Mt. "Matubiguhaw": Rediscovering a Long Sealed Ground

From a group of 13 to 14 people, only 8 of us decided to push through.  This was a 2-days exploratory climb via new trail during the month of Peridot, in the birthplace of an influential pen warrior in Philippine history and the land where a colorful vibrant festival happens each year.  The God of silence forbade me to reveal this mountain true name; but, I would like to call it "Mt. Matubiguhaw" due to the scarcity of water source.  At exactly 2:30 AM, armed with the desire to conquer a long-sealed ground, while the moon was still bright we started a 13 hours march.   

After an hour of walks in the darkness, we arrived at a water source.   The cold spring flows quenched our thirsts.  But who would have thought that it was the last?  We planned to prepare some meals; but, we decided to move on. We were deceived by our guide's sweet-tongued and believed that another one exists near the campground.  Few more hours, the sun began to rise and gave us light.

Mr. Clean on the move

Exploring a new trail entails several challenges.  The mountain has a thick mossy rainforest which makes most of its parts wet.   There were times when we need to unload our bags to pass through some tree branches;  added to the difficulty is the continuous assault in paths abundant in Rattan and other kinds of thorny plants.  
At the Campsite
During the holy hour after the seems endless assaults, we reached the campsite.  I asked our guide where's the water source, then he replied that we already passed it.  We ended up relying on rainwater. 

3 in 1 meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

The campsite.  A place surrounded by thick vegetation and can only accommodate a maximum of 7 tents.

Trees covered with mosses and thick fogs

At 5 pm the surroundings were getting colder.  While others were still having moments of cheers, I decided to go inside my tent and had my rest.  

Day 2 

Preparing the foods at the tarp base

Our breakfast: Beef Noodles with Rain Water Sauce

Summit Assault
We left our things at the campsite and resumed the hike at 7 am.  The summit is only an hour away.  It was during the second day when we encountered the most beautiful and rewarding parts of this hike......heading to a place which has 3 points.  

Stepping on Tree roots

A denser mossy forest 

The mother of the new generation of Ugatans at the first point.  Wala ka sa hulog!

Group picture in front of the remnant of a believed 100 years old tree

Rope segment going to another point

Group picture at the last point

Solo pose.  We had a perfect clearing 

Other photos were taken at the top and way back to the campsite

Layers of clouds

Their "Buwis Buhay" Group Pose

The other side

Truly amazing those people who found their true passion in life.  They have a sense of direction and overflowing potentials to shine.

An unestablished trail similar to the Jurassic Park

Way back to the campsite

Descend
We started our descent before lunch.  I can't believe that our guide was able to fool us twice!  After the things that happened, we still relied on his statement that there's an existing water source 3 hours away from the campsite.  On my part, I became complacent and let him carried my bag containing my water bladder (Hantanga mo Jake!).  When we arrived at the so-called source, the water is stagnant and not ideal for drinking.  What a Jester!!! From the place they are calling "gitna" (half of the trail), down to the real source I think everyone was already experiencing mild dehydration.  

Moving Down

"Gitna" or "Kalahati"

Having a break

Nearby mountains

The last photo that was taken at the water source (Beef Broccoli and Beef Stew).   I already have forgiven his shortcomings.  I know our paths will cross again one day... My time will come Mr. Tour guide!

75 years from now, I will take a moment to reminisce about the highlights of my 100 years of existence - JSC (August 2017)

Actual Itinerary
Day 1 (10:00 PM): Meeting Time Greenfield Mcdo, Departure
Day 4 (3:00 AM): Home Sweet Home

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- Anak ako ng hari
- Kaya kong pumatay kahit ganyang kalayo
- May isa pang water source paglagpas sa kalahati, dun nalang tayo magluto - Tourguide (*****!)
- My first leech (limatik) bite
- Ang swerte ni Paulo di sumama
- Once in my life.... I became a thief of great views lolx
- Pagdating natin sa summit itutulak ko talaga yan - Trix
- Gusto mong sumali ng Pasig Nomads?
- May tinik ah may tinik..eh nahawakan ko pa rin (aray ko po!)
- Etong halaman na ito may tubig yan.....kawayan ba yan??? .......basta may tubig yan!!! (kulet)
- Ui Jake, ang lalim ng iniisip mo...
- Yung trail nito pinaghalong Madjaas at Isarog (Wow! edi di ako pupunta ng Isarog!)
- The Sapang-Uwak trail of Mt. Pinatubo was the first mountain that I swore to never come back. This is the second one!

Photo Credits to the owners

End

-JSC