I was only 8 months old when my parents first took me to Coron, Palawan. I barely have any memories of my baby-toddler years, but my parents would recall how I much I loved to literally roll around the sand and to wade around the water.

They said I enjoyed our beach picnics so much that I would even eat sand and drink sea water! My ambition was to be a fish when I was a kid! Of course, I wasn’t informed then that this was biologically impossible. But based on their stories, I think I had a great time imagining it was, anyway!

Say hello to my stoked baby self

Almost all of our vacations were spent in Coron. This was where my parents met, and this is where they’re planning to retire.

Vintage Family Picture in Kubo sa Dagat / Janglit

Through their hard work, they were able to construct a beautiful abode and manage a farm at the heart of Malbato or Kingfisher Park. And with the boom of tourism, they decided renovate and convert our home into a resort.

If you're looking for a cozy, laidback vacation, check us out at  http://casafidelis.com/ or at our Facebook page!

I guess the greatest ideas are based on the simplest observations, and during one of our small get-togethers with our employees, we noticed how 1. They had so many kids (an average of 7 kids per family!) and 2. Most of the children were no longer studying!

This led us to start Mulat Kalikasan, an NGO aiming to alleviate poverty and illiteracy through formal and environmental education.

Our beloved logo thanks to Michelle Pompa

So far, our NGO now has 35 scholars ranging from Grade 1 until High School. We’ve sponsored two schools, with one being a 23-kilometer walk for the students. You had to climb a mountain and pass two rivers to get there!

Mulat Kalikasan was able to raise funds and better this school by fixing its drooping roof, cementing its floor, providing a flag pole, and building a bathroom. We finally had this school accredited as a DepEd satellite school! Hurrah :)

This school has an amazing back story as well. Its 200-meter land was donated by a struggling farmer. Kuya Lito told us, “Kailangan mag-aral ng mga batang ito. Lumapit kami sa may malalaking lupa para humingi ng land donation para sa paaralan, pero hindi nila kami pinansin o tinanggihan kami. Kahit maliit lang ang lupang mabibigay ko, bukal ito sa puso ko. Sana pagbutihin ng mga bata ang pag-aaral nila para mas mabuti ang kinabukasan nila.” [These kids have to study. We tried to ask for land donations from privileged land owners, but they ignored us or declined. I can only give a small piece of my land, but it’s from the heart. I wish the kids would do their best in school; they deserve a better future.]

The class with Ms. Geraldine

The resident teacher, Ms. Geraldine, was already six months behind on her salary, but she still continued to teach. “Kailangan ng mga bata ng guro. Hindi mo pwedeng itapat ang edukasyon nila sa pera. Nakakatuwa nga eh, dinadalhan nalang nila ako ng pagkain o kung ano-ano na galing sa kanila.” [The students need a teacher. You can’t let money be the condition for teaching. It’s actually delightful how my students just bring me food or whatever they can find from their home.]

We showed the pictures of the school to DepEd Secretary, Brother Armin Luistro. And through the government’s efforts, they’ve finished building a formal public school beside the old one! They can now facilitate more students!

Thank you Philippine government and taxpayers! You've built a school! :)

The government is doing something, folks. And if you're feeling bad about paying taxes, a portion of it went here so congratulate yourself for contributing and helping us out! :) While we all have a long way to go in bettering our country, there is inspiration and generosity everywhere!

If you’re interested in helping Mulat Kalikasan out, message us at our recently-launched Facebook page or email us at mulatkalikasanph@gmail.com! We'll be posting our activities, projects, and fund-raising events soon!

By the way, we have yet to have our own website, and we are looking for a kind soul to help us out! So please spread the word and message us if you’re interested!

When Anna Oposa confirmed her trip to our province in Coron, Palawan this summer, I immediately panicked.

You see, Anna or Raisa is not only this well-known environmentalist and blogger, she’s also the only sister of Uli, my boyfriend. And if there’s a tiger mom, there’s a tiger sister.

I remember the threatening stare she gave me the first time that we met; it was the only thing she gave me then, actually. Ever since, I could never really shake off my fear of her despite our friendly banters and conversations throughout the years.

To make matters worse, Uli couldn’t come with us! While Raisa tagged along Ike and I had my best friend Kris come too, I was worried we might not get along; some of us haven’t even met yet. Being stuck in a remote province for almost a week may turn into torture if you’re with the wrong crowd of people.

Stress.

But guess what?

It turns out that we would get along. We got along so well that we four were inseparable in Coron!

We spent all of our meals and vacant time together. We snorkeled side by side that we accidentally hit one another because we’re all cramped at a certain area in the middle of the ocean! Hahahahaha! Clingy much?!

I pick up the most interesting things from the people I travel with. Ike had an appetite for pizza and hummed while ate. Kris had the most contagious laughter and expressions. Raisa just had amazing stories to tell. I recounted our first introduction, and we both had a good laugh at how grumpy she was that day! Raisa also let us touch her gorgeous nose during one of our candle-lit, mattress-burning nights (this sounds so malicious)! Hahahaha!

Six days with such crazy and dynamic people wasn’t enough.

And more than just a vacation, Raisa was also able to help us out with our resort and Mulat Kalikasan’s environmental curriculums. Mulat Kalikasan is an NGO that aims to promote sustainable growth through formal and environmental education. Thank you, Raisa!

I went to Sagada alone without any itineraries or reservations on accommodations. I didn’t know anyone there. All I had were bus tickets and a heart for adventure.

I took the Manila-Bontoc-Sagada route, and it’s the best and fastest way to go to Sagada. It’s a 12-hour bus trip with 2-3 stopovers. Currently, Cable Tours is the only bus company offering Manila-Bontoc (bus leaves at 8pm) and Bontoc-Manila (bus leaves at 3pm) routes. Contact them at 0918 521 6790 for ticket reservations.

I am no longer recommending Cable Tours as the bus line to ride because their airconditioning doesn't work anymore + they don't pass you through NLEX and they still charge for the same amount. What I do suggest is you take the Ohayami bus to Banaue, and from there you can commute to Sagada or Bontoc. The Banaue route is really scenic. Pass by there!

Banaue Rice Terraces

The landscape reminds me of the Studio Ghibli film, Totoro!

On my bus ride going there, I sat beside this beautiful girl talking to the bus operators in their local dialect. Her name’s Zara, and what started out as friendly introductions turned into almost six hours of non-stop talking. She’s from Bontoc, and she was sweet enough to text me everyday to check if I was still alive (haha) and enjoying! She even toured me around Bontoc on my last day!

With Zara

After hopping off the bus, I went to the jeep terminal found two streets away. From Bontoc, Sagada is only a 45-minute ride away. I sat down and introduced myself to my seatmate. She happened to be from Sagada. Her name’s Julie, and she helped me find a place to stay. My seatmates are the best!

With Julie

Bontoc-Sagada Highway View

It was days before holy week, and I was lucky enough to get a room in St. Joseph’s Resthouse! It’s ironic how I’m an atheist and I wound up staying there (I simply ignored all religious decor), but the accommodations were pretty cozy and the staff were always in smiles!

Single occupancy is only Php 300/night. Contact them at 0918 599 5934.

Nobody gave me the memo that tourists had to register at the Info Center. I almost cried because I couldn't figure out where to go and how to schedule tours (Yes folks, that was how clueless I was). The people there were really kind and helped me out. I scheduled my solo tours. Define loner/hermit vibes (hahaha), but my tour guide was just great!

Kuya Kit probably saved my life on multiple occasions. He offered whatever limb was necessary to help out a poor, 4’11-foot girl like me to survive the treks and the short course caving! He also had a lot of stories to tell. From fun Sagada facts to his life as a tour guide/driver/etag maker/etc, I’ve learned a lot from my awesome guide who claimed that whatever he lacked in formal education, he made up for his drive to succeed in life.

Another thing I love about Sagada is their food! You should try the Pinikpikan in Dap Ayan Restaurant located at the basement level of the commercial center.

I went to Bontoc earlier to avoid the rush of people flocking over their fiesta. It was my last day, and like I said, Zara toured me around her lovely town. We went to the Bontoc Museum and took pictures everywhere.

There was a lot to learn on Northern culture. Who knew that the each region had its own architecture, clothing style, and weaponry? I am amazed at how diverse and culturally rich the Philippines is. I love my country.

People find it remarkable how I survived Sagada all by myself. Some of them tell me that my trip was filled with ‘divine intercession’. I laugh that thought of and tell them that all the credit should go to Zara, Kuya Kit, Julie, and all the other local folks who’ve been nothing but great and honest. These people have been kind enough to help out and trust a stranger. I think that’s more remarkable than any god theory, and they deserve to be fully acknowledged and thanked.