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 CAMIGUIN DE BABUYANES CLIMB

MOUNT CAMIGUIN DE BABUYANES Location: Camiguin Island, Cagayan Valley Province, Philippines Elevation: 712 m (2,336 ft) Coordinates: 18°50′00″N 121°51′36″E Total Area: 24.62 Square KM (9.51 square miles) Blogger Note: Camiguin de Babuyanes is located in the island of Camiguin de Babuyanes which is a part of the province of Cagayan Valley. More information of it can be read in Wikipedia	View Mt Camiguinin a larger map

The October 12, 2003 Mount Camiguin de Babuyan Climb. This was actually a part of my Babuyan Islands Group tour. It is the highest point of Camiguin Island, an extinct volcano with two small lakes near its peak and measures 712 meters or 2,336 feet high. In preparation for the climb, I stayed overnight on October 11, 2003 in the house of the 50-year old Esperanza de la Cruz Acupan together with my handsome teener friend, Francis Dalo, a fourth year high school student then of the Lyceum of Camiguin. Her place is just close to the mountain’s jumpoff point located in Sitio Pagitpit, Brgy. Naguilian, Camiguin.

During the actual date of the climb, our group of six (6), left Esperanza’s house at 8:15 A.M., namely: (1) 48-year old Rogelio delos Santos and (2) 42-year old Dionisio Alejo (both hired guides); (3) Eden Acupan (Esperanza’s daughter); (4) Lina dela Cruz (Esperanza’s sister); (5) Francis Dalo; and (6) I. It was only a minor climb but I really felt the extreme difficulty of pursuing its peak. Our group was only the second climbers after 21 years when two (2) Americans did a research on this volcano wayback 1982. So, an unfriendly and hostile trail was expected by us. Our guides had to make a clearance in this thickly forested mountain all the time and the terrain was bad. We used the four-wheel drive system for us to sustain the stiff sticky terrain. Most of the time, we positioned ourselves in such a way that we are like entering an igloo house just to fit in with the narrow trails because of the thick trees abundantly growing everywhere. On our way to the summit, we passed thru two small lakes in two (2) distant separate locations. We reached the peak at 12:08 Noon.
We cut most of the trees in the peak so that we can capture a rewarding 360 degrees viewpoint overlooking the amazing island of Camiguin with endless rolling hills and sprawling green fields and white sand beaches as well as with the neighboring Pinon Islet and Pamuctan Island. We stayed in the peak from 12:08 Noon to 1:22 P.M. not only to appreciate its awesome scenery but also to have our lunch and siesta time and endless picture taking. In addition, the peak is abundantly grown with a number of expensive and exotic orchids. We descended the mountain at 1:23 P.M. and reached Esperanza’s house at 3:28 P.M. where a buco fruit treat was awaiting us. Francis and I left at 4:50 P.M. and arrived in his ancestral house at 5:40 P.M. in Sitio Baribar, Brgy. Naguilian, Camiguin where we spent overnight. In their

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 BANAHAW CLIMB

Location: Dolores, Quezon Province, Philippines
Major jump-off: Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores
Elevation: 2,158 MASL (7,080 feet)
Days required /Hours to summit: Level 2-3 days / 6-7 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
Distinctive Features: It has three windows or they call it "Tatlong Durungawan" and from all these the mountain's crater can be viewed. For some, it is considered as sacred mountain where pilgrims visit here during Lenten season.

While at the Pangalawang Durungawan overlooking the sulfur-filled smoke

Though I decided not to join the March 26-31, 2002 Mt. Halcon Climb, I still joined the March 16-17, 2002 Mt. Banahaw Major Preparatory Climb since for me it was a new mountain to scale and absolutely a new challenging adventure. I arrived at this very crucial decision since I opted to join the Palawan Zafari and Nature Trek with the same schedule which was held during the holy week. Scaling, Mt. Banahaw was such a very worthwhile mountaineering experience though it was such an extremely exhausting activity. We were a group of eleven PNB Mountaineering Club members, namely: Jing Gumba (Expidition Leader), Elmar D. Portento (Sweeper), Edgar E. Tugade of CITEM, Eileen V. De Gala of PNB Balayan Branch, Jenny Ferrer, Arthur R. Tagle, Christian Dominique T. Tagle (Lead Man), Connie Vasquez, Ricardo N. Eslao, Antonio M. Alcaraz and I. We had a chartered Tamaraw FX from Manila to Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon and vice versa owned and drove by Gil, an acquaintance in Mt. Manabo where he also served as our driver from its jump-off point in Lipa City to Manila.

While at the Pangalawang Durungawan overlooking the sulfur-filled smoke with some acquaintances

Based on the excerpts from the Moneysaver Magazine Volume 4 No. 4 April 1995 page 23 on its article entitled: “Trek to the Mystical Mount. Banahaw”, the following accounts has been recorded as: Mt. Banahaw lies 100 kilometers southeast of Manila and rises 7,380 feet above sea level. It was once an active volcano, its last recorded eruption being in 1721. This eruption caused a lake to form in the volcano crater but in 1743, probably because of another eruption, the crater broke open causing a flood and an avalanche of boulders. Today the crater is called Ilalim. Since 19th century naturalists Edward Marche and the Frenchman Gironiere discovered the mountain’s exotic beauty, Mt. Banahaw has been a national park. All year, rain clouds constantly cover its peak, giving abundant rain and natural waters. Thus it has been called Rain Mountain.

On the other hand, our climb started when we left in Connie Vasquez’s residence in Mandaluyong City at 5:00 A.M. consisting of only 8 persons, namely: Jing, Elmar, Edgar, Jenny, Art, Christian, Anton and I. We just picked-up Eileen in San Pablo City, Laguna while Ricky and Connie left Manila at 7:00 A.M. Our group arrived in Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon at 7:00 A.M. We started the trek, after negotiating with a local guide and porter, at 8:00 A.M. and arrived in “Tatlong Tangke” or “Batya-batya” after an hour where we had our ample rest. We resumed our trek at 8:40 A.M. and arrived in “Kapatagan” at almost noon time and we decided to have our lunch. The trail even from the start was really consisting of cardiac assaults causing us to get occasional rest. On our way to “Unang Durungawan” which means first Window, my buddy Jenny and I, met a handsome mountaineer from San Miguel Product Packaging Division of Imus, Cavite, in the name of Joseph G. Arevalo.

Our lead pack consisting of Anton, Christian and Elmar arrived in our campsite in “Pangalawang Durungawan” at 2:30 P.M. while Jenny and I, arrived in Unang Durungawan at almost 3:00 P.M. and were contented in taking pictures in its extremely awesome scenery together with Jing and Elmar. We met friends like Roldan “Coy” Cana, Jorge Michael Jana and a photographer/mountaineer Warren Laygo. After that, we courageously did the wall climbing or ruppelling to our campsite in “Pangalawang Durungawan”. We were lucky enough to have experienced such a perfect weather for us to enjoy the peak. The group of Joseph Arevalo, who were all from San Miguel Corporation of Imus, Cavite, has pitched their tents just next to ours. Ricky and Connie arrived in our campsite at almost 8:00 P.M. and we started our socials with so much fun coupled with a usual drinking spree. Our neighboring group slept early leaving our group in the midst of fun and enjoyment exchanging chit-chat nothings and humorous lines. Though, we were still enjoying, we decided to have our rest at almost 11:00 P.M. Jing, Elmar and I shared in one tent.

While at our socials night outside our tents despite the chilling wind

We had our breakfast preparation at 6:00 A.M. where Jenny and I were tasked to prepare for it for our group since we were divided into two groups. We had our break-up camp after breakfast and had a 30-minute assault to the mountain’s peak called “Ikatlong Durungawan”. I could not help but appreciate this piece of God’s creation endowed with such a perfect beauty. I felt so grateful to God then for giving me that opportunity to witness again His unrivaled work of creation. We stayed there shortly and as went back to our campsite, we started descending the mountain. We were suppose to reach the jump-off point earlier but Connie was unfortunately lost. We had no choice but to wait for her in “Tatlong Tangke”. With this, we reached the jump-off point at almost 4:00 P.M. There was a long drive for us in going back to Manila as we arrived at almost 9:00 P.M. and I was home at almost 11:00 P.M.

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.

CAMIGUIN DE BABUYANES

Camiguin Bay as taken from the shore of Brgy. Balatubat of Camiguin de Babuyanes Island

This October 3 to November 4, 2003 trip has started when my Batanes Trip ended. As soon as I arrived in Laoag City from a Basco flight, I boarded a bus going to Allacapan town of Cagayan province right after crossing the Golden Gate like bridge of Magapit for five (5) hours bus travel. From there, I boarded a jeepney going to Aparri town for 50 minutes. I did not have itinerary then. I just asked PNB Aparri Branch personnel how to go to Camiguin Island of Babuyan. Since it was already 5:00 P.M., I just bought for food and other necessities which I felt I need in my forthcoming trip. Then, I checked in at Room 407 of St. Patrick Garden Hotel for an overnight. While in my room, I have been texting Joms Acebes, an acquaintance in Uganda for some queries about Camiguin Island including a referral for my accommodation which she advised me to stay with Juanita "Awit" Llopis.

The long stretch of white beach of Naguillian away from Brgy. Balatbat

Babuyan Island Group is consist of five (5) major islands, namely: Babuyan Claro, Fuga, Dalupiri, Camiguin and its capital Calayan. So, when I arrived in Camiguin, I stayed with my host couple Leopoldo “Luding” and Awit Llopis in Brgy. Balatubat. They have four children, namely: Apple, Junjun, Imee and Michael. This is my most major vacation in terms of length of time for one month. Aside from climbing its highest peak of Mt. Camiguin at 712 meters or 2,336 feet above sea level. Since, Awit is closely associated with the parish church, I became close also with the missionary Dominican priest in Camiguin in the name of Fr. Oscar "Auckhs" Enjaynes who served as the Director then of the Lyceum of Camiguin High School. He is the lead guitarist of the Inggo 1587 Band who is composed of four (4) Dominican priests and by then the Director of Lyceum of Camiguin. Being close to them, I was inspired attending the evening Black Rosary and the holy masses. With this, I had the opportunity to know the townfolks in the personal level. I have been close also with the parish priest of Camiguin's St. Vincent Ferrer Parish church in the name of Fr. Ogie C. Quirao, OP.

The picture was taken in Pinon Islet with the backdrop of Camiguin de Babuyanes Island

Together with Fr. Auckhs, Awit Llopis, Jojo Delubio, Joshua, Noring Asaja, Titoy Alejo, Elvis Nanay, Ricky Aguinaldo, Salvador Asaja and Jerry Mendoza, we had a picnic and swimming in Siship Hot Spring in the Mararag Point on October 8, 2003. This is quite a unique hot spring in the sense that it opens in the seashore and its source comes from the neighboring volcano of Mount Camiguin. We stayed long in the beach to take advantage of the presence of the hot sea water. The same group also landed in the beautiful Pinon Islet just opposite Manguilinguitit Point and Magasasuc Bay and cruised toward the opposite side in the scenic Pamuctan Island. My favorite spot in Camiguin is the Naguillian Beach which is a 3-kilometer of serene, white and powdery sand beach. It could rival Boracay of its beauty and the good thing is that, it is an undisturbed beach with no tourists going there except me who always spend then my solitude on its fine white powdery white beach.

With me in the picture is Fr. Oscar "Auckhs" Enjaynes, OP at the center and Awit Llopis in orange shirt

On the other hand, I also stayed in Sitio Morol of Brgy. Minabel in Camiguin in the house of Edelberto Estorba for the period October 18 to 26, 2003. Together with us was Edel's scholar, Norberto "Simpling" Aguinaldo. Simpling is a Grade VI student of Edel. His classmates Zaldy Baloloy and handsome 15-year old Roland Aguillon used to sleep in Edel's house. Morol is an 8-hour trek from Brgy. Balatubat. Fortunately, I visited Morol with the company of the students from Lyceum of Camiguin who are also living there, namely: Rosa Pedronan, Michel Antonio, Raymund Irice, Arnold Antonio and Vergel Antonio. It was on October 25, 2003 that Vergel, Edel and I had an spelunking in Diapon Cave located in Sitio Diapon just near Vergel's house. I also visited the nearby fishing village of scenic Panan. My life in Sitio Morol was quite memorable. I also enjoyed having videoki almost every night in Edel's house and watching movies since Edel has an electric generator. Other than that, my life in Morol was so basic and simple and enjoyed the company of the elementary pupils of Morol Elementary School. In fact, I had spent few of my days teaching dance lessons for the pupils as requested by the teachers of the school. When I returned to Barangay Balatubat, I joined the company of Michel Antonio, Gladys Pedronan, Selma Antonio, Rowena Corpuz, Gina Antonio, Allyn Corpuz, Juvelyn Antonio and Vergel Antonio.