In 24 October 2002, as the world was busy celebrating the International Year of the Mountain, little did we know that the Philippine Postal Corporation commemorated the event with a souvenir sheet stamp. Stamp featured Mt. Guiting Guiting valued at P 22.00 per stamp. The 95mm x 70mm sheet was designed by Alfredo delos Santos and printed by Amstar Company, Inc. It was printed via Litho-Offset 4 color process.
In the Philatelic Bulletin issued by the Postmaster General Nicasio P. Rodriquez, Jr, it cites “Mt. Guiting Guiting rises 2,058 meters above sea level. Located at Marigondon, Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Mt. Guiting Guiting is probably the only remaining mountain in the country today to boast of a complete habitat at the slope.
Derived from the local term meaning “saw-tooth,” Mt. Guiting Guiting is noted for its spectacular panoramic scenery and varied wildlife. It has also some to known as an enchanting center of biodiversity. Thus, the attributes of Mt. Guiting Guiting are perfect complements to the objective and vision of the United Nations’ Year of the Mountains. And this is our country’s share in the conservation of the mountain’s natural habitat and the preservation of our remaining forestlands.”
These stamps and Official First Day covers were made available starting 24 October 2002 at the Philatelic Division, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila and all Regional Offices of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
2 June 2003, as part of the Philposts continuing information drive on Philippine Mountains, it issued a set of topical stamps and souvenir sheets featuring Mt. Makiling, Mt.Kanlaon, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Mating-oy in Kalinga, Mt. Iraya in Batanes, Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur, del Norte and Cotobato and Mt. Sto Tomas in Benquet. 12,500 copies of the souvenir sheets with a denomination of P 24.00 were produced 200,000 of the various series of Philippine Mountains at P 6.00. First day of issue was 16 June 2003, last day of issue or as stocks allow was on 16 September 2003. Postmaster Diomedia P. Villanueva released the Philatelic Bulletin.
To the advocates of mountain preservation, this feature by the Philpost is significant as it puts the mountains in philatelic; the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps. Stamps tell stories and chronicle events. In years to come, when the future trekkers look back at the past, they will discover that our mountains once upon a time had an imprint in stamps as part of our history of Philippine resources. As our post office moves an estimated annual mail of 2 million, the limited run of 12,500 perforated sheets would have reached a total of .63% letter senders and hopefully awed by the beauty of Mt. Guiting Guiting and our other mountains.
-tochs 27Nov2004
-Thanks to Aling Nita of Door 203 of the Philatelic Division who kindly accommodated my requests on a Saturday afternoon enlightening me on the value of Philatelic.
-If you wish to receive a copy of the commemorative stamp, send me a private mail (tochs@excite.com) stating your postal address. Include your Zip Code to facilitate speedier processing. (Limited issuance only).
-Support the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC). It establishes, operates and maintains post offices and provides safe, fast, reliable and efficient postal services in the country. Last 5 November 2004, the PPC is now 106 years old.
-------------
Stamp prices as sold in the post office:
Guiting Guiting Commemorative Sheet P 22.00
Philippine Mountains Commemorative Sheet P 24.00
Philippine Mountains Topical Stamps P 96.00
Philippine Waterfalls Topical Stamps P 96.00
Other references on how the stamps look:
http://www.manila-galleon.com/philphilat/philpost/2003/page35html
http://www.geo.uw.edu.pl/HOBBY/STAMP/MOUNT/pilipinas.htm
http://www.manila-galleon.com/philphilat/philpost/2003/page21.html
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Remembering and Reminding of Our Mortality
Nature claims. Skilled or unskilled. We are reminded that man is mortal and is no contest to the elements. In engaging in this adventure, he struggles against man, himself and nature, most of the times succeeding, in some instances, succumbing. This November, we remember those who lost their lives in the mountains. From the Chapel of Remembrance of the Sacred Space, I spotted this prayer . . .
We thank you, God, for our loved ones who were dear to us and who have now been taken from us. We thank you for the friendship that went out from them, and the peace they brought. We thank you that through suffering they learned obedience.
We pray that nothing of their life will be lost, but that it will be of benefit to others; that all that they held sacred may be respected by those who follow them, and that everything in which they were great may continue to mean much to us now that they are dead. We ask you that they may go on living in those whom they loved, in their hearts and minds, their courage and their conscience.
We shall go on living without them. We ask you then, that they, living with you, may watch over us and intercede for us. Keeping our eyes fixed on the cross of Jesus Christ, we say in groping faith that this is not the end, that our God is a God of the living.
http://www.sacredspace.ie/?lang=en#advice
================
May 1985 Rene Reyes Abel Beltran, Kit Rivera Lorna Partosa Mt. Guiting-Guiting
The UPM hosts MFPI"s annual federation climb, with Mt. Halcon as the chosen site. Soon after, the residents of Mindoro tap the UPM to help them establish the Halcon Mountaineers Halms ). This year is also remembered due to a great tragedy. Four members, including Rene Reyes and Abel Beltran, are drowned in a freak flash flood on Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Today, the UPM organizes annual climbs up Guiting-Guiting in memory of the four members it lost
http://www.upmountaineers.org.ph/article_mountains.html
October 1994 Neptali Lazaro Mt. Halcon A death on Mt. Halcon
Lifted by MESAU from the Action Asia Magazine
The young hiker stared into the mid-distance without seeing, then his eyes rolled back and the trail guide knew he was dead. This was his first mountain climb, and tragically, his last. He was the victim of a walking expedition of monumental misfortune.
On October 19 last year, 27 climbers from four different universities in the Philippines met at the base of their country's third-tallest mountain and embarked on a trek that promised to be a bracing and uplifting outdoors experience.
Little did they know that what awaited them instead was a week of hardship and pain, as a fierce typhoon produced pelting rain, flash floods, winds that reportedly approached 150 kph. and mini landslides - a combination of elements that would turn their hike into an ordeal.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/7933/halcon.htm
Nov 6 2000 Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan Buriwisan Falls
Anim namang mountaineers ang nalunod nang sila ay tumawid sa isang ilog sa Siniloan. Ang mga ito ay ang mga taga-Maynilang sina Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan.
http://www.newsflash.org/2000/11/ht/ht001323.htm
April 2002 Anthony Sibayan Masoc Vizcaya Mountaineer dies in Vizcaya adventure race
Posted: 5:16 AM (Manila Time) Apr. 23, 2002
By Ben Moses Ebreo
Inquirer News Service
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - A participant in a mountaineering congress here died after participating in one of the event's activities on Saturday. Officials of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) and organizers of the 1st Mountaineering Congress here identified the victim as Anthony Sibayan of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association in Sagada, Mt. Province.
Reports said Sibayan was found by participating bikers before noon Saturday lying unconscious on a bridge in Sitio Barobbob here. Sibayan reportedly finished the race and reached the MFPI base camp in Barangay Masoc here but decided to return to a trail to retrieve a rock he left behind for the adventure race. "The rock was supposed to be returned to the base camp after kicking it down while biking. He might have thought that his participation will be jeopardized if he returned without the rock," said one of the participants.
Sibayan was taken to the Veterans Regional Hospital here but doctors failed to revive him at 3 p.m. Saturday.
According to congress participants, Sibayan and his brother Simeon and colleagues from Sagada, arrived at the base camp on Saturday dawn.
Reports said Sibayan immediately participated in the adventure race, called "Takbo-Lakad (Run-Walk)," held that morning. A check with the MFPI registration center showed that Sibayan failed to register but was able to sign a waiver showing that he would accept the risks of the events that he would participate in.
Congress registration personnel said it was Sibayan's brother, Simeon, who officially registered.
Dr. Joselito Gonzales of the Rescue 933, a group of volunteer first aid administrators at the base camp, said Sibayan had low blood sugar when brought to their tent.
But quoting doctors' findings at the VRH, Gonzales said Sibayan's death was due to cerebral edema or swelling of the brain due to alcohol.
"He was in a coma when he was brought to our tent. We smelled alcohol," he said. MFPI officials shouldered Sibayan's burial and transportation expenses. His remains were taken to Sagada at 10 p.m. Saturday.
http://www.inq7.net/reg/2002/apr/23/reg_5-1.htm
November 2004 Prana Escalante Mt. Halcon Missing mountaineer found dead on Mt. Halcon
Updated 09:04am (Mla time) Nov 11, 2004
By Joel Francis Guinto INQ7.net
MANGYAN natives on Thursday found the remains of a female mountaineer, who had been missing since climbing Mt. Halcon in Oriental Mindoro province early this month, a spokesman for the Philippine Air Force told INQ7.net.
Prana Escalante's remains were found wearing only her underwear, Major Restituto Padilla said.
Her belongings were also missing.
Padilla could not immediately confirm the cause of Escalante's death and why she was nearly naked in the forest.
"We no longer had leads in our search but the Mangyans pressed on,"Padilla said.
The Air Force called off its search for Escalante early Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Escalante, a graduating nursing student at the University of Santo Tomas, reportedly got lost while trying to catch up with her companions who went ahead in a climb to Mt. Halcon on October 29.
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=17212
Ronnel Lim of Ped Xing on Prana http://ronnel.blogspot.com/2004/11/prana-escalante-21-prana-escalante.html
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Two mountaineers found dead, another still missing
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: Two mountaineers from the AMCI Mountaineering Club Incorporated died here Sunday afternoon after they were swept away by strong current while crossing a creek in Barangay Pundakit.
Another mountaineer is still the subject of rescue operation of authorities.
Police authorithies from the San Antonio Police Station identified the fatalities as Joseph Felarca and Jhoana Pimentel while Thaddeus Reantaso is still missing.
Initial reports said the three victims together with nine other mountaineers, identified as Kimberly San Juan, Teejay Sakuma, Suzette Santiago, Jospeh Faulve, Marris Zapanta, Virgilio Zapanta, Lean Villongco, Boji Forcadela and Robert Joseph Torres, who were found by residents at the side of the Mount Pundakit creek on Saturday. The group was forced to go down Sunday due to Typhoon Frank.
In San Marcelino, Mayor Jose Rodriguez told The Manila Times that a road leading to Barangay Rizal of this town was swept away by strong current.
He also told The Times that Felarca the mountaineer who died Sunday was his cousin. In San Narciso, Barangay Alusiis, strong rains brought by Typhoon Frank flooded the one-kilometer highway making it impassable to light vehicles.
The rest of the province according to Gov. Amor Deloso of Zambales was pretty calm aside from usual flood in residential areas. Meanwhile in Olongapo City, a man died after he drowned along the beachfront of Barangay Barretto.
Olongapo City police director, Senior Supt. Abelardo Villacorta identified the victims as Ernesto de la Cruz, 24 of Roosevelt, Bataan.
Initial investigation said de la Cruz together with a certain Jorge Custudio was having a drinking spree at Barangay Barretto when they decided to jump over Pier B of the said barangay.
-- Anthony Bayarong
http://archives.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/24/yehey/prov/20080624pro6.html
Related post from Ialman The End of Their Journeys http://ialman.livejournal.com/123401.html
We thank you, God, for our loved ones who were dear to us and who have now been taken from us. We thank you for the friendship that went out from them, and the peace they brought. We thank you that through suffering they learned obedience.
We pray that nothing of their life will be lost, but that it will be of benefit to others; that all that they held sacred may be respected by those who follow them, and that everything in which they were great may continue to mean much to us now that they are dead. We ask you that they may go on living in those whom they loved, in their hearts and minds, their courage and their conscience.
We shall go on living without them. We ask you then, that they, living with you, may watch over us and intercede for us. Keeping our eyes fixed on the cross of Jesus Christ, we say in groping faith that this is not the end, that our God is a God of the living.
http://www.sacredspace.ie/?lang=en#advice
================
May 1985 Rene Reyes Abel Beltran, Kit Rivera Lorna Partosa Mt. Guiting-Guiting
The UPM hosts MFPI"s annual federation climb, with Mt. Halcon as the chosen site. Soon after, the residents of Mindoro tap the UPM to help them establish the Halcon Mountaineers Halms ). This year is also remembered due to a great tragedy. Four members, including Rene Reyes and Abel Beltran, are drowned in a freak flash flood on Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Today, the UPM organizes annual climbs up Guiting-Guiting in memory of the four members it lost
http://www.upmountaineers.org.ph/article_mountains.html
October 1994 Neptali Lazaro Mt. Halcon A death on Mt. Halcon
Lifted by MESAU from the Action Asia Magazine
The young hiker stared into the mid-distance without seeing, then his eyes rolled back and the trail guide knew he was dead. This was his first mountain climb, and tragically, his last. He was the victim of a walking expedition of monumental misfortune.
On October 19 last year, 27 climbers from four different universities in the Philippines met at the base of their country's third-tallest mountain and embarked on a trek that promised to be a bracing and uplifting outdoors experience.
Little did they know that what awaited them instead was a week of hardship and pain, as a fierce typhoon produced pelting rain, flash floods, winds that reportedly approached 150 kph. and mini landslides - a combination of elements that would turn their hike into an ordeal.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/7933/halcon.htm
Nov 6 2000 Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan Buriwisan Falls
Anim namang mountaineers ang nalunod nang sila ay tumawid sa isang ilog sa Siniloan. Ang mga ito ay ang mga taga-Maynilang sina Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan.
http://www.newsflash.org/2000/11/ht/ht001323.htm
April 2002 Anthony Sibayan Masoc Vizcaya Mountaineer dies in Vizcaya adventure race
Posted: 5:16 AM (Manila Time) Apr. 23, 2002
By Ben Moses Ebreo
Inquirer News Service
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - A participant in a mountaineering congress here died after participating in one of the event's activities on Saturday. Officials of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) and organizers of the 1st Mountaineering Congress here identified the victim as Anthony Sibayan of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association in Sagada, Mt. Province.
Reports said Sibayan was found by participating bikers before noon Saturday lying unconscious on a bridge in Sitio Barobbob here. Sibayan reportedly finished the race and reached the MFPI base camp in Barangay Masoc here but decided to return to a trail to retrieve a rock he left behind for the adventure race. "The rock was supposed to be returned to the base camp after kicking it down while biking. He might have thought that his participation will be jeopardized if he returned without the rock," said one of the participants.
Sibayan was taken to the Veterans Regional Hospital here but doctors failed to revive him at 3 p.m. Saturday.
According to congress participants, Sibayan and his brother Simeon and colleagues from Sagada, arrived at the base camp on Saturday dawn.
Reports said Sibayan immediately participated in the adventure race, called "Takbo-Lakad (Run-Walk)," held that morning. A check with the MFPI registration center showed that Sibayan failed to register but was able to sign a waiver showing that he would accept the risks of the events that he would participate in.
Congress registration personnel said it was Sibayan's brother, Simeon, who officially registered.
Dr. Joselito Gonzales of the Rescue 933, a group of volunteer first aid administrators at the base camp, said Sibayan had low blood sugar when brought to their tent.
But quoting doctors' findings at the VRH, Gonzales said Sibayan's death was due to cerebral edema or swelling of the brain due to alcohol.
"He was in a coma when he was brought to our tent. We smelled alcohol," he said. MFPI officials shouldered Sibayan's burial and transportation expenses. His remains were taken to Sagada at 10 p.m. Saturday.
http://www.inq7.net/reg/2002/apr/23/reg_5-1.htm
November 2004 Prana Escalante Mt. Halcon Missing mountaineer found dead on Mt. Halcon
Updated 09:04am (Mla time) Nov 11, 2004
By Joel Francis Guinto INQ7.net
MANGYAN natives on Thursday found the remains of a female mountaineer, who had been missing since climbing Mt. Halcon in Oriental Mindoro province early this month, a spokesman for the Philippine Air Force told INQ7.net.
Prana Escalante's remains were found wearing only her underwear, Major Restituto Padilla said.
Her belongings were also missing.
Padilla could not immediately confirm the cause of Escalante's death and why she was nearly naked in the forest.
"We no longer had leads in our search but the Mangyans pressed on,"Padilla said.
The Air Force called off its search for Escalante early Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Escalante, a graduating nursing student at the University of Santo Tomas, reportedly got lost while trying to catch up with her companions who went ahead in a climb to Mt. Halcon on October 29.
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=17212
Ronnel Lim of Ped Xing on Prana http://ronnel.blogspot.com/2004/11/prana-escalante-21-prana-escalante.html
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Two mountaineers found dead, another still missing
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: Two mountaineers from the AMCI Mountaineering Club Incorporated died here Sunday afternoon after they were swept away by strong current while crossing a creek in Barangay Pundakit.
Another mountaineer is still the subject of rescue operation of authorities.
Police authorithies from the San Antonio Police Station identified the fatalities as Joseph Felarca and Jhoana Pimentel while Thaddeus Reantaso is still missing.
Initial reports said the three victims together with nine other mountaineers, identified as Kimberly San Juan, Teejay Sakuma, Suzette Santiago, Jospeh Faulve, Marris Zapanta, Virgilio Zapanta, Lean Villongco, Boji Forcadela and Robert Joseph Torres, who were found by residents at the side of the Mount Pundakit creek on Saturday. The group was forced to go down Sunday due to Typhoon Frank.
In San Marcelino, Mayor Jose Rodriguez told The Manila Times that a road leading to Barangay Rizal of this town was swept away by strong current.
He also told The Times that Felarca the mountaineer who died Sunday was his cousin. In San Narciso, Barangay Alusiis, strong rains brought by Typhoon Frank flooded the one-kilometer highway making it impassable to light vehicles.
The rest of the province according to Gov. Amor Deloso of Zambales was pretty calm aside from usual flood in residential areas. Meanwhile in Olongapo City, a man died after he drowned along the beachfront of Barangay Barretto.
Olongapo City police director, Senior Supt. Abelardo Villacorta identified the victims as Ernesto de la Cruz, 24 of Roosevelt, Bataan.
Initial investigation said de la Cruz together with a certain Jorge Custudio was having a drinking spree at Barangay Barretto when they decided to jump over Pier B of the said barangay.
-- Anthony Bayarong
http://archives.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/24/yehey/prov/20080624pro6.html
Related post from Ialman The End of Their Journeys http://ialman.livejournal.com/123401.html
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Bonsai
Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.
-Anonymous
Welcome to our small bonsai garden. It may seem that we stay in a big lot to house these collections. As a bonsai is dwarfed and aged, it is possible to place a number of them in such a modest place.
Most of them are Philippine Wild Bonsai, indigenous to the Philippines sourced mainly from Tanay Rizal and Mabacalat Pampanga. An avid Bantigue collector in Villasis Pangasinan sold to me a possession at just the price of the pot. He simply wanted me to have a piece of the unique tree, which he hunted still from the remote island of Fuga. To the professionals, these are just "materials. " To me, they are treasures.
Why the fascination for the tropical wild bonsai? Aside from the aesthetics resulting from the quality of the seed, the aging and the caring, it stands for something. “It is not replaced, it is preserved, maintained, refreshed to give rebirth by grafting and seedling.” Are we talking of just plants here?
Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the (bonsai) plant. Welcome, tuloy po kayo.
My references:
http://www.geocities.com/fredmagdalena/tips.html
http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_prf/2004/aug/11-03.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/7574/philippine.html
John Naka-san's Philosophy on the Art of Bonsai Raising:
"Bonsai is not the result: that comes after. Your enjoyment is what is important."
"It must have philosophy, botany, artistry, human quality behind it to be a bonsai."
"The bonsai is not you working on the tree; you have to have the tree work on."
Main Entry: bon·sai
Pronunciation: (")bOn-'sI, 'bOn-", 'bän-" also 'bän-"zI
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bonsai
Etymology: Japanese, literally, tray planting
: a potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed and trained to an artistic shape by special methods of culture; also : the art of growing such a plant
tochs@excite.com
-Anonymous
Welcome to our small bonsai garden. It may seem that we stay in a big lot to house these collections. As a bonsai is dwarfed and aged, it is possible to place a number of them in such a modest place.
Most of them are Philippine Wild Bonsai, indigenous to the Philippines sourced mainly from Tanay Rizal and Mabacalat Pampanga. An avid Bantigue collector in Villasis Pangasinan sold to me a possession at just the price of the pot. He simply wanted me to have a piece of the unique tree, which he hunted still from the remote island of Fuga. To the professionals, these are just "materials. " To me, they are treasures.
Why the fascination for the tropical wild bonsai? Aside from the aesthetics resulting from the quality of the seed, the aging and the caring, it stands for something. “It is not replaced, it is preserved, maintained, refreshed to give rebirth by grafting and seedling.” Are we talking of just plants here?
Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the (bonsai) plant. Welcome, tuloy po kayo.
My references:
http://www.geocities.com/fredmagdalena/tips.html
http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_prf/2004/aug/11-03.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/7574/philippine.html
John Naka-san's Philosophy on the Art of Bonsai Raising:
"Bonsai is not the result: that comes after. Your enjoyment is what is important."
"It must have philosophy, botany, artistry, human quality behind it to be a bonsai."
"The bonsai is not you working on the tree; you have to have the tree work on."
Main Entry: bon·sai
Pronunciation: (")bOn-'sI, 'bOn-", 'bän-" also 'bän-"zI
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bonsai
Etymology: Japanese, literally, tray planting
: a potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed and trained to an artistic shape by special methods of culture; also : the art of growing such a plant
tochs@excite.com
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Learnings sa Manali Session in India
Learnings sa Manali Session in India (as narrated by a member of the 1st Philippine Team to Everest)
Why am I doing this to myself? For the pride? Or simply to complete because it is there? Now it seems I understood a bit of what Sir Hillary meant. Slightly clearer after Manali, coming from me, a guy who has known only tropics all my life. The drive though continues even if there is no sheer delight yet. For now.
It is fun to be in the company of Pinoy.
Welcome back. The team is fortunate to have Art Valdez supporting them.
-Tochs. first posted in peyups.com and palmc egroups. Sept 2004
- Acclimatization is important. The first few days of the climb is adjusting to the high altitude and environment. The last few days is grappling with vertical climbs and snow. Mabagal na sa umpisal, pabagal na pabagal pa sa ending.
- Training and orientation on alpine climb. How to deal with glaciers, hypothermia, falls, storms, etc. These are new to me. There really is a risk to life. The trainors and the seasoned ones provide guidelines to minimize the dangers.
- Food is different. Not your usual delicious tasting fares but basic staple food with regional influence.
- It is ok be with a porter. No pride involved here. All a climber brings is his personal effect. Yet in alpine climb, it still is a heavy pack.
- No race to the top. You have to pace yourself for the 2-3 week climb.
- It is expensive, very expensive. You rent equipment, you pay your porter, you pay to enter.
- There's no fun. After all the hard work a day, no good food awaiting at the camp dampens the enthusiasm.
- A tropical climber needs a training, weeks to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- The trainors' expertise is their familiarity and their adjusted lung power. There is no better credential than their summiting to the Mt. Everest. After all the orientation, it's a lot of on the job training.
- The Himalayas is a remote place. Places are named for the purposes of identifying landmarks.
- It is quite lonely at the top.
Why am I doing this to myself? For the pride? Or simply to complete because it is there? Now it seems I understood a bit of what Sir Hillary meant. Slightly clearer after Manali, coming from me, a guy who has known only tropics all my life. The drive though continues even if there is no sheer delight yet. For now.
It is fun to be in the company of Pinoy.
Welcome back. The team is fortunate to have Art Valdez supporting them.
-Tochs. first posted in peyups.com and palmc egroups. Sept 2004
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Batangas, Laguna Getting Too Crowded and Dense?
 |
| Foto grabbed from Larry Honoridez' FB post |
On a motored vehicle, you can cover the loop in 2 ½ hours, a full day on a pedaled bicycle. Completing the circuit, it makes me ask, why am I locked up in a crowded and densely populated city when there is this vast open space just an hour away. Need I answer?
Explore it by day to avoid the potential security dangers. From the account of columnist Mr. Neal Cruz www.inq7.net/opi/2003/dec/04/opi_nhcruz-1.htm a lot of violations in the area have been committed in developing the area. Not to mention the set up of reconnaissance military camp towards the Tanay side. Just take the necessary precautions. At times, one takes risks to get the most out of life. See you on the road!
-Chito
30 August 2004
Mesau’s Climb www.geocities.com/mesau1982/kanumay.htm
Life in Katipunan
Subject: Life in Katipunan
1997/06/19
My Katipunan used to be a quiet street that connects U.P to Aurora Blvd. Now it connects Bulacan to Laguna. It has become like an EDSA. Worse it is now EDSA with the LRT construction constricting travel in the major thoroughfare. Crossing the overpass that links Loyola Heights to Blue Ridge used to be a feast for the eyes. The Sierra Madre on the Marikina side steals the attention from the windshield.
On a clear day, Mt. Makiling in Laguna is also visible. We have now been denied this, censored by a high wall that almost says, "You are not entitled to this appreciation." Thank you to whomever initiated this project.
Katipunan-C-5's traffic is well managed by MMDA traffic aides, religiously. Even with the volume of vehicles, traffic flows. Innovations like counter flows, closing P. Tuazon crossings; no U-turns are regular occurrences. To a certain extent they yield faster flows. At least you know you'll get to Corinthian without much stress.
But what's irritating is:
When some big shots stop traffic, violate traffic flows using uniformed men in big motorcycles to push them upfront. Our poor MMDA aides just have to give in to their bullying, while we have to wait. When the pacing is too slow that a blind beggars queuing up for your window also builds up.
When the aides in rare occasions are not in their post unpredictably. Could it be it's their payday? Or some politicians used them for other purposes? Or they simply just gave up? I couldn't see the pattern.
Patient as we are, we just have to surrender to progress. Wait for the news trees planted at Ateneo to grow and provide the shade in future summers to come. And guess where C-5 will lead us at the Sta. Maria Della Strada end and at the White Plains end to ease the long stretch of bottleneck.
1997/06/19
My Katipunan used to be a quiet street that connects U.P to Aurora Blvd. Now it connects Bulacan to Laguna. It has become like an EDSA. Worse it is now EDSA with the LRT construction constricting travel in the major thoroughfare. Crossing the overpass that links Loyola Heights to Blue Ridge used to be a feast for the eyes. The Sierra Madre on the Marikina side steals the attention from the windshield.
On a clear day, Mt. Makiling in Laguna is also visible. We have now been denied this, censored by a high wall that almost says, "You are not entitled to this appreciation." Thank you to whomever initiated this project.
Katipunan-C-5's traffic is well managed by MMDA traffic aides, religiously. Even with the volume of vehicles, traffic flows. Innovations like counter flows, closing P. Tuazon crossings; no U-turns are regular occurrences. To a certain extent they yield faster flows. At least you know you'll get to Corinthian without much stress.
But what's irritating is:
When some big shots stop traffic, violate traffic flows using uniformed men in big motorcycles to push them upfront. Our poor MMDA aides just have to give in to their bullying, while we have to wait. When the pacing is too slow that a blind beggars queuing up for your window also builds up.
When the aides in rare occasions are not in their post unpredictably. Could it be it's their payday? Or some politicians used them for other purposes? Or they simply just gave up? I couldn't see the pattern.
Patient as we are, we just have to surrender to progress. Wait for the news trees planted at Ateneo to grow and provide the shade in future summers to come. And guess where C-5 will lead us at the Sta. Maria Della Strada end and at the White Plains end to ease the long stretch of bottleneck.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Green View, Cool Weather, Full Blue Moon, Quiet Moments at Tirad Pass on the Eve of 2002
A mouthful for a title but that's how it was tracking the path of Tirad Pass on the last day of 2001. When the rains have watered the mountains at the 3rd and 4th quarter of the year, the flora shows off its lush greenery at this time of the year giving a refreshing green view. Also at this time of the year, the Siberian cold front from the North East blows its way to the island slamming at high altitude resources as the Cordilleras. You'll need your technical clothing and equipment to keep you warm.
The full moon shone brightly the whole evening, the second time on the same month. Weather bureau calls it the blue moon occurring once every two and a half years. You can read the ingredients of your favorite corned beef risotto under the naked sky without the aid of a flashlight.
This eve of the New Year is an unlikely time to expect a quiet moment. But not at Del Pilar according to the residents. New years are quiet. There was hardly any man-induced sound in this small town even on that day. True enough while camped at the ridge of less than 1,000 m ASL, there was no sound of chain saw, motorized two and four-wheel vehicles, explosions nor people talking. Not even dogs barking. Only the sounds of crickets and other unidentifiable insects and the wind gently sliding at the solid mountain creating a rustling sound with the leaves and twigs.
Before 9 PM Monday 31 December 2001, we were down in Manila after several interconnecting and adventurous bus and jeepney rides to welcome the New Year ready to face what's in store for us. Chito Razon with Jonnell Tan, Chris Platten, Gigi Rodriquez
Chito Razon 31 Dec 2001
The full moon shone brightly the whole evening, the second time on the same month. Weather bureau calls it the blue moon occurring once every two and a half years. You can read the ingredients of your favorite corned beef risotto under the naked sky without the aid of a flashlight. This eve of the New Year is an unlikely time to expect a quiet moment. But not at Del Pilar according to the residents. New years are quiet. There was hardly any man-induced sound in this small town even on that day. True enough while camped at the ridge of less than 1,000 m ASL, there was no sound of chain saw, motorized two and four-wheel vehicles, explosions nor people talking. Not even dogs barking. Only the sounds of crickets and other unidentifiable insects and the wind gently sliding at the solid mountain creating a rustling sound with the leaves and twigs.
Deep in the night inside a secure tent in the company of friends, it sets you up to ask the important introspective question for the moment, "What's in store for me in 2002?" "No expectation," if you are in Manila. "Nothing drastic I hope," if you've been reading the papers and watching the late afternoon TV news coverage.
But in this setting in Tirad Pass, it counters all the apathy and cynicism of the city to prod "if deeply rooted in the earth, there's a lot still to live for." If only we can firmly imprint this always so we can also be hopeful of our future.
Chito Razon 31 Dec 2001
Friday, June 18, 2004
The Outdoors in A New Light
The Outdoors in A New Light
Stepping out of the Banny Hermanos’ module of “The Outdoors in a New Light, I can’t help but appreciate the works of Mr. Ed Songco featured in his offbeat website http://eds1979.dk3.com . Ed’s works exemplify the principle shared with us on a strong center of interest. See how he anchors his composition with a strong visual element in Capones, Akiki, Tarak and Flowers.
And humbly Ed states “Kindly lower your expectations; photography is not my profession, I just want to capture some moments, and keep them in my collection.”
View the album and judge for yourself. All of them will end up being your favorites. Thanks Ferdz (another graphic designer) for sharing his album with us. Ferdz is also another skillful visual and web artist. His works at http://www.ironwulf.net/ speak for himself.
-Chito
18 June 2004
Ed can be contacted at eds_1979@yahoo.com
Ferdz can be contacte at ferdz@ironwulf.net
* * *
The Outdoors in A New Light
When you escape to the outdoors and you relish the experience, you wish the moment can linger a little more. Photography comes in to capture the light.
That's the message I picked up viewing about a hundred of slides presented by PALMC president and workshop lecturer Banny Hermanos in the MFPI Creative Outdoors Photography Workshop held last 3 April at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura.
Taken by no less than the lecturer himself, the slides dramatize graphically the module of the workshop: the basics on the principles of photography and creative effective compositions.
Banny pointed out the principles using his works in finding the center of interest; recognizing the graphic elements of design as line, shape, form, pattern, texture and color and using the visual elements of balance, proportion, scale, content, rhythm and repetition. In words, they seem overwhelming, in pictures, they are breathtaking.
On behalf of the handful of participants who showed up for the free show, we can only be grateful. Seeing the slides of Banny is already in itself a treat. When in time we ourselves are creating better compositions from the techniques shared, we will appreciate creating
the light even more.
CBRazon 6 April 2004
Stepping out of the Banny Hermanos’ module of “The Outdoors in a New Light, I can’t help but appreciate the works of Mr. Ed Songco featured in his offbeat website http://eds1979.dk3.com . Ed’s works exemplify the principle shared with us on a strong center of interest. See how he anchors his composition with a strong visual element in Capones, Akiki, Tarak and Flowers.
And humbly Ed states “Kindly lower your expectations; photography is not my profession, I just want to capture some moments, and keep them in my collection.”
View the album and judge for yourself. All of them will end up being your favorites. Thanks Ferdz (another graphic designer) for sharing his album with us. Ferdz is also another skillful visual and web artist. His works at http://www.ironwulf.net/ speak for himself.
-Chito
18 June 2004
Ed can be contacted at eds_1979@yahoo.com
Ferdz can be contacte at ferdz@ironwulf.net
* * *
The Outdoors in A New Light
That's the message I picked up viewing about a hundred of slides presented by PALMC president and workshop lecturer Banny Hermanos in the MFPI Creative Outdoors Photography Workshop held last 3 April at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura.
Taken by no less than the lecturer himself, the slides dramatize graphically the module of the workshop: the basics on the principles of photography and creative effective compositions.
Banny pointed out the principles using his works in finding the center of interest; recognizing the graphic elements of design as line, shape, form, pattern, texture and color and using the visual elements of balance, proportion, scale, content, rhythm and repetition. In words, they seem overwhelming, in pictures, they are breathtaking.
On behalf of the handful of participants who showed up for the free show, we can only be grateful. Seeing the slides of Banny is already in itself a treat. When in time we ourselves are creating better compositions from the techniques shared, we will appreciate creating
the light even more.
CBRazon 6 April 2004
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
The Seamless 15-Minute About Half a Kilometer Elevated Walk in Makati Business District
The Seamless 15-Minute About Half a Kilometer Elevated Walk in Makati Business District
Have you tried this? Get out of the Ayala MRT terminal and enter at the SM gate leading to the new SM Makati. Your elevated walk starts the moment you step out of the MRT. You weave in at the Glorietta Complex (the former QUAD) and connect again to the parking across the bus terminal. Cross Makati Avenue and it's a non-stop walk up to Salcedo St. near the Makati Medical Center.
Perfect for a lunch break exercise. Complete it in less than 15 minutes one way unless you get drawn to the Makati working class you meet along the way. Major attractions are the new Glorietta Mall, the Enterprise Building and the Paseo de Roxas crossing.
How far is the distance? I got this report:
“The new elevated walkway running along Greenbelt 4/Ayala Museum connecting to the Glorietta is about 1,355 m from the corner of Dela Rosa/Legazpi toLandmark. The stretch from Landmark leading to the Ayala Center Terminal is 100m to the bottom of the stairs. It's hard to give a figure up to Park Square 1, since there are several possible routes.
Catch you at the elevated walk. Also worth considering the 400 M Moro Lorenzo indoor gym at the Ateneo Loyola Heights Campus.
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?US=0&collid=226079670103&page=1&sort_order=1
Have you tried this? Get out of the Ayala MRT terminal and enter at the SM gate leading to the new SM Makati. Your elevated walk starts the moment you step out of the MRT. You weave in at the Glorietta Complex (the former QUAD) and connect again to the parking across the bus terminal. Cross Makati Avenue and it's a non-stop walk up to Salcedo St. near the Makati Medical Center.
Perfect for a lunch break exercise. Complete it in less than 15 minutes one way unless you get drawn to the Makati working class you meet along the way. Major attractions are the new Glorietta Mall, the Enterprise Building and the Paseo de Roxas crossing.
How far is the distance? I got this report:
“The new elevated walkway running along Greenbelt 4/Ayala Museum connecting to the Glorietta is about 1,355 m from the corner of Dela Rosa/Legazpi toLandmark. The stretch from Landmark leading to the Ayala Center Terminal is 100m to the bottom of the stairs. It's hard to give a figure up to Park Square 1, since there are several possible routes.
- If you decide to go through Landmark and cross to Glorietta, take the main mall between Glorietta 2 and Glorietta 3 ("Makati Mall"), turn right and walk along the edge of the Activity Center, and then turn right again at the main mall of Glorietta 1 leading to the cinema ticket lobby, then cross to Park Square1, then that would be a distance of approximately 280m.
- If you take the walkway all the way to the terminal, walk along West Drive, cross to Goldcrest and walk along Park Square Drive, then cross South Drive from Abenson to the arcade of Park Square 1 (fronting Perfect Pitch), that would be about 425m (including the stretch of walkway from Landmark down to the terminal. Estimated length of the stretch of walkway along Dela Rosa from the corner of Legazpi to the current end near Herrera is about 680m."
Catch you at the elevated walk. Also worth considering the 400 M Moro Lorenzo indoor gym at the Ateneo Loyola Heights Campus.
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?US=0&collid=226079670103&page=1&sort_order=1
Thursday, April 08, 2004
How Safe is the Water Out There in the Wilderness?
Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2001 10:26:55 -0000
How Safe is the Water Out There in the Wilderness?
It happens to even the prepared climber that the safe water we bring runs out leaving us with no choice but to drink from the available water source in the wilderness.
To the critical ones, the drinking the water from the wilderness is considered fatal especially so if this is not filtered or boiled. For your peace of mind, what you can do is take a sample of the water and have it tested for contaminants. Remember to identify where it was taken and when so you can share the results with fellow climbers. (Much like remembering the snake or the dog when bitten by them.)
When you reach the Metropolis, have it tested for:
You will know if the water you drank will cause your trouble.
Testing however comes with a fee:
Water potability test is P 300.00, coliform is P 980.00 and
microtesting is P 3,000.
For microbiological testing
* also for chemical testing
For chemical testing
We hope that someday, someone prime moves this initiative to test the water at source as a service to the climbing community. He could be working at these institutions, a scholar, a technical student or a simple hobbyist. A club and a company or the government can sponsor. What about a grant?
Sample application:
07nov01
How Safe is the Water Out There in the Wilderness?
It happens to even the prepared climber that the safe water we bring runs out leaving us with no choice but to drink from the available water source in the wilderness.
To the critical ones, the drinking the water from the wilderness is considered fatal especially so if this is not filtered or boiled. For your peace of mind, what you can do is take a sample of the water and have it tested for contaminants. Remember to identify where it was taken and when so you can share the results with fellow climbers. (Much like remembering the snake or the dog when bitten by them.)
When you reach the Metropolis, have it tested for:
- Water Potability
- Total Platecount and Coliform Testing
- Comprehensive Micro testing
You will know if the water you drank will cause your trouble.
Testing however comes with a fee:
Water potability test is P 300.00, coliform is P 980.00 and
microtesting is P 3,000.
For microbiological testing
- Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) * -FTI Compound, Taguig, Tel. 823 8071 to 82 loc. 2188, 2189
- UP-Natural Sciences Research Institute, Southeast corner Quirino & Roces Ave, UP Campus, Diliman QC, Tel. 920 5301 to 99 loc.
- 6803 SGS * - Don Tim Bldg 5468 South Luzon Expressway Makati Tel. 817 6231
* also for chemical testing
For chemical testing
- Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) - Ateneo Campus, Katipunan Av. QC, Tel. 924 4587, 924 4601 to 20 loc 2921
- UP-Institute of Chemistry CS Bldg., Diliman QC, Tel 920 5432, 920 5301 to 99 loc. 6546
We hope that someday, someone prime moves this initiative to test the water at source as a service to the climbing community. He could be working at these institutions, a scholar, a technical student or a simple hobbyist. A club and a company or the government can sponsor. What about a grant?
Sample application:
- Is Halcon water really safe?
- Is the Pulag water source from Camp 2 pure?
- Can we drink the water from the Papaya River in Tarak?
- What about Banahaw? In the Daguldol camp site?
- What is the level of contamination in the Maculot water source?
- In Famy?
- Where do you get water in Makiling? In Cristobal?
- In your own homes and watering holes?
07nov01
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
The Outdoors in a New Light
The Outdoors in a New Light
When you escape to the outdoors and relish the experience, you wish the moment can linger a little more. Photography comes in to capture the light.
That's the message I picked up viewing about a hundred of slides presented by PALMC president and workshop lecturer Banny Hermanos in the MFPI Creative Outdoors Photography Workshop held last 3 April at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura.
Taken by no less than the lecturer himself, the slides dramatize graphically the module of the workshop: the basics on the principles of photography and creative effective compositions.
Banny pointed out the principles using his works in finding the center of interest; recognizing the graphic elements of design as line, shape, form, pattern, texture and color and using the visual elements of balance, proportion, scale, content, rhythm and repetition. In words, they seem overwhelming, in pictures, they are breathtaking.
On behalf of the handful of participants who showed up for the free show, we can only be grateful. Seeing the slides of Banny is already in itself a treat. When in time we ourselves create better compositions from the techniques shared, we will appreciate even more this creating the light workshop.
tochs@excite.com 6 April 2004
When you escape to the outdoors and relish the experience, you wish the moment can linger a little more. Photography comes in to capture the light.
That's the message I picked up viewing about a hundred of slides presented by PALMC president and workshop lecturer Banny Hermanos in the MFPI Creative Outdoors Photography Workshop held last 3 April at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura.
Taken by no less than the lecturer himself, the slides dramatize graphically the module of the workshop: the basics on the principles of photography and creative effective compositions.
Banny pointed out the principles using his works in finding the center of interest; recognizing the graphic elements of design as line, shape, form, pattern, texture and color and using the visual elements of balance, proportion, scale, content, rhythm and repetition. In words, they seem overwhelming, in pictures, they are breathtaking.
On behalf of the handful of participants who showed up for the free show, we can only be grateful. Seeing the slides of Banny is already in itself a treat. When in time we ourselves create better compositions from the techniques shared, we will appreciate even more this creating the light workshop.
tochs@excite.com 6 April 2004
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Tribute to the Hosts
Two years ago, John and Banny gave serious consideration to rejoining the officer ship of the club. Now, March 2004, they just successful hosted the 25th MFPI Mountaineering Congress. I wrote this about two years ago.
============
Tribute to the Hosts
"Times have indeed changed," recounts Mr. John Fortes in a social gathering at the Laiya Beach last 11 May 2002 put together by the club under Jo Abian in his honor.
We climb to seek solitude and idyllic state offered by nature. Now we climb to find that we bring the noise and the clutter we are escaping from with us in the mountains.
That's the startling perspective John shared 23 years after he founded the PAL MC in 1979.
While 23 years seemed just like yesterday, the state of degradation on the environment made that yesterday looked like a century away.
Banny Hermanos on seeing a flock of crowd and the increasing number of nipa huts in Barangay Hugom said, "This place is now a place for all. That's the price we paid for accessibility."
He recalled way back in 1987, while looking for an alternative initiation climb for Famy and Maculot, he and Timmy Toledo stumbled into Laiya as an isolated lost paradise with pristine beauty. There were no resorts-only a handful of bancas. With just a map and the drive for something new as an operations manager for the club, they discovered Mt. Catmon after traveling for two hours in a Toyota 4X4 landcruiser from San Juan Batangas. Today Laiya is a mere two and a half hour drive away from EDSA via Lipa."See that island?" I asked Dom Goduco incumbent Treasurer and major influencer of the club, while pointing South West from the beach. "I finally landed in Marinduque last week." We go as far as Batanes, Polilio, Camiguin to get disconnected from it all. Yes within our midst, are still islands we have not explored.
Marinduque I promoted is one theme park that brings you back in time. It takes you just half a day to circle the 959 square kilometer island visiting all its 6 municipalities. The capital Boac is a livable Nayong Pilipino. To move from one end to the next, you skirt around the coastline in an hour from west side. Aside from snorkeling, you can climb Mt. Malindig with an altitude of 1,147 M ASL in 4-5 hours and cap your weekend in a relaxing hot spring. Best of all, it is still not a destination. Where else can you budget a P 600.00 weekend in a 6 hour travel from Manila in such a setting?
John in the late 70's. Banny in the 80's. Us now in the 21st century. Three generations that span decades of climbing. They thread on new grounds searching. While the discovery in itself is satisfying, the fulfillment is in letting others follow. We who are threading through the paths established pay our tribute to them quoting the philosopher Homer, "a guest never forgets the host who had treated him kindly." Thank you for opening these places to us.Chito Razon 15May2002
The LoneRider writes a similar perspective.
The fun climb to Ilihan Batangas in a mountain we failed to identify
(Reissued. Tribute to Balisong and to Baba. At sa mga nagtatanong tungkol sa Ilihan)
Shared laughter creaks a bond of friendship. When people laugh together, they cease to be young and old, master and pupils, worker and driver. They have become a single group of human beings, enjoying their existence.
-W. Grant Lee
This place gained prominence when Shell Refinery
put up their facilities at this coastline property. Now it will gain greater
prominence when the National Power Plant Corporation completes its power plant
at the mountain ridge.
What about Jederico Jose, a student of Batangas
University? Jeric for short is professed to be a good cook, the most kalog,
most naughty, reliable trekker. He hosted portions of the climb and the socials
as if he was in "Ang Dating Daan." His facial expression alone will
give Michael V. a stiff competition. Aarrre, aaarrre as he would shout
repeatedly in true Batangueño fashion. It was Jeric who pestered Kurt with the
question let's swim, play billiard, sing and drink at the Shell Refinery.
According to his friend JeBoy, his girlfriend left him. Even the rambutan
market vendor couldn't stand him. His favorite pastime with his backpacker
friends-nagpapalaki ng tiyan. It's easy he assures all of us, Val included.
As in the past climbs, it appeared that Richard and
Erwin were the most behaved. Appearance lang. But Rodel, the long haired lead,
Rodel, the pamangkin ni Lola sa Ilihan, and Warren were really the most
behaved.
While this
weekend was shorter than the first, it gave us a sneak preview of more
attractions to see. We explored the shoreline finding rock boulders perfect for
practice rock climbing. We were drawn to
the perpetual night flame of the Shell Refining and the lighted sights of the
industrial buildings on our night trip. We discovered on our own on the way
back the New Zealand pasture. This pasture put us at the edge of Batangas at a
waving distance to the ferries and boats that traverse from Mindoro to
Batangas. At the extreme deep end was a white lighthouse and at the sky were a
flock of big black birds preying over a group of smaller birds. All this
against the backdrop of the blue sea, layers of blue mountain ranges and
gushing cold wind engraved a mark in our memories.
Shared laughter creaks a bond of friendship. When people laugh together, they cease to be young and old, master and pupils, worker and driver. They have become a single group of human beings, enjoying their existence.
-W. Grant Lee
They said no other mountaineers have been there before
other than them, the Batangas Backpackers. They said only the residents of
Ilihan trek to this mountain range to harvest the local fruit atis during the
season like this August. Some adventurous males climb to catch the remaining
monkeys in the second or so generation forest cover. The daring ones upon
orders of the local government hunt and kill the snakes for the safety of the
barangay inhabitants. Kids and housewives wash laundry and dive at the
waterfalls near the mountain approach combining both leisure and work.
Ilihan is typical of the mountain ranges in the
southwestern side of Batangas as Mt. Tilos in Lobo near Malabrigo, Mt. Banoy
near the Smart Tower and Mt. Banay-banay. Common are: a second generation
forest line, small streams and waterfalls, gentle assaults, 500 to 700 meters
ASL altitude, cogon covered summits, abundance of fruit bearing trees as atis,
santol, guava at the mid range, full view of Mounts Halcon, Baco, Talipanan,
Malasimbo at the Southern Mindoro side, Malipunyo, Maculot, Banahaw, Cristobal,
Makiling at the other side.
The climb that Kurt AKA Phoebus and his group of
climbers staged was truly a fun climb, a climb filled with laughter contributed
by the Manila trekkers and the host climbers.
We were only too glad to meet Tirtir who was a
Brother for Singles for Christ when we were down and a macho dancer at the
"Bahay Na May Aso" rest stop while we were up. When asked how he can
reconcile, he simply said, when he sings for the church ministry, it needs
choreography.
The reason the socials held on from 11 PM to early
morning Sunday was Kurt's unending explanation as to why they turned left not
right and moved around and around midway in the trek. His famous lines,
"pagkahatid ko sa inyo, bababa ako para sundin ang mga MESAU"
elicited so much laughter from his co-founders. Kurt killed three hours
explaining to Val and to Jojoy the chemical composition of unleaded gas,
premium and velocity. Cui threw in this phone in question as to what will
happen to their vehicle meant for gas but was loaded with diesel. All rushed out
of the discussion hall except Val when Kurt was starting to explain technical
terms. Very MESAU I would say.
Why do you think was the group named
"Baba"? Because going up is not their specialty. Going down is. Ask
JoRam how many times we attempted to get back to the track.
Bakit JeBoy
ang name ng bagets climber? Kasi ng ipinanganak siya, namatay ang tatay ng
kapitbahay na JeBoy din ang pangalan. Ano ang relasyon? Itanong mo sa nanay
niya.
Bakit kulang
ang description ng Ayala print ad kay Regie Pablo, mountaineer, hiker, rock
climber, supervisor? Kasi walang tattoo, walang dark shades at walang hirap sa
wall. Ikaw ba yan Regie?
Bakit tuwang
tuwa si Cui sa climb na ito? Kasi hindi siya pinagsabihan ng "Taba,
Taba" ng bata. Dahil night trek na siya at nawala pa. Higit sa lahat kasi
nakasama siya. Ganoon din si Erwin.
Bakit deadma
si ET sa mga mga Ilihan sa pag-akyat niya? Kasi panay sigaw ng "Taba,
Taba" sa kanya ng bata.
Bakit Sound
of Silence ang kinanta ni Val sa Shell Country Videoke Canteen? Kasi walang
silence sa buhay niya sa katatanong niya.
Ano ang
hinahanap ni Regie nang nagluluto siya ng adobo? Suka, suka! Ano ang binigay sa
kanya ni Roderick, Kurt at Jessie sa umaga? Suka, suka!
Why should you avoid Jessie, the female male of
MESAU in the early mornings? Because she turns aggressive.
Why do you avoid Regie, the mountaineer,
supervisor, lover at early mornings? Because he turns passive. Sige na, pakawalan niyo na ako! Umaga na at
kagabi pa ako umiinom.
Some famous lines from our lead climbers: George nasaan ka? ani Rodel. The answer
is, Rodel nahan sa? ani George.
Famous beeps from Kurt at 9:30 PM, "Chito,
find us, we are getting lost."
What is the most abused camping equipment in
Ilihan? The Balisong. Ask them. I wasn't in Maculot when the club was formed.
Bakit low bat
si Mitchen sa climb na ito? Kasi naubos ang batirya sa kahahanap ng trail. Ilan
ang flashlight nila? One for 3 climbers.
What era did we leave the waiting shed? The
Ferdinand Marcos era. And what era did we catch when we went back to the shed?
Still the Ferdinand Marcos era. O
dakilang ama, abangan niyo ang tulang ito.
Why do these crazy urban trekkers climb? They climb
for the same reason that they laugh. To quote an article in the Philippine
Daily Inquirer by H. D. Tacio on laughing and getting healthier " . . .
laughter is good for your health. Laughter reduces health-sapping tensions and
relaxes the tissues as well as exercises the most vital organs . . . even when
forced, it results in beneficial effect on us, both mentally and
physically."
"Laughter is one of the best stress relievers
in our society. It eliminates nervous tensions, which can definitely upset body
function and mental functions. It clears the mind by releasing stress and
tension" It is hard to feel annoyed and resentful when you are laughing.
After you've had a genuinely good laugh, you have a feeling of well-being, of
personal satisfaction, of contentment of happiness. If you want to feel happy more
often, try laughing more often. It is virtually impossible to laugh and cry at
the same time.
And if you want a fun climb, climb Ilihan with the
Batangas Backpackers. Make sure Chito, Cui and Regie are with you so you'll
find your way laughing at the top. Truly a laughing climb makes everyone one.
Val the inquisitive one blends with Regie, the sophisticated and the world renowned
one. JoRam, the non drinker survives with the MESAU drinker. Even Balisong was
made one with Baba only for the night. And Chito, the mature one manages with
the Makukulots and the Macuculits.
Why did we fail to identify the mountain? Because
it did not matter anymore to us because we were enjoying ourselves. Ang saya! Ang saya-saya!
-C. Razon 18 August 1999
From: Aye dela Cruz
Date: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:51 pm
Subject:
[mfpi] The fun climb to Ilihan Batangas in a mountain we failed to identify
Sir Chito,
Salamat sa tribute! matagal na namin kayo di
nakakasama sa climb, miss na namin kayo, pati mga donation nyong alcohol sa
grupo. hehe.
BaBa is planning another Friendship climb this summer.
Invite ko kayo pag natuloy.
Thanks!
Aye,
BaBa
The Second Time Around (4-5 September 1999) at 745 M
ASL
Still it was fun
climb with louder and longer laughter. The presence of MESAU explorers in big
number did not stop the Baba from dominating the socials. Aside from Jederico,
Rodel too took the center stage. As if making up for the missed socials last
August, he commandeered the night activity which lasted from 11 PM to about 3
AM. He even solemnized the mock wedding to Jessie and Gilbert certainly more
romantic than the Beaver and Jackie ceremony. Ayi of Batangas Balisong added
spice and variation, Kurt with his dog Shadow, acted as marshal to ensure peace
and order.
The hit gag of
the night was the repetitive ritual of Jederico claiming back his lantern each
time his integrity was put in question. Where in the entire mountain ranges in
the Philippines have you spotted a rubberized lantern bouncing back and forth from
the lantern stand to the TNF tent of Roderick in on and off mode. Our count of
the repetition was over 20 times. A shocker was the reading of the first Ilijan
article during the socials with the reader demanding why the accounts of Efren “Bata”
were not in the journal. Simply. I said, my accounts compared to their stories.
Climb was sort
of a reunion of the MFPI Pinatubo climb and a re-staging of the energy level of
the post Deep Blue Sea lagoon concert. We again met the 4 past presidents of
MESAU: Richard, Ronald, Ronald and would you believe Jon who together were last
seen in Pinatubo. Adrenalin level raised that Saturday night almost matched the
level generated by the suspenseful movie premiere and the electrifying acts of The
Jerks, Romeo Lee, Ska and other artists last 30 August. Seeing Yay Ortega, Regie, Mitch, TJ, JoRam,
Hermes, Cui again in Ilijan would make you think the comedy show was an
extension of the concert.
Leaving
Ilijan, we appreciated the company who hosted us and the company we brought in
with us. It was enough. Seeing all the sights and the wonders of the sea,
river, mountain and space, we wondered why we were still returning back to the
city. Maybe to tell the rest of the world that combining people and nature is
intoxicating. We had an overdose.
(Ilijan is
about 35 kms. South of Batangas City, less than an hour jeepney ride from the
Batangas market.)
Memories of a Ilijan ,Batangas Climb in
August 1999
with chuasanz@netasia.net, mitch@solidbank.com.ph, mtj@mail.com,
phoebus.b.minada@shell.com.ph, semher@yahoo (68)
ILIJAN, BATANGAS
Hello there,
Ching.
What a weekend
at Mt. Ilijan! We started very confident that it will be a fun climb - a two to
three hour trek. Our jump off site was from a house cum sari-sari store right
on the beach. The house belongs to a relative of one of our host climbers. The
view itself from the beach was fantastic. Visible were the islands off Batangas
like Verde Island and Mindoro. That
Saturday, the outline of Mt. Halcon could also be seen. As we went up the
trail, the view even grew more fantastic. Since our host climbers - the
Batangas Backpackers (or BaBa for short) - had been there only once before, the
group lost its way by taking wrong turns at trail forks. As I recall, we not only
did it once but thrice. Three times, we took a wrong turn. Three times, we
backtracked to establish our bearing. Plus, we had to be extra careful for we
were told by local folks that snakes abound in the area. True enough, we
encountered one on a rock by the trail. The lead man tried scaring the snake
away. But for some time, the snake would not moved from its position. It
slithered deeper into its hiding place in the rock. We were quite apprehensive
of resuming our trek for fear that the snake may come out of its hole to nick
one of us with its kiss of death.
Getting lost
and the snake encounter caused us to be significantly delayed in our trek. In
all, it took us five hours to our campsite. We were hoping of reaching the
campsite before sundown to witness the setting of the sun. It turned out that
we couldn't camp at the summit because of tall cogon grass. A lead group
scouted the top and came down to warn us of this situation. In the end, we
settled for a camp about fifteen to twenty minutes away from the summit. Not a
bad accomplishment for a loosely organized group. (I wonder if we can consider
ourselves organized at the time. Frankly, the ants there seemed more
organized.)
The night
socials were spent on a drinking binge. I turned in very early for the night
without having dinner. From inside my tent and fast approaching the REM phase
of sleep, I could very easily hear the constant drunken laughter of people.
Late into the night, I could intermittently hear people throwing up here and
there. I was really concerned that just maybe somebody would be really wasted
that my tent would get showered with vomit and urine. Not really a nice way to
spend the night with vomit and urine flowing down my tent's rainfly. At first
light, I slithered out of my tent to check if anything disgusting had flowed
down my rainfly. It turned out to be a lucky night out there for me - the
rainfly escaped being splattered with human waste products.
Those who were
drunk had difficulties getting themselves together that following Sunday
morning. The group ended up breaking camp quite late in the morning. Eventually,
we made our way down. We stopped by a small waterfall. Some decided to take a
dip on the stream fed by the waterfall. It was quite a quick trek on the way
down. Even though we broke camp quite late, we got down quite early to have
lunch where our jump-off was.
After lunch,
we continued the socials by trooping all the way to the Shell Sports Complex.
We spent late Sunday afternoon enjoying the confines of the swimming pool. Of
course, more beer and laughter for the fellows. Soon after, we transferred to
the Videoke lounge of the Sports Complex with more beer and laughter. This time
the fellows tried outdoing each other with their singing prowess by trying to
score the highest on the score keeping sound system. Chito mesmerized the group
with his rendition of a medieval Tagalog ballad "Kastilyong
Buhangin." Val scored very well singing the song "Sound of
Silence." This merrymaking continued on into the evening until such time that
we have to catch the last bus to Manila.
Our host
climbers were a tremendous bunch of happy chaps - very accommodating and nice
to be with when sober. Well, even if totally wasted as long as they keep their
waste products to themselves. I enjoyed the climb more because of their zest
for life. The hospitality of our host climbers was first-rate. It was difficult
parting ways with them. We bid our goodbyes hoping for a next time.
How about you?
How was your climb?
ciao, JOJO.
Hey, Chito.
Any narratives from your end? Perhaps, a more colorful angle?
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
The 7 Deadly Sins The Mountaineer is Guilty of
The 7 Deadly Sins The Mountaineer is Guilty of
While in the company of newbies and oldies at the base camp in Subic, it made me ask which of the 7 deadly sins is the mountaineer mostly guilty of? Has it changed in the past 25 years?
To cite the deadly 7:
Envy is most evident. “Have you climbed this mountain?” volunteered a club member. Do you have this equipment that can protect you in the cold and from the elements?
No, it is gluttony. What with all the drinking happening before, during and after the climb. What about the climbers’ inherent belief in one’s self-making him the most proud who ever existed in this world. Yes I have gone through this training, am capable of the rigors of this adventure and in the elite company of this club. Anger also seems a common occurrence especially among the Els. It recurs also during post climb.
If you have been keeping track of the posting for the past month, sex in the mountain is a hot topic. That well qualifies it for lust. Recognition and accumulation of equipment. Is that greed?
For those who just climb for the sake of climbing at the expense of his buddy, we say he is palamunin. A lawin. Which is sloth. Sundays are spent on climbing so surely services are missed.
Asking Romy Antonio a veteran climber which one ranks first. To him it is pride. To the rest like Rene De Guzman and Joan, Mark Murcia, Art Guanlao, Eugenio Jose, it is pride and envy. Nothing has changed between then and now.
I like best what Kerwin Nicolas of UPM said, kaya ang saya saya sa impierno, kasi lahat kayo kasama ni Satanas.
Running down the list, it made us conclude that the mountaineer before and now is the same. Who has not demonstrated pride, envy and anger? Who has not abused and committed gluttony, greed and lust? Who did not manifest sloth at one point?
Mountain climbing a short cut to hell? Not if we counter the sins with the Contrary Virtues: humility against pride, kindness against envy, abstinence against gluttony, chastity against lust, patience against anger, liberality against greed, and diligence against sloth. Mountaineers get these at high doses too. We say we are humbled by a mountain a lot of times. In the company of climbers we like, we become too kind. Poor planning and under estimation leads to abstinence. No food, no water; diet. Too tired from the climb is your excuse to practice chastity. Climbing is a test of patience, a lot of patience. An abundant climber is a liberal buddy. Faced with danger, we are diligent, sharply diligent.
What am I most guilty of? In indulgence, excessive compliance and weakness to one’s desire. It is enjoying a mountaineers’ company, a delight that drives one to get the most out of life.
Chito Razon 2 March 2004
While in the company of newbies and oldies at the base camp in Subic, it made me ask which of the 7 deadly sins is the mountaineer mostly guilty of? Has it changed in the past 25 years?
To cite the deadly 7:
- Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity.
- Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.
- Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.
- Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body.
- Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath.
- Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.
- Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.
Envy is most evident. “Have you climbed this mountain?” volunteered a club member. Do you have this equipment that can protect you in the cold and from the elements?
No, it is gluttony. What with all the drinking happening before, during and after the climb. What about the climbers’ inherent belief in one’s self-making him the most proud who ever existed in this world. Yes I have gone through this training, am capable of the rigors of this adventure and in the elite company of this club. Anger also seems a common occurrence especially among the Els. It recurs also during post climb.
If you have been keeping track of the posting for the past month, sex in the mountain is a hot topic. That well qualifies it for lust. Recognition and accumulation of equipment. Is that greed?
For those who just climb for the sake of climbing at the expense of his buddy, we say he is palamunin. A lawin. Which is sloth. Sundays are spent on climbing so surely services are missed.
Asking Romy Antonio a veteran climber which one ranks first. To him it is pride. To the rest like Rene De Guzman and Joan, Mark Murcia, Art Guanlao, Eugenio Jose, it is pride and envy. Nothing has changed between then and now.
I like best what Kerwin Nicolas of UPM said, kaya ang saya saya sa impierno, kasi lahat kayo kasama ni Satanas.
Running down the list, it made us conclude that the mountaineer before and now is the same. Who has not demonstrated pride, envy and anger? Who has not abused and committed gluttony, greed and lust? Who did not manifest sloth at one point?
Mountain climbing a short cut to hell? Not if we counter the sins with the Contrary Virtues: humility against pride, kindness against envy, abstinence against gluttony, chastity against lust, patience against anger, liberality against greed, and diligence against sloth. Mountaineers get these at high doses too. We say we are humbled by a mountain a lot of times. In the company of climbers we like, we become too kind. Poor planning and under estimation leads to abstinence. No food, no water; diet. Too tired from the climb is your excuse to practice chastity. Climbing is a test of patience, a lot of patience. An abundant climber is a liberal buddy. Faced with danger, we are diligent, sharply diligent.
What am I most guilty of? In indulgence, excessive compliance and weakness to one’s desire. It is enjoying a mountaineers’ company, a delight that drives one to get the most out of life.
Chito Razon 2 March 2004
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
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.
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.
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
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Growing Popularity of Adventure 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
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