Chronicles of Bakun Trio : Day 1 Mt. Lobo

C'est la vie. That’s the bottom line. I am sick (its all in the mind) , i have current serious stomach pain and some knee problems. But I loved to climb - so be it.

I still had a week before my schedule monthly check-up, but then I decided to join Sir Jojo with team PUSH IT for a Bakun trio climb. Not a bad plan. I had never climbed Bakun before, and i want it out of my bucket lists so I was super keen to go. It was actually about finding the right spot with the right conditions/companions at that time.

5 Am Baguio City

It was a 4 hour long drive going to Dada, our first destination. We have a quick stop at Halselma highway for some photo session. Nostalgic, Really.

From kibungan intersection the rough road has started. What a thrill. The ride going to Bakun can be more dangerous than those pine forest and upland ravines. However, we had a terrific driver, very skilled and very careful. I'm a fan. I salute you kuya Ismael.

10 Am Dada

After the bumpy ride and the delightful scenery we arride at Brgy. Dada. Blue sky and the stunning slopes greeted us with a smile. The cool morning air and scent of pine needles is addicting, the scent is so heavy in the cool morning air, it was deep and sweeter.

Immediately after a short briefing we started our great escarpment. But 15 minutes later , the sky suddenly darkened. I began second-guessing the weather. The pouring weak rain soon followed.

We have no choice but continue the trek or we might not make it on time to poblacion before sunset. Halfway heavy downpour began, we have no choice but to have a break at a house that offer some sort of shelter. Luckily "Ate" offered me some lemons, fresh from the trees, I picked them , interesting, but hey the folks I met here were exceptional.

The shower was short-lived, then, the rain stopped. It was still past 11 am and the sky is more clear, right away we started our ascend all the way to the summit.No rain gear needed.

Mt Lobo is considered the easiest of the Trio. I learned, however, that Mt Lobo is not that easy. Despite the easier expected trail conditions, the way up to the summit was a strenuous hike.

Our guide mentioned that a metal railing was already built to make access to the summit more easier. In no time we reached our first peak. we were not blessed with an amazing weather but i proud to say "yes im done with Mt. Lobo". A bit of clouds or a cloudy day at the summit adds up to an enchanting views, and that changes all the time. I wasnt discouraged about hiking Mt Lobo in these conditions.

Past 1 Pm.

After our lunch and some photo sessions the group started to descend. Climbing again after lunch was a challenge. It was tempting to stay for more hours but we have to - so in no time we started to descent.

From Mt. Lobo's summit the trail is more scenic, but now its more longer and tougher. My Mantra is " slowly and surely" on my way down. Its because the descent became a little harder with a lot more rocky bits and steep mountain slope.

It’s a long, long way down going to poblacion proper. But the amazing scenery continued. I was fascinated with the glimpses of other ways of life and landscapes.

I enjoyed the walking. I do the talk, I do the walk. I never get bored, which is what usually happens when I hike.

Needless to say, one of our group member got semi-injured on our way down.

Most of the descent was along a ridgeline. From the pine forest trail, the hanging bridge, the picturesque villages and terraced fields leading down to Poblacion is visible. Happily, views got even better now. It's a bit bizzare walking back into civilization.

The first group made it down to Poblacion proper at around 5 pm, and walked through a residential area with beautiful vegetation garden, crossing bridges overlooking the trail from the summit of Mt. Lobo.

There was one particular event I wanted to share. After distributing some of the candies and school supplies i have for the kids and While taking a rest at Poblacion's Barangay hall , one kid approach me and said "Thank you". That really made my heart jump for joy, knowing those kids doesnt know how to speak tagalog. The speaking eyes of the little kid do things to me that I could never explain. Indeed, the heart does not seek “fixes” but insight and understanding.

I want to say thank you Bakun for giving me the courage to continue. I would keep this with me for the longest time.

This being our first night at Poblacion, we stayed at a lovely old Municipal Hall which serve as our home for the next 3 days and 2 nights. The place is so good, with more embracing views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

How much I wish my system did not hurt that much, so I could take another trek tomorrow morning.

I doubt I’ll forget this experience to soon.

Thank You Bakun Trio..

Since I started mountaineering, it has been my wish to someday climb and complete the Bakun trio. I been hearing a lot of good reviews with Bakun , and looking at some pictures it made me more excited and eager to climb Bakun. The excitement I felt when I actually came to Bakun, Benguet and saw the mountain ranges that compose the Bakun trio was incomparable. The incredibly beautiful scenery dazzled my eyes. I thought, “I want to climb to the top.” And so I did.

The Bakun Trio is compose of three mountains; Mt. Kabunian, Mt. Tenglawan, and Mt. Lobo. The Bakun Municipal Hall serves as our basecamp for three days and two nights, and i was amaze with the people of Poblacion , Bakun, they are very accommodating. One may choose to do day hikes for each mountain and follow several itinerary. Our group did the Lobo-Tenglawan and lastly Kabunian dayhikes per day.

Arriving at the summit of Lobo, tenglawan and Kabunian justifies the hours of climb. The views are incomparable at each summit, and even on a cloudy day at mount Lobo summit where you can actually see little but the neighbouring peaks jutting above the cloud layers, it is still amazing. Gazing into the beauty of each mountain reinforce the sense of accomplishment. I'm proud to say "yes I'm done with Bakun".

Here’s a quick rundown of what I experience with the Bakun trio. Like always, I can only note my opinions based from my experience.

MT. KABUNIAN

Trek time: 6-8 hrs (ascent and descent)

Difficulty : I consider it Easy to moderate. There are some steep climbs and it can take you 3-4 hours to reach the summit and 2 hrs descent back to poblacion.

Trail type: forested area with hanging bridges ( if i remember it correctly you need to cross 4-5 hanging bridges going to the summit), concrete steps with iron railing, it also involve scrambling and exposure to heights, rugged terrain in the form of loose rock and bushy cogon sections of trail. It also features a killer trail which impose amazing boulders.

Water source: There is two available water source. The first one is after crossing the 3rd hanging bridge going up the concrete stairs. The last one is 15 minutes before the summit, just be sure you have enought water before reaching the last one.

Summit : The views that morning from Mt Kabunian were exceptionally amazing and we could clearly see Mt. Tenglawan and the amazing mountain ravine in the distance. Although unlike the other two summit mt. kabunian's summit has no destinctive landmark, but before reaching its summit you will pass through the side of the huge rocky side of kabunian which used to be a burial grounds, hence the presence of box coffins can be seen from the trail.

Notes: I consider Mt.kabunian easy to moderate, but keep in mind, though, Mt. Kabunian is no joke. There will be sweat involved all the way to the summit. a slip on loose rock that was wet could lead to a nasty fall down the slide to the bottom of the ravine. I recommend you start climbing early in the morning to avoid too much exposure to the sun's heat, i also recomment mt. Kabunian as your last mountain to complete the trio.

MT.TENGLAWAN

Trek time: 14-16 hours (ascent and descent)

Difficulty : I consider Tenglawan moderate to Difficult. There are some steep climbs and it can take you 6-8 hours to reach the summit and 6-7 hrs descent back to poblacion.

Trail type: forested area with hanging bridges ( if i remember it correctly you need to cross 2 hanging bridges going to the summit), the open trail which made the hiker expose to the sun, the rocky trail and the farmers trail, ravines with loose rocks, the akiki-like trail (this trail almost made me give up), and lastly the mossy forest before the summit.

Water source: we identified two watersource going to tenglawan, first is from the community and the last one is before you start the akiki-like trail.

Summit : The very distinct landmark at Mt tenglawan is the cross on top of a rock protrusion just beside the peak, the rock formation is similar to the monolith of pico de loro. A nice view of Bayombong, nueva vizcaya can be seen from afar.

Notes: Mt. Tenglawan was said to be the hardest of the 3 mountains of Bakun, i will definitely agree with this. Doing Mt Lobo on our first day prepared us for the long hike to Tenglawan.

MT.LOBO (Dada to Poblacion)

Trek time: 5-7 hours (ascent and descent)

Difficulty : I consider it Easy to moderate. There are some steep climbs and it can take you 2-3 hours to reach the summit and 3-4 hrs descent to poblacion.

Trail type: farmers trail, steep trail,red soil with pine trees,

and rock assault on final leg to summit but manageable since they built an iron railings all the way to the summit. Hanging bridge and forested trail going to poblacion.

Water source: we pass by two water source going to poblacion from the summit.

Summit : Rocky summit. I think mt lobo can offer a very good 360-degree view at the summit, No clearing for us. I was a bit disappointed, but at least we made it to the top.

You really need to be very lucky with the weather.

Notes: The long descent going to poblacion is tiring, going down through loose rock makes for a challenging descend, but the views are worth the effort.

All-in-all the climb is worth it. From the amazing views, the challenging trail, the accommodating people of poblacion and lastly the friendship and camaraderie i have from bakun. Somehow, i would say hikes never seem to end at the summit of the mountain. The truth is that we are always climbing a ‘mountain’ of some kind every day. After giving out that much energy to climb and complete Bakun trio, it seems its fair to say that i can climb every mountain from now on. They are in effect what we choose to dedicate our lives to.

Completing Bakun Trio was such an amazing experience. I have only had a couple of other experiences where I have to pushed my body to its limits and I always feel so alive when I do. The hike is a great opportunity for me to reflect, to be more thankful for iam still alive and climbing. I will forever be grateful to you Bakun. Thank you for this once in a lifetime experience.

And the New7Wonders Cities are…

I came across a pretty interesting article today from yahoo.com (you can read the full story here).  Wow. I was surprise that Vigan made it to the New7Wonders Cities. It was very nostalgic. 

This article is part of my ongoing attempt to corral all of my travel/climb photos on this blog.

I must admit the old city of Vigan is not on the top of my list of ‘must see’ in my Ilocos Adventure wayback 2000. But after visiting it for the first time it change my mind and it marked my appreciation for antique, culture and history.

If you like to travel in the past, this is one of the perfect place for you. Upon reaching Vigan, I've felt like I'm in another time.  It's like going back some hundred years ago.

December inspire me to think about and plan new travel journeys or even relive some of my memorable experiences.

Vigan is a place where wonderful experiences never end.It is just so amazing to look back and see the cultural history of this old city, the old brick roads and the heritage houses. There is always more to explore, to discover, to see, to taste, and to feel in this old city.

There are so many places to visit around the country, so I hate going back to the same place again and again. However I fell in LOVE with Vigan and have been back several times and I wouldn’t mind going back again.

I must encourage anyone having doubts about Vigan as to whether it is worth a time to visit. Absolutely, absolutely YES.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 25 : The Mauban Church - Mauban, Quezon

The Church of Mauban stands a few meters near Mauban's pier, fronting Lamon Bay. It is under the protection of St. Bonaventure, the town's patron saint. Beautiful and charming town.

Its is really worth visiting Mauban,Quezon. You can do a sidetrip to this old Catholic Church, eat at the restaurants/pedicab to try their pancit habhab and halo-halo (a must for everyone).

Very nice and interesting church to visit. Aside from attending the mass, the view is also worth visiting.

Quick Facts on The Church of Mauban

Church Information

Names : The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle 

Founded : 1864

Architectural type : baroque 

Location :  Paete, Laguna

Main attraction : The large wall paintings on wood panels inside the church. The intricate retablo which is so beautifully done.

The hidden beauty of Sta. Ana

Sta. Ana has fascinating beaches. I visited two well known beaches in Sta. Ana, one is Anguib and the other is Nangaramoan. It was a paradise, indeed. I was stunned by the hidden beauty of this beaches. My narration will only tell some of my experiences in Anguib.

You can reach this place by land or by Boat. And if your afraid of big waves i recommend you take a motorcycle from Sta. ana proper or if your up for an adventure go for the boat from san vicente port and it includes a sidetrip to the mangrove forest, a very nice mangrove forest and if you are lucky enough you'd catch a flock of birds at this place.

Anguib beach is made famous by last seasons US Survivor Palaui and Cagayan. They say this is the Boracay of the North, Anguib Beach has a powdery soft white sand and shallow waters,like Anawangin it has pine trees which compliment the beautiful beach.

First destination is the Mangrove forest park (the biggest mangrove park i been to). From here you can see a mini white sand beach in the middle of the mangrove forest and bird watching is also good here. Since the park is only accessible during high tide and it is almost getting low tide the boat man decided that we leave the place right away.

After a while, i could see a long strip of white beach waiting for me. As the boat approached the beach, i was left speechless by the sight of clear green and blue waters greeting me with the most assuring white beach in the north and I was immediately distracted by the sight of numerous colourful fish swimming around the boat.

Usually being more of an active traveller, I was looking forward to spending a few days lazing on a white sand beach, feet dangling in the water or trekking, but I was antonished by the silence of Anguib and how its beauty seemed to have calmed down my mind and body. For a while, I thought everything is good, but looking back at the sky and the different shades of clouds that is visible in the sky, I was brought back to the reality of a bad weather waiting for me at this cove.

The water in anguib is a real emerald green colour, which is complimented by deep white sand. The beaches are surrounded by some rock formations that jut out of the water, covered in patches of greenery stone. The setting is enchanting, and gives a completely different feel to the other beaches that i been. I presumed all of these beaches would be stunning and 'same, same, but different'. But as it turns out, there is no 'same, same' at all, only beautiful and different.

What more would you ask for? This is a beach bummer's haven. And if you want to stay out for some quiet time this is a perfect place,  it was like i owned this place. Such a Perfect hideaway. 

At the mangrove forest

the beachfront of Anguib where survivor immunity challenge was shoot

some of the props use for survivor

beautiful rock formation at the right end part of anguib

@ nangaramoan beach

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 24 : The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle - Paete, Laguna

Yes, you definitely need to visit or attend mass at this church.

This is a beautiful old church that you can admire from the outside or the inside interiors.Paete being known for woodcarving can also be proud of this old church. The wonders of this building never ceases to amaze me. Its strong walls and beautiful interiors speak for its aged history. Although, the church underwent a lot of renovation due to natural calamities. The church in itself has been maintained from its old appearance. 

The structure, its presense is beautiful and solemn. I was really impressed by how it was built and how its being taken care of by the locals.

A really beautiful church with lots of History,i was able to get inside and offer some prayers, i  felt very blessed.

Quick Facts on The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle - Paete, Laguna

Church Information

Names : The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle 

Founded : 1864

Architectural type : baroque 

Location :  Paete, Laguna

Main attraction : The large wall paintings on wood panels inside the church. The intricate retablo which is so beautifully done.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 19 : San Ildefonso Parish Church - Tanay, Rizal

When you go to Tanay you'll come upon a church which is worth a visit.

From what I could tell, this church is beautiful. Its design is unique and amazing. And it has such a fascinating history. The interior of this centuries old church is vivid and endearing. Its exterior and interior facade is well preserve.

If only its facade can speak, you would hear its more than hundred years of history, whispering its story behinds this marvelous church.

San Ildefonso Church is always a part of my itinerary when visiting Tanay. A very nice church and absolutely a must see.

Quick Facts on San Ildefonso Parish Church

Church Information

Names : San Ildefonso Parish Church

Founded : 1783

Architectural type : baroque 

Location : Tanay, Rizal

Main attraction : The 14 Stations of the Cross inside the church and the two huge acacia trees outside the church. It was declared a National Cultural Heritage by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts along with 25 other churches all over the Philippines.