San Jose Circuit

It was a party weekend. Yes, I could have gotten dressed up and gone to parties. Yes, I could have gone watching movies. Yes, I could have gone to trinoma. I could even have gone to Tagaytay since LM invited me.But that’s not the way i do things after i agreed to join the san jose circuit with sir Jhunie.

It was another rainy day, but that wasn’t going to deter me anymore. The hike was short, straightforward, and delightful, and thanks to my cousin reynald who joined me in this climb. 

The long scenic drive from Tarlac city follows the san jose proper going to barangay san pedro with the 3 peaks in full view most of the way (eventhough We see clouds elsewhere in the sky). Today, I experience a special day and will be a lifetime memory.The air is much cooler when we hop from the jeepney and the scent of moist rainforest hangs in the air like perfume.

That morning we left jump-off at 7:30 am, clouds appear along with brief showers.Visibility may be low due to heavy clouds and afternoon rains are common. This climb was steep and very muddy thanks to the overnight rains. Throughout the day it continued to rain, off and on, and iam totally soaked.Thank god for the plastic bags I packed that save my camera.

The effects of rain and mud can be very strenuous on the body. Correspondingly, chances of unsuccessful 3 peak summit also decreases. But the majority of the group decided not to complete the circuit and just be contented with the 2 peaks. 

The ridge around san jose was wide and amazing.By the time we reached the summit of Mt kawayan the cloud was breaking up and glimpses of the peaks were appearing and then disappearing. It was a pretty awe-inspiring experience and made me realize how lucky I was to experience such amazing scenery. We did not hang around for long , after our lunch we started another hike going to mt bungkol baka. As we travelled back along the ridge, the cloud swirled in and out and I wondered if the summit at mt bungkol baka would give us a clear view of Tarlac province. As we drove up, the skies were dark and threatening, not something we’ve ever encountered before. Just as we walked over the top the clouds reveal an amazing view of Tarlac and the neighboring province ( dont know what ??) and the barangay where we started, which serve as our jump-off. We took some pictures,and I've never felt more alive than when I'm sitting perched on the very peak of the mountain, but then rain started to fall. Again, something we are expecting. I wasn’t looking forward to spending 5 more hours in the rain (We were, however, prepared for it.) Unfortunately it was going to be a traverse along the ridge and then retrace our steps back again then pass Mt tangisan going back to jump-off. At 3 pm ( exhausted and hungry ) we were hiking along the ridge just as the rain began to fall again (heavy rain this time). The climb and walk back down is much easier but still requires plenty of concentration. While climbing backwards down the muddy rocks. With all the previous climb I have done recently, I felt short on this climb, going down the ridge feels unending.Unluckily for us, heavy rain is with us on our way down which make it more harder. Typical! Oh well maybe it surpass my muddy experience with romelo and daguldol. Nothing can be dried at this point. But despite the cold and dampness I kept pace better than I thought I would. I’m definitely the slow one in the group, but I thought I’d be a lot slower. Some parts of the climb were really scary so I had to mentally push myself (river crossing (plenty of it!!) – I HATE river crossing and the slippery rocks you’re required to balance on to cross them). Again, thank god for my hiking poles that eventually give up ( SAD!). We reached the jump off around 7 pm and right away group is getting ready to go home. 

Climbing San jose circuit is one of the best things to do in Tarlac. It is exhausting, exhilarating, and leaves you with the ultimate bragging rights. But those bragging rights come at a cost – the 2 mountains (bungkol Baka and kawayan is not an easy mountain to climb. It involves rain, muddy trail and spending most of the trek in the river. Oh yeah, and back, knee, and foot problems.

As terrible as my other climbs, I would do it all over again. This climb is the ultimate test of endurance and I’ve never experienced such extreme rushes of adrenaline for a long time, the feeling is highly addictive. I’m going to cherish my san jose circuit memories for the rest of my life. 

I pushed myself to the absolute limit and it was clear that the this is what others did too (i think , except for sir jhunie and sir toto .. harkur si sir!!:) ).

For those who favor a less crowded climb i highly suggest san jose circuit. Climbing San Jose Circuit (DAYHIKE ) takes a lot of preparation. i must say climber should begin planning their trek in advance and must be physically and emotionally ready.