Major jumpoff: Brgy. Bayanan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Alternate jumpoff: Brgy. Lantuyan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Elevation: 2582 MASL (8,471 FASL)
Days required / Hours to summit: 3.5-4 days / 15-18 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: River crossings, dipterocarp and mossy montane forests, rocky ridges, water falls, massive boulders, endless cardiac assaults, fierce and populous limatiks (leeches), steep trails towards the summit ridge, sea of clouds at the summit, bamboo thickets and numerous ravines.
Availability: Open from February 1 to May 31 of every year
The expansive Batangas City Pier Terminal
Crossing a creek on top of slippery rocks
Giovanni and I crossing the creek
Navigating into the deep forest
Richard Jrich Macasero collecting cold fresh water for drink
While at Egatol River (from left to right) Kaiem Ganelo, Atty. Ralph Rojas & Christian Anthony
Scaling a deep ravine
The trek continues (from front to rear): Jrich, Kaiem, Atty. Ralph & Christian
Tired but all happy (left to right): Kaiem (standing), Christian (seated), Ralph & Jrich
Resting on the trail with the guides
Catching the sweepers: Paulo Soneha, Mark Ubaldo and Chrisval Agustin
How lucky you are Giovanni, I am giving you best shots
And Giovanni reciprocated the picture capture
And even a closer shot
The entry to the mossy forest at 2:52pm
The mossy forest opens to this dipterocarp forest though it was too misty
Reaching Aplaya campsite at 4:29pm
Wild berries were abundant and so we picked them for our consumption
Our Expedition Leader (EL), Zeus Randell Manongsong
While at break-up camp
Christian waiting for our trek resumption
Giving time for Mangyan kids with Randy seated
Buco break at 9:36am in the second Mangyan village
Crossing the bamboo bridge to the jump-off point at 10:59am (Model: Jrich)
The river now has subsided
At the background is a buried church due to massive landslide years ago
Crossing a log bridge at 11:18am
Christian Anthony Araja
Denis Ruiz
Mark Ubaldo
Giovanni Arreglado Pido
I'll scratch your back and you will scratch mine! (top to bottom: Denis, Mc & Giovanni)
The "bow" part of our concrete ship accommodation along the beach
Our accommodation at a distance
Harca Piloto Island (left side): Our Day 6 Destination
Touchdown at Harca Piloto Island at 5:30am
At the far distant background is Calapan City
Giovanni, Mark and Mc Bueno enjoying a cool dip
Elevation: 2582 MASL (8,471 FASL)
Days required / Hours to summit: 3.5-4 days / 15-18 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: River crossings, dipterocarp and mossy montane forests, rocky ridges, water falls, massive boulders, endless cardiac assaults, fierce and populous limatiks (leeches), steep trails towards the summit ridge, sea of clouds at the summit, bamboo thickets and numerous ravines.
Availability: Open from February 1 to May 31 of every year
The dipterocarp forest leading to Aplaya campsite (Camp 1) dated April 26, 2018
April 2-7, 2017 Mount Halcon Climb
The flooded river at the jump-off point dated April 2, 2017
Our first climb started with boarding a Jam Liner bus from Buendia LRT (Pasay City) costing P167.00 at 11:00 A.M. of April 2, 2017. We arrived at Batangas City Pier at 2:15 P.M. This pier is so huge and there is a long queue of people since there was an inspection. Butane is not allowed when it was detected on a scanner machine.
St. Braquiel Supercat at Batangas City Pier for Calapan City
We spent more than 30 minutes to fall in line passing through the scanning machine for baggage inspection. Then we secured to pay for Supercat fare of P185 and Terminal fee of P30. We boarded late at the ferry at 3:24 pm and exactly 3:33 pm, our ferry left the pier. The ferry seemed to fly over the sea surface where it only take 45 minutes for the ferry to reach its destination at the Calapan City pier.
Repacking our backpacks in our host's house
We were ten joiners in the climb and one of our joiners has an ancestral house in Calapan City in the name of Kaiem Ganelo where Jrich Macasero and I were welcomed to stay in their house for an overnight. The rest of the afternoon, we bought our food supplies, but Kaiem's mom served us with a sumptuous dinner. I slept with so much excitement anticipating that our group will have a perfect climb.
While at the Municipal Hall of Baco town
The following day, April 3, 2017, we woke up as early as 3am to prepare for the our climb. Our group chartered a jeepney for our trip to Baco municipal hall which was an hour travel to finally be allowed to climb. Though, our permit had been processed as early as January 20, 2017 paying P1,000 downpayment to our organizer, Mr. Zeus Randell R. Manongsong aka Amber Mako in FB through pre-climb meeting at SM Megamall where we were asked to submit BMC Certificate, Medical Certificate, ID Picture and any Identification Card. Submission of the documents were sent to Zeus thru LBC. Booking of the slot is done earlier because climbers are limited per day when it opens during its available period.
Logging in at Baco Police Headquarters after receiving our climbing permit with Mr. Mark Ubaldo
After receiving our climbing permits and logging in at the police headquarters which are compulsory, we had our breakfast in a nearby carenderia. Then, our chartered jeepney drove us to supposedly Brgy. Lantuyan jump-off point.
The highly flooded river at the Lantuyan jump-off point
As the Lantuyan jump-off point was not passable, we again drove to an alternate jump-off point in Barangay Bayanan where starting the climb here was so steep heading to a Mangyan village.
Denis Ruiz with a Mangyan mother
We stayed for a stop at the Mangyan village to have refreshments and have interaction with the Mangyan villagers. Some of my companions bought for hot instant noodles.
Our group of 13 at the first Mangyan village in a group prayer
There were few houses there of the native Mangyans and they are very welcoming. Basic food supplies are available for sale including the fresh buco fruit. They have water source there, but the only thing is, from this point, limatiks were already in multiplicity. Our group of 13 is consist of ten joiners, 2 guides and the Expedition Leader, Zeus Manongsong.
An overlooking view from the Mangyan village
After the Mangyan village, was another long walk strutting along bamboo thickets and thick forest with occasional open gradual trails. By then, light showers were chasing us and we were trekking wet.
The group on a gradual trek along Mayabig trail
We were composed of the following: Giovanni Alexander Arreglado Pido, Mark Ubaldo, Tins Apelado Amos, Kaiem Ganelo, Richard Jrich Macasero, Christian Anthony Araja, Denis Ruiz, Attorney Ralph Rojas, Mc Bueno, Amber Mako (the organizer), Paulo Soneha and Chrisval Agustin. We had two local guides.
The bamboo thickets along Mayabig trail at 12:49 noon
After another stop in the second Mangyan trail was another long trek alternately on open and forested trails. Limatiks were not much on these trails. On the second Mangyan village, there is a concrete basketball court where we had a buco juice fruit stop.
A typical Mangyan house at the third village
This creek-infested with limatiks is the start of assault to Ayambukog campsite
An assault heading to Ayambukog campsite at 2:16pm
After a long trek, we passed through another village with a water source and we crossed a creek with limatiks thriving substantially at the water current. Then, an assault to the campsite followed.
Arriving at Ayambukog campsite at 3:03pm for an overnight camping
I was so mesmerized with the sceneries I saw along the trail. Thus, I never got tired of our long trek, not to mention that the light shower refreshes me in my shoe-squelching walk.
The morning of April 2, 2017 at Ayambukog campsite
The wake-up call was at 5:30am to cook for breakfast and eventually to have our breakfast. Break-up camp was at 6:45am. The trek from Ayambukog campsite started at 7:15am.
A captured shot along the trail at 8:20am
My climbing buddy was Giovanni Arreglado Pido and we alternately took photos of each other though we maintained our position at the lead pack just behind the guide.
My climbing buddy, Giovanni Arreglado Pido
Enjoying the wet trail
Braving the unfriendly trail at 8:58am
Crossing the Egatol raging river in between a deep ravine
It was only 10:45am when we reached Egatol river and our group decided to have our lunch here after a non-stop 3 hours 30 minutes trek. We stayed longer in this part of the trail. Despite cold water of the river, we took a bath here without removing our clothes and shoes.
Very cold water but refreshing to Christian Anthony
Christian Anthony Araja enjoying a bath at Egatol river
Just an information, of the three, only Kaiem joined the second Halcon climb. Atty. Rojas as of this writing is already dead and Christian decided not to join anymore the revenge climb.
Started trekking from Egatol at 11:01am (from left to right): Mark Ubaldo, Mc Bueno and me
Without regrouping, we are far distant from each other. The lead pack always consist of the guide, Giovanni and me. The temperature was cold but with continuous trekking, our bodies burn hot and wet clothes did not matter to us due to light showers.
A closer look of the ravine with a cascading downstream
On a closer range
The trail was superb in scenery with rushing waters coming from all directions including the downstream flowing from the mountain slopes and massive rocky walls. They do not look magical when the trail is dry.
Of course, Giovannie, the Manlalakbay na Manunulat vlogger has the same captured photo
The rest descended next after the lead pack
Since Giovanni and I got first on this point, we waited on top of the ravine to capture their descent and ascent at this ravine. We reached this point at 1:32pm. Then, we had a regrouping at the massive flat rock on top of it.
Scaling a cascading rapids
We reached this point at 1:52pm. I tried to ask the guide what is the name of this part, but to no avail. The trekking was not at all exhausting despite the assaults. The reason for this was we were mesmerized by the view. I have not experienced a climb like this so picturesque and yet not that hot.
How lucky you are Giovanni, I am giving you best shots
Along the mossy forest trail at 3:13pm
Into the deep mossy forest at 3:46pm
The duration of the trek in the mossy forest was one hour and an assault followed towards the dipterocarp forest, then there was a descent along a slipper trail towards a creek. There was again an assault leading to the Aplaya camp site.
There was one group when we reached the Aplaya camp. They were eight of them. By then, the sun partly showed and thus, we were able to pitch our tents conveniently. Cooking dinner followed and we had even a chilly socials. At around 10pm, there was an earthquake that hit our area. We barely slept well.
Break-up camp at 10am of the following day, April 5, 2017
The night before caused us so much worry, but anxious if the trekking will push through. However, we were finally advised that summitting will be aborted for two reasons: Dulangan river is not passable and the guides took the earthquake as a bad omen. The decision to abort the climb had a resistance particularly for Giovanni and Christian and they wanted to pursue. However, the group disapproved since the protocol is to have two guides for 8 climbers.
Group picture before descent (Left to right): Mark, Paulo, Chrisval, Christian, Ralph, Mc,
Yours truly, Randy, Zeus, Denis, Kaiem, Giovanni & Jrich
Our group started to descend at 10:46am and we were racing down battling the unfriendly trails thinking that there will be after shocks. This time, no more picture taking. We were just rushing down.
Viewdeck before Ayambukog campsite with our two local guides
The only regrouping we had since descended from Aplaya was in Egatol for our lunch. Still disappointed but relieved, we had a group picture at this point at 3:15pm. This was the only regrouping where we stayed much longer.
Reached Ayambukog campsite at 4:09pm drying our wet stuff
It has been agreed that instead of pushing to jump-off point, we settle for an overnight at the Ayambukog campsite. Since it was still sunny, we dried our stuff and pitching our tents was the last thing we had in our mind. After pitching the tent, we cooked our dinner and socials followed till 11pm where we had a soundly sleep.
Our sumptuous breakfast at Day 5 (April 6, 2017)
A casual conversation after breakfast
What's bothering you, Denis?
Our group finally left Ayambukog at 8:40am. We were so relaxed that we took our trek without time pressure. Besides, we knew that it was still early to be back in Calapan City.
(Standing from left to right): Yours truly, Paulo, Chrisval and Mc Bueno
The remnants of a landslide-covered community
Our prize at the jump-off point: this refreshing river for the coolest bath ever at 11:51am
Randy Apelado Amos
Atty. Ralph Rojas
Mc Bueno
Of course, me, too!
Cool! Feel at home! (Mark and Randy)
Jrich! Hindi ka naligo! Eiw!
For us, having a swim in this very clean river is once in a lifetime. After a 30-minute swim here, we proceed to the nearby barangay hall at the jump-off point where we changed our clothes and finally left at 12:35 Noon heading to Calapan City.
A souvenir photo at Calapan City Hall
While on our way to Calapan city proper at 1:47pm, I requested to be dropped off at the city hall for a souvenir picture. It was only me who did such while the rest were already sleeping while on board the chartered jeepney.
Buying food stuff for overnight and lunch on this mall
Atty. Ralph Rojas invited us to stay overnight in his sponsored accommodation since the following day, he invite us too to spend a beach swim in Harca Piloto Island, their family owned island off Calapan city coast for barely 30 minutes boat ride.
Our overnight accommodation
Our group enjoyed our overnight stay here. Drinking liquor was one of the activities and it was really a night full of fun. The sea breeze at night made our stay a very refreshing one. Thanks to our host, Atty. Ralph Rojas.
Our wake-up call on Day 6 (April 7, 2017) was at 4:30am, since we have to cook for our food for breakfast and lunch as we planned to stay in Harca Piloto Island till early in the afternoon.
Approaching Harca Piloto Island at 5:16am
We call this as sand therapy
Jrich and Kaiem collecting sea shells
Local fisherfolks are selling their catch at a very low price
A very refreshing seascape
Randy Amos relaxing in his hammock
Giovanni in his unique style of sunbathing
Atty. Ralph Rojas, our host, in his pensive moment
Rewarding my self with a soothing swim after 5 days in the mountains
Feeling the vibe of being fisherman
Scaling to the cottage on top of the island
Seeking a shade in the island's only cottage
The other side of the island
Jrich's underwater shot
Holding my breath to avoid bubbles coming from my mouth
We left the island at 11:30am and we were just timely for our lunch at the city's mall. After our lunch at 12:35noon, Jrich and I joined Kaiem to their house to fix our stuff in preparation for our trip back to Manila.
The interior of Sto. Nino Cathedral
After fixing our things, Kaiem toured Jrich and I in the city and he brought us to eat in a refreshment parlor serving the best halo-halo in town.
The very green city plaza where locals gather for their siesta time
Finally, Kaiem brought us to a pasalubong and souvenir store so that we can buy something for our love ones as we go back to Manila with our respective families.
Arriving Calapan City Port at 3:19pm
Kaiem (center) bading good bye to us on our trip back to Manila
It was Kaiem who drove Jrich and I to the port to catch our ferry trip to Batangas. He decided to stay in their ancestral house in Calapan to stay longer with her beloved mom.
Boarded Starlite Ferry for our trip back to Batangas City Pier
A wide angle shot of Calapan City Pier
A departing shot off Calapan City pier
We left Calapan city pier at 4:00pm bringing our good memories from the beautiful sceneries of Mount Halcon; the blood that was sucked from me by the hungry limatiks; the cheap food; the hospitality of Kaiem and his family; the physical bonding of my climbing buddies; the hospitality of Atty. Ralph Rojas; the vivid and vibrant culture and tradition of the people of Calapan; the humbling and submissive attitude of the Mangyans; the horror stories of Giovanni every socials in the mountains; the highly abled leadership and management of our tour organizer, Master hardcore Zeus Randell R. Manongsong and the victorious feeling that nobody was injured in our entire trip.
While at the high seas sailing back to Batangas City Pier
This first Mount Halcon climb was a failure, for we were not able to reach the summit due to weather condition. Watch out with my second climb where our group successfully reached the summit of the most toughest mountain to climb next to Mount Guiting-guiting.
Thanks for reading my blog!