The popular, two-compartment backpack has adjustable harness with CollarCut™ shoulder straps, sternum strap, waistbelt, and load-adjustment straps. Stow camera gear in the bottom compartment, outerwear and lunch in the top. Bungee cord web provides stability and additional storage, attachment loops take optional SlipLock™ accessories. Center divider folds away to create a single compartment — just remove the padded camera insert to use as a traditional backpack. Includes All Weather Cover™, pull-out tripod holder and side mesh pockets.

It could have been a 5-star rating if it includes a laptop compartment.

Specifications

Capacity:

large pro SLR with lens attached, 2-4 additional lenses up to 80–200mm f/2.8 and accessories

Size(Exterior):

13.4W X 10.2D X 20.5H in./
34 X 26 X 52 cm

Top Compartment Inner Dimensions:
11W X 5.5D X 11H in./
28 X 14 X 28 cm

Bottom Compartment Inner Dimensions:
11W X 5.9D X 10H in./
28 X 15 X 25.5 cm

Outer fabric: water-resistant 600D TXP™ ripstop and 2000D ballistic nylon

Weight: 3.33lbs/1.51kg

Go all day with the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 200 backpack. It protects your digital SLR compactly while providing generous storage for your other gear. Side-entry compartments let you quickly grab equipment and accessories, even while you’re on the move. Customize the easy-to-access main compartment with adjustable dividers.

Specifications

Capacity:

1 DSLR with mid-range zoom lens attached, plus 1-2 extra lens or flash units, audio player and lots of room for personal gear

Size(Interior):
11W X 5.9D X 9.3H in./
28 X 15 X 23.5 cm

Size(Exterior):
12.4W X 8.1D X 18.1H in./
31.5 X 20.5 X 46 cm

Advantages:
compact for easier carrying
lightweight
easy and intuitive to use

SUITABLE FOR:
compact and "point-and-shoot" cameras
"bridge" cameras (compact SLR-type with built-in lenses)
compact camcorders (MicroDV, MiniDV or equivalent size)
still photography AND video use

maximum height: 164.5
color: black
weight: 1.75
minimum height: 48.5
closed length: 51.5
maximum height (with center column down): 133.0
load capacity: 3.50


The 728B has a built-in smooth-moving 3 way head in cast aluminium suitable for use with small video cameras as well as with photographic equipment. The head has separate pan and tilt locks, a quick release camera plate and with a short pan/tilt bar for more ergonomic use, particularly while panning or tracking moving subjects. The leg pivot system uses a unique single hinge design in aluminium which both keeps the cross section smaller and allows the leg to fold shorter than conventional tripods. The tripod is built with "D" profile tubular legs for extra torsional rigidity and quick flip leg locks for ease and speed of set-up. A quick action lever also blocks the reversible center column extension. Comes complete with a carrying bag with twin shoulder straps for backpack style carrying.

The Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens is a wide to ultra-wide angle zoom lens for Canon digital single-lens reflex cameras with a Canon EF-S lens mount. The field of view has a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 16-35mm, and it is analogous to the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L on a full-frame camera. It is an internal focusing lens. Of the 13 elements, one is of Canon's Super Ultra-Low Dispersion glass and 3 are aspherical elements.

Reception

Praise

The 10-22 is widely considered to have very good image quality (sharp and low distortion) and build. The optical construction is similar to L-series lenses, but it is not designated as L-series (as reflected in the build quality), which some have argued is for marketing reasons, as with the 17-55.

"This is an extremely sharp lens, at all three tested focal lengths."
"The Canon 10-22mm has much less distortion than any wide zoom I've tested"
"There is moderate barrel distortion at 10mm, a negligible amount at 15mm, and only a tiny amount of pincushion distortion at 22mm. Overall, exemplary performance in this measure."
"This lens is small, light and solidly built. Sometimes Canon's non-L series lenses can feel a bit cheap, but not this one. … there is little to fault about it with regard to either fit or finish."

Criticism

Cost is the biggest criticism; the 10-22 costs as much as many L-series lenses, but is only usable on EF-S cameras, and thus is questionable as a long-term investment. Others think this less of a concern.

Chromatic aberration is somewhat high at 10mm, and vignetting is measurable at 10mm and maximum aperture (0.85 EV units), but not terribly noticeable in normal use.

Use

Optimal aperture (for sharpness and to reduce vignetting) is f/5.6 to f/8; f/8 is particularly recommended at 22mm.

Filters exacerbate vignetting, hence thin filters are recommended at 10mm, and stacking filters is discouraged.

Similar lenses

The Nikon 12-24 DX is Nikon's ultra-wide angle zoom, and is earlier, but is more expensive, not as wide, and has more barrel distortion.

The Sigma 10-20 DC is the Sigma ultra-wide angle lens for APS-C sensors.

Some consider the Tokina 12-24 to be comparable and cheaper, while others consider the Canon 10-22 to be significantly superior.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 II is an economy level lens, it was designed to replace the EF 50mm f/1.8. Because of its low price but relatively high optical quality, this lens has excellent value. It is constructed with a plastic body and mount. This lens has a very simple design and has no features. A 5 blade, maximum aperture of f/1.8, gives this lens the ability to create depth of field effects. The optical construction of this lens contains 6 lens elements, without any special lens elements. This lens uses a front extension focusing system, powered by a micro motor. Auto focus speed of this lens is moderately fast, and does make some sound. Front of the lens does not rotate when focusing, but does extend.

The Canon EOS 40D is a 10.1-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera. It was initially announced on August 20, 2007, and was released at the end of August 2007. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 30D and can accept EF and EF-S lenses, and like its predecessor, it uses an APS-C sized image sensor, resulting in a 1.6x field of view crop factor.

Improvements

Changes over the Canon EOS 30D include a higher-resolution sensor that retains the same dimensions and 1.6 crop factor relative to full-frame 35mm format. While the sensor is based on that of the consumer grade Canon EOS 400D, improved microlenses are employed to keep noise to levels at least as low as the 30D and much lower than the 400D. The LCD rear screen size is increased to 3.0 inches from 2.5 inches. Other changes include a larger 17 frame RAW / 75 frame JPEG buffer, and slightly faster 59 ms shutter lag, with a maximum frame rate of 6.5 frames/second (up from 5). The 40D uses the same diamond layout of nine autofocus points as the 30D and 20D, but has a AF sensor with nine cross-type points (up from one). The 40D can record in three formats, JPEG (of various quality settings), RAW and Canon's sRAW format which reduces images size to 2.5 megapixels. Because of the 40D's faster DiG!C III image processor, both RAW formats record 14bit colour (over 16 000 colour variations per channel) vs the 30D's 12bit colour which could only record 4096 per channel. The viewfinder magnification has been increased by approximately 5% over that of the 30D. In addition, the viewfinder has been modified to display the current ISO setting and alert the user when shooting in black & white mode.

The EOS 40D also uses the DiG!C III image processor first introduced to the EOS line with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III. Other similar technological improvements drawn from the 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III include live preview with manual focusing and the EOS integrated cleaning system introduced on the 400D (Rebel XTi). Software bundles with the 40D allow direct control of the camera in live view mode from a computer connected via USB, with control of camera functions and on screen preview. This functionality is targeted at studio work and astrophotography.

Features new to the semi-professional model include weather and dust-resistant sealing of the battery door and storage compartment (more than the 5D offers but far less than that of the 1 series), and automatic ISO selection. Interchangeable focusing screens are introduced with 4 different optional models currently available.

The EOS 40D can accept the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3/E3A for fast file transfer to a remote file server, either through an ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi network. This capability expands the EOS 40D's range of applications to sports and studio set ups where real-time transfer of the images is crucial.

Resolution

EOS 40D with EF-S 17-85 F/4-5.6 IS USMThe Canon EOS 40D has several resolution settings:

Large/Fine JPEG (3888 x 2592)
Large/Normal JPEG (3888 x 2592)
Middle/Fine JPEG (2816 x 1880)
Middle/Normal JPEG (2816 x 1880)
Small/Fine JPEG (1936 x 1288)
Small/Normal JPEG (1936 x 1288)
14 bit RAW (CR2) format (3888 x 2592)
14 bit sRAW (CR2) format (1936 x 1288)
There are also six resolution settings for RAW+JPEG, which produces both a .CR2 RAW file and a .JPG file at the selected resolution and quality.


Features

The Canon EOS 40D features a Mode Dial on the top which selects the shooting mode. It is divided into two sections: Creative Zone and Basic Zone. The Creative zone provides manual and semi-manual modes; it gives access to RAW format, manual exposure, aperture and ISO sensitivity.

Creative Zone

A-DEP: The camera automatically selects the aperture and shutter speed to keep most of the image in focus. (Only recommended in high light conditions as the camera tends to choose smaller f/stops)
M (Manual): The camera lets you choose manually the aperture and shutter speed.
Av (Aperture priority): The camera lets the user choose the aperture (f/) value and then automatically adjusts the shutter speed for correct exposure.
Tv (Shutter speed priority): The camera lets the user set the shutter speed and automatically sets the aperture for correct exposure.
P (Program AE): The camera automatically chooses an aperture and shutter combination for correct exposure and the user can change between one of these combinations.
C1, C2, C3: Custom setting storage slots.

Basic Zone

Auto (represented with a green rectangle): Completely automatic shooting.
Portrait: The camera tries to blur the background for better looking portraits.
Landscape: For shooting landscapes and sunsets.
Close-Up: For shooting small objects near the camera.
Sports: For capturing fast moving objects.
Night Scene: Shoots with flash and with slow shutter so that the subject is illuminated by the flash and the background (e.g: a city) is also captured naturally in the night.
No Flash: All automatic with no flash.
The camera features (like many others) two LCDs, one monochrome at the top, which contains all information pertinent to shooting, and a full-color one at the back, which is used for picture reviewing and menu navigation. The EOS 40D allows shooting information to also be displayed on the rear LCD.

The Canon EOS 40D also features a large dial on its back which is used for fast scrolling over the stored pictures or over the settings in the menu. The JUMP button can also be used to reach sections of the menu, as well as scroll through either 10 or 100 image in playback mode. The eight way controller above the dial is used to select one or all of the nine AF points, to move around a zoomed image in playback mode, and to set custom white balance.

Its internal flash can be set to release several consecutive strobe bursts to aid focusing in dim situations, but there is no dedicated AF assist lamp. Photographers can attach an external flash with AF assist lamp like many of Canon Speedlites.


Firmware and software

A firmware upgrade is always recommended for best results but instructions for doing so must be read carefully. Latest firmware and software upgrades can be found at CanonEOS.com.

Canon DPP 3.1 has been released alongside the 40D.

Initially, Adobe Lightroom did not have official support for the 40D though RAW and JPEGs from the camera did still work. Official support for the 40D as well as the 1Ds Mark III was added with Lightroom 1.3, available as a free update from Adobe.

General

Processor: Core 2 Duo
Processor number: T7300
Processor speed: 2GHz
Motherboard chipset: Intel 965GM
Centrino: Yes

Memory/Storage

Amt of RAM: 2GB
Hard drive: 160 GB
Card Reader: SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD
Optical drive: DVD Super Multi writer

Connectivity

Ports: 4 x USB 2.0; VGA out: S-video out;
Bluetooth: Yes
Infrared: No
Ethernet: 10/100/1000
Modem: 56K data/fax
Built-in devices: ExpressCard slot; Webcam
Wireless LAN: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g
Webcam: Yes

Display

Graphics hardware: Intel GMA X3100
Amt of video RAM: 384MB
Diagonal screen size: 14.1 inch
LCD technology: Transflective (widescreen)
Screen resolution (max): 1280 x 800

Multimedia

Sound hardware: Integrated audio; 2 x speakers
Jacks: mic-in, earphone-out

Software

Operating system: Win Vista Home Premium Chassis
Weight w/battery: 2.6 kg
Dimensions: 344 x 248 x 42 mmPower Supply
Battery type(s) included: 6-cell Lithium Ion
Mfr-claimed battery life: 2.6 hours
2nd battery included: No

Warranty

Warranty: One-year international warranty

It's seldom that I got to comment on movies that I have watched, but this one I cannot pass on. No, I’m not praising this movie; I disgust this movie for its total marketing ploy. After all the hype of what would the monster will look like, it all comes to a disappointing conclusion. The producers did a very good job on hiding the identity of the monster in promoting the movie, and until the last seconds of the movie, they did exactly that.

The concept of the movie is infuriating. Just think of Blair Witch Project meets Godzilla type of movie. I thought for a moment during the movie that my eyes are going to pop out because of the stupid video cam that were like stuck in one of the characters hand. No matter what happens, don’t let go of the camera even if a monster stomps you with its feet. GEEEZZ!!!

Anyway, the 50 storey monster doesn’t resemble any animal specie found on earth. I can’t even imagine how it looks like because I’m having a hard time focusing my eyes on the screen from the wobbling and shaking actions that is happening. The monster just came out of nowhere and they don’t bother to explain where it came from or what the hell it is. All I know is that it is huge and toppling skyscrapers to bits of pieces.

If this movie succeeds in the box office, it sure did succeed in giving me a headache. Hope you enjoy the movie people. Don’t forget to take Bonamine before you watch this movie.

Compact, Lightweight Superzoom lens, with high zoom ratio 11:1

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens.

11.1 high zoom ratio lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras and incorporates Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology.

This high ratio zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function and exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. It is perfectly suitable for low light conditions, indoors, at dusk and telephoto range. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass and aspherical glass provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) throughout the entire zoom range and has a maximum magnification of 1:3.9. The inner focusing system is suitable for using a petal-type lens hood supplied and also circular polarizing filters.

Sigma’s own unique technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) function
The 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 OS is equipped with Sigma’s own unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology. This system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It also automatically detects panning movement of the camera and compensate for camera shake when shooting moving subjects such as motor sports.

Excellent Optical Performance
A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and three aspherical glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce a high level of optical performance throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting while producing the best color balance.

Enables close-up photography
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm through entire zoom range with a maximum magnification of 1:3.9 making it very convenient for taking close-up pictures.

Inner focusing system
Because the front of the lens does not rotate, circular polarizing filters and a petal-type hood can easily be used.

Magnification scale
A magnification scale is displayed on the lens barrel, ensuring ease of use.

Zoom lock switch mechanism
A zoom lock switch mechanism is provided to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight.

*Exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras featuring APS-C size image sensor.
*High zoom ratio 11:1.
*Compact, Lightweight and Durable construction with diameter of 79mm (3.1"), length of 100mm (3.9") and weight of 610g./21.5oz.
*Lens has Metal Mount.
*Minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7") at all focal lengths.

*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used on digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or with 35mm SLR cameras.

Complete in-depth review and comparison versus Nikkor 18-200mm VR f3.5-5.5 and Tamron 18-200mm XR Di-II LD IF f3.5-6.3

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sigma18200mm/index.shtml

As of now, January 16, 2008, the actual retail price is around P19,500 here in Macau.... significantly cheaper than the Canon and Nikkor lenses.

This is a touching, well-acted, and beautiful looking film. Sandra Bullock and Keannu Reeves have great chemistry together and the supporting actors are very competent. The story is moving and interesting, and although its a time-travel fantasy, it's logical within it's basic idea. It involves lonely doctor (Sandra Bullock) who once occupied an unusual lakeside home begins exchanging love letters with its newest resident, a frustrated architect (Keanu Reeves). When they discover that they're actually living two years apart, they must try to unravel the mystery behind their extraordinary romance before it's too late.

Don't listen to the people who claim bad acting. They are just probably sourgraping. hehehe. The acting is fine and the chemistry between the leads is very real. Anyone who gave this movie a bad rating was definitely in the minority in their theater - most people at the moviehouse (sa Gateway Mall pa ha!) clapped and cheered at the end and many stayed to watch the credits roll - always a sign of a good, and touching, movie. I myself, honestly, swooned a little when i watched Alex appeared to Kate at the latter part of the movie. hehehe. secret lang natin ha?!

As for those people who claim that the story is "unrealistic".... they're probably the same people who think that silly IMPOSSIBLE fantasies like X-Men, King-Kong, Lord of the Rings, Spiderman, etc, etc were great movies. At least the characters and events in Lake House are believable, once the basic idea is accepted. (Wolverine didn't shed his pants off when Phoenix literally shred his clothes off into peices, hahaha)

This is one movie since City of Angels were i felt a tear cripples in my eyes. I'm not really a fan of romantic, cheezzyy, movie flicks, but this one really brought the house down for me. (wag kang literal!). The story revolves around the house, that's why they named this flick after the house itself. hehehe. And i can really relate with this movie coz being one like Alex (Keannu Reeves) who is an architect, i can say that, "It's easy building a house, but it takes real effort building a home". I hope all architects can build around that principle. But i like the house, although it lacks privacy in some way, it is a beautiful piece of architecture. (pwede kaya magtayo sa Laguna de Bay nun? hhhmmm)

Anyway, see this film with someone you love. (Not your parents ofcourse!) Preferably your boyfriend or your girlfriend. You'll both like this film. Don't mind the swooning of people inside the theater (you may think like its JOLOGS!), coz you may eventually join them as you watch Alex and Kate see each other at the end part of the movie. hehehe.

THE BEST AND MOST TALENTED FEMALE PERFORMER IN A BAND IN THE COUNTRY!

The three bodhisattvas who comprise Paramita are on the right path. Named after Tibetan Buddhism's mantra for perfection, independent pop rock act Paramita has been pumping up the local music scene with their stirring originals since 2003.

Paramita is made up of Norman Dellosa on guitars, Alsey Cortez on bass, and Ria Baustista on drums and vocals. Buoyed by passionate vocals and solid song-writing, Paramita has already released their 12-track full-length album, six of which are written in English while four are in Filipino. Despite being such a young band, Paramita has already been featured in MTV Ink magazine, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, NU 107's In The Raw radio program and the ABS-CBN morning show Breakfast.

Their song Hiling held the #1 slot on NU 107's countdown for three (3) weeks. Paramita is fast becoming one of the most solid independent acts in the scene today, enlightened by music and strenghtened by a belief in their own unique talents.

http://www.paramitamusic.com

THE BEST CEBUANO BAND IN THE COUNTRY!

From the very first day that this band was formed (in the year 2000), they were destined to be something more than the ordinary. Forced to be independent due to the lack of support coming from major record companies, Urbandub released their debut album called BIRTH. Off of this album, the hit tracks “Come”, “Give” and “Would You Go” launched and took their world by storm. Unique, timely and yet experimental, it was something that entertainment scenes around the Philippines needed: a kick start into the future of original music.

With the release of their sophomore effort, INFLUENCE (Lighter Records), Urbandub took on a new form, changing their sound with a new drummer (From Jed Honrado to Jerros Dolino). It was the sound in this album that clearly defined the steps that Urbandub would start to take. The track “Soul Searching” later won the award as Best Song of the Year in the NU107 Rock Awards 2003. Pushing the sound further, the collection bagged the Album Of The Year Award in the NU107 Rock Awards 2004.

Today, Urbandub now offers yet a third helping of what they are capable of. With the 2005 release of the album EMBRACE, Urbandub has proven that there is hope for the struggling artist. With help from their community and the noise they have created, they were able to grab the attention of EMI Music Philippines. Not one to take chances, the band has kept Lighter Records as their management arm and guide. In line with their ideals, EMI allowed them the creative freedom to record their album on their home soil of Cebu. Added to that, they have been able to maintain their independent principles while taking major steps into the scene that has awaited their new sound.

Urbandub is Gabby Alipe (Vocalist / Guitarist), Lalay Lim (Bassist), John Mendoza (Drummer) and John Dinopol (Lead Guitarist). Urbandubs career thus far has given much inspiration and support to upcoming acts, most of which fall under the Lighter Records stable such as Faspitch, The Ambassadors, Still, Nuncyspungen (Cagayan) and Point Click Kill (Ilo Ilo). Each of them now aspire to take their own roads in music, paving their own way and modeling some of their steps after the success of Urbandub.

http://www.urban-dub.tk/

LOCATION: Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya Provinces
ELEVATION: 2,090 meters above sea level
LEVEL: Major Climb, Level III, Strenuous
JUMP-OFF POINT: Itogon, Benguet and Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya

Mt. Ugu is one of the major peaks in the mountainous Benguet and Nueva Vizacaya provinces. The site was discovered as a new hiking destination last 1987 when a PAL plane crashed on one of its slopes. Mountaineers who volunteered on the ensuing rescue operations was awed by the adventure experience of exploring this mountain making it a part of their succeeding explorations. Then for a long time, it was a place known only to a handful until the time when the other mountaineering groups started to re-discover the place.

Mt. Ugu is another proof that the Cordilleras is one of the richest hiking destinations in the country. It is a cross-country hike traversing several territories cutting across the provinces of Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya. It is a part of the "Cordillera Way" which is a series of trails crisscrossing the Cordillera Mountains. In fact you can create other exploration trips within this destination like a Mt. Napulauan-Ugu or a Mt. Ugu-Pulag hikes. The Mt. Ugu hike itself is already visually rewarding and physically challenging enough for you to reconsider the other routes. Nestled between the vast mountain lies the 2,090 high summit of Mt. Ugu. From the summit, you can catch a panoramic view of Mt.Pulag on the North and the Nueva Vizcaya Mountains on the South. It’s not only the experience of the Cordillera wilderness that is rewarding but as well as the cultural experience of interacting and passing by the remote villages of Itogon and Kayapa. Definitely Mt. Ugu is a better alternative to Mt. Pulag especially if you want to get away from the "beaten tracks".


ITINERARY:

DAY 1
7:00 A.M - AT Baguio, Prayer/Kick-off/ETD for Tinongdan.
8:00 A.M - ETA @ Tinongdan Brgy Hall/Briefing @ Tinongdan Barangay Hall
9:00 A.M - ETD from Tinongdan to Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Boundary via Bua, Itogon –Binga and Ambuklao Dams
12:00 NN. - ETA @ Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Boundary (Barangay Pangawan)
- Start trek
- Lunch en route
5:00 P.M. - ETA @ Domolpos Campsite/Set camp
7:00 P.M. - Dinner/Social Night/interaction with community
10:00 P.M. - Lights out

DAY 2
5:00 A.M. - Wake up call/Bath/Breakfast
7:00 A.M. - Break camp/clean-up
8:00 A.M. - Warm up exercise/Prayer
- Summit assault
11:00 A.M. - ETA @ Summit/Tri-boundary viewing/Summit lunch/Group picture taking
1:00 P.M - ETD for Ambasa via Marikit
- View Mt. Marikit’s Rock formations (limestones)
Before reaching camp 2, there is an option for interested participants to visit the Ambasa cave – a small cave just below Mt. Marikit.
5:00 P.M. - ETA @ 2nd campsite (Ambasa)/Set Up camp/Sunset viewing
7:00 P.M. - Dinner/Socials – dynamic activities
10:00 P.M. - Lights out

DAY 3
5:00 A.M. - Wake up call/Sunrise viewing/Breakfast/Break Camp/Warm up exercise
7:30 A.M. - Holy Mass (Palm Sunday) @ Campsite – Sitio Ambasa
9:00 A.M. - ETD for Cayoco, Tinongdan then proceed to Barangay Hall @ Keweng crossing the 90.8 Cayoco foot bridge.
- Lunch en route
Trekkers have the option to bathe @ Sabdang Creek aka Shanum Creek
3:00 P.M. - ETA @ Tinongdan
5:30 P.M. - ETD for Baguio City

LOCATION: Province Brgy. San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas
ELEVATYION: 470 meters above sea level
LEVEL: Lecel I, Easy/Day Trek
JUMP-OFF POINT: Philpan Beach Resort, Anilao, Batangas

One of the mountains of Batangas, Gulugod Baboy is located in the town of Anilao Batangas, famous for its beach resorts and dive sites. In english, Gulugod Baboy directly translates to "Pig Spine". So called perhaps because of is contour? The hike is pleasant commanding spectacular 360' view of Anilao, Batangas Pier. Maricaban Island, Mt. Maculot, even Mindoro, Mt. Lobo and Mt. Manabo. From Anilao, you can ask the locals for directions towards Gulugod Baboy.

During summer, the bare shoulder becomes too hot so it is better to hike in the late in the afternoon and leave early the next day. There is also no water source available at the campsite so bring enough water. Watch our for dogs, cows and horses roaming around the campsite.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1
10:30 AM Assembly 7-11 Buendia
(Early lunch or packed lunch)
11:00 AM ETD Mabini, Batangas
01:00 PM ETA Anilao
Lunch
02:00 PM ETD for Brgy. Sulo
03:00 PM ETA Jump off Philpan Dive Resort
Equipment/last minute check
03:30 PM Start of trek.
06:30 PM Campsite na!!! Prepare Dinner
09:00 PM Socials
10:30 PM Lights out

DAY 2

06:30 AM Wake up call
Prepare Breakfast
07:30 AM Break Camp
08:00 AM Start Decent
09:00 AM ETA Philpan Beach Resort
Lunch and swimming
01:30 PM Get ready for departure.
02:30 PM ETD Philpan
04:00 PM ETA Tritan Bus Station Batangas
05:00 PM ETD for Manila
07:00 PM ETA Manila

LOCATION: Maragondon, Cavite
ELEVATION: not yet available
LEVEL: Minor Climb, Level II, Moderate
JUMP-OFF POINT: Maragondon Cavite

Mount Marami is situated in the province of Maragondon, Cavite. Its almost a 3 hour trip from Manila. The journey to the campsite is a 5 hour trek. The long and hot trail will make u bleed for sweat. And if your 3liters of water dont make your thirst go away... better step up the gas...because the heat of the sun will catch up on you. Near the end of the trail will lead you to a breathtaking view of the Philippines version of the Grand Canyon. From then on... as you arise in a cogon part of the area...you can see a preview of the landscape of the Cavite area. The trail comprises of light to medium vegetation. At the SUMMIT, which is a little over 5 minutes climb from the campsite, you can see the whole countryside of Cavite (at 360 degrees) and the neighboring mountains like Mount Pico De Loro and Mount Batulao. It is only a minor climb but it is as challenging as the sweat and thirst that your body cannot endure.

ITINERARY:

not yet available

LOCATION: Laguna Province
ELEVATION: 1,110 meters above sea level
LEVEL: Minor Climb, Level II, Moderate
JUMP-OFF POINT: UPLB Los Baños Laguna & Sto. Tomas Batangas

The legendary, Mt. Makiling, one of the most, if not the most famous mountain in Luzon, has inspired a number of poets, writers and lyricist for a long time. It is a perfect site for hiking even for first timers since trails are from easy to moderate. The place also has picnic grounds where you can camp and enjoy nature with your family even for non-hikers and unfit individuals since vehicles can climb up to this area. Found in the locality of the famous Los Baños Hot Springs and is home to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Mt. Makiling has three known trails. The first trail, the most popular and frequently used, is the UPLB route through the UPLB College of Forestry, another one is at the Makiling Philippine Art’s Center which you can also access via the university and the third one, the most difficult and unestablished, is the Sto. Tomas trail located at the other side of the mountain, in Sto. Tomas Batangas. The UPLB route has a well-established trail wherein you can even drive your way up three-fourth to the summit. Mt. Makiling is actually an in-active volcano. It has a "mud-spring" park with sulfuric vents, which are located near the picnic grounds. Makiling is the source of Los Baños’ hot springs. Makiling has three peaks, the highest and the usual destination is the Second Peak.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1

06:30 ETD Manila to Los Baños Laguna
08:30 ETA Junction, Los Baños Laguna
08:35 Take Jeepney going to UPLB College of Forestry
08:45 ETA Jump-off point. Register and pay entrance fee
09:00 Start Trek
09:30 Side trip to Mud Springs
10:00 Continue trek to summit
1:30 ETA Summit
9:00 Light's out

DAY 2

06:30 Wake-up call, Breakfast, Breakcamp
07:30 Start Descent
10:30 ETA Forestry
10:45 Trek towards Pook ni Mariang Makiling
11:00 Free time (swimming)
12:30 Lunch
3:00 Take jeepney to Junction
3:15 ETD Los Baños to Manila
5:30 ETA Manila

LOCATION: Bataan Province
ELEVATION: 1,287 meters above sea level
LEVEL: Minor Climb, Level II, Moderate
JUMP OFF POINTS: Orani, Bataan

Mt. Natib is one of the three major mountains in the Bataan area. The other two being Mt. Mariveles, which is higher than Natib but trails not yet established as of this time and the diminutive Mt. Samat, a popular historical place with a huge cross structure on the summit commemorating the "Fall of Bataan" event. Mt. Natib is actually an in-active volcano just the same as its neighbor, Mt. Mariveles.

Three fourths of the trail going to the summit of Mt. Natib is wide and is passable by 4-wheel drive vehicles. It was formerly used by miners and soldiers fighting the communist rebels that occupies the mountains before. In fact, there are still instances where you will encounter soldiers along the trail of Natib. The scenes along the trails are awesome, so as the summit which is bare giving you a 360 degrees view of the entire Bataan as well as the two other mountains.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1

06:30 - Assembly at Grand Sea Way ferry station along PICC complex.
07:00 - ETD Manila to Lamao, Bataan
08:00 - ETA Lamao Bataan
08:15 - Take a jeepney to Orani Bataan
08:45 - ETA Orani Bataan, Take a jeep towards Brgy. Tala near Orani Public Market
10:15 - ETA Brgy. Tala, Orani Bataan
10:30 - Start Trek (jump off point)
11:30 - ETA Pinagbutasan
12:30 - ETA water source at the last house along trail (take lunch)
13:00 - Resume Trek
14:00 - ETA Summit

DAY 2

06:00 - Wake up call
07:00 - Break Camp
08:00 - Descend
09:00 - Base Camp
10:00 - Trek Back to Jump Off Point
11:30 - Back to Tala (Transport Back to Orani)
12:30 - ETA Orani
14:00 - ETA Lamao
14:30 - ETD Lamao
16:00 - ETA Manila (PICC)

LOCATION: Bataan Province
ELEVATION: 1,288 meters above sea level (Mariveles Summit) 1006 meters above sea level - Tarak Ridge
LEVEL: Minor Climb, Level II, Moderate-Difficult
JUMP-OFF POINT: Mariveles, Bataan

For a long time, Mt. Mariveles was elusive to climbers. Unlike it's neighbor Mt. Natib, Mt. Mariveles was not known as a climbing destination. There were talks before that the place is rebel infested that is why it is not yet opened to climbers. The mystery that surrounds it encited all the more, mountaineers who are in search of new destinations. There were several attempts to conquer this mountain and the result is this first established destination, the Tarak Ridge. Although its summit has already been conquered, Tarak Ridge became the popular destination. Its is like Manabo of Mt. Malipuno.
Located at 14.5N, 120.5 E, this 1,288 high mountain is a stratovolcano with no historic activity. A single carbon-14 date from a volcanic sample yielded a date of 2050 BC. Bordering Mariveles is the Manila Bay and the famous Corregidor Island. From Tarak Ridge, you will have a 270 degrees viewpoint of interesting places such as Corregidor Island, Mt. Samat, Mariveles Ridgeline and the town of Mariveles and it's port.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1

05:00 Assembly at CCP Complex Jet Ferry Terminal (same as
Samat Ferry Terminal- the one for Natib climb)
06:00 ETD for Mariveles, Bataan (195Php+5Php Terminal
Fee). You can also go to Orion (Samat Ferry) then to
Mariveles.
07:00 ETA at Mariveles, hire Jeepney to Bgy. Alas-asin (200
Php) You can pass by Mariveles Public Market for
Supplies.
07:30 ETA Barangay Alasanin (Alas-asin) KM 156, 15-20
minutes from Mariveles. The dirt road that leads to the
mountain is to your left between a cellphone transmitter
and a kilometer post coming from Mariveles. But before
turning to this dirt road, you may want to register first at
Bgy Alas-asin Barangay Hall. Start Trek (Dirt Road 1.5
kilometers)
10:00 ETA at Triangular Cogon Clearing
12:30 ETA at Papaya River, Lunch. From the river, take the
trail to the left before the river. Do not take the trail after
the river.
14:00 ETA Lumber Jacks
15:00 ETA Tarak Ridge (Pre-ridgeline)
15:30 ETA Tarak Ridge Campsite
22:00 Light's Out

DAY 2

04:00 Wake-up Call, Breakfast
06:00 Start of Trek to Tarak and Nearby Peaks
09:00 Breakcamp, Start Trek to Barangay Alas-asin
11:00 ETA Papaya River
12:30 ETA Trailhead
15:00 ETA Barangay Alas-asin Hall. You can take your shower
here.
15:30 ETD for Mariveles
16:30 ETA Mariveles
17:00 ETD for Manila (If you are late for the Mariveles trip,
there is an option of going to Orion for the 5:30 trip)
18:00 ETA Manila at CCP Complex Terminal

LOCATION: Batangas Province
ELEVATION: 670 meters above sea level
LEVEL: Minor Climb, Level I, Moderate
JUMP-OFF POINT: Hugom San Juan or Mona Lobo Batangas

Standing at 670 meters ASL, Mount Daguldul is a fairly new climbing destination. But the beauty it offers has been proven by how rapidly the place has become popular to mountaineers. Some of the reasons for this maybe summarized as follows :

1.Travel from Manila to Jump-off point is very convenient. 99 % of the road from Manila to the jump-off point is cemented or asphalted. Commuting is also convenient.
2. There are ample secured parking space at jump-off point.
Organized guide association welcomes every visitor. Their rules and fees are reasonable.
3. Supplies are not a problem. 3 Market place (Lipa, Rosario and San Juan) act as travel transition points.
4. Trail grade is not that easy to be boring and not that difficult to be dreaded.
5. You will encounter the following on trail :
Beach
Seascape rock formations
Big, majestic waterfalls
Awesome seascape views on trail
Awesome viewpoint at peak area
3 designated campsites that can house approximately 150 tents.
More room for emergency campsite
Friendly people
Lambanog, fruits, buko juice abounds
Lots of birds for bird watching
Watersource is not a problem in fact there is a water pipe at the summit campsite
Facilities are being develop as govenment would like to promote this local treasure
6. Place is not yet frequented and crowded. It was discovered only recently.
7. There are lots of places to explore like the waterfalls, peaks, viewpoints and the nearby Mt. Naguiling.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1
06:00 Assembly at 7-11 Buendia
06:30 ETD for Lipa
09:00 ETA Mc Donalds (or Jolibee). Breakfast
09:30 ETD for Market Place
09:45 ETD for San Juan Batangas
10:45 ETA San Juan Batangas. Market Time
11:30 ETD for Barangay Hugom
12:30 ETS Barangay Hugom. Arrange for Guides
1:00 Start Trek - Beach Front [ Magtiyaga na lang
po tayo sa init summer naman
6:30 ETA Campsite, Set Camp
9:00 Dinner, Socials
11:00 Light's Out

DAY 2
05:00 Wake up call
05:20 Start Trek going to summit
05:40 ETA summit
07:00 ETD from summit
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Break Camp
09:00 Start Descent
12:00 ETA Barangay Hugom (ligo at abang jeep)

LOCATION: Batangas Province
ELEVATION: 811 meters above sea level
LEVEL: Minor Climb, Level II, Moderate
JUMP OFF POINTS: Nasugbu Batangas

The view of Mt. Batulao’s Twin Peaks when you are on your way to Batangas via Tagaytay, is somewhat majestic. It looks different from the usual Philippine Mountains because it resembles the European Alps though a much smaller version. This is due to its tree-less peak covered with cogon grass making it look more like a snow-capped mountain. Mt Batulao is a famous camping ground for scouts and ROTC trainees. This was due to the fact that it is close to Manila and has wide camping and training grounds.

Climbing Mt. Batulao is one exciting experience. The view of the Taal Lake, the Batangas province, the South China Sea and the surrounding mountains like Talamitam and Pico de Loro will definitely fulfill your visual senses. The small open summit will also encourage you to shout, "I am on top of the word!" Batangas that is. Atop the summit, an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is firmly erected similar to the one on top of Mt. Talamitam.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1

10:45 - Assembly at BLTB Bus Station Pasay (EDSA)
11:00 - ETD Manila to Nasugbu Batangas
13:00 - ETA Evercrest Nasugbu, Batangas, Late Lunch
13:30 - Start Trek
15:30 - ETA Campsite
18:00 - Preparation for Dinner
19:00 - Dinner, Socials
22:00 - Light's Out


DAY 2

06:00 - Wake-Up Call, Breakfast
07:00 - Trek Towards Summit
08:30 - Back at Camp, Break Camp
09:00 - Start Trek
11:00 - ETA Trailhead
12:00 - Lunch
13:00 - ETD Nasugbu
16:30 - ETA Manila