Chillax Camping at Papaya River

There’s always a season when work loads are getting heavier than the usual. 

And I really felt like climbing to divert my mind on this particular weekend..

This May, I knew from the start that more works are expected in the coming weeks but the first weekend is still safe for any  getaways  or  commitments. However, I was afraid I might fall short of the time for reports preparations, so decided to have a half day Saturday overtime.

The original plan was a Cinco Picos traverse to Silanguin Cove. But as mentioned, I decided to have a short weekend overtime. My buddy Dennis and I  agreed for a Tarak Ridge trek in Mariveles, Bataan. And I really thought, it would be ok. All I wanted was a relaxing getaway that’s why an idea of Papaya River camping sounds good. For all we know, what we could only get was stress in getting there, since we would be leaving Manila on a Saturday afternoon after the overtime. We had our meet up in Genesis Transit terminal in Pasay City and no bus was available when we arrived there. We decided to transfer to Cubao terminal and it was really hard to find a bus, we walked and walked and walked. We could not find the exact location where buses could stop to let us ride. Hassle ride.. traffic.. crowded bus.. what more can I say?  But it’s alright.. we learned new things.. On this specific day, I believe we were the only mountaineers who did this. Sounds like crazy.. but the climb pushed through even though we almost got frustrated when during the trip it was raining so hard particularly in Pampanga and some areas in Bataan.

We arrived at around 9pm at the jump off point. This is what I love about Tarak Ridge climb—easy transpo and it's only along the highway. We registered in barangay office and after a few minutes, we started the night trek. After 20 minutes, we reached Nanay Curding’s house. She was already sleeping by the time we arrived and she was so nice when she still opted to entertain us for some coffee break and short conversation. This was also my first time to talk to her as the first time I climbed Tarak Ridge, I never happened to know her nor say Hi to her. 

I admit I was a little afraid to do this night trek. I was in fear that at any moment, we might encounter snakes along the trail. But I just prayed to God and trusted my buddy. I missed this! Oh night trek! The great thing about night trek is you won’t get tired nor get perspired easily unlike when you’re trekking under the heat of the sun.

Of course, it was really dark and the only surviving light for us was my head lamp. It was difficult as we crossed the landslide part. After 2 hours, we arrived at Papaya river, thank God one of the mountaineers/campers there was like a good Samaritan to us as he let his "super" lamp light as as we set our tent. ("super" because its extreme light is really awesome)

Dennis cooked our dinner while I was sleeping like Señorita. :)
 

The next day was just relaxing. Long sleep, food trip, picture taking, and Papaya river swimming. Although it rained  at noontime, we still didn’t find it difficult to trek on our way back.

What was funny was, we learned the easy way to cross the landslide portion there, but it was only after we took the the riskier & harder trail.To think, there was actually an established trail. We just didn’t see it..

I couldn't believe, we didn't have enough money on this climb.. waaah, we forgot to withdraw money from the ATM when we left Manila. And so before going home to Manila, we had to go first to the town proper of Mariveles to look for an ATM.. and therefore, t'was a lesson learned (don’t bring exact money, make sure to have extra)

Read More »

Escape to Mt. Malindig

Mar 10-11,2012, Marinduque Province

This was an event for our group, B.U.S.O.G Mountaineers, organized together with Lauren Ramos and Manny "Qitter" Abiog. We were just having a breakfast then at Mcdo after  a 5K  run (Run for  Cancer  Patients) in September2011. We wanted to have a dayhike and we didn’t agree which mountain to climb next. It has to be something we’ve never climbed yet. It has to be something new for the three of us.

We thought of having a dayhike in Cinco Picos or Balingkilat in Zambales until we came up with the idea of “how about crossing the sea and getting into another island??” 

Then came the idea of climbing Mt. Malindig in Marinduque. I was so excited! It was actually included in my bucket list for 2011. Such island is just  direct across our town in southernmost part of Quezon province and  I was really planning to climb this mountain because everytime my bestfriend and I go to our town’s port to witness the sunset while having a good conversation, what always catch my attention is that highest peak in Marinduque. During that time, I had no idea yet of its name.

To continue, this Malindig climb event was originally planned in December 2011 but due to some constrainsts we opted to move the event to March 2012, at least to have an ample time to save up money perhaps for this.

Majority of the participants were from BUSOG mountaineers of course; 3 of my friends in Lingkod community were able to join too as well as my sister Jahmie whose first ever summit was this mountain.

Aside from the excitement of climbing a mountain in an island, we were able also to enjoy the long trip, it was a 4 hour-ride to Lucena , and from Dalahican Port in Lucena to the island was another  3 hours. It wasn't actually the bus trip but it was the ferry ride that we enjoyed the most.  We stayed for few more hours at the  port, simply because we had a mistake in getting an accurate information on the ferry schedule (please see itinerary below and other info).

Amazing Sunrise

 It was a smooth sail that funny how Lauren and I didn’t even notice that we were already 30-minutes sailing and “to add insult to the injury”, she even attempted to confront the driver(or the navigator of the ferry) and questioned him why we are not yet moving, which apparently puzzled him. Haha! 

Just when we were about to arrive at the island, we were blessed enough to witness a beautiful view of sunrise. I was really delighted that we almost never stopped taking pictures. We arrived at Balanacan Port in the town of Mogpog at around 6am that morning of March 10. We were picked up by our chartered jeepney and ate our breakfast in Boac after a few minute-ride.

It was another few more hour-ride goin to the town of Buenavista where Mt. Malindig is located. We passed by around three towns of the island province starting from the port- Mogpog, Boac (the capital of the province) and Gasan. There’s nothing super peculiar that I saw during our ride. The towns have  just narrow roads, plenty  of trees, mountains and seas  which reminded me of my hometown and I really felt  home. But, this island is simply wonderful in its own ways--- the serenity of its isolation, the scent of seas,  the simplicity of the locals. These just gave me an indescribable joy.  Hey, I crossed the sea and now standing in a land not connected to the major Luzon. I definitely embraced the joy of being in a small island like this.

Before starting the trek, we first secured our permit  and then bought food and some stuff. From the town proper of Buenavista, we could already see the whole of Mt. Malindig. For me, it resembles Mt. Talamitam in Batangas, bald and open mountain. The only difference is that it is standing at 1,157 MASL compared to Talamitam which is only at 630 MASL. Thus, our trek to campsite was a challenge as we faced the extreme heat of the sun. We started the trek at around 1:30PM.

Our first take-5 rest was a "buko" break. Kuya, the guide, was so good that he picked buko for us  and t’was for free. After the buko break, we reached the open part of the mountain. It’s like a pasture with a rich grassland and cows and horses are scaterred. Open as it is, as we elevate ourselves,  we gradually saw the half  (one side) of Marinduque island. The sea’s simply a magnificent view.

Me and my sister Jahmie

greeny open trail

We arrived at the campsite at around 4pm. We set camp, relaxed and prepared our food.  We planned to summit right after we took some rest and unfortunately, it started to get foggy. We decided to summit the next day as advised also by the guide and two armies there. We felt safe being within the vicinity of the military area. They were good to us. They even let us use some of their things.

We had a getting to know activity in our socials after the dinner—a night full of laughter. Then, we agreed not to summit on the next day given the circumstance of thick fog and instead pave way for the side trip. I felt bad knowing that we won’t be reaching the summit anymore.  And so, the night was really getting cold because of the fog. I even felt like I was in Pulag.. it was sooooo cold, seriously.

The next day, we were still having hope to reach the summit but all we could see was fog. It was very cold. However, as the morning  went on and as the camp site was getting clearer thankfully with the vanishing fog, Lauren and I had the feeling that we should go for summit. I was thinking also for my sister, Jahmie. It should be her first summit. This event is a climb and sidetrips are just side trips. Surprisingly, all of us agreed. They were up for summit. It was only 8:30am, when we ascended. The trail is just like some other mountains that I have already climbed yet still challenging because of the mud perhaps brought by the fog /slight rainfall last night. And so we reached the summit—no views, it's covered by trees and it’s  just a mossy one. But the joy of reaching the summit was still there. According to the guide, they are planning to build a wood deck for the mountaineers or anyone reaching the summit to see the views from that highest peak.

trail from summit to the campsite

our group at the summit!

The bad thing was one of our companions got injured, Joseph. We looked for a “manghihilot” when we're back at the jump off point, good thing he was able to manage the pain.

Obviously, we ran out of time on our descent and sidetrip was just impossible. We had to get to the Balanacan port by 3:30pm. Unfortunately, we were not able to arrive there on time. Thankful that there was a trip schedule at 6:30pm. Kenneth, tagged as our chef, cooked some pasta for us while waiting for the call time.

And so we sailed back tired yet happy. We browsed our pictures and laughters were inevitable because of the funny moments of the climb.We enjoyed again the ferry ride. Big check for Mt. Malindig!

taken from the campsite

time to be back home...

ITINERARY (Actual)

Day 0

2100 Board Dalahican-bound bus from either Buendia or Cubao

Day 1

0400 Board ferry to Mogpog port (Balanacan)

0730 ETA Marinduque, make arrangements for transportation to Buenavista.

0800 Breakfast/Stopover at Boac

1030 ETD Buenavista/ETA jump-off point in Brgy. Sihi.

1100 Prepare Lunch before start trek

1230 Lunch

0100 Start trek.
0345 ETA military outpost, 900 MASL. Lunch.

** Schedule of trips (Dalahican to Balanacan): 1:00am; 4:00am 

Day 2
 

0600 Wake up

0800 Commence summit assault.

0930 ETA summit. It is covered with trees and there is much to see.
1030 start descent
1200 back at the campsite

0200 ETA back at jump-off point

0400 ETA Balanacan Port/Arrange for Transpo/Buy tickets

0630 ETD Balanacan Port

1000 ETA Dalahican Port

0200 ETA Manila

** If earlier, sidetrip is possible (Spelunking and Falls Adventure - Malbog Hot Springs, Torrijos Falls, Bathala caves, etc)

**Last trip back to Lucena is at 2000hr.
** Schedule of trips (Balanacan to Dalahican): 4:00pm; 6:30pm; 8:00pm
** For those planning a climb, locals/military there prefer an outreach or tree planting

Expenses per Individual Excluding Food
 (Php 1,500 budget is safe but may vary depending on the number of participants)

Bus Fare (Manila to Dalahican Port, Lucena City and vice versa)				219.50 one way x 2		PHP	439.00
Dalahican to Balanacan and vice versa				260.00 one way x 2			520.00
Teminal Fee				30.00 one way x 2			60.00
Hired Jeep				**15 pax			400.00
							1,419.00

Read More »

Mt. Sicapoo: An Extreme Dream

 ..because it’s my first 9/9 climb.. and because it’s my dream climb.. I was just overwhelmingly happy.

On the last few steps of my excited feet heading the summit.. I was asking myself.. “How should I feel now that I’m close to my dream?” Should I completely be happy that finally this dream is about to materialize? Hey, it’s no longer an imagination, right? Few minutes more and I would finally have the first glimpse of that giant penguin. Should I desire to have the moment be paused so that this dream would not come to its end? “

Well, I just remembered Santiago, a character in Paulo Coelho’s best-selling book,The Alchemist.. Santiago fears pursuing his dream to make a pilgrimage to Mecca because he thinks he will have nothing to live for once he’s achieved his dream. 

I was just afraid that the very moment o f realizing the Sicapoo dream would obviously come to an end.. I may be able to climb it again but the moment of “first” would never be the same. Of course,I have other dreams to pursue, but as a newly-sprouted mountaineer, it’s just different. It’s just special..All I wanted during that time is a slow mo-effect of that very moment so that I would feel every split of a second.

How dramatic. But this was exactly what I felt during our summit ascent. This was really a much awaited climb for me as this had been already set as early as August last year.  And I couldn’t believe that it was materializing during that time.

This climb was made possible by our organizer, Dennis Hisanan of Castle Mountaineer (and also my climb buddy as mentioned on my previous blog posts). I am indeed thankful of him.

We’re a total of 8 mountaineers who did the Mt. Sicapoo Traverse  via Timarid and Simagaysay including Joachim Beadoy - Castle Mountaineer Founder; Phoenix Custodio – Castle Mountaineer; Ceejay Custodio – Green Mountain Tribe; Jenny Tanedo –DLSU OC;Tere Rance- STMG; Brian Feliciano – Blue Mountaineer.

It was a 3-day expedition. Day 1 was a jam-packed river crossing at Gasgas river. We were blessed by a very fine, sunny weather making a tolerable leg-level of water. I really enjoyed the hike and we even take some time to swim. After long hours of rocky riverside trek, we scaled  a very steep, nonstop-like assault (Balbalitok). Every time I reached a peak, I could not rejoice because upon reaching the top, a continuous assault to another peak awaits. But the view is just relaxing and breathtaking and this part of the climb is what I enjoyed the most. I prefer assaulting than descending. My knees and legs endure more when ascending.

We should have been setting the camp at Bubuos campsite, however, our organizer decided to set camp at Saulay junction as it would be a great relief if we instead take a rest and save the 1-hour trek to Bubuos on the following day (considering that we are carrying backpacks that day and on the next day which was the summit assault, we would be just carrying assault pack). By the way, as suggested by buddy Dennis, we should be carrying light packs for easier trekking, and so we didn’t  use our long packs.

Day 2 was the moment.. the summit day. It was another beautiful sunny day. We passed by a number of knife edge, both wide and narrow steep trail, but continuous assaults (just like of Akiki) and mossy forest (Bubuos, Balbalite,Pakpako, Matalindong).. and finally Sicapoo. I was truly amazed of the giant rock penguin perched on its summit.We were given a good  clearing although the other side was already covered by clouds.

The trail on the the second day, for me, was not that so treacherous (except for the knife edge)but the biggest challenge was, it would actually put your strength to the limit because of the very long trek and water source is limited. We arrived back at the campsite around 12midnight already, cool breeze added to the difficulty that’s why we couldn’t take a long rest along the trail. We set bonfire during our rest to warm us.

Day 3 was a total challenge for me. This day was the much-awaited “uwian” mode. (I was so excited to eat a real ulam , not Ulalammm and Corned Tuna anymore, please!) The bad thing was, you’ll be going back to the campsite and yet you’ll still be climbing mountains. This day was the traverse via Timarid and Simagaysay mountains.

Looking at Timarid from our camp site, I already foreseen a warning, we would undergo a not so easy assault, or let me say a difficult assault. It is an open, steep mountain. And yes, we actually did bouldering under an extreme heat of the sun, (I think that was before lunch). We stopped by a creek for our lunch by the way.. and then a continuous descent followed and it wasn’t favorable for me. I actually hit my left arm when I slipped on a trail descending Timarid. Trekking on Simagaysay is still a continuous descent however it’s not that steep like what we previously went through. And yet, It was really hard for me.. and for my knees..This was the time that I became out of focus. I hate that.. I fell down more and I realized that one would be facing a serious risk when he is not focused on the trail he’s walking at. I tried to calm down myself and thankfully I was able to be back to myself.

A very long Batulao-like mountain followed. We witnessed the sun beautifully setting on the west. It was awesome. We passed by the One Degree plateau. The bridge marks the end of the trek. Around 8pm when we reached the jump off point.

I’d like to salute Ma’am Tere for having that kind of patience and endurance so that she may successfully complete the traverse. And she did it!  Thumbs up to all my companions for this successful expedition. I  would also like to thank our guides led by Tatay Emilio who patiently guided us and to his family too for their warm welcome.



Suggested Itinerary

DAY 0 Travel to Laoag

2000 Meet up
2100 ETD to Laoag City via Fariñas Bus(located beside UST)

DAY 1

0500 ETA Laoag City/Assembly Jollibee Bacarra Road ; Breakfast; buy packed lunch
0600 ETD Solsona Poblacion
0700 ETA Solsona Poblacion, Register @ PNP station, Proceed to jumpoff (Brgy. Manalpac)
0730 Start Trek ( Gasgas River Entry, we counted 14 river crossing, some are above waist)
1100 ETA Parpar Creek Camp;Lunch
1200 ETD for Saulay Junction
1600 ETA Balbalitok Peak
1800 ETA Mt. Saulay Junction,pitch tent


Day 2 

0400 Wake up/ Breakfast
0600 Start descent from saulay and ascent bubuos
0700 ETA Mt. Bubuos Base Camp; Dinner, Pitch tent
0715 Start descent from bubuos and ascent balbalite
0930 ETA Mt. Balbalite Summit, took picture
0945 Proceed to Mt.Pakpako, descent from Balbalite and ascent to pakpako
1135 ETA Mt.Pakpako Camp Site
1300 Lunch Along the trail of Mt. Matalidong
1600 ETA Sicapoo Summit; Pictures
1630 Start descent
2000 ETA Mt.Pakpako Camsite
2100 ETA Mt.Balbalite
2200 ETA Mt.Bubuo Camp Site
2300 ETA Saulay Base camp
2400 Prepare for late dinner

Day 3 

0500 Wake up/ Breakfast, prepare for breakfast, packed lunch
0900 Start trek to Mt. Timarid traverse Mt.Simagaysay
0915 Descent to Nagdata Camp Site
1015 ETA Nagdata Camp site, Lunch
1100 Start ascent Mt. Timarid via killer trail, 70 to 80 degree ascent, our group called it trail88 ( eat the dust and eat the grass)
1230 ETA Mt. Timarid, emergency snack, took picture
1400 Descent/ascent Mt.Simagaysay
1520 ETA Mt. Simagaysay, took picture, descent to one degree plateu
1815 ETD for Plateau
1930 ETA Solsona Dam
2000 ETA Tatay Emilio hauz, party party

There are no boundaries..

I once dreamed of Sicapoo..  and it's not a dream anymore..

it was a blast.. it was extreme!

Read More »

Mt. Balagbag Dayhike with Lingkod

Mt. Balagbag
Location: Sitio Balagbag, Rodriguez, Rizal
Difficulty: 3/9
777 MASL

It was another fruitful, fun filled and full of bonding hiking event for some of Lingkod brothers and sisters from Lingkod – Makati and Lingkod- Alabang (with some guests), organized with the help and support of  buddy Dennis Hisanan. I was also grateful that I was also able to invite two of my special friends, Monique Cerillo and Len Faldas. Monique was a pen friend of mine back in high school (during those times that snail mails were in and e-mails/SMS were rarely used, hehe). Len is a close friend and former dorm mate and whom I also called “kapatid”. This mountain was their first summit and I was happy to see that they were able to make it to the top.

 

We were so thankful for granting us a fine weather; really, we are blessed—not too sunny, although raining a bit from time to time and yet not a rainy/wet trek. Mt. Balagbag was an open mountain and we’re so grateful that we didn’t experience an extreme heat of the sun.  Following the itinerary, we started the trek very early in the morning at around 7am. The jump off-point is kinda far from the city and thankful that we hired a jeep (Kuya Rey’s jeep as usual) and so, we didn’t have any problem or inconvenience in terms of transportation.

We met Jefferson Aligato just a few minutes after the start of the trek, he was one of our companions in our Mt. Pulag Ambaguio-Akiki climb back in August 2011. Small world!! He said he was heading solo to Oriod( if i'm not mistaken).

 

Talking about the trail, we went through a wide trail all the way to summit, although it’s a continuous assault. Even at the start of the trek , we can already see beautiful views. Mt. Balagbag as far as I know is part of the Sierra Madre ranges.  I was so amused looking from afar at the silhouette of Mt. Arayat. I told myself,  “Wow I was there July last year. Great to see it from here.”  Our ascent was totally chillax. (no pressure, more rest and really relaxing). We just made ourselves feel the cool breeze, so refreshing! Finally, we reached the summit. It was a wide one signifying that it’s also the camp site. We spent more time taking pictures at the summit--Jump shots, multiple “kulitan shots, etc.

After that short trek, we went down and stayed in one of the beautiful falls there, prepared and ate our lunch. We were very careful in going to that falls as we descended through a steep and slippery trail. Some of us enjoyed swimming (swimming?? Hehe) in its cold water, others just made use of the ample time resting beside the falls.

We went home with smiles and enjoyed the Cornetto-filled road trip. (reminiscing  the “Ehe” “Dome” and  “This way to the Fulls” signboards we encountered in the climb.. hehe)

Thank you Lord for this safe dayhike and for the great fellowship we had!

Read More »

And Many Many More... at Mt. Marami..

Mt. Marami (May 7-8 2011)

Location: Maragondon, Cavite

Jump-off Point: Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite

405  Meters Above Sea Level

Difficulty: Minor Climb, 3/9

At this point in time, my passion to climb has grown deeper and deeper. I already had my bucket list of mountains which I planned to climb. It means not just one mountain a month which I normally do. That’s why I was really excited for Mt. Marami which I waited for 3 weeks to come after Tarak Ridge.

We arrived at the jump off point at around 9am. All things ready and there, we started trekking at around 10am. We had an arrangement with a guide.

The hike to Mt. Marami is a long journey although a little less steep and less assault (except when you’re already approaching the campsite). It’s like you just have to relax and enjoy a long walk so that you won’t be thinking if you are about to arrive at the campsite. We passed by more than two rivers/brooks the water is just shallow and not heavily flowing since that was a pretty sunny day. But there are many forks, if not in focus or if not guided, you’ll really get into the wrong trail and you’ll be like walking and walking all day long going nowhere and not arriving at the right destination. That was what happened to the group who also climbed on the same day, well, that was another story.

From this point (photo above), we could not see yet a trace of Mt. Marami’s peak. In this photo, you’ll see a wide trail, but as far as I could remember, this isn’t the trail. The one I was facing was the trail we took when we continued the trek.

      It was mid afternoon when we could finally view Mt. Marami.

Getting closer to the mountain, and I was astonished by Mt. Marami’s structure. It’s like a compiled faces with a beautiful architectural finishing. And looking at its rock formation, I could say, it's so marvelous!

We learned at the jump off point in barangay hall where we registered that a big group climbed on the same day ( the one I mentioned earlier) which was ahead of us. However, upon reaching the summit, there was no one there but us. The whole campsite was ours. 

The bad thing was, it rained so hard while we were preparing for dinner. I and ate tere, my guest and a first timer in climbing, was the one I shared a tent with.. It poured a lot and and we were left wet. Inconvenience it might brought to us, but I didn’t mind the situation. I know it normally happens. And I was also happy to see that Ate Tere, even she’s a newbie, was adapting easily to the situation. She never complained. Thank God that the rain stopped giving way to have a good time for socials. Oh I remember our appetizer… mangoes!!! They were so many of them!! We got them along the trail.

The socials held here was one of the most fun-filled and happiest gatherings we ever had, well actually, next to the socials we had in Mt. Daguldul climb. If Mt. Daguldul’s socials was full of laughters and jokes, then Mt. Marami’s climb was full of love. Our topic was “love is in the air”.. we heard a lot of love stories.. yiheee.. we even exchanged our insights about love

The following day (early morning) was summit day!.

We took a 30-minute rocky trail.

“Wow it really feels great at the top of Mt. Marami..”

Across the summit is another boulder which majority of us tried and safely climbed it. It was a bit dangerous in getting there you would have to take a rocky steep trail terrain.

From there, I was able to take pictures of those who were left at the summit.

Our descent was a total challenge. It was a rainy trek and a fight over the muddiest trail one would ever encounter.. We learned that it was already signal no.1 then in Cavite for typhoon Bebeng. One of us, Jodick, had an injury..still we thank God that we arrived safe back at the jump of point. The climb seemed to turned out a major one because of this.

In this climb, I met a mountaineer named Dennis Hisanan, who belongs to Castle mountaineers and became my climbing buddy in the next climb adventures that I had.

Read More »

Tarak Ridge, My First Major Climb! :)

Tarak Ridge (April 9-10, 2011)

Location: Mariveles, Bataan

Jump-off Point:

1,130 Meters Above Sea Level

Difficulty: Minor Climb, 4/9

We were around 20 climbers who participated in this event— old members and newbies as some of us  newly joined us, BUSOG Mountaineers. We were divided into two groups. Five of us belonged to the Assault Team. Mt. Tarak Ridge is one of the popular hiking destinations during weekends. So this strategy  was planned so that we  might be able to reach the campsite earlier and reserve the covered area there. Like what we’ve expected, a lot of climbers during that day climbed Tarak. We must be able to get the area which is protected from the strong winds. Otherwise, our tents would be at risk. I volunteered to join the Assault Team, together with Arnel, Riz Ruan, Rizchelle and Ian. I got a big guts to be part of it, I didn't realize that it’s almost two months that I never had any climb and I really found it so tough to ascend.

Thanks to Riz Ruan who had been my companion along the trail and Sir Arjay a.k.a Chito, hehehe.. Riz never left me not only on our ascent but even on our way descending the mountain. We had our lunch and took a 30-minute rest upon reaching the Papaya river... and then PUSH! we continued the trek... it was now a very long steep assault.

It was during the ascent especially after Papaya River when I realized that we were no longer part of the Assault Team although the rest of the group had not reached us yet. The three of the Assalut Team was already far away from us.  It came to a point that our rest was much longer than our trek. It was like take 10 minute-rest , 5-minute resume.. and then take 10 again. Hehe..

Perhaps the reason why I got tired easily and felt so sleepy was that because it’s my first major climb plus the fact that I only got 2 hour s of sleep (since our assembly/meet up was as early as 3am in the bus terminal).. I was also carrying rice, some food and tent. My backpack was so full. It was actually my first time to carry heavy stuff like that. I used to be one carrying only the things sufficient for me alone. The trail was really more of assault and very steep along with big roots of the trees. It was really exhausting. Riz and I just told ourselves that it should have been better if we stayed in our respective home and get a good sleep. Just kidding! Of course, I did still find pleasure climbing Tarak.

It was around 4pm when we reached the campsite. It was soooo cold as cold winds were embracing us.

We set our camp and prepared our food for dinner. We had a good kwentuhan as we set these things. By the way, Some of the climbers had already have their tents pitched in the area covered by trees although still we got a sufficient space protected from the strong winds.  

Many of us had gone tired already, so socials were cut short. We just had the usual introduction of ourselves. But around 4 of us was left conversing until past 10pm.  We heard and told a lot of climbing stories. Included then was Nya-Nya. A girl we met in the bus terminal who told she’s climbing alone and so we let her join the group. New climbing fellow!

It was so cold around 5am, the time we planned to wake up and go to summit to witness the sunrise. It was 6am when Rizchell and I decided to summit. Afterwards, the rest followed. We reached the summit and then headed to El Sako Peak. We were not able to witness the sun rising as it has already risen by the time we arrived.  What a fulfilling feeling to reach it! We had a lot of picture takings!

On our way back to the campsite for breakfast, we still had “piktyuran”

 

It was past 12nn when we arrived at Papaya river, had our lunch there and resumed trekking back to the jump off point.

Read More »

Let's Get It On, To a Paradise Called Mt. Manalmon!

Mt. Manalmon (February 26-27, 2011)

Location: San Miguel, Bulacan

Jump-off Point: Sito Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel

196 Meters Above Sea Level

Difficulty: Minor Climb, 2/9

Our group decided to participate at the FIMO’s Climbapalooza 2011 with the theme, “Love in High Altitude”. It was on our choice of mountain and so we picked Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan.

We took a bus going to Baliwag Bulacan. We were taken to the jump-off point of Manalmon at Brgy Kamias in San Miguel, Bulacan through a hired jeep. River crossing would be the first thing to face to start the trek with.

For a typical mountaineer, one would say that it’s just a chillax (cool and relaxing) climb as a short semi-assault trail would take you to the campsite, and from there is a just 5-minute up to the summit. And I would also say that it was my most chillax and relaxing climb to date.  What I love also about this mountain climbing getaway, is the place itself, which has a variety of activities to enjoy, not just another climb event . I'm in fact considering it as a great weekend escape for family bonding/vacation and even perfect for any corporate or organization team building.

Rafting/ balsa tour in the river

Monkey bridging

I even tried this thrice.. hehe.. enjoyed passing over the river with such thrill!

A low-priced zipline (php 50 per ride)

Spelunking/Exploring the caves 

We did spelunking at Biak-na Bato.  Exploring the caves was never easy. There are areas there where rope is needed to get inside. For example, upon entering the cave, it is like a very deep hole passage. There were instances too that I had to carefully manage my body in passing into those small holes, pushed myself hard as needed. One could surely have a "dapa moment" <wink>. The guide also told us to take care of the stalactites and stalagmites. These have to be preserved, he said. Once you walked on it, its glittery feature may vanish indicating that it’s already dead.

smooth trek.. from this point, we can already view the summit

 

At the foot of the mountain, before we assaulted we stopped by a beautiful river (photo courtesy of Leween Agriflor)..

At the summit of Mt. Manalmon

We're so grateful for the fine weather. We absolutely took pleasure of the breathtaking sceneries at the top. No one could ever imagine that there is somewhere awesome like this in Bulacan province which is just nearby Metro Manila. Surely, only those few who had been there could justify its wonder.

At the side of the summit , is a boulder which one can courageously try to climb it. Only two of us were courageous enough to get there. As for me, I just attempted but I didn’t push through as I was only wearing a slippery Ipanema flip flops on that morning.

Just before we left for Manila, I told myself, "I will surely plan a comeback on this place."


 

Read More »

Generosity and Vigor Combined (Mt. Irid/Tukduan-Banoi Outreach Climb)

I’ve always wanted to join a mission climb. I’ve always wanted to be a part of an outreach event apart from doing a mountain climbing activity. I am used to outreach activities in urban places but it’s also my desire to do likewise in my hiking getaway. What a worthwhile activity to do it with a dual intention --- climb new peaks and enjoy the beauty of nature and at the same time, extend a helping hand to our fellow countrymen in the remote places like those who are residing in high mountains--- where there’s a limit of supplies, less quality of education and where a number of households are experiencing poverty. Incidentally, I’ve intended to do a generous deed to celebrate my birthday last month (but there was an original schedule of celebration)..  And so I planned to do a post birthday climb, and “that should be a mission climb,” I told myself.

When I first saw the event hosted by The Noble Blue Falcons International and Meow Outdoor Group, I got interested. It would be my first outreach/mission climb.  It was set as Tree Planting,  Twin Climb ( Mt. Irid and Tukduan-Banoi) and Gift-giving for Christmas.

Assembly was set in Jollibee Cubao on the night of Dec 16, Friday . According to Ma’am Aisa Serencio, one of the hosts, we’re around 60 or 70 participants in this event, excluding those who backed out. (Dennis Hisanan, my climbing buddy, by the way, also participated. He was my companion throughout the climb). We were taken by a hired jeep until Cogeo and then transferred to another jeep going to the jump –off point which is in Brgy. Sta. Ines, Tanay, Rizal. I was so sleepy then, and found out that it was raining hard when we were approaching the jump off point. They said, it’s normal in that place as it’s near the rainforest. We spent a few hours until breakfast in Ynares Covered Court of the said barangay, listened to the organizers’ briefings and reminders and then started the trek. But hey, the rain continued. Really the tropical depression Sendong was approaching and developed into a typhoon. We got no accurate updates while on the trek. I just enjoyed the trail. And I was amazed. It made me reminisced the trek in the river side of Ambaguio (a trail in Nueva Vizcaya goin’ to Mt. Pulag). The hike going to the venue of the outreach was a rainy one and yet the views along the trail are relaxing-- mountains, locals, rocks, and the rivers. We actually did nine river crossings on our way up to the school where the outreach program would be held at. It was my first river crossing experience and I was prepared for the current, although during that time the water flows were just calm.

We arrived at the school past lunch already. The organizers facilitated the program. Since this was my first time to join an outreach in the mountain, I was just observing and did a little assistance like sorting the items to be distributed. I was delighted as I witness how the locals or participating households to be fed up were full of joy in this simple yet meaningful program. I learned that majority of the locals are Dumagat natives ( I think they have own dialect aside from Tagalog). Their appearances and features are close to that of Itas-- curly hair and black complexion. After the presentations and games, feeding followed and distribution of school items/books and old clothes. These are courtesy of various generous sponsors. 

By the way, I represented our group, BUSOG Mountaineers along with other climbers from their respective groups on this Reunited outreach climb.

Around 3pm when the program ended and it was still raining hard. I think, only the staff and organizers did the tree planting. We started the trek going to the base camp. It was almost a two-hour ascent and limatiks are everywhere (I understand that it’s a wild forest/mountain).  We arrived there and set our camp. Some of us preferred to stay at the kubo of Tatay (I forgot his name), an old man living alone in that base camp area with a dog and 4 geese. ( I remember tatay Perying of Manabu Peak. Tatay was living alone and away from his family and sometimes acts as guide). Morning came and ‘twas still raining. Obviously, scaling the summit is not possible. The participants were supposed to be divided between Mt. Irid and the other peak, Tukduan-Banoi. They said it would take 5 hours more from base camp to the summit. This original plan was cancelled. We had to descend before the heavier rains continue.

Our dilemma was the river crossing as the water started to rise and flow heavily. I heard that if it was not possible to cross, we’ll be taking another trail with less dangerous river crossings (with the help of Tatay Gapang, the popular guide of this mountain). However, thankfully, all of us were able to manage to cross and we still took the back trail. The staff and organizers were prepared as they brought enough and reliable ropes.

Nine rivers to cross from jump-off point to the school plus three more rivers on way up to the base camp-- a total of twelve. As to the water level, some are knee-level and others are of waist or above the waist. These were not the levels on our way up. As mentioned, the water was just calm the day before. Nonstop heavy rains were really the reason for the rise.  We crossed all of these again on our way back. Majority of them are really with great current and kind of  difficult to cross particularly for a first timer/girl climber like me. You just have to hold on and never miss holding on to the rope no matter how strong the current is to be able to cross the river.

We all arrived back at the covered court of Sta. Ines wet and tired, yet thankful to God for His protection. We’re all safe. We listened to the closing remarks of the Chieftain. He extended his gratitude especially for such successful outreach. He also mentioned that with any climbing events there, their place is at least visited and many would know that there’s a beautiful place like Irid and that Dumagat natives exist.

I am planning to go back and summit such a wonderful mountain, Mt. Irid, maybe summer next year.

Posting our Original Itinerary and other details:

THE RE-UNITED CLIMB 2011: AKYAT, TANIM, LINIS BIGAY PARA SA PASKO AT KALIKASAN (Twin Climb: Tree Planting, Clean-up and Outreach + Gift-Giving for the Christmas and Nature)
(Sitio Sadlak, Tanay Rizal)
December 17-18, 2011

FREE: T-SHIRT/with Cert.
BUDGET: 500-550php/pax

AGENDA: Tree Planting & Outreach Program + Gift Giving

December 16, 2011 (Day 0) Friday Night

09:30 pm to 10:00 pm Assembly@jollibee Farmers Cubao
10:00pm to 11:00 pm Take-Off to Cogeo Gate 2
11:00 pm – 12:00 am Pick-up take off to Sitio Sadlac (Brgy. Sta. Ines)

December 17, 2011 (Day 1) Saturday

02:00 am ETD Brgy. Sta. Ines
04:00 am Stay at Covered Court at Brgy Sta Ines (coutesy call @ Brgy Hall and
Military Detachement)
05:00 am Breakfast / Prepare pack Lunch
06:00 am Register to log book
07:00 am Start Trek to Sitio Kinabuan (Prepare for 8th river crossings)
09:00 am Sitio Kinabuan Elementary School
Start Program of the main event
Eat lunch
02:00 pm start descent to Base camp / falls (optional) / prepare 3 river crossings
06:00 pm ETA Base camp
Set Camp
07:00 pm Prepare Dinner
08:00 pm Eat Dinner
08:30 pm Socials
10:00 pm ----------Lights out---------------

December 18, 2011 (Day 2) Sunday WITH 2 PEAKS / 2 groups

MT. IRID SUMMIT (GUIDE: TATAY GAPANG)

04:30 am Wake up call / Breakfast / Prepare pack Lunch while break camp
06:00 am Start trekking to Irid Peak)
09:30 am Summit of Irid Peak ,Explore (bring foods / pack lunch / trail water)
01:00 pm ETA Basecamp/Break Camp
02:00 pm Start to descend to Sitio Sadlak Bunkhouse / Prepare to trek back to
Brgy. Sta. Inez
05:00 pm Brgy. Sta. Inez / Wash-Up
6:00 pm Ride rented Jeep going to Cogeo Jeep Terminal
8:00 pm Cogeo Jeep Terminal

MT. TUKDUAN SUMMIT (GUIDE: TATAY RUDY TALANGKA)

04:30 am Wake up call / Breakfast / Prepare pack Lunch while break camp
06:00 am Start trekking to Tukduan-Banoi Peak)
09:30 am Summit of Tukduan-banoi Peak ,Explore (bring foods / pack lunch / trail
water)
01:00 pm ETA Basecamp/Break Camp
02:00 pm Start to descend to Sitio Sadlak Bunkhouse / Prepare to trek back to
Brgy. Sta. Inez
05:00 pm Brgy. Sta. Inez / Wash-Up
6:00 pm Ride rented Jeep going to Cogeo Jeep Terminal
8:00 pm Cogeo Jeep Terminal

Concerns:

1. Prepare for 11 river crossings bring rope from Sitio Sadlak to Sta. Inez to
2. Wear sandals or other river crossing footwear and trek shoes for the summit
trail.
3. Bring trekking poles if available.
4. Bring rain gear, gloves, headlamps or flashlights.
5. Bring Hydration pack or Water Bottle for the summit assault.
6. BEWARE of Leeches or “Limatik” please bring Alcohol.
7. Budget 500 transportation except fare from Cubao to Cogeo Gate 2...
8. ALWAYS PREPARE & SAFETY FIRST
9. NO FEE/FUND TO BE COLLECTED ON BOTH PARTIES

*FOODS: Self Contain or buddy system (prepare foods good for 2 -2.5 days supplies)

 

Read More »