Mt. Balagbag

Taking advantage of June 12, 2013, a holiday to commemorate Philippines independence, my college friends and I decided to do a freedom climb. We searched for a mountain that is near Manila and kind to a not so seasoned hikers like us. After all, we just wanted to enjoy and experience scenery far different from what we used to everyday. We chose Mt. Balagbag in San Jose del Monte, Bulucan. Its proximity to Manila made our travel easy, convenient, and cheap. Its trail was kind enough that we can still exchange stories while trekking. It splendid view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges on one side and Manila and its skyscrapers on the other side left us in awe. It was a good choice.

trekking under the intense heat of the sun

Along the trail we met warm and friendly locals. One even offered us a free ride that we gladly accepted. The weather had been almost fine during the entire climb. In fact, it was the intense heat of the sun rather than the trail that challenged us. We made several stops to re-hydrate and later on surprised to find out that we’re running out of water. At the summit it was only us enjoying the 360 degree view. We made the most out of the moment by taking photos here and there.

view from the summit

 We had our lunch high noon in a makeshift hut barely enough to give us shelter. A little later group of hikers started to arrive when we finally decided that it’s time to descend. All the way down it was swift that we decided to look for the water falls a local told us. We had trek a considerable distance when we’re advised that the waterfalls was actually twice the distance from the jump off to the summit. Looking at the time we had no choice but to backtrack. It was already mid-afternoon when we reached the community. We rushed to the nearest store to look for something cold and refreshing to quench our thirst. A little later we continued our walk and this time heading to another falls named Karahume falls. Our walk was cut short when a local offered us a ride all the way to the jump off of the falls. The side trip to the falls ended the hike.  

while descending

at the summit

Karahume Falls

Mt. Tapulao the 2nd time around

The first time i set foot on this mountain less than a year ago, I got a taste of all the elements the nature has to offer.  In the first few kilometers of our trek we were under the intense heat of the SUN.  When we're about to resume our journey after we had our lunch, it RAINED and it continued raining from that point on wards until our descent the next day.  During the night, the AIR was freezing cold.  I also experienced my first limatik bite.  Along the trail I had my ups and downs literally, giving me minor cuts and bruises.  The rain had the 15 km rocky trail wet and slippery poising added challenge to us. we trekked for almost 12 hrs for our ascent and less than 8 hrs for our descent.  It was not easy.  Our endurance was put into test.  Days after our climb I was still feeling muscle pain.  Even though the weather had not been cooperative, it was still a successful climb.  The mountain was still beautiful with all those pine trees and wild orchids in bloom.  Fog covered the surroundings all throughout failing us from seeing the rest of Tapulao's wilderness.  Same scene greeted us the next day when we had our summit assault.  

Pine Forest

Though i was not planning to climb Tapulao anytime soon, at least I still got reasons to go back.  Months after, February 2013 to be specific. I found myself going back.  This time with a good weather just exactly what i was hoping and praying for.  This time we were devoid no more with beautiful sceneries.  Tapulao has showed us it's charm and beauty.  How it looked like during good weather.  The trail has not shortened nor became free from being rocky but this time it's not slippery.  Definitely trekking a dry trail is a lot easier.  Considering my first experience, this time i came more prepared. we completed the Tapulao challenge this time the hardcore way.  Yes it was still tiring, but we're all in agreement that all the sweat and effort were more than worth it.

Falling asleep along the trail.  

At the campsite

at the summit

at the world tree at the summit

at the campsite after break camp

the sea of clouds

Pine Tress

Sunset