MY CLIMBS FOR 2012 PART 2

As promised, this is the continuation of my climbs for 2012. Majority of the list would be the major climbs that I had. 

MT. KALAWITAN

 

Mt. Kalawitan was the first major climb I had for 2012. Imelda invited me on a short notice to climb this mountain and I was only able to give my final confirmation days before the actual climb date. Mt. Kalawitan was new name to me so before the climb I researched more information about it. I learned that this mountain is the new top 10 in terms of elevation in the Philippines bumping off Mt. Amuyao in the rank. It is my goal to climb all the top ten mountains in the country. Ive scaled Mt. Amuyao in 2007 but if this is the new top ten, then Mt. Kalawitan should be added to my bucket list and marked with a check. I really enjoyed the climb with its scenic views and trails. As indicated in my post on Mt. Kalawitan, this was a kickoff for all the climbs in 2012. 

Full details of my Kalawitan climb here - > http://nomad1104.blogspot.com/2012/01/mt-kalawitan.html

TARAK RIDGE

It was my second time to be on this mountain but on both occasions, I was able to spent it with my OLAY family. It was my secod visit but I was able to do a lot of firsts that time. It was my first time to take a plunge at Papaya River and enjoyed every moment of it. It was also my first time to summit it as on my first visit, we were just contented in staying at the campsite area as we were already contented with the views from that point. This also led to further explorations in the area and some distance from the summit and we were surprised that this mountain has a lot to offer. With a number of mountaineers attempting to climb it on that day , we were also the first group to arrived on the campsite area as opposed to my first visit in which we were one of the last groups as we started almost noon already. Being the first group to had arrived, we set up our tents inside the forest area which was a first for us and it was a very good location just in case of rain and protection for our tents in case against strong winds. Climbing with my OLAY family is always LOVE. 

MT. MAKILING 

 

One of the unforgettable things I had with my first visit to Mt. Makiling was my encounter with the Limatiks. It was a bloody battle with these creatures. Since then, I always hesitated to climb this mountain until I agreed to do a dayhike traverse from Sto. Tomas to Los Baños with Sir Daile and Mike O. The experience changed my perception about the mountain and I can confidently say that I would be willing to be visit this mountain any time.  On my second visit, I won the battle over the limatiks as they were not able to suck even a small amount of blood from my body. 

Full details of my Makiling Traverse here - > http://nomad1104.blogspot.com/2012/03/return-to-mt-makiling.html

MT. APO  

Most major climbs outside Metro Manila are carefully planned months in advance but this climb to Mt. Apo was an impromptu one.  I woke up one day and I miss my climbing buddy from Bukidnon, Sheng and the mountains of Mindanao so I called her that we need to climb together again to which she also agreed in a heartbeat. We decided to climb Mt. Apo via Kapatagan - Kidapawan trail. It was our second time to be in this mountain but the godfather of the Philippine Mountains welcomed us with open arms as we were offered with a perfect weather all throughout the climb. 

Full details of my Apo Traverse here - > http://nomad1104.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-superlative-vacation.html

MT. PULAG 

 

Mt. Pulag is dubbed as the playground of the gods and famous for its breathtaking views and scenic clouds. Now why would I post a photo of mine from the DENR? Simple. We didn't have a clearing that time. On my first visit to this mountain, it was all hands down for me as I was able to witness the beauty of Mt. Pulag.  It was almost three years after that I decided to visit this mountain as some of the friends I had are itching to visit it because of the stories they have heard and the photos they saw online. Last year's visit was Anna's second attempt to climb Pulag but still failed to see the its grandeur. Her first visit last November 2011 which was my second one did not also lived up to her expectations as it was raining all throughout the climb. I even kid her that she might have "balat sa pwet" thats why it was always a fail for her and she would just laughed on it. She is planning to climb Pulag again this year and I am really crossing my fingers tight that she would finally see what Mt. Pulag is famous for. 

TAYAK HILL

Everytime I remember this climb, I couldnt help but laugh on the misadventures that we had. Tayak Hill was just a product of the failed attempt to climb Mt. Cristobal. We intended to do a Cristobal Dayhike Traverse since we started late from the jump off and we were running in circles at the foot of Cristobal since Sir Daile who was our lead could not remember the correct path going up. We just then decided to abort the Cristobal climb and kill time at the summit of Tayak Hill. When the locals saw at the registration area saw us on the way down, they said , " Ang bilis nyo a." We just answered in all smiles, " Naligaw po kasi kami." And that was very classic. 

MT CRISTOBAL 

 

This was the revenge of the failed climb. I first ascended Mt. Cristobal way back October 2007 and doing a comeback after almost 5 years would be very nice. We did a dayhike traverse on this mountain starting from the Tayak side and it proved to be challenging. When I climbed this in 2007, it was an overnight climb and we descended the trail going to Tayak and not ascended through it. The trail from Tayak  was a continuous ascend to the summit and we finally reach the summit after almost 4 hours. Doing this as  dayhike and from the Tayak side was daring but it was very rewarding. 

MT. OSDUNG

This was my first solo climb and exploration. I was just wanting to climb then and was missing the mountains of the north so I gave in to the calling.  With just courage and printed information of the mountain from Pinoymountaineer website, I attempted to climb Osdung and it proved to be successful.

Full details of my Osdung climb here - > http://nomad1104.blogspot.com/2012/11/going-solo-in-osdung.htm

MT.BULUSAN

Wrapping up the list is Mt. Bulusan. Last October 2011, I was in Bicol because i climbed Mt. Masaraga and Mayon. October of last year I was in the same region but this time, I scaled the active Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon. This was one of the invites of Imelda which I am glad I agreed to join. The weather was not so perfect during our climb but the experience and the chance to meet new friends was something I treasure. This climb made me do try kayaking. Ive mentioned before that I am no fan of the water and since everyone was willing to do the kayak, I was pressured to also do it. The only safety net that I had was my life jacket which somehow boost my confidence. After successfully crossing the Bulusan lake, I found myself doing it again and again. 

25 climbs for last year on 14 mountains. It was an average of approximately 2 climbs per month. These were my climb statistics for 2012. I may or may not exceed this number this year but I am always looking to forward to climb because apart from the adrenaline rush, it is a life statement for me. 

 

MY CLIMBS FOR 2012 PART 1

I mentioned in one of my shout outs in Facebook that I would update my blog more often this year with my travels and adventures. I would like to start today but I don't really know what to write as I haven't been anywhere yet in the first 12 days of 2013. I wanted to hike earlier and write an account about it after but with a tropical depression lurking around, I decided that it would be best to just stay at home and just bum around. I am not a fan of rainy days and to maximize this gloomy weather, I forced myself to log into the computer and I am trying to squeeze my brain cells now on what to write as a an opener for my blog this year. 

I paused for several minutes before I could start this paragraph and had decided that I would want to recap all my climbs for 2012.

MT BATULAO 

In reference to my previous blog, I have mentioned that Mt. Batulao is my playground. 2012 is a testimony to that as I welcomed last year with a climb on that mountain. I logged in a total of 5 climbs last year with different group of people with each visit. Further, I decided to end the year with a climb on the same mountain but taking a traverse from Old to New Trail.

MT MACULOT

A tie to Mt Batulao in terms of the number of visits last year would be Mt. Maculot. The accessibility of this mountain from my home explains it. Also, the commanding views of the lake and the rockies always take my breath away. I would also like to point out that in several occasions, I had the chance to meet new friends on this mountain who share the same passion for outdoors as I do. Thats why I would like to dubbed this mountain as a friendship mountain for me. 

PICO DE LORO

 

Runner up to Mt. Batulao and Mt. Maculot would be Pico De Loro with three visits last year. What I love about this mountain is the view of the parrot's beak from the summit. It also offers a different adrenaline rush to the courageous ones who would like to scale its beak which I experienced when I first scaled it way back 2008. I would like to be on top of it again but I guess I would need to rebuild the courage I once had. It's waterfalls is a perfect sidetrip when you just want to take a dip and cool down.

MT. MANABU

Completing the top three would be Mt. Manabu with two visits last year. The cross on  the summit is the famous landmark of this mountain. Everytime I scale this mountain, I am always reminded of how I started mountaineering because its neighboring mountain which is Mt. Malipunyo was my first mountain and can be seen from Mt. Manabu. What i enojoyed the most though on climbing this mountain is the free coffee from Mang Pirying which showed the warmth hospitality of the locals in this mountain. 

MT. TALAMITAM

  

This neighbor of Mt.Batulao is also a good choice for dayhike but it is recommended that you do the climb very early in the morning so that you dont feel the scorching heat of the sun. Last year, I scaled this mountain but it was the first destination of our double dayhike with Mt. Batulao. Although it also offers picturesque views , the only holdback that I have in revisiting this mountain are the rules and regulations of the locals at foot of the mountain that somehow have a negative impact on the mountaineers and visitors. 

For 2012, I was also able to do 2 double dayhikes. The first one was Talamitam- Batulao. It was my warm up and training climb for my Mt. Apo Climb last year. The second one was Maculot-Manabu. I shared it with new friends that even though they are newbies to the mountaineering, they proved to be the next generation of "halimaws"

There are still 9 more mountains in the list but I would like to highlight them in the part 2 of my climbs for 2012. Aside from the fact that my computer seems to have latency, I need to prepare first for my date later on.

Going Solo in Osdung

Nothing beats the fulfillment every time you get to try something new. At the onset, you would have butterflies in your stomach and a questioning mind whether you should proceed or not. But when you finally decided to move forward and find yourself in a path of no return, you just have to convince yourself to suck up all the hesitations and hope that the odds are ever in your favor. When you get the job done, you found yourself wanting for more. 

Bus Bound for Sagada in Dangwa Station

This was the exact feeling I had more than a month ago when I climbed Mt. Osdung. There were no definite plans. It was just an impulsive decision to get away. I was able to accomplish my deliverables hours before I got off from work so the last hours were spent in surfing through some websites on mountains and outdoors. Then a thought came – why not explore something new all by myself tomorrow as it would be my rest day. Ive tried to check on mountains near Manila but I realized that I practically climbed most of them in the past five years. I narrowed my search outside of Manila and found myself browsing through the mountains of the north. I was already about to decide in revisiting Mt. Timbak and visit the mummies when I noticed the article for Mt. Osdung. I read through it swiftly and learned that the jump off is along Halsema Highway which is pretty much accessible and no guides are necessary as the trails are very much established. Right there and then, I made a decision. The choice I made could have been further strengthened with the thought that I miss the mountains of the north – the cold breeze , stunning vantage points at the top and simply just the journey itself.
  
I went home immediately, packed my things and proceeded to the Victory Liner Terminal to catch a bus bound for Baguio. While on the trip, I read through the article that I printed out so I would know what to expect and to be certain of the directions going to there. I slept for most part of the trip so I could reserve all the energy for my adventure the following day. I woke up when I heard the driver saying that we were already in Baguio and I said to my thoughts, " This is it!!!"  

Afterhavingbreakfast in Good Taste, I waited for the first bus bound for Sagada as it will be passing through KM 313 where I will be alighting. My friends call me MASA ( Masandal Tulog) so I tried not to sleep along the way as I might find myself already in Sagada when I wake up. The first bus leaves Baguio at 630 AM and expected to pass by KM 313 after around 3 hours. This was the time that I could appreciate a non airconditioned as you can appreciate the natural aircon outside.  Along the way I was excited to see Mt. Timbak and when it was finally looming from a distance, my heart smiled. Further, I should also get some plus points for making an effort to talk with my seatmate in the bus. My friends would often described me as a snob but when a fellow adventurer advised me that people skills would be an A+, I did give it a shot.  We exchanged a healthy conversation and when she learned that I was climbing alone, she was wishing me all the luck and to take extra careful with my journey. I informed her that I would be alighting in KM 313 and she did help me look for the mark outside. Before I went down of the bus, I thanked her and exchanged wishes of safe journey ahead. 

Mt. Osdung

“Finally Here!” I said to myself when I saw word “Barangay Madaymen” in the signboard in the jumpoff area.  The path going up was indeed reminiscent of Mt. Timbak and since it was a bright and sunshiny day,  I enjoyed the views more than feeling the heat of the sun against my skin.  The road could also get dusty when some trucks and vehicles passed by and I got the look on their faces that I am a stranger to the place but still greeted me with all smiles. I love the people in the north. They are hospitable and friendly. I brought with me my tripod since I wont have anyone holding the camera when I want to take a picture of myself. I am too often conscious of my actions  but during that time, I dont care if I set up the tripod and camera even at the middle of the road just to have my photo taken of the beautiful views along the way. While I was walking , I was also talking to a friend ( Imelda) on the phone telling her that I am already walking my way up to the summit. I was asking her if there are any landmarks that I should take note of and she told me that once I see the tomb, it is an indication that it is almost summit.  There were also locals along the way whom I asked for directions. Taking cue from what Imelda said, an adrenaline rush came over me when I saw the tomb near the house but at the same time I was also hesitant that it was the summit since the ground that I stood, I could still see another  elevation ahead of me.  It does not hurt to explore since this was what the journey was all about. I followed my instincts and followed the path ahead of me. Following the road ahead of me, I was almost convinced that I am nearing the summit as I could almost see a 360 view of the area and when I finally took a right turn on the elevated area, I was able to confirm that it is indeed the summit as I was able to see famous landmass that I saw on the website and just beside the plantation, there it was, the famous tomb that Imelda was talking about.  

Views along the way

I reached the summit almost an hour after I started walking from the jumpoff area and I stayed in the summit for 45 minutes. Just like anyone else in the modern world, I posted a shout out on my Facebook Account during that time on how happy I was to be standing on its summit and for a successful solo ascent and adventure. I just couldn’t imagine if I had not brought my tripod as it was very useful with my photoshoot from all angles from the summit.  After having eaten my trailfood, I found myself lying on the ground and just savored the moment. It was a perfect time for me, myself and I.  Having spent quality time at the top, it was time to go down and I find myself back in the jumpoff area in 30 minutes. I must have some considerable luck that time as 5 minutes after I arrived in the jumpoff area, a bus bound for Baguio passed by. I was initially worried that I would have problems in transportation going back but I didnt.  On the way back to Baguio, I was my old MASA self since I am confident that if I could not wake up on time, someone will but it would still be Baguio City. 

I am ecstatic that I was able to accomplish this journey. Climbing with a group of friends would still be happier as you have people to share the experience with but taking some risks on an impulsive decision I had, the fulfillment was like Nirvana. 

More pictures below

   

FUJIWHARA EFFECT IN MACULOT

Making travel or hiking plans on a rainy season gives one uncertainty. One can enjoy the rays of the sun at the start of the week which gives a promise of a fruitful weekend but come Friday night or Saturday morning, the weather report will read as overcast with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. The best part would be when there is a tropical storm or typhoon threatening to hit the area. All you can do then is just hope or sigh.

  

 

Jump Off Point @ Mt. Maculot

Last weekend we scaled Mt. Maculot but prior to realizing the plan to climb it there were hesitations at the start. The weather report said that there were two typhoons lurking within the Philippine Area of Responsibility – Igme(Temblin)in the north and Julian(Bolaven) in the east and they were gaining strength as the weekend approached as they were in the state called Fujiwhara Effect – the phenomenon when two storms are rotating around one common center. The term was so scientific that somehow made us calculate the risks involved should we push through with the climb. All we needed was just a quick escape from the stress of work and respond to the call of our passion which is hiking. The weather was predicted to be rainy but rain or shine, we decided to go for it.

With Anciro and Jin

Me and Anna agreed to meet at Jollibee near LRT Buendia at around 4AM last Sunday. We needed to be early because we planned to do a double dayhike that day – Maculot and then Manabu. As usual, punctuality is encouraged but is seldom a reality during meet ups. We met at around 5 AM, ate breakfast in Jollibee and boarded a Lemery bound bus at around 6 AM. Along the way, we have observed that the skies were clear that gave us hope that it would be a fine day ahead. Upon alighting at Cuenca, we were approached by two guys asking if we were also headed for Mt. Maculot. We confirmed and agreed that we share the tricycle going to the jump off point. We learned that it was their first time to hike Mt. Maculot and they were thrilled to create their own experience. After introducing ourselves to each other, all four of us ( Me, Anna, Jin and Anciro) merged as one group with the goal of scaling Mt. Maculot.

Me getting some adrenaline rush at the Rockies

It was not my first time to climb it but I keep on coming back because of its commanding views and it is one of the accessible mountains in the south when you just need a quick break away. I still can recall the first time I set my foot on this place and I was stunned with the view – how the skies reflect on the lake and how it is perfectly combined to create a perfect backdrop in a photo. I was grateful to my best pal, Ivy who brought me there that time. On my succeeding visits, I tagged along some of my officemates and fellow adventure enthusiasts and I was pleased to know that they were thankful for me bringing them there and for some, it ignited their passion for hiking and outdoors. On my last visit, I was with my reliable companion and was rewarded with new friends. Although the trail to the top was somehow steep, we endured it by exchanging conversations along the way and laughing our hearts out. Jin and Anciro are fairly new to the world of mountaineering and I can relate with them when I was also a newbie in terms of curiosity, eagerness to conquer other mountains and the excitement they feel when they are doing it. I am pretty sure that their passion will take them to more greater heights. Almost two hours of hiking, we arrived at the campsite area and proceeded to the famous Rockies of Maculot. I've heard a lot of WOWS from them that I even find myself saying it even though I've been there several times. For Anna, it was a blessing for her as her first visit to this mountain, it was raining and foggy and so the view was obscured. The weather forecast was not favorable that day but taking some risks, we were rewarded with picturesque views on a broad daylight. Photo ops should not be missed on that moment and after spending some time at the top, it was time to descend. 

Anna getting some solo moment

Anciro trying to get his balance



Jin embracing the view

Our descent was faster than our ascent as it is the case all the time. We took extra care when going down as most accidents happen upon descending the mountain. Jin and Anciro’s plans were to visit Sitio Limampao after the climb. I've heard of the place but I have never been there although it is just steps away from the jump off of Mt. Maculot. Due to curiosity and convenience, me and Anna changed our itinerary and instead of proceeding to Mt. Manabu, we joined them in their visit to Limampao. Limampao or Lumampao – I am not really sure as to how the place is called but one thing is for certain, after visiting the area, I would rather choose climbing Mt. Maculot several times rather than walking on the established stairways of Limampao. They say it was 1500 steps so make it 3000 steps for a roundtrip. Everyone walked at their own pacing but even though I was on the lead, I was catching my breath every now and then. Reaching the lake below, I was delighted to see the area. It was high tide that time and I usually admire the waters atop the rockies of Mt. Maculot but at that instant, I was admiring it right in front of me. The notable landmark in the lakesidewas the slide connecting to the water and there were children that time enjoying the splash. I wanted to take a picture of myself on their humble playground but since me and water were never friends to begin with, I was extra careful with my step so I don’t slip and slide into the water. After spending some minutes in Limampao, we agreed to go home and this means another 1500 steps going up. On the way up I was just looking forward to seeing the waiting shed as it marks the finish line of the stairs and when I finally saw it, I rushed to it, sat down and gave a big sigh but with a happy heart.

The stairs were consuming

Me at the Slide

Fujiwhara effect of Igme and Julian did not take place in Maculot. It was not even close. The metaphor of the two pairs of friends merging as one group and interacting with each other created a new friendship and a superb experience that we can look back anytime.