and then there were two

hahaha I now have two followers =)

Thanks to another dear friend, Path Beltran, for having pity on me and following my blog site  =)

Mt. Kalawitan, It’s The Climb! (1st part)

"The best climber in the world is the one who's having the most fun."

-- Alex Lowe

I am no climber, I am no mountaineer, I don't care much about the label I just want to climb the mountains.

But if the amount of fun is the real measure for being the best in this sport then I'd be one of the first to claim that I am among them!

I revel in the thrill, the peril, the challenge, the discomfort and every thing that goes with mountain climbing: the back breaking bag, the long walks, the steep, muddy & rocky trails, the menacing ravines, the harsh cold, the scorching sun and the feeling of triumph after going through all these.

The breathtaking landscape, the heavenly sea of clouds, the nostalgic sunset & sunrise, the warmth of a bonfire and the people you share these experiences with are not just an added bonus but a well deserved  reward.

My recent climb in Mt. Kalawitan in Sabangan, Mountain Province last January 18-20 gave me a whole new experience and rewarded me with a new set of friends.

Meet the group from right: Abs, the hunk-who-sings-while-climbing, Homer - the Mr. Nice Guy, Luke - the Piolo Pascual look alike, Pauline - the 1st timer, Jemson the organizer, Lanz - my fellow TRek volunteer, Marz, my fave travel buddy, Jerwin - the "bunso" and last but not the least Adrian, my sparring partner in the loquaciousness arena.

When we arrived at the Panorama viewdeck in Sabangan we were welcomed by  no less than the  counsilor Ernesto Bondad with a hot sinigang na bangus for lunch, a short tale about their river and a briefing before going down to the camp.

With the exception of Jemson whom we met when we climbed Mt. Pulag in 2011, and Homer & Pauline whom we met during the pre-climb, every one else was a complete stranger to Marz, Lanz and me and though we were all introduced in the bus we officially talked to each the other during our 3:30AM breakfast at the Good Taste Restaurant in Dangwa. 

The conversation and early exchange of wisecracks as we wait for the bus going to Bontoc somehow  put some of us at ease with each other therefore making the one and a half hour trek to the camp a pleasant stroll despite the heat of the sun.

After crossing a hanging bridge, a river and rice fields with picture taking once in a while we reached Apa campsite and we're greeted by the locals who were to be our guides and hosts  during our 3 days & 2 nights stay.  

(at the campsite with the boys, the men and the ladies)

(the lagoon)

Once everybody settled down after a cup or two of the deliciously brewed Kalawitan coffe, a photo-op in the lagoon and after braving the freezing water for a quick shower we started gathering around the dining table and chatted away our time while waiting for dinner to be served.

We shared a really good laugh as we recall one of Shake, Rattle & Roll's sequel and imagined ourselves being in the same scenario as Manilyn's character in a town of aswangs.

(the dining area taken from the girls room)

Slowly as darkness engulfs the camp every corner started turning golden yellow as the fire blazes around us to keep us warm.

Shortly after, the sound of the gongs started filling the air and the cultural show began and we were invited to join the merriment.

(taken by Jemson Baltazar)

(taken by Jemson Baltazar)

The wedding dance with the councilor was fun and tiring at the same time thus I kept asking when the "reception" dance will follow as I was already starving.

(the wedding dance)

Finally, we were served chicken adobo with potatoes, veggies in curry and sliced tomatoes and a big bowl of rice.

That night we had a our third meal together as a group under the stars, surrounded by the mountains in the cold of the night warmed by each others company and the bonfire all over the camp.

After dinner everybody retired early in preparation for our early ascent.

At 4:30 everyone was up, we had our breakfast at dawn and a short briefing then we're all ready to go.

Equipped with our thick jackets, trekking poles, cameras, trail foods and the resolve to make it to the summit before 12 noon we set forth the minute Haring Araw painted the sky blue.

Fifteen minutes into the trail I had to remove my jacket when my extremely active sweat glands reminded me of their existence. A couple of more minutes and Pauline is already chanting how thankful she is to her trekking pole.

(at the 1st resting stop)

While Pauline and I were trying to keep up with Abz, Jerwin and Ads who were in  their amazing race mode Marie and Lanz took their time as they take pictures of each other and their guide.

\

The three men on the other hand, Homer, Luke & Jemson, who are seasoned climbers, leisurely sauntered in the trail with their cameras.

One hour later as signified by the shriek of Abz's whistle we are out of the pine forest and about to enter the mossy forest. 

Kuya Rogel, our guide, who surely knows the forest like the back of his hands stopped to warn us of the limatics zone.

Soon enough as we moved into the woods the boys with their manly voice started whining the moment a leech clinged to their jackets and pants. 

Fretful yet alert, we were watching each others back, checking each others faces every minute and removing leeches from one another from time to time.

No doubt everybody panicked because of the limatics but to see the guys with their hunky bods shake and freak out because of these little creatures, was an amusing sight. 

It's one of those stories you'd love to share repeatedly during socials, hopefully with each other and with new friends in the next climbs to come.

Despite freaking us out the limatics did add excitement to our adventure, making us reach the second resting stop in no time as we do a short trail running.

At the second stop, the men finally caught up with what we jokingly call the top 7. 

No it was no contest but for their own amusement the boys started calling themselves the top 3 which became the top 5 to include Pauline and  me, perhaps their way of recognizing our strength for being able to to keep up with them. 

Eventually it became the top 7 to be fair to all who were "struggling" in the trail while the rest seem to be having a stroll in the park.

(the top 7 at the 2nd resting stop)

(our guides: kuya Rogel, Jason and another kuya)

The third stop was where the best view was. 

Here the Halsema Highway was visible. 

It was amazing to think that yesterday we were just in that highway gazing at the mountain from a distance today we are on the other side of the that same scene at almost the same time.

I know that someone out there is blindly staring at  the mountain where I am standing completely unaware that there are adventurous souls on the other side savoring the beauty of Sabangan.

To capture that wonderful moment we took as many pictures as we can until it's time again to resume the journey.

end of the part 1

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TRY-athlon

To finally put a check in my bucket lists of the things I want to do, yes I am giving triathlon a try.

I run.....

I can swim .......

I know how to bike........

And most of all I am brave enough to register (but for relay only).

During the briefing at the office we were advised that we will be trained at the three discipline for free!

That's all i'm after, a free training and a check in my to-do list.

Once I completed the agreement of joining at least one event within the year, I am done.

But this ain't easy, you know! 

It requires commitment and money. 

I can commit to commitment so easily but the money, I'll have to work for it.

When I want something, I make it happen especially when I  know I can but it is still God who makes things possible.

May God bless me in my new adventure.