All aboard Victory Liner for 'Lakbay Norte' adventure

MANILA, Philippines - Victory Liner joined the North Philippines Bureau’s media familiarization tour as its official travel partner.

Aptly dubbed “Lakbay Norte,” the tour aimed to promote North Luzon as the preferred travel destination in the country. For eight days, travel writers and photographers from top broadsheets, magazines and online blogs boarded a Victory Liner bus with custom Lakbay Norte wrap and journeyed to different North Luzon destinations to experience outdoor adventures.

In Nueva Ecija, participants turned into fishing buffs as they tried their hand at trawling fish bass in the Pantabangan Dam. Considered as the second largest dam in Asia and the cleanest in the country, some species of fish are available in Pantabagan dam — carp, snake murrel and tilapia. It holds the biggest reservoir of largemouth bass, making it a favorite spot fishing enthusiasts aiming to catch a big one. Aside from the enjoyment of recreational fishing, visitors could also bask in the picturesque view of the landscape — the cloud-capped mountain, blue skies and the wind blowing. Photographers and painters could easily get lost in the panorama.

Chico River in the province of Kalinga is slowly turning to be one of the favored whitewater rafting destinations in the Philippines. On this leg of the media tour, participants strapped on life vests and other safety equipment before braving the rapids of Chico River. The wilderness of the raging water was further intensified by its captivating backdrop- incredible limestone canyons, lush foliage and brooding rocks. Hanging bridges offered visitors a glimpse of Kalinga culture. One could be left drooling over the stunning landscapes, pristine air and clear waters.

In Baguio, Lakbay Norte participants transformed into military shooters, battling it out in air soft games. Navigating the terrains of Baguio Country Club, gamers engaged in military simulations using imitation guns that fired plastic pellets. Everybody was in high momentum and deep concentration despite the nippy Baguio weather and landscape gamers had to traverse.

The high speed environment continued in Tarlac City where media members unleashed their competitive streak doing go karting in Kart City. Karts only had two pedals — for acceleration and braking so it was easy for everyone to don their helmets, jump into a kart and let their inner Schumacher go wild. Safety precautions were done to ensure that every racer would get an adrenalin rush and not be sprinted to the hospital.

Lakbay Norte participants went on a serene river cruise at Pangasinan. Aboard a boat that looked like floating nipa huts, participants sailed the stretch of Dawel River, marveling at the sights of the mangroves, unpolluted river and invigorating breeze. Sighting freshwater fishes and different avian species made the Dawel River cruise a joy to experience.

The group then proceeded to Pamulaklakin Trail in Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales to learn jungle survival training from Tata Kasoy, an Aeta living in one of the indigenous communities in the area. A well-known guide who was also a master of the bolo knife, Tata Kasoy showed Lakbay Norte members various survival techniques, from creating kitchen utensils with bamboo to creating traps to catch wild chickens.

With temperatures ranging from 40-70 degrees, participants soaked their tired bodies in the thermal waters coming from Mount Pinatubo. Spa took on a different experience here as Lakbay Norte participants were enveloped in warm volcanic ash. The heated volcanic ash treatment was meant to improve blood circulation, perfect for the tired out individual.

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