6 MT. DAGULDOL: THE DESCENT AND THE SIDE TRIPS

See: Part 1 (Ascent)

The Summit:

Almost after an hour of walking, finally the team reached the base camp. It was pretty hard for us but more fun, hindrance was present in the midst of paths yet we accepted the challenge and overcome with confidence. Close pacing was necessary due to lack of flashlights needed for muddy and steep trails, as a result camaraderie arises, and everyone contributed the strength and rendered assistance towards each other.

The delayed drinking session was continued, without a “chaser” just a plain smouldering Matador flowing softly to the throat. No more water since we were expecting that there will be a water source from the spring. Unfortunately, where the rain pours yet there are no drops from the source. So I took my rest early since more challenging will be expected by tomorrow. Just an alibi..hindi ko kayang uminom ng walang chaser. Hinyaan ko na lang silang ubusin.

I slept around 2am but never forget to set my alarm by 5:30. I don’t wanna miss the sunrise. It is one of the most important things to see on the top of the mountain, where you can witness how beautiful the sun rises and light up the sleeping world. Alarm buzzed and hurriedly woke myself up though my body would still want to lie down. I rushed outside and see the beautiful morning.

Mike asked me to go up to the grassland (the highest point) to see the entire view, neighbouring provinces and the seas. I’m not really familiar with the provinces surrounds but all I know; you can see them all 360 degrees. What a beautiful place, no words can express the feeling.

Yours truly, I asked Mike to take picture of me on the back of the Verde Strait (not sure) were also the clouds can be seen and the unknown mountain ranges. 

My first foot of the summit. Yes!!~ Although this is my third ascent but to tell you honestly I haven't reach the highest peak yet from my last two mountain climbs. Bitin.

There's a rainbow always after the rain. I used to read reviews and blogs about Mount Daguldol especially to my idol Ivan Lakwatsero, all have one thing in common; rainbow showing in the morning. Sa palagay ko lang.

No one knows from the group what mountain is this. Can someone tell us? Hehe. Just a guess. It is Mount Makiling.

This is the three unknowns but later became our drinking buddies. I should call them the  Lambanog guys. Haha. Anyway they dont have a group name nor recognized themsleves, they used to climb just three of them whenever they wanted to. So I asked them what name should I put on my blog for their caption -- they said. Insomniacs. L-R: Jay-R, James and Thugz. Hats off sirs, you all great.

THE DESCENT:

The moment is done. We had the evidence. We know ourselves by heart that we successfully conquered Mt. Daguldol. It’s about time to go down. Everyone has to fix and pack the things, I feel saddened but it is already enough to ease all the pressure in metropolis. Another day. Another achievement. Another praises.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. Thank you for these smiles folks. I'm proud to introduce these wonderful people I met - old and new friends.

L-R: Rochelle, Me, Kim, Jhudiel, Dennis, Kenneth, Camille, Renalyn, Charo, Mike and Mitchell.

These are the mud-covered trails. Of course these are expected in result from heavy rain last night. No more choice but to plunge those tiny little feet.

The real Hero. We really thank this shed who served our shield from rain and the freezing moment. Where we temporarily hang ourselves.

Responsibility. Every mountaineer who appreciate this wonderful nature should be first liable for taking care of the environment. Let us double the effort to look after the conservation of the mountains. Be the first.

Refreshments. Buko. Buko. For twenty pesos, good enough for body refreshments.

The Rock. Where you can find the rock formation as big as your mansions. Whew. Siguro ganito kalalaki ang binili ni Henry Sy para mapatayo ang MOA. Hihi. Jukjuk onli.

SIDE TRIP TO NAAMBON FALLS:

After a long way of travel down from the summit, everyone deserves a reward. Naambon falls would be the perfect prize for us. Lying down the rock under the pouring cold water from the falls shall revive the tedious body. Though the rocks are not so smooth but the boys were game. Nagpaslide mula taas hanggang baba. Feeling so kid again. Stayed for an hour so that we still have time for the Beachyventure.

SIDE TRIP TO LAIYA BEACH:

Once again a tiresome trek down but minutes to count we finally touched the ground. Yohoo.. Thanks God everyone is safe. We just keep on walking until we reach the store and bought cold Cobra energy drink. Saarap. One sipped, finish. Hindi ko ininda kung gaano kalamig. Then moved on to the service (jeep) to take a lil rest then cook for lunch. I know everyone is hungry. No breakfast from the summit down to the ground. Buko lang ayos na.

Rest for a couple of minutes then prepare for the bitchybeachventure. It's for free.

These are the best people. Thank you so much for making this adventure possible and successful. We are simply achievers. See you again on our next climb. Kudos!

CLIMB ITINERARY:

Day 1 (September 1, 2012)

1130 depart from Manila to San Juan Batangas.

1400 arrive on San Juan Town for lunch and bough stuff at Puregold.

1430 arrive at Barangay Hugom for registration and arrange fo guide.

1520 arrive at Sitios Biga and Catmon, prepare for the trek.

1545 start ascent

1730 Mang Lizardo House

1830 Buko refreshments third camp, rain start falling

2045 reach the shed where we stayed for dinner

2155 resume way to summit

2315 camp site, set up tents, resume drinking sessions (social)

0200 lights off

Day 2 (September 2, 2012)

0530 wake up

0600 sunrise viewing, went to the grassland 10mins walk from the base camp

0730 break camp

0800 start descent

1015 Mang Lizardo Place

1045 aarived at Naambon falls

1130 resume descent

1230 touch the ground

1245 rest, lunch, rest, socials -- side trip Laiya Beach

1600 depart jeep back to Lipa Batangas

1545 Lomi King

2000 Arrive Manila

Accounts for 11pax (P1,000/each)

Jeep P10,000 + (toll fees)

Registration: P35

Guide: P350

Food -- sagot ni Master Idol na may wheels na.

Foodtrip from stopover: "Personal Expenses"

REMINDERS:

• If more than 10 people, better to get a service that would bring you back and forth. A lot of trike drivers charge more than the normal fare. No available trip (bus) in the afternoon.

• It is required to get a guide.

• No matter what month you are planning to climb always put your things in a plastic bag, dont trust the rain.

• Flashlights also important.

• There's a water source on the base camp, unfortunately during our climb i dunno what happen its drained, no drops at all.

• Wake up early to witness the sunrise around 0530

• Bring extra clothes for sidetrips, Naambon Falls and Laiya Beach.

• Smokers, dont forget to buy at least two packs. Hehe :)

• You should have a spare water on your bag wether ascent or descent.