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.