Mt. Kalawitan, It’s The Climb! (2nd part)

During the early part of the climb the boys were in the mood for singing, this was after our attempt to play a game where every one has to name an athlete, supposedly, for the first round but  the game didn't even last one round because everyone was just out of breath.

Every time Adrian needed a rest he will "recite"  the line  "can we just stop and talk a while" from a Jose Mari Chan song.

This stirred the singer in Abz making him render a boy band and a Britney Spears' medley.

Not to be outdone, I sang the first few lines of Miley Cyrus' It's The Climb.

I can almost see it

That dream I am dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

"You'll never reach it"

And the singing goes on for quite a while at least for the three boys while I was reduced to playing my  official theme song for this climb in my head.

And then I heard it....

Lead me Lord, lead me by the hand 

And make me face the rising sun

At first it was only Adrian then it became a trio!

You are my light
You're the lamp upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need you there

As I listen to them finish the song I got this feeling that they weren't just singing...

Lead me, Oh Lord

Lead me Lord

(Mt. Kalawitan from a distance)

Before it was opened to the public in 2010 Mt. Kalawitan was a hunting ground for the locals. 

At present there are still traps for wild animals scattered in the area according to counsilor Bondad.

Our lead guide, Kuya Rogel even showed us an old trap situated right along the trail after the fourth resting stop. 

This was the reason why the counsilor wants everybody at the campsite by sundown.

For our own safety, it was agreed that we are to retreat back to the camp if by 12 noon we still haven't reached the summit.

Determined to make it up there we have consciously timed our  climb with every hour proclaimed by the cry of a whistle.

Kuya Rogel for his part, though allowing us enough time to rest and catch our breaths, made sure that we are right on schedule so without complaining we follow his lead every time he signals that it's time to go. 

After 5 hours of trekking through the dense and mossy forest where the sun seems to play peek-a-boo with us we finally got a  glimpse of a wide clearing.

Everybody got excited and like little children we came running and screaming out of the woods and into the clearing convince that it was the summit.

But summit it is not, it is only the dwarfed bamboo area  which could be a perfect campsite because of it's expanse.

  
The abundance of the miniature bamboos reminded me of Mt. Pulag but because of exhaustion nobody bothered to take pictures of the region.

All we did was slump and munch on the trail nuts that Pauline brought with her and assure ourselves that kuya Rogel is just teasing us when he said that it will take another 15 minutes to get to the summit.

(dwarfed bamboo area, photo taken on our way down)

Standing up was truly a struggle after that short rest and since we are way ahead of schedule I allowed myself to walk at my own pace.

Physically and mentally drained, I couldn't remember much of what happened in the next 15 minutes except for the couple of instances when I had to bend to get pass through low hanging tree branches.

Once at the summit there was no running out of excitement  that happened but I think someone let out a holler to proclaim victory in behalf of everyone.

It was drizzling when we arrived, it seems that the sea of cloud was upon us prompting kuya Rogel and Jason to start a small fire where we can warm our cold hands.

Though the weather didn't allow us a view of the other mountains nearby it didn't stop us from celebrating in the only way we know - taking our pictures.

(if mountain climbing is a pageant then we are the finalists)

(the three stooges, who's Moe, Larry and Curly?)

(an addition to my growing number of adopted bros)

(begging me to have a picture w/ them  carrying me)

After stuffing our selves with fried chicken, boiled eggs, veggies, rice and more rice the invitation for a quick nap is simply irresistible.

While some succumb to the invitation, including me, Marie wandered around to take pictures of the summit's flora & fauna.

(The Who?)

(the thickness of the moss gave the ground a carpet like feel)

(wild berries)

And then it was time for us to head back to camp.

Though the summit is not that remarkable in terms of landscape the journey going up more than compensated for it. 

As the lines from my theme song goes: Ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb!

It was loaded with amusing anecdotes of many firsts: Marie's first altitude sickness, my first mossy forest, my first time to see a century old tree, my first time to see limatics, my first time to be sucked by one, and my first time to see guys freak out because of them.

The laughter and the foolish banters I shared with these strangers whom I met only 52 hours ago kept me sane in an insane trail.

In the company of these people falling flat on your face and sliding down with your butts makes if more fun.

Yes they will laugh at you but they will pick you up once they're done laughing.

And just when you think you can no longer last the uphill battle they will sing you song of praise.

My Mt. Kalawitan quest cemented my view on climbing: the mountains and its summits will not always be magnificent and the trails will always be tough but when you are climbing with cool people, though their presence will not transform the surroundings into a wonderland nor make the track any easier, they will definitely make the journey more fun, exciting and truly memorable. 

And this blog is my small way of thanking these  nice people for adding good memories to my memory bank.

(the hut that offered refuge to adventurers of Mt. Kalawitan)

(the group with our guides before leaving)

(the century old tree)

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Thanks guys for the photos, took the liberty of grabbing them from your albums =)

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

************

every woman's dream

paper cranes, where stories unfold  is website of wedding videos.

i chance upon this site when an FB friend shared it in his wall. curiosity got the best of me and i watched it.

kevin and cherry's video story was so cute, I was teary eyed watching it and the song used is to fall-in-love for.

Running has always been part of my childhood. 

When I was young I have always favored games which requires me to run as fast as I can like "mataya-taya", "monkey-monkey anabelle", "langit-lupa-impyerno" or anything that involves habulan.

In grade school, this passion was put to use when I joined the 500-meter dash inter-school competition where i unfortunately lost to those who were blessed with longer limbs.

That was the last time I ran until I joined the Run for Pasig in 2009 which revived my appetite for running.

Sadly, due to ITB or iliotibial band syndrome which according to the two doctors I consulted is common among runners and is defined by Wikipedia as the thickening of the tissue on the outside of the knee, extending from the outside of the pelvis and over the hip.

I was advised to rest for two months which I followed.  Also adhered to the 15-minute stretching before and after running, which I was too lazy to observe before, but the pain was still there.

The two months became four months then to my surprise it has already been a year. This has led to my gaining back my old weight which made my comeback even more challenging.

Thanks to my stressful schedule I was forced  pull out my running shoes from its hiding place one night hoping to shake off my anxieties.

And it seems that I have been running lately to clear my mind rather than to loose/ maintain my weight and to train for my comeback in the 10K category.

Well, regardless of the motivation I still get to run so i still get to train and maintain my ideal weight.......

T.R.E.K Quirino

Last August 25, 2012 with the help of TRails to Empower Kids [T.R.E.K], I had one of the most meaningful and most memorable climbs of my life thus far.

Thanks to the invitation of Ms. Kelly Austria, the sister of a good friend and one of the founding members of TREK, I was given the opportunity to be part of this worthy adventure. 

It was very humbling to be with this group of adventurous people who came from all walks of life and gathers together at least twice a year just to share and extend their blessing to students from the most remote of places.

When I signed up for TREK Quirino, I was completely clueless as to the scale of their outreach program. That was until I saw the boxes of goods being unloaded from the bus, the transportation which in turn delivered us right at the doorstep of Nagtipunan Councilor, Keith Coronado (who generously prepared breakfast and lunch for the group). 

I was surprised to see the goods loaded into a truck and was even more overwhelmed when the boxes consumed every nook and cranny that no space was left for the members and volunteers to sit on.

Days before the climb, I had been wondering how the goods would be transported from the foot of the mountain up to the Kakidugen and Tamsi Primary school. 

For the nth time that day, I was taken aback when I saw the answer to my silly question. Waiting for us were the locals, with their carabaos and carts, who went down to help carry the goods with smile and excitement on their faces.

Seeing everyone in action, I couldn't help but feel diminished as I compared my modest contribution with the amount of work, time and dedication poured in by all the members in organizing the climb in support of their cause.

It gave me goose bumps just thinking about how they prepared for and completed Trek Quirino.

From visiting the schools, to coordinating with the locals and the local government units, to soliciting donations, to buying and packing the provisions up to that day when the other volunteers and I stood and moved amongst these unsung heroes.

I know they've been doing this for five years already and I've seen photos of their other climbs and being there in person gave me a sense of pride and a reason to smile.

After a short prayer from Atty. Jong (another founding member), the exodus began.

And as we started trudging our way up I couldn't imagine how the animals carrying the heavy loads will get pass through the rivers and the rocky and steep stretches. 

As for me and my fellow volunteers, the five-minute interval between trek and rest, the photo-ops, the fruit picking on the side and the friendly chit-chat with members, old timers and founders made the climb not only bearable but ultimately enjoyable. 

Despite the physical exhaustion from the 4-hour trek everybody was in high spirits the following day.

The members and founders who stayed up until the wee hours of the morning preparing the food for the locals went about their chores as if they've had a full 8 hours sleep in a comfortable bed.

The mood was festive and there was laughter anywhere you went.

Before the children started arriving with their parents, the slippers and rain boots were arranged on the school grounds, forming the name of the group inside a heart. The books, school supplies, loot bags and t-shirts from the generous donors had been arranged inside the classroom ready for distribution.

Once the children started lining up in the glare of the morning sun the surroundings became brighter than ever,  illuminated by their grins as they receive their presents.

  

Their faces was painted with pure joy and excitement as they compared their loot with each other and as they showed it off to their families.

The school ground was a picture of heartwarming chaos as the children with their mothers and fathers ran around looking for the perfect pair of slippers and boots that would fit them and with TREK's ates and kuyas helping them try every pairs on.

After the gift giving and a couple of games, the parade of food, lovingly prepared by the food committee headed by the resident cook (and another founding member) of the group known to us volunteers as Boy C, followed shortly.

This time the children lined up with their families to get their share of spaghetti, sopas, chickecn tinola, chicken afritada and rice.

After a sumptuous lunch, we all gathered to take pictures with the children to officially end the program. This while the others demonstrated the use of the solar panel, another donation from TREK. 

The solar panel will provide electricity to the school which incidentally, also serves as the residential quarters of the two devoted teachers who stay the whole week there for their students.

The moment the crowd started leaving we also began packing our stuff and in no time we were all marching down headed to our next stop, the Kakidugen Primary school.

Once again, we found ourselves surrounded by the children's faces lighted with their sunny grins and curious gazes but before long our smiles were sunnier than theirs once the gift giving  commenced.

Witnessing these acts of sharing never fails to make me feel as blessed as the ones receiving the gift of love. 

This heartwarming experience left me wanting for more and I am looking forward to climbing new mountains with these big-hearted people as they continue with their commitment to empower more kids and as I strive to give back in my own little way.

****************

Photos are from Marz Luciano, Kelly Austria, Khnowell Dulay, Ponga Saracho, Judy May Jadulco, Myrla and Mon Corpuz - most them I just grabbed from their FB accounts =)

Thanks to my friend Nina Galang for the edits and Pia Tagaro =)