A Trail to the Great Lake Holon

I didn't expect that I could gaze and marvel at the cleanest lake of SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) region, the great Lake Holon of T'boli, South Cotabato.

Taken at the viewing deck of Lacafe trail before descent to the lake.

My 10-year old daughter and our lady boss in PAO at the viewing deck of Lacafe trail overlooking the great Lake Holon.

Lake Holon is formerly known as Lake Maughan that is nestled within the bosom of Mt. Parker (now Mt. Melibengoy) Range.  The water (according to the locals) is potable and is a home of wild and organic tilapia so to speak. The locals just use the traditional spear in catching tilapia which is sold at the cheapest price I have known (only ten pesos for a piece of a regular sized tilapia).

The great Lake Holon at the crater of the Mt. Parker Range as seen at the viewing deck of Lacafe trail.

April 2, 2016

It was the day when we would be able to witness one of the wonderful creations of our Creator. We departed here in General Santos City around 4:30 o'clock in the morning.  We sped off normally and after almost 2 hours and 30 minutes, we reached the beautiful municipality of T'boli.

Our team from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) after our orientation at the Municipality of T'boli, South Cotabato.  Only 4 of us took the Lacafe trail while the rest opted the treacherous trail of Kule.

The Orientation

Before any person is allowed to trek Lake Holon, an orientation is done at the office of T'boli's Tourism Office.  Each of the climber is registered so as to account their number ascending and descending the trail. A fee of Twenty Pesos is collected after the registration.

Accordingly, the trail is closed from January to March every year to let the lake breathe.

After the briefing at the Lacafe trail, we took this souvenir before our ascent.

The Trails

There are two trails going up the lake; Lacafe and Kule trails.

Lacafe trail is recommended for beginners. It is an easy trail and it would just take one more or less 3 hours to trek.

Kule, on the other hand, is a difficult trail.  Some would describe it is a treacherous trail.  More climbing than hiking in this trail but one would reach the lake more or less at the same time with Lacafe trail.

Considering that I was with my 10-year old daughter and a host daughter from Dominican Republic, we opted to take Lacafe trail. Our boss in the Public Attorney's Office also joined us.

Giant fern species would usually accompany any trekker to Lake Holon.

The Habal-Habal Ride

From the Municipal Hall of T'boli, the climbers are ferried via habal-habal motorcycle (extended motorcycle that could carry 5 passengers) to the chosen trail (300 pesos for every motorcycle going to Lacafe and 450 pesos to Kule trail).

One is advised to wear protective mask because the road is so powdery dusty. 

In our trip, we left T'boli around 7:30 in the morning and we reached the base camp of Lacafe trail around 9:30 already.

Yes, we were definitely trekking under this scorching heat of the sun.

Lacafe Trail Base Camp

Hyu Lafu, is Good Morning in T'boli.  It was the greeting we received at the base camp.  We were again reoriented anew for the do's and don't's while ascending the lake.  

For the five of us, we paid another 280 pesos (including the environmental fee and the bond of 200 pesos for the bond of the trashes).  So, one has to gather and bring back all his trashes from the lake to the base camo to get the bond.

Aside from the 280 pesos we paid, we needed to hire the services of a tour guide.  In a group of 10 or a fraction thereof, one tour guide is a must.  

The tour guide is a native of the place.  According to Joey, our tour guide, they need to undergo training and accreditation annually.  Without them, they cannot be hired.

The fee for the tour guide is just 300 pesos excluding the extra services (acting as a porter, a runner for an errand, a cook, etc.) he may extend.

Each climber is lent with a supporting stick.

Our guide Joey and our Dominican host daughter Lisbeth at one of the substations ascending Lake Holon.  Each of the substation is named with a prefix Bulul which is a T'boli term for a mountain.

The Trail

For physically challenged climber, he may take a horse for a fee of 300 pesos per person. Horse back riding is only available in Lacafe trail.  But the horse will just carry you until the station called "Kusina sa Aswang" or the Witch's Kitchen. Here, one can taste the icing of the cake already or he may have the first glance of Lake Holon.

In our case, our lady boss and my 10-year old daughter rode the horses.  Only me and our Dominican host daughter took the challenge.

For the first hour of hiking, we were almost dehydrated.  Imagine, we started hiking around 10:00 under the scorching hear of the sun.  We almost gave up because the scenery was not that very inviting.  Left and right, you could witness the traces of kaingin farming or the slash and burn cultivation.  

But our sheer determination of seeing the great lake holon kept us through.

The usual view upon final descent to the great Lake Holon. 

Lake Holon Cafe

After an hour, we reached Lake Holon Cafe. One can savor the native coffee (pound and prepared traditionally) for 10 pesos a cup.  It also seves as the first camp for resting and refreshing. There is available comfort room also for emergency.

From the Lake Holon Cafe camp, there are 14 stations called 'Bulul' before reaching the viewing deck at the 'Kusina sa Aswang'.

Ascending to 'Kusina sa Aswang' camp, the scenery would change. You would be exposed to different species of trees ranging from dipterocaprs, pine and molave forests. There are also a variety of fern species including the highly prized pitogo and tree ferns that would delight the climbers.

One can also see a group of wild abaca, wild flowers and trees covered and blanketed with mosses.

The Mountain Range of Parker that nestled the Great Lake Holon.  It can be viewed while trekking uphill to the Kusina sa Aswang camp.

Kusina sa Aswang

Kusina sa Aswang is a final ascent of the trail.  The horses are only up to this place. The climbers can have a peek of the great Lake Holon below. There is a viewing deck for everyone to have a selfie of course.

As what I have mentioned, our lady boss and my 10- year old daughter rode the horses.  They just waited us in Kusina sa Aswang for almost 30 minutes.

This is the Kusian sa Aswang camp.  It is not creepy as what you think after all.

The Great Lake Holon

From the camp of Kusina sa Aswang, we took a descent of almost 30 minutes to reach the great lake holon. 

The thought that we almost see the lake had kept us going through. We did not mind anymore where we would catch our breath. The fact that we could almost feel the breeze of the lake made us so excited.

It is the sunset that entertains us on our way back to Lacafe base camp.

When the final curtain leading us to see the great lake holon was finally unfurled,  we were greeted with the tents seemingly pasted on a beautiful post card. The vibrant hues of tent contrasting the lush surrounding of the lake is an added attraction to look at.

Enjoying the unlimited spa at the crystal water of Lake Holon.

The water is teeming with fishes with no traces of man made garbage relatively.

We reached finally the lake around 12:30 noon already. After a short break, we had our lunch while the other campers prepared their tents. We did not bring any tent because we did not intend to stay overnight.

Kayaking or canoeing is also available in the lake.  Life jackets are also available for safety.

We then dipped our sore feet in the cool water of the lake and enjoyed the unlimited fish spa.  Yes, fish spa just like the one you paid in the mall. The fishes are so friendly and that they would readily clean and massage your feet.

Instead of thinking how hard the trail is, the kids have better way of keeping entertaining it.

Aside from the fish spa, one can enjoy kayaking or canoeing along the lake. The climber may also try his luck catching some organic tilapia.

My kid is enjoying her first horse back ride uphill the Lacafe trail. 

At around 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon, we started our descent back to the base camp of Lacafe.

Indeed the lake is so beautifully natural. Only a makeshift of a store of some sort that deviates it from its original form.  No one owns the lake in particular. It is owned by everyone. One can truly have his "commune" with nature state and leave his other person behind for a moment.

While going back to Lacafe base camp, we dropped by and savored the native coffee of Lake Holon for only 10 pesos a glass.

The tents which are beautifully arranged add colors to the effect of El Niño of the Lake.

One of the rock formations in the lake which is somewhat a face of a person.

Another part of the lake where the kids can enjoy fish spa.

Though the trail is excruciating, we still managed to enjoy because of this beautiful sunset.

A bonfire area is also set aside for the campers to enjoy with.

Hopefully, the lake would remain pristine and awesomely beautiful for the next generation to come.  

Amazing Baby Who Can Read at the Age of 16 Months Old Only

This video went viral today, although, it was uploaded last March 13, 2010 in the owner's channel page at www.youtube.com/user/ugatrotters.

The baby in the video is Torin and he was just 16 1/2 months when the video was taken.

Note:  The video is not owned by the blogger but was sourced from youtube.com.

The Public Defender in Me

When I passed the BAR in 2008, I was in a dillema on whether or not I would see myself working in the country's prominent Lawfirm, or work in the corporate world, or join the public defenders squad in a Public Attorney's Office.  The latter choice was not a better one, I thought at that time.

I was connected in the Government (before I passed the BAR) for almost 10 years.  I worked as an Instructor of the College of Forestry and Environmental Studies in Mindanao State University - Marawi Campus in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.  During my stint as a public university teacher, I was exposed to all the negativities of a public employee.  Without mentioning the low salary grade, the environment was never conducive for growth, both personally and professionally.  I was able to witness the corruption in the system from the lowly staff member up to the highest officer of the land.

After the BAR and while waiting for the results, I took a leave of absence from my work.  I had a chance working in a private sector.  Yes, I worked as one of the Call Center Agents in Cebu City.  Though, the working hours were the exact opposites in MSU, but there was no time that I came late.  I was ahead if not on the dot in entering the premises of the company.  All of us were very conscious

of our time.  We were able to divide efficiently our allowed breaks in order not to waste even a single second.

Working in a private sector was hard but it instilled in me the value of having a work at least.  It inculcates in the minds of every employee that every second counts.

Going back to the time when I passed the BAR, I stayed for a month in Manila because I was trying to find my place in that concrete jungle.  I submitted my curriculum vitae to the law firms I selected.  Fortunately, one of the law firms I chose responded and given me the package I could not refuse.  It offered even a chance for my wife to work in one of the schools in Manila.  However, when I was about to sign the contract, a call from Public Attorney's Office came requiring me to submit myself for an interview.  I did know what magnetized me to undergo for PAO's interview but I made a u-turn of my career's path. 

Working in PAO, especially if you are a newbie, would be a challenge of a lifetime.  You are expected to work efficiently in a mountain of case loads with a very minimal period.  You are ought to know the cases you would be inheriting that dated back sometime when you were still in your first year college days. You should be the model in complying the new legal mechanisms of the courts in easing their dockets.  

Of course, the salary of a public defender would just be naught as compared to our counterparts in a lawfirm and in a corporate world.  But we have some fulfillment within us that we cannot explain in words.

Yes, we cater to indigent, less fortunate, oppressed and marginalized sectors of our society.  These are the people that even a fare of 8 pesos is already a fortune for them.  These are the people that even a spelling of toothbrush and shampoo never crosses their minds.  Yet, they are the most abused if not used by some influential politicos.

Who would defend these people if no lawyer applies as a public defender?  Who would secure their basic rights if not for the people in PAO?

These people are the very reasons why I still stick in my office.  The public service calling in myself is the only glue that attaches me in the public sector.

Yes, I still see myself working in PAO for years to come.  The genuine smiles and the simple thank yous of these people are big consolations for us, the public defenders of the land.

Thus, heading to the office of PAO is the best decision I made so far.

The photos are not owned by the blogger but only sourced from Google and Facebook.

Jhong and Vhong's Friendship in Their It's Showtime 5th Anniversary Magpasikat

Jhong Hilario and Vhong Navarro's performance on their magpasikat segment on the occasion of It's Showtime 5th Anniversary narrates on how their friendship was forged and tested by trials.

Year by year since the program started sometime in 2009, its hosts showcase their talents not just to compete but as well as to give back something to the madlang people, the entertainment at its best and to the fullest.

This year, the madlang people were not frustrated because the hosts did not only show their talents but also show some personal stories on their performances.

For instance, Jhong and Vhong have opened to the madlang people how they became best of friends of today.

Note: The video is not owned by the blogger but he only sourced it from youtube.

The Death of a Town's Romeo Wrecks Havoc to His Numerous Girlfriends

By Chad Arias, Fri, October 24, 2014

A Romanian funeral, attended by many of the deceased’s lovers, turned into an epic shouting match after it was revealed that the deceased had lost his long-standing battle with AIDS.

The trouble with the announcement was that 24-year-old Daniel Decuhad taken the secret to his grave without telling his numerous sexual partners that he had contracted the disease.

Dozens of young women from the Romanian town are now being testing for HIV. It remains unknown if Decu was practicing ‘safe sex,’ but already two women have been confirmed by investigators as having contracted the disease.

Decu’s family doctor, Cornel Stanciu, knew that his patient was suffering from AIDS and tried to make a public announcement after the 24-year-old had a relationship with his daughter.

Decu’s mother reportedly found out that Stanciu planned to tell citizens of Decu’s condition and she allegedly threatened Stanciu with a lawsuit if the information was released. As a result Stanciu did not speak up and Decu continued on, being described as the “town Romeo.”

Stanciu told investigators, “I knew he had a lot of female friends but there was nothing I could do about it. I started to warn them, but from the moment they told me to stay silent and not say anything, I didn't. I'm not surprised that we now are in the position that we are, because he had many female friends."

Some of his sexual partners were able to find out about Decu’s condition before he died, but so far 40 women have come forward to be tested after hearing the news. 

AIDS is the only disease that is mentioned in Romanian law, and knowingly transferring the disease to a partner can come with a jail sentence anywhere from five to 15 years. The law specifies that an individual with AIDS does not have to tell his or her partner about the infection. They do, however, have an obligation to practice safe sex.

Decu’s mother, who was allegedly largely responsible for halting Stanciu’s announcement, is now under investigation by local authorities.

Nicolae Popa, the mayor of Segarcea, told investigators, “The boy's mother is to blame for the terrible situation that we now find ourselves in.”

Source: Daily Mail

Writer's Note:  The author does not claim ownership of this article.  He sourced this from http://www.opposingviews.com/i/celebrity-couples/dozens-women-seek-hiv-testing-after-town-romeo-dies-aids.

An AFS Experience: Camille Prudent of Troyes, France

From July of 2013 until May 2014, we hosted a French girl named Camille Prudent.  She is a native of Troyes, France.

We were able to host her through a Non-Government Organization based in the United States of America.  This NGO is called an American Field Service (AFS) wherein students and volunteers around the globe are sent to foreign lands for the purpose of learning culture, ways of living and a total immersion therein.

Guy Surprises His Girlfriend on Their Anniversary

In this times where a proposal to a wedding is made highly publicized, the guy above rode to the bandwagon.  In their first anniversary, he made a surprise to his girlfriend to show how he loves her.

By the way the girl's name is Hyazhl Jan Caberte and the guy's name is Victor Mir V. Fabro.

The video is sourced from youtube which was coming from the facebook account of Victor Mir V. Fabro.

My Own Share of Superstitious Belief

Accordingly superstitious belief refers to a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/superstition).

Whether we like it or not, it is already a part of our existence.  Filipinos, in general, rely mostly to this kind of belief despite the absence of any scientific basis.  As a matter of fact, in every start of the year, we always believe that our fortune would be in our favor if we prepare something and we do something based on our superstitious beliefs.

I, for one, do practice these superstitious beliefs.  Although, I am not a believer, (I hope you would agree with me) but part of me would concede to this.

When I took the BAR exams last 2008, it was not only me who believed and relied to some superstitious beliefs.  In fact, I even commissioned my wife to practice some rituals in my behalf while I took the rigorous review in Manila.

My wife brought a photo of mine to a well-known local quack doctor of Cabadbaran City.  This vice-doctor took my photo and performed a ritual that resembled something like a pray-over.  After that, as I was told by my wife, the quack doctor told her to tell me that I should entertain no doubts upon entering the portal of DLSU (the venue of the 2008 Bar Exams).

My wife also went to a convent located in Carmen, Surigao del Sur where she wrote my name in a piece of paper and placed it inside the envelope.  She then dropped the envelope inside the "Petition Box" and then she performed prayers consonant to her petition.

Almost every Sunday Mass, my wife would request her friend priest in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur to offer the mass for my incoming Bar Exams.

While I was reviewing in Manila, I often went and touched the Black Nazarene and say my prayers.  My prayer was very simple.  That the Lord would fortify my FAITH.  FAITH in HIM as my creator and FAITH in me that I could do it.

Of all the beliefs we practiced, this was the most bizarre I guess.  On the examination day, I required my wife to lit a PINK CANDLE in the house from the start of the exam until it would end.  Just imagine how my wife scour every nook and corner of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur (they stayed in their place while I was in Manila) inorder to find pink candles.  This was the catch, never put off the flame of the candle.  Once lighted, the flame shall go on until the end of the exam on the day.

Considering that there are four Sundays in the Bar Exams, so my wife prepared many candles as possible inorder to be lighted for the whole duration of the four-Sunday exams.  Of course, without mentioning the effort she exerted in seeing to it that the flame did continue and uninterrupted.

Luckily I passed the 2008 Bar Exams.  I really do not if those beliefs we practiced contributed or really helped me hurdled the Bar.  I guess of all the beliefs I or we performed, it the keeping of the FAITH in me that was very important.  

Believing in yourself would spell confidence in you.  That no matter what would happen and no matter what you would go through, if you would have just an ounce of FAITH, everything would just seem so easy.

My Firsts with My First Phone

My First Phone

It was in the year 1999 when I had my very first cellular phone.  It was a black and sleek Motorola phone. If I can remember it right, it was a Motorola 8800.  It was the first cellular phone in the Philippines that introduced short messaging system or SMS or better known as text messaging.

Although my Motorola phone was of no comparison of today's smartphone.  But at that timer it was introduced, only professionals and some rich kids were able to own it.  It was a little pricey.  Uniquely, it had only two lines for screen display of messages.

Although there were already Nokia phones available at that time but they were not meant for text messaging. They were only for calls and for plans too.

My First Network

As far as I know, it was Globe who brought and introduced this text messaging technology in our country.  Smart network at that time was focused on calls yet and still tried to introduce the text messaging in the market.  Hence, Globe was able to establish its name in terms of innovation in cellphone technology.

There was no unlimited calls nor unlimited text messaging at that time.  There was even no electronic loads available.  I would have to buy a card to load my phone in 250 and in 500 denominations.  The same as today, the cost per message sent was one peso.

Despite the cost, I did not complain the my spending.  Even if my card load of 250 pesos for that matter may last only for 1 week, that time, to spend some money for the phone was no big deal.  There was even a time that I used to decorate my cards load in our room in Mindanao State University.  Even if totaling the price in buying those cards would be able me to buy more than one of Levi's Jeans, but I simply did not mind it.

My First Textmate

Because of the text messaging, I was able to have friends whom I never met in my entire life.  We became friends only through texts.  There was one text friend of mine whom I was able to establish some connections with.

She was my first serious textmate.  She was from Cagayan de Oro City.  Truly, in the world of text messaging, everybody hides and conceals his/her identity.  My textmate was no exception.  I said to her that I was 21 years old at that time. I was honest. She responded that she was a little bit older.  So, I said, what the heck anyway.  Age does not matter right?

So after months of text messaging, we decided to finally meet.  At that moment, it was not called an eye ball yet.  I guess the term was coined or used 5 or 10 years later.

We agreed to meet in Gaisano Mall of Cagayan de Oro City.  I wore the color of shirt as what we have agreed upon.  After how many minutes my phone rang and a message popped telling me that my textmate was already at the venue looking at me already.  I gazed and tried to search her location.  But I was not able to find her.  Until she approached me and introduced her name.  I was surprised because she was not telling the whole truth about her age.  I was expecting that she would only be older a bit than me and not that almost a score of age gap.  Imagine that my age was almost doubled to hers.

After that horrible experience, I never ventured to text messaging just to find friends again.

New Blog

I have created a new blog site. But this time, it will be on purely legal matters.  Please visit and follow me at dailyservingoflegalmatters.blogspot.com and we will venture out together.