CJ Faderogao

Just 1 week from my motorcycle ride in Kaybiang tunnel last November, I was back in Maragondon, Cavite. This time I'm travelling by foot, and my journey will not be on the roads but on the mountain trails. It was in April 2023 that I last hiked, and by November, I desired to be outside again. The place that I dared explore this time is Mt. Marami , a cliff within the Mt. Palay-Palay national park. Standing at 405 meters above sea level, Mt. Marami provides a panoramic view of the beaches of Ternate, the Maragondon mountain range, and its neighbor mountains  Mt. Pico De Loro and Mt. Mataas na gulod. It's stated difficulty is 3/9 and it is best for beginner or intermediate hikers. In this hike, I'm accompanied by my friend Marc. This blogpost recounts our challenging-but rewarding-journey. * * *  Setting expectations As every hiker should do, I did research on Mt. Marami to know what to expect on the trail: what are the features involve? How much time will it take to get to

When 2023 started, I set an intent to read more self-help books. From reading History and Politics in 2022, I determined that it would be great learn more practical knowledge that I can use to navigate my adult life better. As I conclude my readings this year, one of my critical realization is that: I should have read self-help books earlier.  All of the books I've read helped me greatly, but if I'll choose which ones I'll consider most influential to my growth, I'll pick the following 5 books. These are the top 5 books I've read in 2023: 1. Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz (published: 1960) Psycho-cybernetics is a termed coined by American plastic surgeon and author, Maxwell Maltz to describe how our psychology functions like a cybernetic system that helps us in accomplishing our goals. The only caveat is that this system can serve us either in good or bad ways depending on our relationship with it.  Maltz shares that the link where we can influence this built-i

One of the perks of living south of Metro Manila is easy access to beautiful weekend destinations. Many beaches, mountains, nature parks, and lakes are within a day's worth of travel. With transportation options available, more and more of these destinations are starting to open up to tourists. Top: Kawayan Cove, private resort in Nasugbu.  Bottom: Taal lake as seen in Tagaytay. As someone who lived in Las piñas most of my life, I've had my fair share of travel to these destinations. Some I've been to many times over, and some I've yet to explore. This growth in tourism continues to inspire people to take up travel hobbies like hiking, biking, and motorcycle riding. Personally, I find motorcycle riding to be the cheapest, quickest, and easiest way to see the top destinations of south Luzon, and I take every opportunity to go ride when I have time. Yamaha Sniper 150, NMAX 155, and Honda Wave S-125   My new blogpost is about a ride last month, November 2023, in the Kaybia