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

End

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