Friday, November 7, 2014, my 2nd planned climb. I was hesitant at first because I don't know if my body weight can endure the climb. But what the heck lets go for the climb and pray for the strength to endure the majestic mountains.
Had to do quick research about the place. I thought at first only mountaineers camp on the mountains. To my research, it was also a haven for runners, day hikers, mountain bikers and other athletes that wan't to have a natural terrain for keeping their body fit and fab.
Important things to bring for campers:
- Camping Tent
- Sleeping mat or blanket (Summit is really cold during early mornings)
- Light jacket (especially if you'll do the night trek, temperature drops as you go up. Despite sweating for few hours, you'll feel the cold breeze every once in a while)
- Separate Water/Gatorade (about 1-1.5 L for the trek so you can simple pick it up before you get thirsty)
- Water for cooking
- Trail Food (Jellies & Candies, for diabetics, please consult your doctor for recommended small snacks)
- Flashlight/Headlamp (especially for night trekkers)
- Raincoat or Umbrella (for unexpected rain)
- Small Personal Stuff: medicine/maintenance drugs, mobile phone, camera, toiletries, just the right amount of cash (about Php 500 per person will fit the budget - personal transportation budget to and from Tungko not included)
- Camping Stove and Butane canisters for cooking on the summit (recommended over firewood - to prevent forest fires)
- Ingredients for your meals on the mountains
- Small amount of salt (licking it along the trail to prevent/treat cramps) - just learned this tip from our teammate for this trip
- Sunblock, OFF lotion, First aide kit (small containers would be better for less weight in your bag
- Durable Sandals/Trekking Shoes
- Garbage bags for trash (Rule of thumb: never leave anything along the trail or on the campsite)
Place of meet-up Jollibee Tungko. I live in Novaliches, Quezon City and never been farther from SM Fairview. I had no idea where Jollibee Tungko was. Thanks to google maps saw that there was only one branch and it was along the main highway. Rush hour traffic was a problem in the area so if you are planning to meet-up in Tungko, better to come in earlier. We left Tungko at around 08:30 pm. Took a jeep going to Licao Licao. Drop off will be on the jeepney terminal and the jump off point.
We fixed all our stuff. Tighten our bags. Prayed for safety. Then, started our trek.
Let the games begin!
Thank God for the bright moon. We headed off our way. First part for a beginner like me, was the gruesome part! Why ascent was a long winding concrete road. I thought it would be easier but I was wrong! With no daily exercise, I pushed myself to the limit that my flabby body can withstand. LAKAD!!!!!!!!!!
I did not look at the time I just kept on walking with the help of our teammates that are pro mountaineers. Unfortunatelly, with my weight I was the slow guy from the group. Thanks for the unlimited understanding and patience of the pro's they helped us newbies along the way. Got basic tips even how to carry the backpack properly.
We had a short rest break in the community chapel and a chance for photoshoot as well.
There would also be registration fees along the way (as of 11/8/2014, fees may vary in the future):
One from the baranggay/community : Php 10.00/person
Before reaching the summit : Php 10.00 for day hike; Php 20.00 overnight/person
I think we arrived at the summit at around 0045-ish I think.....lost track of time. Didn't have the energy to check my phone as well (I don't wear a watch).
We set-up our tents. Redhiker and our other teammates cooked dinner....or should I call it midnight snack. While having our socials and enjoying the amazing city view, we saw a shooting star. You can view Laguna, Manila, Bulacan up to Pampanga from the summit. Amazing experience!
I slept at around 0200 with 2 blankets and a malong. I woke up at around 0600 why.....I was feeling cold and saw that it was bright need to capture the morning sun. I went out of my tent with my sleeveless shirt....lo and behold.....an amazing mountain view and freezing cold air! It was like air from the fridge! I had to get my blanket and malong to cover myself.
Here are some of the photo's from the summit:
Here's one of my favorite cat! This is the mountain guardian I guess. This kitty is a resident of the summit. This cat is so friendly, flabby and so soft! Here's the kitty selfies:
After enjoying all the majestic mountain view and clean mountain breeze, we ate our breakfast, did the traditional pictorials, and of course we had to pack our bags for the descent:
On our way down you'll walk through an amazing field of grass. This trek would be easier for me, obviously since we'll descend.
We had our pit stop in one of the homes near the trail to the water falls. Ate our brunch. Some took the chance to take a short nap.
After the short rest, off we went ahead to the water falls!
Php 10.00 / per person
And here's the amazing otso-otso water falls:
During the climb you will realize simple and small things will be appreciated. Everything matters.
Bring what you only need...other unnecessary things will just be a burden along the way.
There are times that you get your reward after doing it the hard way. Just push yourself, pray, have faith and you'll make it to the end at the right time.
Respect the environment we're just visitors, we don't own the place. Pick up your trash and bring it back to the city or if there's a nearby assigned proper disposal area in the community
More adventures to come! I feel the need to travel my country and appreciate what my country has to offer! IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES! =)
Thank you pro mountaineers for helping us newbies along the way. We had an amazing journey!
Photo Courtesy of Ma'am Jo Anne Miravalles
Photo Courtesy of Ma'am Jo Anne Miravalles
Photo Courtesy of Ma'am Jo Anne Miravalles
After the short rest, off we went ahead to the water falls!
Php 10.00 / per person
After the dip in the clean fresh cold waters of the falls, we headed our way back to the carinderia in the jeepney terminal of Licao Licao. Along the way I noticed some homes and remote facilities using solar energy. I would wish and hope that the government would fund this renewable energy to remote areas here in the Philippines. Solar farms would definitely help a lot of communities have an alternate source of energy.
Here's the concrete road that I survived on the initial part of the trek. Didn't expect that it will be more difficult to ascend on a concrete road. I SURVIVED YOU CONCRETE ROAD!!!!
During the climb you will realize simple and small things will be appreciated. Everything matters.
Bring what you only need...other unnecessary things will just be a burden along the way.
There are times that you get your reward after doing it the hard way. Just push yourself, pray, have faith and you'll make it to the end at the right time.
Respect the environment we're just visitors, we don't own the place. Pick up your trash and bring it back to the city or if there's a nearby assigned proper disposal area in the community
More adventures to come! I feel the need to travel my country and appreciate what my country has to offer! IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES! =)
Thank you pro mountaineers for helping us newbies along the way. We had an amazing journey!
Thanks redhiker for the climb invite! Check out his blog on:
