LAKE HOLON WEEK-START ESCAPADE (August 28-29, 2016)

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• published: 02 Sep 2016
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Its a week-start climb in the last week of August at Lake Holon in Tboli, South Cotabato. Lake Holon, said to be the Crown Jewel of the South because the peaks of the Mount Parker (Melibengoy) looks-like a crown. It is a volcanic crater lake formed after it erupted wayback 1641, the depth of this lake is still unknown but imagine its on top of the mountain with an elevation of 4,700 feet above sea level and an area of 370 hectares, more or less. Aug. 28 - Travelling almost one hour with 21km distance from municipal tourism office (where we register our names) in Poblacion to Barangay Salacafe receiving area (3,422ft asl) and we were welcomed by local tourism staffs Norma Gal, Rey Lemery and their tourism supervisor Rolly Magante and registered our names. Then a 6.5km motorcycle ride (habal-habal) to Sitio Kule receiving area (4,409ft asl) and we welcomed again by the locals headed by Jing Lidam who conducted the orientation and tribal prayer. This is the starting point of our trek to Lake Holon camp site where there are 5 stations and with us is our guide Pastora Marita Lidam (local tourism staff). When we reached the first station, we met David Suanzon (lake supervisor and local tourism staff) and according to him, originally there are 15 stations in the area, named after the 15 guardians of the mythical prince of Holon (which means 'deep water'). This Kule trail is more than a month plan, thanks God for the good weather (cloudy Sunday and sunny Monday). We hiked 4.7 kilometers from Kule receiving area and climbed the view deck, crossed the lake via kayak, until we reached the camp site in more than 3 hours with no breakfast and lunch, wew! We've missed the local food Ónuk Nlut (Chicken cooked in bamboo) because of misinformation. Thankful we still bring some chocolates and bananas as trail foods. After pitching the tents in the camp site, you can choose your activities - boat ride or kayak, swimming, fishing, cooking, photo or video-taking and foot or fish spa just along the coast of the camp site. Aug. 29 - I woke up four o'clock in the morning but its too hard for me to get up because its too cold. After an hour, we go out in our tents, boil some water for a hot coffee and take some photos. After our light breakfast, we begin to pack-up our things for an early trek via Salacafe trail, its a 5.6km hike to the receiving area. Along the trail, you can pass-by the Kutong Busaw (bahay ng aswang) and there's a story about that place. There are horses waiting there for a ride to receiving area if you're too tired to hike. Along the way, there's a site where you can view the highest peak of Mt. Parker and take photos. Almost halfway is the Sitio Nabul, where you can take a long rest, eat and drink native coffee. Thank you very much to: David Suanzon, Pastora Marita and her daughters Rea Mae and Jing, Yatan Bansilon, Rolly Magante, Norma Gal, Rey Lemery, other guides, kayak and habal-habal drivers, Sir Joshua, Sir Rodel of Municipal Tourism and Madame Nelly Dillera, Regional Director of Department of Tourism 12. Thanks to our Almighty GOD for the good weather, guidance and beautiful nature, your creation. #Nature #outdoor and #adventure makes our world #Wonderful 😆 Walang ganito sa mall.