3 FIRST OF DECEMBER 2013 GOES TO MT. MACULOT (ROCKIES)

After ten-months long, I finally had the chance to meet my long lost friends. I humbly missed hiking, standing on top of the earth, watching the beautiful atmosphere where the sky and the earth joint to formed its horizon. It really feel so bad as I was thinking of only one summit this year. It’s obviously not acceptable as I started to engage myself with this hobby. The group had organized climbs but I’m nowhere to be found, maybe because of busy schedule or I simply don’t have spare time to join the climbs.

Nevertheless the opportunity did not close out on me. I will meet them again, though a little bit odd dahil kung kelan naman magtatapos na ang taon dun ko pa naisipang sumama. Well if not "for a cause" I doubt myself joining. I already set my mind joining for next year’s climbs, at least more often.

So Mt. Maculot is the desired peak. I received invitation from Facebook events courtesy of TOSOC Mountaineers. No more hesitancy, I quickly click on “going” showing my participation and besides this will be my first ever day hike. Although I’m typically engaged to overnight climbs as perfect opportunity for group’s camaraderie and photo ops for sunset and sunrise. I'm a photo enthusiasts.

Now back to the timeline..

Normally if more than 15 people for south bound climbs, instead of taking bus, we normally choose of renting jeep for transportation – back and forth. This will be more comfortable rather than waiting time for the departure and arrival schedules. Part of the time-table, meet up will be at 7-11 along Shaw Boulevard. I was expecting of more than 20 people but only 16 made it. This is usual..hehe. No hurt feelings though. We left the area around 6:20AM.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
Buendia Bus Terminal along Gil Puyat LRT Station is the best option that will bring you to Batangas. The sign board should be Lemery Batangas then you can ask the driver or conductor to drop you off in front of a huge Arch at the Town of Cuenca Batangas. There is a trike terminal there that will bring you to the Rockies jump off. Bus fare is not more than P200 and travels for nearly three hours.

En route to Batangas, the weather wasn’t good. It was already 7AM but the sky still dark. And then started to rain. I was worried about the weather, my most concern was the peak. I don’t care about the muddy trail. I know it is part of the challenge. Jeez how could I allow having no clearance view? Damn no way! Mt. Maculot is popular for its amazing view; 360 degrees of panoramic view – Taal Lake, the tiny Taal volcano that offers lake within a lake and the entire Batangas province. The weather wasn't friendly at all. Darn!

We arrived at the jump off almost after three hours ride. Dumaan pa kasi kame ng Turbina for breakfast and for pack lunch. Pagdating namin medyo umayos na yong panahon, nagpakita na si Haring Araw. I was wondering who brought the jinx. Hehe. Mike had to pay entrance for P10/head. No need for guide dahil wala namang ligaw.  Few minutes later, the group then proceed to climb after group picture at Herman's shower and eatery.

And by the way, please be reminded about the lady in red. Hehe. 

The group is composed of old and new faces. And I’m looking forward for growing TOSOC Mountaineers. There were first timers and climb enthusiasts. I’m glad that more people are affianced to mountaineering. Besides, this is a good activity to start for a new year.

Along the trek, most of the trails were assault. Though considered as minor climb, but still this mountain is a physical test. I know I found the trail easy with the exception of slippery and steep trail, but I still heard myself panting. Mike and I decided to stay as the sweeper. So I had all the opportunity to take rest and pictures for this blog. I am also amazed of the rope-thingy-ish, eventually ‘twas my first time to have this kinda rappelling as there was no trees or roots to hold on.

Along the trail we met other mountaineers heading down who spent overnight on top. Their main problem was the slippery trail. It is easier going up but not going down. Buti na lang makapit sapatos ko and less challenge dahil paakyat pa lang kame. Also the reason why I said that it is easy dahil maraming 7-11. So I don’t really recommend bringing more than 1 liter of water for day hikes. Maraming nagtitinda ng buko sa kahabaan ng pag-akyat.

One of the photo ops, the extreme side of me. For some reason I have the guts to climb this tree which is out of the trail and could end my life. Medyo delikado dahil pinasok ko pa yong magubat then bangin na ung likod ng maliit na punong ‘to. Hell yeah..ganto talaga when boredom strikes, I'm a bragging kid.

At last, we reached the final stop-over (well except the Rockies) after two hours of trek. I’m not sure how high it was but the provinces of Batangas and Mindoro from afar is within the visibility. It is a camp site for the mountaineers who spending overnight. When we get there, there were plenty of them preparing for the descent. They say heavy downpour last night so muddy trail was then expected. We took rest first before heading to the Rockies.

It will be another ten-minute walk from the campsite to the Rockies. And the ascent is favorable because of the huge rocks, as in HUGE. Oh well obviously ROCKIES. Darn! And you know for sure that it won’t be slippery as is however the challenge though is you will never know where to step your foot and hold your hands. Nauntog pa ung ulo ko. And because I was ahead of them. I wanted to say that below are two of my best shots. They were falling in line, and like what I said  earlier beware of the girl in a red dress.

At nang marating ang taas. Jesus Christ, who would have thought that Mt. Maculot has an amazing panoramic view? It’s beyond beautiful. It’s like a wow! Jeez. Kung may film lang ang camera ayayay ubos na. Everywhere is beautiful. Kahit saan..you have the 360 degrees view just point the camera to wherever you want, you certainly get a magnificent shot.

We stayed at the rockies for nearly an hour while everyone is busy for the photo opportunities. And so do i. We decided to eat our pack lunch there. The weather is good. God heard our prayers to have this wonderful clearance. I really feel overwhelmed. And I conclude that this is the best summit view I ever had except Pulag.

So we started our descent around 1:00PM. Nilagare na namin total eh pababa naman tsaka matigas na ang lupa dahil sa paglabas ni Haring Araw. Mike and I decided to still be the sweeper. Then before Ate Thelma’s house, Halo Halo is the best for refreshment for P30 only but I refused to because there will be a huge dramatic Lomi fiesta awaits.

Shower at Herman's..rates is P15/timba. We left Cuenca around 3:00PM and heading to the best Lomihan in town, in front of De La Salle Lipa.

The clean plates tell it all. I’m not sure what would the best hashtag caption for this. Oh #HelpMe!

DECLARATION:

This climb is through the effort of Sabit – Sabit Mountaineers in helping our fellow countrymen who were intensely hit by the recent typhoon and affected by the earthquake. TOSOC MOUNTAINEERS hereby declares its  willingness to support climb for a cause events. #Stroll4Visayas #Stroll4Bohol #OneNation #BangonPinas

8 PART II: HOLY CLIMB 2013 AT MT. UGO

Sunrise at the Summit of Mt. Ugo

Day 2 | Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013

Everyone was still at the deep sleep, snoring. I understand because of mindboggling trek from Kayapa all the way up to the camp site. However my night is quite different, I never learnt what happened in Mt. Pulag. I only brought myself two pieces of jackets and pants and barely sleeping the frozen ground, no ground sheet, no sleeping bag – nothing at all. I was awake the entire night, shaking.

The radiance of the earth showed up, multiple colours painted the horizon. I chose to go out and started to take a rare view of the sphere in an extremely cold dark ambience. I almost forgot that I woke up not just to celebrate for another mountain top but the resurrection of the only Begotten Son.

I feel so blessed that I was on top of the earth, an inch away from heaven. I feel so blessed when the sun shine brighten my pale face. Nothing more to ask but a simple thank you for the wonderful nature and friendship with my TOSOC family.

Suddenly the sea of clouds once again showed upon us, everyone started to wake up. Another overwhelming view of nature entertained our eyes. The sun rises and everyone had to seize another rare moment. Behind us are the Luzon’s highest peaks and the Cordillera mountains.

Mt. Ugo's Sea of Clouds

TOSOC Family in front of Sunrise.

Mike, leader naming pogi-pogi with the Bellas.

TOSOC's Kanto Boys

Loneliness is not cured by human company, loneliness is cured by contact with reality.

As the sun cheering up , Jaime invited me visit the summit. It was 10 – 15 minutes walk from the camp site. Surprisingly, I thought we were the only group visited Mt. Ugo but there were three mountaineers pitched their tent at the peak. We continued to witness the view from the top as the sun rises. We also visited the “marker point” which as per Ivan Cultura of Batang Lakwatsero, the spot is a tri-boundary shared by three provinces namely: Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, and Pangasinan. 

Preparing for Breakfast.

Minutes later we need to go back down to help others prepare our breakfast and prepare ourselves for another big day. As per local, it will be another seven hours or more down to Itogon, Benguet since we do traverse.

Hot Coffee or Sticky Rugby? :)

Our small community.

Right after breakfast, we still managed to do some crazy photo shoots while other busy fixing their tents. Take nothing but pictures indeed. This is a very rare opportunity so take photo as long as the battery and the memory still available. Especially conquering Mt. Ugo is far easy. 

Photoshoot!

TOSOC Family

And the time has come that everybody needs to live. Proud for another mountain top and pleased to succeed major climb challenge. Tent gone one by one, bags filled with the gears and zippers rhymed little by little. TOSOC once again conquered a beautiful mountain.

Start our descent by 8:00AM, we were divided again by two groups. And before we leave the panoramic place we had best shot in front of the marker. We were standing in three provinces, in the three different regions. We were at the 2,150 meters above sea level or eight times the tallest building in the country, PBCom Tower.

Standing 2,150masl, Mt. Ugo's Summit

Second Group with Mt. Ugo mark.

These two people fell in love with each other because of the mountains. The forest, the slopes, and the trails witnessed your belongingness that your heart lingers like the peaks of the mountain. Thinking if I'm gonna send this photo as an official entry for PinoyMountaineer's photo contest. :)

The height charm us, but the steps do not; with the mountain in our view we love to walk the plains.

So the descent began. That day there was an event for trail runs challenge, there were 63 participants. Proud to those people because they can still run and had the time pressure despite the ascents. Our complaints were worthless as compared to their challenge. That was the real challenge.

Participants for the trail run.

Going down is a bonus round except for a long walk. Walking inside the pine forest trail looked like the woods seen from The Walking Dead series. Lucky to have these Pine trees that will serve us shed from the tremendous heat from the sun.

Descent started from 15KM, and there will be yellow marker each and every half kilometre. However it seems like inaccurate, half kilometre looks like equivalent to 3KM. Darn! And I don’t know what R.O.X means. Nobody knows.

Along the trail we met some flocks of cows, and we almost crushed. For some reason, I don’t know maybe Albert wearing red or the mother cow was just protective to her kids. I was after him and when he passed that slope a cow was running towards him and luckily he was able to avoid the almost dreadful accident. He was able to turn behind the pine tree and pick up a twig and ready to slash out if pursued. And we don’t know if we could pass through after him since the male cow has a big and sharp horn and ready to chase us. And end up with a quick run going down. Good thing they chose not to follow us. Whew thanks God!

Quite village of Lusod.

Boodle Fight, kainggit di kami nakasama dito.

Since were divided into two groups, the first group already passed the quite village of Lusod; a supposed to be our meeting place for lunch while waiting for the second group to arrive. Unfortunately we received their message 3KM away from Kawayan Village. So we chose resume our trek to reach the village where we can get rest and lunch. We were damn hungry and water is the only source of our energy. My legs were shaking and ready to give up, nobody likes to talk and I feel like I had bad breath already. We were too serious, you can really feel the eagerness to get to Kawayan village. 

Finally we reach Kawayan village after a walk-run-walk pace. We we’re welcome by a sari-sari store who offered 1.5L of cold Royal and gone for just a couple of seconds. Jizz we almost eat human flesh..that’s how hungry we were. Manang offered us free rice so we ordered can goods, the best taste ever. While waiting for the others, we shell out sleep for two hours. A good rest already from a killer hike. 

Kawayan Village, rich with rice crops.

Second group arrived and we asked them if they can still walk all the way to hanging bridge where we can have rest for a while and took picture all together. Everyone continued walking until we reach the Petican-Animal Bridge, crossing the Agno River. 

I was very glad to cross this hanging bridge, aside from the magnificent view. I had checked out my bucket list for this year. First ever crossing hanging bridge.

• To cross hanging bridge.  √check
• To summit five mountains including Pulag.. 3 summit to go.  √check

Petican-Animal Bridge

Finally we reached 00KM after nearly 8 hours, the yellow mark congrats us for a triumphant. But look at their faces!!! Galit?

And to formally complete our traverse, we need to register at Brgy Hall of Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet and pay the necessary payment and get our prize, the Certification. Our chartered jeep waited for us at the welcome mark that will bring us to Barangay Hall and there you can get some refreshments.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Kuya Edwin: Chartered Jeep from Aritao CCQ Market to Kayapa, 0920 469 7713
• Guide: Contact Alex @ 0921 984 0254
• Registration and Chartered Jeep from Kawayan Village to Brgy. Hall to Baguio contact Mam Jerda @ 0939 834 5655

EXPENSES:

• P2,000/head for 16 people
• P1,600 for registration and expenses at Tingondan Brgy Hall, Itogon Benguet
• P400/day per guide [3 guides, 2days] = P2,400
• Prices for chartered jeep, you can call them at the number listed above.

CLIMB ITINERARY:

Meet Up / Day1

2000: Meet Up Victory Liner Kamias

2200: ETD to Aritao CCQ Market

0400: ETA CCQ Market

0500: ETD to Kayapa via Chartered Jeep

0600: ETA Kayapa Public Market [JumpOff Point, Registration, Preparation]

0700: Start Trek

1030: Indupit Village [1 hr rest, snack - lunch]

1130: Continue Trek to Ansipsip

1300: ETA Ansipsip Shed - Continue Trek

1600: ETA Camp Site [Not the Summit]

1800: Social - Dinner

2100: Lights Off Sleeping Time

Day 2

0500: Wake Up Time / Sunrise viewing at the Summit

0600: Breakfast Preparation

0700: Break Camp

0800: Start Descent

1200: Lunch Losod Village

1600: ETA Kawayan Village

1630: ETA Petican-Animal Bridge

1730: ETA Brgy Tinongdan Hall, Itogon, Benguet

1830: ETD to Baguio

1930: Baguio City Victory Terminal / Dinner

--------**ETD to Manila, depending on ticket availability.

Here's the part 1 of Mt. Ugo Traverse

Another mountain top, another major climb success. Thank you TOSOC FAMILY  for a memorable and unforgettable climb experience. Though we had a lot of complaints yet we made it. Though we had a lot of pains yet we received a rare prize. And most of all thank you Papa God for your guidance, blessings and love that all of us went home safe and sound. Mr. Mike Simeon sa walang sawang pag invite samen, of course Netskie and Mitchell matagal ko nang nakakasama to halos sa lahat ng pagsama ko. Our girls, Donna, Angelica and Kim, lovers Rochelle and Dennis, new lovers for the love of mountaineering Rudolf and Charo, ngaun ko lang nakakasama sir Idol Van, Idol Bolong and Idol Caloy, our hottest model Idol Donald aka Bogz, and si Idol Jaime na lapitin sa girls. Salamat mga Idols. Looking forward for another mountain top this year.