Mt. Pamitinan (Rodriguez, Rizal)

Pamitinan is one of the mountains in Rodriguez, Rizal, which according to PinoyMountaineer it is about 426 MASL. This is the mountain that we are going to climb today. I met Tolits at Jollibee Cubao and we left there at five forty five in the morning after we load up.

Then again, we meet Jeff, Rocky, and Majimen (Jeff’s friend) and we arrived at Brgy. Wawa to meet Emman, the guide.

The trek officially started at seven o’clock in the morning. According to our guide, it takes one to two hours to reach the peak. The trail here is established and the first part of the trail is forested. There is part that requires rock climbing or bouldering that you will definitely enjoy. And, challenging for the beginners, but it is manageable. Just concentrate and take extra careful as the rock is a bit sharp here.

From the summit, one can see Mount Haponang Banoy and in distance is Mount Arayat, the Sierra Madre mountains is also visible here, and a growing towns of Rizal. We’re descended after that and arrived at around ten o’clock. 

This is my 20th official conquered mountains. And, the unforgettable one because it’s my birthday climb, too! 

Topmost

Itinerary

05:00AM – Meet up at Jollibee Farmers Cubao

05:45AM – Departure

06:45AM – Arrived at Eastwood/Montalban

07:00AM – Trek started

09:30AM – Summit

10:30AM – Descent

12:00NN – Lunch

02:00PM – Back to Cubao

Expenses

 50Php each – FX from Cubao to Eastwood/Montalban

7.50Php each – Jeep 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

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

Things to do in Legazpi City, Albay

I thought I can only see the majestic Mt. Mayon in the postcard, photos online taken by some bloggers who visited Albay, or in the news. The time has come that I visit Albay and I was amazed when I saw the Mt. Mayon through my eyes. It was really magnificent! It is a very rare situation that you can do your solo trip, especially for me, to see one of the most beautiful active volcanos. I was like “Wow! Beautiful!”

Right after my work, I immediately went to bus terminal and rode a bus bound to Legazpi City. It was eight o’clock in the evening when my solo trip begins. From Manila to Legazpi City is about ten to eleven hours’ drive. It’s really a long drive, but I can tell you that it was really worth it.

I arrived in the Grand Terminal on the following day, and met my tour guide for that day. He will accompany me for my day 1. However, before heading to our itinerary I check in first in the Inn where I stay and have a rest for minutes. Then, we’re heading for first stop.

First stop is Kawa-kawa Hill – this is a 236 meter land that is located in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. It was named Kawa-kawa because of its shape which resembling a “kawa” or cauldron and it is also called the hill without a hilltop. From afar, it’s like an ordinary hill, but when you arrived from the summit, you can see its unique feature in its fully glory.  It is one of Albay’s tourist destinations.

from the top of Kawa-kawa hills

Second stop is Cagsawa Church - was built in 1724 and was destroyed during the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. It is located in Brgy. Busay, Cagsawa, Daraga. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area and the ruins of the Cagsawa Church are now the site of the Cagsawa Ruins Park. There are locals selling souvenir items in the area.

Cagsawa Ruins

Our next stop is Daraga Church – also called as the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate), is an example of religious architecture in the province of Albay, it is located in the hill above the lively town. And, I went back in the church early in the morning in the following day because I want to see the Mayon Volcano without the clouds around it. And, it looks good without the clouds. Perfect view!

Daraga Church plus clear view of Mt. Mayon

And our final destination is Legazpi Port – I went back in the port early in the morning for the following day and heading to the seawall section where you can jog and you can see the stunning beauty of the Mayon Volcano, where also Embarcadero de Legazpi located. It was the first site of the pre-Hispanic settlement called Sawangan and it is now the city’s main business district.

My time is not enough that’s why I haven’t been in Lignon Hill and the waterfalls. Maybe, next time I will visit the other tourist destination in Albay. My solo trip is a challenging activity because I lost in Penaranda Street, but well, it a part of the journey. I enjoyed it!