Mt. Bullagao: The Sleeping Beauty of Abra / A Personal Journal / Album // June 22 to 23, 2019

"Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky"

After the successful exploration of Mt. Manmanok last February 2019, once again, we went back to Abra to rediscover the blistering trail of Mt. Bullagao in Langiden.  Dubbed as a Sleeping Beauty (or shall I say fire elf?), it is one of the iconic natural landmarks in the province. 

The Team

The jump-off is located at Brgy. Malapaao, a few hours away from Bangued.  After a short briefing and last-minute preparation, we started the climb.

To the sleeping beauty

We walked on an open field where we truly had a scorching season under the sun.

Then we crossed a small river and had a stop-over at the first water source, before commencing the real climb.

Aside from the extreme heat which we experienced and pretty drained us out, moving-up to the campsite doesn't impose much of a challenge.  There are some overgrown parts where are guides needed to bushwack, but overall, the trail is straightforward.

The Waterfalls

In the middle of the woodland lies a waterfall, where we had a long stop-over before proceeding to the campsite.  This is the most refreshing part of the trail after hours of battling with heatwaves. 

An overgrown campsite; a home to million ants!

The campsite from a different perspective.  At the background is the summit of Mt. Bullagao

Cooking rice in bamboos

We had a great night social

Day 2
The following day we started the summit assault before the sunrise.  On this part, the trail is composed of loose rocks and becoming steeper. There are some segments were metal wires rather than ropes are fixed on boulders; a thing which I think may cause an accident in the future.  Several times, I stumbled over those wires!

The sun is rising once again...

The pinnacle of Mt. Bullagao

Several solar panels are installed at the summit.  There's nothing spectacular about it, and how unfortunate that time when heavy fog veiled the slightest view.  There are wild cherry tomatoes thriving on the edges, their sour-sweet taste is the reward of reaching the highest ground.

Located just 10 minutes away from the summit, is a view deck where an impressive scenery of mountain ranges and the campsite can be clearly seen. Upon reaching the place, the heavy fog started to disappear and granted us a clearing.  We stayed here for a while before heading back to the campsite.

Group photo at the view deck

I was the last person who came back to the campsite from the summit assault.  Moving down on a loose, steep, and rocky segment of the trail while holding those metal wire was quite taxing for me.  Later on, I learned that Rodel was watching from somewhere below.  He knows very well my waterloo on the trail, and during that time, perhaps he was also grinning. 

Before we started the descent, we had a coffee break at the water source.  My exhausted look sums up the experience... I wanna go home!  

If I'll be asked to describe Malapaao, I'll proclaim that it's a home of warm people.  They still accommodated us despite a shortcoming from our part.  In the 2 days march, we were accompanied by a group of kind and reliable guides; and after the triumphant climb, back at the jump-off, ears of white corns were served as their rewarding treat for our team. Thanks for the kindness!

It was another exhilarating yet scorching climb in the Cordilleras.  Gazing this mountain from a far distance while heading back to Bangued, made me wonder... Is it really a sleeping beauty or a lying enchantress casting heat across the land?  It is still a mystery to find out...

Climb after a climb, the once dim constellations of the universe of Abra are now becoming more visible in the naked eyes.  They are now shining, shimmering, and boasting their genuine splendors.

Other Photos Taken

To Malapaao

With manager 6 digits

Still looking fresh huh!

Then after an hour... DRAINED!

Note:
1. Secure a police clearance and a climbing permit before going to the jump-off.

Safe Budget: 3k

Contact Person:
Abramazing Tour
Dykath Molina: 0927-772-5856

Something to Look Back:
- My Camera!!!
- Red Wine and Alfonso
- Ang pangit mo kasing kumuha ng picture eh - Mike (Kakarot: OO nga!)
- A problem in setting up my Apexus Tent (Thanks, Angel!)
- Makahiya along the way
- A metal wire as a rope?!
- Tomatoes at the summit
- Freediving and scuba diving stories by the experts - Angel and Sir Jack
- Malapit na ayun na yung summit - Rodel 
- San ba ang side-trip? (side trip ka pa?!)
- Jake! - Ark (red wine)
- May umutot!
- Natuyo utak ko sa climb na yan!


PCTTO: Angel, Jack, Kakarot Mike, and Rodel

End

-JSC