Monday, January 28, 2013

Mt.Pico de Loro: A Mudless Fun Climb

January 27, 2012

Pico de Loro
Ternate, Cavite


When I went to Pico de Loro recently; I had three certainties.

1. I'll have trouble making to the monolith without a rope.
2. I'll end up with another traumatic experience there like the first three times.
3. There are no water source at the campsite or summit.

When I return from Pico de Loro; I have one certainty:

1. Climbing Pico de Loro is fun without the mud.

Yes, just like you, I was confused. My fourth climb in Pico de Loro was a very confusing hiking experience.

I think I had much fun this time!


I have been to this mountain every year since I started this endeavor in 2010. So I had my annual tradition this year on a forecasted cloudy Sunday weather.


Before the climb

It was indeed cloudy at the start of the day. We begin our trek few minutes after seven in the morning. Unlike the first three times; the trail had no sign of any mud as it was dry and solid to step on. Another thing relatively new to me was the yellow marks painted on the trees along the trail.

It's like going to Oz with out the brick road but the yellow mark trees


It took us only half an hour when reached the base camp. We registered again. I went near the house to get water when I was surprised that the water source has a faucet already and there's also a shower room established.

Look we were having fun


After taking some photos, we resume our trek. As far I recall, there at least four river crossing but there were none on that day. The stream was dry and no trace of water can be seen.

It used to have water there


Another thirty minutes have gone when we reached the fork trail to the mountain and the falls. We rested there for a bit before resuming our journey.

Follow the Light

From the Alibangbang station up to the campsite; we have came across with mountaineers on their way descend to the jump-off. They were so many that I lost my count. So to speak, I mentioned a lot of good morning sir and ingat a countless times during our ascend. During that span there were even old hikers that a little bit tipsy or had hangover still.

When we reached the campsite, I was surprised to what I discover there. A store in resemblance to the 7-11 store in Maculot was set-up there to sell refreshments to fellow hikers. I might say the price is reasonable there as a bottle of mountain dew cost thirty pesos while a Red Horse Grande bottle cost a hundred pesos each.

Bili na kayo!
Then we were of to the summit. As expected a steep assault was waiting for us. However, I did not have any trouble on my ascend perhaps due to my previous three stints there or my improved endurance brought my consistent climbing. When I reached the summit, I was so happy to enjoy the glorious view it bestow.

This is how you descend from the summit
It does not end there as another obstacle to pursue; the monolith. I have been there once and it almost cost my life but being a "buhis-buhay" adventurer I have to do it again. I was certain that there were no rope to use there as told by the hikers I asked while I was on the trail. However, there was a rope tied there to be use by one who dare to climb the monolith.

Super Mountaineer!
While the others were still up to the summit; I went there first. As a result, I was there by my lonesome. Alone but happy. Just me and Mother Nature. Away from the problems in civilization. No glimpse of frustrations. I forgot for awhile the fate of my friends who were retrenched from our company. It was ironic that during that moment; I had  clear mind even if there was an unclear future waiting for me upon my return to reality. Perhaps this is the reason I enjoy climbing mountains; it clears my mind even for just momentarily.

All Alone

Then two mountaineers came and ruin my emo moment. Afterwards, the rest of my group arrived there. We had a blast there as we made crazy stunts for a ridiculous photo session at the top of the mountain.

Hurray!!!
We were there for a long time. As a result, we had our lunch at 2 in the afternoon. Hungry and tired, still it was all worth it especially after seeing all the photos. By three in the afternoon, we made our descend. In less than two hours, we made it back in the DENR station.

On our way home


Meet the Survivor Six

Dennis

Kiko
Tootz
Gem
Dada

Phil (the Author)

Acknowledgment

Thank you to Dada for the photos as well for organizing the climb
Thank you to sir Kicks, Kuya Tootz, Ma'am Gem and Dennis for accompanying me in this hike

See you next time Pico de Loro!

Driving my invisible car

Friday, January 25, 2013

Flirting with Mt. Makiling


January 20, 2013

Los Baños, Laguna

Since I became a mountaineer, I always made UPLB synanimous to Mt. Makiling because that was the place where the said mountain can be located. In my three years of mountaineering, I never trek Mt. Makiling. I had a lot of invites but I turned down all of them due to my fear of limatiks (blood leeches). Now, that I conquered what I am afraid of, I am fully ready to do a Makiling Traverse or MakTrav as popularly known. However due to a fateful tragedy wherein two had died and discovered their bodies lying there, beforet the end of the year, the mountain was temporarily closed.

And so when I went to UPLB on a very fine Sunday morning to attend a christening, I was somehow frustrated of not trekking the mountain since I was already there. I just gazed upon her and thought that someday I'll have my chance to conquer her.

Eventhough I did not climb that day, it was fine with me because I had a wonderful time seeing the mountains around the area. Some were already been conquered and it was nice to see them in another perspective (of course all of this while I was having a delightful lunch).

After a while we decided to leave the reception and went back home. As told by my uncle to buy pasalubong in The Original Buko Pie, which according to him was famous due to its delicious and crusty pies. True enough, the line was long andI bought two boxes of buko pie in  store worth 150.00 each.

Monday, January 21, 2013

A Foggy Tarak Ridge Dayhike


Tarak Ridge Dayhike

January 13, 2013
Mt. Tarak Ridge
Mariveles, Bataan

Participants 

Only Ben and I were able to make it. Due to the unfriendly weather, my friend Dennis had to back out. I couldn't blame him because almost all week long, the weather in the metro was rainy. But the weather there was fine contrary to our expectations.

Meetup Point

I arrived few minutes after one in the morning. Yes, it's no typo, the meetup time was 1 AM. Ten minutes or so later, Ben arrived at Genesis terminal in Cubao.

Minutes later, we boarded a Mariveles bound bus enroute to Brgy. Alas-Asin, which is the starting point of our trek.

The ride was more than a couple of hours so we able to have a nap.

Half past four in the morning, we arrived in the jump-off point. It was still dark but we decided to move forward until we reached Nanay Cording's place. It took us almost an hour to get there due to darkness. (We only used the flashlight from my tiny cellphone).

Waiting Game

Dogs started to bark and it was a good sign because we already reached Nanay's place. She was already awake and made us sign in her logbook. We rested there until the sun made its prescence felt.

While waiting for the sun to come up, Ben was playing with Nanay's pet cat. Meanwhile, Still longing for sleep, I was resting in a hammock.

Then as greek mythology claims, the god Apollo while riding a chariot starts to raise the sun up to the sky. And it was the sign that we should now commence our journey.

It's been six months since I have been there and so I was having a hard time to remember the trail but fortunately the mountain was not hard to navigate.

The first part was a gradual trail ascent to the grasslands. Then the uphill-downhill trek towards the river. One interesting note was the rope we used the first time was missing. But even ropeless, it was not difficult to go down the cliff.

An hour and a half later, we rested and ate our breakfast in the Papaya River. There, we met fellow hikers who spent the night there.

False Alarm

Then the hard part begins. From the river up to the ridge, steep ascends are waiting. Luckily for us, we have no heavy pack so we able to do it without exerting too much physical strains to our bodies. While going up, being the pacer, I saw a body lying to the ground. At first glance, I thought it was an emergency but luckily he was just sleeping. It turned out that he was so wasted the night before that he could not able to make it to the top.

When we were about to reach the ridge, we have crossed with mountaineers who pitched camp there and o nthe way down to the river.

Foggy

Alas, we made it up to the ridge where the sun was waiting for us. However, it was only a minute as mist was already covering the whole place. Damn, Tarak still owe me a clearing. (Like the first time, I only had a glimpse of the view that the mountain gloriously boast). Due to the great fog, most of us who were there did not push through in conquering the summit. One of my favorite dialogue is Zero visibility only brings danger which means I want to get tired of pursuing a lose effort.

We stayed there until 10 am, and we made it back to the river in an hour. We did not take much time there and move forward again. When we reached the grasslands it was almost noon already. Then the mistake I always remember when we took a different turn and ended in another trail. But unlike the first time when we got lost, this time we somehow made a traverse as we ended a hundred meters away from Nanay's place. So we turned back to refresh ourselves there. At around 2 in the afternoon, we had our lunch at the national highway. Then we boarded a Pasay bound bus.

And so at the end of the day even I was able to trek it 6 hours back and forth, the mountain named Tarak still owe me a panoramic view of Corregidor and Manila Bay alongside of other coastal views that can be seen at the top. I vow to return sooner rather than later.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Luzon 3-2-1: Mt. Timbak, Mt. Tabayoc, and Mt. Pulag via Tawangan-Ambangeg Itinerary


Luzon 3-2-1: Mt. Timbak, Mt. Tabayoc, and Mt. Pulag via Tawangan-Ambangeg
Benguet

Day 0
2300 Take bus from Manila to Baguio

Day 1
0330 ETA Baguio. Breakfast
0600 Head to Mt. Timbak
0830 ETA Highest Point of Phil. Highway System
0900 Arrival at Timbak Elementary School
0910 Start trek
1000 Mt. Timbak Summit.
1030 Start descent
1100 Back at Elementary School
1200 Lunch
1400 Arrival at Brgy. Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet
1430 Start trekking up Mt. Tabayoc
1600 ETA summit of Mt. Tabayoc
1630 Start descent
1730 Back at jumpoff.
1800 Proceed to Sitio Tawangan
1900 Arrival at Sitio Tawangan. Secure guides.
2000 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0400 Wake-up call / Breakfast / Prepare packed lunch / Break camp
0500 Start trek. Prepare for Limatiks.
1200 ETA Water Source (Grassland) / Lunch /
1700 Mt. Pulag Summit for the Sunset viewing
1830 Arrive at saddle campsite
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 3
0430 Wake-up call
0500 Assault summit
0530 Mt. Pulag Summit / Sunrise viewing...
0700 Back to campsite / Breakfast / Break camp
0900 Start Descent
1100 ETA Ranger Station
1200 ETA Ambangeg, DENR (Log-out)
1230 ETD Ambangeg / Lunch along the way
1700 Back in Baguio City

Mt. Pulag Itinerary (Tawangan Trail)


Mt. Pulag
Bokod, Benguet

Day 0
2300 Take bus to Baguio City

Day 1
0400 Early breakfast at Baguio City
0430 ETD to DENR-Ambangeg/ Registration*
0830 ETA DENR-Ambangeg / LNT briefing*
0930 ETD to Poblacion, Kabayan
1100 ETD to Brgy. Tawangan. Jeep will proceed further to Taaw River.
1600 ETA Taaw River / Start trek to Sitio Labang.
1800 Sitio Labang Campsite. Water available.
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0400 Wake-up call / Breakfast / Prepare packed lunch / Break camp
0600 Start trek. Prepare for Limatiks.
1200 ETA Water Source (Grassland) / Lunch /
1700 Mt. Pulag Summit for the Sunset viewing
1830 Arrive at saddle campsite
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 3
0430 Wake-up call
0500 Assault summit
0530 Mt. Pulag Summit / Sunrise viewing...
0700 Back to campsite / Breakfast / Break camp
0900 Start Descent
1100 ETA Ranger Station
1200 ETA Ambangeg, DENR (Log-out)
1230 ETD Ambangeg / Lunch along the way
1700 Back in Baguio City

Mt. Pulag Itinerary (Akiki Trail)


Mt. Pulag
Bokod, Benguet

Day 0
2300 Bus from Manila to Baguio City

Day 1
0500 ETA Baguio City. Breakfast then proceed to chartered jeep.
0700 Breakfast
0900 DENR Station. Orientation
1100 Arrival at Akiki jump-off; commence trek on steep trail.
1130 ETA Ranger Station. Register. Secure guides. Lunch
1300 Starttrek to Eddet River
1630 ETA Eddet River; set up camp.
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0300 Wake up call. Prepare breakfast.
0330 Breakfast
0400 Break camp
0500 Start trek to Marlboro Country
1100 Have early lunch at Marlboro country (water source)
1200 Commence trek through montane forest.
1330 End of forest line; Reach Grassland.
1700 ETA Saddle campsite; set up camp.
1730 Assault to summit. Sunset.
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 3
0530 Early morning trek to summit
0545 Arrival at summit just in time for sunrise
0630 Back at campsite; breakfast
0730 Break camp
0800 Start descent via Ambangeg trail
0900 From Camp 2, resume descent to Babadak Ranger Station
1130 ETA Ranger Station; Settle guide fees;
1330 At DENR-PAO; tidy up and log out.
1500 Head back to Baguio City
1730 ETA Baguio City. Buy return tickets. Dinner.
2100 Head back to Manila

Mt. Pulag Itinerary (Ambangeg Trail)


Mt. Pulag
Bokod, Benguet

Day 0
2300 Take bus to Baguio City

Day 1

0500 ETA Baguio City. Proceed to jeepney terminal/chartered jeep.
0700 Breakfast
0930 ETA Visitors' Center. Registration / Orientation
1030 Set out for Ranger Station
1130 ETA Ranger. Start trek
1230 ETA Camp 1; Lunch
1430 ETA Camp 2. Set up camp
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials

Day 2
0430 Early morning trek to summit for sunrise
0545 Arrival at summit just in time for sunrise
0700 Start descent from summit
0800 Back at Camp 2; heavy breakfast
0900 Decamp; start descent to Ranger Station
1130 Back at Ranger; Settle guide fees; jeepney descent
1230 Back at Visitors' Center; tidy up and log out
1400 Head back to Baguio City
1700 ETA Baguio City. Dinner.
1900 Head back to Manila

Mt. Pico de Loro Itinerary and Expenses


Mt. Pico de Loro
Teranate, Cavite

DAYHIKE

0445 Meet up at KFC Baclaran
0500 Board mini bus at Baclaran to Ternate
0700 ETA Ternate. Rent jeepney or trike to Magnetic Hill
0715 ETA DENR / jump-off point.
0730 Start trek. Note that jump-off point is 5 minutes' walk away from DENR.
0810 ETA rest station, Basecamp 1 (Water Source)
0840 ETA Fork Trail to Pico and Falls
1030 ETA summit.
1100 ETA Monolith
1200 Back to Campsite; Lunch
1400 start descent to Magnetic Hill
1530 ETA jump-off point.
1600 Back at DENR; take jeepney to Ternate then take bus back to Manila
1900 ETA Manila.

OVERNIGHT

Day 1

0800 Board mini bus at Baclaran to Ternate
1000 ETA Ternate. Rent jeepney or trike to Magnetic Hill
1045 ETA DENR / jump-off point.
1100 Start trek. Note that jump-off point is 5 minutes' walk away from DENR.
1145 ETA rest station, Basecamp 1
1230 ETA Falls. Lunch.
1300 Resume trek
1345 Reach Alibangbang site
1500 ETA Campsite; Pitch tent
1600 ETA Summit; wait for sunset
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials

Day 2

0600 Breakfast
0800 Breakcamp
0900 Descent
1200 ETA jump-off point.
1210 Back at DENR; Lunch. Tidy up. take jeepney to Ternate then take bus back to Manila
1700 ETA Manila.


Expenses:

 Junior bus to Ternate: 80.00
Trike to DENR: 75.00
Reg Fee. 20.00
Reg Fee at the Base camp: 20.00
Trike to Ternate: 75.00
Air-Con bus to Baclaran: 81.00

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Mt. Tagapo Itinerary


Mt. Tagapo
Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal

Actual Itinerary

0700 meet up at EDSA-Crossing terminal; take jeep to Binangoan.
1000 ETA Binangonan port, take passenger ferry to Brgy. Janosa.
1130 ETA Brgy. Janosa; register; arrange for guides, start trek
1300 ETA summit, lunch
1400 start descent
1445 back at jump-off, take return ferry
1530 ETA Binangonan
1800 ETA Manila

Expenses

Jeep to Binangonan port: 40.00
Ferry: 30.00
Registration fee: 20.00
Guide fee: 150.00 (300/2)

Mt. Malipunyo Itinerary and Expenses


Mt. Malipunyo
Talisay,Lipa Batangas

Actual Itinerary

0530 Bus bound to Batangas Pier via Tambo Exit
0630 ETA Tambo Exit; Ride jeep to Lipa
0800 Arrive at Brgy Talisay. Register. Secure guide.
0830 Start Trek
0930 Arrive at Ilog de lobo
1030 ETA Peak 1
1100 ETA Peak 2
1145 ETA Summit; Lunch
1300 Start Descent
1500 Back at Ilog de lobo
1600 ETA jump-off point; Tidy up
1800 Take trike to Lipa
1830 Dinner at Lipa City
1900 Take bus to Manila

Expenses

Alabang to Tambo Exit: 90.00
Jeep to Lipa: 8.00
Jeep to Fiesta Mall: 8.00
Trike to Brgy. Ralisay: 20.00
Trike to Lipa: 40.00-60.00
Registration Fee: 10.00
Jeep to Lipa Terminal: 8.00
Lipa to Alabang: 94.00
Guide Fee: 160.00 (800.00/5)

Mt. Cristobal Itinerary


Mt. Cristobal
Dolores, Quezon

Actual Itinerary

Day 1

0600 ETD Manila
0900 ETA San Pablo City (bus:P120). Rent jeep to Brgy. Kinabuhayan
1100 ETA jump-off at Brgy. Kinabuhayan. Start trek
1200 ETA  Montelibano house; Lunch
1300 Resume Trek
1600 Reach Campsite
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials

Day 2
0600 Wake up
0700 Breakfast
0800 ETA Jones' Peak (highest point in trail)
0900 Break campStart descent
1200 ETA Montelibano House
1330 Back at the jump-off; Lunch
1600 Head back to San Pablo
1700 ETA San Pablo
2000 ETA Manila

Mt. Manabu Itinerary and Expenses


Mt. Manabu
Sto.Tomas, Batangas

Actual Itinerary

Dayhike

0600 Board Batangas City-bound bus from Buendia
0700 ETA Tambo Exit; Ride Jeepney to Lipa
0720 ETA Lipa; Ride jeep to Fiesta Mall
0730 ETA Fiesta Mall; Ride Trike to Brgy Sulok
0800 ETA 'Sulok', Brgy. Sta. Cruz
0830 Start trek
0900 Reach Mang Pirying's place
1000 ETA summit.
1130 start descent
1300 Back at jump-off. Proceed back to Lipa.
1330 ETA; Lipa, lunch.
1430 Take bus to Manila
1700 ETA Manila

Overnight

Day 1

0600 Board Batangas City-bound bus from Buendia
0700 ETA Tambo Exit; Ride Jeepney to Lipa
0720 ETA Lipa; Ride jeep to Fiesta Mall
0730 ETA Fiesta Mall; Ride Trike to Brgy Sulok
0800 ETA 'Sulok', Brgy. Sta. Cruz
0830 Start trek
0900 Reach Mang Pirying's place
1000 ETA Campsite. Pitch tents
1100 Summit
1200 Lunch
1500 Head back to Mang Pirying; Coffee break
1600 Head back to campsite
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials


Day 2

0600 Wakeup
0700 Breakfast
0900 Break Camp
0930 Summit
1000 start descent
1045 Grotto
1120 Back at jump-off. Proceed back to Lipa.
1200 ETA; Lipa, lunch.
1330 Take bus to Manila
1600 ETA Manila

Expenses

Buendia to Tambo Exit: 95.00
Jeep to Lipa: 8.00
Jeep to Fiesta Mall: 8.00
Trike to Brgy. Sulok: 40.00-60.00
Trike to Lipa: 40.00-60.00
Registration Fee: 20.00
Jeep to Lipa Terminal: 8.00
Lipa to Alabang: 94.00

Mt. Talamitam Itinerary


Mt. Talamitam
Nasugbu, Batangas

0400 Take bus to Nasugbu or Tagaytay then Nasugbu
0700 Get off at KM. 83. Register
0715. Start of first climb
0900 Arrival at summit. Rest.
0930 Start descent
1100 Back at trailhead. Tidy up.
1200 Take jeep to Mahogany Market; Lunch
1400 Take bus to Manila
1700 ETA Manila

Mt. Talamitam-Mt. Batulao Twin Dayhike Itinerary


Mt. Talamitam-Mt. Batulao
Nasugbu, Batangas

0500 Take bus to Nasugbu or Tagaytay then Nasugbu
0700 Get off at KM. 83. Register
0715. Start of first climb
0900 Arrival at summit. Rest.
0930 Start descent
1100 Back at trailhead. Tidy up, then take jeep to Evercrest
1130 Lunch at carinderia in front of Evercrest
1200 Walk to trailhead past Evercrest.
1230 Start of second climb
1500 Arrival at summit
1630 Back at jumpoff. Tidy up.
1700 Take bus back to Manila
2000 ETA Manila

Mt. Maculot-Mt. Manabu Twin Dayhike Itinerary


Mt. Maculot-Mt. Manabu
Cuenca-Sto.Tomas, Batangas

Actual Itinerary

0600 Board Batangas City-bound bus from Buendia or Cubao
0700 ETA Tambo Exit; Ride Jeepney to Lemery
0800 ETA Cuenca Poblacion - Highway. Walk or take trike to jump-off. Register.
0830 start trek
1015 arrive at campsite, head to Rockies
1030 at Rockies; take pictures
1100 return to campsite for lunch
1120 Start descent
1200 Back at trailhead. Take lUnch
1300 Take Jeep to Lipa
1400 From Fiesta Mall, take trike to Brgy. Sta Cruz (Sulok)
1420 Register at Brgy. Hall before proceeding.
1430 Start trek
1500 Grotto
1540 Summit
1615 Descent
1630 Reach Mang Pirying's place. Coffee break!
1730 Back at trailhead. Take tricycle to Lipa
1800 Take bus back to Manila
2000 ETA Manila

Expenses:

Buendia to Tambo Exit: 95.00
Jeep to Cuenca: 21.00
Trike: 20.00
Registration Fee: 10.00
Jeep to Lipa: 25.00
Lipa to Alabang: 94.00
Trike to brgy Sulok: 40-60.00
Trike to Lipa: 40-60.00
Registration Fee: 20.00

Mt. Maculot Itinerary and Expenses


Mt. Maculot
Cuenca, Batangas

Actual Itinerary

ROCKIES

Dayhike

0600 Board Batangas City-bound bus from Buendia or Cubao
0700 ETA Tambo Exit; Ride Jeepney to Lemery
0800 ETA Cuenca Poblacion - Highway. Walk or take trike to jump-off. Register.
0830 start trek
1015 arrive at campsite, head to Rockies
1030 at Rockies; take pictures
1100 return to campsite for lunch
1300 start descent
1400 back at jump-off; tidy up then head back to the highway ; ride jeepney bound to Lipa
1500: ETA Lipa Bus Terminal; Take bus to Manila


Overnight

Day 1

0900 Board Batangas City-bound bus from Buendia or Cubao
1000 ETA Tambo Exit; Ride Jeepney to Lemery
1100 ETA Cuenca Poblacion - Highway. Walk or take trike to jump-off. Register. Lunch
1300 start trek
1515 arrive at campsite
1600 head to Rockies
1630 at Rockies; take pictures
1700 return to campsite
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials

Day 2
0600 Wakeup
0700 Breakfast
0900 Breakcamp
1000 start descent
1100 back at jump-off; tidy up then head back to the highway ; ride jeepney bound to Lipa
1200: ETA Lipa Bus Terminal; Lunch
1300 Take bus to Manila


Expenses:

Buendia to Tambo Exit: 95.00
Jeep to Cuenca: 21.00
Trike: 20.00
Registration Fee: 10.00
Jeep to Lipa: 25.00
Lipa to Alabang: 94.00


Mt. Gulugod Baboy Itinerary and Expenses


Mt. Gulugod Baboy
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas

Actual Itinerary

Dayhike

0600 ETD Bus to Batangas City
0800 ETA Batangas City Terminal; Ride Jeepney to Mabini
0900 ETA Philpan Diving Resort; jump-off point, register
0930 Start trek
1030 ETA Gulugod-Baboy (Peak 1)
1000 ETA Gitna (Peak 2)
1130 ETA Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3). Lunch
1200 Descent
1300 ETA Philpan Diving Resort. Take jeep to town proper
1330 ETA Mabini town proper; take jeep to Batangas City or van to Manila

Overnight

Day 1

0800 Meet up Buendia
0900 Board bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal
1045 ETA Balagtas
1100 Lunch
1200 Board chartered jeepney to Philpan Resort
1300 ETA Philpan Resort
1300 Commence Hike
1500 ETA Campsite
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials
2100 Lights off

Day 2

0530 Wake-up
0600 Sunrise; Breakfast
0730 Breakcamp
0800 Start Descent
0900 ETA Philpan resort; Swimming
1100 Tidy-up
1200 Board jeepney back to Balagtas
1300 ETA Balagtas; Lunch
1400 Board bus back to Manila
1700 ETA Manila

Expenses:

Bus (Buendia to Balagtas): 120.00
Jeep: 100.00
Reg. Fee. 20.00
Entrance: 60.00
Cottage fee: 300.00 (300/10=30.00)

Mt. Tarak Itinerary


Tarak Ridge
Mariveles, Bataan

Actual Itinerary

Overnight

Day 1

0500 Board bus to Mariveles, Bataan
0900 ETA Alas-asin; register at Brgy. Hall
1000 Start trek
1200 ETA Papaya river; lunch
1300 Resume trek to woodlands
1530 ETA Tarak Ridge; set up camp
1700 Await the sunset; prepare for dinner
2000 Lights out

Day 2

0600 Breakfast;
0700 Start ascent to summit
0800 ETA summit
0900 Bact at ridge; break camp
1100 ETA Papaya river; Lunch
1400 Back at jump-off point.
1600 ETD Mariveles
1900 ETA Manila



Dayhike

0130 Board bus to Mariveles, Bataan
0400 ETA Barangay Alas-Asin
0500 ETA Aling Cording's Place
0600 Commence Trek
0730 Reach Papaya River
0930 ETA Ridge
1000 ETA Summit
1100 Back to Papaya River
1200 ETA Aling Cording's place; Tidy up
1400 Lunch along the Highway
1800 ETA Manila

Mt. Samat Itinerary


Mt. Samat
Pilar, Bataan

Actual Itinerary

0500 ETD Manila by bus
0730 ETA Balanga, Bataan. Take Bagac-bound jeep to jumpoff
0900 ETA jumpoff; walk up the road
1030 Arrival at Mt. Samat shrine. Register.
1115 Lunch
1200 Start Descent
1400 Head back back to Balanga
1440 ETA Balanga
1600 Take bus back to Manila
1900 ETA Manila

Mt. Manalmon Itinerary


Mt. Manalmon
San Miguel, Bulacan

Actual Itinerary

ITINERARY

Day  hike

0600 From Cubao or Pasay; take Cabanatuan-bound bus
0830 ETA Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel; take tricycle to jump-off
0900 Arrive at jump-off; register and get guides at community
1000 Start trek
1130 ETA summit of Mt. Manalmon; take pictures
1200 Start descent
1300 Back at community; lunch
1400 Visit Madlum and Bayukbok Caves
1630 Swim at Madlum river
1800 Back at jump-off; proceed back to Brgy. Kamias
1900 Take bus back to Manila

Overnight

Day 1

0800 From Cubao or Pasay; take Cabanatuan-bound bus
1030 ETA Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel; take tricycle to jump-off
1100 Arrive at jump-off; register and get guides at community; Lunch
1300 Start trek
1430 ETA river
1600 Start Ascent
1630 ETA Summit
1800 Dinner
1900 Socials

Day 2

0500 Wakeup; Sunrise
0600 BReakfast
0900 Breakcamp; Descent
1030 Back at community
1045 Cross Monkey bridge
1100 Visit Bayukbok Cave
1200 Back at Community; Lunch
1300 Swim at Madlum River
1600 Tidy-up; Prepare to leave
1700 Take bus back to Manila

Mt. Manalmon- Mt. Gola Twin Dayhike Itinerary


Mt. Manalmon - Mt. Gola Twin Dayhike
San Miguel, Bulacan

Actual Itinerary

0700 From Pasay; take Cabanatuan-bound bus
0830 ETA Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel; take tricycle to jump-off
0900 Arrive at jump-off; register and get guides at community
1000 Start trek
1000 ETA summit of Mt. Manalmon; take pictures
1100 Start descent
1120 Cross river to Mt. Gola
1200 ETA summit
1230 Descent
1330 Back at jump-off
1530 Swim at Madlum river
1700 Proceed back to Brgy. Kamias
1600 Take bus back to Manila

Friday, January 11, 2013

Mt. Daguldol Itinerary


Mt. Daguldol
Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

Actual Itinerary

Day 1

1100 Take Lipa-bound bus from Manila (Buendia, Cubao)
1330 At Lipa, charter jeep to Brgy. Hugom
1530 ETA Brgy. Hugom; Arrange for Guides
1600 Pitch tent at Beach Front
1900 Dinner / Socials

Day 2

0500 Wake up call
0730 Start Trek at beach front
0800 ETA jump-off
1000 ETD Mang Lizardo's Place
1130 ETA Summit
1300 Start Descent
1400 Back at Mang Lizardo's place
1500 Take Naambon Falls sidetrip
1630 Back at Brgy. Hugom; head to beach resorts
1700 Rent jeep back to Lipa or Batangas City en route to Manila

Note:

Hire a jeep or van going to and from brgy. Hugom is the most convenient transportation.

Mt. Batulao Itinerary


Mt. Batulao
Nasugbu, Batangas

ACTUAL ITINERARIES

Old to New Trail

0400 ETD bus terminal in EDSA-Taft via BSC Bus Lines to Nasugbu, Batangas
0715 Arrival at Evercrest
0730 Start trek
0845 Arrival at Fork of Old and New Trails. Take the left, downward trail that enters some woodland
0900 Arrival at Camp 1. Register (20.00).
1015 Arrival at Camp 8, commence final assault
1100 Arrival at summit; lunch
1200 Start descent via New Trail, which is opposite the Old Trail at the summit
1300 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Register again (20.00).
1530 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1600 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney
1630 ETA Tagaytay; Eat Bulalo

New to Old Trail

0400 ETD bus terminal in EDSA-Taft via BSC Bus Lines to Nasugbu, Batangas
0715 Arrival at Evercrest
0730 Start trek
0845 Arrival at Fork of Old and New Trails. Take the middle/slightly right upward trail
0930 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Rest / Register.
1030 Arrival at summit; early lunch
1200 Start descent via Old Trail, which is opposite the New Trail at the summit
1300 Arrival at Old Trail Campsite. Register again.
1530 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1600 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney
1630 ETA Tagaytay; Eat Bulalo

Overnight


New to Old Trail

Day 1
1100 ETD bus terminal in EDSA-Taft via BSC Bus Lines to Nasugbu, Batangas
1400 Arrival at Evercrest
1415 Start trek
1530 Arrival at Fork of Old and New Trails. Take the middle/slightly right upward trail
1630 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Rest / Register (30.00).
1800 Dinner
1900 Sessions

Day 2
0500 Wake-upBreakfast
0730 Arrival at summit
0800 Start descent via Old Trail, which is opposite the New Trail at the summit
0900 Arrival at Old Trail Campsite. Register again. (20.00)
1030 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1100 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney
1200 ETA Tagaytay; Eat Bulalo

Old to New Trail

Day 1
1100 ETD bus terminal in EDSA-Taft via BSC Bus Lines to Nasugbu, Batangas
1400 Arrival at Evercrest
1415 Start trek
1530 Arrival at Fork of Old and New Trails. Take the left, downward trail that enters some woodland
1630 Arrival at Old Trail Campsite. Rest / Register (20.00).
1800 Dinner
1900 Sessions

Day 2
0500 Wake-upBreakfast
0730 Arrival at summit
0800 Start descent via New Trail, which is opposite the New Trail at the summit
0900 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Register again. (20.00)
1030 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1100 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney
1200 ETA Tagaytay; Eat Bulalo

Expenses:

Bus to Evercrest: 105.00
Reg. Fee (Old) 20.00
Reg Fee (New) 20.00 (30.00 Overnight)
Evercrest to EDSA Taft: 105.00

Mt. Arayat Dayhike Itinerary and Expenses


Mt. Arayat Dayhike

via Magalang Trail

Actual Itinerary

0700 Take Olongapo-bound bus and get off at San Fernando, Pampanga
0900 ETA San Fernando, take jeep to Magalang town
1000 At Magalang, take trike to jump-off point in Brgy. Ayala
1040 ETA Brgy. Ayala; start trek
1200 ETA Cottage; Lunch
1400 ETA North Peak (Peak 1)
1500 Start Descent
1700 Reach jump-off; Tidy up
18:30 Trike to Magalang
19:00 Jeep to SM San Fernando


Expenses:

Bus to San Fernando : 110.00
Jeep to Magalang jump-off : 70.00
Trike to Magalang: 25.00 (3 Pax)
Jeep To San Fernando: 35.00
San Fernando to Cubao: 110.00

Notes:

It would have much earlier if not for the holiday season: our original itinerary was set on 4 in the morning.

Last trip to San Fernando is 7 pm

Mt. Amuyao Itinerary and Expenses

Mt. Amuyao
Barlig, Mt. Province


ACTUAL ITINERARY

(VIA BARLIG)

Day 0
2000 Assembly at Cable Bus Tour in E. Rodriguez, Q.C.
2030 ETD for Bontoc, Mt. Province

Day 1
0830 ETA Bontoc/ Breakfast
1200 ETD for Barlig, Mountain Province, via jeep
1430 ETA Macalama, Barlig. Lunch before trek.
1530 Start Trek (may be deferred if sun's heat too intense)
1830 ETA Barlig Viewpoint (~2400 MASL)
2100 ETA Summit. Either camp outside or stay at bunkhouses.
2200 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0500 Wake-up Call / Breakfast
0700 Start descent
0845 Back at Barlig Viewpoint
1200 Back at jump-off point; lunch.
1300 Take jeep/van to Bontoc.
1500 Back in Bontoc: ETD to Cubao

Day 3

0300 ETA Cubao

Expenses

Bus: 650.00 one way (1,300 round trip)
Jeep to Barlig (60.00)
Van to Bontoc: 200.00

Note:

Guide is recommendable but in our case we did not hire someone to guide us. We just followed the electric cable lines up to the summit.

First trip to Barlig via jeepney is 12 noon.
Last Trip to Bontoc via jeepney is 11 am.

According to some post; there is a 100.00 fee on the usage of the bunker, however, nobody charged us a single centavo.

This itinerary is applicable for small groups on a tight budget only.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Mt. Malipunyo Day Hike: My First Climb of 2013


"Don't judge a book by its cover." Yes, I know it sounds a broken record already but it simply sums up what bestowed in our dayhike in Mt. Malipunyo (Brgy. Talisay, Lipa City, Batangas) last Jan. 6, 2013. Before  anything first, let me tell how we got there in the first place.

The supposedly meet-up place was 4:00 am at Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia) but I woke up 45 minutes after the said time. Instinctively, Sir Dada, his gf Gem and sir Joroz left without me and proceed to Fiesta Mall in Lipa, where Mike, had already went there via Alabang. Usually, some would back-out if my situation happened to them but not me. To cut the long story short, I was only half an hour late. (I took an express route to Lipa via Tambo Exit)

They waited for me at the front of SM City Lipa while they were ordering for their lunch. After a quick breakfast, we rode a trike for 20.00 each enroute to Brgy. Talisay.

jump-off point
 From there we alight at the barangay outpost. We looked for Miss Yolly for the registration (10.00) and hired us a guide as well (800.00).


No Solicitation Please. (Sir Joroz was looking for Ms. Yolly, the barangay secretary)
Pre-climb group shot (L-R) MIke, Phil, Joroz, Gem, and Dada

While waiting for Manang Yolly, a handicapped man was walking towards us and we jokingly said that he was our guide. It turned out that he was indeed our guide. Obviously, we were kind of startled upon hearing that shocking news but due to our unfamiliarity to the trail we have no choice but to hire his services. Mang Rey told us that we a victim of polio. Apolinario Mabini and Grace Padaca came into my mind as both were polio victims and it ease my worries. After all he was not bad at all as he knows the trail by heart. In fact, the great Sky Biscocho even named the river after him.


Barefooted. No Problem. Mang Rey, our polio-stricken guide, led our team to the summit.
 Half an hour before 9, we commenced our journey. After leaving the cemented road, we trekked a gradual trail for almost an hour until we reached the river. We rested there for awhile then had some pictures taken beside the falls.


Because it rained the day before, the trail was slippery due to  the mud and so we had some trouble to the summit. In addition, the Lipa plants that can cause itchiness to the skin were around the trails. Furthermore, there were trees that had thorns so they were deemed useless to grab on to. And so I conclude this was not an easy climb that I initially thought. A piece of advice, were proper clothing please.

 
Believe me, the ascent was not easy...
Teach me How to Dougie: A Very Disturbing Image.
 
Two hours into our trek, we reached Peak 1. According to Mang Rey, it serves an e-camp if sometimes they could not reach the summit by sunset. Then after an downhill-uphill affair we reached Peak 2. Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal are visible there. Afterwards, around noon we reached the summit after more than three hours of walking muddy terrain.


Andito na Kami. Group post at the summit.

We ate our lunch at the summit, which also serves as a campsite though it only holds about 5-6 tents at the most I presumed. At the summit, it doesn't have a full 360 degree view however, one can view each direction. There's the Banahaw Complex at one direction, Manabu Peak and Mt. Makiling at the other, Maculot on the other side, and I assumed Daguldol in the other direction. We had our customary photo sessions at the peak before we made our descend at around one in the afternoon. It might be my first time of not wanting to go down because of the slippery trail waiting for us. But going down is mandatory so we have no choice but to suffer the consequences.

Before reaching peak 1, we turned right and took a new trail to avoid the much slippery route. It was much safer but it was a long path that we might circled around the mountain. On that trail, we crossed the Climbing Buddies group that came from Manabu Peak.

Encounter with the Climbing Buddies

That trail led us back to the so called coffee plantation of Mang Rey, wherein he left his pair of slippers.  From there, we had little trouble of going down. Around 4 in the afternoon, we made it back safely in Mang Rey's home and relaxed while drinking coffee.

Kapeng Barako, anyone?!



  Meet The Fearless Five (F5)





Why so serious? Sir Mike: The 2nd Lead Photographer
The Team's Muse and our Lead Photographer's GF: Ma'am Gem
The Lead Photographer and the Climb Organizer: Sir Dada
The Uncut Version: Sir Joroz the SPG-rated Conversationalist
 
Taong Bundok! Di po si John Lloyd yan.. ako lang po yan... aka: the Storyteller

Yes, we end the day with a hearty meal of Lomi just adjacent at the Bus Terminal in Lipa.

Kakain na kami!!!

Expenses:

Alabang-Tambo Exit: 94.00
Jeep to Lipa: 8.00
Jeep to SM: 8.00
Trike to Talisay: 20.00
Reg. Fee: 10.00
Guide: 160.00 each (800.00 Guide fee)
Bath:15.00
Food and Drinks: 250.00
Trike to Lipa Bus Stop: 30.00
Bus to Alabang: 94.00

Total: 689.00

Acknowledgment:
Thank you Sir Dada for the wonderful photos
Thank you to Mang Rey for guiding us and his funny antics
Thank you to Sir Mike, Sir Joroz, Sir Dada, and Ma'am Gem for waiting me and doing this climb with me from the bottom of my heart (sabi nga ni Mang Rey pati na rin sa atay at balon-balonan) Maraming Salamat Po!!!



2012 Flashback


Dear 2012,

For 366 days we have spent with each other, you witnessed a lot of things. Needless to say, I've been through a lot. Figuratively and literally, I have endured up and down struggles,yet, I able to survive all of this and able to move forward to your predecessor 2013. But before you leave, let me look back what happened in the last 12 months.

January

This was an off month in terms of extra-curricular probably due to the holiday break it kinda slowed me down. I declined two possible hikes due to work related concerns. The only getaway I did was attending a wedding in Antipolo.


February

Ah, the love month blossomed my love for the mountains as it was the start of my year in terms of hiking mountains. With a friend and 14 strangers, we embarked a journey to Mt. Cristobal in Dolores, Quezon.

Also, I engaged in a new sport, i.e. Futsal.

March

Two mountains conquered and a beautiful and lavish wedding in between. EMPE LIGHT mountaineers was born in Mt. Manalmon, San Miguel, Bulacan. Then attended my cousin's wedding in Fernwoods Garden, Quezon City. My first flight for the year in my home province in Albay.  Then the unforgettable Akiki-Amba Pulag ordeal to capped this unforgettable month.

April

This is where Mr. Long Weekend was born. A Kagitingan climb in Tagapo, Binangonan, Rizal then afterwards a birthday dinner for my Grandmother at Aristocrat's, Manila. Another wedding again this time in Alfonso, Cavite then the next day a hospital visit in Angeles, Pampanga. A week later was another trip to Bicol this time in Camarines Sur. Wakeboarding at CWC and an overnight stay in the Caramoan penninsula. It was not over as I had went to Laiya beach to take a dip and hike Mt. Daguldol that almost claim my life.

May


A twin day hike in Talamitam and Batulao a day after Mother's Day was the only highlight for this month as I was kind of short in budget concern due to a lot of activities the previous month.

June

A cancelled trip to Bacolod was slightly forgotten due to a back to back climbs in Tarak Ridge and Gulugod Baboy. USAP Mountaineers was officially formed. Spend my birthday via a Binondo Food Walk in Chinatown. Furthermore, I had a long awaited return to Enchanted Kingdom.

July

First day of that month was dedicated to Maculot. The following week was another Talamitam-Batulao hike this time an overnight at the latter and drinking ice cold beer at the top was the memorable part. Then another Twin Dayhike at Manalmon and Gola in Bulacan as part of 2nd Anniversary of Law Mountaineering Society (LMS). A medical condition called Bell's Palsy prevented me to climb mountains for almost a month.

August

Habagat came and flooded most of the metropolis as well my dreams in hiking Mayon. Eventually, I able to quickly salvage an alternate climb in Mt. Manabu, Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

September

Conquered Pico de Loro again but with another traumatic story as our dayhike ended at night without any headlights so we got lost in the trail. Then to the Cordillera this time at Mt. Amuyao. Another long trek but rewarded at the end with a beautiful sea of clouds scenery. A comeback to Manalmon. This time the trail was muddy and I had slides a couple of times.

October

EMPE LIGHT's goes to Maculot. A weekday vacation at Boracay. Then a return to Batulao for the nth time. Went to Albay for a long needed vacation.

November

Survive an epic 321 luzon saga. Vowed to never set foot again the Tawangan trail of Mt. Pulag. Finally got a well deserve sea of cloud moment. Returned to Pulag, this time for a relaxed Amba-Amba climb.

December

Twin dayhike at Maculot-Manabu and lost my cellphone just before the climb. Hike Arayat with my new Salomon shoes and almost got my ankle twisted. Ended the year at Albay but just viewed Mayon as backdrop.

Aray.... Aray... Mt.Arayat (Christmas and Year-Ender climb)


December 23, 2012

Mt. Arayat
Magalang, Pampanga

It was a couple of days before Christmas but here I was spending time in the mountain. This is my first time to hike Mt. Arayat located in the province of Pampanga so I did not waste the opportunity to go there.


I arrived just right before the 4 AM meet up time so I ate in a nearby fast food chain. Minutes later, my companions came and eat there as well. Meanwhile at the bus terminal, flock of people were there as they will spend the Holidays at there home provinces. Probably that was a gin that I have missed which spelled doom for our hike. To cut the long story short, we were stranded in the terminal for about four hours while the bus ride to San Fernando, Pampanga only took a little over an hour.


Afterwards we took a jeepney en route to Magalang town. It dropped us right to the jump-off point in Brgy. Ayala where we also saw a group of mountaineers making their ascend to the mountain.

The start was like Calvary. Along the trail there were stations of the cross to commemorate the suffering of Christ. Probably it is a friendly reminder that we will also suffer during the climb itself.

The path itself was new according to a second timer. We just followed the cable lines of electricity that will lead us to the top. Because we started late we had our lunch at a hut along the trail.


The assault was steep so it was kind of difficult for others to trek it. Even though it was hard enough to climb it, the most disappointing part was the garbage all over the mountain. I even saw a pair of pants lying in the bushes.


About three hours to the climb we reached North Peak. It was now home to Military personnel guarding the relay tower built at that location.
 
We did not stay long and after the customary photo ops, we made our descend to the same trail. Because I wanted to test my new shoes, I ran downhill. I almost ran down my three companions fortunately sir Raymond was able to stop me.


Then the unexpected happened yes just like Bilbo Baggins journey to the Lonely Mountain, I saw Ma'am Ana and sir Geoff, colleagues of mine from another mountaineering affiliations. They were a little bit of delayed in their itinerary but still pushed their ascend. Unfortunately, they were not able to reach the peak due to time constraints.
of all places, I bumped into sir geoff and maam anna

Still, I continue my running until I almost twisted my ankle due to the steepness of the trail. Too scared of injuring myself, I slowed my pace a bit and still meet my modest goal of going down while the sun was up there.

We were able to catch the last trip to San Fernando just in the nick of time. About an hour later, we had dinner at SM San Fernando.

Maculot - Manabu Twin Dayhike


December 2, 2012

Mt. Maculot
Cuenca, Batangas

I have been here already twice but this one is different because I, together with Dennis, will embark a twin dayhike at Maculot and Manabu Peak.  It was long weekend for me and a little bit bored at our house so I accept my companion's request of a dayhike. Now I regret partially of accepting it.

I lost my cell phone while we were on our way to the jump-off point. It was already a bad omen and still we continue on our plan. At first, it was hard to swallow the fact that I lost my phone but I had no choice to accept it the fact that I am now cell-phone less again. 

As I said this one is different because I have reached the tongue of the Rockies for the first time and also the other side of the Rockies. 
 
We did not took much time up there as we have another mountain to conquer later that afternoon. However, along the trail down hill we rested  a bit because we cannot pass on the opportunity to chat with fellow hikers. A trio of climbers were only on their second time and their previous climb was a  only week apart.

Then we took our lunch at one of the place around the jump-off. By noon, we were off to out next destination.

Mt. Manabu
Sto. Tomas, Batangas

We went to Lipa so we can ride the trike en route to the jump-off. But before that we had to pick up one late entry to the climb. This is one of the perks of this hobby, is meeting new people. Our guest used to be as hardcore like me. She has been to many tough mountains as well. I only dream of those while she already conquered it. Knowing her, enticed me a little bit to conquer those mountain as well.

Upon reaching Manabu, we were the only ones who are making the ascend. Upon the fork trail, we opted for the Grotto route so we accomplish all the routes of this mountain. Compared to the traditional trail, it is much harder because of its steepness. Then the sun started to show up when we reached the grasslands as well up to the summit. 

Even were a little time conscious, we still able to afford a long stay at the top. Probably we all enjoyed taking pictures there. 
 
 
Then its time to leave. Of course we drop by to Mang Pirying's place. Nobody was around but Dennis made himself at home by offering himself coffee. Afterwards, we were able to reach the jump-off just before sunset. 

We were even able to catch the arrival of the missing couple who had gone to Malipunyo without any guide. They were missing for almost a day now making the locals worried. Fortunately, they found their way back home. And so do we, of course.

Mt. Pulag with the USAP Mountaineers (Amba-Amba Trail)


November 25-26, 2012

Mt. Pulag
Kabayan, Benguet

It has been around twenty days when I have been here but Still I went back again this time with USAP Mountaineers. (Again because of the subsidy, well I feel like a pro) This will be my third time this year and my fourth over all. I am probably one of few idiots who have done the Akiki, Tawangan and Ambangeg trails in one year. 

Eighteen souls were able to join this journey. One of which is a first timer. How envy I was with him when we experienced the marvelous sunrise of Pulag. I waited two years for mine while he had just on his first time.

There were a lot of hikers going down because it was a Sunday. In fact, a couple of them were Ben's friends that we met in Batulao last July.

The weather up there was like the air conditioning temperature in our office but the problem was it was windy so there was an additional chill factor. That is why there were no socials that night. (Except the ones in our tent, of course)

The group woke up early so we can get to the summit by sunrise. By the time we reached the summit, the sun was still not up so we were able to enjoy the sun rise. Unlike the first time I saw the clouds, this was nothing like that only a few formation were visible so I was little bit disappointed. Then again, the clearing was great so it was still near perfect. 
We stayed there for awhile and head back to Camp 2. We had our breakfast and moved back to the Ranger Station. It took me only less than an hour to do so and it was a great achievement for me as well.

It was already six pm when we arrived to Baguio. Noli, Ben and Jhay-Ar accompanied me to a lovely dinner at Good Taste Restaurant. In fairness, its name implies to its food as it was delicious.

Luzon 3-2-1: The Epic Conclusion of the Saga in Ambangeg - Pulag


November 3, 2012

Mt. Pulag
Ambangeg, Benguet



Alas, the third day arrived. This was my much awaited day as it will be the easiest day of the sojourn and capped the highlight of this unforgettable saga.

 
 
 
Ah, did I ever mentioned that I have been here twice, and had no luck of seeing the sea of clouds formation. That is why I planned this insane Luzon 3-2-1 adventure so I have a sacrifice to accomplish my goal of seeing it. And the sacrifice was all worth it. 
 
 
Finally, all the efforts were rewarded well accordingly. The glorious sunrise everyone were bragging was on my both pair of eyes. Pretty much, I thought it was raining like my first two climbs there but it was only tears of joy coming from my own eyes. It was not majestic like I was hoping for but it was so close of being magnificent. In addition, luck was on my side as we tagged along a great photographer in Sir Vic.

 
 
Then we have to leave the summit and break camp at the saddle. It took us an hour to do so and we commenced our descend.
 
 
Broken knees or not, I had no choice but to go down. Even if it was the executive trail in Ambangeg, I had hard time to do so due to fatigue. And finally after a four hour trek from the saddle camp, I finally reached the Ranger Station and all of what happened (the limatik bites, the pain and hunger, the agony, etc.) are only a distant memory in the past.

 
 
We went to the DENR station and got our certificates in accomplishing this rare feat. Afterwards, we were off to Baguio city to catch our 11 pm bus. We arrived at the city of Pines around past seven in the evening. We had our dinner at downtown and I even saw one of my officemates there in Session Road.

 
 
And that was it. A somewhat extraordinary experience at its conclusion but it was all worth it. Thank you Sir Dada, Rein, Vic, Noli, Kiko and Kuya Tootz for accomplishing this difficult task with me. 

 
-The End-
 
The Magnificent (Insane) Seven
 
Organizer
 
sir "sweet" Dada
 
Lead Hiker

sir Rein

Chef
Kuya Tootz


Pacer/Chef
 
 sir Noli

Sweeper/ Photographer

sir Vic


The Kaladkarin

sir Kiko


The Culprit

sir Phil