7 HOLY WEEK 2013: SEVEN BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES IN MAKATI CITY FOR VISITA IGLESIA

Vista Iglesia: First stop, Mother of Perpetual Help Redemptorist, Baclaran

(Except Baclaran, this is not in Makati)
I never expect summer starts earlier than the usual time. As I remember April always kicks off summer season. And while the sun actively heating the country; it is also the sign of Holy Week festivities. Our Mt. Ugo climb happened to fall on Good Friday or officially Black Saturday so this could be our penance for the said event.

However before our climb I promised myself to have Visita Iglesia as exchange for not telling my dearest mother about the climb. She warned me week before the climb not to go anywhere. I never tell her about it because I know she won’t let me. Bad me..sorry po.

Straight from the office working graveyard shift, I went to Baclaran as my first stop. I brought nothing just faith and dedication. I had nothing to read only screen shots from my phone of what to pray and what to do. I called my friend about it since I wasn’t sure. She told me to read only two stations per church since there are 14 Stations of the Cross divide by seven churches. 

Visita Iglesia: Second Stop, St. John Bosco Parish

Thanks to my Samsung Galaxy for the reading materials and camera. I’m equipped and good to go. First stop was the famous Baclaran church, followed by St. John Bosco Parish. Since I lived in Makati, I chose nearby churches only. And by the way it was my first time doing it. And thats another revelation, I'm so bad.

Visita Iglesia: Third Stop, Sto. Niño de Paz Community Greenbelt Chapel

Third stop was Greenbelt Chapel where I usually attended Sunday mass. It was so strange for the place furnished with cars and mall goers but what I saw was completely different. Looks like scene from pandemic TWD series. I moved ahead straight to church and continued my 5^th and 6^th  Station of the Cross.

Visita Iglesia: Fouth Stop, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

After the reading I need to get inside the church for my personal intentions then stirred right to my next venue. I was waiting at the street withered, no public transpo so I had to take cab going to Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Poblacion. It was my first time visiting the place although I had been wandering around vicinity. The church blends by the old church with austere modern facade.

The sky getting crazier, the temperature became stronger, I need to be quick since I had to transfer places via public vehicles. I feel like faded but the devotion kept me alive. That time I had no idea where the next church. Thanks God - while walking going to jeepney stop, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish came to my mind. I only attended mass here once and it pierced on my list. I dropped by at Reposo St. cor. JP Rizal and walked few meters. Good thing the Parish is fully air conditioned and somehow tiredness relieved.

Visita Iglesia: Fifth Stop, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish

I stayed in the church for couple of minutes after reading 9^th and 10^th Stations while others continued their vows doing the same as mine. I don’t have any problem with the remaining two since I am bordered, one in Singkamas and in La Paz. After the veins recovered I walked again under the mighty sun.

Visita Iglesia: Sixth Stop, Parish of the Holy Cross

Parish of the Holy Cross is just a few blocks away from my house. It is located along JP Rizal, when I get there a woman shared her life story and praises the goodness of the Lord. I continued my novena then rushed to my last station, Our Lady of La Paz Parish is the closest to my place. I stayed there longer and once again vowed with my own intentions. That time I was very emotional, it was very silent. There were old people also prayed for their personal intensions. I feel the solemnity. Only the waft of the winds offered the noise under the peaceful ambience. And before my tears peek out at the edge of my eyes I left the place and thanking Lord Jesus Christ for once again saving all my sins.

Visita Iglesia: Seventh Stop, Our Lady of La Paz Parish

I arrived in my room peaceful and calm. I’m proud because I was able to finish my first ever Seven Churches Visitation and sensuous feeling of festivity. I rested for a while then packed my things for the climb. I like the feeling that you are proud for what you done besides the sleepless all the way from your shift. Gagawin ko na ‘tong panata sa buhay ko. 

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.

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