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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Surigao - Cagayan De Oro Actual Itinerary / Album // August 29 to September 3, 2018

News of gruesome crimes and countless anecdotes of ferocity and chaos makes Mindanao seemingly an elusive dream destination for many people.  A week-long vacation to some parts of Caraga Region and Cagayan De Oro made me realize that stepping foot to the second largest island in our country is generally safe; contrary to the common hearsays of violence.  This was one of our exciting adventures last year...

The House of Dave goes to the "land of promise"...       

Photos of the Past Adventures

Day 1 - Travelling to Butuan

At NAIA 3, waiting for our plane arrival

Time with the red horse while waiting for the 2 am bus-ride to Mangangoy.  We utilized the travel time to take some nap.  It was a very efficient cost-cutting strategy for the accommodation

Day 2 - Surigao Del Sur

Start of the long and butt-numbing habal-habal ride

Tinuy-an Falls.  At the photo is a friend who put my patience into test during this week-long trip

We rode a bamboo raft which brought us under the high falling cold waters

At the higher tier

These marine creatures are known as curachas.  They are similar to crabs but contained more meat.  I'm allergic to seafood, only the 4 have enjoyed eating those crustaceans!

Bluer than blue! That is the Hinatuan Enchanted River of Surigao

Island Hopping

Sibadan Fish Cage.  Swimming with the sharks and stingrays

Rain poured down at rock island

River wading

At the enchanted river marker before moving back to Butuan

Day 3 - Siargao Part 1

We rented 3 motorcycles rather than hiring local drivers in roaming around.  It is another efficient cost-cutting strategy and truly an amazing experience.  Good thing that we have 3 skilled drivers on the team.  Hmm, skilled? did I use the right word?  Hi Dave!

Beautiful and impressive are both understatement to describe this wide landscape of coconut trees.  One needs to actually visit the place and see it by themselves.  Everyone will surely be filled with awe!  

Mangroves swamp.  I'm sure that crocodiles are lurking around!  Attack Aries!

To Sugba Lagoon!

This is a place in Siargao that I will hardly forget.   There are sea jellies swimming freely in that emerald green water.  One was able to touch my arms and leave a painful mark.  Fortunately, it was not venomous.  I'm still... alive!!!

Smile!

Magpupungko Rock Formation

Wafer with coconut jam on top

Tidal pool.  Swim with the marine creatures that were trapped inside...

Glowing sea surface, reflecting the colors of dusk from above

And our third day has ended at Cloud 9...

Day 4 - Siargao Part 2

At the fish landing, waiting for our boat to Bucas Grande Island

Paddle boat to the home of stingless jellyfish

Jellyfish Sanctuary

Stingless jellyfish.  Their tentacles are highly sensitive and can easily be disintegrated with a very soft touch

Gelatinous sea jellies' eggs

This one is quite huge, but it already lost all its tentacles.  Wait, jellyfish?! I think this is a high time to avenge myself from the painful experience yesterday! :o

Moon Jelly

Our self-proclaimed Vietnamese friend from Manila :o 

The sole entrance to Sohoton Cove which is only accessible during the low-tide.  There are several chambers inside the cove, but currently, only 2 are allowed to be visited

This lime formation is known as the altar.  Locals are claiming that there were times when they heard mysterious voices from it.  We saw a strange creature, but we were uncertain if it was truly a strange one

Preparing to move inside the Hagukan Cavern

The sunlight passing through the water inside the cave makes it glows green, which is creating a magical ambiance.  This is an amazing site to see and one of my favorite spots in Bucas Grande

Magkukuob Cavern.  Moving up to dive.  This was my first time to jump on a cliff, and I will never perform another one again!!!

Naked Island

Daku Island

Hey Dave, you're always looking somewhere every time there's a photo-op... Straighten your sight!

Guyam, the smallest of the three islands

In the swing

Spageti / Spagete... which is which?

Day 5 - To Cagayan De Oro

Dapa Port Marker

"Big Tail, Little Tail chasing all around; Cat and Mouse game never let's down".  Tom and Jerry, the cat and mouse who never goes old...

Day 6 - CDO White Water Rafting

Ready to paddle!!!

Various photos of our rafting experience.  Quite contrary to what I've read in other materials, the experience was not too thrilling, but the views are scenic.  One side of the river belongs to the province of Bukidnon, and the other side to the province of Misamis, Oriental.  There are some parts where we were allowed to jump off the boat and played with the current.  Just beware of snakes!

It is not yet over Aries!!!

Back to Manila!

Indeed, Mindanao is worth to be called as the land of promise.  It is the home of several pristine and jaw-dropping wonders.  I'm looking forward to that day of venturing all of its provinces and becomes deeply fascinated by its beauties...

Actual Itinerary

Day 1 August 29, 2018 (Travel to Butuan)

2:30 PM: Departure Pasig to NAIA 3
3:30 PM: Arrival NAIA 3 (delayed flight)
7:00 PM: Departure NAIA 3 to Bancasi Airport (Butuan)
8:30 PM: Arrival at Bancasi Airport
8:45 PM: Jeep ride to Jollibee near Robinson Butuan
9:00 PM: Meet Santy and dinner
11:00 PM: Tricycle ride to Butuan Integrated Terminal
11:15 PM: Arrival at the bus terminal.  Waiting for the first bus trip to Mangangoy at 2 AM 

Day 2 August 30, 2018 (Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls) - Surigao Del Sur

2:00 AM: Departure Butuan to Hinatuan (Sleeping time)
5:30 AM: Arrival at Hinatuan and meet Edchie (contact person)
5:40 AM: Habal-habal ride to Tinuy-an Falls 
7:00 AM: Arrival Tinuy-an Falls.  Waterfalls chasing
9:30 AM: Departure to Hinatuan Enchanted River
11:00 AM: Arrival at the Hinatuan Enchanted River.  Early Lunch
1:00 PM: Island hopping (Sibadan Fish Cage and Rock Island), Photo-ops, afternoon swimming at the enchanted river
4:00 PM: End of Tour. Wash-up
4:40 PM: Departure to the bus terminal
5:00 PM: Departure back to Butuan
9:30 PM: Arrival at Butuan wait for the 11 pm bus trip to Surigao, Dinner
11:00 PM: Departure to Surigao Terminal

Day 3 August 31, 2018 (Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, Cloud 9) - Siargao, Surigao Del Norte Part 1

2:00 AM: Arrival Terminal and Tricycle ride to Pier
2:15 AM: Buy a ticket.  As of the writing, the earliest trip to Dapa Port is through Montenegro at 3 AM.  Although the ride is really slow.  
3:00 AM: Departure to Dapa Port
6:45 AM: Arrival at Dapa Port
7:00 AM: Hired a multi-cab to General Luna
7:40 AM: Transient House along Kermit Street.  Breakfast
9:00 AM: Departure to Sugba Lagoon
11:45 AM: Arrival at Sugba Lagoon.  Start of Tour
3:00 PM: Departure to Magpupungko Rock Formation
3:30 PM: Arrival at Magpupungko Rock Formation, Photo-ops
4:30 PM: Departure to Cloud 9 at General Luna.  Unfortunately, we had no sunset
6:00 PM: End of Tour.  Acquisition of food supplies at the market.

Day 4 September 1, 2018 (Bucas Grande and Tri-Island) - Siargao, Surigao Del Norte Part 2

4:30 AM: Wake-up call.  Breakfast
6:00 AM: Departure to Fish Landing (Baybay/Brgy. Olo)
6:30 AM: Departure to Bucas Grande
9:00 AM: Bucas Grande Tour (Swim with the jellyfishes /caving/diving at the Sohoton Cove)
12:30 PM: Departure to Tri-Island (Naked, Daku, and Guyam)
2:30 PM: Start of Tri-Island Tour
4:30 PM: End of Island Hopping Tour.  Back to the Transient house

Day 5 September 2, 2018 (Travel Time Siargao to Cagayan De Oro)

7:00 AM: Wake-up call.  
9:00 AM: Church Passing, It's Sunday!
10:00 AM: Departure to Dapa Port
11:30 AM: Departure to Surigao (Pier)
3:00 PM: Arrival at Pier, tricycle ride to Surigao Terminal
3:30 PM: Late lunch
5:30 PM: Departure Surigao to Butuan
8:30 PM: Bus boarding 
9:00 PM: Departure to Cagayan De Oro (Agora Market)

Day 6 September 3, 2018 (Cagayan White Water Rafting) - Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental

2:00 AM: Arrival Agora Market, check-in at Win Min Transient House for  4 hours)
6:30 AM: Departure to Plaza Divisoria, breakfast at Jollibee and waiting for the contact person (KAGAY)
8:00 AM: Departure to water rafting jump-off (Advanced level)
9:00 AM: Start of water rafting
12:30 PM: Departure to Kagay Adventure office
1:00 PM: Wash-up and waiting for the pictures
1:45 PM: Late lunch buffet at the hungry plate
3:00 PM: Mall hopping, check-in at Win-Min
9:15 PM: Departure to Lgundingan Airport
10:40 PM: Boarding Time
12:20 AM: We're home Manila!

Note: The actual itinerary was based on the conceptual itinerary prepared by Sheng Pontiveros when she ventured the whole CARAGA Region.  Our group made a twist as we set Cagayan De Oro as our exit point.  However, we weren't able to visit Dinagat Island due to time constraint.

Summary of Actual Expenses for 5 pax

Major Expenses

Fare from Butuan to Hinatuan: 232 Php / pax
Habal-habal ride in Hinatuan: 500 Php / pax
Indigenous Fee at Tinuy-an: 150 Php
Registration at Tinuy-an and locker fee: 118 Php / pax
Registration at Hinatuan River: 200 Php / Pax
Island hopping at Hinatuan: 500 Php per boat
Entrance Sinabad and rock formation: 20 Php each island
Fare from Butuan to Surigao: 226 Php / pax
Roro fare: 180 Php / pax
Terminal fee: 50 Php / pax
Transient house: 450 Php / pax
Rent of Haba-habal ride (self-drive): 400 Php / motor
Boat ride Sugba Lagoon: 1,600 Php / boat
Registration Sugba Lagoon: 50 Php / pax
Magpupungko Entrance: 50 Php / pax
Cloud 9 Entrance: 50 Php / pax
Boat ride to Bucas Grande: 5,000 Php / boat
Registration at Bucas Grande: 100 Php / pax
Safety gears: 40 Php / pax
Sohoton Cove Eco Tour: 830 Php / trip (8 pax)
Paddle boating at jelly fish sanctuary: 100 Php / pax
Registration at Guyam island: 30 Php / pax
Fare Butuan to CDO: 400 Php / pax
Waterrafting Advance Level: 1,800 Php / pax

Contacts

Hinatuan
Edchie: 0926-552-9636 (our group contact)
Cesar Sarmiento: 0948-575-0496 (Highly recommended by Sheng)

Siargao
Sir Vincent: 0948-950-6934 / 0938-208-8672 (our group contact)
Nicolas Salgado (Bebot) 0930-974-9974 / 0906-459-5679 (Highly recommended by Sheng)

Cagayan De Oro
Kagay Adventure Office: 0917-712-2442 / 0922-388-6200

Team and Major Roles



Worth Knowing

The Legend of Tinuy-an Falls
"Tinuyo-an or Tinuy-an means an intentional act or performance to attain an objective or goal.

Legend revealed that long before, the Magdiwata Mountain Settlers were enslaved by cruel tribesman coming from the hinterlands of Agusan.  They were mistreated by their masters and were forced to perform hard manual labor.  

Tired of the maltreatment, the brave natives convened among themselves and created a plan to be free of the cruelty.  So, one day, while rowing the gakit (bamboo raft) boarded by the masters, the slaves jumped off and intentionally shoved the gakit towards the waterfalls killing all their vicious masters and attaining the freedom that they longed for.

From then on, the high falling waters is called Tinuy-an Falls to commemorate the courage and gallantry of the heroic natives." (Source: Commemorative metal plate)

Photo Credits to the owners

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