Spend a day listening to the leaves rustle and the strong waves of the wind breaking up in the forest and then make friends with locals of the community is one of the best things in life where we rarely experienced it when we go out of our comfort zone.
My very first day in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat was a blessing to behold. I was welcomed by the enticing culture of Teduray tribe. But just before I was introduced to the rich culture of Teduray in Ugis, Michael from Esperanza Tourism Office took me to the disregarded nature’s beauty of Ugis. We have passed by to some of the amazing view that you can only experience it in Ugis.
I dressed myself in the jungle and playing with nature’s wonder. While on our way to Teduray Community, I saw a bunch of trees, like as if calling me to go down from the motorcycle and cling to their enticing beauty. The whole space was covered by green grass while trees are peacefully standing in uniformity. From their sturdy linear trunks to how they spread their bough pointing everywhere. I simply can’t seem exactly figured out what made me feel when I cross to their world, but what I felt that moment was an amazement that left me in deep reverence for nature.
Only a few meters from the beautiful cluster of trees, Michael told me that there’s a disregarded and abandoned waterfall that’s waiting ahead of us. I remember that time, I was throwing Michael a bunch of questions, but he refused to answer me so he won’t kill my excitement.
Then the defining moment came, we left the motorcycle somewhere near the water system and we started to trek down and make out some river trekking. From afar, I already saw the partial view of the waterfall since it was covered with trees and leaves. Truly the waterfall is abandoned, since I can’t find any clear route that leads to the waterfall. We were straining to move the leaves of the plants that blocks our way until we have finally arrived to the uniqueness of its beauty.
Quetuban waterfall is derived from a Teduray word that signifies a place where they can get water or in general a source of their water. During ancient days, Teduray people always get to this waterfall to get their water. The flow of water is actually from the famous Ugis Peak, located in the upper portion of the mountain after the Teduray community.
Quetuban waterfall looks like a widely flattened layer of stones that has been perfectly leveled, but stands to be like bending backward in its innate state. The water flows down slowly and looks like a stone rolling down, producing a soothing sound with a weakling smash of water. There was no catching basin, the flow of water from above just freely goes down and formed a river.
After Quetuban waterfall, we started ascending to the upper position of the mountain to meet the community of our beloved Teduray friends. The Teduray tribe is one of the Indigenous People in the Philippines, they are distinguished for their distinct and unique culture, beliefs, customs and traditions. Barely a few minutes of trekking, I have finally arrived at the community of Teduray.
I was blessed to have me introduced to one of the leaders of Teduray in their village. I met Tatay Lorito Desmanos, and it was an honor to have asked him about their culture and I’m glad that he was really happy telling me most of the Teduray traditions and their culture as well. I even asked him, if marrying more than one woman is allowed and he said Yes, as long as you’re capable of raising your family. Their village is very blessed since they have been given a free house that is decent and concreted like around 100 houses. It is one of program of the Government, so kudos to the Government of Sultan Kudarat for helping our Teduray friends.
Aside from the treasured Teduray tribe of Ugis, Ugis has also this famous Ugis Peak that has been marked as 9/10 difficulty of getting there according to some of the well experienced mountaineers. It has been described as a skyscraper of the South. Peacefully standing at close to 930 feet above sea level.
I would really want to climb that time, but a dark clouds were hovering overhead, gathering strength to release a heavy rain. So instead of going up to the Ugis Peak, Michael and I decided to go back to the town proper and rest for another adventure on the following day. It’s better dwell on safety than never and regret in the end.
NOTE: Kindly check some of the related travel articles about Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and its tourist destinations below.
HOW TO GET THERE
From General Santos City
Major Airlines are flying to General Santos City almost every day. From General Santos City International Airport, ride a van going to SM for only PHP150 fare. As you reach SM, ride a tricycle going to Bulaong Terminal and fare is PHP10. From General Santos City’s Bulaong Terminal, ride a nonstop bus (Yellow Bus Line), bound to Marbel (Koronadal City). The travel time is around 1 hour and PHP75fare. At Koronadal City Yellow Bus Terminal, there is a direct trip going to Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat. The travel time is around 1 hour and PHP 70-80 fare. Ask the Bus conductor to drop you off at Esperanza, Municipal Hall and look for Sir Renato Sambrano at the Tourism Office to help you facilitate your trips. He’ll be giving you a list of tourist destinations that you wish to explore that match the number of days you wish to explore their place. You can contact Sir Renato through these numbers. Landline No. (064) 202- 6375 or Mobile Number: +63 916-324-5520
From COTABATO CITY
Cotabato City is closer in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, comparing the distance from General Santos City. From Cotabato City Airport, ride a cab going to Husky Terminal. From there, look for a husky bus bound to Tacurong City and ask the Bus conductor to drop you off at Esperanza, Municipal Hall and look for Sir Renato Sambrano at the Tourism Office to help you facilitate your trips. He’ll be giving you a list of tourist destinations that you wish to explore that match the number of days you wish to explore their place. You can contact Sir Renato through these numbers. Landline No. (064) 202- 6375 or Mobile Number: +63 916-324-5520
TRAVEL TIPS
- There is an ATM machine in Esperanza, Town Proper if you wish to withdraw some funds.
- Major mobile networks have signal in the town proper and in Teduray Village.
- Always be kind with local people there and you can constantly ask them for anything if you wish to know them.
- Always be responsible with your garbage and never leave any garbage anywhere .
- Please, just enjoy what nature has to offer and always take good care of them.
ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF MONEY TO PREPARE AND POSSIBLE EXPENSES.
- FOOD (Snacks) – Php 100.00
- TRANSPO (Motorcycle back and forth ) – Php 80.00
TOTAL – PHP180.00
NOTE: PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
NOTE: This blog post is part of my 10 day solo backpacking in SOCCSKSARGEN. You can as well check some of my travel journey and stories during my 10 days backpacking with the links below.
- Marguez Hot and Cold Spring blend into the FOREST
- Panigan Underground River and Waterfalls: The unexplored GEM with a jaw-dropping beauty and MAGICAL story to offer.
- SEPACA SPRING: A cold stream of water in LAKE SEBU that provides a glimpse of nature.
- LAKE HOLON: An awe-inspiring JOURNEY To PARADISE with kind-hearted STRANGERS
- The Ultimate TRAVEL GUIDE to LAKE HOLON Including the new RATES of FEES and CHARGES
- TBOLI KIDS: They taught ME the genuine essence of HELP.
- GUMASA BEACH: The relaxing GLIMPSE of PARADISE in the Province of SARANGANI
- ESPERANZA: The rising JEWEL of SULTAN KUDARAT.
It’s a very beautiful place and you gave good pieces of advice. My blog isn’t la revue de Claire anymore but la petite revue de Claire.
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It looks like you had fun a lot! man it is gorgeous! Lovely post with amazing pictures! ^_^
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This looks absolutely surreal, your pictures are stunning ❤
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you said you don’t kow how to write poetry, but your intro is one poetic prose, Lai. 🙂 the imagery, well-written! ❤
love how you insert trivia and of course, the lovely photos!
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I agree, rosemariewrites – A useful & beautiful post – agreed – but also so lyrically written! Thank you :
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I think the kind of description and details you have forwarded have been really incredible. It is better that a travel company. What amazing pictures and the place looks just wow.
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Hello laveen,
Thank you so much, I wish this will also encourage other travelers to try cultural immersion.
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place is so green 🙂 refreshing 🙂
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I love how the rocks underneath the thin film of water flowing over them are almost as smooth as volcanic rocks. The amazing irony of water corrosion.
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You’ve got the best adventures Lai. I feel a little homesick because I’m from Gensan and now I want to go home. Hehe. It’s also nice that the government provided free houses for the tribe.
Good to know you had fun! 🙂
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Safety might be the logical option but to be awesome you have to have “higher intensity” than the ordinary traveler. hehehe. I am just teasing you Lai. What you did in that 10 days in Mindanao was nothing short of spectacular. I am happy to see someone is brave and energetic enough to check out the not so popular places and show the world that it exists. 😉
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Grabe! Discarded waterfalls? Tapos ang ganda ganda din naman. On one hand, syempre pristine and untouched siya, pero mas maganda dumami ang tourists so that the livelihood there could be improved. Pero dapat controlled… actually, medyo modern na rin kasi ang teduray kaya contamination is no longer a concern for this indigenous tribe.
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Such a great thing that the government gave them houses. That waterfall is amazing by the way. The whole nature there must be so attractive! I would love to see this with my own eyes!
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I’m so happy that you’re featuring these yet to be known places, Padz. Truly, there is no need to go to other countries to experience great adventures. We have everything in Philippines. 😀
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This is the first time I heard of the Teduray. It’s great that you wrote about them. Hope more and more people will visit more exotic places. Especially those that are in need of writing, to preserve the idea of our culture.
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This looks like an awesome trip. The scenery is amazing. I love it. So great that you found this waterfall. I always love waterfalls! It’s great that you spoke to the leader and also returned when that seemed safer. Good essage to everyone!
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I’ve been going to falls recently and this is a nice one. But sadly cannot go there yet because I am planning to go around Luzon first. But I will definitely try there soon!
http://www.wizardandi.com
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Lai, you always give us a glimpse of the countries hidden treasures. You always pick the places not that overrated and introduced it to the colossal world wibe web. Haha! Thanks for letting us experience Teduray tribe in a way of pictures. Great experience to immersed yourself with their culture and environment.
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Thank you so much for dropping by.
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Hello Cleveridiotblog,
Yes, I had a great experienced and it was a fun travel. Thank you!
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Hello worldinsidemypocket,
That’s sweet of you. Thank you so much!
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Hello Rose,
Hahaha I didn’t know that, do I sound poetic?
Thank you so much for dropping by..
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Hello Daal,
Thank you so much.
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Thank you !
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This is a beautiful place to visit and explore. I sure hope I can visit this lovely community with my boys one day soon. There are just too many marvels to explore in our country. It would be awesome to visit them one by one in this lifetime!
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Amazing views out there! Thank you for taking us there through your story and photos. I just love the fresh smell of nature and the simple pleasures it gives to my senses. I love to go there if given a chance but your post is enough for me to marvel on God’s wonderful gifts around us.
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Looks like a really hard trek but I bet the sceneries are definitely awesome. How awesome it is for these people to keep their culture and pass it to the new generation. I hope someday our government can give help to these tribes.
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Hello ayawillgoplaces,
The government was actually giving them 100 houses for free as I have stated it at the last portion of my blog.
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Hello Totem,
Thank you for dropping by. You should visit this place when you get the chance.
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Hello Rea,
Thank you so much for the appreciation. Wow, I didn’t know that you’re also from Gensan. We should go back together in Gensan soon.
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Wonderful scenery! To be able to see and get close to the nature is such a wonderful experience and to know about the locals is a plus.
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This place really looks out of this world, closer to heaven. Such natural beauty, it is really so endearing. Also wonderful to see the Government helping the tribes and sustaining them in harmony with nature.
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I am in awe! Your photos are amazing and I can only imagine what an adventure it was for you.
I would love to hike to an abandoned waterfall!
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Absolutely new set of places and waterfalls. Very well photographed.
God knows whether I will ever be able to visit such beautiful places!!! Thank you for showing… the essence and ambiance is there in these pics. 🙂
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I am amazed at just how nice the falls are. I am soooo jealous of your adventures! Can you brig me along someday in the future? Hahaha!
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I’ve never heard of the Teduray tribe and it’s nice to know they through your photos and blog post. Hands off to the Sultan Kudarat gov’t. I wont mind paying taxes if it’s going to projects like this. It’s very heartwarming. I wanted to do travels like this someday, exploring hidden gems & meeting new people, but it always scared me.
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I’m a big nature lover & this place looks beautiful – love your photos. Excellent information, it makes it easy for me to plan a future tips, I always like posts with prices so I have a rough idea of what to expect, thanks.
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Nice. I never heard of this place until now. The discarded waterfalls look awesome! I think it’s amazing that you share the hidden gems in our country. I just hope that we find ways to make tourism sustainable.
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Hello Sir Carlo,
Thank you so much for your uplifting words. I’ll be seeing more untouched nature’s beauty next time.
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Hello Sir Robert,
Salamat! Kaya nga Sana mas marami pang travelers mag punta jan. Yong Ugis Peak ang ganda akyatin.
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Hello SofarsoSabine,
Exactly, I was also impressed with how the Government value the presence of our beloved Teduray friends.
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Hello Madz,
Thank you so much for dropping by.
Yes, we still have so much to explore in our beloved country.
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Hello Sam,
Thank you so much for dropping by.
Yes, I am as well hoping that there will be more people who can visit secluded places like this one.
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Hello Carola,
Thank you for dropping by.
There’s more to see in this place, I just don’t have enough time during my visit. Have a great day ahead!
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Hello Andi,
Thank you for dropping by.
It’s okay, the place won’t go anywhere, you can always visit this place when you get the chance.
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Hello Kris,
I always love cultural immersion whenever I get the chance. Thank you so much for dropping by and for your wonderful comments.
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Hello mumwrites,
Yes, please do if you get the chance. Your boys will surely enjoy. Have a great day!
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Hello Eleanor,
Thank you so much for dropping by.
You’ll surely love this place. If you get the chance please visit. Have a great day ahead!
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Hello lovingitamor,
Thank you so much for your good comments. I hope you can experience that piece of paradise too. Have a great day ahead!
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Hello Vyjay Rao,
Exactly, the act of the Government really impressed me as well. Have a great day!
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Hello Veronica,
You’ll surely love hiking to that abandoned waterfall. An amazing place to explore. Have a great day ahead!
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Hello Indrani,
Thank you so much for your appreciation. I’ll be featuring more secluded nature’s beauty on my blog along the way.
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Hello Jullian,
Thank you for dropping by.
Oh sure, you can always join me if you have free time. It’s an honor to travel with you.
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Hello Bea,
Exactly, the act of the Government is really impressive. We won’t mind paying taxes always if its really goes to the right project.
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Hello diytravelhq,
Thank you for dropping by.
I hope I had given you a good travel guide that you can eventually use in your future travel to this place. Have a great day!
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Hello Darlene,
Yes, it’s an honor to blog the secluded destination in our county the Philippines. Thank you so much for your good comments. Have a great day ahead!
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YES! Your intro always sounds poetic. The description, the imagery you paints. 😉
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Oh! Thank you so much. You made me smile! 😀
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you’re welcome! 😀 😉
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The place seems to be amazing. The thick green forest, waterlfall all suited for a perfect holiday to indulge in with the mother nature.
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Hello mohitgrwl70,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a great day ahead!
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Awesome! Forgive me for I have underestimated Ugis peak by the photo. I was a bit shocked when the difficulty is at 9/10! Is it mostly climbed by mountaineers?
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Nice kaayo ang nature jud basta walay pollution. How I wish makalaag ko ani nga lugar. Nindot ang waterfall ha. Ma-amaze jud ko makabasa og mga nature trips sa various islands sa Philippines especially in Visayas and Mindanao. You know, Basta Bisaya, nindot gyod na!
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Great post Lai! Omg I would also like to experience traveling to places like this and meet tribes! Makasuya jud imong ka wanderlust! Haha. Learned a lot from this post jud! And Quetuban Waterfall is really beautiful overall! How can people abandon such a beautiful piece of nature.
x, Kat of Nested Thoughts
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Kudos for featuring the more untouched spots such as this one! Reminds me of some places back in our province in Surigao del Sur and kinda makes me nostalgic. Haha
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oh wow, if i was there, i would also love to climb that mountain. but again, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Sultan Kudarat is one of the places I would love to visit someday. Haiiis.. One day.
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We also have tirurays/tedurays in North Upi. Sa sunod uban ko simo ha. hehehe
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I can understand why you were in so much awe. The view especially the Quetuban waterfall looks beautiful. I’d love to meet the Teduray tribe myself. I want to learn more about them, how they’re able to thrive and keep their culture intact. And wow men can have more than one spouse? Interesting.
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Hello Rome,
First salamat kay nag bisaya ka di ko ma pressure ug reply sa English hahaha. Yes, very soon makalaag raka diha nga dapit.
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Hello Kath,
Salamat sa pag drop by.
Laag nya ta ninyo puhon sa HIB 😀
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Hello Ram,
Salamat sa pag duaw.
Yes, it has always been my dream nga Maka adto sa mga lugar nga dili pa kaayo known.
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Hello Hanna,
Salamat sa pag drop by .
Lagi nice jud unta sakaon ang Ugis Peak, kaulanon lang jud kaayo pag adto nako timing kaayo.
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Hello bro Janus,
Please kuyog ta sunod, Daghan kaayo kasuruyan sa Mindanao ai nga dili pa kaayo known sa tanan.
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Hello Marge Gavan,
Yes, Teduray tribe are really interesting, please visit them when you get the chance. Have a great day ahead!
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Wow lai.. I didn’t know that you were able to visit Sultan Kudarat. I was born in Sultan Kudarat. Esperanza is just an hour trip from our munipicality. I wish I could visit my hometown real soon, and I will surely visit this place too! And yes, there were so many Tedurays in Sultan Kudarat, I could still remember when I was still a kid. It feels so nostalgic reading some blog entry about Sultan Kudarat.
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How to get initial traffic?? Search for: masitsu’s viral method
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I have this thing for greens — it’s always refreshing to look at especially when you have really poor eyesight. I didn’t think Sultan Kudarat was this beautiful; I still have this double-standard over some places in Mindanao being scary and rebel-filled. Hopefully that will change once we get to visit these places. You sure had an awesome adventure, Lai!
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Awesome piece of advice Lai. Hope I could go there on my next travel. 😊
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I hope I can visit this place anytime soon! Let’s go with other hibsters lai!
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I agree that safety is the number one priority when trekking or mountain climbing. Ugis Peak is so beautiful! I am very sure that the scene from up there would be breathtaking! Kuyog unya mi sa ubang laag nimo Lai ha. 🙂
Love,
http://www.channelmarie.com
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Lai your really inspired me in reading your blogs saludo 🙂
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I’d love to climb that UGIS peak….. like now na! plesss 😀
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Kung dili lang sa akong tuhod ay cge na ko laag sa bukid…
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Hello Richie,
Okay lang na 😁
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Hello Onsen,
Tara na katkat tah hehehe.
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Thank you Chris 😁
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Hello Rad,
Yes, we’ll go here next time 😁
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I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
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