Into the rocky mountains of Cuyambay

It's been a long time from my last blog entry, but now I have a good reason to write again.

My fascination with rock climbing started when a friend invited me to a small indoor rock climbing gym in New Manila wayback 2001, my only complaint that time was that my hands were pretty sore afterwards, but they say the more that you do it, the less pain you'll endure with your hands. I never imagine that one day I will try an outdoor rock climbing experience, after my Lioness and rhino rock formation experience I definitely look forward for more. 

Does outdoor rock climbing gets any better??  Answer is a BIG YES!

Go Rock Climbing. You may think that rock climbing appeals to only a few expertly-trained adventurers, but in fact there is a range of peaks to choose from, and not all are as demanding as the others. 

So after having a break from the outdoors, I, Jackie ( my travel/adventure/kumare/climb buddy) and Kap Omeng is back on the road ready to attack the province of Rizal.

02/08/2015

There is really no day wasted on a visit to Tanay, Rizal, you can chose from a variety of activities. From Fallsineering, Spelunking, Mountaineering or any adrenaline pumping activites. Choosing your destination to explore is sometimes the only option when there is a time limit while in Tanay. 

The Pinagpatong Rock is Cuyambay’s answer to Masungi’s Rock formation, but on a much smaller but tougher scale.

Upon reaching barangay Cuyambay, our first stop is to secure permit at their barangay hall. From highway to the Barangay Hall, you have the option to take a habal-habal ride or walking to a concrete pavement. We opt for a 20 minutes walk going to Barangay Hall to enjoy the views. The walk was really pretty, some hillside farms and just pure greenery everywhere. 

After securing our permit, together with our guide Kuya Molong the trek begin. Before reaching the rock formation a 25 minutes leisurely walk to a private farm will be consumed. The climb to the rock will officially start after passing the tree planting site. Starting the ascend to the top you will pass by a forested area. This area comprises of 50% bamboo tress and 50% trees. It is very very hot that day, too much, but at least there's no rain.

After almost an hour of strenuous climbing we finally reach the part that separate the two peaks of Pinagpatong rock formation. Going to the two peaks is not so modified for accessibility, and it added to its natural and tougher appeal.

The view from the highest point is amazing. It was really an odd and amazing rock form to see.  The scenery was stunning, and the weather was perfect , it was lovely to see blue skies and some fluffy clouds.

The rugged rock formation which tower above the highlands are every climber’s fascination. This type of landscape is also spotted with valleys and escarpments which all together form an exhilarating experience to all climbers.

Unknown to many, Pinagpatong Rock formation is not really part of the Masungi Rock Formation, and Pinagpatong has two destinctive peaks, the highest peak were named after some huge rock were like piled, it brought out a very pleasant perspective on the limestone formations. 

It was very atmospheric exploring Pinagpatong rock formation. The huge rocks was beautiful and very appropriately named.

Overall this was a very enjoyable trip, tiring but well worth it. Thanks jakie and Kap Omeng. See you on the road again.