Trip Lang #6 - Mt. Pico de Loro Climb

Since I was young, I’ve been in tune with nature. I love the forest, the wildlife and nature itself. Me and my cousins go nature tripping every weekend and spend all our summers together having fun. Now that I am all grown up and have moved to the city, I see to it that I stay connected with this part of my life. So I climb mountains once and a while.
 
I’ve visited several mountains here in Luzon. One thing I regret is failing to create a blog post about the climbs I’ve made. Conquering Mt. Palay-palay where Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Peak) is a part of this small mountain range, has been a big challenge for me. I mentally took note to share what I’ve experienced as soon as I get my hands on a computer.
 
My original plan for the third weekend of June (June 21-23, 2013) was to go to Subic alone. I miss watching the dolphins in Ocean Adventure and I also wanted to see Zoobic Safari. However, due to some embarrassing reason I cannot share in this post, I was left with no destination to go to despite the vacation leaves I filed at work. It was so frustrating!

Friday morning, June 21, 2013, feeling desperate, I was browsing Facebook and other websites for any events where I can pay to join. From event invites on my Facebook page to www.travelfactor.org, to other tour sites, I’ve been combing the net for a fair deal I can grab but there were none. I was ecstatic when I saw one of my colleagues posts about their upcoming team building in Club Manila East. I got interested and texted her right away. She has given me details of their trip and I said I will give my confirmation before the day ends. Around eight or nine in the evening I was texting Ernalyn, who was buying stuff for their weekend climb that time. She asked me if I wanted to join. I had second thoughts and it took me hours to decide. Since I was aching for natures embrace, I said I am joining. I started packing around 1AM, June 22, 2013.
 
Almost all of the people joining the climb were from Cavite and one was from Manila. Here are the climbers:

Meeting place is at McDonalds near Robinsons Dasma in Pala-pala, Cavite, 7AM. I have to leave early to get to the place on time. I was on the bus by 5:30AM praying I get there before they do. I don’t want to be late. Not a good first impression.

 
Luckily, it was early for traffic congestions. I arrived at exactly 7:15AM at McDonalds and they were not there yet. I ordered something to eat while waiting but I was not able to even start eating when they arrived. We had our introductions, said our HI’s and HELLO’s then off we went. It was about 15mins jeepney ride to Trese Martires where we will hop in to another 20-30mins road trip to BDO Branch in Naic Cavite. From BDO Naic, we rented a tricycle that had brought us to DENR office where we registered before starting our climb.
 
We left DENR at around 9AM. The first part of the climb was a bit of a breath-grabber but it was fun, a warm up for our sleeping muscles. We started taking pictures, same time when "1..2..Riede" (it was supposed to be1,2,ready for the picture) got famous and caused us laughing our ass out. It took us about 45mins to reach the base camp owned by Mang Rey. His family lives in a house you’ll normally see in provinces. They have their basic necessities like shelter, foods are being grown in the backyard and livestock like chickens and ducks freely roam the vicinity. They have several huts where campers can use to rest or eat and toilet where you can also use to take a bath. Here, you have to register again.

We had our breakfast, hotdogs and canned tunas, then off we went again. I had this not so lucky moment before leaving where I quickly stand and failed to calculate my movement. It twisted the muscles just above my knees. It hurts but I chose to ignore the pain and continue to walk. It was not far when I felt the agonizing pain every time I step on my left leg. Francis had to find me something I can use to support my weight (which is very heavy the last time I checked). He got me a branch of a tree that I can use as a trek pole. He also had to make sure that someone’s watching the newbies from behind so he played the sweeper. I was embarrassed that they have to keep up with my slow pace so I asked him and Aphs to move ahead and I promised that I will catch up along with Ernalyn who never left my side. We hiked the steep trail and gradually crawl through the forest floor. It was a blessing that the trail is covered by forest trees which shaded us from the sun. I can’t imagine going through the big rocks and roots with the sun glaring on us. It must be very hard, I could have fainted easily.

We’ve been greeted by several groups of mountaineers going up and some going down the trail. As what we’ve been accustomed to, we greeted each other and wish each and every one a safe climb and safe descend. There were groups of professionals and others were doing fun climbs. We were part of the fun climbers. Half of us consider this climb their first, one heck of a climb for a first timer, right?

There were signage's along the way which lead campers to the camp site but these were inconsistent so climbers need to be very keen in following the right trail as someone could easily get lost along the way.

One side trip you can do is to visit the falls which trail can be found along the way. You'll easily notice it because of the sign posted on a tree.

It took us more or less than four hours to reach the camp site. My body was sweating like it would not ever sweat again. My clothes were wet like I just came out of the river or something. I feel totally exhausted. The cool wind was blowing so hard, it refreshed me right away. We saw a vendor already packing his stuff. He was selling sodas in bottle (Php30) and in can (Php50). I grabbed one bottle and drink to my heart's desire. I ignored Ernalyn calling me to come and check the view. I was tired and needed rest. I was massaging my left thigh at the same time I was enjoying my soda. It was literally tortured and beaten from the climb.

When I finally felt relaxed, I took my camera and join Aphs, R.A and Ernalyn who were already taking pictures. I went to where they were and was taken aback by the view that unfolded upon me. It was breath taking that all I did was smile and took in the fresh air. Another wonderful creation. So magnificent and beautiful. If it was a woman, its hot and sexy. A jewel. A treasure hidden where only the brave hearts and determined people can see. This is home, my peace and serenity. Feels like I own the world and I'm one with the wind.




Then, I had to change my soaking wet clothes. By that time, our two tents have already been set up. Francis and Aphs went straight to the summit, taking some lovebirds moment of their own. The rest of the us took our time relaxing and some were sleeping. I was starving so we decided to eat the sandwich we bought from the city. The Sola Ernalyn purchased for me tasted really nice after all those struggles I've encountered during the climb. We have a lot of time in our hands. 

After about an hour, Aphs and Francis were back from the summit. They started to prepare our dinner. Imagine, of all the easy to prepare food they can think of for camping they decided to bring ingredients for TINOLA! Yes. As in tinolang manok! Crazy right? Ernalyn and I went near the cliff to take some more pictures. We were in the middle of our pictorials when the wind blew even stronger. It felt like hurricane which can easily throw us off the cliff. We got a little bit scared so we decided to go back to our camp. Many other campers arrived and have set up their tents with in the camping ground. The strong wind that carried clouds and droplets of rain attracted many campers. We watch as the wind blew even harder. It was scary but relaxing at the same time. Scary because I know for a fact that nature is very unpredictable especially if you are on top of a mountain. Relaxing because the air is cool and fresh. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the surrounding so much.

When the sun was down, we continued chatting while others were preparing food. The wind was still blowing like a mad man. We were all praying that it'll not rain on us so we can have a good night sleep after the socials. Francis and Ernalyn had something in store for us. So we finished eating and decided to clean up so we can start our so called program.

After all had been settled, we squeezed ourselves inside the bigger tent and started drinking the alcohol we bought for this part of our climb. Then, Francis had some camping stuff to be raffled but the best and the grandest prize ever was the one from Ernalyn. She had a waterproof pouch where you can put your cellphones or digital cameras inside. Whether she liked it or not, it was Born who won the pouch. Hahaha... Lucky him.

It was around 10PM when everyone felt tired and decided to call it a night. We sleep soundly while the wind was still blowing outside. I was a dead kiddue to the exhaustion I felt from the four hour uphill climb. Our plan was to climb the summit before sunrise. I woke up with stiff muscles. It was hard to move. I checked my left leg and it was still in pain, a little less painful, thank goodness. I had second thoughts of climbing the summit because of how I feel but I decided to go anyway. Based on what I have read in the internet, it was supposed to be a 5min assault to summit. Well, 5mins for the pros, that's what it was. It was easy but dangerous because of the steep trail. Halfway through, it was all soil and grass. I was on four wheels (climbing with hands and feet at the same time) 95% of the summit climb. Upon reaching the summit, I was stunned.It was a 360 degree view. My eyes danced not knowing which part of the entire view to look at first. Again, I didn't waste any moment. I took a deep breath and inhaled the fresh air. I thought I'm not going to make it but hey, I'm born to do this, what can I say.I reached the top!

Well, that was what I'm feeling until they decided to climb the monolith. It is the second summit of the parrot's beak. An up straight rock formation which needed rope to reach the top. I was feeling envy because I really wanted to come but I can not risk my legs. There's nothing I can do but to stay and sniff with tears.("don't go...don't leave me guys..")

I was left alone on top of summit 1. It took them about 30-45mins to finish the monolith so I had nothing to do but lay down and enjoy more of the scenery. I had the summit 1 all by my self for a long time, too long that I was able to take a nap and dream for a short while.

When they returned around 8AM, we started our descend back to the camp site. It was easy yet hard or should I say, dangerous at the same time. We had to sit down on most of the first part. Its easier that way than standing which may easily cause us our balance and fall. In no time, we reached the camp site. My behind was covered with mud but I had it that way and not bother to change because we have 4 more hours of walking to do.

Francis prepared our breakfast. We need energy to go down so we stacked our tummies with adobo and canned tuna. Around 9:30AM when we started to break camp. I was looking forward to descending because it would be easier for my left leg. And it was, thank God. We reached Alibangbang in no time which means we were almost near Mang Rey's vicinity.

As usual, Ernalyn and I were the last one to arrive. By the time we get there, Francis was already preparing to cook our lunch. I was looking forward to using the restroom (you know how it is in the jungle). I took my time inside and cleaned all of the important parts of my body that needs cleansing. Then, we ate our lunch and had some short talk with the other group sitting next to our cottage. Same group who have given us food when we were having our breakfast on in the camp site. They were doing fun climb too. Some were first timers to but most were professionals.

After eating our lunch, I went to the Subi-neer Shop and bought some stuff to bring back home. I purchased t-shirt, bag tags and I would never forget my refrigerator magnet. =) Ever since I decided to start collecting them, I never failed to buy one each time I go places, unless of course, they are not available. Ernalyn, Francis and Aphs took a bath but I decided to take mine in DENR since it’s another 40mins walking before we get to the road.

R.A. and Born went ahead of us as usual and I had my ever dearest friend with me, Ernalyn (how great of her to never leave me). We chatted while walking and when we finally reached the road, I had the huge urge lay face down and hug the asphalt while saying to myself, concrete at last! I bid my ever reliable walking stick goodbye and off we headed to DENR to take a bath. It was around 5PM when we left the place and started our journey home.

The climb was not at all easy and it will never be regardless of how difficult or how chill the trail would be. I always keep in mind to never underestimate any mountain. It may be peaceful and quite but its rage can cause any careless soul their life. I struggled through this climb and it was not happy hours climbing with an injured limb. Telling people how hard the experience was generated a question,

“Do you think you’ll ever climb a mountain again?” I answer with conviction, “I think? I KNOW I will.” Never surrender. ;-)

***Note that I didn't have to pay for my meal as they were the one who bought stuff for the entire climb. 

Trip Lang #5 - Valkyrja and Mavericks at Camayan Beach Resort

Second Quarter Team Building

Many things have happened after we had our Team Valkyrja outing in Anawangin and Capones last March. Most of my members have been promoted. Khyle became one of our communication coaches, Ed and Leo (who did not join the first Team Building) became report analyst for our line of business. Rhea left the company and started her new career with a finance account in another BPO. Others were transferred to different teams. As for Team Valkyrja, we have new members and some that were transferred back.

Regardless of all these changes, our urge to go out of town once in a while didn’t hinder us from planning another outing. The original plan was to try Treetopadventure in Subic but that did not materialize since they require a minimum of 20 participants for their team building package.
 

Our plan B was to go to Camayan Beach Resort in the same area, Subic. Since Valkyrja were left with 6 members which became 5 after JM was transferred to a different team, we decided to have a joint team outing with Team Mavericks. After all the challenges of having all the team members join the trip, we ended up going with a total of 12 persons, me, Alvin, Uno, JM, Umel, Tian, Jean, Edge, Ian, Lonic, Sugar and his wife Bebang.

Meeting place was McDonalds Eastwood, 5AM, June 9, 2013. Everyone was early (great job!) We had our food cooked by one of our colleagues, Angie. She prepared fried chicken, spareribs adobo and liempo that needs to be grilled when we get there. I added hotdogs, loaf of breads, chips, 6 bottles of soda and 10 cans of beers.
We rented a van with a capacity of 18 people so we were pretty much comfortable during our trip. The guys at the back played cards. Poker at other card games I haven’t got any clue of how to play. We had a short stop over at Mini Stop inside the free port to grab tube ice then off we go to the resort. We arrived at exactly 9:00AM. Our van dropped us off the unloading area. I went straight to the counter to pay for our pass and cottage.

We settled at cottage number 25 where we were greeted by monkeys. Subic is known to have monkeys roaming freely in the vicinity. It was fun to watch them play and not being bothered by people swimming. They stayed with us for about 10mins then went back to the forest.
Tian, Umel and JM headed to the grilling area to grill our liempo and hotdogs. Others were preparing the cottage for lunch. Some decided to change clothes to start swimming. It was after we ate when all the fun started. The guys who were playing cards inside the van thought it would be a great time to teach others how to play it. So we had Poker 101 courtesy of Ian. The game went on and on until after lunch time.

I decided to go to the fish sanctuary where a few people go. Alvin and I started taking pictures. Then I had him call the others so we can relax more and have fun. Well, what do you know, the guys started to really really really have fun by taking their clothes off and skinny dipping! I was left with cameras and laughing my lungs out while taking their pictures. They were hilarious. We started cam-whoring around. A group of foreigners pass us by and started laughing when they saw what we were doing. They even said we had too much alcohol. They offered to take pictures of our group but we decided we have them join us in the photos instead.

As cam-whores, we took more photos. Rain lingers in the horizon and I was praying that it’ll rain on us because it’s been ages since I bathed in the rain. My prayer was heard. We were going back to our cottage when the rain fell. I went straight to the ocean and enjoyed every moment of the water falling from the sky. I felt totally relaxed. I was just floating and making the rain fell down my face. I tasted the mix of ocean and the rain in my mouth. Those things you did when you were kids like sticking your tongue out to catch the rain, I did that. Splashing waters hear and there. Horsing around. ;-) It rained for about an hour. Everyone was in the water and we were having fun. No KJs, no what so ever, just pure essence of fun. It became more interesting when we saw two Australian guys playing beach volleyball. They were both a total knock out hunk. Muscles, looks, you name it. They both have it. I and some other girls were drooling. The others were eyeing them with insecurities (that’s what I thought unless they were drooling too. Hahaha)

 Around 4PM when we decided to rinse and pack up. Our next plan is to eat and try Bunker’s Bob. An American Army bunker turned restaurant that offers American cuisine. They have burgers, pizza, hotdogs, etc. The place was not noticeable and if not for the big sign you see along the road, you’ll probably miss it. We parked, took some pictures outside and enter the restaurant and I felt creepy right away. The inside was dimly lighted. Tables and chairs were arranged inside and a billiard table near the bar is available for Php10 per game. The guys started to play while others started taking pictures. It was our first time to enter a place like this. You’ll see historical stuff on the walls, probably those things that were brought by Americans when Subic was still inhabited by them. There are couches situated on the side where we took our “family picture”. We ordered 2 bunker pizza and iced tea. It was tasty, fresh and delicious. They were affordable too. The 14 inches of pizza with 8 slices was around 380 and the glasses of ice tea was about 30 - 35 pesos. It was exactly 6PM on the clock when we left and headed home.

 

Our trip was just for an entire day. It was not the overnight trip everyone wanted. Nevertheless, if you are with cool and fun people, no matter how short the time you spent together, it’s definitely worth it. It’s more fun in Valkyrja and Mavericks. =)



Team Outing Expenses

 

Trip Lang #4 - The Real CamSur Challenge

3 days and 2 night’s trip. I’ve heard and see good things about Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur province. This was the location where the international reality show Survivor Caramoan was filmed. Majestic islands, pristine beaches and hospitable locals, the ingredients of a great beach bumming adventure.

I decided to visit the place along with my partner, Alvin. I was searching the net for great deals, planning to visit the island on May 2013, when I saw an event invite in Facebook. I’ve seen several deals prior to that where the tour cost starts at Php4500 per person. This does not include bus or airfare to Naga yet so I had second thoughts. When I saw the event and the itinerary on Facebook, I was thrilled because it only cost Php3500, and it’s an all-in-trip! I didn’t think twice to hit the “going” option on the invitation.

The itinerary includes transportation from Manila all the way to Caramoan and back, 6 buffet meals, boat rides, island hopping fee, guide fee, entrance fees and registration fees. Caving, island hoping, visiting the 500 steps of Shrine of our Lady of the Holy Rosary and beach bumming are the listed activities for the entire trip. Our meeting place was McDonalds near MRT Taft station. Call time was 5PM, April 26, 2013.

I filed for two vacation leaves and taken advantage of the lieu leave credits that I have.  Since our work follows Pacific Standard Time, I have to file a leave for April 26 (Friday) and April 29 (Monday) to have enough time for rest once we get home. Our bags are packed and we started our journey by 3PM. We left the house early to buy things we missed like sunblock, additional flash light and emergency food. We were at the meeting place 10mins before 5PM. Alvin and I decided to order something to eat while waiting. It was our first time to join an event like this and we are not so sure what to expect. Eyeing the people inside McDonalds, we saw some folks who may be part of the same event. Camping bags were seen here and there, people were dressed for the beach and all. After few hours of waiting, we departed Taft around 8:30PM. There were two vans and 35 people for this event. The van can only accommodate 15pax each so the other 5 mountaineers decided to take a public transport all the way to Naga and agreed to meet at Sabang Port.

The time spent all the way to Sabang Port was an ass-numbing 12hours. I was thinking a short boat ride would bring us to our camp site where I can finally rest my aching butt, but I was wrong. It was two hours bangka (small boat) ride to Guijalo Port where 3 guides were waiting for us to bring us where another boat ride was waiting! We left Sabang Port around 9:30 and arrived at Guijalo Port by 11:30AM. The boat ride was bumpy as rain lingers in the horizon. Thank God we manage through the waves. Upon reaching Guijalo, we were greeted by small boats who offered to take care of baggage for a small amount. Since we travel in group and everything has been paid all the way through, we didn’t have to worry about paying the boat men. We waited for all the baggage to be unloaded from the boat and off our way to Gata Fish Sanctuary. Another 30 to 45mins jeepney ride. Good thing we got the front seat and made ourselves comfortable.

We passed by Juliana Hotel to get the first buffet lunch included in our meal plan. Upon arriving at Gata Fish Sanctuary, it was low tide. As in super low, it would take 5-10mins to get to the banka that would take us to Matukad Island where we are camping. The place was full of mangroves and mud. The locals said that the water would reach the bottom part of the houses when the tide is high. Sounds impossible when you see how high the place is situated above the muddy mangrove area. As our organizer talk to the guides, we decided to eat our lunch. It was about 3PM when some of us hop aboard the small boats that are pushed through the mud by some of the boatmen. We were part of the last batch to be sent to Paniman when the guides realized it would take forever to push 35 people through the mud. We took a 20-30mins tricycle ride to Paniman where the other boats would pick us up. Along the way, there was this part of the road that’s very steep that we have to get off of the tricycle and walk a short yard for it to safely maneuver. The boats were nowhere to be seen when we arrived in Paniman. We waited, again, for another hour. With too much free time, I decided to buy souvenirs from the small stores along the beach. I got key chains that are shaped as red chili, a famous icon of Bicolandia, and coin purses, also, a ref magnet, an added piece for my collection.

Finally, the boats arrived. We started another boat trip to Matukad Island. It took us about 15-20mins to reach the island. The entire waiting and ass-numbing trip was worth it when we laid eyes on the pristine white sand beach of the island. The view was breath-taking. The mixed of blue and green color of the clear water was outstanding, so magical, so capturing that all the tiresome feelings I have from the long travel went away. We headed to the camp ground and started pitching our dome tent. We did it fast because we are off to Lahos Island to start our beach bumming.

The Lahos was 5mins boat ride from Matukad. As we arrived, many people have scattered and were enjoying the beach. This island is no ordinary because you can walk right through the other side where you can enjoy a different temperature of the sea water, its much cooler. The rocks are amazing. It stands majestically in every corner of the island. We soaked in for almost 30mins then headed back to the campsite.

We change our clothes to freshen up. Due to lack of sleep and exhaustion, we decided to take a nap while waiting for our dinner. However, our bodies took over and choose to sleep all the way through 5AM. We did not eat dinner, good thing we have emergency food in our bags. We grab them and went out for the morning breeze. We started taking pictures of the sunrise, taking advantage of the people-empty shore. As the sun came up, people started to come out of their tents and did the same thing we’ve done. Most of them were waiting for breakfast to be served, especially us. I was starving. Then, we were told that breakfast will be served in Paniman but before going there we will drop by two islands where we can swim and explore.

The two islands we went to were small. Nevertheless they were as magnificent as the others. We headed to Paniman where we grab something to eat and because we both didn’t have dinner we opt to order heavy breakfast from one of the restaurants/eateries in the area. Next destination was Our Lady of Peace in Tabgon. It has 524 steps to climb before reaching the statue of Virgin Mary. Seems easy to finish but with the raging heat of the sun, I literally crawled my way up, stopping to take a rest every after 3 gigantic steps. Reaching the top was a big achievement for me. I thought I was going to pass out in the middle of the climb but I was able to make it to the top. It was a rewarding feeling to be up there and see the statue up close, all worth the sweat and blood.

Tabgon is the same place where Culapnit Cave is located. We walked for about 30mins to reach the house of our guides. They have this big kerosene lamp they use as light to guide them inside the cave. The cave was wonderful. It was the biggest I’ve entered so far. Lots of stone and lime formations. There’s this very small passage where you have to squeeze your body to pass through. With my voluptuous body, I thought I was never coming out in one piece.

After visiting Tabgon, we headed for another island hopping. Two more islands then we decided to break camp so we can head to Paniman where we will camp out supposedly. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. It was already dark when we arrived in Paniman and looked for a place to pitch our tent. Most of the participants were already tired and decided to get a room from any of the resorts in the area. We decided to do the same so we can have a decent rest before traveling back to Manila the next day. Since most of the rooms are booked, we decided to go to the town proper and head back to Julianna Hotel where most of the participants will camp out. It was another 15mins boat ride back to Gata Sanctuary. This time, it was no ordinary boat ride. It was pitch dark and the only light source we have were two small flash lights. The boatmen were unbelievably amazing. They were able to navigate the ocean with little resources. If I were the one who have to go home by boat without any source of light, I would have cried myself in distress. Then, upon arriving in Gata Sanctuary, we waited for another 15mins for a tricycle to get us to the town proper.



Julianna Hotel was fully booked by the time we arrived so we headed to another hotel nearby called Istaran Hotel. The room we got was nice. It has hot and cold shower and fully air-conditioned. A heaven after the whole day survivor challenge we had in the island. I requested for Alvin grab our dinner from Julianna so we can eat it in our room. My plan was to sleep after taking a bath but then we decided to check the guys out who were already socializing by the time we went down. After a short getting-to-know-you moment, we went back up to sleep.

The next morning, we woke up around 7. Took another bath and then grab some breakfast. We were taking off at 8:00AM. So after eating, we went back up to prepare all our things. By the time we finished they were all gone! We were left behind. Luckily, they were not that far yet. They decided to stop at the famous old church called Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel. The jeep went back to the hotel for us. Then of course, we will not let go of the chance to take pictures of the old church. A couple of photos and then we’re off to the port.

Another two hours boat ride back to Sabang Port so we decided to spend time drinking. It was again, ass numbing but fun ride. The waves were not big. We sailed smoothly.

The rest of the guys wanted to drop by Camsur Watersports Complex or CWC. Along the way we went to a restaurant called Biggs. They serve American cuisine. The roasted spareribs I ordered was mouth watering. It was a sumptuous meal we had.

After eating, its off to CWC. We went there and took more photos and got to see one of the hot celebrities in the country, Enchong Dee. Well, hot celebrity as they would say. I’m not really in to show business so I didn't know him but yes, when I saw him, he was hot.

More more pictures and then it was time to go home, another long ride back to Manila. We arrived around 2AM in Taft MRT Station. Took a bus to Cubao, got a taxi after buying midnight snack at Jollibee and headed home to finally rest our tired muscles.

It was tiring but the fun and adventure that came with this journey was priceless. I’d do it over again. =)