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. Hapunang Banoi: Rodriguez, Rizal

CJ while having a photoshoot

After having our twin hike of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan last May 2016, I, CJ, and Ira (CJ's college friend) went back to Brgy. Wawa last August to complete the so-called trilogy climb by conquering Mt. Hapunang Banoi.  It rained the night before, but we decided to push through.  I contacted Kuya Ogie, who was also our guide in the twin hike.  We met at Jollibee Ligaya at 3 AM where there are jeepneys available going to Montalban.

We left Ligaya at 3:30 AM and arrived at Eastwood at 4:30.  There are already available tricycle good for 6 people.  Fare to Brgy. Wawa is 60 pesos per ride.  We reached the barangay hall at 4:45 and register.  There is a registration fee of 50 pesos per head and donation (any amount will do).  We met Kuya Ogie at 5:00 and started our day hike.

We already anticipated a muddy trail before the hike due to the rain shower and we got it right!.  The way to the junction was slippery and some areas were covered with thick mud.

Going up to junction

Ira, CJ, and me at taking a break

We reached the junction at 6:00 and had 30 minutes rest before proceeding to our hike.  There, can also be found the trail to Mt. Pamitinan.  Pamitinan-Hapunang Banoi is a common twin hike.

The rock formations in Hapunang Banoi have more sharp edges compared with Binacayan and Pamitinan, and there are also some unstable which will move once step on.  I got several cuts after not wearing my gloves way up.  There were also bamboo shoots during that time which have little spines.

Sea of clouds in Hapunang Banoi

Ira..... This is her first climb!!! :D

CJ at a popular picture spot

Group picture

A narrow and sharp way up near the summit

At the summit

We arrived at the summit at 8:50 and waited for a clearing.  It was foggy, but somehow, we able to have slight views.  We started our descent at 9:15 since a rain was approaching (perhaps, I should visit this place once again in sometimes :D).  We reached the Brgy. hall at 12 pm and had a washout before going back to Manila.

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).

Table 1

Schedule of Itinerary

Table 2

Lists of Expenses for a group of 3

Contact:

Kuya Ogie: 09473868778

The above expenses did not include the expenses incurred pertaining to foods and incidental expenses going to the meetup places as they may vary per individual.  Common meet up point is at Jollibee Farmers Cubao, but it is more convenient on our part to meet at Ligaya (Metro East/Sta. Lucia).

Photo Credit: CJ Caldo and Ira Famador

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