Pulag : my surreal encounter

I was just coming off of a busy and tiring weeks at work and was feeling the need to relax.So, when my climbing friend Master Jc batayola invited me to join him for a weekend climb to Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail I jumped at the opportunity right away.

Pulag is known for their rugged high peaks, long hours of  hiking trails and epic mountain climbing experience.It's about the thrill of the challenge and the fun.I know for me at least, stunning scenery can be really distracting from denr all the way to akiki jumpoff , so just make sure to keep your eyes on the road most of the time.

We walked in silence all the way to the akiki trail visitor's center, our unspoken words shrouded by the damp,misty and cold air. Rain begins to fall as we arrive at the registration center, Would heavy rain stop us? Bad weather thwarted the start of our ascent, which is a bit of a letdown. I struggled to be more optimistic, because you never know what the weather might bring.

The heavy rain continues that night, our itinerary was at risk, our first night was spent at a school nearby. Sad, but our safety should always comes first. The next day the weather has improved! There was a chance now that we could start our hike and try to summit the next day. My hopes soared. We scrambled to get ready,started our hike early at 4 am,  then dashed off, feeling shrewd, like we could outsmart the weather. But no, weather had other plans. The weather changes, and after the akiki trail off to marlboro heavy rains begins to fall again.

After doubting myself climbing Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail again after several years, i was thrilled to accomplish each day’s itinerary. Akiki trail is a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment from strenuous hiking and to see the spectacular views starting from Eddet river all the way up to the Pine forest of the killer trail and off to marlboro country.

We moved along very carefully (as in very very careful..being the sweeper of the group together with master JC and Sir Tolits) finding and holding our own pace, and turned up the killer trail. The path was defined and fresh with amazing pine trees, and it awarded us with a reasonably amazing views of the surrounding peaks. Over the next five hours, with my knees weak from the weight of my packs, I'm still happy and content, if not forced, to stop every other hour (may kasama pang power nap na 1 hr sa trail).

Eventually we arrived at what would be our campsite for the night which is at the saddle camp: an unassuming and designated campsite below the summit. It offered us a place to set up our tent (luckily for me my tent is set up already when i arrived at saddle, courtesy of my porter) and had inspiring views of the surrounding peaks. Once settled in, i immediately went inside my tent and started the much needed rest and good night sleep after a very long hike.

But I’ve come to realize that just because I did not make the summit doesn’t mean I failed. There’s so much more to it than that. And, I believe that i just conquered myself rather than i conquered Mt. Pulag.

My Tapulao Experience

When people talk about mountain climbing, Mt Tapulao is on everyone's topic. Discussions usually involves the long trek going to the peak, expose to sun trail and the near zero temperature at the summit. I did not go on my first hike to Tapulao until 2010. I could blame it on some facts i heard from others who experience the deadly trail.  Having never gone and tried tapulao, I didn’t see the value and always declined when asked.

Since my decision to climb Mt Tapulao came at the right time with the right people to climb with i consider myself lucky completing the climb.

With so much at stake , I was being extra dedicated , careful , not to get injured or get sick completing this climb.

I had a lot of fun on our climb with great friends. Thanks to jackie, Kenneth, Gang2 , sir Jc and sir Marlon. It is a perfect warm up for climbers wanting to go to Pulag or for someone looking for a challenging climb.

I fell in love with climbing Mt Tapulao and with the life lessons i will keep in my heart forever, the experience was exhilarating. I hope to do it again soon.

Mt. Balagbag via Licao

I first heard of Mt. Balagbag in 2010 while preparing for a Pulag climb. Back then the mountain was not really famous with mountaineers itself, and I had to ask info's to find out much about the place.

This mountain is part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, a great destination since its near my place. The trail is easy but as you ascend uphill you are expose to the sun which for me is the hardest part of the trek.

Additional attraction of Mt. Balagbag include some waterfalls and small rivers along the way. The summit is also good for Bikers.

Thanks so much Kenneth, Rowell and Pia for joining me in this climb.

MT. BALAGBAG
Rodriguez, Rizal
First jumpoff: Sitio Karahume, Brgy. Macabud, Rodriguez
second jumpoff: Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez
LLA: 777 MASL (unverified)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2

I love climbing...

Hiking is one of my passions. There seems to be a point on every hike i make where fatigue sets in. Much like life, i can either turn around easily or push through the difficulty. Choosing the latter, i receive the payoff by reaching the peak and basking with our god's creation.

Why do you climb? A frequently ask question on my every climb.

Climbing draws allure and mystery of life to me. When i was growing up in North view , filinvest i went to school passing through some hills. That is where i grow up and made it. Now, those are not “mountains” when you compare them to the mountains on Sierra Madre or Benguet, but I remember hiking and passing through this hills in Filinvest for the first time in grade school and how it made a huge impact in my life. I think that is where my love for hiking and mountain has started.The sense of awe and wonder I get from being at the top of the hills has never gone away since that time.

Mountain top experiences are called just that for a reason,and  i want to prove myself that i can do anything i set myself to do.First there is the peacefulness of being at the peak of a mountain.Then there is the camaraderie of friends working up a mountain not as individuals but as a team.It also has some spiritual quality to it. I feel very blessed and close to God when I am in the mountains.And lastly, the challenge of making each step on a steep ascend knowing that a mistake could be deadly and the next step will be rewarding.

Although hiking comes with danger I think it's invigorating to do something dangerous and make it through. Also, thrill seeking may be a way to let go of one's fears, to face them and overcome them. Holding on to fear is letting something control your life. Doing dangerous stuff is letting go of that fear and I feel it lets me put things into perspective. I also enjoy confronting my fears and dealing with them rather than let them control me.

I have challenged myself to complete each climb eventhough sometimes it pushes my boundaries. What a huge difference it makes in my enjoyment of life. And, there is nothing like the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a climb. Now that I’m married with a family, i hope one day i can take my boys on a hiking adventures. I hope one day they’ll appreciate the beauty that is all around them and the satisfaction that come from experiencing God’s works.

MY CHECKLIST

PROVINCES	VISITED	BLOG ENTRY	CITIES/MUNICIPALIES VISITED
Province
Abra
Agusan Del Norte
Agusan Del Sur
Aklan
Albay
Antique
Apayao
Aurora	Y	Y
Basilan
Bataan	Y	Y
Batanes
Batangas	Y	Y
Benguet	Y	Y
Biliran
Bohol
Bukidnon
Bulacan	Y	Y
Cagayan	Y	Y
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Camiguin
Capiz
Catanduanes
Cavite	Y	Y
Cebu
Compostela Valley
Cotabato (North Cotabato)
Davao Del Norte
Davao Del Sur
Davao Oriental
Dinagat Islands
Eastern Samar
Guimaras
Ifugao	Y	Y
Ilocos Norte	Y	Y
Ilocos Sur	Y	Y
Iloilo
Isabela	Y	Y
Kalinga	Y	Y
La Union	Y	Y
Laguna	Y	Y
Lanao Del Norte
Lanao Del Sur
Leyte
Maguindanao
Marinduque
Masbate
Misamis Occidental
Misamis Oriental
Mountain Province
Negros Occidental
Negros Oriental
Northern Samar
Nueva Ecija	Y	Y
Nueva Vizcaya
Occidental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro
Palawan
Pampanga	Y	Y
Pangasinan
Quezon	Y	Y
Quirino
Rizal
Romblon
Samar (Western Samar)
Sarangani
Siquijor
Sorsogon
South Cotabato
Southern Leyte
Sultan Kudarat
Sulu
Surigao Del Norte	Y	Y
Surigao Del Sur	Y	Y
Tarlac	Y	Y
Tawi-tawi
Zambales	Y	Y
Zamboanga Del Norte
Zamboanga Del Sur
Zamboanga Sibugay

Revisiting Mt. Arayat with a storm..

Let the storms begin! Mad for mud, winds, rains, slippery roots, sleepy snakes in their holes, wild cats, and isolated rock traversing. Few pictures, could not risk Panasonic in the rains...

Mount Arayat. My first love.

Lost count how many times I've been up to Mt. Arayat, and the last time i summit Mt arayat is during a stormy weather.  Im not scared of a little downpour, I actually kind of enjoy it.

But not just a bad weather, Pampanga that time is down to signal number 2.  With Mami Ei and Miles and my go signal from Rochelle our plan to trek Arayat with storm signal number 2 still pushes through. I dont have any reason why do we need to cancel or reschedule the climb, all i know is i want to climb that time.

I guess it’s a good idea to spend a few quiet days in the mountains with rains and thunder. After all, I always like to be in a mountain, its my most favorite place. Being in a mountain, I feel peaceful, its so quiet, since not many people want to climb on a rainy day.

Trail is easier and more forested than it appears from highway. This was much more beautiful than I expected. Much more forested than you would expect when you look at the mountain from below, and that contrasted with the boulder made for a very interesting hike.

Amazing views but could have been better at the summit if it weren't for the cloud cover.

Well, no matter the reason, always remember where you are. You are in the mountain. You cannot control the weather. You are dealing with an unpredictable phenomena, remain humble and be heedful .If you prepare yourself with the right gear and the right attitude, you can expect anything right coming your way.

Cagbalete : My infinite love

beautiful white sands, these things are all over cagbalete.

Cagbalete is such a paradise. Incredibly beautiful with stunning scenery.

I didn’t know how much my team mates loved water until we went to Cagbalete. Cagbalete is  one of the most incredible places I have ever been - picture postcard incredible-as i always say.

Cagbalete is a typical island which doesn't have plenty of restaurants, so be ready with canned goods or packed lunch.

Budget trip to cagbalete is just beginning for now, so it is a good time to go, as there are still not many tourists or resorts available. It was really an eye-opening finding out that it is entirely possible to spend a week or two at the island with minimal budget. 

Moreover, in the morning, fishermen would dock and sell off some of their catches. You can easily haggle for some fresh fish for reasonable prices and then throw it on the grill. 

Everyone hide in the shade during the hottest time of the day, then late that afternoon the group went on a walk across the sandbar, then we swam out to the other end of the Island in crystal clear waters and fine white sands. 

Hopefully I get to see many more beaches with the group in the future.

It was such a great week. I had been looking forward to this all week.  It was such an amazing experience. Thank you guys for the memories.

Clear water, beautiful place, and lots of great memories.

Our last night in Cagbalete was a winner.

Waiting for Sunset..

What a great spot to watch God's hand at work. It is so beautiful.

The majority of our time at this island was spent right here.

The sun is a big big factor. Everyone applied a lot of sunscreen, but all of us got burned at some point or another.

It was so cool eating awesome foods prepared by all of us.