Revisiting Lubog

Edward sent me an invite to visit Lubog to which I instantly replied, yes.  Restrictions due to the pandemic are easing up and outdoor activities are now allowed.  I was excited because after more than three months of being idle, I will be able to finally do trails again which I dearly misses.  Joined by Emerson, the three of us travelled to Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez Rizal where we usually start.

After a quick breakfast, we set our strava on and started the journey.  It was all brisk walking for Emerson and me up to Mt. Oro.  As mentioned, I had been with no run nor jog or other outdoor activities for more than three months so I had to give my body a time to adjust so as not to suffer later on.  It was all humid and the sun was up contrary to our expectation of a cloudy skies.  By the time that we reached Mt Oro, the temperature already sizzled.  This did not stop us though from appreciating the nice view up Mt. Oro's view deck.  As always, it was very relaxing to see the Sierra Madre mountain ranges with all the greens.  The silence was also calming.  After some photo ops, we made our way down and continued the journey.

The Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges as viewed from Mt. Oro's viewdeck

We started to run the runnable sections and briefly stopping at some points to regroup and rest.  While running, I felt this feeling of being free again.  This pandemic at some point put a stop to almost everything including doing trails and going outdoors in general.  We're limited at home and it even became our work place, too.  While this is needed to curve the pandemic, it is emotionally and mentally draining.  And for an outdoorsy person like me, it is as if I was on a cage.  So when I was able to step out and run on trails again, it was liberating!  

By around ten in the morning, we arrived at our second major stop at sitio Macaingalan where we usually order a cold softdrink and consumed our suman (sticky rice on a banana leaf), our usual trail food which we bought at Litex.  People here already recognized our faces and  normally we stayed for about fifteen to twenty minutes.  There are days when halo-halo is also available which most of the time we order to combat the scorching heat of the sun.  In short, this stop is where we refuel, rehydrate and chat with locals.

From Macaingalan, the section of the trail with gradual accent starts.  This section is challenging and can be taxing on a hot day.  It is with no shade and will leave you catching your breath.  I usually hike on a slow pace in this section until I reached the flat portion.  If you are preparing for a trail running event, this section is good for training.  There is also an splendid view which actually help in dealing this section.  It distracts you from entertaining negative thoughts.  Passed this section are rolling hills all the way to the junction.  

Pit stop at the junction going to Sitio Ilas and Lubog

The junction is a fork with one trail leading to Deadman's trail and other trail to sitio Lubog.  Few meters before the junction are a number of houses.  There is a water source here where we used to drench.  There is also a shortcut to the trail going to Lubog which will save you a few meters and a few minutes.  From the junction, it is approximately five kilometers to sitio Lubog with trail mostly rolling and runnable.  At around eleven, we reached sitio Lubog stopping at a house which is now abandoned.  There used to be a store here where we eat our lunch.  Pancit canton and canned sardines matched with steamed rice taste so good here.  There are also other abandoned houses nearby.  The trailhead leading to Simbahang Bato also started here.  In this visit we foregone climbing Simbahang Bato and opted to just rest and feel the quietness of the place.  While resting, a number of lumberjocks passed by carrying hardwood which obviously illegally cut from the forest nearby.  A proof that small scale illegal logging is still prevalent in the area.

at our turnaround point (also the jump off of mt. lubog)

After about thirty minutes of rest, we head back and made our way to blue lagoon. The lagoon is nestled in the middle of the forest but can be reached with ease.  This is I think the reason why this is also a favorite destination of motocross riders and mountain bikers.  In all our visits, there is always a group of motocross riders in the place enjoying its cold waters.  As for us, we come here to have our lunch.  Pancit canton and canned goods here will not disappoint but the price will.  Not to feel bad, we had to settle on considering their effort in bringing all those stuffs to the forest.   Add to that, the locals maintaining the place are nice and you get to enjoy the lagoon.  Normally, we stayed here longer by taking a nap before dipping into the lagoon.

At past two in the afternoon, we left the lagoon and started our way back.  It helped that we're able to refuel and rest.  It gave us the energy to run in most part stopping only at the water source past the store pahingahan to drench ourselves to combat the afternoon heat.  By three in the afternoon, we're negotiating the Deadma's trail  and Pulang lupa.  This is another challenging part of the route as it has no forest cover and can get really hot.  Some sections have steep uphill and downhill.  Past four, we reached Balagbag and continued our way down to Licao-licao.  From the junction to Balaglag, we did not encounter other trail runners nor mountaineers.  Pre-pandemic, it is normal to meet fellow trail runners and mountaineers on this stretch of the trail but this time, we had this all to ourselves.   Even Mt. Balagbag which was normally frequented by campers on weekends was also quite.  

mapulang lupa going to mt. balagbag

By past five, we made it down to Licao-licao signaling the end of our journey for the day.  It was a sweet return to trails and it turned out well.  Seeing the mountains and be with nature again was satisfying.  It was tiring but our hearts we're happy!