2 MT. MACULOT EASTER SUNDAY HIKE 2016

#TGGoesHigher our official hashtag for Maculot dayhike. TG stands for Team Guttom and that's my running team. Climbing is not new to me, in fact, this would be my second time to climb Maculot that's why I gave this hike for my team. And one of the reasons why I chose Maculot to be their "first kiss of the mountain" is because Rockies has one of best of the panoramic views atop plus it's an easy climb which is perfect for newbie hikers.

I'd like to give thanks as well to Coach Nur (our swimming Coach who is a certified Mountaineer, Swimmer, Diver and one of the strongest triathletes in the country) for helping me guide and making this event possible and successful. See that guy hugging the Marker post. That's him! Some of the pictures tho are taken from him.

We started the hike at Mountaineers Store at Brgy. Siete. We hired two guides as it is required and one of them is already our contact before getting to Cuenca. The first part is a pavement downhill all the way to this marker. And as usual, the hike wouldn't be complete without having a picture at the marker. It's required. Lol. Then another pavement uphill all the way to the end of the concrete road. And the start of the real trail. Honestly, I'm not so worried for my team even though it's their first time. They're all runners, in fact faster runner than me. So I know legs are strong enough to overcome the trails. Though there are challenging parts like sliding sands trail.

Along the trails, there are stations where you can rest for "take5". The most common mountaineers lingo. I'm not sure how many stations but what you like about this stations are locals do sell buko juice for 10PHP and some food stuff. And knowing my team, every stop is a photo opportunity plus some of the "hugot lines". Darn this climb should have another hashtag, "#hugotmaculot". 

Then passed few stations, we reached the second to the last station where you can see a good view of coves around the Taal Lake. Perfect time also to show our love to Jeff Lo's Pinoy Fitness. Hope he could give us one of the shirts tho. Lol. Honestly, we didn't talk about it of what to wear. Maybe because they're just too comfy to wear especially for activity like this. Let me add na din the hashtag, "#pflifestyle".

We finally reached the campsite but we got no time to rest, I asked the team to immediately go to the Rockies so we finish early and take lunch back to the campsite. Also, the sun is up and started to heating up. The most challenging part is going to the Rockies, not the boulder part but again the sandy trail. It's really slippery going down, glad the locals have put ropes as a support but should be very careful.

And you might wondering why the Rockies. Because this part you gonna see huge boulders. You have the be careful when climbing the rockies, otherwise, your head will surely kiss'em as my experienced the first time I climbed here. But not now! Lol.

And after you passed the boulders, you will received a sweet present of nature. The Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in full view and the provinces of Laguna, Cavite and Batangas. Welcome to the Rockies. I hope you forgive me for the endless selfies but hey we deserve a death fying photo-ops ayt?! That's what we here for -- spirit and adventure. But do take necessary precaution.

Also just a side note, Rockies is not the summit. Summit is about an hour hike from the campsite depending on your pace but we didn't climb there. We just stayed at the campsite and lunch there after photo-ops at the boulders.

After a few hours of photos and witnessing the beautiful view of Taal Lake we head back to the campsite for our sweet moment. Ka-ka-in na! I asked the team to pack light and yes, they actually packed light but not with the packed lunch. That was the most awesome lunch at the top of the mountain. Team Guttom mantra is present. Train hard, eat harder! The campsite has small kubos with tables and you can use it for free. It has also small sari-sari store. 

After our lunch, we stayed there for a couple of minutes to rest. Also Coach Nur had a quick conversation about BMC (Basic Mountaineering Course). Then we commence back to the jump-off.

There you go, thanks for the Easter Sunday dayhike team. This is just the first of many mountains to conquer. Congratulations to your first mountain hike! 

If you are commuting, you can ride jeep to SM Lipa and the ask the driver to drop you off at Lomi King in front of La Salle Lipa. You can tell the driver that you are going to Lomi King. It's most visited lomihan after climb. Then ride jeep again to SM Lipa Terminal. There where you can catch JAM liner to LRT Buendia at 125 PHP.

FAQ's

HOW TO GET HERE:

Private Car - Pass through the SLEX then Star Tollway to Batangas taking Tambo exit. From Tambo exit turn left in Lipa - Tambo Highway all the way to Banay-banay. Turn right before Phoenix Gas Station and follow straight the National Highway going to Cuenca Town Proper. Then from Market area, take the first right and ask the local for the registration site and mountaineers store.

Commute - Buendia Station going to Lemery via Tambo Exit signboard. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at Cuenca. They usually ask if you are climbing Maculot then they know where to drop you off. From drop-off take tricycle that would bring you to registration area and then afterwards will bring you to the mountaineers store. DLTBCO and JAM travel to Lemery via Tambo exit.

EXPENSES:

• Bus Commute - 147 PHP

• Tricycle to Jump-off - 20 PHP per head

• Registration Fee - 20 PHP per head

• Guide Fee (Required) - 400 PHP (per 4- 5 pax) Rockies only / 800 PHP (per 4 - 5 pax) to Summit.

You can contact Joseph 0977-328-9791 / 0935-664-4553. He is our guide.

• Wash up at the Mountaineers Store - 15 PHP (per timba)

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• You need to surrender one ID at the Registration Site per group.

• It is required to get a guide.

• Bring at least 2L of water.

• Has a strong signal to all networks. But if you need internet or cellular data, it's strong at the Rockies. I was able to post a status on Facebook. Lol.

• No water source on the trail, but you can buy buko juice along the trail plus there's a sari-sari store at the campsite. Price is higher tho.

• Rice, yes, there's a rice at the campsite for 30 PHP.

• Need to do the number 2. It's near the campsite. XXX

• Don't forget the LNT. Be responsible mountaineer. You know what that is. https://lnt.org/

6 MT. DARAITAN AND TINIPAK RIVER: THE BOUNDARY OF RIZAL AND QUEZON

Perfect silhouette at the Summit of Mt. Daraitan, the atmosphere is still dark waiting for the sunrise.

First hike for 2015 and I am pretty excited coming back to the mountains. It has been a long time since then, I guess it's almost 8 months of silence. It is by choice, and for safety as well. The year 2014 wasn't really a good year for Pinoy mountaineers. I dunno but out of those numbers we were the one who experienced the kind of trouble. It was August 2014 when one in my group drowned at Mt. Romelo. That was really a bad experience and I'm the one who opened the climb. Thankfully he was saved after couple of minutes reviving his life. Therefore, I decided to stop til start of 2015. 

"The mountains are calling and I must go". 

Words lingering my ears. And I heard that my mountaineering group has been planning for a climb to start the new year. Of course, it's a go. I've been lonely for months bearing the speedy life of the city.

The group decided to conquer Mt. Daraitan in Tanay Rizal near boundary of General Nakar in Quezon. It is about four hours drive from Manila and no need to spend too much time for traveling. This place offers several activities like hiking at the summit of Daraitan and it's well-known for its sea of clouds, swimming at the Tinipak River and spelunking. 

Meet my TOSOC Mountaineers family.

We met at Shaw Boulevard and left at 6 AM with a rented jeep straight all the way to the jump-off point, in front Brgy. Hall of Daraitan. Although travel time is three hours but we stopped in Taytay market to buy foods to cook at the summit. 

Looking at the pictures on Google, I thought there will be river-crossing or riding in balsa but I'm surprised the local community placed a wooden bridge so that jeepneys and tricycles can pass through. We arrived in front of Brgy. Hall on time and took a rest for few minutes and then prepared to commence our climb.

Since we are 13, we are required to get two guides. They're strict with 1:10 ratio. We tried to make a deal, however, they're really strict so we got no choice.

And this is the ascent part..the entire trail is ascent I'm telling yah.

Take 5 is mandatory..no view yet but fresh air is important.

According to Pinoy Mountaineer, this is a minor climb with 4/9 difficulty rating. True enough, minor yet expect of more ascent trails. I can say the trails are likewise as Pico de Loro but I need you to put an extra energy, your lungs and intestines shall require you to get more air. The trail is well-maintained and covered with rocks and muddy. But nothing to worry there are trees to hold.

After four hours of climbing, we finally arrived at the campsite. There are three campsite locations in this mountain. First one is the largest that can accommodate up to 10-15 tents, but it's far enough to get to the summit. Second is about 15 minutes away to the summit and we stayed there, and the last one is at the summit itself.

The campsite is not flat, and it's really hard to pitch a tent. The place was covered with huge rocks and small trees, it can serve up to 7-10 tents.

SMILE even if you don't want to..hingal pa more. 

After we pitched our tents, we decided to visit the summit for the lovely sunset. It is really beautiful with a backdrop of Tinipak River and it looks like the great Amazon River. There are also rock formations on top where you can stand and get your amazing photo. Mt. Daraitan is surrounded by summits of Sierra Madre or I guess Daraitan itself is part of this Sierra Madre mountains.

This is the summit on Sunset and the trail of Tinipak River.

Photoshoot at this boulder at the edge of the summit.

One more photoshoot with Stifler!

Ater the sunset viewing everyone back on their tents and tidy up. We have no problem with the foods, glad "Tok" is with us, he is assigned to do the cooking. We had Sinampalokang Manok and CPA (Chicken and Pork Adobo) for dinner. And....of course lechong kawali for Pulutan! Unfortunately, we only bought one bottle of Empe Lights and two bottles of Ginebra Quatro Kantos.

And then lights out at 10 PM!

I set my alarm at 5 AM for Sunrise viewing, and before my phone buzz I'm already awake and waking up everyone. 

And here we are waiting for the beautiful Sunrise. Although we're not lucky to witness the sea of clouds that time but still thankful for the magnificent view. Per guide, sea of clouds only appear if it is raining the last night.

Patiently waiting for the Sunrise.

My Solo Project, thank you Francis for this photo.

After the Sunrise viewing, we had breakfast and started to break camp. At 8 AM we started to descent to meet the famous Tinipak River. We follow the trail down to the first campsite, but right after the campsite it would be a separate trail down to the river. It's like doing a traverse.

After three hours, we finally reached the neighborhood, which means, we are near the swimming area and the cave of Tinipak. The white boulders piling up along the shallow rivers. We traced the trail at the side of the river to get to the rest house where we can leave our backpacks and get to the river in light packs.

There you go, this is the swimming area of Tinipak River. It has clear and flowing waters and the huge white boulders. It is now notable as tourist destination in Tanay. Some of the groups decided to just stay at the Tinipak River and not to climb at Mt. Daraitan. Although Tinipak River is already part of General Nakar Quezon and Mt. Daraitan is still part of Rizal yet nothing to worry on additional fees.

This is Tinipak River with white huge boulders.

We decided to get to the cave first spending time at the river. And this is my favorite part in the river activities, there will be stepping on steep ladder, wall climbing and crossing the bridge. The mouth of the cave has small opening, enough to one person at a time. It is also required to bring flashlights as you know it is really dark inside the cave. And when you get in, expect of its magnificent formation of limestones and the common stalactites and stalagmites. The water is also pretty cold.

Daraitan and Tinipak River is indeed a place to visit, they have numerous activities to offer from the summits to deepest. No wonder those people don't like hiking are still coming to Daraitan, not to climb but to experience the beautiful rivers of Tinipak with its turquoise flowing water.

My Solo Project inside the Cave.

All in blue..picture picture after swimming inside the cave.

Here's the small basin at the cave, this would be the end of the trail. You gonna love the water here, it's super duper cold. Thanks Francis for the photo.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Your initial point is at Starmall in Shaw Boulevard. Ride FX/Van bound to Tanay and get off at Tanay Market. The travel time would be two hours depending on the traffic situation. Then from Tanay Market, ride a tricycle/jeep bound to Brgy. Daraitan, travel time would be one to two hours.

Note: Tricycle bound to Brgy. Daraitan would bring you straight to Brgy. Hall (like we did) but when rainy season, they will be removing the connecting bridge. Your choice is riding balsa for 5PHP. Also, we didn't do the public transportation, we hired a jeep from Starmall straight to Brgy. Hall. You can contact Joel at 0922-321-4698.

ITINERARY:

05:00 AM: Meet up at Shaw Boulevard

07:00 AM: Departure Shaw Boulevard

09:00 AM: Arrived in Taytay Market (Grocery)

10:30 AM: Arrived at Daraitan in front of Brgy. Hall

11:30 AM: Start Trek

03:30 PM: Arrived at the Campsite

05:00 PM and onwards: Sunset Viewing / Socials / Lights Off

05:00 AM: Wake up for Sunrise viewing

06:30 AM: Breakfast / Breakcamp

08:00 AM: Start decent

11:30 AM: Arrived at Tinipak River

12:00 PM: Explore Tinipak River and Cave

01:00 PM: Lunch

02:00 PM: Arrived back to Brgy Hall Tidy Up

03:30 PM: Travel back to Manila

EXPENSES:

• One guide is 1,250 PHP (overnight) and 850 PHP (dayhike) for 10 pax.

• You can try to haggle to get for a lower cost. I tried my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough.

• Per research, FX Ride to Tanay Market is 70 PHP. Rented Jeep from Tanay Market to Brgy. Daraitan is 3,000 PHP. Balsa whenever river crossing 5 PHP. Tricycle from River to Brgy. Hall of Daraitan 10 PHP.

SIGNPOST:

• I don't know if there's a strong signal for your cellular phones, but I got LTE using Globe. I don't have problem posting photos real-time during that climb. 

• I brought another phone using Smart sim, but the signal is on and off.

• There is no water sources at the summit. So per head is required to bring 4L of water. 1L for your own consumption and 3L for cooking.

• Guides are included on your food budget.

• Guide may also bring your stuff for 300 PHP.

38 MT. ROMELO: MUDDY AND TRAGEDY

Mt. Romelo is the best practice ground for newbie hikers. It is situated in Siniloan, Laguna standing 300 MASL. The elevation may not be as high as other mountains around the province yet it is famous with multiple falls like Buruwisan Falls, Lansones Falls, Sampaloc Falls, and Batya-Batya Falls. It’s a series of mountains lies in Sierra Madre mountain range. The reason why it is popular for newbie mountaineers because of a 2/9 difficulty rate per Pinoy Mountaineer. This mountain is considered as minor climb yet the difficulty come to be higher due to its muddy trail especially during rainy season. I would recommend hiking this mountain during summer time because trail is less muddy however rainy season would be the ideal if you want to see waterfalls on full blast. 

In connection to rainy season, it was Saturday night when horrendous weather terribly clatter entire Luzon. Storm "Jose" has just entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and it will continue to shower the entire region with isolated thunderstorms. I was troubled if I will push through the scheduled hike. Safety is top priority but my trail buddies were definite pushing the climb rain or shine. In result, from thirteen confirmed people now down to seven. I wasn't surprised and I can't blame them either, weather was extremely bad.

I have no problem whether few or huge company, I can do solo. However we already contacted hired jeep so how in the world we carry the expenses? We decided to talk to driver about what happened, and it’s up to him if he could reduce the cost or otherwise we will just pay him as “panconsuelo” then take public transpo. We're all glad he accepted our favor.

HOW TO GE THERE:

Speaking of public transpo. What would be the options getting to Mt. Romelo?

The best option is by taking Raymond Bus Lines bound to Infanta, Quezon. It is located in Sampaloc, Manila. You can ride LRT Line 2, and then alight at Legarda Station. It will just a few minutes walk getting to bus terminal. Raymond Bus Lines is the only bus company that passes thru the jump-off to Mt. Romelo. It is wise to say that you will be going to Buruwisan Falls and they already know where to drop you off. Your landmark would be the KIA3 Restaurant on your left side and Buruwisan Multi Falls signage on the right. Travel time is about 2 – 3 hours, fare is Php110 for non-air-conditioned and Php130 for air-conditioned.

Another option is from Crossing in Shaw Boulevard, take jeepney going to Tanay, Rizal then take another jeepney going to Famy in Siniloan. From Famy, you can ride trike to Brgy. Macatad or let them know that you’ll be hiking to Buruwisan Falls and driver will bring you right at the jump-off.

But if you want more convenient then you may contact jeeps or vans for hire. You can call our contact, Joel at 0922-321-4698. Your meet up will be at McDonalds in Starmall (Shaw Boulevard) then they will bring you right in front of the registration hall in Brgy. Macatad.  Travel time is about 2 hours.

KIA3 Restaurant. This will be your landmark on your left side.

BURUWISAN Signage. This will be the jump-off to Mt. Romelo.

Registration Hall of Mt. Romelo (Buruwisan Falls).

We arrived around 8AM right in front of the registration hall. If you’re bringing private cars then you can also park there. Everyone has to register and required to pay Php50 per head. Before commencing on the trail we decided to take breakfast first. Glad that they have freshly cooked Sinampalokang Santol with Alamang. The taste is good, authentic Siniloan cooking; just make sure to mix it with rice because it’s really sour.

TIPS ON HIRING GUIDE:

Arriving at the jump-off before heading to registration hall expect that there would be group of locals waiting for you that offer guide services. Their rate is Php300 going up and another Php300 going down for dayhike only. I would recommend to call these numbers, Divina at 0908-982-2183 and 0946-130-8769 so they will arrange you guide on Php500 package rate. This number is come from the officer who facilitates the registration. I forgot his name. You also have an option not to hire guide especially if you’re with colleague that already know the trail or been there once. After all the trail is not confusing nor misleading, you won’t get lost.

Sinampalokang Santol with Alamang! Delicioso.

When everything all set, our adventure started to conquer Mt. Romelo and the multi-falls of Siniloan. I was guessing of slippery and embellishing muddy trail due to continuous rains the previous days. That’s why I was geared with trek shoes and groundzero saddle shorts. The trail started with river crossing, so expect that you will get wet at the beginning.

Mt. Romelo | River Crossing

Let the trail begin.

Evidence! The mud-covered trail.

After that river crossing you will start an ascent trail, a good start to wake up your veins and blood streams. No worries it’ll just quick but enough for your skin pores to produce body fluids. As expected, it was mud-covered trail and so much slippery. You also have an option to ride horse for Php500 if you don’t feel like walking and just experience the beauty of the falls. Or otherwise you can ask to carry your luggage back and forth for Php300 so everything would be easy without the hefty weight on your back.

Someone gave up the trail and decided to ride horse. No. His sandals gave up.

The pink sneakers won. :D

Minus the thick-mud, the trail is beginners-friendly. There were resting areas scattered along the trail with makeshift chairs made of bamboo. Also they have plenty of santol trees planted everywhere that’s why you’ll notice santol fruits just scattered on the trail. You can ask your guide also if he could get some. Vendors also do sell fresh buko juice and cold sodas with waiting sheds that you can take rest.

On the way to the Summit.

After an hour of hiking we finally reached Mt. Romelo’s summit. At 300 meters above sea level, it is not that high compared to other mountains but enough to give you a panoramic view of the neighboring towns, Laguna de Bay and some rolling hills. We stopped by for a couple of minutes to rest and of course take “selfie” “groupie” or “wefie or whatever. We are Filipinos afterall, if not the microphones on videoke, then the lenses of the camera.

Thank God because that day, there was no rain. The sun was brilliant all day. Prayer  works.

After a quick rest we went back again on trekking so we have plenty of time to explore all the falls if time permits. Part of the itinerary is to arrive at the campsite after two and half hours. 

Mt. Romelo | Groupie at the Summit.

Quick rest at the Nipa Hut...and of course, perfect for another photo op. (c) pala-lagaw.com

We finally reached the campsite, it is huge that can accommodate several groups of hikers, it’s just perfect site especially for overnight campers. It is under the rainforest so it’s kinda wet and you’ll hear the wildlife sound of waterfalls. Since we do not have tents we decided to take our lunch right in front of waterfalls. However before heading down, we had some photo op again on top of Buruwisan Falls. The view is so amazing looking down, wondering how high is it. I dunno if I can do rappelling like what I saw on the internet, although I’m not afraid of heights.

Mt. Romelo | The Campsite.

View from above of Buruwisan Falls.

His place. Millipede showed up when I took photos of the waterfall. Thank you dear friend.

Then we resumed our hike down to the falls. And the moment I saw the enormous waterfalls from below I was really amazed. God’s creation is really amazing, no doubt! I can’t control myself taking photos both the camera and my phone. The place is deserved to be posted across social media to showcase its beauty. Buruwisan Falls is the biggest and the tallest waterfall in Romelo. It is approximately 180 ft. tall, and like what I said rappelling is one of the activities you can do here. 

The majestic Buruwisan Falls

And again everyone was busy taking photos with Buruwisan on the background. After a couple of minutes, some were decided to swim into the clear and wide catch-basin. There were another group arrived and likewise, they were all busy taking photos.

I can’t help also but to dip my body in the cold freshwater coming from the mountains of Sierra Madre. We even swim near the waterfalls and climb on the rock at the back of the waterfall until the tragedy happened, a near-heartbreak loss from one of our group.

THE TRAGEDY:

The four of us went at the back of the waterfall. The force was so massive; you can even hear the distinctive plunge of water. After staying there for a couple of minutes, I asked them to go back offshore to take lunch. One by one left the area until this guy, the last person who left the area suffered cramps on his legs. He was running out of breath, so we hurriedly swayed to save him. Swimming in fresh water is tougher, no buoyancy and you can’t swim that fast. Me and two other guides quickly jump and swim towards him. When we near him, he was already drowned in the water, the guide grabbed his neck as I was holding his body. His lips were so dark and I can't see the pupil of his eyes, it was all white. He’s no longer breathing while trying to revive him. Mouth-to-Mouth resuscitation as part of CPR, his girlfriend kept on doing it a couple of times but no answer. She even pumped his heart. After a couple of minutes I dunno how long it was he was coughing and released a lot of water. Thank God! He is alive. Thanks to the guides and the other group who helped us.

PLEASE OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN SWIMMING AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND SWIMMING ALONE.

Our group in front of majestic Buruwisan Falls.

After our lunch, he decided not join and his girlfriend going to Lansones Falls. We will just meet at the campsite.

Lansones Falls is about seven minutes away from Buruwisan. We just took pictures there and decided not to swim maybe because of what happened, no one dares to swim. We only stayed for a couple of minutes and then go back to the campsite. Our initial plan is to include Batya-Batya Falls but since our guide told us that it requires crossing breast deep water and we were armed with camera and cellphones so we just decided to just go back to the campsite to check our friend who still suffering from headache and cramped legs.

River trekking towards Lansones Falls.

This is Lansones Falls.

Since this is only dayhike and have limited time. About 3PM we decided to go back to the jump-off. Though it only took us about more than hour to reach the registration site but I slipped many times. I conclude that whenever slippery, trailing down is way harder. Thanks to my TOSOC FAMILY, CONCUR FAMILY, especially to Pala-Lagaw himself Sir Francis Balgos. Though something happened, yet it was fun and successful climb. First time to hike in a muddy trail. 


SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR DAYHIKE
5:00 AM Meet Up Starmall
6:00 AM ETD Starmall
8:00 AM ETA Registration Hall (Register, Breakfast, Prepare)
9:00 AM Start Trek
11:30 AM ETA Campsite, Visit Buruwisan for Lunch.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Explore all the Falls
3:30 PM - Start Descent
5:00 PM - Back at the Jump-off, Tidy up at the Registration
5:30 PM - Head back to Manila


WHERE IS MT. ROMELO IN THE MAP?

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