Sagada in 1998. There is still magic.

At the onset of flooding in Baguio City caused by Typhoon Pepeng, media is one in expressing, Baguio, the respite from the city has become one congested city too. Thus the recall of this article written in 1998 when we declared that to simulate the authentic Baguio atmosphere, one must escape farther up North, to Sagada.

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There is Still Magic in Sagada

There is still magic in Sagada despite the thousand lowlanders who escaped from Baguio and the city this Christmas 1998. Like a fairy tale, it starts with a struggle of several refusals in various instances ending happily with an unexpected fulfillment.

No Ride. We missed the Lizardo Bus at the Dangwa station in Baguio for the direct trip to the town. As early as 6 in the morning of Sunday 28 December, all the 6 buses were filled up and dispatched early.

No lodging. All inns were full. Some patient travelers had to contend with the hospital bed at the community hospital. That included us.

No Food. We were rejected several times at the Log Cabin, St. Joseph, Masfierre Inn and Shamrock for food and drinks.

Still there was magic in Sagada. The Celestine Prophecy attributed it to the pure energy of the mountain. James Redfield explained it as “the need to begin expecting miracles that will reveal our true mission in life. If we stay true to our life mission and do the inner work necessary to allow us to get out of our own way, opportunities will present themselves to help you with your problems.” Yet, despite the challenging incidences that Christmas holiday, everything just flowed.

I planned this trip in December and finalized the details only in Baguio via pager with my friends in Manila the day before. All met at Chowking in Session Road Sunday from various origins. I came from Baguio, two straight from the bus from Manila and one from the beach of San Fernando La Union. Mitch Soria, a PALMC colleague, Arney Nocum, a freelance photographer and a broadcaster, Tec Mañalac, a youth leader working at the Office of the Manila Mayor and I were directed to a bus headed for Bontoc. We got off at junction and hitched a ride in an open van. We were treated to an open-air view of the Sagada Mountain together with about twenty other passegers.

Upon arrival at the cooperative store, we saw Dax and Beatrice, our friends from PSI (People Synergistically Involved) who invited us at the St. Mary's orphanage (now rented by a Canadian Funded NGO IA for Transformation). That free accommodation freed a lot of time all for us. It was a big relief to first timers Arney and Tec who had no idea what was in store for them.

How can Sagada not enchant anyone? We were billeted in an old, big schoolhouse made of wood, now a rare commodity in this town. We experienced a 10° C on our first morning, the coldest ever for the year 1998 we were told. The pine trees bursting with pine cones all over surrounding the valley contributed to the cold, clean air that lingered with us all throughout our 3-day stay. Baguio may have been like this over 50 years ago with hardly any vehicle polluting the air. Like staying in a country club, we were given a welcome treat. Beatrice and Dax put up a bonfire at the school house' spacious front yard to warm us up.

Sagada to me is one modestly-sized theme park with the exception that everything is in its natural state. The country music of John Denver and Kenny Rogers played incessantly at the buses complemented the clean country atmosphere. To move from one wonder to the next, one walks for as short as 5 minutes from the Plaza (Echo Valley) to a long half a day (Sumaging Cave or the big waterfall).

We viewed the morning sunrise amidst streaks of light and mist at the Keltepan tower at the East Side of Sagada at six in the morning (elevation about 2,200 meters ASL). The group witnessed the same sun go down from the top of Lake Danum Mountain at the west side. Instead of streak of lights, the sun displayed various shades and layers of orange and blue set in pure un-adulterated air. We stayed until the threatening clouds claimed the view and the temperature dropped.

The entire town celebrated the Cañao wedding which kept everyone, residents and a close to thousand guests alive the whole night of Monday even with the 9 PM curfew imposed. This gave drinkers like Mitch and I a chance to enjoy beer at the Shamrock.

We walked North, East, South, West and trekked from 1,200 meters to 2,200 meters ASL. Dived at the waterfalls, entered the cave, patronized handicrafts, ate a lot of red rice, drank a lot of Sagada tea, met old friends like Ronald and Avic Arcilla, forged new friendships with Raul Lejano and Ron of Toyota. We expelled the urban air of Baguio and Manila and breathed in fresh ones from the mountains.

Why it there still magic in Sagada? Sagada this year was different. Different from last summer and the 1996 holidays when there was just a handful of guests. What with all these lowlanders, I thought the place has lost its charm. But in the company of Mitch, Arney and Tec and the energy all around us, nature still worked on us. It energized us to do about almost everything that can be done. It erased all the obstacles that got into our way. Means showed up when they was no ride to the town, no inns at the Plaza, no food, no way to the sunrise and no way to the sunset and no ride way back to Baguio and Manila.

We sneaked out of Sagada in a passenger jeep at 5:30 am on the 30th Tuesday to Bontoc to take the 7 AM bus ride to Baguio via Dangwa Transit. At past noon, we were perhaps the first batch backpackers to be back in Baguio from the enchanted place.

Then with the fun group of Jerry Balignasa and Russel Aguinaldo, we met up with the PALMC Group headed by Mayan, Wing, Art, Minerva, Ivy, Rhoda, Darwin, Ruel, Juno and his wife. We got a preview of the adventures of federation climbers as Jun Cipriano, Jun Martin, Gerry Girl N., Butch Ballesteros, Resil, Rudgir, Loyd, Ann, Joy and Dulce who trekked up to Pulag that same weekend led by EL Romy Valdes. We drank and narrated with gusto our stories until the bus trip, scheduled late that night until early morning, signaled it's time to go.

Traveling back to Manila on the 31st, I kept on hearing in my mind the song of the late John Denver asking to be brought home to country road where he belongs. With all these enchantment, we asked why don't we belong there too?

Recalling these enjoyable experiences, I looked back at the 5th Insight of the Celestine Prophecy, “the 5th insight deals with how we don't have to steal energy from others but instead can absorb energy directly from the universe if only we can open up to it."

Like magic, we were under the spell of this energy. It came neither from Baguio nor Manila but from opening ourselves up to the influences of nature from Sagada and Pulag and the company we were with.

Sagada, Mountain Province

26-28 December 1996

The Serenity of Sagada and Mt. Data

A stillness in the woods.  Serenity in nature.  Or serenity amidst insurgency, if you wish.

In Bontoc, the capital of Mountain Province, an Armed Personnel Carrier rumbles through the main street and helicopters fly overhead. Foot soldiers patrol the mountain roads leading to Sagada. And at the Mt. Data Hotel, helicopters and Sikorsky gunshots land men and supplies only a kilometer away, in the process destroying some vegetables. A hunt for NPA rebels is on.

Local and foreign tourists need not be discouraged, however, for the areas seem relatively safe for civilians and visitors keep coming in. But don’t travel with the military and don't go to Mt. Data at night, for the military has clamped a 7 p.m. curfew.

Sagada and Mt. Data may be reached through Baguio, with several bus lines-including Dangwa Tranco and D’ Rising Sun-plying the route  In Mt. Data, there is only the Mt. Data Hotel but in Sagada, there are several inns and resthouses-the best known being Masferre, St. Joseph’s and Daoas-all with inexpensive rates and affordable meals.

Perched 6,000 feet above sea level, the town of Sagada continues to cast a spell over Filipino and foreign writers and artists, European backpackers and cave explorers.

There are an undetermined number of caves in Sagada, some with very clear and very deep waters, and interesting rock formations. Once a native boy fell into a hole, survived on water, then emerged in another barrio a month later.

At the mouths of the caves are the burial grounds and hanging coffins of the Igorots and other tribes of Mountain Province. The tribal believe that the sprits of their departed are happier when their coffins are suspended and wedged above ground. Alas, some of the coffins with ornate designs have been stolen, and sold to antique dealers and collectors.  Some of the bones date back to 100 years.

Our native guide knocked on one long coffin and then left a lighted cigarette atop it. “Pasigarilyuhin natin siya para sumaya,” he intoned.

One large cave, Sumaging, takes a whole day to explore. Once deep inside the cave, the guide said, foreigners (men and women) have no qualms about stripping to their underwear so their outer garments won’t get wet.

Two adventurous members of our group-photographer Rex Toledo and assistant Benjie Espartero-ventured into the cave, with the help of the guides, but had to give up at a certain point because of the darkness (light from the Petromax was insufficient) and the treacherous holes.

There are pine trees all around Sagada, and a fascinating valley with well-maintained vegetable terraces. The town is not too commercialized, and it should be kept this way.  Baguio must have looked like this during the olden days.

Less publicized-but higher and colder than Sagada or Baguio-is the Mt. Data Hotel, about two-hour ride from Sagada.  From a distance you can see Mt. Pulog, the second highest mountain in the Philippines (next to Mt. Apo). And in Benguet, enroute to Baguio from Mt. Data, you will come across the highest point on the Philippine Highway System (watch for the sign), elevation 7,400 feet, with a panoramic view of the mountains and the vegetable terraces.

The Mt. Data Hotel has 22 cozy rooms, a much-needed giant fireplace, and hot and cold water, among other amenities.  By day you can hike, and watch the sun rise and set over the great Cordillera ranges.

At night, you can play chess, squabble or cards, gather round the fireplace and sing (bring a guitar along). Better still, you can, upon request, watch authentic dances and rituals of the Bontoc tribe, climaxed by an “audience participation” number in which you will be give a simultaneous massage: A Bontoc woman massages your head and back while a Bontoc man massages your feet with a stick.  (It tickles, but only at first.)

Whether Peace Zones and War Zones, surrounded by pine trees and wild flowers, far away from Manila, Sagada and Mt. Data continue to be a refuge for nature lovers. --1992

-Amadis Ma. Guerrero, Traveller’s Choice From North to South (Metro Manila Philippines: Anvil Publishing House, Inc. 1993)

Logic ng Sagada - Ang Ibang Ibig Sabihin ng Magic

26-27 December 1996

Puede Ring SAKANA for both of us or SAGAD na SAGAD. It all started when Mitch said he was going to Baguio even before the holidays. All PAL members of Commonwealth invited themselves. I didn’t. Because I was only available after the 26th. And Mitch said “magSasagada ako kung may kasama ako.” Mula noon I get inquiries and lines like “See you in Baguio on the 25th.”

Nagconfirm ako sa 074-442-xxxx 10:30 p.m. ng 25 December ”Mitch dadating ako sa 26 ng umaga. Huwag kang aalis, magSasagada tayo. Oo namang ang sabi niya.” 5 AM. Sa Session Road, malamig na malamig 12°C, nangising ng lasing “6:30 AM ang biyahe sa Sagada, magpack ka na at makita tayo sa Chowking.”

·          Lake Danum-Mitch’s favorite. Except that his meditation at the peak was cut short by my hurrying up. Some guys said 8 minutes to the Lake. True enough, exactly in 8 minutes, we were there. Pero saan ang daan papuntang Demang?

·          The Lardizabal Series-you’re not in the track. Go back and set into my lot if you want to do cross-country at Mt. Ampacao. He was accommodating enough to pick us up at the main road to St. Joseph and showed us the back down to St. Joseph. My name is Lardizabal. Sir, where is the way to Mt. Ampacao?

·          The Ramon Series-are you here for the ___? Bawal dito. Ano ang tunay mong pangalan? Come on , tell the truth.

·          The Lizardo Line Series-Senior citizen and students-No ID, No discount. Smoking With Free Ride. No Smoking, no free ride. Pero nasaan ang Pulag?

·          The Novi Encounter at Chowking-kung sasama sa Pulag, kung si Wing ay pupunta sa Sagada and kung kailan aakyat si Mayan. Most importantly kung sino ang kasama ni Noving babae.  At bakit siya hindi kasama sa PAL?

·          Go to Sagada House-is it the same as going to Sagada weaving?

·          Inn Hoping-ang Shamrock, para sa mga rockers

·          Ang Country Inn-ang most expensive sa rooms at sa beer

·          Masferre-ang pinakamatagal sa service

·          Ang Log Cabin-ang pinakamasarap at pinakasosyal. Isnubish rin

·          St. Joseph-pinakahomey. Mapiyaaw-ang pinakamalayo.

·          Village Bistro-ang pinakamadilim. Casa Olahbinan-pinakamaiinit dahil sa fireplace

·          Casa Hamada-pinaka accommodating

·          Jayvee Gayoso and Jet Araneta-sino sila? At ang gaganda ng mga chicks nila. Isama mo narin ang 4-wheel drive nila.

·          Ano ang scientific massage-pressure per inch. Magkano?

·          Ang kwento ng babaeng ma kasamang puti-ang lost camera at and lost guide from Bontoc. Sino sa dalawa ang sisipinging ko.

·          Whatever Mitch Wants, He Gets-guide sa kweba, si Willy and Exekiel. Photographs from Peter the Singaporean and Gerardo the Brazilian. Ano ang address nila?

·          Bidang bida ako-kasi sabi ng hapon sa akin “Herro.”

·          Ang mga tanong ni Mitch-Nasaan si Wing, Nasaan si Art. Nasaan ang Kiltepan Tower? Nasaan ang beer? Bakit walang mist sa bibig dahil walang ilaw. Bakit simang ang babae sa Tamaraw FX? Kasi lumampas daw sila sa Baguio. Bakit lito ang mga babaeng taga bangko sa St. Joseph? Kasi walang bangko. Sino si Mario de Vera at bakit puro Solano ang kwento nila? Kasi puro Louisians.

It was trip well worth. Pagadating sa Baguio hindi makapagrelate sa tao sa Session Road, sa mga barkada sa likod ng Mountain Crest at sa top of the world. At nagpakalasing.

Bakit? Kasi iyan ang logic ng Sagada. Happy New Year!

Chito Razon 17 Jan 1998 Revisited 11 Oct 2009

Pinoy M

Gideon Lasco of  http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/ wrote this appeal for volunteers.

Looking for Heroes

Looking for Heroes this 26 September 2009

It was as if it was an ordinary Friday to Saturday night even with the incessant rain. ANC 27 on Skycable though announced that Typhoon Signal No. 1 Code Named Ketsana will cross Metro Manila

It's a mother’s instinct to remind her children that with the impending storm; the best place is the home. In our younger days when we were staying at the 2/F of a “botica” along “Kayle Commercio” in a small town in Northern Luzon, we as a family would prepare for the storm. Supervised by our father we would secure the handles of our glass pane windows so they would not flip flap when the winds blow, collect water in the pale and bottles for our water needs, check that flashlights and other alternative sources of light are working and maintain our provision for drinks and food for the next days. It is that training from our folks that seeded disaster preparedness in all of us as we moved out to a bigger city.

Typhoon Ketsana noisily passed without causing distress as everyone we knew was secured in an elevated and protected gated village somewhere in the Diliman district. Meralco provided uninterrupted power supply, Manila Waters ran dry only for a short while. Citibank Savings was online and nearby Rustan’s Fresh was normally operational with no long queues. PLDT linked us without fail. So did Globe though not that stable. Bayantel’s DSL kept us abreast of our Face Book but only until early afternoon. Prime Internet dial-up (Pacific) and Globe Tattoo took over.

It really was as if it was a regular rainy Saturday.

But as Skycable’s ANC 27 and Teleradyo DZMM on Cable 26 started broadcasting a sampler of what’s happening in the Marikina Valley did we really realize that we were building up to a disaster in a mammoth scale. Facts and figures were fed by studio and field reporters. Questions were asked from resource persons. But as I was fed images and sound bites, heroes were gradually flashing in the mind.

Young radio reporters from DZMM and ANC 27 like Alvin Elchico, Bernadette, Carl Balita, Atom Araullo, Wheng Hidalgo, Dennis Datu, Johnson were reporting news as they happen, without any bias, judgment or blaming, they were molding into the new breed of heroes in my mind. They asked to right questions from the resource persons, they showed impactful visuals yet still protecting the sacredness of the victims.  They were straight forward, honest and fair enough not to exaggerate nor dramatize the sad plight of the victims. Along with the rescuers from the government, I honor them. The news reporters and the rescuers have given something bigger than themselves, in the conduct of their profession.

Surely, there were others more but for that fateful Saturday, they were my heroes.

Home in Manila

Welcome back to Manila. You know you are back when instead of ponds, lake and the open sea you drive and wade through floods.

You know you are back when instead of fresh fish, customized kalan and lanzones displayed in rattan basket crawling with black ants you are asked for an upsize by a friendly fastfood staff.

Yes you know you are back because you navigated the 45 kilometer stretch from Sta Rosa to Katipunan in 4 hours on a rainy Tuesday early evening, only slightly shorter than the 209 kilometer stretch from Butuan City to Davao City.

I am indeed home. But as Henry Miller, an American novelist and painter said, "One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things."

Off the beaten Track: Siargao

Off the beaten track. Images of Siargao, Surigao

The long trip from Davao to Siargao Island in Surigao is the highlight of my South Central Mindanao land sojourn. Not only was it the longest travel, it was the most exhilarating and the most adventurous.

Adventure spanned several provinces: Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and finally Surigao del Sur. It started out in private vehicle, shifting to Roro, motorbike, walk in wooden bridges, oversized boats culminating in several Bachelor public bus.

The 1st 6 hours brought us to San Francisco in Agusan, the next 2 hours to the archaeological site Butuan City, another 2 hours to Surigao City, gateway to Siargao Island. 3 hours were spent in the sea. The last 45 minutes brought us to Cloud 9, literally in Cloud 9, a state of extreme happiness .

Arriving at the surfing site at around 4 PM, was enough time to catch the last streak of sunlight but sufficient time to watch the spectacular display of balance and grace of the foreign and inland surfers.

The gushing waves, blowing wind and cool breeze for the last few minutes of day break were enough to recharge us after the grueling traveling hours. Nature blessed us as those momentous short moments in Siargao. According to the Australian and Japanese surfers we talked to in the evening, what we captured were the best surfing moments for the week. Just as we left the shoreline the following day, rains started to pour changing the mood of the sea.

Destinations off the beaten track make attractive targets. The desire to step on Siargao Island, the surfing capital of the Philippines has long been an obsession ever since The Lonely Planet featured it in its initial edition. This year, by a confluence of events, elements were in place for me to experience this hidden tropical jewel that faces the open sea, the Pacific Ocean. Off the beaten track combined with Cloud 9 exhilaration makes a natural high.

Thanks to associate Jovert Pondoc who went the extra mile to ensure that nothing comes my way to perform my assignments well and to see what I want to see. Shobee, Jiv and Rigel showed up by chance who have been gregarious and hospitable all the way. Without them, the activity would have been more than doubly difficult and expensive. The Lonely Planet, another constant companion with its tips and maps made me get the most pleasure at the least cost.

Today it was General Luna. Next it will be Pilar, Socorro and Dinagat.

Enjoy the images captured by the intrepid traveler to South Central Mindanao. A completion of my visit to the wonder called Mindanao.

Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu is a watery bottom of a beautiful bowl. This is how a travel book describes this landmark in Southern Mindanao. It is a lake in a mountain sitting at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. The fish tilapia thrives in the lake.

In the province of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is part of the ancestral domain of the T'boli and Ubo tribes.

Lake Sebu is about 2 hours from General Santos passing through Marbel or Koronadal, the capital of South Cotabato. The ascent to the mountain slopes takes 45 minutes.

Part of the main attraction to visiting this popular tourist destination is the land travel. Typical of the land travel in Mindanao, the roads are well paved and the side streets lined with towering trees in full bloom this month of September. Peep further deeper on the sides, you'll sight a plantation of bananas, palm oil trees, pineapple. If there are none, there are either mountain ranges or the sea.

In a company of hospitable people, travel in Mindanao no matter how distant is a breeze and a refreshing one.

Invitation to Mt. Matutum

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mt. Matutum at the background as viewed from Gen San

Seedings in Agusan

Seedlings found in Barobo, Agusan Del Sur, 30 minute drive East of San Francisco. San Francisco is about 3 hours North of Davao, less than 200 kilometers away. San Francisco is a 2nd class municipality. Trace the Falcata tree's creation to utilization, from womb to tomb.

Trekking Preparations

Trekking Preparations Made Within Reach at Quiapo

All the personal preparations one needs for an expedition trek to the Himalayas are all in the vicinity of Quiapo.

Upon the advice of Dr. Jodell Coates, consult with Sports Medicine Doctor, Dr. Edmund Martinez at the Hospital of the Holy Infant Jesus at Laong Laan st. near the corner of A. Lacson Ave presenting the results of laboratory requirements* for an indication of a trekker's state of health.

Most of the laboratory testings can be secured from the nearby hospitals (St. Jude, UST, DOH, Infant Jesus). But I discovered some laboratories at Rizal Avenue fronting the DOH in San Lazaro that can process your requirements in half a day, in time for presentation to the Sports Doctor at 11 AM-2 PM at his Laong Laan clinic. Make sure you bring your specimens taken after a 10-hour fasting.

Chest xray is at P 140, CBC is P 90, routinary blood, urine and fecal analysis for P 770. Sexually related screenings are at P 740. At the Avenue Medical Lab at 1728 Rizal Avenue, this is estimated at P 1,500. Stress and advanced pulmonary tests available at the St. Jude Hospital will cost an additional P 3,000. Dr. Martinez charges a nominal consultation fee of P 400. He takes a particular look at the borderline blood reading values and bones.

What we dread in alpine climb is the prevention of the Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms which occurs to un-acclimatized people who ascend to altitudes greater than 2,500 meters. The sandy basin of Gorak Shep Everest Base Camp is at 5,160m (16,929ft ASL). The prescribed antidote is Gingko Biloba at 24% flavonoids and 6% terpenoids. The Health Express at the SMC City San Lazaro is selling it at a promo of P 5.33 per capsule of 30mg. Petroleum Jelly, for the prevention of dryness can be purchased at any nearby drugstore.

First aid requirements such as triangular bandage, elastic bandage, sterilized gauze pads can be purchased for less than P 150 at the medical supplies at Rizal Avenue.

Your protection against the blinding whites of the snow and the sun is a rated UV sunglasses which you can purchase at Pedro Paterno st. With treated and graded lens, add P 850 to your P 1,500 frame.

Thermals are available at 168 Mall at Soler st. Undershirt and pants are sold at P 450-750 per set. For the outer garments, there are ukay-ukay all around in case you can live with them.

Document the awesome Himalayas with either a digital or a film camera available along R. Hidalgo st. Supplement your digital camera with a spare lion batttery pack (less than a thousand for branded Nikon) and an extra gigabyte of compact flash (P 800 for a gig).

Viewing the chronicle of Michael Palen of BBC entitled Himalaya that spans over 2,000 mile length of the mountain range for 6 months that started in Pakistan/Agfhan mid May 2003 ending in Bhutan in April 2004 gives you an advanced feel of the expedition. Particularly interesting is the trek from Annapurma to the Everest Base Camp. This BBC documentary titled Michale Palin Pole to Pole is spotted at Arlegui St. Complement the video with a reading of Abner Mercado's "Sa Bubungan ng Mundo" available for P 150 at the National Book Store (Recto or Avenida). The Lonely Planet's Nepal and Tibet makes a hand reference but for a stiff cost of P 1,500.

As Michael Palin says in his documentary, Himalayas is the natural way to get high, especially if it opens our eyes to the epic and the magnificent land, to experience not only the demanding physical travel but also a spiritually satisfying journey.

Lastly, after all the preparations have been made, do not forget to pray for guidance and thanksgiving at the Quiapo Church.

This alpine trek is made within reach to us because of Quiapo.
------------------

*Physical preparation and capability based on health conditions as indicated by the medical tests recommended by Expedition Physician Nepal Dr. Jodell Coates covering a.) pulmonary b.) stress c.) liver, kidney and blood condition and d.) absence of sexually related viruses

**Personal First Aid Kit

1. Triangular bandage (2 or 3)
2. Elastic bandage 3-inch width (2)
3. Sterilized gauze pad 20 pads.
4. Anti histamine also for possible allergies. Get Cetirizine (virlix) 10 mg/ tab kahit 5 pcs lang.

Gear
Technical cap/headgear, lightweight boots, long-sleeved trekking shirt, sports pants, technical socks (3 pairs), open sandals, trekking shirts, quick dry underwear and undershirt (2 sets), sunglasses , long sleeves technical all weather t-shirt (2 sets), trekking poles (1 pair), umbrella, lots of zip lock bags

Heavy-weight wool socks (2 pairs), liner gloves, liner socks, mid weight gloves, neck gaiter

Down pants, down parka, face mask, gaiters, heavyweight gloves, insulated booties, insulated mittens, waterproof / breathable jacket, waterproof / breathable pants or bibs, wind shell, pee bottle, rated sleeping bag

Gears can be purchased at Katmandu

Foto lifted from Cesar Banares foto site http://buangayam.multiply.com/photos/album/61/Mt._Everest#

Freedom of the Hills

Freedom of the Hills

Phrase aptly describes what mountain climbing is all about. Seen against the backdrop of the working employee, enrolled students and minors under the care of their parents, the outdoors is escape.


Expedition forces one to detach himself from the keyboard, worksheets, powerpoints and meetings. In its place are talkson destinations, equipment, mountain classification, brags, clubs, open climbs and personalities.

Freedom is clearly manifested in the free-for-all socials, sights of expansive views and the company of friends and even strangers we are most comfortable with.

Mountain climbing, we say puts us in a natural high. It's a result of one strong influence, the freedom of the hills. Is it still so up until now? Let's climb.

Commercial Marketing and Climbing

In a blog article, I wrote about the value of mountain climbing to me. I listed as important: 1. focus on the target to succeed which is the peak and 2. meeting the minimum essentials as support in achieving the target.

Climbing taught me the value of team building which extended well to the corporate world. No simulated soft skill workshop though has come close to the real life situation of group trekking, setting up camp site as a group, cooking in a production line and shared fun and laughter in the night socials. When work calls for shared vision, I just recall these moments.

As a marketing practitioneer, my insight on consumer behavior has deepened making me better understand the driver behind drinking Ginebra San Miguel mixing it with Eight O Clock and sipping Wilkins Distilled Drinking Water in the trail and in the socials. I understood beyond research numbers and discussions why males drink liquor, juices and water. Gin induces openness which is enhanced when in the outdoors and E0C as chaser makes it more delicious. Wilkins prevents dehydration.

In one way or another, I have contributed to growing the business of these brands because of 1st hand valuable experiences. But a concrete testament of the direct correlation of climbing with work is my creation of the brand name of the 2 other important bottled brands in the Philippines: Summit Natural Drinking Water and Absolute Distilled Drinking Water.

My employer in the 90's was investing entry in the bottled water industry with me tasked to handle the initial phase of product development. Two of the brand names I personally conceived and later on designed with a logo and packaging by Competitive Edge (Teddy T.) were selected, registered and launched. Summit refers of course to the peak. Water at the source then was guaranteed untouched by human hands and thus safe for drinking. Climbing was still very exclusive and not popular. Absolute is what you want your water to be when trekking, safe from contaminants and absolutely pure H20.

Decades later, I found myself in the same line building business for other brands: Wilkins and Viva applying the very same insights I learned from climbing. Today, these brands dominate the market.

Today, I no longer handle just water, but have expanded my application to a wider portfolio of international and well-known brand of beverages.

Can business and pleasure mix? Did the series of events place me to where I am now? Applying serendipity, perhaps so.
Composed on board Philippines Airlines, posted at the Davao International Airport.


Sent via Mobile Phone

Coffee in Gen San

I went to a high end coffee shop in downtown Davao along Legaspi st. for coffee and breakfast. Outlet serves gourmet food, a wide variety of coffee variants typical of an international chain. Interior is modern and like other shops provides free wi-fi.

• It opens at 7AM but unfortunately that Saturday, the staff forgot the key thus it started operations only past 9 AM.
• When the counter was ready, I ordered from combo breakfast-coffee. Instead of a regular brewed, I asked if I can upgrade to a Coffee Latte. Bluntly I was told I will get my regular coffee plus the Latte at the posted price.
• Breakfast offers a choice of rice or their specialty bread. As I was not asked to make a selection, I was automatically served rice although my preference was for bread. I did not appeal.

Three incidences where I felt I did not exercise my option as a customer. But it was a good value meal. Coffee was good, serving generous and the sausage tasty, price modest. Perhaps it was one of those odd days. I left the outlet accepting and satisfied despite the incidences.

In General Santos, I found a coffee shop along Pioneer st. considered along the same class as the Davao coffee shop. It had modern décor, with wi-fi facilities. Coffee offered a wide variant of variants including a specialty bean, "alamid."

The young barista patiently explained to me the various variances of their coffee shop including the story behind the processing of the coffee bean from the intestines of Philippine civet. I opted for a regular brew and paid P 60.0 for a tall order. After I paid, I was asked to sign in their guest book.

As I was about to exit at the door before closing time, the barista shouted from the counter, "Thank you Sir Chito for dropping by. Visit us again."

Businesses may offer competitive features and value pricing. But it is the one with a better service orientation that customers will naturally be drawn to and will keep coming back to over and over again.

Photo insert: Coffee shop at the extreme left

Downtown Gen San

Downtown General Santos' main streets are wide and cemented. Underneath the concrete sidewalks are drainage pipes. Buildings along the avenue are either concrete or wood-based. Unlike a typical urban city, there are no canopies in Gen San because there are no trees. Absolutely no trees! From what I gathered, trees were either uprooted to pave way for roads and drainage or cut-off because they obstruct wires and edifices. While relatively a clean city, the landscape is glaring and blinding. No traces of green, no brown barks, no decaying leaves. I dread Manila if this is the vision MMDA is leading us to -a livable but cold city with no breathing trees to obstruct progress.
Composed at the plane, posted at Centennial Terminal in Manila while waiting for baggage

Sent via Mobile Phone

Quoting Paulo Coelho

Quote from Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage
When you travel you experience a very practical way, the act of rebirth.
. . . since all things are new, you see only the beauty in them and you feel happy to be alive.

View from Sarangani Highlands, South of General Santos. Visible from the hilltop are downtown, Mt. Parker and Mt. Matutum.

Partnership in a momentum

Partnership in a momentum

The 2 young partners engaged in baking specialty cakes are by profession a chef and an unlikely complement, a medical technologist. Chef Hasset Go and Jayson Carlos put up their business 2 years ago with a capital that can fund a small school organization project. Today, their asset is still modest but the value of delight and satisfaction they earned is unquantifiable.

Chef’s place is in the kitchen where he creates and perfects his cake day-in, day-out, night and day, the most popular of which are Chocolate Concorde, Cream Brulee and other dark choco based confectionaries. Jayson is exposed to the market place providing staff and administrative support to the Chef.

Friends who have tested Med-Chef’s cakes swear by them-appealing, elaborate, a cut above the rest, soo good you will be willing to pay its’ price. The sleepless nights placed by Chef and his 2 kitchen staff behind every piece are evident in the appreciation as one bites a morsel of their creation.

Jayson’s drive to market the cakes to satisfy customers’ cravings with sweet tooth is altogether another interesting story. He is a natural salesman building long-term relationship with current and potential customers. He is service-oriented with a strong conviction, particularly for products he truly believes in. Since a child, he has demonstrated an instinctive ability to serve and satisfy any person’s need of relatives, neighbors and strange persons with an idea, a service or a homemade product. This inborn talent plus industriousness and persistence paid for his education until he earned his license. As you listen to his story, you’ll detect he has a clear roadmap, a vision of what he wants and does not want. He dreams of growing the business to acquire resources to succeed. The use to provide for his future family is real and crystal clear.

While Chef Hasset and Jayson have not formally defined Med-Chef’s vision-mission, they demonstrate their vision when Chef bakes the cake finding its way to customers prospected by Jayson. When a cake lover bites a slice, they say, "Chito, where did you get this?" To me that is the ultimate compliment.

They are bound to make it big as they are driven by passion and Christian and human values which are enduring. To the momentum.


Inspired by their drive, this article was written as a tribute on the occasion of Chef Hasset’s birthday and their transfer from a one door apartment to a complex with a bigger kitchen and a driveway. Check med chef multiply site. 10 August 2009

Momentum influenced by Francis Kong's Business Column aired over DZFE where he narrated:

• The philosophy behind momentum is to first understand that you build momentum by accumulating small successes.
  Doug Firebaugh says: “The secret to Momentum in life can be found in the word Momentum... you create it Moment by Moment...”
  The bigger the project, the bigger is the payoff as long as momentum is there.