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November 30, 2015

A friend of mine asked me if I'm interested to join their climb but they're still not sure which mountain to go. Since the said date was a holiday, I answered yes right away. I suggested doing a trilogy (three mountains in a day) hike of Mts. Pamitinan, Binicayan, and Hapunang Banoi just to test my limit since I'm not sure if I'm capable of doing a five mountains in a day hike (Pentalogy) which was starting to get popular during those days. These three mountains are located in Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal. It's a good thing my friend's company agreed as well and we decided to push through the hike. However, only three of us pushed through plan, thus the beginning of Team RAK's adventures.

Mt. Binicayan

I'm sure if you're familiar with this mountain, you would point out my typographical error. Mt. Binicayan, or popularly known as Mt. Binacayan, is our first stop for this trilogy hike. Our guide specifically pointed out that the real name of the mountain is "Bini" and not "Bina".

The first leg of our hike going to our first summit is a concrete road within the community of Brgy. Wawa. After which, we started the trail with boulders and scenic views of the neighboring mountains. We didn't witness the sea of clouds/fogs which engulfs the entire stretch of neighboring mountains surrounding Mt. Binicayan that morning. Instead, we've got scenic views of the Sierra mountain range.

The trail to the summit is characterized by boulders and sharp lime rocks, so it is highly recommended for hikers to use gloves to avoid cuts and bruises.

Up in the summit, there were already few groups who were having their photo ops. We joined them by finding some spot for us to have ours as well. From the summit of Mt. Binicayan, the summit of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi can be seen, as well as Mts. Sipit Ulang, Ayaas, and Balagbag.

At the summit of Mt. Binicayan. Behind me are Mts. Pamitinan and Hapunang Banoi (left) and the rest of the beautiful Sierra Madre mountain range.

After our short rest and photo ops, we went down and head to our next summit - Mt. Hapunang Banoi.

Mt. Hapunang Banoi

Trail towards the junction of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi.

We made it at the junction around 10:45 AM and from there we've had our early lunch. It's my first time hiking in these mountains so I cannot compare it as how it was before. Rex, however, have been able to climb these mountains even before it became a hype to mountaineers and tourist, and he said that a year clearly changes a lot in these mountains (check out his entry here).
 
There were lot of hikers who climbed Mt. Pamitinan that day, so we opt going to Mt. Hapunang Banoi first. Like Mt. Binicayan, the trail en route to the summit is composed of boulders and sharp lime rock formations. It is also longer and more challenging. When one of us suffered from leg cramps, we decided to take a rest first a Kemalugong tree nearby. And who would stop us from getting nice photos from there?


Up in the summit are stunning rock formations perfect for your next buwis-buhay pose. But kidding aside, these rock formations sure are stunner.



Done with summit number two! One summit to go! I'm so excited!

Mt. Pamitinan

We reached the junction at around 3:45 PM and after a short rest, we resumed with our hike. Rex advanced quite farther from us since he already knew the trail. Kuya Fernan, our guide, was just ahead from the two of us at the back. I am really excited reaching the third summit, finally my very first trilogy hike! However, as I look back, I noticed that I'm quite far from Arjov. Worrying because he suffered from cramps a while ago, I decided to descend back. From there, my hunch was right and he's having cramps on both legs. I cannot leave a comrade behind, so I told Kuya Fernan to go ahead with Rex while I decided to assist in going back to the junction.

Back at the junction, we were lucky enough to be given free Buko juice by one of the vendors. I've had like 4 cups for free! We waited for our other friend to go back and when he did, we just let him rest for a while.

Team RAK. Team Trilogy (accurately, 2.5 for me and Arjov lol)

Unfortunately, just when we're about to start descending, an emergency call catch everyone's attention. One of the female hiker in other group have had her right leg injured and so our guide rushed over the location of the accident. Good thing guides in Brgy. Wawa have 2-way radio that would make communication for emergency like these easier to manage. I salute them for having a reliable and responsive emergency team.
So I guess, it's Montalban 2.5 then.

At Mt. Pamitinan's summit.

Hiking Note

1. Guide fee: Php500.00 (1:5 guide to hiker ratio)
2. Entrance fee: Php20.00
3. Trekking fee: Php50.00

* Be alert to fellow hikers who might have problems. Never let one person lag behind alone.

Going there:
1. Along Aurora Blvd. in Cubao, ride UV express bound to Rodriguez, Rizal (Php50.00/pax)
2. Alight at Eastwood then take tricycle to Brgy. Wawa (Php60.00/trip)

Going back:
1. Tricycle from Brgy. Wawa to Eastwood (Php60.00/trip)
2. UV Express via Litex bound to Cubao (Php50.00/pax)

"You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory." — Lito Tejada-Flores

May 28 - 29, 2016

Dry season is about to end, and here comes the rainy months. To cap off our summer adventures, we chose to climb Mt. Pulag via Akiki - Ambangeg trail.

I am all fired up. Two weeks before the actual climb, I already started sorting my stuff to bring - even on the day before our departure! It took me quite some time finishing because I am undecided whether I will be needing some of the stuff on my list, and because it will be my first time to use a rucksack without internal frames. Using a frameless backpack do lighten my pack and it has more room for my belongings, but I really need to pay close attention on how I will arrange my gears so that carrying it would be much better. The same logic goes for internally-framed backpacks, but the things is: in going frameless, your stuff will serves as the form or frame of the pack itself. Note: It is my personal quest to go ultralight - for my beloved spine and knee joints.

Mt. Pulag, the Playground of the Gods.

It will be my second time hiking in the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. This time I will be venturing on the challenging trail of Akiki, dubbed as "The Killer Trail", going to the summit and down to Ambangeg trail going to Babadac Ranger Station.

The Killer Trail

Just my two cents, I think this was dubbed as the "killer" trail because the entire trek felt like my gastrocs were about to give up anytime soon due to the steepness of its slopes. Moreover, its terrain and landscape were to die for! It's as if enjoying every moment in this wonderful trail would be my last (definitely not, because I will definitely come back).

gastrocs - colloquial; short for gastrocnemius muscle or the leg muscle.

Of Bridges and Conquering Fears

Note: All photos were captured using LG.

Bridges - no matter how scary it is - CONNECTS.

We had our breakfast at Jang-Jang Eatery. Behind it is where the longest hanging bridge in Kabayan, Benguet can be found. It was actually my second time crossing it. I still feel afraid and giddy at the same time.

Of all the bridges I've crossed so far, nothing beats my fear of crossing the one located at the Eddet River. My hands were literally shaking that I didn't get a decent picture while crossing it. I made it though. Happy kiddo!

Rich flora and fauna

From the Mt. Pulag Visitor Center (DENR), to the glorious mountain itself - a vast biodiversity can be found.

(above) Caterpillar seen at DENR Visitor Center.

(above) found along the trail and at the summit.

Among the documented plant species found in the mountain is the endemic dwarf bamboo (Yushania niitakayamensis) and the Benguet pine (Pinus insularis).

Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to catch sight of several animals such as Philippine deer, giant bushy-tailed cloud rat “bowet,” long-haired fruit bat, the 185 grams dwarf cloud rat (found in 1896), and the Koch pitta bird during our trek.

The Experience

Brave souls

From the jump off point to Eddet River, the trek was easy to moderate, with some rolling terrain and rocky areas. For a three days itinerary via Akiki trail, setting camp near Eddet River is ideal for Day 1. For our group with a 2-day itinerary though, we passed by the river and continued on to our journey up to Marlboro Camp.

Eddet River

Akiki trail was indeed difficult. From Eddet River all the way to the grassland slopes, the trail seems like an unforgiving assault. Good thing it was a switchback trail, one that is in  zig-zag pattern instead of a straight trail upward a steep slope. Moreover, the pine forest and fireflies roaming at night makes the difficult experience worthwhile. I do hope my camera could capture the fireflies, but I guess some of the best moments in our life were left uncaptured.

We're burning fires, 'til our lives are burning gold.

Mt. Pulag is also a sacred mountain and a burial ground for some indigenous people of Benguet.

This burial site is closed for tourist or mountaineers but can be seen along the trail.

Unexpected Blessings

It was a rainy evening when we made it to Marlboro Camp. I actually lose hope in having good weather ahead of us. But boy! how glad am I to see a clear sky that early 2 in the morning! We even get a chance to capture the Milky Way.

The Galactic Core - perfectly spotted just in front of our camp.

We started roughly around 4am on our trek from Marlboro Camp entering mossy forest all the way to the grassland slopes, and finally reaching the Saddle camp before having the final leg of our assault to the summit. It was indeed late and so most of us were not really expecting to witness the famous sea of clouds. Some even stopped and just take their time trekking, but we continued on. We may be rushing our way to the summit, but it is our goal anyway and so we continued moving forward. Glad that we were granted a beautiful display of clouds at the summit before it became covered with fog.

PuLOVE is sweeter the second time around.

Team 1 at the summit.

Team 1

• I really admire the couple wearing red. I don't know if it is selfishness to wish for someone whom I could travel with - not for a season, not for a year, but as long as our joints permits hiking mountains, swimming in the deep blue sea, or just simply being with each other for a lifetime. Maybe it is selfishness or maybe because I'm reading Norwegian Wood lately.

Going down, I can say that I am so proud of myself! For I can still remember the path we take going back to Ambangeg trail of Mt. Pulag way back 2014.

Upon entering the short, yet thick mossy forest of Ambangeg trail's Camp 2, I was surprised to see the positive changes it undergoes from how I remember it two years ago. This is one of the things to be proud of for the local governing bodies regulating the conservation of one of the country's Natural Park. If I am not mistaken, a year or so, camping was prohibited in Ambangeg trail's Camp 1 and 2 of Mt. Pulag to keep the vegetation from being destroyed by irresponsible campers. I think they have made the right decision. A positive outcome indeed.
It was a fleeting moment for me to find that my hiking skills did improve from the very first time I started hiking - the activity itself and Mt. Pulag.

I'll keep revisiting this mountain, hopefully in other trails like the Ambaguio and Tawangan too. Someday, who knows. I hope I'll be much stronger then.

Now here's a cup of coffee to celebrate our successful climb in Mt. Pulag via Akiki - Ambangeg trail which took us 9 hours in total to finish.

Cheers!

Take-aways
These are the lessons and suggestions I learned through our climb:

• Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail is considered a major hike. I guess one of the shortcomings of the event was that no pre-climb meeting was done. We were not familiar with all the joiners in the event. We do not know who have had it as their first time doing a major hike, who does this and that to prepare as there were some delay in our itinerary. Good thing we found company who have the same goal and pace as ours. We were not the strongest but sharing the same spirit keeps the mood on the brighter side.
• Medical Certificate are required in getting permission to climb Mt. Pulag so it is advisable to get it ahead of time so as not to delay the itinerary. Just a simple courtesy to those who do so prior to the day of the climb.
• The best time to climb Mt. Pulag starts with November to March.
• There are lot of event organizers in facebook who have scheduled climb in Mt. Pulag. Be extra wary of the inclusions and price you are paying. If it's worth it, go for it. Try to compare each packages as well.

For the itinerary of our climb, you may want to check Carving That Niche

The Cordillera Mountain Range, also known as Cordillera Central, is a massive mountain range situated in the northern central part of Luzon(Philippines). It encompasses all provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) namely Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.



Many outdoor enthusiasts, especially mountaineers, love hiking in this region and I am probably one of those avid hikers, and here's why:

1. Cold weather. Hiking under the scorching heat of the sun can be quite challenging and taxing especially during summer. But, summer or dry season is probably the best time to go outdoor and hike under the clear, sunny skies. In Cordillera, cold breeze up above the mountains could make you feel less exhausted, the weather is favorable to capture the beautiful landscape ahead, and probably lessen your water consumption during the entire trek. Of course, you'll still be needing sun protection, in my case though I didn't feel my sunburnt skin at all.
   
   

   Mt. Pulag summit - 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines, 1st in Luzon.

    
2. Sea of clouds. If you are one of those hikers who love this kind of phenomenon and feel giddy whenever you're high up above this grand display of clouds, I bet you will definitely love it in Cordillera. However, like in any other mountain, it is not 100% guaranteed that you will be able to witness it - timing is still an important factor and of course, the weather.
   
   

   En route to Buga Campsite. Part of Kibungan Tri-provincial traverse.

3. Community. The mountain range of Cordillera does not only boast of its spectacular views, it is also a home to many ethnic tribes like Bontocs,  Ibaloi, Ifugaos, Ikalahans, etc. It is also worthwhile socializing with these communities - with the children, learning about their livelihood, learning about some of their dialects, their custom and traditions, oh! and their food. You can learn a lot as you get along with them.
   
   

   The children at Mt. Bakian.

4. Pine trees and scenery. "Between ever two pines is a doorway to a new world" - John Miller. You know you'll already in Cordillera when you these trees along the way. These trees are also home to various fauna which are endemic and nearly-endemic to this region.
 

The pine forest of Benguet.

5. Rice terraces. Some 20 something years ago, I have seen this majestic creation of our (Philippine) ancestor through postcards and photos only. The photos could give justice to its beauty, but seeing it up close and personal is at a different level. You've got to see it for yourself.

   Hungduan Rice Terraces

6. Difficulty. Call me a masochist, but I really love the challenging trails of mountains like Mt. Pulag (Akiki trail), as well as doing traverses like the Kibungan Cross Provinces and Purgatory-Mangisi Traverse. You always have no choice but to continue moving forward despite the difficulties, with or without sea of clouds or grandiose views, the ability to conquer your own fear and weaknesses through all those long walks, steep slopes, rocky terrain gives an unexplainable sense of fulfillment to everyone who face this one of a kind adventure.
   
   
7. More nature, less photobombers. If you're like me who prefers hiking in a small group (the most that I can tolerate is 30 pax), then I guess this region would be a good choice. Due to its geographic location which is pretty far from the metro, the number of hikers in this region are less than the mountains nearby Manila during weekends. As for someone like me who prefer taking photos of the landscape, the tiny details (flora and fauna), and not taking selfies right here and there (not much a fan of that buwis-buhay poses now) - it is definitely a plus. I am a sociable person but, one of the reason I climb mountain is to get away from the crowded Metro and commune more with nature.
   
   

   At the summit of Mt. Napulauan. The highest peak in this photo is Mt. Amuyao.

8. Mossy forest. There are lots of mossy forest in Cordillera. With some having presence of limatiks (blood leeches) like the Tawangan trail of Mt. Pulag. With the mossy forest, the mountain feel and look so alive specially when the rays of the sun were seeping through the woods, and the droplets in the moss reflects it like a stars on the trail.
   
   

   Mossy forest trail during our Mt. Napulauan Traverse.

9. Night Sky. The prettiest and literally star-studded night sky that I have seen so far was that of at Mt. Tangbaw campsite last April 10, 2016. We can see the band of Milky Way galaxy right before our naked eyes, no need to use apps to find the galactic core. The light pollution in the campsites of cordillera mountains are very low, and for an astrophile like me: it is the best thing the absence of light could offer.
   

   The Milky Way - photo taken at Tangbaw Campsite last April 10, 2016 around 4am, using LG G4.

10. Coffee. For the love of coffee! The Cordillera Administrative Region have something to proud of aside from pine trees, Sagada oranges, and strawberries. And that's their variation of ground coffee beans. Worry not as you don't have to hike all the way up to the mountain to have some (though having brewed coffee in the campsite is really rewarding), you can buy it at Baguio City Public Market. If you're a strong coffee drinker, I highly recommend Sagada Dark Roast.
    

And that's it! Have you been to the Cordillera? Or have plans visiting this region too? Try hiking and share your experience too.

September 6, 2015

The prelude to the new chapter of my life.

Tarak Ridge (1,130+ MASL), found at the west side of Mt. Mariveles, is a popular hiking destination in Bataan. It is located in Mariveles with its jump-off point at Brgy. Alas Asin.

Highlights

• I joined a group of total strangers.I don't know where I get the guts to do it, but I have no regrets at all. I made new friends!

New hiking buddies!

• Dim-trekking. We started our trek as early as 3am. It was really dark along the trail, and I rely only on the flashlight I brought along with me. We did not hire a local guide with us because someone in our group was already familiar with the trail. It had rained the previous night and so the trail was muddy.

Muddy trail

It was a long walk from the jump-off marker, passing through Nanay Cording’s abode, and on to the trail going to Papaya River. It was dark but one can see how thickly forested the trail was. They say monkeys can also be seen along the trail but since it’s dark, I guess the monkeys were still fast asleep to put a show off.

The sun was already up when we reach Papaya River. There were overnight campers near it and we pay a courtesy call to them as well. They were kind enough to offer us some early morning munchies as well. I refused and just enjoy the serene river up ahead wherein we spend an hour or so. The water was clean, clear, and potable. I quench my thirst by drinking water from the river, and save the remaining of my 500ml Gatorade. It was a refreshing drink, really! I was tempted to have a cold dip in the river as well, but we still got a long way ahead of us, and so we moved on.

Papaya River

Clarity

The trail after the river was getting steeper and there were times that I have to scramble all the way up. There were roots that can one can take a hold of.

Steep

Once we reach the grassland, the trail became rocky and the soil, loose. We met other hikers as well. There were no clearing that time, and so we continue on to our hike to the peak of the ridge where a lonesome tree can be found as a marker.

The lonesome tree, aka "Kidlat"

We reached the peak at around ten in the morning – still no clearing. We’ve had early our lunch; some even had taken power naps while waiting for the others. I waited for the clearing, I am still hopeful for even just a glimpse. And I’m glad I waited. Suddenly, the fog disappeared giving us view of the nearby peaks of Mt. Mariveles. We waited for some of our co-hikers but since they’re taking a long time, we decided to go down. We learned afterwards that most of them decided not to go on and stayed at the lower part of the peak. We regrouped and back trailed to Papaya River where we’ve had a cold dip and photo-ops.

Better days are coming.

Pass four in the afternoon, we reached Nanay Cording’s house and had short chat with her while waiting for the others. From there we have the option to hire a tricycle to the Barangay Hall, but we chose to walk instead.

Sir Ghil, Nanay Cording, and Me.

Please do check my documentation of the  Flora and Fauna Collection that I spotted along the trail.

Take-aways
* Be mindful of your surroundings. Focus on the trail.
** Hike at your pace. Going too fast or too slow will make you feel exhausted fast. However, see to it that you would not stray too far from your group.

* as of June 2016, the tree at the peak of the ridge already fell down due to unknown reason. It was such heartbreaking news for me and for those who find this tree memorable. To whatever they called you, you will always have a special place in my heart.

* This hike was made possible by Ulupong Mountaineers, through Mr. Dharz Malonzo and William Pajarillo.

The majestic Maranat Falls.

August 2, 2015

Part of our Mt. Balagbag - Maranat Range traverse was our sidetrip to Maranat Falls.

Maranat Falls

Early in the morning we started our adventure-filled exploration of the falls, all thanks to the mountaineers/trail runners (Kap Dadex and Kap Darcy) who regularly go to Tatay Nestor's campsite, for assisting us all the way to the top part of the falls. Our ascent was really challenging as the rocks can be slippery. We have to use ropes to climb some parts of the falls.

Kap Dadex used ropes to assist us in going up.

Hikayat pose. lol

Me and Tin in one of the cascading waterfalls of Maranat. Maranat falls is a series of waterfalls.

Climb up, aim high.

The best time to go there is during rainy months - from June to October.

Slippery rocks

The rocks can be very slippery so extra precaution is a must. My sandals became pretty useless as muds gets embedded in the sole.

Hikayat boys and girls

The majestic Maranat Falls.

The top were framed by fallen logs which adds to the beauty of the place. It's also a knee-jerking experience crossing those logs!

Hala mahuLOG LOG LOG. (Please laugh)

Taking a dip in one of the plunge pools.

Back to reality
After the waterfall exploration and tidying up, we break camp and start trekking back. We took a different trail to the jump off point. This time the trail is more tricky and rocky. They say Maranat trail is not really for beginners since there are some parts that are really technical. Nonetheless, I'm glad we finished the trek safe and sound.

It rained that afternoon leaving the trail muddy. Dirty feet, happy souls.

What a sight to behold!

Once you pass by the mini store (they call it ministop), you know you're already there just few more push.

Such an adventure-filled climb!

Notes:

• It is best to allot a full day exploration of the falls to truly enjoy everything it has to offer.
• Bring ropes for climbing assistance. We do our exploration from bottom all the way to the top, although we leave some part of the falls unexplored.