Dayhike in Mt. Batolusong (Team Tiki-Tiki) // March 26, 2017

Skyy was the one who initiated to have a day hike.   During the week-long planning, we considered some of the mountains near Manila.  Eventually, I suggested climbing Mt. Batolusong due to an unfinished business.   The last time we've been here, Ana and I wasn't able to reach the summit due to heavy rain.  We had no clearing...no sea of clouds...just thick layers of fog.  The 2 agreed to me and during that week, Team Tiki-Tiki (a word derived after our Mt. Halcon's climb) was formed.  
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The Rangyas Peak taken at Mapatag Plateau

For the second time, It was a sweet revenge conquering the peak of this mountain in less than an hour!

The Hike (Photo Blast)

The community

Ate Nimfa, our tour guide

The trail of Mt. Batolusong is straightforward; chances of being lost is remote.  It begins by passing in a small community and rice fields; followed by a moderate assault in a woodland.  A wonderful open grass field awaits at the top.

A popular rock formation

Late sunrise and sea of clouds

Mama Skyy, the mastermind

The landscape of the grassland and nearby mountains

Assault to Rangyas Peak
The last portion is quite technical; it is a short 4-wheeled assault on rocks.

A trail of bamboos 

Other hikers assaulting the Rangyas Peak

Team Tiki-Tiki at the summit

Descent going to Kay Ibon Falls
We just stayed at the summit for 10 minutes.  The sun is scorching and it is truly exhausting to stay there for a long time.  We managed to take some photos at the plateau before proceeding to Kay Ibon Falls.

Out Signature Pose

Jerico is fond of doing jump shots

I would like to call this "Rigor's Pose", originated from a fellow hiker.  I still don't have my own version :D

Her crossed-leg pose

 Kay Ibon Falls

The Falls

We didn't encounter other hikers on the falls; perhaps, it is due to the reason that traverse to the highway is no longer allowed.  

The picture beside the falls

Ate Nimfa while resting :D

We had our early lunch before going back to the jump-off.
Base Camp at San Andres

Beer moments at the Base Camp

Group picture before going home at Brgy. Hall

Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer - John Muir

Actual Itinerary
March 26, 2017 (3:00 AM): Departure Jollibee Farmers to Brgy. San Andres, Tanay Rizal
March 26, 2017 (4:00 PM): Arrival Cubao

Going There
1. Take any PUV in Cubao (Famers Area) or Ligaya (near Robinson Metroeast and Sta Lucia) going to Cogeo (Gate 2).
2. From gate 2 there is a terminal of jeepneys going to Sampaloc (usually leaving at 5 am).  Tell the driver to drop you at Batangasan.
3. From Batangasan, there are tricycles which can take you to Brgy. San Andres (jump-off)

Note
As of the writing, traverse to Highway is no longer allowed.  

Safe Budget
600 per head (for a group of 3)

Major Expenses
Guide Fee: 500 Php (5:1)
Registration Fee: 100 Php per head

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- Team Tiki-Tiki before it became "Mga ****"
- Ang mahal naman ng registration fee nyo! (Skyy)
- Aamin na po ako, hinihingal na ko.  Ang bilis niyo po (Ate Nimfa).
- Discussion regarding Skyy's medical certificate issue after our Mt. Halcon's climb.
- Early lunch at Kay Ibon Falls
- Beer moments at the base camp
- Bawal po samin uminom pag may ginaguide kami (Ate Nimfa)
- Okay lang yan ate tapos na naman ang trabaho mo (Skyy to Ate Nimfa :P)
- Ate ihing-ihi na ko (Skyy nagtitipid ng 50 pesos)

Photo Credit: Skyy Chiong and Jerico Tabuzo

End

-JSC