Mataas na Gulod - Palay-Palay Mountain Range Mapping Expedition (Marami to Pico De Loro Traverse)

December 20-21, 2014

One of the nearest jungles in the Philippine capital is the Mataas na Gulod - Palay-Palay Mountain Range that is being occupied by two provinces: Cavite and Batangas. Famous mountains in this range are Mt. Marami and Pico De Loro. Never before mapped and has only been traversed by handfuls few in the past year, Schadow1 Expeditions has explored this jungle by traversing across the mountain range passing through five mountains and crossing several rivers. This article is a journal of our mapping expedition to Cavite's jungle.

Sariaya and Tayabas, our Country's Heritage - a Mapping and Cultural Expedition

November 29, 2014

Sariaya is one of the top municipalities in the province of Quezon and is bounded by Mt. Banahaw at north and a beach at its south. It is a populated municipality and an old locality that thrives even during the Spanish colonial era. A time when the Aurora and Quezon province are just one called Tayabas. And due to its history, the town is filled with old architecture that mirrors its past.

On our 2nd Year: Why we take risks so that a better Philippine map exists.

Two years ago, I had decided to turn my mapping advocacy to have a voice. A window that would give an idea to the world how mapping the country would feel like. People turn on their smartphones, turn on its location feature and open up an application that requires the user to tag one's self to a certain location. Any program that uses locations as an integral part of its functionality obviously uses maps. And these maps are not simply made... they were experienced. And this blog is a collection of our experiences while mapping the Philippines.

Burot Beach - A Stunning Golden Sunset Beach

November 8, 2014
Surprisingly, not too far from the busy and highly urbanized Metro Manila, there still exist a golden sand beach where spectacular sunsets can be viewed. A perfect beach to be one with nature through the absence of posh accommodations. Development of this beach may soon take place. But while it is still virgin as it is, this is the right time to get to this paradise. Situated at Luzon's southwestern edge, Burot Beach is one of the best beaches of this side of Batangas.

Mayon Volcano 2014 Pre-Eruption Preparation and the Beauty Amidst The Danger

The Mayon Volcano encapsulates beauty and madness in its pure form.  With its naturally gifted symmetrical form combined as being as one of the most active volcano in the country, this natural wonder can still be harnessed during its dark activity. With precise planning and proper distancing, even at the midst of its eruption, Mayon can still be regarded as a safe haven for nature enthusiasts.

The Cavite-Batangas Bus Terminal (SWIPTS) - a year after

Last year, the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal (SWIPTS) was inaugurated as first of 3-integrated bus terminals in Metro Manila to decongest the volume of vehicles plying inside the Philippine capital. SWIPTS services commuters to and from the province of Batangas and Cavite. It promised high tech queuing system certified with ISO9001 standards. A year after, let us see what has happened to this promising project of the government.

Mount Batulao, a Gateway to a Mountaineer's Heart

August 25, 2014

Mount Batulao has remained to be one of my favorite climbs and has never failed me a single time on freezing in awe with the scenery it offers from jump-off to summit. A mountain that is a hundred percent laden with grass which captivates every climber who walks along its path and traverses each of its peaks and camps.

Going Off-Grid or Grid-Tied on Solar Power

Part 2 of Solar Energy Series

Solar Energy is already getting abuzz for powering up homes in the Philippines due to the country's location where it gets maximum exposure to the sun all throughout the year. In addition to this, the electricity cost in the country is one of the most expensive in the world as it is controlled by oligarchs. Storms frequently visit the country yearly and power supply from the grid usually goes down, but not for solar power. This article explains ways to power up your home through solar energy. Know which is beneficial to you: to go Off-Grid or Grid-Tied.

Tapping Renewable Energy to Empower Communities - An introduction to Solar Power for the Philippines

Part 1 of Solar Energy Series

As a travel and mapping advocate, I have been going around the Philippines, mostly its remote islands and climbing its mountains, to document my expeditions and map the country for navigation and aid disaster resiliency planning. I have noticed that they all have something in common: communities that have inadequate or no power at all because power suppliers could not reach their location yet. This article is Schadow1 Expeditions introduction as we tap the benefits of renewable energy, specifically solar energy to empower communities in the Philippines.

2015 Holidays in the Philippines

Recently, Malacañang Palace has declared the Philippine holidays for the upcoming year 2015. Plan ahead, go out, and discover the beauty of the Philippines and its culture!


There are at least 8 long weekends in the Philippines this 2015. So what are you waiting for?

Interactive Map for the West and East Valley Fault Line on Rizal, Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite

The West and East Valley Fault System span from Angat, Bulacan all the way down to Carmona, Cavite and Calamba, Laguna and is the most feared event that could hit Metro Manila in case the fault system moves as it may cause larger than 7.0 magnitude earthquake. As of the meantime, disaster resiliency assessors have been saying that the country is not prepared for a calamity such as this. Schadow1 Expeditions has acquired the fault line data from PHIVOLCS and traced it on top of OpenStreetMap and Google Earth.

Imus Heritage Park, a reminder of the Battle of Alapan and our National Flag

The Imus Heritage Park in Alapan, Imus, Cavite brandishes a large Philippine flag fixed on a 90-foot flagpole which commemorates the first time our country's flag has been hurled in victory after the last of the Spanish colonial forces in the country has been defeated last May 28, 1898. This is over the Philippine victory on the Battle of Alapan that paved the way to Philippine Independence.

The First Jose Rizal Monument

Jose Protacio Rizal, one of the martyrs during the Spanish colonial that fought for the rights of a Filipino to have equal rights with the colonizers, laid down his life at Bagumbayan, now famously known as Luneta Park in Manila. Yet a few of us know that there is an earlier monument of Rizal and is the first of its kind.

Falling in Love with Luzon Amidst Its Pitfalls

Perfection is nothing but an idea, to which everyone aims to be; yet the most genius of them all ends up imperfect at the end. Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, with its magnanimity among other islands in the country may seem to cater everything: From dive sites, pristine beaches, remote islets, magnificent mountains and volcanoes, highly urbanized areas, and to the far rural reaches. Yet seemingly almost perfect with its diversity, there still lies some of its ugly reality. The island may fall short on some aspects, but being aware of its imperfections is the key to falling in love with it.

Travel Guide to Calaguas Islands

The group of islands of Calaguas is so far the best beach getaway for those who prefer a serene beach in Camarines Norte - having a powdery white sand and remotely far from the mainland. Currently, the condition of the the island is rapidly changing due to commercialization. Schadow1 Expeditions has prepared this travel guide to give an unbiased account of our experience to our readers and how to be able to get to Calaguas in the most efficient and comfortable way possible.

Discovering Calaguas - a mapping expedition

May 9-12, 2014
Twenty eight kilometers off the shores of Camarines Norte and a two-hour boat ride on Pacific Ocean by the southeastern edge of Luzon lies a group of islands encircled with turquoise seas, adorned with rolling hills of lush grasslands, and stunning white beaches. This is no other than the Calaguas Group of Islands. This is an account of Schadow1 Expedition's fourth mapping expedition of the year covering the towns of Paracale, Vinzons and Daet, the capital city of the province of Camarines Norte.

Travel Guide to Baler Aurora

Part 6 of Baler Series

If you are at the Philippines and surfing is in your mind. There is only one location that is dubbed as the surfing birthplace of the country. It is Baler in Aurora Province. Although known for surfing having a two-kilometer beach facing the Pacific Ocean, there are still many things to do here. Aside from the gray surfing sand of Baler, there are other white beach to bum at, rock formations to climb, and water falls to trek to and swim. The town also boasts a history that crafted the Philippines during the early 20th century. This is Schadow1 Expeditions guide on how to get to Baler and things to do while at this laid-back town.

Sabang Beach of Baler - The Birthplace of Philippine Surfing

April 18, 2014
Part 5 of the Baler Series

Sabang Beach is a two-kilometer strip of gray sand facing East over the Pacific Ocean. Famously known with its frequently strong waves that are massive enough to give life to people who would like to ride the waves. As such, Sabang Beach of Baler is the birthplace of surfing in the country. From posh resorts to serene home-stays and beach-fronts, this beach gets you stoked!

Six Hundred Years of its Legacy - Asia's Oldest Tree in Aurora

April 19, 2014
Part 4 of the Baler Series

For almost 600 years that stood witness to the Philippines prior to its colonial history until the present, a lone tree masquerades itself at the town of Maria Aurora in Aurora Province. A tree towering itself and dwarfing out other coconut trees in the area. A sight to behold and an example of how a true Filipino culture gives importance to its environment and how nature can get back to its locals in the form of tourism.

Diguisit Rocks and Cemento Beach - an escape for rock climbers and surfers

April 19, 2014
Part 3 of Baler Series

The Diguisit Rocks is one of the rocky shores of Baler Bay along the Cemento and Diguisit Beach. It is a testament of a million years of pounding waves that shaped its form. Located along the semi-white beach of Diguisit and just lying beside the famous Cobra Reef - an ultimate surfing location in Baler. There are three special things at this location in Baler: Beyond the rocks is a surfing paradise while its beach is an exquisite location for beach-goers... and the rocks itself are a challenge for rock climbers.

Ditumabo Falls - The mother of all waterfalls in Aurora

April 19, 2014
Part 2 of the Baler Series
Famous for its name as the Mother Falls - being the tallest waterfall in Aurora Province is located at Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora, is one of the best places to visit when you are at Baler. The Ditumabo Falls is about fifty meters high and falls on a 30 meter wide basin which provides a natural cold swimming pool. This falls is the best way to refresh yourselves on a hot summer day in Baler after you already had an overdose of salt water when surfing along the shores of Sabang Beach.

Discovering Baler - a mapping expedition

April 17-20, 2013
Part 1 of the Baler Series

In modern times, Baler is known as the place in the Philippines where surfing was first introduced as the waves in this town is always favorable for surfing. Sabang beach, the town's longest beach, is on a strategic location. With its concave shape and facing the Pacific Ocean, its topography supplies a continuous opportunity for surfers to enjoy the sea. Aside from the beach and its waves, Baler offers even much more: with stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a vivid history. Schadow1 Expeditions went there during a long summer weekend to enjoy it and map it.

Travel Essentials Guide for the Philippines

There are two prominent travel seasons in the Philippines. First is during the time when the Catholic majority of the Philippines commemorate the Holy Week which happens sometime between mid-March to mid-April depending on the Roman Catholic calendar and secondly during first week of November in observance of another event from the same religion. Aside from professing their faith, most of these dates are non-working holidays which gives an ample time for the country's busy workforce to travel longer distances. Here is a one-stop, comprehensive guide to help Philippine travelers on their adventure trips on having a stress-free wandering vacation.

The Search for Serenity - Seven Unspoilt Beaches in the Philippines

Last year, the Philippines reached 38 degrees Celsius. So far it was one of the hottest temperature ever recorded in the country. It is a bad idea to stay at home. Even worse if you would get suffocated to populated areas. Good thing, the Philippines has over 33,000 kilometers of shoreline. Choose a few kilometers of it to relax and meditate. Soothe yourselves with turquoise seas, the smell of sea water brought along by the wind and have your feet touch the powdery unspoilt sand, whether it be white, gold, pink, gray, and black. You name it. Here are few of the remote beaches in the Philippines we have been to. The farther you get, the better. And the adventure to get to it is as rewarding as reaching it!

20 years of Philippine Internet and The Birth of Crowdsourcing

The Philippines celebrates the 20th year of the existence of internet in the country. It has revolutionized communications in the country and opened up the minds of our countrymen that a foreign country is not totally heaven after all; and our country has much more to offer. It also has opened up virtual societies which literally turned the world small and much information is accessible with just a click of a button right inside your home. As for myself, the essence of the internet is when it led to the birth of crowdsourcing.

New Elevation Contour Map of the Philippines

Schadow1 Expeditions has recently rolled out the newest elevation contour map of the Philippines to which the data is based on two recent missions. One is from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) last 2000 and the joint NASA and METI Aster Global Digital Elevation Map mission last 2011. Using both data has further improved the existing GroundTruth map based on SRTM data; therefore fixing even the artifacts and blanks which is present on most peaks and mountainous regions in the Philippines.

Visual Improvements Update - GPS Routable Map of the Philippines

Starting map version 20140321, the GPS routable map of the Philippines based on Openstreetmap data and compiled by Schadow1 Expeditions has a new look. This is to enhance visibility of the types of roads and points-of-interests (establishment icons) while on the road. The map style has been revamped to make driving, biking, and trekking the Philippines easier; so you can travel and explore more without getting lost.

The OSM Philippine GPS Routable Map is now Lane Assist Compatible

You are a new driver and have been overwhelmed about the lanes in Manila. You need to turn right so you start turning to the right lane. As you get nearer to your destination, you found out that you need to take the ramp on the left lane so you can go and cross to take the street on your right. You need to swerve, but it is too late, the MMDA enforcers are there ready to apprehend you because of swerving. How you wished your Philippine GPS map is compatible with lane-assist navigation.

Of Chasing Sunsets and Sunrises

It was a Thursday night on the way to work. One fateful night of the 30th of April, 2009. I have been working hard for over seven years and coming from a dying business venture I have solely focused on for over eleven years. Striving to adapt with the dirty corporate politics; to where the talent of exaggerating words coming from the mouth have more weight and substance than what can actually be delivered. Running up a motorcycle at a hundred kilometres per hour, a sedan driven by an inexperienced female driver ahead of me running at the same speed, for no reason at all, decided to make a sudden stop. A split second. That is all I had. It was a decision to either make a sudden overtake or hit the brakes. Unfortunately, an incoming 18-wheeler truck is on my side and there is one logical thing to do… hit the brakes. Last thing I heard was a foul cry of screeching rubber against the asphalt. Broken glass and crumpled metal sheets were the last thing I saw that night.

Food Tripping Naga City

Naga City is one of the urbanized locations at the Bicol Region and is the best city-stop if you happen to climb Mount Isarog, wakeboard at CWC (Camarines Sur Wakeboard Complex) or go island hopping and survive Caramoan. As for me, being obsessed with Bicol cuisine, Naga City is the nearest authentic city to go on a food trip. Naga has never disappointed me with these spicy food that my taste buds are always willing to die for!

A Travel Guide to Sablayan and Pandan Island of Occidental Mindoro

February 13-16, 2014
Part 3 of Sablayan and Apo Reef Series

Sablayan of Occidental Mindoro is famous for Pandan Island, a golden beach island just a few minutes of the coast of the town. But Pandan which is a favorite island stop and beach bum location of foreigners visiting the town, Sablayan offers much more. Being a town that is a jump-off to the 2nd largest contiguous coral reef of the world, the Apo Reef, the town provides a stunning history. A melting pot of culture from where the first inhabitants of the Mindoro settled until Spanish and American colonization, to Japanese occupation, the town preserved its tribal roots and endemic Taramaraws while opening its shores to modernization and tourism.

5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition - Explosions, Colors, Festivities and Food.

February 22, 2014
Manila Bay is known for its great sunsets facing exactly to where the sun sets all throughout the year. The bay itself is enclosed with the Bataan peninsula to where the great mountain range of Mariveles can be seen from afar as well as the mountains of the Palay-Palay range of  Cavite. The scenery as expected is the best you can get at the Philippine's capital. After the sun sets, what more can you get? Every Saturdays from February 16 to March 22, 2014, indulge yourselves with the festivities at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay as various countries' compete for the the best display of fireworks, heart-pounding explosions, music, and parades and food from sun down until midnight.

Apo Reef Travel Guide

Part 2 of Sablayan and Apo Reef Series
Apo Reef is the 2nd largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the Philippines' largest. It is well noted for its wide area of coral reef that divers are eager to explore. Being a part of the country's natural reserve and protected area, the undersea features are astounding due to vast corals underneath and various marine species that swim under it. Aside from a coral reef, it has an island with fine white sand, uninhabited and secluded being 48 kilometers away from the shores of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro to which it is directly administered. Know how to get to this reef and know why we consider this island escape as the best in the Philippines as of yet.

The Captivating Apo Reef of Mindoro - A reef diver and beach fanatic's paradise

February 15, 2014
Part 1 of Sablayan and Apo Reef Series 

It was almost the second week of February. Coming from an unusually cold January in the Philippines, the temperature suddenly spiked up one warm weekend of February. For me it was a sign that summer has bitten the country. A sad time bidding goodbye to the cold cozy weather and time to start up the year's summer season. What would be the best way to greet the season? Greet it with powdery white beach, stunning turquoise waters, magnificent underwater view and an uninhabited island away from civilization. So where could that be? Why not try it at the country's largest coral reef and world's second largest? The Apo Reef!

Sagada Travel Guide

Part 9 of the Cordillera Series
How to get to Sagada and things to do 

Sagada is one of the sought after municipalities in the Mountain Province. It is the center of backpacking in the Philippines due to its topography, being on top of the mountains at 1520+ meters above sea level; many tourist spots that can only be reached through hours of trekking, climbing, and spelunking. Hotels are not available instead transient homes and hostels are the only means of accommodation in Sagada. Aside from the touristy sites, the town also reflects the rich culture of the Igorots, the natives of Sagada, and at the same time, the town also is a great place for food trippers as it provides authentic Igorot cuisines and other desserts not usually found on other parts of the country due to its cold climate. This comprehensive travel guide aims first-timers and returners alike to discover what Sagada can offer.

Adventure and Cultural Exploration - a Spelunking Experience with Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves

 Part 8 of the Cordillera Series
One of the famous activities in Sagada is spelunking. Being a town situated at about 1600 meters above sea level, it blessed with many caves. One of the sought after cave adventure will the the cave connection between the Sumaguing and the Lumiang caves. Aside from being a famous location for adventure lovers, the caves are also a ground to where the culture of our historic ancestors are prevalent. It is culture and adventure combined into one.

Food Tripping Sagada

Part 7 of the Cordillera Series
Sagada can be considered as the backpacking capital due its various sites and tourist spots that can be reached via trekking, hiking, climbing or even spelunking. As these activities consume a lot of your daytime energy, you should end your day regenerating those lost calories. Not to worry as Sagada would not disappoint you on that aspect. As you get tired of all those hours of hiking, Sagada will surprise you with its delicacies. Read more and learn about Sagada and food tripping the town.

Hanging Coffins and the Irony of the Echo Valley - when death meets life in Sagada

Part 6 of the Cordillera Series
The Echo Valley is a small ravine along the highlands near the town center of Sagada. Due to its topography, echoes are enhanced where it make sounds resonate as the valley is shaped like a large megaphone. At the bottom of the valley lies the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada where our ancestors "bury" the dead by hanging their remains on a cliff with the belief that their loved one's spirit can reach the heavens in a faster way. Today, the valley, in spite of being eerie, reminds us of the irony of death and celebrating life.

Sagada Pottery - emotions and artistry from the hand to the clay

Part 5 of the Cordillera Series
One of the artistic expression of the of the locals of the Sagada can be seen on their pottery. Emotions and artistry are passed on from concept to their hands and to the clay and finally the artwork. Each of the pottery depicts various concepts and refinement of each of its complex designs are visible and unique among one another.

Sagada's Lake Danum Sunset

Part 4 of the Cordillera Series
We have been to the best place to greet the sunrise at Sagada which is the Kiltepan peak. How about bidding goodbye to a great day at the Cordilleras? Lake Danum is located along the western part of Sagada near the town of Besao where one can be at peace with the nature as you await the setting sun over the mountains of Ampacao.

Kiltepan Peak of the Sagada - an awesome place to greet the sunrise

Part 3 of the Cordillera Series
The Kiltepan peak is the best area to await for the sunrise in Sagada. Giving you a view of the Kiltepan Rice Terraces from below having standing on a ravine at 1640 meters above sea level, one can see how the sun rises slowly filling up the skies with an awesome play of light over the farther mountains of the Cordilleras while sea of clouds slowly drifts away from caressing the valley below.

Banaue Rice Terraces - a surreal sight of a town 1300 meters above sea level

Part 2 of the Cordillera Series

It is a dream come true. One of the surreal places in the Philippines to be at. Imagine square kilometers of mountains and valley converted by hand by Philippine ancestors to supply the tribe with their staple food even if they live at 1300 meters above sea level. A time when tools and heavy equipment is not yet available yet over the centuries, the functional agricultural masterpiece also became a work of art that the world admires. I have personally been here to fulfill a childhood dream of stepping on and seeing for myself the acclaimed National Culture Treasure of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. I was speechless as I first had a glimpse of it. I got down from our guide's transport and for the first time, I bore witness the Banaue Rice Terraces!

Caramoan Travel Guide

Part 6 of the Caramoan Series
How to get there and things to do.

The Caramoan Peninsula is the northernmost part of the province of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. It is one of the famous tourist destinations in the Philippines which is noted by its several islands that are an escape from the urban lifestyle as it is far away from the buzzing city. The islands are located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean and each of the island has its own beauty and characteristic which would surely amaze beach bums, island hoppers, and even trekkers. This article features great things to do in the Caramoan and how to get to this town.

Sabitang Laya - the best island beach getaway of the Caramoan

Part 5 of the Caramoan Series

Sabitang Laya is so far the best island beach get away in the Caramoan Peninsula. Being situated at one of the nearer islands from the main island hopping jump-off of Barangay Bikal, it is only about 20 minutes away. The island features a campground and shallow turquoise waters touching its fine golden sands with natural granite towers. It is no doubt that this island is one of the beautiful location being sought in Caramoan by Filipinos and foreigners alike.

Manlawi Sandbar - The floating cottages of Caramoan

Part 4 of the Caramoan Series

Manlawi Sandbar of the Caramoan Peninsula is one of the jewels of the island hopping itinerary at this group of islets. It is a sandbar situated east of the largest of the island group, Lahuy that becomes completely submerged at high tide and a one-kilometer wide sandbar during low tide. Eight huts are constructed for those who would like to enjoy the scenery of this wide sandbar and these huts are designed to float during high tide.

The Cotivas Island - the perfect beach spot of the Caramoan

Part 3 of the Caramoan Series

The Cotivas island is a small island in the middle of two larger islands at the northernmost part of the Caramoan peninsula. Notable for its golden sand beach tip and coconut trees that proliferate at the middle of the island. It is a usual beach stop for the island hopping itinerary due to its calm waves being protected by 2 larger islands on both of its sides and the huts that provide shelter.

The Scenic Guinahuan Island and Liwan Beach of the Caramoan

Part 2 of the Caramoan Series

The Guinahuan island is one of the island destination on the group of islets north of the Caramoan Peninsula and is one of the farther islands from the docking ports of Barangay Bikal, the usual jump-off for the island hopping itinerary on this peninsula. The island features a wide grassland and rolling hills to where you can trek up to its highest point to where a lighthouse stands and see the view of the islands from above.

Discovering the Cordilleras - a mapping expedition

January 1-6, 2014
Part 1 of the Cordillera Series

You really haven't been a Filipino backpacker if you haven't trekked the Cordilleras. You could not call yourself a Filipino mountaineer if you haven't even set foot at the widest mountain range in the Philippines which is the Cordilleras. We have been to a mapping expedition to the Cordillera region starting off from Banaue, Ifugao, all the way to the top at Bontoc Mountain Province and the backpacking center of the Philippines - the Sagada. Back down to the winding roads and death-defying and picturesque view when road tripping along the Halsema highway and down to Benguet and Baguio City. This is an account of our 6-day expedition on the road to the highest winding roads of Luzon to experience the culture, the food and the people of the Cordillera Region.

Discovering Caramoan Peninsula - a mapping expedition

December 27-29, 2013
Part 1 of the Caramoan Series


The Caramoan has gained its popularity when the Survivor, a reality television program has used its islands for their survival series on 2012 and has been a favorite filming location of some foreign movies even before that year. Schadow1 Expeditions has been there to discover for ourselves its beauty and realize why foreigners are eager to travel to this peninsula. Aside from it, our mission is to thoroughly map its islands, analyze the locals and the main valley where most of its people are located. And here is what we have seen.