4 PART I: HOLY WEEK CLIMB 2013 AT MT. UGO

I haven’t yet explored mountains nearby Metro Manila, only few, and for the record I only conquered three peaks – two from Batangas and one in Bataan. Surprisingly twenty thirteen arrived and our grouped humbly surmounted the Cordilleras. Kick off was in Mt. Pulag last January 20 and consequently is Mt. Ugo since I wasn’t able to join for their Mt. Marami climb.

I was already informed about Mt. Ugo and made my confirmation for another Cordillera mountain top challenge.  The group conducted pre-climb thru Mt. Marami but I refused to join for a reason.

Here’s the part 1 of our Mt. Ugo traverse Kayapa – Itogon. 

THROWBACK and FACTS

According to Locals, “Ugo” derived from Ibaloi word “Ugoan” which means “to cut the neck”. Mt. Ugo witnessed the tragic incident way back June 26, 1987 when flight PR206 crashed 200 yards below the summit that killed 50 people onboard. Today Mt. Ugo stands 2,150+ MASL with 5/9 trail difficulty that considers a major climb. Entry point is in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, exit in Itogon, Benguet.

DAY1 – Black Saturday | March 30, 2013

After six hours of dead-beat travel from Manila, finally we set our foot at the CCQ Market in Aritao Nueva Vizcaya where we can have our early snack while waiting for the chartered jeep that will bring us to Kayapa (our entry point). It was still dark so everyone had to prepare and munched some fare of food.

An hour later, Manong arrived and our journey continued all the way to the entry point in Kayapa. It was more than an hour ride; cold breeze of summer was present in a dark atmosphere. Lights appeared slowly and the engine continues striking and the wheels managed to run in a curve roads.

Arrived on time at the Kayapa Public Market, we had our last minute shopping and breakfast while I managed to write down all the names for registration. That time, local Police Station was still close but the logbook was left outside for registration [no registration fee]. After final arrangement and preparation, our three guides were ready and so we are, at exactly 7AM; 16 people started to test the game of the fittest. 

First part of the trail is simply a curse. A curse that will test your capabilities. Try to imagine of an unending ascent for three hours long. It will really test how strong and tough you are. I had my jogging training for a week before the said date but it wasn’t enough, and I believe everyone had the same experience. “Take5” is the most common and trending word around that time and the most challenging part of the entire climb. Everyone was panting and running out of breath besides the panoramic views around.

Game of the Fittest indeed.

As I remember we had plenty of rests, like I mention Take 5 is the most common word used. The group was then divided; I was one in the front runners. Not to underestimate the girls but whoever dares the challenge shall complain the steepest trail ever.

Around 10:30 when we arrived at Indupit Village. We had our very long rest, took our lunch and even caught a little nap. Mike [idol naming leader na pogi pogi] let us rest for an hour.

Indupit village offers relaxing view. Fogs pass every ticks of a second, cold atmosphere felt despite the direct sunlight. Everyone had their nap under the sun after our lunch but some chose chatting. 

Unexpectedly [photo inset] a big machine on top of 1,000+ high..really? I didn’t dare to ask but I think it is used for road widening. I am thinking of a project like in Pulag where chartered jeep will bring you up to Ranger Station. 

Exactly 11:30AM resumed our trek. One hour is already enough for recovery. Jizz I was drained. And grateful to have flat ground from Indupit to Domolpos Village shaped at the edge of the ground. Bonus point, I remember our Pulag trail, few steep but most were gradual and flat. 

Few minutes later we finally reach Ansipsip shed, perfect location to espy Mt. Ugo’s summit. Since we had our lunch already some continued to trek while other’s decided to rest. Another bonus point, flat ground all the way to the next water source. As per guide, from Ansipsip shed it will take 2-3 hours before summit. And so we had non-stop trek going to water source then from there, few steep trails again. Continue walking until the last shed. I sustained my energy since my eyes wedged the summit.

The summit will be on our hands in few minutes or an hour maybe. However the last trail surprise us for another steep trail, times two the trail from Kayapa to Indupit village. Less trees, more sunlight! Jizz. This tree [photo inset] will be your reminder that you are almost there. Push push.

Around 3pm we finally reach the campsite. Summit is 10 – 15 minutes away from the campsite. And since we were divided into number of groups, the first second or third group arrived while the last one, group of Mike arrived almost dark and foggy already. Our guide had to go back to fetch them and bring the foods in order for us to prepare dinner. The last group terribly weary since Mitchell suffered from cramps and cause of knee injury.

Later that night, right after dinner – social follows. The memorable drinking session ever with the TOSOC’s, party on top of the mountain with very special “COW” guests.

Click here for the Part 2 of our Mt. Ugo Traverse, Easter Sunday March 31, 2013