As the year draws to the close and a new one opens, it is human nature do look back over the year and plan for the future.  A couple of items stand out in my mind.

The international skydivers who had come to the Philippines for the  Parachute Phun Phestival really enjoyed the tours we had arranged for them. Seahorse Tours had been acting as the ground agent  organizing the hotels and a few optional tours. Some minor problems cause some scheduling changes and the tours were moved to the first few days. They  were all very happy with the tours. On the day before the rescheduled event, it was necessary to again delay the jumps. Due to cancellation of the aircraft and  problems the event organizer encountered at the last minute, changes had to be made. Called  to assist with providing alternate activities, We responded with a rapidly organized but well planned activities. I am very proud of the efficient manner that the entire office responded. In under two hours, they organized a day outing to the Capone Islands and Anawangin Cove , had a number of bancas  on stand by, prepared information , developed a itinerary , planned a menu and prepared a banner. Two hours after the initial inquiry they presented the  activity to the group and got a confirmation on how many would go. The next morning at 5am all was in place for a day of island hopping to the Capones islands, a stop at the lighthouse, a morning snack, and a barbecue on the beach at Anawangin Cove . The day went great and all of the guest loved it.

The “ Capones, Camara and Anawangin Island Adventure”  (photos) is an day outing we have added in late 2010 and  promises to be a great package for a small number of people or larger groups. Departing from Subic Bay area it is just about a 30 minute drive to Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. There you will meet your boat for the day and enjoy a nice trip to the Capones Island group 30 minutes away. Visitors to these islands will disagree on which is the best feature. Many feel that the old Spanish Lighthouse is the highlight, others the views of the island and the South China Sea, and who could argue with the beach lovers who cite the empty stretches of beaches. The other part of the trip is the Anawangin Cove only accessible by boat or if you wish you can hike in. The hike will take a full day or more. The cove has become well know as one of the best beaches in the Philippines but due to its isolation it is not over crowded. This is a great family outing and should be a prime consideration for a company outing.

As written before in this blog, Mount Pinatubo trek still is a popular outing and well worth the time and effort.

charles

The rainy season is closing and the better weather is getting people out of doors and one of

the best places to do that at this time of the year is Mount Pinatubo. The skyway has not been cleared and certified safe yet, a processed done each year but the longer treks are available. Recently seahorse tours has taken a number of groups to the crater on a three hour hike. This is perfect for the average hiker. Some information about the Mount Pinatubo area has been posted on one of our sister sites  Apu Malyari .

Did you know that: the Aeta believe that they share their habitat at the foot of the volcano with numerous benevolent and evil spirits while their highest deity Apu Malyari ( also sometimes seen as Apo Namaylari) resides close to the summit of Mount Pinatubo. He does not live in one place but is an omnipresent thought out the countryside. The Aeta also revere the mountain as the abode of their ancestor's souls who have died peacefully. Manganitos, the seers and ritual specialist whom can talk to Apo Malyari sees Mount Pinatubo as the place of beginnings of their personal guardian spirits. See more on the Apu Malyari site

The eruption in 1991 of Mount Pinatubo was one of the largest eruptions in history. The damaged affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and the effects of the ash cloud circled the earth. The volcanic eruption and two typhoons that entered the area when the volcano was erupting turned the breadbasket of the Philippines into desolate waste land. The social and economic effects are still being felt, but the natural healing is well on its way. The area is a contrast between the dust and lahars in the scarcely vegetated flats and river beds to the lush mountains sides with young trees and other cover. The transition between the two is dramatic with signs of massive erosion and towering cliffs. ready for your adventure? make a reservation for your Mount Pinatubo trek and hike

The hiking season is under way around the Mount Pinatubo area. The trip from Subic takes you to Capas Tarlac area, where you transfer to a 4x4 . a 45 minute drive takes you to a transfer point where you start your trek to the crater. The trek is of moderate difficulty and a wonder hike along a stream bed. The crater is a wonderful scene with a small beach and soaring peaks. After your hike back to the transfer point and a 4x4 ride to the spa town you can enjoy a shower and refreshing massage. Overnight trips are also available.