Philippines Expat and Travel Blog March Archive

The scene from where we were standing was very enthralling and captivating. We rested for five minutes and went back to our journey to reach the peak of the mountain and celebrate our conquering of the famous grotto. After 20, exhausting, sweat-producing minutes, we finally reach the to. We finally reached our goal. And we finally can enjoy the fruit of our labor.

Theres nothing I can say about the view from above. It left me in great amazement. No words can really described how beautiful it is. I really need to thank God for giving me the eyes to see such great natural architecture. Aside from the amazing background scenery, there are also big carvings of Jesus Chris, Mary, the 12 Apostles, 13 Trails of Jesus carrying the cross and more. There are also life size images depicting the nativity or the birth of Christ.

So after resting for a while, we wasted no time and do what we need to do, take pictures! I took around 100 photos of the statues, the altars, the ponds, trees, plains, and others. Anywhere you look, there is always a good view to look at, and thats one thing that made our job easier. Its really a paradise, though you have to exert a lot of effort and to reach it.

After doing our job, we packed and get ready to move back to our vehicles. We looked at each other and just smile, another journey is ahead of us. Before setting my foot to trek down the mountain, I waved to the statues and bid my goodbyes. I felt like I was a kid again that time, saying goodbyes to inanimate objects but spiritually alive.

The way down is easier so we reached the foot of the mountain half the time compared to going up. And I promised myself in the future, I will go back to Tacloban, to Leyte, to this mountain, and fulfill my silent promise to the grotto that I will come back.

The journey to our destination was quite entertaining. There are lots to see on the way. The green vegetation of the province is showcased every time our vehicle traveled on the roads dividing the mountains. But for the greater part of the ride, we took the coastal roads that satisfy my hunger for sea water and sea air. The breeze is simply fulfilling.

After a 40 minutes ride, we arrived at our destination. It was a sound trip and I was enthralled more seeing our destination was more interesting. It was a grotto above the mountain. Yea, we're on the foot of the mountain, no vehicles allowed above, so we have to trekked up to have our goals completed. It was like a pilgrimage, lol.

So we head start the mini mountain climbing. There are concrete roads that can only accommodate a wide span of 5 people horizontally so that made our journey a bit easier. But as the place gets higher, the pressure is getting stronger too. If you're the type of person who can easily get tired, I suggest not to go to this grotto. Its becoming harder and harder to breathe.

Alas, halfway above the mountain, my circular bag for lenses fell and rolled down. I was in a hurry to catch it, my heart pounding and I feel worried that I will have to trekked it down and start trekking up again. Luckily the other photographers about 12 meters I'm ahead off, caught my rolling bag. Gee, I was really tired and there are no words thats coming out of my mouth to thank them I gave them my smile haha.

We arrived on a resting ground. I was in complete awe with the panoramic view. Breath taking, and what more if we are on the peak. I am so excited. But I'll cut this for now haha. I'll talk about this next time. See yah!