29th MFPI Congress and Climb

The UP Mountaineers, MFPI and the Province of Aurora present the 29th MFPI Congress and Climb. Hike, climb, surf, bike, and beach bum for 5 days, from 8 Tuesday to 12 Saturday April 2008. The province is yours to explore.

29th MFPI Congress and Climb

Hosted by the UP Mountaineershttp://www.fedclimb08.co.nr

Pick you links.

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Reconstructing how the MFPI Vision was crafted

The workshop, facilitated by Ms. Susan Quimpo was one of the most productive academic exercises I have done. A conference which combined a subject matter where one is passionate about with work stream is surely an enjoyable activity. It was two days and a half of fun and work at the DAP Center and Tagaytay Picnic Grove in Tagaytay on 4-5 December 1999.

Butch Sebastian, then president of MFPI assembled a small group that subjectively represented the sentiments of the community. Composing the group were seasoned, hardcore and novice climbers, delegates from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with varying opinions and perspective on climbing. Completing the team was relatively easy then. Participants were pre-selected although the invitation was open to all via egroups posting. At the session, present were Butch, Regie, Jong, Beth, Lolong, Reina, Eric, Jude, Arnold, Ding, Bebot, Ricky, Kat, Wena, Yay, Val and Chito.

It started by asking in an open discussion “Who are we?” guided by these key questions:
What do we do? What do we enjoy doing? What is our role in the community? Who are our leaders? What is our unique contribution? What do we do best? What do we value? What do we retain? What do we change? How do we treat each other? How are people recognized formally and casually? What is our image of success? How do we handle the good times and the bad times?

Then it led to clues on how we can be better members molding an imagined future or a vision. From here, honest-to-goodness assessments were discussed on “Where we are right now.” Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats guided us. Questions asked were: What forces are influencing the group? What changes are we going through? What influences our values? What empowers us? What dis-empowers us? What don’t we know? This forum provided the opportunity for each one to contribute in shaping the vision.

Having established an imagined future, we proceeded to defining it. Participants were individually given paper and colored pens to visualize in drawings the vision as described. Outputs were presented to the group and posted for further appreciation. Truly, visions are better rendered visually than verbally.

We then synthesized all the salient points to move forward answering the big question, "How does success look like for MFPI?"   The most relevant contributions and suggestions to create a set of practical goals and actions were highlighted. Goals were integrated into the group’s daily activities. Programs were developed and action plans made.

These then were now crafted in words in a final long session. Everyone must agree to each word and punctuation of the statements.

The result is what we posted in this article. Does it need revisiting? Read for yourself.

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Slides courtesy of the late Dr. Raymundo S. Punongbayan

5 December 1999, a motley group of climbers was invited by then MFPI President Butch Sebastian to craft a Vision Mission for the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Incorporated (MFPI).

Seven years ago, the vision was defined against the backdrop of what were then in the popular mindsets of the climbers:

-With a desire to climb complemented by a commitment to the preservation of the mountain eco-system
-With a sense of adventure tempered by a due regard for safety
-Whose enjoyment of the climb is bounded by a healthy respect and sensitivity for fellow mountaineers and the local communities they encounter.

We saw then a Philippine mountaineering community aware of both their right and duty to be responsible mountaineers leading to the statement of the mission-to promote responsible mountaineering by setting standards for climbing behavior ensuring:
-Our commitment to the preservation of mountain eco-system
-Development of skills necessary for safe enjoyment of climbing
-A healthy respect for fellow mountaineers and local communities


Over the past years, we saw the climbing community engaged in activities which were not directly taken into consideration then. Among them were:
-Number of climbers has grown in leaps and bounds re-classing the recreation from an extreme activity to a mainstream one which media gamely picked up.
-Competitive adventure sports which were not in fashion before gained acceptance and participation from the climbing community. Climbers provided a pool of winnable participants in either local, regional or international races.
-Expanding sights not only in tropical climbs but alpine as well.
-Opening up to the possibility that the Pinoy given the training and logistical support can climb the roof of the world.
Mission Vision practitioners say that a hard and fast rule to process check its relevance is to challenge whether the vision has been achieved, the stakeholders still share the missions’ sentiments, end result is doable taking in account a tangible goal, an execution plan, a visionary leader and more importantly is a shared purpose.

Consider that in spite of major developments, climbers still have a high regard for safety although un-quantified, there is still a consciousness to preserve the mountain eco-system although it appears not to high in priority and even with the differences in views amongst clubs, members, climbers and the manner to run the federation, there is still a considerable respect for the diversity of opinion. There are those though who clamor for wider representation. Some vouch for a stronger lobbying presence, geographical division and of late international accreditation. While there is a mention on building skills, one noted the absence of physical fitness in the framework.

Is it time to re-visit the Vision Mission? Popular sentiment of the stakeholder which is composed of the member clubs, the individual members, incumbent officers, suppliers, and communities we affect and the support groups we tap can give tell-tale indicators. All of them have stakes to protect. Each one has its own priority. Indifference, apathy, resignation at one and involvement, commitment, contribution at the extreme end offer hints is to whether the sentiments are still shared. Are the stakeholders getting more or less involved with the mission?

What I know is as we root for the first Filipino climber or the first Filipino climber or the first Filipino team to step foot on the peak of Mt. Everest, the climbing landscape has been changing immeasurably. Maybe so, it is time. Unless the community now has turned its affiliation somewhere else and just leave the MFPI to where it is.

What’s in your mind matters. What do you think?

The Ivatan Connection

Batanes is a show of strength on the grandness and goodness of living. Clean, fresh air, soft drinking water, expansiveness, heights, relaxing sounds. Our issues and worries are too small to get in the way of appreciating how wonderful it is to live and to be human.

Two islands? The island was no longer just theirs but ours too. The concepts were no longer just words but with life. The Ivatans and the urban dwellers connected.

-Chito

Recent photos courtesy of Banny Hermanos

Early Publication References on Mountaineering and Philippine Travel

You first build technical expertise reading mountaineering books and going on actual training.
Learn about behavior on climbing. Join clubs.
Interpret maps.
Get to know how to get there.
Know more about the place and its culture.
Involve in environment advocacy.
Write a web log.


Dingkuhn, Michael. Let's Hike A Guide to Taal, Makiling and Banahaw with maps by Rebecca de Villa: Metro Manila, Philippines. Devcon IP Inc., 1992

Sorongon, Jr., Reynaldo G. The First Guide to Climbing Mt. Apo: Davao City Philippines. National Media Production, 1982

Garcellano, Efren E. Island Trekker, Backpacking for Beginners. Oriental Mindoro, Philippines: Halcon Mountaineers Publication, 1998

Wood, Robert. The Two Ounce Backpacker: A Problem Solving Manual for Use in the Wilds. Berkeley, CA: Speed Press, 1982

Graydon, Don. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. 5th ed. Seattle, Washington: Mountaineers, 1992

Peters, Jens. Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit Philippines. 5th ed. Hawthorn, Australia: Lonely Planet Publications, 1994

De Villa, Jill. Luzon by Car. 2nd ed. Makati, Metro Manila: Devcon I. P. Inc., 1985

Ma. Guerrero, Amadis. Traveler's Choice from North to South. 1st ed. Pasig, Metro Manila: Anvil Publishing Inc. 1993

Ma. Guerrero, Amadis. A Journey Through the Enchanted Isles. Pasig, Metro Manila: Anvil Publishing Inc. 1995




Summit Programme andAbstracts on Philippine Mountains Summits, a national policy forum on Philippine mountain environments organized by Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems. November 2000

PALMC Officers and Trustees 1992-1993. The Philippines Airlines Mountaineering Club Handbook. 1993

Tour of Mindanao Diary

Tour of Mindanao Diary
Planned for 14 April-1 May 1994-17 days
Happened 14 April-25 April-11 days
14 April Thurs 7 p.m. ETD Manila via Aboitiz Super Ferry. It was my first time to ride the ferry which seemed like the longest travel ever in my life. It took us two nights (close to 38 hours) to reach our destination. I was in the company of Nelson Malabanan, Joy Jesena, Joy Dawis, and Gregg Cordova in a 17 day Tour of Mindanao initiated by Gregg. At the ferry, we met Rodel Ibarrola and Jong Arancon of Central Bank Clearing House who will eventually be acquaintances.

16 April Saturday 6 a.m. Cagayan de Oro. The group arrived in Cagayan de Oro 16 Saturday. We disembarked from the ferry after having adjusted to sea travel. Now, we have to acclimatize for the long land travel ahead bound for Davao.

Saturday 8 a.m. We took the 8 a.m. trip, the last trip for Davao. I was left out by the group which boarded the Bachelor Bus line while looking for a telephone to contact CDO office. The group left ahead while Gregg waited for me taking the next available bus for another destination. We eventually caught up hours later at the next stop.

Saturday 5 p.m. Davao. We arrived at about 5 p.m. and immediately took a jeepney ride to Digos. Each one talked to someone at the bus. We found a jeep that brought us to Kidapawan at about 7 p.m. It was already quite late but we somewhat managed. At the jeepney, we met Rey Nigodola, a physics teacher of Davao Oriental State College who will eventually help us go through the Mt. Apo climb.

Saturday 7 p.m. Kidapawan. We were billeted at Kidapawan Lodge at Kidapawan, the gateway to Mt. Apo. There, we met Kenny and Bidjong Crisologo by chance who will eventually join us in the trek. Dinner was at an open-air restaurant nearby. Typical of backpackers, we got one room at the lodge shared by 5 bodies.

17 April Sunday 6 a.m. After breakfast, we shopped for rice and other stuff at the nearby market before the climb proper eventually leaving at past 7 a.m. in a rented jeepney arranged by Bidjong.

Sunday 9 a.m. Site B PNOC Barangay Ilomavis. I estimated arrival at the Barangay past 9 a.m. Instead of jumping off at the guard house, we started way before that mark as the national park was on security alert.

Sunday 10 a.m. Marbel River. Before crossing the river, we changed our trekking shoes with our rubber sandals. This early, we still did not yet feel the load of our pack. Arrival at the landmark which had the hot/cold spring area was past 12 noon. This area marked the end of the flat land. From hereon, it was ascent.

Sunday 2 p.m. Lake Venado. It rained sometime in the afternoon before reaching the 87 degrees. Exhausted, we camped a few meters before inclined plane. Because of the rains and the wind, we were chilling. The group has now been split into three with a wide time gap. At the lead were Bidjong and Kenny, Chito, Nelson and Joy D. at the mid pack and Gregg and Joy J. at the sweep. In the dark, we wondered where everybody was as no one appeared to be within hearing and sighting distance. Eventually, we met up with the rest the following morning prior to proceeding to Lake Venado.

18 April Monday 6 a.m. Slopes. Continuing with our trek, we still did not recover our strength that Monday morning. Our energy started to be depleted with each ascending step we made. Due to fatigue and weight of our pack, each step was done in a slow motion. Finally at about 4:30 PM after 2 days of climbing, we made it to the top. That was sufficient motivation for us to camp, then to inspect the surroundings. Together, we again trekked to the cross, prayed and said our appreciation not believing we made it to the highest point in the Philippines at 9,689 feet ASL. Night time was socials time with only the 7 of us at the campsite. It was a cold and quiet night. Our provisions and tents made us comfortable enough making us sleep soundly for the rest of the night.

19 April Tuesday 7 a.m. Break Camp. The following morning, Tuesday saw us refreshed and invigorated. After breakfast, we climbed to the highest point which was just a few steps away. The boys gamely posed for the photographers. Both the Kidapawan and the Davao side were not spared from our prying eyes. Reaching back to the exclusive camp site, we broke camp and said goodbye to the top of the Philippines.

Tuesday 8 a.m. Descent was light except for moments of sweeping the ladies who somewhat faced some degree of difficulty. Emotional state of the co-climbers and the strong rains added to the difficulty. We made it back to the hot/ cold spring at about 4 in the afternoon, at least 3 hours delayed from the lead pack. It rained so hard while negotiating the point between 87 degrees and the flat land. It was already dark when we crossed the rivers. Bidjong even overshot the exit from the river. Good thing we through Bidjong managed to see the trail back. Going up to the guardhouse, we were surrounded by fireflies all over as if leading us back to trail during the night. We reached the guardhouse at about past 7 p.m., too late to go back to Kidapawan. We took advantage of the guard’s hospitality and the limited guard space. Somewhat we managed. We stayed until 5 a.m. until a service of PNOC offered us a ride back in Kidapawan first in a land cruiser, then in a Pajero. The ladies played with the guards using aliases as Jennifer and another sexy name as a way of appreciation for the free ride.

20 April Wednesday 7 a.m. Kidapawan. We were back at Kidapawan Wednesday before 7 a.m. with just sufficient time to say thanks to Bidjong, Rey and Kenny and their entire family for making the expedition possible for us. They saw us off at an aircon bus to Davao. At the bus, we reminisced the past adventure and started to prepare for the next one.

Wednesday 10 a.m. Davao. We reached Davao before 10 a.m. Wednesday with hardly any time to linger in the city. We boarded a non aircon bus bound for Camiguin. We skipped sleeping at Davao. Instead we found ourselves in Ginoog Wednesday night where we enjoyed a good meal, an enjoyable boy's socials and a good shower in a fine old hotel near the shore. It was as if the Mindanao journey was over. We were just too pleased with the moments. Or maybe we asked, was the journey was just starting?

21 April Thursday 9 a.m. Ginoog. We left for Balingoan Thursday via bus from Ginoog eating brunch at the cafeteria by the port. We managed to pick-up the early morning ferry trip for a 1 1/2-hour ride to Camiguin.

Thusday Past Noon. Centra. Arriving in Camiguin before noon, we visited Gregg's friends at the centra where a good lunch was prepared for us by the host. After lunch was spent at the white island accessible by banca.

21 April Thursday 2 p.m. Camiquin White Island. Ardent Hot Spring. Thursday night, exactly a week after our departure from Manila, we slept at Ardent where we had a good hot spring swim, rounds of beer at the restaurant and a sound sleep to prepare us for the difficult hot climb to Mt. Hibok-hibok.

22 April Friday 7 a.m. Mt. Hibok-hibok Peak. Friday, we planned to leave early from Ardent to reach the top before 5 p.m. During the trek, we had a long lunch break and other recuperating breaks. Our leader Gregg was most generous with rests. It was difficult but worth it. Gregg, our most seasoned climber had severe headache and was not surprisingly strong for the climb. Night was spent inside the tents where there was switching of tenants due to the weather and the health condition of the climbers. Somewhat, the temperature appeared to be colder in Mt. Hibok-hibok at 4,369 feet ASL than Mt. Apo. As night fell, temperature dropped, mist sppeared and winds blew hard. Rains brought the temperature further down to at least below 10 degrees.

23 April Saturday 6 a.m. Morning brought us across the boulders which provided us an awesome panoramic view of the ocean. The sight was more than enough to make us forget the ordeals the previous day. Break camp was early to give us enought time to enjoy the hot springs for the balance of the day. On the way down halfway, I somersaulted losing my cap.

Saturday Mid a.m. To catch the ferry ride, we immediately negotiated for a private jeep that brought us to the centra, and then rode top loaded at a passenger jeep. At mid-day we were at the port saying our goodbye to the island.

Saturday 4 p.m. Cagayan de Oro Centro Sabado Nights after the Climbs. Saturday night, we were back at the city staying overnight in Palace Lodge Cagayan de Oro in an old lodge down town. Dinner was at the city hosted by Chito without Joy D. It was Joy. D’s turn to declare ill for the day after Gregg. Dinner was almost like a post climb when we talked about the struggles and the blessings we received along the way. Plan to climb Kitanglad was deferred in favor of Tinago falls. While it was a consensus, deep inside there was curiosity on what's in store in that part of Mindanao. A climber who was a member of NORMs even invited us to join their post climb meet of Kitanglad in a nearby outlet building interest further.

24 April Sunday 7 a.m. Prior to our waterfalls adventure, we prepared our plane tickets for Mondays departure for Manila, arranged Joy D. 's return trip before we proceeded to Tinago falls for a most wonderful water experience. Gregg and Nelson called long distance to Manila to say perhaps they were OK to concerned parties. Tinago was a picnic. Lunch was a feast from the shopping at the Tinago public market where we saw sights of fruits, flowers and nuts unfamiliar to us. Seeing the falls which was linked to the Maria Cristina Falls, we were awed. The volume of the water from a series of falls was enormous. It was cool and clear; swimming across the basin was invigorating. Luckily for us, the Tinago we experienced was at its natural, pristine state without the formal and commercial structure we've seen in other falls. Sunday night, Joy D. treated us to a farewell dinner at a Zamboanga based restaurant Alavar, our first formal meal since we left almost 10 days ago.

25 April Monday 6 a.m. Cagayan de Oro. Today we were off the airport to say goodbye to this Mindanao trek which we thought would never happen or we could not possibly physically conquer.

Chito Razon 15 Sept 94








Where Are They Now?

• Rey Nigodola, Physics teacher at Davao Oriental State College
• Kenny and Bidyong Crisologo who we met at the Kidapawan Lodge
• Rodel Ibarrola who last we heard went into a joint venture in a Bataan Cable Company and took up Nursing
• Jong Arancon, husband of Levi Lim succumbed to heart attack at a young age of 37 last 15 March 2008 while leisurely biking in Manila
• Nelson, Joy D-A, Joy J-B and Gregg are active in their respective fields

-Posted 21 March 2008 tochs@excite.com

Ford Escape and The North Face

Ford Escape and The North Face gear offered in a print ad published in a Philippine national paper an ultimate weekend in Annapurna Nepal.

Lonely Planet describes the Annapurna Region as the attraction in Central Nepal. You have a 360 degrees panorama of the Himalayan peaks from the Annapurna sanctuary. You walk around the Annapurna massif crossing the 5,416m Thorung La, pass at the Gurung village at the foot of the high Himalayas and enjoy the hot springs and diverse restaurants at Tatopani. It has the world's deepest valley.

Two thirds if the 100,000 trekkers who visited Nepal in 2000 included Annapurna in their itinerary. Gateway is Pokhara. The shortest trek is for 6 days. Annapurna to Times needs at least 16 days.

A Ford Escape will not bring you anywhere there. Buying a brand new one can win you a ticket to Katmandu.

Island Peak at 6,189 meters ASL

After the successful trek of PALMC to Everest Base Camp in May 2007, another expedition is upcoming. This time it is with an alpine climb.

Target is Island Peak at 6,189 meters ASL. Island Peak also known as Imja Tse was first climbed in 1953 by Charles Evans, Alf Gregory, Charles Wylie and Tenzing Norgay in preparation for their ascent to Everest. On the way down, the team will pass by the Advanced Base Camp at 5,600 meters ASL.

Technical skills are required. Aside from basic climbing know how, one must know basic alpine mountaineering as cramponing on snow and ice 40 degree slopes, rope ascending, self arrest with ice ax and roped glacier travel.

Expedition is targeted to cover 25 days sometime in April 2008 at an estimated cost of over US$100 a day. Leading the pack are Leo Oracion, the first Filipino to summit Mt. Everest, Larry Honoridez, the two time trekker to EBC and Gonz de Almeida.
Help support this expedition. Island Peak is a foot closer to the dream of all dreams, Mt. Everest summit.

For queries, you may post at the comment board. Please provide your email address.





Material lifted from Larry Honoridez' presentation

Who is John? Why did John earn that recognition?

PAL, PALMC and John in (Na) Kaya ng Pinay

In the Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club operations manual written in 1993, a tribute was written,“To John Fortes, who started it all, and to all those who followed the call of the mountains under the banner of the club, this volume is dedicated.”

Who is John? Why did John earn that recognition?

In November 1979, John was instrumental in setting up the mountaineering club, one of the first to be formalized in the Philippines when mountaineering was still an unfamiliar word. In the same manual, it cited the main purpose for organizing the club-to open up a new market for travelers on Philippine Air Lines by offering tours specializing in outdoor activities. With the passage of time, climbs continued not only for opening new market but now out of the pure love for the outdoors and the friendships created in these.

Now, about 27 years later, no longer was opening new market the priority of the airline and the club. It has now shifted towards 'responsible' climbs that sought to protect the ecology, and develop the balance between skill, adventure and fun.

Last May 2006, Philippine Airlines, both the flag carrier and the club found itself playing a familiar role it did when the club was organized. It contributed a crucial support to the historic first ascent of the Filipino to the highest point of the world.

Through its sponsorship of the First Filipino Mount Everest Expedition Team headed by Mr. Art Valdez (also a PALMCer), the dream of every mountaineer was realized.

A Filipino finally, in the person of Leo Oracion has stepped foot on the ultimate market, the world’s highest mountain in the grounds of Nepal.

The generous backing of the airlines and the club made possible by the Chairman of PALMC Mr. John Fortes set the momentum for the expedition to be launched and eventually succeed. Little did we know that this milestone opened a market for the Filipino.

This May 2007, the club and the airline followed up its interest on Mt. Everest assisting the successful attempt of the 3 Pinays Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Bellarmino. The 3 Pinays made world records reaching the summit of Mt. Everest from Tibet early morning of 16 May 2007, the first women in the world to traverse from Tibet to Nepal. In that same expedition, PALMC introduced to its members and guests Nepal, the world’s trekking capital. Mr. John Fortes, Mr. Banny Hermanos and Mr. Dom Goduco, senior officers of the club led a contingent of Filipino trekkers to the Everest Base Camp. PALMC was first Filipino club to organize a climb to the base camp at 5,567 meters ASL. In those anxiety filled 25 days, we trekked not only with the club but with the nation.

After the awareness we created for Nepal, the next climbing season will surely be a different story. As we opened new possibilities for fellow Pinoy mountaineers to the grandeur of the world’s trekking capital, we members of the original support group to the “2007 Kaya ng Pinay Expedition” will remember that it was John who started it all for us. We share that fulfillment with the club and the national carrier, Philippine Airlines.

-Chito Razon

Un-updated PALMC site at http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/4033


Fotos from the collections of Cesar Banares, Rico Cabusao, Larry Honoridez, Dom Goduco and Banny Hermanos