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.

Breathtaking Banahaw

This was unexpected.

Television and social media confirmed the presence of two (2) low pressure areas (LPAs) sandwiching our target mountain - Mt. Banahaw in Dolores, Quezon. We may be able to secure a permit but it would be useless if the weather gets worse.

Eve of August 10, 2013, Dex and I proceeded to Alabang to meet with fellow mountaineers. It was drizzling and later, it rained.

We took a bus bound for Lucena and got off at San Pablo City. From there, a chartered jeepney took us to Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon.

The Permit

Mt. Banahaw has been declared as one of the protected areas in the Philippines by virtue of  Republic Act 9847. It has been temporarily closed to mountaineers in 2004. However, locals and pilgrims are allowed to climb during Holy Week.

Today, climbing Mt. Banahaw has been regulated. Only those who have secured a permit are allowed to scale it. The representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that they encourage outdoor enthusiasts to conduct tree planting activities in the mountain to replace the trees that have been illegally cut. Clean up and back filling may also be done.

Orientation by the DENR Representative

Pipes were visible along the trail. The mountain is the water source of the residents at its foot. This is also the reason why it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the mountain.

We started to trek at around 9:45AM. Manong Dingdong led the way. We walked through a plantation of coffee and other sorts of plants. Vegetation is thick. Breathing has been so soothing to the senses.

MOSSY BASIN. Just before we reached the Kweba ng Dios Ama, our lunch area, slippery mossy rocks challenged us! We walked over it carefully and I slid slowly and happily I literally laughed my heart out after a successful slide! Let me take you there. Imagine a basin of stagnant water. The basin is made up of big mossy rocks. The challenge is to pass through it without falling, otherwise, I get my feet and knees wet. So I embraced each rock with caution. Then came one rock that is beyond the limits of my arms. Dex was able to cross it. I must too. I took off my bag, passed it to Dex. I sprawled over the mossy rock keeping my grip on my left then slowly, by Dex's command, I loosen my grip and slid to the other side. I made it!

We had lunch at the foot of Kweba ng Dios Ama. We relaxed for an hour, fetched water and cooked for dinner.

STUNG. My hands started to itch. It felt like I was being pricked over and over again. I was told I have been stung by poison ivy. Joela did the first aid. The invisible hairs of the plant were taken out by using a surgical tape (they recommend duct tape). Though the hairs were gone, the itchy and burning sensation remained. They said it might last for two weeks. Blisters are also possible.

CHALLENGE #2. The mossy basin was challenge number 1.

Rain has started to fall and we were about to start the next leg of the climb. An almost 90 degrees rope segment launched it. Came my turn. I rose a few meters, my left hand gripped the blue rope. Manong Dingdong was awkwardly positioned at my upper right ready to pull me up. There were no other holds. The only way up were the rope and Manong's hand. Dex climbed to my side to give me a push. It took me a while. My knees were shaking and my tears have started to cloud my eyes. I cannot stop. I took  a deep breath, my left hand tightly gripped the blue rope. I extended my right hand towards Manong Dingdong and quickly, pushed myself up.

TEKA-TEKA ETC. It took us a while to finish that rope segment. With ponchos on, we continued to trek. As we go further, the forest grows thicker. Chitchats and trail foods and teka-tekas made the trekking fun!

Teka-teka, as we call it, is a palm plant. It has thorns on its trunk and at the tip of its leaves. Its thorns are positioned backwards. It catches whoever and whatever it got contact with. I was lucky to have Joela on the lead and the other boys. Teka-teka struck them first! (evil laugh). So when it's my turn, the thorns have been hidden away from the trail.

We rose up quickly as the day wears out. The trail has gone steeper as we went higher. Every now and then, we check our level of elevation.

THE FUN CLIMB. I am a snail climber. That is a fact. Especially when part of the sweepers, I have the tendency to proceed slowly. As my "catch-up" plan, so that I won't be a burden to the group, I joined the lead team and whenever possible, I walk ahead of Dex knowing that he will just be behind me in a few minutes. So, lakad.. kwentuhan..lakad..pahinga... lakad.. kuwentuhan.. lakad.. pahinga.. lakad sila... pahinga ako mamaya nandiyan na si Dex... wala pa rin si Dex... magdidisappear na yung last element sa harap ko.. Oh no.. magiging mag-isa ako.. habol habol habol... dikit na ulit.. lakad.. lakad.. pahinga... lakad.. lakad. pahinga... pahinga... lakad sila.. pahinga.. wala pa rin si Dex.. magdidisappear na ang nasa harap ko!!! habol habol habol... nakahabol.. dikit ulit.. lakad lakad.. dumidilim na.. dikit na dapat... may kaluskos sa likod ko... lakad sila, pahinga ako... si Dex? Si sir Erick!!! pahinga rin sya.. tapos nagpaalam na mag advance na.. sige... pahinga pa rin ako.. nawala na si sir Erick!!! didilim na! lakad na ako!!! Tawag ke sir Erick, sunod sa boses nya.. lakad lakad.. nakita ko na... lakad lakad na talaga... pahinga pagpahinga nila.. lakad pag lakad na sila...

VHF RADIO. Light has started to fade and our gaps have grown wider. We stopped to wait for the rest of the team. Dex has not showed up yet. The next group arrived and Dex was not with them. Sir Erickson handed me my headlamp and told me Dex had muscle cramps and was far behind. With him are two others who got injured. My heart sank. I should have stayed with him.

Delta Charlie, do you copy?

no response. 

Delta Charlie, do you copy?

no response. I concluded that they are really far behind.

Few minutes later, someone buzzed in! Tango Kilo. Tango Kilo.

My heart leaped! I monitored them as they slowly scale the dark trails ahead of them. ♥

NIGHT TREK. 7:00PM. Intact again as one team, we prepared for the final assault to the saddle camp. Cautiously, we started to walk, checking the elevation from time to time. It has been almost 10 hours since we started to hike. My legs were already tired and just before I give up came my favorite part - the "four -wheel hike". I patiently ascended the 70-80 degrees slope to the saddle. Above me is a line of butts and a row of headlamps beneath me. I put all my energy pushing myself up to what seemed to be an endless assault!

DIAMONDS AND FIREFLIES. Tall grasses finished the long assault. Past it are small spaces for tents and my fellow climbers exclaiming with joy! I looked up, savored the cool breeze and breathed in the scent of the mountain. The stars twinkled above us like diamonds! There were so many! The heaven is stuffed! I lowered my head and a wide plain glittered like fireflies below us! What a sight! What a lovely sight!

BEAUTIFUL MORNING. I woke up to the voices of my climbing buddies. When Dex got up, we joined the others at the highest point of the saddle. The view was breathtaking!!! Some have identified 10 peaks from where we stand. Most of them, I haven't scaled yet. On the other side is the mountain range of Banahaw. So green and fresh! Later, clouds started to set in. The once clear peaks looked icy already. A heavenly view formed just right below us. Beautiful!

Icy Mt. Cristobal as seen from the saddle of Mt. Banahaw

DESCENT. The clearing has disappeared just before we started our descent. We took a different trail - the trail via Tatlong Tangke. This time, I belong to the sweepers. The trail was steep. very steep. I fell twice. All except for the four (4) of us were far ahead. My feet felt sore. I descended patiently and slowly. This made me appreciate the details of the trail. The mossy roots. The mushrooms. The dried flowers. The berries. The trail signs! We saw 2! The arrow and the fresh leaves :) There was also a baby red snake by the trail. That made me walk faster! The trail where horses pass was exciting for me. I forgot my sore feet as I hopped. Then there were these plantations of beans and bitter gourds and lemons. Then there was this loud sound of motorcycle. Then there was this familiar place - the DENR!!!

5:10PM. Marvin, Dex and I have successfully and safely descended Mt. Banahaw.

CREDITS. Thank you Erickson Recto, Sendo and Joela for making this Banahaw climb happen! Thank you Outdoor Buddies for the company! I know you too are happy climbing with me! Hahaha! :)) Thank you also Manong Dingdong and Kuya Sweeper :) Thank you, Dex for making my load light, for pushing me and for everything! :) at sa naghain ng masarap na post-climb dinner, thank you!!! 

This is one of the memorable activities I have done! Priceless beautiful experience!

Sa uulitin? ;)

Mt. Pulag: Notes of My Come Back Climb

Initially, I arranged this climb for my sisters and my cousin. After scaling few mountains, I want them to experience the beauty of Mt. Pulag. Later, however, Rose passed the accountancy board exams, immediately got employed and was given an important task. Wan, on the other hand received her regular employment contract and a seminar was set at a date close to the climb.  And so, my sisters were forced to back out.

The Team

Dex, Kinsy, Anne, Cabs, Joy, Rommel, Shiela, Vese, Marian
Rkie, Grace, Mark, Nikki

Dex and I pushed for the climb. We were joined by my cousin Kuya Buboy and his friend, Anne; my high school friend, Nikki, her boyfriend, Mark and their friend, Joy who happened to be my classmate during my elementary years at St. Agnes Academy; and, my dormmate, Grace and her friends. We were actually two teams. Team uragon and team ilocanos.

The climb was set on a holiday. At first, we planned to leave Manila for Baguio by midnight. However, with more travellers and climbers heading North, we booked for the 8:30pm trip of Victory Lines as the later trips were already fully booked.

We reached Baguio at around 3:00am. Ms. Gina Epi, our contact for the jeepney rental, was already there since midnight. She had a couple of climbers booked for Mt. Pulag on the same day.

Briefing and Orientation

The DENR hall was not enough to accommodate all of us during the orientation. Several groups climbing the Ambangeg and Akiki trails gathered to watch a documentary on Mt. Pulag. After receiving instructions from Ms. Emerita Albas of the DENR, we headed for the Ranger Station.

The Ranger Station was crowded with climbers preparing to climb and those going-down. Unlike in 2010 when I first came here, there were people from the DENR/ DOT (I think) who were facilitating the registration of each group of climbers. We were supposed to have two (2) guides but because of the so many groups climbing, we were provided only with one (1) – Sir Nograce.

The Climb

After a short prayer, we started trekking. We were lucky for the good weather. It was sunny yet cold. It didn’t rain and the trail was never left empty with climbers going up and down.

Dinner preps and photo-ops!
Photos by: Mark Stephen Flores

At 4:00pm, after an almost 4-hour trek, we settled ourselves at camp 2. As it gets darker, our clothes get thicker. Finally, we found ourselves almost covered - two (2) layers of socks, gloves (2 layers too) and bonnets.

mga uragon! Cabs, Joy, Anne, Mark, Nikki, Kinsy, Dex
Photo by: Mark Stephen Flores

The sunset was beautiful! Yellow turning orange turning red. That’s how the sky was before the stars twinkle above us.

As early as 6:00pm, we feasted on the scrumptious dinner we prepared. We had sinigang and sautéed vegetables with meat. The sinigang was perfect for the oh-so-cold night! It was 10 degrees. We eat fast after we noticed that the food cools fast! The rice on my plate was as good as refrigerated after a few minutes! Eating on that night was indeed a challenge!

Lights were off at 9:00pm. At around 1:00am, I woke up cold and chilling. Temperature was recorded at 5 degrees.

Summit Assault

Jumping to the magnificent sunrise!
Photo by: Rommel Gacutan Taqueban

Photo by: Mark Stephen Flores

At 3:00am, almost everyone was up sipping something hot. Minutes later, we set-off for sunrise. Although the group was assigned at the summit, we opted for peak 2 where the possibility of witnessing the sea of clouds is higher.

  

Dawn was beyond my expectation. I (and the rest, I suppose) was in deep admiration of the dramatic rising of the sun as its rays slowly tore the deep blue sky over the thin mass of clouds. The sight was breathtaking. It was more than beautiful!

Descent

at Ambuklao Dam

We arrived at the Ranger Station at around 12:30pm. After we settle our porter fees, we headed to M’Gina’s place for lunch. She offers lunch for those descending at P60/ pax.

Bonus

Our driver was kind enough to show us Ambuklao Dam. We snapped a couple of pictures then we headed to Baguio.

Itinerary

8:30pm ETD Manila for Baguio (Victory Liner) p450/pax

3:00am ETA Baguio City

6:00am ETD DENR Pulag

            Jeepney rental p9000

            Breakfast at stop over, Packed lunch

8:45am ETA DENR Pulag

            Orientation. Briefing. Settled fees. p200/pax

9:30am ETD DENR

10:45am ETA Ranger Station

             Lunch. Secure guide. Settled fees. p100/pax

12:30pm Start Trek

4:00pm ETA Camp 2

            Prepare dinner. Sunset. Photo ops.

6:00pm Dinner

7:30pm Socials

9:00pm Lights out

3:00am Wake-up call

3:30am Summit Assault

5:18am ETA Peak 2

            Sunrise

6:00am Head to Summit

6:15am Summit

8:00am Descent (campsite)

9:00am ETA Camp 2

            Breakfast. Break camp.

1:00pm ETA Ranger Station

            Settle porter fees. p500 round trip. p250 one way

2:00pm Lunch at Ma'am Gina Epi's place p60/pax

4:00pm DENR Pulag

            Bought Souvenirs. Logged-out.

4:30pm ETD DENR Pulag

            Dropped by at Ambuklao Dam

7:00pm ETA Baguio