2nd Part continues.... (pasencya na po dun sa mga nabitin sa Part 1..)
6th Day: Dapitan City to Caticlan and Boracay
31 December 2022, Saturday, 26,785KM ~ 27,279KM (+2,965KM)
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Odo: 26,784 3:45AM
Nearing the port early in the morning, Dumaguete was also beaming with lights.
Down the boat's belly, I had to quickly check if Xcy if still standing firm since we had a nice deep sleep the whole sea crossing from Dapitan Port.
Whenever I think of Dumaguete City, I visualize the port, the church, the plaza, the restaurants and fast food chains, the hotels, and almost everything that a favorite far-flung destination for travelers from East Asia and Europe.
It was still at around 4am on the last day of 2022, and we are geared up for the early morning rides bound northeast of Negros, for Bacolod City.
We first visited this amazing city 3 years ago, when we visited Manjuyod Sandbar and this was the same port going to the magical island of Siquijor, during our year-end getaways on December of 2019.
Although this was our 6th ferry port in this South Leg, every time we arrive at a port and embark on the boat, the excitement was like the first time.
From the port, we went to Quezon Park, fronting the most beautiful church in all of Dumaguete City, and perhaps in the entire province of Negros Oriental.
Known as "The City of Gentle People", Dumaguete City is the largest city in Negros Oriental, with its majestic church, The St Catherine Alexandria Cathedral, built in 1776.
It was still dark when we arrived, so after a few photos and prayers, we proceeded the rides.
Bais City, Negros Oriental.
Odo: 26,840 4:57AM
We have explored deeply Bais City before, and this city was very nice to roam around during the night with food stalls, etc.
But at this early morning hour in Bais City, everyone was still resting. All that we can do was took some photos, hydrate, and rest for a few minutes.
There in Bais 7-11, we met again John Paul Libarnes Jaudian of Cagayan de Oro, our ferry mate, also going to Bacolod City to spend new year's eve with his girlfriend.
Negros Oriental~Occidental Awesome Pass.
Traversing the mountainous roads crossing the heart of Negros Island - from Oriental to Occidental provinces of Negros - we did not expect that it was going to be one of the best rides of our lives.
Yes, crossing the provincial border connecting Bais City to Kabangkalan was so awesome to ride in the early morning hours when there was fog all over - it was absolutely astonishing, try it..!
Duloy's Eatery, Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental.
Odo: 26,975 8:05AM
The heat of the sun was starting to pound on us because the fog was already gone at this point.
There were 2 karenderias along the Aquiles~Zayco Avenue, a few meters before reaching the Kabangkalan City proper, and the other one has more people stopping and eating.
So we decided to take our breakfast there, after filling gas at full tank in the nearby Petron gas station.
Kuya Duloy (the workaholic owner) was kind enough to give us a warm welcome - and he offered to us his kinilaw na bangus (one of his specialties, according to him), with lagat ampalaya and pork adobo with egg.
The dishes they serve were cooked by wood fire, at the back of the karenderia.
It is said that food cooked in wood fire is more delicious, and as the aroma of the wood goes into the food, the flavor comes out even more tender, juicier, and delicious.
I also do the same thing back in Angeles City - I use wood to tenderize when making some of my favorite appetizers: spicy chicken feet, pork dinakdakan, and pork sisig.
First Mabuhay Baptist Church, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental.
Odo: 27,009 8:57AM
After 41.4KM at about an hour of rides from Duloy's in Kabangkalan, I felt very sleepy, tired, and tunnel-visioning - "pumutok ang pagod" - it was the first time I felt that way in the South Leg.
A Baptish Church supplying water here allowed me to wash my face and try to reset and regain my composure, and to continue the ride.
I was very thankful to the woman managing the hose - it helped me a lot to continue the rides safely.
Bago City, Negros Occidental.
Odo: 27,024 9:16AM
This was the first time I heard of Bago City and this was the first time we'd been in Bago City - a few kilometers away from Bacolod City - and we were so excited at this point..!
According to the manuscript of a Spanish historian, Diego Lope de Povedano, the community was named after a large tree called Bago under which, a native prince by the name of Mapagic died.
Known as the “Home of historical and natural treasures,” owing to its contribution to the colorful history of the province of Negros Occidental, and its beautiful scenery and abundance in flora and fauna, Bago City is a good eco-tourism destination.
We were so pleased to have visited briefly a portion of this historical City - and we hope to come back there and stay for days, in the near future.
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Odo: 27,028 9:30AM
Bacolod City is the most populous city in Western Visayas and the second most populous city in the entire Visayas after Cebu City.
It is known as the "City of Smiles" because of its MassKara Festival, a Mardi Gras-like festival and a spectacularly vivid mix of dance, color and music.
Bacolod is also known as the "Land of Sweet People", and for its culinary heritage, including its "chicken inasal" (a kind of roast chicken on skewers) and sweet dessert treats.
Previously called “Da-an Banwa,” meaning old town, Bacolod was made the capital of the Province of Negros in 1894 by order of Governor General Claveria, through Negros Island Governor Manuel Valdeviseo Morquecho.
Bacolod Public Plaza, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
One of the remarkable landmarks of Bacolod City is the Bacolod Public Plaza dates back to the 1840s when Bacolod was officially declared the capital of Negros Island.
Through the years, a small memorial was erected at the plaza in honor of the soldiers that fought for Bacolod's democracy during the war.
This City was one of the top cities that we visited in this South Leg, and the most favorite city of my wifeY, over Davao and others.
The people there were very accommodating to local tourists - even allowing our maxi-scooter to enter the beautiful park upon knowing we were on a Philippine Loop tour - allowed us to take photos and rest for a few minutes - and that cannot be done in Davao City.
Bacolod Bredco Seaport, Bacolod, Negros Occidental.
Odo: 27,031 9:43AM
Arriving at the Bredco port, we were so grateful to the guards and staff that were noticeably accommodating to all passengers.
The loading process of vehicles boarding ferries was in fact the simplest and easiest of all the ports that we have experienced passing.
Although very hot out in the open beside the seaport fronting the north of Guimaras Island, we were determined to reach Boracay Island before sundown.
The ferry LCT Holy Family Navistar was docked there in silence waiting for the boarding signal, and ready to go.
Without the clutters of container vans and files of goods, the huge port was surprisingly very clean.
The very short experience in passing Bacolod City did not disappoint us - it gave us the idea that one day, going back to Bacolod and the entire Negros Occidental towns will be very promising.
LCT Holy Family Navistar.
Odo: 27,033 9:43AM
A few minutes away from the Bacolod Bredco Seaport, you can clearly see how well-organized and well-managed the port is.
Onboard the ferry LCT Holy Family Navistar, it was not that big and not that luxurious - and it has an open-air passenger area for those who love the salty breeze of air.
It also has an airconditioned room with a TV playing random movies, and it was our time to nap for a bit and regain as much strength, to tackle the roads from Dumangas to Caticlan.
Dumangnas-Naluoyan Port is within reach in less than 3hrs of very calm sea crossing over Guimaras Strait.
Once landed in Dumangas, all we need to do is to ride safely going to the northwest of Panay Island.
Dumangas-Naluoyan Port, Dumangas, Iloilo.
Odo: 27,033 12:32PM
The Port of Dumangas is one of the major ports operating in the Province of Iloilo. It was very hot there when we arrived past noon time.
The word "Nalu-oyan" means given mercy or compassion - and the port was named to the sitio where it was built, here in Sitio Nalu-oyan at Barangay Sapao, Dumangas, Iloilo.
Serves as an outlet for rice, sugar, fish products, etc. for central and eastern towns of Iloilo, the Roll-on Roll-Off (RORO) Vessels carrying passengers and cargoes plying Dumangas, Iloilo – Bacolod and vice versa are very busy.
The photos above were taken by this kind man whom we forgot to ask the name of - whoever you are, thank you for your kindness.
Pat's Eatery, Dumangas, Iloilo.
A few meters after getting out of Dumangas-Naluoyan Port, we were so hungry after almost 7hrs at 193KM of riding from our breakfast in Duloy's in Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental.
Karenderia like Pat's Eatery in Dumangas is the favorite stop for delivery truck drivers and riders passing the Dumangas-Naluoyan Port.
It was very hot there at noon time and there was this feeling of doubts about ever reaching Caticlan, Malay, Aklan with still 246KM more to ride before sundown.
So, I had to ignore doubts at this point and wipe it away with a bottle of ice-cold mountain dew.
Poblacion Sur, Sigma, Capiz.
Odo: 27,195 3:36PM
A very small barangay in the municipality of Sigma, in the province of Capiz, Poblacion Sur has only less than -2,000 residents.
However, Poblacion Sur is a significant place where the consequential junction point (intersection that's never to miss) that goes to Roxas City passing Ivisan, Capiz, or to towards Malay, Aklan passing Mambusao, Capiz and Kalibu, Aklan.
Kalibo, Aklan.
Odo: 27,204 3:52PM
Kalibo is a coastal municipality, one of the most popular, and the provincial capital of the province of Aklan.
I once visited Kalibo long time ago when the flights were landing in the Kalibo airport instead of the (then shorter) Caticlan airport, and have to travel for hours in UV Express to Caticlan to reach Boracay Island.
Kalibo is where the famous Ati-Atihan Festival which means, "to imitate the Ati people", is extravagantly celebrated during the 3rd week of January annually.
This was also the place where the image of the Señor Santo Niño de Romblon was found and recovered, after it was sacrilegiously stolen in 1991, and returned after more than 22yrs in 2013, to the Saint Joseph Cathedral, in Romblon, Romblon.
Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.
Odo: 27,204 4:57PM
Anchored by Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, Caticlan is known as one of the entry points to the famous beaches of Boracay Island.
Located at Panay Island's northern tip, Caticlan offers natural attractions such as the Sanga-an River's clear waters and Lupo Lupo Lake's migratory birds.
It was hard to believe but we reach Caticlan, Malay, Aklan a few minutes before 4pm, after riding on 2 major islands (Negros and Panay), and RORO crossing the Guimaras Strait in just under 12hrs, from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental - this was epic...!
E&M Carpark, Malay, Aklan.
We cannot bring Xcy in Boracay Island together with us - so, we found E&M Carpark very secured and trusted for our maxi-scoot rest for a while there, together with our safety gears and helmets.
This very kind man gave us assurance that our valued stuff (a Kymco S 400i, a pair of complete Komine riding gears, ArcX boots, 3x sets of DLSR's inside the top box, and 2x HJC RPHA70's) were all in good hands - for only 300 pesos.
Caticlan Jetty Port, Malay, Aklan.
Going back to Caticlan Jetty Port by foot from the carpark, some people working for high-end resorts with quick access to tickets and stuff was a big help - at the same time, our friend in Boracay sent to us the much needed hotel booking confirmation.
In a few minutes, the polite man came back to us with other stubs that we need to finally exit to the back where we got stab for the specific boat to board to Boracay Island.
Upon exiting with a boat stab, the MB Mermaid-4 was already boarding passengers - so it was pretty easy for us at this point with zero delays.
The boat ride from Caticlan Jetty Port was thrilling since it was only for a few minutes and you are already there embarking on Boracay Island's Jetty Port.
Boracay Island, Aklan.
It was very dark arriving at the port facility in Boracay, leading to the waiting e-tricycles that will transport us to the beach area.
For us and at this point, it feels like a dream - we were 495KM away 12hrs ago, and now we are in Boracay Islands, 6hrs away from New Year's Eve of 2023.
We link up with Reb in one of his restos. A good friend of ours, you can visit him at Kusina Bistro Boracay, and in DAMPA-AN Seafoods Bar and Restaurant - just tell him about me and you'll have a 10% discount right away..!
Upon check-in, we immediately unpack our stuff, recharge all techs, took showers, and then immediately go out very excited to roam around.
There were a lot of new hotels and establishments in Boracay that were built only recently. Even the inner streets where affordable transients were located are already gone - now with huge hotels full of extravagance.
Boracay Island is no longer the same 4yrs ago. Most of the resto on the beachfront was not affordable for the common Filipinos as local tourists. The eat-all-you-can buffet ranges from 2,000 pesos to as high as 3,500 pesos per head.
We found the exclusivity at Golden Phoenix Hotel Boracay, where fewer people, less noise, the ambience was nearly perfect, and the price was perfect for us.
At the entrance of this beautiful hotel on the beachfront, a live band was playing great music while appetizers were being served to match my favorite redhorse beers.
Sizzling pork Sisig (made of chopped pig face) topped with fresh egg is a favorite appetizer for Filipinos all over the country - and the origin of this famous dish is where we live, in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Sweet and sour Gambas (shrimps) and crispy fried Calamares (squid) was also available there to complete the beers night while waiting for the last minutes of the new year.
The band was able to make the countdown to welcome the first few seconds with a bang..!
New Year's Eve 2023 @ White Beach, Boracay Island.
In spite of many trips down here mostly during summer time, this was the first time we spent the new year in Boracay Island - and it was astonishing here..!
The enormous fireworks were set up in the water on a specially built platform, facing the beachfront for all visitors to amazingly enjoy.
The dark skies were lit up with all the explosive shapes of fireworks that were so unbelievable for more almost 30mins... and it was a crazy new year for everyone at Boracay long beach...!
7th Day: Caticlan to Bulalacao
01 January 2023, Monday, 27,279KM ~ 27,343KM (+3,029KM)
1st Sunrise of 2023 @ Boracay Beach.
This was the 1st day of the year, and the first new year that we were not with the kids - and will never be complete, after 25 years of being together as a complete family.
It was really hard to smile - but we missed the kids, specially Jef who is now with the Lord... We love you Kuya Jepoy, and you will always be here in our hearts.
As the beach was still empty together with our empty hearts at that moment, it was still nice to spend New Year's Eve in Boracay according to our grand plan on this South Leg.
This is how riding for 2,965KM would do in your palm after passing 35 provinces - from Angeles City, Pampanga, down to General Santos City, and up to Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, in a clockwise loop.
Early morning at Boracay Island, there were a few open places as everyone was still in deep sleep, after the late night parties.
While most of the expensive resto was still closed after the New Year's Eve late celebrations, we were looking for something that was cheap and mouth-watering.
A freshly grilled pork liempo chopped into bit sizes, cups of steamed rice, and pineapple juice were more than enough for us.
The crew of Andok's D'Mall in Boracay island were very courteous and energetic to start their 1st morning of 2023 so right - and we were their very first customers that morning.
They were even so cool to have a selfie photo with us too - thank you guys...!
Caticlan Jetty Port, Malay, Aklan.
Returning to our hotel, quick showers again, packing our stuffs, and riding e-tricycle again, we were at the Caticlan Jetty port in under an hour.
The port was almost empty with passengers still resting in their beds after a long night of partying and fun on the beach.
In our case, this was not the moment that we have to stay longer in any of the places - we were enjoying the rides, and continuously keep moving - and we can easily go back to Boracay Island in less than a couple of hours via Clark Airport, in Pampanga.
It was also a big advantage to have a different time schedule than most of the people travelling - to alleviate unforeseen delays while keeping the itinerary so accurate.
We were back in the paid parking space, after a few minutes of boat rides onboard M/V Sunico Express, and a few meters of walk from the port.
It was here that we notice of the tire wear after 714KM, from passing both Negros and Panay Islands - and since the rubbers were seen okay in photos when we were in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
The funny part was, we were left by the RORO bound for Roxas, Oriental Mindoro - and we have to wait for another unconfirmed trip after 7hrs more.
It's either we have to board a RORO bound to Bulalacao (no more ferry that day) or to Roxas and then ride down to Bulalacao in an hour - but we cannot be bound directly to Calapan Port because we are going to be disqualified.
After about 5hrs of patiently waiting inside Dunkin Donuts in Caticlan (thank you!), we were told to secure tickets and fees since the boat trip was confirmed with enough passengers to board.
Then, we were advised to enter the port where we have to wait there for the signal to board the ferry.
We were so delighted that finally, this RORO ride will bring us back to the proximity of Luzon Island, in MIMAROPA's most visited island of Mindoro.
Same as to other recent RORO rides, receipts and clearances were checked before boarding the ferry.
In the port, a Starlite vessel was also boarding passengers and vehicles bound directly for Calapan Port.
One of the best things about going into many far places is meeting people, and hearing their dreams, as well as their struggles - and relating yourself into knowing how beautiful life is, as God will's it.
We met and chat just before boarding Sir Rey Chavez and his son from Sagay City, Negros Occidental. We drink beers and talk about a lot of things while onboard. He is working with one of the known politicians in Negros Occidental, as a close-in bodyguard on board a bulletproof vehicle with his boss.
Xcy at this point had no wash since the time we left Angeles City, 6 days ago. This Kymco Xciting S 400i never let us down, kept pushing as I pleased, and had no drama at all.
M/V Montenegro Santa Brigada.
During the times when the maxi-scooter was safely boarded and tied securely, I always look for the highest vantage point on the boat.
From there, you can see the entire port - seen here in the starboard side were the private speedboats wealthy people use to board as tenders going to Boracay Island, away from the normal tourists.
There were lots of fishing boats on the port side of the boat - these were the boats of the local fishermen in Caticlan.
The M/V Montenegro Santa Brigada can devour tons of heavy loads on trucks, buses, and private vehicles in its belly.
Roxas Port, Oriental Mindoro.
Odo: 27,280 11:27PM
After 4hrs of relaxing ferry rides from Caticlan Port, and only 126KM from the main capital City of Calapan, Roxas is the smallest municipality of Oriental Mindoro.
Formerly known as Paclasan and originally a part of Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Roxas was founded by Andres Torrefiel on November 15, 1948, and was named after President Manuel A. Roxas.
We were still in our casual clothes when we landed in Dangay Port, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. Riding only 650m to the nearest 7-11 along Dangay Highway to wear again our full safety riding gears, before proceeding the 51KM rides down to Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.
Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.
Odo: 27,343 1:01AM
Arriving at Bulalacao, passing the super exciting zigzag roads in Mansalay, my uncle Manuy Culing was waiting for us in the dark with headlights on his SUV parked in front of his hardware store, then we convoy with him to his private farm in the inner skirts of Bulalacao.
Believe it or not but we haven't seen each other in more than 40yrs - of course, bottles of 1-liter redhorse beers were waiting for us to enjoy the unbelievable moments while winding down.
8th Day: Siguicay Island
02 January 2023, Tuesday, 27,343KM ~ 27,385KM (+3,071KM)
A day in Suguicay Island.
Extending our sleep and waking up late in the morning was too good to regain more strength and savour the scenic beauty of Bulalacao's mountainous terrain at a slow pace in the private farm of my uncle, Manuy Culing.
Cows, chicken, goat, and pigs - you won't get empty even when going lockdown here in his place for several months.
The goats are easy to breed - they only need huge grassy space to devour huge volume on a daily basis.
Pigs are given food pellets and he has sacks of pellets reserved in his storage house.
This farm view facing the north was so awesome, so endless.
Believe it or not, after more than a week, this was our only chance to wash our safety gears: gloves, pants and jackets..!
Xcy was so dirty but still in perfect performance even after more than +3,000KM of high adrenalin rides pushing up to this point.
Coming from a city that never sleeps - Angeles City, farm life is too slow pacing for me, and I am not sure if I can withstand living a life for days doing almost nothing.
As soon as Ate Yolly arrived on her pink painted Honda Jazz, we boarded Manuy Culing's SUV and then drive to a once beautiful local bamboo port where a boat to Suguicay Island was waiting for us.
We took the time to take some photo shoots while waiting for the boat - Ate Yolly and my wifeY got along with each other so easily.
We were so excited about the boat rides, the beach on the island, and the basket of fruits brought for us by Ate Yolly.
This is the man who took care of me when I was at a very young age, when he stayed in our house for a short period of time - before he took on the challenge of finding his own stars jumping from places to places - and then finding his destiny here in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro now with his wife and happy family.
It was a nice time to recall moments when we were young, our closeness was very surprising even after more than 4 decades from being apart.
The sea crossing was just a few minutes and the seawater splashed on us from time to time, adding to the fun and laughter we had while on a small boat.
It was so exciting seeing the sands and the kubos in the island while we were still on the boat when we landed in the island for the first time.
Suguicay Island.
Being one of the most beautiful islands you can find in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Sugicay Island was very quiet, the sands were very clean, and (although there were settlers on the island) human waste was hard to find.
These crabs were waiting for us since the other day, when I requested Manuy Culing to have these available for us.
This is a saltwater gar fish or in local term, "haba" - which was freshly caught and still on the boat when we arrive in the island - and they said, it taste so sweet when eaten fresh.
Manuy Culing bought all of it, then requested a local friend there to fry some and grille some, for us in the island.
This southwestern tip of the island is so beautiful and where local fishermen and their families are living there peacefully - until a wealthy individual saw an opportunity, and by some twisted legal remedies accessible only to rich people, local people there were ordered by the court to vacate the island immediately.
The sand was nice although we missed the chance to see the northernmost tip of the island where a sandbar is hidden and shown only during low tides.
Before sundown, we were back at the farm and continue our recollection of the very difficult but very happy past lives with our Lolos.
Suguicay Island is a nice place to stay the whole day, and the local people there were so accommodating and heart-warming.
9th Day: Bulalacao to Angeles City (Home Sweet Home)
03 January 2023, Wednesday, 27,385KM ~ 27,765KM (+3,451KM)
Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.
Odo: 27,385 9:24AM
Shortly after taking our superb breakfast in their hardware store and kissing our bouncing baby boy "MJ Bilog", we immediately proceeded to ride towards Calapan City.
It was a very significant moment to meet again Manuy Culing and his family, heard his struggles, and see his victories in life. I was very proud of whatever he earned in his life by himself and his family - truly, a self-made man.
City of Calapan.
Odo: 27,522 11:57AM
It was a smooth ride with rain showers towards the only city in the province of Oriental Mindoro, and after +130KM we arrived in the provincial capital of the province.
Dubbed as the “City of Golden Grains” and “The Acropolis of the South”, Calapan cradles the island's largest and busiest port which transits wide variety of fruits, such as citrus, bananas, lanzones, rambutan and coconuts, grains (rice and corn), sugarcane, peanuts, fish (catfish, milkfish and tilapia), livestock and poultry.
Port of Calapan.
Odo: 27,544 12:20PM
We were surprised however to see so many stranded passengers in the port waiting to get access to tickets to Batangas Port.
There were so many riders there soaking in the wet and waiting to be accommodated in the ferry that's prioritizing supply trucks and buses, and only accommodating motorcycles in tight spaces in between trucks and buses.
Sir Reyniel Romero of the Philippine Port Authority in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, helped us to be accommodated for the extra space on the ferry. His move helped several dozen more riders to be accommodated as well together with us.
SG Topaz who was also on duty at that time also helped us, along with the safety/boarding crew of M/V Starlite Jupiter.
M/V Starlite Jupiter.
After having experience boarding ferries six (6) times in this South Loop, this Starlite shipping pride M/V Jupiter is very unique - it has a lot of new crews, it has excellent passenger accommodations, and it offers rice-packed lunch.
We stayed in a sofa-styled seats with center table that's perfect for our meals, and reserved only for PWD's (like me).
This is how Sir Reyniel envisioned helping so many stranded riders in the port - they were able to convince the shipping line to take into consideration dozens of motorcycles in exchange for a few delivery trucks at that time.
A few kilometers after the ferry left the port is Baco Chico Island's southernmost tip with a beautiful white sand beach.
After more than 2hrs of the sea crossing over the Verde Island Passage which is the center of global shore-fish biodiversity and a marine sanctuary, and up to Batangas Bay, the riders were very eager to heat up their motorcycle engines.
Batangas Pier.
Odo: 27,544 6:17PM
It was at this point that I realize that we are very near the end and completion of our dream to become a legit Philippine Conquerors, when we reach Batangas Pier.
The expressways from Star Toll Expressway, South LEX, Sky Way Stage 3, and finally in North LEX were very dark and raining hard - but since we had experience in riding in the rain and many times in the south of Luzon, it took us only 3hrs and 20mins for the final 221KM push back home.
After 9 days of riding for 3,451KM, 6x times RORO sea crossings, passing 12x ports, covering 34x provinces, consuming 156.57L of premium gas, and stopping to fill gas 22x times, we were finally exiting NLEX in Angeles City, shouting heavily deep from our hearts for this spectacular feat that came so true... home sweet home!
Touchdown Start-End Loop.
Odo: 27,765 9:37PM
The only thing we could say is, "Thank you Lord.." upon stopping for the final gas fill in the very same place we started 9 days ago.
The enormous efforts invested in the planning, preparations, budgeting, riding hours, safety stops, ferry schedules, gas filling, and etc. paid off, and without a scratch nor major issues along the way.
My Xcy (Kymco Xciting S 400i) stood firm without drama, YSS G-Sport shocks, Perilli Angel Scooter rubber tires, Liqui Moly street racing 10W60 engine oils, NGK CR9IEW sparkplug, Atom mini driving lights, degree and re-grooving by ProJob Machine Shop by paps Jayson, 65L topbox from par Eldon, bracket from boss Jho (dpa pala bayad!), and the final CVT check done by paps Gerald - surely all contributed to the success..!
We hydrated ourselves with a few bottles of beer in 7-11 Clark Northwalk, then short prayers for thanksgiving at the Jesus The Eternal Word Parish as always, and then went home.
Home Sweet Home.
11:37PM
One of the safest places in this world (after the rides) is when we are already inside our garage. A few minutes before midnight of 4th of January, we were SAFE - and Philippine Loop was COMPLETED on the last few minutes of 2nd of January, 2023.
The 8th Best Places in the South Leg.
It is hard to streamline down to the best 8 places because all the places and provinces were so amazing - but there were 8 of these who stand out, "yung tumatak".
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Sorsogon City's amazing breakwaters
Southern Leyte's ride on ret + fog + Agas Agas Bridge
Rizal Plaza in General Santos City
Pink Mosque in Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao
Dapitan City's night lights and nice people
Negros Awesome Pass, from Bais to Kabangkalan
New Year's Eve at Boracay
Suguicay Island's peacefulness
The Perks of being Philippine Conquerors.
You are representing a group of individuals that were able to reach no less than 51 provinces upon completing the Philippine Loop - a member of Hall of Fame. As such, you are expected to be humble and a role model for others all the time - being always polite and courteous on the road is the minimum expectation of you, with that vest on.
At times, you are like a superstar among the group of riders and travelers - return that favor by letting them feel that you are just as same as they are, and never a single step ahead of anyone - you have nothing more to prove anyways.
Final Results.
In Philippine Loop Adventure Tour, we have to document everything in order to prove that we actually did a legit tour passing all land check points and ferry points, at the minimum. To help the reviewers, aside from the passports and daily posting during the loop days, we created this table, indicating the complete information with date, time, odo, places, and events, and the table of details.
In a few minutes of quick review of the .PDF above, you will know that it's legit.
Our Deep Appreciation.
Many thanks to the people and places who accommodated us in the entire Philippine Loop,
Jonas Cabin, Atok, Benguet
Palm Grove, Saud, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte
Victoria Grand Lodge, Tuguegarao, Cagayan
Pacific Waves, Baler, Aurora
Kinabrahan Lodge, Dap-dap, No. Samar
Villa Imelda Inn, Tacloban City
Villa Torre Suites, Surigao City
Green Lemon Pension Hauz, General Santos City
Crystal Ocean Resort, Boracay Island
Titong Farm, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro
Many thanks to the crew of the ferries who brought us safe to the other side of the seas,
M/V Montenegro Santa Clara (Matnog to Allen)
M/V Montenegro Maria Vanessa (Liloan to Lipata)
Alleson Shipping Lines (Dapitan to Dumaguete)
LCT Holy Family Navistar (Bacolod to Dumangas)
M/V Montenegro Santa Brigada (Caticlan to Roxas)
M/V Starlite Jupiter (Calapan to Batangas)
Many thanks to the people whom we met, who encourage us, motivated us, gave us relief, showed us life in its full sense, help us, made us happy, and change us for the better,
Che Lopena of Adventure Tour Philippines, Inc.
Jemelie Torres of Adventure Tour Philippines, Inc.
Staff of Montenegro Shipping in Matnog, Sorsogon
Mario of Bayugan City and Ronald of Pagadian
Rodel and Joel of Davao City
Emmanuel Monreal of Tacloban and Davao City
Morid Buisen of General Santos City
SPO1 Saldevar of PRO12 in General Santos City
Mike Gumban of General Santos City
Juiashem Ayob, Moh-Nur Noor Pendaliday, Mohamadsaid Gandawali, and the rest of Cotabato City Riders
Rezhelien Karon of Shariff Aguak (don't stop dreaming)
Ate Liela of Shariff Aguak
Loris Baed of Dapitan City DPWH
Staff of Mayor Jalosjos of Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
John Paul Libarnes Jaudian of Cagayan de Oro
Rey Chavez of Sagay City, Negros Occidental
Reb Alair of Boracay Island
Titong Family of Bulalacao, Oriental, Mindoro
Reyniel Romero of PPA of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
SG Topaz of Calapan Port
Jacky Ables of Adventure Tour Philippines, Inc.
Francis Rivera of Adventure Tour Philippines, Inc.
Darwin O Koa of Adventure Tour Philippines, Inc.
A Significant Personal Achievement.
Completing the Philippine Loop is a significant personal achievement for us. It is one of the most rewarding undertakings that any rider would keep in his heart alone - it may be difficult and costly, but upon completing it, the gratefulness for one's life elevates into another level of sheer persistency in life, as well as extreme mental toughness.
Don't Think. Just Do.
Byahe lang..!
2022 December 26 ~ 2023 January 3, Philippine Loop Adventure Tour, South Leg
I understood that one needed to complete all riding days within 1 year of starting the loop? How did you qualify if you started on Dec 26, 2021 and ended on Jan 3, 2023?- Shouldn't all riding days be done before Dec 26, 2022?