Brewrats

Mabuhay ang iPutok Mo sa Labas!

(Makinig sa Trailer ng Lubusang maintindihan - care of Brewkeeper)

TRAILER

Kaninang hapon ko lang ito nalaman - salamat ng marami kay gwapong gwapong Mookel na kalbo. Eh last year pa pala nag-a-air and show na ito amf! Sayang ang mga namiss na moments. anyway. BUmabawi ako kasi nakita ko si Brewkeeper -MABUHAY KA at ang iyong mga uploads! 

Kahit na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat.

Catch BREWRATS sa 99.5 RT Mondays - Thursdays, 9pm - Midnight.

Reminisce the Strangebrew days, at sabihing.. TAMA!

The Cringe Effect

It’s a Monday morning and I’m pretty sleepy (so what’s new?). I don’t know what made think - yet again - this cringe-y thoughts. That from the root word – thoughts that makes me cringe.

It’s like this, you’re boringly working on something and then pop it goes and my shoulders go hunching up. With the matching silent “YUCK!!” expression. Example? That night in Decades with a loser guy I don’t even recall why I was into him. Anyway, that scenario makes that night long ago in Studio M wherein, I danced on the fire-lit ledge slash bar all the more better.

I just told the ultimate one. Though I have another in my pocket, it’s more of a regret of why I indulged in it – cos it’s so worldly. And well, I’m charging it all to experience on something I’m not to repeat again, boundaries NOT to be trifled with. At least I guess it’s a good thing that after what happened that April, I could still get along with him and people won’t even have the slightest notion that something occurred. Hmm. Yeah that April made me cringe alright. No speaking of what, how, when, cos you’d probably think it not at all cringe-y but it became for me when it dawned on me that I am being too much.

Well I’m still sleepy. My Ipod’s drained care of Berto.

I’d better divert myself from these cringe-y thoughts.

Look for something to eat.

Kwentong Kili-kili Part 2

May Naisip na ako kung baket gustong gusto ng mga lalake ang mga posing na kung saan nakataas ang kamay ng mga babae (reference: 60% -malamang- ng photos sa FHM ay nakataas ang kamay ng modelo).

Napagtanto ko lang na ang pagtaas ng kamay ay sign of surrender. Man and his BIG Ego talking. What more could boost a man’s ego than seeing a beautiful woman with her hands on her top of her head, a seductive smile to boot as if saying “O Brando! Kunin mo Ako!”

::Titigilan ko na ito hanggang dito kasi dapat general patronage lang tayo:: 

PS.. edi feeling nya ang gwapo gwapo nya. sows.

Ang masasabi ko, Bonus na lang if ang kili-kili ng nasabing babae ay divine.

Pero take note, ibang kategorya ang artista at commercial model. Lubusang tandaan yan.

Nilay

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako kay Natalie Cole o ano.

Tuwing maririnig ko ang Miss you like Crazy at Someone that I used to Love… gusto kong umiyak. UNFAIR!

Matagal kong kinondisyon ang sarili ko para makalimot, nagpanggap pang interisado sa iba.. pero isang kanta, isang pagkakataon lang na nakita ko sya ulit, para nanaman akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig.

Bulag nga talaga ako.

Magkakape na nga lang ako. Makalayo muna sa headset ko.

Mas Madrama ang mga Lalake

Ito ang di ko maintindihan at nagiging sobrang coincidence talaga: lagi nalang akong napapaligiran ng mga lalakeng emotero. Simula pa nun kolehiyo.. karamihan ditto mga nagging crush ko, turned confidante, turned friend. Ganun ako ka-one of the boys (na malamang matagal-tagal at malabong magkabf in the near future dahil sa pattern ng aking buhay).Sila yung mga tipong  A.) Mga iniwan ng mga ex at hindi pa maka-move one. Span ito ng ilang months to one year simula ng nakipagbreak o nawala ang babae sa eksena at; B) Mga in-love sa mga taong ayaw suklian ang kanilang emosyon. Example: pa-demure na “Ayokong masira ang friendship naten” O ang mas brutal na “talagang di kita type… sorry.” Nag sorry pa. Pero Typical and most common scenarios.

At Baket Kanyo?

Marahil maraming kokontra sa title ng blog ko. Ihahalimbawa pa nila ang mga babaeng humahandusay sa kalsada. Mga babaeng pagkainiwan ng boypren eh kulang ang isang drum paginipon mo ang kanyang luha. Na Tipong kulang nalang i-record nalang ang pagddrama nya kasi nun isang buwan pa nya ito linya (nakataas ang kamay ko dahil guilty ako dyan). Kaya eto. ETO mismo ang rason kung baket sinasabi kong mas madrama ang mga lalake. Dahil wala kang makikitang ganyang mga episodes mula sa kanila.. wala dahil lahat ng ito ay patago. Patago at kun may makakausap sila. Lalabas lang ang lahat ng kanilang mga nararamdaman, hindi mo pa halata kasi idinadaan sa jokes, sa pasakalye, at sa mga paraang walang kinalaman. Madalas pag direchohin mo pa ng tanong di ka pa sasagutin… Ma-pride. Hmm, hindi ako sa nanlalaglag sa mga kaibigan ko nor hindi ako nagrereklamo. I feel priviledged in fact na pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako sa mga hinaing nila, at dahil nga ako‘y itinuturing na nilang kaibigan talaga (masakit un sa una dahil crush ko nga diba, tapos kwentuhan ka ng love-life nya? Na parang gusto mong sabunutan yun gurla of his life at sabihing, “Hibang ka ba! Baket mo sya pinaiiyak, kung ako lang sana….”etc etc – theme song: Halaga ng PNE….Hay, nasanay nako dyan. Kaya ang transition from crush to tropapips.. hindi na iba sa ken. No name droppings nalang  kahit walang nagbabasa ng blog ko para naman walang basagan. Hahaha!)

Pogi points

Bawas pogi points daw pag umiyak. Bawas pogi points ang pagddrama. Pero may kilala akong inuntog nya ang ulo nya sa gate ng bahay nila ng gusting makipaghiwalay ng girlfriend nya. Meron ding uminom ng isang boteng pills na pang high-blood (na-ICU lang naman sya at pinump ang tyan-awa ng Dyos, buhay pa sya ngayon). Basagan ng cellphone at PSP. Mga ganun lang, ordinaryong drama. Hindi ko alam ang mga kategorya ng mga dagdag pogi points nayan o kun anu ang pwede nilang ituring na kabaklaan (no pun intended dyan). Pero cge nga kung ang pagiyak ay menos pogi points, panu naman mailalabas ang hinanakit? Kaya mas nagiging, madrama kasi para silang beaver dam. Iniimbak lahat sa loob, kaya pagnagrelease isang bonggang bonggang pasabog – tipong inuuntog nga ang ulo sa gate. May iba pa suicidal tendency (pakshyet, panu mo ba yun naging bf in the first place?! Creepy. Kaya ako ang criteria ko mas matino saken kasi baliw na ko. Pagparehas pa kaming baliw, paanu na?)

Ano sa Tingin mo?

May sarili akong pananaw dito. Hindi ko ito nakikitang kahinaan. Ang saken lang, im proud na mga kaibigan ko sila. Tao lang na nabubuhay, nasasaktan, umiibig. Siguro ganun talaga, syempre kun sino ang naiwan sa ere, sila yun hirap humarap ng realidad. Siguro nasasabi ko ito dahl karamihan sa kaibigan kong nasa ganitong sitwasyon eh lalake.

Tamang timing din siguro na ako naman ay chill lang sa life.

Masayang kahit paminsan minsan panatag lang at walang iniindang sama ng loob…

Kaya ko siguro ito nasasabi.

(hipokrito).

Mga Nakaw na Sandali: Kwentong Kili-Kili

Absent ako kahapon. Kaya hindi ko ito naisulat.

————————————————————–

June 17 ‘09

11:59 pm (promise sakto yan)

Sa totoo lang inaantok na ako. Napakagulo pa ng aking kwarto na animong kama ko, iniiskoran na ng anay. Joke lang. Gusto ko nang matulog, kailangan kong magligpit, pero matigas ang ulo ko kaya kinuha ko nalang ang aking ballpen. Bago pa kasi, nabili ko sa 7-11 kagabi at ngayon ko lang na test drive – maganda pala ang sulat nya. May gumugulo kasi sa utak ko na maghapon ko nang naiisip. Baka makalimutan ko kaya sulat ko nalang muna kasama si pareng boro el. Maya na mga anay dun, mahaba na intro ko eh.

Tanong lang. Sumagi naba sa utak mo ang mannerism na ito: ang panakaw na tingin sa kili kili ng isang babae? Di mo man aminin pero alam kong ginagawa mo nay an, at hinuhusgahan kung anu mang Makita mo. Tipong may babaeng nakasleeveless sa harap mo, kausap o kasakay mo lang sa jeep, sa sandaling magtaas ng kamay para magtali ng buhok o kumapit sa estribo, may isang segundong sasaglit ang mata mo para Makita kung anung klaseng kili-kili meron sya. At sa isang segundo nayun, madalas uulitin pa pag di nakuntento. Pasimpleng nakaw na sandali, halata naman. Oo ginawa ko nay an!

Divine: Pang artista lang

Ewan ko ba kung anu ang meron ditto. Ako tuwing makakakita ako ng napakakinis na kili-kili, siguradong naiingget ako – aminado naman akong hindi kasing kinis ng kanila ang sa aken.. Pero konting ingget lang. Nasa Ten commandments ba yung bawal maingget? Basta, konti lang ang ingget. Baket? Eto ang scenariong dahilan. Kanina, nakita ko sa Mini-Stop yun binebentang Cosmo, at nasa cover si Krisitine Hermosa na naka-classic pose: nakataas ang mga kamay, naka rest sa ulo, and her kili-kili for all to see. Hindi ko sinasabing maraming i-ne-edit sa kanya: napakagandang babae talaga nun. Pero in general, laging may i-ne-edit sina Art (isang tropa na nagtratrabaho sa publikasyon ng nasabing magasin). Di pwedeng walang i-edit. Sa lahat I think common knowledge na ito. Pero kahit ak ay isa nang graphic artist, hindi ako prepared sa aking nakitang mga before and after sa trabaho ni Art. Hayop talaga sa layo ng Raw Images from the photographer kumpara sa finish product ng nakadisplay cover. Ang mga taong tulad ni Art, kailangan ng medalya. Or pwede na rin ang tinatanggap nyang sweldo.

Mabalik tayo sa kili kili.

Talaga ngang siguro ay mapanghusga ang mga pinoy. Kumpara sa ibang lahi at sa kanilang mga kahibangan, karamihan talaga ng mga urbanized pinoy ay kinikritik ang mga kakaibang bagay na di alintana (sa totoo lang) ng mga puti. Halimbawa, pagbigkas ng tamang grammar, kun nag-sepilyo ka, may bumahing sa harap mo sabihan ka pang ‘Hindi ka naligo no?!’ at ang pagkakaron dapat ng  isang divine na kili-kili.

Following the male-dictated cultural standard of beauty. NOT!

Ang mga tao hindi talaga kuntento. Pagmaputi sila, gusto nilang magpa-Tan. Pag medyo morena, gusto Pumuti. (Hindi ko sinasabing nagaayos ako ng sarili para mapansin. HINDI! Nag-mamakeup at nagaayos ako para sa sarili ko. Period. PERO.. talagang may mga nagpopostura para mapansin ng iba, makakuha ng atensyon - makakuha ng boypren.) Tulad nyan. Panu kung tulad kong hindi pinanganak na maputi? Sabay umaakyat pa ako ng bundok kaya naman talagang ako ay neg-neg na. Bahala sila, wala akong pakialam, at kung sabagay kahit kelan, wala akong paki-alam sa kulay ko. Sa totoo lang. Kahit nun may boypren pa ako (Oo nagkaron naman kahit pano, pero matagal nay un). Hindi ko alintanang mas “fair” ang kulay nya sa ken, o na mas matangos ang ilong nya. Ang hindi lang ikinapapanatag ng loob ko ay sa tuwing pinagdidiskitahan nya ang kili-kili ko. Kunot noo ako sa ilang pero mas lalo pa nya atang ikinatutuwa ito. Tinanong ko minsan kung baket at ang isinagot? Kasi daw ‘mabuhok’ daw yun kanya, kaya mangaasr pa pagminsang makalimutan kong mag-pluck. Amf ka talaga tenga (lolls hindi naman nya ito binabasa kaya ok lang. Saka bati na kami netong hinayupak na ito, kaya ok lang talaga). Ang kaadikang ito ng mga lalake ang talagang di ko maintindihan.

Minsan, magsusubok akong magsurvey.

Or Better yet- SA MGA LALAKENG NAKAPAGBASA NITO, MANGYARING MAGKOMENTO NG INYUNG OPINYON KUNG TALAGA ITO AY TOTOO O HAKAHAKA LANG NG ILAN.

Isang example lang yan. Hindi tuloy mai-alis sa utak ko na nagpapaganda ang mga babae para makatawag atensyon, O mag-ayos PARA sa boypren nila (noon, ganun ako – at least aminado). Hindi naman na sinasabi kong para patunayan lang ng mga “hardcore-feminists” na wag nang mag-ayos, magpostura, para i-contradict lang ang ganitong ideya. Hindi naman sa ganun. Kaso, eto ang nagiging agos ng ating kultura, nakakayamot mang isipin. Tingnan mo nalang ang mga commercials. Maganda ang buhok ng babae, maakit yun lalake. Magtataas ng kili-kili yun babae at nakitang divine ito, maiinlove na ang lalake. Kahit ako’y graduate at nagMajor in Advertising Arts, bwiset at pangasar ang mga ganitong klaseng commercial na para bumenta lang ginagamit ang ganitong negative na cultural standard. Pero well, ika nga sa rootword: Bumebenta. Syempre, maraming sawing babae, maiisip nilang pag ginawa nila at gamitin nila ito, magkakalablyf na sila. Hello?! Ibang kategorya nga ang artista at modelo ng commercial. Ang moral lesson dito sa tagpong ito? Wag magpaloko.

Mga Produktong Solusyon para Mapagaan ang Buhay.

Tingnan mo nalang ang mga Deo commercials, kahit na hindi na sila kapanipaniwala. Nakakaasar lang. Yun ngang isang brand noong high-school ako, todo-commercial talaga, at parang nagging patok sya.. pero nun naglaon, maraming na-dismaya. Nakakaitim lang daw ang Sec*ssshhhh*. At marami talagang nagsabi nyan. Ngilag nga ako sa halos lahat ng deo products. Simula pa noon. Bibili ako ng isang produkto pag hindi ko gusto, hindi ko na gagamitin at ididispatya ko na ito – kahit dalawa o tatlong bese ko lang ginamit. Kun meron man na pwedeng pagkatiwalaan, nagiisa lang sya – Magtawas na lang. Para sosyal, mag-Alum. May mga nabibiling maayos na ang packaging, kung hassle at dyahe ang paggamit ng tawas na galling sa palengke. Pero aba, wag ismolin ang tawas dahil ito ay effective. Yun naka magandang packaging, may kamahalan, P79.95, presentable naman at sosyal ang dating.

Baket ko sinasabi ito? Para naman kahit nakakailang na nakawan ng sulyap ang kili-kili mo, makokonscious ka lang ng konti.. kasi at least nde sya dark. Magpluck ka na rin para naman hindi ka muhkang Brando.

Ending

Hindi parin maiiwasang hindi tumingin sa kili-kili ng iba. Pero hanggat maari, bawasan nalang at maging conscious sa nakaka-ilang na mannerism na ito. Maging humanitarian naman paminsan-minsan.

ang Impluwensya

Mamaya na ko magdag-dag ng pichures dun sa Cinco Posts ko. Lalagyan ko talaga yun. Sa ngayon di lang matanggal sa utak ko itong train of thought na ito:

Dati rati namamatay sa nose bleed at brain hemmorhage ang mga nagbabasa ng mga rhetoric (haay! deds) na wordings ko.. ngayon parang bumalik nanaman ang pagtagalize tagalog sulat ko. Epekto ba ito ng Independence Day? O impluwensya ng pagakyat kasi puro tagalog lang ang maririnig mo. Pati nga mga kanta namen nun nagdaan akyat (Care of Joel Andres Bukid) mga classic juke box king and queens, mga tipong maririnig mo lang sya tuwing linggo. Mga Sunday’s best na pinapatugtog ng nanay o tatay o tita o tito mo. Basta Luma na sya, di ko sila kilala, nasasabayan ko lang kantahin yun chorus.. (lols).

Marahil working under foreigners, nakakasawa nang magingles.. at alam mo pang nakakaasar dun? Karamihan kaya sa kanila ang babarok mag-English. Sa totoo lang. O kaya talagang mapanglait at mapangkritik lang tayong mga pinoy (lalo na sa kapwa pinoy) pag may narinig kang nagiingles. Minsan kasi iisipin mo, nagyayabang nalang. Para ganito lang minsan may makikita kang tao may kausap sa cellphone. Talaga bang may kausap sya o nagpapanggap lang syang may kausap? IInggles pa yan ng may konting bonggang slang at parang nasa trabaho pa sila (applicable sa mga nagtatrabaho sa mga call centers na may English speaking accounts).

Anyway, back to topic at hand, medyo nakakatamad mag english. Masyado kasing madrama pagnagsusulat ako in English (please refer to earlier blogs - echos mode yun). So sa ngayon nagiiwan, naglalaglag, nagbabawas ako ng mga komplikasyon sa buhay ko e.g.–> Ang pag-e-english, ang pagpunta sa mall para tumingin ng shoes at dress (iwas gastos pa), lovelife - the lack of it kaya nde complicated. Ou, mas less hassle. Ang ginagawa ko nakikinig nalang ako at nagsisilbing Call A Friend sa mga taong nakapaligid saken na nag-bibitter ocampo mode. Tulad yan ni J at B. Di ko na banggitin pangalan. Baka pabugbog pa ako. Kaya lang naiimpluwensyahan nila ako.. nararamdaman ko minsan bumabalik ang kahapon at nakaraan (ay maging redundantdaw ba). HMMMMM!!  kaya napagiisip ako na wag na kayang makinig sa kanila o wag nang magsilbing Call a Friend feature sa buhay nila. Bahala na. Ibaling nalang sa ibang bagay. tutal naging successful naman ako ginawa kong iyon nung nagsimula akong umakyat.. mas naging tahimik ang buhay ko… ng konti. lagi kasi akong tawa ng tawa. Mahirap paglahat ng kasama mo ay komedyante.

Hayyy! Ewan nalang.

Ang hindi ko nalang mabawas-bawasan ay ang mga kalat sa lamesa ko dito sa office. Magulo talaga. Kahit anung ligpit ko bumabalik sila.. hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko.O sya nagdidilim na, maglagay nako pics.

Cinco Picos: I Love the Nightlife

Ayan hapon na ulet. Iba na ang network ko kaya nde na ulet ako maka-access sa MTalk. Ok lang sulat ko nalang ang part 2. So san ba ako  nagstop? Paka-dating sa Campsite. 

Astig talaga. As in, wala namang ulan. Pero we are in the midst nga ng ulap kaya woohoo. Yun tipong kung may bangin nga sa may bandang dako dun, nde mo malalaman kasi mahamog. Kanya-kanyang pwesto. Buti nalang kahit  isa ako sa nahuli maayos napwestuhan ko, kahit may bato ba yun o kulumpong ng damo sa mag saktong hihigaan ko at di gaanong pantay ang lupa. kinaylangan ko pa ngang umikot ng konti hanggang nahuli ko yun tamang pwesto: medyo sakto sa may lower back ko yun kulumpong ng damo kaya parang may unan lang. 

So ayus ayos lang ng gamit, tapos kinalat ko na lahat sa loob ng tent. hahaha! ayun, niluto ko din yun sinulat kong recipe last week dito kaso bwiset at kulang ng olive oil!!! kapos!!!! badtrip talaga pero ok narin. ayun ginawa nilang meryenda. taob ang kaldero sa sobrang gutom ng lahat. pati ako muntik nang di makakain.

Nakita nyo yung fog sa daku paroon??? Bangin na po kasi yun , buti nalang sa bangin lang nagkakaron ng fog. (lol)

Tradisyonal na sinigang, sinaing, longanisa, ayos. habang naghihintay maluto, nagpahinga ako, nakatulog din. so fast forward nalang kasi may drama echos pa akong ginawa pero di na mahalaga yun kasi pakakain ko masaya nalang ulet ako.. nagipon ipon na ang lahat.. nilabas na rin ni Mark ang mga lobo, si Eman ang party hat na dala nya at idinistribute na sa lahat. Nangangate na kasing uminom, kaya ayun, PitO!!! Pwersahang ginsing ang natutulog na NT, at pakadilat nya ng mata, ayun, isang masibagong Happy bertdey na kanta ang sumalubong sa kanya.. adju adju talaga kasi amfness ang ngiti eh, parang bata. hehehe. Ayun masaya na sya.

Di Kami masyadong masaya noh?? 

Lasheeng ang itawag mo sa kanila. hahaha

Si Kuya, isa sa mga guide namen.. HIndi po yung nakapink ah. hahahaha! 

So diredirech sa socials, namangka si C2, bangka din si Reds, nagpapana ng bigote si Berto dahil binabasag sya, at eto pa, may Dance Fight pa silang nalaman. Kung akala ko na sa pelikula ko lang makikita yun, nagkamali talaga ako. Wa ako ma-say sa kilos ng da-moves ni Reds at C2! hahahaha ayus ang performance level. Ay naku Radical Sana nga talagang naligayahan si NT sa surprise echos na yun.. na kun tutuusin kulang nga pala.. hehehehe!

So malamang kasama nanaman ako sa last three standing. Bwiset na Ross, ayaw magpatulog, talagang hihilahin nya paa ko at nakikipagagawan pa ng zipper ng tent ko! Natakot nalang ako nun nagbantang, “Huhugutin ko yun Pegs mo!” Amf, edi nawala sa korte ang tent ko.. ayun. Tagay naming tatlo nina NT? Tubig at Ice tea. Akalain mong tumba ang 4 na litrong GranMa at 2 boteng Bar Gin.

Kinabukasan, syempre agahan, luto, picture picture, ligpit tent, picture ulet. Grabe, malapit na nga pala talaga yun Nagsasa Cove, sayang kung hindi lang namin iniwan sa jump-off yun iba nameng mga gamit, malamang dun na kami nagdaan pauwi, para magside trip sa dagat.. (dala ko pa mandin ang panligo kong bagong biling two-piece! hahaha! pakshyet na frustration at hindi nakapagdagat sa nagdaang summer).

nyahaha.. antok pa ko leche.. pero etong isa, astig talaga etong kuha ni Ninya. AyLabet! Apir! Kaya tinatanaw ko nalang yung dagat.. frustrated sa beach!!

Lakad lakad.. Hay naku ang pagbaba talaga ang isa sa pinakapaborito ko next to Socials at Dinner.. ang bilis na eh!! yun tinahak namen ngmga 2 hanggang 3 oras Isa nalang.. aybaka may halong exaggeration na pala. hehehe. pero basta mabilis na kami, if wala ka dun, pasenxa nalang. So ayunmalamang nasa huli pa rin ako kahit mabilis na ang phase kasi hayun pa at naligo pa kami sa “Resort” ito yun area na dulo ng River Trail kun paahun ka ng bundok. So malamang kun pababa na, eto yun simula ng river trail. Tama naman diba? Medyo may mini lagoon kasi na hanggang bago mag bewang.So naiwan kami dun, kulitan lang, pichure pichure ulet. buti nga at leats kasama na si Shali, Jin, Eman, kapatid ni Eman, Mark, Reds at Crich this time. Nung una kasi lima lang kami nina Berto, C2, Jags, Macao. Hehe, naging masikip yun maliit na “Resort” pero ok lang masaya naman. So lakad lakad lakad sa ilog.At napakaraming kasamang dulas.Pagdating sa medyo may clearing ng konti andun na ang lahat at nagpapahinga, naliligo, tawa, blah blah. 

Trail pababa na kami.. Paolo nangunguna eh o, o ha oha! 

Lakad Lakad. malamang ginagawa pa rin namen ang Pito Prusisyon. pantanggal pagod din ito kahit panu.. Naglunch dun sa may “Falls.” Napaka ganda talaga ng Nature. Promise. At, muntikan pa akong maubuan ng lunch. Pagkatapos magluto amf, uubusan ka lang. kaasar yun diba?? So anyway, medyo tagal ng isang oras dun, kahit mainit, sa gitna kami ng daan kumain -  baket ba, eh wala namang dumadaang kotse dun.

Ratrat na pabalik ng bundok, pero malamang nasa hulihan pa rin ako. Ngunit eto ang masaya talaga. Dahil sa napakabrilliant mind ni Berto, may naisip syang magandang ideya kun panu tumawid sa “major ilog.” Oo ideya nya yan, muntik ko na ngang mabitawan ang bag ko!!! akala ko tatambling na ako sa current ng tubig hinayufak na yan. Pero basta masaya… hehehe tignan mo nalang picture para maniwala ka. Yun nakaputi sa dulo basta ako yan at nde pwedeng kumontra ang hindi kasama sapicture except kay Crich kasi sya ang kumuha ng pichure.

masaya diba?

ayan at sa wakas nakatawid na rin. (from left to right lang ha: Crich,C2, Reds, Ako, Berto,Mark)

Ayun kaya pagdating jump-off, kami ang nahuling nakaligo, huling sumakay ng Jeep at hinhintay na ng lahat. Di Balemasaya naman.

At aba’y kala mo nde pagod dun sa “Jeep No.2″(jeep namen - parang yun pang field trip lang kasi na buses na may Bus Number) wala, pati si manong driver napapakanta samen.. Listahan ng mga kinanta:

• Magasin
• Silvertoes
• Pare ko
• Huling El Bimbo
• Chiksilog
• Elesi
• Top of the World
• Ako ang Kapitbahay Mo
• Ang buhay ng Kristyano ay Masayang tunay
• Ang mga ibon na lumilipad- hanggang isda na lumalangoy
• Medley ng Sa may Bahay ang aming bati, We Wish you a Merry, Thank you thank you, ang babarat ninyo Thank you
• Kalimutan ko na yun iba

(Hindi lahat ay tinapos ang kanta kasi tinamad na dahil nde alam ang lyrics, at yun iba naman alam ang lyrics)

Forever nang memorable ang jeepney ride na ito para saken kais eto ang pinakamahal na sakay ko ng jeep. basta di ko na sasabihin, secret lang kung baket.. pero di bale, iniisip ko nalang na kun sino man makakuha nun, mas kailangan nya yun.. (**hikbi hikbi** dahil sa malaking katangahan ko-naalala ko na nasa Manila na akalain mo yan. Gutom na talaga ako nun).

Ayun, pakababa jeep, kain Greenwich, sakay bus, tulog.. oops di rin. Bawal nga matulog.

Paka-stopover sa Lubao, ayun at nanggulo pa.. ilalagay konalang an gmga pictures sa susunod para mas lubusan nyong maintindihan dahl walang kwenta kun ikukwento ko lang. Hindi nakakatawa. Hmm. At OO nga pala, yun mga koryanong nasa likuran nakaupo-sa harap namen sa Victory liner na bus na sinakyan namen. Ilalagay ko nalang din ang picture next time ng lubusan nyong maintindihan.

Ngayon ako ay antok na… nasa opis pero inilatag ko ang tent ko dito, masikip kasi sa bahay, kaya dito talaga ako naglalatag para mailigpit ng maayos.

Photo Credits: NT, Ninya, Mark

Cinco Picos: Da Cast (June 13-14 ‘09)

Eto ang mga taong nanggulo nun sabado hanggang linggo sa trail hanggang taas ng third peak ng Cinco Picos nun nagdaan weekend. Eto rin ang mga taong (malamang lang naman) nangburaot sa mga guides dahil sa sobrang tagal sa trail at puro picture at walang patid na ligo sa mga falls at ilog na madaanan.

==Da Cast==

NT

Berto

Mark

C2

Macao

Gladys

Julie

Shali

Jin

Reds

Crich

Eman

Kapatid ni Eman (kalimutan ko name)

 Paolo

Ninya

Jag - Djire

Ross - Zenlous

Joel (Andres Bukid)

 Mike - Needclimb

 kasama ni Needclimb

 (At ang masugid na 3 Kuya Guides)

-an lupit ni kuya guide na naka-Hot Pink Short leggings! san kapa!

PS.. Ginulo na rin ng mga taong ito ang mga nakasama nila sa bus nun Sabado ng mdaling araw at linggo ng gabi. Halos walang pinatulog sa ingay. patu yung dalawang koryanong nasa likod namen hindi pinalampas ng camera ni NT. Ay mamaya na yan sa sunod na blog.

Cinco Picos: Ang Prusisyon

Wala pang picures. Tulog pa lahat, at ako narito sa opisina, direcho mula sa pinaggalingang tulog tambay. Tapos eto trabaho ulet.

Anu ba nangyari sa Cinco? 

Una palang muntik na kaming magpunta sa Victory Cubao. Syempre kun dalawa ba naman makikipagtalo sayo na “hindi sa Cubao daw!” sasagot ka pa ba? Panu kung upakan ako nung mga yun kahit tawag nila sa ken Ate? (hehe peace Macao. Mark) ayun buti tinawagan si Nesty (nyahaha!!-amf!) at nag U-turn na kami sa EDSA. Buti nalang. Ayun intay intay sa mga kasamang dumating, at advise lang, mahal sa bus station ang kahit na anung bilihan. Mahal talaga!

So ayun, sakay nga sa bus. Feeling mo pahinga ang bus. Isang pagkakamali. Pagkasama mo sa sasakyan ang camera ni NT, mga lyrics ni Reds (lalo na pagnakayellow shirt sya-yellow kasi kurtina sa Victory), ……

***

Andito na si C2, si C2ng Magikero

nandito rin si Berto, si Bertong labandero

Dito rin si Redskie lalalalalalalala (di ko maalala yun lyrics - pinipilit ko talagang matulog pero no avail)

***

…… yun bigote ni Berto at red cap nya, ang mala-5 star hotel carpet ni C2, and green Don Facundo hat ni Mark, ang boxer shorts pangakyat ni Macao, yan, pagkasama mo yang mga yan, hindi ka talaga makakatulog. Wala pa dyan si North Face boy.Basta ayun. May eksenang pussycat dolls pa pero di ko din masyadong maintindihan kasi pinipilit ko talagang matulog kahit napakahirap - kalbaryo ba. ang alam ko lang punta daw sa beach yun mga yun.. Maganda naman yun limang gerls, pero wala lang nun nagsalita na naguluhan na ko.. Anu kaya sila, magbabarkada ba sila? San ba sila nagtratrabaho? Anu bang meron sa teddy bear na malaki at dala dala pa nya talaga. Eh seksi pa sila (OO naman aminado ako kun may nakikita akong sexy, tho yun di lahat flat ang tyan, may tig 1 month old, may 3.. mga ganun, pero seksi paren), malamang nabaliw yun mga kasama namen. Para bang may nagbukas ng humpy dumpy sa bus at lahat na-adik. Pero syempre wala nga akong alam kaya nagbabay nalang sila pagdating sa terminal sa Gapo.

Sa jeep, di namen kasabay si NT kaya nakatulog ng konti pero teka lang. May Umeksena… si Aling Perla. Muntik na kaming maipit sa tribal wars. Hindi kaya dapat nagpunta nalang kami sa bundok ni Aling Perla? Pero ayus na yun. Tulog nga ako nun narinig koboses nya, ntakot talaga ako. Sabi pa ni Mark “Baba ka ng jeep? Gusto mong ma-Cannibal Holocaust?” Ayus sa basag trip maki-usi. Pero ayos paren, nangarap nalang akong sumabit sa jeep kaya nagpapicture ako kay Mark, gamet camera nya. Ang hirap ng walang camera ah. 

So paka-jump off, lakad lakad, tawid tawid lang ng ilog na kala mo everyday kong ginagawa.. eh kaso biglang umulan. hindi yun ambon na “Yey wonderful ang feeling” pero yun Ulan as in “Mabasa ka!!”  Tsong walang silbi yun kapote na galeng Watsons. malang kasi 25 pesos lang sya.. pero ok narin at least natakpan ng kontng extra pa ang bag ko. Kaya pagdating sa major ilog, umuulan paren ng konti. 

Gate na rin ang twag dun sa lugar na yun. Naglunch na ren kami dun, kaso pakshyet talaga, may extra amoy sa paligid, dun sa may mini beach. ok naren, Gutom na eh. At dito sa gate na ito nagsimula ang prusiyon.

Prusisyon kasi masaya.

Prusisyon dahil sa mahiwagang pito ni Reds, na kahit para sa mga walang dalang tungkod, itinataas nalang ang kamay. Eto ang ginagawa namen habang tumatawid sa ilog, sa ilalim ng araw, kung saan pwedeng maglakad ng matino at hindi mabato, at kung pwede na ulet pumito ng diredirecho.

Parang wala lang. Lakad lang ng Lakad, pahinga lakad ulet. biglang sisikat ang araw, uulan nanaman. Mag river trekking kasi yun ang daan. Parang everyday lang. Medyo naabot nanamin ang tuktok ng third peak. Malapit na.. nagsisimula nanamang umulan.. hanggang maya maya napapalibutan na kami ng hamog. Nasa Ulap na pala kami. Tatlo lang kaming magkakasabay ng panahong ito, nauna na ang talagang kasama ko. Grabe, sa ngayon hind kotalaga makakalimutan yun (syempre mamaya sa future makaencounter pa ulet ako edi nde na rare yun moment) Yun tipongpara kang nasa setting ng isang Horror na Hollywood film na korny naman pala yun storya. Talagang maganda lang yun setting, tipong ang hamog hamog, tapos may mga punong tuyot na sila, walang dahon na nasa gitna ng talahiban na hindi mo rin halos makita kasi mahamog nga. Nasa ulap na pala talaga ako.

Bukang bibig ko lang nun, para kong nasa panaginip ah. Eto naman si Paolo sabay banat.. “Parang tipong maya maya nandyan na si Lolo at Lola kumakaway ay niyayaya ako.” Waah! ikaw nalang.

Maya maya lang, nakarating na rin ng campsite.

Ayun. d end. Bukas naman kasunod mag-metrowalk lang ako, este, uuwi nako… inaantok pa talaga ako. Ibang entry naman ang campsite kasi makapagbagbag damdamin talaga yun Socials na ito, hanggang sa paguwi.

Magaling lang talaga na hindi na masakit ang katawan ko. Siguro sanay na kahit pano. O kaya nakatulong ang pagtulog ko kasama ang Akyat Kada sa bahay nina NT at Macao. Kun tutuusin kapitbahayan ko lang sila ah. mnakisiksik pa ako. wala masaya eh. Tipong paglingon mong ganyan, nasa muhka kona un paa ni Macao. Basta wala akong iniindang sakent ng katawan ngayon di tulad ng dati. magaling talaga. Iniisip ko nga baka may magic ang sahig nila sa bahay nila, o kaya naman dahil nakatabi ko si bertuchi sa lapag- yiheee. amf. Kaya pala ako sinisik sik, malikot si Jin Mark sa pagtulog. Pero basta magaling kasi balikat ko lang ang masakit.

Kelangan ko na talagang magpamasahe.

Mts TALAMITAM-BATULAO: New to Old traverse

This is the first time I have been with a large crowd.

Most of who I was with, I have not yet met, but only thru the MTalk room. But anyway, soon we were all laughing like maniacs.

small sidetrip pics.. hehehehe

We did the tree planting first in Mt. Talamitam. Partly, i have to say it was a horrible experience - horrible on the part that you would feel the rage of what have they done to the mountain. It was so bare, so lacking of trees or anything alive (but for a few wayward grasses and insects) that is suppose to be grazing Batulao’s sister. Being new in this mountaineering business, I do not know who to really blame in my opinion.But maybe I blame them all - those who live in the proximity,  and those climbers who have previously sited it’s once beauty and have not helped maintained it. Like what I said, I dont know. Why do they have to make the cruelty at such lengths. It is a shame.

I felt like as though we were teleported to the flat lands of Central Luzon, this is infact an area mid-way to the summit, as shown in the background.

After this, we went to the PINK HOUSE, Coohlet’s home actually, to have a rest, wait til afternoon to begin our night trek.

REST daw.. pero in reality, bawal talaga matulog. Dignity is already stripped the time you wake up. 

We convinced Bry unfortunately not Ivy. After a few hours the second team arrived. A third is yet to come, but we moved on ahead. Joanne waited for this third team. I think I began to use my head lamp at Melvin’s place - the little kid we met -the bukohan.

 We reached camp around 8 or before I think. Set up tents, mine receiving the most criticism.. hmmm. Anyway. I cooked the Sage Porkloin thingy I posted before and everyone practically “OOHH” when I slid the apples in the pan. Fascinating.

The third team arrived at around 11pm. I think they started to trek at about the time we arrived at the camp. Anyway, Socials started and as usual a blast. But thankful that it wasnt a “til 4.30 socials”.

 We did the traverse the next day. Summited at around 10.30. Halo Halo on top of the mountain. san Ka pa. Ika nga ni sir marts “Eto Na ang pinakamasarap na halo halo na natikman ko.”

So Of course the customary Japan Japan, Jump, Continuous, and Tuwad shot.

uhm, may naging version sina macao. lols to put the continuous shop its gonna be difficult ata. so I let it be.

OK. So just beyond this summit. The real journey begins. FACE the WALL. followed by numerous sheer drops. Heart pumping fist clenching drama.

just before face the wall area. Not really obvious that my heart’s racing like the horses in Sta. Ana. And then below, doing it finally with explicit instructions from above - Macao, and below, Mark. tsk! My angels.

So basically after that, some more sheer drops almost vertical, lots more of wall to kiss and crawl on to.

But the most frustrating part of the trail was, I dropped, and nearly blacked out. I hated that feeling, becoming the liability to your team. Anyway. they quickly “recucitated” me with water, sweets, bars, halo halo, and I forgot what else. I hated it. I wasnt even able to speak til my breathing became normal. I hated it.

Well lessons learned. I wish I did. Cos Cinco is coming.

TALAMITAM CAST

NT

Ninya

Mark

Macao

Julie

Lups

Reds

Eman

Bry

Ivy

BATULAO NIGHT TREK Cast:

NT

Ninya

Mark

Macao

Julie

Lups

Reds

Eman

Bry

Omeng

Ivan

2nd batch Night trekkers:

Joanne

Marts

Marion

Francis

Indulging in Food: Backpacking Style 2

I’m planning this for our next climb. To do Pasta - I shall beat you to it Sir Marts. I think I shall lay low from sabaw. But nothing invigorates a cold chilly night other than the trusted Soup. Maybe IF I have room for one more recipe. But for now. I hope they shall like this dish I constantly do.

TUNA LINGUINE IN BASIL, TOMATOES AND MUSHROOM

Ingredients:

Can of Tuna (It would be cost effective to buy the “In Solid” one. More Tuna, More sangkap)

Linguine (or whatever pasta you fancy, I just so happen to love linguine above spaghetti and fettucini)

fresh basil

dried mushroom

tomatoes

Garlic

Pepper, Salt

Olive Oil

Nothing to do at home but just to segregate everything  properly. You could also break the pasta in half for better storage.

AT CAMP:

Soak the dried mushroom. Cook the pasta to al dente. (trick to make it not somewhat bitter, boil water first with a bit of oil. After boiling, place the pasta. wait for it to boil again before putting salt) Mince the garlic, and quarter the tomatoes. If you want it smaller, you could do so. But not too much. Slice mushroom once tender. Prepare the basil. Once done, set aside the pasta. heat the pan with olive oil, and saute garlic (I prefer lotsa), toss in tomatoes, and after a few seconds of sauteeing, the drained tuna. toss the basil as well and Mix for a while.the Basil and Garlic would balance out the Tuna’s “fishy” aroma. Toss the Pasta and mix it. Add Olive Oil and Basil if Desired. Adjust flavor with Salt and pepper. 

Always serve hot. Chow!

Indulging in Food: Backpacking style

I think most people are food lovers. Whether it is your usual choc-nut or Tiramisu. The Sinigang favorite to Rosemary Lambchops. Whatever. FOOD: WE ALWAYS LOVE EATING. 

Backpacking and going camping especially makes eating really something to look forward to, and thus making it extra challenging as well. After my first Batulao camping, practically after seeing Berto took stage with his Bicol Express con Tuna, an idea was born in me: why not look for recipes I could convert or improvised backpacking style. Of course we love the usual adobo we take on hiking - it doesnt spoil easily due to its vinegar based ingredient. We all love this, we are pinoys after all. And the hot Sinigang is just right to heat our souls on top of a cold terrain. But I say, well, why not make a twist, it doesnt mean we always have to eat the usuals.

 
This recipe I once made for my father’s birthday, I tweaked it a bit good for backpacking, and did the improvised version the last time I went to Mt. Batulao with my MTalk climbmates. Comprising of mostly boys (Oh yeah I said Boys!) I am not sure though if it was still a compliment when all they would say and then later on sung “Masarap ang Sabaw”, but I do hope those who were with me did enjoy this sweet and sour dish. hehe!

SAGE & THYME PORK LOINS WITH FUJI APPLES & MUSHROOM

Ingredients:

Sage, Thyme (this recipe originally just used fresh Sage. If without, you could use the McCormick ground ones found in most supermarket. I also just added thyme to my mixture)

Pork Loins

Fuji Apple

Dried Mushroom

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Juice

Ground Pepper, Salt, Garlic

Butter(optional)

Olive Oil

At Home:

Cut the Pork loins in medallion-like pieces and rub the meat with sage, thyme, pepper and salt. After a while, it would be best if the pieces be marinated for a while in the herb mixture and then in Apple Juice and a bit of the ACV. 

Heat pan and pour olive oil to cook pork loins till glden brown. Store in a container.

At Camp:

While waiting for an available Cookpan to be available (I still dont have my own! that time), Soak the dried mushrooms on a bowl, better if you could mix apple juice so it would absorb the flavor. Option to peel the apple if you have time (that time I dont, so I just made sure I washed it vigorously)and make sure you de-core it. Slice it into thin chips-like pieces and then soak them in apple juice and apple cider vinegar. Once the mushroom had absorbed the water and became tender enuf to be cut, slice them into strips. 

Saute garlic in butter (or olive oil). Place the cooked porkloins to heat, the mushrooms, and then the apple mixture in it. (I got a wave of ‘Whoaa!!” from the guys when I placed the apples in the pan - I think they have never seen fuji apples as part of dish before! haha!) Heat until the apples are tender. Adjust to taste with pepper and salt. Bring in a bit of sage and thyme just to be sure if you think it still needs some. If the vinegar flavor comes too strong, pour in apple juice and if not enough, a bit of sugar should do the trick. 

Serve it straight from pan. Chow!

POST SEMBRANO: Addict

What Makes a Climb really worthwhile aside from communing with Nature which we do not get here in the city?

It’s the people you go with the makes everything easier. Amidst all the fear, aggravation, you meet on the trail, it still ends with the people you’re with, and how exhilirating each moment is. Whether to pay homage to one of the greatest works of nature or to take a shot of the tagay you’re bound to take, eveyrone you’re with, they share the same unbridled passion - the love of nature, love of challenge, and love of life.

~written last May 11 ‘09, the day after Sembrano. Kudos to my team I went with!

Infinite Masking Relics

Why is it, that people continue to mask what really it is that we feel? Continuing to live in such facade.

Friends mentioned how they were amazed to see me recovered, and composed; getting over being an easy feat for me.

I had once thought  it right. How I thought I’m handling things so smoothly. 

Such lies; all way too smooth, too much pampered to such perfection… such lies.

And how I see it right now, every time I am passed by, it is suddenly arrows and stones piercing me. 

How I long to hold you again, yet knowing its all gone.

Those lights, becomes but a memory of long ago. I guess at least I’m glad I met him.  

MT SEMBRANO: Trek on Its Night High (May 9-10 ‘09)

We were warned, threatened by constant rain, and was speculated with the endless debate of whether it is safe or not to pursue Sembrano.

But we are a group of hard-headed people, with a group leader who claims that the force is with him. I have not even known that this is going to be a night trek, all I now is that come Saturday we’ll be having a party in Sembrano amidst the warnings, first, by fellow climb mates. When I learned we’ll be trekking night time, I scampered to secure myself a headlamp, even crossing my eyebrows at NT saying “Why didnt you say so?!” But well we pushed thru.

Our meeting in Crossing was blessed with Manila being under rain. A sign? Not really, but I was just in constant fear, doing a night trek while under rain isnt exactly a cup of tea if I shall do something for a first. I met up with someone and bought my headlamp, again the cat calls cos, I have yet another new plaything. And if it isnt enough, they all kid around about my headlamp being overly exaggerated having 12 led, theirs only with three which they say is enough. Well! I was afraid of slipping so the more light the better - and that as it turns out I mostly provided the light for the whole group while taking out 5 or 10 minutes of rest while on trail! so much for their earlier bickers!

We took off at the Bgy. Malaya hall at exactly 5:45pm, dusk almost biting the ground. We all prepared our headlamps for quick grabs. After the prayer, we took off. With us is Sir Jeric, a local mountaineer from this very town; he was our own pre-caution against the on-going theft advisory. Having sir Jeric with us proved to be really really essential as we only not have someone to be our protective shield against those who would dare make an attempt for theft but he is an exemplary guide whole throughout. After making a courtesy stop over at their house, we proceeded on, and their dog, Black-e, tagged along with us. It wasn’t long when night fell. With our trusted head lamp, we walked along, NT imposing a hushed no talking on trail command when we started bickering. I guess it was during this time as well when the ‘mountain dwellers’ had started to perhaps spy upon us. It wasn’t exactly an ominous feeling, just that you’d feel it was different indeed. So on we throttled and was a good thing rain had not touched Pililia; we didn’t have to struggle against a mud covered trail. Perhaps there’s also the psychological effect of night trek, of not seeing the path ahead but just the trail a meter ahead of you that your light could show. It’s exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time; specially when sir Jeric would give a heads up call ahead of “Sir Ma’m, Bangin sa kanan, Lean tayo sa left.”. With a constant “Tabi tabi po,” or “makikiraan lang po,” or “pahawak po sa puno, salamat.” In front of something you know exists, the permission asking is endless. This would continue on till we nearly reached the campsite.

It was a relief on my part when we reached the Manggahan area, a flat wide resting space filled with Mango trees. My headlamp was nearly falling off and I cant see the trail properly. I removed it earlier from my head placed it somewhere near my shoulder strap because of the onslaught of the night insects, a mistake I learned of not to endure them instead. So after adjusting my lamp again, I eagerly went with the team who wanted to take a fill of water at the falls below. From Manggahan, you could hear the water rampaging. Leaving our bags at the mentioned clearing, we hiked down, careful not stepping on puddles water, my reason primarily was to prevent my shoes from getting wet. Wrong Reason. We reached the water source. Though I wasn’t able to see the very falls, we went directly to where we could fill our water containers. The water way was fixed in such a way where filling is easy: they placed a cut in half bamboo, jutting from the big boulders. But the real marvel is when you look up: two massive boulders are on top of this water source, joined at the middle, looking as if about to fall, from the left and right of the area but supported by the landmass at the sides. Resting on top of these two boulders is yet another bigger boulder where a tree was planted, its gnarled roots encircling this huge top most boulder. With the chill of the night, amidst animal and insect calls only night time brings, and only our lamps as source of light, the place however wondrous, gave me a creepy feeling which could made my skin crawl that time. Even if I wanted to look up longer to survey the place, I couldn’t. After having our fills, we hiked back, until I stepped on a wrong footing, and had my right foot drenched in a water puddle. This I did not mention, thinking it’s just a small thing. A very wrong mistake I would learn later on.

Calling off the break we proceeded on. We have not yet cleared a ten or fifteen minute gap away from manggahan when I stretched up my arm and yelped for a “Take 5! Teka lang! P*cha cramps ako!” I was quickly asked if I slipped my foot on the watery trail. Thus the effect of my foot being dipped in water for even a second. A lesson again, I was told, and of course saying this now to everyone, that it would have been better if I had removed my shoes and soaked my entire feet for a good few seconds instead of continuing on as I had done earlier. The feet, after being enclosed so long is generating heat and if dripped with a bit of water would only cause cramps. And so we waited till my cramps subsided and when it became manageable for me to walk on. It wasn’t long thankfully.

So on we walked, waving off insects, leaning on left when the cliff is on the right, our lamps minding only the less than foot, and most of the time rocky and boulder-y trail. Just as when we started to see the grassy assault, rain suddenly began to pour slowly. But even if it was a light drizzle, the trail is fast becoming slippery that we were practically beginning to crawl, using arms and knees to assault the steep and muddy trail. I was so exhausted yet the only thing that circles my mind is to push and push ahead – we need to set up camp before heavy downpour would occur. We reached the campsite, thankful that the rain didn’t progress but kept a steady slight drizzle. Even more thankful that it stopped in time for our dinner preparation; we were indeed blessed that night

So Dinner and socials. What can I say, that was a record for me! We slept at around 4.30 am. T___T

Becoming the cook!

And then again, we woke up late, as expected. Making it a reason to not make it to the summit. So one day, I shall return. After the numerous customary jump, japan japan group shots, a new one was invented: The Tuwad group shot.

Going down was a breeze. Though now that we could see the trail, I was so surprise to see what we trekked the night before, really really narrow trails, some even was declining towards the very very steep cliff. I was perplexed.

We were told we are not going to tampisaw in the manggahan falls. Disappointed a bit but I was thinking it’s okI wasn’t aware that at the latter part of the trail heading down we took a different path. As it turns out we were making our way towards a secluded and out of the way lagoon, uncommon to most hikers. Having a local amongst us truly is a perk. Hehehe

The mini falls Lagoon thus concludes the trip becoming the side trip. As I’ve said I would want to return to Sembrano even if only to go back to that lagoon, you’d fast fall in love with its tranquility.

No one sleeps.. you’d only became a prey for the camera and numerous japan japan hands close to your face.

SEMBRANO NIGHT TREK CAST:

Sir Jeric

NT

Julie

Macao

Mark

Ninya

Shali

Jin

MT BATULAO: My Mudslide Exposure (April 18-19 ‘09)

And so the journey continues.

Being my  second climb, I am even more excited. I feel slightly more prepared: with my new Conquer 30L TechPack assuring my load this time. Hence the cat calls from my usual group who are fast becoming my friends, even if we’ve only seen each other for the second time. Started to get in line for the bus ride at around 11am, we finally took off at about 1:45pm! It was a very uncom fortable wait as we cant get out of theline so we have to endure the bright noon sun rays.

During the bus ride, we encountered this group of climbers who took the same bus, chanced upon it even if they have to ride it while standing just to reach the destination: Evercrest, Nasugbu. Turns out they too will be trekking Batulao but will do so on a night trek. Our group compromising of 9 people with boys as majority, became those ‘gentlemen’ and offered the coveted seats to the other group who majority are girls. They finally experience the bus seats in Sto Tomas, Batangas, where few people got off.  This bus ride, would prove to be a turning point. This group of people, would in the future, will become not just acquiantances but further more, climb mates.

But apparently, the heat of the Metro didnt quite prepared us for what we are about to encounter.

As we neared Tagaytay, I woke up in the bus and the magnitude of the rain  took me by surprise. I have not bargained for this, yet everything is becoming exciting. The rain didnt stop but just ceased to a tolerable downpour. Having no choice since we didnt opted for a night trek, we started the ascent, though trying hard as possible to secure my things, I was still  very worried that my load would get the beating of the rain. And so started the muddy assault.

Even before we reached what I’ve dubbed “the grassy lands” we were dripping wet and our feet were all covered with mud. Batulao have been known to be a scorching place to trek, but under this kind of weather, we were battered as well. Though we’ve only trekked the new trail, it still is an experience to beckon with. Walking amids flattened ridges, having both sides of the trail as cliffs.

When we reached the campsite, it was pitchin dark already.. I’m practically almost blind as I dont have my own head lamp yet. Fearing rains would struck again, I was advised not to pitch my own tent and shared C2’s instead which is more reliable. So much for the extra load on my back. Socials as usual is a blast. Our in-house Gournet cook, Berto, prepared a delectable Bicol express con tuna dish which spiced up everyone’s meal. Thus, becoming my inspiration on coming up with my own improvised recipes for next climbs. (There was talk that night about having Pundawuit-Anawangin to be next on the list, and me promising I shall prepare something of my own cooking, but the constant weather didnt permit this). 

This Batulao experience opened me up to different aspects when it comes to climbing, whhich also reaches out to the people you enjoyed it with.

Waking up so late didnt give us the opportunity to summit. It disappointed me but then it became a promise that I shall one day return there. 

Taking the customary group shots before we break camp, we just indulged ourselves to the view of Batulao’s majestic and scenic peaks. It would be too hot if we dare to summit so we decided to descent instead. Going down, the mountain presented its reputation of being the hot trek. Well, everything is still fine.

Our sidetrip, as I have learned is common when climbing, is going to the nearby (a 30-minute jeepney ride without traffic mind you!) nasugbu beach strip This is where we changed our sweat-soaked clothes and dipped to the actually above normal rampaging tides of the sea (having experienced rains the day before). It was refreshing and salty, as only the sea could give.

Oh and that also concludes my sea escapade for this summer. Pointing out that this is the first ever summer, that I have not experienced and soaked myself properly on the hot shores of an ocean. Sad, but well, the consequences of my new found love.

BATULAO ONE CAST:

NT

C2

Berto

Julie

Mark

Macao

Janis

Ross

Gina

Shain

Manabu: The Experience of the First Timer Wannabe (March 14-15 ‘09)

A balik-bayan officemate asks me, what do you think what’s nice to do on a weekend? Thinking someone like him wont exactly be enthralled with shopping I rattled my brains to give a suggestion. So I answered, “Do you do mountain climbing?” He shook his head and I said “Neither do I, but if you want to try, I might know the right person to ask.” And so the concept of a long ago interest buried deep within started to rekindled. I contacted a college friend and turns out a a week from then, a climb will commence, though she herself cannot join the climb. I begged for her to come, thinking of my inane insecurity of meeting strange people, but to no avail. I really didnt mind the days approaching as the weekend neared. But I was told that there was shortage of tent, and if i could provide for myself it will be better. And so I scampered to get myself one, the cheapest I could find. It was at that moment, when I held my first tent that I really did feel, excited after all. 

Saturday came. My bag is a disater. Looking at their packs and then back to mine, I wondered, should I really be doing this? Dont get me wrong I love that purply adidas sports back pack, but it aint no pack. And then to top it up, no one seems to know everyoneexcept for the group at the side, we were like bunched into 5 groups. Though some would occassionally acknowledge each other, the comparison i saw is that me and my officemate, Felix, we really didnt know anyone. Anyway, even if I felt so out of place,even if I cringed in embarrassment with my things, obviously being a newbie, I breathed and said “let’s rock.”

Destination is Sto. Tomas, Batangas, but we have to go thru Lipa City.  Commute isnt so bad.We got off and had breakfast at the Fiesta Mall. I still am not talking to no one. Until someone went outside and had a cigg, I went outside, half thankful that someone smokes, half thankful I’ve found a way to socialize. Her name’s Angel. Younger than me but been a climber since. She didnt exactly became a friend or something but Im happy that for the first time, I got to talk to someone, except for the occassional answer to the question “Are you guys ok?” asked by NT, the organizer.

 The Jump Off. We stretched a bit, applied the Off Lotion,  and being the pasaway that I am managed to lit a stick. tsk tsk. I know.  So the ascent commenced. I couldnt basically remember every happeningof each step but just that by past 4 pm, we reached the campsite and was really really really happy that my feet could finally rest. As it turned out we had a very long trek because of the continuous stops we did, the length of each isnt exactly the usual, hence the less than 2-hr climb became a lot longer. We’re a group of 15 and 3 of us the first timers. It was a nice, grueling, tiring, stretching your limits first assault. And it felt good.

Dinner and Socials were even better, I never imagined it would be like that. it is something people took for granted yet when you’re up there, it’s totally different. We conquered the summit the following morning. There was a cross built on top of the mountain. It’s just sad how irresponsible other climbers are; writing their names as if it would leave a momentous event for the world to see. 

The view was simply spectacular, though not offering a 360 degree view, it’s still breath-taking. I felt I could spend an entire day just looking at the view.

Going down we took a different route. Though it’s much longer, i loved the surroundings, we even sighted an eagle flying while we took a rest on a grassy knoll, invigorated by the fresh breeze.

There wasnt much to tell anymore but just that it was an exhilirating experience. And thus started within me a passion.

OH yeah, I forgot! Being a balikbayan, Felix turns out to have never tried Fishball, Kikiam, nor Squidballs or Kwek Kwek. Hungry as bears, the guys (they included me to their count actually, those brats!), feasted on Manong’s goods. Haha, no This isnt on top of the mountain, but at the base.

THE MANABU CAST:

Director:

NT

Cast:

C2

Macao

Mark

Julie 

Felix

Janis

Ross

Karen

Kim

Mitch

Roni

Paolo

Angel

James

Happy Mid-Year!!

It has been such a long time since I last bothered writing.. well here technically as I have sporadically yet again written in bunches of papers elsewhere.

And again, promising myself  to write them here. Which always never happens.

Anyway. It’s mid year.  So strange! From that last entry from June, a lot has happened. And Im thinking it’s all for the better. I reconciled with an old flame interest: mountain hiking. I started just last March. Since then I’ve been up to four and Im still counting. Why start now? the opportunity presented itself.. an officemate asked around what activities he could do outside office, besides partying that is. Knowing nothing to answer, I asked, “do you do mountain climbing?”, though both having no experience still voila, we ended up with strange people I know no one of. Strangely, everything turned out fine.. and then me ending up becoming addicted, my officemate never continued. Weird eh? hahaha. I will re-count that Manabu Peak experience in my next entry. I vowed to myself that I will chronicle each and every climb I did. Though now, I owe my pages at least four climbs, I doubt that it will stay to that number. After all, Cinco Picos is next in my list, and after that a promise of  Cristobal and a Night trek Pico de Loro.

Yeah, indeed a lot has happened. Not again the same girl I was from before.