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

End

-JSC