Arms outstretched channeling Edmond Dantès staring at freedom following his escape from his dungeon, I
regaled at the sight of the Philippine Sea – while listening to its crashing
waves mimicking a melodic environment symphony. In this southernmost tip of
Aurora Province, I stood awestruck on a rock fronting a stunning landscape of
rolling terrain fringed with cliff-side hills. I wanted to scream but instead, I
reckoned the hissing winds sounded better in lieu of a yell of exuberance.
A Chill and Scenic Trek
The town of Dingalan boast
of a number of many natural attractions such as white sandy beaches,
waterfalls and caves. Arriving at this coastal municipality aboard a motorized
boat after lunch, we headed straight atop the hill.
After a relaxed and steady
trek, we reached the naturel view-deck where we spun around to a magnificent
360 degree view of the sea and the nearby Sierra Madre mountain range. I heard murmurs
of Batanes comparisons – while I am not high on comparing destinations, I can
see the similarities.
The cool winds of February
felt like miniscule flurries of a hurricane from the top. I felt my face being
massaged by the relentless gusts as I inch towards the outer rock, where I ended
up positioning myself for a few minutes.
“This is
front row seat” I told myself akin to watching a pricey musical show complete
with a spectacular stage production. Only this time, the theater actors were composed
of the blue skies, the azure-colored seas and the wavy green grasses, trees and
the jagged cliffs.
Fun
Trip with Tripkada
When I don’t participate in
media trips or get sent to a travel writing assignment, I normally do solo
backpacking trips. This time though, I opted to join a group of hikers via the
mobile app Tripkada.
TripKada
is a mobile app that provides travel junkies a platform where they can easily
join planned travels. Founder April Cuenca describes how the app works:
“Tripkada
is a mobile app where travelers can join trips organized by fellow travelers.
Think uber-pooling for trips = trip-pooling. Instead of paying for an entire
package, users can simply book a slot on a trip and join other travelers, split
the bill, meet new friends, and tick things off their bucket list for less”
When we started off our
trip from Cubao at 3am, I have April as the only person I knew in the group. By
the time we were all enjoying our time at Dingalan, I have been introduced to
almost a dozen kindred souls who were equally passionate about traveling.
To
the Lighthouse and the Beach
While we weren't able to
visit the waterfalls and the caves, we made the most of our time just hanging
out at the hilltop. Adjacent to the view deck where we first went, is another
peak where an operating lighthouse rests.
A short hike away and we
reached the grassy area where the swaying greeneries creates an ideal spot to
lay under the bright sun. Leaving my pack at the beach and with nothing on my
hand, I laid down on my back with the flattened grasses serving as my soft
pillows. I listened to the gusting sounds of the wind, as I watched the white
clouds casting shadows slowly drifting away on top of me.
I wish I could have stayed
longer and camped for the night. As momentary was our visit to the crests of Dingalan,
it has gifted me with another memorable journey and a day well spent. From my
secluded thoughts while seated inside a van full of strangers to the afternoon –
just as the sun was about to set, when our whole group started sharing laughter
together.
As the dusk skies starts
to cover the horizon and the hills of Dingalan slowly disappear from our sight, an
instant of silence reigned on our motorized boat. As if all of us are fleetingly left speechless in admiring the beautiful piece of Mother Nature that exist and seen
from the hills of Dingalan. T'was a wonderful day indeed.
* Unfortunately, sometime last year, Mommy Grace - as the group fondly calls her because she was like a mother to most, especially to the ones she frequently travels with, passed away. May she rest in peace.
* Unfortunately, sometime last year, Mommy Grace - as the group fondly calls her because she was like a mother to most, especially to the ones she frequently travels with, passed away. May she rest in peace.
