Sunday, June 22, 2014

Traversing Mt. Amuyao

Traversing Mt. Amuyao
Achieving a Sense of Accomplishment in a Climb

Traversing Mt. Amuyao an adventure that brought us trekking from Makalama, a sitio of Barlig, Ifugao up to Mount Amuyao at 2,628 Meters ASL down to the Bangaan and Batad junction in 20 walking hours in 3 days.

This expedition was simply a result of a whim to go on a trek this Labor Day during the MFPI Wednesday socials. So many choices were presented with no particular destination selected until the last moment. There was Kanlaon, Talinis, Napulauan.  Only that Thursday night 28 April did I learn that it will be a weekend at the mainland Luzon.

This 3-day weekend turned out historical and an enriching one.

Mt. Amuyao is the 8th highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,628 meters (8.865 feet). The summit shows a breathtaking panorama of the entire Cordillera range. Wild orchids and the elusive pitcher plant as well as other rare plants abound.  Students from the Forestry School whom we shared the summit with doing research on the flora were having difficulty identifying the plant varieties within the perimeter of the summit.

While pitching our tents at the cemented grounds of the summit, hard objects from the sky hit our backs and heads. They turned out to be hail shower in the form of small pellets.  We had to seek protection as the shower ran for about 5 minutes. It caused a deafening noise while hitting the galvanized roofing at the summit. Too bad we had no video camera to record the moment. (We found later on that Mt. Pulag had a similar incidence that late Saturday afternoon.)

That was just the start of a fascinating experience. The sun set its radiating glow amidst the layers of mountain ranges at the West side past 6:00 PM.  Its disappearance brought down the temperature level to less than 10ºC.  The rainfall and the wind gave us permission to bring out the fleece, thermals, and gloves, headgear and those high profile jackets.  Its appearance the following colder morning was even more dramatic. Rising up several thousand kilometers away from our viewpoint, it radiated its glow in several layers of mountain and in the floating clouds. The newbies among us were silenced.  The rest including the students said, like yesterday, it was the start of another day.

What else were exposed? Laid bare before us were the picture perfect sight of a river, sight of rice terraces forming an amphitheater, waterfalls cascading from a terrace, the view from Simon's door, balcony with the rice terraces as the backdrop. Reaching each destination was a fascination: the village of Cambulo from the top, view of Batad from the viewpoint, reaching the rest stop from Batad. All these sights would make a thick coffee table book.

The trek made us look back. Stepping into history, we got involved with architectural brilliance of the Ifugaos even if we were no architects.  Walking in the wall of rice terraces, we noted that the nearer were to a sitio, the more secure the steps were and the less chances of falling and slipping. We walked through the well-maintained trail from Barlig to Amuyao shifting to the wilderness trail from Amuyao to Pat-yay, leading to the challenging steps from Pat-yay to Cambulo.

Butch lectured on History, his. There was a rewind on Kanlaon when the students died, Pulag via Tawangan without water for several days, equipment in the early days, trek to Nepal, outbound seminar in Oregon. Further on, we heard encounters with the NPA, early experiences with the UPM, PAL MC, Negros Mountaineering, relief operations in Vizcaya after a landslide, drinking, giving drink to Boy Siojo, climbs with Buboy Francisco, Fred Jamili, Chang Guzman and other illustrious climbers.

We lost things and perspective but we found them again. Regie lost his Nokia phone at the van but found it before the trek.  Mike lost his sandals at Batad and found it at the Bangaan junction. Justin lost his vegetarian diet to a gamy duck but gained his energy. He lost his American nationality and found a new personality (momentarily that is.) Regie lost his missing trail to Cambulo from Pat-yay but found confidence and company the next morning.  Butch lost his liquor flask, which made Manong find his bearing. Butch lost his listeners and audience but found new contacts. Mike's lost his GPS waypoints and his topo map but found a new destination. Chito missed the groups' company from 5 to 15 minutes each destination point but still found them waiting. Jong lost his climbers for a day, but found his self.

We picked up Tony Boy's penchant for cleanliness.  We appreciated his raw culinary skills and role as a “housewife.”  We too listened to Mike's never ending stories on gear and the tragedy of his back and tummy.  We were all eyes on Justin's vegetarian and health diet and his Asian treks made more animated after round of stainless.  Regie always guided us to be on track with our schedule while Butch saw to it that we reach our destination.  Chito was of course appreciated for just being present and staying quiet.

We saw a Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde in Manong, another one in Simon.  Extraordinary events happened: A flask that would have turned into a bolo.  A red rice that turned into risotto. An American with a Philippine made equipment.  Filipinos with American equipment. The P 100.00 Gin Bilog from another sitio. A P 800.00 luncheon at Cambulo. Raining every 3:00 PM.  Simon in every sitio: in Pat-yay, Cambulo.

Never has a climb resulted in a great sense of fulfillment. We trail blazed from Barlig to Amuyao working on instinct how far our waypoint was to the next major point. We relied heavily on Butch's intuition to direct us to some semblance of civilization from Amuyao to Pat-say. We stepped on stones created out of architectural resourcefulness. We were shown refreshing sites that were too much for the eyes can take. We were provided an abundance of food and water for us to keep up with the challenging trails. We were sheltered with so much comfort.  Stepping out of the Batad-Bangaan junction, we felt good, we ventured on this expedition. Regie speculated that we might have been the first batch of trekkers to traverse the Barlig-Battad trail. Pioneering treks like this is nothing new to Butch during his PALMC days in the 80's or was it the 70'a.

While we were delighted on so many splendid views, we were not that awed no matter how many and how grand.  Perhaps we were asked to look at nature with the freshness of an innocent child. To paraphrase Edwin Bernbaum's Sacred Mountains of the World, we have to see the mountains with "eyes bright and clear, hearts open and free, (so) we stand once again at the beginning and source of all that is and all that may be." Then when we listen to our stories again, see our fotos after the climb and read this article, we, Butch, Regie, Tony Boy, Justin, Mike, Chito and Jong say thank you for showing us the grandeur your creation both in the nature and in the people around us.

CBRazon 3 May 2000

For more details, contact Regie Pablo, for GPS waypoints and plot contact Mike Vaca, for fotos ask for Tony Boy De Leon, for what really happened, ask Butch Sebastian.

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

Mount Amuyao

Alfonso Lista, known by the early Ifugaos as "mun-u-upag" or bubbles of from, it was a big barangay of Mayoyao. In 1955, R. A. 1222 transformed the prosperous and vibrant barangay into a regular municipality of Ifugao. Alfonso Lista, named after the first mayor, continues to exude vast potential for economic growth.  Its industrious inhabitants have developed a number of livelihood industries for income generation. These include orchid development, food processing, cattle and goat raising, fish cage agriculture, handicrafts and farming. Visitors to the area will be awed to see its many attractions, among which is the Magat reservoir in Sto. Domingo, the mysterious Stone Wall at Namillangan and Pibkan Water falls at Dolowag.

Mount Amuyao (Mayoyao) The 8th highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,628 meters (8.865 feet), the summit provides the climber with a breathtaking panorama of the entire Cordillera range. Wild orchids and the elusive pitcher plant as well as other rare plants abound.

Lumawig Stone (Mayoyao) A huge enchanted black rock held by only 3 smaller stones in the middle of the Balangbang River, it is widely believed to hold the future of the town. As long as the stone stands, the Mayoyao people will stay strong and happy.

Makhaligwa & Lebhong Burial Caves (Mayoyao)Famous for wood coffins and the remains of the first Mayoyao, legend tells of an attentive lizard leading the people to these 3 funeral chambers and designating each one for man, woman and child.

O’phaw Mahencha Falls (Mayoyao) Known as the Leap of Mahencha (6 km from the town proper), the falls feature a series of high cataracts.  Local folklore says a beautiful woman named Mahencha had to jump 13 to 15 meters into the water to retrieve her native amber necklace, which fell while she was taking a bath. A waterfall and a natural pool represent each of the maiden's leap. Truly a sight to behold.

Apfo’or Burial Tombs (Mayoyao) The tombs are large stone mausoleums containing the bones of the town’s ancient warriors and elite. The constructions of these stone igloos reflect the resourcefulness of the Ifugao in adapting his stoning techniques for a multitude of uses.

Akakoy Viewpoint & Park (Mayoyao) Located 600 meters from the town hall, the site offers a good vantagepoint from where the Alatabang rice terraces cluster as well as all of central Mayoyao and the Isabela plateau can be viewed.

Mount Nagchayan (Mayoyao) The site of fierce battles between the Japanese troops and Fil-American troops in World War II, the mountain now stands as a symbol of peace. Several grottos where the Japanese hid as well as stonewalled trenches and foxholes dot the terrain. Someone looking hard enough will be able to find rusty shells used in the many battles.

Tenogtog Waterfalls (Mayoyao) Five kilometers from the town proper, 3 natural pools rising about 12 meters from each other mark this beautiful spot. The waterfalls from the top pool cascade to the next in fluid succession.  Untouched by human hands, these natural pools provide clear, Cool Mountain spring water for anyone to enjoy.

From the site http://www.tourism.gov.ph/ifugao/attract.htm



Friday, June 20, 2014

NBI Clearance Robinson's East

It takes at least 1 minute to pay at the NBI Clearance Center at Robinson's East and 2 minutes to have photo and biometrics taken. If there are 300 online applicants and 200 walk ins per day, allocate at least 2.25 hours to get your NBI clearance. This includes lining up to pay P 115.00 for the certificate. I got #294 at 2:30, sat at the bench at the parking lot outside for about 15 minutes, escorted inside at snake line for the payment at the cashier up to 2:50 then fell in line for the long wait for the photograph and biometrics. With 7 rows of 6 a the front and about 20 rows of 6 at the back with a line of applicants still standing, I estimated 180 people ahead of me. At 4:45, the frontliner was to tell me to either wait for my clearance or I was a "hit."

Process is designed on continuous flow paced by Monobloc chairs played like Trip to Jerusalem, the same game played at DFA for passport, NSO Census, Pagibig, LTO, Philhealth. However when you get a hit after getting photographed and fingers scanned, you will be asked to return next week to secure the certificate.


Duplicated 1st and last name is enough reason for a hit. Certainly when you have a criminal record based on the data base, you will not be cleared.

How does one redeem the time? SMS, short conversations with applicants in front at the back to your left to your right, follow up other tasks via mobile PLDT and unli loaded cell line, post in Twitter and Facebook like this one.



Thursday, June 19, 2014

Philippine Mountains Summit

"Philippine Mountains SUMMIT: A National Policy Forum on Philippine Mountain Environments" held at Mt Makiling at the University of the Philippines Los Baños last 16-17 November 2000 was a resounding success for mountaineering in getting representation from this policy formulating body and in recognizing the value of mountaineering in our common ground, the mountains in the Philippines. The forum organized by the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) headed by Dr. EdwinoFernando aims to develop policy initiatives for the conservation and sustainable development of mountain environments in the Philippines.

The Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc, (MFPI) a national affiliation of mountaineers under the leadership of President Ari Ben Sebastian presented a position to the participants composed mainly of scientists, government officials on what it can to this scientific community:
  • That not all climbers are mountaineers
  • That this recognized body be allowed to climb
  • That we have a responsibility to all those who climb
  • That their researches will support our recreational undertaking
  • That we can be tapped for environment related projects in this fragile/diverse mountain eco-system
  • That we can partner with them in managing our common playground: the mountains
Foresters, local government units, geologists, DENR, Philvocs, Tourism, mountaineers, PAMB, Bureau of Soils were represented.
Through the MFPI paper on mountaineering as a recreation, other participants sought the possibility of a collaborative drive between technocrats and hobbyists one of which is study on carrying capacities of mountain. Some foresters, geologists, professors expressed interest to enroll in the BMC and to be members.

The MFPI position on vision mission was not any different from the collective position of the conference output, in fact complementary in the aspect of ecological preservation. Our friends from the academe recognize all the time the value of carrying capacity in any undertaking in the mountains, putting importance to the local community. This is almost aligned with the MFPI Vision Mission.

This forum is a potential linkage for advocacy and policy influencing to the DENR and to the government.
MFPI has established contacts with various foresters, tourism body and of course PAMB. As we move towards 2002 on the International Year of the Mountains, it will work closely with MCME in initiating a massive, year round mountain clean, if only to impress consciousness to everyone.

Director Raymundo Punongbayan of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in his astounding presentation made us appreciate the geological source of mountains in the Philippines. But eventually, they will disappear (in million to billion years that is).

For the next forum in Baguio last quarter of the year, MFPI has been requested to present.
Chito Razon, PAL MC 18 November 2000



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

Mountaineers in the forum were Butch Sebastian, MPFI, Joy Galvez of UPM and the ADMU Manila Observatory, Caloy and Karen of White Mountains. Chito Razon of PALMC presented the paper.

To: mfpi@egroups.com
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 7:48 PM
Subject: [MPFI] Philippine Mountains SUMMIT

"Philippine Mountains SUMMIT:
A National Policy Forum on Philippine Mountain Environments"

Mt Makiling The University of the Philippines - Los Baños
16-17 November 2000

Contact:
Dr Edwino S. Fernando
Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems
College of Forestry and Natural Resources
The University of the Philippines - Los Baños
College, 4031 Laguna
The Philippines
Tel/Fax: +63 49 536 3572
Web: http://www.mountainet.ph

In preparation for celebration of 2002 as International Year of Mountains

Objective
The national forum aims to develop policy initiatives for the conservation and sustainable development of mountain environments in the Philippines.

Specifically, the forum seeks to:
1. Highlight policy issues, problems, gaps and needs in relation to the sustainable development of mountain environments in the Philippines;
2. Promote better and wider appreciation of the various issues related to sustainable mountain development among policy makers and mountain development practitioners; and
3. Recommend policy actions and alternatives for more responsive policies on sustainable mountain development.

Format
Speakers from the government and private sectors, as well as, from the academe, research institutions, and NGOs have been invited to make presentations. Workshops will be conducted to deliberate on specific issues and concerns.

Participants
Participants will be invited from various institutions with mountain development programs and projects, including, among others government departments, state colleges and universities, non-government organizations, representatives of Congress, and the private sector who are active in mountain research and development.

Schedule
15th November (Wednesday)
Afternoon - Arrival & Check-in at TREES Hostel

16th November (Thursday)
Morning - Opening Ceremony & Paper Presentation: Session 1
Afternoon - Paper Presentation: Session 2 & Workshop 1
Evening - Welcome Dinner & Cocktails

17th November (Friday)
Morning - Workshop 2 & Plenary Session
Afternoon - Synthesis & Closing Ceremony

Venue
The forum will take place at the TREES Narra Hall in the campus of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, the University of the Philippines - Los Baños.  The college is nestled on the northeastern slopes of Mt Makiling on Luzon Island.

Organizers

The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) and the Forestry Development Center (FDC) are units under the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of the Philippines - Los Baños. MCME's mission is to advance knowledge and promote the conservation and sustainable management of tropical mountain ecosystems. FDC undertakes policy studies on forests and natural resources.

Friday, June 06, 2014

Walang Himala Sa Mount San Cristobal

Walang Himala Sa Mount San Cristobal

Higit trenta ang nagsidatingan.  6:45 na nang umandar
Biyahe ay mahusay, tuloy-tuloy sa patutunguhan
Mukhang ngang naiksihan, pinalampas pa sa babaan
Tambay sa Chowking, hanggang naging mga intsik
Tambay sa Texas Chicken, hanggang sa naging inahing

Major climb sa dyip
Minor lang sa mga sanay
Pero sa mga bagito at sa mga wala sa kundisyon
Hirap itong climb na ito!

Pacing ay maayos
Hindi nakakapagod
Kahit na pumapatak ang ulan
Enjoy pa rin sa akyatan

Lalo na ang mga taga Apo
Na karamihan ay Balagbag Boys
Yabang sa pagaasikaso
Panay sabing
Tulungan natin ang mga ito

Exclusive namin ang campsite
Pero kadalasan ay nakatayo
Kasi iisa ang bangko
At ang lupa naman ay di tuyo

Lahat ay bising nag-aatupag
Sa kanilang pagluluto
May sinigang at teriyaki
squid balls at carne norte
Wala namang nagsabi na ang ulam namin ay yaki!

Simple lang ang sosyals
Kulang nga lang sa buhay
Kulang di ba sa alcohol?
Siguro lahat ay takot
Baka sila mamilagro
Ngunit may isang ermitanyo
Pinupuna bawa’t anyo
Hanggang siya ay napagod
At bigla na lang napaluhod

May humabol na mama sa gabi
Siya ay binigyang puri
May humabol na tao sa umaga
Karamihan napatunganga

Tapos na ang pakikipagsapalaran
Pero mayroon pang katanungan
Nasaan ang himala?  Nasa dyip ba ito o sa backpack, sa ilog o sa Banahaw? Magamall ba o Makati? sa hangin, buwan, ulan at bituin?
Marahil ito ay magpapakita
Sa paa ng bawat isa
Aakyat ka pa ba?

Baliw!!!

Jazz, Elmer, Russell, Resil, Jun, Renan, Mayan, Ate Judith, Emil, Arlyn, Rina, Vincent, Rhoda, Gi, Noel, Enrico, Jerry, Jun-Allied Boy, Roy/ Errel, Mitch, Chito, Mike, Jonjon, Jerry, Loyd, Orly, Romy, Marlaw, Marlon, Jojo, Jeremy, Bitche, Jun-Cipriano, Juno/ Lex, Jojoy, Jojo Ramos, Grace


Kalokohan ni C2 15Oct97 EC 141-954434

Thursday, June 05, 2014

Young, restless and excited (still responsible) at Marucdok

Jun, Dexter, Chito, Alan at the edge
Young, restless and excited (still responsible). I remember this climb to a destination in Bataan in a remote place not considered as a mainstream  by any standard. By plain guts and blind faith, we were prompted to bring in a big group just for the sheer excitement of sharing the thrill of mountain climbing and nature.

Novice as leads, yet we successfully overcame the hurdle and drove the group to one of the most awesome places in Luzon at an elevation of about 4,000 feet above sea level set in a river that drops to a cliff several hundred feet. Dinner served via candlelight in a floating river was the 1st concept private dinner I had done in the outdoors. Though the group was already bound by a common mindset on positive thinking and leadership, this climb cemented further linkages and relationship that spanned decades. Read who’s who in the participants’ list in this daring asecent to Bataan Peak in Marucdok, Morong also known to me as the venturing into the unknown (then.)

Bataan Peak Climb
Marucdok, Morong Bataan
12-13 March 1994
Small and rocky streams, very dense forest trails,  jungle trails, and cliffs. Steep in the initial trekkinq, almost abandoned trail in the second part with lots of fallen trees and twigs. Trek is a representation of the best of Famy for the streams & fall, Maculot for the steep climb, Makiling for the virgin forest and Montalban for the rocks.

1st half has established trail, 2nd half of trail is almost not traversed and not popularly explored. Falls and peak overlook at the forest, Nuclear Power Plant, Morong and the South China Sea.

Climate:
Moderate If not raining (22 C to 26 C), cool in the evening
Elevation: Estimated at 6,000 feet

Length of Trail: Approximately 6-8 km. Climb has two parts; an intro climb that leads to the waterfall and the campsite and the assault climb that ends with a cliff to be scaled that ends at the Bataan peak.
Flora: The wilderness with a lot of poison ivy, vines that cling to your shoes, socks and pants, thorny plants.

Bataan Peak Notes:
Gregg, Nelson, Chito and Joy at the ridge and peak
On Clothing: Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended to protect your skin.  Wilderness abounds and a lot of plants will surely cling to you.  Expect to get some rashes.  So keep those first-aid kits handy. Weather is not that cold but not that hot. Choose comfortable outfits. Waterproofing may not be necessary but you can't tell.  Be prepared anyway.

Bring some shorts to wet in the stream.
  • On Food/water: Cooking is not a problem. Your stove will function well in the campsite.  Water is available up the Falls but not on the way up to the peak.
  • On Shoes: The terrain is quite uneven. Make sure your footwear can handle stepping over different sizes
  • and formats of rocks, fallen trees and twigs, rock scaling and the stress on the feet going done steep descents. You may need to wear two layers of socks.
  • On Pack Weight: Keep it light as the trail after 30 minutes is quite steep. But don't leave out the essentials. Bring a daypack or an assault bag in case it will be needed in scaling the peak.
  • On Expenses: Bring at. Least P250.0 to cover transpo cost and contribution to the guide.  Aircon bus fare fro, Manila to Balanga is P 57.00, P 20.00 from Balanga to Marucdoc.
  • On Physical Preparation: All trekker must be physically fit.  The terrain is demanding. Suggested physical activities at least 10 days before the climb are: a) aerobics every other day, b) brisk walking for an hour every other day. c) stair climbing daily up and down six floors.
Helpful Info: Aircon bus trips from Manila to Balanqa can be taken from Dorotheo Jose corner Avenida thru Panther Express. Trips are available every 30 minutes starting at 5 am up to 9 pm.  Travel time to Balanga is 3 hours. Provincial bus trips from Balanga to Morong passing at Marucdoc can be taken at the Balanga Plaza. Trips are available every hour only up to 4PM. Those with own vehicles are encouraged to bring them. Roads are superior all the way.



Based on Participants List:
Dan Sevilla, Chito Razon-AEL, Meluchi Adriano, Rowena Altuna, Joey Ansaldo, Gustavo Ansaldo, Nana Araneta, Carlos Arambulo, Ayres Arcilla, Randy Arcilla, Ronald Arcilla, Alan Barona, Trisha Besa, Chacha Cordero, Gregg Cordova, Joy Dawis, Ricky Francisco, Joan Fabe, Jun Galang, Ricky Gonzales, Paolo Gonzales, Joy Jesena, Dexter Lansang, Claude Sta. Clara, Bill Ty

Based on Groupings:
  • Chito Razon, Alan Barona, Gregg Cordova, Joy Davis, Jun Galang, Joy Jesena, Dexter Lansang, Nelson Malabanan, Claude Sta. Clara, Bill Ty
  • Chacha Cordero, Meluchi Adriano, Rowena Al-buna, Paolo Gonzales, Ronnie Tumbokon, Glo Tuason, Leny Tuason, Ronald Yu. Ricky Francisco, Gustavo Ansaldo, Joey Ansaldo, Ricky Gonzales
  • Carlos Arambulo, Nana Araneta, Trisha Besa, Joan Fabe, Levy Liro, Joanne Rufino, Carlo Zialcita, Ayres Arcilla, Rarndy Arcilla, Ronald Arcilla, Avic Mendoza, Roel Soriano, Nitoy Reyes, Regi Reyes
Day 1 Saturday 12 March
7:00     Assembly at Marucdok bridge, the jump-off point between Bagac and Morong, about 13 kms. before Morong
7:30     Start of trek to the falls/campsite
10:30   Estimated arrival time at the falls
Prepare and take meals, wash-up, refill water, enjoy the falls and rest
11:30   Prepare for 2nd half of trek
12:00   Leave falls for the Peak
04:00   Estimated arrival at the base of the cliff
05:30   Estimated arrival at the peak.  Watch sunset and the view
Establish Camp, pitch tent, prepare and dinner
06:30   Take dinner
07:30   Socials
10:00   Lights Out



Day 2 Sunday 13 March
05:30   Wake up and watch the sunrise
Prepare breakfast
Take meal and other necessities
Break and clean-up camp, prepare for the descend
12:00   Start descend
12:30   Estimated arrival at the falls
2:00     Prepare and take lunch
3:30     Wash-up and rest
Start descend for Marucdok
Estimated arrival at the highway

Option 1
04:00   Travel -to the beach site
05:30   Establish camp, pitch tent and prepare meals
6:30     Supper
7:30     Socials and cocktails
10:30   Lights out

Option 2
5:00     Break camp
7:00     Manila for trip back.  Take Last bus trip to Balanga

Monday, June 02, 2014

Mountain Range in Anilao Mabini (Mt. Panay. Gulugod Baboy)

Mt. Panay (Gulugod Baboy)

Mountain Range in Anilao Mabini
View from the top first climbed with Ching I-Wang
Gulugod Baboy in Anilao, Mabini is like a mini-mountain range sitting in the coastline of the popular resorts in this place. The range is to a certain extent like the Batangas mountains of Maculot and Talamitan, connecting ridges, forested in some portions and flat and grazing grass at the top.(It may also be referred to as Mt. Panay.)

It is a 2-3 hour easy trek to the peak of 495 M ASL from the bridge that connnects Barangay San Jose to the next Barangay Ligaya.

Summit gives you a 360 degree view of the province of Batangas:

At the West side, Nasugbu, Balayan, Balayan Bay, Calaca Plant, Lemery, Ligpo Point, Mt. Batulao.  You can see up North Maculot, Taal Lake, Mt. Malipunyo and partially Mt. Makiling. Somewhere at the South/ East are Gumaca Plant, Quezon National Park mountain range, Mt. Banoy and Mt. Lobo. Immediately in front is Maricaban Island. Far South is Mt. Talipanan of Puerto Galera and the imposing Mt. Halcon.

Campsite can accommodate hundreds of tents. The open space is very windy ideal for tunnel type and stable tents and wind jackets. At this time of the year, temperature in the afternoon is cold at 24 degrees C without the wind factor.

End your trek with a swim at the Balayan Bay, famous for windsurfing, snorkeling and diving.

A mountaineer friendly resort is Seahouse in Barangay San Jose, in front of house no. 078 (Pager 1277-88478). Rhoda and BJ can orient you on various other mountain ranges within the vicinity and guide you of course on their expertise: sea kayak, boardsail, diving, snorkeling. Owners are in their twenties managing their professions in Manila and maintaining a resort on the side. Here you can get assess to the national board sailing champions like Richard Paz and other members of the national team who are residents of the town.

Wilderness Ethics:
1. Prepare well. 2. Respect local practices. 3. Be conscious of your impact on the wilderness. 4. Camp well. 5. Carry down all garbage. 6. Practice healthy sanitation. 7. No chemicals on the river for washing yourself and dishes. 8. No fires. 9. No smoking. 10. Respect space of others. 11. Be involved.
Take nothing but pictures.  Kill nothing but time.  Leave nothing but footprints.

Itinerary Proper:
13 December Sunday Morning
13 December Sunday Afternoon
3:30 am-assemble at BLTB Pasay.
5:00 am-leave for Anilao
6:30 am-arrive at Tagaytay
7:30 am-arrive at Anilao, Mabini public market
8:15 am-arrive at Seahouse, Barangay San Jose
9:00 am-start trek towards Gulugod Baboy
9:30 am-reach Bridge to mark jump-off point
11:15 am-reach top of the mountain range
11:45 am-reach potential campsite at 475 M ASL
12:15 am-reach True Peak at 495 M ASL
12:30 am-lunch at hut
1:00 pm-start descend
1:45 pm-reach Bridge
2:00 pm-reach next Barangay for Lomi
3:00 pm hitch back to Seahouse
3:15 pm-reach Seahouse
up to 8:00 pm-swim, kayak, eat, sleep, kwento, shower
8:00 pm-leave for Tagaytay
10:00pm-reach Chowking Tagaytay
11:30 pm-reach Skyway, EDSA




Requirements:
__Backpack
__3 Liters Water
__Packed lunch
__Dinner
__Breakfast
__Tent
__Sleeping Bag
__Whistle
__Earthpad
__Garbage Bags
__Transpo Money
__Camera/ Film
__Flashlight
__Batteries/ Bulb
__Extra Shirts/ Pants
__Eating Utensils
__Lantern/ Refill
__Jacket
__Rain gear
__Slippers
__First Aid
__Gloves
__Basic Toiletries
__Toilet Paper
__Cookset/ Stove
__Personal Medicine
__Matches/ Lighter

Tent Assignments:

Other Assignments:

Cooksets:

To go to Barangay San Jose, Anilao Mabini:

  • Take SLEX via Lipa and turn right to Mabini before reaching Batangas City. You may also reach Mabini via Cuenca, base of Mt. Maculot.
  • Take SLEX via Sta. Rosa, Tagaytay.  Turn right to Lemery, Taal, Mabini.
  • On public, take a bus to Batangas, take a jeep going to Mabini.  Get off at Barangay San Jose.

Waypoint              Coordinates                          Elevation (m)       Time       Notes
Gulugod
27º27.15
N
495
16:39:10
Shoulder

151º80.98
E



Gulugod
27º27.11
N
499
17:03:56
Peak

151º80.82
E



LMK 003
27º18.96
N

12:09:38


151º77.79
E



LMK 004
27º18.92
N

12:09:43
Barangay Ligaya

151º77.73
E



Lig 2
27º17.09
N

12:12:53
Lunch

151º74.99
E




Start of Trek at Barangay Ligaya: 27º18.92N/ 151º77.73E
Shoulder/ Campsite: 27º27.15N/ 151º80.98E.  Altitude: 495 M ASL
Peak: 27º27.11N/ 151º80.82E.  Altitude:  499 M ASL


13 December 1998