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
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