Emil and Ira Amante: Mt. Manabu

Last Dec. 30-31, our family, friends and relatives hiked Mt. Manabu in Batangas. Hiking is definitely my father's no. 1 hobby and because of that, he was able to bring our whole ward up the mountains when I was young and now, even my 78 year old lola joined us! The hike was supposed to be an hour and a half long one way but because we have our lola with us, it took us 3 hours to hike. Despite that, it was definitely fun since our lola set the record to be the oldest in the family to have hiked not one, not two but 3 mountains at an old age! Kudos to her!

When we reached the peak, it was soooo cold and Emil and I weren't even prepared. We just brought clothes because I thought my parents were so used to climbing up the mountains and they will take care of us. I was wrong! haha We we're supposed to bring our own blankets which we didn't have so both of us couldn't sleep that night because of the cold. Imagine San Francisco cold outdoors! Or may be I'm exaggerating but it was too cold even though I have a jacket! My whole body was shivering so I needed to go to the next tent and steal their blankets, with permission. haha. I am now a big fan of fleece. Such a light weight material but keeps you so warm.

After hiking, we wanted to eat at this place called Calda in Lipa, Batangas because my parents said they have cheap but huge (up to 36 in) and delicious pizza. When we got there at 1pm, they told us that they can only serve us at 6pm because they have so many orders. Maybe their pizzas are that good. Last resort was Shakey's.