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.