Church of Argao possesses one of the remaining 14 Spanish era pipe organs, and is one of the three in the whole province of Cebu.
On the ceiling are murals done by two of the best church muralist during that time (early 20th century). The first portion portraying biblical manifestations of angels was done by the famous artist Canuto Avila. caption="Capella Mortuario"
The area around the structure used to be a cemetery (hence the term “Ermita”) up to the early 1800s when the cemetery was transferred to Looc; Built around the same time as the church and probably finished before it;"Casa Real
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Casa Real exemplifies the government building architecture. With stone masonry in the first level and exclusively timber construction on the second, the Casa Real is one fine example of the highly romanticized bahay na bato, more aptly known in Cebuano as balay na tisa. The Casa Real is the oldest existing town hall in Cebu Province.
Poste
A Cultural Heritage visit at Pueblo de Argao Heritage Sites and Structures one of these are Saint Michael Archangel Church Argao became a parish in 1703, which prompted the construction of a beautiful Rococo-Baroque church structure in 1734 and was completed in 1788. The church was renovated for its bicentennial celebration in 1988. Puerta Marina. Main entrance to the pueblo of Argao. Built in the mid-1700s, this served as the first line of defense of the pueblo. Casa Real exemplifies the government building architecture. With stone masonry in the first level and exclusively timber construction on the second, the Casa Real is one fine example of the highly romanticized bahay na bato, more aptly known in Cebuano as balay na tisa. The Casa Real is the oldest existing town hall in Cebu Province. Capella Mortuario. The area around the structure used to be a cemetery (hence the term “Ermita”) up to the early 1800s when the cemetery was transferred to Looc; Built around the same time as the church and probably finished before it;
"its time for action at ARGAO NATURE PARK
"Wall Climbing"
ARGAO
Part3
ZETS ECO-ADVENTURE
MT. TAKLIAD TRAVERSED MT. LANTOY
June 19 to 20, 2010
Mt. Takliad Argao
Travel Blog by ZETS Sterl
ZETS "ARGAO HIGHLANDS" ECO-ADVENTURE
"MT. TAKLIAD TRAVERSED MT. LANTOY"
Mt. Takliad
Inspired by our ill-will to climb the tallest peak of the Visiyas region, the gang woke up early June 19, 2010 carried full pack gears and headed off to Argao for some practice. Sir Lex Tyler the great, sir Ayanz Abay Uncle Marley, Sir Junie the fighter, Sir Eduy the wanderer, and Sperm the spermatiks , with 2 ladies Mam Kezia “the all for love climber”, Mam Angie with a smile came along with enthusiasm.
The meeting place. We took the 0730 ride from South Bus Terminal to Argao arrive at exactly 0930 and fled to Ybong’s tree house where we will be meeting our guide to Mt. Takliad and Mt. Lantoy. We waited for 3hrs for Sho who is supposedly our official guide, but unfortunately he never showed up. So we took our initiative to look for someone who can somehow just show us the trail so we can take it from there. Sir Leonard who was also trained to guide visitors became our man.
"On the Way Up to Mt. Takliad"
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Brgy. Conalum to wherever. From Ybong’s place in Jampang, we took a couple of steps and then we got the tricycle driver cornered and was left with no choice other than to bring us to poblacion. Haha… On the way to poblacion, we were very lucky enough that the tricycle that we were on ran out of gas. See how karma works… From poblacion to Conalum the fastest way of transportation is thru our local version of motor-cross – the “habal-habal”.
" Amazing Mt. Takliad
I was caught in a limbo riding that stuff. First turn to the left, the tire got busted. Second turn to the right we were lost, went straight to Bugasok Falls which is not our destination… haha… but it was fun. Thanks to that driver we had to pay additional fees and had to walk straight back to where the group is located, nonetheless I had the chance to meet Sir Jothams, tourism official of Argao.
"Beautiful Scenery of Mt. Takliad"
Since we lost contact from the group we asked the tourism official himself. He was very helpful and he was really in hand with his job. Kudos to our tourism official together with the locales for all the efforts of preserving Argao’s natural park – the Agta Cave, Bugasok Falls, Mahayay Beach and more must- see in Argao.
"Mighty Cliffs of Mt. Takliad"
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Trek on trail. You wouldn’t dare to underestimate a trail, how easy, steep, long or wide it is because you will never know what will happen. Like what happened to one of our comrades when we take our feet 600ft above sea level. He almost got himself into the cliff when the bamboo pole he was griping breaks and he got out of balance. Luckily, he fell on his back on a piled stone, his spinal column was cushioned by his backpack and managed to grab on to another branch.
Base Camp at Mt. Takliad Peak"
I totally disagree to those mountaineers who would rate a trail. It would be far better to be careful while walking, and no one can stop us from doing what we love to do. As for ZETS, the trail is part of the package, the view, the sound and the serenity all comes with nature and we consider them being a part of life.
Kapalaran (Destiny). Jump off time 0030 we started getting our feet moving. We know that it is going to be a long hike. Maybe it was by fate that we would meet our friend there at Brgy. Conalum, Sir Jessie Mendez, a friendly locale of that place. He is like the muscle man of the mountain. Jessie is one of a kind, very unique, somehow special. I couldn’t blame Jessie for igniting the ice-cold heart to blazing fire of our very own “the All for love climber”, as mentioned above we only got 2 ladies Angie and Kezia. He hiked with us until we reached the peak of Mt. Takliad. Reached the peak at around 1530 and got a breath taking view of the panoramic scene of the east.
The Scenery of Argao Canyons from Mt. Takliad Peak"
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We loaded our eyes with all the view that was offered. Took a couple of pose and felt hungry. So we needed to prepare our dinner and checked out for available campsite since the peak has limited space to huddle around. It was really meant for us to be on that place and on that time after all the things that we’ve encountered only for a day. It was rewarding.
Mt. Takliad
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You can never be satisfied with all the wonderful sights when you are reaching halfway to heaven. I can’t even dare to stoop and stare at the trail that we have passed thru, as well as the places down below the cliff. It seems like the only flesh that wouldn’t get scratches, bruises and sprains would only be your tongue if you fall into that cliff. “Dila ray way labod nimo pre kung matagak ka dha!” – Jessie Mendez. Which is absolutely true… hehe…
crossing the river and way up to Mt. Lantoy
The peak holds the wonder of insane beauty. What is more insane when night clouds were about to cover the place and we haven’t any munch yet, we are starved. Courtesy of Mam Angie, she got the burner heated and the pot boiling. At last, dinner was served. We ate dinner at around 1900. Everyone was knackered. Lights were off at 2200 when the rain suddenly poured down. Fair enough after that long sunny trek.
"at the river"
Wake up and hustle. As expected, Sir Lex the great would give us that morning shout, wasn’t really a shout because all he got to do is talk early in the morning and everyone would wake up and would feel alarmed as if there was a situation going on...effortless… hehe. But thanks sir you woke us up or we will be eating breakfast at lunch. So we hurriedly packed up our thing and ate breakfast
"Mt. Lantoy Traversed"
It’s the second day of our trek. Everyone feels so excited for the trek! Hearts was pounding; noses were flaring and sweat all over as we went down leading to our next stop…Mt. Lantoy. It was a fun trail going down to the foot of the mountain. Most of us remembered the feeling of being slapped by our parents at the butt since the trail going down was very slippery. It was very nostalgic. As much as we desired to traverse from Takliad to Lantoy as soon as possible, we needed to stop for lunch.
- native house along the way before crossing the river
Going Up to Mt. Lantoy
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All ears for lunch. Having one of the councilors of Brgy Conalum partake our little chit chat while waiting for lunch to be served, was an honor for us. We overheard and never realized that we were well monitored from day one. And another kudos point to the local government of Brgy. Conalum.
Start the traverse. Satiated with the food that was served courtesy of Mam Angie once again, Misua nay subak nga corned beef nam nam! On our feet and hiked all day to Mt. Lantoy. Over 2 of hiking, we never gave up. We were able to summit Mt. Lantoy at around 1500 last June 20 2010. Still the best place to be. Locales said that there was once a tower over the peak that was ruined, so the place was named Tore Lantoy
a view of Mt. Takliad from the Peak of Mt. Lantoy
At last we were able to meet our very goal to summit 2 mountains in the province of Argao. The gang's exit was supposedly going to Usmad but since time was of the matter we followed the road to Lapay. What else can I say but we are very lucky at that time since the first councilor of the municipality of Argao was hovering along with her luxurious pick up. So we grab the opportunity to save time and effort and rode along with them…Bagag fes… hehe… Anyhow we gave our thanks to her and bid farewell.
"a view from Mt. Lantoy"
One thing I learned about this climb is perseverance. Never stop up until the very goal is met with no complain and with calmness. “Perseverare” means to continue steadfastly.
a cultural side trip at Pueblo de Argao"
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Trip Cost:
South Bus to Argao – 130php (roundtrip)
Habal2x – Poblacion to Conalum – 60php
Natural Park Preservation Fee – 20php
Visit ARGAO now : http://www.sali-argao.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=90&Itemid=104
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8. Bugasok Falls Eco-Cultural Adventure
For visitors with a streak of adventure, a trek to Bugasok falls in Barangay Conalum, one of Argao’s mountainous villages, is a must. A national treasure, Bugasok can be reached by walking upriver along forested cliffs and solid boulders. Those pressed for time, though, can choose to do it in less than two hours by riding the “habal-habal,” a motorcycle that is the usual ride in the mountains.
From there, it is a 20-minute trek down to the river that feeds the falls. The hike though is only half of the effort of the trip
For a view of the falls, one needs to cross the river, climb some part of the mountain, and then go down on the other side.
These are by no means easy tasks but the breathtaking view of the falls will be reward enough for such a difficult and tedious excursion. A Cultural Heritage visit at Pueblo de Argao Heritage Sites and Structures one of these are Saint Michael Archangel Church Argao became a parish in 1703, which prompted the construction of a beautiful Rococo-Baroque church structure in 1734 and was completed in 1788. The church was renovated for its bicentennial celebration in 1988. Puerta Marina. Main entrance to the pueblo of Argao. Built in the mid-1700s, this served as the first line of defense of the pueblo. Casa Real exemplifies the government building architecture. With stone masonry in the first level and exclusively timber construction on the second, the Casa Real is one fine example of the highly romanticized bahay na bato, more aptly known in Cebuano as balay na tisa. The Casa Real is the oldest existing town hall in Cebu Province. Capella Mortuario. The area around the structure used to be a cemetery (hence the term “Ermita”) up to the early 1800s when the cemetery was transferred to Looc; Built around the same time as the church and probably finished before it;
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