Training Climb for Mt. Pulag

January 29, 2011

This climb will be our training climb for Mt. Pulag. An early morning trek will gave you an idea on trekking in a cool breeze. We started at 6:00AM and it was still dark. The trail was not familiar to me because it is not the starting point I remebered the last time I am here; it was also confusing for me because it was still dark. The group consist of me, Onin and Shirley. I am the only one who knows the trail, so I guess I am the tour guide here. My worries has been vanished when we reached the first station going to Grotto.

After a 30 minutes trek along the fourteen stations (I guess), we reached the Grotto which is the fifteenth station. We rested for a while and took some snacks. The last time I am here the area was still wide, however, this time it was full of tall grass (talahib). Thankfully it still doesn't ruined the view at the Grotto. Knowing that this will be the last view point until the summit.

We then continued our trek via the forested trail. This section of the trail is the most challenging (Grotto to summit). Steep trail with an almost 90 degrees. Maybe this will give you a feel of the steep trail of Akiki Trail. After more than an hour, we then arrived at the summit. You can have a peek of the Rockies here. If your itinerary includes packed lunch, you may eat your lunch here.

About an hour we then reached the saddle campsite which is 15 to 30 minuetes away from the Rockies. We rest for a while and take a snack. We also had a chit chat with the store owner, she sells any kinds of food/drinks/snacks and ofcourse very pricey. 35 Pesos for a small bottle of softdrinks, nice business. After taking our snack, we proceed to the Rockies. We just took pictures here and of we go.

We started descending via the traditional trail. It was hot already when we started descending. On the way down, we encountered many groups that are heading up Mt. Maculot. We descided to stop for a while to take a rest and eat Halo-Halo. A very refreshing one. About 15 to 30 minuetes, we arrived at the mountaineer store. We ate our lunch here and took a bath. Gotong Batangas and Loming Batangas for lunch, a rewarding lunch for us. After the lunch we then proceed back to Manila.

Nice one Onin and Shirley, training climb successfull. Congratulations for successfully completing the trail ahead of time. Hope this helps us on our journey to Mt. Pulag.

Septuple Birthday Climb

January 22-23, 2011

This climb was organized for the birthday climb of my seven friends; Onin, Jimi, Cyprus, Jaycee, Adam, Ian and Cindy. The destination is Mt. Balagbag at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

I thought this will be an easy climb, but I guess it will not be fun if there will be no challenge. Instead of trekking the normal trail which is very wide that even a motorcycle can pass up until the summit, one of our friend suggested that we take the waterfalls trail going up. Literally speaking, we were climbing the waterfalls for more or less 5 hours I guess. Wet, steep, rocky and slippery; it was quite a challenge. I even had a bruises on my knees. The trail ends on a road which heads to the summit, about more or less two hours of trek and you will be arriving at the summit.

My assessment on the waterfalls trail is that it is much harder than Tarak Ridge's Papaya River to campsite and MakTrav's Melkas Ridge. If I am not mistaken, the trail we passed by the waterfalls was not a common trail mountaineers use. Well atleast I have tried using that trail.

We arrived at the summit before the sun sets. We were able to set camp before it gets dark. We were divided into four groups to prepare for dinner; our group (Team Ynna) prepared Sinigang na Baboy, Team Onin prepared Menudo, Team Cindy cooked Spaghetti Macaroni and Team Dante cooked Caldereta. It was a fiesta dinner, yum yum. A very rewarding meal.

Socials started right after the dinner. I decided to sleep when our Gran Matador (local brandy) were all consumed, they still continued with The Bar (local gin with fruit flavor).

The noise of my companions woke me up, when I get out of the tent, it is when I realized that me and my girlfriend were the last person to woke up. We get out of the tent and TANAN!, breakfast is ready. Thanks guys!

Break camp time, then we started descending. This will be a short descend. After less than 2 hours, we then arrived at the pick up point were the jeepney was waiting. On the way to Tungko we got flat tires (are we too heavy?). It is lunch time when we arrived at Tungko, the other planned on going home already and the majority of us were still planning on what to do. The decision, go to sir Rufo's house to take our lunch.

We stayed at sir Rufo's house until almost midnight. Thanks sir Rufo for your place. It was a very fun post climb/celebration. It was very fun thanks to sir Jimmi.

MakTrav II

January 15, 2011

After three months, I'm back at the trails of MakTrav. I have never thought that I will be back here in just a short period of time. Atleast I was able to see the beauty of MakTrav again, and it will surely be my favorite dayhike. MakTrav never fails to amaze me; the steepness of the trail after Haring Bato, the technicality and the great views of the Melkas Ridge, and the denseness of the Wild Boar Trail.

Three months have passed, the trail seems to have changed. Well, that proves that mountains are alive. I cannot remember some part of the trail, and was thinking if we pass by those trail the last time we were there. It's good to see this mountain in a different mood.

Actually, no one from the group is familiar with the first part of the trail (the trail after the dead creek). Luckily we haven't got lost, we met some locals and pointed us the right direction. Also, we got advise from friends who are familiar with the trail, and I have read some article which states that the way to MakTrav is North East (NE).

We then reached the "bahay kubo" (nipa hut). From here and on, I'm already familiar with the trail. I'm already complacent that there is a very minimal chance for us to get lost. Our next stop is Haring Bato, this is one of my favorite spot. The view are great with clear sky. Nice place to take pictures.

We decided to take our lunch at the Melkas campsite, after resting we then scaled the Melkas Ridge. This part seemed to be more difficult than the last time, or maybe because I was the one leading the group. It is good to see that there are newly installed ropes in some segment of the ridge. After reaching Peak 3, we then stopped to take a rest after proceeding to Peak 2.

We then entered the Wild Boar Trail, in contrary to the Melkas Ridge, the Wild Boar Trail seemed to be more easier than the first time I was here. However, it seems that there are too many thorny plants this time.

After more than an hour, we then arrived at Peak 2 (1080 MASL based from my watch), the highest point of Mt. Makiling National Park. We met some teenagers, they will be spending their night here at the summit. After a few chit chat, and a quick rest, we already start descending. It is getting dark already and the fog is getting thicker. It was very hard, my headlamp won't pass through the thick fog which gave me minimal view of the trail and brought me to dead end trail.

The rain started to fall when we are about to reach the "kalsada" (road). It rained hard before we reach the Nursery, it was very hard for me trekking in the rain because I have already changed from my shoes to my old pair of slippers (slippers that is slippery when wet).

After taking a bath, we then proceed to the town proper. Here we ate our very late dinner then grab two bottles of beer for our reward. Well it was a tiring day, but it is worth tiring for. Hoping for more MakTrav to come.

Old to New

December 18-19, 2010

I organized a climb for my college friends who wanted to try hiking. Our destination, Mt. Batulao. I first planned it as a dayhike, when some of my mountaineering friends suggested to make it an overnight climb. Well ofcourse it's fine with me, however, how about my college friends who cannot join the overnight. Well I guess this will not be a problem.

A supposed to be 5:00 AM departure from Manila turned to be 7:00 AM (courtesy of Dean and Gessy), PEACE guys! Hehehe! We were 2 hours delayed on our itinerary, well the show must go on, then of we go.

We took our breakfast in the stores outside Evercrest, Bulalo, hmmmmm (however, it was expensive! Hehehe!). Because of the delay on the itinerary, we decided to take a trike to the jump-off rather than walking which will eat up our time.

The plan was take the old trail to the summit and descend using the new trail. I decided to take this trail for my college friends to have a complete Batulao experience. Batulao is slightly familiar to us Letranites (not by the name), this was the mountain visible during our retreat at Caleruega (if they can still remember).

Actually, this is my 4th time in Batulao, however, I haven't tried going up the summit using the old trail. This will be my first time. My assessment was the trail going up the summit in the old trail is much more difficult rather than the new trail.

We took our very late lunch at the summit. We were very lucky, the weather is great up until we reach the summit which means there is clearing. However, the rain started to fall when we started to descend, which make it difficult for the first timers (actually most of my college friends were first timers). We reached the new trail campsite and it is still raining, we started setting up camp while the rain is not too hard.

After the camp was set, we set off to accompany my college friends who were not joining the overnight. We joined them up until the diversion between the old trail and the new trail because it is getting dark already and we need to prepare for our dinner.

This was the birthday climb of my girlfriend and she prepared carbonara for our dinner, and it was delicious, knowing that this is her first time to cook carbonara (and take note; first time to cook carbonara in a mountain). While the dinner was being prepared, we started the socials. This is to lessen the coldness, it was very cold that night. And, dinner is set. Yum! Yum! Carbonara for dinner.

The socials was finished early with 2 bottles unopened. All of us where already sleepy, we decided to stop the socials and sleep. Lights off please!

Our plan was by 9:00 AM we were supposed to start descend, however, 9:00 AM seemed to be a wake up call. We need to get back at Evercrest at fast as we can, they were planning to climb Mt. Talamitam that day. Well I am out of that plan.

After lunch, we parted ways. They went to Mt. Talamitam, while me and my girlfriend head back home.

I hope my college friends were not traumatized by their experience in Batulao. I hope seeing you in the mountains. Let's do it again another time.

Climb Against Cancer 2010

December 4-5, 2010

A friend invited me in a climb for a cause. Target destination is Mt. Natib located at Orani, Bataan. Another challenging climb for me, and it met my expactation. It was a very challenging climb. This is also my first time to climb for a cause.

After registering at the outpost where soldiers are deployed. The trek is started at the end of the cemented road. The trail comprise of views of a village of rosters (they used to breed rosters for cock fighting). There are also great views of mountains along the Bataan Natural Park.

The first leg of the trail is gradual until your reach a hut where water source can be found. After the hut there is another gradual trail where it will end at the foot of Mt. Natib. Here is where the challenging part of the trail starts. For about 2 hours of very steep ascent with rope installed to support climbers, you end up at the summit. Mt. Natib is the highest peak within the Bataan Natural park with an elevation of 1255 MASL. There is a 360 degrees view, however, the summit was covered with fog.

Some part of the trail are infested with limatik (blood leeches). Some of my companions where paranoid and afraid with those little creatures. Well for me, I am just enjoying the trail. The campsite is also infested with limatiks which made my foot bloody during the camp.

The campsite is large, however, the ground is not flat. Together with strong winds it gave me a hard time pitching my tent. After setting camp, I started cooking. Right after the food where already cooked, the rain started to pour down and with strong cold winds which caused the socials to be cancelled. Everyone started getting inside their respective tents. It is very cold in the summit, about 18 degrees celcius. Well I guess its good night time already.

The noise of some of my companions woke me up early in the morning. Still having hope that there would be a clearing, I get out of my tent just seeing the fogs that where present the night before. Well no chance for a view, I guess a return climbed will be required.

After a very challenging descent, the group was divided into two groups were the other group went for a side trip (waterfalls maybe 3 hours away from the trail) and the rest of us decided to head back to the jumpoff to get home early.

This will be a memorable climb for me, new found friends plus a climb for a cause makes this climb a successful one for me (even without the view at the summit). Thanks to team Mt. Natib Climb Against Cancer 2010 for a very great experience. I hope climbing with you guys soon. Until next time.

Quadruple Birthday Celebration

November 13-14, 2010

This event was organized for a quadruple birthday celebration. Destination is set at Calauan, Laguna. Our camping grounds, Mt. Kalisungan summit.

The climb starts at a banana plantation. This part of the trail is home for mosquitos, so you wouldn't wonder if you see your skin full of mosquito bites. The whole trail is a steep ascent until your reach the grassland where your can feel the cool breeze. At the middle of the trail, there are views of some towns from Laguna and Rizal. You can also see Talim Island with its towering Mt. Tagapo which they say it looks like a female breast which its other name came from Mt. Susong Dalaga (Mt. Young Woman's Breast).

The summit has a 360 degrees view where you can have a glimpse of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo with Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw on its background. You may also see Mt. Makiling far at the west.

We reached the summit almost 7PM where it is already dark. We set our camp and start preparing our dinner. Then, its fiesta time. Our menu for the night; hotdog, adobo (pork stew), tinola (chicken in chicken broth with young papaya) with a hot steamy rice (YUM! YUM!). After the dinner, socials begun with alcoholic beverages; Lambanog (coconut wine) and GSM Blue.

We woke up early morning and ate our breakfast. We were about to break camp when it started to rain, I thought that the whole climb will have a fair weather since yesterdays weather is good. Well, weather in the mountain is very unpredictable.

We start descent and it is still raining. The trail was very slippery and not to mention, muddy. We then reach the jump-off and waited for our service which will take us to our side trip, Bunga Falls.

The falls looks like a chocolate falls, the water flowing was color brown (mud). I think the rain was the culprit why the color of the water is brown. Bunga Falls is also known as The Twin Falls. Its name was taken from Bunga (betel nut) Palms which grows around the falls. Some say that the catchbasin has some creatures which pulls outsiders feet. Well in my conclusion the pulling effect is caused by the force of the waterfalls which created a pulling effect.

The celebration was a great success. Thanks to Tanaka, Lakwatseros and all new and old friends for this successful climb. Until we meet again.

MakTrav

October 9, 2010

I thought I may not be given a chance to do this climb, and I was wrong. I have already scaled the trails of MakTrav(Mt. Makiling Traverse). Some of my friends told me that MakTrav is a very tiring hike, and yes they were correct. Roughly 11 hours estimated hiking time, truly it was very tiring.

This was organized by a friend (sir Luke), and this is their training climb for G2(Mt. Guiting-Guiting).

This was my first time to encounter a limatik (blood leeches). Having read some articles about limatiks before the climb prevent me from being scared of limatiks. Also, I'm too much enjoying the trail to be scared of limatiks.

First destination is Haring Bato, picture taking time guys! I guess this part has the most shots(pictures) taken. Next stop is Melkas Ridge Campsite, here we took our lunch. We also first encountered the limatik here, courtesy of Shirley. We were talking about limatik during our lunch, suddenly Shirley was calmly asking "eto na ba yun?" ("is this it?"), she was referring to a limatik in her pants. Then we answered "oo, yan na yun!" ("yes, that's it!"), and then she began panicking while the others was laughing at her. That was a very funny incident.

Next destination, Peak 3. This is where we commence crossing the Melkas Ridge, which is very steep that you'll need the assist of ropes. This part is the most hazardous part of the trail.

After reaching Peak 3, you will now enter another challenging part of the trail, the wild boar trail, which will lead you to Peak 2 (the highest point of Mt. Makiling). This is where the UPLB trail starts, start descent and you'll end up at UPLB(University of the Philippines Los Baños) College of Forestry.

For me, the reward of the trip is the Sto. Tomas Trail itself. Since the trail from Peak 2 to UPLB College of Forestry offers few views especially when darkness approaches, like in our case, we arrived at the College of Forestry at around 8:30PM.

This is a very challenging climb, now I know why it is used as a training climb for a G2 climb. Ofcourse I'll be back and scale MakTrav again.

All new scenery

August 28-29, 2010

It's been a while since my last post. Well here I go again, trying to create an entry based from my previous adventure.

Day 1

Last August 28, we been to Tarak Ridge. We decided to take the ferry boat (SuperCat) going to Orion Bataan, since it is much faster 1 hour ferry ride compared to 3 hours ride on a bus. This is the first time I've tried to ride a ferry boat and it made me quite dizzy which hinders me to take a nap.

We arrive at Port of Orion Bataan at around 07:00 and take a trike to the market then to the highway which mini buses pass by going to Mariveles.

09:30, we arrive at Barangay Alas-Asin (jump-off), rested for a while and distributed the loads then start trekking going to the jumpoff.

10:30, we arrive at the hut, rested and took some pictures and snacks then started trekking.

14:00, here we are at Papaya River. We took our very late packed lunched here and refilled our water containers.

15:00, we started trekking the steep and forested trail going to the ridge.

17:00, at last the strong winds welcomed us at Tarak Ridge. We set our camp because the rain is starting to get strong. One of our companion started preparing the dinner, sinigang na baboy, and it's very good. After the dinner, I did not got the chance to join the social due to strong rain (my rain jacket is wet... so sad...).

Day 2

08:00, wake up time and we need to prepare our full packed breakfast. After the breakfast, the part that I don't like the most, break camp. Then we prepared and started trekking to the Tarak Peak.

11:30, we then started to descend. We reached Papaya river and took our late lunch (again), took a deep on the cold water of the river then continued trekking.

17:30, we arrive at the jump-off. The journey is almost at its end. We then wash up and prepare to leave. We had missed the last trip going from Mariveles to Manila. Plan B, took a mini bus going to Balanga then from there we ride the bus to Manila.

Another hard adventure for me, but another mountain has added to my list. Thanks to Onin for organizing the trip and to sir Luke and group for accompanying us.

See you guys on our next adventure.

Fun! Fun! Fiesta Climb!

July 3-4, 2010

The climb was organized by a college friend and invited me to join.

First stop is Lipa, Batangas. We took the market first before heading to Sulok, Sto. Tomas, Batangas(jump-off). We also bought our lunch at Lipa.

When we arrived at the jump-off, we rested for a while then start trekking. We decided to ascend using the Grotto trail and descend using the traditional trail by the next day. I think the trail changed a bit compared when I first climb up Manabu Peak last two years ago (its quite some time though).

We took our lunch at the Grotto then rested for a while. Then we started trekking up to the summit. When we arrived at the last hut before the summit, we took a break to prevent the suns heat.

We then reach the summit area which was stationed by a white cross. We immediately proceed to the campsite area due to the suns heat at the summit.

After setting up the tents, the sky gets dark and started to rain. However, it didn't last that long. After a while we started preparing our dinner. We cooked menudo(courtesy of Erwin), sisig(courtesy of Anne), adobo(courtesy of Eds and Lyn), unknown viand(courtesy of me! Hehehe) and rice(courtesy of Onin and Cyprus). This really was a team effort and it went all great.

After the dinner, the other group visits us to join our social. A very joyful socials with a bit of scary stories. Too many stories were told that night. A mixed of funny and scary stories which make the socials joyful. After that well its lights off time.

The early morning waked us up with the view of the twins Mt. Crisobal and Mt. Banahaw with the sun as its background. A very nice view to start your morning. We then decided the climb up the summit area to have a greater view.

After the breakfast, we then start breaking camp and then start descending. The trail is a bit slippery because of the wet and muddy trail. After a while, we then reached the house of the famous keeper of Manabu Tatay Pirying. Ofcourse we did grab the opportunity of having the very much famous Tatay Pirying's coffee. A few minutes of rest then we set to continue the trek.

All I can say is that this is indeed a Fun! Fun! Fiesta climb!

The dinner fiesta

Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw (view from campsite)

Mt. Maculot (view from summit)

White cross at the summit

Manabu "Starbucks"?

First times!

June 6, 2010

There are a lot of first time happened to me on this trip.
 - to climb up Mt. Maculot
 - to do a day hike
 - to climb that will need a rope because of the steepness of the trail

To sum this up, this first times are very worth experience.

We started our trail at the grotto, passing through the forest to the summit, and descend to campsite and the rockies, then descended by the traditional trail.

We have noticed that there are lot of trash along the trail on the grotto side compared to the trail along the traditional trail. We have concluded that the trash on the grotto trail is the left by the recent holy week.

We took our lunch at the campsite before proceeding to the rockies. Then take pictures at the rockies and start descending thru the traditional trail.

Want a hand? Just use the rope. :)

On the way to campsite and rockies!

Breath taking shot!