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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Rodriguez Trilogy Version 2 (Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Lagyo and Mt. Susong Dalaga) // July 2, 2017

Logy logy.. come again? Logy logy... trilogy(3)... pentalogy(5)... hexalogy(6)...octalogy(8)... undecalogy(11)... and so on (I'm certain that other versions will arise soon since Rodriguez has more than 30 mountains).  These are some of the latest talks of the town in hiking community; climbing multiple mountains in a day (day-hike).  A concept which is sometimes the cause of heated arguments between the new generation of hikers and the old schools.  

While browsing the news feeds on my Facebook account, I saw that Darwin is interested in going to an event entitled "Montalban Trilogy Version 2".  I'm not fond of doing a trilogy; but, it was an organized climb to the 3 newly opened mountains of Rodriguez (Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Lagyo, and Mt. Susong Dalaga).  I approached him and in the end, we decided to join.  

The Hike

Registration

We arrived in San Rafael at 3:30 am.  The organizer was able to pool 44 people (3 vans), in her first organized climb (for a cause).  Due to a large number of participants, the group was split into 3 teams.  Our team proceeded first to Mt. Parawagan, as suggested by the guide.  

Mt. Parawagan
So far, this is the easiest mountain I've climbed.  An ideal training ground for aspiring trail runners and mountain bikers.  The trail is straightforward and easy to follow.  It consists of rough roads and there are muddy portions near the summit.  An overlooking view of the Sierra Madre Range awaits at the top.  

The Montalban Trilogy Version 1: Mt. Binacayan, Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi

One of our guide, Mr. ArmanJohn.  He was the one who maintained a lively ambiance during the hike.

A trail of mud and grass

At the summit of Mt. Parawagan with the next generation of tour guides

Distant mountains covered by a sea of clouds

City view

Rough Road.  Heading back to the junction where there's a path going to Mt. Lagyo

Mt. Lagyo

This is a typical Rodriguez mountain featuring limestone formations and scenic views of the nearby mountain.  Since the green season has started, we encountered a muddy and slippy trail.  

First part

A mini rock formation

Moving up

Thick mud

We did not go through the usual route.  At the foot of Mt. Lagyo, there's an alternative trail (old trail); a more challenging one which can reach the summit in 20 minutes.  Arman suggested that we use this path to catch up with the other team.  

Some parts of the trail is no longer visible

Several rocks were already covered with moss.  Very slippery!

Rock Climbing

At the bottom of the peak

Other hikers moving up

At the first peak

The other side

Group pics at the first summit

It was already 10 am by the time we reached the peak of Mt. Lagyo.  I did not climb the main peak; the sun was already high (and rock climbing is still my waterloo :P).  We descended through the same route in going to Susong Dalaga.   

Mt. Susong Dalaga
 A mountain that has a resemblance to the nearby Mt. Oro in Mascap.  It has a trail of open grassland and a rounded top.  From Mt. Lagyo, Darwin and I reached its peak in 25 minutes.  

The summit of Mt. Susong Dalaga

At the summit

A large hole at the summit.  Kasya ang isang tao..... may cancer yung suso? :P

Group pics at the summit taken by Arman

Descending from the summit of Susong Dalaga to the jump-off is a little bit challenging.  We passed through an open steep grassland.  Good thing that the trail was already dry.  The last part of the trail is a short stream crossing.

Open Slope

Darwin my hiking buddy that day

At the stream crossing part

A bamboo bridge.  Marks the end of the hike

There are available habal-habal which can bring a hiker to the jump-off for 20 pesos.  Darwin and I decided to walk with other participants. 

Looking back

The concrete road to the jump-off

We successfully conquered 3 summits in the almost 8 hours hike.  I'm now a certified.....hmm....Trilogist?

Conceptual Itinerary

1:30 - 2:00 AM: Meet up at Kia theater, Cubao

2:30 AM: ETD Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez Rizal

3:00 - 3:30 AM Arrival to jump off / breakfast / preparation

4:00 AM: Prayer / short briefing

4:30 AM: Start Assault

6:00 AM: ETA Mt. Parawagan

7:00 AM: Descent

8:00 AM: Jump off Start trek to Mt. Lagyo

11:00 AM: Mt. Lagyo Summit

12:00 NN: Descent

1:00 PM: Lunchtime

2:00 PM: Junction (Traverse to Susong Dalaga)

3:00 PM: ETA Summit Mt. Susong Dalaga

3:30 PM: Descent

4:00 PM: ETA Jumpoff 

6:00 PM: ETD to Cubao

Actual Itinerary

3:30 AM: Arrival Wawa

4:30 AM: Start Assault (We assaulted Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Lagyo, and Mt. Susong Dalaga in order)

12:30 PM: ETA jump-off / wash up 

5:00 PM: Home Sweet Home

Major Expenses

Registration: 50 per head

Tour Guide: 800 per mountain

Going there through a public transportation

1. Take any PUV in Cubao (Farmers Area) or Ligaya (near Robinson Metroeast and Sta Lucia) going to Montalban.  Ask the driver to drop you in Eastwood.
2. From Eastwood there are available tricycles which can bring you to Brgy. Wawa.  (60 pesos maximum of 6 passengers).

Contact 

Armanjohn Cleofe: 0950-646-1268

Our Organizer

Sherrynet Solon

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)

- Multiple slips at Mt. lagyo

- Encounter with pinoymountaineer at Mt. Parawagan

Photo Credit to the owners

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Mt. Oro - Mt. Sipit Ulang Twin Hike // June 17, 2017

I checked the time and it was already 5:30 am.  I was thinking what will I do at the office.  Still adjusting.....then suddenly... ************!!! I'm late!!! I'm supposed to be at the meeting place at 4:30 am.  We have planned a twin-hike to Mt. Oro and Mt. Sipit Ulang in Rizal that day.  I chatted She in her FB account.   Fortunately, they were still at McDonald in Greenfield... I hurried up!

Group picture at the registration area of Mascap before the climb (Dave, Franco, Fr. And, CJ, She, Aries (Dr. Love), and Ate Leah (our guide).. Insert Me

Mt. Oro (Gold)
One of the strangest mountains I've climbed.  All of us, including our guide, experienced an unexplained exhaustion.  It seems that something is hindering us from reaching the top.  Is it true that nature spirits played us? or there's a strong magnetic field existing in the place?  Whatever happened at the end, we've overcome the hurdles and conquered its peak.  
The Trail
Mt. Oro is more on a hill than a mountain.  The trail is comprised of open grassland and very minimal light assault.  At the summit, there is an overlooking view of the Sierra Madre Range.  

The beginning of a short hike

An open grasslands.  Cogon grass are starting to bloom; the wet season has officially begun

Gradual Assault

Having a break at the foot of the summit

The Calvary

Final Assault to the summit

A goat at the summit?  I was horrified!  I remembered some verses  in Matthew regarding the sheep and the goat...."He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left".........."Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels"  :o

The Summit

At the summit

At the other view

Descent
We back-trailed to the jump-off via rough road and had our lunch at an eatery near the Brgy. hall before proceeding to Sipit Ulang.

Kristoffer Dave Domingo, a trail runner in the making (kaya mo pa kaya?)

Newly born calves

Mt. Sipit-Ulang
Due to time constraint, we climbed Mt. Sipit-Ulang via Banayad Trail.  Ate Leah told us that the mountain has now 3 existing trails: Paniki, Banayad, and the super trail where rock climbing skill is a must.  We reached the summit in less than an hour.

Beautiful Bamboos

Almost there

Franco at a rock formation near the summit

My second encounter with the claw-like rock formation of Rizal

Photo Blast

Yours truly at the bottom of the summit

CJ, welcome back!

She on the other side of the peak

Other Side

The Original Rodriguez Trilogy: Mt. Binacayan, Mt. Pamitinan, and Mt. Hapunang Banoi

Group Picture at the summit minus Franco and me (#photographerduty :P)

Andy's Creed

Andy made his own declaration of hiking principle; I found it worth sharing...

"Mountaineer's Pledge"
By: Andres Rebato (Andy)

By the sweat of my brows,
By the bites of thousand grass,
By the fire of scourging sun,
By the arrows of blinding storms,
By the thorns of unmoving stones,
And by the hands of my companions,
I will climb high and proud,
I will walk by day and night
I will seek the path, embrace the cold,
If ever I shall fall, let no one mourn
Just bear the pain and bring me home
This is my pledge, this is my fate
Let Earth be my witness

And God, my only Guide

- Andy

Actual Itinerary
June 17, 2017 (7:00 AM): Meet up McDonald Greenfield
June 17, 2017 (6:30 PM): ETA Farmers Cubao

Safe Budget
500 (for a group of 7)

Major Expenses
Tour Guide: 500 per mountain (5:1)
Registration Fee: still 50 php per head

Going There
1. There are available jeepneys in Ligaya and Cubao going to Montalban. Ask the driver for a drop-off in the Total Gas Station near Eastwood. 

2. From the Gas Station, enter the street in front where you can find the tricycle terminal going to Mascap (150 per ride).  

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- The unforgotten 1500 php story of Aries Andrada (Dr. Love)
- I remember that Dave told the group to pray before proceeding to Mt. Oro; I rebutted by saying that the mountain seems like a "station of the cross".  We are already praying as we climb. (coincidence?)
- Strange moments at Mt. Oro
- Supernatural stories shared by Ate Leah Zonio
- Marami pong ginto ang nakabaon dito sa Rizal (Ate Leah $$$)
- Halo-Halo moments at the sari-sari store
- It is now the season of Avocado
- Sir gusto mong payong na pang golf (Franco) :P
- Malaki ang kinikita ng mga pari sa mga donation dito sa Manila - Fr. Andy (a former seminarian)
- Parang wala tayong dinaanan kaninang sampayan (Me to She)
- Future plans for acquiring house and lot
- Future plan of climbing Mt. Ayaas and some of the newly opened mountains in Wawa
- Dinner (post-climb) at KFC Starmall

Our Contact
Leah Zonio: 0930-011-0331 (this is her husband's mobile number)

Related Article
Mt. Sipit Ulang Hike

Photo Credit: She Joy Malatuba

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