Feeders Project: Balik Eskwela 2015

AREP Dumagat Settlement

I was very lucky to be part again of the Feeders Balik-Eskwela Outreach Program.  This time, we went to AREP Dumagat Settlement in Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Because it was inside the vicinity of the National Power Corporation Compound, security and permit are necessary. You can’t just go there and visit. It was our officemate Erma who lives near the area arranged everything for the group. I really do admire her for being so active leading a charity group like this.

Stop over to secure passes and quick refreshment

We're almost there, securing id's first

On our way is such beauty

This is still on our way to the settlement area

I tag Hal and Yana along to this activity. I want my niece Yana to be exposed in a project like this to be aware and to be able to learn how to socialize and engage helping others. As we were getting near the vicinity, the view along really catches our attention. Angat Dam is a water reservoir hydroelectric dam. It supplies the Manila Metropolitan Water and is part of the the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system. It was surrounded by greens and nestled in the southern part of the vast Sierra Madre Mountain range. Only the native Dumagats are allowed to reside and roam around in these protected forested mountains.

Blessed with this kind of view

We are here

The green building is the school of the Dumagat

Learning Center

As we arrived to the location, we saw lots of children patiently waiting for us already. We did not expect that they will be there that early. Our plan was to cook our brunch first since we’re all hungry from the long drive while preparing the distribution of the supplies. Then after our brunch, some of us will cook the food for them during the program. However, we didn’t expect that they will gather that early that’s why eating first while letting them wait for us is not an option. So here’s what happened, we still did prepare our brunch and let them eat first. Luckily we brought plenty of rice and individual “baon”. Since we were not prepared having plates for two meals for them, we had the boodle fight style of eating. It was a bit chaotic but at least we had to let them eat as well. Then we started our small games and distribution of school supplies. We also had some clothes to distribute. After that, we finally allocated the portioned meal for everybody, this time all of them got their own plates.

It's a bit chaotic but at least they had both lunch and mirienda

Having fun I guess :)

It's time for some games

Luckily, we have Jessie to cheer them up

Now is mirienda time

We get their names in advance and provide bags and school supplies depending on their grade levels

We also brought other essentials

Distributed to every kids

It was tiring but fun. I guess they also had a good time. There were times that we noticed some were trying to cheat by removing their stamp and falling in line again. It was a bit frustrating. Maybe they just wanted more because they have none that’s why they are taking all the opportunities they’ve got. That saddened me a lot. It was late afternoon that we bid goodbye to them.

I pray in silence that despite their lack of needs they will be able to succeed, fulfill their dreams and still be happy and thankful in life that they currently have. It was such an experience especially for my niece Yana who is new to this activity.

Day 2: Spelunking at Bayukbok Cave

After the Mt. Manalmon hike we decided to explore the Bayukbok Cave. We chosen to use the zipline to get across the Madlum River and start exploring.

The climb started with the sharp rocks, pointed and rough and some are shaky. Our guide kept on saying that its easy and the cave was just near but every step is a challenge as we need to be extra careful because of the sharp and rocky edges. Too bad my camera ran out of battery and Bheng's camera were on low battery as well. So tipid na sa mga shot to, most of these were grabbed from Bheng's camera already.

Every passages and twist and turns inside the cave is a challenge. Bawal ang maarte and hindi game madumihan. Test the limits talaga, worth the experience kahit mahirap.

I may not be able to give justice on our experience on this post because of few photos not to mention the beautiful and sparkling rock formations but if you want an adventure, you’ll definitely have it. I wanted to show more of the cliffs and death defying stunts on some chambers but no more shots to show. By the way, I would highly recommend using protective gears for more safety.
It was already getting dark when we set back home, sulit ang overnight experience and will surely recommend the place for those who want new challenge.




You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Day 1: Mountaineering Experience: Mt. Manalmon

Every first experience worth a risk, I was invited by friend to try hiking. It’s a minor climb so it’s good for beginners. I tag Chiz along on this trip. So then we found ourselves with Roseann a.k.a. Bheng and her Mountaineer friends on Mt. Manalmon located at San Miguel, Bulacan.

I’m expecting a long and sunny walk already. What else? We arrived at Sitio Madlum Brgy. Sibul community where we had our group explore the area and fix our things up and put a sun block all over. Picture mode rin for us. It was the Juxtapoz Mountaineer Group who organized the hike and took in charge of the registration and the guide.

The trek begins. We first passed the Madlum cave, then the Beach like river, slopes from the cave are quite challenging but exciting.

The cave is part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park and the place itself is also known for other outdoor activities such as swimming, crossing the Monkey Bridge, river rafting, spelunking, diving, rappelling and rock climbing.

With Chiz, my personal alalay I mean boyfriend pla. :p

Meet Bheng!
Tropa ko since college and luckily my office mate din who invited us to join the trip. She’s a runner and a mountaineer. Astig noh. :p

Parang mini beach lang in the middle of rock formations.

The Juxtapoz Pup
Visit them - The Juxtapoz Pup

We rested for a while after taking our lunch, pwede rin daw kami mag camp on that location pero inde pa yun yung peak. Pictorial mode muna kami ni Roseann while others were taking a nap and others were drinking.

We heard from other group na madami daw padating na mountaineers kaya mag set na daw kami ng camp agad so we can find a good place. So without warming ourselves up, nagmadali kami getting to the summit.

At last! Nang hinayang talaga ako for not having enough exercise and preparation before the climb. Dagdag pagod ung init at pressure sa kasunod na climbers. Did I mention galing kami ni Rose sa night shift duty. Kami na ang umakyat ng bundok ng puyat.

Few of those na nag moment sa summit.

It was a rewarding experience to be able to climb a mountain. Now I can say that this is what the mountaineers feel in every hike and why they have the passion to climb. Ika nga kanya kanyang trip lang yan. So for them it’s more than a fulfilment. For me a new challenge, will I hike again, yeah maybe. Why not, Chiz and I are now investing hiking gears pa so no hassle on the next trip, We must be gear up especially for major climbs so it would not be very difficult.

Our camp site, having socials and being able to see the sunset and sunrise at Mt. Manalmon.

Packing up and group shot sa peak before going back. Kami ata pinaka last na nag pack up, kaya again ang init na. No litters should be left behind, kahiyaan nlng kay Mother Earth diba so everybody should do our part.

We thought the climb will end there, easy nalang for us going down as we used longer trail but easier than the first trail. Going back to the Brgy. We ate our lunch again and then had another one of a kind adventure, Spelunking at Bayukbok Cave.



“In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.”
-- John Muir