Mt. Manmanok Exploration / A Personal Journal // February 16 to 17, 2019

Together with Rodel and Skyy, we joined an exploratory climb organized by Michael Reyes to Mt. Manmanok in Abra.  Manmanok is a local term which refers to any species of bird.  According to folklore, this mountain is once a dwelling place of huge birds devouring humans.  Since then, locals have named it Mt. Manmanok.  

We were the first group of outsiders who have been given the opportunity of climbing this mountain and seen her pristine beauty, beyond the portal of commercialism.

The way to Malibcong
Logistics will be a major hurdle in setting up a similar climb.   The mountain is located in Mataragan, Malibcong, a highly secluded part of Abra where even some of the military we encountered in the 2 checkpoints were surprised upon telling them where we are heading, and some of them mentioned that they still have not been to this place.  From Bangued Abra, it was 6 hours of a long ride in the mostly unestablished road.

Abra has a strong military presence.  During the first checkpoint, we were asked to present a valid identification card and they gave us a briefing.  I noticed that most of them were equipped with high caliber guns.  The one who caught my attention was a soldier whose body was surrounded by bullets and holding a submachine gun.  In a while, I thought that I made a wrong move and asked myself... what am I doing here?!

The long, winding, rough, and dusty roads we experienced in traveling to Mataragan.  There are some points where a simple mistake in car maneuvering by our driver will suffice to be in a "whole new world"

After the exhausting 13 hours of both van and jeepney rides, we finally reached the jump-off.  Lunch is already served!

The Climb

The entire team 

A wooden chapel along the trail

The trail to the campsite is comprised of several main features: rocky roads, a glimpse of the simple community life, river crossing, and mossy forest with mostly moderate assault.  Overall, the trail is fair.  The only challenge that I encountered is the last steep assault from the last water source to the campsite where I experience a series of cramps.

Ascending on a rocky trail

Regrouping at Sitio Putol, a small community up there where most houses are made of wood.  After a while, innocent faces started to show up.

Crossing a rice field.  I'm not sure if the crops are only intended for the food sustainability of the sitios.  The perimeter of the field is not ideal for mass production.

Different parts of the trail

The campsite is wide enough to accommodate a good number of tents.  It was a great night!

The next day, we started the summit assault before the golden hour.  

Welcoming the sunrise at the view deck

Nature became kind to us and granted a scenic landscape of nearby ranges surrounded with a sea of clouds.  Truly rewarding!

The summit of Mt. Manmanok is just 20 minutes away from the view deck which features a mossy forest.    

Mossy forest on the summit

Skyy on the move for the sake of obtaining great shots

Waiting for the others to break camp.  It's time to go!

Descending via rolling ridge and pine forest.  A typical feature of the Cordilleran mountains

On a steep trail bombarded with pine needles scattered on the ground.  They can make you dance down the slope with the melody of affliction

River Crossing way back to Mataragan.  It was a successful exploration!

Dubbed as the murder capital of the north, perhaps Abra is one of the places in the country where many people will be afraid to travel to.  Upon leaving our house to join this exploration, just for the sake of avoiding an in-house argument, I informed them that I'll be climbing a mountain somewhere in Apayao.  I didn't mention Abra since I've been told to never climb any mountains there due to corresponding risks.  At the end of the day, I realized that outside the shadow of atrocity, is a peaceful land filled with hidden natural greatness just waiting to showcase their real shines. They are truly Abramazing!

I would like to thanks Mike and all the people involved in organizing this climb.

Conceptual Itinerary (provided by Mike)

Day 0 - February 15, 2019

8:00 PM: Meetup Mcdo Greenfield District

9:00 PM: ETD to Bangued Abra

       

Day 1 - February 16, 2019

5:00 AM:  ETA in Bangued Abra

6:00 AM: Jeepney Transfer ETD to Brgy Mataragan (91.4KM)

12:00 PM: ETA in Brgy Mataragan JOP (Lunch)

1:00 PM: Start of Trek

5:00 PM: Camp Site (Water Source 30mins away from the Campsite)

6:00 PM: Dinner (Hosted Meal)

9:00 PM: Lights Out

           

Day 2 - February 17, 2019

3:30 AM: Wake up Call / Breakfast (Hosted Meal)

4:00 AM: Start Trek to Summit

6:00 AM: ETA Summit of Manmanok

7:00 AM: Start Descend

10:00 AM: ETA JOP (Wash Up / Lunch)

11:00 AM: ETD to Bangued Abra

4:00 PM: ETA in Bangued Abra

5:00 PM: ETD to Manila

           

Day 3 - February 18, 2019

1:00 AM: ETA in Manila

Actual Itinerary (based on my own log)

Day 0 - February 15, 2019

10:00 PM: Departure to Bangued Abra

Day 1 - February 16, 2019

5:30 AM: Arrival in Bangued Abra
6:00 AM: Departure to Brgy. Mataragan, Malibcong Abra
12:30 PM: Arrival in Brgy. Mataragan, Lunch
1:45 PM: Start of the hike
2:45 PM: Take 5 at Sitio Putol
3:00 PM: Hike resumed
5:40 PM: Regrouping at the suggested campsite (tent pitching is not feasible)
6:00 PM: Assault to Campsite (70 to 80 degrees)
7:00 PM: Arrival at the campsite (dinner and socials)

Day 2 - February 17, 2019

3:20 AM: Wake up call
4:10 AM: Start of the hike
5:20 AM: Arrival at Mt. Manmanok first peak, wait for the sunrise (the second peak is 15 to 20 minutes away from the view deck)
6:45 AM: Descent Back to the campsite
7:30 AM: Arrival at the campsite (breakfast and break camp)
9:20 AM: Descent via rolling ridge of pine forest
12:00 PM: Arrival Brgy. Mataraga (lunch) and last minute preparation
2:20 PM: Departure to Bangued
8:30 PM: Arrival at Bangued Abra
10:00 PM: Departure to Manila

Day 3 - February 18, 2019

5:15 AM: Arrival at Greenfield, Shaw (forced work day)

Something to look back
- Assault Syndrome
- Baboy Ramo
- Kaingin system
- May ari po yan ng kalahati ng Binondo - Mike 

Contact
Dykath Molina: 09277725856 
Abramazing Tour

Photo Credits to Rodel, Skyy, Bonbon, Dykath, and the Abramazing Tour

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Mt. Balagbag Traverse to Mascap / Album // February 10, 2019

Whenever we plan to do the Balagbag-Oro Traverse, fortuitous events are always becoming a hindrance.  Three plans have been ruined and carried away by the raging floods brought up by heavy storms.  There was also a time when I, Luisa, and Skyy were already in Jollibee Tungko, when suddenly Darwin didn't show up.   We ended up visiting Lolong in the National Museum of Natural History and roaming within the historical walls of Intramuros in hiking attires.  Finally, after several failed attempts, we were able to fill the pictures with colors.

In preparation for the upcoming battles in the succeeding weeks, our group made a tune-up climb last Sunday at Mt. Balagbag traversing Mascap in Rizal.  It was approximately 23.2 km of both hiking and walking on an open trail, featuring a scenic landscape of the Sierra Madre Range.  

Photos of the Past Climb

Our route based on the personal Strava of Darwin

Take 10

At the summit of Mt. Balagbag

Peace be with you...

On the way to Mascap

A trail of rock and heat. The way to Mascap is straightforward, and the probability that someone may get lost is remote.  

Scenic landscape of nearby ranges.  Traversing the entire Sierra Madre will be a feat.  Can we do it someday?  It will surely be a long preparation...

Pulang Lupa. If the soil gets damp, either someone will roll down, or will possibly be stuck in the deep :P

The Dusty Rider's Road

An hour away from Mascap... just a little more push!

We did it!  A red wild beast appeared, which signified the beginning of our post-climb celebration...

Actual Itinerary

4:30 AM: Meet-up Greenfield

4:45 AM: Departure Greenfield to Tungko via Bus Ride

6:00 AM: Arrival Jollibee Tungko, Breakfast

7:20 AM: Departure Tungko Jeep Terminal to Licao

8:00 AM: Arrival at Brgy. San Isidro. Start of the hike

8:30 AM: Arrival Tourism Office, 1^st registration. Hike continues

8:50 AM: Base of Mt. Balagbag, 2^nd registration. Hike continues

9:25 AM: Mt. Balagbag Summit, photo-ops

9:30 AM: Traverse to Mascap

10:30 AM: Pulang Lupa

11:30 AM: Arrival at the Junction.  Turn Right

11:45 AM: Quick lunch at the waiting shed at the school

12:00 PM: Hike continues

1:35 PM: Arrival base of Mt. Oro

2:30 PM: Arrival Brgy. Mascap, wash-up.  Post-climb celebration

6:00 PM: Departure Brgy. Mascap to Van Terminal via tricycle ride

6:20 PM: Arrival at the van terminal heading to Cubao

7:40 PM: Arrival at Cubao

9:00 PM: Home Sweet Home

Expenses (Updated February 25, 2020)

Bus fare from Greenfield to Tungko (Jollibee): 65 Php

Jeep fare from Tungko terminal to Licao: 29 Php

Donation at Brgy. San Isidro: any amount

First Registration: 20 Php / pax

Second Registration: 20 Php / pax (weekday rate); 50 Php / pax (weekend rate)

Tricycle fare from Mascap to Van Terminal: 35 Php / pax; 175 Php / ride

Van fare to Cubao: 50 Php / pax

Team and Roles

1. Darwin R. Narte - Guide / Photographer

2. Jake Christian S.A. Chua- Follower / Weatherman

3. Luisa C. Asilum - Follower / Master Organizer

4. Michelle Skyy H. Valle - Follower / Photographer

Guide: Not Required

Contact in Case of Emergency: 0975-609-2586 (Mhafe Espanola) (Brgy. San Isidro)

Other Details

1. The left side of the junction is leading to Mt. Lubog.

Moments and Thoughts to Look Back

- The lady at the Isaw station of Mascap.  She's a nuisance!
- What's the point of bringing a camera without its battery??? :o
- Nasa bus na kami pa Tungko, pumunta ka na ah! - Me
- The astonished face of Darwin after I ate the fried egg in a go!
- A small snake killed by a child
- Ang nadulas sa Jollibee Tungko
- "Colors of Manila".  I've seen someone looking at me...
- We encountered another group of hikers on heading to Balagbag.
- Di namin alam kung saan kami nag camp kagabi sa tabi tabi lang - one of them.
- "Motor Dust"
- The man and his house
- Sir kain po kayo.... May fiesta ata!

Photo Credits to Skyy and Darwin

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