My 2014

Year 2014 has been another great year for my outdoors.  It was an action packed year filled with adventures, excitement, and happiness.  I had been to different places, done many firsts, met and gained new friends, crossed out a number from my bucket list.  To sum up, I had 20 climbs, ran 293 kilometers, done 1 solo backpacking, 2 beach trips, 1 adventure race, and a number of food trips and cultural immersions.  Though I haven't blog about most of these, but looking back, here are my top eleven most memorable adventures of 2014.

1.  Mt. Kinabalu
I always thought it is expensive to climb Mt. Kinalabu until I found out that a dayhike is possible and permitted.  A one day climb would mean less climb expenses as there is no need to stay overnight at the overpriced guesthouse above.  After learning all these, without second thought, I booked a flight to Kota Kinabalu.  Joined by my friend Adrian, we found ourselves on a fine late morning of September 2014 at Mt. Kinabalu park's visitor information center convincing and begging the park's officials for a dayhike to no avail.  It turned out a blessing in disguise however, as the weather would turn out awful every afternoon during our stay.  Luckily, even though we settled for the two day climb we still spent less than expected.  Thanks to the newly built Lamaine guesthouse!  Climbing Kinabalu is easier said than done.  While the trail is wide and established, the elevation gain and the thinning air poised a challenge.  The biting cold on day 2 added more challenge to the summit assault.  All pain and hardships however are worth it.  The mountain is beautiful and the view at the top is simply breathtaking.  At 4,035 meters above sea level, Mt. Kinabalu is so far the highest mountain i ever climbed.

at the summit

2.  Mt. Rinjani
I never heard of Mt. Rinjani before until a glitch in the ticketing system of an airline led me to this beautiful active volcano, standing at 3,726 masl in the island of Lombok, Indonesia.  Together with friends Ian, Annalene, Rosalyn, and Adrian we embarked on a guided/$105 worth/all provided three days climb, May of 2014.  Over all, I enjoyed the experience from the trek on the sorrow hills, to the cold night at the Pelawangan base camp, to reaching the summit, to the camping at the crater lake, to the hot-spring bath, to my companions, to the unlimited coffee and tea!  If there was a tough challenge the entire climb poised that was the summit assault on day 2.    The trail leading to the summit is a loose gravel, so loose that for every 3 steps, 2 is forward and 1 is backward. It was exhausting and frustrating at the same time.   Adding to the challenge was the freezing dawn temperature.  But with sheer determination, we made it all to the summit!

at the summit

3.  El Nido
Each time I hear good reviews and see beautiful pictures of El Nido, my desire to visit this place just continue to grow.  Actually,  this is on top of my list of the places in the country that I want to visit. When finally I had the opportunity last Nov. 2014, I did not think twice.  From one lagoon to another lagoon, from a hidden beach to another secret beach, from one island to another island, from a waterfall to a twin beach to the top of a limestone cliff.  El Nido is a place where my dream of a paradise became a reality.  It was just beautiful!  The trip was even more memorable co'z I was with someone so dear to me.  

at Matinloc viewdeck

4.  Soleus Trail Valley 50K Challenge
Doubt and fear always prevail every time I entertained a thought of an ultra run. I have ran a number of marathons but never an ultra marathon.   July of 2014, I finally mustered the courage and took my running a notch higher by joining this event.  My 50 kilometers journey from the starting to the finish line was never easy.  Running through the fields of Nuvali under the unforgiving heat of the sun almost had me giving up.  Luckily, my guardian angels never left my side that day.  I had strength barely enough to sustained me to the finish line.  It was a nice feeling finishing the run but the experience had me thinking if I'll do it ever again.    

towards the finish line      (C) RP

5.  Solo Backpacking Tawi-Tawi 
The country's southernmost province and an off-the-beaten track for travelers.  Peace and security concerns are what holding back most travelers and tourists from visiting this province rich in culture, tradition and natural resources.  I'm not afraid of going there but I didn't expect it to happen anytime soon.  August last year, I found myself on a plane bound for Tawi-Tawi confident and with no trace of fear.  With excitement, I toured Tawi-tawi's capital and neighboring towns on a motorcycle and on my second day I hiked on it's sacred mountain, Bud Bongao.   I met some locals and they were all friendly and even generous to offer me durian which I gladly accepted but didn't like the taste.  During my two-day stay, never did I feel unsafe being alone.  In fact, I enjoyed the experience from sunrise to sunset! I'm hoping to go back to do island hopping.    

Tawi-tawi's Provincial Capitol

6.  D2K
I've been into mountaineering for more than two years already but I have never tried climbing solo. Some accounts of people who did a solo dayhike on D2K got me interested in doing the same.  It took a while though before I finally decided.  I'm fully aware that the two mountains are among the country's highest.  Physical and mental preparations must be considered. Banking on my running and mountaineering experiences, I tried the D2K traverse dayhike, Sept. of last year.  It was easier said than done.  While the mountains were beautiful its trail were challenging.  I couldn't be more proud however, upon finishing it.  It was worth all the long travel, cramps, and exhaustion.   

the mossy forest

7.  Milo Marathon
As I mentioned above, I have ran a number of marathons last year but what made Milo marathon memorable from the rests was that I clocked my personal best at 5hrs. and 19 mins.  In all of my marathons this is my strongest finish so far.  

approaching the finish line  (C) PHOTO-OPS

8.  Mt. Bulusan
When I was just starting out in mountaineering, Mt. Bulusan was one of my dream mountains.  I would often read accounts of those who made it there and would ended up full of eagerness and excitement.  Came the first oppurtunity June of 2013, but unfortunately a series of bad luck prevented me.  When I arrived at the bus station, it was already empty. I ended up in a coffee shop lonely.  Came another chance June of last year.  This time around I see to it that I'm not gonna be left behind.  I filed a vacation leave the day before and left for Sorsogon ahead of the group.  Our climb was blessed with good weather most especially during our summit assault.  We had a good clearing that we even saw Mayon volcano from a distant.  I would like to commend the admin of Bulusan natural park for a very organized climb from the permit processing, to the climb proper, to the post climb activities.  My Mt. Bulusan experience was one of the bests.

at the crater summit

9.  Mt. Kanlaon
On a valentines day last year, joined by my college classmate Ronie, we embarked on a climb at Mt. Kanlaon, an active volcano and Visayas highest mountain.  Accompanied by a cool guide famously known as "Kuya Boy", together with traversed the Guintubdan-Wasay trails.  The mountain from its rivers, to its crater summit, to its mossy forest, to its lagoons, to its century old trees, and to its rolling hills is certainly one of the best climbs in the country.  

at the crater summit

10.  Lost at Pico de loro to Marami
 We came back armed with a new strategy, a supposedly correct trail map we downloaded from an account of a mountaineer who did the traverse, a GPS, and tons of courage.  But these artillery of ours were not enough, mother nature tricked and denied us.  We got a glimpse of Mt. Marami our final stop, after a long trekking and bushwhacking, but we can't seemed to find the right trail despite the aid of the map and the GPS.  The many trails were complicated and confusing. Time running out, we had to backtrack to Mt. Pico until we ran out of battery and the night fell on us.  We were lost!   We continue to scoured the forest hoping to find the right trail to no avail.  Worried and also to conserve our energy, we decided to end our search by 9 pm if the trail will still be elusive.   An hour and a half to go before 9 pm, we continued our walk until we came by an open area and what seemed to be a campsite.  I was able to recognized it and I was certain that it was the Palay-palay campsite. From there, I already knew the way out.  We're all thankful that we did not sleep under the trees with empty stomach that night. That very day of November 2014, Rosalyn, Adrian, and myself were humbled and reminded of a lesson to never under estimate a mountain.  

in one of the rest stops

11.  The long road to Fang-od
Before the year ended, my friend Adrian invited me to visit Fang-od,  Joined by friends Rosalyn and Sherelyn, together we journeyed the long road to Buskalan, Kalinga.  Apo Fang-od is said to be the oldest and last surviving hand-tap tattoo artist in Cordillera. Obviously the reason why we will be visiting her is to get a tattoo.   I really don't have any intention of getting one.  All I wanted was to visit Kalinga.  While on the trip enjoying the beautiful sceneries, I think about the idea over and over but still ended up undecided. When we reached Buskalan and when I finally saw her I changed my mind.  The realization that she is not just another tattoo artist helped me decide.  In her work is a culture and tradition passed on from generation to another generation.  And if it's true that she is the last surviving hand-tap tattoo artist, it would be an honor to be inked by her.    

Apo Fang-od in action

I'm looking forward for another action packed 2015!  I'll still have a lot to cross-out from my bucket list.  I still have a lot of dream mountains to climb.  I'll still have a lot places I'd like to go to.  I'll still wanna run. I'll still have a lot of things that I want to try and experience.  I'm all for happiness, excitement, and fun.  While I'll still can, my adventures will continue!  Join me?!

Dayhiking Mt. Kintanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang (D2K)

I planned for this last year only to be left behind by the airplane.  A late morning rain and a horrible traffic ruined my plan.  I arrived at the airport thirty minutes after the plane departed.  The airline staff wouldn't agree with me taking the next flight despite my begging.  It was clear that re-booking was the only option.  However, that would mean incurring an added expense that was just substantial for me to bear.  I went out of the airport not just with a heavy backpack but also with a heavy heart.  I learned my lesson.

Fast forward to 2014, taking advantage of an airline promo, I booked myself a flight to CDO.  Coincidentally, my booking was of the same month as last year.  With everything regarding the climb all set, I can’t afford to be left behind.  Fortunately, this time around I left the airport on board a plane. 

 

Kitanglad Mountain Ranges

 Doing a solo hike on Kintanglad Range has been on top of my bucket list.  My feet has long been itching to step on the trails of Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang .  These two mountains have a high appeal to me.  Reading the accounts of those who have climbed, just excite me.  At the same time, knowing that these two are among the Philippines highest also sends shivers down my spine.  It took me for a while to finally entertain the thought of doing a dayhike.  Mental and physical preparations must be put into consideration.  

So come Oct. 26, 2014, armed with the courage I mustered for  quite some time and the confidence gained from more than a year of hiking and running, I found myself along with Kuya June (guide) walking on a dirt road.  We will be doing a dayhike traversing Mt. Kintanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang. 

dirt road to the jump off

The walk on the dirt road towards the foot of the mountain served as a warm up.  By the time that we started the gradual ascend, my body has already adjusted.  The intense heat of the sun was not a challenge as the trail was covered with trees.  A number of still ladders were present at some parts of the trail.  Occasionally stopping to rehydrate and rest, we trekked on a consistent pace hoping to not finish late at night.  A sight of dwarf trees near the summit amazed me.  Fog started to envelope when we arrived at the summit after more than three hours of trekking, obscuring any view.  Nevertheless, I was still glad that I made it to the summit of the fourth highest mountain in the country. 

a beautiful site near Mt. Kintanglad summit

The traverse from Mt. Kitanglad to Mt. Dulang-Dulang I would say was the most challenging part of the climb.  The trail involved some steep descent and ascent which had me clinging to ropes and roots. Negotiating these parts mandate extra cautious, one wrong move and I’ll be in serious injury or even worse.  While it may be the most challenging, it was also the most beautiful part of the trail.  The mossy forest in its different density was just captivating.  I can’t count the times I stopped to snap photos.  There were times when all I can say is WOW.   

one of the steep ascents

Approaching towards the summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang, the trail remains challenging.  More steep parts ensued which gave me a hard time.   I had to listen to my body and slow down a bit with my already slow pacing.  At some points I had to stop and stretch my tired and stiff legs.  I was on the verge of getting leg cramps.  Fortunately, before any leg cramps occurred I was already at the summit.  It was a big relief!  I can now take a little rest.  Unfortunately, there was no view of the Kitanlad wilderness in sight.  Thick fog prevented me from seeing the surrounding mountains.  Still, I was thankful and proud standing on the summit of the country’s second highest mountain.  Not many have the chance to do so.

mossy forest

The descent was smooth all the way passing through the mossy forest on the other side.  However I had a scary moment in the early part of the descent.  While inside the mossy forest, I heard a voice shouting “sir” at my back.  Yes, I was exhausted and all but I heard it loud and clear.  I had to run to my guide who was 15 to 20 meters ahead of me asking if he called me.  Hearing a no as answer scared me to death.  It was only the two of us in the trail and in Mt. Dulang-Dulang.  In fact, we only encountered one group of mountaineers and that was on our way up Mt. Kitanglad.

a ritual site at the summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang

After two hours, we reached the foot of the mountain.  Perhaps, the creepy incident help us went down the mountain swiftly.  We rested for a while, before continuing our walk on a dirt road that leads us to a hi-way.  A habal-habal took us to the bus stop, 35 kilometers away and rode a jeepney to Malaybalay.   By seven in the evening I was back at my lodge.  It took 10 hours to complete the entire D2K dayhike traverse.  Twelve hours if travel time back to Malaybalay is included.

The entire journey was never easy.  I may not have a good clearing but still the experience was rewarding.  I hope to go back some other time and stay longer.    

at one of the campsites of Mt. Dulang-Dulang

Interested in climbing at Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang?  Visit this site http://www.mkrnp.org

just enchanting

Mt. Pulag

Finally it happened! I have climbed the so called playground of Gods and the country’s third highest mountain – Mt. Pulag.  This is after a couple of failed attempts late last year and early this year.  Well, it was worth the entire wait! The invitation came from my friend Adrian which I responded to with a yes instantly.  We were also joined by Rosalyn and Analene on this climb.  We invited other friends but are not available on the date of the climb.   The final participants were the four of us and we’re reunited once again (have climbed with the three in Mt. Rinajani).

Day 1 (Akiki jump-off to Saddle camp)

We arrived in Baguio City on board a Dagupan bus dawn of Aug. 15, 2014.  We wasted no time and went straight to a nearby eatery for a quick breakfast.  Right after eating, we then proceed to the transport terminal (Baguio Old Slaughterhouse).   It was agreed beforehand that we’ll completely rely on public transportation.  Hiring a jeepney or a van would be too expensive for four persons.    Upon getting to the terminal, we took a van plying Baguio-Kabayan route that left the terminal at around 7:30 am.  After one stop and about 3.5 hours of travel we arrived at the Akiki jump-off in Brgy. Duacan, Kabayan.   We were met by our guide Kuya Crispin and he ushered us to the Akiki Ranger Station where we did the registration.  We paid the climbing fees (registration, camping, and green fees) which totaled 230 pesos each.    There was a short briefing given to us on what to expect on the trail and the dos and don’ts during the entire climb.  At around 11:00 am, our trek commenced. 

at one of the stops

The initial part of the trail was easy until reaching the Eddet river.  We did not have a hard time negotiating it. In fact, we were pre-occupied with taking pictures here and there.  It took us 1.5 hours to get to the river.  We had our lunch at the resting station.  After an hour, our trek resumed.  There was a sudden change in weather.   It started to drizzle after we cross the bridge requiring us to wear our ponchos.  It was also at this point of the climb where the steep trail started and it has been steep all the way up to the grassland.   I was amazed by the Pine forest along the trail engulfed with mist making it more scenic that at one point I was expecting for some wolves to come out.  I also wondered how it looks like during sunny days.  We had several rest stops before arriving at Malboro country around 4:15 pm.  It was still drizzling and the temperature starting to drop.  We stayed for a while at the resting station and consumed some trail foods.

at the pine forest

The trek continued and we entered into the montane forest.  As we went deeper into the forest, the cold temperature started to bite as well as the weight of my backpack.  There was nothing much to see inside the forest as it was already dim.  By 5:30 pm, we reached the last water source.  We refilled our water bottles and rested for a while.  Conversations were limited and smiles hardly seen, a proof that we’re all tired.   After more than 2 hours we came out of the forest into a grassland.  It was a relief knowing we’re nearing the end of our trek.  The final hour however, was the hardest part simply because we’re all exhausted.   We had to endure the darkness, the drizzle, the strong wind, and the cold temperature while negotiating in a slow pace the steep part and rolling trail of the grassland.   After trekking for almost 8 hours, we reached the saddle camp with excitement.  Much to our surprise, the camping area and the bunkhouse were empty.   There were no other groups but us.   We opted to stay at the bunkhouse and it was a big relief to us.  Our exhausted bodies no longer need to pitch tents on a dark, cold, and rainy evening.    After changing into dry clothing, we prepared our dinner.  A mushroom soup, salted egg, and chicken-pork adobo filled our hungry stomach.  By 10 pm, we called it a night.  No socials, all just wanting to rest. 

Day 2 (Sunrise viewing, Exit via Tawangan)

We woke up at around 4am of day 2.  We need to be at the summit as early as possible in anticipation of the sunrise.   Mt. Pulag is famed because of its sunrise over a sea of clouds.  We left the bunkhouse several minutes after we had our breakfast.  The assault to the summit took around 30 minutes from the bunkhouse.  We made it all at the summit by 6 am. There were also other climbers (from camp 2) already at the summit eager to witness the sunrise.   However, it was a gloomy morning.  No sunrise.  No sea of clouds.  I was a bit sad.   I was expecting a good weather.  I was expecting to see what Mt. Pulag is famous of.  Others at the summit may not be vocal but I knew they share my feelings.    Minutes after, I came to realize and accept the fact that in mountaineering it’s not always a good weather but there’s always another chance.  I can always go back when it’s best season to climb Mt. Pulag.  After these realizations, I joined my group and we made the most out our Mt. Pulag experience.  To have successfully climbed the country’s third highest mountain is enough reason to be happy.  The mountain still offered a scenic view despite the poor weather condition.  The mountain itself with its mist-shrouded dwarf bamboos was still a sight to behold.

at the summit

with the dwarf bamboos

At 7 am, we stated our descent via the tawangan trail.  As we’re making our way down, it started to drizzle.   Our guide told us that it will be a long journey but no more assaults unlike the day before.  We entered the mossy forest at around 8am.  Some parts of it were so dense that it felt like we’re in another dimension.  Some parts of the trail were concealed by over grown shrubs and foliage proving how less-taken it is.   What really bothered us was the high population of blood leeches (limatik) in most parts of the trail.  The trail was heavily infested that we almost consumed a bottle of alcohol combating with them.  We’re all got bitten still. 

descent to Tawangan

limatik bite

We stopped by the third water station (a stream) to have our lunch.  Had it been a sunny day, I could have taken a dip.  However, it was raining and the water was so cold.   At around 1 pm, we continued our descent inside the seemingly endless forest.  The rain was getting harder while the fog engulfed the surroundings leaving a somewhat eerie feeling on me.  By 3pm, we came out of the forest and had our first glimpse of the village we’re heading to.   After 8.5 hrs. of trekking, finally we reached Tawangan village.  We had to stay overnight at the village because of bad weather. 

the mossy forest

Day 3 (The journey back to Manila)

We woke up early to catch the only bus bound for Baguio from Tinoc, Ifugao which usually leave 7:30 am.  From Tawangan, Benguet, it was an hour motorcycle (habal-habal) ride to Tinoc, Ifugao.   Upon arriving at Tinoc, unfortunately the bus was not roadworthy and can’t go on with the scheduled trip.  We looked for other options as we all need to go back to Manila.  However, vans plying Tinoc-Lagawe route were all reserved by other passengers.  The last option for us was to wait for trucks (from Tawangan) that deliver vegetables (to Nueva Vicaya).  Luckily, the driver of the habal-habal had a contact to a driver of one of the trucks.  However, we had to wait for almost six hours before the truck arrived.  Travel time from Tinoc, Ifugao to Bangbang, Nueva Viscaya was 5 hours with almost 80% of the way was on a rough road over a mountain.  The view was breathtaking and scary at the same time.  Sitting on sacks of carrots while on a long bumpy ride is very uncomfortable but we had to endure just to get home.   We reached Bangbang by 7pm and had our quick dinner at a fast-food before boarding a bus back to Manila. 

The whole experience while very tiring was worth it.   We may not have a good weather but still it was very rewarding.  Mt. Pulag (from Akiki to Tawangan) is still beautiful even in an awful weather.  Truly a must climb mountain.

the flora

just lovely

Mt. Maculot

I've been hearing and reading good reviews about Mt. Maculot ever since I became an outdoor enthusiast.   Mt. Maculot is a mountain in Batangas, a province south of Manila.  It stands at 930 meter above sea level, a minor climb which features scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, and forests.  The good reviews on this mountain gave me excitement that on Nov. 10, 2012 I did a traverse day hike together with my college classmates Ronie and Marie Rose.

Distant view of Mt. Maculot

Early morning of Nov. 10, we met at Ceres bus station in Cubao.  We boarded the bus that left at around six in the morning.  We reached the town of Cuenca in Batangas two hours later and paid 155 pesos each for the fare.  Cuenca is the town in Batangas where the jump off to Mt. Maculot is.  We dropped by at the police precinct to register and for our last minute preparations.  By eight thirty in the morning, we started the trek going to the foot of the mountain.  We opted not to seek a guide as we were confident on the research we did regarding the mountain days before the climb. 

at the foot of Mt. Maculot

After twenty minutes of walking, we finally reached the foot of the mountain.  It is from here where the real trek begun.  We started from a cemented road which disappeared minutes after.  Good thing the trail was partly covered with trees, that even if it was a sunny day we’re not bothered at all.  The trek continued gradually ascending until we reached a part of the trail where there was a kid selling buko juice.  We took a five-minute rest and ordered a buko juice.   We continued our trek, this time we seemed to be catching our breath.  Again in another part of the trail, we encountered a man selling buko juice.  We took another stop but opted not buy a buko juice and instead drink our trail water.  I noticed that we already gained a considerable altitude enough to give us a glimpse of the taal lake. 

in one of the rest stops

We resumed our trek after a couple of picture taking.   This time, no more trees to cover the trail until we reached the camp site.   We headed straight to the rockies as the camp site was crowded.  The rockies is Mt. Maculot’s charm.  It creates a very scenic view of the entire Taal Lake including of course the famed Taal volcano.  From rockies, other mountains in Batangas and nearby provinces are visible too.  Even parts of Mindoro Island are apparent on a clear day.

at the rockies

The trail going to the rockies was a bit challenging.  One should be extra cautious in negotiating it as there’s always that possibility to slip or slide with your body parts hitting the boulders.  When we got to the rockies, it was just beautiful that we spent almost an hour picture taking.  We explored its different parts, going up and down on its boulders.    We didn’t seem to care that it was already high noon and that we’re exposed to the intense heat of the sun.   We did enjoy especially when other hikers went down and we have the whole rockies to ourselves. 

at the rockies

Taal Volcano as viewed from the Rockies 

My companions were still in great joy with the rockies experience when I told them that we need to go down.  We headed back to the camp site and ate our packed lunch.  We rested for a while after we consumed our lunch.  At exactly one thirty in the afternoon, we resumed our trek this time heading to the summit.  The sun was high but fortunately the trail to the summit was forested.   Some parts of the trail were even concealed by over grown grasses.  There were also wild flowers along the way that catches our attention.  After thirty minutes of trekking, the trail became steeper reminding us that we are nearing the summit.  We made several stops to re hydrate.  We continued our trek until we hear the voices of the group that trekked ahead of us.   

thick forest leading to the summit

Finally after an hour and thirty minutes of trekking we reached the summit.    From the summit we saw a portion of the rockies and Taal lake.  Taal volcano and its crater lake were also visible.  We took several pictures before we decided to descend to the other side of the mountain leading to the Grotto.  We can still hear the voices of the other group hence, we followed them thinking they are trekking the right trail.  Minutes after we banded with them, I noticed that the trail seemed dead.  At the back of my mind, knowing that the mountain is popular and frequented by hikers the trail couldn't be like that.  We were lost.  We decided to backtrack to the summit leaving the other group while I was trying to recall what I read on the accounts of those who were able to traverse the mountain. 

the Grotto

We got back to the summit and surveyed the area.  We found the right trail concealed by over grown grasses.    In as much as we’d like to inform the other group, they were already far.  We were also looking at the time; we’re a bit worried that the night might fall upon us while still on the trail.  We hurriedly descended and minutes later we reached the rope segments.  We carefully negotiated this steep part of the trail and continued our descent with increased pace.   By four thirty in the afternoon, we reached the Grotto.  We stop for a while to take some photos.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  The sun was slowly setting down on a clear blue sky.    We followed the station of the cross on our way down until we reached the end of the trail.  

the sunset

We then took a ride to the police precinct where we freshen up and change clothes.  Then we proceeded to look for a place where we can have dinner.  We found one and the foods were delicious.  It was already past seven in the evening when we boarded a bus going to Manila.  All three of us were dead tired and asleep while on board the bus.  Who cares?  We did have a good climb.

my friends 

 

wild berry

taal lake

wild flower