"What do you mean, we be ready by 6am?!?!?" I was baffled why I had to be awake THAT early considering I'm supposed to be on vacation. Locals (fam, friends and relatives) all collectively agreed the earlier we get here, the better. That's as far as they went with description as they didn't want to elaborate what this place is really about - they prefer I judge it when I see it. It was a struggle getting up that early with a jetlag-hangover combo, but I somehow managed. I sluggishly got in the car, picked up a couple more peeps and we were well on our way. I was told the drive would be about an hour, so I initially planned on just napping all the way. But the breathtaking view wouldn't let me doze off. It really was amazing. We finally get to this destination. Entry way is located on what seemed like some random turn on this small provincial road. If one wasn't being mindful, one would miss it! Luckily, we have peeps who have been here before, so we didn't have to deal with that dilemma. PARAGLIDING. That is what this place is known for. If that's your thing, this is the place. I learned many famous people have come through here to partake on that kind of adventure. I would have wanted to, but couldn't for a couple of reasons: 1) We were limited with time, and 2) more importantly, the weather wasn't cooperating. There is a small makeshift cafe available for coffee, tea and other drinks. They also serve food and snacks. They are famous for their pansit lomi (they have 3 different kinds) and since we haven't had breakfast, we ordered a round of those for everyone. The only issue with this: the food took FOREVER. (There was a 45 minute gap between putting in an order and having it delivered to our table.) However, I will attribute this to the lack of staff and having too many customers all at once. But it is worth the wait. It was delicious and hit the spot on all our early morning hunger pangs. They also sell kini-ing - preserved meat/pork smoked for 3-4 days. It is a local specialty. But what makes this trip most memorable is the view. It is astonishing and mind-blowing. Staff cleverly set up spots for photo-ops. It really is nothing like I've ever seen before. And taking in all that fresh air was the cherry on top. I could have stayed here all day. I'm so glad I went - and I apologized to my peeps for being so crabby about waking up so early a couple of hours before... There are some hardcore bicycle riders (present company included) who actually make this trek up and down, to and from the bottom of the mountain. That's some dedication, kudos to them! So, to summarize: you don't have to come through to jump off the mountain. Come through for some coffee, lomi, and the priceless view. WORTH IT. read more

See all