Isla Pulong Pasig

When the organizer posted the event for would be joiners,  I did not hesitate to join. Knowing her, I know that it's going to be nothing but pure fun and adventure.  Also, the past months had been full of knee-pounding activities.  I needed vitamin sea to relax, unwind and recover.

Aside from Ms. Ron (the organizer),  there were only five of us who responded positively.  Well, it could be because it's the holiday season and people are busy with parties and get together.  On the day of the event, another one backed out due to work related reason.  Final headcount was five persons. Ms. Ron, Ken, Woody, Mamang and myself.

We agreed to see each other in Lucena grand terminal 12 midnight to catch the 1:30 am bus bound for Calauag.  Kamuning was more accessible to me so I boarded at Jac Liner bus from there at around 8:30 pm.  The other four boarded the same bus line but in Buendia.  As expected on a Friday, traffic was heavy going out the metro.  We arrived almost the same time in Lucena at around a little past 12 midnight or after 3 plus hours of travel. 

Mangroves we passed by going to the beach

Weather was awful while enroute to Calauag.  It was cold and drizzling when we arrived around past 3 am.  Before heading to the port, we dropped by 7/11 to buy supplies and a nearby roadside eatery to take our early breakfast.  Arriving at the port, we learned that the trip of public boat going to Pangahoy was not certain due to the poor weather condition.  Actually, the port was almost empty.  We tried looking for boat for rentals to no avail.  Other passengers told us to wait until 8 am or when the weather improves.  We did.  Fortunately, the public boat arrived past 8 am.

The usual boat trip to Pangahoy on a fine day took 2 hours.  However, it took us almost 3 hours because of the poor weather condition.  From Pangahoy, we needed to take a small boat to get to Pulong Pasig island.  We arrived at our final destination past 1 pm, a little tired and hungry.  Nanay Vergie's nipa hut was our home base (where we hanged our hammocks) during our stay.

Pulong Pasig as viewed from afar

Talking to the locals, I learned that Pulong Pasig is an island sitio of Santo Anghel.  Santo Anghel is the barangay of Calauag, Quezon having the jurisdiction of the island.  Pangahoy, where the public boat anchored is also a sitio of Santo Angel.  Pulong Pasig is privately owned but remained undeveloped.  There is a small community living in the island.  No electricity.  No concrete structures.  Sporadic cellphone signal.  Fishing is how they make a living.

There was nothing much we did during our stay due to the bad weather.  It was windy and cloudy with waves high enough to crash our confidence.  We did a beach walk and took photos on day 1 but that was short.  Instead, we headed back to home base and kill the time over a bottle of vodka and exchanges of stories.  Having no cellphone signal, we were disconnected to the outside world.  No temptations to check our FBs and instagrams.  I enjoyed the night as I got to know each one.  I slept on my hammock with the wind still howling.

Pulong Pasig as viewed from the sandbar

Waking up the next day, the weather was still bad.  It was raining in the morning.  We ate our breakfast over exchanges of personal stories and experiences.  Nanay Vergie and husband also share their stories about the island.  How they became inhabitants.  How on a fine day, Pulong Pasig is beautiful.  How on a fine day the sand bar was flocked by birds hence they named it Pulong Ibon.  How on a fine day, the locals got bounty catch of varieties of fishes.   I can't help but wish for the sun to show up and for the weather to improve.  The sun did show up!  With excitement, we walked to the beach, swam and visited the sand bar.  But like some romance, it was short lived.  Rain poured again while we're on the beach.

On a fine day, one can go beach bumming, swimming, snorkeling, beach walking and visit the sand bar.  However on our stay we were not able to go snorkeling due to the poor weather.  We also just had a little time at the sandbar  as there was already a need for us to return to Pangahoy to catch the boat trip to the Calauag.  Despite all of these, I still enjoyed our stay.  The simplicity of the island life amazed me.  Locals were kind and entertaining.  The island was untouched by any form of commercialism.  If ever I'm going back I'll bring candies and chocolates for the number of kids there.

the short lived blue sky

Upon return to Pangahoy, we had our late lunch.  Fresh catch of fish, fried and grilled satisfied our hunger.  A bottle of beer followed while engaging in a karaoke.  It was already past six in the evening when we bid goodbye to Pangahoy.  We may not had the best of weather, I can still say that the short stay at the island was such a relief from the stressful life at the metro.      

the beach walk

Sharing my travel notes below.

    

Trail Action: Mt. Tapulao

I woke up to a knock on the door by the hotel attendant.  I remember telling him the night before that I'm leaving early.  It was past five in the morning.  Darn!  My activity for the day was a run up Mt. Tapulao, the tallest mountain in Zambales with an elevation of 2,037 masl.  

It was already late when I arrived in Zambales from Bataan, Sunday.  I had to stay overnight in Iba and commute an hour from there to Sitio Dampay Salaza in Palauig.  My activity the previous day took its toll on me hence, I over slept.  To cut the story short, I was at the jump off past 7 am.  

Powered by a plate of pancit, a rice cake and a cup of coffee, I started my way up at exactly 8 am with the sun already up and shining brightly.  Based on the logbook, groups of mountaineers were already on the trail and I was the last one to depart.  As always, I started slow. So slow!  It was my fifth time in Mt. Tapulao,  I knew what to expect.  Slowly, I caught up with the last group, then another group and another one before the 6 km. marker.  I continued until I reached the first water source at km. 6.  I did not bother stopping because I still had enough water that can sustain me up to the next water source.   

the rocky trail

Another group in sight taking a rest.  I passed by on them and as a trail courtesy, I greeted them with a smile. There were few segments of the trail going up that were runnable but I would say that 80 percent are uphills.  Another characteristic of Mt. Tapulao is its rocky trail (I was cursing on my first time).  This is true from km. 6 to km. 8.  Alone, I had to be extra cautious.  I realized that while there are advantages in going solo, there are also some disadvantages.  Like in this instance, no one to asked for help if I met an accident.  

A short runnable segment ensued after reaching km 8.  I took advantage of it.  I caught up with another group taking a rest.  One asked if I was doing a day hike.  She was amazed to hear yes, as an answer.  She continued to ask what I had with me. She was more amazed to learn that I had nothing but water and some chocolates.  I myself once amazed of mountaineers who do day hikes.  Never thought that one day I will be doing it as well but as a trail runner.  Experience played a big factor.   It was the number of climbs I did in the past that gave me the courage and confidence.

the pine forest

After 2 hours, I reached the 2nd water source at km. 10.  I refueled and rested for a while. The next kilometers are all uphills up to the pine forests.  My goal was to reach the summit by 12 noon.  Continuing, there was another group I passed by on these segment. Before entering the pine forest, there was another group.  They were all taking it slowly. I can't blame them, they were all trekking full-packed.  I remembered in my first climb, it took our group almost 13 hrs. to reach the bunker house(campsite then).

Mt. Tapulao's pine forest is a treat after all the hardships.  That is how I find it.  All is beautiful reaching that part - from the pine trees, to the distant mountains, to the sound of the wind.  It made me forget the ordeal I went through in the past number of hours. However after that part, another challenging uphills awaiting.  I had no choice but to kept going.  It was during this part when I encountered groups going down.  By 12 noon I was at the bunker house.  After resting for a while, I began the summit assault.  The steep trail from the bunker house up to the saddle(mossy forest entrance) was slippery.  After the campsite was moved, the trail was less taken.

the bunker house

There was an eerie feeling while I was inside the mossy forest alone.  I have to channel my attention into thinking beautiful and funny moments and ignore whatever sounds I was hearing.  By 12:30 pm, I reached the summit.  It took me 4 hrs. and 30 mins. to cover 18 km.  I was short by 30 mins. of my target time.  Still, I was thankful I had the strength and the courage to do it.  I used to frowned this idea before. Now, I'm doing it all by myself.  

There was no one but me at the summit.  Under the intense heat of the sun, I took a picture of myself at the km. marker.  Afterwards, I took shelter from a shade of a bush, re-hydrate myself, and rested for a few minutes in preparation for my descent.  

At exactly 1 pm, I started my way down.  It was smooth and swift going out of the mossy forest.  I decided to take the trail leading to the new campsite, another segment that was beautiful.  Countless pine trees and nearby mountains can be seen as well.  Passing by the campsite, there was only one group camping.  The other groups has not arrived yet. 

me at the km marker(summit)

My goal was to reach the jump off by 3 pm or after 2 hours.  I just had to be extra careful on the rocks and boulders  but it was all downhill.  With the goal in mind, I started to ran after the campsite.  At km. 15 I encountered one group and another one at km 14. They were surprised to see me going down already.  I just greeted them with a smile and continued.

I was expecting to caught up one of the groups going down at km. 10 but did not.  It was around km. 8 when i caught up with the last group going down.  At around 2:30 pm, I came upon the last group going up.  The group was still very far from the campsite.  With their pacing, I was sure that the night will fall upon them while on the trail.

More groups I caught up in the last 6 km. Actually all the groups I encountered on their way down, I passed by all of them on my descent.  I took it as a challenge since I was on training mode.  It was already 3:30 pm when I arrived  at the jump off.  I was 30 mins. short of my target time.  A guide asked me if  I will do another round.  I was quick to answer no!  I'm already satisfied.  It was already enough to boost my confidence.  I'm ready for CM50! 

This is how I spent the long weekend.  Full of trail action and I loved it!  However, on the last day, I decided to go home instead of going to the beach. =)

alone on the trail

Interested in climbing Mt. Tapulao? Here's how.

> Took a Victory liner bus (Caloocan, Earnshaw, Pasay terminal) bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales.  Fare is around 451 to 466 pesos.  If you missed the Sta. Cruz bound bus, you can take a bus to Olongapo or Iba.  There are already local buses plying Olongapo - Sta. Cruz and Iba - Sta. Cruz routes.  There are also vans plying Iba - Sta. Cruz route.  Terminal is just in front of the Victory bus station in Iba.  
>  Alight at Dampay Salaza, Palauig (landmark is Zameco).
>  Ride a tryk to the jump-off.  Fare is 250 pesos (per way) per tryk. 
>  Registration fee is 30 pesos.
>  Guide is mandatory for hikers for 700 pesos a day per guide.
>  Water sources are at km. 6, km. 10, and at the bunker house.
>  Campsites are wide and can accommodate a number of tents.
>  Temperature can drop especially at night.
>  This is a major climb and not recommended for first timers.

>  Trail runners are not required a guide.

Trail Action: Tarak Ridge

It was only two days before the start of the long weekend that I realized how long its gonna be.  I was busy lately that i forgot about it and did not plan any out of town trip nor an outdoor activities.  November 1 which falls on a Tuesday, is All Saints Day and a legal holiday. October 31 was declared a special non-working holiday, making it a four-day off from work. Saturday and Sunday included.

Thursday, I tried checking airfare but as expected it was sky high!  A trip to Visayas or Mindanao is off the plan. A random post on Facebook of a tour group caught my interest. A Subic beach-Ticao island-Biri island plus side trips tour package worth five thousand pesos.  I liked the idea but I had second thoughts due to the weather disturbances off the pacific.  I was also thinking to just stay at home, do some home chores and rest. 

Papaya River

It was only Friday night when I finally decided on how i'm going to spend the long weekend.  A  trail running event I signed up, scheduled last week of November helped me decide.  I'm going outdoors!  A training up Tarak Ridge in Bataan on Saturday, Mt. Tapulao in Zambales on Sunday and concluding by another day on a beach. That was the plan.  I packed the things I need and set my alarm clock, 3 am the next day.

It was drizzling when I woke up. It had me thinking on proceeding or not.  Still, I took a bath and prepared.  It continued to drizzle. I decided not to push through and prayed for a better weather the next day.  I went back to sleep.  The drizzling stopped and I woke up to a fine weather. It was actually a sunny Saturday!  Weather nowadays is really unpredictable.  No regrets however, I still have 3 more days.

the forest covered trail

Rain or shine I'm heading outdoors tomorrow!  That was in my head before I went to sleep, Saturday night. Fortunately, when I woke up dawn of Sunday, no more drizzling. The sky was clear and I even saw stars.  After taking a bath, I put on my training gears and headed to the bus station.

I arrived at Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan past 8 am.  I dropped by the road side eatery to have my breakfast. Right after, I went to the Brgy. hall to register and to leave my backpack.  Exactly 9 am, I started the journey up Tarak Ridge on a sunny day.  I walked until my body got its rhythm.  Afterwards, i jogged and ran.  From jump off to Papaya river the trail had gradual uphills but mostly flats.  There was also a forest cover on majority of the trail except for the ridge, so even it was a hot day it was not much of a problem.

the many obstacle laden trail

It was my first time to run on Tarak Ridge though, I have climbed the mountain three times already.  My target was to reach papaya river 12 noon or after 3 hours but arrived an hour earlier.  I rested for a while and refilled my water bottle in preparation for the assault from papaya river to the ridge.  

I was about to start the assault when I spotted some friends.  Actually I was aware (thru FB) they climbed Tarak the day before.  They joked and asked me to join them in going down instead of proceeding to the ridge and that there was a free lunch waiting.  I told them that my mind was already conditioned to reach the ridge.  We parted ways eventually but not before a group picture.  

the inviting water of papaya river

I had been to Tarak a couple of times.  Trail-wise, I was already familiar most specially the assault to the summit from Papaya river.  It did not came as a surprise to me anymore but still, it was challenging.  Sweat glands were in work!  As expected, a lot took advantage of the long holiday.  Many went up the mountain the day before and during the day.  I encountered groups descending and passed by groups ascending.  After an hour, I reached the ridge.  I did not linger long, after taking some photos and re-hydrating, I made my way down.  

me at the ridge and the other outdoor lovers

I was hoping to still caught up with my friends.  Descending, I was in a hurry until I caught up with a big group on their way down.  Advancing was not possible and so I waited patiently.  When it was clear to advance, I took advantage and did not turn my head back. I had a motivation, that is to caught up with friends I met earlier. 

I had a swift descent and made it all the way down by less than two hours.  I had some slips but not serious.  My friends are no where to be seen on the trail anymore but I was surprised to see them at the jump off.  They had just arrived as well.  I joined them and true enough, there was a free lunch courtesy of Ma'am Joyce.  

Interested in climbing Tarak Ridge?  Here is how.

>  Ride a Mariveles, Bataan bound bus.  Get off at Brgy. Alas-asin.

>  Fare from Cubao to Alas-asin is 272 pesos.  

>  Register at the Brgy. Alas - asin Brgy. hall.  Registration fee is 40 pesos.

>  Guide is not mandatory but you may opt to hire one at the Brgy.  You can negotiate the fee but it would be around 300 to 500 pesos a day.

>  Trail-wise, the first segment from jump-off to Papaya river is beginners friendly.  Second segment from the river to the Ridge is steep.  Third segment, from the ridge to the summit is also steep.  You may venture to a peak named El Saco peak which is also steep and with presence of leeches (limatik) 

>  camping sites are at Papaya river (with water source) and at the ridge (no water source).

>  Contact number of the Brgy. 09082020785

2016 Miyamit Falls Marathon (MF42)

Days before the registration ends, I was still having second thoughts.  After almost three months of hiatus from running, I lost the confidence.  My adventurous heart won however, and I signed up.  This is my first time to join the event now on its 6th edition. 

My decision of course is with consideration of the distance and the terrain.  I've have taken the trail a couple of times and I know it's going to be tough.  Good thing, I still have a month to condition my mind and body.  I worked on bringing back my confidence.  On three consecutive weekends, I was out on training grounds trying to awaken my running muscles.  On some (when I was in the mood) nights after work, I also hit the road for mileage. 

Race Day

Two vans loaded with runners including myself, left Manila 9 pm of Saturday arriving at the venue before midnight.  The run will start at 5 am the next day so we took the waiting time to rest.  The organizers and crew arrived to the venue around 3 am.  Other runners started to arrive as well.  Race kits distribution and checking of mandatory gears followed.  Afterwards, Atty. Jon - the RD, gave the final briefing.  Runners, many are familiar faces in trail running, gathered at the starting line to listen.  The briefing concluded with a photo op with everyone hyped up. 

We were released from Alviera in Porac, Pampanga at exactly 5 am.  It was already bright while we made our way starting on a dirt road after emerging from a tunnel.  As always, I had a slow start and was feeling a little uneasy.  Experienced runners would often advice not to wear a new pair of shoes on race day.  I was brave (or should I say stupid) not to hid this advice.  I made a last minute decision to buy a new pair of Sketchers Go Trail as a replacement to my worn out Brooks trail shoes.  I wasn't able to break in the new pair before using it.  It did not go well with my feet, giving me muscle stiffness that took long before fading.

Few days before the run, it has been raining in Porac.  The rain somehow made some parts of the trail muddy and slippery.  With this, the RD made some changes on the mandatory gears to include rain jacket and also extended the cut-off time by 30 minutes. Apparently come race day, we started with a clear blue sky.  No sign of rain coming.

the medal

It was after AS 2 (KM 10) when the muddy trail greeted us.  I had no choice but dealt with it without hesitation.  Fortunately, leg stiffness has gone.  Slowly I picked up my pace making up for the slow pacing I had in the first 10 kilometers.  My target was to reach the turn around point (the peak) by 10 am, an hour and a half earlier than cut-off.  However, aside from the muddy trail, the heat was becoming a factor, too.

I reached AS 3 at the junction past 7 am but did not continue without refueling.  I knew that the next section of the route was the most challenging.  From the junction to the peak or the turn around point was a good 10 kilometers, one a way.  This section was a long ascent single track trail but very picturesque specially near the peak.  I was struggling to reach the turn around point with the sun's heat a big factor.  One by one I encountered the stronger runners already on their way back.  I made it to the peak within my target time of 10 am.  

After a few minutes of rest, I started my descent.  My confidence was high again after I met my target time.  At that point I was determined more than ever to finish the run. There was a cut - off time at the falls.  I needed to be there on or before 12:30 pm.   While I was back into the single track trail, it rained!  It was hot no more.  It was a big relief however, the rain made the trail even more muddy and slippery.  

It took me almost two hours to the junction, and I was starting to panic. I was running out of time.  While it was raining heavily, I negotiated the trail to the falls in a hurry. I thought and I was confident to have saved time more than enough.   I never thought that it would be that tight.  Thankfully, I made it to the falls seven minutes before cut-off.  I was relieved!  Before going back to the junction, I had myself taken a picture with the Miyamit falls as the background.  In all my visit to Miyamit, I always missed the falls.

me at the falls. all smile co'z i was within the cut-off time

Back at the junction,  I realized I'm almost close to it.  All I had to do is to finish the last 12 plus or so kilometers.  Sadly, many runners did not make it within the cut-off time at the falls.  After re-hydrating at the junction, I continued the run.  As I inched closer to the finish line, I can't hide my excitement and happiness.  When finally I saw the finish line,  there was a flashback of all the struggles I had from the new shoes, to the intense heat, to the slippery and muddy trail, to almost being cut-off.  

Glad I did not give up and it never even entered my mind despite the struggles.  It was a come back run and I was more than determined to finish it not minding even if I'm gonna be the last runner.  As I crossed the finish line, my friends and other runners where there cheering.  It was a nice feeling as always.  Officially I clocked 9:49 and ranked 41st out of 49 finishers.

my timing summary

Thanks to the heavens above for the strength and guidance!                    

Northern Escape: Batad

This is actually a trip long overdue.   I've been planning this a couple of times but couldn't get the right timing.  When a long weekend loomed, I packed my bag and head on to this UNESCO Heritage site and Ifugao's pride - Batad Rice Terraces.

After a brief but action packed visit of Maligcong, I boarded the 9 am jeepney the next day to Bontoc hoping to catch the 10:30 am van going to Banaue, Ifugao.  It was a Sunday, so I was expecting that transportation would be a challenge.  Apparently, it was not.  The van had just to wait a little longer for more passengers.  We left the terminal with only six of us on a 16 - seater van.  

It was past noon when I arrived in Banaue.  From where I got off, the jeepney bound for Batad was already in sight.  Upon inquiry, 3 pm was the scheduled time of its depart.  It would mean more than 2 hours waiting if I'm taking it.  A man approached me from no where ( I guess he heard my conversation with the driver) and offered a ride to Batad by his motorcycle.  Before I could ask how much would I pay for the fare, we were already on the road to Batad.  

as viewed from the registration site

Actually, my initial plan was to walk from Banaue to Batad.  I thought of it as part of my training for some running events.  However, it was a different story when I got to Banaue. It was high noon and the sun was in its mightiest.  Much as I wanted to walk, it was just too hot.  While riding the motorcycle, I was thankful I decided otherwise.  The road to Batad while cemented had much of elevation gain.  It would have surely left me catching breath while regretting under the intense heat of the sun.

After an hour, we arrived at the saddle - the end of the road.  From the saddle, a short walk had to be done to reach Batad village.  I actually liked the walk because it was under trees and as I progressed the beauty of Batad was gradually revealed.  It made me even more excited.   Until finally, I laid my eyes, my first glance on what I came for.  Before me, was the Ifugao's pride, a UNESCO heritage site, the amphitheater-like Batad rice terraces.  WOW was the only world that came out of my mouth.  I was standing with eyes glued at it for minutes.  It was fascinating in pictures but it was even more fascinating seeing it personally.  I was blown away by its beauty that I almost forgot I hadn't taken lunch.

Sir Vincent, a resident of Batad and a local guide approached me.  He helped me arranged my lodging and my activities for the afternoon.  He ushered me first to Rita's Mount View Inn where I had my lunch.  For my lodging, I told him that I want to stay on a native house they called the "no nail house".   He brought me to Ugay Lodge, a native house which had a good view of the terraces.

Batad Rice Terraces - UNESCO Heritage Site

After leaving my stuff at the native house, I began my activity for the afternoon.  Our first stop was the highest point where the entire rice terraces can be seen an obscured. With sir Vincent on the lead, we passed through some households and later on finding ourselves scaling the terraces.  I can't believe I was walking on it.  It was just surreal! Our trek continued until eventually reaching the view point.  The view was magnificent!   Basking on the mid-afternoon sunshine, the an obscured view of the rice terraces looking like a stairway was a sight to behold with the mountains surrounding, adding more beauty. 

From the view point, it was a steep descent to our next destination the Tappia Falls. While negotiating the terraces, I can't help but wonder how the indigenous people of Cordillera built it.  Surely, a lot of effort was put to carve such on the side of the mountain.  I wondered also how long it took them which according to sir Vincent, all was done without an aid of a machinery. The rice terraces aged 2000 years old, so by then it was primitive.  It was just amazing how they were able to adapt to the kind of environment they're living in.  

as viewed from the highest point

Tappia falls, was I think the lowest point in Batad.  Concrete steps were built for every tourist convenience.  Resting stations were present too.  Most tourists were already on their way back from the falls.  I encountered a couple on their nearly senior years.  They were having a hard time on the concrete steps going up.  The trek to the falls is not for the faint-hearted.  It will have your sweat glands working and your heart pounding. However, as they always say challenging journey always lead to a beautiful destination. And this is so true with Tappia Falls!  

Hearing the cascade of the water signaled that we're almost there.  True enough, after a couple of steps, I saw a surging and plunging water from a mountain.   We are at our final stop, the Tappia falls.  No more tourist hanging but us.  We stayed for a couple of minutes to savor the moment and regain strength.  Had we arrived earlier I would have taken a dip, however, the water was already freezing cold. I had to be contented watching its waters thundering down.   

Going back was a challenge.  Negotiating the steep concrete steps going up to the rice terraces was tiring!  I just thought of it as part of my training to get the motivation. Slowly, we made it to the top and back at my lodge.  I rested for a while and had myself freshen up before  getting ready for my dinner.  A local, offered a massage which I gladly accepted.  For days that I was exploring the highlands, receiving a foot massage felt so relaxing.  I fell asleep right after.

Tappia Falls

The sun was up when I woke up the next day.  When I opened the window of the lodge,  I was mesmerized of how the morning sunshine made the terraces even more adorable.  I could stare at the scenery all day, but I had to go.  After I had my breakfast, I bid goodbye to sir Vincent and head my way back to the saddle to catch the 9 am jeepney bound for Banaue.  

While on the road top loading , I couldn't contain the happiness I felt.  The three-day adventure from Maligcong to Batad was a journey I couldn't forget.  I felt lucky that I had the opportunity to visit these must visit places.  Others do not know what they are missing!  The long ride from Manila maybe butt-numbing, however, upon reaching these places I forgot the ordeal.  It was all worth it!  I wouldn't mind going back in the near future.  Perhaps I would venture up the popular Mt. Amuyao or trek to the other villages or simply relax and let the time pass by while I'm in sync with nature.

the "no nail house"

  

Travel Notes: Batad
			Actual Expenses
Sept. 11, 2016
	1100	Departed Bontoc	150
	1230	Arrived Banaue
	1240	Left Banaue (via motorcycle)	250
	1330	Saddle
	1350	Batad village
		Ate lunch	115
	1430	Trekked to Batad's higherst point & Tappia Falls	500
	1700	Back at the lodge.
	1830	Dinner	145
	1930	Massage	200
	1030	Lights off
Sept. 12, 2016
	0700	Wake up
	0800	Left the lodge	200
	0900	Left the saddle for Banaue (jeep)	150
	1000	Arrived Banaue
		Ate Lunch (Sanafe Lodge & Resto)	300
		Free time
	1900	Left Banaue for Manila	445
		TOTAL	2,455

           
Notes:

1.  No ATMs in Batad village.
2.  There are a number of homestays and accommodation will never be a problem even without reservation.
3.  Public jeepney to Batad from Banue departs at 3 pm. while from Batad to Banaue departs 9 am.
4.  Motorcycles, jeepneys and vans can also be rented in going to Batad from Banaue.  
5.  Ohayami and CODA line buses ply the Manila-Banaue route. On line ticket reservation are available.



                

Northern Escape: Maligcong

September 12, 2016, was declared a regular national holiday in observance of the Muslim celebration of Eid'l Adha.  This falls on a Monday and would mean a long weekend. Immediately, I planned for a sweet escape up north.  I had been missing the scent of the pine trees and the cold temperature of the highlands lately.  My initial plan was a Sagada-Bontoc-Banaue route but ended up dropping Sagada.  I was worrying that it would  be like an amazing race with little time spent on each place there by less enjoyment.  While having my breakfast in Baguio, I decided that I'd go directly to Bontoc then to Banaue, after.  I've been to Sagada so it was not a hard decision to make.

After I had my breakfast, I took a taxi to slaughter house terminal.  The first bus bound for Bontoc had just left when I arrived so I waited for the next trip scheduled at 6 am.  It was thirty minutes past five in the morning on my watch.  I took advantage of the waiting time to look for homestays in Maligcong thru the internet.  Most of the blogs suggested Suzette's Homestays, so I sent a message to the owner.  I received a reply immediately but unfortunately, the homestay was fully booked for that day.  I begged if I could still stay for a night and that it would be just fine even if it would mean sleeping on a hammock or on the floor.  I told her that I was on my lonesome. She then sent a positive reply.  Yehey!

the view along Halsema highway

The bus left as scheduled.  The sun was up and the surrounding was bright.  As expected and what is normal in Baguio and the rest of the Cordilleras, the temperature was low. While I was in the bus, I had to close the window because the air was cold.  I tried taking a nap but I just can't.  Looking outside, I can't help but be awed of the beautiful scenery. Mountains after mountains, ridges after ridges, pine trees after pines trees, vegetable farms after vegetable farms, rice terraces after rice terraces.  It was just a beautiful sight right before my very eyes!.  These  were exactly the scenery I've been missing and wanting to see.   My camera had to be put on work early.  Halsema highway while very scenic, will also make you hate if you have motion sickness.  This highway that took me to Bontoc is a long and winding one!  After hours and kilometers of traversing, it had me almost puking many times.  I had to stop moving and I had to close my eyes to combat the motion sickness.  I made it to Bontoc by eleven thirty without throwing up.  Thank God!

the view from my homestay

The jeepney bound for Maligcong was about to leave when I got to the terminal.  It was already full of passengers but there was still a space on top.  It was just fine with me, even if there was a vacant seat inside I would still ride on top.  I love top loading whenever I'm in the Coldilleras.  The roads up north especially in the Cordilleras are very scenic and one can appreciate that even more while on top of the jeep having a 360 view. The road to Maligcong was no exception - winding up the mountains with pine trees all around and with a good view of the town proper of Bontoc.   

Mt. Fato's trail

  

After an hour, I reached Maligcong and Suzette's homestay.  Maligcong is a barangay of Bontoc located above the mountains.  The homestay was on a narrow hilltop opposite to a cluster of rice terraces.  I was welcomed by no less than Ms. Suzette - the owner.  She asked if I had my lunch to which I quickly responded with a no.  I was served with a cup of rice, a soup and chicken adobo.  Ms. Suzette was very accommodating and she made me feel at home.  We exchanged conversations while I was devouring the food.  She helped me arranged my hike to Mt. Fato and Mt. Kupapey.  Since I was alone, I was joined to one of the groups staying in her house.  I didn't need to shoulder alone but share with them the fee for the guides.  

Mt. Fato's summit

After my lunch, there was no more time to spare even for a short rest. The hike to Mt, Fato was scheduled at 2:30 pm so I have to prepare.  I put on my trekking shoes and had my hydration pack filled with water.  After saying a little prayer, we left the homestay.  I would consider the hike to Mt. Fato,  an easy one.  Assaults were gradual and there were trees to provide shade.  We had a relax pace, stopping at some points of the trail where the view was a splendor.  After an hour of trekking, we arrived at the peak.  A good view of Maligcong and the nearby mountains can be seen.  There were boulders too, where one can climb for personal satisfaction - death defying selfies.  The cluster of rice terraces was a sight to behold too.  Pictures were taken here and there including a  picture of the group before descending.  

My trip up north has actually a dual purpose - enjoyment and training.  I wanted to visit Maligcong and Batad and enjoy what the these places have to offer but at the same time, I wanted a little training in preparation for an up coming trail races.  The terrain of the Coldillera is a good training ground.  So with these in mind, I descended a head of the group and did trail running all the way to the cluster of rice terraces.  A dog joined me and served as my guide.  I scaled the rice terraces, aiming to reach the village on top, however it was far than I expected.  I had to stop and head back before it gets dim.

scaling the rice paddies

             

Wake up call was at 3 am, for us to have enough time for the trek up Mt. Kupapey just in time for the sunrise.  After a light breakfast, everyone was ready and all set for the trek. Surprisingly, it was not a cold morning.  Head lights on, off we go starting by the road that lead us to the jump off - a cemented path by the side of the rice paddies.  We gradually ascended with a relaxed pace, stopping when needed.  Nothing much that caught our interest along the trail as it was still dark.  After an hour or so of trekking, we reached the summit.  It was during this time that we felt the low temperature. Our guides were kind enough to lit a bonfire where we gathered around to warm our bodies.  We're an hour early before the sunrise and the first group to arrived.  

the sea of clouds

As the dark slowly faded, a sea of white clouds emerged which sent excitement to all of us.  By the time the other groups started to arrive, we found our perfect spot.  Everyone was in joy seeing the view right before all of us.  As the sun slowly rises over the mountains, the sea of clouds was revealed even more. A grandeur scene it is! What a treat from the outdoors!

the magnificent sunrise

After snapping some photos, I made my way down.  Training mode was on again.  It felt good to run early in the morning.  Going down, I had a glimpse of the once dark surrounding.  Pine trees all around and I could now appreciate the beauty of Mt. Kupapey even more.  I had a swift descent and by 7 am, I was back at the homestay.     

              

Maligcong rice terraces

Fang - Orao village

Travel Notes: Maligcong
			Actual Expenses
Sept. 09, 2016
	2400	Departed Manila (Cubao) on board Genesis bus	445
Sept. 10, 2016
	0430	Arrived Baguio.  Ate breakfast
		Ate breakfast	100
	0530	Arrived Slaughter house terminal (taxi)	50
	0600	Left Slaughter house terminal via Rising Sun bus	220
	1130	Arrived Bontoc
	1200	Left Bontoc for Maligocong via Jeepney	20
	1300	Arrived at Suzette's homestay
		Ate Lunch	120
	1430	Trekked Mt. Fato (2 guides @ 300 each)	80
	1530	Reached summit
	1600	Descended.  Visit the rice terraces
	1800	Back at the homestay
	1930	Dinner	120
	2100	Lights off
Sept. 11, 2016
	0300	Wake up call
	0330	Started trek to Mt. Kupapey (2 guides @ 500 each)	100
	0500	Reached summit
	0600	Sunrise viewing
	0630	Descent. (Trail run)
	0700	Back at the homestay.
	0800	Ate breakfast	120
	0830	Paid lodging.  Fixed things.	300
	0900	Ride the jeepney to Bontoc.	20
		TOTAL	1,695

Notes: 

1.  Ms. Suzette's contact # 0915-546-3557
2.  Trail up Mt. Fato and Mt. Kupapey is easy.  Recommended for beginners.
3.  Mt. Fato guide fee is 300 pesos while that of Mt. Kupapey is 500 pesos.
4.  Advance reservation should be secured with the homestay especially on weekends.
5.  Homestay served/cooked meals but should also be arranged in advance.
6.  Lights - off is strictly at 9 pm in Suzette's homestay.