Mt. Sembrano (New Year Climb) // January 7 to 8, 2017

At the Summit of Mt. Sembrano

Mt. Sembrano in Pililla Rizal is the mother mountain of Pot.  Whenever he encounters someone, who would like to experience mountain climbing for the first time, he brings them here.  

It was a short 2 days notice.  The Tabuzo brothers informed me, that they will have a weekend "chill" climb to this mountain.  I decided to join when I learned that someone will prepare the meals (hassle-free climb!).

The Hike
It was almost a 3 hours travel; we arrived at Brgy. Malaya around 6:30 in the evening.  While on our way to Manggahan Campsite, I remembered what an old school mountaineer once told me: "To fully enjoy the mountain, refrain from doing day hike."  I am now beginning to appreciate overnight camping; it is truly fun.  

At the Manggahan Campsite

Manggahan is an hour away from the jump-off.  The entire evening was allotted for socials.  It was a night of alcohol, most of them were drunk. Hmm, Yes! Only them! :P  I was located in a darker place.  When it was already my turn to shot, I spilled some on the soil.   Around midnight, I woke up and saw the drunk Alfred who can't even enter my tent and continuously mumbling "Mama, Mama" (Inom pa more!).

We assaulted to the summit at 5 in the morning.  Pot remained at the campsite.

Photo Blast

Taken at the campsite near the summit

Moving Up

Dead trees still have their own tales

At the Summit

Descent

Looking afar

Ace at the grassland.

Back to the Camp

Breakfast at campsite

Lunch Preparation 

Pure faces of the children

A hawk?

It soared

UGAT representative in Mt. Sembrano

Cacao fruit.  It tastes a little bit sweet and sour.  I'm not sure but something is spicy???

Afternoon Socials

Going Back to Reality

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” - A.A. Milne

Actual Itinerary
Day 1

2:00 PM - Assembly Time Crossing Shaw
3:15 PM - Departure Shaw to Tanay Market via jeepney in front of Chowking (fare 58 php)
5:15 PM - Arrival Tanay Market, buy foods for the whole climb
5:55 PM - Departure Tanay Market to Brgy. Malaya (fare 22 php)
6:30 PM - Arrival Brgy. Malaya (Registration: 20 php per head)
7:00 PM - Start of hike
8:00 PM - Arrival Campsite (Camping, Socials, Rest) (Registration 10 php per head)

Day 2
5:00 AM - Wakeup Call (morning coffee)
5:40 AM - Start of assault campsite to the summit
7:00 AM - Summit (Picture taking/ sight-seeing)
7:30 AM - Descent to Campsite
8:30 AM - Arrival Campsite (Breakfast/rest/socials/enjoy/cheers)
3:45 PM - Descent campsite to Brgy. Hall 
4:40 PM - Arrival Brgy. Hall (Wash up)
5:25 PM - Departure Brgy Malaya to Tanay Market via jeepney
6:00 PM - Arrival Market
6:15 PM - Departure Tanay Market to Crossing via bus (Fare 60 php)
8:30 PM - Home Sweet Home

Safe Budget: 500 pesos for 2 days

Moments and Thoughts to Look Back
- "Mama, Mama" - Alfred (Pogs)
- "Religion can't save you" - Jay to Ace (followed by a short period of silence)
- "Why are you climbing a mountain" - Ace to Alfred
- "Kapag summer nasusunog minsan ang Sembrano" - Pot
- The away-bati teenage couple

Contact: 09192282804 (Mr. Ariate  - Brgy. Officer)

Going There:
1. There are available jeepneys and van in Crossing Shaw going to Tanay.  Ask for a drop-off in Tanay Market.

2. From Tanay Market, ride a jeepney going to Brgy. Malaya (jump off).  Tour guide is not required.  

Note: As of this writing, tour guide is not required.

End

-JSC