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.

MOUNT PINATUBO CLIMB

Location; Between the boundaries of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga, Philippines
Major jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac
Elevation: 960 MASL (3,150 feet)
Days required / Hours to crater: 1 day, with options of: 45 min 4×4 + 2 hrs hike OR 4-5 hours trek
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1
Distinctive features: The trail has narrow shallow O'Donnell water streams, it has desert-like flat, long Crow Valley Gunnery Range which leads to its magnificent crater lake with color blue green to deep blue depending on the season.

The majestic crater lake of Mount Pinatubo

The May 4-5, 2002 Mt. Pinatubo Climb was my last climb with PNB Mountaineering Club before leaving for my Uganda volunteering placement but one of the most memorable mountain scaling I ever had. It was absolutely a wonderful experience due to the magnificent sceneries from start to finish where there was no boring and dull moment for my feasting eyes salivating in awesome appreciation. I was actually hesitant to join then since a lot of those who visited this mountain told us how they suffered their climb due to the extremely hot sun that almost lead them to retreat and surrender. But our climb offered such a perfect weather where the sun was playful enough to give us a not-so-hot trekking sessions for us to enjoy an endless picture taking. There were a lot of rampaging creeks that offer such cool waters every time we soak our bodies Except for the creeks, everything seemed to be dry but gentle blows of cool breeze give us a refreshing feeling. I could say that Mt. Pinatubo is perfect for photography enthusiasts both amateurs and professionals.

A few narrow and shallow water streams crossings

On the other hand, it is with pride to include Mt. Pinatubo in my mountaineering profile of activities since it is so famous throughout the world. As per record, the most destructive volcano in the Philippines is Mount Mayon of Albay with 46 eruptions. However, most of the foreigners knew it more than any other mountains in the Philippines with its very devastating eruption way back June 15, 1991 has completely invaded the international media mileage, after 450 years of peaceful slumber blowing off a 300 meter cap. A lot of stories and media footages were published. I learned that its volcanic eruption shot 35 kilometers into the sky, showering an area of 200 square kilometers with millions of tons of ash and rock and creating a crater jewel-blue lake 2.5 kilometers wide. Consequently, its force of explosion blew off its summit reducing its height from 1,700 to 1,400 meters (5,577 to 4,593 feet. Its legend tells us that Mt. Pinatubo is home to Apo Malyarik, “The Great Provider”and the spirits of the ancestors of some 30,000 nomadic Aeta Negritos found in the higher elevation settlements in Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales Provinces. Mount Pinatubo is 90 kilometers or 55 miles north-west of the capital city of Manila.

Take the "Give-me-five" rest

Our group was actually manageable in the sense that we were only a total of eight persons, namely: (1) Jenny Ferrer, (2) Enrique “Ïke”Abad, (3) Eduard “Jun“ Mangyao and (4) Johanssen “Jojo” B. Capsa of USAID Manila Office, (5) Mary Jeanne Bejar Santiago of CITEM, (6) Eileen V. De Gala of PNB Balayan Branch, (7) Renee “Dee” Molina of Allied Bank – Head Office, and (8) me. We left Manila boarding an airconditioned Philippine Rabbit bus on the eve of May 3, 2002 at 9:00 P.M. It was Ike who actually organized the climb since he was in that place and he has a lot of relatives who assisted him to make our climb a successful one. We arrived in Ike’s residence in Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Capas, Tarlac at almost 1:00 dawn of May 4 and had our bedrest along Lake Tambo which is just 30-minute drive away from the jump-off point.

Having fun along the trail

We had an amazing morning as we woke up and had our breakfast along the tranquil Tambo Lake. We started our trek at around 8:00 A.M. The trail that we followed was the former Crow Valley Gunnery Range along the O’Donnell stream bed in which we used the entry point in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. It is actually a flat, long valley that leads right up to the crater. We had regrouping in the campsite located in the fool hill before a 20-minute assault to the crater at 1:00 P.M. It was really therapeutic to see the volcano’s lake crater which I can summed up as an enchanting reward for a fearless explorer like me. Though swimming in the crater is prohibited, our group disregarded the guideline and enjoyed the very cool waters of the lake instead. The following day, May 5, was purely a downhill trekking which started at almost 8:00 A.M. and was in the jump-off point at almost 12:00 noon. We had an hour drive boarding a 4 x 4 all-weather all-terrain truck owned and drove by Charlie M. De Jesus who is the husband of Ike’s sister-in-law back to Sta. Juliana where a lunch was served for us. Another hour of drive going back to Ike’s residence in Capas. We left in Capas at 5:00 P.M. and was home at almost 8:00 P.M.

MOUNT NYARANGARA CLIMB

Location: Boundaries of Buhweju and Sheema Counties, Bushenyi District, Uganda, East Africa
Entry point: Nyakashaka Village, Bushenyi District
Exit point: Nyakyiragugu Village, Sheema Country
Elevation: 1,540 MASL (5,052 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, 2/9 Difficulty, Executive Climb
Distinctive feature: The trail is gradual and there are only two dominant species grow on it, the Eucalyptus trees, low-growing bushes and Ehongwa flowers making it very easy to trek to the summit

Not ready for the first climb since I was not in climbing outfit

I was not really ready for a mountain climbing in Uganda in terms of mountaineering outfit and gears since I never anticipated that it was a good place to continue my climbing hobby in the Philippines. Besides, the bulk of my plane baggage were work-related stuff due to my 14-month work there as documented in my blogUganda Work Travel

The trails in every mountain I climb in Uganda are relatively easy as compared to our mountains which are tropical and rain forests. Uganda has an average elevation of 1,100 meters or 3,609 feet above sea level. It not surprising that it has a cold climate and to add that its weather pattern is being influenced by Victoria Falls. Bushenyi, my place of assignment is in a higher elevation of 1,300 meters or 4,265 feet. Which means that it only takes 240 meters or 787 feet to scale Mount Nyakarangara from its jump-off point.

Overlooking the villages from the summit

I had two climbs in Mount Nyakarangara. I was with Stephen and Enock the first time I climbed the mountain dated August 25, 2002 and with Grant Gilbertson (British VSO Volunteer), Patricia Tivadar (Romanian Medical Doctor) and Behram Daruwalla (Indian National) The first time I climbed was exciting since it was my first to climb in a foreign country. This mountain is actually located between the borders of Buhweju and Sheema counties of Bushenyi District. I was with the company of two Ugandans, namely: Stephen Kataraiha (WRAF Rural Trust’s client) and Enock Bagyenda (WRAF Rural Trust staff). It was indeed a fun climb because the terrain was relatively easy and gradual.

At the summit with my VSO Colleagues: Behram Daruwalla (Indian) and Grant Gilbertson (British)

The trail was generally grown with low bushes, ordinary grasses and a few Eucalyptus trees. The weather that time was pretty cool and soothing winds refreshed us from time to time. Its peak offered such a great scenery overlooking the nearby villages and counties. I was also able to see in full picture and dimension some mountains situated far and near this mountain. There was only one similarity I noticed in these mountains --- they did not have thick forests but rather grown by bushes, ordinary grasses and a number of Eucalyptus trees. Some parts halfway to the peak of this mountain was burned down in preparation for the rainy season where tea is usually grown and cultivated.

Joining me at the summit were Behram Daruwalla (Indian) and Grant Gilbertson (British) with wife, Dr. Patricia Tivadar (Romanian national)

I never experienced any degree of difficulty in the whole duration of the climb compared to my fun and day climbs in the Philippines that most mountains’ terrains are quite difficult to climb. The location of this mountain is about 15 kilometers away from my VSO Uganda placement in Nyakashaka. Our group also trekked down the Obururuma Rapids in Nyakyiraguju River located in Karyanga Village of Igara county and still a part of Bushenyi District.

One of my afternoon walks at Obururuma Hillcrest adjacent to Nyakarangara jump-off point

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.