Boondocken

Mt. Pulag Akiki-Ambangeg Dayhike | Day 2

Mt. Pulag via Akiki-Ambangeg Trail Day hike

Kabayan Benguet
Trail: Akiki - Ambangeg

Moving Time and Day(s): 6 Hours and 45 Minutes | 1 Day
June 3 2012

I generally like the serenity of Mt. Pulag. It was my 3^rd time in Mt. Pulag and 3^rd time on akiki-ambangeg trail but this time I hike Mt. Pulag on a day. Many have done this ultimate Akiki-Ambangeg day hike. It’s been months of waiting and this time I can say that I’m proud to accomplish this challenge.

My guide and I agreed to start our hike on 0400H but it seems my guide forgot our agreement. I went at guide house below visitor center office. I wake him up and he quickly gets his things. We started our chilly trek at 0500H. We arrived at Eddet River at exactly 0550H. I felt my legs are getting tired because of traverse from Timbak and I’m feeling so sleepy. We reached Marlboro Country at 0710H. We took a full rest and after breakfast then, I took a snap. Light rain suddenly poured and I felt colder. We resume our trek at exactly 0810H. From a 45-minutes trek away from Marboro, we arrived at mossy forest water source (last water source in akiki trail).

Mt. Timbak traverse to Kabayan (central) Benguet | Day 1

Mt. Timbak
Atok, Benguet

Trail: KM.55 to Kabayan Central to Mt. Pulag Akiki jump off
Moving Time and Day(s): 4 hours and 35 minutes | 1 day

June 2 2012

DONE! Timbak-Pulag duo over the weekend! Approximately 38km. of leg excruciating trek and a total of 10+ hours ascent-descent on 1^st and 3rd highest peak of Luzon. This duo starts at KM 55 Halsema Highway Atok, Benguet down to Kabayan Central Benguet that ends up in Babadac Ranger Station (ambangeg) also in Kabayan, Benguet.

Mt. Timbak traverse to Kabayan (central) Benguet | Day 1

Mt. Timbak jump-off starts at KM 55. The trek is on a steep paved road. Take left on the first fork which is few meters away from the jump off. Mt. Timbak is a community area of farmers. Just ask for direction heading to sir Salvador house near Timbak Summit. I took a shortcut going to Sir Salvador place via chapel (tips given by local I’ve met along the way). Trail via chapel may be confusing but you can also take the paved road to avoid stepping on vegetable plants. I reached Sir Salvador place after 50-minutes of trekking, Camsol family welcomed me with warm smile and they treated me like we all have known each other since before. Hot Soy Bean Coffee was served (sarap,bawal tanggihan at pangpainit) and meal was offered to me but I refuse to eat (nakakahiya naman). Summit/ Mini Calvary is 5 minutes away from Camsol house. I did some picture-picture even though the clouds hide the grandest view of Mt. Timbak. There’s no visibility in Timbak during rainny season (most often on june-august) and it is always surrounded by clouds.

It's More Fun in the Philippines, the fullpacked version

I’m proudly Pinoy and I love Philippines because I hike on enchanting mountains, I travel and visit the splendid places that you can found only in the Philippines. It’s more fun here and let’s enjoy on what this extremely beautiful country can offer.

I made some “It’s More Fun in the Philippines memes” from my adventures. Check them out and have fun!

Mt. Pulag Oct. 2006

Solo Mt. Batulao Day Hike

Solo Mt. Batulao Day Hike

Old – New Trail

Nasugbu, Batangas

20 April 2012

I climbed Mt. Batulao on a blistering hot Friday before I went home in Calatagan. It was my 5th time in Mt. Batulao and my first time to hike alone. My feet were itchy to climb again because my last climb was roughly two months ago (Mt. Apo). The ambience of Mount Batulao is always dazzling. I started at 1020H and took the old trail because of more shaded part than the new trail. I run, walk hastily and chat with the locals. I was in the summit at 1140H and stayed for about 15-20minutes.

Ang Pulo | Mangroves Hopping

Ang Pulo | Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park

Island and Mangroves Hopping

Baranggay Quilitisan (Kilitisan) Calatagan, Batangas

Apri 8, 2012

It was late Saturday night when I picked up Ma’am Aby in Balayan then we headed back to Calatagan. She got interested in my Ambil and especially Lubang Island plans. So, we decided to cross the island via passenger boat from Calatagan Port to Lubang Island on Sunday Morning. Sadly, there is no available trip going to Lubang Island but Ambil island trip is available however the return trip was not available on the next day (Monday). My mother told us that she has an acquaintance in newly popular tourist destination in Calatagan called “Ang Pulo” at Brgy. Kilitisan. Her acquaintance will tour us for free. That’s “free” so tara lets! Libre e!

Backpack Riding in Daraitan River

Daraitan Tanay, Rizal
February 24-25 2007

Last 2007, I’ve been in Daraitan with UE Mountaineers. It’s about trekking alongside of the river, camping and unusual backpack riding. Daraitan also offers activities like caving, mountain biking and hiking. The river water is clean and clear that’s why it was awarded as the cleanest inland body of water inRegion IV and a finalist for the national completion. It has also mountain’s cool breeze during night and big boulders can pass through while doing the river trekking/ crossing.

Borawan and Dampalitan Island

Padre Burgos, Quezon

March 24-25 2012

And here I come, Borawan and Dampalitan Island of Padre Burgos in Quezon province. A very quiet and calm sea of Padre Burgos has its own unique diverse island and islet. Too pricey chartered boat will bring you to the pride and undeveloped islands of Padre Burgos.

Borawan Island

From afar, it really looks like Boracay-Palawan because of white sand and rock formation. Upon reaching the place, it’s not really white or fine sand (like in Calatagan) and the rock is not really like the rock formation found in Palawan. But I’ll give +1 and thumbs up for Borawan.

Cape Santiago Lighthouse | Calatagan Lighthouse

Cape Santiago or Calatagan Lighthouse

Brgy. Bagong Silang, Calatagan Batangas

The light house tower symbolizes the town of Calatagan. It is also called Parola because the place is named Parola and later on became Bagong Silang. If you’re going to a beach, try to visit the light house. Go on wonder and be amazed in this 51 feet structure erected on 1890.

Cape Santiago Light House Itinerary

ETD MANILA

BUS: the (Cely Rosa BUS) Bus Station is located along Taft Avenue near Sogo Hotel EDSA-TAFT. From EDSA head to Baclaran (10-15 meters away from EDSA). BUS fare is 160php. 4-5 hours ride.

VAN: the terminal is located in Zamora Street between MRT EDSA Station and Kabayan Hotel. Van Fare is 180php. 2.5-3 hours ride.

ETA Calatagan Town Proper.

Tarak Ridge

Brgy. Alas-asin Mariveles, Bataan

Minor Classification

August 28-29 2010

Tarak Ridge/ Peak is one of the prominent peaks in Mariveles Mountain Ranges including Vintana Peak and Pantingan Peak (highest peak). I recommend this mountain as one of the best training grounds for mountaineers and trail runners.

Long stretch of trekking starts at Brgy. Alas Asin national highway. The first leg was concrete road going to rough road. In front, you can see the vast Mariveles Mountain and far behind is the superb Corregidor Island and Islet. Then, entering the forest area was covered by gigantic Acacia Trees and other trees. It’s just like walk-in-the-park scenario. Slightly going up, down and the rest were gradual and easy trekking alongside of the mountain. Wet season makes soil muddier. It’s difficult to remove dirt from shirts, backpack, shoes, and other stuff when it dries, so quickly eliminate dirt using water.( During our climb in 2010 there are 6-7 small waterfalls can be passed through.)

Samal Island, Davao

February 28 2012

One of the best side trips after an epic climb in Mt. Apo. It is just 10 pesos ferry fare away from hectic city of Davao.

I have no plans for side trips because of my budget. I’ll rather stay in the dormitel and sleep the whole day or just look around in the city. I woke up merely past 7 in the morning because of my companions, APO TEAM, was talking and preparing for their SAMAL ISLAND getaway. I’ve only slept for 3 hours! They were convincing me to go in Samal also. Though I don’t have enough rest and sleep, I was convinced to come with them.

At exactly 09:00am (0900H) we rode on a jeep passing by SASA(?) Pier. Twenty minutes later we’re on Ferry terminal station. It’s just 10 pesos only to cross Samal Island. I just had reminisced of Makati-Madaluyong tawid (crossing by use of boat). It’s a 15-20 minutes of ferry ride going to Samal.

Mt. Apo Kapatagan - Kidapawan Trail

Mt. Apo
Davao del Sur and North Cotabato
Trail: Kapatagan - Kidapawan
Moving Time and Day(s): 14 Hours and 40 Minutes | 3 Days February 25-27 2012

Proud and glad I conquered Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. It’s a dream come true. I will share my grandest Mt. Apo experienced:

Day 0 | February 24, 2012, Friday I made my check list before I pack my things. I ensured that I won’t forget anything before the climb. Failure to bring the most important things can cause uncomfortable climb. The last minute before leaving, I decided to either wear sandals or shoes. Since, I chose shoes; I should have to get one quickly. I bought trekking shoes but not the typical and common brand –“World Balance” and it cost only 950pesos (on sale). I doubt that it’ll last the entire climb but the shoes doesn’t disappointed me – “It won’t let you down”. It last! Woah!

Upon repacking and checking my stuff inside the airport, I left my cook set and stove, so I called Ma’am Khaye and kindly asked her to bring my stuff because they will leave Manila on the next day (25th). And thanks! She agreed and brought my things! We (Sir Pao, KC, Ma’am PJ, Sir Jun, Macel, Ella, Toper and I) left Manila at around 2015H. We arrived in Davao at 2150H. We headed straight to St. Camillus Dormitel while others (Ma’am Sasa, Sir Oliver and Sir Joel) were already there. The Dormitel was clean, quiet, with separate clean toilet for boys and girls, air-conditioned rooms and has cheap rates.

Day 1 | February 25, 2012 Saturday

We woke up at 0500H then took our last bath for 3 days expedition. The chartered van arrived at around 0600H with Sir Maj, Ma’am Khaye, Sir Monty, 2 guides - Sir Ran-ran and Sir Jeck of EDGE Outdoors and Sir Alex (also from EDGE, Porter). Although we were 14 hikers with bulky and huge backpack plus 3 big men from EDGE Outdoors, we fitted in an 18-seater van. It wasn't a wise decision having that ride rather than choosing a relaxed travel with a much spacious vehicle. Anyway, we safely reached our destination. At 0630H, we headed first to EDGE Outdoor Shop to drop unnecessary stuff for the climb.

We arrived in Digos City Public Market at 0820H then, we took our breakfast and bought meals for lunch. Then, we headed to Kapatagan, Digos City but before reaching it, we need to register at Information Center Sitio Baras, Kapatagan, Digos City. Entrance fee costs 720.00php for non-student and 432.00php for student, just present your school ID.

3 PEAKS: Maculot | Manabu | Batulao

Entering this year was full of climb plans. My first plan was to traverse Mt. Natib while thinking about Tarak ridge via Paniquian River and Pantingan peak. As I am realizing to have a budget and cheaper climb I end up in 3-4 peaks day hike climb in 18 hours but just finish three mountains. It was my alternative training climb instead of climbing Mt. Tapulao with UEM team Apo preparation for Mt. Apo on February. I’ve done this with my partner Ella Dorado.

Our EQUIPMENT

· Deuter future 28 (each)

· Conquer Hydro Attack with bladder: Source 2L

· 1L Nalgene

· Side out tent: tadpole type

· 2 flash lights

· Emergency cyalume light stick

· Coleman Can opener

Our FOOD AND BEVERAGES

· 3 Pocari Sweat (smaller than 500ml)

· 4L water

· Loaf Bread

· 2 Tuna (Can goods)

· Trail food (Jelly stick,Chocolate bar)

· Gatorade 500ml

And finally my first climb for 2012: Three mountains in three different towns in Batangas.

Mt. Banahaw- Ocular Inspection

Mt. Banahaw

Trail: Kweba ng Diyos Ama - Summit - Tatlong Tangke

October 24-28 2008

With the help and permit from DENR-PASU. The UE Mountaineers Alumni Association Inc. (UEMAAI) conducted a cleanup drive and afterward became an ocular inspection in Mt. Banahaw, the grandest of the Southern Tagalog Mountains. This climb made possible thru the effort of Sir Eric Pinlac. Permit allotted 15-20(?) slots only. Therefore, first come first serve basis.

Day 1 October 25

We assemble at San Pablo Public Market in Laguna. We purchased some foods and had our breakfast. The chartered jeep took us in Barangay Kinabuhayan, Dolores Quezon. After an hour ride we reached Brgy. Kinabuhayan then we looked for the Barangay captain for courtesy call. We presented our permit and gave the list of climbers. We secured our guide and porter before proceeding to climb.

We started our trek before noon time. During the trek, ma’am Tenten accidentally slip on rock and caused her lips bleeding but luckily, she’s fine and continued trekking. We reached cristalino falls and took our lunch there. Some locals were present at cristalino falls (knowing that Mt. Banahaw is closed mountain). We had our lunch and rest there. From cristalino falls the trail was steeper. There are stations along the trail. Some believed it is the New Jerusalem that’s why they called it Holy or Scared Mountain. After a couple of hours of trekking we reached kweba ng Diyos Ama then we took a long rest.

We climb the 15-20 foot rock wall. The trail was more challenging and narrow. The sun was setting down and the darkness loomed. Moonlight was bright. The moss glow when the lights hit toward it. The wind blew so hard and the coldness feels like breaking you down. But still, we keep on pushing. We wanted to push through the campsite (durungawan) but it was getting too late and we felt so tired. We decided to have an emergency camp and the others pushed. The campsite can only accommodate only 3 tents (1 Dome & 2 Tadpole). We slept after a quick dinner.

Day 2 - October 26

The next day, we woke up with a smile and took our early breakfast. Steep assault started the day. Few meters away from the e-camp, we saw the others. They also took an e-camp. It was funny because they told us they want push up to camp site (durungawan) but they were only 15 minutes away from our e-camp. Then, we headed toward to durungawan. The mountain has challenging trail to offer. Finally, we reached the campsite near the summit. We pitched our tent and cooked for our lunch.

We were cheerfully enjoying the beauty of Mt. Banahaw. The summit offers the great view from below and above. The wide crater of Banahaw is dramatic. We celebrated then.

Day 3 October 27

Third day was a full descent (basagan ng tuhod) via tatlong tangke trail. There was garbage in kapatagan campsite. Someone or a group of people made a compost pit for garbage so that others would just put their garbage there instead of bringing down what they bring up.

We headed to tatlong tangke falls or batya-batya falls and took our late lunch there. Before the sun hide, we continued trekking. Unfortunately, darkness loomed and we move faster despite of not having enough batteries for headlamp. So we used my emergency light stick. These 6 inches lights stick can last for about 6 or 12 hours or even 24 hours depending on its light duration. It helped us to keep on the trail until we reached the jump off - safely and successful.

It was a great and remarkable climb. The challenging trail, stunning view, good weather and most of all, the moment we had in Mt. Banahaw. We had dinner and clean up in Ma’am Abby Tita’s house in San Pablo.

Mt. Pulag | 2922 meters above sea level

Mt. PULAG
Benguet - 2922 meters asl
Hours/ Day to Summit: 10-12 Hours/ 2 days via Akiki Trail (Acsent)
3-4 Hours/ 1 day via Ambangeg Trail (Descent)
Date Climbed: October 21-23 2006

Way back in 2006, classes was over and the plan had been settled to climb Mt. Pulag on October 21-23 2006. My first ever Major Climb. I’m too curious about Mt. Pulag so I get all the information. I prepared and trained for it. I’m getting too much excited to go there. Knowing that Mt. Pulag were rich and abundant in biodiversity. Mt. Pulag rise for about 2922 meters above sea level and the highest peak in Luzon island and 3rd in Philippines.

Travel: Approximately 5-6 hours bus ride from Manila to Baguio. Chartered jeep brought us safely to our destination. Jeep ride was 3-4 hours exciting rough, zigzag road and top load experience. We stopped in Ambuclao dam for 30 minutes. Then, registered and had a short briefing in DENR. It took almost 1 hour ride to akikki trail jump off from DENR. We registered again in akikki jump off and secured a guide.

Trekking (Ascent): First day has a total of 6 hours trekking. 2 hours trek to Eddet River. Another 3-4 hours steep ascent to Marlboro country, we camp there. Pine trees covered the area. The Next day has a total of 5-6hours trek. 1-2 hours trek up to the last water source. We cooked spaghetti for our lunch. Trekking in mossy forest was much cooler and relaxing. Flora and fauna are present proving that Mt. Pulag has rich biodiversity. Clouds welcomed us as we reach the grassland.

Nagsasa Cove via Mt. Nagsasa, Anawangin Cove, Capones Island

Nagsasa Cove via Mt. Nagsasa

Anawangin Cove

Capones Island

Zambales

Date:June 12-14 2010

Summer was not over. Pahabol sa summer getaway. Three great places in Zambales: Nagsasa Cove, Anawangin Cove and Capones Island. Let the pictures do the talking.

Open trail, hot and sizzling. Above is Mam Khaye Bautista, her first climb, far behind is Doc Lester Mena and Sir Peter Pacarangan.

Mt. kalisungan climb: epic fail

Mt. Kalisungan

Calauan, Laguna

September 10-11 2011

Dess,Princess and EJ

Climbing Mt. kalisungan with my fellow UE Mountaineers was another great adventure and been part of my weekly climb (5th climb since Mt. Maculot, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Teranos). The initial 5-10 minutes trek through wide paved road to rough road, from locals trail to confusing forks trail, foot prints of the horse and locals, over banana trunks and coconut husks, knee level mud, tiger mosquitoes and black ants. We continued our trek and hoping to spot the right track. We followed the direction told by the locals. Unfortunately, we end up to nowhere. We scouted each trail. The last 2 separate trails we scouted were heading to kamote plantation (root crops) to small Kubo with ulingan (charcole) and a dead end. No sign of trail. In other trail scouted by Mam grexa was also a dead end.

It all started here - Mt. Batulao July 8-9 2006

I remember myself when I started mountaineering. It started when I saw the university wide organization in UE posted in bulletin boards which University of the East Mountaineers was included. I’m too much interested in adventures. June 2006, it was my first year in college. I saw the UEM PHOTO EXHIBIT. The Philippines Everest team Sir Pastour Emata, Dr. Ted Esguerra and Sir Art Valdez visited UE and UEM photo exhibit. It was the last day of Photo Exhibit and recruitment. It’s already finished and been packed up. I filled up for the last application and attended the orientation on the same day. I meet my co-applicant which are my batchmate, UEM members and UEM alumni. I don’t have any idea about mountaineering. All I know it’s about adventure. There are requirements before you become a full pledge member. Terms and conditions, limitations and laws implies to all (org).

The next weekend was our first minor climb (fun climb) in Mt. Batulao - Nasugbu, Batangas. I’m so excited even though I don’t know what could happen. Mountaineering taught me on how to expect the unexpected. It was raining too hard and my parents told me not to go but I wanted to climb and experience it. One of the members told us “Rain or Rain tuloy tayo”. I wore shorts, t-shirt, Chuck Taylor shoes and I brought my outdoor backpack, 1 kilo of rice,6 liters of water, tribu slippers and extra clothes. Even though they told us what to bring and what to do, I don’t do it exactly. Until we reached the jump off (evercrest), it was raining. I decided to use my slippers. Oops, I don’t have plastic bag or any protection for my clothes and valuable things from rain. Luckily, one of my co-applicants has a plastic bag (Thanks whoever you are.).

Day hike: Mt. Malasimbo, Mt. Talipanan and Talipanan Falls

Mt. Malasimbo, Mt. Talipanan and Talipanan Falls

Talipanan Puerto Galera

Oriental Mindoro

June 18-20 2011

We decided to traverse Mt. Malasimbo to Mt. Talipanan. Unfortunately, there was no available itinerary for Mt. Malasimbo to Mt. Talipanan on the web. Some done it by day hike for each mountain and the one I read tells that there is a connecting trail between the two mountains through ridges. I assumed it was possible based on my research. My estimated time of trekking was 10 hours which is a traverse dayhike from Mt.Malasimbo through the “connecting trail” to Mt. Talipanan.

Limutan Falls and Ambon-ambon Falls

Limutan Falls and Ambon-Ambon Falls

Brgy. Binukawan Bagac, Bataan

Moving Time and Day(s): 3 hours and 10 minutes | 1 day

April 1-3 2010

Bagac is one of the places you shouldn’t ever miss in Bataan province. Natures, landscapes and historical places are abundant and rich. It was the starting point of Death March during World War II which ended in Tarlac province. Ambon-Ambon and Limutan are among famed waterfalls in Bagac. Fine-black sand beaches are another attraction in the place.

It took 4 hours ride to reach Brgy. Binukawan in Bagac. We register first at barangay hall then we secure our guide before proceeding. Approximately 9 kilometers rough road and blistering trek to reach the waterfalls. Wild boar, wild cats (musang/ alamid) and different birds are often or might see.

Tayak Hill

Tayak Hill

Brgy. Tala, Rizal Laguna
Moving Time and Day(s): 30 minutes | 1 day
January 23-24 2010

Beneath the mystic Mt. Cristobal sited a small hill called Tayak. I take the chance to explore the hill with only itinerary and little knowledge about the hill. Night trek!

We leave Manila at 1610H and arrived in San Pablo City by 1920H. We took dinner and prepare ourselves then. We took jeep bound for Nagcarlan then drop at Rizal Elementary School in Rizal. We have two ways to reach Tayak hill - take tricycle up to the end of the paved road or trek in a long and dark paved road from the highway. We took tricycle then, the driver dropped us in the middle of nowhere. The road was still paved but too gloomy and no street lights at all. All I can hear was the sounds of insects and gust of the wind. After 12 minutes of trekking, I saw my friend car. We continued walking and reached the end of paved road then we stopped for awhile. I made a call to my friend and ask where they are. I thought they were in Tayak Hill peak or campsite. While talking with Mam Sasa, I saw lights not far from us and we heard some noises. She told me that they were in kubo then I realized that they are the one who I heard. On their way up, the rain poured heavily and decided to stay for awhile at the kubo (nipa hut). We spent our night at Kubo.