FaceCebu | Cebu Blog, Vlog and Content Creation: Trekking

Trekking, hiking and some random walks or jogs really is a stress reliever. Cebu has a lot of mountains or hills to climb and enjoy but last weekend, I chose to grace a special invite to do overnight camping at the highest Peak of Bohol, Mayana Peak from a good friend, Geezelle of Geemiz.com who is celebrating her birthday today as I am writing this article. Happy Birthday my Love!

We took the morning Oceanjet trip going to Bohol from Pier 1 of Cebu City Port. And we discovered that if you decided not to bring your car to Bohol (or any regions outside Cebu), you can actually pay an overnight plus total hours parking fee at the St. Joseph Church near Pier 1. The guard is so accommodating!

A group picture before starting the trek to the camp site. Photo by Geezelle Tapangan-Maningo

We arrived in Tagbilaran City, Bohol by before lunchtime and then we headed directly to Geezelle's house in Jagna to do some quick rest and prepare our stuff for overnight camping. Everyone was so excited. When you wish to try trekking and camping in Mayana Peak, it is best to contact Ms. Merilyn Acierda Madridijo (Ate Edith) who will help you book a "Habal-Habal" or a car/multicab for a small group of trekkers. Her mobile contact number is 09129766691. Don't forget to tell her you got her number from Mark Monta, the Blogger. (wink)

Going back to the city already. Photo by Andrew Gil Desabelle [LEFT-RIGHT] Ate Edith, Me, birthday girl Geezelle and her hubby, James.

TRIVIA: Our guide, Ms. Merilyn Acierda Madridijo (Ate Edith) used to work at ABS-CBN and she is the person behind the famous and award-winning Maala-ala Mo Kaya the movie in the year 1994 starring Aiko Melendez, Chin Chin Guttierez, and Richard Gomez. You can click the link to see her works.

Early call time of 5:00 AM to witness a good sunrise but it was cloudy. So, a group pic is a good idea instead. Photo shot by Realme 5 PRO

My Merrel Trekking Shoes at night. Photo shot by Realme 5 PRO

So speaking of Mayana Peak, it is considered as the highest peak in the province of Bohol with 820m above sea level elevation. I can compare her beauty to Cebu's Mt. Manunggal. Before going to the very peak, there's a place where the locals set as the camping site and then you can walk for 25-30 minutes up to the very peak. This is very the same as Mt. Manunggal. But their difference is, Mayana Peak is very very cold at night. I underestimate her by just wearing sleeveless and shorts for overnight camping - such a bad idea! Also, Mayana Peak is very clean! It is well preserved and ate Merilyn really did a good job while she used to work as a Barangay councilor for 11 years.

This is the PEAK! And of course, we need a family photo for this awesome experience. Photo by Andrew Gil Desabelle

What to expect in Mayana Peak?

Everything is special in Mayana Peak. My friends got to witness the strange appearance of a monkey last Saturday. Also, per Ate Merilyn, there are wild cats in the forest which consumed some beans for food. We also spotted a carnivorous plant - a pitcher plant. During at night, you will surely notice a number of fireflies around the camp site. So I think, Mayana Peak has a lot to offer to nature lovers out there! And the plus point here is at the peak, SUN and SMART subscribers are really loving the 4G LTE SIGNAL at the TOP!!!! So, yes, you can do LIVE video or just update your love ones about this beautiful scenery!

My trekking partner, Merrel!!!! Photo shot by Realme 5 PRO

Since the picture paints a thousand words, here are some amazing shots during our camping and trekking in Mayana Peak. Photos were taken by Realme 5 Pro.

Our way up!!!

Photo shot by Realme 5 PRO

On my way up! Photo by Geeneza Tapangan

And here are the casts of this amazing trek!

Photo shot by Realme 5 PRO

Of course, some BLOGGER's poses!!!

Photo shot by Realme 5 PRO

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I've been to Bohol a number of times after a good friend, Geemiz.com Blogger, introduced me to this lovely island. When I think of Bohol, I always see it with vast white sand in Panglao and Anda or the famous Chocolate Hills or the world-class resorts such as in Amorita Resort. But we had a different taste of Bohol last weekend when we visited one of the most beautiful mountains/hills in the province, The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) - it has New Zealand Feels when you reached at the top!

Bohol, Philippines VS New Zealand (pic by Chad Mathis)

That's me, feeling the moment!

The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) features the breathtaking landscape of Binabaje Hills of Barangay Cambaol in Alicia Municipality. The hills, which rise to 400 meters above sea level, are mostly covered in tropical perennial grasses commonly known as Cogon. These tall green grasses wave gently as the breeze passes, giving a soft furry-like appearance to the hills, which is composed primarily of metamorphic rock - the Alicia Schist, the oldest rock in Bohol (late Jurrasic - Early Cretaceous ) Many adventure-seekers enjoy trekking the ridge trails over the hills and the picture-perfect and stunning green scenery.

The girls ready to pose with that vast greenery background

How to get to The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) from Cebu?

1. From Pier 1, buy a ticket to Tagbilaran Bohol via Oceanjet (2-3 hrs) or Light Shipping (5-6 hrs)
2. From Tagbilaran Port, ride a tricycle (PHP 25) going to Dao Bus Terminal
3. From Dao terminal, ride a bus or Private Van bound to Municipality of Alicia (2-3 hours travel time) and drop at Alicia Municipal Hall or public market.
4. From that point, hire a habal-habal going to The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) drop off/registration area.

What are The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) Fees?

Entrance Fee - Each trekker needs to pay PHP 35 as Environmental Fee
Guide Fee - a Guide is required during this adventure. You need to pay PHP 350 for a group of 5 Trekkers.

Who to contact for easier transaction?

We were able to get the number of our Guide. You can contact Kuya Loner for details and inquiries at mobile

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Cebu means adventure! Aside from the island's rich in culture, tradition, food and delicacy and Cebuano hospitality, Cebu earned a trending signature to famous adventurous activities such as Canyoneering, Trekking, Sky Diving, Wakeboarding, Rock Climbing, among others. Indeed, Cebu is the best place for Merrell to getaway to adventure! Known as the global outdoor and lifestyle brand, Merrell invites everyone to escape the daily grind, be spontaneous and enjoy life’s adventures with, of course, their famous Brand Ambassador, James Reid.

A DAY AT THE PEAK AND CEBU'S FAMOUS WATERFALLS

Together with a number of Cebu Media and Digital movers, we met early as 3AM and get excited for a day that is full adventure and adrenaline rush as we were going to Southern Cebu's famous Peak and Waterfalls. It was 7 in the morning when we stretched our body and warmed up as we were ready to conquer the peak. But before anything else, we geared up with Merrell's Hydro Hiking shoes. I got my Waterpro Maipo and I got pumped up! Let's do this!

After enjoying the breathtaking view of Osmeña Peak, we headed to Southern Cebu's most visited Waterfalls, the Kawasan Falls! It's a weekday - a big Thursday but it was not a reason for Tourists and Locals to enjoy the cold water of the falls. It was a crowded Thursday but Cebu Media and Bloggers were still energized to hike from Level 1 going up to Level 3 of the waterfalls. If you happen to visit Kawasan many times, you would know that the path going up is not easy. It may look chill but roads were slippery and just a misplace landing of your foot means an injury. I am just very thankful we got Merrell Waterpro Maipo as it was safe to walk and trek. Aside from its very lightweight, Waterpro Maipo helps you run fast even on the wet or dry road as the mesh upper drains moisture and Air Cushion midsoles allow for amphibious ventures in the Maipo. Honestly, this is my new fave now!

With my Waterpro Maipo at Kawasan Falls

FAMOUS BRAND WITH FAMOUS AMBASSADOR

James Reid is known to embark on varied pursuits in his professional life from acting to songwriting and producing. But perhaps many are unaware that he is just as versatile when it comes to his choice of adventures.

Merrell Choprock Granite

James is a true believer of breaking away to go on all types of adventures from the city streets to outdoor trails, making him the perfect advocate for Merrell and the Let’s Getaway campaign.
Merrell has been known the world over for offering the best and most innovative adventure-ready footwear and gear, inspiring thousands to go on explorations and trips from the cities to the trails. Of course, every getaway needs an adventure buddy. And luckily, James has found his in the new Merrell Choprock.

Merrell Choprock

The Choprock is the newest shoe offering from Merrell. As featured in the new campaign, it’s designed with materials that dry extremely fast, boasts excellent grip on slick terrain, and protects your feet from debris. It’s also packed with all the tech features Merrell is known for such as Vibram® Megagrip outsoles, Hyperlock™heel counters, and Kinetic Fit™ BASE contoured insoles to name a few.

Merrell Choprock Granite

Sporting a sleek silhouette in versatile colorways, the Choprock works great whether you want to style it with your daily outfit in the metro, or are slipping it on as a true performance hiker for traversing both rivers and peaks.

With its collection of innovative footwear, bags, and apparel, Merrell is the perfect companion for your up-for-anything, soul-freeing adventures