Mt. Balagbag in action

Something I enjoy aside from blogging is making videos so here's what happened yesterday in our Balagbag hike. I'll blog about our journey some other time. Meanwhile, enjoy the simple video I made :)

Mt. Pico de Loro Traverse

Still wasn't contented with the Batulao climb I had a few days back, I capped off my week with yet another climb at the famous Pico De Loro to satisfy my mountain fix (if there's a thing like that). Again,  this was no ordinary as we were surprised by the series of events.

Everone was looking good as we boarded a mini bus to Ternate, Cavite at 4am. Joining with me are Alain, Jojo, Rein, Sir Kiko, and Da (our photographer).

still got no sleep as we're off to Ternate

We arrived at Ternate at around 6am and Rick, who also climbed Batulao, tagged along three more to witness Pico De Loro's beauty.

Da, Gem, Jojo, Alain, Rein, Sir Kiko (top-bottom,L-R)

From there, we took a tricycle to DENR for registration of P20 then a good five-minute walk to the jump-off point.

DENR bound

first group picture at DENR

First hour of the hike was easy as taking a leisurely walk in the park.

Though not a bit tiring at first,  we had to do stop-overs for group pictures like these

Ross, Jin, Rick, and Sierra. 

Jojo, Alain, Sir Kiko, Rein

An hour or so, we reached a shaded area called Alibangbang where another registration of P20 is required.They also sell souvenir tags for P50 I think. Beyond this point is where the challenge is.

Here's Alain, a real good and humble photographer, registering at the Alibangbang. Check out his website to see more of his amazing photos.

Alain

Parts of the trail were getting muddy and steeper unlike the first part as we ascended to the the summit. 

taking a breather while we still got time

We realized we were slowing our pace and by the time we reached the summit campsite, it was already noon. Here's the view of the summit from the campsite. Hell, there's another five-minute assault to get to the Pico de Loro's peak.

with the photographer

Jin

Sierra

Before conquering the summit, we wolfed down our packed lunch and I tell you, it was the best we've had. Then took some rest to get ready for the most awaited part.

The 5- 10 minute assault to the Pico de Loro's summit nearly killed me and so was most of the group. Good thing trekking pole comes in handy.

After grueling hours of walking, climbing, hiking, and and everything in between, we finally reached the summit! 

my favorite climbing buddy

Part of the plan was to climb the Parrot's Beak but we weren't well-equipped so instead of taking the risk and getting ourselves injured or worse, we stayed away from it. We promised ourselves to go back to redeem ourselves, atleast. 

Hat's off to Jojo, a first-time climber, who took all the guts to pour out everything he's got to survive Pico de Loro.

We lost track of time so at around 2pm, two-hour late from our itinerary, we started our descent off to Nasugbu, Batangas. The first part of Nasugbu trail consists of steep and rocky path then the latter was good forest cover. 

It was a loooong and winding descent and we reached the end of the hike in just the nick of time. Thank God we're alive because I was crying for a halo-halo to reward myself from another one hell of adventure

Aaaaah I've waited long enough for this

Seems to be that there's no perfect climb but the adventure alone is worth sharing and reliving (sorry this is too cheesy haha) Great climb with these guys! More to come

Photos courtesy of Daryle De Silva and Alain Cortes

Mt. Batulao (Labor Day Climb)

One hot afternoon of April 30, my spontaneous of a boyfriend posted a status in his Facebook.

Mt. Batulao on Labor Day? Why not? I was bored, I needed another getaway, and the last time we went there (August 2011)  didn't offer much because of the bad weather.

Mt. Batulao on a foggy day (August 2011)

So, me, together with four others decided to do an impromptu climb yesterday.

Rick, Me, Rein, Raymond, Dada

We started at around 7am and it was definitely a fine day. Weather was cooperating, sunny yet breezy. We took the new trail going to the summit.

Look at these views! How can you not be amazed?!

There's an ate who's selling Mountain Dew at peak 10 to refreshen the hikers. She thought we were locals because we move too fast climbing the mountains as she watched us from afar.

Aaaah refreshing! 

Since we were moving like stallions, we needed a place to rest before reaching the summit. Good thing there was a nice shady place at peak 10 to gather up our energies. 

Of course, we didn't miss the photo ops on the famous boulder of Batulao

By 1030am, we couldn't stand the heat of the sun anymore so we hurriedly dragged ourselves up to the summit. 

Then, finally! Mt. Batulao's summit!

We didn't spend much time at the summit because we were starving and in need of a shadier place so we descended via old trail around 11am. By this time, we're constantly complaining about the heat. 

By 1130am, we spent lunch here at closest camp site (old trail) from the summit. 

Our journey doesn't end there because the sky kinda looks angry

From hereon, a heavy rain poured for an hour. Only one of us had the raincoat and the rest were soaking wet. Too bad we didn't have pictures to prove how hard the rain was. But here's our wet looks.

Done! We rewarded ourselves with a glass of halo-halo though it was freezing cold!

Yay for the Mt. Batulao Labor Day climb! I gotta go cos I have another climb on Sunday. See you, Mt. Pico de Loro!

photos courtesy of Daryle De Silva