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

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The Nueva Ecija Escapade

My weekend escapade last October 23 and 24 with my girlfriends Pia and Terry at Marie’s hometown in Nueva Ecija brought to mind a couple of lines from my all time favorite old song.

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

It was like hearing Louis Armstrong singing the song as I see it through my eyes.

I literally saw skies of blue and clouds of white and trees and fields of green and occasionally golden yellow and believe me even the roads in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija are golden yellow.

For a moment while my beautiful friends and I were blissfully goofing around at the lush green hilltop over looking a pond under the bright sun, I did think to myself - what a wonderful world!


Villa Isla in Nueva Ecija may not be as scenic as what my friends and I have previously witnessed in Sagada and Ilocos or in Dubai – in Terry’s case but then for me it was simply lovely and refreshing.

It holds a certain charm for us who’ve been in the city most of our lives. It gives us that overwhelming feeling of tranquility.

Not minding the temperature of the morning sun the girls and I took our time as we frolic like children repeatedly jumping until we capture the perfect jump shot and in an attempt to capture something new we took turns in carrying each other behind our backs like wrestlers.

Terry, perhaps inspired by the blue sky and cotton like clouds, went as far as lying flat on her stomach in the green grass, where inches away lies a mound of dried cow dung, just so she can have her own take of our ever favorite jump shot.

After having enough of the invigorating greens and an ample supply of vitamin E courtesy of haring araw the Luciano siblings decided to visit one of their relatives nearby where we had our merienda of softdrinks and biscuit under a big old tree as we rested.

It was amusing to sit with them and listen to their stories in a surrounding where my eyes feasted in the simplicity of the country life, where I was stepping on plain earth and not of concrete, where the chicken and goat wander leisurely and where even the dog is friendly.

To hear Marie recall how their childhood was spent in the same place where Pia, Terry and I were gathered together made her story even more interesting and made our bonding moment even more special.

Back on the road we were undeniably having the times of our lives as we drove around town waving and smiling to strangers like the true blue bakasonistas aboard an “astig” looking 4x4 jeep and escorted by a motor bike alternately driven by the equally good looking Mar and Mac, Marie’s eldest and youngest brother respectively - both gentlemen were kind enough to give a free tour of their beautiful town.

Before heading back home we visited the resting place of the Luciano patriarch to pay our respect and to introduce Terry since it was her first time to “meet” Marie’s father.

Waiting for us back at what we jokingly refer to as the “hacienda de Luciano” was not only a warm reception but a steaming pinapaitan lovingly prepared by Marie’s mom whom we affectionately called Mader and cooked with pride by the family’s known kusinero, Mac.

Pia’s advertisement of the famed pinapaitan did live to our expectation. I had 3 servings of steamed rice despite my diet. It was just one the many busog moments we had during our stay.


When we arrived the day before , Jayson and Betchay, Marie’s brother-in-law and elder sister, prepared a healthy snack of vegetable salad fresh from Pangasinan for our merienda while we were resting and playing sungka in their bahay kubo with their cute tots JM and Terence.

And for dinner that night we were treated with sinampalukang native chicken and sinampalukang labong with saluyot which we heartily consumed despite nibbling on inihaw na dugo and paa ng manok minutes before hapunan.

That night didn’t just end with that dinner as the ladies with the exception of Mader and the gentlemen stayed up for a separate drinking session.

In less than an hour Pia finished one red horse mucho all by herself while Terry and Marie each had a bottle of Tanduay Ice and Betchay and I nibbled on the pulutan in the vast veranda.

Not to be outdone was Terence, Marie’s youngest nephew who also had a taste of Tanduay Ice which made him even more hyper and thus follow our every whim. You ask him to dance and sing and he will and you ask him a naughty question and he’ll readily answer.


Our 2-day stay in Nueva Ecija may not be as grand as our other travels around Luzon but it was definitely one of the most heartwarming vacations my friends and I have had for this year.

To be welcomed and taken cared for by your friend’s family in their own home is such a generous act and I can’t help but feel blessed for the perfect getaway my friends and I had.

I look forward to our next visit with the rest of our gang next year to once again experience the simple life in “hacienda de luciano” and to witness the wonderful world in the town of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.