Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Mt. Mabilog: Within The Loop // July 9, 2017

A view of Tayak Hill, Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw
Weeks before this, I was planning to climb Mt. Damas in San Clemente Tarlac.  I already approached some of my friends, who are also interested to climb that mountain.  Then suddenly, I received a message from Memo asking me to join the event of Kae to Mt. Mabilog.  "Sama ka Mt. Mabilog wala akong kainuman".  I initially declined but, he insisted: "ayaw mo talaga ako makasama"..... pa tampo effect ang mokong... cge going na po!!!
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It was a fine day.  We started the hike at 5:30 am after a short briefing and morning prayer led by Kae.  In my perception, Mt Mabilog is more on a hill rather than a mountain.  I became overconfident during the climb that in the end, I obtained 7 counts of slips (award: multiple bruises :o).  The way to the summit is fair.    We were welcomed by a trail surrounded by fully-grown banana and coconut plants.  A landscape of nearby highlands and lakes can be seen at the top.
Take 5 going to the summit
Flat but muddy trail
At the Summit
At the summit with Sarah.  Most parts are covered with overgrown plants
A cow at the summit
McDonald Pose before the descent
Moving down to Lake Pandin

We saw this plant while on our way to the lake.  Our guide mentioned that it is stinky in bloom.  I'm not sure if this is a species of Rafflesia (corpse flower)
Lake Pandin
The lake is alive! We encountered 2 children who caught a wild turtle from it; perhaps this is a suitable marine habitat.  While some participants used the time allotted in taking pictures, others just sat down and simply enjoyed the views.  
Lotus at Lake Pandin
Looking at a great scenery
Before going back to the jump-off
We arrived at the jump-off an hour earlier than the anticipated time.  They were still preparing the foods for the boodle fight, while the rest has nothing more to do.  Memo suggested splitting the group.  One will go to the underground cemetery and will proceed to Bunga Falls afterward.  The other will stay at the jump-off and when everything is settled, it will go directly to the falls.  It turned out that except for Memz, all were interested to explore the cemetery.  I remember when this good-looking??? soul told me to just stay at the jump-off.... maginuman nalang daw kami. kaya pala gusto magpaiwan :o.   
Memz. Taken during our outreach at Sitio Pukis, Camiling Tarlac.  Ang pogi nga ni master!  Good-looking nga!!! :o :D :P  
We left the place at around 10:30 am.  Underground Cemetery is located 15 to 20 minutes away from the jump-off.
Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan

This unique and one of a kind cemetery in the Philippines was built by the Franciscan Missionaries under the management of Fr. Vicente Velloc in 1845, at the same time of reconstruction of the biggest church of St. Bartholomew and the convent.  The leaders of the revolution used this as their secret meeting place in 1896.  By virtue of PD 260 on August 1, 1973, that was later amended by administrative order 1505 dated June 11, 1978, this cemetery was declared as a national historical landmark (Source: commemorative plate located outside).

Taking of pictures inside is no longer allowed.  They are actually forbidding the use of a camera which has a flash.   When I was already halfway in going down, an eerie feeling came over me.  I immediately went back and just waited them outside (takot kasi ako sa patay inaamin ko na!!!).  
Dentor behind bar
The outside of the cemetery
Group picture
Bunga Falls
The small but beautiful Bunga Falls
Boodle fight; moments of great cheers; meaningful conversation with other participants; adrenaline rush for the junkies who dared to dive from the 15 meters high ground (of course! I'm not one of them!); sightseeing; and wading filled our afternoon in this twin falls.  

Photo Blast
Upon our arrival
The Pool
Some foods for the boodle fight
Bubbles nga ba pangalan niya?
Other participants in the deep pool.  
Boodle fight... di ko na nakuhaan yung ayos
The colorful adventure usually happens when the sky is gray...when nature roar and cast a powerful splendid light - JSC (July 2017)
Conceptual Itinerary
2:00 AM: ETD Shaw Boulevard to Laguna
4:00 AM: Arrival Sto. Anghel Jumpoff
4:30 AM: Registration at Brgy. Hall
5:00 AM: Start Hike
8:00 AM: Arrival Summit
8:45 AM: Descent
10:00 AM: Lake Pandin
10:30 AM: Departure Lake Pandin
11:00 AM: Arrival Underground Cemetery
11:30 AM: Departure Underground Cemetery
12:00 PM: Arrival Bunga Falls
5:00 PM: Departure Bunga Falls
8:00 PM: ETA Shaw Blvd.

Actual Itinerary
2:00 AM: Departure Shaw Boulevard to Laguna
9:00 PM: Arrival Manila (Home Sweet Home)

Event Fee (Organizer)
800 per pax (Kae Lagrimas)

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- Lahat ng sponsored na alak ideposit sakin - Kae
- Walang magiinom sa taas! - Kae
- Yung contis ko??? - Sarah
- Yung Contis naging 2 Cadbury
- Pahinging 20 - Cristel and Sarah
- Palipatin niyo yung dalawa dito.... yung pogi - Cristel to Christian at the van before the departure in Shaw (pinilit talaga nilang palipatin si Nath pati yung kasama niya :o  oooops ang daldal ko :P)
- Ayyyyyyyyyy ang gwapoooooo - Memo inside the van
- Gusto mong hotdog? maliit o malaki? (me to memz.  I brought 2 kinds of hotdogs: german frank and the junior size cheesedog)
- Huwag na kayo mag-inom - Kae
- A snake on the tree
- Tignan mo yung loob - Kae at the underground cemetery 
- My first boodle fight
- Sa bundok ko lang pala makikita si crush - Cristel pertaining to.... alam na this!
- Umayos ka! - Memz to me in the cottage (hmmm bakit nga ba ulit? :P)
- Hmmm... Lambanog + Alfonso =   I just lost my eyeglasses and series of slips occurred (ouch ouch ouch)
- I thought that I also lost my trekking pants.  Memo pm me the next day that he got it when they check the place before leaving
- This was a relaxing day; but, I was surprise that there were some participants who did not able to go to work the next day (including me! :P)

Photo Credit to the owners
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Sunday, July 23, 2017

Mr First Trail Run: Album // July 23, 2017

Photos of my first trail run with Rommel, Sir Dick (Monsignor) and Jerico held at Subic Bay by Salomon Philippines.
Before the race
Energy bar freebies
Drum Corps
Sun Dance performed by Aeta Tribe
32 Km
24 Km
12 Km (Pagod na ko)
Monsignor (32Km)
Rommel (32 Km)
It was a fulfilling experience and I'll be looking forward to my next trail run!

Photo Credit to Owners
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Friday, July 7, 2017

Rodriguez Trilogy Version 2 (Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Lagyo and Mt. Susong Dalaga) // July 2, 2017

Logy logy.. come again? Logy logy... trilogy(3)... pentalogy(5)... hexalogy(6)...octalogy(8)... undecalogy(11)... and so on (I'm certain that other versions will arise soon since Rodriguez has more than 30 mountains).  These are some of the latest talks of the town in hiking community; climbing multiple mountains in a day (day-hike).  A concept which is sometimes the cause of heated arguments between the new generation of hikers and the old schools.  

While browsing the news feeds on my Facebook account, I saw that Darwin is interested in going to an event entitled "Montalban Trilogy Version 2".  I'm not fond of doing a trilogy; but, it was an organized climb to the 3 newly opened mountains of Rodriguez (Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Lagyo, and Mt. Susong Dalaga).  I approached him and in the end, we decided to join.  

The Hike
Registration
We arrived in San Rafael at 3:30 am.  The organizer was able to pool 44 people (3 vans), in her first organized climb (for a cause).  Due to a large number of participants, the group was split into 3 teams.  Our team proceeded first to Mt. Parawagan, as suggested by the guide.  

Mt. Parawagan
So far, this is the easiest mountain I've climbed.  An ideal training ground for aspiring trail runners and mountain bikers.  The trail is straightforward and easy to follow.  It consists of rough roads and there are muddy portions near the summit.  An overlooking view of the Sierra Madre Range awaits at the top.  
The Montalban Trilogy Version 1: Mt. Binacayan, Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi
One of our guide, Mr. ArmanJohn.  He was the one who maintained a lively ambiance during the hike.
A trail of mud and grass
At the summit of Mt. Parawagan with the next generation of tour guides
Distant mountains covered by a sea of clouds
City view
Rough Road.  Heading back to the junction where there's a path going to Mt. Lagyo
Mt. Lagyo
This is a typical Rodriguez mountain featuring limestone formations and scenic views of the nearby mountain.  Since the green season has started, we encountered a muddy and slippy trail.  
First part
A mini rock formation
Moving up
Thick mud
We did not go through the usual route.  At the foot of Mt. Lagyo, there's an alternative trail (old trail); a more challenging one which can reach the summit in 20 minutes.  Arman suggested that we use this path to catch up with the other team.  
Some parts of the trail is no longer visible
Several rocks were already covered with moss.  Very slippery!
Rock Climbing
At the bottom of the peak
Other hikers moving up
At the first peak
The other side
Group pics at the first summit
It was already 10 am by the time we reached the peak of Mt. Lagyo.  I did not climb the main peak; the sun was already high (and rock climbing is still my waterloo :P).  We descended through the same route in going to Susong Dalaga.   

Mt. Susong Dalaga
 A mountain that has a resemblance to the nearby Mt. Oro in Mascap.  It has a trail of open grassland and a rounded top.  From Mt. Lagyo, Darwin and I reached its peak in 25 minutes.  
The summit of Mt. Susong Dalaga
At the summit
A large hole at the summit.  Kasya ang isang tao..... may cancer yung suso? :P
Group pics at the summit taken by Arman
Descending from the summit of Susong Dalaga to the jump-off is a little bit challenging.  We passed through an open steep grassland.  Good thing that the trail was already dry.  The last part of the trail is a short stream crossing.

Open Slope
Darwin my hiking buddy that day
At the stream crossing part
A bamboo bridge.  Marks the end of the hike
There are available habal-habal which can bring a hiker to the jump-off for 20 pesos.  Darwin and I decided to walk with other participants. 
Looking back
The concrete road to the jump-off
We successfully conquered 3 summits in the almost 8 hours hike.  I'm now a certified.....hmm....Trilogist?

Conceptual Itinerary
1:30 - 2:00 AM: Meet up at Kia theater, Cubao
2:30 AM: ETD Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez Rizal
3:00 - 3:30 AM Arrival to jump off / breakfast / preparation
4:00 AM: Prayer / short briefing
4:30 AM: Start Assault
6:00 AM: ETA Mt. Parawagan
7:00 AM: Descent
8:00 AM: Jump off Start trek to Mt. Lagyo
11:00 AM: Mt. Lagyo Summit
12:00 NN: Descent
1:00 PM: Lunchtime
2:00 PM: Junction (Traverse to Susong Dalaga)
3:00 PM: ETA Summit Mt. Susong Dalaga
3:30 PM: Descent
4:00 PM: ETA Jumpoff 
6:00 PM: ETD to Cubao

Actual Itinerary
3:30 AM: Arrival Wawa
4:30 AM: Start Assault (We assaulted Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Lagyo, and Mt. Susong Dalaga in order)
12:30 PM: ETA jump-off / wash up 
5:00 PM: Home Sweet Home

Major Expenses
Registration: 50 per head
Tour Guide: 800 per mountain

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).

Contact 
Armanjohn Cleofe: 0950-646-1268

Our Organizer
Sherrynet Solon

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- Multiple slips at Mt. lagyo
- Encounter with pinoymountaineer at Mt. Parawagan


Photo Credit to the owners
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