Saturday, January 10, 2015

Hiking Adventure at Gintung Pakpak

Hiking is the nature adventure that we chose to do when we went to Gintung Pakpak EcoPark in Arayat. We paid 300 pesos for the nature trip which includes the tour guide fee and free drink at the end of the activity. 
A Hundred Steps


These are the stone tables and chairs found beside the Pipagtampisan (Swimming Pool) and Dinalan A Takbang (A Hundred Steps) the path to be taken for the hiking adventure. I tried to count the steps but lost my track afterwards so I wasn't able to confirm if the steps really count to 100 (lol!).


Some of the tracks are steep and some are just flat. There were muddy and slippery paths as expected and we found a very old and rough rope near a very sharp slope so we had no choice but to hold onto it.



This mini waterfall was our destination. We were all pleased with the three kids because they were able to surpass the tracks without crying or complaining. I bet they have more energy than the grown-ups though. (LOL)



The water is muddy and foamy so there was no chance of taking a swim. There were a few trash such as plastics from left-over foods at the waterfall site which I believe was left by the tourists who went there prior to us. Nonetheless, the real rewarding part was the journey that we have to go through just to reach this place.









I was happy to see Makahiya plants along the way because they reminded me of my childhood. I remember those plants were abundant in Pampanga when I was still young. Some amorseco seeds got stuck on our clothes as well, but brought nostalgia to me. Indeed this nature trip had brought back memories when I was a child, when the town was still full of wild grasses and different trees.
Nice view along the way to the waterfall
Time to go
Tired but happy!

Location:  Purok 6, Barangay Baliti, Arayat Pampanga.

Entrance Fee:
PHP300- with free choice of either swimming, boating, hiking or fishing
PHP150 to encounter another nature activity

Accomodation:
Villas- PHP4950++
Deluxe Villas (8pax)- PHP6050++
          - for 8 pax
          - free use of swimming pool
          - choice of bale tuku, tugak, tagak, barag or sawa
Dormitory Type-PHP550++
Contact#: 0915 237 5915

Friday, January 2, 2015

Mount Arayat's Gintung PakPak

Just right before 2014 ended, my cousin Gee invited us to go to a park so we figured we should go with the kids.  The park where we went to is a hidden paradise found at the foot of Mt. Arayat and is known as Gintung Pakpak (Golden Wings) Eco Park.



At the entrance of the Eco park you will see a huge stone where you will be able to read the history of the park. This is what's engraved on the stone:

The Gintung Pakpak was conceived on the plateaus of Guimaras in 1971 when I stayed with the trappist monks in silent recluse in 1975, a 30 years hard work of clearing, planting, brushing, digging of ponds and tedious maintenance resulted into what you see now as an earthly paradise. Then in 2005, a joint venture with a long time friend Willy Martinez enabled the erection of the structures of the retreat house. Altogether, the Gintung Pakpak represent the fulfillment of the golden message spoken by no less than our Lord Jesus in his prayer, "Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven." - Lito Gomez

This is the parking space allotted for the guests since vehicles are not allowed to enter the park.

Parking
And of course, the view is amazing and very relaxing. 



My kids and their cousin enjoying their freedom from the city!


There is also an Archery Club found just outside the park.

According to the legend, due to the battle between the sun and moon, Mt. Zambales became a mountain range and Mt. Arayat's top became flat. This is the war between Apung Sinukuan known as the sun king of war and death in Arayat (Alaya) and Apung Malyari of Mt. Zambales ( Pinatubo) who represents the moon.


Mt. Arayat

The phrase "Salangi Ko Pu" is found at the gate of the ecopark usually used by Kapampangans which means please come this way or visit us here where you can find an image of a bird/rooster, gecko and the sun and moon.





Here are some of the breathtaking view inside the park. 


Man-made lake





The cute bonsai trees are just a bit bigger than the children.

One of the ponds
               The water from this pool is fresh from the mountain filtered by the old tree roots of Arayat. 




We were very entertained by this adorable parrot who can whistle and can only say hello.




These are the signage for the restrooms for Female and Male.


Beautiful for Female

Location:  Purok 6, Barangay Baliti, Arayat Pampanga.

Entrance Fee:
PHP300- with free choice of either swimming, boating, hiking or fishing
PHP150 to encounter another nature activity

Contact#: 0915 237 5915