Mt. Daguldol

Mt. Daguldol is situated in Brgy. Hugom, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines. This mountain is one of the assets of the province, in terms of mountain ranges; after their gorgeous beaches. This mountain is perfect for the first time hiker because of its simple trail.

We took an Alps Bus (Cubao-EDSA) going to Alps Terminal in San Juan, Batangas. Bus fare: 188 Pesos. Approximately 3 hours travel. From Alps terminal, we took a tricycle going to Brgy. Hugom. Tricycle fare: 300 pesos/one way. Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes. Bought rice on rice dealer along the way.

After getting off the tricycle, we proceeded to the registration area. Registration Fee: 35 Pesos.

After the registration, we proceeded to Masalunga Beach House, it's few meters from registration area. The owner of the beach house let us pitched our tents beside the cottages. There were some other groups on the cottage, so we mind our own business.

It's our first group pic, of course taken by Janneth, so she's not here.

 Ang pinaka-paborito kong part sa hiking ay ang pagluluto ng pang dinner namin. Gustong-guto ko ang pagbabati ng itlog at pag-kamay ng mga hotdogs bago ilagay sa kumukulong mantika. Hindi ko alam kung anu ang dahilan, pero natutuwa talaga ako sa itlog at hotdogs. Nagbibigay din ng maganda at makintab na kulay ang mamula-mula nitong balat, kaya mas kaakit-akit itong tingnan.

While the other groups were using the videoke,  having their drinking session, we were preparing our foods for dinner. Another unforgettable moment was, when the other groups finished using videoke, we entered several song numbers to it, because according to them, its okay. So, syempre #pasikat101 ako nung time na yun. I entered three songs: Just Once, Kahit Kailan and Maybe. Eh dey akala namin okay lang talaga, nung medyo tumagal na, lumapit bigla si Madam na owner nung resort, tapos inapproach kami kung kasama daw namin nung isang group, sabi namin "Hindi." Tapos sabi nya, nirentahan daw pala nung kabilang grupo yung videoke machine at nahihiya lang samin magsabi. It was not our fault, we asked them if it's for free for all, and they answered "it's okay." Ganda-ganda pa naman nung songs ko, tapos sila kasi walang tinamaang nota, eh hilig ko pa naman ang nota. After dinner, socials then took a rest.

It was 4AM when I heard Te Bing shouting and sounds like an alarm clock. Break Camp. Breakfast. And did our final preparation for our ascend. We brought only our day packs with our packed lunch, we left our long packs at the house of the Bunso - the beach house owner.

From the beach house, we walked more than 30 minutes on the shore going to the main jump off. While on the shore, we saw some photographers trying to set up their cameras for the sunrise. Our sweat came out because walking on the sand was challenging. After the shoreline, we started trekking, but one thing I noticed, check the photo below:

Mountains rich in both flora and fauna are one of the wealth that the Philippines can be proud of. Today, one of the major destruction that mountains are facing is the so called “development.” Like the photo above, it shows how the base of Mt. Daguldol was damaged because of the ongoing construction of the concrete road. As what you can see, few kilometers of plants, thousands of insects and other creatures were killed because of this activity.

The remarkable shot! Taken by Sharon on the large boulders on trail. Why is it remarkable? Because of Sharon’s statement in taking this photo. She said: “Ang pangit ng angulo ng mukha mo!” Syempre ugali na talaga ng mga Pinoy ang tinatawag na “sugar coating” or daming pasakalye wag lang makasakit ng kapwa. So instead of saying “Ang pangit ng mukha mo” she added “angulo ng mukha ko.” Well, ayaw nya lang talaga akong masaktan.

7:25AM we reached this house. Here, we bought halo-halo early in the morning, took a rest and enjoyed the fresh air and green surroundings. We stayed on this house for few minutes before we continued trekking. But, two of the other participants didn’t push to the summit. They chose to wait in this house while we were ascending to the summit.

Hiking shoes or boots is just one of the essentials that a hiker should have. But look on the photo above-left, it's not a hiking shoes but Janneth was able to reach the summit using this. Photo above-right, the battle between the Advan Shoes and Team Salomon. Who do you think got the title??

The trail of Mt. Daguldol is composed of almost assault (some parts) and hopping on and off the boulders. The trail is not just for hikers or residents, it also serves as the trail of the horses that is being used in transporting goods going to the low lands. There are rivers, but there's no water on it during our ascend.

Photo above was taken at the second camp site. Taken around 9:30AM. I think this area can accommodate more than ten tents. We just stayed in this area for five minutes then we proceeded to the summit.

Daguldol is almost the same with Mt. Gulugod Baboy. The summit is a wide open area, covered with green grass. Aside from this wide camp site, it also serves as the pastulan of the horses. #conyomode A lot of poops scattered in the area, so it is advisable to bring and turn on your head lamps if you're planning to do a night trek.

There is something wrong with the photo above. Look, the two horses were starring on the two individuals, and I can't think of a reason why they were behaving like that. Maka pose naman kasi yung dalawa oh, akala mo eh nasa hacienda. Anu naman kaya pinag-uusapan ng dalawang taong yan?? siguro pinag-uusapan nila yung mga kabayo.

That time, there were groups who spent overnight in that area and they were more than 30 in total. When we arrived, they were already done packing and almost done with break camp. While they were taking group shots on the other side, we also did our own poses on the boulders. We stayed at the summit for less than an hour.

The wind was cool, the mountain was surrounded by green trees, the sky was blue and was creating a gorgeous reflection on the seas. Descending this mountain was another challenge on my left knee. Every time I step and fold it, it hurts. Like what happened during our descend from the summit to Kawayanan of Mt. Mantalingajan in Palawan. I think there's something wrong with my knee; next time, I'll try eating banana and calcium supplements prior hiking.

Descending was a bit easier and faster than ascending, but it was dangerous. The trail was really dry and the sand was slippery, so balancing is important. There are stores on the trail who sells buko juice, halo-halo and other samalamig that can quench your thirst.

Since there were two participants who chose to stay at the house who sells halo-halo, we also cooked and took our lunch in the same area. Nanay and Tatay were both accommodating to us. "We feel we were at home." We stayed there for more than an hour and we were able to met the other hikers who were doing a day hike.

After lunch, took a rest then descended. My knee was still hurting every time I step using my left leg, so it was still a challenge. We kept on descending, some of our participants went to Naambon falls, but I chose to continue descending because of my knee injury. We reached the jump off at around 2PM. Took a short break at the store near the road then continued walking on the beach.

Walking by the beach was an additional challenge to us because of the striking sun rays. Good thing that I was able to bring my cap. It was an additional 30 minutes walk going to Masalunga Beach House, where our stuff were left. Took a rest and waited for the others to arrive while drinking a cold Royal and Sprite. Took a rest again. Next was Swimming. Did our final preparation before leaving.

We chartered an L300 Van going to Lipa City, Batangas; this vehicle was with audio/video entertainment in it, so we enjoyed FF5 while on the way. Van Rental: 1,500 pesos. Travel Period: 1 hour and 40 minutes. UPDATE: The new terminal in Lipa is located in SM City - SM City Grand Terminal. This terminal is really huge and spacious, look on the photo on the left.

While waiting for the last trip of the bus, we took our dinner at the fast food in the mall. After dinner, we proceeded to the bus terminal. Terminal to Ortigas: 124 pesos. Travel Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Mt. Manabu | Hiking for FREEDOM 2012

Preparation for Mt. Manabu | It's been a month for the group to furnish everything that we'll be use, like the t-shirts, bag tag and baller for this Nationwide Event for all the mountaineers, the Freedom Climb 2012.  It took two weeks for our preparation in the food menu, tent distribution, the participants, what to bring and other stuff like that.

It was my first BATANG HAMOG MOUNTAINEERS FREEDOM CLIMB 2012, every member of the group participated for this event.  Since most of us were first timer for this mountain, and some were really the first time to hike, we prepared our gears and our muscles for every instances that might happen during the climb.

First Challenge that we encountered was: waiting for Ginger and Ryan in Fiesta World Mall for almost two hours.  We actually did everything; like photo shoot, eat and dance while other people were staring on us.  Second Challenge:  because we ascended late, it was too dark when we've reached the middle part of the mountain. Third Challenge: some of the first timer gave up, so we need to give them moral support.

If there were challenges, we also noticed good things in this mountain; First: it's really good to see a nipa hut that sells fresh coconut juice that revitalized our body.  Second: Mang Pirying added another flavor on our climb, he owns the nipa hut which is midway along the trail.  He gave us his homemade "kapeng barako," fresh from his thermos - so after two coconuts, I drunk 4 cups of coffee, hahaha, I LOVED THAT FEELING. More Energy mas Happy!

Because of the short, easy trail and garden-like environment, Mt. Manabu is advisable for beginners.  On the summit, you can see the short grasses on the ground and it is perfect for all kind of tents.  You just need to put your bag on the ground first, then, do the inhale and exhale exercise - enjoy the fresh air.  You can also use your mobile phone and update your twitter and facebook, because network signal are strong while you're enjoying the mountain views.

WANT TO SHARE:

Mt. Manabu or "Mataas na Bundok" is a just one of the summits of Malipunyo range.  Susong Dalaga and Malipunyo summit are the other peaks of this range.  Before reaching the summit of Mt. Manabu, you can actually see how green this mountain is.  Your two to three hours walking along the trail is really rewarding; the green grass, flowers and trees guide you through its simple trail.

From the mall, we rode in a jeep going to Brgy. Sulok, the jump off and the registration area. The travel time is within 20-30 minutes don't worry about the road, it's concrete and wide.  Look on the photo below, captured an hour after starting the trek.

After pitching our tents, wiping our faces with wet wipes, rested for few minutes, then time to prepare our dinner.  Some were cutting the ingredients, some were grilling the meat and some were cooking the rice.  There was also another group on the other side of the camp site doing the same thing.  The first group, we don't know, already started their socials.

After building a harmonious relationship with others, while cooking, time for dinner! While having our dinner, the area was covered with fog. Kakatuwang experience to. Para parin akong nasa girl scout. The other group joined us, perfect start for socials.

After eating, took a short rest, then fixed our ground sheet.  Prepared ourselves for the big social event that night, together with the four boys from other group. The photos captured during the socials cannot be published for security reasons that may affect our lives. Arte much! But after socials, here's what happened; a lot of empty bottles and wrappers were at the entrance of my tent, so I placed them to Red's tent, hahaha.

Dami naming kalat oh . . . ako may kagagawan nyan, sa tent ng iba ko nilagay.

We woke up early because it was so cold and the light from the sun already penetrated our tents.  But, I was shocked, the others were ready and almost done preparing for our breakfast.  After breakfast, we changed our outfit to the real Freedom Costume with matching LGBT flag and the Philippine flag.

Picture taking with our newly found friend!

Umagang-umaga, puro mga busy mga kababayan ko oh!

Mt. Malipunyo  <- click it for more details!

Ang bagong-bagong tent ko, uang summit palang n'ya ang Mt. Manabu, pero look, natutuwa akong makita ang matingkad nito kulay. Medyo matataba ang mga damo na tirahan ng mga insekto at data, kaya medyo delikado kapag may mga pag-kain sa loob ng tent, may posibilidad na kagatin ito o butasin ng mga rodents.

All the participants of Freedom Climb 2012

Descending the mountain was easier compared to ascending.  We didn't feel exhausted about the trail, we were walking while taking a lot of photos.  The trail was wet because of the rain shower or maybe because of the fog, I am really not sure about it.  What I am sure about that time was, the owner of the house at the jump off will be preparing us a tinolang native na manok.

When we reached the registration area, rested for few minutes, took a bath while waiting for our food.  Wash rooms with water are available at the jump-off. When everyone was done cleaning, we took our late lunch together at the cottage.  We were all silent while eating, no one was talking, no one was joking, we're all busy doing same thing - eating!  When we're done eating, our body started getting more energy. We had a video and photo shoot by the gate and even in and on the tricycle.  With "Call Me Maybe" as our song of the day.

We chartered a tricycle from Sulok (jump-off) going to the bus terminal. I didn't know what terminal it was, but the drivers know it.  At the bus terminal,you can choose your desired destinations.

HOW TO GET HERE: (Here's what we did)
We took a bus from Alps Bus Terminal (EDSA - Cubao - Southbound) going to  Tambo Exit.
Then, we rented a jeep going to Fiesta World Mall (you can do everything there or take your lunch.)
From there, you can take tricycle or rent a jeep going to Brgy. Sulok - the Jump-off point.

Mt. Batulao

This is my second ascend in this mountain. Last 2013, Mt. Cristobal was my first hike, then the "Bloggers Climb I" in Mt. Batulao, and this year, it's the same thing. But now, this is JaVee's first year anniversary in  mountaineering. Given the fact that this was also his first summit reached. He's the one who organized and gave all his effort just for the success of this climb. It was my tune up climb for our hike in Mt. Mantalingajan in Palawan.

Te Bing and I met at the 7-11 convenience store in LifeHomes, Pasig City. Then we took a jeep going to crossing. In crossing, we ride a bus going to EDSA Reliance, in front of the gasoline station. From there, we took a bus going to Coastal Grand Terminal. Waited for the other participants to arrive then took a bus going to Evercrest.

According to them, they want me to take a stolen shot while they were walking on the highway. But look at the photo on the right, is it a stolen shot? I think not, because if you'll look on their faces, they were all smiling the time I took the photo. It was around 7 AM when we started walking going to the jump off. The weather was great and the wind was cool.

Since our hike was Sunday, there were people and vehicles who were passing by and going to the church nearby. I thought it's going to rain, because the clouds were still dark, but when I checked the time, it was still early.

The photo above shows the gorgeous range formation of Mt. Batulao. The green grass on the surface of the mountain are all refreshing in the eyes. The trees are like green pearls scattered on the mountain. This photo was taken before reaching the first store along the trail. This is also the place where we started chatting with the other participants.

The residents main source of income is farming; as what you can see, some parts of the mountain were converted into plantations. There were sweet potatoes, peanuts, corn and others plants planted almost along the trail. In this set up, I am afraid because if ever there will be a strong weather disturbance in the area, there's a possibility that soil erosion may happen.

At around 9:14AM we reached the Camp 1. The registration is 20 pesos per head. Here, the wind was strong and cool. You have access to see the gorgeous formation of this mountain. It is the first camp site on the old trail. This is the location where hikers can take their lunch, pitch tents, cook their foods and others. Souvenir items like shirts can be bought in that kubo. I If you're want to use wash room, you can find it here.

After Camp 1, you can see a lot of camp marks on the trail. Since Batulao is one of the mos accessible mountain from Metro Manila, there were a lot of uneducated hikers who ascend here. Why uneducated? Click here: Vandalism in Mt. Batulao. The next part is the assault trail where the sand was so slippery. We met a lot of hikers on trail who were taking a rest and were taking photos of the gorgeous view. The photo below shows the length of the trail.

Before reaching the summit of this mountain, another challenge that everyone will be facing is the rope segment/or the 80 degrees assault. For the first time hiker, watching the others descending and ascending on this part was really nerve wracking, but if you love rock climbing and scrambling, you'll enjoy this part. By the way, this part will be difficult it it's raining, because the rock can be slippery, so please focus on what you're doing.

At around 11AM, we reached the summit. Here, you have 360 degrees access to see how gorgeous the slopes of this mountain is. The shadows like ranges can be seen from afar. The cool wind and the green surroundings were spectacular. The blue skies and water creates a perfect horizon. You can definitely see the entire province of Batangas and some parts of Cavite province while standing on the summit.

Here we are. Photo courtesy of Normanday Salazar

During our ascend, there was a vendor on the summit who was selling soda and food as well. In addition, there was this group with their guide/organizer who did ascending using New Trail to Old Trail. So, when they arrived on the summit, we were taking a rest; then they stayed beside me and I was able to hear what they were taking about. Their guide said: "Kapag may nagtanong sa inyo kung anu ang tawag sa bundok na ito, sabihin nyong Mt. Pangil ng Buwaya." I was kinda amused that time because of what I heard. Mt. Pangil ng Buwaya? I know that the formation of this mountain is pretty similar to that, but why he's introducing that name to that group? and not Mt. Batulao? I dunno!

We left the summit at around 11:45AM. We did a traverse using Old to New trail and I can say, descending Batulao was a bit difficult than ascending it. The slippery sand and the strong wind mixed with sad was destructive. Look at the photo above, the trail is also cliff hanging, so hikers should be focus on the trail and not with the strong wind. Again, another factor to consider in hiking Batulao is the weather; in dry season,there's the strong wind mixed with sand that can irritate your nose and eyes. It can also make the trail slippery. If it's rainy season, expect for a slippery and muddy trail. Since there are assault part, it might be dangerous, so be prepared.

As part of my “buwis buhay photos,” I usually do a death defying poses on the boulders; it’s actually my signature in every climb. Look on the photo above. Almost all of the participants had a photo shoot in this exact area. It was dangerous, but still we overcome our fears. We were doing our photo shoot while other hikers from other groups were passing by.

 at the store. Photo courtesy of Denver Pascual

At around 2:15PM, we finally reached the store where the fork trail is located. Instead of having a break in the store, we proceeded to Tatay's store, few meters away. We took a break in one of the stores along the trail. Syempre nagpapasalamat ako sa itlog at saging ni Tatay na nagbigay ng akin ng enerhiya sa buong journey namin sa Batulao. Syempre mawawala ba ang sandamakmak na mga green jokes sa tindahan ni Tatay? Syempre hindi no, kaya natatawa lang yung ibang hikers na naandun sa tindahan. Nahiya nga ako ng kaunti eh, kaunti lang naman, may cute kasi silang kasama sa group nila.

We reached the highway at around 2:30PM, so we had more time to spend. so, after the climb, we cleaned ourselves at the house almost beside the highway. They are offering Ligo, Ihi at Dumi for a low low price. Syempre hindi ko makakalimutan si Doray, si Nanay at si Kuya na nag-asikaso samin habang naliligo. Naging trending tuloy ang #sino ang hindi pa nagbabayad? hahaha. At si Doray may galit sakin. May galit ata sa bading yun eh, siguro may nakaraan s'ya sa bading. hahaha.

When we're done with our final preparation, we chartered a jeepney going to Tagaytay-Crossing to Eat bulalo. Jeepney fare was 18 pesos (I think.) Syempre, mawawala ba ang pamimilit ng karamihan sa anniiversary celebrant? Kaya nga ayokong nagcecelebrate ng mga ganyan eh, dagdag gastos lang. hahaha I would like to thank JaVee for the sumptuous dinner he sponsored. Till next climb pipz.