Mt. Pulag, Benguet

my adBENtiyur
November 2008

me
Mitch
Sabit Mountaineers


It was really a trip to remember, Imagine carrying to bags, cold weather, low stamina, basically unfit to this climb, but still manages to conquer Pulag. 


Sad thing is, halfway to the summit I decided to turn around because our guide is telling us that there is a strong possibility that we might not see a beautiful sunrise above the clouds because of the weather.  Good thing is, it was so cold that I feel my face freezing due to the raindrops. that we decided to follow the advice of our guide and just return to the campsite.


I don't really get cold that easily, I can stay outside the tent when I'm taytay falls, while it was raining during night time, But this is pretty much what separates me from thinking I'm a snowman.    

About the place

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

Because of its high elevation, the climate on Mount Pulag is temperate with rains predominating the whole year. Rainfall on the mountain averages 4,489 mm yearly with August being the wettest month with an average rainfall of 1,135 mm. Snow has not fallen on its top in at least the past 100 years.

There is also a lot of trail to go here, but the most popular is ambangeg trail and the akiki trail, ambangeg is more easier than the akiki.

How to go here

From Baguio you can chartered a jeep going to ambangeg, then you'll proceed to the visitors area for some orientation of the place and the peoples culture. from there you'll then proceed to the ranger station where you can eat your lunch before proceeding to camp 1 and 2.

Tips

Bring clothes that can keep you warm, it really freezes over here. Gloves, Bonnets and a extra pair of socks is a must. 

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paMITCHyur

clouds flowing like water

at the registration area 

at the campsite of mt. pulag

the trail to the campsite

sunset

Mt. Manabu, Sto Tomas, Batangas

My AdBENtiyur

January 2008

Me

Mitch

Marie

Nic

Harry and Honey

Our trip to this place was blasted by rains from the start, from Buendia to Sto, Tomas from the jump-off point to the campsite, the rain stop for two hours in the afternoon just enough time for us to prepare dinner. Good thing that it occurred to us to eat early.

It began raining again but this time it was really hard, and it was raining from different directions, from 6 pm to 2 am, It was cold our clothes were wet and to make the things worst it was as cold as ice. Plus there was no clearing to make nightscape photos.

In the morning the weather was better but still due to the clouds, there is still no clearing for a good photo shoot.  

I also left tungkod here my companion in every hike.

About the place

Manabu is located at Batangas, It is one of the minor climbs here in the Calabarzon area.  You can see Mt. Maculot from here if the skies are clear. The campsite is not suitable for many campers, especially when it rains.

There are also some stores just a few meters away from the jump off point and they would pretty much offer you free coffee.   

How to go here

Mt. Manabu is located in Sulok, Brgy Sta Cruz, Sto Tomas Batangas, the easiest way is catch a bus going to Lucena or San Pablo. Get down in Brgy San Pedro in Sto Tomas Batangas. From there catch a tryke going to Sulok, brgy Sta Cruz, Sto Tomas Batangas.

Tips

Manabu is near the Lipa so if you are not commuting going there it is advisable to ply the Lipa route. At the jump off point there is a secured parking area that will only charge you 100 pesos for overnight accomodation of your vehicle. This is also where you can take a refreshing bath for 10 pesos after the trek. The trek is not that hard just make sure to go there during summer, for the trail tends to go slippery when it rains.

Plus there is no water source at the campsite but 30 - 40 mins away from the campsite there is a hut that can offer you water and coffee. There is also buko for sale at 10 pesos. It is safe and the people are very friendly and its a very nice place.

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Mt. Famy (Romelo), Siniloan, Laguna

My AdBENtiyur

2005

Me

Mitch

Mar

Marie

Edward

Butch

I’ve been to this place twice, the first was a blast, we where blasted by rain throughout the night, It was so hard for me because I was carrying a super-kalan inside my bag. Thankfully we managed to find a horse man, halfway to our journey. Well for a small amount of money versus the hardship of carrying the super-kalan, I would gladly pay that man again.

The second trip, I was more prepared. But still asked for the assistance of a horseman, I was thinking why pro-long the agony if I’m just going to give up in the end anyway.  Damn that super kalan.

About the place

Mt. Famy also known as Mt. Romelo is located at Siniloan Laguna, It is famous for its waterfalls mainly the Buruwisan falls, it is said that Mt. Famy have 5 waterfalls but I have only been to two of those five. It is also suitable for swimming due to its vast water basins.

It also has a potable water source not far from the campsite not to mention sari-sari stores everywhere. If you want you can also rent a horse, not for riding mainly for carrying your stuffs.

In the summer the water flowing beside the campsite decreases and In the rainy season it tends to get very slippery and the term that you will kiss the earth is true (based on experience) but you can put it to fun by counting the person who has the most slip ups.

How to go here

2 routes are available going to Mt. Famy, you can either go to the Tanay route where you will pass the scenic town of Rizal and Laguna de bay, or you can ride a bus going to Sta Cruz Laguna and from there you can take a jeepney going to Siniloan, where it will pass towns like Paete and Pagsanjan. It will both end up at the terminal of Siniloan and from there you will take a tricycle going to Mt. Famy. It will be a few meters walk from the highway to the jump-off point where you have to register.

Tips

You can either hire a horse to carry your stuffs or carry it yourself. It is advisable to go during the summer for its gets very slippery during the rain.(come to think of it we always go there during the rainy season). Well Rain means water, and it means more water to play around. There are a lot of Sari-Sari Stores at the campsite. There is also a potable drinking water just a few meters away from the campsite.

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paMITCHyur

Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales

my adBENtiyur
Jan 2008

Me
Mitch
and Sabit Mountaineers








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paMITCHyur

Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu Batangas

my adBENityur
February 2008

Me
Mitch
Jay
and Group


Its the most tiring trip that I ever done. Maybe because the trek would cost you 2 to 3 hours and maybe longer to some or because this is the first time that I've done a day trek that cost me more hours going there than staying there.

The day started with a 4 am call time at edsa rotonda chowking at Pasay. The bus bound to Balayan Batangas took off at exactly 430 am. It took us 1 and a half hour to arrived at Evercrest. A tryke ride away from the jump off point. Since it was early and none of us haven't had their breakfast the group decided to eat at Ate Fes karinderia. After filling our stomachs with papaitan we catch a tryke then proceed to the jump-off point. The first two hours of the trek is easy plus the cool climate really helps when passing by open fields. Not to mention packing light really helps conserve energy.

After resting / photo session at the summit for 30 minutes, we decided to go down at camp 1 where we plan to take our lunch and 1 hour of rest. Going down is harder than going up from camp 10 - 7 but easier as we manage to reach camp 6 t0 1.

Well to cut it all short, the trip was fun, the halo halo located at the trail lacked sugar and taste, but refreshing nonetheless. The locals our very kind that some even bother cooking up corn for us. and our guide is a really cool kid, Plus eating dinner at chowking completes it all. Thanks to Jay / Trix / The lovers from Lucena / Gary / the tall guy / and specially my gf Mitch for making this trip possible.


About the place
The trip would eventually lead you to the camps namely 1-10, ten is located at the summit. Camp 1 to 6 are relatively easy due to the fact that the distance between each camps are closer plus the terrain is not that steep. But 7 -10 is where you separate the man from the boys. The terrain of camp 7-8 is steep and the loose rocks, makes it harder to get a grip. 8-9 is where you will experience wall climbing, with 70 degrees and 20 foot high of rock and earth as your wall.
9-10 is the easiest of the 3 but still one wrong move will be the last move you'll ever make.


How to Get here
Catch a bus bound to Balayan Batangas (CROW) Edsa Rotonda near Chowking Pasay. Get down at Evercrest Golf Course. Catch a tryke ride to the jump-off point.

From the jump off point it will be a 1-2 hours hike to camp 1. From camp 1 to the summit another 1 hour.

Tips 
Batulao is located in Batangas town of Nasugbu. Refreshments are available at camp 1 and camp 6. Halohalo and other refreshments are also available in some part of the trail.

Wear protective clothing, the hike in the open field would probably cause you sunburn, sunblock is a plus factor in this trek. Wear hiking shoes, the hike from camp 7 to 10 is the hardest part of this trek, in sunny day the trail from camp 7 - 8 is very slippery because of the unsettled soil and dirt.



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paMITCHyur

Gulugod Baboy, Mabini, Batangas

My adBENtiyur
November 2006

Me
Mitch
Roger
Nick
Marimar
Cj and Mike

Our trip to Gulugod Baboy is quite exciting, first, no one in our group had been there, which means we are clueless about the terrain, climate, the wind condition and the locals living there. The solution bring the basic stuff and enough supplement for the trip.
Second, We didn't get lost or anything like that, thanks to the sign at the nearby store (to gologod baboy) and the clear trail.
Third, the hike wasn't really that hard come to think of it. I think Maculot is much harder, (but maculot has halo halo store at the campsite plus it has ice cold buko juice in some resting area) well Glgd baboy will make you appreciate nature at its finest. No stores means less trash and less expenses.
Fourth, it is quite accessible, ride a bus bound for Batangas city a jeep to Anilao/Mabini and a jeep to philpan dive resort , walla! 
and finally the locals are very friendly.... plus the lomi is very tasty and satisfying too bad we did not managed to take a dip at the blue sea water of anilao...


About the place
Gulugod Baboy is located at Anilao/Mabini Batangas. It is one of the minor climbs around Calabarzon .
The trek is very easy for those who experienced Maculot or Famy this will be a piece of cake for you guys. The only difficult part is when it rains.
It also has a great camping ground that can accommodates 5 -10 tents. Near the campsite is a shanty where you can charge your phones or even ask for water.


How to go here
First you need to ride a Batagas City Pier Bound Bus.. the fare is around 146 pesos, tell the conductor you are going to Anilao. Form Batangas City you will catch a jeep bound to Mabini/Anilao the fare is around 23.50 pesos (just tell the driver that you are going to Anilao). Again you'll find yourself in a terminal of jeepneys.. just tell them you are going to Philpan resort the fare is around 14.00 pesos. from philpan resort you will see a cemented path going up. You can either start the hike or eat first at nearby stores (I recommend the lomihan just beside philpan resort)
(all the prices are based on the year 2006)


Tips
You must consider packing lightly for there will be steep portion throughout the hike, water source is available near the summit just look for a shanty near the campsite, and wear protective clothing from the sun.

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paMITCHyur