Tayo na sa Antipolo

Five days ago, I felt the need to travel again.  To be in a place I haven't been to.  The question is, where will my limited budget take me?

Good thing that I was asked to pay our annual real property tax in Antipolo.  As a traveler, you should always take advantage of the situation to travel and learn new things.  I have lived in Antipolo for almost two years before, but I haven't been to Via Dolorosa, also known as White Cross.  Nor Hinulugang Taktak.

I immediately texted a friend who has not been there too.  I asked if she's willing to explore Antipolo.  Good thing that she agreed even on a short notice.

We rode on a jeepney bound to Antipolo from JRU in Mandaluyong.  Fare is P33.00 per person.

After accomplishing our primary reason why we were in Antipolo.  We paid a visit to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church, or the famous Antipolo church.  We also went to the museum of the Virgin of Antipolo. We couldn't take pictures inside because camera's are not allowed.

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage

We just had to take pictures with the church before we leave.  On our way out, a lot of vendors are offering the  famous suman (a Filipino rice cake steamed in banana leaves).  We bought our pasalubong suman from a nice vendor who offered to give us additional suman for the same price of P100 and she also gave us a free rosary bracelet.  Look for Aruray Store along the souvenir market.

Our free rosary bracelets blessed with Holy water.

We then headed to White Cross, fare is P40 per trip.  But since there are no tricycles going out from White Cross, the driver offered to wait for us for P100. Not bad.  He even became our photographer.  But to our dismay, the gate of White Cross is closed.  And no one is there to attend to us.  We were told to come back at an earlier time.

Via Dolorosa

A peak of what's inside Via Dolorosa

And so we went to Hinulugan Taktak.  Paid an entrance fee of P8.00 per person.  The falls wasn't as nice as it was before.  It was not even pleasant to smell.  It smelled like a canal.  A canal falls.  When I asked our driver/photographer why was the falls foamy?  He said that it was foamy because of the dirt from the resident's who live on top of the mountain.

Hinulugan Taktak

The government should do something about this national park.  Maybe rerouting the resident's drainage?  Just a thought. :)



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Forest in the City

Who would thought that no one needs to go far to spend time with nature.  In East Fairview, Quezon City, there's a place called La Mesa Ecopark.  The park's mission is to spread environmental awareness through education and advocacy.  It is a venue that provides outdoor activities and a true forest experience.

Forest Park

My husband and I wanted our children to be aware of nature.  I've heard about the place but none of us has been there.  It is located at La Mesa Dam Compound, Greater Lagro, Quezon City.  A P20 fee for passing by is paid at the guard of the subdivision.  Because the only way to get there is to pass by a residential area.  We were following the route map from La Mesa Ecopark's website.  You won't get lost upon entering the subdivision, because signs on where to go or turn are everywhere.  It was very helpful.

An entrance fee of P50 per person above 3 feet are paid before entering the park.  3 feet below and Quezon City senior citizens with valid ID are free.  Other Quezon City residents with valid proof are discounted.  All revenues generated by La Mesa Ecopark are used for the continuous preservation and protection of the La Mesa Watershed, which is the primary source of drinking water of Metro Manila.

As soon as we enter the park we were awed and amazed by the tall trees and plants.  Everywhere we look is green.  Everything is green.  It felt like we were in a province, only paved walkway.  We almost forgot that we were just in Quezon City.

Tall trees and paved walk way

Relaxing view

La Mesa Ecopark has a lot to offer (with a separate fee):

• Horseback riding     P50 - P150 per ride
• Biking                      P50 - P90 per hour
• Rappelling                P50 per person
• Wall climbing           P50 per person
• Zipline                      P100 per person
• Paintball                   P350 per person (50 bullets & gear); P500 per person (100 bullets & gear)
• Swimming Pool         P80 per person's above 3 feet; P40 per person 3 feet & below

For the park's complete rates and tour packages, you may check their website or click here.

A lot of open cabana's are scattered near the pool and fishing pond area.  Cottage or cabana rental is P500 a day.  Table and chairs (1 table & 4 chairs/set) rental is P120 a day.  We chose to rent a tree house cottage because it was strikingly hot when we were there, and the kids are with us.

The whole day was spent by eating, fishing, and swimming.  By the end of the day, the children were very tired.  They were all sleeping on our way home.

La Mesa Ecopark is a nice place to bond with family, friends, and nature.  And besides, when you visit the park, you also help La Mesa Watershed.



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