Callao Cave and the Mini Man Discovery

Callao Cave was once again at the center of attention when a new species of possibly human ancestry have been discovered to which the fossil dates back 50,000 years ago. Where is this cave and why does it give importance to archaeologists to never stop excavating this area?

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.

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!

Palaui Island is Off-Limits. Nationalism or Colonialism?

Palaui Island is an enchanted island to which pictures I saw made me eager to know more of this island. However, this island has no mapping data at all. And because of that, Schadow1 Expeditions has chosen this island to be the focus of our mapping expedition last March 27, 2013. As expected, this island is captivating enough that even the reality TV show, Survivor, chose this island to be its home for their 27th season. Due this, Palaui island will be closed to visitors.

Tuguegarao, the Gateway to Cagayan Valley's Tourism

March 28-30, 2013

Tuguegarao is the capital city of Cagayan Valley, a province situated at the northeastern tip of Luzon and is situated at the middle of two mountain ranges, Sierra Madre and the mountains of Ifugao and Mountain Province. As such, this city is a gateway to various tourist spots that can be found at Luzon's tip and the base of Sierra Mountains. Schadow1 Expeditions stayed here for a brief mapping expedition and to taste its native delicacy.

Callao Cave System, one of the largest cave systems in the Philippines is here at Cagayan

March 29, 2013

One of the largest cave systems in the Philippines can be found at Penablanca, Cagayan at the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The cave system features large chambers amounting up to a total seven with magnificent large stalactites, stalagmites and columns that illuminates at dark. This cave system is a must-visit when you happen to pass by Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley's capital city where Callao Cave is just about 25 kilometers away.

Uncovering the treasures of Balintang Channel from Calayan Group of Islands

March 28, 2013

Calayan Group of Islands which also known as Babuyan Islands are scattered at Balintang Channel right atop the Luzon main land but is south of the Batanes group of Islands. The archipelago is still part of Cagayan Valley, the main region whose land area is dominated at Luzon's northeastern tip between the mountains of Sierra Madre and the Mountain Province.

Crocodile Island of Cagayan, an islet with many names

March 28, 2013

Crocodile Island, as it is famously known by the locals and tourists of Sta. Ana, Cagayan at the northeastern tip of the Philippines is a lone island cliff situated at the middle of Balintang Channel just off the shore of Barangay San Vicente of the main town. The island is a must visit as it is blocking the way to Palaui's main village, Punta Verde. The waters to it is shallow and can be used as a snorkeling spot as well.

Anguib Beach, Tranquility at the Northeastern Tip of Luzon

March 28, 2013

Coming from a mapping expedition of Palaui Island and an island hopping adventure at Balintang Channel of northern Philippines, we headed straight to Anguib Beach, a white sand beach paradise at the northeastern tip of Luzon. This beach is only reachable by boat as such, not too many people are around thus you would enjoy a seemingly untouched and serene view of Balintang Channel while enjoying the fine white sand and clear waters of this beach..

Palaui Island and the Serene Cape Engano, a mountaineer and a beach bum's Paradise

March 27- 28, 2013

Palaui is an island located just right at the northeastern tip of Luzon. Protected by a Presidential Proclamation as a natural reserve of the country, its resources are maintained and one can expect that here, nature is more supreme than technology. The island features white beaches. forests, rolling mountains not exceeding 300 MASL, and grazelands. Being located at Balintang Channel where the Pacific Ocean meets the West Philippine Sea, the shores and its waves are magnificent.

Roadtrip to Cagayan Valley and Island Trekking at Palaui and Calayan

March 26 - 31, 2013

Ready for a mapping expedition for the northeastern tip of the Philippines, a Tuesday afternoon, we headed on to Sampaloc, Manila to get a bus bound to Sta. Ana, Cagayan... the northeastern tip of the island of Luzon. It is the gateway to Palaui Island, a protected natural reserve and to Calayan Group of Islands, the islands scattered at Balintang Channel where the Pacific Ocean meets the warm waters of the West Philippine Sea. A 15-hour bus ride and a 654-kilometer road trip.