MOIUNT PALAY-PALAY CLIMBS (PICO DE LORO)

Location: Maragondon (Cavite) and Nasugbu (Batangas), Philippines
Major jump-off: DENR Station, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
Minor jump-off: Sitio Fronda, Brgy. Papaya, Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas
Elevation: 664 MASL (2,179 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Distinctive features: With a massive monolith adjacent to the summit, forests, scenic views of Cavite

My first two climbs in Pico de Loro were: June 12-14, 1998 and March 2-3, 2002. Our jump-off point was in Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas. It was so called Pico de Loro since its peak resembles to beak of a parrot and it has two peaks of which one is a massive stone which can only be climbed through harness.

Our group conquering the massive monolith of Mount Palay-Palay

The first time we climbed this mountain was with the EMBO Mountain Climbers and few acquaintance friends. It was the time when we were waiting for the next climb that Noemi Amador, who used to be my companion in all of my outings and major trips, tried to visit for the first time Majayjay Falls in Sta. Cruz, Laguna dated May 16 and 17, 1998. We met friends there in the person of: (1) Alexander “Alex” P. Vilar of Asian Spirit Airlines; (2) Ma. Rozanah “Chen-chen” G. Irisary and (3) Emmanuel Provido “Nuel” A. de Castro II of Wesarv Systems International; and (4) Oscar “Onching” F. Azarcon. The four invited us to join their mountaineering club called EMBO which stands for Exploration of Man Beyond ‘Orizon. Alex, Nuel and Onching were founding club members. We also met there some friends like Leonardo “Toti” M. Villamor of Toyota Motors Paranaque, Diego G. Castillo and Arnel M. Evangelista.

After a few get together and constant phone calls, our EMBO friends invited us to join their June 12-14, 1998 Pico de Loro Centennial Climb situated in Nasugbu, Batangas. This time, we invited Aldwin de Guia and Mon Crisol to join us including Noemi Amador and Jenny Ferrer. We were all sixteen participants of the climb namely: (1) Nuel de Castro; (2) Alexander Vilar; (3) Onching Azarcon; (4) Michael “Mhike” B. Fernandez – another EMBO Mountaineering Club founding member; (5) Chenchen Irisary; (6) Evelyn F. Varias and all the rest including myself were guest climbers, namely: (7) Jesus “Jojo” F. Borja Jr. of KLT Fruits, Inc.; (8)Emee P. Durban of UCPB Herrera Branch; (9) Mark Stephen “Mark” P. Endonilla; (10) Raymund Crisol of Allied Bank Edsa Extension Branch; (11) Aldwin de Guia; (12) Bernadette “Badette” C. de Jesus of Nesic Philippines, Inc.; (13) Noemi Amador; (14) Jenny Ferrer; (15) Diego Castillo; and (16) I.

A group picture at the summit

It was not purely a mountaineering activity since we also experienced rock climbing using harness to reach the other peak of the big massive rock formation of Pico de Loro. After descending the mountain, we went to Kutad Cove where we had night swimming and socials in a bonfire. We pitched our tents along the beach line. The following day, June 14, we almost spent our day in the beach together with the famous actor, Aga Mulach who’s enjoying jetski. He had with him his relatives boarding a private yatch.

The second time around, I was supposedly joining a qualifing test for the March 26-31, 2002 Mt. Halcon Major Climb and so I joined the March 2-3, 2002 Pico de Loro Climb in Nasugbu, Batangas. I thought then it would be less exciting for the second time but as the climb progressed, it turned out to be more challenging since unlike before this one was only a day climb. It helped us gain more stamina, endurance and strength as seasoned (?) and professional (?) mountain climbers. Together with me were my fellow PNB Mountaineering Club members, namely: Erwin C. dela Cruz (Expidition Leader); Christian Tagle (Lead Man) and his father, Arthur; Eduard “Jun” V. Mangyao, Jr.; Ricky Eslao; Connie Vasquez; Enrique “Ike” S. Abad; Jing Gumba; Menchu Segovia; and Antonio Alcaraz. Jun Mangyao served as my inspiration in the whole duration of the climb. Our entry point was in Sitio Hamilo, Brgy. Papaya boarding a jeepney from Nasugbu town proper. We started from the jump-off point at 11:00 A.M. of the first day and was at the peak at 2:38 P.M. We were back in the jump-off point at almost 5:00 P.M.

Spending an overnight at the Kutad Cove after our Mount Palay-Palay Climb

We boarded a jeepney to Brgy. Papaya proper and hired a motorboat to go to Kutad Cove in Hacienda Look owned by Henry Sy and Associates through a 20-minute motorboat ride from Brgy. Papaya port. We had our overnight along the beach of Kutad. Our socials was quite memorable in the sense that both Jun Mangyao and I were identified with each other during the body shots game. That game really gave me a sort of emotional satisfaction and hoped then it would not end. And at the same time, the game gave us an opportunity to know each other and became closer. It was on that night that Ricky and Connie confirmed their intimate relationship. I slept earlier at 12:00 midnight while the rest at 2:00 dawn. For the second time, I shared with the tent of Ike Abad together with Anton Alcaraz. The following day, we started our activity in cooking our breakfast and had swimming. It was such a very refreshing morning filled with so much fun and thrills. The sun was as playful as the group as it was not too hot to our tanning skin. Finally, our excitement diminished as our service motor boat arrived to cross us to Brgy. Papaya proper at almost 11:00 A.M. After our late lunch in Nasugbu, we boarded an airconditioned BLTB bus at 4:30 P.M. and arrived in Manila at 6:40 P.M.

MOUNT NATIB CLIMB

Location: Orani, Bataan, Philippines
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Tala, Orani
Minor jumpoff: Kanawan (Hanging Bridge), Morong
Elevation: 1,287 MASL (4,222 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4 -5 hours Specs (Backtrail): Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-3
Specs (Traverse): Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-3
Distinctive features: Scenic views of Central Luzon; Woodlands; Tropical forests and it is infested with limatik (blood-sucking leech)

Sea of clouds at Mount Natib's summit

My fifth climb under PNB Mountaineering Club dated September 26 and 27, 1998 made a difference in Mount Natib in Orani, Bataan for it was the first time that I experienced a freezing night inside our tent and I considered it more memorable than Mount Batulao. Abet Zapanta, a senior member then, was my climb buddy. He was very supportive and awesomely inspiring companion. He was always there to help me when I needed him the most especially that the trail and terrain towards the peak was so difficult because the very stiff rocky slopes of the mountain were very slippery and some parts of it were so densely forested area.

The rocky, slippery, steep and limatik-infested trail

Mount Natib is located in the heart of Bataan Natural Park of 23,700 hectares or 58,500 acres in the midst of lowland dipterocarp rainforest. Its peak has an elevation of 1,253 meters or 4,111 feet. We were twelve then consisting of six members, five initiates and a guest. The members were: (1) Noel N. Dollentas – Expidition Leader; (2) Alberto “Abet” M. Zapanta – sweeper; (3) Norita “Norie” R. Jacala; (4) Romeo “Jun” B. Galang; (5) Sandy A. Alhambra and (6) Sandra S. Reyes. The initiates were: (1) Noemi Amador, (2) Juanito “Jun” R. Banela and Victor C. Victorino of Credit Investigation Bureau, Inc. (CIBI); (4) Roy Pison; and (5) I; and Henry “Joel” A. Dimacali, Abet’s friend, as guest climber. This time, we had a travel variation since we boarded M/V Stella Mariz Ferry Boat of Grand Seaway Ferries, Inc. from CCP Complex Port Terminal going to Lamao in Bataan and boarded a jeepney to Orani, Bataan up to the jump-off point. On our way back to Manila, we went to Balanga, Bataan in Brenda Bernabe’s house where a sumptuous lunch was served and back again to the Port of Lamao.

Regrouping before finally ascending to the cardiac assault trails

After the climb, it would be rewarding to spend a night on the refreshing Sinagtala Farm Resort

MOUNT NAPULAWAN CLIMB

It was indeed a very memorable climb not only because of its side trips but because it was my first major climb in which I was inducted a regular member of PNB Mountaineering Club. The said climb was in Mount Napulawan in Hapao-Hungduan which is a part of Mountain Province dated November 28 to December 2, 1998. Climbing to the breathtaking summit of this mountain was really an endless trekking as we passed through several mountains. Notably, these mountains were all exciting and dramatic and immediately overawe myself as an onlooker. But I was prepared for this by all that I’ve known from the accounts given by the club’s members who already climbed this mountain. And I was keyed up to respond to that kind of beauty.

I was inducted along with 12 others as the club’s Batch 14 on its summit called Camp Dunuan at 7:45 in the morning on November 30, 1998 by Policarpo Gregorio Osmundo N. “Ding” Capunitan assisted by Rolly Villanueva. It was freezing then and all of us male initiates wore only short pants and our upper body was bare. The night before induction was extremely freezing and there was light rains. When I rested in my tent together with Roy Pison and Jun Galang, I wore two thermal jackets, with two t-shirts inside, two socks, hand gloves, muffler and bonnet and I could not sleep well because I kept on chilling. We were all thirty-two with thirteen members, thirteen inductees, two guests and four guides. The members were: (1) Rolly Villanueva – expidition leader; (2) Jun Galang – lead man; (3) Manny Llesol – sweeper; (4) Ding Capunitan; (5) Sandy Alhambra; (6) Sandra Reyes; (7) Chika Vite; (8) Norie Jacala; (9) Elmer Daus; (10) Tony Sundiang; (11) Fidel O. Mendoza; (12) Noel Dollentas; and (13) Abet Zapanta. The inductees were: (1) Noemi Amador; (2) Roy Pison; (3) Chris Ballon; (4) Jenny Ferrer; (5) Marie Jane V. Gumba; (6) Benjie Autencio; (7) Jun Banela; (8) Victor Victorino; (9) Jesie Sayas; (10) Neil Raymundo; (11) Janet Lazarte; (12) Henry Salazar; and (13) I. Lito Capuz and Judith Palero were the guests. Our group of inductees was Batch 14 and we were simply the best batch ever that PNB Mountaineering Club has produced.

After we descended from the mountain which was the eve of November 30, we stayed overnight in Hungduan Municipal Hall. In same venue, a cultural show was prepared by the folks of Hungduan for us hosted by the lady vice mayor. The show was an age-old Ifugao ritual entitled “Mumbaki” in which medicine priests offer animals like pigs and chickens to their gods for good harvest and good health. Dinner was served out of the animals offered in the ritual. The following day, December 1, we had a side trip to Banaue and Sagada. This was the second time I have been in this place since April 17-19, 1998 together with some PNB Makati Avenue officemates. In Banaue, we visited its Museum and Terrace View Deck. We also visited the Bontoc Museum and proceed to Sagada where we stayed in two separate groups in Country Inn and Restaurant and Masferre’s Lodging House. We visited the following: (1) Sagada Weaving, (2) Hanging Coffins, (3) Sagada Parish Church, (4) Sagada Cemetery, and (5) Echo Valley. I joined dinner with the group but slept early and did not join the evening socials because I was mad with Rolly Villanueva and besides I was sad because my favorite buddy, Abet Zapanta did not join the Sagada side trip together with Henry Salazar, confidante Neil Raymundo and Judith Palero.
The following day, December 2, I decided not to join the Sumaguing Caving and persuaded Jenny Ferrer and Janet Lazarte to join me instead in roaming around the place. Our group left Sagada and proceed to Baguio City and had a memorable evening socials in Fondue Café and Folk House. That same night, we pushed for Manila and reached home at almost 5:00 in the morning of December 3 but I managed to report to work just a little bit late because I washed first my dirty clothes in the climb.

MOUNT MANABO CLIMB

In celebration for the birthday (March 8) of our fellow member in PNB Mountaineering Club, Marie Jane V. Gumba, one of my favorites, she organized the Mt. Manabo Fun Climb in Lipa, Batangas dated March 9-10, 2002. Our group of 23 participants was divided into two as to the day (first batch) and night (second batch) trekkers. I was with the first batch which left Pasay City through three separate service cars at 1:00 P.M. I hitched with Ding and Noemi’s Capunitan’s white Nissan pick-up together with Dee Molina of Allied Bank, Jenny Ferrer of Yuchengco Group of Companies and Janet Lazarte of PNB. In separate cars were: Jun Banela and Arnold Enciso of CIBI and Philnabankers: Manny Llesol, Roy Pison, Ike Abad, Anton Alcaraz and Ricky Eslao. We met in Fiesta Mall in Lipa City of Batangas at 3:20 P.M. and started our uphill trek at 4:12 P.M. where we reached the peak at 5:33 P.M. and settled there for an overnight stay in a very breathtaking and scenic campsite. Founding member of PAL Romy Antonio and sweetheart Philnabanker Je Parina arrived at almost 6:30 P.M. who initiated the socials with a drinking spree.

We already finished our dinner and was starting our socials when the night trekkers of eight arrived at almost 9:00 P.M. The ever vibrant and charming birthday celebrant, Jing Gumba paraded to our campsite equipped with food and liquors for her birthday celebration. She was chanting with excitement though she felt tired then. She was accompanied by our equally excited members, namely: Jun Lee of Colorite Photo Center of Olongapo City, Menchu Segovia of Frameworks establishment of Malolos in Bulacan, Melanie “Lani” P. Santos of BPI Savings Bank formerly from Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), Connie Vasquez of Jianshe Motorcycle Industries Philippines Corporation, Elmar Portento of Raco-Haven Automation Phils., Inc. , Alona C. Beliganio of Soundtechs Hearing Care Professionals and Jose Martin F. Duyala of Center for International Trade Exposition & Mission (CITEM). Socials continued until 2:00 dawn of March 10.

The peak was cold and we needed to have thick wears in the form of jackets and sweat shirts. The cold temperature was comparable to that of Mt. Natib in Orani, Bataan and Mt. Cristobal in Dolores, Quezon. To wake up early in the morning was really rewarding since the enchanting scenery was just as fascinating as it was. Our cameras were endlessly grinding in order to capture the best shot possible. A few of us remained in their tents to experience an extended soundly sleep. We had our breakcamp on the morning of March 10 at 7:30 A.M. while a few descended at 8:00 A.M. Our group consisting of Jing, Connie, Jenny, Ike, Dee, Anton, Janet, Martin, Mechu and Ricky was left and had our breakfast. We started the downhill trekking at almost 9:00 A.M. and was at the jump-off point at passed 10:00 A.M. We arrived in Manila at 1:00 P.M.

MOUNT MAKILING – PEAK 2 CLIMB

As per record, I had already two climbs in this mountain, all of which are day climb dated July 25, 1998 and May 29, 1999. It is located in Los Banos, Laguna with an altitude of 1,144 meters or 3,753 feet. It has 25 loveseats before finally reaching the peak. It is inhabited by tiger-color “Limatik”, a family of blood sucking leech.

July 25, 1998 was my first climb in PNB Mountaineering Club as an Initiate and the third in my mountain climbing portfolio. It happened when a PNB Mountaineer member and officemate, Pablito “Apple” Ongleo and Philnabank Director Rolando “Rolly” Villanueva and one of the directors of Philippine National Bank Mountaineering Club (PNB MC), convinced me to join the said club. I finally filed for membership on July 20, 1998. I attended the Club’s Basic Mountaineering Course on October 17, 1998. I was an Initiate then in this club and was required to complete some minor and major climbs to qualify as a regular member. We were nine then consisting of four regular members and five initiates. The regular members were: (1)Elmer C. Daus -Expidition Leader (EL), (2) Agnes “Chika” F. Vite – Sweeper of PNB Institute of Banking; (3) Romeo “Jun” B. Galang of PNB IT Group; (4) Sandy A. Alhambra and the initiates were: (1) Noemi Amador; (2) Jenny Ferrer; (3) Janet T. Lazarte of PNB GSD-Accounting; (4) Roy Pison, (5)Jaime “Bogs” Estanilla Jr. of PNB Special and Global Accounts Department and (6) I.

Another workout and minor climb was on May 29, 1999 which was a day-hike climb. We joined with 10 initiates and 5 members of PNB Mountaineering Club. With me was my favorite Jenny Ferrer and we were not able to join the group in the assembly area. With this, we were left and we took a separate trip going to UP Los Banos. Unfortunately, Jenny and I were not able to meet them in the jump-off point and so we had a separate assault towards the peak. When we were about to reach the peak, we met the group but we decided to go on with the assault. They agreed that, they will just wait for us in the jump-off point.

MOUNT CRISTOBAL CLIMB

Mount Cristobal in Dolores of the province of Quezon was my ninth climb under PNB Mountaineering Club dated November 14 and 15, 1998. The experience I had in this climb has a similitude of Mount Natib but the amount of rainfall in this mountain was comparatively high compared with Natib’s since we were totally trailing a rain forest. In fact, there was a continuous downpour just two kilometers from the jump-off point up to the camp site that we stayed overnight. But the continuous rains had not barred us to ascend to our campsite. Some of the folks we met there and other mountaineers who have gone there already forewarned us that the mountain was really enchanted and they even shared to us horrible stories. But for us, scaling the said mountain was just another exciting experience. We proceed with our socials in the evening which was a rain-free one but it was so cold and was very inviting to have an early bed rest in our warm tents. We were twenty-two then with 8 members, 12 initiates and two guest climbers. The members were: (1) Jun Galang – expidition leader; (2) Chika Vite – sweeper; (3) Ding Capunitan; (4) Elmer Daus; (5) Abet Zapanta; (6) Sandy Alhambra; (7) Rolly Villanueva; and (8) Marrita Gregore. The initiates were: (1) Jun Banela; (2) Jesie Sayas; (3) Susie Tagustos; (4) Victor Victorino; (5) Noemi Amador; (6) Jing Gumba; (7) Neil Raymundo; (8) Roy Pison; (9) Jenny Ferrer; (10) Janet Lazarte; (11) Benjie Autencio; and (12) I. Roderick “Rick” N. Vinluan of CIBI and Judith C. Palero of China Bank were guests.

MOUNT BATULAO CLIMB

My fourth climb under PNB Mountaineering Club was in Mount Batulao located in Nasugbu, Batangas dated August 29-30, 1998. The said climb was a fun-filled one because it was an overnight activity compared with the Mt. Makiling day-hike climb. We had enough socialization during night time because a lot of senior members joined us. But comparatively, it was not as enjoyable as the Banahaw de Tayabas and Pico de Loro Climb. The reason might be that some senior members were so arrogant to us and emphasized the member-initiate relationship wherein the members should always be above the initiates who were all vying for permanent membership in the club. Marrita Gregore was the most arrogant senior member of the climb. We were consisting of 20 participants in which 14 were members and six initiates. The climb was divided into two groups in which the first group was in a day trek while the rest of the senior members had a night trek. The members were: (1) Alberto “Abet”M. Zapanta, Jr. - Expidition Leader; (2) Sandy A. Alhambra – Sweeper; (3) Jun Galang; (4) Marrita “Marit” M. Gregore; (5) Sandra S. Reyes; (6) Norita “Norie” R. Jacala; (7) Policarpo Gregorio Osmundo “Ding” N. Capunitan; (8) Brenda B. Bernabe; (9) Noel N. Dollentas; (10) Rolando “Rolly” O. Villanueva; (11) Analiza “Liza” M. Astillero; (12) Manuel “Manny” I. Llesol; (13) Jessica Parina; and (14) Reynold Quiambao. The initiates were: (1) Boggs Estanilla; (2) Janet T. Lazarte; (3) Roy Pison; (4) Jenny Ferrer; (5) Noemi Amador and (6) I.

An added attraction was the panoramic and tranquil Caleruega Chapel which served as the jump-off point of Mount Batalao. A perfect wedding church for perfect couple like my best friend Noemi Ordiales Amador who was tied to Policarpo Gregorio Osmundo “Ding” Nuqui Capunitan in this chapel dated March 12, 2000.

MOUNT ARAYAT CLIMB PEAK 1

Location: Arayat, Pampanga, Philippines
Major jump off: Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano, Arayat
Elevation: 1,030 MASL (3,379 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 3
Distinctive features: It has spectacular view overlooking most of Central Luzon with expanse of rice fields and towns, Pampanga River, mountains of Zambales and Bataan and the Sierra Madre on the opposite side. However, in this same summit is a communication tower which blocks the full view of the other side when photographed.

The scenery from the summit of Mount Arayat Peak 1

My eighth climb under PNB Mountaineering Club was in Mount Arayat in Pampanga last November 7-8, 1998. I hate the said climb for one reason that the people who were in charge of the registration in Mount Arayat National Park in Brgy. San Juan Bano delayed us so much, they were the so called: “Opportunists” and with this, I said to myself that I will no longer visit and scale this mountain again with the kind of people manning the registration. On the other hand, the said climb was noted for having a lot a cardiac assaults in which I almost failed to reach the peak. I realized that one should not underestimate the mountains to be scaled. I learned a lesson that one should always condition oneself that climbing is not just an easy undertaking to do even in some minor climbs. We were all seventeen with 6 members, 10 initiates and a guest. The members were: (1) Norie Jacala – expidition leader; (2) Ding Capunitan – sweeper; (3) Jun Galang; (4) Chika Vite; (5) Jessica “Je” M. Parina; and (6) Brenda B. Bernabe. The initiates were: (1) Roy Pison; (2) Jenny Ferrer; (3) Chris Ballon; (4) Jun Banela; (5) Jesie Sayas; (6) Jesusa “Susie” D. Tagustos of CIBI; (7) Neil James Raymundo; (8) Jing Gumba; (9) Noemi Amador; and (10) I. The guest was Paulito “Lito” M. Capuz, Chika’s sweetheart. On the other hand, I never thought Jing Gumba would join another climb as she suffered her first climb very much. She told us, she was challenged by that difficulty and she would like to overcome it only by becoming a seasoned and regular member of PNB Mountaineering Club.

BUNDOK NG SUSONG DALAGA CLIMB

For the first time, I had a chance to set foot in Lipa City for my seventh climb under PNB Mountaineering Club which was in Bundok ng Susong Dalaga in Brgy. Talisay, Lipa, Batangas last November 2, 1998 and another workout and day climb. It was not worth remembering as there was no remarkable scenery in this place. We just did this in preparation for our major climbs. We were all fifteen with five members, nine initiates and a guest. The members were: (1) Marrita Gregore – expidition leader; (2) Jun Galang – lead man; (3) Sandy Alhambra – sweeper; (4) Norie Jacala; and (5) Susan E. Angeles of Energy Regulatory Board. The initiates were: (1) Benjamin “Benjie” G. Autencio, Jr.; (2) Roy Pison; (3) Janet Lazarte; (4) Jenny Ferrer; (5) Noemi Amador; (6) Maricris “Chris” Ballon; (7) Jesie Sayas; (8) Marie Jane “Jing” V. Gumba of Bank of Commerce and (9) I. The guest climber a who is a friend of Marrita Gregori was Judith C. Palero of China Bank and a member of U-Trek Mountaineering Club. It was the first climb of Jing Gumba and she suffered so many falls for her chubby frame increased more the degree of pull of gravity, I suppose.