Mt. Talamitam: My Sentimental Solo Climb

The idea of a solo trip/ climb has crossed my mind during the early months of 2011. To my mind, it will give me time to be with myself, to rearrange my life, to breathe in air.

I woke up to the golden rays of the sun peeping through my window. I checked my itinerary. I am an hour late. Hurriedly, I packed my trail foods, water and clothes then I hit the road.

The sun is already up. Trabajo Market is crowded with people and pedicabs. The sight of a market warms my heart. The vegetables and assorted fruits basking in the sun literally gives color to this day.

The jeepney moved slowly, carefully driving through the crowd. I jumped off the jeepney as it stopped at Tayuman. I walked fast to Jollibee for my packed lunch then I rushed up to the train station.

I missed the train. I patiently waited for the next praying for enough space to accommodate me. It is already 8am and I have to be at the jump-off before 12noon.

8:45am and I am at the far end of a queue. I am not the only person today who is itching for the mountains. Are we headed to the same mountain? I don't know. I wish not. Otherwise, it's a "solo" climb no more.

Nasugbu, Batangas is 3 hours away from Manila. I alighted at KM 83 and walked to the registration area. There are already climbers preparing for their assault when I arrived. Lunch is a good alibi not to join them :)


Unfortunately, I was not allowed to go solo, so I hired a guide for php300. To keep my goal, I asked the guide to walk past ahead of me and stop only, if needed.

THE SOLO FEEL
I took a deep breath and had my first step towards the summit of a mountain I have never trekked. The trail is shaded in the first leg of the assault. The smell of the leaves soothed the sting I nurse within. I can feel almost everything: the wind, the brush of the leaves against my skin, the soil I sink my feet on, the sun kissing away my loneliness.

"It is a beautiful world." I said to myself as I slowly walked into the plains where coconut trees are abundant and carabaos graze. I turned to see the how far and high I have been. I saw beauty. The sight of the jagged slopes of Mt. Batulao was the best there is from Mt. Talamitam.

"Saan nyo po gusto? Sa mahirap o sa madali?" asked the guide, interrupting my reverie.

"Kaya ko ba yung mahirap?" I asked.

"Wag ka lang po titingin sa baba." he replied.

"Oo nga naman." I mused. Don't look back. I started caressing the earth, gripping tight every grass and rock along the way up. Mid-way to the summit, my hands were charcoal black. I was told, the mountain had just been burned days ago.

Mt. Talamitam Summit View

So it was not just me. I am not the only one enduring pain. The mountains, even. And despite being burned, it still welcomed me to share the beauty this earth has. I should be like this mountain - burnt yet still brave to have the sun shine on it.

***

I went down via the easier trail with a positive spirit and a lighter heart. I met mountaineers setting their camps and greeted them with a warm smile.

I settled myself peacefully inside the bus bound to Manila, closed my eyes and thanked the Almighty for the wonderful day.

Taal, Batangas

The plan was to catch the bus to Bulan, Sorsogon for Lola Baby’s birthday. Due to time constraints, rowing became an alternative. For failure to wake up at 3:00am, Luneta photoshoot was set. Luneta, being a frequent place for photoshoot, Taal, Batangas has been the spot!

St. Martin of Tours Basilica: Asia's largest Catholic Church

Almost a year ago, I have read in a magazine about the largest Catholic Church in Asia. I have read that it is erected at Taal, Batangas – the Basilica of St. Martin of Tours. 

We arrived at lunchtime and headed straight to the Basilica. As expected, it was huge and old. The interior are well crafted. The pillars, the walls and the ceiling are all beautiful. It has also a spacious parking lot and a park.

Inside the Basilica. Photo by: Dexter Comandante

The belfry can be climbed for Php100. It is open until 6:00pm. We saw the sun set from there.

We had lunch at Don Juan BBQ. Taal is not complete without tawilis on the table so we ordered some. The dining crew were polite and nice. They gave us flyers about Taal. It contains a list of tourist attractions around the municipality.

After filling-in our stomach, we walked down Calle Agoncillo. The streets are narrow but clean. On each side were old houses and establishments.

Bastonera

Abaniko

We entered Don Leon Apacible’s Museum. It is the ancestral house of the Don Leon Apacible which was donated by the heirs to the National Government. Inside were preserved things used by the Apacibles. The first that caught my attention were the baby dress and the abanikos of Doña Matilde. Art, the museum staff said that these items are regularly treated to maintain its form. The museum is open on Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-4:00pm. Admission is free. Doña Matilde Apacible, Don Leon’s Wife, was the first woman Mayor of Taal.

Among the recommended destinations is the 100 steps of Caysasay and the miraculous well. The place looks ordinary as there are residents by the side of the stairs. On the right, few steps before the Shrine of Caysasay, is the miraculous well where the image of the Our Lady of Caysasay was fished. Siblings Editha, 9 and Andrew, 13 showed us the grotto and the well. It is believed that the well grants wishes and heals. We lighted a bundle of candles that is believed to keep the family together. 

At the foot of the 100 steps is the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay.

 

Marcella de Agoncillo Museum

Another museum along Calle Agoncillo is the Marcella de Agoncillo Museum. Marcella Agoncillo is the principal seamstress of the Philippine flag. It is open on Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-4:00pm. No Admission fee.

As night creeps in, barbeque stalls lit up in front of the basilica. We sat down for a few sticks and drinks and made our way back to Manila. Last trip from Lemery, Batangas to Manila is at 8:00pm.

Taal is a clean and quiet municipality with accommodating people. Like Vigan, it is rich in history and heritage. Our 4-hour afternoon walk in Taal surely deserves a part 2!

Expenses:

Manila-Taal-Manila Bus fare P340 (170/way)

    Lemery bound bus

Lunch P503.00

Candles and tip for Editha and Andrew P60.00

Refreshments P48.00

Tricycle P50

    Taal to Lemery Bus Station

Photos at: https://www.facebook.com/KinsysPage?ref=hl