Mt. Ayaas (Rodriguez, Rizal)

Another week to spend in the mountain with these two adventurer buddies and this is in the province of Rizal, Mt. Ayaas is about 567m and it ranks as the 14th highest mountain in the province. Again, we are going to explore another mountain here. 

I met Tolits at Jollibee Farmers and from there we rode car bound to Eastwood/Montalban. We then, met Jeff in front of Mini Stop store and bought some food and water. Afterwards, we rode tricycle going to Wawa and met Emman, the guide.

We are down to three because others have their own commitments on that day. So, Tolits, Jeff and yours truly will pursue to conquer Mount Ayaas. From jump-off in Wawa Dam, passing through the river and trekking has started. The first part of the trail is river crossing and passing through bamboo trees. It’s an easy trail, actually! But, still need a guide as some part of the trail is confusing. 

view from the top

descending mount ayaas

At that moment, we entered in a jungle trail and many fruit trees. We then saw a house in the mountain which according to our guide, this is the last house. We reached the transmission tower. An hour after that, grassland appears on our sight that leads us to the summit. 

At the summit, one can see the Mount Haponang Baboy, Mount Pamitinan, and more. We were descending from the summit to the other side of the mountain and exit to Brgy. Mascap. It takes one to two hours until you reach Brgy. Mascap and from there, you can charter a tricycle bound to San Isidro/Eastwood Montalban. 

We successfully get to the summit. Tired, but happy feet!

This is my 19th official conquered mountain.

Itinerary

05:00AM – Meet up at Jollibee Farmers Cubao

06:00AM – Arrived at Eastwood/Montalban

06:30AM – Jump-off Brgy. Wawa

07:30AM – Trek started

10:30AM – Summit

11:30AM – Descent

12:00NN – Lunch

01:30PM – Arrived at Brgy. Mascap, tricycle

02:30PM – Arrived at San Isidro

03:00PM – Snacks/Post Lunch/Freshen up

05:00PM – Back to Cubao

Expenses

 50Php each – FX from Cubao to Eastwood/Montalban

10Php each – Tricycle from Eastwood to Wawa

***we gave 100Php each to the Guide

How to get there?

Take a FX/Van bound to Eastwood/Montalban and drop off to Eastwood Mini Stop. Take a tricycle or jeep going to Brgy. Wawa. Meet the guide. 

Contact:

Local Guide, Emman 0949-395-6589

More photos here...

Happy Hiking!

Marco

Conquered Mt. Haponang Banoy (Rodriguez, Rizal)

Our friend is inviting us to join him in conquering the mountain in Rodriguez, Rizal. According to him, this is not yet known for some hikers and no one has been there yet (Please correct us if we were wrong). In my research, this mountain is 462m and it ranks as the 19th highest mountain in the province of Rizal based on peakery data. 

On the fourth Saturday of January, we met up at Jollibee Farmers Cubao and had a quick breakfast to have strength and energy. We then left Cubao at around five in the morning going to Eastwood/Montalban. In front of Mini Stop store, we met Jeff together with our new hiking buddies Jane and Raquel. We chartered a tricycle bound to Brgy. Wawa and meet our guide, Emman.

view from the peak

Afterward, we start walking passing through hanging bridge. The first part of the trail is a bit steep and forested. We passed by “mang-uuling”, forty five minutes after; we were welcomed by a rocky trail. This is it! Each step is going up and down, up and down. It is getting harder because the trail is not yet established. This is, indeed, challenging!

Hikers should wear gloves and long trekking pants as the rocks are very sharp. It requires scrambling, rock climbing, and bouldering. At the summit, the view is stunningly beautiful and one can see the panoramic view of Rizal.

For me, if I am going to rate the difficulty of the mountain, its 9/9 because so far this is the hardest mountain I even climbed. I am having a hard time climbing this mountain, but exciting! And most of all, we had so much fun!

topmost

Itinerary

05:00AM – Meet up at Jollibee Farmers Cubao

06:00AM – Arrived at Eastwood/Montalban

06:30AM – Jump-off Brgy. Wawa

07:00AM – Trek started

11:30AM – Summit

12:00NN – Lunch/Rest

01:30PM – Descent

04:00PM – Arrived at jump-off, snacks

04:30PM – Sidetrip (Wawa Dam)

05:00PM – Back to Cubao

Expenses

 50Php each – FX from Cubao to Eastwood/Montalban

10Php each – Tricycle from Eastwood to Wawa

***we gave 100Php each to the Guide

How to get there?

Take a FX/Van bound to Eastwood/Montalban and drop off to Eastwood Mini Stop. Take a tricycle or jeep going to Brgy. Wawa. Meet the guide.

Contact:

Local Guide, Emman 0949-395-6589

This is my eighteenth conquered mountain! Happy hiking! 

More photos here...

Marco

Mt. Maculot – Rockies – Grotto Traverse

We already climbed the famous Rockies in Mount Maculot. We’ve done it by twin day hike; Rockies and Manabu Peak. Maculot has three destinations: 1) the Rockies, 2) Summit, and 3) Grotto. Most hikers are just stop at the Rockies only and few people will pursue the traverse. But, that’s my group is going to do. We will explore the forested side of the mountain.

The mountain is about 930 meters above sea level. The trail to the summit is easy and mostly forested. From the Rockies, it takes only an hour to reach the summit. And, at the summit, one can see the Rockies surrounded by waters of Taal Lake and Taal volcano is also visible here. However, there are some part of the trail that is overgrown, but don’t worry because it is not difficult to follow.

From the summit, we go down and follow the trail that leads to Grotto. This part is quite steep and there are some parts that one used rope on the descent. The forest ends where the Grotto appears and just follows the station of the cross to downward until reach the end of the trail. 

Overall, climbing Mt. Maculot traverse is a very easy and wonderful experience to share to your friends and co-hikers. The view is stunning especially if the cloud is so clear! It can be combined for a twin day hike with Manabu Peak. 

Itinerary

04:00AM – Meet up

05:30AM – Ride a bus bound to Cuenca, Batangas (signboard Lemery)

07:30AM – Arrived at Cuenca, ride a tricycle to jump-off, registration 

08:00AM – Start trek

09:45AM – Campsite

10:00AM – Rockies

11:00AM – Trek from Rockies to Summit

12:00NN – Summit

12:15PM – Trek to Grotto

02:00PM – Arrived Grotto (Our Lady of Lourdes)

02:30PM – Jump-off, rest, freshen up

03:00PM – Back to Lipa City

05:30PM – Manila bound

Expense:

147Php each – Bus

20Php each – Tricycle

334Php each – Guide Fee ( 1000Php for Traverse)

How to get there?

Take a bus (Cubao/Pasay) bound to Lemery, Batangas and drop off Cuenca. Then, ride a tricycle going to Registration booth and get a guide (required).

More photos, click >>> Here!

Happy Hiking!

Marco

Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Traverse

I’ve received an email from my office mate and she invites us to climb a mountain in Bokod, Benguet. The invitational photo was posted to my group page and they’re interested to join. So, Jeff will be the one who will communicate the contact person of the event.

Mt. Purgatory Mangisi traverse -sounds scary, right? I have no idea what this mountain can offer. But, the name itself is fascinating and it seems like you will be travelling to a place where you didn’t know if it will end up either to heaven or to hell. As for me, I didn’t feel anything, but excitement to climb those mountains. I miss hiking, indeed!

Leaving Manila on a Friday night and arrived Baguio City at dawn on the following day. Then, we went to Department of Tourism Baguio City for registration and briefing before heading to jump off point in Japas. All participants are getting ready and at exactly five o’clock in the morning the chartered jeepney are bound to Bokod, Benguet. After an hour, we had our breakfast at Adonot, Ambuklao. Then, we decide to go on top of the car to see the view while hitting on the road going to Mangagew. The view is perfect!

Three hours after, we’re now at the jump off. But, before we start, the organizer of the event were given an orientation about the traverse; what the mountains can offer, what to expect on the trail, how long the trek will be, do’s and don’ts. These events are organized and administered by the Association of Bokod Adventure Ecoguides or ABADEG. The illustration below is the map of the entire traverse.

The trail is officially started at ten o’clock. The first part of the trail is open and wide, but it is mostly ascending. Pine trees are visible on the trail and the roads are established enough and have enabled to jeep to pass through. After maybe about five kilometres, the trail will change into a mossy forest, and become a bit steep.

We have a quick lunch on the trail and then, more than two kilometres we reached the peak of Mt. Pack, it is about 2290 meter above sea level. The trail goes on through the mossy forest even though, it was really exhausting and time seems endless, but the scenery is captivating to keep going. Two to three hours after, we arrived at Mt. Purgatory that is 2080m.

From Purgatory, another three hours trekking to Tangbao Campsite where we can build our tent and finally, passing through Bakian Elementary School. The group arrived at the campsite at exactly six o’clock in the evening. We immediately fix our tent and get some rest. Then, dinner and socials! Locals dances the “katutubong sayaw” while all participants having dinner.

We woke up early in the morning on the second day of Mt. Purgatory Traverse and having coffee with the group and enjoying the cold weather, though the sun is already up. We’re heading to Mt. Komkompol, is about 2329m, after all things are packed up. It is the final peak in the range. It was really cold!  From the topmost, this time, the trail is mostly pine trees and the path is also well-established throughout the entire traverse.

We had our lunch at Ekip Barangay Hall and the foods are ginisang repolyo, and fried native chicken. The first batch will start descending and my group will follow after an hour. We will walk about four to five kilometres through a rough road to the jeepney pick up point which will take us back to Bokod proper.

As part of the events, certificates are given to all mountaineers who joined the events and the locals have dance presentation featuring the three-ethno linguistic groups of Bokod (Ibaloi, Karao, and Kalanguya).

In all, though I admit that it was very tiring due to the long hike, but I have enjoyed the view and the scenery from the start until the end. In fact, we had so much fun!

ITINERARY

Day 0

09:00PM – Assembly time Victory Liner Cubao

10:00PM – Bus Depart bound to Baguio City

Day 01

04:00AM – Arrived at Victory Liner Baguio

04:30AM – Registration at DOT Baguio City

05:00AM – Jeep departure bound

06:00AM – Breakfast

06:30AM – Bound to jump off point

09:30AM – Arrived at jump off point then, preparation and briefing

10:00AM – Start trekking

12:00PM – Lunch

01:00PM –Mt. Pack summit

03:00PM – Mt. Purgatory summit

06:00PM – Arrived at camp site, dinner, and then, watch katutubong sayaw with the locals

08:00PM – Rest

Day 02

06:00AM – Breakfast, picture taking

08:30AM – Start trekking

09:30AM – Mt. Kom-kompol View Point, snacks

12:30PM – Lunch at Ekip

02:30PM – Jump off, clean up

04:30PM – Arrival at Bokod Municipal Hall for closing program

06:00PM – Back to Baguio

08:00PM – Manila bound

The Participants

More photos, click >>> here

Happy hiking!

-Marco

Mt. Damas and the Ubod Falls

Three months of not indulging in any activities is kind a boring. I was burn-out! So, I decided to join my friend’s mountain climbing. And, this time we are heading to North Luzon. Our goal is to reach the peak of Mt. Damas.

So, let’s see what this mountain can offers…

Mt. Damas is 685 MASL, located in San Clemente, Tarlac. Sitio Dueg is the major jump-off, while the alternate jump-off is in Brgy. Papaac, Camiling, Tarlac. And, have difficulty of 6/9. As a matter of fact, this is very challenging especially when having a flash flood. This mountain is small, but more challenging because it requires you to river crossing, river trekking and rock climbing in order to reach the foot of Mt. Damas.

At the peak, the landscape is superb; one can experience a panoramic view of the Tarlac and neighbouring mountains.

view of Mt. Damas from Brgy. Papaac

At exactly six o’clock in the morning, our trek started. The trail is undoubtedly not so difficult, but when we finally get to the river the challenge has begun. It was a long river trek. According to our guide, it will take two hours before we reach to the foot of the mountain. This part of the trail was rocky. And, you have to climb the rock to descend on the falls going to the base. From the river, you can see the mountain already and yet it still requires more hours to reach the peak.

almost on the top...

The group just enjoys the trail, rock climbing, and river crossing. If I can still remember, we did a rock climbing five times. Then, we arrived at the foot of the mountain after two hours and just have a quick brunch.

Now, we enter the thick vegetation and thorny vines going up to the summit. From the foot of Mt. Damas, the trail is becoming steeper and steeper. I just trying to assist myself not to get cramps because it’s really an unending assault! It takes two hours to reach the summit. Another challenging part is to descend here.

From the base, trekking again going to the Si-El Falls and we will get jumped to the water, but the guide recommended the Ubod Falls because it’s bigger. So, we trekked our way to the Ubod Falls. And, again we need to climb mini falls to get to the Ubod Falls.

the highest point

We took photos first and then, getting ourselves ready to jump to the water to feel fresh and relax from very tiring descent! But, when the rain is heavily pouring we immediately pack up our things and leave the area to avoid the flash flood. We have difficulty in descending and climbing because the rock is slipper. However, we arrived safely!

Ubod Falls

It is another great experience in the north!

Itinerary

11:00 PM – meet up at Bus Terminal in Cubao

12:00 AM – ETD Cubao Terminal

03:00 AM – ETA Camiling, Tarlac

04:00 AM - early breakfast, the guide pick-up time (tricycle)

05:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Papaac, preparation

06:00 AM – start trek

06:30 AM – river trek/crossing and rock climbing

08: 00 AM – arrived at the foot of the mountain

08:30 AM – start climb, assault

10:30 AM – summit

11:00 AM – descent

01:00 PM – arrived foot of the mountain, lunch

01:30 PM – explore water falls, Si-el Falls and Ubod Falls

02:30 PM – back to trail, river crossing, rock climbing

04:30 PM – Brgy. Papaac, clean up

05:00 PM – back to Camiling Tarlac, snacks

06:00 PM – ETD Manila

Important Notes

• Wear gloves to protect your hands because you hold on to thorny plants as the steep going to the river.
•  Bring skin protection because the sun protection from jump off to grassland may hit your skin.
• There are lots of water source, so one to two liters of water is safe.
•  There’s a flashflood when it rain; so bring a rope with you.
•  And the most important is ENJOY! 

   How to go to Mount Damas

      From Cubao, ride a bus (Solid North bus) bound to Camiling, Tarlac

      Ride a jeep/tricycle from Camiling going to Brgy. Papaac, meet the guide

  Contact Person:

     Emman – 0908 942 3592

  Expenses:

    Cubao to Camiling – 265 php

    Trike – 100 php each

    Guide Fee – 500 php