Exploring the Philippines

CharlesHS

TJ Expert
Supporting Member
Lifetime Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
5,521
Location
Jacksonville FL, Quezon Philippines
While I realize this is not a TJ related trip, but I thought some of you might be interested.
Spent the past 5 weeks in the Quezon Province of the Philippines working on my 1993 PZJ 75 LandCruiser and then exploring the rain forest up in Kinabuhayan near Dolores and the local mountains of Tayabas City outside of Siraya.
Working on the truck in temperatures of 95* with 85-90% humidity is not fun which required me to take break every so often to get cooled down and rehydrated.
The drive from my house to the rain forest takes almost 2 hours, the elevations is >4000' and the trails and roads are quite steep; so much so that the transmission was in 1st gear in my 3.5L 5 cylinder diesel.
The temperature is cooler, the scenery is gorgeous with lots of clouds and rain.
While I was walking around me an my brother in law had to take cover for over an hour due to a very heavy rain.
Looking forward to being back in Jacksonville where the night time temperatures get below 80* and humidity is only 75-80%.


IMG-1090.JPG
 
I always enjoyed visiting the Phillipines during my Navy career, I made it a point to stay away from the "sailor towns" of Olongapo and Subic City and found many fascinating places to visit, mostly northern Luzon from Baguio north. Great people, good times.

Friendly literary criticism (but is any form of criticism truly friendly?): You could have made your post more Jeep-related by adding some pics of the jeepneys you encountered... ;):sneaky::LOL:
 
  • Like
Reactions: StG58 and Sancho
I always enjoyed visiting the Phillipines during my Navy career, I made it a point to stay away from the "sailor towns" of Olongapo and Subic City and found many fascinating places to visit, mostly northern Luzon from Baguio north. Great people, good times.

Friendly literary criticism (but is any form of criticism truly friendly?): You could have made your post more Jeep-related by adding some pics of the jeepneys you encountered... ;):sneaky::LOL:

I was in the USN and spent time in the Philippines 79-81 and have returned to the PI numerous times since then.
I have traveled all around the main island of Luzon and have only been able to see a minute portion of all the things to see.
Also went to Puerto Gallera on a small island off the southern coast.
You would not recognize Subic, Clark AFB, and Olongapo with all the changes.
Subic is a Free Trade Port, Clark AFB is a Domestic Air Port and Olongapo has been totally refurbished with only a few signs of what the town was (IF you know what to look for).
Hope these make the post Jeep oriented; so here are your Jeepney pics and a few more from the trip.

IMG_1620.JPG


IMG_1618.JPG


IMG-1602.JPG


IMG-1594 (1).JPG


IMG-1599.JPG


IMG_0571.JPG
 
Last edited:
I enjoy visiting as often as I can, but I have to admit that working on your vehicle in this heat and humidity can be difficult; trying to locate parts will almost always require having them shipped in.
A couple years ago I had to order a new radiator since the local shops were having a problem repairing the core. Finally found a shop that was able to fix the core so I kept the NEW radiator from Japan in the shipping box as a spare.
This trip I needed to get the fuel tank repaired which required brazing a couple pin holes; the entire repair was $40 which included draining the tank, removing the tank, brazing and reinstalling the tank. Repairs on town IF you can find someone to do what you need; is CHEAP....
 
Last edited:
Similar weather in Louisiana. I just make sure I get up at sunrise and work until it gets too hot.
 
UPDATE:

Arrived back in Jacksonville around noon on the 29th after having the Domestic connecting flight in Miami delayed at least 6 X and then finally cancelled at 0100 on the 29th. I was put up in a hotel for several hours and then back to the airport for the connecting flight into Jacksonville.
Already have plans for a return to the Philippines the end of December, but I need renew my Passport due to the requirements of at least six months remaining prior to expiration when you start your trip.
Plans are for more exploring of the mountains and visit a few local Off Road Obstacle Courses; more pictures to come of the local scenery later this year.
 
Back in the Philippines for another visit.
Arrived the 2nd week in December and have been working on the LandCruiser.
Found out some of the 30+ year old fuel lines have hardened and cracked causing fuel leaks.
Just trying to locate rubber fuel line has been a challenge.
I had to go to several local parts shops before I was able to locate Fuel Rated hose of the correct size.
Changed out the fuel hoses in my garage with a ceiling fan blowing….
The LC is back on the road…

IMG_2151.jpeg


IMG_2156.jpeg


1705799425473156.jpeg


IMG_1988.jpeg
 
Last edited: