Mount Pulag: The cold never bothered me anyway. Really?

by: Robin Rodrigo

I woke up in the middle of the night shivering. I can hear voices talking, laughing out the cold. I tried to sit up and saw my friends also half-awake because of the cold. I never expected the temperature to be this cold. I wish I had brought my windbreaker jacket. I tied up my shoes, lit my headlamp, and tried to go outside my tent to fight the cold. And the rest was just amazing…

                My friends and I were already waiting at the bus terminal for our 10:00PM departure to Baguio City. I can hear the other members of our group talking about the trip and by the tone of their voices; I can say that everyone was excited, including me. By the time we rode the bus, everyone tried to go to sleep since this was a 6-hour drive. I really wasn’t able to go to sleep because I have many things in my mind during that time. But then again, zzzzz… J By the time we reached Baguio City, we transferred to another mini-bus and we were told that this will be a 4-hour drive.

PREPARING OUR THINGS BEFORE HIKING             

THE TRAIL HEADING TO SADDLE CAMP

After the longest 4 hours of my life, we reached the jump off. We prepared our things, arranged our guides, had our last pep talk and then started the hike. Our organizer told us that this will be a walk-in-the-park hike so I and my friend took the lead together with the guide. At the start of the hike, I was already amazed by the magnificent views; the green pastures, the high-altitude mountains nearby, and the very clear blue skies. When we arrived at Camp 1, we had our quick lunch, took some pictures, and waited for the others. Heading to Camp 2, we passed by the mossy forest; it was an evergreen surrounding, made up of unique formation of trees that I really don’t know. (HAHAHA!!) Before we head to the last Camp, we took a quick rest at Camp 2 and saw other mountaineers preparing their tents and foods since they camped the night there. Walking the trail headed to the last camp, it was just awesome. My friend and I were out of words to say seeing the most beautiful creations of God; it feels like we were in another planet, it was just majestic. Arriving at the campsite, I pitched my tent and fell asleep afterwards.

                I woke up in the middle of the night shivering. I can hear voices talking, laughing out the cold. I tried to sit up and saw my friends also half-awake because of the cold. I never expected the temperature to be this cold. I wish I had brought my windbreaker jacket. I tied up my shoes, lit my headlamp, and tried to go outside my tent to fight the cold. And the rest was just amazing…

AT THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT PULAG

                I thought I was in a different world; the sky was full of stars, the wind was very cold that I felt its soft breeze in my cheek. Few minutes after going out, I was able to fight the cold so I called my friends to come out to get used with the temperature. Then, we prepared soup for everyone who’s awake to battle out the cold. By 5:15AM we climbed up the summit to witness the most awaited sunrise and the very famous sea of clouds. After a 15-minute ascend, we reached the summit and saw groups of people already taking pictures. Some of my friends were disappointed because there was no sea of clouds that day. For me, the sunrise was already enough. It was a reminder that it’s a new day; a new day to witness God’s plans in our life; a new day to pursue His destinies in our life; and a new day to appreciate all the things He had done in our life. (Psalm 113:3(NIV) From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.) After the very long picture-taking at the summit, we went back to the campsite and prepared breakfast. Everyone was talking about their experiences during the night; on how they were unable to sleep and eat; on how 4 guys fit into a 2-person tent; on how they regret coming at first; on how they wanted to stay all night inside their tents; but amidst all of those things, everybody went back to Manila with a smile on their faces and with new memories to cherish.

PHOTOBOMB =))

** Credits to Joel Jeff Agbuya for the photos

**Special thanks to Mr. Ace Modar of Travel Tipid for organizing the event.

PRAYING ABOUT EVERY LITTLE THING

by Michele Pamatmat

---Sossy girl goes hiking. ;)

Michele keeping her poise at the start of the trek. Will she maintain it until the end?

Hiking Tips

So before, I give out my tips. Let me define the audience I want to attract.:)

These are for the ladies:

1. Who defines adventure in finding the perfct outfit in Forever 21 Buy 1 take 1 sales

2. The closest you've been to nature..nah let's not kid ourselves we haven't. Haha

Alright, last February 1,2014 my friends by some weird chance covinced me to go on a hike, we went to

Mt.Romelo in Sinoloan,Laguna.:) It was only a level 2 so I decided to give it a try.

Here are some few useful tips that will help you.

1.Prepare for it Physically

I know we don't get to jog as often we should but, trust me you have to. I did Zumba but, it was not enough.

Exercise is a great help! Believe me. Oh, and get all the healthy sleep you can have.

2.Be NICE

Everyone should. But, since it's going to be your first time; There's an emphasis on you.

Because, you're going to cause delay, you're going to be hating on mud and animal poop and did I mention delay? (haha) Bringing food is a major plus! Be nice to your hiking buddies and the locals. I'm sure girls like us can charm our way into this.;)

3. EAT

Don't be a hero! The last thing your friends need is a lifeless body, too much Adrenaline can make you think that you're not hungry nor thirsty. When you feel dizzy grab some water and an energy bar on my case my friends has jellyace which is actually good.

Michele having her "buko" break with the gang. Like what she had said, don't be a hero.

4. Don't give UP!

You are climbing a mountain. Don't go "I did not expect this, that, this." You are already up there might as well finish what you started! It's not everyday you get a close encounter with Mother Nature HAHA! it's going to be rewarding.;)

5. Know Who You are Climbing With

Thank you Pinoy Young Mountaineer for having to put up with me. :) I know most of them and they know my limitations. It also helped that I get to climb with my friends because they are the one's who will stand by you while you take a rest.

"Be nice to your hiking buddies and the locals" -Mich

6.Body Pain

"No pain, no gain" LOL. After 4-5 days it will subside and you will be proud of yourself.

Last but not the least,

7.PRAY

 Be specific with your prayers! I prayed about every little thing (haha). I'm an asthmatic and throughout the climb I never got to use any of my inhalers. :) I didn't slip as much as I expected and no one from our group got damaged for life. :)) James 5:16 ...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

So will I reccomend it?

YES. It is not the activity for me but, everyone should do something off-character sometimes. You won't get to climb when you're older.:))

For some reason my friends didn't get to tell me this but: BRING EXTRA SOCKS. There you go. Haha:)) Pinoy Young Mountaineer is not only for the professional climbers but also, for those who just want to try for the sake of trying. Just don't be hard headed you'll get along well with each of them!  

 Michele maintaining the poise after a long, tiring and muddy walk through the forest.

10 MUST CLIMB Mountains in the Philippines

10 MUST CLIMB Mountains in the Philippines

This is the List of MUST CLIMB Philippine mountains. The Philippines
is abundant with mountains and peaks both challenging and enjoying for
every outdoor enthusiast.  This is NOT the LIST OF THE TOUGH MOUNTAINS
to CLIMB. The ten mountains listed came from the three major islands of
the country.

Philippine Mountains and Peaks in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are
the reasons to say that "Climbing is more fun in the Philippines."

1. Mt. Apo
Mount Apo is a solfataric, potentially- active volcano located in the
south central part of Mindanao.  It is the highest point in the country
and has an elevation of 9,692 feet (2,954 meters above sea level). Apo,
which means "ancestor" and to lots of mountaineer this mountain is the
grandfather of all the mountains within the country. This is a
flat-topped mountain with three peaks and is capped by a 500-meter-wide
(1,600 ft) volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. The date of
its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historical
times. The amazing Mt. Apo is located in between of Region XI and Region
XII. This mountain is also a National Park, established in 1936, has an
area of 199,819 acres (80,864 hectares) covering some part of three
cities of Davao, Kidapawan and Digos. This mountain is also the natural
habitat of the known Philippine monkey-eating eagle, Pag-asa. Some of
the highlights of the mountain is Agco lake, Agco river, Lake Venado -
the highest lake in the country, Sibulan River (the home of water
tubing), Tud-aya falls. This is also the place of the local version of
Kota Kinabalu's annual climbathon, the Sta. Cruz'sBoulder Face Challenge


For the tribe people within the Natural Park, there are deities residing
near the summit. This sacred mountain is one of the mountains within the
country suffering environmental stress due to too much human traffic.
The first recorded climb was on October 10, 1880, by a party led by
Joaquin Rajal, then Spanish governor of Davao.

2. Mt. Mayon
Mount Mayon, is an active composite volcano (conical volcano built up by
many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash)
in the province of Albay. Mayon gained the recognition as the "perfect
cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape. The mountain is a
national park and a protected landscape in the country proclaimed as
Mayon Volcano Natural Park in the year 2000. Mayon is the main landmark
of my home province of Albay, rising 8,077 ft (2,462 meters above seal
level) from the shores of the Albay Gulf about 10 kilometres away. The
volcano is geographically shared by three cities of Legazpi, Ligao and
Tabaco and five municipalities of Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan,
Malilipot, and Santo Domingo which divide the cone like slices of a pie
when viewed from above. Mt. Mayon gained popularity both from a Filipino
and also with foreigners for being the most active volcano in the
Philippines. Mayon had erupted 47 times in the past 400 years and the
last recorded major eruption was in 1993 and the last recorded major
activity was in December 2009.

3. Mt. Halcon
This mountain consider as the highest peak within MIMIAROPA with
elevation of  8,484 ft (2,586 meters above sea level).  This mountain is
the natural boundary of the two provinces of Oriental and Occidental
Mindoro. For the vintage mountaineers consider this one as one of the
toughest mountains on their list. The mountain has its own unique
climate. It rains on its slopes nearly every day, and rains are
especially strong during the wet months. Heavy rains can cause dangerous
flash floods like what happened recently.

The highlight of this mountain is to experience overlooking the entire
Mindoro Island and the surrounding area while on the mountain peak. This
mountain destination is also abundant in water and river crossing is the
common experience here. For some mountaineers they identified four kinds
of forests within this mountain destination- the rain forest, mossy
forest, bonsai forest and the highland forest. The mountain is home of
wide variety of flora and fauna. This mountain was closed due to 5-year
climbing ban. We have a post Halcon Under Harrasment that deals with the issue of the said moratorium. The slope of the mountain
is the haven of eight ethnic groups who maintains their traditional
culture and way of life, collectively and they are known as the Mangyans.

4.Mt. Mantalingajan
Mount Mantalingajan (or Mantalingahan or Mantaling) is located 140 km
southeast of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. This is the
highest peak of the Palawan province with elevation of 6,841 ft. (2,085
Meters above sea level). Its mountain range encompasses five
municipalities of Quezon and Rizal. On the Western side are the
Municipalities Sofronio Española, Brooke’s Point and Bataraza on the
Eastern side. Landscape is bounded by Victoria Peak in the north and Mt.
Bulanjao in the south. The local name of the mountain is Kabatangan.
This is the haven of some Palawan tribes, Kunoy, Palau'an, Tawt' bato,
Tawt' daram groups. The rugged mountain forms the center of the Mt.
Mantalingajan Protected Landscape (MMPL), a national park covering the
entire Mantalingahan Mountain Range. MMPL is now as protected area by
the virtue of Proclamation No. 1815 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
proclaimed last June 23, 2009. The protected area covers an area of
120,457 hectares.

The unique natural features and biological importance of Mantalingahan
range offers challenge for every mountaineer to consider this as another
mountain destination. Continuing discoveries of new species of plants
and animals are the highlights of this mountain destination like some pitcher plant
species, Nepenthes mantalingajanensis, described in 2007, which named
after the mountain itself. The mountain is said to be one of the most
treated mountain in the country due to illegal logging, kaingin and
mining pressures.

5. Mt. Hamiguitan
Mount Hamiguitan spans two municipalities and one city, namely, the
municipalities of San Isidro and Governor Generoso, and the City of Mati
in the Province of Davao Oriental. The elevation of this mountain is 5,
314.96 ft  (1,620 meters above sea level).

The Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared last July
2004 under the Republic Act 9303 as a protected area under the category
of wildlife sanctuary with an estimated area of 2,000 hectares. This is
the only protected forest noted for its unique bonsai field or 'pygmy'
forest of 100-year old trees in an ultramafic soil. Scientists has been
found to have five (5) vegetation types and these are the
agro-ecosystem, dipterocarp, montane and typical mossy and the
mossy-pygmy forest.

The mountain range covers 6,834-hectare of total surface area of several
forest-type characteristics harbouring endemic, threatened, rare and
economically important species of flora and fauna. Among the wildlife
found in the area are Philippine eagles and several species of
Nepenthes. Some of the latter, such as the Nepenthes peltata, are
endemic to the area.

In 2009, the provincial officials of Davao Oriental submitted the park
for listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Mt. Guiting-guiting
Mount Guiting-Guiting is a mountain located in the heart of Sibuyan
Island, one of the seven islands of Romblon Province in the Philippines.
The word Guiting-Guiting in local dialect means "saw-toothed mountain".

This mountain is the highest peak in Romblon at 6,752 ft. (2,058 meters
above sea level). This mountain is still acknowledged as one of the most
difficult and technical mountain to climb in the country because of
series of nearly vertical, jagged rocks peaks that shred the clouds. One
of the consideration for gaining the respect for being one of the
difficult mountains to climb is the 87 degree slopes and several highly
deceiving summits.

According to the history, May 1982, under the leadership of Arturo T.
Valdez and a joint team from the Bacolod-based Philippine Mountaineering
Society (PMS) and the University of the Philippines Mountaineers (UPM)
team recorded the first assault to the mountain. As recognition for the
endeavour of the PMS-UP some of the members some spots within the
mountain named after them. The "Mayo's Peak" was named after one of the
team members, Mayo Monteza, who celebrated his birthday during the
climb. Also one of the local volunteer members name Bulod received the
honour to name after him one of the spring known today as the "Bulod
spring." It was recorded that in first week of June 1982 when four
mountaineers became the first to stand at the summit. Mon Ruiz, Kim
Valino, Bubot Tan Torre (the UP Mountaineers) and Edwin Gatia of the PMS
team gained the respect of being the pioneers of this jagged mountain.

Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park was proclaimed as a protected area
under Presidential Proclamation No. 746 in February 20, 1996 signed by
President Fidel V. Ramos.

7. Mt. Kitanglad
Mt. Kitanglad is the home of the country’s oldest cultural communities–
the Bukidnons, Higaonons, and Talaandigs. The name "Kitanglad" was
derived from a legend that there was once a great flood that submerged
the native lands of Bukidnon and only the tip of the mountain, the size
of a "tanglad" (lemon grass), remained visible ("kita" in Visayan). It
said to be the fourth highest mountain in the country with the elevation
of 9,511 ft. (2,899 meters above sea level). The mountain range of
Kitanglad encompasses Malaybalay City and the municipalities of
Lantapan, Impasug-ong, Sumilao, and Libona.

The forest of Kitanglad characterized by the presence of mosses,
lichens, and epiphyte species. The Mossy forest of this mountain is
known which covers trees and forest floor. Some of the treasures of Mt.
Kitanglad are the nineteen species of ferns and one fern ally species
were observed on the mountain along with 50 species of pteridophytes and
60 species of angiosperms.

Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park was declared a protected area through
Republic Act 8978, known as the Mt. Kitanglad Range Protected Area Act
of 2000. It is also acknowledged not only as one of the country’s Key
Biodiversity Areas (KBA) but also an Important Bird Area (IBA) as it is
a known nesting place of the majestic and threatened Philippine Eagle
(Pithecophaga jefferyi).

The MKRNP has about a dozen peaks, with the main ones being Mt. Imbayao,
Mt. Kaatoan, Mt. Nangkabulos, Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad. Five
of its highest peaks (Mts. Kitanglad, Lumuluyaw, Maagnaw, Tuminungan,
and Dulang-Dulang) have an average elevation of 2,718.2 meters.

The park also serves as a natural habitat for several endemic mammals
such as the endangered golden crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) and
Mindanao moon rat (Podogymnura truei); the vulnerable Philippine brown
deer (Cervus mariannus), Philippine tailless roundleaf bat (Coelops
hirsutus), Philippine flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans), Philippine
pygmy fruit bat (Haplonycteris fischeri), Philippine warty pig (Sus
philippinensis) and Mindanao tree shrew (Urogale everetti); and the
conservation-dependent Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta).

The 47,270-hectare Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) in Bukidnon
was declared as an ASEAN Heritage Park in October 2009, recognizing its
status as one of the last sanctuaries of the country’s natural heritage,
providing an educational and inspirational site of high conservation
importance.

8. Mt. Dulang-dulang
Mount Dulang-dulang, known for the mountaineering community as "D2."
Considered as the chief among the high elevation peaks in the Kitanglad
Mountain Range. D2 is located in the nortsituated in Lantapan, Bukidnon,
Philippines. With the elevation of 9,639 ft (2,938 metres above sea
level) and recognized as the second highest mountain of the Philippines.

The glorious D2 is sacred to the local residents from various people
tribes within the mountain. Some of the documented sightings of animals
include bats, squirrels, monkeys, Philippine eagle, flying lemurs, and
wild boars. Dulang-Dulang is rich in pine trees and grassland, making it
one of the most magnificent forests in the country.

9. Mt. Pulag
Mount Pulag (or Mount Pulog) is the third highest mountain in the
Philippines. It is Luzon’s highest peak at 9,587 ft (2,922 meters above
sea level). The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and
Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.

This heavenly mountain is the natural habitat of the endemic dwarf
bamboo, (Yushania niitakayamensis) and the Benguet pine (Pinus
insularis) which dominates the areas of Luzon tropical pine forests
found on the mountainside. Philippine Deer, Giant Bushy-Tailed Cloud
Rat, Long-Haired Fruit Bat and 33 bird species are some of the
endangered species of the mountain.

On February 20, 1987, a large part of the mountain was designated as a
National Park with Proclamation No. 75. This act aims to preserve the
environment around the mountain due to threats from increased
development such as conversion to agricultural lands, timber production,
hunting, and increased tourism.

As the highest mountain in Luzon, Mount Pulag attracts a lot of mountain
climbers. The highlights of the climb include the montane forests and
the grassland summit with its "sea of clouds" phenomenon. The mountain
is under the management of the Mount Pulag National Park and DENR.

The indigenous people of Benguet like Ibalois, Kalanguya, Kankana-eys,
Karao, Ifugaos consider the mountain to be a sacred place.

10. Mt. Kanlaon
Mt. Kanlaon, (Kanla-on or Canlaon), is an active volcano on Negros
island. This  stratovolcano covers the two provinces of Negros
Occidental and Oriental. Mt. Kanlaon was originally established as
Natural Park in August 8, 1934. Considered as the highest mountain in
the central Philippines with the elevation of 7,989 ft (2,435 meters
above sea level)

The volcano has three hot springs on its slopes: Mambucal Hot Springs on
the northwest, Bucalan Hot Spring, Bungol Hot Spring. Its adjacent
volcanic edifices are Mt. Silay and Mt. Mandalagan, north of Kanlaon.
Canlaon City has jurisdiction on the Negros Oriental side of the
mountain. The central part of the mountain is rich in wildlife including
bleeding-heart pigeon, Philippine spotted deer and also of several
species of orchids.

It is one of the active volcanoes in central Philippines. As an
implication of being active volcano, in the 8 days from 23 August to 1
September, 2009 there were 257 volcanic earthquakes records, the usual
seismic activity during quiet periods is 0 to 4 quakes in any 24 hour
period. As of this year this mountain destination was temporarily closed
to mountaineers due to some cracks due to earthquake that damaged some
part of Negros Island.

Note: This article is came from http://www.thephilippinemountaineering.com

FACING YOUR GIANTS, CONQUERING YOUR FEARS

FACING YOUR GIANTS, CONQUERING YOUR FEARS
by Jannah Malonzo

---A young mountaineer’s testimony of firsts. A journey to Mount Batulao and Mount Pico de Loro.


Jannah, with a big smile, shares her joy along the trail of Mount Batulao.

At dahil may fear ako sa heights, struggle talaga ako sa pagakyat. Lalo na sa mt. Batulao na sobrang steep ng trail, one wrong move and poof! Haha. Kaliwa't kanan ung bangin, 80-90 degrees uphill, at napakalakas ng hangin. It was really challenging. sabi nga ni Kuya Patrick, 80% Prayer & 20% Hiking.

But God promised, He will make my feet like the feet of the deer, able to stand on great heights. Yun lang talaga pinanghawakan ko all throughout the climb. I was singing worship songs to dissolve my fear and anxiety.

At eto, I SURVIVED! I CONQUERED MT. BATULAO!!  This is my testimony of God's awesomeness, goodness, faithfulness, provision and protection. Though for man, things may seem impossible, but for God, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

One thing I realized during the climb, though ang buhay natin puro bangin at bato, napakachallenging, napakahirap, nakakapagod, magfocus ka lang sa goal mo to reach the top (perseverance), and hold on ka lang kay God na alam mong hinding hindi ka papabayaan kahit ano pang mangyari. Victory is there waiting for you!

Truly, GOD IS WITH US AS WE FACE EACH AND EVERY TRIAL THAT COMES OUR WAY. You just have to KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. ♥

(After a few months) Almost 64 hours na gising, from duty to hiking to duty again, to church and then coaching. ang awesome lang ni Lord magsustain. Di bale nang walang tulog, kesa walang gising, diba? HAHAHA. 

Anyway, this is my testimony of Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I was able to conquer the heights of Pico de Loro! Kahit sobrang naiiyak na ko sa kaba at takot, halos every 10 seconds, napapatawag ako kay Lord, nung paakyat na kami sa peak. Nakakatuwa lang, kasi in every hike, andaming tnturo sakin ni God. PERSEVERANCE. TRUST. VALUE OF TEAMWORK. GRATITUDE. FAITH. ♥ God can really teach you lessons in ways you can never imagine.

At kahit pa naligaw kaming apat (jerome, cath, ruel at ako), nagawa pa naming mag harlem shake at mag conyo conversations habang hinahanap ung tamang daan. JOY IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS ika nga.

Truly, each opportunity to climb is a great blessing from God, and for that I am forever grateful.

"Blessed is the man who PERSEVERES under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
~ James 1:12


 Jannah on her Mount Pico de Loro hike. Of course, with her very big smile.

By: Robin Rodrigo