A little escapade in my neighborhood!

Our town, Mabini,  is like a tongue jutting out from the mainland. Of course we are a country of islands, but my province is a part of a big island called Luzon. Our tongue-like town is surrounded by water, except for the top portion attached to the mainland. It is almost like a peninsula. The shameful part is, that I have been reaching lots of far places both in the country and abroad, yet i have not seen most parts of my town. You know how it is like when we started studying and working in the big city, we just come home on weekends and those few hours are just spent at home and family. Now that we can already manage our time, I am ready to explore the innermost corners and coves in the place where i live. So with a few friends, and actually with their prodding, i was able to be a tourist of my own place! I would love to share with you some of them.

We were there for the weekend, 2D 1N. The first afternoon I showed them the small mountain I love, Mt Gulugod Baboy (pig spine!).

 It is a 2-3hr hike for tourists, but when you are with me i will bring you to the top in just 30min! of course when you are with a native, she knows the shortest way to the top. haha!

 I've been posting about this mountain in the past, showing different looks depending on the season, meaning the dry and the wet season, i am sure you already know we only have two seasons. Above photo shows where it got the name.

The windy ridge where you cannot open an umbrella or let your hat on your head, or else they will be blown away.

A cute barangay is nestled by the hills and trees, overlooking the sea. It is idyllic, i tell you!

 Do you often see this scene in your own place? Or you don't see these things anymore, nor smell the flowers!  It is high time you do, it will do wonders for the psyche.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy sunset

View from the veranda of the Bontoc in Batangas Bed & Breakfast

another view from that veranda

After taking them to the mountain, show them the terrestrial environment, i brought them to the islands. Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is already a tourist destination especially for divers and diving students. The 2-hr drive from Manila is very convenient for them to learn and relax. I see the happenings in glossy magazines and on TV, but haven't taken time to indulge. The underwater biodiversity is famous in these parts, and is comparable to great diving sites in the country, and maybe some in the world. Hence,  many vacation houses and resorts are owned by rich and famous people in Manila.  Underwater photography is also becoming famous, not to mention the windsurfing sports competitions being held annually. 

And i am alien to all of these! Being afraid of deep waters and heights, I just share with the divers the awe in seeing the beautiful marine life when i see the photos of others. I just content myself seeing the small colorful fishes in the corals during low tide. I admit that is pathetic of me.

This island is called Isla Sombrero (Hat Island), because it looks like a tilted hand in some angles.

 Sepoc Island, a name we failed to know the meaning or origin.

We just circled some islands on the boat, as some parts like this cathedral (another phase outside the picture looks like the door), don't have beach or docking area.

 These waters cradle the rich biodiversity of marine life, catering to both local and foreign divers. A lot of dive sites here are included in the lists in the country. The Tourism of Mabini office has staff and information for all these.

Buri palms many decades old growing along the beach.

 Houses on stilts are seen in communities along some stretches of the irregularly coved islands

After hiking to the mountain, frolicking in the sand in the islands and taking some photos and snorkeling, the appetizing food in the Bontoc in Batangas Bed and Breakfast delighted us. Besides, the owner is very gracious and accommodating, letting us feel we are relatives on vacation being served till we are very full. You will not even think that you pay for this, as the hostess will entice you to forget the cost of your stay. Her presence and lovely stories will make you long for another longer stay and touristy escapade. We cannot ask for more! Can you beat that!

The ethnic-Bontoc inspired cottages of the Bontoc in Batangas Bed and Breakfast. Actually, it should have been named BB Bed and Meals, as they serve all the meals including snacks and drinks. The buffet style meals will not be for those who are trying to loose some pounds, or in any case you will forget your goal. 

Please visit other Outdoor Wednesday Posts at A Southern Daydreamer

and Watery Wednesday Posts