Tarak Ridge via Paniquian Trail / A Personal Journal / Album // March 2 to 3, 2019

Last weekend, our team had celebrated the 28th birthday of Luisa in Bataan, exploring a not-so-usual trail of Tarak Ridge, known as the Paniquian Trail.  Happy Birthday!

Conceptual Itinerary (Day Hike)

(Lifted from source)

Day 1

10:30 PM: Assembly at Bataan Transit

Day 2

12:00 AM: ETD to Brgy.Alas Asin, Mariveles, Bataan

05:00 AM:  ETA Brgy.Alas Asin / Register at Barangay Hall

05:30 AM: Start Trekking

06:30 AM: ETA DENR

07:30 AM: Junction going to papaya river and Paniquian (take left going to Paniquian)

08:30 AM: Water Source

09:30 AM: ETA River (River Trekking)

10:30 AM: ETA Paniquian Falls, Lunch

11:30 AM: Resume Trekking / Wall

12:30 PM:  Magellan Trail

01:00 PM: Japanese garden (Bamboo Trail)

01:30 PM: ETA Summit

02:00 PM: Start Descend

03:30 PM: ETA Papaya River

05:00 PM: Barangay hall / wash up

06:00 PM: Last trip going back to Cubao

Actual Itinerary (Overnight)

Day 1

03:00 AM: Meet-up Five Star Cubao

04:45 AM: Departure Cubao to Alasasin

08:15 AM: Arrival Alasasin / Register at Brgy. Hall / Breakfast / Final preparation

09:15 AM: Start of Hike

09:45 AM: Nanay Cording Landmark / Registration

10:05 AM: Hike resumed via Sky Trail

11:00 AM: Junction turn left

12:10 PM: First water Source

12:30 PM: River Crossing / Rock Scrambling / Rest

01:05 PM: Hike resumed to the campsite (Paniquian Falls)

02:30 PM: Campsite (Paniquian Falls) / Set-up Camp / Socials

Day 2

06:00 AM: Wake-up call / Breakfast / Break Camp

10:15 AM: Hike resumed

11:20 AM: Magellan Camp / Rest

11:30 AM: Hike Resumed

12:20 PM: El Saco Peak / Coffee Break

01:00 PM: Descent to Papaya River

01:30 PM: Tarak Ridge

02:00 PM: Papaya River / Rest

03:30 PM: Descent to jump-off

04:10 PM: Junction descent via Sky Trail

04:45 PM: Nanay Cording Landmark

05:15 PM: Jump-off / wash-up

06:15 PM: Departure to Manila

10:45 PM: Home Sweet Home

Expenses

Fare to Alasasin (Five Star): 290 Php / pax

Fare to Manila: 302 Php / pax

Registration fee (Brgy. Hall): 40 Php / pax

Donation at Nanay Cording Landmark: any amount

Food Expense: Sky is the limit

Guide Fee: 1500 Php (Dayhike) / 2500 Php (Overnight)

Note: Tour guide may be hired but not required as of the writing.  Darwin and Luisa became our team's trail-lights.

Brgy. Hall Contact Number: 09092134888 / 09291607836 / 09128687265

The Team and Their Roles

1. Carmelie “Bundok at Patag” Muyana and the love of her life - Followers / Propagators of Love

2. Darwin Narte - Cook / Trail light / Entertainer / Foreign Relation Officer :P

3. Israel Sibug - Griller

4. Jake Christian Chua - Follower / Scribe

5. Jay Cris "Momoland" Bondoc - Zumba Master / CEO at Momoland Travel and Tour

6. Luisa Asilum - Trail light / Cook / Celebrator / Master Organizer

7. Michelle Skyy Valle - Cook / Follower / Self-Proclaimed Dietician

8. Ross Mark Laurence - Sisig Man / Master Sweeper / Cook

Photos of the Past Adventure

Moments and Thoughts to Look Back
- The Fire Maple Tragedy
- Tarp Camping
- The Lost Cap from Netherland
- Ibigay mo sa amin yung website - Skyy and Luisa
- May ahas dun nakita ko habang tumatae ako - Darwin
- Magsaing ka!!! - Darwin
- Kaya pag sumama ng Antique to buhay na buhay to eh, di naliligo - Skyy
- Momoland turns to Mamaland Travel and Tour
- Dance Dance
- Revisiting the house of a late legend - Nanay Cording

Photo Credits to the owners

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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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The Highlands of Bauko, Mountain Province / A Personal Journal // January 26 to 27, 2019

Located in the Mountain Province, Bauko is a town surrounded by several highlands, mostly, are still for exploration.  The extensive and magnificent pine trails of Mt. Polis and the Spanish Trail, are only some of the many hiking grounds, which are currently calling the adventurous spirits of several climbers.

The Past Adventure

Everything was moving smoothly until we heard a sound of deflating tire while passing the highway of Cervantes, which caused a slight disturbance.  Shortly it was confirmed that a tire went flat and, moreover, Nikko failed to bring a spare one.  For 5-long hours, we got stranded on the zigzag road of Ilocos doing several kinds of stuff...

We had a carefree moment in the hi-way as if nothing did happen wrong.

Weeks before this hike, Paul prepared 4 plans that we'll follow in climbing to Mt. Polis, depending on the time of our arrival.  When we reached the jump-off, we were already far behind from the ideal starting time of our chosen route.  Initially, our group aimed to traverse the peaks of Bauko to Sagada using Plan A,  but since we started late, we resorted to Plan C.  The plan of making Sagada as our exit point didn't materialize.  Instead, we ended up doing a reverse-circuit, making our team as the 3rd group who finished this route.

Conceptual route plan prepared by Paul

Our actual route: reverse circuit

At exactly 12 noon while the sun was reigning the sky, we started to march in an open field in moving to the campsite.  The cold climate of Bauko brought us quite a relief from the sun-heat.

The open field

We passed on a dilapidated hanging bridge that gave me quite a chill... 

Then, we gradually ascended a pine trail to the view deck.  

At the view deck.  The summit of Mt. Polis is already visible from this point, but the sun was scorching the campsite.  So, we waited for a while until the time when the fire transformed into a cloud of smoke

Moments at the view deck

After almost an hour of rest, we resumed the hike in the rolling slopes

The last challenge in climbing the summit of Mt. Polis is hurdling the 468 concrete staircases.  There was clearing by the time we reached the campsite; we had a marvelous view of the beautiful landscapes that can be seen below.  It was a strain-free day. We started the socials right after setting up the camp.

The temperature at night can drop as low as 7 degrees Celsius

Night Social

When I woke up the following morning, I was greeted by a sight of thick fog that later made the ground damp. Apparently, someone was bearing a weather talisman.  So, who's who?  Was it Darwin or Ken? :p

Group photo at the campsite of Mt. Polis before descending to the homestay. 

Moving down the 479 steps concrete staircases at the other side

Passing through the lush greenery...

We had lunch at Mount Polis Homestay where Paul is residing.  I love the classy and peaceful ambiance of their home and the other great things that can be seen inside.  This is the first and the only accredited Homestay in Bauko by the Department of Tourism since 2015, Located just 2km away from the jump-off of Mt. Polis in Bagnen Oriente.

Group photo before resuming the trek to the Spanish Trail

The Spanish Trail
The Spanish Trail is a historical landmark.  It is a route that is once used by the Spaniards during the colonization, in strengthening their influence in the north(For God, Gold, and Glory).  

Walking into the lush forest and rolling slopes that are mostly shaded by canopies of pine trees, and reaching the top of other known peaks of Bauko are some of the highlights of the trail.  

Spanish Trail Marker

  Random photos within the Spanish Trail

The Spanish Trail's Peaks

Mt. Kapowan

Spanish Trail's Highest Point

Mt. Bato

Mt. Am-O 1st Peak

Descending the 70 to 80 degrees trail of Mt. Am-O.  I found a good reason for not climbing the same route once again!

Post-climb dinner

Bauko is a great place surrounded by verdant beauty. Their marketing tagline: "Bauko, bau ako sa ganda mo" says it all.    

Thanks, to my usual travel companions and new-found friends in the outdoor community for another fulfilling climb.  More to come!

Bauko Sagada traverse (Conceptual Itinerary by Paul Bill)

BAUKO 7 PEAKS + 1

Day 01

06:00 AM:  ETA Bauko - Jump off @ Brgy. Bila

07:00 AM: Start trek - Inkadang rice terraces

07:20 AM: Mageyad Trail - Assault

08:00 AM: ETA Mt. Am-o entrance - Take 5

08:05 AM: resume trek - Assault, 70°-80° trail.

09:15 AM: ETA Mt. Am-o 1st peak

09:30 AM: Resume trek;l - Ridge;rolling

10:00 AM: Assault

10:30 AM: ETA Mt. Am-o 2nd peak

10:45 AM: Resume trek; ETD to Spanish trail - rolling; Water source halfway.

11:00 AM: ETA Spanish trail; early lunch.

11:30 AM: resume trek

13:00 PM: ETA Mt. Bato, 3rd peak

13:10 PM: resume trek

14:00 PM: ETA Spanish trail highest point, Mt. Mangasil 4th peak

15:00 PM: ETA Mt. Kapowao, 5th peak

15:10 PM: resume trek

16:00 PM: ETA Brgy. Bagnen Proper -buy last-minute supplies.

16:15 PM: resume trek

16:30 PM: ETA Mt. Polis entrance, Brgy. Bagnen Oriente. -Assault

17:30 PM: ETA Mt. Polis summit/ campsite. 6th peak - Free time, set up camp

19:00 PM: Dinner/socials

22:00 PM: lights off

DAY02

05:00 AM: wakeup call-sunrise and sea of clouds viewing.

07:00 AM: Breakfast

08:00 break camp

09:00 AM: start trek; ETD to Sagada - back trail to Brgy. Bagnen Proper.

09:45 AM: ETA Brgy. Bagnen Proper. - Buy last-minute supply

10:00 AM: resume trek - road hike

11:30 AM: ETA Brgy. Balintaugan - rolling;

12:00 PM: lunch

13:00 PM: resume trek

14:30 PM: ETA Mt. Pakad, 7th peak

14:45 PM: resume trek. - descend

15:30 PM: ETA Mt. Ampacao, Sagada

15:45 PM: resume trek

17:00 PM: ETA Ambasing, Sagada -wash up (End of Tour)

Water Source

Day 1

-          At the jump-off

-          Between the 2^nd peak and Spanish Trail

-          Bagnen Proper and Oriente

Day 2

-          Bagnen Proper and Oriente

-          Balintaugan

Bauko Circuit (Actual Itinerary)

Day 1 – January 25, 2019

9:00 PM: Departure greenfield to Bauko

Day 2 – January 26, 2019

10:00 AM: Arrival Bauko-Jump off Brgy. Bila. Early Lunch and last-minute preparation

12:00 PM: Start trek

1:45 PM: Arrival Viewdeck. Photo Ops

2:30 PM: Resume Trek

4:15 PM: Arrival Mt. Polis Campsite, set up camp and socials (1847 MASL)

Day 3 – January 27, 2019

6:00 AM: Wake-up call

10:00 AM: Resume Trek

11:00 AM: Early lunch at Mt. Polis Homestay

12:15 PM: Resume Trek via Spanish Trail

1:00 PM: Arrival Mt. Kapowao (1864 MASL)

1:45 PM: Arrival Mt. Mangasil (Spanish Trail Highest Point) (1877 MASL)

2:00 PM: Arrival Mt. Bato (1865 MASL)

3:30 PM: Arrival Mt. Am-o 2^nd Peak (1741 MASL)

4:20 PM: Arrival Mt. Am-o 1^st Peak and descend via 70 to 80 degrees trail (1657 MASL)

5:30 PM: Mountain Base

6:15 PM: End of the hike.  Wash-up and dinner

Day 4 – January 28, 2019

4:00 AM: Home Sweet Home (Sick Leave :P)

Major Expenses

Van: 16,000 Php (12 Pax)

Tour Expenses (guide fee, registration, etc.): 650 Php / Pax

Foods: Toka-Toka System

Guides

-          Paul Bill Mapangdol (Contact Person)

-          Jomar Buclay

Note
- There are times when the Spanish Trail is closed due to certain "activities" of a group of people, who discovered new "life's calling" beyond the norms of society.  Proper communication with the local guides/authorities must be made prior to a climb.

Something to Look Back
- Find the Go Pro
- Bignay Wine
- Nagluluto pa rin kayo? - Noah
- Alfredo by Chef Rodel
- Rodel, kung saan saan nakakarating yang kamay mo!
- Jella's mother mountain
- Planning of a holy week climb in Antique (Madjaas and Nausang)
- May mga konting nature vampire tayong maeencounter - Paul
- Sira tent mo?
- A coconut cup

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