MOUNT APO CLIMB

MOUNT APO Location: Kidapawan, Northern Cotabato, Philippines Entry point: Brgy. Ilomavis, Kidapawan City Exit point: Brgy. Ilomavis, Kidapawan City Coordinates: 7°0'30"N, 125°16'33"E Elevation: 2956 MASL (9,698 feet) Days required / Hours to summit:4 days / 12 hours Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail Class 3 Descriptive Summary: Mount Apo is unique for the charm of Lake Venado that it contributes to the mountain which is in an elevation of 2,280 MASL. According to my guide, our group has trailed through Mandarangan. The climb could have been shortened but our group opted to have overnight in Lake Venado on the first day; overnight on the summit - second day; overnight again in Lake Venado - third day; and fourth day was the descent to the jump-off point.

View Mt Apo in a larger map

Just one of the few river crossing we had in the Marble River

This climb was a long time dream for me considering that Mount Apo is the highest peak of the Philippines where we scaled through Mandarangan Trail where its jump-off point is more than an hour drive from Kidapawan City. We started the trek at 9:16 A.M. at Day 1. The picture above was taken when we were having our river tubing along Marble River which is still a part of Day 1.

Crossing bamboo bridge no. 5

Crossing bamboo bridge no. 6

Along the trail, we crossed a total of 6 wooden/bamboo bridges, trekked through a Sayote plantation and we regrouped in Junction-Matiaw Campsite at 11:11 A.M. We had our lunch near Ko-ong Creek at 12:04 Noon. We happened to have an ample rest in the century-old Almasiga Tree at 12:58 Noon. After that, heavy rains followed and we were soaked in water with our shoes being heard squelching as we managed to trek in a muddy and sticky trail. We arrived in Ko-ong Emergency Campsite at 2:38 P.M. The rain had stopped as we continue our trek though this time the trail was giving us an extreme difficulty as it was so stiff and made us strove with exhausting cardiac assaults.

Lake Venado at 5:00 P.M. A lake at 2,280 MASL.

Finally, we arrived in the scenic Lake Venado at 4:54 P.M. where we stayed overnight. Lake Venado is an endorheic lake located at the foot of Mount Apo in the province of North Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines. It is the highest lake in the country, found in coordinates 7°00′8″N 125°16′10″E, with an estimated surface elevation of 7,200 feet (2,194 meters above sea level). The lake is feed by local run-off and there is no outflow from the lake. The lake usually loses two-thirds of its size during dry months due to evaporation.

The name of the lake comes from the Spanish word "venado", which means "deer," owing to the deer-like shape of the lake. However, the local people living in the area called the lake "linaw", a Cebuano term for "clear", because the water of the lake is crystal-clear reflecting the peak of Mount Apo. The lake is believed to be enchanted by spirits living in the lake, according to the local tribes people.

Lake Venado at 5:00 A.M.

Day 2 was more exciting as Lake Venado early in the morning offers such a magnificent scenery with the kind of reflection of its crystal clear waters. Then after breakfast, we ascended to the summit starting 9:32 A.M. and reached the summit at 1:48 P.M. based on my personal record. For me, it was an achievement, to reach the summit of the Philippines’ highest peak of Mount Apo at a record of 2,954 meters or 9,692 feet. The trail was even stiffer and exhausting where I needed much rest for every 20 steps I made ascending.

The rocky summit grown with wild berries and cogon

The summit campsite was spacious where our big group pitched our tents. It was so rewarding to stay for an overnight in the summit campsite as we had the chance to experience the glory of being on top of the Philippines. I was so amazed picking and eating wild berries growing abundantly near the summit campsite.

Sunrise at Davao Side Peak of Mount Apo

The sulfuric vent or fumarole at Mount Apo's summit captured on a  sunrise

Mount Apo's Peak at Davao Side

Mount Apo's Peak at Kidapawan's side

Day 3 was even more rewarding as we woke up as early as 5:00 A.M. to witness the sunrise at Peak 5 (Davao side) overlooking the Dead Lake and the crater. We stayed longer there and after an hour or two, we went back to the campsite to take our breakfast. Together with my porter Argie Amad and Sandawa-Apo Members: Arvin Languido, Jet Fritch Norbe and Renan Rebosura, we scaled Peaks 1 and 2 (Kidapawan side); Peak 3 (Magpet side) and Peak 6 (Davao-Calinan-Tamayong side). We failed to scale the other two peaks, namely: Peak 4 (Makilala side) and Peak 7 (Digos-Bansalan side). After the breakfast, we started to descend from the summit at 9:55 A.M. and reached Lake Venado at 11:21 A.M. as per my personal record. The scenery from the summit overlooking Lake Venado was superb and magnificent.

Still a part of Mount Apo's Peak at Davao-Calinan-Tamayong side

Scenery from Peak 7 in Digos-Bansalan side

Taken passed midpoint from the summit on our way to Lake Venado

Overlooking Lake Venado while our group was descending from the summit

During Day 4, we had an ample time along Lake Venado. We were not in a hurry then. We just enjoyed the cool experience of being there. We started the ascent from Lake Venado at 8:56 A.M. trekking through Mainit Trail and reached the Marble River at 10:18 A.M. for a river trekking. We reached the Junction-Matiaw Campsite at 12:14 Noon just timely for our lunch. We reached the jump-off point at 2:04 P.M. and proceed to Lake Agco for a refreshing swim on its hot spring.

Below is the suggested Itinerary for this trail:

Day 1

07:30 A.M. Take van from Kidapawan City to Brgy. Ilomavis
09:00 A.M. ETA Brgy. Ilomavis
09:30 A.M. Start trek
01:00 P.M. ETA Mainit Hot Springs
05:00 P.M. ETA Lake Venado; set-up camp
07:00 P.M. Dinner and social onwards

Day 2

05:00 A.M. Wake-up call
06:30 A.M. Breakfast
07:30 A.M. Start summit assault.
10:30 A.M. ETA summit of Mt. Apo
11:00 A.M. Set-up camp and lunch preparation
12:00 NN Lunch
01:00 P.M. Start of siesta time
05:30 P.M. Dinne preparation
07:00 P.M. Dinner and social onwards

Day 3

04:30 A.M. Wake-up call
05:00 A.M. Sunrise at Mount Apo's crater
06:30 A.M. Start of peaks hopping
08:00 A.M. Breakfast/Break camp
09:00 A.M. Start descent to Lake Venado
11:30 A.M. ETA Lake Venado/Set-up camp
12:00 NN Lunch Preparation
01:00 P.M. Lunch
02:00 P.M. Start of siesta time
05:30 P.M. Dinner preparation
07:00 P.M. Dinner/socials

Day 4

05:00 A.M. Wake-up call
05:30 A.M. Breakfast preparation
06:30 A.M. Breakfast
07:30 A.M. Break camp
08:00 A.M. Start descent to Brgy. Ilomavis
12:00 NN Lunch on trail
03:30 P.M. ETA Lake Agco Hot Spring Resort
05:00 P.M. ETD Lake Agco Resort
06:00 P.M. ETA Kidapawan City

You may also like reading a related climb by an iconic and professional climber Gideon. Click here to view his blog.

MOUNT PULAG CLIMB

My fourth major climb under PNB Mountaineering Club was Mt. Pulag on November 27 to 29, 1999. Mt. Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines which is being dubbed as the “roof of Luzon” is 2,930 meters or 9,610 feet. The first two highest mountains are in Mindanao wihich are both inactive volcanoes with Mount Apo in Davao as the highest mountain at 2,954 meters or 9,692 feet and followed by Mount Dulang-Dulang at 2,938 meters or 9,637 feet located in Kitanglad Mountain Range. Mount Pulag is not in itself a volcano. This majestic mountain has been part of the folklore of the various mountain tribes for generations. It’s believed to be the home of forest spirits who protect the tribes and assure bountiful harvests. For me, climbing this mountain is a feast for my senses. The slopes are covered with pine trees and grassy meadows. The soft tuffs of grass that cover the trail cushion every step to the summit. The air was crisp and gentle blows over the mountain as we ascended towards the summit that gave us a very refreshing atmosphere and the spectacular summit panorama. The mist was all around me and for one moment then, I knew what it felt like to walk in the clouds. Although, our climb was gradual, the altitude, distance and cold weather as well as occassional downpour made our trek slightly difficult. Thus, we made rhythmical squelching sounds.
The said climb has 54 participants which consist of 43 members, 2 initiates and 9 guests. The members were: (1) Rolly Villanueva – expidition leader; (2) Jose Enrique “Ike” S. Abad of PNB IT Group; (3) Ricardo “Ricky” N. Eslao of PNB IT Group; (4) Norberto “Abat” Miranda Jr.; (5) Antonio “Tony” M. Alcaraz of PNB IT Group; (6) Sandy A. Alhambra of PNB Trust Division; (7) Elmer C. Daus of PNB Office of SVP Ma. Cristina G. Munoz; (8) Romeo “Jun” B. Galang, Jr. of PNB IT Group; (9) Janet I. Lazarte of PNB GSD Accounting; (10) Manuel “Manny” I. Llesol of PNB PAIRD; (11) Edmundo “Edu” C. Llondres of PNB SAAD; (12) Norman G. Mosuela of PNB IT Group; (13) Jessica “Je” M. Parina of PNB Corporate Affairs Office; (14) Severo “Roy” Y. Pison IV of PNB Economics & Research Division; (15) Sandra S. Reyes of PNB Trust Division; (16) Benito “Benet” L. Sakdalan of PNB Corporate Affairs Office; (17) Marigrace “Grace” E. Serafica of PNB ATM Division; (18) Alberto “Abet” M. Zapanta of PNB Reengineering Division; (19) Johanna “Hannah” C. Acuna of Allied Bank –Head Office; (20) Ma. Noemi O. Amador-Capunitan of Allied Bank – Head Office; (21) Maricris “Chris” B. Ballon of Allied Bank Divisoria Branch; (22) Raymund “Mon” S. Crisol of Allied Bank – Aguirre Branch; (23) Ma. Jeannie I Mendoza of Allied Bank – Monumento Branch; (24) Juanito “Jun” C. Banela of CIBI’ (25) Victor C. Victorino of CIBI; (26) Laudimer “Omel” Arandia of Peoples Insurance; (27) Alona C. Beliganio of Belkin Management Consultancy Philippines, Inc.; (28) Alan A. Valenzuela of Peoples Insurance; (29) Genevic “Gene” B. Baria of Angelus; (30) Erwin C. de la Cruz of Angelus; (31) Nenita “Nenet” A. Caringal of SM Lazo Medical Center; (32) Omega “Megs” P. Olano of SM Lazo Medical Center; (33) Joselito “Lito” D. Perinion of SM Lazo Medical Center; (34) Andrew M. Bay of CITEM; (35) Jose Martin F. Duyala of CITEM; (36) Brenda B. Bernabe of Aztec Philippines Corporation; (37) Mary Jane “Jing” V. Gumba of the Bank of Commerce – Head Office; (38) Fortunato “Bong” C. Rosales of Pardee Computer; (39) Ma. Menchu B. Segovia; (40) Elino “Jun” Q. Sorquia; (41) Ma. Consuelo “Connie” I. Vasquez of Alsons Cement Corporation; (42) Wilma S. Mosuela of PNB IT Group; and (43) myself.

There were only 2 initiates, namely: (1) Arthur “Art” S. Tagle of PNB IT Group and (2) Marco Rei Antonio “Marco” W. del Mundo of CITEM. The 9 guests were: (1) Marilyn M. Santiago of PNB IBS Group and an Ayala Mountaineer and (2) his boyfriend, John “Totit” R. Jaromahum; (3) Katerina “Kat-kat” S. Claraval of CITEM; (4) Mark Victor V. Sales of CITEM; (5) Arnold B. Enciso of CIBI; (6) Phillip M. Diaz of Allied Bank – Head Office; (7) James L. Bulanon – brother of Menchu B. Segovia; (8) Glenn Carlos A. de Guzman – my guest; and (9) Renee “Dee” R. Molina of Allied Bank – Head Office.

Baguio City was a part of this trip as our chartered bus was only up to this place. We boarded three jeepneys from Ambangeg in a 10-kilometer steep track for almost four hours going to Babadak Rangers Station in which we travelled through a very rough and muddy road which lasted for more than six hours or from 5:20 to 11:55 A.M. The trek from the jumpoff point started at almost 1:00 P.M. despite the heavy downpour, freezing temperature and strong winds. The following day of November 28 was very rewarding as we had ample time to photograph the beautiful scenery within the vicinity of The Plateau and Myra’s Peak and socials followed until 3:00 P.M. We had our summit assault at almost 4:00 P.M. and induction of initiates followed. Back in our campsite at around 5:30 P.M., the view was fantastic --- the sky looked like God’s palette, as He was about to finish painting the day into night.

We had a disastrous night because a heavy downpour coupled with very strong winds leveled down some of our tents but not ours in the group of Roy Pison and Jun Galang. Some were soaked in water as the whole camp was flooded. The following day, as we descended to Babadak Rangers Station for Baguio City, I felt an incredible sense of nostalgia as I was completely leaving the majestic mountain.