My First Climb...

“Every height is completed by pain, striving, and out winning. Every step may take a gulp of water, a gasp of air, and perseverance.” This I told myself after accomplishing my first climb.  

I was contacted by my high school friend Sisylson who invited me to join them on their next climb while we circle UP ovals on a Sunday or Saturday night basis with our barkada <group of friends>. I think it’s time for me to take it up to the next level: mountaineering! Cool idea but do I have the stamina to go for it. They shoot me the email and I have agreed to join them. It was a booking with TriPinas, a local mountaineering firm, that organize and put into a package a mountaineering activity. To cut this short, our destination: Pundakit (Pundaquit), Zambales for the price of Php 1,750.00 with additional Php 100.00 for the tent rent and Php 450.00 for the food. Date: February 08-09, 2014 which a day in-debt from my work, needing to file for a time-off on the 7^th for a person working at night where our trips leave at 2:30AM of the 8^th.

In preparation for this climb, note that it is my first, I ran almost every day in our office gym after work and in UP oval on Saturday or Sunday to build stamina and leg strength. Bought a climbing sandal from Tribu which I advise 100% after the trip NOT TO BUY because its plastic buckles can easily be chipped. Aside from that climbing Pundakit trail requires better footwear. I suggest you buy close mountaineering shoes. I got the following prepared for myself:

• Biker’s sleeves (rash guards will work)
• Mountaineering pants (best if you wear longer or at least with inner leggings to prevent from getting rashes or cuts from grasses)
• Comfortable clothing (cotton T-shrits)
• Sunscreen (it does not mean you're going to the beach that's why you need it, exposure to the sun is the real reasons...skin cancer is a no no)
• Head gear (ask me where you can get a cheap 21 ways head-gear.
• Hat/cap (I did not wear it but I have one on my rubberducky sling bag) <Thanks ate Eileen Penafiel for the cap you’ve given me> ;)
• 2-3 liters of drinking water
• Face towel
• Camera
• Energy bar (Thanks Japi for sharing your treats! Every time I see a Jolly bar I remember you!)
• GREAT COMPANY! <miss you all guys!>
• I also got some can goods for our overnight stay at Anawangin Cove. (more to read…)

We took off at McDonalds El Pueblo in Ortigas with Kuya Mike (our guide and father of Anne who owns triPinas) around 2:30 AM. Saving our energies with a feel of new friends to be harvested after this trip, we slept ourselves during the road trip. It was a bumpy ride due to some driver’s uncomfortable feeling but we still arrived at San Antonio, Zambalez safe and whole around 6:30. We are advised to have our breakfast at a local eatery where I have a bowl of porridge with a hard-boiled egg. It was still a-not-so-cold morning which a hot coffee is a good zip. We were then advised that there were boatmen who will take our belongings to Anawangin Cove. <If we only knew, we could have brought our fridge… hihihi… you know what I mean! :D>

We started our hike around 7AM accompanied by Kuya Leoncio, the chief of local Barangay tanod. <wow! I felt relieved we are in good hands.> Sandy pathway leads us to the opening of the mountain trail showing a picturesque view of the area. We saw some housing projects which stands unoccupied pasted in a breath taking Mountain View background. You’ll never expect that a postcard view lays lively in front of you.

After the sandy path you will start to get a different view of which leads to a deeper forested-rocky place. The hike started to shift from an easy sandy to loamy – rocky road which you are welcomed by a portal-like trees formed in triangular pillar-like structures. It was the cool air that made not an eerie but more of a relax feelings.

Kuya Leoncio then led us to the mountain forest where you will find a not so noticeable red arrow marking in a stone pile and the tree. There we found an almost dried small river which did not surpass the expectation of we walking on a river and we passed another river which they called “Malakas” simple because the current in that river is strong when it’s raining. Mind you, it was dry empty when we crossed it, I may call it a river of round stones. We rested for a few as our guides switched places and Sir Mike, Ate Anne’s (owner of TriPinas) dad, lead the first bunch of the hikers while Kuya Leoncio became the sweeper.

The trek became harder as we got to higher altitude in the midday in a denuded mountain due to “kaingin” or forest fire. We gulped more water and dug in some energy bars as we stepped on lose clay grounds or crumbled stones. It was passed half morning when we reached the summit and the view was remarkable. Seeing Nagsasa Cove in a different perspective gave you more of the vicinity’s beauty. We took lots of pictures and I did my signature jump the “Buddha Jump” which Sisylson took perfectly using a burst shot in his GoPro. Then we proceed to again a different view of the mountain and a different terrain. Another switch of place by our hiking guides and we went down Pundaquit mountain chasing the sea breeze in a steep-sharp-edged-rough stone trail. This time it was really difficult with all the high weeds which could cut your skin and the sticky-slimy feeling of wet clay in your feet which snaps my trekking sandals. We made a remarkably six stops to rest as we climb down the mountain to again another river of stones. Kuya Leoncio guided 9 members of the hikers and 3 of us went missing. It was really hard to find the way as there are no markings on the round stones, not even foot prints are left not unless you reach the sandy area. There were 5 of us who first came to the campsite enjoying the view; Japi, Alvin, Me, Sisylson, Ellai, and Badeth. We then asked Kuya Leoncio to get those 3 people who were left as we are not sure if they went missing or if Sir Mike was able to find them along their ways as it has been 10 – 15 minutes since we haven’t heard or seen them. It took another amount of time waiting so we decided resting while Japi pitch her tents then we carried our feet to do the same thing. Sighting Rhei, Lani, and Tophet after same amount of minutes made we more comfortable eating ice cream on sticks and quenching our thirst with lots of water. Then Sir Mike with Mitch and Marz arrived then rested for a while laughed at some joke and a get-to-know-each-other activity then we prepped for our lunch. After the tiring but fun trek and filled stomach, we bathe ourselves in the welcoming waters of Nagsasa Cove and bask ourselves with sun’s rays until it went to sleep.

At night, restless we are we cleaned up and food was prepared in a boodle fight table which we ate a shared meal which each of the hiking members brought with them for the said night. Then we had some drinks over a bonfire before some of us went to sleep while some went for a walk along the shores to gaze the stars, the Dinoflagellates,  and of course to further know those whom we just came along with today then we walked back to our camps and called it a day.

Philippines Sweet View and its Jewel Down South – Bohol’s Chocolate Hills

To my dear friend Janice, who requested about this amazing place – south part of the Philippines, hope you like the article.

An island splendid of endangered flora and fauna lying as the Jewel of the Philippines which can provide scenic view of a natural wonder; Bohol got a place on the postcards. Boholanos, as a typical for Filipinos, cater hospitality and numbers of delicacies on the table. Like what I’ve written on my soon to be printed coffee table magazine <Kate, it will come your way soon!>, Bohol was just a mere picture that came to life this last summer of 2013. This is one of Philippines natural wonders and picturesque view on my Philippines Postcards List. You can see lots of pictures of this hilly terrain from postcards around Philippines’ local bookstores. I remember as a grade school student, we often discuss about Bohol and its majestic Chocolate Hills in Sibika at Kultura subjects. My teacher discusses Bohol like a paradise composed of plants and endangered species. Let me stop on my school days stories and head on the topic. Bohol is an island located in Kipot ng Cebu or Cebu Strait with a rolling terrain and mountainous interior, mostly covered with limestone, and 10th largest island of the Philippines.

The trip to Tagbilaran airport <Tagbilaran City is Bohol’s capital> is about an hour from Manila. Like any ordinary city in the Philippines, Tagbilaran have good deal of establishments around the area, which we have not really roamed, have malls and dining areas <yey! Food!> too. I’m not a shopper so I do not know if they are as good as the malls you may have went shopping to and like what I’ve written we did not went around Tagbilaran that much. The only place I remember we went to was the historic blood compact statue or Sandugo nested along coast of Barangay Bool wherein their native chieftain Datu Sikatuna and the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, tying their treaty of friendship. Then we drove to see the largest python Prony in Albur or Alburquerque, it was the reputed longest and heaviest python in captivity at the Python Sanctuary. There are some other animals there like owls, birds, and flying lemurs too. If you’re a PETA fan I assume you don’t want to get in here.

It has been 30 minutes past 12 and the tour have a great plan ahead. What else to expect in a trip? Food! Yes, this one of the things you like on your list when you are touring. It’s different, relaxing, and delectable lunch along the Bohol’s infamous LOBOC River. Arriving at the Putol na Tulay area, is where our lunch awaits. Entering the boat docking area, we were serenaded with Boholanos’ Rondalla group or people playing difference string instruments. This is excitingly fun! We stepped on the boat with a buffet table in the middle with main courses, appetizers, and DESSERTS! While the boat cruises the river, a man with a guitar sings for us while eating our lunch. I ordered buko(fresh coconut) juice <let me inform you that this is not included in the package you paid for the whole meal. Only sodas where unlimited and free.> and zipped to it while enjoying the river view. You will see some mountain walls whites which tell you that the area is made out of lime. Along the river there were kids swinging on a tree and jumps to the waters with all pleasures you can hear their laughs and see their smiles.

After passing those kids, we found ourselves in front of a float nipa hut where a group of children and elderlies were dancing and singing folk songs. We stayed there for quite a bit and let the production finish. Then we cruised till the end of the river showing as small falls and it was breath taking. Sadly, it was really short and the captain pulls us back to the dock station.

Our next stop is a PETA friendly environment. The Tarsier Conservatory area located in Bohol is a preservation area that Boholanos provide for the endangered Tarsius Syrichta which got the smallest primate tag in the Philippines which is named by the tarsier man Carlito Pizarras. This is in accordance Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1991. These endangered species are nocturnal and are sensitive to light and noise. Tarsiers eat insects and are great-fast leaper. The conservatory guides gave us livener and reminder before entering the sanctuary. First, is to turn off all camera flashes. Second, is to keep our noises at a minimum. Third, DO NOT touch the tarsiers <these are sensitive species; they also have separation anxiety which leads them to hitting their heads if you have them fed and carried then leave them. So fragile.>

It was a steep walk around the forested area but worth walking after seeing those little Yoda looking creatures. I want to touch them and bring them home unfortunately I cannot.  Bringing home of tarsiers will be sanctioned based on Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Last spot in our Bohol tour is Bohol’s main attraction – the grand Chocolate Hills. One of Philippines’ nature wonders. When I was a grade schooler I remember asking my teacher “Can I eat those Chocolate Hills?”. When I turned high school I asked “Are Chocolate Hills planted with cacao tree that’s why it was called as such?”. Then I learned that Chocolate Hills are not of the first two ideas. In reality Chocolate Hills took its name from the grass that grows on it. The hills were covered with grass that were so green on rainy days while turns to brown or chocolate colours on summer. It was so amazing how God have created this picturesque view and its mystery.

To look at the vast of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan’s hilly inland structure you need to climb up the view deck where you can take pictures of it magnificence. There are about 214 steps to the observatory. Yes! It was tiring yet rewarding staircase. Stories were told that these hills came into existence when two giants fought by throwing stones and sands to each other until they get tired and became friends after which then left the island. Another lover’s tale about its existence is the love of a giant Arogo to an ordinary mortal girl Aloya. In the tale Aloya died which Arogo grieved with tears. His tears turned into hills as his lasting proof of his grievance.

After a long tour is a place to rest. Our company lead us to Amorita where we stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. Enjoyed the infinity pool, beach, sea, and barrels of booze. It was indeed a great Rave Party they gave us with the title – One Advent!

You’ve seen the land tour. What else you want to visit in the Philippines but to cruise and tour its vast ocean. Undeniably, Philippines have one of the best marine biodiversity in the world. Till next article.

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http://www.bohol.ph/article6.html