Visiting the Lion Head

The Lion's Head, situated along the renowned sharp curves in Kennon Road, has been one of  the tourists' and travelers' popular stop overs when they visit Baguio.It's worth to take an extra mile to see it though, and have some souvenir pics as what we did when we has a motorcycle road trip last month.

We took Mac Arthur Highway getting there and rerouted to Kennon Road just to have a peek (and pic!) of the famous Lion's Head. Look up, ain't it worth it to have your pics beside the 40 feet towering statue!

The glimpse of the natural landscapes along the road is also a sight to behold! Souvenir shops can be found within the area as well. 

It's just a 15 minute drive from the heart of the city; with its cool breezy weather, it's nice to stop by, take pics and stroll.

Driving via 2 wheels is quite a task, specially when you go to places like Baguio. But reaching your destination and seeing these tourist spots, a new and refreshed feeling will manifest and you's grasp that it's all worth the trip. So, next time you're in Baguio, don't forget tovisit this landmark! 

Buying pasalubong going home from Baguio

We took a  250 plus km road trip to Baguio riding on my Yamaha FZ. Let's charge it to the adventurous side of us, not having enough time, yet took the plunge and stayed overnight, then went back as we're bound to our int'l flights to what -- yes, you got it right, to work as we all need to.
Passing along Marcos highway was exciting as we find lots of stores for last minute shopping (you know how it is to enjoy the place so much you forget to buy pasalubongs? Nothing to worry about it, the stores are everywhere!

Now, for the tidbits of what we chose to buy and what we found as well; first: the items, what are they? They have peanut brittle, lengua de gato, Ilocos cornicks, among others. You'd find a lot more like vegetables and fruits, some key chains and other memorabilia but our family have the sweet tooth so we opted to focus on food.

Never underestimate the stalls along this highway, it's basically a one stop shop and you'd find almost every pasalubong that'd suit your family and friends' taste.

So the next time you happen to visit Baguio, do indulge in the moment. Experience the sights and take lots of pictures; feel and breath the fresh spring air breeze, and don't forget to check out the stalls along the highway just in case you got carried away and missed some pasalubong for your loved ones! Don't worry, be happy, because life is too short not to be, blessings!

Hotel Veniz in Baguio

Driving from Manila to Baguio on two wheels is one of the essentials in my bucket list. And finally, I was able to do it! You read it right, I did it using my Yamaha Fz 16 motorcycle. It was a 200 plus km ride which I will be posting soon.This is just parts of  what we've encountered in the journey. And one is a place to stay as we arrived in Baguio. We chose this hotel called "Hotel Veniz", located in the heart of the city.

As we approached the information in the lobby, we were told of the available rooms they have at the moment. They said that they can show us the rooms first to help us in deciding which one suits us.

We finally chose a twin bedroom. It's originally priced at 1,700 pesos but they offer a discount of 300 pesos that week, so we just paid 1,400 pesos for the night. 

The room was spacious and we were satisfied with its price. We joined the beds and it's like having a queen-sized bed as their bed size is wider than the usual single beds, it was a treat!  The parking was wide enough and was located at the basement of the hotel.

a view of the city

A buffet complimentary breakfast is served from 6am till 10 am. The food was very good and satisfying, it'll surely make you full and ready for the busy day of sightseeing!

And just to inform you, rooms are all non smoking rooms. They have a fine of php 500.00 for cleaning fee if the room smells of  cigarette smoke upon check out.

a restaurant is open to serve you onnthe 2nd floor

Hotel Veniz is a small but decent hotel in the heart of Baguio. I would definitely recommend it and would personally go back here again, not only for its price but also for the good service this hotel provides.  I give it a 7/10 score!

New tires for my Yamaha Fz

     I bought a Yamaha FZ in 2016. And, despite it being 3 years old now, I only used up 9 kilometers (this is due to my work stint overseas, depriving me of my passion to do road trips in 2 wheels, which was a sad reality.)


And that time of the year came again, when I finished my contract, and would have some time again to go back to my country and take a break, rest my mind, and yes, do a road trip or two, yes!

I have been thinking of a road trip in my bucket list for a long time -- Baguio in 2 wheels. Why not try it now when I still have the chance? And I indulged.

In preparation for a long ride going to Baguio, I decided to change my rear tire, to 150 x 17 size one.

My choice is getting the Pirelli 150 x 17, which is a bit thicker than the stock tire which is just 140 x 17. And I had a go for it. 

It's done, and yes, you'd find me having the time of my life doing my road trip to Baguio in one of my posts am sure. Changing the tire to a thicker one will add more stability and more control when you maneuver cornering as you drive. It made me feel more confident as well, believing my 2 wheels would get me safely on my destination. 

Now what are we waiting for? Let's go to Baguio, yes! (you'll see it in my post!)

Solo Ride To Lucban Quezon

I had an upgrade of my GPS navigation and need to test it. I had to go somewhere an excuse to ride my Motorcycle again. I've been itching to go north upto baguio however due to lack of preparation and budget constraints decided to go south. So lucban bound as early as 4:00 am.

Marcos highway

My GPS 

So from Tanay Samapaloc road, paasing towns of Rizal. Going to towns of Laguna, just followed the GPS. It took me to Pagsanjan Cavinti Road. 

Arrived at Lucban at 8:30 am, still early so got time to rest a couple of minutes here.

Rizal shrine

Lucban's downtown is clean and colorful .I noticed that most of the houses are old but restored.I was starving and  need a place to eat. So I must try the pansit habhab.

Better late than never

A local said that at the side of the church is food court that sells Pansit habhab

Serving is ok for Php 10.00, kind of a bland pancit canton. Spiced vinegar is added to enhance the flavor. I was able to finish 2 servings. Funny thing is that you will not be given a fork to eat this. You do this by using the mouth to scoop the noodles.

After exploring a bit of the downtown, I look for a place to eat lunch and found this place. 

This is a chicken joint right in the heart of the city.  Got to check the place out.

chicken piece is at Php 25.00. And served with gravy.

Taste is good and complemented the spiced vinegar. I'm already full and no room left for Lucban longaniza!

   

Kamay ni hesus

Some local treats 

A shot of Mt. Banahaw

My travel time is 4 1/2 hours, I dont want to get caught in the dark while passing Marcos highway. I left lucban around 12:30 pm

heavy rain at Antipolo

Arrived home at 6:00 pm. Tired but glad to have visited Lucban

Solo ride, Rizal- Laguna- Quezon loop

Sunday morning and I want to challenge myself , got on my Yamaha Fz and left the house at 6 am. I might as well try this long distance route. Starting from Antipolo and passing the towns of Rizal

A view of the wind electric generator at Pililia Rizal

First stopover in Pililia Rizal

A view of Laguna lake

                      Checking out the wind electric generators

Going to Sinoloan

                                         You Guessed it right! Paete

Well I've decided to push further and go to Majayjay, going to visit some historical places there

                                                    At Lumban
                                                           

                         At Lumban Hydro electric power plant

                         Resting a bit before pushing to Majayjay

Reaching Pagsanjan is easy, no traffic and I  noticed that  most of the houses are old

Upon reaching Majayjay I was relieved, landed at around  1 pm. And It's a small quiet town .

My first destination in Majayjay is an old unfinished bridge made by the Spaniards called Puente de Capriccio, Rizal made reference to it in El Filibusterismo in 1851, Finding it was easy, I asked a trike driver, said it is called "Tulay ng Pige". Locals are confused why I'm looking for it, said that I  will be passing by a dump site to reach it. 

  The dumpsite near the bridge

   Met this guy who guided me in my search

Tulay ng Pige

 As I was trekking down the cliff, worried about my bikes security

Next stop from Tulay na Pige is the old church of St. Gregory the Parish Church, Built in 1575

From Majayjay, going to Sinoloan and then to Real Quezon. The road going to Real Quezon  is difficult, sharp curves and rough roads. 

                                                

A local market that sells fresh sea foods in Real

Fresh harvest from the sea

Lots of beach resorts

Reached Real Quezon at 3pm, I was a bit worried that I might get caught in the dark while passing to Marcos highway traversing the Sierra Madre. Just took couple of pictures and headed to the final leg of my travel.

Loading up with gas

                               Riders prepare at Marcos highway

Marcos Highway, the final leg of the journey

             

The Long and winding road of Marcos Highway

                                         Heavy rain nearing Cogeo

Traveled  350 km

Got home at around 7pm, got baked under the sun, soaked wet, For a rider, it's not always the destination that counts. It's the time spent on the road... Hope you can join me in my next journey