Trip Lang #22 - Mt. Tagapo Day Hike

August 9, 2015

Some of our friends from Arvato were talking about going on a day hike somewhere but the plan never materialized. Until one Saturday evening, we were chatting on Facebook messenger, the day hike thing was brought up. After discussing about where to meet, what time, and what to bring, the plan was no longer just a plan.

Early morning we were at Tikling having breakfast at KFC. There were 4 of us looking forward to starting this one day adventure. There were 4 of us, Alvin, Me, MC, and Ryan. The brave and bored souls. lol!

We took a jeepney from Tikling to Binangonan Port. From there, we took a passenger boat to Barangay Janosa, the jump off location. At the time it was raining so we were praying that the weather would spare our hike that day.

It is required to register at Mt. Tagapo base camp and pay a PHP20.00 registration fee. A guide is also available for PHP300.00 per day, this is also required.

I wasn't able to really able to take many photos but my partner Alvin made a video from a few clips and pictures that we managed to take.

Here it is... Please enjoy!

Trip Lang #15 - Valkyrie in Mt. Balagbag Resort

It's been a long time since the last team building and everyone was waiting for the team building budget. We've planned so many trips hoping that the money we're waiting for would be enough to cover majority of our team building expenses.

When the time came, everyone was a bit sad. Php 2,800 for eleven people was the money given to us. I know! Not even close to what we were hoping for.

Nevertheless, we have to come up with a plan, a great plan. We have to. We need to. So... Thinking... Thinking... Thinking... And there it was. Mt.Balagbag Resort. I've been to this place many times that I already lost count. With the budget we have, this is the only place I know would be favorable for everyone.

The players:

December 5, 2014 - start of our team's Friday-Saturday off. Everyone agreed to meet at Jollibee, Farmer's Plaza, Cubao by 3:30AM and start the trip by 4AM. Since everyone is a pure blooded Filipino, we left Cubao around 30 minutes after 4AM.

It only took us an hour to reach Tungko versus the usual travel time of two hours. We head straight to the terminal and bought our food for lunch from the market nearby.

Another hour of jeepney travel and we finally arrived at the jump off point. We purchased a container of water and ice before we continued our journey to the resort. Most of us took a tricycle to the terminal and the boys and MC walked all the way to the top.

The tricycle ride was comparable to mind-shaking and body-bumping roller coaster ride, literally. It was the definition of "rough road". All people going up should now drop by the Licao-Licao Barangay Hall to register and pay a registration fee of Php10. 

Upon reaching the trike terminal, we asked for some kids to be our porters as we were having hard time carrying the ice box and other stuffs we have bought from the market.

Everyone was catching their breath upon reaching the resort. We took a breather, took some selfies and groupies then we started preparing our food.

After all the food that needs to be cooked have been cooked, we ate our sumptuous lunch. A little bit of rest then we started our team activities. Some jumped right in to the swimming pool and others just lazily rested and soaked in the view.

The epic pool race!!!

The rest of the day were devoted to drinking, playing, chatting and picture taking and eating some more.

It was almost dusk when we left the resort and dark has taken over while we were on the road. It was tiring. With a limited budget, we can only go so far. But as long as you're with the right people, a little goes a long way... Always. To the best team ever! Cheers Team Valkyrie!

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Credits to Mikael Valbuena for most of the pictures.

Trip Lang #10 - Sea of Clouds - Mt.Pulag

What would be the best way to spend your birthday than to be on top of the mountain enjoying the sea of clouds. I decided this is what I want for my birthday this year so I booked a trip with Travel Factor. Mt.Pulag, located in the province of Benguet, is the highest peak in Luzon. Famous for its cold weather and sea of clouds.

This is the second time me and Alvin joined an organized trip with the people we don't really know and have never met before. The first was our Caramoan Trip in Bicol. We had a lot of preparation for this Pulag trip knowing that this is going to be different from the usual camping activities we've done in several mountains. A lot of hesitations were there because I don't know what to expect. I've traveled to a cold mountain before specifically in the small town of Lambak in Sultan Kudarat but that was ages ago.

Well, my dilemma really was the kind of clothes to bring. This was answered by the primer that was sent to us days before the trip. I've also comb the net for blogs of people who've been to Mt.Pulag to know or at least have an idea about their experiences, the do's and the don'ts too. So with my furry jacket and other winter gears, we started our adventure.

December 6, 2013 when we started our journey. Meeting place was Victory Liner Terminal in Cubao. We met Ron, one of the Travel Factor's guide. He have given us our shirts and bag tags which were included on our tour package. We waited for 10:30PM for the Victory Bus to leave. Travel time was 5-8 hours to Baguio so there is not much for us to do but sleep through it. There were two stop-overs along the way where we had the chance to eat and use the restroom.

It was thirty minutes past the hour of four when we got off the bus in Baguio. It was chilly! There, awaits our service to the Ranger Station, the jump off to Mt.Pulag. The jeep was huge! After loading our back packs, we had our breakfast at Good Taste in Lapu-Lapu street. They serve food like crazy because one order can make two persons full for a very cheap amount not even equivalent to a quarter pounder burger in McDonalds. It was amazing and really tasted good.

After eating we went straight (rather zigzag) to DENR to have our orientation for conquering Mt.Pulag trip. This is a requirement for all hikers/climbers no matter which trail you will take. Us, took the Ambangeg-Ambangeg route. A three to four hours hike and the easiest among all the trail. The trip was about almost two hours with one stop-over to use the restroom. Lucky those who have Pulag as their home town.

The DENR head lectured us of what to do and what not to do when climbing Mt.Pulag. She has shared a brief history and some folklore of the place. Then, another one hour ride to the Ranger's Station. As far as I can remember, there were never a straight road the entire trip. The best and scariest part was passing through a narrow, zigzag road just inches away from cliff. The original road going to the ranger station was under construction so we have to go through this new way and again, inches away from chasm.

An hour of heart-pounding ride and we reached the Ranger Station. We had to repack our things to make sure we have just the necessary stuff for the climb. Clothes intended for our trip back home were packed in another bag and left on the ranger's room. We had our lunch and started our 3 hour trek at 1 PM.

The entire trek was filled with beautiful scenery and a lot of breath taking view... I mean, literally breath taking. The trail was easy but maybe because of the high altitude, it was hard for someone like me who had hit the gym ages ago. With every breath comes a new and magnificent view of the Benguet Mountain. The remarkable beauty of Mt. Pulag is something someone would treasure forever.

We passed through the Pine Forest, then the Mossy Forest. We've reached camp 1 after about more than an hour of slightly inclined trek. We stopped to rest before continuing our journey for another two hours. Along the way we had to put our rain coats because it was drizzling. Though it was not that much water coming down, it is enough to make your clothes wet if you continue without any protection.

Walking in the wet ground of Pulag and looking up the mossy trees made me realize I was so lucky to be able to see such nature's beauty. The trek was a bit hard for me, so I picture myself in the sea of clouds to keep me going. Then around past 4 in the afternoon we reached camp 2. It was zero visibility due to fog when we arrived. A few meters more from camp 2 was the area where Travel Factor pitched our tent. We had difficulty pitching our tent because two of the poles were smashed. Thanks to the head band that was given to me as a birthday present by my friend Erna, we were able to improvise something to make it sturdy enough for an overnight shelter.

It was starting to get really really cold so I decided to change my sweat-wet-clothes. I changed in to my Furry Coat which I bought solely for this purpose (hahaha! I know! F na F!). About an hour after we arrived, the fogs were gone. Just about time for sun set. The surrounding was covered with golden-blue light. Then, Mount Pulag showed us what she's famous for, her sea of clouds. Just see the picture below for its awesomeness.

  

Magnificent, this word is not enough to express the beauty that was presented upon us. I feel so blessed that God gave me this view just few hours from my birthday. A very lovely present that I'll hold and treasure for as long as I live. A scenery so pure you will feel like an angel standing before the carpet of clouds. The clouds were just with in my reach. I swear I felt wings have suddenly span my back and I'm about to fly.

It was great that we had witness the sunset because the next morning, all we've seen were fogs and loads and loads of fogs. No clearing and in fact it rained until we started our descend.

Like any mountains we've climbed, going down is the easiest part. However, due to exhaustion and weariness, we decided to hire a porter and we've met two of the youngest porter in Mt.Pulag, Kara and Jula. They were amazing!

Kara and Jula

Team Travel Factor

We were back at the ranger station around 11:30 in the morning. We bought a few key-chain and scarf souvenirs from a local store We've taken a very very very cold bath. As in freezing cold bath I can't stress enough before eating lunch and started our journey home.

Part of the itinerary is to drop by Ambuklao Dam where we've taken souvenir pictures before heading back to Baguio City. Our bus was scheduled to leave at 9PM and we have 3 more hours before departure so we decided to eat dinner at 50's Diner and buy some Baguio specialties for pasalubong.

This trip was a totally different celebration from any other birthdays that I had but this is the most meaningful of all. One with nature and will always be. Let's continue making memories!




Expenses and Itinerary



Travel Factor Site

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.