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Mt. Pulag/Akiki-Tawangan Traverse (2,922+)

April 26, 2013, 5:27 am
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MT. PULAG (AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE)
Kabayan, Benguet
Entry point: Akiki Ranger Station, Brgy. Doacan, Kabayan
Exit point: Brgy. Tawangan, Kabayan
LLA: 16°34'58"N 120°53'15"E, 2922 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 2-4 days / 9-12 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: Pine forests, mossy forests, Scenic grassland summit

BACKGROUND
The four classic trails of Mt. Pulag are Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan, and Ambaguio, and in the course of several hikes I have had the privilege of trying all of them. The recent years have seen Ambangeg becoming a tourist trail, and with hundreds of people on its main campsite during weekends, I think it is time to deemphasize the Ambangeg as the 'main' Pulag trail. Whether we like it or not, because of its easy access to the summit, people will flock there.

The purpose of this itinerary is to introduce a different Mt. Pulag experience, one that would appeal more to hikers, but in a way that is also doable within a weekend. It will be a radically different weekend: the unique trails you will pass through will span over 30 kilometers - thrice that of Ambangeg. In terms of hiking hours, we will also be looking at 10-hour days apiece, instead of the 8-hour total of Ambangeg. In terms of difficulty, I would give the Akiki-Tawangan a 7/9 compared to the 3/9 of Ambangeg. What I speak of is the Akiki-Tawangan Traverse, a very scenic and challenging hike that combines the the steep, pine-forested trail of Akiki and the long, mossy-forested trail of Tawangan, and between them, the grassland summit - providing a Pulag experience that has instantly become one of my favorite Cordillera hikes!

The Akiki-Tawangan is also combinable with a Mt. Tabayoc dayhike on the third day, making this a much more exciting option than the Luzon 3-2-1, which involves visiting Mt. Timbak. Although Timbak is a nice place, in terms of trekking hours, I am convinced that an Akiki-Tawangan-Tabayoc is a more reasonable option.

The first part of the hike involves ascending to the summit via the Akiki Trail, which can be accomplished in one long day, or two relaxed ones. The advantage of pushing Akiki Trail in one day is that it makes a "weekend Pulag" possible with the help of chartered jeepneys. On the other hand, by creating a four-day itinerary, availing of passenger buses on both ends is very possible. Overall, I would suggest a 3 or 4-day hike; with an optional Tabayoc, time permitting.

The steep ascent requires an altitude gain of over 1500 meters and it is not recommended for people who will not enjoy such a demanding task for one day. Options include camping in Eddet River, or more reasonably, Marlboro Country which has a water source and is close enough to the summit to reach it early in the morning. There is nothing complicated about the Akiki Trail: It's just ascents and pine trees all the way!

Past Marlboro Country, you will enter a mossy forest but this is not the mossy forest awaiting you in the hike. 2.5-3 hours from Marlboro, you will emerge into the grassland summit area of Pulag and within 30 minutes you will be at the summit.

From the summit, the Tawangan Trail is a very long but gradual descent through a mesmerizing mossy forest. If the Akiki is pine forest all the way, the Tawangan is mostly mossy, and this will go on for 7-9 hours on a descent. The only perceptible change is the increase in height of the trees as you descent - a natural consequence of varying climatic factors. Two-thirds into the trail, you will trek parallel to the Halong Creek, which doubles as a water source. When the descent is done, the village of Tawangan - with its friendly people and cozy and cheap lodge - is not far away.

For the peakbagger, climbing Mt. Tabayoc, Luzon's second highest, is very appealing since it is just a 3 or 4-hour return hike. This entails an additional day, but also makes the itinerary more relaxed.

ITINERARY

AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE (2 days)

Day 0
2300 Bus from Manila to Baguio City

Day 1
0500 ETA Baguio City. Take chartered jeepney to Akiki, Kabayan.
0730 Stop to register at Visitors Center
0830 Arrival at Akiki trailhead; head to Ranger Station
0900 Register again and secure guides at Ranger Station
0930 Start trek
1130 Arrival at Eddet River. Early lunch
1230 Resume trek
1530 ETA Marlboro Country
1800 Arrival at Saddle campsite. Set up camp.
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0400 Wake-up call / Breakfast / Break camp
0530 Proceed to summit for sunrise viewing
0630 Start descent via Tawangan Trail
0715 Enter mossy forest line
1200 Lunch on trail
1230 Resume trek
1430 Arrival at Brgy. Tawangan. Take chartered jeep to Baguio
2030 ETA Baguio.
2200 Take bus back to Manila

AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE (2 days) + TABAYOC DAYHIKE

Day 0

2300 Bus from Manila to Baguio City

Day 1
0500 ETA Baguio City. Take chartered jeepney to Akiki, Kabayan.
0730 Stop to register at Visitors Center
0830 Arrival at Akiki trailhead; head to Ranger Station
0900 Register again and secure guides at Ranger Station
0930 Start trek
1130 Arrival at Eddet River. Early lunch
1230 Resume trek
1530 ETA Marlboro Country
1800 Arrival at Saddle campsite. Set up camp.
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0430 Wake-up call / Breakfast
0530 Proceed to summit for sunrise viewing
0630 Break camp
0730 Start descent via Tawangan Trail
0815 Enter mossy forest line
1200 Lunch on trail
1300 Resume trek
1600 Arrival at Brgy. Tawangan. Stay in lodge

Day 3
0500 Breakfast / Prepare to leave villagee
0600 Take chartered jeepney to Lake Tabeyo
0700 Sidetrip: Lake Ambulalakao
0730 Arrival at Lake Tabeyo. Secure guide for Tabayoc
0800 Start trekking
1000 ETA Mt. Tabayoc summit
1030 Start descent
1145 Back at Lake Tabeyo
1200 Take jeepney
1800 ETA Baguio City; Take bus back to Manila

AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE (3 Days)*

Day 0
2300 Bus from Manila to Baguio City

Day 1
0500 ETA Baguio City. Breakfast then proceed to jeepney terminal/chartered jeep.
0700 Take chartered jeepney to Akiki, Kabayan. Early lunch at any stopover.
1200 Arrival at Akiki jump-off; commence trek on steep trail.
1230 ETA Ranger Station. Register. Secure guides.
1330 Start trek
1630 ETA Eddet River; set up camp.
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0400 Wake up call. Prepare breakfast.
0430 Breakfast
0530 Break camp
0700 Start 3-4 hr trek to Marlboro Country
1100 Have early lunch at Marlboro country (water source)
1200 Commence 3-hour trek through montane forest.
1430 End of forest line (2600 MASL); Reach Grassland.
1600 ETA Saddle campsite; set up camp.
1730 Optional assault to summit for sunset
1900 Dinner / socials

Day 3
0400 Wake-up call / Breakfast / Break camp
0530 Proceed to summit for sunrise viewing
0630 Start descent via Tawangan Trail
0715 Enter mossy forest line
1200 Lunch on trail
1230 Resume trek
1430 Arrival at Brgy. Tawangan. Take chartered jeep to Baguio
2030 ETA Baguio.
2200 Take bus back to Manila

*Also possible to add the Tabayoc day to this itinerary as a Day 4
**Note: Weather can greatly affect travel times due to road problems or even blockages which can set you back by an entire day. Check with the jeepney driver about conditions. Sometimes they cannot go to Tawangan too early because of the mud.

PRACTICALITIES
When to go. Mt. Pulag is accessible throughout the year, but it is much more advisable to climb it during the early months of the year, for many reasons. Bad weather, for instance, may not allow the jeep to reach the Ranger Station. Also, clouds may very well obscure the fabled Pulag views, which may lead to disappointment. Moreover, rainy conditions would make it even colder. Thus the advisable time frame for Pulag is between December-early May. However, Pulag may be climbed year round and if you're lucky you can have nice weather even in the so-called typhoon months of June to September.

Getting there. From Manila, Baguio is a 5-6 hour ride by bus; Victory Liner has hourly night trips (P460) as well as an option to take a three-across bus (P700-800). From Baguio, if you have a lot of time in your hands you can take the public bus to Kabayan (P150) that leaves at the Dangwa Terminal. If you wish to do the two-day or three-day options, it is best to charter a jeepney. Gina Epi, coordinator of jeepney drivers, may be reached at +63.919.816.9234. For the itinerary detailed above, the going rate for the jeepney transportation ranges from P13,000-14,000 (it is really quite far but still expensive; consider inviting more people to share the cost).

Registration and guides. The other contact is the DENR Park Superintendent for the Mt. Pulag National Park, Emerita Albas. She may be reached at +639196315402. She will contact the guides ahead of time. The Akiki-Tawangan itinerary is not included in their official list of guide fees, so you can negotiate a bit. For the two-day itinerary, I paid P2000 per guide. Mrs. Albas asked us to get two guides for security reasons, but as this itinerary is used more often, I think she will agree to just one guide for up to 7 persons. 

Camping notes. There are water sources in Eddet River campsite (obviously) and near the Marlboro country, and in the distal portions of the Tawangan Trail. Cellphone signal exists in many parts of the Akiki Trail but the Tawangan area has limited signal.

AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE PICTURES

Proceeding to the summit from the Akiki Trail
Mesmerizing mossy forests of the Tawangan Trail
The beautiful and verdant paths of the Tawangan Trail
TRIVIA 
The blogger did the Akiki-Tawangan Trail as a two-day hike from April 20-21, 2013. This hike is narrated in Hiking matters #337-338, see links below:

MT. PULAG (AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE)
Day 1: Akiki Trailhead -> Marlboro Country
Day 2: Marlboro Country -> Summit -> Brgy. Tawangan
Akiki-Tawangan Traverse pictures on PM Facebook
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Hiking matters #339: Mt. Kalisungan Traverse to Mt. Atimla

May 2, 2013, 2:16 am
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The steep descent through grass marks the start of
the traverse from Kalisungan to Atimla
If mountains were people, then I suppose Mts. Kalisungan and Atimla are best friends - or a happy couple. These two peaks can always been seen together from various vantage points, including my very own neighborhood in Los Banos! Naturally, I've always been curious to check out Mt. Atimla, even as I have climbed Mt. Kalisungan several times.

During my most recent hike in Mt. Kalisungan, I requested my guide Bino to find a trail to Mt. Atimla as a traverse from Mt. Kalisungan's summit. This is not unprecedented: I know that hiking clubs in the past have done such a traverse before, referring to the two mountains as Mt. Nagcarlan and Mt. Calauan. So it would be nice to reestablish it as a more challenging variation of a regular Kalisungan hike. A week ago, Bino informed me that he has finished the trail, and so I decided that it was time to return to Calauan.
We started early - around 0630H. This time around, the ground was dry, unlike my past two hikes up the mountain which were both quite muddy. The ascent was straightforward and it can feel very humid and hot while hiking, but in two hours we were at the summit, enjoying the view of the lakes as well as the nearby mountains: we were early enough to see Mts. Cristobal and Banahaw before they got covered with clouds.
The fun begins with the traverse to Mt. Atimla, which was totally new to me (and to all of us). The descent initially featured going down through the highly-inclined east face of Kalisungan, with the view of Mt. Atimla. Then after fifteen minutes or so, we entered a woodland that teemed with red ants; several of us got bitten. I would have ignored it had I not remembered that I was also bitten by red ants in my previous hikes up the mountain!
The woodland trail was circuitous, and Bino himself was unsure about parts of it, but eventually we reached an altitude where we could see Kalisungan isolated all other peaks -- a unique perspective that shows its full glory. This, for me, is the most rewarding sight of the trek.

By 1120H, we were at the summit of Mt. Atimla, after almost five hours of trekking. As Bino put it, it looks like the summit of Mt.  Mabilog, except that it is larger and the terrain is more varied. It is almost a plateau, except that it's not very flat. Still, I think there is enough space for a small campsite. Unfortunately, there are no water sources throughout the trail - from the jumpoff all the way to the two mountains - so each of us brought 4 liters, at least.

The descent ought to have taken us to Brgy. Sta. Catalina, San Pablo, but since Bino was 'not too confident' about it, we decided to just head down Atimla towards the housing project in Brgy. Curba, Calauan. This took us less than two hours, and is probably the easiest access point up Atimla as a separate hike. It is unclear, though, whether it's safe to make it a trailhead, for security reasons.

Anyway, by 1430H we were already traveling back to the Brgy. Lamot 2 trailhead by trike, and from there I went back to Los Banos. In all, I'd say that the Kalisungan-Atimla Traverse is a great variation of the regular Kalisungan hike, with more challenges and rewards. Considering how close it is to Manila, it is a welcome addition to the roster of Southern Tagalog mountains!
Thanks to everyone who joined the hike!

PINOYMOUNTAINEER IN MT. KALISUNGAN
Hiking matters #118: Kalisungan, first climb of the year
Hiking matters #287: Mt. Kalisungan, revisited
Hiking matters #314: Twin Dayhikes Part I - Mt. Kalisungan
Hiking matters #319: Kalisungan, first climb of the year again!
Hiking matters #339: Mt. Kalisungan Traverse to Atimla 
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Hiking matters #212: The descent from 369 Hut to Wuling Farm

May 3, 2013, 6:42 pm
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TAIPEI, TAIWAN - More than a year after my first hiking trip, I have taken time to reminisce my previous hikes in this country and I realized that I have failed to write about Day 3 of the Snow Mountain hike! For the sake of completion, I will try to narrate this beautiful day of trekking in this blog entry.

Day 2 saw our dramatic ascent up the summit; it was dramatic because the weather was quite terrible and yet we succeeded in reaching 3886 MASL, the second highest point in the country! So our mood was festive that night at 369 Hut, even as the weather remained gloomy by the time we fell asleep.

When we woke up, however, the weather was perfect! We could see the other peaks in Shei-Pa National Park, as well as the pine forests that the other night mesmerized us the day before - the Black Forest. And we likewise had a wonderful outdoor breakfast before starting our descent.

We were so happy with the descent because we finally saw the summit of Snow Mountain, and all the way to the East Peak everything was splendid, including the arrow bamboo grasslands, and eventually, the junipers, the spruces, and the pines! Moreover, it just took us three hours to return to the trailhead from 369 Hut!
At Wuling Farm, we enjoyed the autumn leaves, oblivious of the problem that would confront us an hour later: the public bus that would bring us back to Taipei was nowhere in sight because of a landslide! Apparently this is not uncommon in this part of the world, due to the sheer geographic conditions in Central Taiwan. Fortunately, the very helpful hotel concierge helped us rent a van which took us to Taichung; from there we took the high-speed rail back to Taiwan, making it safety in time for the flight back to Manila!

Thank you so much Lear, Mafel, Julian, Doc Koko, Farah, and Coby for joining this hike that started my fascination for Taiwan's outdoors!
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PinoyMountaineer in Taiwan

May 4, 2013, 6:05 pm
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This is a country page describing my hiking adventures in Taiwan. As of May 2013, I have completed four hiking trips in Taiwan, with 14 hikes which include several of the Top 100 mountains in Taiwan, most notably Snow Mountain, Dabajianshan, Hehuanshan as well as the prestigious Holy Ridge.

I created this page today, May 5, 2013 on my fifth hiking trip here.

HIKING IN TAIWAN

Spring 2011 (May 7-17, 2011)
TAROKO NATIONAL PARK & SUN MOON LAKE
Autumn 2011 (November 4-8, 2011)
SNOW MOUNTAIN  STANDARD ROUTE
Spring 2012 (March 31-April 6, 2012)
THE HOLY RIDGE (雪山聖稜線) IN TAIWAN

Spring 2012 (April 29-May 2, 2012)

Spring 2013 (May 4, 2013 - ongoing)
This trip is ongoing. I will update this as soon as the trip is finished.
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Mountain News: Four German hikers, Filipino guide dead in Mayon eruption

May 7, 2013, 9:24 pm
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Four climbers from Germany and a Filipino guide were killed when the volcano suddenly released rocks and steam while they were hiking near the summit on May 7, 2013. They were part of a group of 27 foreign climbers and guides belonging to Bicol Adventure Tour who made the climb that day. Eight others were reported injured.

The explosion is being called a 'phreatic eruption' by PHIVOLCS and apparently happened without warning.

In a Facebook post, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda called for restraint even as many questions are being raised about the protocols in place for allowing tourists and mountaineers up Mayon Volcano. Meanwhile, the tragedy is being described as impossible to predict by government officials considering the nature of the explosion.
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PinoyMountaineer in Japan

May 9, 2013, 5:35 am
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This is a country page describing my hiking adventures in Japan. As of May 2013, I have completed three hiking trips in Taiwan, with 10 hikes which including Mt. Fuji, the highest in the country; and Asaki-dake, the highest in the northernmost major island of Hokkaido.

HIKING IN JAPAN

Summer 2008 (June-July 2008)
INTRODUCTION TO JAPAN
Hiking matters #14: Nantai-san and Shirane-san
Hiking matters #15: Tokyo rain
Hiking matters #16: Finally, Fuji!

Autumn 2011 (October 24-31, 2011)

DAYHIKES IN THE KANSAI REGION
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Hiking matters #340: Cilai Ridge (奇萊山) Day 1 - From Hehuanshan to Chenggong Hut

May 10, 2013, 1:55 am
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In May 2011, on my first hiking trip to Taiwan, I saw Cilai Ridge for the first time, managed to trek its initial leg with our Taiwanese friend 曾禎鳴 and in Hiking matters #174, I wrote that: "Black Cilai is so far the most powerful invitation for me to go back here in Taiwan as soon as I have the time for it."

Two years later, on my fifth hiking trip to our northern neighbor, I finally managed to find time for Cilai Ridge, in what turned out to be my 27th birthday climb from May 6-7, 2013. Accompanying me here my hiking buddies Coby Sarreal and Sir Martin Cortez; our Taiwanese friend Bart Lee secured the two permits that were required to go hiking in the Ridge.

The safety concern was understandable: A majority of Taiwan's hiking deaths are due to this mountain, notoriously called "Black" not just because of the color of its rock, but also because of the tragedies that have taken place in this mountain. The difficulty lies in the steep and slippery scree slopes and precipices that characterize the ridge itself. Accordingly, we prepared ourselves emotionally and physically.

On the evening of May 5 we proceeded from Taipei to Taichung, and the following morning, we took Bus 6506 at the Fengyuan Bus Station, taking us directly to the trailhead, Hehuanshan Community, four hours later. We had lunch at Songsyue Lodge, and at 1430H we placed our permits in the dropbox at the trail entrance and started trekking.

The trailhead is actually more than 3100 MASL, but this height is deceptive. Initially, the trail involved descending around 450 meters, before the steep ascent to the ridge. The necessity of ascending, instead of descending, the final leg of the hike would prove to be a difficult task the next day!

In any case, the 3.7 km descent to Heishuitang cabin (2710m) involved trekking through arrow bamboo slopes (similar to that of Pulag) and subalpine forests, with its refreshing mix of fir, spruce, maple, and conifers. Throughout the descent, the slope was gradual, with well-placed trail signs that characterize Taiwan's trails.

From Heishuitang cabin, Chenggong Cabin, where we planned to stay for the night, was just 1.1 kms away and involves the first part of the ascent. This time the trail was more forested, and steeper, but the steep sections were always supported by ropes. By this time, it had began to rain, making the trek a bit more challenging; we encountered some descending hikers who told us they didn't make it to the Main Peak because they had ran out of time.
By 1700H, we reached Chenggong Cabin, 4.8 kilometers away from the trailhead. Though our hike  for the day was brief, we knew that Day 2 would be a very long day and we decided to have early dinner so we could have plenty of sleep; we set our alarms to 0300H and went inside our sleeping bags. What would 'Black Cilai' bring for us the next day?


CILAI RIDGE (奇萊山) 2013
Hiking matters #340: Cilai Ridge Day 1
Hiking matters #341: Cilai Ridge Day 2
Hiking matters #342: Outdoor shops in Taiwan updates
Cilai Ridge Pictures on PM Facebook
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Hiking matters #341: Cilai Ridge (奇萊山) Day 2 - Crossing Cilai Ridge from Main Peak to North Peak

May 10, 2013, 4:46 am
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Continued from Hiking matters #340: At the Chenggong Cabin where we spent the night, we woke up at 0300H and began the long day of hiking at 0420H. It was immediately an ascent through the subalpine forests, but very soon we were trekking/scrambling on scree slopes which to me were reminiscent of Holy Ridge. A kilometer up the trail, we encountered a fork -- right goes to Main Peak; left goes to North Peak; we decided to turn right, although in retrospect I would have opted for North Peak first, since it would prove to be the tougher challenge.
The scree slopes somewhat end upon our arrival at the ridge itself, which is around 3300-3400 MASL at its lowest portions. Covered with Yushan cane (Yushania niitakayamensis) - the same 'dwarf bamboo' we see in Mt. Pulag, it is understandable that the mountain at times look like the highest peak in Luzon. Unlike in the Holy Ridge where the ridge itself is a challenge, many portions of Cilai Ridge are actually quite easy to cross.
Arriving at the ridge, we were enthralled to see the peaks of Hehuanshan, and behind them, Xueshan and possibly the other peaks that form the Holy Ridge (I have yet to become familiar with the topography of Taiwan's mountains). Since we were crossing a ridge, the view was dramatic, with seas of clouds all over, and many other views that on their would have been deemed magnificent; but taken together, each constituent bit becomes 'ordinary'.
Only when we reached the base of Cilai Main Peak did the challenge resume - this time, a 250-meter ascent up a rocky slope, its periphery fragile as it is precarious. By 0745H, or 3 hours and 25 minutes after we started trekking, we reached the peak, 3560 MASL. We explored it a bit and came upon some (more) dramatic rock formations. Again, the view was Hehuanshan and the valleys between the mountain ranges of Central Taiwan.
From Cilai Main Peak, we backtracked on the ridge and continued on to the more challenging Cilai North Peak: it is actually the highest peak in the range, at 3607 MASL. The pictures speak for themselves, even though they fail to capture just how precarious the trail is leading to the summit. This is the section that has claimed the lives of many hikers in the past and were extra careful -- at the same time thankful that the weather has held up to that point.
By 1140H, we arrived at Cilai North Peak, and saw for ourselves just how precariously perched it was; with rocks seemingly in the continued process of eroding, crumbling, and falling off. It was a place I was anxious to get away from, the moment we reached it!
And indeed, we just stayed for a few minutes, before performing an equally challenging descent; by 1330H we were back at the Chenggong Hut and we decided that since there was still enough time; we would go all the way to the trailhead and stay at the Songsyue Hotel for the night. This decision was ultimately a good one, but it required ascending 450 meters - a very challenging task considering how long the day has been. Still, it was great to finish Cilai Ridge in two days! What a great hike it was!
I will be back in Taiwan for more hikes!

CILAI RIDGE (奇萊山) 2013
Hiking matters #340: Cilai Ridge Day 1
Hiking matters #341: Cilai Ridge Day 2
Hiking matters #342: Outdoor shops in Taiwan updates
Cilai Ridge Pictures on PM Facebook
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Gear Review: Samsung Smart Camera WB250F

May 14, 2013, 6:53 pm
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The Samsung Smart Camera WB250F
As an adventurer, what matters to me is the experience itself. As a photographer, caputuring the experience is also important. Finally, as a writer and blogger, sharing the experience is just as essential. Any tool that would contribute to my ability to capture and share my adventures would be a welcome addition to my gear.

Enter theSamsung Smart Camera WB250F, which I brought with me on a hike of Mt. Kalisungan and Mt. Atimla as a traverse.

As an adventurer, I want my camera to be durable, handy, light, and easy to use. Considering that I usually bring a dSLR, the WB250F is a much lighter, handier option. As for durability (and battery life), it will take time before I am able to determine this. But in terms of ease of using, the Smart Camera has some excellent points. Best of all, I can use my smartphone to control the shutter and even see the viewfinder right on my phone screen! That means that for solo hikes or times when I'm alone, I can just mount the camera on my mini-tripod and take a picture of myself several meters away from it!
As a photographer, the Samsung has an 18x zoom which is perfect for taking pictures of distant mountains, or of flora and fauna in the outdoors. With plenty of light - as in open grassland - I like the WB250F which captures scenes vividly. In forests however, contrast and sharpness both suffer - but this is a problem for most digital cameras. Indeed, the 24mm lens of the WB250F ought to do better than most other cameras with smaller lenses.

Finally, as a blogger, the amazing thing is that its Wi-Fi function can transfer files instantly to your smartphone, and even while I was on the mountain, I was uploading and sharing pictures taken from my camera to my Instagram and Facebook pages! I think the ability to communicate your experiences as they happen is a wonderful ability that brings blog readers closer to the experience than ever before
And so I think the WB250F is a nice gadget, if not for the features it already has, then for paving the way for a new level of connectivity that I am looking forward to. If Samsung can make a waterproof, shockproof variation of the WB250F for the outdoors, then that would be even better!

The WB250F is part of the Samsung Summer Series. Visit them on Facebook or check out their photo album!

Note: This is a sponsored gear review.
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Climb Health: Tips to prevent snoring for hikers and campers

May 15, 2013, 3:42 am
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By Gideon Lasco, MD

Did you wake up one day with an angry tentmate telling you how loudly you snored and he wasn't able to sleep? You are not alone. Statistics vary around the world that show that somewhere between 30-50% of adults snore at some point in their lives. Moreover, you don't need figures to tell you that snoring is as common in campsites.

Snoring is essentially a phenomenon of airway obstruction. Imagine a water tap; normally it flows smoothly and silently but if you put your hand on it, the water becomes unruly.

Since snoring can happen to anyone and since hiking creates an environment in which it can happen more often - and with more inconvenience since there would be people around you - It would be nice to examine some of the tips to reduce the chances of it happening:

1. Avoid drinking in camp. Alcohol has the ability to relax the throat muscles, which cause a more obstructive configuration that causes snoring. Marijuana may also do the same thing.

2. Don't lie on your back. Lying on your side allows your throat to take a less obstructed position, reducing the chance of snoring.

3. Keep your nasal passages open. If you have colds or allergies, an antihistamine might be beneficial. You can ask your doctor for advice if you have allergic rhinitis or other longstanding condition.

4. In the long term, maintaining a healthy weight is also important. Excess fat in the airways add to the obstruction, raising the chances of snoring.

5. Stop smoking. Nicotine irritates the linings of your airways and can this also lead to snoring.

6. Avoid too much food. Although it is very tempting to eat a lot at camp, most people actually end up eating more than what their bodies need. Too much food can also be a contributory factor towards snoring.

7. Maintain a healthy sleeping habit. Sleeping regularly with enough hours is an antidote to many sleeping problems, and may help prevent snoring.

Here are some additional suggestions to make life easier for you and your team:

1. Use a one-man tent. If you're hiking in small groups in a mountain with very few other hikers, the luxury of space can make snoring not really a problem.

2. Communicate with your team. If you know you're a 'loud snorers' and if you're sleeping on a tent with others, it will do well to tell them about it. You may even tell them to feel free to nudge you, or change your position a bit, to 'turn ff the volume', so to speak.

Snoring is never an intentional act but as it can cause inconvenience while in camp, these tips can come in handy for people who wish to call their tents their (temporary) home.
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Essay: Letter to a young mountaineer, Part III: Of doing and loving

May 15, 2013, 8:01 am
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By Gideon Lasco

Have you ever cursed a mountain for being so difficult, so uncomfortable, or so unrewarding? Perhaps it was a hike that it did not turn out the way you planned it: the weather turned bad even though it was summer, or the bus conked out, ruining the itinerary. Out of anger or frustration, we may say things like: "I'm never gonna climb this mountain again!"

To paraphrase that time-honored phrase, lipa happens. And when the poison ivy begins to ache in our skin, be reminded that it is a test of will, for although hiking requires a set of skills, it is above all a test of character. The challenge, then, is not simply to endure difficulty, but to transcend it with a joy that comes from the love for the things that you do.

Loving the things you do is not always easy, because every object of our affection - be it a place, an activity, or a person - is bound to be imperfect and unreliable. Our loved ones can disappoint us, just like the mountains: the sea of clouds may or may not be there. No matter how beautiful the scenery is, the scorching heat of the sun may make us blind to the beauty around us, and hunger or fatigue can turn even the most cheerful person into a volcano.

Yet, if we are seriously in our love for these things, we must embrace, with good cheer, the things they bring, whether good or bad, because even the most negative of experiences can make us grow spiritually and emotionally.

Indeed, to say 'I hate you' to a mountain is in vain, for it is not a valid object of scorn. What you are rejecting is your own experience of it, that is, a few hours or days of your own life. It is ultimately self-defeating.

In my first exploration in the Piapayungan Range in ARMM, we had to hurdle a lot of logistical and security concerns. But once we we were actually in the trail, instead of enjoying every single moment in that area which very few - if any - hikers have seen - the thorns, poison ivy, and rain dampened our spirits. Eventually, I reflected about it and said: "Thorns may be uncomfortable and at times painful, but they teach us patience." The challenge, in a way, calls for the triumph of the mind over the body.

Jo Steven was a very strong lady hiker from New Zealand and she was my hiking buddy and mentor when she stayed in the Philippines for two years. I called her 'Iron Lady' because she's just so strong and amazing! When we did the first three-day hike of Mt. Sicapoo, things didn't turn that well on the first day: it rained so hard as we ascended the steep trail from Gasgas River to Saulay Junction. I coud hardly keep up with her! But when Jo - in the middle of the rain - suddenly shouted "This is hiking!", my spirit was reinvigorated and we pushed on. Attitudes, whether positive or negative, are infectious, endowing us with the power to discourage, but at the same time to power to motivate and inspire.

Perhaps the most difficult negativity to deal with is those that come from our fellow men. Just as our skins are vulnerable to lipa, so are our hearts sensitive to other people's words and deeds. Personally I really get stressed when people are too noisy and rowdy in the campsite; it will cause me a sleepless night. There is simply no way we can get people to behave according to our own standards! Instead of allowing myself to be stressed out, however, I simply just avoid the situation by camping elsewhere or on a weekday. There are solutions to these problems. Spam filters do not always work, but you can filter what people say and do at the level of your mind; ignore the hurtful, ponder on the lessons, and move on.

Indeed, when we think of mountains and life experiences as teachers, there will always be something to gain. And when we think of ourselves as instruments in making people grow and have fun, the impetus to mold our character becomes stronger.

Having said thus, my challenge to you is always have a positive attitude in whatever you do, whether you are in the mountains or in your everyday life.

On the other hand, there are times when we cannot do the things we love and this is when we begin to appreciate their value in our lives. Understandably, we need to work, to earn a living, to care for our loved ones. Life is a matter of priority, and mountains will never be more important than relationships. But there is another attribute of life, its finitude, that ought to drive us towards the trails.

When I say 'do the things you love', I do not ask you to abandon your loved ones, nor abscond from your occupational responsibilities. Instead, I urge you to maximize the rest of your time and turn it into a pursuit of the peaks. Was there ever a weekend of which you can say, 'I did nothing but watch TV', or 'I did nothing but Facebook?' I believe in the Internet as a positive force in changing the world and connecting people, but the world wide web can also entangle us, giving us the inertia of the mundane that may well represent one of the biggest threats to progress in the coming decades. Hiking, on the other hand, balances our perspectives on time and distance; food and shelter; life and death, day and night; success and failure: in other words, the things that matter.

Doing what you love requires determination and walking the extra mile- perhaps working overtime to get that coveted leave, or saving up for that plane ticket to your dream mountain. But you have to do it. You are young and young people always have more time than they realize. As your age increases, your free time decreases, until you reach an age when you have all the time in the world, but none of the strength you used to have. There are, of course, ways to overcome the loss of strength that goes with age, or the loss of freedom , but in general, these things happen no matter how determined we are to fight them.

Reflecting on my hiking life, there are many occasions that give me reason to say, "I'm glad I decided to do it!" Five years ago, I devoted an entire week to climb a little-known mountain. Back then it was a hard decision to make, but the experience of discovering a mountain with strange plants and a fascinating tribe, as well as the personal growth as a hiker and as individual that comes after several days of hiking away from your comfort zone, entrusting your life to two guides who were strangers to me- it was well worth the trip. Today, I am glad, in restrospect, that I pushed myself to do that mountain five years ago. It was expensive to climb alone, but while money can be earned again, time flies and never comes back again.

A hypothetical scenario: what if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, but you still have enough strength to pursue some of your most cherished dreams? Surely, you will not waste your time idling while the disease takes its toll! I bet you will hurry up and do the things you love. We do not yet have diseases or infirmities but life itself is, in a way, terminal. But whenever we come to this realization, as when news of deaths arrive, or when we ourselves feel the toll of age in our bodies, we should feel more motivated to make the most of life, rather than feel discouraged.

Indeed, life is so short and there are so many mountains to climb and challenges to face. But we always have the power to choose which trails to take, which dreams to pursue, which peaks to reach for. May these words be your compass: Love the things you do, and do the things you love.
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Mountain News: Illegal logging in Pantingan Peak, Mt. Mariveles, Bataan

May 19, 2013, 7:13 am
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A mountain guide from Bagac, Bataan has told PinoyMountaineer that illegal logging in Pantingan Peak, Mariveles Range has not only continued; it has worsened. His account is corroborated by photos taken by mountaineers as recently as just a week ago, which show fallen logs within the forests of Mariveles.

The local government of Mariveles, Bataan, has apparently appealed to DENR to declare Mariveles as a protected area as early as 2009, and Mayor Jesse Concepcion reiterated this appeal in December 2012 but the national government is yet to act on this request.

Considering that the Mariveles Range is one of the few remaining forested mountains of Central Luzon, we do hope that the government takes action before it's too late. Every day of inaction means one more day of environmental destruction.

Photo courtesy of Mick de Jesus


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Hiking matters #342: Mt. Makiling via the Sipit Trail in Sto. Tomas, Batangas

May 26, 2013, 1:47 am
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At the Melkas Ridge, the most scenic and precarious part of
Mt. Makiling's Sto. Tomas (MakTrav) Trail.
With the Palanggana (San Bartolome) Trail being shut down by local officials with the blessing of UPLB people, I felt it would be nice if I could see for myself the recently-established setup that places the trailhead and registration area at Sitio Jordan, Brgy. San Vicente, through the Sipit (San Vicente) Trail. Five years ago, before "Hiking matters", I was able to take this trail, but I'm sure a lot has changed since then. Besides, it has been my long-running personal tradition to climb Makiling once a year, so when Ivan Lakwatsero suggested a Maktrav, I readily agreed.


We met up at the 7-11 in Brgy. San Felix, Sto. Tomas, which faced the Mak-Ban Road that goes all the way to Bay, Laguna. We then proceeded to the trailhead, where I had the chance to talk with Sir Erwin Adornado who is the overseer of the "Ecopark" that doubles a registration area. He defended their policy of intercepting people hiking in San Bartolome at Station 7 (where the two trails meet) and forcing them to go down to Station 2 and up again via the new trail. He also appealed to hikers to be considerable towards the guides.

Check out the latest updates in the Maktrav page in PinoyMountaineer!

We started trekking at 0620H. Thanks to the wonders of technology, I was able to update my Instagram (@gideonlasco), Twitter (@gideonlasco), and Facebook pages through my phone -- with photos! As a blogger I am delighted by this opportunity to bring my readers closer to the experience by seeing it as it happens. As I told Ivan during the hike, I think eventually people will be able to stream their GoPro video to viewers online. 
Mt. Maculot as viewed from Station 7
Going back to the hike: The Sipit Trail does have steep parts from Station 2 up to Station 11 - basically this is a longer, steeper, more overgrown version of Mt. Maculot's New Trail. Mostly forested, there are parts dominated by talahib, which can be quite dense at times. But the trail is actually pretty straightforward; with a lot of ups and a fair share of downs leading to the Melkas Campsite.

From Melkas, the famed Haring Bato and Melkas Ridge is less than 10 minutes away and we took some photos of the ridge, doubtless the most scenic (and precarious) part of the hike. (We had to brush off some limatik at this point.) The ropes are still intact -- actually there are more ropes now -- all the way to Peak 3, which is just a small, flat ground surrounded with tall grass.
Ascending the roped segments of Melkas Ridge
Connecting Peak 3 to Peak 2 is the "Wild Boar Trail" - narrow, rolling, overgrown. But it is really much easier now compared to five years ago. It is full of ups and downs until you reach the final ascent that leads to Peak 2, the summit, at 1090 MASL. It took us a good 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach the summit from the trailhead; we decided to head back via the same trail going down, to make the day more worthwhile in terms of hiking time.

Fortunately the weather improved, instead of turning for the worse as it often happens on dayhikes. The rocks in Melkas Ridge were dry, and the limatik were nowhere in sight. The descent was just a long backtrail walk; we were already past Station 7 when we met some hikers who said they were 'intercepted' from the San Bartolome Trail, made to go down to register, causing significant delays. Anyway, it was great to meet them; by now I'm sure they're in Los Banos -- which is where I am also, since this is my hometown. 
With the guides at the Sitio Jordan jumpoff
Anyway it's always nice to climb Makiling! It doesn't have much of scenic views but the dramatic Melkas Ridge and the challenging forest trails more than make up for it. Greetings to everyone we met along the way!

PINOYMOUNTAINEER IN MT. MAKILING
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Mountain News: Female mountaineer missing in Mt. Banahaw

May 26, 2013, 8:29 pm
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It was reported this morning in Inquirer.net that a female hiker is currently missing in Mt. Banahaw, following a hike over the weekend with two other companions and a local guide. Search and rescue operations are reported to be commencing today.

At 11:20 AM, May 27 (Monday), PinoyMountaineer received this message from Ms. Sally Pangan. Park Superintendent of Mt. Banahaw: 'No update yet on missing hiker but the search and rescue team has already been dispatched'. 

Mt. Banahaw is currently officially off-limits to mountaineers, and this was pointed out by park officials. As this is a developing story, updates should be forthcoming soon. Meanwhile we are praying for the best in this situation and hoping that the search and rescue operations will be successful.
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Mountain News: Is Mt. Halcon open? Updates from Oriental Mindoro

May 30, 2013, 12:18 am
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CALAPAN, ORIENTAL MINDORO - Is Mt. Halcon open? Officially, there is no definitive answer, with so many parties involved: The municipal and provincial tourism offices, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the police, and even the National Council for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). However, in practice, hiking activity has resumed in Mt. Halcon since April 2013 and thus it can be said that Mt. Halcon is de facto open at the moment. By this, I mean, it is possible to climb Halcon since there are no legal impediments to it and the municipality is not actively preventing hikers from climbing.

As it turns out, it is the consent of the local Mangyan communities that is of paramount importance. And for the past couple of months, it seems that the Mangyans are once again allowing hikers to climb. Several groups have climbed this summer and yesterday we just got back from our own hike of Halcon - which started in the afternoon of May 27 and ended yesterday evening (May 29). 

Still, many things are unclear at this point. For instance, there is no standard procedure of securing your climb though two things stand out as important: coordinating with the local tourism office of Baco, and securing the consent of the barangay. Since there is no standard procedure yet, it also appears that a "climb at your own risk" policy is implicitly given, with the LGU neither allowing nor disallowing hikes. Nonetheless, the barangay is collecting a P50 entrance fee for hikers - and asking them to write their names on a logbook - which makes the mountain de jure open, at least at the barangay level.

This 'loosening up' of the mountain is good news, but without standard protocols, the safety of both mountaineers and the mountain may be a concern. On the other hand, an even better news is that the municipality of Baco, Oriental Mindoro seems to be looking at formalizing the protocol for hikers - i.e. designating an official trail, a specified procedure for registration and securing permits, among other things.

Meanwhile, a local mountaineer I spoke with warned would-be Halcon climbers not to take the mountain lightly, saying that it is not for the unprepared. He cited the two deaths in Mt. Halcon as a reminder that indeed the mountain can be a dangerous place. Moreover, he says it is no longer advisable to climb Halcon in the rainy season. "The summer months are best," he says.

Hopefully, by then, we'll have more information about Halcon. Additional information and other points of view, particularly from local individuals and groups, are very welcome. Kindly share your thoughts and updates by commenting in this post!
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Hiking matters #343: Mt. Halcon Part 1 - To Aplaya campsite

June 2, 2013, 5:45 pm
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Trekking through the mossy forests on the way to Aplaya Campsite
On May 27, 2013, I together with Koi Grey and Daryl Comagon proceeded to Baco, Oriental Mindoro to climb Mt. Halcon. The highest mountain outside of Luzon and Mindanao, Mt. Halcon is a highly-regarded mountain among Philippine mountaineers, with its mix of kilometric trails, rich biodiversity, and a storied past. Before it was closed by DENR in 2006, Mt. Halcon was regarded as one of the toughest mountains in the Philippines, earning for it a classificiation of Difficulty 9/9.
That day - a Monday - was supposed to be a Day 0, because it was already 1430H when we arrived at the trailhead, secured our Mangyan guides, and registered at the barangay hall, paying P50 each. But we decided to "invest" on our Day 0 and ended up trekking until 2200H, until we decided to camp inside the mossy forest at around 1100 MASL. That evening was memorable because we were swarmed by countless limatiks, which we warded off with alcohol sprays only with modest success. I've been to many places with limatiks - Makiling, Tawangan Trail, Malasimbo, Natib - but Halcon is so far the most intense!

As for the trail, I would call it moderate: quite steep, yes, but quite established as well, with none of the ferocious rattan vines that 'intensify' some similar hikes, and also none of the convoluted "is this a trail?" trail of the Talomo-Apo Traverse before it became popular. It was only the limatik that made the trail 'exciting'. On the other hand, the 'nightlife' of Halcon: the birds, the insects, the tree frogs, and the countless other creatures - kept us from falling asleep.

The next day, we started trekking at 0700H and in less than three hours we were at the Aplaya campsite, which we found to a fantastic place! The towering might of Mt. Halcon's peaks stood on one side, with several waterfalls plummeting down its slopes - each with its distinct shape. There were peaks too on the other sides of the camp, making it feel as if we were enclosed in valley.


We were prepared to assault the summit on that day, or at least march onwards to Camp 2 or the so-called e-camp, but the guides did not enjoy the assault of the other day, and they requested that we rest for the rest of day. Since we didn't mind spending the whole day in such a beautiful place, we agreed, and that was the end of the march of Aplaya campsite, or the 'Stage 1' of the hike to Mt. Halcon. The adventure continues in Hiking matters #344.


MT. HALCON 2013
Hiking matters #343: To Aplaya campsite
Hiking matters #344: To the summit and back
Hiking matters #345: Flora and fauna of Mt. Halcon
Mt. Halcon pictures on PinoyMountaineer Facebook
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Hiking matters #344: Mt. Halcon Part 2 - To the summit and back

June 2, 2013, 7:00 pm
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At the Knife Edge of Mt. Halcon leading to the summit
Continued from Hiking matters #343: Since we almost had an entire day in Aplaya Campsite on our Day 2, we thought we would be well rested. Instead, we had too much of a good time during our 'mini-socials', and it was already 0400H when we finally got to start the summit assault -which was estimated to be 6-8 hours from our campsite. Since we knew that the weather in Halcon can turn treacherous anytime, we tried to move fast. From the 1400-MASL Camp 1, we were to lose 100 meters of altitude, only to have to gain almost 1300 to reach the 2582 MASL peak!
 The first feature we encountered was Dulangan River, famous for its crystal-clear waters and notorious for swelling after a rain. Since it rained the day before, we were a bit concerned that the water level might be too high, especially since the wooden bridge that was there just a month ago was nowhere in sight. Fortunately, we found a section of the river that we could safely pass with knee-deep waters. At the end of the River lay Camp 2 - much smaller than Camp 1.

From there we continued through forests and smaller streams; there were still limatik but they were less aggressive than the ones we encountered on the way to Camp 1. After an hour or so of trekking we reached the 'e-camp', which lies in another stream. From there, the trail involved continuous ascents that were akin to the 'Wild Boar Trail' of Makiling - only with much longer, steeper ascents. The only way to go about it was to keep moving, keep climbing.

Finally we reached the so-called 'Wall' which has now been covered by trees and shrubs, making it less intimidating that it may have seemed a decade ago. Past the wall, fifteen minutes more of ascending brought us, finally, to the summit ridge - where the stunted trees looked more like a garden than a grassland or a forest, hence, perhaps, the appellation 'Azotea'.

Further through the ridge - which actually does not feel very precarious when you're there - we entered a 'mini-forest' for several minutes, and when we emerged, the ridge became more pronounced, with more ascents, until we finally saw another famous landmark - the 'Ladder' - a wooden contraption that would take the climber to within 10-15 minutes of the summit. Truly your life will depend on the stability of this ladder!

Past the ladder, the summit was at hand - with just a few more ridgewalks. We came across the epitaph of Neptali Lazaro, the hiker who died of hypothermia in 1994 - a reminder of the perils of this mountain. Indeed it was very cold up there, even though it was sunny! I think it is due to the location of Halcon, being so high yet so close to the coastline.


Finally at 0930H or 5 hours 30 minutes after we commenced the assault, we reached the summit of Mt. Halcon. There were still a bit of the 'sea of clouds'; we took some pictures, and celebrated the successful ascent. Unfortunately, clouds covered what would have been a magnificent panorama that included the mountains of Southern Luzon - but there will be a next time for that!


After thirty minutes, we descended, this time; the weather had turned for the worse so we had to wear our windbreakers until we were safely back in the forest. A swift descent ensued - and unfortunately for our legs we had to make further ascents to reach Camp 1 and later, to reach the 'Unang Dungaw'. The only break we took was to take a swim in the mesmerizing (and very cold) waters in Dulangan River! Whew!

We reached Camp 1 at 1530H and began our final descent  to the trailhead at 1700H. Heavy rains (and more limatik) fell upon us, almost nonstop, until we reached the trailhead at 2300H. What a day of hiking! Thank you to everyone who assisted us and thank you, Koi and Daryl, for being with me in this unforgettable hike! 

MT. HALCON 2013
Hiking matters #343: To Aplaya campsite
Hiking matters #344: To the summit and back
Hiking matters #345: Flora and fauna of Mt. Halcon
Mt. Halcon pictures on PinoyMountaineer Facebook
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Independence Day Message: What can we Filipino mountaineers do for our country?

June 10, 2013, 8:13 am
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The blogger at the Philippines exhibit in Musee du Quai Branly
in Paris, France, June 5, 2013
Essay written and published by PinoyMountaineer.com author Gideon Lasco on the occasion of 115th Independence Day of the Philippines, June 12, 2013.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - Here, in the first European city that Jose Rizal visited when he first came to Europe in 1882, my thoughts dwell on our beloved country on the occasion of our Independence Day. Yes, we are free in many ways, but the struggle remains to liberate ourselves and our fellow Filipinos from oppressions new and old. Indeed we must bear in mind that millions of our countrymen continue to suffer from hunger, violence, poor working conditions - both in our country and abroad. And then there are new threats to our national sovereignty, as well as persistent threats to our patrimony, that is, the environment.

Love for country, of course, is the premise for both celebration and concern about what is happening in our country. And it is here, in Barcelona, where Jose Rizal wrote the famous essay 'El Amor Patrio', which inspired Andres Bonifacio to pen these immortal lines:

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya /
sa pagkadalisay at magkadakila / 
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa sariling lupa? /
Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala.

(What other love that can surpass
In purity and in greatness,
The love of the native land?
What other love? No, none there is.)

As mountaineers, what can we do for our country? The same question, of course, can be asked of Filipinos in general, but I believe that we, with our common passion and shared experiences and insights, can make a distinct and significant contribution to our nation.

There is no contribution too small for nation-building. Instead of using the 'drop in the bucket' metaphor, let me invoke one closer to our minds: that of the power of a single step - 'one at a time' - to take us to the summit. Isn't it true that sometimes, when we look back at the peak we just reached, it's hard to believe that we actually walked that far? But humans actually have an innate ability to achieve great things if we set our hearts to it; this is one of the greatest lessons the mountains can teach us. Moreover, I also believe that the mountaineering community in the Philippines has grown to a point where our influence cannot be underestimated.

First, we must use the freedom of speech to articulate issues and struggles that we are privileged to see because we see more of the country that most Filipinos do. We have heard the sound of chainsaws and falling trees, and we have seen the aftermath of illegal logging and destructive practices like kaingin (slash-and-burn agriculture). We too have heard the woes of local communities who say their land was taken away from them; of indigenous peoples without access to health and education; of villages under threat of mining and exploitation. Simply by voicing these issues out in our social networks is in itself an act of defiance, which if done en masse is able to merit public attention and galvanize public support. Actions may speak louder than words, but the pen - and now the computer - is mightier than the sword. In fact, the computer has become both the pen and the sword.

Second, we must be ambassadors for national unity, solidarity, and pride. When we visit mountain communities, do we see ourselves as 'foreigners' to the people there? If so, then we must try to know them. This is not hard to do for mountaineers. Guides are not just there to show directions. Mountain guides can guide us to their culture, their way of life, enriching our understanding of what it means to be a Filipino. Listen to their struggles and the issues closest to their heart and you will come to say yo yourself:  "This is the real Philippines." And it will mean a lot for the lumads, the mountain peoples, to know that we care for them. Affirm the beauty of their lands and their lives so they do not fall into the empty promises of advancement in our urban wastelands. Think about it: For the Talaandig people in Bukidnon, mountaineers from Manila are probably their own encounter with the 'Tagalogs'. The same can be said of the Tau't Bato at the foot of Mt. Mantalingajan, or the Mangyans at the foot of Mt. Halcon. We can spread a message of unity throughout the archipelago, which can help break down the factionalism and regionalism that hinders our national solidarity.

And when we climb mountains abroad, when we hoist our flag atop the summits of the world, we represent our country, symbolizing and substantiating what we are capable of, no different from Pacquiao embodying Filipino perseverance, or football players embodying Filipino diversity and versatility. The message ought to be clear: We are not a 'nation of slaves', as some fell voices blithely pointed out recently. Slavery is never an intrinsic identity. It is an imposition. By calling us a 'nation of slaves', the oppressors have unwittingly unmasked their oppression - or their intention. Against these, we must take heart: throughout human history, we know that there is no form of oppression or bondage too strong too overcome.

Third, if necessary, we must consider taking stronger action - indeed a show of force - if we believe that the treasures closest to our heart: our mountains, our forests, our environment, the indigenous peoples and their ways of life; are being trampled upon or exploited, in violation of our laws and values. Sometimes it takes words to make a point, but there are times when a protest is necessary to dramatize our convictions. The caveat, however, is that we must not be too narrow-minded in our views, because we seek to build a consensus, and this requires an open mind. Nationalism, love for environment: these virtues must never be used to blackmail individuals without arriving at their own convictions. Personally, I am at an age and a stage in which I am still developing my stand on a lot of issues. But I vow to keep learning and listening. And I reserve the right to take action. I know that there are powerful forces against us when we start talking about the really important matters. That is why we must stand united in the event when such a situation is upon us.

There are also actions that seem 'small', but would amount to big things in the end. Jesus Christ used the perfect metaphor for the genesis of greatness when he saw in a mustard seed the capacity to multiply and grow in a boundless way. Planting a tree, joining a medical outreach, bringing some books to a far-away school, picking up the trash in a campsite - these 'little' things mean a lot and I commend mountaineers who are doing these things as part of their outdoor lifestyle. We must practice Leave No Trace principles not just in the mountains, but also in the cities and in our communities. These are the acts we need to save our nation - and our planet.

Finally, we must carry the mountains with us, wherever we go. If you were a mountaineer in college and ended up being the mayor of your town, do not forget the beauty of the mountains that you once promised to protect. If you were a mountaineer as a low-ranking employee of your company, do not forget the freedom of the hills now that you are the boss: the mountains need your power and influence to spread the message of environmental appreciation and protection. To the journalists out there who also love the peaks, I appeal to you to give voice to the mountains and the mountain people, which will mean a lot in their struggles. We all have - and will have - occupations, professions, and situations which can allow us to build the nation and defend the environment. These two things, let me emphasize, go hand in hand.

Indeed, we cannot build the nation by destroying the environment; and we cannot protect the environment without having a strong nation. National progress must be inclusive, and the mountains have a lot of teach us, because it is the site where the sociopolitical and economic drama is played out: of insurgents and indigenous peoples; of mining and logging; of exploitation and conservation; and of our natural wealth but at the same time its vulnerability. To see the Philippine eagle again in the skies of Mindanao, to see the fireflies illuminating the forests of Mt. Romelo once more, and for the cloud rats to roam freely in the dwarf bamboo fields in Mt. Pulag, we must all act, starting at our homes. Who knows how many birds a mountaineer may have saved when he talked to a guide about the need to save those birds; the guide turned out to be a hunter. And who knows how much impact you will make in the country when the newbie you encountered in a campsite in Batulao may turn out to be the future president of the Philippines? The next person you help set up his or her tent may be the person who will build our nation.

As Joey Ayala's richly-evocative song goes:

Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkakaugay /
Magkakaugnay ang lahat

 (Everything is interrelated;
Interrelated are all things)

We see these things not just in the textbooks, but in the trailheads of the mountains we climb. This is a unique perspective. Sharing it and acting on it is what we can do for our country. What we see must enlighten us, what must enlighten us must enlighten others, until we come to a new understanding - and realization - of freedom and progress, one that is shared by all.

With these words, I send my warmest regards to all my fellow Pinoy mountaineers. Mabuhay tayo at mabuhay ang ating bansa. ¡Viva Filipinas!

Barcelona, Spain
June 11, 2013

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGES
2012 - With freedom comes responsibility
2013 - What can we do for our country?
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Mountaineer Joey Vergara missing, rescued in Malipunyo Range, Batangas

June 18, 2013, 4:08 pm
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UPDATE 3: The rescue team should be in the jumpoff by now (15:30H, June 20). 

UPDATE 2: I am very happy to hear and share the good news that mountaineeer Joey Vergara has been found and rescued in Mt. Malipunyo. He got injured by a hunter trap. Kudos to the rescuers for respondng!

UPDATE 1: According to mountaineer Sha Bedural, Joey Vergara was spotted yesterday by a local guide: "Sa mga magulang, kapamilya at kaibigan po ni Joey Vergara, natawagan ko po si Kuya Mario at mga kakilala ko sa barangay na may sakop sa Malipunyo at Manabu, wag na po kayo magworry. According to Kuya Mario, nakita nya si Joey kahapon around 12noon daw nagtraverse paManabu at lowbat na daw yung cellphone. Baka daw pabalik na sya ngayon." 

BARCELONA - Mountaineer Jose "Joey" Vergara, from Calauan, Laguna, went missing in the Malipunyo Range from Sunday, June 16, 2013, until 12:25 PM of June 20 when he was found by rescuers injured from a shotgun trap by local hunters. "He had eight pellet wounds on his left leg. We had to carry him in a hammock," said Daryl Comagon, one of the responders/rescuers, as the team was descending from the mountain.

Joey Vergara hiked Mt. Malipunyo over the weekend with a group of hikers, but he has also indicated in his Facebook wall that he intended to traverse to Manabu Peak in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. He told the rest of his group to go ahead, while he set off to do an overnight Malipunyo-Manabu Traverse:


Three days later, his father, Mr. Jess Vergara, pleaded for help and information regarding his whereabouts on Joey's Facebook page. Search and rescue operations were mounted a day later.

The Malipunyo Range, with its many trails actively used by locals, is one of the most confusing mountains in the Philippines, with a number of incidents and/or rescues in the past several years, all of which ended with the missing hikers getting down safely.

Sha Bedural, a friend of Joey's who gave updates on the situation, acknowledged the following for their efforts (and we commend them too):" PCI Oliver B. Ebora (OIC) and his team. Talisay officials, SAR led by P/Insp Fernando, Possible SAR Team from Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Sto. Tomas, WISAR Team
Team PPSC 4th Maneuver Platoon led by PO2 Vandimer Hernandez, Aye Hedrosolo/Sheila, Daryl Comagon, Regie Paz, Bionic Sagabaen, @ John Paul Rodriguez, Frontline Mountaineers and those who are not mentioned (sorry ^^), Newscaster from GMA News Channel 7 (unnamed) and Mario Cabungcal (Malipunyo local guide)."




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Hiking matters #345: Trekking in Tarragona and the Roman aqueduct in Pont de les Ferreres

June 21, 2013, 3:57 pm
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Tarragona is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, with several of its features declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traceable to the days of the Roman Empire. I had the chance to trek to the Roman aqueduct in Pont del Diable - one of the best-preserved in Spain.

It was actually just a short walk from the highway, but we decided to walk our way back to the city center, via the Cami del Rius, one of the 'Camins de Tarragona' (Trails of Tarragona). Interestingly, there is a Camino de Santiago coming from Tarragona!


Pont de les Ferreres (also known as Pont del Diable) is one such UNESCO monument that is accessible to Tarragona by a four-kilometer trail called Cami del Riu. This magnificent structure is almost quarter a kilometer long, and used to supply water to the ancient town of Tarraco (now Tarragona).


We passed through orchards and villages on our way to the city center - altogether an easy and pleasant walk, more of a warm up for my Pyrenees hikes that followed. What they lacked in difficulty, however, the trails of Tarragona made up for its cultural and historic significance.


HIKING IN CATALONIA, SPAIN
Hiking mattters #345: Trekking in Tarragona, Spain
Hiking matters #346: Vall de Nuria Hiking - Puigmal
Hiking matters #347: Vall de Nuria Hiking - Pic de l'Aliga
Hiking matters #348: Vall de Nuria Hiking - GR-11 to Queralbs
Hiking matters #349: Hiking in beautiful Montserrat, Spain
Hiking matters #350: Outdoor shops in Barcelona, Spain
Pictures in PinoyMountaineer Facebook page
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