Remembering Tapulao 13

TJ Gonzalez, Martin Chambers, Ching I-Wang, Jaja Reyes, Val Roque, Larry Honoridez, Hermes Marticio, Mitch Soria, Jojo Ramos, Regie Pablo, Roderick Rebada, Marlon De La Cuesta, Chito Razon. What's with them? They initially set an open MFPI climb in far-flung Tapulao in June 1999 when only UPM and Action Asia knew where it was. Initiated by TJ and Chito in Alberto's on a mere whim asking where that is and saying let's go, we've set ground for a destination that has gained popularity.

As I remember this climb reviewing the articles in the PAL MC site inspired by the exploratory trek, it made me ask where are we now? We've lost the weekend company.

Martin has gone back to New Zealand after his contracts with PLDT and Smart ended. Last heard he was in Arizona.

Ching I-Wang was graduated from the Ateneo, worked for a call center Sykes and has since favored boardsailing than trekking. She is due to leave Manila for Taiwan for good this 2Q 2001. Jaja who finished from the same school claims she is a free spirit and just flows where the winds blow. She did volunteer work for an international boardsailing competition in Boracay this year.

TJ has dropped the recreation temporarily for serious wall climbing. He has been landing in 3rd place in both novice and open categories. Never 2nd nor 1st although he is capable of doing so. On his 25th birthday last February, he declared though that his true passion is for trekking and expressed his intention of going back (both for the recreation and for the company.)

His buddy Larry has gone a long way since Pico de Loro since his first Luzon climbs in 1998. He has accumulated rated trekking equipment, hiking mileage and cooking sense making him indispensable in important climbs. Summits of Guiting-guiting, Ugu, Tawangan, Tarak, Apo, Baler, Makiling Peaks 1, 2 and 3 are not alien to him anymore. He is yet to see the peak of Halcon with us.

Of course you know that Regie is very visible as the MFPI Secretary. Not visible though when he is on classified "personal" weekend climbs. Out of the Philippine soils as well are Mitch and Herms.

Mitch got married two Decembers ago and has now settled in California. He claims to have stepped on US National Parks on solo climbs. Herms on the other hand is in Arlington Virginia leaving Estor Cubao hurriedly last December 2000. He has claimed to have seen the path to his summit and declared to live a "serious" life. He has set his eyes on a computer education in California this year. The two are constantly in touch with each other.

As gleamed from his MFPI postings, Derek is working abroad. We only have clues on the whereabouts of the following: Jojo Ramos is said to have quit trekking. Marlon opted for an early marriage with a young lass. Val in his last MFPI postings months ago was disposing all his equipment and memories with us. We gathered he will pursue a Microsoft training in Silicon Valley.

Where is now our weekend company? Gone. The most recent reunion was the 15th MFPI Mt. Malinao Federation Climb in Albay last October 24, 2000 where the 6 met: Ching, Jaja, Hermes, Larry, Regie and myself. After Tapulao was the Halcon climb of Jojo, Mitch, Marlon, TJ and Chito.

The landscape has changed. So have our priorities and the company. These changes are wake up calls that we are merely walking through with this recreation. Each highlight and memorable moments imprinted in our minds in the scenic scenes captured on digital camera and memories, insightful socials and small shining moments are showers of grace encouraging us to keep on discovering new places and meeting new mates.

Nothing is permanent. Not even the freedom to climb. But there is always a wandering soul out there wanting to exploit the breadth and depth of the earth, treasure the experience and write about them. They will show up in the next trail to immortalize the moment. Once immortalized, it then becomes forever. Like our first Tapulao.

Chito Razon 19 March 2001
Tue Mar 20, 2001 8:50 pm

Growing Popularity of Adventure Race

Growing Popularity of Adventure Race. From Why Do You Climb To Why Do You Race

Several years ago, we noted the increasing interest in mountaineering moving up from a specialized recreation to a mainstream activity. These past few years, we are seeing a growing interest and participation in adventure races. Races are regular features on major cable networks. Competitions are staged almost monthly. This 8 Nov, the AXN Challenge drew 250 participants with about 900 supporting the one-day 50 km event. The ofoto site “Snapshot of AXN Challenge” I put up registered almost a 100 hits within the 24 hours it was put online. To think I only released invitation to the MFPI community last Sunday.

Original mountaineers influenced by the international interest and the competitive spirit have picked up the sports here. This validates all along the statement made by the then MFPI President AC Sebastian that the base of the adventure sports is the mountaineer. To excel in this field, they have enhanced their skills adding to the Basic Mountaineering Training technical proficiencies as: rappelling, wall climbing, biking, orienteering, navigation and even sound thinking. Only the spiritual has been left out.

With increased competency supplemented with high tech gears, the adventurers can go to places no one dares go, faster. Competitiveness drives one to fulfillment and also to exhaustion. This quote I picked up from the contributor in the AXN Adventure forum ably captures his spirit, “There will never be another you, make the most of yourself . . . there will never be another now . . .make the most of it.”

Adventure challenge like mountain climbing extols the values of drive, determination, teamwork and passion to survive and to complete. Why does the outdoor man do it in the urban jungle? Perhaps it is here where he needs it most to survive.

Chito Razon
tochs@excite.com
11 November 2003

The Conquerors of Everest on Decency, Kindness and Simplicity

The Conquerors of Everest on Decency, Kindness and Simplicity

Jan Morris wrote in Time Magazine that by conquering Mount Everest, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay affirmed the power of humble determination and won for underdogs everywhere.

After first climb to the summit of Everest in 1954, the two became instant icons.

Hillary then championed the causes of the Sherpas building airstrips, schools and hospitals.

Tenzing put up a mountaineering school in India and was looked up as a hero by the Sherpa's and the underpriviledged.

But both paid their dues for success. Jan cites "I thought their brand of heroism-the heroism of example, the heroism of debts repaid and causes sustained--far more inspiring than the gung-ho kind. . . . Only because there became attached to the memory of the exploit, in the years that followed, a reputation for decency, kindness and stylish simplicity.


What mountains you climbed and what equipment you have are insignificant matters compared to this feat.


-CBR 16Nov99


Here are excepts from the article "The Conquerors" as it appeared in Time
Magazine JUNE 14, 1999 VOL. 153 NO. 23 SPECIAL ISSUE/TIME 100


The real point of mountain climbing, as of most hard sports, is that it
voluntarily tests the human spirit against the fiercest odds, not that it
achieves anything more substantial--or even wins the contest, for that
matter. For the most part, its heroism is of a subjective kind. It was the
fate of Hillary and Tenzing, though, to become very public heroes indeed,
and it was a measure of the men that over the years they truly grew into
the condition. Perhaps they thought that just being the first to climb a
hill was hardly qualification for immortality; perhaps they instinctively
realized destiny had another place for them. For they both became, in the
course of time, representatives not merely of their particular nations but
of half of humanity. Astronauts might justly claim that they were envoys of
all humanity; Hillary and Tenzing, in a less spectacular kind, came to
stand for the small nations of the world, the young ones, the tucked-away
and the up-and-coming.


Both, of course, were showered with worldly honors, and accepted them with
aplomb. Both became the most celebrated citizens of their respective
countries and went around the world on their behalf. But both devoted much
of their lives to the happiness of an archetypically unprivileged segment
of mankind: the Sherpas, Tenzing's people, true natives of the Everest
region. Tenzing, who died in 1986, became their charismatic champion and a
living model of their potential. Grand old Ed Hillary, who is still
robustly with us, has spent years in their country supervising the building
of airfields, schools and hospitals and making the Sherpas' existence
better known to the world. Thus the two of them rose above celebrity to
stand up for the unluckier third of humanity, who generally cannot spare
the time or energy, let alone the money, to mess around in mountains.

I liked these men very much when I first met them on the mountain nearly a
half-century ago, but I came to admire them far more in the years that
followed. I thought their brand of heroism--the heroism of example, the
heroism of debts repaid and causes sustained--far more inspiring than the
gung-ho kind. Did it really mean much to the human race when Everest was
conquered for the first time? Only because there became attached to the
memory of the exploit, in the years that followed, a reputation for
decency, kindness and stylish simplicity. Hillary and Tenzing fixed it when
they knocked the bastard off.


Jan Morris accompanied the 1953 British Everest Expedition. Her next book
will be about Abraham Lincoln.


BORN Tenzing, May 1914, in Solo Khumbu, Nepal; Hillary, July 20, 1919, in
Auckland, New Zealand 1935 Charles Warren makes an unsuccessful assault on
Everest-- and the acquaintance of Tenzing, his Sherpa porter; Warren later
introduces Tenzing to Hillary 1953 Hillary and Tenzing are the first to
reach the summit of Mount Everest 1954 Tenzing becomes head of the
Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling, India DIED Tenzing, on May 9,
1986, in Darjeeling

Climbing and Logging In

Climbing and Logging In
(A Tribute To The 1999 Philippine Webby Awards Nominees)

What's common between a trekker and a tekkie?

1. Both have passion for their craft, mountaineers for the outdoors, new places to climb; the designer on new ways of doing things.
2. Both are seen to be weird but not nerdy though. Both are trendy.
3. Those who excel are the young ones. There are now lots of young ones mainly in the late 20's to 30's into climbing.
4. Obsession for equipment. The IT for their computers, scanners, storage, connectivity. What about the mountaineer? Who has not attended a socials without any discussion on this?
5. No one's earning from the craft. Software companies have low margins, designers not paid that high here, e-commerce not getting that high hits. Mountaineers don't earn from the journey, nor from sharing their info and stories. Certainly not the manufacturers who only cater to a limited few.
6. Both have a wealth of info, technology, experiences, adventures and a fresh way of looking at things.
7. The IT person needs to be dragged out of the screen to escape from his high stress world, the mountaineer out of the outdoors to be brought back to reality.
8. Both are changing the way the world is ran. Changing the way we look at things and in problem solving.
9. Both get satisfaction from completion-The mountaineer in reaching the top, the IT person in solving a hitch.
10. You can no longer take the passion out from them. In extreme cases their obsessions have become uncontrollable.

Lastly, both can be friends. That is why I maintain a circle of friends who are either in the outdoors or in the electronic world. Sometimes in both. Welcome to the next millennium.

Have e-mail, will climb. No need for pre-climb. Join the club?

-Chito
19 November 1999

Trek or Trail

Trek or Trail
Paraphrasing "The Truth Hurts," an article of Steve White in Action
Asia Magazine on Adventure Racing
By Chito Razon

Adventure racing and its variations like Eco-Challenge are emerging
as the extreme sports for the outdoors enthusiasts. They are
particularly appealing to the mountain climbers because of their
innate knowledge on directions, the adversities and attainment of
goals. Climbers are logical prospects for race participants as their
familiarity with other related sports as rappelling, swimming,
cycling, rock climbing, river rafting provides them with distinct
advantage.

Still, even with the shared prospects, answers to the questions "Why
do you climb?" and "Why do you race?" remain to be diverse.

Trek. Climbing is "voyaging outside in adversity encouraged a
journey towards greater self-knowledge."

Trail. Adventure racing "aims to push competitors to do the best
they can and be best they can."

Take your pick. See you in the outdoors.

22 October 2002

-----------------------

Background to Appreciating Adventure Racing from "The Truth Hurts,"
an article of Steve White in Action Asia Magazine
By Chito Razon

On what adventure racing is:
"evolving from one man's fascination with physical and mental
processes of enduring hardships to achieve goals"

On Frenchman covering the Whitbread Round-The-World Yacht Race in
1987:
"The rowers drive themselves relentlessly to fight winds and waves,
often starving off sleep to keep watch and enduring exhaustion and
prolonged physical discomfort to win through"

On the great explorer as seen by Gerald Fusil, founder of the First
Raid Gauloises in 1989 in New Zealand and the First Elf Authentic
Adventure:
"against considerable odds, those highly motivated men and women had
accomplished incredible feats to extend the boundaries of human
knowledge."

Motivation of today's participants to adventure race:
"sign of dissatisfaction with a life lived within limits whose
certainty of achievement is the norm and risks are managed."

Mark Burnett, one of the founders of The Raid on what makes the race
enthralling:
"communication, teamwork and dealing with the stresses of an
expedition race will bring out who you really are. Through days of
physical punishment, competitors are reduced to a kind of mental
bedrock, the most basic substance of their character . . the
athletes struggle to fit reason around the situation of extremity."

Adventure racing to Gerald Fusil:
"when you project yourself in an unknown environment"

-------------------

What has the popularity of mountaineering done? and Dear Alfie

What has the popularity of mountaineering done?

From: tochs@excite.com
Subject: What has the popularity of mountaineering done?
Newsgroups: soc.culture.filipino
Date: 1999/11/26

What has the popularity of mountaineering done?
1. Raised the consciousness of the climbers for the environment, acting on it though is different from just knowing.
2. Gave pleasure to the climbers either through their appreciation of nature, the camaraderie, use of equipment, purchase of equipment, physical exertion, feeling of completion, seeing new places, meeting new people, eating, drinking or mere escaping. or a combination of all.
3. Sharpened special skills: photography, cooking, organizing, leading, relating, writing, website developing, handling socials, technical climbing etc
4. Not to mention improved the economy: equipment trading and local commerce thrived from guides, food that you eat, transpo that you avail, places that you stay in
5. Above all, it ignited the passion in individuals, to enjoy their lives to the edge.
6. Close to saying it has opened us to our spirituality, to our role in life, our relationships with others and our place in this universe.

So what are we complaining about? We are concerned that our playing ground is not kept and in fact desecrated. We see it and know we can do something about it. Does this animal we are looking for really exist? Perhaps the environmentalist is a state of perfection and the purist is just our projection. The best that most can do is keep the campsite clean and stay alive. But it is good to be reminded at times that we can fill in to that obligation. Just like what Alfie and Celine did. Until we push so hard, it will be difficult. Because that is our nature.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

-Chito

========================

From: Celina Carmel C. Villavieja
[SMTP:celine_canete_villavieja@pal.com.ph]
Sent: Thursday, November 25, 1999 4:42 PM
To: palmc@egroups.com
Subject: [palmc] Re: New Meaning


Dear Alfie,

There have already been efforts in the past to promote a new consciousness for the Fed climbs. In 1995, UPM sponsored the Banahaw traverse via Dolores-Tayabas. In response to the guidelines of the Tayabas municipality, the number of participants per organization is limited. As an option for the other participants, UPM conducted concurrent activities in Tayabas basecamp like sport climbing competition and discussions on MFPI issues. Even the eminent Chang Guzman joined in exchanging views on environmental protection. At the end of the Congress, UPM presented a manifesto, which summarizes the delegates' views on environmental issues. This manifesto would have been the first step towards a concrete set of guidelines that would be adhered to by the members of the Federation.

However, instead of staying at the basecamp, most of the club presidents preferred to join the climb and rekindle the mountaineering camaraderie the traditional way. The manifesto that was presented and published at the end of the Congress was of little significance to them, because they were not part of its undertaking. The manifesto was not sustained. It, well, died.

That was more than four years ago. Nothing much has changed since. There is a rising consciousness among us about the real damage that we inflict on nature. But only few of us freely admit it because it would only make us self-contradictory.

Other countries have instituted measures to protect the environment, while allowing nature lovers to still enjoy the outdoors. We do not have such legislation in our country. In the absence of it, we can possibly do one thing. Stop climbing.

But are we ready for it?


Celine

Celine Villavieja was active with PAL MC in the early 90's. She was a prime mover of Bantay Banahaw, a maintenance program staged every Holy Week during her active days.

==================

From: alfie halibas [SMTP:pingot@mailcity.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 1999 10:19 PM
To: mfpi@egroups.com
Subject: [mfpi] New Meaning

I don't know about you guys but I think its high time we give new meaning to mountaineering. I have known that being mountaineers, we do not really uphold the real value of environmentalism. Climbing on mountains in such a great number can do so much damage to the mountain. We enjoy scaling them and we bask in their grandeur not knowing that we too are not protecting them and we in turn are not helping them either but instead are killing them softly. Since we've enjoyed mountaineering for over a long long time and never really felt the impact we do not understand so many things about them. I talked to this friend who's an ecotourism adviser from England and he's been to different mountains in the country. I mentioned the upcoming forum and the expected no. of participants. It drove him mad how we as so-called mountaineers can know so little and care so less. It bleeds my heart how anyone not from this place can care so much for our mountains and how we can not redefine our meaning of mountaineering. I do not know how to make of this anymore but I just hope we all will come up with a better solution than merely climbing mountains and pretending to care about the environment when in fact we too are helping them lose their beauty with every step we trudge upon her body as she lie there helpless and wailing but no one hears her voice.


alfie

Alfie Halibas is with CARE-Iligan (Climbers Association in Response to
Ecology)

==================

Subject: Re: What has the popularity of mountaineering done?
Newsgroups: soc.culture.filipino
Date: 1999/11/30

I absolutely agree with Alfie that, as mountaineers, we should be environmentalists. I also agree that climbing in "great numbers" can damage the mountains. Finally, I also agree that we "do not understand so many things about the mountains".

Insofar as MFPI is concerned, environmental protection has always been one of its original goals. Regretfully, climbers, both members and non-members of MFPI, are presently unable to agree on what climbers need to do to protect the mountains. Personally, I feel that any proposed course of action should be well thought out and must have solid scientific basis. And since we "do not understand so many things about the mountains", the first thing we have to do is undertake some verifiable studies of Philippine mountain ecosystems before we come to such conclusions like "stop climbing" or "stop 'mass' climbs".

For instance, if we take Alfie's concern about climbing in great numbers, we first have to agree on what that "great number" is. To do this, we have to find out the impact of specific numbers of climbers on specific mountains under specific conditions. There are no shortcuts. While some member clubs of the MFPI have espoused limiting climbers on certain mountains to a specific number, I have yet to see anybody come up with some honest to goodness study on which these numbers can be based. Most have merely parroted what studies conducted in foreign countries on totally different ecosystems have concluded. Regretfully again, these so called studies have also proven to be inconclusive. This is the root of the problem.

We can not continue taking the word of foreign friends and foreign publications, no matter how well meaning, as ex cathedra gospel truth without pausing for a moment to think if they are applicable locally. We can not keep on mouthing environmental buzzwords. We have to understand that, in order to launch an honest to goodness environmental crusade, we have to be able to defend our proposals in Plaza Miranda or in any other forum our detractors may choose. More importantly, we have to be able to convince our fellow mountaineers and environmentalists of the legitimacy of their cause in order to propel them to action. To do otherwise would be to court divisiveness within the mountaineering and environmental community. The members of the community would be unable to agree on something which lacks basis and can not be rationalized or explained.

This is precisely why, when we sought permission to climb Mt. Kanla-on for the last president's climb. We offered to undertake a study on the effects of climbing on Mt. Kanla-on in cooperation with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems at the U.P. Los Banos. This study would have taken at least one year of data gathering and we were supposed to gather the initial data during that climb. Sadly, some local public official, who claims to be an environmentalist, insisted on an absolute ban on climbing Mt. Kanla-on on the basis of a two page position paper (authored by himself) which failed to even relate climbing and mountain ecosystems. This despite the fact that he has no qualms about allowing gamecock farms on the slopes of Mt. Kanla-on.

To end on a personal note, I am perfectly willing to abide by any course of action or regulation which would protect the environment that we all love. However, I do not intend to be stampeded into action by some environtalists who think that, by mouthing some environmental jargon and appealing to my love for the environment, he can convert me to his cause. I demand that anybody who suggests that the federation do something grant me and the federation a modicum of respect (the same respect I offer to every other mountaineer and environmentalist) by presenting defensible and concrete propositions.

In the meantime, pending the results of the proposed studies, the federation can reach some consensus on any urgently needed preventive measures to minimize the damage climbers may be causing to the mountains. This can be done at the Vision Mission Goal seminar to be conducted this month in Tagaytay. and if any climbers are really concerned about the future of climbing, then I urge them to attend.

Butch Sebastian, MFPI President

Why do I Climb 1st Pass

We were inspired by John Muir, the most quoted mountaineer who said, "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares drop off like autumn leaves."

Then there was the movie "Seven Years in Tibet" when Heinrich Harrer explained, "I climb because of absolute simplicity. Your mind is clear, free of all confusion, you have focus and suddenly, the light becomes sharper, sounds are richer and you are filled with the deep, powerful presence of life."

We have our reasons. In my, and other friends' words, we are sharing them with you . . .


I climb mountains because it is when I get away from everything that matters to me, I realize what really matters most to me. And sometimes, what I thought was important may not be that important at all.

I climb mountains because when I'm on top of the world and I realize the enormity of things I haven't yet seen nor heard nor felt nor experienced, I feel motivated to go on with life and maybe try to live forever.

I climb mountains because..I don't know. There must be a strand in my DNA make-up that calls for me to reunite with the basic elements.

Mayan, a young sales female professional working for one of the largest detergent companies in the world based in Manila


Why do I climb?

It is for the feeling.
Like a sauna, it is a natural and relaxing cleansing sensation. Perspiring endlessly feels like all the toxins and impurities are flushed out of your body.

As sauna relaxes the muscles and cleanses the body, it is said to also sharpen the senses and heighten perception. That is why everything is nice up there. This is perhaps what Henrich Harrer cited in Seven Years in Tibet on why he climbs.

They say climbing gives you a natural high. It can be explained by the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. The same feeling you get after a work out, a marathon or an aerobic activity.

All the walking one does is like going through reflex. Reflex through finger therapy disperses and melts all the crystals and deposits in the foot producing an immediate feeling of well-being. Tension and minor pains seem to disappear. That's what the trail, stones and pebbles you step on do to the feet and to the body.

No wonder John Muir said in his most quoted explanation, "all woes disappear." It is true!

That's the technical part and now for the relating part. Yes climbing does this physically but only as a preparation for a better relationship with fellow, with nature and with myself. That is why I enjoy your company at the campsite, go out of my way to do chores as a cook, a cleaner, guide or sweeper or even organizing and leading climbs. I appreciate better food, drinks and socials, acknowledge myself more and most of all understand my role as a work of my creator.

That is why I climb, will continue to climb and encourage people to climb.

-CBR, a weekend climber and a regular major climber.



Bakit? Iba ang feeling. Parang at peace ka. Hirap ang umpisa pero pagdating sa tuktok, ang sarap ng pakiramdam. Parang lahat ay game at nasa elements na hindi mo nakikita sa ibaba. Recharging. Nakalilimot sa stress. Medyo nagkakabonding. Lahat nagkaisa sa kahirapan. Sarap ng hangin, ang ganda ng view, kakaiba ang lamig.

Para rin matuto gumawa ng website at hindi makalimot.

Chito Razon, a marketing practioneer based in the Philippines



Bakit nga ba? Pag nararamdaman ko na yung pagod, saka ko iisipin, ano ba ang ginagawa ko dito, bakit ko pinahihirapan ang sarili ko? Pero oras na maamoy ko ang sariwang hangin, makita ko ang naggagandahang puno at halaman, mapansin ko ang mga kakaibang mga hayop/insekto sa gubat at higit sa lahat, pag-nakarating na ako sa tuktok at nakita ko ang nakakatulalang tanawin, saka ko naiintidan kung bakit ako bumabalik at bumabalik at bumabalik at buma.............

Mitch Soria works for a bank handling systems based in Makati Philippines.



Why not!!!

Everybody's doin it so why can't I!!!

TJ, still a student



For me .... It's savouring some of God's creations.... which are not touched by man's cruelty to NATURE.

And of course ... enjoying the company of new FRIENDS

Juno Moncada, a family man working for a transnational. He was recently introduced to climbing just a year ago.



Why do i climb?
It's because of this :

" MY WALK WITH GOD "
When my busy week has ended
to the mountain i will trop
just to feel the closeness of him
as i take my walk with GOD.
Hand and hand from hill to valley
sweet the smell of fresh turned sod
sweeter still my joy and pleasure
as i take my walk with GOD.
Every creature pays him homage
trees and flowers bow and nod
in the presence of their maker
as i take my walk with GOD.
Oh the rapture of this moment
guided by his staff and rod
lifted now are all my burdens
as i take my walk with GOD.
Have a good CLIMB guys...

Gerald Muriel, PALMC member working with WHO-HQ in Geneva, Switzerland as computer specialist.



Bro, Oh the poet in you, at least now you're doing something instead of just point blankingly stare at a wall trying to figure out how difficult it is to answer a seemingly simple question.

Elmer Cabotaje, a physical fitness person involved in the academe. An officer of PAL MC



WHY I CLIMB

For meditation in higher elevation
and Isolation from civilization.

Vince Balagot is into computer hardware and promotes anything with a price tag.



Why Climb?

To listen to the rhythm of nature which has been
drowned out by the artificial static of society
To remind myself that Homo sapiens is just one species among
millions and has no right to claim the world as its own
To renew my commitment in helping save the Earth with the
blessings I have been given
To come face to face with all that will be lost if
I do not do my part
Wing Torres, a technical person involved in the production of detergents. Introduced to climbing just years ago and has been to most mountains in the Philippines.


Is Backpacking a Religious Experience?

The trail IS the physical destination and what I get from it is the spiritual journey that lasts days or weeks after the trip. For me backpacking is a way to shed the protective garb of society. I become a moving temple. I get simple and learn to deal with inner conflicts without constraints. Surprisingly it works, and I always send a thank you note to my God after all It is mostly his ear that I bend. Yeah...I guess it is a religous experience. I certainly don't do it so I can eat freeze dried foods and drink iodine flavoured water!

Ed Daniels



"Mountains, nature and wilderness have historically held a special place in the spirituality of humankind, and religious or not, I hope that modern man can continue to respect the sanctity of the few remaining special places. For me personally, the sacredness of wilderness increases exponentially as it becomes more scarce."

Terry "Terry Thompson"



Why do you enjoy the wilderness?
Sheer joy in the beauty of nature, getting off where I can think and dream, the physical exercise, the satisfaction of self-reliance, an opportunity for introspection, the interest in seeing new places closely as only a walker can, the sensual thrills of good air and cleanliness around me, the excitement of unexpected events and challenges ... I guess I could go on. There is no single reason.

Stephen W. Anderson



Going into the wilderness or wild places is more than recreation. It has more to do with creation.

John Holladay



The experience of being one with nature in your most simplest form could be one of the reasons why. "May karapatan kang maging baduy" for sometime that you cannot be really termed as "baduy". Ha-ha-ha! The experience of pushing yourself to the limits and the glory of conquering yourself is really something to look forward to each climb. Because, the beauty of each mountain entices me to climb as many as I want for as long as I can for every mountain offers a different experience altogether.

Fe Javier working as Marketing Assistant for Siemens, Inc.



Because it's there ? ... no to get in touch with the environment I have evolved from, which is forcibly being taken away from me by the very race I am with . Malalim ?, let's make it simpler - to be with my creator

Long Henson



Why do I climb...Basically, it makes me feel good..not just good, but getting that "natural high" there's no way you get it in an urban area. Another would be the environment that you are in it and the people you are joined with. It's that feeling of belonging with God and his creation that we try to maximize to our own advantage, not knowing the beauty that it possess.

Joey Arenas, working in automotive, promoting the environmentalism in the company.



Why is the grass green, why is the world round? I climb mountains "because it is there ..." - a great explorer aptly pronounced. There is nothing like a sunrise and a sunset viewed from the peak. In climbing, I am one with God. I am reminded of His generosity in sharing His great Creation. I love the great open spaces, the sheer natural exhaustion after a good trek. We should never stop exploring ... the world and ourselves. The big IS!

Charina works for a telecommunications company engaged in the cellular business.



It gives me a certain "high"... more closer to God... relaxes my soul... stress from work disappear when I hear the birds chirping early in the morning to wake us up and most of all the real person in us appears specially when we're so tired... nothing can beat the beauty of mother nature!!! Appreciate and take care of God's gift to humanity!!!!

Ria Mariano-Vicencio



It is an ultimate feeling of expressing my self...I really love to stand on the top or high places... I dont care what people say...I'm an Engineer,and really love to climb! It's fun to do something that somebody can't.. .

Paul Torregosa



Climbing has always put me beyond the brink of my fears. It sure feels different to find out that what you are afraid of is not the unexpected twists of the trail, nor the sudden vastness of the ravine beside you (which you don't give a care about because you are so damn tired). You suddenly find out that your fears are just within yourself - and up there on the mountains - they are all flushed out. And you come down, with sore legs, but with a refreshed soul.

Jojo Nazareno is an analyst/designer for Computer Information Systems Inc - now recently assigned to Meralco-MTP/Distribution.



Why do I climb ?........I guess it's to get away from it all---stress, work, stress, pollution, stress, and so on. It's conquering yourself. NATURE TRIPPING!!!. Iba talaga ang feeling!!! To be one with Nature and the Environment....diba?!......and of course, to meet and be with people who have the same frame of mind!!!

JV Duque, Training Coordinator-Artist Training, Talent Development and Management Centre, ABS-CBN



Umaakyat ako para makita ang nasa itaas ... upang masilip ang sumasaibayo sa mundong nasa ibaba ... napakahirap lalo na sa bandang una ... MAHILO-HILO ka pa!!! ... pero ang karanasang iyon ay hindi mapapantayan ... palaging mayroong paglundag na nasa loob ... lundag na 'di maipaliwanag ... 'di maintindihan ... ang paghahanap din yata ay parang ganoon ... hirap ka sa una, pero hanep sa huli ... umaakyat ako dahil mayroon sumasaibayo na 'di natin kailanman naiintindihan ngunit maaring maranasan ...

Si Erich nagpupumilit magturo ng Araling Panlipunan sa isang ekslusibong paaralan para sa mga lalake sa may Quezon City, sa tabi ng Ply-Ober!!!!



It's fun and full of audacious exitement. For me it's the ultimate recreation, it's like floating in the air whenever I'm watching GOD's wonderful creation.

Robert, SysEng from Qatar




For the joy of companionship
To sharpen the senses
To appreciate what you really have
To not mind the things you don't have
Learn tolerance for yourself and others
Jojoy is in the production of shampoo for Colgate Palmolive.

I climb because I feel I'm on top of myself and anyone else who has not reached the top of the mountain. It's like seeing fresh, dewy, eye-soothing grass and flowers in the early morning once you reach the top. Climbing gives me the ultimate relaxation, or what Wordsworth referred to as "contemplating with nature," and it gives me a deep fulfilment that I have conquered myself, my anxieties and, most importantly, my health problems.

Jonathan Ortiz, Journalist/Editor - Wordgrafix



I climb because..... not everyone has the guts to do it ..... it's an accomplishment in life ..... you'll appreciate nature more ..... I love to climb

Atit-kompyuter prog sa isang compyuter kampani



It's Fun!! It's exciting!!
But most of all, it is the only experience....
.....when I feel closest to God..

Michael Macainag a Student af De La Salle University



As what Sir Edmund Hilary said:
"IT'S THERE"
As what Nike advertises:
"Just Do It"
As what Flavier said:
"Let's DOH it"
As what I always said:
"Let's climb it"
Ayi Luna a Law Student of San Beda College

To prevent life from escaping.
Jon Linao-a student mesau1982@hotmail.com




It is a childhood dream to reach the top of a mountain and touch the clouds!!!

Toping Marin an Assistant Auditor at Metro Pacific Corporation topingm@hotmail.com



Let Conrad de Quiros wax eloquent:

"Because one must. One does not do it for the sheer joy of it,nor fame or fortune or health. One does it because of DESPAIR. For not doing so would be to melt in this world. Because it is not easy to accept nor to acknowledge the "thereness of things"-- like the mountain. Our minds cannot just accept the hugeness of mountains, much less the terror that goes with it - and one must climb--because it is there"

Di ba? Enough said: Climb!

Pastor Noel Suministrado-a Pastor in the company ni Lord karass@mozcom.com



Because it has made me realize that there's nothing much I need in this world except what I can carry in my backpack.

Because I can just close my eyes and feel the space around me.

Because only in the wilderness and in the face of adversity that you can truly test a person.

Because it reminds me amidst the 5-star things in life that this is the real me, simple me....

Ciao eve

Eve Cayaban-United Airlines Paxs Sales Exe at Aerotel Ltd. eve_cay@pacific.net.ph



Gusto kong umakyat dahil para sa akin...habang ako ay umaakyat at lumalakbay sa mga lugar na hindi ko pa napupuntahan, ako ay lumalaki...lumalaki sa iba't ibang aspeto...mapa-pisikal, mapa-intelektwal o mapa-spiritwal!

Miguel C. Lopez a Student of DLSU m3c2@cnl.net



Great!!!
The experience is full of fun, thrill and adventure. It was tiring but when you're there, it seems that you always want to explore.

Anna Mulingbayan-an Asst.Network Administrator at Destiny-on-line anna@destiny.sen.com.ph



I believe, one time or another, this question has to be answered by every climber. As for me, I have not been thinking about the answer to this. I guess because I refuse to rationalize the feelings I have with me and the 'energies' I receive whenever I climb. My first climb in Mt. Pulag last November of '97, has somewhat 'switched on' something inside of me. It was like it was something that was bound, destined may be the proper word, to happen. I knew I've always loved the outdoor, to be in communion with nature. It was pure destiny I had come to achieve it with the people I knew and has come to love in this seminar organization. That particular climb, because of its grand result, resulted in this 'thirst' for nature. Some of the things I love about nature, especially the mountain scenes, is the pure stillness and the absolute silence of everything when the weather is so fine. It was like time has stopped and that everything else except me has stopped moving. I can hear myself so loud that I find it easiest to ask myself and to reflect on a lot of things. That's why I always say that climbing is, in every bit of the way, also a seminar. Like in the indoor seminars that we are used to, reaching the summit IS not (and shouldn't be?) THE thing to get excited about. Rather it should be the process of getting there and the learnings that one (I) will find along the way. The Summit is the prize of Learning! I've come to learn not to have any expectations nor project invincibility. It's hard to be in that space although I know for a fact that some are. Rather, I've come to learn to accept the mountain as it is and myself as I am. That way, it's easier for me to receive whatever the mountain and the nature has in store for me. I've come to respect them.
Why do I climb? For the gift.

Emil dela Cruz, volunteer for a self-empowerment seminar and a computer programmer
shoot12@mnl.sequel.net



I climb because it gives me the chance to rediscover myself. It's really amazing that you get to have the chance to really think(!!) and learn about a lot of things when you go climb a mountain (without losing ur sanity). I'ts almost like a religious thing when your up there and suddenly all kinds of thoughts get into your mind. I guess climbing makes one realize the true meaning of being HUMAN. God,I miss climbing.

Darius Jorjan, mainframe programmer of Worldspan darius.masuhud@worldspan.com




Exciting, fun, good for the health, meet new friends, I conquered myself, para makatakas sa work, escape from all the burden, feeling of freedom, it's an obstacle atleast now I know how to handle when those things comes my way.

Bing, employee affiliated with Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas


I climb because .... gusto kong ma-meet ang Chito Mountaineering Club
(CMC). Eto ang pantapat sa MFPI, Mountain Madness, PALMC, ano pa bang malalakas na org yun ... ahhhh Team Albertos! Yun lang po...BOW!

Mick-Chen, fireman/student affiliated with MESAU




Because I can't dance,
And I don't know how to sing

- Rocky Balboa

Roderick Rebada of MESAU working with InfoStructures Systems



Do every climber has his own reason? I think not. All climbers climbs because there is something about the climb that is INEXPRESSIBLE. All we could do is describe about the feeling. And yet, all the words combined isn't enough to capture what backpacking can bring to our heart, body, mind and soul. If you are a climber just like all of us, well... there's no reason for further explanation because all you could do is to give all these comments a high salute... I have felt what you felt, you also have felt what he felt, and he felt what she felt....it's like beating in ONE heartbeat. If you haven't tried climbing yet... it's high time you do. So, you can understand all the things being said here. When that time comes, you'll be coming back into this site and read if what was written was indeed right.

We'll be waiting for your comeback!!!


Mylene student (again !)



noong una dahil sa challenge pero pag naroon ka na sa itaas hindi mo na alam kung bakit.basta I just realized na tuldok ka lang sa mundo na bale wala ang talino,lakas at yaman mo,na mayroong ISA na higit sa lahat.pero siyempre, umaakyat dahil sa bundok hindi pinapansin ang babaeng umiinom ng gilbey's at lapad na walang chaser, natutulog nang hindi naliligo at humaharap sa mga boys nang bagong gising sa umaga na walang make-up at yagit ang damit tapos isusuot and damit na ginamit na medyo basa pa pero mahal pa rin ng mga lalaking kasama niya dahil kasama sa hirap at ginhawa.

jopee a.maduro_42kmountaineers of social security system-taipei



At first, I hate them (mountaineers na nakikita ko noon), pero ngayon, ako na ngayon ang umaakyat ng bundok. Kahit mahirap at nakakapagod ang sports na ito, pinipilit kong marating ang tuktok (summit) ng bundok na aakyatin para lang makita ko ang kabuuan ng ganda ng nature. Aside from my other activities, this is one of my very challenging hobby and very expensive. I can compare the steep trail to the trials, and other problems of life, while the summit is my goal of my life. until now, I can't express what I felt once I reached the highest portion of the mountain.

Manny Zacarias, a manufacturing engr. from a semicon company




why i climb???????? to experience the adventure of nature and discover its beauty....understand the wildlife and protecting the sanctuary....

NormanV, I.T. (technical dept) from a semicon company




i'm looking forward to my next climb. i will climb again because i just realized that i can focus and do things i thought were impossible or boring, etc.. i felt a different kind of pain after the climb which in a way was... strengthening. i don't know. it was really beautiful. and the cleansing it brought to my body - no wonder i craved for a smoke once we reached the camp site. bumaba yung nicotine level ko. we'll try to organize mountain climbing expeditions and introduce the experience to our friends. peace and God bless!

Joel A., a planner for a meat processing company on his first climb



The lessons I learned on that climb will never equal the sheer exhilaration of reaching the summit after a challenging ascent. The quiet on that mountaintop was as rare as the clean air and the brisk, cool wind. On the way down, the weather was as perfect as the climb, the company, and the memories of the weekend spent away from the world. I would wish that more exciting events happened while we were at the summit, but nothing could have been more exciting than sitting down and absorbing nature.

Bob T., a Biology student




because life is full of uncertainties that you need a very good diversion for you to overcome every struggles...and I found it!!!...the only way is to climb..if you have the guts to climb...who cares
what life brings...ciao...hike,climb and be proud!!!
Joven Rito an officer at the philippine health insurance co

Tirad Pass as a Challenge for the Application of LAC

Tirad Pass as a Challenge for the Application of LAC (Limits of Acceptable Change)
Chito B. Razon

Tirad Pass is mountain range (with a 1,300 M ASL peak) which connects Ilocos to the Highlands, an important gateway to the Cordilleras during the Spanish period. It has historic significance because it was here where Gregorio Del Pilar was assassinated by the Americans in December 2 1899. Today after more than a hundred years, the trail is still accessible only by trekking overtaken by other modern roadwork networks. This trail is not known to many up until this 2001 except for a handful like the Samahang Pangkasaysayan ng Bulacan (Sampaka), a cultural oriented organization that preserves and commemorates relevant historical artefacts. One of them is the heroic act of their province mates, Goyo born in San Jose Bulacan. Sampaka, a cultural group based in Malolos Bulacan is known to have institutionalized the significance through the December 1- 2 Hen GOYO Anniversary, a heroic pilgrim from Bulacan to Tirad Pass, Ilocos Sur to pay tribute to the youngest Bulakenyo General of the Phil Revolution. Marathon biking and trekking are regular features along with on the spot painting at the monument site.

Just this year, the Tirad Pass range from Candon Ilocos Sur to Cervantes then to Mt. Province is getting popularity as a trekking destination.

September 8,1999, the Ateneo High School Outdoors Club through its President Aiel Vergara launched a charity project to raise funds through sponsorships and donations for the public grade school of this Class E town. He wrote in their web site “December 2 is the feast day of the Filipino Hero Gregorio del Pilar who died in battle in Tirad Pass, Ilocos Sur. A town just on the foot of Tirad Pass, known as Del Pilar Town, is hounded with poverty and people living there are classified as CLASS E, the lowest among all 5 classifications of Filipinos. The children trying to obtain essential education in a school present here receive only the worst of the worst in the Philippines.”

http://www.geocities.com/ateneooutdoorsclub/itineraries/pasong_tirad.htm

Under the guidance of their clubs’ adviser Mr. Jay Hernando, an open climb materialized this November 30-1 December 1999. 15 joined the trek with the AOC: 3 from Globe Adventure Club, 2 from PSI and 2 from PAL MC and freelancers.

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/4033/tirad.html

Since then, materials which were scarce before have now become openly available through the web for the world to discover the wonder of Tirad Pass. Itineraries, photo albums, narrations and MFPI discussions are stimulating visits to the town. The town officials, recognizing the benefits of eco tourism have given full support to open their natural wonders to transients as a source of livelihood.

Metropolitan Mountaineering Club Itinerary
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/1030/itineraries/tiradpass_sagada.htm

Mystic Waters Personal Account
http://www.stormpages.com/mysticwaters/tirad/tirad.html

PALMC/ CBR
http://www.geocities.com/thetropics/shores/4033/tirad.html
www.geocities.com/thetropics/shores/4033/tiradjan02.html
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=74576427203&n=7409827

To those studying the Limits of Acceptable Change, here is an opportunity to isolate the town Gregorio Del Pilar and the mountain range Tirad Pass and assess, what impact is the increasing demands on the town and the range and what change can it take? Any takers?


=========================

The LAC process has been developed as a means of coping with increasing demands on recreational areas such as the outdoors in a visible logical way. The challenge is not one of how to prevent any human-induced change, but rather one of deciding how much change will be allowed to occur, where, and the actions needed to control it. The process requires deciding what kinds of conditions are acceptable, then prescribing actions to protect or achieve those conditions.

WHAT IS THE LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE (LAC) PROCESS? http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj/nra/LACWhat%20is%20LAC.htm



tochs@excite.com 27 October 2002

Filipino Mountaineer's Artifacts in the Management of Change

FM's Artifacts in the Management of Change

Chito Razon written 30 September 2002 in support of the MFPI Vision Mission setting

Foto courtesy of Jun De Vera of MESAU

It is noble that MCME (Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems) and MFPI (Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc.) have come up with a collaborative effort aimed at general education on the mountaineering credo: transitioning from "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time" to "Leave no trace" and aligning the Responsible Mountaineering theme with other NGOs, local government units and the general public.

The Filipino Mountaineer (FM) is part of a community, which is in itself a unique sub-culture with its own clearly established artifacts. Artifacts are defined as phenomena that one sees, hears and feels and visible products of the group. These products are seen in their behavior and organizational processes. Artifacts are man-made objects with cultural significance to the group.

When mountaineers talk of clubs, iti or itinerary, AMCI, PALMC, UPM, Norms, MESAU, trails, peaks, G2, Halcon, Pulag, Kanlaon, Apo, MFPI, federation, TNF, LNT, Habagat, Montanara, Bombproof, Sandugo, mojos, tagay, shot glass, club banner, socials, “Why do you climb” or “Freedom of the Hills” or George Mallory’s “because it is there” quotation usapan, Ginebra San Miguel, pomelo, Wilkins, EL, TL, 2 days, 3 days, water source, jump-off, patag, ratrat, bivouac, cardiac, rest stop, 4-wheel drive, pre-climb, post climb, beachneering, astig, hard core, BMC, virtual, etc, you know they have a language of their own.

Likewise they have certain behaviors peculiar to them. Some of them are: treatment of neophyte climbers, respect for seniority, men as cooks, female as self sufficient climbers, concern for the environment, pre climbs, club defections, respect for the locals, drinking at jump offs and campsites, courtesy to fellow climbers, climbing in groups, in clusters, climbing as a recreation more than a profession.

They have developed a common feeling like thrill in discovering new places, accomplishments in reaching the top, anger when the campsite is dirty, resentment to fellow climbers who do not follow environmental ethics, loyalty to the recreation more than to personalities, thrill in getting away from the city and work, resentment to tutong.

Most evident is the presence of objects, which have established as icons any mountaineer can identify with. How can you not miss the FM when you see: mojos, bandana, backpack, cookset, kalan, trekking shoes, beans and bracelets, dry fit, zip lock, carinderia, Jams, Tritran, BLTB, Bachelors, jeepney, top load, bottled water, walang kamatayang adobo, branded equipment, shirts, tights.  Persons have been elevated to icons as: Buboy Francisco, Fred Jamili, Manny, Chang De Guzman, Butch Sebastian. Apologies to those I failed to list.

The list keeps on growing as we see more and more lowlanders enlisting themselves to the recreation.

With the richness of the Filipino Mountaineers' artifacts and the evident practice of shared assumptions that the group learned as it solved its problems, this community is undoubtedly a force to reckon with.

In initiating change, as the "Limiting of Acceptable Change" abstract elaborates, it is key to look at the FM values and what is important to them and tapping them to effect these changes.

These shared language, behavior, feeling and objects give us a clue on what values are deemed important. To rattle off: camaraderie, care for the environment, recognition, maintenance of self esteem and good relations, helpfulness, resourcefulness, respect for the local community, humility not arrogance, reliability, walang gulangan, thrill, excitement, fun, safety.

Thus the challenge of "developing a highly visible, high-impact, quick-recall, extensive advocacy campaign" is achievable if we tap the driving forces that the mountaineer sees as important. The effort should also address though the restraining forces which may retrain or effect the positive forces. To my mind these are: apathy, indifference, pride, lack of skills, equipment and awareness, competitiveness, faction, differences, new behaviors and attitudes.

Limits of Acceptable Change is an exciting development for the community. Let is snowball to provide the momentum to the grand MFPI vision. It is important that this effort succeeds. Because the mountaineering community is in itself a culture. And when it is integrated in our artifacts and considered as valid, like culture unconsciously it is taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think and feel in relation to the eco system problem exposed.

Kita-kits.

P. S.:Initial list lang po ang mga shared artifacts na na ilista. Feel free to add or to subtract. Congrats to Atty. Butch S., Regie of MFPI and MCME.

A hundred terms from pinoymountaineer.com

http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/05/climbspeak.html

Cycle of Climb

Cycle of Climb
2 October 2000

If you are into trekking, do you necessarily love walking?
No, trekking is just a means to get to the destination.
Yes, that's why I go for long distances.

What cycle in trekking are you in?
Just started strolling in the outdoors without any destination.
Tried Maculot and Famy already. Anything else.
Joined up with an organized group. Pero guest lang.
Each climb is a delight for me so I jump in whenever there is time
and there is an invitation.
I now trek regulary.
I've started to shop for equipment. Ok lang ang tenthaus, High
Adventure, Bobcat.
Pahinging iti? Ano ang UPM?
I have a climbing buddy. We can now organize our own climbs.
Mayroon palang Habagat. Trek. Bomica.
I've seen most of Batangas and Laguna. Banahaw next time.
Tatlo na kami sa grupo. May officemate daw na interesado.
Natutong uminon. Eto pala ang Ginebra.
Join a trek? Let's join an induction.
Where else? Sandugo. White Mountain. Camp O. Expedition Plus.
Estor
I've seen most of Batangas and Laguna. What about Pulag?
I'm now a member of a club. Yehey!
I've seen most of Luzon. Let's go to Apo!
Now I'm ready for Guiting Guiting!
Train for Halcon.
Balik sa Laguna at Batangas.
Beacheneering na lang!
Mag EL ka naman.
Yan pala ang REI at Campmor.
Been there, done that na.
Subok naman sa rock climbing.
Aba may Power Up pala.
Magclean naman sa Maculot at Banahaw.
Kahit na may NPA puntahan natin.
Sali sa MFPI egroups. Sino ba ang mga nagsusulat na yon?
Imbistasyon daw sa federation.
Tama na, inuman na.
Hongkong. Kota.
Explo naman! May alam akong bago!
Secret
Pafriendship climb naman
O environmental daw.
Ambisyonin natin ang Everest.
O webpage.
Cyber climb na lang.
Hanggang sa hingal . . . hingal . . . hingal.
O nagasawa na!
O may anak na!
O nawawala!

Nasaan na kayo dito? Dagdagan niyo naman!

-Chito

____________________________________________


Three Years After
Sa climb. Organize kaya tayo ng team para sa adventure race.
Tutunan magswimming at umakyat ng wall. Pabili na rin ng bisikleta.
Huwag ng i-ti. Pahinging application form.

Sa gamit. Upgrade na ng gamit. Dahil naluma na. Napagiwanan. O
can afford na. O kaya ninakawan sa bundok mismo.
Huwqg pangtropics. Pang alphine naman.

Schedule. Hindi na sapat ang quarter quarter climb. Bitin naman ang
buwan buwan. Dapat lingo-linggo. Two days sobrang iksi. Dapat man
lang four days para sulit. Wala nang pa pre-preclimb. Biyahe pa
lang sa expressway, para ka ng nagclimb. Kaya biyernes pa lang,
batsi na.
Huwag ng annual calendar. Saan tayo bukas?

Magkano? Transpo lang at pang gin at bigas. Plus plus mo na ang
green fee at porter fee.
Hindi na gusto kong magclimb para lumakad. May climb ba para
makatakas?

Hindi lang "TNBP, LNBF, KNBT." "LNT" na din.

Climb tayo? Huwag, maulan baka mabasa ako!
Climb tayo? Sa three day weekend na lang!
Climb tayo? May tawag si boss!
Climb tayo? Mahirap ba iyan?
Climb tayo? Kulang ako sa gamit!
Climb tayo? Naku may encounter yata diyan!
Climb tayo? Walang budget?
Climb tayo? Ang layo naman!
Climb tayo? May lakad kami ni misis.
Climb tayo? Birthday ng ka opisina ko.
Climb tayo? Naku, puro astig iyan!
Climb tayo? Naku, ang gugulang ng mga iyan!
Sige climb tayo? akin ang gamit, paki 4 wheel drive, pati guide fee
at porter kung gusto mo. walang leave sa office, walang problema sa
food.
Climb tayo? O sige! Huwag na lang, ubos na ang pasyensiya ko!!!

Maligayang pagaakyat!

Reviewed 24 August 2003

Selections

Who would you like to climb with?
A Tribute to Writers and Photographers

On the practical side, it is fine to have a cook, a navigator or an organizer in a climb. These tekkies have the equipment and the skills. They can get you to the destination alive and on time.

It is different when you climb with friends who you know so well. There is no more need for an alignment as you know each other’s capabilities and weaknesses. Without prodding, you are confident of support no matter what. It is bring you own specialty: your tent, his cookware, my transpo, his stories. So in matters of life and death you are emotionally assured that someone will be there for you.

What if we climb in a company of artists? The type who sees through life and freezes the moment in a medium that articulates a universal theme of beauty, pain, joy, creation and even defeat and frustration. Their medium is usually in words or images through articles and photographs, music and rhyme that land its way through the world wide web even before the post climb. Their works satisfy our spirituality.

Given a choice what type would you rather climb with? The practical tekkies can satisfy you for the moment. Friends can further enhance the moment. But the artist can preserve the moment to eternity. Through their documentation, they immortalize the experience.

As for us, we are fortunate that the artists we’ve been with are responsible climbers too. Without their permission, allow us to unlock the archives.

We value them as E. L. Doctorow says “The writer isn't made in a vacuum. Writers are witnesses. The reason we need writers is because we need witnesses to this terrifying century.”

Perhaps the reason they shoot and write is they have something to say. Henry David Thoreau describes it in this quote “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” When you are touched by the wonder of nature, wouldn’t you do so?

Chito R.
9 Oct 2003

* * *

By Nameless of LM after the Tawangan-Babadak Climb in 1998 who up til now remains nameless to us

Awful you might think.

This may sound like a cop out answer but let me share with you this idea. Life isn't really about what you get out of it in the end, it pays more attention to what you may become at the end. Those ten things are a small sacrifice of what we truly became after the climb. The experience, the process is even more important . . .

The groups have shared more than just misery, but also the multitudes of stories (even beer too). As we leave the climb, it is taken for granted that the 8 mountaineers have brought their own personal relationship with each other to a new level, a "I survived Mt. Pulag in 1998 with you" level. And though it is unsaid there was the existence of these phrases unsaid in words but understood in action. "You were my support. You gave me strength to calm myself. We don't master the mountain we master ourselves." One really has to be a different kind of person to climb mountains and keep on doing it.

So there was no heavenly view from the mountaintop but the trek were full wondrous things that make Mt. Pulag beautiful. The "natural highs" of the mountain were bountiful. If the peak was not so fabulous, there are many other instances when the world revealed a part of her beauty. Like the rivers would tirelessly chant their song and though the wind and rain were biting, they performed a gorgeous dance for all that could look up to enjoy. A favorite part is not on the peak but towards both the peak and the campsite-one is gifted with sight of rolling hills. And it's mystical wonder and one cannot help but absorb the radiant aura of nature only Mt. Pulag could reward one with.

And there something's that would not have been as good without the trying parts of the climb: Jaja's pasta dinner on the plateau, riding the top of the jeep, eating lunch on a jeep breaking bread and eating meat, being passed around. Eating Pizza and ordering water. Returning to love ones for a brand new year.

The climbers are also entitled to having one wish being granted a gift for climbing the mountain that is a pilgrimage. I wonder what the eight goofy Loyola mountaineers asked for to prepare them for the year to come.

* * *

Jo Ramos on our first climb in Tapulao in 1999
Maligayang pagbati, mga kasama kong bundokero
Hindi ko akalain na makagawa ako ng tula. Alam ko kasing me mga kanya-kanyang mga write-up na sa Tapulao. Ito na lang siguro ang kontribiyusyon ko.

TAPULAO
Jojo Ramos
O, hinanap kita, Tapulao
Ang puso ko ay walang tigil sa pagsigaw
Pilit kong ikaw ay matanaw
Kahit na lubos ang aking pagkauhaw.
O, bakit nagkaganito, Tapulao
Ako ay pinag-iisip mo araw-araw
Ubos lakas ang aking mga galaw
Ang puso ko ay iyong inagaw.
O, yakapin mo ako, Tapulao
Sa magdamag ako ay gininaw
Ako ay umaasa ng pananaw na may linaw
Upang ang ganda mo ay lumitaw.
O, sige na, Tapulao
Hintayin mo ako sa ibabaw
Kung ano man ang dapat kong galaw
Ang sigaw ng puso ko ay ikaw.

Val Roque describing the same climb

High Peak was one helluva climb but one cannot say that it was a bad one either. For with the hardships come the rewards. Some of us may be sadistic enough to admit that the hardships are the rewards themselves. Others may see the reward at the wonderful experience at the peak. Still, a lot would agree that the rewards could always be found in the company of others especially in the socials and the drinking and chattering that come with it. A few however see it on the sidelines, contemplating the beauty of the outdoors in peaceful solitude. We climb mountains for different reasons, but let these reasons not be an obstacle to our common love for the outdoors. For as mountaineers, that is the important thing which binds us.

The Tirad Pass Trek with AOC

At the start we were in the company of strangers. Towards the end we knew each other, linked not by the devotion to the gallantry of the general to his cause but for the love of the wilderness. Discovering this in one of the most interesting socials, we counted our blessings: the hospitality accorded us by the folks of the town, the reception and the merienda of the mayor and his staff, the assistance of our high school hosts, the stories of the Bulacan artists who are to do an on-the-spot drawing, Hob our jeepney driver and the company of fellow trekkers and the grandeur of sunrise and clouds. There were all testaments to the goodness drawn from each one by the experience. We said we wanted to get away. But to quote John Muir, "I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out 'til sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in . . .

Bob Tongco in describing the discovery of a new place

We were lucky to finally be able to reach the highest point on the island. The lessons I learned on that climb will never equal the sheer exhilaration of reaching the summit after a challenging ascent. The quiet on that mountaintop was as rare as the clean air and the brisk, cool wind. On the way down, the weather was as perfect as the climb, the company, and the memories of the weekend spent away from the world. I would wish that more exciting events happened while we were at the summit, but nothing could have been more exciting than sitting down and absorbing nature.

Marinela De Leon stepping on Mt. Pulag

At the plateau, I was greeted by a truly enchanting sight. Mountaintops peeked through thick fogs, rain swept grass trembled with rushing water below and the sky seemed so close I could almost feel them. The world was at its best. Everything was virginal-untouched and unsoiled by the trivialities of mortals. Silence brought the mighty voice of nature and plunged my soul in deep reverie. I was in a magical place with a group of people who offered me friendship and shared with me a deep love for the mountains. What more can one ask for?

“This was paradise,” I said to myself.

“This is why I want to climb mountains,” I murmured.

And as my weary body sought solace from the pristine beauty that enveloped me the howling winds blessed my shivering body and warmed my soul.

Going up the steep slopes, getting muddied, being battered by the rain and the wind and humbled by the beauty of my Maker’s creation is the affirmation of my life-giving mantra-Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

I am glad I made this climb. . . even if I’m not Super Girl.


Aiel Vergara reveals his realizations on a near tragic Minalungao trek.

"Sometimes, I think of why I do this, why I hike, losing my energy and face only challenges. That may be it challenges, or it could be desire, or it could be the great and satisfying feeling of success. Having the faith to achieve what I thought I could not, to live when I think I’m dead, and to get to the highest peak and shout “I am the king of the world.” These thoughts, these simple rewards, these dangerous moments are my inspirations and my motivations. They stir me to do daring acts, possible or not.

I won’t sit here awaiting my baptism; I will live life to the fullest; work as if there’s no tomorrow and learn as if life is endless. My existence will have an impact on this world, and I will continue surviving until I assure that.

I was born July thirty, nineteen ninety-nine."

Aiel Vergara writes about not reaching the peak of Pulag in a composition redefining success.

"Should we continue our journey to the peak? Do we want to be successful?"

Arthur, barely able to move his lips due to the extremely low temperature, said, "No matter what, we must all be together." Paul, guilty but at the same time drained of energy, replied, "No, go on. Just come back for me here."

The group of six high school mountaineers then divided into two, with both looking for the coveted triumph. Having a very strong desire against failure, Duke and I went together towards the peak, our definition of success. We walked, ran, jogged, dived on grass, and, finally, up there, we stood up. I stared at the camera as it flashed while a question floated in my mind, "Am I victorious?" I looked up, and there was darkness; looking down, I saw a hint of light, probably from the setting sun. Fulfillment was absent from my mind. I was captured by the image of Paul's lips, by the picture of the setting sun.

I called Duke and down we went, through the flooded terrain and through the darkness of the night. Yet, just as the black abyss was to replace our hope with despair, we saw a flash of light.

"Paul! Are you okay?" Duke and I cried in unison. "We're really very sorry!"

"Here, Paul," I said removing a layer from my clothing, "take my best jacket."

"Thanks," replied Paul. "By the way, maybe you should know that we just finished praying the Hail Mary when we saw you."

At exactly that moment, I listened to the most ear-breaking silence I ever heard. I looked down, and there were a lot more to see besides tall, evergreen blades of grass fading in the fog. Right then and there, I felt the emotion of fulfillment; success was redefined.


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