How Mt. Kalugong May Help Ease Your Stress

by: Maria Jeona Collado

Stressed? Feel the need to wake up those stiff muscles? Want to breathe fresh air while embracing the world? You don’t need to visit the highest mountains in the Philippines to do these. I’m from Baguio City, which is in fact in the mountain region of the Philippines. Well, when you are born from the mountains, hiking is not really a thing for you. However, when you feel the need to get rid of stress, going up to the mountains is the best cure. So my friends and I visited a mysteriously amazing mountain in La Trinidad, Benguet called Mt. Kalugong and here’s what we found out!

First of all, if you are from the lowlands or outside the Philippines, you probably wonder what KALUGONG means. “Kalugong” is the Ilocano term for “a hat.” The most exciting part of this hike is reaching the rocky mountain. Once you get closer, you can see the hat-shaped rock formation, which is the peak. This is where they based the name “Mt. Kalugong.” It is easy to climb through the rocks; just be extra careful and wear proper shoes. You don’t want to go home with scratches.

Anyway, before going there, buy your snacks or meals.

We went there at 7am without eating breakfast. 

They have a coffee shop there, but we were worried that it is close. 

So we just bought Jollibee breakfast meals and coffee.

To get there, take a “Tomay” jeepney. If you come from Baguio, you can take the jeepney either at the city hall or Baguio Center mall. When you ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance, he will ask you two choices: taking the difficult trail or the short cut. Well, shortcut is the best choice. Though it is the shortcut, going up is still challenging because of the steep road—not easy for amateur hikers. Just follow the road since there are no signboards. But, you don’t need to ask anybody since there is only one road that can lead you to the peak. Adventure is more fun.

As you go along, you will come across a tower. There is nothing special about this, but it can be helpful on your search for the peak.

Actually, the roads are newly constructed and some parts are still under construction, making things easier for the visitors. It is also a great place to go jogging or walking if you live near. The air is refreshing; you‘ll surely enjoy your healthy routine here. If I lived here, I would go jogging every day.

At the end of the newly constructed road is the entrance to Mt. Kalugong. It will welcome you with this signboard—finally, there is a signboard!

                

How to Create Sparkles

by: Maria Jeona Collado

Someone will be snapping his/her fingers every day
 to create sparkles on your dull days

In life, we come across people who can make a difference in our lives. They help us experience the different emotions hidden in our hearts. Some people trigger our antagonistic side,while others help us shrug off these hostile auras in our daily life. Your task now is to find the latter to help you deal with the emotions well.

Five Happy Dispositions

by: Jeona

(DEC.04, 2014)

Can you tell that you are a happy person? Do you start and end your day with a smile? In the world, few people live a positive life while most people spend much time crying over spilt milk. However, in this complex world, there are still people who always find time to relax no matter how busy they are. Let us see how these happy people maintain a happy lifestyle

Kape Bantay: Everything Organic, Everything Healthy

by: Maria Jeona Collado

Kape Bantay, located at Pico, La Trinidad Benguet, is a NO-MEAT café. Yes. The vegetarians would love this place. 

Everything here is organic and freshly made by the magic hands of a Japanese owner, Maccha Okada, who speaks Ilocano fluently—you don’t need to bleed from speaking in English.

Cafe Tahru: A Small Yet an Indulging Café in La Trinidad

by: Maria Jeona Collado

La Trinidad, Benguet is booming with modernized establishments. But, the province is still maintaining its traditional and conservative culture and showcasing its well-preserved agriculture. One thing that’s unusual about La Trinidad is the numerous small coffee shops which serve delicate and organic coffee from the different provinces of Cordillera.

          Recently, a new café has opened in La Trinidad. CAFÉ TAHRU is in the vicinity of KM 5 just across Jacks Restaurant. It is easy to find the café because it is located on the second floor of TAKIKO Building. 

"The Best Friend You Can Count on...Forever"

by: Maria Jeona Collado

...Where's the sun, when you need to brighten up your day?

...Where are the stars, when you want to make a wish?

...Where's the moon, when you're walking in the dark?

...Where are the birds, when you're trapped in silence?

...Where are the butterflies, when your day is dark and dreary?

BEST TEARJERKER KOREAN MOVIES

by: Maria Jeona Collado

         You are probably tired of watching movies with the same storyline such as happy endings, old and rich relationship, breakups, evil mother-in-law, etc. But, Korea’s movie industry always adds a touch of “wow” to their films and dramas. And once again, they have produced two of their biggest tearjerkers in cinema. No matter how you try to control your tears, you will still end up wiping off your endless tears with the last ply of your tissue. 

UNIQUE BIRTHDAY SURPRISES

by: Maria Jeona Collado

           

 Party. Cakes. Gifts. Balloons. Finding a unique way to surprise a friend? If you prepare the same stuff each year, I guess your friend will be expecting the same thing, the same routine, and the same number of candles to blow. Well, there are actually some surprising surprises that can take your friend by surprise on her special day.

The Fun of Rearing a Cat

by: Maria Jeona Collado

Cats are not sweet. They are selfish. They have undesirable tantrums. They are not loyal, unlike dogs. But cats do something that can surely charm you from loving them. That power can only be decoded from their facial expressions.

5 Ways To Ruin Your Life

by: Maria Jeona Collado

google.com

     Before reading this, I'd like you to look back in your past. Is your life 10 years ago the same as your life now?When you were a toddler or let's say, a tween, did you try picking on wimpy kids? Were you the bully or the weakling? Were you the same kid ten or 15 years ago? If yes, then I guess, you need to break that boring lifestyle you have...Try to ruin your life; don't worry, you won't lose everything; except your horrible past...