Zambales Series Part 2: Cinco Picos Dayhike Traverse to Silanguin Cove

One of the exciting portions of a climb event  is when you get the chance to have a side trip. How many of you wants to do more than one specific thing in an outdoor trip? No wonder anyone would not refuse a treat after tiring ascents and descents. No one would say a "no" to relax  or try something more. It may be a beach, falls, spelunking and other opportunities to maximize the trip. As mentioned in the first part of this Zambales series, this province offers a great deal of adventure --- climb and dive! trek and swim! drink and shrink! (what is "shrink?" hehe)

Indeed, it was a great weekend for us. After learning in our pre-climb meeting that Cinco Picos traverse can be done in one day and the other half of the trip would be spent at the beach, i felt a real excitement. I was anticipating a very "hayahay" event. (hayahay is a Bisaya term to depict comfort or refreshing mode).

I was already hearing the so called Cinco Picos back in 2011 during the early days of my hiking career (yes, career!) I told myself, it must be famous and it sounds cool. Yet I wasn't able to scale it, maybe because my heart was caught by other climb invites and that it is not yet an A-list to my invisible not-so-concrete bucket list.

They say it should be climbed during the rainy season. They say Zambales mountains are better be climbed during wet season. You will eventually agree that this can be true.

Alright, I ought to say it ----- the mountains are obviously bald, of grassland feature and really encourage a trek that is very direct to too much sun exposure.

The itinerary therefore was arranged to start very early to lessen the time spent when the extreme heat of the sun has finally spread.

a breathtaking view of sunrise at the jump off point in Sitio Cawag

We arrived in Olongapo at around 3am. We started late. We only began the trek right after the crack of dawn so we have witnessed the sun rising so beautifully from the east at the very jump off point.The first part of the traverse was a real kind of hiking.. a rolling trail surrounded by mountains. The first ever stop for rest was in Pinaglabanan river. I was amazed by the serenity that the river brings. The place is so relaxing but of course we have to resume and continue the trek. 

One of our companions, Qitter, who also owns majority of these wonderful pics

We passed by dry rivers and so we went up and down of their rocks . I believe they were still dry since we are just approaching the rainy season. They still have some evidences of dry and hot summer.

The steady hiking continued and it was all tall grasses that we’ve seen. But I was amazed when we finally spotted the sillhouette of the five peaks from afar. These five peaks depict the very name of the mountain – Cinco Picos.

It must be the climate change! As early as 6:45am, the sunlight has scattered evenly and it was a kind of really irritating hot feeling to our skin. We stopped by another river where the last water source can be found. Beyond that point were all assaults already. The big challenge: the intense heat of the sun. There came a point that I was pissed off. That kind of tiring feeling but you cannot stop since there are no trees to provide a good shade. It was also dehydrating trekking at such long open trails. I was  only getting myself stressed out when I look and imagine Balingkilat next month. How much more difficulty are we going to suffer there with this kind of a sunny trek? I was planning to back out, honestly.

look at this grassland trail...

Going on with the trail, on our uppermost right side is the Subic Base while on the other side is all mountains including the mentioned giant Balingkilat. The dark clouds started to form. Half of us reached the first peak and we had an early lunch there. It was getting foggier and foggier then eventually started to rain. It was better and more managebale than such super sunny trek that we had earlier. Although, i found it a little annoying since it was indeed a long heavy rain.

Foggy view of Subic Base on my left whiile continuing my trek up Peak 1

See you in July Mt. Balingkilat!

We intended to wait for the others at first but since it was getting colder and the rain seemed not stopping, they decided to resume the trek. Yet i was a worrying "Ate" since the last half of the group included my two siblings and two of their friends. Although I was pretty sure they are alright as the tail/sweeper of the group was buddy Dennis, so I believed they were safe. All I had to do was to wait for them at a portion of the descent  where there was a huge rock and a shrub which seemed to cover me up. I’ve almost fallen asleep while standing there over a heavy pouring down of heavens. I was facing the side where Silanguin cove can be viewed already. Although we had a one-second glimpse of it on the first part of the descent, i think it could have been a perfect view if such nimbus clouds weren't there. I was praying then to let the rain stop but at the same time thankful because at least it must be easier to do the trek than managing the extreme heat of the sun. The trail is not so technical, it's just of course a little lengthy.

A supposed to be greater view of Silanguin Cove view while descending from Peak 1

These are the amazing peaks of Cinco Picos

Finally, buddy and “my angels” (my siblings and their friends) arrived and we continued the trek passing by some dry rocky river crossings. We had already viewed the beach and we knew we were approaching the seashore yet it’s not what happened. Our restless yet tired feet were further challenged by another series of a long steady trek – grassland, dry rocky river, grassland, dry rocky river, then finally sand.. and behold, our smile almost reached our ears upon seeing the shores only to find out that the resort that we’ve reserved was another one or two kilometers to trek in order to finally arrive.

Silanguin Cove and the Zambales mountains

So here we are and finally arrived at our destination after the traverse, Silanguin Cove, Yeah! There were some raining moments from time to time but as we could observe the angry dark clouds just stayed at the peaks of the mountains.

I like Silanguin Cove better than Nagsasa. Maybe it's because it's not like the former that is overcrowded. Silanguin Cove is more serene for me although it is an additonal 1-hour boat ride from and to Brgy. Pundaquit.

i wanna sing.. "there's a rainbow ALWAYS after the rain!"

Swimming, laughing, diving, eating fresh seafood, picture taking--- all the good things that beach life can offer.

By the way, we were able to add more yummy food to our table by asking the caretaker of the resort to cook some fresh fish for us.

'found so many dogs there, but found this one the most "gwapo" hehe

I must also commend the kindness of the local guides to us. They had been reliable and dependable companions throughout the memorable traverse.

Here are some important information:

Entry Point: Sitio Cawag, Subic, Zambales
Exit Point: Silanguin Cove, Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales


(Actual Itinerary: We only hit 1 peak as we couldn't  continue due to heave rain, we opted to descend after Peak 1)

Day 1
1000 Take  Olongapo-bound bus,Victory Liner Pasay
0300 ETA Olongapo, eat breakfast at the nearby Chowking/Jollibee
0400 Take pre-arranged Jeepney to Sitio Cawag
0500 ETA Sitio Cawag
0530 Start Trek
0600 ETA Pinaglabanan River
0700 Grassland trek onwards
0830 Last water source before the Assault
1030 Reach Peak 1
1100 Lunch (before Descent)
0200 ETA Silanguin Cove
0300 Tidy up/swimming
0600 Dinner
0800 Socials
1030 Lights off


Day 2

0600 Breakfast
0700 Visit Lake side of the cove*
0800 Swimming/Beach Bumming
1200 Lunch
0200 ETD Silanguin Cove
0400 ETA Brgy Pundaquit
0430 ETD San Antonio; take Olongapo-bound Ordinary Bus
0545 ETA Olongapo
0630 Take Manila-Bound Bus at Viclory Liner
0900 ETA Manila

*According to the guide, a falls that is just 1-hour trek from Silangan Cove can be found and visited

I would like to share with you the lake they've found even if I wasn't able to see it personally. Here's what I've grabbed.

Thank you peeps for making this a wonderful and fun trip!

                                   

Now looking forward to the last leg of of this series: Mt. Balingkilat Dayhike. I am really hoping for a favorable weather and that the event shall push through.

Photo Credits: Qitter Vhostek and Reign Chyng

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Zambales Series Part 1: Nagsasa Cove

Zambales Series (Behind the Title)

I am not too fond of swimming... I am not even into water sports... but since I am exposed to outdoors, beach side trips, and any form of travel that may involve water activities, I am very much willing to learn. (though I’ve got no guts and time yet). Unless I finally learned it, I would forever be just making myself wet and stationary in the middle of the sea or a pool. Worst thing is, that I would be just always be pulled by the tour guide just to move and survive snorkeling. Eh kung akyatan na lang, kaya? haha.. Bakit ba, nasusurvive ko pa rin naman so far ang river crossing ah(LOL, baluktot na katwiran) Hehe.. okay, fine! promise, I will strive to learn how to float and enjoy the deepest treasures of the sea. (rolling eyes)

And here you go! A lot of beachineering and trekking activities can be done and found in one of the gems of Central Luzon!!! – Zambales. ^_^ The eastern part of this province that is 60% composed of mountain range along with various coves and inlets are widely visited by many especially during summer, .

Have you heard about Pundaquit in Zambales? This barangay in the town of San Antonio is either the entry point or exit to various hiking and beach activities in Zambales. I’ll tell you more about it.

By the way, Zambales Series is a self-proclaimed title for the benefit of my blog. And  to clarify, It just happened that for the 3 consecutive months starting May2013, my destinations turned out to be in Zambales province alone. With one destination a month, I had a beachineering in Nagsasa Cove in May, followed by Cinco Picos Traverse with beach side trip in Silanguin cove in June and finally, I would be doing Mt. Balingkilat traverse to Nagsasa Cove in July. This series started in Nagsasa and will end up in Nagsasa. Well again, it just happened that plans seem to turn out to be that way. And what I great series to start and end up with, I guess. (pero sort of "nakakaumay"-- same terrains, same bald mountains,same kind of sand, same boat ride.. same same! but still the same fun and enjoyment)

PART I: Beachineering in Nagsasa Cove

San Antonio is a town that is a very home to many beautiful beaches such as Anawangin, Nagsasa, Talisayin, Silanguin and Capones. And true enough, these beaches are” a-must-experienced” ones.

The sand is a mixture of both sand and ashes and a lot of Agoho trees are scattered all over the cove.

Nagsasa Cove is very popular along with Anawangin cove. I heard a lot about them. It became  favorite destinations for campers and beach fanatics.  They even say it became too commercialized now that it is continuously and increasingly known for its majestic beach and mountain views.

Taking the Iba Trip in Victory Liner, we were dropped off  at the town of San Antonio. From that point, it’s just one tricycle away going to Brgy Pundaquit. The boat ride from there must be pre-arranged. It takes an hour to arrive at Nagsasa. We passed by the Anawangin Cove (so it’s just 30-min ride from Pundaquit). By the way, upon dropping off in San Antonio, a nearby market is just few steps away and you can do some sort of shopping of all the food and things you need.

Here are what we did--- beachineering.. beach bumming.. bonding.. nonstop laughing.. food trip..  ihaw-ihaw party at night

SWIMMING

ikaw na!

anyare?

competitive!

the sea water, oh so tempting! 

A LOT OF PIGGING OUT

(muka namang walang pagkain? hehe)

balat na lang ang natira? LOL

BEACH BUMMING

hayahay ang buhay! ^_^

hey ya, let's play!

henna tattoo, anyone?

1, 2, 3 jump!

this is the real jump shot! LOL

CAMPING

our territory

Here’s a tip: For three reasons, it is advisable to take the earliest bus trip possible.

1)To avoid the morning traffic jam going to Olongapo
2) To prevent yourselves under too much heat of the sun during the boat ride (particularly for the conscious ones, I think it’s better to have early morning ride to Nagsasa)
3.)To maximize the time spent in Nagsasa

So don't you ever forget to apply sunscreen!

tinanghali kami! whew! alam na.. :-P

It has always been mountains for me. And for a change, we’ve agreed to do this weekend getaway. This event has been planned out as early as January 2013 so I’ve been really anticipating for this. This became a piece of summer for me this 2013: a  beachineering get together with my high school friends and climbing buddy, Dennis.

Below info might be of help to you. So here you go, sharing our itinerary and actual list of expenses:

Itinerary

Day 1

0400 Take Iba Trip in Victory Liner (Pasay, Cubao or Caloocan Terminal)

0800 ETA San Antonio

0900 Breakfast/ Buy provisions  in the nearby market

1000 Take Tricycle to Brgy Pundaquit

1030 Prepare for the boat ride

1230 ETA Nagsasa Cove

1230 Set camp

1300 Beach bumming/Swimming

0500 Prepare for dinner

0700 Campfire/Hotdog Party/Ihaw-ihaw Party

Day 2

0600 Wake up call/Early swimming

0700 Prepare for breakfast

0800 Resume swimming

1100 Prepare for lunch

0300 ETD Nagsasa Cove

0400 ETA Brgy Pundaquit, San Antonio

0430 Take provincial bus to Olongapo

0600 ETA Olongapo

0630 Take Manila-bound Bus (Victory Liner)

0930 ETA Manila

Actual List of Damages

>Bus fare to San Antonio -  260 

>Tricycle – PHP 30

>Boat (Round trip) - 500

>Food - 300 (for 7 pax)

>Tent Rental and Camping Fees -  300

>Bus Fare from San Antonio to Olongapo - 44

>Bus fare from Olongpo to Manila – 240 if via SCTEX, otherwise, 220

>For a total of: PHP 1,674.00 each

It is better to bring all the necessary food and other stuff as it would cost you a lot in the existing sari-sari stores there. They're pricey of course.

Other source of income for some roving local Aetas is selling some souvenir stuff such as hammock, key chains, etc. At the end of the day, they allow to have a barter exchange--- your excess food (unopened canned goods, etc) in exchange of their "for sale items"

According to a local there, (the one who took us there with his boat), prior to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, such area in Nagsasa used to be 4 meter-deep that he used to dive in.

What a great summer getaway! This has been the first part of the series… Watch out for the next: Mt. Cinco Picos Dayhike Traverse To Silanguin Cove

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Quadrilogy (4 Peaks) Dayhike

Not that I promote a crazy climb nor I tolerate an insane dayhike.. No! Not that I encourage you to do an unreasonable tiring climb. This is just an optional training climb. Anyway, let’s face it! Perhaps, even the most difficult mountain requires far more than half of your strength and resistance in doing this “4 peaks” dayhike. Name it –Halcon, Guiting-Guiting, Mantalingajan, Sicapoo, Dos Cuernos or Patukan.. and maybe in the same way, you’re bound to do a major  alpine climb. If you want to survive these difficult mountains, or if you’re aspiring to climb your dream mountain, preparation is not a joke. Practice makes perfect as the saying goes. I’m not saying you take it too seriously. Always remember that the very essence of climbing is to take delight in doing this found passion. So just take it lightly and enjoy the training climb.  At some point in your mountaineering life, you may probably realize that to be able to sustain, you have bear the pain.  Well maybe, you can only digest or accept this one if you have that burning desire to conquer yourself in greater summits or complete an epic traverse. You may completely get me if you are in your most passionate state of your desire to climb more mountains.

Guess what? I am a frustrated 4peaks dayhiker! Yes I am. I tried it twice. But it has always been just THREE peaks.Well, just remember my Nasugbu Trilogy dayhike, it’s three! But for those dayhike which intended to accomplish four, I’ve never succeeded yet. Let me tell you why.

By the way, I did two variations.

Makiling 2-PeakTraverse, Manabu Peak and Rockies in One Day

Mt. Makiling boasts its radiant beauty during the start of our traverse

My first attempt was in July 2011.It was my first time to do a dayhike with my climbing buddy, Dennis. My only dream climb then was Mt. Sicapoo as mentioned in my previous posts. To be able to succeed in this “first attempt” to do a major climb, I decided to first try the Ambaguio-Akiki trail in Mt. Pulag and Luzon321. But before these two, I wanted to undergo a series of training climbs that time which were regular weekend hikes and of course, this 4-peak dayhike. Here was the deal – Makiling traverse via Sto. Tomas – UP Los Banos  (which is of course, composed of 2 peaks already) and then we shall proceed to  Manabu Peak and finally Rockies. Technically,it’s a combination of your familiar Makiling traverse and 2-peak dayhike(Rockies-Manabu). We started at 7am and with so much unbridled limatik encounter (as it was rainy season), we arrived and finished at the UPLB at 1pm. After some quick wash up, we took the jeepney to Lipa and another ride thru tricycle to the jump-off point of Manabu in Brgy. Sta. Cruz. Sto Tomas,Batangas. However, nonstop rains challenged us a lot and the muddy trails (and one head lamp for two) caused us to slow down and become behind our itinerary. Apologies as I was a newbie dayhiker that time that I never thought that headlamp is always essential to a dayhike. I was taking it literally then --- I said to myself, “it’s a hiking on daytime anyway so why bother bringing a head light. LOL. How stupid!” From the peak of Manabu, we could already see Mt. Maculot covered by thick clouds. We were thinking by that time if we can still proceed to such next stop. Well we were probably convincing ourselves to something impossible. If you happened to read my post on 2-peak (Rockies-Manabu) dayhike, I told that it is advisable to climb Rockies first as jeepney or bus trip back to Lipa City is crucial after 6pm. It was only 7:30pm when we’re back to Manabu jump off point. Hopeless, my goodness! But here’s the most insane part of all --- apart from not being able to finish the fourth mountain for that day, the truth was we were considering a Mt. Arayat traverse dayhike scheduled on the following day!!! Whew! I even became a carrier of limatik from Batangas to Pampanga. Well, that was another experience, when a mountain leech stayed overnight inside my nose and only decided to loosen up upon being full when we arrived at the town of Dau. Here’s the thing: I may not be able to finish 4peaks on that faithful Saturday yet I was still able to still complete 4peaks on that weekend --- Peak 3 and Peak 2 of Makiling, Manabu Peak, and Arayat. What can I say? Convinced? Hehe.. Don’t get me wrong! I admit it’s not healthy anymore but it just happened that there was a committed scheduled climb with some BUSOG mountaineers (my friends in our mountaineering group) on that Sunday. And maybe, I underestimated the 4-peak dayhike that I thought it’s just an ordinary dayhike and I can manage easily Arayat traverse after doing such.

                               wet look during our Makiling traverse 

           (we're the only ones who  didn't mind the rampant limatik that rainy saturday)

the get up! sorry, just a newbie here at the jump off point in Manabu Peak haha

gloomy view of Malarayat range at the top of Manabu Peak

            first time encounter with the Bedural couple (Ed and Sha) in Manabu

                         together with  their friend, Benjo and Domeng

(Note: Makiling traverse is a major climb while Manabu and Rockies are both minor ones)

Suggested Itinerary


Makiling Traverse via Palanggana Trail (Peak 2 and Peak 3), Manabu and Maculot

0300 Meetup Alabang/Buendia
0400 ETD Sto.Tomas Markert
0600 ETA Sto.Tomas Market/Breaksfast/Buy Packed Lunch
0630 ETD to Palanggana Trail
0645 ETA Brgy. San Bartolome/Register/Last Preparation
0700 Start Trek
0715 ETA Cardiac Trail
0800 ETA Silyang Bato
0900 Melkas Ridge
0930 ETA Peak 3
1030 ETA Peak 2/Rest
1045 Start Descend
1200 ETA Aguila Base
1330 ETA Station 1/Quick Wash-up/Lunch
1400 ETD to Calamba Crossing
1500 ETA Calamba Crossing/ETD Transfer jeep going to Fiesta Mall
1530 ETA Fiesta Mall/ETD Take Tricycle to Manabu Jump-Off
1600 ETA Manabu JOP/Start Trek
1700 Manabu Peak/Rest/Take Pictures
1730 Start Descend
1830 ETA Manabu JOP/ Quick Dinner/ Proceed to Maculot
2000 ETA Maculot/Rockies/Macatmon JOP/Start Trek via Old Trail
2100 ETA Rockies/Macatmon
2115 Start Descend
2230 ETA Maculot JOP/Wash-up

Rockies-Malarayat Quadrilogy

During my second attempt, the deal was a Rockies- Malarayat quadro. We did it as Luzon321 climb was approaching, so I badly needed a training climb. That was sometime in October 2011. It is climbing the Rockies first and then Malarayat range in Batangas which is composed of Mt. Malipunyo(1005masl), Mt. Susong Dalaga (Maiden’s Breast) and Manabu Peak(760masl).  Malarayat is a range of mountains that lies in the provinces of Batangas and Laguna (a trail that ranges from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to San Pablo City, Laguna. There are, of course, other peaks but the mentioned three are the famous ones.

Risky Rockies

We traveled to Cuenca very early in the morning so we first completed the trek to Rockies. We finished early. It was unusual for me descending there as early as 9:30am. Afterwards, we’re bound to proceed to Brgy. Talisay in Lipa City, the entry point in Malipunyo and Susong Dalaga. We first took the Malipunyo side. We hired a guide for Mt. Malipunyo as this mountain, per policy, required guideship of around P800. The trek was very lengthy with no view at the summit and the only thing that makes you fulfilled is the fact that you finished it anyway. Although you will be still challenged by the trail as there are also some assault parts of the trek. There were plenty of lipa (a plant that creates an itchy-painful feeling when your skin accidentally touches its leaves). We finished such backtrail climb at around 3:30pm after starting up at 11:30am. That’s why, you would imagine me getting groggy already doing the next one, Mt. Susong Dalaga trek. From the first step at the jump off point, it was doing an assault climb all the way to summit because of its almost vertical trail. What’s annoying too is the not-so-established and messy trail. I was just wearing a trekking sandals that time and I got a lot of cuts in my feet. Who could enjoy that on a night trek, with almost no view at all upon arriving at the summit.  At 6pm, we started to climb it.The only reward? Well, we still reached the summit and I could finally mark this mountain with a big check. The only question was “when shall I get the eagerness to climb it again?” By the way, if you are atop Manabu Peak, you will see a great view of Susong Dalaga truly depicting a maiden’s breast. For me it was confidently lying there in a very perfect form.  Finally, after transferring to Manabu jump off point, there were no one at the house where the registration and logging should be done. We decided not to proceed. Well that’s the only reason why we were not able to complete the 4 peaks for the second time.

one of the Malipunyo trails

approaching the summit of Susong Dalaga Peak, it was this kind of sunset that we saw!

this grassland is the very peak of Susong Dalaga

(Note: All the concerned 4 peaks are individually major climbs. However, having it as Malarayat range climb is already major. Rockies is of course a minor climb)

Suggested Itinerary

Rockies and Malarayat Range (Malipunyo, Susung Dalaga, Manabu)

0100 Meetup Buendia Bus Bound Lemery
0200 ETD to Cuenca/Maculot JOP/Register
0500 ETA Cuenca/Take Trike/Start Trek
0600 ETA Rockies Summit/Peak/Take Picture/Breakfast
0630 Start Descend
0700 ETA Rockies JOP/Buy Pack Lunch/Proceed to Malarayat Range (Malipunyo)
0800 ETA Fiesta Mall/Take trike going to Malipunyo JOP
0830 ETA Malipunyo/Arrange Guide
0900 Start Trek
1100 ETA Malipunyo Summit/Take Pictures
1115 Start Descend (Back Trail)/Proceed to Susung Dalaga
1230 ETA Susong Dalaga JOP/Quick Lunch
1300 Start Trek
1500 Susong Dalaga Summit/Take Picture/Rest
1530 Start Descend
1630 ETA Susong Dalaga JOP/Proceed to Manabu via Tricycle
1700 ETA Manabu JOP/Start Trek
1800 Manabu Summit/Peak/Take Pictures/Rest
1830 Start Descend
1930 ETA Manabu JOP/Wash-up/Dinner
2100 ETD Manila

Just like the advantage of Nasugbu Trilogy, which seems to be the prequel of this post about training climbs, the proximity to Manila as well as low budget (around 1,500 assuming 2 pax)  are what make it advantageous. Imagine with such value of money and you can already explore 4 peaks.

The great thing about my first attempt to climb these peaks is that, it was first time to climb them all, oh except Makiling and Rockies. I had a good reason to climb and reach their summits. Unlike buddy Dennis who happened to climb them for the "nth time". Well, that’s his role being a climbing buddy—to accompany me. Thanks so much to you! (peace, Dennis!).

If you are interested or planning to do multi-peak dayhike, as I am always saying, believe that you can accomplish it. Again, pacing is sort of a crucial thing. Of course, this is given that you don’t have any advice from your doctor about your physical capabilities or any assessment about your body that may cause you to forgetting this crazy training climb. Again, believe that you accomplish it as in the course of doing a megatraverse or a very major 9/9 climb, you will face much more hardships. Again, just imagine one mountain with many peaks.

I am very glad thinking that finally, this experience of mine was written up. During the heights of my urge to climb more mountains, I never got enough time to put it in the chronicles of my mountaineering life.

I’ve tried.. and I am still looking forward to finally accomplishing FOUR in my next attempt.

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Nasugbu Trilogy Dayhike

Pico de Loro Traverse/Reverse (664+ masl), Talamitam (630+ masl), Batulao Traverse (811+ masl)

Some of you may probably heard about climbing two or more mountains in just one day. For those who may wonder, yes it is possible! This multi-peak dayhike climb has already caught the curiosity of many inclined-to-climbing individuals as they seek for more adventure and challenge.

So just a few hours away from Metro Manila lie three of the famous hiking destinations in Batangas. The pioneer of this climb trio called it Nasugbu Trilogy dayhike and  this includes Pico de Loro, Talamitam and Batulao. Let's call it NT dayhike, and of course they are all located in Nasugbu. Nasugbu is a town not just a home to many beautiful beaches and resorts but as you may see, it is also a sanctuary of scenic mountains.  For those who are familiar with these mountains, you are right, they are all minor climbs but try to roll it into one dayhike event and it becomes a major one. It is a dayhike with an exciting twist and extra challenge of completing all the three hikes. Otherwise, you cannot claim it as a trilogy.

the first ever Nasugbu mountains trilogy by Outdoor Pilipinas

Nasugbo Trilogy Map

More than having it as an extended nature experience, some try it primarily with an intention to do a training climb as NT dayhike is a really a good practice/warm up prior to a relatively major climb. They are those who are aspiring an even more difficult trek. When I tried it in 2011 as part of my training for our Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio-Akiki trails, I was doubting myself at first and yet I was able to finish it. It's just a matter of perspective -- I've viewed it as one high mountain comprised of many peaks.

The advantage?

For a damage to your pocket of only P500-600, you can already accomplish and explore three mountains in a single day and you can already have your desired training climb. Being near to Manila is also an advantage as it is only 2-3 hour drive to the Batangas province.


Records

The first ever NT dayhike was made possible by Sir Benj Magkalas, founder of Outdoor Pilipinas and one who has already established a good name in mountaineering community. According to him, he was looking then for a hike to train himself for their upcoming Luzon 3-2-1 climb, it is climbing the top 3 highest mountain in Luzon, thus, calling such event (as you might have noticed, NT climb is just a baby step to do an even more major trio climb, thus it's really worth trying). What they did was a Pico de Loro-Talamitam-Batulao dayhike. The second one, was organized by my climbing buddy and his climb buddy then, Sir Ed Bedural with the same sequence of the trek but adding one notch to the level of difficulty of the Pico de Loro climb to a seemingly insane traverse-reverse trek. Still they owe the itinerary credit to sir Benj. Apparently, there are many variations, so long it suits your satisfaction on how you will complete the trek.

I joined a NT dayhike invitational climb by Dennis Hisanan in August 2011 which happened to be his 3rd time to do it, Imagine the rainy trek that we faced since it was a wet season already. But more than a wilderness experience is the creation of new friendships and an opportunity to meet more mountain fellows who share the same enthusiasm in doing this kind of outdoor. By the way, it is best to do this multi-peak dayhike with a group. Not just for  budget reasons but it is best to experience and create remarkable moments  with fellows. However slots are still suggested to be  limited to 15 participants. There is a limit because strict compliance to the itinerary is advisable. Remember that it is a dayhike and thus you should finish the trek within 24 hours. Time is everything to this trek and pace is a high consideration.

Regrouping: "happy us" at the summit of Mt. Talamitam

The Mountains

First and foremost, a chartered jeepney is required in this event as this would transport the participants from one mountain to another. All the 3 mountains are not next to each other and they are situated in different locations in Nasugbu.

1. Pico de Loro

pico de loro (mt. palay-palay)

Pico de Loro 's jump off point might be in Ternate, Cavite yet for the NT setting, you'll be doing a traverse having an end point on the other side which is already in Nasugbu. By the way. Pico de loro hike (at 664 MASL) is actually good for first timers, hence the mountain is relatively easy to trek. Actually, we do our invitational climbs especially organized climb for the first timers usually in this mountain). The mountain's highlight is the monolith or parrot's beak, which  is just across the summit. Who could deny the picturesque and breathtaking views of Batangas' mountains and seacapes. However, initializing the traverse through a descent from the summit point marks the beginning of a steep and long trek. Poison ivy or "teka-teka" is also rampant and the forest that one would be facing is some kind of messy. In such end point of the traverse, the chartered jeepney would be waiting  and would eventually transfer the group to the next mountain at around 45 mins.

Here is a guide map courtesy of Sir Benj Magkalas, creator of Outdoor Pilipinas:

2. Mt. Talamitam

mt. talamitam

Standing at 630 MASL is Mt. Talamitam - the second leg of the trilogy is fairly easy trek to a seemingly bald grassland. In a matter of just one hour you should be reaching a summit of 360-degree view including the jagged silhouette of Mt. Batulao, the next and last destination. Beginning February 2013, the jump off point in Brgy Aga imposed a required guideship on the mountain for Php350 0r 400 per day. I happened to climb this mountain twice in separate events in 2011 and the only fee imposed  ( which is Php25) that time was the registration fee at the barangay.

3. Mt. Batulao

Highest of the trio, is  Mt. Batulao perched at 811MASL , this mountain in its bald and jagged grassland feature gives a very scenic view. It may be considered a minor climb yet its high cliff and knife edged trail still depict a risky trek. From Talamitam to Batulao jump off point is approximately 15 mins drive.

mt. batulao

Our actual NT climb in August 2011 was a group of 18 climbers and only nine of us completed the trilogy. Some were injured and already tired after the first two legs of the climb. Others just intended to join the Pico traverse or a twin dayhike which is up to Talamitam.

Due to fork encounters by some of us in Pico Traverse and Talamitam, we just arrived in Batulao jump off point at around 7pm and only after some refreshments did we able to start the Batulao traverse. The traverse from old trail to new trail lasted from 9pm to 3am. Yes, that long hours of night trek was consumed. Oh well, obviously this was due to a rainy and muddy trek. Crazy act it may be but all we wanted was to finish strong and complete the trilogy. According to Dennis, the NT dayhike they made in January 2012 (originally, it was Sha Bedural's climb event but handed down to him because she was already preggy to baby Maktrav that time), given no fork encounters and a start of the first leg in Pico as early as 4am, they were able to finish by 8pm. Well this is fairly convincing, it's just like doing a regular pacing in Makiling traverse. 

early lunch after Pico traverse

Itinerary

I am concluding this post by sharing with you the itinerary of NT dayhike:

NASUGBO TRILOGY I

12:00am Meet-up JOLLIBEE ALABANG
1:00am ETD to Pico de Loro

Start Trek Pico de Loro Traverse
4:00am Start Trek to Mang Rey's Kubo at Pico Basecamp
4:20am ETA Pico Basecamp Mang Rey's Kubo - Get Water and pay regisatration P20, Eat Breakfast
4:45am ETD to Alibangbang from Basecamp. Will by-pass falls
5:30am ETA Alibangbang Commence Summit Assault
6:30am ETA Pico Summit Camp - Get Water for traverse if available
6:15am ETA Pico Summit Pictures - Breakfast Snacks
6:45am ETA Pico Tower (will by-pass tower assault) - Commence Traverse to Nasugbu
7:45am ETA Level Trek Rolling Terrain Nasugbu Trail
8:00am Exit Point Brgy. Hamilo, Nasugbu - Brunch
8:30am ETD to Mt. Talamitam - Lunch on Jeep

Start Trek Talamitam Traverse
10:30am Mt. Talamitam Jumpoff, pay registration, Start Trek
10:45am ETA Talamitam River Last water source, get trail water 2L Minimum
11:30pm ETA Talamitam 4WD Assault via Western Trail
12:00nn ETA Talamitam Summit
01:15pm Commence Talamitam Descent Via Eastern Trail
01:45pm ETA Talamitam Jumpoff, Ride jeep to Mt. Batulao

Start Trek Batulao Traverse
3:15pm ETD Mt. Batulao Evercrest Get Water, Merienda, Buy Packed Dinner
4:45pm Start Trek to Mt. Batulao Camp 1 Old Trail
5:45pm ETA Camp 1 - Commence Summit Assault Prepare headlamp
6:45pm ETA Mt. Batulao Summit, Sunset Pictures, Merienda
7:15pm Commence Mt. Batulao Summit Descent via New Trail Night Trek
8:00pm ETA Batulao Jump off - rest and clean up

To Manila
9:00pm ETD Manila
11:00pm ETA Manila


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NASUGBO TRILOGY II

12:00mn Meet-up Jollibee Alabang
01:00am ETD to PICO(Please don’t be late)

Start Trek Pico de Loro Traverse-Reverse
04:00am Start Trek to Mang Rey's Kubo at Pico Basecamp
04:20am ETA Pico Basecamp Mang Rey's Kubo - Get Water and pay registration P20, Eat Breakfast
04:45am ETD to Alibangbang from Basecamp. Will by-pass falls
05:30am ETA Alibangbang Commence Summit Assault
06:30am ETA Pico Summit Camp - Get Water for traverse if available
06:15am ETA Pico Summit Pictures - Breakfast Snacks
06:45am ETA Pico Tower (will by-pass tower assault) - Commence Traverse to Nasugbu
07:45am ETA Level Trek Rolling Terrain Nasugbu Trail
08:00am Exit Point Brgy. Hamilo, Nasugbu - Brunch
08:15am Start Reverse Trek
08:45am ETA Level Trek Rolling Terrain Nasugbu Trail
09:45am ETA Pico Tower (will by-pass tower assault) - Commence Reverse to Ternate
11:00am Pico Jumpoff
12:00 NN ETD to Mt. Talamitam - Lunch on Jeep

Start Trek Talamitam Traverse
12:30pm Mt. Talamitam Jumpoff, pay registration, Start Trek
12:45pm ETA Talamitam River Last water source, get trail water 2L Minimum
1:30pm ETA Talamitam 4WD Assault via Western Trail
02:00pm ETA Talamitam Summit
02:15pm Commence Talamitam Descent Via Eastern Trail
02:45pm ETA Talamitam Jumpoff, Ride jeep to Mt. Batulao

Start Trek Batulao Traverse
03:15pm ETD Mt. Batulao Evercrest Get Water, Merienda, Buy Packed Dinner
03:45pm Start Trek to Mt. Batulao Camp 1 Old Trail
04:45pm ETA Camp 1 - Commence Summit Assault Prepare headlamp
05:45pm ETA Mt. Batulao Summit, Sunset Pictures, Merienda
06:15pm Commence Mt. Batulao Summit Descent via New Trail Night Trek
08:00pm ETA Batulao Jump off - rest and clean up

Contact number for the chartered jeepney:  Kuya Rey (0939 816 7785)

Aiming for more difficult climb requires enough preparation, so if you want to experience more and witness more in mountaineering, you gotta prepare enough and expect for the worse. The important thing is to build stamina and get your feet used to walking in the trails at a more improved pace since many of the major climbs are strictly following the itinerary for safety purposes.  If you are preparing for an undeniably high resistance-required major climb but still looking for a much friendly-to-the pocket climb, NT dayhike may be of good help to you.

I'm telling you, when you've reach the point of finishing the first two legs, it's so tempting not to proceed with the last one. and that's the challenge! You might be convincing yourself that you've done so far with the first two. But let's see how long would you be able to sustain? Besides, if you won't do it, how much more awaits if you finally do a much more difficult mountain?

If anyone have already done this, well, kudos to him for not giving up and completing it all.  But for those who would be doing this being a first timer to all the 3 mountains, I would like to hype you up as exciting adventure and surprises truly await in this single event. It's not your ordinary weekend dayhike, not even an easy trek yet it's definitely a fulfilling one.

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Bluish Trekker in True North Magazine!

By the time, a good friend of mine, named Mars Quizon, phoned me a few months ago, I could not help but leaped for joy on the excitement of being interviewed regarding the mountaineering interests and hiking/travel activities I've been inclining to for the past two years. She is a contributing writer to the True North Magazine and a servant/sister in our community called Lingkod-Makati branch. And together with another sister named Therese Pelias, from Lingkod-Marikina, who was also a contributing writer to the said magazine, they threw a great deal of effort on making an article possible in relation to their themed issue for April, it was all about travel and journey in a deeper context.

More interesting topics  can also be found in the magazine and the wholeness of it succeeded in its aim to express more meaningful thoughts on being a pilgrim on a journey called life.

When Mars finally gave me a copy of it, I was so happy to know that the April issue has been out already. I felt so excited.  It was just encouraging and I thank God for giving me such opportunity . It was not to brag anything or the like, but it was truly a privilege and honor for me. All the glory and credits be given to the Most High. I am hoping that the article inspire not only the brothers and sisters in the community but as well as those who are searching more meaning and purpose as well as finding more colorful journey in their lives. The article entitled "Come, Let us Go up!" featured some of the travel/climb experiences, reflections and discoveries of Dom Hormigos (a brother in Lingkod-Alabang) and of mine. I am planning to post here the entire article (if the authority permits it) for the benefit of you, my viewers. For now, here's a quick look of the said portion in True North.

By the way, True North is a publication of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon and its partners - Christ's Youth in Action, Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon, and the Institute for Pastoral Development.

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