TraveLORE: Date with Mt. Gulugod-Baboy (Feb. 14, 2016)

What could be the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day but with nature? Weeks before the “V-Day” I have thought of planning a hike for the 14th of Feb. Just a fun tripping of who would be willing to go. Surprisingly, many of my friends heeded the call. Well, to these days there was not much thrill spending the Hearts’ Day in overcrowded restaurants and other so-called romantic places in the metro. So there, we finalized the hike para sa mga walang ganap sa Valentine’s Day. 

How to get there

I chose Mt. Gulugod because I was inspired by the photos I saw in the net. It seemed to be an easy hike but promised a rewarding spectacle. We were 13 hikers in the group (good thing it wasn’t Friday, eekkk). We assembled 4AM at the DLTB bus terminal at Buendia. The travel was fast, maybe because it was Sunday. By 5:30AM we were already there at Batangas Grand Terminal. To reach the jump-off you have the option to ride a jeep bound to Mabini. You’d get off at the tricycle terminal and ride a tric going to Philpan Dive Resort. We made it the other way though. We rented a jeep and paid PHp100 each so we could get straight to the jump-off. The travel was around 45mins long. 

The Mt. Gulugod-Baboy System

If you want to go straight to the itinerary you can skip this part. The itinerary and expenses were summarized below. I just wanted to discuss some few things here as a concerned hiker. Guide in Mt. Gulugod was not mandatory unlike with the other mountains. I didn’t see any problem with this since the trail was easy to trace. Experienced hikers could go with it even with their eyes closed (eekk again!).

In Mt. Gulugod you can hire a guide for PHP500 regardless of how many are you in the group. In other mountains, one guide is for maximum of five hikers only. However, once you reached the peak, the guide will leave you on your own. You can ask for them to stay with you until you descend but you have to add another PHP200. Again, I didn’t see the add-on as a problem if that’s the rate policy.

I just couldn’t see here the sincere effort from the local administrators to ensure the safety of the hikers. Let us disregard the fact that it was an easy trail. Shouldn't the guide not only leading the direction but also ensuring the welfare of the hikers? I just couldn’t help comparing it with the other hiking guides we had (some of the best were the guides from Mt. Maculot, Mt. Talamitam, & Mt. Manalmon). The guide we had at Mt. Gulugod was nice and helpful. It was the entire system I was concerned of. Mt. Gulugod could still better improve its protocol for everyone’s safety. 

The registration fee was PHP35. So far, it was the most expensive fee I’ve encountered in the near-the-metro mountains. Usually it was only around PHP20-PHP25. The fee would have not mattered if I didn’t see a problem with the maintenance of the mountain. Few strides from the jump-off, still on the cemented assault, you’d see a portion there where Smokey Mountain seemed to build its branch. On one side of the precipice near the jump-off there were mounts of garbage piles. Unpleasant smells were coming from the improperly disposed trashes. In few years time the place could be a new prospect for dumpsite. Hope the Mt. Gulugod administration does something about it and hope the hikers would be responsible enough to not throw their garbage there! 

Mt. Gulugod-Baboy is a beautiful mountain

Like all the works of His majesty’s hands, Mt. Gulugod-Baboy was a breathtaking masterpiece. The trail was easy and perfect for the beginners. There were few assaults and if you were not warmed up you could strain your leg’s muscles. So even if you were already an experienced hiker, don’t hesitate to take a rest when you feel that you have to. I don’t believe that hiking was a race and a competition with the others. I hike because I wanted to experience the nature – it was actually one of my story-imagining-time. I  looked forward to that feeling of focusing on your breathing while smelling the leafy scents in the air; the struggle to endure the rough trail and see the pretty scenery that awaited on the top.

There was no clearing that day. As much as I wanted to enjoy the azure water below, the fog kept on blurring my eyesight (bad foggy!). The air was refreshingly cold. Around 9AM the sun should be warming us already but the sky was as pale blue as it was earlier. There were some steep trails but it was easily manageable (I was confident with a heart). 

There were lots of resting places where you could stop over and collect more airs for your lungs. We made it at the foothill of the first peak at around 10AM and yes, it was an extremely exciting sight. You’d be torn between staying there at the foothill, watching its glory or making your way up there to experience its peak. 

I was reminded of Mt. Talamitam though their beauties were still unique in their own ways. Before you get too excited to hike the top I suggest you take some moments there at the foothill. Sometimes we get too anxious to reach the peak without savoring yet its view from downhill -– so pristine and beautiful. After taking photos we proceeded to the peak and from there we saw another astounding gift of nature. The Peak 2 of Mt. Gulugod-Baboy was as beautiful as the first peak.

It was refreshingly cold on the top of the mountain. The grasslands were a soft carpet in the mounds of soil. We laid there and enjoyed the fresh air while looking at still foggy, but nonetheless beautiful sights of the plains and seawaters below. Everywhere you see were grasslands in blends of dark green and brown. The colours were not as brightly green as in Mt. Talamitam, but perhaps it was only due to the season. 

After an hour of taking pictures, we decided to start our descent. It was a fast way down. By lunchtime we were already at the jump-off. We cancelled the plan for Sombrero Island and just rented a cottage at Philpan Dive Resort for PHP500 plus the entrance fee of PHP100 each. We enjoyed the clear water and had some “Valentine’s drinks” to cap off the day. 

Photo credits to Vin Butchayo

Mt. Gulugod-Baboy is one of the treasures of Anilao, Batangas. We hikers should not exploit it. As hikers let us all be responsible in all mountains that we visited. Many mountains and other tourist sites are closing to public now; let’s not add Mt. Gulugod-Baboy to the growing list.

Itinerary & Expenses:
3:30 AM: BUENDIA LRT-TAFT - Take Batangas/pier bound bus (DLTB, Jam, Jac Liner, ALPS). (php140+)
4:00 AM: ETD to Anilao Batangas
6:00 AM: ETA: Batangas City Grand Terminal in Balagtas, Batangas City / Bauan Diversion Take Anilao/Mabini-bound jeepney and tell the driver that you're going to Philpan Dive Resort – (php35) You’ll be dropped off to tricycle terminal, take tric going to Philpan Dive Resort (PHP100) per tric (OTHER OPTION: RENT A JEEP TO TAKE YOUR GROUP STRAIGHT TO PHILPAN DIVER RESORT - we did this and paid PHP100 each )
6:30 AM Jump-off, Registration (php35) Guide (php500)
10:00 AM: Summit
11:00 AM: Start Descent
1:00 PM: ETA: Jump off, – Lunch PHP100
12:00PM: Swimming at Philpan Dive Resort – entrance php100, cottage PHP500
4:00 PM: ETA – Jump off, wash up
6:00 PM: ETD – Manila
8:30 PM – ETA – Manila

Estimated budget: PHP700-PHP1000

https://www.facebook.com/uel.ceballos/media_set?set=a.10207822896303575.1073741933.1029921598&type=3

TraveLORE: Conquering MT. MACULOT ~ Year end Climb 2015

Mt. Maculot is famous for its sought-after views; but several news breaking accidents happened in its vicinity thus, delaying me for hiking this mountain. However, as they say it, hiking isn’t about conquering the mountain but one’s self. I’ll forever have this craving and endless curiosity; I need to seek the glory of this mountain. Thus, before the yearend of 2015 I made a spur-of-the-moment invitation to my hiking buddies.

“Tara, hike tayo! Mt. Maculot!”

I was fortunate that four of my dear friends said yes with no further ado. We gathered at Alps Bus Station Edsa Cubao to ride a bus bound to Lemery, Batangas. It was 5AM in the 31st of December and the people kept on coming. We transferred to the DLTB and found it with fewer passengers. It was half past 5AM when we set on the road; the travel was smooth and quick, by 7:30AM we were already dropped off to the 7 eleven store of Cuenca, Batangas. From there we found a tricycle that brought us to the Brgy. Hall where we registered ourselves in the cost of PHP 20 each. The tricycle waited for us because the jump-off was still a long way from there. After leaving one valid I.D we were introduced to our guide, Mon. The rate for the guide was PHP 800 for the traverse climb (rockies-summit-grotto). 

When we reached the jump-off, we paid the tricycle PHP 20 for each person. We met there the two ladies who asked to hike with us because it would cost them expensively if they would pay for PHP 800 guide rate. The guide charged us then PHP 1000 for 7 pax (the the two ladies included) so we would only have to pay PHP 150 each. That was quite fair enough. Before we set off we offered a prayer to guide us all the way to the mountain, and later to our descent. With our new found friends, Vanessa and Raquel, we started the hike in the cold, misty morning of December.

We have three first time hikers with us so we had to stop and rest every now and then. It was my first time to hike on a December and it was refreshing, feeling in your skin the blend of chill and sweat. I wore a long sleeve top just in case the sun burn us later. There was a buko palamig for PHP 10 in every stop over. Though the weather wasn’t scorching, we were often in need of a drink and the buko juice was always a taste of heaven. Mon entertained us with his stories about the Maculot (though we were unsure if all of it were facts or some were just bluff). 

WAY UP THE ROCKIES

We reached a spot, where the view of the Taal Lake was almost complete. We took some rest there while expressing our admiration to the beauty laid before us. From there we had to climb a steep part but thank goodness for the rope that was placed there for support. The soil was dry and slippery; the clouds were threatening us with an impending rain. I just couldn’t imagine then, sliding my way down through the mud. But we were traversing anyway so I hoped the other side was better. 

We stopped at the campsite to have a quick lunch. The pancit canton there was as precious as gold, believe me. Make sure you have packed foods when you hike if you want to save some bucks. After eating we proceeded on our trek going to the rockies.

“Huwag kayong madidisappoint sa view sa rockies ha.”

Mon told us as we were nearing the infamous rockies of Maculot. Of course he meant the opposite because we literally dropped our jaw when we reached the spot. The rumor was true; it was beyond beautiful. Many hikers were still enjoying their times on top of the rockies so we waited some few moments before we climbed. 

The way up was a bit challenging because of the big boulders that we needed to climb. But it would all be worth it on the top. 

It was a complete view of the Taal Lake on one side, and the towering height of the Mt. Maculot on the other. It was like being in between of two Gods; but of course we only have One. We were lucky that despite the cool December, the day then wasn’t much foggy. Rockies is a stretch of mass, rocky land, that was chilly on one end while hot and humid on the other. Couldn’t explain the reason but it was how it felt up there. The nature's hues were gentle in the eyes – with the cloud-reflecting blue lake, trapped artistically in a Godly moulded crate, and the fertile greenery that covered the mountain of Maculot – were all too much to behold but you wouldn’t mind having an overdose of it all. 

UP, UP, UP TO THE TOP!

If only not for the itinerary that we needed to follow, we could stay there much longer. However, we were not ready to camp overnight so we had to go down before sunset. We went back to the campsite and trek straight to the trail opposite the rockies. It was the way up to the summit. Most of the hikers were only seeing the rockies then they were starting to go down. But not us – we, the daring, brave-hearted, strong legged women were set off to conquer the Mt. Maculot summit. The trails up were steeper assault but we managed, of course, kami pa ba? Hehe. We had a sweet company by the way, not Mon our guide (though he was cool and nice, really), but Tiger, the dog of the store owner in the campsite. He trekked with us and I kept telling him to go back because the hike would tire him out. Hard-headed as he was, he proceeded and even overtook us for most of the times. 

When we reached the summit, the sun was also at its peak. The view up there wasn’t as breathtaking as the view from the rockies, but still a breathtaking glory. The fulfilment was genuine when you were able to reach the summit. It makes you a conqueror, not only of the mountain, but of yourself, of the odds. And for it there was nothing that you could ask for at the moment. You would just want to stand there, stare, breathe, and stare again. 

I found a plastic cup there and I used it to give Tiger a drink. He was so thirsty and I felt sorry for him. I thought he’d be going back to the campsite but he still went with us on our way down to the Grotto. It was a stressful descent on steep, rocky slopes. A time came that I was engulfed with tiredness, feeling my knees trembling and losing their strong balance. Much more when reached the area where we needed to slide down through a rope. Bring hand gloves when you go in Maculot, it would be a relief for all those rope moments. 

Finally, when we reached the jump-off site, we just washed ourselves and went off to the Lomi-han. We had a good, cost-saving dinner there and rode a jeep to SM Lipa. In there, we rode a bus bound to Cubao and slept all throughout the travel. Muscles were soared, knees still trembling, but it was a worth it climb and we would keep on asking for more. 

Itinerary and Expenses:

5AM      Gather at Cubao Bus Terminal

5:30AM Rode bus bound to Lemery Batangas ~ PHP 124

7:30AM Arrived at Cuenca Batangas, rode tric to Municipal office ~ PHP 20 (per pax)

7:40AM Registered our names and left one valid I.D ~ PHP 20 

            Hired a guide PHP 1000     ~    PHP 150 (per pax)

8AM      Started the Trek

10:30AM Reached the Campsite; Had lunch (packed lunch)

11AM     Reached the Rockies

12NN     Started the trek to summit

1:30PM  Reached the Summit

2PM       Started the descend

4PM –     Reached the Grotto

4:15 –    Resumed descend

5:30PM  Got back at Jump-off

6:30PM  Dinner ~ PHP 100

7PM       Headed back to Manila, rode bus at SM Lipa Bus terminal ~ PHP 143

Summary expenses: PHP 557 :)

https://www.facebook.com/uel.ceballos/media_set?set=a.10207530562995425.1073741927.1029921598&type=1

TraveLore: Ala Eh Sa Bundok Talamitam Na Tayo!

Hindi sapat ang mga salita upang mailarawan ang karilagan ng bundok ng Talamitam. Sa buong pag-aakala ko’y hindi na muling titibok pa ang aking puso (nagpapakatunog makata na naman ang blog ko. Sareee naman!), subalit lumakas ang kabog nito nang masilayan ko ang kagandahan sa itaas. Umibig ako sa kariktan ng kalikasan at siguro kahit sino mang maton o siga sa kanto ang makatatanaw sa nakita ko at makalalanghap sa hanging naamoy ko (isama mo pa ang aroma ng mga bomba ng baka at kambing) ay mahahalina sa payak ngunit walang katumbas na obra maestra ng kalikasan.

Hindi kataasan ang bundok ng Talamitam sa Nasugbu, Batangas. Ito ay nabibilang sa kategorya ng minor climb sa taas nitong 630 MSL, tumatagal lamang ng isa’t kalahati hanggang sa dalawang oras ang pagbagtas sa landas paakyat sa tuktok nito. Ang natatanging karanasang kaakibat ng pag-akyat sa bundok ng Talamitam ay hindi patungkol sa tayog ng taas nito kundi sa nakababatu-balaning kagandahang mayroon sa taluktok. Hatid ng kabundukan ng Talamitam ang 360 degree na tanawing panlupa ng Batangas, para sa akin ay mas kamanghang-mangha ang tanawin dito kumpara sa makikita mo sa tutok ng bundok ng Batulao (blog kasi ng Talamitam ito kaya mas ibibida natin siya ng kaunti kay Batulao).

ASEMBLIYA

Kasama ang aking mga dabarkads sa kalokohan at akyatan (ng bundok, hindi ng bahay) nagtakda kami ng oras ng pagkikita sa terminal ng Genesis Transport sa Pasay. Alas singko y media pasado ay lulan na kami ng bus; bumiyahe ng dalawang oras habang maya’t maya’y pinapaalalahanan si kuyang kunduktor na ibaba kami sa Sitio Bayabasan sa Nasugbu Batangas. Nang sa wakas ay nakarating na kami sa aming destinasyon bumungad sa amin ang isang kalsadang may tindahan sa dalawang magkatapat na kanto. Inirehistro namin ang aming mga pangalan sa isang logbook na makikita sa tindahang nasa kaliwang bahagi. Hindi niyo pa kailangang magbayad sa inyong pagpaparehistro dito, gagawin niyo iyon sa registration camp sa jump off paakyat ng Talamitam. Mula sa tindahan ni Aling Nena (ako lang ang nagbansag nito) naglakad kami ng mga sampung minuto patungo sa totoong registration site (hindi ko sinasabing peke yung una) at muling inirehistro ang mga pangalan namin saka nagbayad ng beinte pesos. Nang maiabot ang bayad ipinakilala na kami sa magiging gabay namin sa pag-akyat sa bundok, si Kuya Russel. Tatlong daang piso ang bayad sa taong maggagabay sa inyo sa pag-akyat (round trip fee na yun para sa day hike), may bonus pang kwento mula kay kuya at pakikisuyo na kuhanan kayong magkakabarkada ng group picture.

ANG PAGBAGTAS SA DAAN PAAKYAT NG TALAMITAM

Sinimulan na ang akyatan at nakalabas na ang mga camera. Tinawid namin ang isang maliit na bahagi ng ilog doon (mukha lang siyang sapa) gamit ang bagong gawang tulay na likha sa bamboo. Salamat at tapos nang gawin nun ang tulay dahil hindi ko kakayanin iyong sasayaw-sayaw at aalog-alog na lumang tulay nila, bukod sa aminado silang delikado na iyon natrauma na din ako mula nang tawirin ko ang buwis buhay na monkey bridge sa bundok ng Manalmon.

Pagkatawid ng tulay ay pinasok namin ang gubat at binagtas ang medyo maputik at madulas na daanan. Naghalo ang halimuyak ng mga ligaw na bulaklak, dahon, mamasa-masang balat ng kahoy, singaw ng lupang naulanan at hamog ng isang umagang kay sariwa. Nariyan na bahagya kaming nadudulas sa hindi naman matarik ngunit puro paahon na bagtasin kung kaya maya’t maya din ang aming pagpapahinga. Dahil na rin siguro sa labis na kahalumigmigan ng panahong iyon kaya medyo mabilis kaming mahapo at maghabol ng hininga. Hindi naman kasi kami baguhan sa akyatan at hindi rin naman namin tatanggapin ang dahilang tumatanda na kami. Mataas ang humidity ng mga oras na iyon kaya bahagyang mahirap huminga sabayan mo pa ng puro paahon na daan, tapos ang usapin sa mabilis na pagkahingal.

ALA-SWITZERLAND

Natapos na rin ang magubat at masukal na paglalakbay. Sumunod namang tumambad sa amin ang isang malawak na pastulan ala-Switzerland. Isang pastulan sa mataas na bahagi ng kalupaan; naaalpombrahan ng mga damong tingkad sa pagkaberde; pinaliligiran ng mga baka at kabayong nanginginain. 

 
Wala pa man din kami sa itaas ng bundok ay makikita mo na ang makapigil hiningang tanawin ng Batangas at katapat na bundok ng Batulao. Sa pagtanaw naman sa direksyon ng bundok Talamitam, mabibighani ka sa angkin nitong ganda at karinyo para sa lahat ng mga nilalang na nabubuhay sa paligid niya. Marilag gayunpama’y hindi naghahambog sa kanyang postura, ang bundok Talamitam ay isang obrang nakapinta sa bughaw na kanbas upang lalong magbigay buhay sa luntiang kaparangan. 

Idinaan kami ni kuya Russell sa daanang matarik patungo sa tuktok ng bundok. Mas maikli raw kasi ang daanang iyon kumpara sa isa pang daanang hindi nga matarik ngunit mas mahaba at mas matagal lakarin. Tiwala ata si Kuya Russell sa tibay namin kaya pinili niya kaming idaan doon (o siguro’y gutom na siya kaya gusto niya nang madaliin ang pag-akyat). Tirik na ang araw ng mga sandaling iyon kaya umuusok na kami at natutusta na ang mga (dati nang tustang) balat namin. Hingal kabayo kami sa tuwing lilipas ang dalawang minuto, dahil uulitin ko bukod nga sa matarik ang daan masyado pa ring mahalumigmig ng mga oras na iyon (teorya lang namin ‘to huwag niyo na kong lecturan sa Science utang na loob).

SA TALUKTOK NG BUNDOK TALAMITAM

Makaraan ang ilan pang minuto ng matutunog na paghingal at paghihikayat sa sariling katawan na “konti na lang nasa itaas na” naakyat na rin namin ang taluktok eksakto alas diyes y media ng gabi, este ng umaga pala. Nakatira ata ng katol si haring araw dahil ubod ang pagka-aktibo niya buti na lang at handa kami sa aming mga Wonder Payong. 

Salamat kay Benjar na nagmagandang loob na magbaon ng tinapay, San Marino Tuna at Wafer, nakapag-picnic kami sa itaas ng bundok habang humahanga sa tanawin ng bundok ng Batulao at Pico De Loro. Ang gandang pagmasdan ng luntiang kaparangan sa ibaba kung saan animo’y mga langgam lamang ang mga baka, kambing at kabayong walang sawa sa pagnguya ng mga damo.

Kuha ng larawan dito, kuha ng larawan doon, nais naming baunin ang karikitang iyon kahit sa pamamagitan lamang ng lente ng aming mga kamera.

Iba talaga ang pakiramdam kapag nasa tuktok ka ng bundok, nakalalango ang ganda ng kalikasan at perpektong porma’t istruktura nito. Pakiramdam mo'y tanaw mo ang buong mundo, kahit na ba sa lawak ng naaabot ng paningin ay tuldok pa rin iyong maituturing sa kabuuan ng daigdig na ginagawalan natin. Masarap huminga sa itaas dahil sa wari mo’y naiwan mo sa ibaba lahat ng mga pasanin mo sa buhay o siguro’y dahil isinambulat mo na iyon sa hangin at ikinalat sa daigdig.

Isang bagay kung bakit masarap umakyat ng bundok ay dahil sa mga positibong enerhiyang nababalot dito. Ako bilang isang indibidwal hinahanap-hanap ko ang enerhiyang iyon at sa pag-akyat ko ay nararamdaman ko ang kakaibang lakas na nagmumula sa mga elemento ng kalikasan. Sa ganitong mga aktibidades, pakiramdam ko’y may isang bahagi ako na muling naisisilang. . . pag-asa...tama iyon nga! Nagbibigay ng kakaibang pag-asa ang kalikasan kaya siguro hinahanap-hanap ko lagi ang kabundukan dahil nababalot ito ng buhay at sa buhay ay naroroon ang pag-asa!

BANLAW PAGOD SA KAILUGAN

Mga bandang alas onse y media ay nagsimula na kaming bumaba. Saglit lang ang oras na ginugol namin kumpara sa tagal ng iniakyat. Mas mabilis kasing bumaba maari ka ngang magpadausdos kung nais mong mas bumilis pa. Mas mahirap talagang umakyat kung saan minsan kailangan mo pang gapangin na paunti-unti at padahan-dahan bago ka makarating sa itaas. Sa pagbaba, para ka lang nag-teleport mula sa tuktok papunta sa paanan. Kailangan mo nga lang mag-ingat kung ayaw mong umuwing puro galos at sugat dahil gumulong ka na parang sina Jack at Jill, went up the hill, to fetch a pail of water (uy, kinakanta na niya.)

Dinala kami ni Kuya Russell sa ilog na malapit sa registration site. Mabato at maingay ang paligid gawa ng malakas na pagragasa ng tubig. Doon sa bahaging mababaw kami nagtampisaw at lumangoy-langoy na parang Janitor fish. Mabato ang paligid  subalit buhanginan ang nasa ilalim ng tubig. Hindi mo na aalalahanin ang madudulas na batong naglulumot na kadalasang matatagpuan sa mga ilog.

Makaraan ang ilang minutong pagpapalamig sa ilog bumalik na kami sa registration site parang magbanlaw at magpalit ng damit. Beinte singko pesos ang bayad sa pakikiligo, buti't hinanapan kami ni Kuya Russell na ibang pagpapaliguan. Ang haba kasi ng pila pagdating namin doon sa site sinuwerte lang at maparaan ang aming gabay. Nang matapos sa pag-aayos ay nagpaalam na kami kay Kuya Russell at nagpasalamat, pagal na ang mga katawan namin ngunit labis kaming nasiyahan sa karanasang ibinigay sa amin ng bundok ng Talamitam.

Itinerary:

5 AM                Assembly time at Pasay Bus Station

6 AM               Departure going to Nasugbu, Batangas

8 AM               Arrival at Brgy. Bayabasan, Nasugbu, Batangas

8:30 AM        Start of trekking

10:30 AM      Summit of Mt. Talamitam

11: 30 AM     Start of descend

1: 30 PM       River experience

2 PM              Back at Registration Site / Banlaw time

3 PM              Departure going to Manila

EXPENSES:

Breakfast                                                       100

Bus fare from Pasay to Nasugbu          127

Registration fee                                            20

CR fee                                                                 3

Guide fee (300/3)                                      100

Tip                                                                    60

CR fee                                                              25

Bus fare from Nasugbu to Manila      127

                                                                        562