Invitation to Mt. Matutum

While wandering aimlessly at the Gen San side streets, I spotted an outdoor store Southern Peak Outdoor Depot along Champaca st., just across Manny Pacquiao’s commercial building.

The staff entertained me leading to an invitation to a Mt. Matutum climb via an unpopular route-via Datal Lanao.

Mt. Matutum 2009 via Barangay Datalbila Sarangani Province was calendared by Southern Peak on 26-27 September (Sat-Sun). Jump-off site is about 2 hours away from General Santos with trek to the peak in about 7 1/2 hours.

Quick Facts on Mt. Matutum
Mt. Matutum is a non active volcano with a height of 2,286 meters above sea level located North of General Santos, South Cotabato.
It is capped with a 320 meter crater at the summit.
There is a tradition that those who climb the summit must a plant a tree as a tribute to the mountain. Matutum is said to have been derived from a Blaan term “Amyak Maleh” which means “Climb and Plant.”
Slopes are covered with huge ferns, trees and plants.
At the summit, visible are General Santos, Koronadal, Polomolok.
· General Santos is the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, residence of Manny and Aling Dionesia
· Polomolok is home to Dole Philippines, the world’s biggest integrated pineapple plantation.
· Polomolok is host to the Trappistine's monastery.
· Koronadal is a confluence of 3 cultures: B’laan, Christian and Muslim.

For details, contact Gilbert “Hapon” Matchoca at 09093453040/ 09187156359 or visit Southern Peak Outdoor Depot in Davao or General Santos.

Check with the organizers for final confirmation. As of 11 Sept, activity was announced postponed to January 2010.

Mt. Matutum at the background as viewed from Gen San