Greetings!
The Kabalats, or Dumagats of Bulacan, are indigenous people who live the life of hunters and rattan traders. They are also vastly depleting their natural resources due to their illegal logging activities that have left significant portions of their forest denuded and devastated. More so, their health is compromised due to their lack of hygiene, unsanitary conditions and remoteness of their place to nearby health centers.
Which is why The Individual Members of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI), with a goal of promoting environmental awareness and fellowship to all advocates of nature, will conduct their Medical/Environmental Outreach Program, dubbed "Kalinga sa Dumagat at Kalikasan", on August 28-29, 2004 in Barangay Sitio Inuman, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
We will engage in tree planting and provide basic medical services such as vaccine administration and medical relief support. These activities carry an awareness program that will expose the participants to the importance of nature conservation, and health information dissemination for the locals of Sitio Inuman.
With this great project and yet limited resources at hand, we would like to solicit for your support to help us carry out the project effectively particularly in the medical services part. Rest assured that your participation would greatly help us in making the project successful and benefit our indigenous Dumagat brothers, who have greatly preserved their rich tribal culture in these modern times. With your valuable support and participation we can ensure the success of this worthy endeavor. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Chairman, Administration Committee
"Kalinga sa Dumagat at Kalikasan"
MFPI – Individual Member
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Gulugod Baboy, "The climb that was" (2005)
"Pig Spine"
Gulugod Baboy is situated in San Teodoro, a laid back barangay in the municipality of Anilao far flung south of Batangas province. Gulugod Baboy got its name from the locals because its ridges are near-resemblance to a "pig spine". West of Gulugod Baboy is the popular Anilao Reef frequented by foreign and local tourists for snorkeling, jetskiing and of course deep sea diving. To these day, locals still wears warm hospitality among all visitors, always ready to extend help.
Late Arrival
With only a total of 10 group members, 3 of which are novices, we still pushed thru with the climb disregarding the previously prepared IT which we could not possibly follow due to number of delays. We left Alabang past 3 o’clock in the afternoon. After 4 more stops on our way, we finally arrived at San Teodoro several minutes before 8 pm!
Near-breakdown Experience
As we prepare ourselves for the trek, never did I expect that our group will be doing a night trek. I was so disappointed that we missed the spectacular Anilao Reef Sunset. Before we start the trek, a group member requested me to say our prayer which for no reason I declined. Another member took charge instead. Unfamiliar with the trail and without a headlamp I just took the 2nd lead position. The fist leg was very usual for me. The 2nd was a bit catchy but still extended my help to others carrying some of their loads, rice, canned goods etc. Minutes after, its was a totally different feeling of exhaustion maybe because of the extra gallon of water in my pack and another gallon of lambanog that we will be drinking for our night socials.. Tired, fatigued and without much sleep or rest during the past 2 days because of Ninong Baby’s sudden death, I surprisingly felt very weak as I glanced over my nightwatch. I recalled it was 9:15 in the evening and I realized I haven’t taken any solid food since 11:30 that morning. Immediately I felt my knees and my entire body trembling as I leaped on each trail obstacle. Annoyed of the unbalanced load on my pack which I got from other members, it seems the weight is pulling my upper body down everytime I turn my head up shaking-up my entire composure. I was catching my breath very fast and my heart pumping really hard. The dizziness I felt finally made me call for a 5-minute stop asking water from my immediate member. After about 3 minutes of rest, somehow my body regained its strength and requested group members to resume trek. Arriving at the grasslands, feeling the night’s cool mountain breeze, I felt relieved though still trembling. We arrived at the peak of Gulugod Baboy at exactly 10 pm.
At the Peak
We pitched our tents firmly anticipating strong winds might knock our tents down. Simultaneously, we cooked the rice and prepare our dinner. While we were having dinner, the 360˚ view was breathtakingly spectacular, we could see the beautiful sight of the reef in the clear evening horizon. The sea, the sky and the shore with lights emanating from houses lined by the beach and the from the vehicles travelling along the road. After dinner, I reached into my pocket for my cellphone and called my wife telling her the whole scenario. Due to whistling strong winds, we could barely hear each other so the call was cut short. Although we started a bit late, we enjoyed the night socials as if we did not exhaust ourselves from the rather rough experience early on. The night socials ended several minutes after 3 o’clock early Sunday morning.
I got up 6:00 am trying to catch the opportunity of being alone on that magnificent venue. As I sat on the ridge watching the sun as it slowly goes up, I thank the Lord that I am still alive appreciating his bountiful graces. I prayed that I may be given more blessings to see more places like Gulugod Baboy. Once again I realized how the good Lord loves us very much!
By 9:00 o’clock we brokecamp and head down back to the jumpoff site. I took the lead on our way back. Passing the very site where I had a near breakdown experience, I hold ground and thank the place for giving me refuge and help me regain my strength. I will not forget that experience I haven’t encountered in my entire years in mountaineering.
We went to the beach for our lunch. Aling Rose arranged our banca ride with the local bangkeros. While we were waiting for our bangka, Aling Mercy invited us over to her newly constructed house. In her house, we drunk cold water, ate guyabano and watched TV all for free! Afterwards, we head to Aqua Venture Resort for our bangka going to Maricaban island beach. We spent the whole afternoon swimming. By 4:30 pm we head back and washed-up this time with Manang Anding’s residence. After shower, Aling Rose prepared our spaghetti meal which I requested of her. After eating, we packed our things up and left Anilao. It was a nice experience going up on the mountain and swimming by the beach all at one weekend alone. Totally recovered from the fatigue I had during the climb, I did not napped in the van during our way back. I arrived Nagcarlan 30 minutes past 10 in the evening.
2005
Gulugod Baboy is situated in San Teodoro, a laid back barangay in the municipality of Anilao far flung south of Batangas province. Gulugod Baboy got its name from the locals because its ridges are near-resemblance to a "pig spine". West of Gulugod Baboy is the popular Anilao Reef frequented by foreign and local tourists for snorkeling, jetskiing and of course deep sea diving. To these day, locals still wears warm hospitality among all visitors, always ready to extend help.
Late Arrival
With only a total of 10 group members, 3 of which are novices, we still pushed thru with the climb disregarding the previously prepared IT which we could not possibly follow due to number of delays. We left Alabang past 3 o’clock in the afternoon. After 4 more stops on our way, we finally arrived at San Teodoro several minutes before 8 pm!
Near-breakdown Experience
As we prepare ourselves for the trek, never did I expect that our group will be doing a night trek. I was so disappointed that we missed the spectacular Anilao Reef Sunset. Before we start the trek, a group member requested me to say our prayer which for no reason I declined. Another member took charge instead. Unfamiliar with the trail and without a headlamp I just took the 2nd lead position. The fist leg was very usual for me. The 2nd was a bit catchy but still extended my help to others carrying some of their loads, rice, canned goods etc. Minutes after, its was a totally different feeling of exhaustion maybe because of the extra gallon of water in my pack and another gallon of lambanog that we will be drinking for our night socials.. Tired, fatigued and without much sleep or rest during the past 2 days because of Ninong Baby’s sudden death, I surprisingly felt very weak as I glanced over my nightwatch. I recalled it was 9:15 in the evening and I realized I haven’t taken any solid food since 11:30 that morning. Immediately I felt my knees and my entire body trembling as I leaped on each trail obstacle. Annoyed of the unbalanced load on my pack which I got from other members, it seems the weight is pulling my upper body down everytime I turn my head up shaking-up my entire composure. I was catching my breath very fast and my heart pumping really hard. The dizziness I felt finally made me call for a 5-minute stop asking water from my immediate member. After about 3 minutes of rest, somehow my body regained its strength and requested group members to resume trek. Arriving at the grasslands, feeling the night’s cool mountain breeze, I felt relieved though still trembling. We arrived at the peak of Gulugod Baboy at exactly 10 pm.
At the Peak
We pitched our tents firmly anticipating strong winds might knock our tents down. Simultaneously, we cooked the rice and prepare our dinner. While we were having dinner, the 360˚ view was breathtakingly spectacular, we could see the beautiful sight of the reef in the clear evening horizon. The sea, the sky and the shore with lights emanating from houses lined by the beach and the from the vehicles travelling along the road. After dinner, I reached into my pocket for my cellphone and called my wife telling her the whole scenario. Due to whistling strong winds, we could barely hear each other so the call was cut short. Although we started a bit late, we enjoyed the night socials as if we did not exhaust ourselves from the rather rough experience early on. The night socials ended several minutes after 3 o’clock early Sunday morning.
I got up 6:00 am trying to catch the opportunity of being alone on that magnificent venue. As I sat on the ridge watching the sun as it slowly goes up, I thank the Lord that I am still alive appreciating his bountiful graces. I prayed that I may be given more blessings to see more places like Gulugod Baboy. Once again I realized how the good Lord loves us very much!
By 9:00 o’clock we brokecamp and head down back to the jumpoff site. I took the lead on our way back. Passing the very site where I had a near breakdown experience, I hold ground and thank the place for giving me refuge and help me regain my strength. I will not forget that experience I haven’t encountered in my entire years in mountaineering.
We went to the beach for our lunch. Aling Rose arranged our banca ride with the local bangkeros. While we were waiting for our bangka, Aling Mercy invited us over to her newly constructed house. In her house, we drunk cold water, ate guyabano and watched TV all for free! Afterwards, we head to Aqua Venture Resort for our bangka going to Maricaban island beach. We spent the whole afternoon swimming. By 4:30 pm we head back and washed-up this time with Manang Anding’s residence. After shower, Aling Rose prepared our spaghetti meal which I requested of her. After eating, we packed our things up and left Anilao. It was a nice experience going up on the mountain and swimming by the beach all at one weekend alone. Totally recovered from the fatigue I had during the climb, I did not napped in the van during our way back. I arrived Nagcarlan 30 minutes past 10 in the evening.
2005
"PANGANGALAGE DE DUMAGET AT DE BUKOD"
Greetings to all!
The Individual Members of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. invites all outdoor enthusiasts and advocates of nature to its Medical/Environmental Outreach Program and Tree Planting Activity, dubbed "PANGANGALAGE DE DUMAGET AT DE BUKOD" Kalinga sa Dumagat at Kalikasan), on August 28-29, 2004 Sitio Ilas, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Registration fee is Php 500 which will cover transportation (bus ride Cubao to San Jose del Monte and back), commemorative t-shirt, meal pack, ID and certificate of participation.
Also included in the activities is the exciting river trekking side-viewing falls and beautiful landscapes along the trail.
We will be sending you the itinerary should you express your intention to join this event,. For queries & additional information, please e-mail us at:
mfpi_bmc5@yahoogroups.com
or contact:
Jojo – 09179488362
Jomil – 09185826023
The Invitation & Membership Committee
Kalinga sa Dumagat at Kalikasan
(Pangangalage de Dumaget at de Bukod)
August 28-29 2004
Brgy. Sitio Ilas, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
ITINERARY
DAY 1 (28 August 2004)
05:30 Assembly at Jollibee Araneta, Cubao
06:00 ETD to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
07:30 ETA Igay, SJDM
10:00 ETA Sitio Ilas / Jump-off
10:15 Start Trek
11:30 ETA Campsite / Lunch/ Briefing
13:00 Activity Proper (Tree Planting / Medical Mission)
17:30 End of Activity
18:00 Dinner
19:30 DENR Forum or LNT Seminar / Raffles
21:00 Socials
23:00 Lights out
DAY 2 (29 August 2004)
05:00 Wake up call
06:00 Breakfast / Break Camp
07:00 Start Trek
08:30 ETA Sitio Ilas
10:30 Side trip (river, mini falls)
12:30 ETA SJDM Municipal Hall, Courtesy Call
13:00 Wash up / Free Lunch
14:30 Closing remarks by the Mayor of SJDM
15:30 ETD Cubao
18:00 ETA Cubao
The Individual Members of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. invites all outdoor enthusiasts and advocates of nature to its Medical/Environmental Outreach Program and Tree Planting Activity, dubbed "PANGANGALAGE DE DUMAGET AT DE BUKOD" Kalinga sa Dumagat at Kalikasan), on August 28-29, 2004 Sitio Ilas, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Registration fee is Php 500 which will cover transportation (bus ride Cubao to San Jose del Monte and back), commemorative t-shirt, meal pack, ID and certificate of participation.
Also included in the activities is the exciting river trekking side-viewing falls and beautiful landscapes along the trail.
We will be sending you the itinerary should you express your intention to join this event,. For queries & additional information, please e-mail us at:
mfpi_bmc5@yahoogroups.com
or contact:
Jojo – 09179488362
Jomil – 09185826023
The Invitation & Membership Committee
Kalinga sa Dumagat at Kalikasan
(Pangangalage de Dumaget at de Bukod)
August 28-29 2004
Brgy. Sitio Ilas, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
ITINERARY
DAY 1 (28 August 2004)
05:30 Assembly at Jollibee Araneta, Cubao
06:00 ETD to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
07:30 ETA Igay, SJDM
10:00 ETA Sitio Ilas / Jump-off
10:15 Start Trek
11:30 ETA Campsite / Lunch/ Briefing
13:00 Activity Proper (Tree Planting / Medical Mission)
17:30 End of Activity
18:00 Dinner
19:30 DENR Forum or LNT Seminar / Raffles
21:00 Socials
23:00 Lights out
DAY 2 (29 August 2004)
05:00 Wake up call
06:00 Breakfast / Break Camp
07:00 Start Trek
08:30 ETA Sitio Ilas
10:30 Side trip (river, mini falls)
12:30 ETA SJDM Municipal Hall, Courtesy Call
13:00 Wash up / Free Lunch
14:30 Closing remarks by the Mayor of SJDM
15:30 ETD Cubao
18:00 ETA Cubao
Walk in the Park, Mt. Manalmon Climb
Walk in the Park
Mt. Manalmon Climb
San Miguel Bulacan
October 16-17, 2004
Trailhead to jump-off
From St. Paul, Sn Miguel, Bulacan, on a long bumpy road towards Biak-na-Bato National Park, we have passed Sibul Spring intersection trailhead for our Madlum jump-off. Unfamiliar with the place, we went straight to the park’s information office for details. By around 9:20 am, we arrived at Biak-na-Bato National Park Information Office. After some brief inquiries, we then ate "brunch" and head towards Sitio Madlum. Upon boarding our vehicle, I checked the time, it’s exactly 11:00 o’clock in the morning.
Towards Madlum River
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Forty minutes after, we arrived at Madlum checkpoint, we at once logged-in at the checkpoint’s control book and with packs already on our backs we then hike downhill towards Madlum River. Upon reaching it’s banks, local instructed us to cross the river and follow the trail until reaching Mt. Manalmon-Mt. Gola Guide Station. We again took a break on a bench under the shade of a big acacia tree overlooking the inviting deep green water of the river. After a quick instructions from the guide, we then very eagerly proceeded with the much awaited trek to Mt. Manalmon.
Walk in the Park
As we began ascending big boulders of age-old rocks to cross a hill, very shortly then, a magnificent view took us to a somewhat instant travel to a majestic foreign land. I was still holding my eyes wide open seeing the grandeur of the location when suddenly the trail lead us to a cave’s mouth and that we have to go into and cross to get to the other end of another hill beside the Madlum river. Getting inside and crossing the cave was spectacular. After spelunking, we then crossed the river. Amazed I was, looking back was a huge rock monument about 140 meters high that we just crossed using the cave. It was undeniably beautiful and cannot believe that the location was just a stone-throw away from Manila. The supposedly thirty minutes trek towards Mt. Manalmon’s foot became so long that we enjoyed viewing the scenic pleasures offered by the place. We took hundred pictures and we still haven’t reached the summit yet! Clearly, to my expectation it seems to me and truly it was: a "walk in the park".
At the summit
Reaching the foot by the river banks, we then decided to at once enjoy the tranquility of the place and feel more of its aura by lying on it’s ground while we sip some hot drinks. It was a satisfying treat for all of us. It was just past two o’clock then. By 2:25 pm, after packing out things up we started the Mt. Manalmon assault. And at exactly 2:55 in the afternoon, so early to our expectation, we touched ground the 160 meters high Mt. Manalmon’s summit. On the summit was a huge semi-shaded area that we at once picked as our camp. Beside it was a huge rock’s flat surface leveled with the ground we intend to use as our kitchen and mess area. Northeastern side of our camp was a gigantic piece of rock you can walk on reaching it’s further end: the view deck. At the deck, I can clearly see Mt. Gola on the east; Mt. Mavio, Mt. Susong-dalaga and the rest of the Biak-na-Bato National Park on the south; on the western side is the Municipality of San Miguel while on the north lies the rest of the Madlum river.
The night’s socials
After setting-up camp, I explored the rest of the summit then took time-out to relax on board my hammock under a "duhat" tree. Others were busy preparing dinner and food for our socials. After a hefty dinner was the night’s socials that we very much enjoyed. While others tells stories, some very relaxingly lay flat on the picnic ground. We finally called it a day ten minutes before 12:00 midnight.
The dawn
At exactly 5:00 am I got up and out of my tent to do my morning rituals. Immediately after, I proceeded at the view deck to eagerly wait for the sunrise. Others followed-on afterwards and all enjoyed the breathtaking view once more. We broke camp by 9:30 am and made a quick descent towards the river by Mt. Manalmon’s foot. At once, we undressed and took a dip at the calm clear water. After swimming was a huge meal that we enjoyed up to the last grain of our steamed rice. By 11:00 we again packed our bags and started our trek back to Sitio Madlum. Upon touching down we just remembered crossing the river by a two-piece cable bridge. And so after unloading our backpacks we immediately run towards the cable bridge, crossed it and dive at the river. We again very enjoyably swim and had fun. After a while we have decided to wash-up and finally head home. We left Kamias, San Miguel Bulacan by 3:10 pm. A great weekend and a "walk in the park" indeed!
Mt. Manalmon Climb
San Miguel Bulacan
October 16-17, 2004
Trailhead to jump-off
From St. Paul, Sn Miguel, Bulacan, on a long bumpy road towards Biak-na-Bato National Park, we have passed Sibul Spring intersection trailhead for our Madlum jump-off. Unfamiliar with the place, we went straight to the park’s information office for details. By around 9:20 am, we arrived at Biak-na-Bato National Park Information Office. After some brief inquiries, we then ate "brunch" and head towards Sitio Madlum. Upon boarding our vehicle, I checked the time, it’s exactly 11:00 o’clock in the morning.
Towards Madlum River
.jpg)
Forty minutes after, we arrived at Madlum checkpoint, we at once logged-in at the checkpoint’s control book and with packs already on our backs we then hike downhill towards Madlum River. Upon reaching it’s banks, local instructed us to cross the river and follow the trail until reaching Mt. Manalmon-Mt. Gola Guide Station. We again took a break on a bench under the shade of a big acacia tree overlooking the inviting deep green water of the river. After a quick instructions from the guide, we then very eagerly proceeded with the much awaited trek to Mt. Manalmon.
Walk in the Park
As we began ascending big boulders of age-old rocks to cross a hill, very shortly then, a magnificent view took us to a somewhat instant travel to a majestic foreign land. I was still holding my eyes wide open seeing the grandeur of the location when suddenly the trail lead us to a cave’s mouth and that we have to go into and cross to get to the other end of another hill beside the Madlum river. Getting inside and crossing the cave was spectacular. After spelunking, we then crossed the river. Amazed I was, looking back was a huge rock monument about 140 meters high that we just crossed using the cave. It was undeniably beautiful and cannot believe that the location was just a stone-throw away from Manila. The supposedly thirty minutes trek towards Mt. Manalmon’s foot became so long that we enjoyed viewing the scenic pleasures offered by the place. We took hundred pictures and we still haven’t reached the summit yet! Clearly, to my expectation it seems to me and truly it was: a "walk in the park".
At the summit
Reaching the foot by the river banks, we then decided to at once enjoy the tranquility of the place and feel more of its aura by lying on it’s ground while we sip some hot drinks. It was a satisfying treat for all of us. It was just past two o’clock then. By 2:25 pm, after packing out things up we started the Mt. Manalmon assault. And at exactly 2:55 in the afternoon, so early to our expectation, we touched ground the 160 meters high Mt. Manalmon’s summit. On the summit was a huge semi-shaded area that we at once picked as our camp. Beside it was a huge rock’s flat surface leveled with the ground we intend to use as our kitchen and mess area. Northeastern side of our camp was a gigantic piece of rock you can walk on reaching it’s further end: the view deck. At the deck, I can clearly see Mt. Gola on the east; Mt. Mavio, Mt. Susong-dalaga and the rest of the Biak-na-Bato National Park on the south; on the western side is the Municipality of San Miguel while on the north lies the rest of the Madlum river.
The night’s socials
After setting-up camp, I explored the rest of the summit then took time-out to relax on board my hammock under a "duhat" tree. Others were busy preparing dinner and food for our socials. After a hefty dinner was the night’s socials that we very much enjoyed. While others tells stories, some very relaxingly lay flat on the picnic ground. We finally called it a day ten minutes before 12:00 midnight.
The dawn
At exactly 5:00 am I got up and out of my tent to do my morning rituals. Immediately after, I proceeded at the view deck to eagerly wait for the sunrise. Others followed-on afterwards and all enjoyed the breathtaking view once more. We broke camp by 9:30 am and made a quick descent towards the river by Mt. Manalmon’s foot. At once, we undressed and took a dip at the calm clear water. After swimming was a huge meal that we enjoyed up to the last grain of our steamed rice. By 11:00 we again packed our bags and started our trek back to Sitio Madlum. Upon touching down we just remembered crossing the river by a two-piece cable bridge. And so after unloading our backpacks we immediately run towards the cable bridge, crossed it and dive at the river. We again very enjoyably swim and had fun. After a while we have decided to wash-up and finally head home. We left Kamias, San Miguel Bulacan by 3:10 pm. A great weekend and a "walk in the park" indeed!
Traversing "Pico de Loro"
Ternate, Cavite – Nasugbu, Batangas
September 25-26, 2004
Heading towards camps
We arrived Ternate, Cavite around 9:00 AM. On our way to Magnetic Hill Jump off, we saw numbers of mountaineers also heading towards "Pico de Loro". We at once requested two of our groupmembers to go ahead of us to reserve the basecamp. By 10:00 AM, after making last check and glimpses at our gears, I lead the prayer and went ahead. It was an easy trek going to our first stop followed by much easier trail going to the falls. Realizing that several groups have already been up since early that morning and perhaps occupying good basecamp sites near the summit, we regroup and made a decision to settle our camp by the falls. I volunteered to fetch our 2 groupmembers who went ahead and probably already settled-in somewhere near the summit. Our EL decided to go with me. Upon reaching a crossroads, we decided to split. I proceeded to the newly blazed trail and our EL took the traditional trail.
Parrot Peak
As I approached the 25-35˚ slope trail, I kept telling myself not to get comfortable with it. To never underestimate any mountain is my ultimate psychological weapon of preparing myself for the challenge. I leaped and hopped and carry myself up leading towards "I don’t know where" until at last, when I brought my head up, clearly sighted the light from the clear blue afternoon skies. After a little while, the trail lead me to an open clearing grassland with 45-55˚slope leading to the "parrot peak" summit most popularly known as "Pico de Loro".
Welcoming life back
It was already 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon. As I enjoyed the magnificent view and its spectacular clear horizon, I completely forgot to thank the Lord for a great opportunity. To me, time has stopped and brings me to a total dissolution state as I gave out everything and surrender my self to the place. A quick release it was of life’s pains and disappointments to eventually welcome life back again fresh and clean. I felt rejuvenated afterwards, unmindful of the sweat that flows all throughout my entire human body. After taking several souvenir pictures, I went back thinking that my group is anxiously waiting for me. I arrived at the camp 3:35 in the afternoon and after a quick rest and a refreshing drink, we all head to the falls and enjoyed the place for they have decided to move on and settle our camp at the basecamp 45 nminutes trek from the falls. We touched-down basecamp at around 4:30 PM. After settling-in we had our dinner and the much awaited evening socials. I went to sleep around 12:00 midnight.
Busy Sunday Morning
By 5:30 the next morning, I went straight up to my morning rituals. By 6:00 o’clock, I wake the rest of the group and fetch water from a nearby water source. After getting back, we decided to have our breakfast while waiting for the rest of the group who went to check the summit via the traditional trail. By 10:00 am breakfast was taken by the rest of the group and immediately broke camp. We left the basecamp at 10:30 and descent towards "Combento" trail. After a couple and a half hours of trekking down, we had our hefty lunch and a soothing dip in the springwater at Prinsa Dam, still at Combento. After a while, we headed to Bulihan and arrived 4:00 pm. It was a fulfilling thought as I viewed the sight of "Pico de Loro" getting smaller as we get further while we were heading towards Nasugbu on a bumpy but exciting top load jeepney ride. It was satisfying and fun indeed! I appreciated it very much, Lord.
.jpg)
September 25-26, 2004
Heading towards camps
We arrived Ternate, Cavite around 9:00 AM. On our way to Magnetic Hill Jump off, we saw numbers of mountaineers also heading towards "Pico de Loro". We at once requested two of our groupmembers to go ahead of us to reserve the basecamp. By 10:00 AM, after making last check and glimpses at our gears, I lead the prayer and went ahead. It was an easy trek going to our first stop followed by much easier trail going to the falls. Realizing that several groups have already been up since early that morning and perhaps occupying good basecamp sites near the summit, we regroup and made a decision to settle our camp by the falls. I volunteered to fetch our 2 groupmembers who went ahead and probably already settled-in somewhere near the summit. Our EL decided to go with me. Upon reaching a crossroads, we decided to split. I proceeded to the newly blazed trail and our EL took the traditional trail.
Parrot Peak
As I approached the 25-35˚ slope trail, I kept telling myself not to get comfortable with it. To never underestimate any mountain is my ultimate psychological weapon of preparing myself for the challenge. I leaped and hopped and carry myself up leading towards "I don’t know where" until at last, when I brought my head up, clearly sighted the light from the clear blue afternoon skies. After a little while, the trail lead me to an open clearing grassland with 45-55˚slope leading to the "parrot peak" summit most popularly known as "Pico de Loro".
Welcoming life back
It was already 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon. As I enjoyed the magnificent view and its spectacular clear horizon, I completely forgot to thank the Lord for a great opportunity. To me, time has stopped and brings me to a total dissolution state as I gave out everything and surrender my self to the place. A quick release it was of life’s pains and disappointments to eventually welcome life back again fresh and clean. I felt rejuvenated afterwards, unmindful of the sweat that flows all throughout my entire human body. After taking several souvenir pictures, I went back thinking that my group is anxiously waiting for me. I arrived at the camp 3:35 in the afternoon and after a quick rest and a refreshing drink, we all head to the falls and enjoyed the place for they have decided to move on and settle our camp at the basecamp 45 nminutes trek from the falls. We touched-down basecamp at around 4:30 PM. After settling-in we had our dinner and the much awaited evening socials. I went to sleep around 12:00 midnight.
Busy Sunday Morning
By 5:30 the next morning, I went straight up to my morning rituals. By 6:00 o’clock, I wake the rest of the group and fetch water from a nearby water source. After getting back, we decided to have our breakfast while waiting for the rest of the group who went to check the summit via the traditional trail. By 10:00 am breakfast was taken by the rest of the group and immediately broke camp. We left the basecamp at 10:30 and descent towards "Combento" trail. After a couple and a half hours of trekking down, we had our hefty lunch and a soothing dip in the springwater at Prinsa Dam, still at Combento. After a while, we headed to Bulihan and arrived 4:00 pm. It was a fulfilling thought as I viewed the sight of "Pico de Loro" getting smaller as we get further while we were heading towards Nasugbu on a bumpy but exciting top load jeepney ride. It was satisfying and fun indeed! I appreciated it very much, Lord.
.jpg)
Sitio Pinaglabanan, Sierra Madre Mountains
Septermber 18-19,2004
It was my first time to set foot on the hills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. My first time to mingle with Dumagat tribal community living in the vast lands of Sitio Inuman, San Jose del Monte Bulacan. Years before, during my childhood with my father. When I’m unmindful his inspirational bruhahas trying to teach me lessons he learned from his experiences. So suddenly, at this particular present time of my life setting foot on the land, it flashes back little stories of my father’s encounter and living with the Dumagats when he was still with the DENR Region III Cadastral Survey Team assigned at the skirts of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Bulacan. I also recalled my father’s claimed land courtesy of the government during the course their expedition somewhere in Norzagaray. Oh well, little things always means a lot. But the realization always comes on the far end, often times when we can not bring them back anymore. My father’s gone in peace. And the land?, no idea where it is and how can I claim it back!
Going at our planned base camp was a long and bumpy Dumptruck-ride traversing the hills of Montalban, Rizal all the way up on the part of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan side. We almost got stranded along the way, getting our dumptruck deepstuck in mud for quite awhile. The traverse was such a sight indeed seeing the vast Sierra Madre Mountain ranges. I was in deep awe for such beauty, truly a priceless moment. After the dumptruck-ride was a short one-hour trek towards our basecamp at Sitio Pinaglabanan. It was named so after the tragic encounter between the AFP and the NPA killing one family in the process. One wooden house was left to serve as a reminder of that fateful day.
The dumagats are fun and peace loving brothers. They were forced to relocate in the mountains because of the landgrabbers. Nevertheless, they have managed to preserve their culture in these modern times. With the dumagats helping us, they paved tall grasses the day before to prepare our basecamp. They welcomed us well. They know that we were there because we are going to conduct an outreach program for them: Relief, Medical and Tree Planting Mission.
We arrived at the basecamp several minutes past two o’clock Saturday afternoon. After a little briefing with our friends participants, we immediately proceeded with the Mission. Medical Mission in which I was assigned to lead ended around 7:30 pm. We were forced to install emergency lamps on the mission site. We were the last and most appreciated team to conclude the activity. After dinner, while having our traditional night socials. so much time I had left to gazed at the stars lazily. Such clear nightsky. Still having the night’s socials, I decided to retreat to my tent and called it a day!
Next morning, I got up early and do my morning rituals. Along the way, there was this early riser Dumagat I greeted good morning. I believe she will do her morning rituals too! Afterwards, I took the chance of taking souvenir pictures of the basecamp playfully focusing my subject comparing our camp and the Dumagat’s. After breakfast, we broke camp and proceed to the cold lagoon, our "Sidetrip". we had our quick lunch there. Afterwhich, we had to endure that long and bumpy ride back to San Jose del Monte. We finally arrived SJDM 3:30 Sunday afternoon. A representative from the city government gave a short speech commending the efforts of the Individual Members of the MFPI for a job well done. This project was truly a collective effort realized.
After a brief wash-up and meal, we boarded our bus to Cubao. With Bodjie and a friend from San Pablo City and Ronnie with his girlfriend from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, all five of us got off our bus and boarded another bus going home. I arrived Nagcarlan around 10:00 Sunday evening with Debbie patiently waiting for me.
It was my first time to set foot on the hills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. My first time to mingle with Dumagat tribal community living in the vast lands of Sitio Inuman, San Jose del Monte Bulacan. Years before, during my childhood with my father. When I’m unmindful his inspirational bruhahas trying to teach me lessons he learned from his experiences. So suddenly, at this particular present time of my life setting foot on the land, it flashes back little stories of my father’s encounter and living with the Dumagats when he was still with the DENR Region III Cadastral Survey Team assigned at the skirts of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Bulacan. I also recalled my father’s claimed land courtesy of the government during the course their expedition somewhere in Norzagaray. Oh well, little things always means a lot. But the realization always comes on the far end, often times when we can not bring them back anymore. My father’s gone in peace. And the land?, no idea where it is and how can I claim it back!
Going at our planned base camp was a long and bumpy Dumptruck-ride traversing the hills of Montalban, Rizal all the way up on the part of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan side. We almost got stranded along the way, getting our dumptruck deepstuck in mud for quite awhile. The traverse was such a sight indeed seeing the vast Sierra Madre Mountain ranges. I was in deep awe for such beauty, truly a priceless moment. After the dumptruck-ride was a short one-hour trek towards our basecamp at Sitio Pinaglabanan. It was named so after the tragic encounter between the AFP and the NPA killing one family in the process. One wooden house was left to serve as a reminder of that fateful day.
The dumagats are fun and peace loving brothers. They were forced to relocate in the mountains because of the landgrabbers. Nevertheless, they have managed to preserve their culture in these modern times. With the dumagats helping us, they paved tall grasses the day before to prepare our basecamp. They welcomed us well. They know that we were there because we are going to conduct an outreach program for them: Relief, Medical and Tree Planting Mission.
We arrived at the basecamp several minutes past two o’clock Saturday afternoon. After a little briefing with our friends participants, we immediately proceeded with the Mission. Medical Mission in which I was assigned to lead ended around 7:30 pm. We were forced to install emergency lamps on the mission site. We were the last and most appreciated team to conclude the activity. After dinner, while having our traditional night socials. so much time I had left to gazed at the stars lazily. Such clear nightsky. Still having the night’s socials, I decided to retreat to my tent and called it a day!
Next morning, I got up early and do my morning rituals. Along the way, there was this early riser Dumagat I greeted good morning. I believe she will do her morning rituals too! Afterwards, I took the chance of taking souvenir pictures of the basecamp playfully focusing my subject comparing our camp and the Dumagat’s. After breakfast, we broke camp and proceed to the cold lagoon, our "Sidetrip". we had our quick lunch there. Afterwhich, we had to endure that long and bumpy ride back to San Jose del Monte. We finally arrived SJDM 3:30 Sunday afternoon. A representative from the city government gave a short speech commending the efforts of the Individual Members of the MFPI for a job well done. This project was truly a collective effort realized.
After a brief wash-up and meal, we boarded our bus to Cubao. With Bodjie and a friend from San Pablo City and Ronnie with his girlfriend from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, all five of us got off our bus and boarded another bus going home. I arrived Nagcarlan around 10:00 Sunday evening with Debbie patiently waiting for me.
Dagatan Climb
Dagatan Climb
September 4-5, 2004
Mount San Cristobal
I woke up by the buzzing sound of my alarm clock, which was set just several hours ago. I just remembered staying-up late the night before packing all things needed for the climb. I understand, I will be bringing all logistics, that never I have done before, including one extra tent for my two climbing partners! After breakfast and a quick shower, I am up and about ready to go.
Late Ascent
My buddy and me took a jeepney ride to our assembly point. We arrived there at exactly 6:00 AM. After about 45 minutes of waiting, our other buddy arrived. We prepared several things more including extra load distribution for the tent and other camping stuff. Assured and ready, we proceeded and started the trek. I realized we are 1 hour late of our original IT.
Loads
Due to lack of packroom, my 2 climbing buddies were both carrying other logistics with their hands. And so, even though I don’t like the idea of holding something during the trek, I offered my help to them and get one of their holding loads. We arrived at "kakawa" complex at around 9:00 AM. With just a short rest stop, we proceeded with our trek to "Braulla approach". Realizing that my buddy is having a hard time carrying his water container, I switched load with him getting both of my hands busy carrying the water container on our trek.
Several minutes later, the established trail slowly vanished which kept us from calculating and searching the right track to "Braulla approach" was. Twice, we got lost and over-passed the right trail to "Braulla approach". It was around 10:30 in the morning when we finally touched ground with "Braulla approach".
The Assault
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We again rearranged our loads leaving still with me load from my other buddy. I can clearly see those humongous "cogon" grasses which we are about to cross on our "Braulla" assault. I grabbed my arm warmer and goggles to wear them. As we began the assault, I really felt the discomfort of not using my other hand. I was still holding the load from my buddy. Helplessly I was, I decided to tie the load on my pack with a string. Finally I got my both hands free from any load! The whole time during assault I told myself over again not to underestimate any mountain. While my sweat flows continuously out of my entire body, I very well recognized that familiar pain I always felt during climbs apparently blaming ownself for failing to prepare physically on the activity. With no signs of path and some trail markers on tree branches oftentimes vanished, we crawled on 45˚ loose- soil ridge wall, nothing to cling on but just friendly "teka-teka" shrubs. With spikes on the shrubs’ trunks and leaves repeatedly hurting both my hands everytime I clung on them, and the vanished path we are taking, never knowing where will it leads us, the "teka-teka" shrubs holding back my backpack everytime I passed on them, the feeling of adventure to personally challenge ownself has nearly being tossed over my mind. Surrender is the next thing I recalled I told to my ownself. That I cannot push myself to the limit anymore. I can feel my left knee aching as if there was a twisted ligament everytime I put weight on it during crawls. I am not invincible as I think I was before. Now I clearly realize and understand that! As I realized that going back is neither an option, I patiently and like a good child, humbly crawled my way up taking pains and sufferings aside. After about two hours of assault, by 12:30 PM, I requested them to stop and have lunch. After lunch was a refreshing drink from the water container I carried earlier that I noticed already half pass the container and we haven’t even midway of the assault!
We got lost two more times before we arrived at "Tansahan" After few minutes of rest, around 1:30 PM we go on and proceed with the assault. After a while, my left quadriceps cramped. I slowed down even more not to bring my cramping quad to hell. We crossed one big gully and crossed 2 medium sized ones then again got lost! Without trail and with very little visuals due to fog, we trail-blazed and went further north. By around 3 o’clock, I finally saw the peak in a distant.
Welcome Shower
As we approached the peak, rain started to pour really hard. I was even thankful of the rain rather than become disappointed upon reaching the peak because it’s the perfect time we can replenish our draining water supply. Instead of settling-in, all three of us unanimously decided to check-out the "Dagatan crater" down below. As we descent and still raining very hard, I could hear voices shouting helplessly as water pour endlessly on tall trees leaving no single space for shelter. There were visitors down by the crater!
We were told that visitors took the Dolores trail. All wet and getting cold, they decided to go back to Dolores before dusk. Realizing we can not choose a good campsite by the crater, we decided to went up again at the peak camp. By 3:30 in the afternoon and still showering, we pitched our tents and finally settled-in. At 4:30, I started to prepare our early diner to get ready for the much needed restful night sleep. We had a very satisfying diner. I repeatedly thank the Lord for His graces.
Restful Sleep
After a little chat with my buddy, we altogether retired and slept the night away on our respective tents. Inside my tent, I could still feel that soothing cold air blowing over me. Rain showered occasionally that I could hear drops knocking on our shelters. It was cold that night. By 3:30 early Sunday morning, we got-up have some hot soup and then go back to sleep again. It was already 6:00 o’clock. My buddy got out of his tent and together we prepare more hot soup to sooth our freezing bodies.
Calculated Descent
We had breakfast at 8:00 AM and broke camp by 9:30 AM. After packing before our descent, we still took time of enjoying the place as we again thank the good Lord for this extraordinary opportunity. We left the camp at exactly 10:15 AM.
More familiar with the trail, we arrived "Tansahan" by 10:45 AM. "Tansahan" – "Braulla approach" descent was just about 2 hours. So we arrived at "Braulla approach" several minutes before 1:00 PM. On our way from Braulla approach to Kakawa, we took some pictures of the landscapes and even ate native pomelo and guava during stops. Several minutes before 2:00 PM, we proceeded to Mang Amboy’s farm beside "Kakawa complex" and had our bountiful lunch with buko and Lacatan bananas courtesy of our host. After a little chat with Mang Amboy, we continue our trek down taking the San Francisco route this time. We touched ground at our expected destination in San Francisco 45 minutes later.
If there’s something I learned from this climb, it’s patience and more patience during climb. Relaxing while trekking will give you more benefit than harm.
September 4-5, 2004
Mount San Cristobal
I woke up by the buzzing sound of my alarm clock, which was set just several hours ago. I just remembered staying-up late the night before packing all things needed for the climb. I understand, I will be bringing all logistics, that never I have done before, including one extra tent for my two climbing partners! After breakfast and a quick shower, I am up and about ready to go.
Late Ascent
My buddy and me took a jeepney ride to our assembly point. We arrived there at exactly 6:00 AM. After about 45 minutes of waiting, our other buddy arrived. We prepared several things more including extra load distribution for the tent and other camping stuff. Assured and ready, we proceeded and started the trek. I realized we are 1 hour late of our original IT.
Loads
Due to lack of packroom, my 2 climbing buddies were both carrying other logistics with their hands. And so, even though I don’t like the idea of holding something during the trek, I offered my help to them and get one of their holding loads. We arrived at "kakawa" complex at around 9:00 AM. With just a short rest stop, we proceeded with our trek to "Braulla approach". Realizing that my buddy is having a hard time carrying his water container, I switched load with him getting both of my hands busy carrying the water container on our trek.
Several minutes later, the established trail slowly vanished which kept us from calculating and searching the right track to "Braulla approach" was. Twice, we got lost and over-passed the right trail to "Braulla approach". It was around 10:30 in the morning when we finally touched ground with "Braulla approach".
The Assault
.jpg)
We again rearranged our loads leaving still with me load from my other buddy. I can clearly see those humongous "cogon" grasses which we are about to cross on our "Braulla" assault. I grabbed my arm warmer and goggles to wear them. As we began the assault, I really felt the discomfort of not using my other hand. I was still holding the load from my buddy. Helplessly I was, I decided to tie the load on my pack with a string. Finally I got my both hands free from any load! The whole time during assault I told myself over again not to underestimate any mountain. While my sweat flows continuously out of my entire body, I very well recognized that familiar pain I always felt during climbs apparently blaming ownself for failing to prepare physically on the activity. With no signs of path and some trail markers on tree branches oftentimes vanished, we crawled on 45˚ loose- soil ridge wall, nothing to cling on but just friendly "teka-teka" shrubs. With spikes on the shrubs’ trunks and leaves repeatedly hurting both my hands everytime I clung on them, and the vanished path we are taking, never knowing where will it leads us, the "teka-teka" shrubs holding back my backpack everytime I passed on them, the feeling of adventure to personally challenge ownself has nearly being tossed over my mind. Surrender is the next thing I recalled I told to my ownself. That I cannot push myself to the limit anymore. I can feel my left knee aching as if there was a twisted ligament everytime I put weight on it during crawls. I am not invincible as I think I was before. Now I clearly realize and understand that! As I realized that going back is neither an option, I patiently and like a good child, humbly crawled my way up taking pains and sufferings aside. After about two hours of assault, by 12:30 PM, I requested them to stop and have lunch. After lunch was a refreshing drink from the water container I carried earlier that I noticed already half pass the container and we haven’t even midway of the assault!
We got lost two more times before we arrived at "Tansahan" After few minutes of rest, around 1:30 PM we go on and proceed with the assault. After a while, my left quadriceps cramped. I slowed down even more not to bring my cramping quad to hell. We crossed one big gully and crossed 2 medium sized ones then again got lost! Without trail and with very little visuals due to fog, we trail-blazed and went further north. By around 3 o’clock, I finally saw the peak in a distant.
Welcome Shower
As we approached the peak, rain started to pour really hard. I was even thankful of the rain rather than become disappointed upon reaching the peak because it’s the perfect time we can replenish our draining water supply. Instead of settling-in, all three of us unanimously decided to check-out the "Dagatan crater" down below. As we descent and still raining very hard, I could hear voices shouting helplessly as water pour endlessly on tall trees leaving no single space for shelter. There were visitors down by the crater!
We were told that visitors took the Dolores trail. All wet and getting cold, they decided to go back to Dolores before dusk. Realizing we can not choose a good campsite by the crater, we decided to went up again at the peak camp. By 3:30 in the afternoon and still showering, we pitched our tents and finally settled-in. At 4:30, I started to prepare our early diner to get ready for the much needed restful night sleep. We had a very satisfying diner. I repeatedly thank the Lord for His graces.
Restful Sleep
After a little chat with my buddy, we altogether retired and slept the night away on our respective tents. Inside my tent, I could still feel that soothing cold air blowing over me. Rain showered occasionally that I could hear drops knocking on our shelters. It was cold that night. By 3:30 early Sunday morning, we got-up have some hot soup and then go back to sleep again. It was already 6:00 o’clock. My buddy got out of his tent and together we prepare more hot soup to sooth our freezing bodies.
Calculated Descent
We had breakfast at 8:00 AM and broke camp by 9:30 AM. After packing before our descent, we still took time of enjoying the place as we again thank the good Lord for this extraordinary opportunity. We left the camp at exactly 10:15 AM.
More familiar with the trail, we arrived "Tansahan" by 10:45 AM. "Tansahan" – "Braulla approach" descent was just about 2 hours. So we arrived at "Braulla approach" several minutes before 1:00 PM. On our way from Braulla approach to Kakawa, we took some pictures of the landscapes and even ate native pomelo and guava during stops. Several minutes before 2:00 PM, we proceeded to Mang Amboy’s farm beside "Kakawa complex" and had our bountiful lunch with buko and Lacatan bananas courtesy of our host. After a little chat with Mang Amboy, we continue our trek down taking the San Francisco route this time. We touched ground at our expected destination in San Francisco 45 minutes later.
If there’s something I learned from this climb, it’s patience and more patience during climb. Relaxing while trekking will give you more benefit than harm.
"The Makiling Traverse"
7:15 AM of Saturday, July 3, 2004 I was already on stand by at the St. Cabrini Hospital Parking waiting for the bus bound for Brgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas Batangas which boarded the rest of the MFPI batchmembers. The 28-member mountaineering team including myself was about to try another week-ender outdoor adventure. Jumping-off at Brgy. San Miguel in Sto Tomas, ascend up to Melkas Ridge, Gubatan Campsite, ascend-pass Haring Bato until Peak 2, then descend-pass established stations of the forest reserve Laguna side until reaching UPLB Forestry. We call the adventure we are about to undertake "The Makiling Traverse".
Jokes on trails
At exactly 8:45 AM, after a short briefing, roll-call and prayer, the team went ahead and pass several local communities. Upon reaching the foot, we re-grouped and started the trek. Single-piled by group, we lead the ascend with the Team Leader Mar Melendrez of Pilipinas Sierra. We started slow and easy resting once in a while. During stops, our group devised an enjoyable short rest by having someone deliver a joke. We all tried laughing while catching our breath. Lunch time was even more enjoyable when other groups joined-in and tell funny stories while eating.
Knowing Maria
Sto Tomas trail was exciting. There were shaded and open trails with bushes and woods along. On shaded trails: rocky, sandy, muddy to watery paths. On open-clearing parts, trail-slopes from 45 to 60 degrees. Upon reaching Melkas Ridge at Gubatan campsite, all were already short of water. Knowing the trail, myself and 2 others decided to backtrail to fetch some water on the nearest water source. It was a 45-minutes hike down the trail 835m E from the last intersection going to Gubatan Camp. While everyone try to have some rest after a day-long hike, the 3 of us proceeded and tire ourselves a bit more but for a satisfying treat: mountain-fresh clear spring water courtesy of Mt. Makiling! We spent overnight at Gubatan Camp.
"King Rock" and the blood-sucking creatures
Ridges towards Haring Bato was spectacular. "King Rock" as its English translation was really its literal meaning. Shaded areas on the ridge after Haring Bato was even more challenging because of leeches waiting and wanting for us to pass-by. These blood-sucking creatures really created hysteria over the majority of the mountaineers assaulting Mt. Makiling. Our team was not an exception.
Peak 2 Descent
At exactly 12:00 noon of Sunday, July 4, the lead group, our group reached Mt. Makiling’s Peak 2. After fixing ourselves removing several leeches more from legs or arms, pants and shoes, we prepared our lunch and eat. Satisfying ourselves swallowing mouthfull of rice even at the absence of water. Other groups tried to rest taking out their ground sheets and laiddown for several minutes. Our group was eager to proceed though. By 12:30 pm after taking several pictures for souvenirs, the team proceed to finish the traverse. By 1:45 pm, reaching the first water source at Stn 21, Makiling LB side for a mouth-quenching treat of spring water that refreshed our drying throat. Several hundred meters further sown is the next water station to finish our craving for the precious water. By 3:30 pm the shole team touched-sown UPLB Forestry and took a quick shower. After a short briefing, roll-call and prayer, everyone headed home. Reserving their respective stories for the post-climb meeting 3 days after. More that the stories was one’s great feeling of strength, freedom and fulfillment of another successful adventure.
Jokes on trails
At exactly 8:45 AM, after a short briefing, roll-call and prayer, the team went ahead and pass several local communities. Upon reaching the foot, we re-grouped and started the trek. Single-piled by group, we lead the ascend with the Team Leader Mar Melendrez of Pilipinas Sierra. We started slow and easy resting once in a while. During stops, our group devised an enjoyable short rest by having someone deliver a joke. We all tried laughing while catching our breath. Lunch time was even more enjoyable when other groups joined-in and tell funny stories while eating.
Knowing Maria
Sto Tomas trail was exciting. There were shaded and open trails with bushes and woods along. On shaded trails: rocky, sandy, muddy to watery paths. On open-clearing parts, trail-slopes from 45 to 60 degrees. Upon reaching Melkas Ridge at Gubatan campsite, all were already short of water. Knowing the trail, myself and 2 others decided to backtrail to fetch some water on the nearest water source. It was a 45-minutes hike down the trail 835m E from the last intersection going to Gubatan Camp. While everyone try to have some rest after a day-long hike, the 3 of us proceeded and tire ourselves a bit more but for a satisfying treat: mountain-fresh clear spring water courtesy of Mt. Makiling! We spent overnight at Gubatan Camp.
"King Rock" and the blood-sucking creatures
Ridges towards Haring Bato was spectacular. "King Rock" as its English translation was really its literal meaning. Shaded areas on the ridge after Haring Bato was even more challenging because of leeches waiting and wanting for us to pass-by. These blood-sucking creatures really created hysteria over the majority of the mountaineers assaulting Mt. Makiling. Our team was not an exception.
Peak 2 Descent
At exactly 12:00 noon of Sunday, July 4, the lead group, our group reached Mt. Makiling’s Peak 2. After fixing ourselves removing several leeches more from legs or arms, pants and shoes, we prepared our lunch and eat. Satisfying ourselves swallowing mouthfull of rice even at the absence of water. Other groups tried to rest taking out their ground sheets and laiddown for several minutes. Our group was eager to proceed though. By 12:30 pm after taking several pictures for souvenirs, the team proceed to finish the traverse. By 1:45 pm, reaching the first water source at Stn 21, Makiling LB side for a mouth-quenching treat of spring water that refreshed our drying throat. Several hundred meters further sown is the next water station to finish our craving for the precious water. By 3:30 pm the shole team touched-sown UPLB Forestry and took a quick shower. After a short briefing, roll-call and prayer, everyone headed home. Reserving their respective stories for the post-climb meeting 3 days after. More that the stories was one’s great feeling of strength, freedom and fulfillment of another successful adventure.
MFPI’S Trail Maintenance and Clean-up Project
6:00 o’clock Saturday morning, June 12, 2004 at the assembly area, Festival Mall, Alabang: familiar faces started to gather around sporting common gears – trek shoes, hiking suits and backpacks. Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, mountaineers once again are up for one common activity. Eagerness among all are so evident and the friendly atmosphere that each has expressing are prominent at the very moment.
On the assembly area are 2 Hato tourist buses waiting for the 106 participants bound for Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon. The project which was sphereheaded by MFPI batch 4 was tasked to clean the trails at Mt. Banahaw usual pilgrim sites. From 6:00 to 8:00 assembly, it seems to all that the 2 hours time is forever, waiting patiently until the last participant has arrived. Finally, at 8:30 AM everyone was delighted to depart towards the scheduled destination.
The long wait is over
While the bus has departed at Alabang, I was still at home trying to measure the time of their arrival at Max’s SPC, my pick-up point. And so not to get bored while waiting, I have decided to go to SPC Mall by 9:00 AM. After a while, I went straight to Max’s and dine with Debbie still waiting for the bus. At the same restaurant was Gen. Nocom of Phil. Army, the Commander of our support group who is also bound for Sta. Lucia monitoring the bus arrival using their UHF radios. At 10:30 AM finally, I boarded the bus and greeted everyone good morning.
The Tasks
Participants arrived at the campsite and immediately pitched tents and prepared lunch. After a hefty lunch, everyone’s get ready for the major activity: The Trail Maintenance and Clean-up. There are 4 groups and each has different assigned task to do. 1st group is to clean "Ilog Jordan" pilgrim area. 2nd group assignment is the "Santong Jacob" area. 3rd group will sweep-clean trail to "Kalbaryo". While the last group, our group will traverse "Kalbaryo" and from there will clean-sweep trail going to Kinabuhayan up to the "Yapak" area. Since the 4th group was the anchor and have the longest route, it was decided that we will be picked up at Kinabuhayan with our collected sacks of garbage.
Good to be back
It was already around 3:00 PM when our group left the campsite. As soon as we start the traverse, rain started to pour on the whole "Kalbaryo" area. Several minutes later, everyone slows down ascending. Sharp edges of volcanic rocks, trail in-between boulders, everyone got very cautious not to harm parts of their bodies. While they wonder how much longer is it going to the summit, I begun to feel this "adrenalin rush" pumping inside. Familiar with the trail, several minutes after, I just found myself traversing ahead, leaving the rest of the group. Yes, I know the place! Looking back, it’s exactly ten years since I last set my feet traversing the very same route going up to "Kalbaryo" and all the way down to Kinabuhayan. Still raining hard, with fog all around, I arrived at the summit and immediately touched the Cross. "It’s so good to be back." Thank you Lord for another opportunity.
Nature’s Appreciation
As soon as most of the group members arrived at the summit, I then decided to go ahead and start scouting for camp garbage. Nature seems to appreciate us while we were doing the clean-up. Rain stopped and the sky suddenly smiles and shed light perfect enough to take the magnificent panorama of the summit for the pictorials. Heading south, I collected several but noticed everyone’s enjoying pictorials back at the summit. I immediately headed back to joined them. We took a number of pictures from there. Several minutes more, group members started to sweep-clean the trail all the way down to Kinabuhayan. We finally got back at the camp around 8:30 in the evening.
Pour More Rain
It’s passed 9:00 PM when we had our dinner. After fixing-up our mess kits, all group members decided to take a quick shower. I was left at the camp since I already took a shower long before they got the idea. Alone, I decided to stay inside my tent and take a nap until they arrive to start the fellowship. I was already inside when rain starts to pour hard. Confident of my equipment, I still took a nap. It was a good nap that when I finally opened my eyes, there was this flood infront of our camp that my sandals outside were already afloat apart moving away from my tent. A number of participants already evacuated their respective camps. Our group stayed-put instead. By 1:30 AM Sunday morning the rain finally stopped. While everybody is awake fixing their camp shelters, still a perfect time to start the much delayed fellowship. Though most were wet and camp soaked in water, we still enjoyed the fellowship and had a lot of fun until the Sunday sun rises.
The Big News
After breakfast, everybody took the chance of that sunny morning exposing wet clothes and gears to sunlight. Hours after and as scheduled, we broke camp and assembled at the bus parking area for the closing remarks, raffle draw and other bulletin. The big news was: we had collected a total of 1.3 tons of garbage. MFPI thanked and recognized all 106 participants for their wonderful support. Needless to say, not enough to take down all the trash from the mountain, but good enough to note that there are still somebody like us who can show concern to help mother nature rebuild its ailing environment.
On the assembly area are 2 Hato tourist buses waiting for the 106 participants bound for Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon. The project which was sphereheaded by MFPI batch 4 was tasked to clean the trails at Mt. Banahaw usual pilgrim sites. From 6:00 to 8:00 assembly, it seems to all that the 2 hours time is forever, waiting patiently until the last participant has arrived. Finally, at 8:30 AM everyone was delighted to depart towards the scheduled destination.
The long wait is over
While the bus has departed at Alabang, I was still at home trying to measure the time of their arrival at Max’s SPC, my pick-up point. And so not to get bored while waiting, I have decided to go to SPC Mall by 9:00 AM. After a while, I went straight to Max’s and dine with Debbie still waiting for the bus. At the same restaurant was Gen. Nocom of Phil. Army, the Commander of our support group who is also bound for Sta. Lucia monitoring the bus arrival using their UHF radios. At 10:30 AM finally, I boarded the bus and greeted everyone good morning.
The Tasks
Participants arrived at the campsite and immediately pitched tents and prepared lunch. After a hefty lunch, everyone’s get ready for the major activity: The Trail Maintenance and Clean-up. There are 4 groups and each has different assigned task to do. 1st group is to clean "Ilog Jordan" pilgrim area. 2nd group assignment is the "Santong Jacob" area. 3rd group will sweep-clean trail to "Kalbaryo". While the last group, our group will traverse "Kalbaryo" and from there will clean-sweep trail going to Kinabuhayan up to the "Yapak" area. Since the 4th group was the anchor and have the longest route, it was decided that we will be picked up at Kinabuhayan with our collected sacks of garbage.
Good to be back
It was already around 3:00 PM when our group left the campsite. As soon as we start the traverse, rain started to pour on the whole "Kalbaryo" area. Several minutes later, everyone slows down ascending. Sharp edges of volcanic rocks, trail in-between boulders, everyone got very cautious not to harm parts of their bodies. While they wonder how much longer is it going to the summit, I begun to feel this "adrenalin rush" pumping inside. Familiar with the trail, several minutes after, I just found myself traversing ahead, leaving the rest of the group. Yes, I know the place! Looking back, it’s exactly ten years since I last set my feet traversing the very same route going up to "Kalbaryo" and all the way down to Kinabuhayan. Still raining hard, with fog all around, I arrived at the summit and immediately touched the Cross. "It’s so good to be back." Thank you Lord for another opportunity.
Nature’s Appreciation
As soon as most of the group members arrived at the summit, I then decided to go ahead and start scouting for camp garbage. Nature seems to appreciate us while we were doing the clean-up. Rain stopped and the sky suddenly smiles and shed light perfect enough to take the magnificent panorama of the summit for the pictorials. Heading south, I collected several but noticed everyone’s enjoying pictorials back at the summit. I immediately headed back to joined them. We took a number of pictures from there. Several minutes more, group members started to sweep-clean the trail all the way down to Kinabuhayan. We finally got back at the camp around 8:30 in the evening.
Pour More Rain
It’s passed 9:00 PM when we had our dinner. After fixing-up our mess kits, all group members decided to take a quick shower. I was left at the camp since I already took a shower long before they got the idea. Alone, I decided to stay inside my tent and take a nap until they arrive to start the fellowship. I was already inside when rain starts to pour hard. Confident of my equipment, I still took a nap. It was a good nap that when I finally opened my eyes, there was this flood infront of our camp that my sandals outside were already afloat apart moving away from my tent. A number of participants already evacuated their respective camps. Our group stayed-put instead. By 1:30 AM Sunday morning the rain finally stopped. While everybody is awake fixing their camp shelters, still a perfect time to start the much delayed fellowship. Though most were wet and camp soaked in water, we still enjoyed the fellowship and had a lot of fun until the Sunday sun rises.
The Big News
After breakfast, everybody took the chance of that sunny morning exposing wet clothes and gears to sunlight. Hours after and as scheduled, we broke camp and assembled at the bus parking area for the closing remarks, raffle draw and other bulletin. The big news was: we had collected a total of 1.3 tons of garbage. MFPI thanked and recognized all 106 participants for their wonderful support. Needless to say, not enough to take down all the trash from the mountain, but good enough to note that there are still somebody like us who can show concern to help mother nature rebuild its ailing environment.
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