MABUHAY !
I warmly welcome you to the ISLAND OF SAMAR.
Our Island is rich in waterfalls,beaches,springs,caves and other awesome places that can compare or even outclass other destinations for tourist. We don't only offer these beautiful sceneries to those who come but we also offer a kind of hospitality that only the samareños could give.
Coming over to our Island will also be another experience for we can be reached by land,by sea and by air.
With this Website, we hope to provide you with the utmost convenience you deserve as you explore our island.
Have a wonderful stay with us and bring home with you the beauty of Samar Island and the friendly hospitality of our people.
TREXPLORE THE ADVENTURES
Cave Mater : JONI A. BONIFACIO
I warmly welcome you to the ISLAND OF SAMAR.
Our Island is rich in waterfalls,beaches,springs,caves and other awesome places that can compare or even outclass other destinations for tourist. We don't only offer these beautiful sceneries to those who come but we also offer a kind of hospitality that only the samareños could give.
Coming over to our Island will also be another experience for we can be reached by land,by sea and by air.
With this Website, we hope to provide you with the utmost convenience you deserve as you explore our island.
Have a wonderful stay with us and bring home with you the beauty of Samar Island and the friendly hospitality of our people.
TREXPLORE THE ADVENTURES
Cave Mater : JONI A. BONIFACIO
TREXPLORE BEST GUIDE ON EARTH
http://straightondetour.com/2013/10/25/one-very-simple-method-to-distinguish-the-best-guides-on-earth/
Company Profile
Background:
Trexpore: The Adventure began with a group of adventurous friends who were united in their love of nature and their vision to help preserve the environment by utilizing its eco-tourism potential. In the year 2000, they formally organized themselves to pool their talents and skills into providing exploration and tour services for Samar.
Mission:
To provide quality exploration and tour services, and be a partner in progress of Samar, helping preserve the environment by utilizing its eco-tourism potential, thereby also providing livelihood opportunities and improving the quality of life of Samareños.
Vision:
To be the top exploration and tour services company that helped make Samar Island the top tourist destination in the Philippines and also a world class tourist destination.
Services:
1. Inventory – exploration and inventory of caves, falls, springs, mountains, rivers, beaches, historical landmarks, and cultural traditions that are potentials for tourism development
2. Documentation – documentation by photographs, maps and other useful information on the area
3. Promotion – digital printing of pictures, brochures, tarpaulins and newsprint; website exposure; tourism conventions
4. Tour Guiding – tour packages for every destination
5. Guide Training – organizing, training and orientation of local tourist guides
6. Tour de Samar - Cycling around Samar Island in 15 days
SAMAR ISLAND ECO TOUR OPERATOR
SAMAR ISLAND ECO-ADVENTURE GUIDE
lonely planet PHILIPPINES |
LONELY PLANET (Travel Book) Published June 2006 9TH EDITION
SAMAR..Catbalogan & Around page 351
SAMAR..Catbalogan & Around page 351
SAMAR CAVE MASTER
SPELEOLOGIST / EXPLORER / CAVE MASTER: JONI ABESAMIS BONIFACIO
Abesamis Store Allen Ave. Catbalogan City,Samar 6700 Philippines
Tel: 055-2512301 Globe: 5438550 Cell: (Smart) 0919-2943865 (Globe) 09276750062
Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
http://www.trexplore.blogspot.com/
http://www.trexplore.webs.com/
http://www.trexplore.weebly.com/
WATCH MY VIDEOS: http://www.bps1025.com/video/?f_id=channels.html&n=joni+bonifacio&cid=UCO605ueceh23MYsyPDZbW1A
CAVING IN SAMAR T-SHIRT
t h e t r e x p l o r e s h o p
THE CAVING EQUIPMENTS
TREXPLORE OFFICE AND PHOTO GALLERY
LONELY PLANET (Travel Book) Published June 2006 9TH EDITION
SAMAR..Catbalogan & Around page 351
Trexplore,a one-man operation run by the entrepreneurial and engaging Joni A. Bonifacio (Tel: 063-055-2512301,Cell: 0919-2943865;[email protected] Abesamis Store,Allen Ave), is the only outfit qualified to lead trips to caves,rivers and gorges all over Samar Island.An avid and passionate mountain biker, Joni can tailor trips to about any specification,however it's best to make arrangement well in advance.
JONI A. BONIFACIO
Trexplore The Adventure
Biography
Joni Bonifacio is fascinated with the unknown, always curious to discover what amazing things existed beyond his place in Samar Island. He developed an early interest in caves when he discovered that he could do the extraordinary to dig into the caves.
Cavers and Spelunkers everywhere had been to Samar caves are grateful for Joni’s tenacity, for it was that determination that later paved the way for some of the greatest discoveries in one of the world's greatest caves in Samar.
Joni was born on September 28, 1978 in Catbalogan Samar, Philippines. After completing high school in his hometown, Joni went on to Cebu to earn a degree, BS Biology in Cebu Doctors' College (School Year 1995 – 2001). Shortly thereafter, he went back to Samar to engage full time in spelunking.
In 1993, he started exploring when he was still in high school in a way of joining the Boys Scout jamborees, outings with peers.
In his college days, he joined the CDC Mountaineering Club as a freshman, with the most of the senior members in the said club that are already graduated and exploring different sites both in and outside of Cebu City, Philippine. Among the important expeditions he had undertaken as a freelancer were the highest peaks in the three major islands of the Philippines such as:
Mt. Apo, (Davao) – March 25 – 27, 2000
Mt. Canlaon (Negros Occidental) – October 17 – 20, 2000
Mt. Pulag (Benguet) – January 21 – 22, 2003
Mt. Kinabalu (Malaysia) - September 25 - 26, 2008
In 1995, he formed the “TREKKERS”, an informal group engaged in exploring into different sites in Samar which are mostly undiscovered but has a large ecotourism potential.
In 2000, he changed the name “TREKKERS” into “TREXPLORE”, as a formal business venture engaged in tour guiding, tourism inventory, cave exploration. Joni spent every available weekend exploring caves near his place in some caves found in Samar.
In March 16 – April 20, 2002, he was recruited or even requested to participate and assisted the French caver Jean Paul Sounier and his team in a week-long expedition in Can-Yawa cave in Calbiga “The Can-Yawa Cave Expedition”.
In March 4 – 9, 2004, he led into another cave expedition in Macatingal Cave in Calbiga, with Jean Paul Sounier's team. This time, they were also joined by Italian team and led by explorer Matteo Rivadossi.
In March 18 – April 3, 2004, he led the same contingent in Las Navas, Northern Samar, in exploring the 3-kilometer cave. Contrary to its name, the said cave actually has a length of 8-kilometers.
In April 26 – May 9, 2005, he led another group of French cavers with Paul Marcel in exploring the “Maybug Sulpan Cave” in Matuguinao, Samar. An 8-km river cave and “Katiklihan Cave” measuring 1km and 121 m.
In April 1 – 27, 2006, he led the Italian group with Matteo Rivadossi, Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Northern (Las Navas) and Western Samar (Jiabong). During the expedition, they discovered the Robin's Cave in Las Navas, the deepest cave in the whole country. It measured of 6 km in length and 190 m depth into the ground. They also visited the “Lobo Cave” and “Panaghoyan Cave” in Jiabong, and it measured 5 km and 900 m.
In March 14 – Apri 10, 2007, he led French group with Paul Marcel in Maslog Eastern Samar and San Jorge Samar. During the expedition, they discovered five (5) caves: “Baboy”, “Mercing”, “Jaime”, “Zoo” and “Bai-ang Caves”. In April 5-8, they also re-visited the “Sulpan Pinipisakan Caves” in San Jorge Samar, and took some photos for documentation after their 15 years, way back 1991.
Caving was not the only pursuit that piqued Joni's interest at an early age. Aside from mountaineering and spelunking, he is also a biking enthusiast.
In 1996 to 2000, he was able to tour the whole island of Samar and various parts of the Visayas (Leyte, Cebu, Biliran, Camotes, Bohol, Negros, Panay, Guimaras and Boracay)
In 2001, he was able to complete a journey from Catbalogan to Manila on board using his bike.
In September 26, 2002, he started to trek in Mindanao and visited various cities in Mindanao (Dipolog, Oroquieta, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Gingoog, Butuan, Surigao, and Siargao)
In December 13 2003, he attempted to make a tour in Luzon and ended in February 27, 2004. In this period, he had been into some places in Luzon (Baguio, Sagada, Aparri, Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Pangasinan, Bataan and Batangas.
In September 13, 2003, he organized the “Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA)
In May 20, 2007, he was elected as President of “Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA) at Buri Beach Buri Estaka, Catbalogan City, Samar Philippine. Joni remained active in cave exploration.
When not crawling around underground, he is occupied with a variety of business and tour-guide in some places in the Philippines.
- In March 29 to April 23,2008 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Taft Estern Samar and Calbiga,Samar. It was during this expedition that they discovered the Guintoble Cave in Brgy.San Rafael Taft E. Samar the hardest and dangerous cave in the whole country. It has a measurement of 4.5 km in length. In April 13- 23,2008 they also visited Brgy.Buluan in Calbiga,Samar exploring Naduian Cave 1.2 Km and Tamag Doi Doi cave 2.3 km.
In March 19 – APRIL 15, 2009, he led another group of French cavers with Paul Marcel in exploring the “Cabang Cave” in Hinabangan,Samar, the cave is 3-km long.
- In April 2 to April 30,2009 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team Exploring caves somewhere in brgy. Buluan, Calbiga,Samar. The most famous discovery is Camparina-Ludi-Bito Cave in Brgy. Panayuran Calbiga, Samar ,the cave has length 8.5 km long.
-In March 11 to April 2, 2010 he led the Italian group once again led by Guido Rossi and a team of experts exploring ULOT RIVER in Paranas,Samar - Can-Avaid N. Samar known to be the longest river in Samar. They discover Kan-maaghit Cave about 300 meters and big sump in the dead end of the cave.
In March 28, 2010 he open SAMAR OUTDOOR SHOP a small business in Catbalogan City,Samar
JONI'S BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Who I am and what I do:
My interest in caves began in my place in Samar Island, Philippines. Ever since, in some expedition I encountered, I observed a lot of things like (bat roost million bats, as well as menagerie of cave-adapted fish, shrimp and crabs, and cave-dwelling scorpions, tarantulas, millipedes centipedes, and beetles. I have been in numerous caves in Samar Island, Philippines.
Areas of expertise:
My experience and expertise include the following: cave survey and mapping; technical climbing and caving; spelunking, bicycling, mountaineering.
How I first became interested in this profession:
Since I was a child, I knew I had the heart of an explorer and I always had an interest in wildlife. While on my "expeditions," I studied the land, I learned how to find things beyond into it, especially with extraordinary animal inside the caves and determine where certain animals were likely to be found. Ultimately, my quest for exploration lead me into this work in ecology ultimately morphed into caves and through caves I found everything I really wanted to know what is inside the caves.
What helped prepare me for this job:
There are two things which have prepared me for my line of work: First is the training augmented by field experience, and Second is the endurance and adventure race training. Because working underground in caves can be quite challenging, I train intensively to maintain top physical condition, and train multiple events. The combination of different training, field experience and endurance training have provided me with the ability to work in the subterranean world.
What I like about my job:
Because there is so little known about caves or even cave-dwelling organisms, are constantly making new discoveries. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of my job would be making new cave discoveries. Additionally, working with a team that plans to explore some caves for extant/extinct life forms is incredibly exciting.
My advice to anyone interested in this occupation:
This is clearly the most creative and exciting job. I recommend anyone who is interested in becoming into this job to apply him or herself, find the scientific and self-discipline they love and work hard towards becoming a major contributor to that discipline. Concomitantly, students and people who love to this alike should never forget the importance of living life fully and being happy. I know many people who chose to bury themselves in their work and this makes many of them very happy. My personal philosophy is a happy life comes through mental, physical and spiritual balance. I believe everyone should challenge and push him or herself intellectually and physically, while pursuing a spiritual totem. Get out there – work hard, explore the world, explore nature, explore culture, and explore your relationships with those you encounter. Breathe deeply, acknowledge your breath, and enjoy and embrace all that life has to offer!
Mountaineering
- Started exploring in 1993, when he was still in high school by way of Boy Scout jamborees, outings with peers. He was more focused in the Samar area during this time.
- In college, he joined the CDC Mountaineering Club as a freshman, further nurturing his interest in exploring. With most of the senior members in the said club already graduated, he set out on his own exploring different sites both in and outside of Cebu City. Among the important expeditions he had undertaken as a freelancer were the highest peaks in the three major islands of the Philippines such as:
o Mt. Apo, (Davao) – March 25-27, 2000
o Mt. Canlaon (Negros Occidental) – October 17-20, 2000
o Mt. Pulag (Benguet) – January 21-22, 2003
o Mt. Kinabalu (Malaysia) - September 25 - 26, 2008
Website:
trexploreclimbing.blogspot.com
climbingtrexplore.blogspot.com
Spelunking
- He went back to Samar after graduation to engage fulltime in spelunking. He formed the Trekkers in 1995, an informal group engaged in exploring different sites in Samar which are mostly undiscovered but has large ecotourism potential.
- In 2000, changed the name to Trexplore, this time as a formal business venture engaged in tour guiding, tourism inventory, cave exploration. Formed a network of contacts and clientele through e-mails and linkages with the Department of Tourism and various travel agencies.
- The Trexplore managed to form contacts with foreign explorers and experts.
In March 16-April 20, 2002, he assisted French caver Jean Paul Sounier and his team in the Can-Yawa Cave Expedition in Calbiga. The said cave measured 12 kilometers long. The survey was not finished due to high water level inside the cave making it difficult for the explorers to penetrate its farther regions.
- In March 4-9 2004, he led another cave expedition in Macatingal Cave in Calbiga once again with Sounier’s team. This time, they were also joined by an Italian team led by explorer Matteo Rivadossi.
- In March 18-April 3,2004, he led the same contingent in Las Navas, Northern Samar in exploring the 3-kilometer cave. Contrary to its name, the said cave actually has a length of 8 kilometers. They also discover Ruben'Cave about 12 km away from km3 cave.
- In April 26-May 9, 2005 he led another group of French cavers led by Paul Marcel in exploring the Maybug Sulpan Cave in Matuguinao,Samar. It is a river cave measuring 8 km long and Katiklihan Cave measuring 1 km and 121 m.
- In April 1-27, 2006, he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Northern (Las Navas) and Western Samar (Jiabong). It was during this expedition that they discovered the Robin’s Cave in Las Navas, the deepest cave in the whole country. It has a measurement of 6 km in length and a depth of 190 m. They also visited the Lobo Cave and Panaghoyan Cave in Jiabong with measurements of 5 km and 900 m respectively
- In March 14-April 10, 2007, , he led French group headed by Paul Marcel in Maslog Eastern Samar and San Jorge Samar. It was during this expedition when they discovered and named five (5) caves namely; Baboy, Mercing, Jaime, Zoo and Bai-ang Caves. On April 5-8 they also re-visited Sulpan Pinipisakan Caves in San Jorge Samar to get cave photo documentation after their 15 yrs visit way back 1991.
- In March 29 to April 23,2008 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Taft Estern Samar and Calbiga,Samar. It was during this expedition that they discovered the Guintoble Cave in Brgy.San Rafael Taft E. Samar the hardest and dangerous cave in the whole country. It has a measurement of 4.5 km in length. In April 13- 23,2008 they also visited Brgy.Buluan in Calbiga,Samar exploring Naduian Cave 1.2 Km and Tamag Doi Doi cave 2.3 km.
In March 19 – APRIL 15, 2009, he led another group of French cavers with Paul Marcel in exploring the “Cabang Cave” in Hinabangan,Samar, the cave is 3-km long.
- In April 2 to April 30,2009 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team Exploring caves somewhere in brgy. Buluan, Calbiga,Samar. The most famous discovery is Camparina-Ludi-Bito Cave in Brgy. Panayuran Calbiga, Samar ,the cave has length 8.5 km long.
-In March 11 to April 2, 2010 he led the Italian group once again led by Guido Rossi and a team of experts exploring ULOT RIVER in Paranas,Samar - Can-Avaid N. Samar known to be the longest river in Samar. They discover Kan-maaghit Cave about 300 meters and big sump in the dead end of the cave.
Website:
www.frenchcavingsamarisland.blogspot.com
www.samarcavingexpedition.blogspot.com
www.italiancavingsamarisland.blogspot.com
www.samarcavediving.blogspot.com
www.visayas2008.blogspot.com
http://www.samar2009italian-french.blogspot.com/
Biking
- Aside from mountaineering and spelunking, he is also a biking enthusiast. From 1996 to 2002, he was able to tour the whole island of Samar and various parts of the Visayas, visiting places like Leyte, Cebu, Biliran, Camotes, Bohol, Negros, Panay, Guimaras and Boracay.
- In 2001, he was able to complete a journey from Catbalogan to Manila on board his bike. He attempted to make a tour of Luzon in December 13, 2003, which ended in February 27, 2004. In this period, he reached Baguio, Sagada, Aparri, Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Pangasinan, Bataan and Batangas.
- He started his tour of Mindanao in September 26, 2002, visiting various cities there like Dipolog, Oroquieta, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Gingoog, Butuan, Surigao, Siargao.
- He organized the Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA) on September 13, 2003.
-In December 13 2003, he attempted to make a tour in Luzon and ended in February 27, 2004. In this period, he had been into some places in Luzon (Samar,Manila,Baguio, Sagada,Banue, Aparri, Pagudpud,Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Pangasinan, Bataan, Batangas,Mindoro,Boracay,Panany Cebu,Leyte,and back home Catbalogan,Samar.
- He was elected as President of Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA)on May 20, 2007 at Buri Beach Buri Estaka Catbalogan City.
-In November 15-30, 2011 He organize the 1ST SAMAR ISLAND LOOP BIKING TOUR 2011. Biking the whole Samar island.
Website:
http://www.jonisolobiking.blogspot.com/
SAMAR..Catbalogan & Around page 351
Trexplore,a one-man operation run by the entrepreneurial and engaging Joni A. Bonifacio (Tel: 063-055-2512301,Cell: 0919-2943865;[email protected] Abesamis Store,Allen Ave), is the only outfit qualified to lead trips to caves,rivers and gorges all over Samar Island.An avid and passionate mountain biker, Joni can tailor trips to about any specification,however it's best to make arrangement well in advance.
JONI A. BONIFACIO
Trexplore The Adventure
Biography
Joni Bonifacio is fascinated with the unknown, always curious to discover what amazing things existed beyond his place in Samar Island. He developed an early interest in caves when he discovered that he could do the extraordinary to dig into the caves.
Cavers and Spelunkers everywhere had been to Samar caves are grateful for Joni’s tenacity, for it was that determination that later paved the way for some of the greatest discoveries in one of the world's greatest caves in Samar.
Joni was born on September 28, 1978 in Catbalogan Samar, Philippines. After completing high school in his hometown, Joni went on to Cebu to earn a degree, BS Biology in Cebu Doctors' College (School Year 1995 – 2001). Shortly thereafter, he went back to Samar to engage full time in spelunking.
In 1993, he started exploring when he was still in high school in a way of joining the Boys Scout jamborees, outings with peers.
In his college days, he joined the CDC Mountaineering Club as a freshman, with the most of the senior members in the said club that are already graduated and exploring different sites both in and outside of Cebu City, Philippine. Among the important expeditions he had undertaken as a freelancer were the highest peaks in the three major islands of the Philippines such as:
Mt. Apo, (Davao) – March 25 – 27, 2000
Mt. Canlaon (Negros Occidental) – October 17 – 20, 2000
Mt. Pulag (Benguet) – January 21 – 22, 2003
Mt. Kinabalu (Malaysia) - September 25 - 26, 2008
In 1995, he formed the “TREKKERS”, an informal group engaged in exploring into different sites in Samar which are mostly undiscovered but has a large ecotourism potential.
In 2000, he changed the name “TREKKERS” into “TREXPLORE”, as a formal business venture engaged in tour guiding, tourism inventory, cave exploration. Joni spent every available weekend exploring caves near his place in some caves found in Samar.
In March 16 – April 20, 2002, he was recruited or even requested to participate and assisted the French caver Jean Paul Sounier and his team in a week-long expedition in Can-Yawa cave in Calbiga “The Can-Yawa Cave Expedition”.
In March 4 – 9, 2004, he led into another cave expedition in Macatingal Cave in Calbiga, with Jean Paul Sounier's team. This time, they were also joined by Italian team and led by explorer Matteo Rivadossi.
In March 18 – April 3, 2004, he led the same contingent in Las Navas, Northern Samar, in exploring the 3-kilometer cave. Contrary to its name, the said cave actually has a length of 8-kilometers.
In April 26 – May 9, 2005, he led another group of French cavers with Paul Marcel in exploring the “Maybug Sulpan Cave” in Matuguinao, Samar. An 8-km river cave and “Katiklihan Cave” measuring 1km and 121 m.
In April 1 – 27, 2006, he led the Italian group with Matteo Rivadossi, Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Northern (Las Navas) and Western Samar (Jiabong). During the expedition, they discovered the Robin's Cave in Las Navas, the deepest cave in the whole country. It measured of 6 km in length and 190 m depth into the ground. They also visited the “Lobo Cave” and “Panaghoyan Cave” in Jiabong, and it measured 5 km and 900 m.
In March 14 – Apri 10, 2007, he led French group with Paul Marcel in Maslog Eastern Samar and San Jorge Samar. During the expedition, they discovered five (5) caves: “Baboy”, “Mercing”, “Jaime”, “Zoo” and “Bai-ang Caves”. In April 5-8, they also re-visited the “Sulpan Pinipisakan Caves” in San Jorge Samar, and took some photos for documentation after their 15 years, way back 1991.
Caving was not the only pursuit that piqued Joni's interest at an early age. Aside from mountaineering and spelunking, he is also a biking enthusiast.
In 1996 to 2000, he was able to tour the whole island of Samar and various parts of the Visayas (Leyte, Cebu, Biliran, Camotes, Bohol, Negros, Panay, Guimaras and Boracay)
In 2001, he was able to complete a journey from Catbalogan to Manila on board using his bike.
In September 26, 2002, he started to trek in Mindanao and visited various cities in Mindanao (Dipolog, Oroquieta, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Gingoog, Butuan, Surigao, and Siargao)
In December 13 2003, he attempted to make a tour in Luzon and ended in February 27, 2004. In this period, he had been into some places in Luzon (Baguio, Sagada, Aparri, Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Pangasinan, Bataan and Batangas.
In September 13, 2003, he organized the “Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA)
In May 20, 2007, he was elected as President of “Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA) at Buri Beach Buri Estaka, Catbalogan City, Samar Philippine. Joni remained active in cave exploration.
When not crawling around underground, he is occupied with a variety of business and tour-guide in some places in the Philippines.
- In March 29 to April 23,2008 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Taft Estern Samar and Calbiga,Samar. It was during this expedition that they discovered the Guintoble Cave in Brgy.San Rafael Taft E. Samar the hardest and dangerous cave in the whole country. It has a measurement of 4.5 km in length. In April 13- 23,2008 they also visited Brgy.Buluan in Calbiga,Samar exploring Naduian Cave 1.2 Km and Tamag Doi Doi cave 2.3 km.
In March 19 – APRIL 15, 2009, he led another group of French cavers with Paul Marcel in exploring the “Cabang Cave” in Hinabangan,Samar, the cave is 3-km long.
- In April 2 to April 30,2009 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team Exploring caves somewhere in brgy. Buluan, Calbiga,Samar. The most famous discovery is Camparina-Ludi-Bito Cave in Brgy. Panayuran Calbiga, Samar ,the cave has length 8.5 km long.
-In March 11 to April 2, 2010 he led the Italian group once again led by Guido Rossi and a team of experts exploring ULOT RIVER in Paranas,Samar - Can-Avaid N. Samar known to be the longest river in Samar. They discover Kan-maaghit Cave about 300 meters and big sump in the dead end of the cave.
In March 28, 2010 he open SAMAR OUTDOOR SHOP a small business in Catbalogan City,Samar
JONI'S BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Who I am and what I do:
My interest in caves began in my place in Samar Island, Philippines. Ever since, in some expedition I encountered, I observed a lot of things like (bat roost million bats, as well as menagerie of cave-adapted fish, shrimp and crabs, and cave-dwelling scorpions, tarantulas, millipedes centipedes, and beetles. I have been in numerous caves in Samar Island, Philippines.
Areas of expertise:
My experience and expertise include the following: cave survey and mapping; technical climbing and caving; spelunking, bicycling, mountaineering.
How I first became interested in this profession:
Since I was a child, I knew I had the heart of an explorer and I always had an interest in wildlife. While on my "expeditions," I studied the land, I learned how to find things beyond into it, especially with extraordinary animal inside the caves and determine where certain animals were likely to be found. Ultimately, my quest for exploration lead me into this work in ecology ultimately morphed into caves and through caves I found everything I really wanted to know what is inside the caves.
What helped prepare me for this job:
There are two things which have prepared me for my line of work: First is the training augmented by field experience, and Second is the endurance and adventure race training. Because working underground in caves can be quite challenging, I train intensively to maintain top physical condition, and train multiple events. The combination of different training, field experience and endurance training have provided me with the ability to work in the subterranean world.
What I like about my job:
Because there is so little known about caves or even cave-dwelling organisms, are constantly making new discoveries. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of my job would be making new cave discoveries. Additionally, working with a team that plans to explore some caves for extant/extinct life forms is incredibly exciting.
My advice to anyone interested in this occupation:
This is clearly the most creative and exciting job. I recommend anyone who is interested in becoming into this job to apply him or herself, find the scientific and self-discipline they love and work hard towards becoming a major contributor to that discipline. Concomitantly, students and people who love to this alike should never forget the importance of living life fully and being happy. I know many people who chose to bury themselves in their work and this makes many of them very happy. My personal philosophy is a happy life comes through mental, physical and spiritual balance. I believe everyone should challenge and push him or herself intellectually and physically, while pursuing a spiritual totem. Get out there – work hard, explore the world, explore nature, explore culture, and explore your relationships with those you encounter. Breathe deeply, acknowledge your breath, and enjoy and embrace all that life has to offer!
Mountaineering
- Started exploring in 1993, when he was still in high school by way of Boy Scout jamborees, outings with peers. He was more focused in the Samar area during this time.
- In college, he joined the CDC Mountaineering Club as a freshman, further nurturing his interest in exploring. With most of the senior members in the said club already graduated, he set out on his own exploring different sites both in and outside of Cebu City. Among the important expeditions he had undertaken as a freelancer were the highest peaks in the three major islands of the Philippines such as:
o Mt. Apo, (Davao) – March 25-27, 2000
o Mt. Canlaon (Negros Occidental) – October 17-20, 2000
o Mt. Pulag (Benguet) – January 21-22, 2003
o Mt. Kinabalu (Malaysia) - September 25 - 26, 2008
Website:
trexploreclimbing.blogspot.com
climbingtrexplore.blogspot.com
Spelunking
- He went back to Samar after graduation to engage fulltime in spelunking. He formed the Trekkers in 1995, an informal group engaged in exploring different sites in Samar which are mostly undiscovered but has large ecotourism potential.
- In 2000, changed the name to Trexplore, this time as a formal business venture engaged in tour guiding, tourism inventory, cave exploration. Formed a network of contacts and clientele through e-mails and linkages with the Department of Tourism and various travel agencies.
- The Trexplore managed to form contacts with foreign explorers and experts.
In March 16-April 20, 2002, he assisted French caver Jean Paul Sounier and his team in the Can-Yawa Cave Expedition in Calbiga. The said cave measured 12 kilometers long. The survey was not finished due to high water level inside the cave making it difficult for the explorers to penetrate its farther regions.
- In March 4-9 2004, he led another cave expedition in Macatingal Cave in Calbiga once again with Sounier’s team. This time, they were also joined by an Italian team led by explorer Matteo Rivadossi.
- In March 18-April 3,2004, he led the same contingent in Las Navas, Northern Samar in exploring the 3-kilometer cave. Contrary to its name, the said cave actually has a length of 8 kilometers. They also discover Ruben'Cave about 12 km away from km3 cave.
- In April 26-May 9, 2005 he led another group of French cavers led by Paul Marcel in exploring the Maybug Sulpan Cave in Matuguinao,Samar. It is a river cave measuring 8 km long and Katiklihan Cave measuring 1 km and 121 m.
- In April 1-27, 2006, he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Northern (Las Navas) and Western Samar (Jiabong). It was during this expedition that they discovered the Robin’s Cave in Las Navas, the deepest cave in the whole country. It has a measurement of 6 km in length and a depth of 190 m. They also visited the Lobo Cave and Panaghoyan Cave in Jiabong with measurements of 5 km and 900 m respectively
- In March 14-April 10, 2007, , he led French group headed by Paul Marcel in Maslog Eastern Samar and San Jorge Samar. It was during this expedition when they discovered and named five (5) caves namely; Baboy, Mercing, Jaime, Zoo and Bai-ang Caves. On April 5-8 they also re-visited Sulpan Pinipisakan Caves in San Jorge Samar to get cave photo documentation after their 15 yrs visit way back 1991.
- In March 29 to April 23,2008 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team of experts in surveying various caves in Taft Estern Samar and Calbiga,Samar. It was during this expedition that they discovered the Guintoble Cave in Brgy.San Rafael Taft E. Samar the hardest and dangerous cave in the whole country. It has a measurement of 4.5 km in length. In April 13- 23,2008 they also visited Brgy.Buluan in Calbiga,Samar exploring Naduian Cave 1.2 Km and Tamag Doi Doi cave 2.3 km.
In March 19 – APRIL 15, 2009, he led another group of French cavers with Paul Marcel in exploring the “Cabang Cave” in Hinabangan,Samar, the cave is 3-km long.
- In April 2 to April 30,2009 he led the Italian group once again led by Matteo Rivadossi,Guido Rossi and a team Exploring caves somewhere in brgy. Buluan, Calbiga,Samar. The most famous discovery is Camparina-Ludi-Bito Cave in Brgy. Panayuran Calbiga, Samar ,the cave has length 8.5 km long.
-In March 11 to April 2, 2010 he led the Italian group once again led by Guido Rossi and a team of experts exploring ULOT RIVER in Paranas,Samar - Can-Avaid N. Samar known to be the longest river in Samar. They discover Kan-maaghit Cave about 300 meters and big sump in the dead end of the cave.
Website:
www.frenchcavingsamarisland.blogspot.com
www.samarcavingexpedition.blogspot.com
www.italiancavingsamarisland.blogspot.com
www.samarcavediving.blogspot.com
www.visayas2008.blogspot.com
http://www.samar2009italian-french.blogspot.com/
Biking
- Aside from mountaineering and spelunking, he is also a biking enthusiast. From 1996 to 2002, he was able to tour the whole island of Samar and various parts of the Visayas, visiting places like Leyte, Cebu, Biliran, Camotes, Bohol, Negros, Panay, Guimaras and Boracay.
- In 2001, he was able to complete a journey from Catbalogan to Manila on board his bike. He attempted to make a tour of Luzon in December 13, 2003, which ended in February 27, 2004. In this period, he reached Baguio, Sagada, Aparri, Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Pangasinan, Bataan and Batangas.
- He started his tour of Mindanao in September 26, 2002, visiting various cities there like Dipolog, Oroquieta, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Gingoog, Butuan, Surigao, Siargao.
- He organized the Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA) on September 13, 2003.
-In December 13 2003, he attempted to make a tour in Luzon and ended in February 27, 2004. In this period, he had been into some places in Luzon (Samar,Manila,Baguio, Sagada,Banue, Aparri, Pagudpud,Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Pangasinan, Bataan, Batangas,Mindoro,Boracay,Panany Cebu,Leyte,and back home Catbalogan,Samar.
- He was elected as President of Samar Adventure Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA)on May 20, 2007 at Buri Beach Buri Estaka Catbalogan City.
-In November 15-30, 2011 He organize the 1ST SAMAR ISLAND LOOP BIKING TOUR 2011. Biking the whole Samar island.
Website:
http://www.jonisolobiking.blogspot.com/