THE VERDANT MOUNT MALINAO OF ALBAY

 Location:  Bounded between the municipalities of Malinao, Tiwi and Polangui in Albay province

                     of the Philippines

The heavily blanketed lush tropical forest of Mount Malinao

Major/Frequently used jump-off point: Sitio Kulapnit, Brgy. Sugcad, Malinao, Albay, Philippines
Alternate Jump-off Point 1: Barangay Tanawan, Alinao (Malinao), Albay
Alternate Jump-off Point 2: Gabas Elementary School, Buhi District, Camarines Sur (Polangui side)
Alternate Jump-off Point 3: Tiwi Town Plaza/Tiwi Municipal Hall, Tiwi, Albay
Alternate Jump-off Point 4: Brgy. Amtic/Sabluyon, Ligao City, Albay
Elevation: 1,548 MASL (5,079 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days / 4 - 7 hours
Specs: Minor climb, 5/9 Difficulty, Trail Class 2-3

Features: It is an ancient collapsed caldera with strong fumarolic activity.  Its trail varies with ridge of lower agro-systems to secondary montane forests which transitions to secondary dipterocarp montane and dense upper-elevation forest zones on its mid-to-high point levels.  Its mid-level and upper forest structures include regenerating saplings (such as Shorea species) alongside various epiphytes, orchids, ferns (Medinilla, Vaccinium), and Rhododendron), and climbing vines.  As the terrain climbs past the 900-meter mark and toward the caldera peaks, the forest becomes significantly denser and richer, eventually shifting into narrow ridgelines, steep moss-or root-covered paths, and areas dotted with tall grasses, bushes, and low shrubs near the upper rim and crater edges.

Day 1 

The scenic road heading to Malinao municipality

I was a joiner of this climb, which I paid for P2,200 for this climb package thru its organizers, Azzur Rex and Rica Barizo of Mountain Joiners: Trek with Excitement Outdoor Club in Albay.  This was my third climb with them and so I've known a few of their joiners.  In fact, the assembly point was at Daraga Shell, but Sir  Shernel John Logenio Perdigon, who was one of my climbing buddies from first two climbs of this service provider offered me to pick-up from my place with his car in Guinobatan, Albay.

Our Mount Malinao Team of climbers

We arrived at the jump-off point at 10:24 AM.   The place has a store and it is still along the concrete road.  We stayed there for 32 minutes and even have our group picture clad with our event t-shirt which is a part of the climbing package of P2,200.  Azzur Rex always see to it that in every climb, there is a t-shirt provision.

Just a few minutes of our trek

In my mobile phone, the time clocked at 10:56 AM when we started to the climb.  It was not so hot then but we started with an open trail.

An abaca plantation along our trail

This local dense abaca plantation just form part of the initial leg of the trail with relatively gradual terrain.   I can even see some local farmers harvesting or processing the abaca fibers drying it under the heat of the sun when we passed this section.

Our first regrouping at 12:22 Noon

Passing thru this point at 1:19 PM

I was so extra cautious of my steps at this section as the massive rocks where we stepped on are mossy and slippery.  The water was so clean and clear that it was so inviting to swim.

Exploring further this alternative stream

Everybody was enticed to stay on this picturesque and clean & crystal clear stream, that some of us plunged to irresistible river system.

Moving farther to its water source

As we moved along, we found ourselves into a 2-tiered water falls which appeared to be magical pushing me to be completely spell bound.

The freezing cold water falls

Despite the cold water from the water falls, it did not stop a few in our group to experience its cascading waters drip into their willing bodies.  I personally opted not to join them as I knew my body tolerance o cold temperature.

Back on trail at 2:24 PM

I suppose the water falls engagement was just a side trip.  Our organizer where we stayed there for more than 30 minutes enjoying mother nature at its best.

Pitching our tents at the campsite for overnight camping

We arrived at the Sugcad Plaza or campsite at 2:42 PM and after pitching out tents, we started our socials, for this was nothing to do but to feel the breathtaking view of the place.

The sprawling lowlands and the sea beyond of Albay

What is so rewarding being at Sugcad Plaza campsite is that with its 685 meters above sea level (MASL) elevation, it can showcase the vast lowlands of Albay and even the sea beyond it.  It was not really sunny then, but the day was still up, staying inside our tents was uncomforably warm.

Gathered around praying first to later feast on a sumptuous dinner at 8:00 PM

One of the best reasons why I kept joining Azzur Rex group was him and Rica are the best chef in the mountains, serving us with delectable meals with a complete set of rice, meat, vegetables or viands of four dishes supplemented with dessert --- all freshly cooked in the mountains, while us, joiners are completely mesmerized of being in the mountain.

Ready for the evening socials

The best part of a climb, wherever mountain it is, is the socials.  It helps all the joiners to get to know each other.  Mostly sharing of life's experiences, but mostly travel and climbing experiences.  It is even funnier when joiners who had been together from previous climbs recall their experience from happy to extreme ones.

Day 2

Scaling to higher elevation of the mountain at 6:11 AM

The wake-up call was at 5:00 AM to prepare ourselves for the resumption of the climb this time heading to the summit.   Breakfast was already ready at 5:30 AM with hot coffee and hot chocolate.  Our packed lunch was already provided.  It was still dark in the forest when we started the trek where obviously I had a head light of mine.

Capturing Mount Mayon volcano from a clearing point at 7:03 AM

From this point, we were already exploring a highly dense forest of montane secondary dipterocarp nature exhibiting the highest plant diversity generally of lower tree statistics compared to old-growth primary forests.

SIMALA CHURCH OF CEBU HOUSES THE MIRACULOUS IMAGE OF VIRGIN MARY OF OUR LADY OF LINDOGON

 Location:  Barangay Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines

The grand staircases and arcade of the church complex

The famous Simala Shrine is also known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist with medieval European castle aesthetic featuring Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.  It spans a sprawling, terraced hilltop estate in Marian Hills in the municipality of Sibonga.  It showcases a castle-inspired monastery building, gardens, courtyards and other ongoing expansion areas.  Public records and official write-ups from the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration do not publish a specific numerical land measurement for the entire complex.

The medieval-style stone towers, turrets and spires of the shrine

The shrine is owned by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration (MMEA), a religious group originally from Pampanga that relocated and purchased the land where the shrine is erected.  It was founded and constructed in 1998 which houses the image of the Our Lady of Linogon (often referred to as Mama Mary of Simala).

The main entrance of the grand staircase

Things you should know when visiting the shrine

1. Entrance is free
2. As it is the place of worship, everyone should avoid loud noises that will distract others who are in their solemn prayers.
3. Food, drinks and alcoholic beverages are not allowed the inside the sacred zones. Bottled water are allowed while still falling in line from the grand staircase to the candleAfterall, there are a lot of restaurants outside the shrine.
4. Revealing outfit is not allowed inside the shrine, such as shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless dress, spaghetti straps, plunging blouses, transparent pants and tubes.
5. Schedule of Masses:  Monday to Friday: 12:00 Noon;  Saturday: 10:30 AM; Sunday: 12:00 Noon & 3:30 PM; and Every 13th of the month: 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

An open walkway to the church

From the entrance gate of the grand staircase to the main church building is around 50 steps and usually on weekends and holidays, there is a long line heading to the miraculous image.  Thus, you need to equip yourself with an umbrella.  It it so hot here and there is no shade to hide.

Just giving you an idea how long will be the line

My trip sponsor, Rome Frias

Rome Frias, is a good friend of mine and he was the one who sponsored me of this 3-day trip in Cebu City.  This is our Day 1 right after arriving at Mactan Domestic Airport.

Almost at the entrance of the church near the votive candle stand

It took us more than an hour on a queue from the grand staircase entrance to the church door in the middle of the scorching heat of the sun.  By the time, I stepped near the door of the church, I thought then that was the end of the line.  I was wrong, because I was following a line leading to the miraculous image heading to the back of the altar.  It was such a long line snaking from the a series of tiered stairs up to the miraculous image.

While at the votive candle stand

The votive candle stand is just opposite the church main door, but the line heading to the miraculous image is not heading inside the church, but a few meters past the church main door.

Colored candles and offering prayers

Each color of the candle represent a corresponding prayer as follows:

• White - for purity, and achieving guidance and enlightenment
• Yellow - for peace, hope, strength and courage
• Violet - for achieving one's plans in life
• Red - for love, including family, engagement, friendship and unity
• Pink - for happiness and thanksgiving
• Orange - for reconciliation among or between sweethearts
• Gray - for deliverance from bad spirits, things and ways
• Green - for success of one's business, study and exams
• Gold - for healing physically and spirituality
• Cream - for faith or conversion of one's household or children
• Blue - for perseverance in a devotee's assignment, career, promotions and employment
• Brown - for vocation
• Black - for the pardon and forgiveness of souls

As I peeked inside the church while our line passes thru the main door

Our line passed thru surrounding walls and rooms that display letters, photographs, medical records, crutches and wheelchairs left behind by devotees testifying to miraculous healings.  I had read some letters which narrates that prior to taking a government board examination, they visited the shrine to pray for their petition, and after passing the exams, they returned to the shrine and wrote their thanksgiving letter.

The in-house museum

The museum offers insights into the shrine's history and the Marian Monks.  Devotees and and visitors alike can discover relics and Marian statues and learn about miraculous events like when the image of the Virgin Mary of Our Lady of Lindogon miraculously shed tears.

The hall where devotees and pilgrims write their prayers and intentions

There are also some prayer rooms and spaces where devotees can contemplate while praying to God thru the intercession of Mama Mary.  It is like asking Mama Mary to pray to God on your behalf, much like asking a friend or family member to pray for you.

The counter that receives holy mass requests

The above photos were captured while I was still on my line heading to the miraculous image.  As far as I can remember it passes a series of stairs going upstairs.   I can also see some devotees simply resting on the massive hall tired after kissing the miraculous image.  There is also on in-house religious articles store and souvenirs. By the way, all those who will go up to kiss or touch the miraculous image leave their footwear at the entrance of the massive hall. Everybody strut along the series of stairs barefooted.

Finally, my turn at the miraculous image

Actually, devotees can have an option either just to attend mass or visit the miraculous image.  But most devotees prefer to do both or even offer some petitions.  

After kissing the miraculous image, we headed down and cool ourselves down the massive hall.  I literally lied down the cold cemented floor as there are no available seats or benches.

First side trip while heading back to Cebu City

It was good that we chartered a taxi and thus, we can easily request from the driver to drop us whenever we wish to have pictures.

The century-old Sibonga Church, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish

Archdiocesan Shrine of Teofilo Camomot

The facade of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Teofilo Camomot

This was our third stop while heading to Cebu City.  The shrine is where the remains of Venerable Teofile Camomot rest at Domus Teofilo also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Teofilo Camomot in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City, Cebu Province.

While inside the shrine

The shrine also include an associated chapel of St. Teresa de Avila, a modern chapel built to accommodate pilgrims and visitors.  The shrine, museum, and tomb are managed by the Daughters of St. Teresa (DTS), a religious congregation founded by Archbishop Camomot.  His tomb/remains, personal belongings, vestments, writings, and a museum space dedicated to his life and ongoing cause for sainthood are being housed here.

The shrine's interior

Our chartered taxi was rented for the whole day for  P3,500 from the airport and until 6:00 PM.   But for those who want to cater on public transportation going to Simala Shrine, this is what you can do.

Follow these steps:

1. Arriving at Domestic Arrivals of Mactan Airport at Terminal 1, proceed to Taxi Bay or Terminal 2 at the Bus Bay (International Arrivals), look for the MyBus ticket booth or staff table near the bay to purchase your ticket before boarding the shuttle bus for P50 or US$0.79 heading to SM City Cebu daily from 7:00 AM to 8:20 PM.  Interval: Departs every 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Take jeepney from SM City Cebu to South Bus Terminal with code 10H or 10M directly from SM City Cebu jeepney terminal.  Ask the driver to drop you off at the Seaoil Gas Station or directly in front of the South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Avenue for a fare of P15 or US$0.24 for about 20 - 30 minutes drive depending on traffic.
3. Take a bus bound for Oslob and ask the driver to drop you off at the Simala crossing or bus stop for around P80 fare or US$1.26.  Then, board a tricycle heading to the shrine for P30 or US0.47 fare for 10 to 15 minutes ride.

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THE ENCHANTING CHARM OF MOUNT KABUNIAN IN BAKUN

Location:  Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Jump-off Point:  Brgy. Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet
Elevation: Approximately 1,789 MASL (5,869feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day/ 4-5 hours
Specs: Major Climb, 5/9, Trail Class 1

Features:  Superbly stunning views of massive, rocky slopes, stairway to heaven secured trail, five hanging bridges, open and forested trails, water source at the midpoint, breathtaking views of Mount Tenglawan and other mountains at the summit, long descent of concrete trail (around 45 minutes) with metal railings from Poblacion proper to the jump-off point, hanging burial coffins along massive rocky slopes.  It was named after the highest deity or goddess of the Kankanaey myth, named Apo Kabunian, an Igorot God held to be the father of lesser gods and mankind, whom the locals believed bless their harvest abundantly and significantly.  Thus, they call this mountain, the Home of the Sky God Kabunian.

With the backdrop of the summit

The name of the mountain Kabunian has a cultural significance, as it is named after Apo Kabunian, the supreme sky god in Kankanaey and Ibaloi belief systems.  This mountain features traditional pre-colonial burial caves embedded directly into the rock faces and remains a revered site for local indigenous rituals.   Mount Kabunian is one the three famous mountains which are the favorite hiking destinations of climbing enthusiasts called "Bakun Trio".   This climb is the continuation of my  Mount Tenglawan.

Preparations for the Climb

As this climb was the second mountain of our Mount Tenglawan-Mount Kabunian 2-day Climb, in the evening after we climb Mount Tenglawan, we stayed for overnight at the Bakun Old Municipal Building in Barangay Poblacion.

Bakun Old Municipal Building

The driving distance from Barangay Sinacbat, which is the jump-off point of Mount Tenglawan is 44.3 kilometers road drive of more than 2 hours travel time via the Acop-Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun-Sinipsip Road heading to Barangay Poblacion of Bakun where we stayed overnight.  Bakun LGU local authorities accommodate visiting hikers for a minimal fee of around P200 per head.  Its local tourism also organize by giving assistance to those hikers who opt to have local homestays or local houses.

Been on this trail at 5:48 AM

Our wake-up call was at 3:00 AM and we had our sumptuous breakfast provided in our tour package catered by the best tour provider Papi Win Calleja, the best chef ever.  Before we left our accommodation, an orientation was given to us. Finally, we started the trek at 4:30 AM passing thru Bakun National High School where it was still dark.  Then followed an endless  descending concrete pathways which cuts through the middle of the village and moved into local agricultural and farmland paths.

At the background is the mountain slope which shows the trail

The trails and backdrop of the mountain were so scenic and postcard-perfect.  The air was cold and I simply enjoyed the climb despite the fact that the trails were long filled with hanging cliffs.

The far distant summit at the backdrop

The photo above was captured at 5:58 AM.  The sun was starting to rise and some parts of the mountain was not yet hit by the rays of the sunlight.

Reaching this marker at  6:01 AM

The "marker" of the history of Doligen (also spelled Duligen) in Mount Kabunian is a natural rock formation and a water spring shrouded in local mythology.  Rather than a man-made historical plaque, the physical marker is the legend backed "Duligen Rock".

Zooming in this captivating water falls at a far distance

The sightings of distant, cascading waterfalls are among the most captivating features of Mount Kabunian nearby landscape and mountain slopes.  This is in addition to the colossal, vertical limestone cliffs and deep valleys that create a dramatic backdrop where waterfalls seemingly emerge directly out of the mountain walls, earning the area local comparisons to the "Crying Mountains" or the "Switzerland of Benguet".

Just one of the iconic hanging bridges along our trail

Because of the deep ravines and the presence of the Bakun River,  hanging bridges are constructed to span across these ravines and the rushing waters of the Bakun River.

Down the hanging bridge

Bakun River serves as a vital riverine ecosystem primarily home to freshwater species like goby fish (bunog) and tadpoles, which are traditionally harvested by the indigenous Kankanaey-Bago peoples using push nets locally called sapa.

The spectral morning sunrise opposite Mount Kabunian at 6:08 AM

Indeed, it was great to experience this mystical sunrise, in which the sky was so painted with deep, otherworldly hues of soft atmospheric transitions that awakened my sleepy senses.

Obviously, ahead of my climbing buddy

At this point, this was an open trail grown with thick grass.  At 6:19 AM, sun rays had been striking us, though the temperature around was still cool.

The trail transitioning to local pine trees

As we ascended forward, we moved past the farming areas and the path gradually shifted toward pine-needle-covered dirt trails and shaded and at some point semi-shaded pine tree sections.

Trail secured with metal fence

At 6:24 AM, a metal fence was installed at one side to secure the safety of the climbers.   At this point, a climber is already heading to the famous "Stairway to Heaven" trail in less than 25 minutes.

My relaxed climbing buddy

The metal fence serves also as a handle for a tired climber to hold on it while ascending as the trail is continuously advances uphill.

Ascending on open trail

At 6:56 AM, we were at this point, where safety fences were no longer evident.  With excitement, my climbing buddy and I, raced up hoping another breathtaking view will unfold.

The sun was up already at 6:56 AM

We captured this view when we looked down from we were standing as we sipped refreshing water from our hydration bladder with a brand of Platypus.

Capturing what was behind me as I ascend

Catching another angle of the mighty sun

Just another rolling trail

Thought I was almost near the summit

Scaling the "Stairway to Heaven" at 7:28 AM

This section is called by the locals as Tekdag Camsit, where it has carved steps directly into the soft, solid rock faces of the cliff to form the path before reaching the main staircase.

Capturing my climbing buddy while standing on top of the "Stairway to Heaven"

I really regret, I did not ask our guide and my climbing buddy to take me a picture while I was scaling this section. I simply understand that she was already catching her breath on her every step heading to the top.

The distant peak of the "Stairway to Heaven" at 7:39 AM

Too close but still far from the summit at 7:59 AM

As you see, from this point, I still need 73 minutes to finally reach the summit.  The trail wraps tightly along a steep, massive mountain wall with narrow ridge and deep ravines and sharp drop-offs

The view down from where I stood while advancing to the summit at 8:32 AM

Still scaling towards the summit at 8:47 AM

By the way, from the junction heading to this direction, we refilled our Platypus with really refreshing cold water.  I even washed my face with this water for me to feel stunningly fresh.

Looking down again made me proud of how I conquered this elevation

Finally made it to the summit at 9:12 AM

In my personal record with relaxing steps and occasional running after my breath, I reached the summit for 4 hours and 17 minutes at an elevation of 1,789 meters above sea level or 5,869 feet above sea level.

Just same platform at the summit

We stayed 20 minutes at the summit to have our lunch.  We had a regrouping there of 14 joiners, though they were all strangers to me.  We only met for this climb.  My climbing buddy was my best choice as we are of the same pacing.  We just had ample bonding while when we had our Mount Tenglawan climb the other day.

Navigating thru the massive walls on my way to descent at 10:17 AM

Descending from the summit made me extremely cautious as the massive rocks along the trail was wet and slippery due to moss.  One false move leads you to the Arms of Our Creator.

Looking down ahead made me feel so grateful to God of His majestic creation

This tree is just on top of the "Stairway to Heaven" section

At 10:42 AM, the trail was already filled with fogs and the breathtaking view around was just covered by it.   It got colder also and it gave us an advantage as we were protected from the heat of the sun.

Down to this hanging bridge at 12:53 Noon

Since it was foggy around, we sped up our trek with no rest and stop.  It was easier to descend than to ascend after all.   

Back to this iconic hanging bridge

Scaling thru an endless concrete pathway at 1:15 PM

This pathway was the one I mentioned where we passed thru as we started our trek at 4:30 AM which was an endless descent, but this time it was the reverse, it was already ascending.

Getting closer to another festive and  sumptuous lunch

At 1:34 PM, I was already strutting towards our accommodation in Barangay Poblacion, where a festive lunch was prepared for us by our tour provider, Win Calleja.  

Finally reached our accommodation at 1:46 PM

As I reached our accommodation, I was welcomed by fellow climbers who were already on a fiesta mode due to sumptuous lunch party.  Some were drinking beer.  By the way, four of our fellow climbers from Mount Tenglawan, did not join us in our Mount Kabunian Climb, instead, they went to tour to a fascinating water falls of Tekip.

After fixing our things, we boarded the same chartered van back to Manila for 353 kilometers for a driving time of 7.5 hours since there was heavy traffic before the toll exit in Bulacan.  We passed thru NLEX, TPLEX and Kennon Road.

You may also want to read my blog post of the Summary of My 100 Plus Climbing Portfolio  and the detailed blog post of my Asia Trilogy Climbs of Mount Fuji Climb (Japan), Yushan Climb (Taiwan) and Mount Kinabalu Climb (Malaysia).

 

THANKS FOR READING!