Mt. Hapunang Banoi: Rodriguez, Rizal

CJ while having a photoshoot

After having our twin hike of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan last May 2016, I, CJ, and Ira (CJ's college friend) went back to Brgy. Wawa last August to complete the so-called trilogy climb by conquering Mt. Hapunang Banoi.  It rained the night before, but we decided to push through.  I contacted Kuya Ogie, who was also our guide in the twin hike.  We met at Jollibee Ligaya at 3 AM where there are jeepneys available going to Montalban.

We left Ligaya at 3:30 AM and arrived at Eastwood at 4:30.  There are already available tricycle good for 6 people.  Fare to Brgy. Wawa is 60 pesos per ride.  We reached the barangay hall at 4:45 and register.  There is a registration fee of 50 pesos per head and donation (any amount will do).  We met Kuya Ogie at 5:00 and started our day hike.

We already anticipated a muddy trail before the hike due to the rain shower and we got it right!.  The way to the junction was slippery and some areas were covered with thick mud.

Going up to junction

Ira, CJ, and me at taking a break

We reached the junction at 6:00 and had 30 minutes rest before proceeding to our hike.  There, can also be found the trail to Mt. Pamitinan.  Pamitinan-Hapunang Banoi is a common twin hike.

The rock formations in Hapunang Banoi have more sharp edges compared with Binacayan and Pamitinan, and there are also some unstable which will move once step on.  I got several cuts after not wearing my gloves way up.  There were also bamboo shoots during that time which have little spines.

Sea of clouds in Hapunang Banoi

Ira..... This is her first climb!!! :D

CJ at a popular picture spot

Group picture

A narrow and sharp way up near the summit

At the summit

We arrived at the summit at 8:50 and waited for a clearing.  It was foggy, but somehow, we able to have slight views.  We started our descent at 9:15 since a rain was approaching (perhaps, I should visit this place once again in sometimes :D).  We reached the Brgy. hall at 12 pm and had a washout before going back to Manila.

Going there through a public transportation

1. Take any PUV in Cubao (Farmers Area) or Ligaya (near Robinson Metroeast and Sta Lucia) going to Montalban.  Ask the driver to drop you in Eastwood.

2. From Eastwood, there are available tricycles which can bring you to Brgy. Wawa.  (60 pesos maximum of 6 passengers).

Table 1

Schedule of Itinerary

Table 2

Lists of Expenses for a group of 3

Contact:

Kuya Ogie: 09473868778

The above expenses did not include the expenses incurred pertaining to foods and incidental expenses going to the meetup places as they may vary per individual.  Common meet up point is at Jollibee Farmers Cubao, but it is more convenient on our part to meet at Ligaya (Metro East/Sta. Lucia).

Photo Credit: CJ Caldo and Ira Famador

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