My 7th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Point Trail Ultra Bukidnon 2025

Filipino Marathon Trail Slow Runner Solo Joiner 15-June-2025 Sunday in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines

My 6th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Siargao Marathon 2025

This Fun Run served as my First Mountain Trail Full Marathon, 5th Mountain Trail Run and 7th Full Marathon as a Solo Joiner following the Altra Bicol 50 Ultramarathon (50km) last Apr. 2025 and Siargao Marathon last May 2025 respectively. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

This main adventure is part of my 7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Bukidnon (Trail Run, Chill Walk).

Race Name: POINT TRAIL ULTRA BUKIDNON    Distance Joined: 42.2KM (FULL MARATHON)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,884 (early bird) / Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, Post Race Meal, Tourism fee

Location: MALAYBALAY, BUKIDNON (back trail)     Cut-off Time: 15-Jun-2025 Sun 0300H-1700H (14 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 13:26:59 (SUB14)               Pace: 18:46          ITRA: 2 points           

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 2,213m               Rank: 88.56% (325th of 367) 

Route difficulty: The route is measured around 44km. There are 5 sets of "Ahon" assault where the the 2nd and the last one are challenging especially the last one, good thing the weather is awesome. If it's raining, it will be obvious for me to declare DNF due to my weak right knee and brutal ascents. The final "Ahon" has around 400m elevation gain with very steep and slippery trail, crawling is required with a lot of knee wrecking moments.

I am from NCR and a solo runner; all of my previous trail runs were in Luzon (Baguio, Rizal, Naga). Hats off and Kudos to Malaybalay City and Mindanaoans! It is very rare to have this kind of well-prepared trail run event so somehow I was really surprised. I already joined 5 trail run races and I must say a Huge Congratulations to Bukidnon Point Trail Series Organizers / Race Director, a 5-star rating for me. The reasons are: (1) All 6 aid stations are fully stocked with food and refreshments, considering the large number of participants. (2) Trails are properly marked and well-placed, which is not usual for a trail run. (3) Enough friendly Marshalls are strategically located (4) Awesome design of event/finisher shirt and medal (5) Reasonable Registration fee that includes Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, tote bag, dry bag, sfork, collapsible cup, whistle, post race meal, tourism fee (6) well-prepared race village and start/finish arc (7) accurate route map with somehow doable trail (8) Somehow not strict cut-off time. (9) Lots of professional photographers along the trail and (10) Slow Runner friendly race with generous cut-off times. 

I finished the 42km mountain trail run with 2,213m total elevation gain WITHOUT THE USE OF TREKKING POLES. I have trekking poles, but I didn't bring them because they are required to be in checked luggage at the airport, and I wanted to challenge my limits despite having knee issues. A huge factor also despite being a slow trail runner was the well-organized event and the fair weather, especially during the very steep knee-wrecking "Ahon" assault before the intermediate cut-off.

Remarks (My rating: 5 of 5 stars): (1) Weather is awesome, raining only on the last 5km (2) Well-organized race; sufficient and friendly marshals, trails were properly marked, well-prepared race Village (3) Event / Finisher shirt/medal design is awesome. (4) Aid Station has full of food and refreshments (5) Registration fee is reasonable, which includes Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, Post Race Meal, Tourism fee, dry bag, tote bag, sfork, collapsible cup, whistle. (6) Lots of relaxing, scenic and picturesque mountain views (7) Lots of professional photographers along the trail (8) Slow Runner friendly race with generous cut-off times. 

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (enough for the mountain marathon)

My 7th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner;  Point Trail Ultra Bukidnon 2025

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Bukidnon (Trail Run, Chill Walk)

Chill Rainy Adventure in Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon, Philippines June 13 to 19, 2025

My First Visit to Cagayan de Oro - Bukidnon Budget Solo Trip (2011)

This trip served as my 2nd visit to the Northeast province of Mindanao Archipelago. Additionally, the main reason I came back was to participate in my 7th Full Marathon Solo Joiner Adventure.

Fun Fact: My first hitchhiking experience was in Bukidnon in 2010 with a truck driver. After that, all my hitchhikes were abroad and in a sedan (Georgia 2013, Bulgaria 2015, Kazakhstan 2018, Mexico 2020). I never paid a single cent, all the drivers don't speak English and obviously I don't speak their language. All solo trips. Maraming Salamat sa kanilang lahat.

7 DAYS BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP IN REVISITING BUKIDNON ITINERARY 

Preparation:

Point Trail Ultra Marathon = ₱2,884

Cebu Pacific (return fare) = ₱3,304     Hotel Booking = ₱3,417

TOTAL: ₱9,605

Day 1: June 13 Friday FLIGHT OUT

0000H ETD Home; commute to NAIA T3 88

0300H ETA NAIA T3; check-in / breakfast

0535H ETD Manila MNL; Cebu Pacific flight 5J381

0720H ETA Cagayan de Oro CGY; van to Agora 200; Bus to Malaybalay 230

1130H Malaybalay bus terminal; lunch 150; walk to hotel; dinner 222

DOrf Transient Inn 4 nights

TOTAL: ₱890

Day 2: June 14 Saturday PREPARATION

DOrf Transient Inn 4 nights balance ₱1,497*

Race Kit Claiming; brunch 165; snacks 44; dinner 201

Walk to City Hall, Transfiguration Church 10km

TOTAL: ₱1,907

Day 3: June 15 Sunday TRAIL MARATHON

0200H Walk to Race Village 

0300H RACE START; 42km Mountain Trail Marathon (2,213m total elevation gain)

1630H RACE FINISH; claim entitlement; dinner 197

TOTAL: ₱197

Day 4: June 16 Monday RELAX

Walk to Capitol Grounds, Kaamulan Park 5km

Brunch 100; snacks 72; dinner 204

TOTAL: ₱376

Day 5: June 17 Tuesday RELAX

Walk to Capitol Grounds, Kaamulan Park 6km

1100H Hotel Check-out; walk to terminal; brunch 90

1130H Bus to Cagayan de Oro (Agora) 225

1500H Agora Terminal; 2km walk to hotel

G-Galyx Inn Hotel 2 nights ₱1,406*

Afternoon random walk; snacks 129; dinner 80

TOTAL: ₱524

Day 6: June 18 Wednesday RELAX

Morning random walk; brunch 130

Pasalubong Vjandep Pastel 1,071

Afternoon coastal walk; snacks 115; dinner 335

TOTAL: ₱1,650

Day 7: June 19 Thursday FLIGHT IN

Random morning walk; brunch 110; snacks 149

1300H ETD Hotel; walk to Centrio Mall; airport van 199

1500H ETA Cagayan de Oro airport

1715H ETD Cagayan de Oro CGY; Cebu Pacific flight 5J392

1900H ETA Manila MNL; commute to home 96

TOTAL: ₱554

 

DAILY TOTAL: ₱890+1,907+197+376+524+1,650+554 = ₱6,098

GRAND TOTAL: ₱9,605 + ₱6,098 = ₱15,705

6 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Bukidnon (Trail Run, Chill Walk)

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Davao Occidental (Chill Walk)

Revisiting Davao via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 23 to 30, 2025 (6 Days)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao (2025)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking (2021)

Already visited Davao Occidental last 2021 but due to pandemic restrictions, I wasn't able to stroll around and take pictures (lockdown day). Thus, I visited again for formality visit on a personal basis.

Preparation:

2Go Ferry Return promo fare (Manila-Davao) = ₱4,936   /   Baon Snacks = ₱500

Total: ₱5,436

Day 0: May 23 Friday MANILA DEPARTURE

1600H ETD Home; e-jeep to Quiapo 65

1800H Quiapo to Pier 4 walk; snacks 50

1930H ETA Manila Port Area Zaragoza Gate; Check-in; terminal fee 105

2300H ETD Manila; Voyage #32 (Business Class) 55 hrs ₱2,512

TOTAL: ₱220

Day 1: May 24 Saturday MV MASINAG VOYAGE

55 hours trip Business Class with 6 meals / Snacks 45

TOTAL: ₱45

Day 2: May 25 Sunday MV MASINAG VOYAGE

55 hours trip Business Class with 6 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 3: May 26 Monday DAVAO 1ST DAY

0530H ETA Davao; jeep to Ecoland Terminal 40

0700H Bus to Poblacion 175; tricycle to resort 30

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL (My 82nd/Final Province)

Acasa Merlinda Beach Resort 1,000; Lunch 114; snacks 75

Afternoon walk to Little Boracay Resort

1700H Afternoon run base 10km

TOTAL: ₱1,434

 

Day 4: May 27 Tuesday DAVAO LAST DAY

Morning run base 10km; brunch 149

1200H Hotel check-out; tricycle to terminal 30

Bus back to Ecoland 140; snacks 357; baon 255; Jeep to Sasa Wharf 30 

1700H Davao Sasa Wharf; Check-in; terminal fee 11

2000H ETD Davao; Voyage #32 (Business Class) 61 hrs ₱2,424

TOTAL: ₱832

Day 5: May 28 Wednesday MV MASIKAP VOYAGE

61 hours trip Business Class with 7 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 6: May 29 Thursday MV MASIKAP VOYAGE

61 hours trip Business Class with 7 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 0: May 30 Friday MANILA ARRIVAL

0900H ETA Manila; Pier 4 to Quiapo walk; fruits 489; e-jeep to Home 50

TOTAL: ₱539

DAILY TOTAL: ₱220+45+0+1,434+832+0+0+539 = ₱3,070

GRAND TOTAL: ₱5,436 + ₱3,070 = ₱8,506

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Davao Occidental (Chill Walk)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao

Revisiting Davao via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 23 to 30, 2025 (6 Days)

Effective October 15, 2024, the boarding cut-off (or gate closure) will be updated 1 hour before vessel departure. To ensure a smooth boarding experience, it is highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure. This will help accommodate potential delays, such as traffic, excess baggage checks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

MANILA TO DAVAO 2GO FERRY CRUISING BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP 2025

(MV Masinag / MV Masikap Ship Vessel)

 

My Observation, Remarks and Budget Tips:

Cruise Destination: Manila-Davao-Manila Cruise Duration: 56 hrs (one-way cruise)

Cruise Date: May 2025 (6 days, weekend trip) Fare Cost: ₱4,936 return trip (Business Class for 1 pax)

Reason for taking this Cruise: promo fare, to experience local ship cruising on a convenient bed class (business class)

Budget DIY Manila-Davao-Manila 2Go Cruise Itinerary (May 2025 Summer Season):

May 23 Fri: 11pm Manila Port Departure 

May 24 Sat / May 25 Sun: Cruising 

May 26 Mon: 6am Davao Port Arrival, Davao City 1st day chill and food trip 

May 27 Tue: Davao City last day chill and food trip, 8pm Davao Port Departure

May 28 Wed / May 29 Thu: Cruising 

May 30 Fri: 9am Manila Port Arrival

1. 2Go Ferry MV Masinag / MV Masikap has twice a week departure for Manila-Davao (every Friday afternoon) and Davao-Manila (every Sunday night)

2. 2Go Business Class fare is around ₱2.5k which is around ₱700 more expensive than Cebu Pacific flight. Actually it's better to take the flight though 2Go cruising is good for chill adventure, local cruise experience and less baggage hassle.

3. 2Go Business Class room is very convenient especially for solo travelers. The room has its own table, television, sink, aircon control and most especially a lot of charging outlets. Toilet and shower room is centralized. I highly recommend Business Class beds because somehow the fare is reasonable, with 6-7 meals included.

4. Online booked tickets are required to be printed. This is also needed when claiming paid meals and bed linens together with your valid ID.

5. Manila Port (Pier 4 Zaragoza Gate) has a terminal fee of ₱105 while Davao Sasa Wharf Port has only ₱11.

6. I suggest you bring your own cup noodles, bread and other snacks. Everything onboard is expensive. There's an onboard restaurant, cafe, salon and shops. No wi-fi. Free refills of hot and cold potable water.

7. All meals are served everyday between 6-8am (breakfast), 11am-1pm (lunch) and dinner (6-8pm). Business Class passengers are in Horizon Cafe which has a terrible, very slow and disorganized dining service (MV MASIKAP)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Coron (Chill Walk)

Revisiting Coron via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 16 to 19, 2025 (3 Days)

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron (2025)

Preparation:

MV St. Xavier 2Go Ferry Return promo fare (Manila-Coron) = ₱2,424

Ezekiel Transient House Hostel booking 1 night = ₱345

TOTAL: ₱2,769

Day 1: May 16 Friday MANILA DEPARTURE

1100H ETD Home; e-jeep to Quiapo 65

1300H Quiapo to Pier 4 walk; snacks 41

1430H ETA Manila Port Area Zaragoza Gate; Check-in; terminal fee 105

1730H ETD Manila; Voyage #40 (Super Value Class) 13 hrs ₱1,160

30 minutes delayed departure / claim bed linen 

TOTAL: ₱211

Day 2: May 17 Saturday CORON 1ST DAY

0630H ETA Coron; walk to Hostel; Ezekiel Transient House 1N; early check-in rest

Mt. Tapyas Viewing Deck (720 steps); Boom's Eatery lunch 160; snacks 95

1630H Afternoon run tempo 8km ; Inasal Eat Co. dinner 220; Coron Brewery 231

TOTAL: ₱706

 

Day 3: May 18 Sunday CORON LAST DAY

0630H Morning run base 14km; lunch 110; snacks 180

1700H Hostel check-out; walk to port; Check-in; terminal fee 20

2030H ETD Coron; Voyage #40 (Super Value Class) 13 hrs ₱1,160

TOTAL: ₱310

Day 0: May 19 Monday MANILA ARRIVAL

0930H ETA Manila; Pier 4 to Quiapo walk; snacks 10; UV Van to Home 55

TOTAL: ₱65

DAILY TOTAL: ₱211+705+310+65 = ₱1,291

GRAND TOTAL: ₱2,769 +₱1,291 = ₱4,060

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Coron  (Chill Walk)

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron

Revisiting Coron via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 16 to 19, 2025 (3 Days)

Coron and nearby Island Trip (2011)

Batangas Pier - Caticlan Port Sea Cruising via 2Go Ferry (2016)

Effective October 15, 2024, the boarding cut-off (or gate closure) will be updated 1 hour before vessel departure. To ensure a smooth boarding experience, it is highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure. This will help accommodate potential delays, such as traffic, excess baggage checks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

MANILA TO CORON 2GO FERRY CRUISING BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP 2025

(MV St. Francis Xavier Ship)

 

My Observation, Remarks and Budget Tips:

Cruise Destination: Manila-Coron-Manila     Cruise Duration: 13hrs (one way cruise)

Cruise Date: May 2025 (3 days, weekend trip)     Fare Cost: ₱2,424 return trip (Super Value Class), cheapest

Reason for taking this Cruise: promo fare, to experience local ship cruising on cheapest bed class

Budget DIY Manila-Coron-Manila 2Go Cruise Itinerary (May 2025 Summer Season):

May 16 Fri: 5pm Manila Port Departure 

May 17 Sat: 6am Coron Port Arrival, Coron first day chill and food trip 

May 18 Sun: Coron last day chill and food trip, 8pm Coron Port Departure

May 19 Mon: 9am Manila Port Arrival

1. 2Go Ferry MV St. Francis Xavier has only once a week departure for Manila-Coron (every Friday afternoon) and Coron-Manila (every Sunday night)

2. 2Go Super Value Class fare is around ₱1.1k which is around ₱300 cheaper than Cebu Pacific flight. Actually it's better to take the flight though 2Go cruising is good for chill adventure, local cruise experience and less baggage hassle.

3. 2Go Super Value Class beds are not convenient because these beds are located at the back of the ship near the smelly toilet with damaged door. The ambiance is not good either; it's hot, humid and uncomfortable leather mattress. Toilet has free shower. 2Go Super Value Class is good only if on a tight budget; I don't recommend it, go for higher class beds.

4. Upgrade to the next class (Mega Class, aircon room) has an additional ₱300. Go to the Information Desk, bring your ticket and enlist your name for an upgrade. It will be accommodated after the ship leaves the port, subject for availability and first come first serve basis.

5. Online booked tickets are required to be printed. This is also needed when claiming paid meals and bed linens together with your valid ID.

6. Manila Port (Pier 4 Zaragoza Gate) has terminal fee of ₱105 while Coron Port has only ₱20

7. Ensure to arrive early in the meal claiming in the restaurant (paid, bring your ticket), queuing is very long. ₱14 additional payment if takeout. The meal is composed of 1 cup of rice, small portion of vegetable and beef menu.

8. I suggest you bring your own drinking water, cup noodles, bread and other snacks. Everything onboard is expensive. There's a drinking fountain onboard, restaurant, cafe, salon and shops.No wi-fi, phone charging station with payment (₱5).

9. Worst Customer Service, if you don't ask, staff will not provide. All meals and bed linen are paid, ask the staff to give you. You need to present the physical ticket and valid ID.

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron