It was only this year that I heard a lot about Maranat. I just recently saw a lot of facebook uploads about it. 'Sounds something unusual! Then I got my chance to visit it. =)
I can say Maranat is unique in different ways. It's not a typical mountain where you would expect a highest peak or a summit. Really, it is not. But of course it's still a mountain and they say it's part of Sierra Madre range (most likely Mt. Oriod).
I can say Maranat is unique in different ways. It's not a typical mountain where you would expect a highest peak or a summit. Really, it is not. But of course it's still a mountain and they say it's part of Sierra Madre range (most likely Mt. Oriod).
Maranat is also a close neighbor to Mt. Balagbag. In fact, its jump off point is in Licao-licao in Rodriguez, Rizal which is similar to Mt. Balagbag. Ting ting ting! The good news? Well, obviously it's just somewhere near Manila and it's easy to get there. What I am also amused about is that it is not a traverse-type of a climb and yet the trekking itself is passing through the boundaries of two provinces, that is, making an entry point in Rizal walking all the way to Bulacan, specifically the town of San Jose del Monte. (It is said to be almost within the area of Norzagaray town, also in Bulacan).
The Highlight
So
what is special about Maranat? Instead of looking forward to a
fulfillment by reaching a summit, one would equally be satisfied by its
ultimate final destination -- its beautiful falls hidden in the middle
of the mountain along with serene campsite overseen by a local named
Tatay Nestor who also owns a nipa hut there.
The Trail
One may not anticipate any highest peak yet an alternate ascending and
descending trails are still part of the trek. Around 10-15mins after the
start up from Licao-licao, there's a point where instead of straight
direction (which is heading to Balagbag), getting to Maranat would mean
taking the left turn. Oh I missed taking a snapshot of it, but i am 100%
sure it's easy to find and is obvious because otherwise, heading
straight would mean ending up with an open trail to Mt. Balagbag trail.
The
first part of the trek (more than 1 hour I guess) is fairly easy passing through various residential areas. However, during that weekend
that we did the trek, the terrain made it a little more challenging for
us because it was muddy and we could not trust on both rocks and muds as
they are really slippery to step at. (It's June and the past days/week
had been a sort of rainy).
A
very relaxing nipa hut along the trail can be found after a couple of
minutes. Afterwards, we encountered a steady trail with a mix of
ascending and descending ones. The trails then become open and more of
grassland.
But
that's situated in another mountain. This means that we have to take a
deep, steep, rocky downward trail to get to the river and after crossing
such river, we need to ascend the next mountain.
Walking
after less than an hour, we could already view the campsite and the
falls beside it which both seem to encourage us more to continue with the
trek. From that point, I couldn't wait to finally get there!
The
trail going down is muddy and cautions must be observed as it is
dangerous, steep and slippery.
Assisted
by our guy companions, it wasn't too difficult to get to the other side
of the river even if the water level is almost waist high of my
height. Of course, it could be risky or not passable when there's an
inclement weather where water level can drastically rise.
 |
| This area is a sort of zipline wire to get to the other side. Got no idea when it can be operated or used |
As expected, the backtrail is a bit longer as this descent trail that we
took was the same trail that we had to ascend on our way back. It's the
total opposite of the normal climb. Going to Maranat is more of downward
trail while going back home is like you just get to start climbing a
mountain.
Actual number of hours during our ascent (with a lot of rest): 3.5 hours
Actual number of hours on our descent: 2.8 hours
Blissful Camping
After enduring a 10-15 minute ascent from the river, we reached the campsite. A nipa hut was the very first thing that we saw.
Below were two of the cute and playful pets of Tatay Nestor which seem to be so homey and are used to a life in the mountain.
This one reminds me of my childhood as I remember it so plentiful during summer. It's called "talutot" in our town. Oh forgive me that I forgot from which tree it came from.
We
chose the camping area which is just 5 minutes away from the falls. The
camping ground is not that flat making you to slightly slant when lying
down but nevertheless still suitable for setting a tent. Water source is
absolutely not a problem as aside from the fact that the campsite is close to the falls, Tatay Nestor has water hose/system. We were even able to take a
good bath as we can freely use their comfort room and bathroom. I have
learned that many of the mountaineers there are avid campers of Maranat
and are resident climbers as one of them claimed. This climber has
mentioned that staying there more than the normal overnight climb is not
new to her. I have heard from Tatay Nestor himself that there are a
few climbers there who have stayed for more or less than one month. But
it's really not that surprising. I cannot question them. Staying there
is satisfying and soothing and if you are looking for serenity and
simplicity -- fresh air, abundant water, refreshing nature, quiet place
--- well, it appears like you can no longer ask for more. Tatay Nestor
even told us that when heat strikes during lunch time, he simply goes to the
falls, listens to the water flows and feels the refreshing water then
he's fine and cooled down afterwards.
I have only one comment. There are plenty of mosquitoes and I find them so annoying. Until this write up or two weeks after the climb, several marks of their bites are still visible in my skin and are very itchy (Well, I don't know if that goes by the blood type because eversince I am mosquitoes' favorite).
I have only one comment. There are plenty of mosquitoes and I find them so annoying. Until this write up or two weeks after the climb, several marks of their bites are still visible in my skin and are very itchy (Well, I don't know if that goes by the blood type because eversince I am mosquitoes' favorite).
By the way, heavy rains disturbed us during the night. Indeed, it's rainy season already.
The second day was maximizing the stay and enjoyment at the falls. We were able to reach the farthest one. Water is so abundant and free flowing. I honestly wanted to stay for one more night if only I had no work the following day.
The second day was maximizing the stay and enjoyment at the falls. We were able to reach the farthest one. Water is so abundant and free flowing. I honestly wanted to stay for one more night if only I had no work the following day.
I
asked Tatay Nestor how Maranat started to become known to many
climbers. He said it began when Sagip Kagubatan was formed and when a good
and nature-concerned person named Oliver Solomon expressed the
willingness to help him plant more trees and save the mountains. Tatay
Nestor willingly told us about his life and how he got to Maranat. One
thing he is advocate of is to save the nature. For him, reforestation is
actually not the absolute solution nor the annual budget that government
appropriates on it, it is being "hands on" and proper monitoring that can
totally solve the problem.
Coaling
is the primary source of livelihood in Maranat but it has also caused the
mountain to lack more trees and has triggered erosions. This, according
to Tatay Nestor if not replaced with new trees can cause worse flood or
clean water shortage to Metro Manila and nearby areas. That's his only concern. He
wants the future not to suffer and he is totally thankful to Sagip
Kagubatan for the initiatives it has done already.
This bald area of the mountain has actually a portion with soil erosion.
Such weekend may have an abnormal weather (a quick
alternate of sunny and rainy), but it let us experience a great time of
adventure and a good feel of nature. In the future, I am looking forward
to be back to this paradise-like Maranat -- simple, hidden and serene. (I'll have my mosquito bites healed at least
hehe).
How to Get There?
1. Take a bus in EDSA going to Tungko.
2. Alight in Tungko and go to the market which has a terminal of jeepneys going to Licao-licao.
3. Drop off in Licao-Licao
4. Take a tricycle going to Barangay hall for registration.
*Getting a chartered jeepney is also advisable for convenience
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