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

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Weekend at Mt. Romelo (Famy): A personal journal / album // August 19 to 20, 2017

Based on primary sources, Mt. Romelo, commonly known as Famy, is a stronghold of old-school mountaineers (calling themselves "Famyneers").  UGAT was one of the groups who pioneered the establishment of trails.  This is the mother mountain of most senior Ugatans; they started here.  During their prime, they used to be here every weekend, each one has their own place...  establishing new trails, chasing waterfalls, and hanging out with other hikers.  According to Papa Rhey and Paulo, there were times when they are staying here for a week; upon depletion of food supplies, someone will go down to shop in Siniloan Market for replenishment.  

Moving to the registration site.  Papa Rhey and Paulo were already there waiting for us

The first time I've been here was during the outreach of UGAT last December 18, 2016.  The weather then was harsh due to a Low-Pressure Area (LPA).  Despite the continued rainfall, I decided to follow them in Siniloan, after my master class in San Beda.  I became overconfident and didn't make any research regarding the trail.  I thought that it will be a chicken...a peanut... a walk in a park.  As we assaulted the following day, I was shocked! I've encountered a slippy trail full of horse dungs and knee-level mud, far worse than my climb to Mt. Daraitan.  While descending with Wewe, at the back of my mind, I was saying to myself: I will never go back! I will never go back!... But, last August, due to a certain reason, I was cornered by them to climb this mountain once again. ~.~  
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Paulo and Papa Rhey were already there waiting for us at the jump-off.  We arrived at around 11 am after we shopped in the marketplace of Siniloan.  

Registration

At about 2 pm, we were still waiting for the brother of Sir Dick to arrive, when Papa Rhey decided to go up to the campsite.  Pot, his other friends and I accompanied him; while Rommel and the others waited for them.

Papa Rhey: The King/Queen of Famy is back and kicking.  I think our last encounter was during the climb at Mt. Pulag.  He is well known to the people of Famy.  From the public market of Siniloan up to the nipa huts of Buruwisan Falls.

Open slopes

Near the campsite

Thick Mud same as before

At the campsite

Campsite.  Good thing that I didn't pitch my tent.  It was raining last night.

At the other side

Playing with Nalgene

Photo Ops

Breakfast

There are several waterfalls connected in this mountain: Batya-Batya, Lanzones Falls, Buriwasan Falls, Old Buruwisan, and many more.  I slept the whole morning at the campsite.  While others were still having fun at about 3 pm, rappelling the 100 ft. Buruwisan Falls, Papa Rhey and I descended back to the jump-off.  Together with the group of Rigor and Alfred, we went back to Manila at 5 pm.  The rear team (Rommel, Trix, Tel, Luisa, Jerico, Balong and Art) stayed at the jump-off for another night (nagwalwal sila dun). 

I'm not sure if this is the Old Buruwisan that they're calling.  The place is near Sapang Labo

One of the many falls

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Mt. Pundaquit and Anawangin Cove // July 15 to 16, 2017

Yet it was another awe-inspiring weekend with RMC pipz, as we marked the 29th birthday of She in the province of Zambales.  Her years-long young man planned this trip months ago.  It was one rainy afternoon when Dave approached us at the office, securing this day (brad birthday ni She, papatayin kita pag di ka sumama :o).  Supposedly, this trip is an integration of climb to Mt. Pundaquit and tour to all nearby islands (Nagsasa, Capones, Anawangin, and Kamara); however, upon our arrival, the sea waves were in their star performance.  We just settled in Anawangin after the hike.
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We reached San Antonio before lunch after 5-6 hours travel from Cubao.  It was a morning of rain and I'm already hesitant to climb.  When we were buying some stuff in 7-eleven, I'm persuading them to defer the planned hike and just pursue to the island hopping (lahat na ng dahilan sinabi ko na: balik nalang tayo sa susunod, madulas yung trail, maputik, bitin sa oras, blah blah blah!).  I was already near to the high point of success when Jomar (boatman/guide) said that Anawangin is currently impassable due to strong waves.  The only way to reach it is by climbing Mt. Pundaquit...... O!M!G!

Ohana Art Cafe

Before commencing the 4 hours hike, we had our lunch in this Lilo and Stitch inspired cafe.  A unique and truly relaxing hangout for travelers.  Visitors can perform some activities while waiting for their foods to be served.   Their artistic interior made every corner of the place worth taking a shot.   At the outside, there is a school of fish ready to give tickling sensations to tired feet; moments of laughter will surely fill the air!  Madam Kleng-Kleng, a love guru who has a powerful fortune-telling skill is also accommodating for those people who are curious about their future (warning: she will test your sanity).  Lastly, dog lovers will surely have a great time playing with Asia and Euro (we only encountered Asia, a golden retriever); unfortunately, I'm not one!  Like Dave, I'm also afraid of dogs.  Overall like SM, Ohana got it all for you! (5 starts!)

Varieties of Cactus

Group shot (Hawaiian Concept) 

Our Lunch

Back to childhood days

Dr. Fish

It was already around 1 pm when we started the hike.  Unlike the morning weather, it was an afternoon with Helios.  
Mt. Pundaquit
It was a long but easy trail.  When Jomar informed us that it will be a 4 hours hike, despite having a new member in the group (Karen), I thought we can make it earlier.  Later on, it turned out to be an accurate estimate.  Some people are even taking it for 6 to 8 hours (If Anawangin becomes impassable for boats, Mt. Pundaquit will surely become the mother mountain of non-hikers by force! :P).  

I noticed that some parts have quite a resemblance to the Sapang Uwak trail of Mt. Pinatubo.  Well, I am right... Jomar said that those rocky parts and sands came from Mt. Pinatubo.

The start of marching ground..... Look at CJ and Karen.... one having a leather bag while the other one is holding a 4L mineral bottle with sabit sabit na tent.  Ang sarap niyo pong tadyakan mga mamsur! hehehe

I knew it!  A trail of thick mud!

A small waterfalls

A local carrying bamboos

A trail of bamboos

Open grassland

At the Summit
An overlooking Anawangin Cove can be seen at the top.  We stayed at the summit for 30 minutes and used this time in taking pictures.  There were only 2 groups who did a traverse that day.  

Summit

A former seminarian on the wild

When a radtech meets a philosopher/theologian

Moving Down to Anawangin

Little Aries; exhausted Dave; the sweet couples (for how long? :P); and the thinker exploring the Pinatubo-like trail

Stream Crossing

Volcanic Rocks?

Last River Crossing.  Holding hands while walking and swaying.  Motolite ba yan? pang matagalan? Till death do us part?  Eh kung lunurin ko kaya kayo? :P

Pine Trees

Anawangin Cove
The island has only 11 visitors (including us).  We had the chance to glimpse the "old" Anawangin...peaceful and far from the crowd...

Arrival photo ops

Series of Waves

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...Blessed are those who choose to live a life of solitude, for they are the one who will see the world's true beauty.  

Sand Bath

The beach of Anawangin

Day 2

A morning visitor

The following day, we're uncertain if a boat will be able to pass through.  While waiting, we decided to roamed around the island.

How will you know what lies ahead, if you will not venture the uncertain?

A part where salt and fresh water meet

At the lake side

At the sea side

Group Selfie

Photography 101

When we're ready to do another traverse, a small boat arrived at the shore.  Jomar talked to them and they agreed to take us back to Pundaquit.  Karen was already exhausted, and she will surely have a hard time once we push through the hike.  They fetched us at the other side of the island.

Taken at the other side

15 minutes climb

The birthday celebrator.  Happy birthday She! (We had a formal celebration held at the couple's house, a week after this climb attended by the couple, Aries and me)

Karen.  Congratulations to your 1st minor climb.  More to come... hmm kahit naka leather bag ka :P

A local dog followed us until we reach the other side.  He is gentle.  Picture with Andy

The other side of Anawangin.  Waves here are calmer compare to the other side.

Last photo taken

A climb is successful if you enjoy each moment, and able to come back home safe and sound - JSC (August 2017)

Actual Itinerary
July 15, 2017 (3AM): Departure Manila 
July 16, 2017 (9PM): Home Sweet Home

Safe Budget for a group of 7: 2,500 per pax

Contact
Jomar Villanueva (Boatman/Guide): 0908-236-3665 (Highly Recommended)
FB Page: Zambales Getaway
Link: https://www.facebook.com/zambalesgetawayboatrental/

Ohana Art Cafe FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohanaartcafe/

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- Karen climbed Pundaquit using a leather bag while CJ ascended holding 4L mineral bottle (Couple of the week!)
- Si Karen na naginginig na ang mga tuhod..... cramps here, cramps there, cramps everywhere :P
- A dinner of sandwich and canned goods (century tuna, maling and corned beef) lolx (this is a month of preparation lolx!)
- Karen's first hike
- Pupunta tayo ng Zambales, anong dadalhin mo? - Dave
- Babalik tayo ng Manila, anong dadalhin mo? - Dave
- Yung tent ni CJ.... can't stand alone :P
- Bakit nga ba magpapari dapat si Andy? (allergy sa???)
- Oriola. Oriola...Oriola... mga tumutubong bukol at mga konsumisyon galing sa HIMD  family. 
- Naudlot na inuman dahiil sa ulan

Photo Credit: Kristoffer Dave Domingo, Andy Rebato and Aries Andra

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