Summer.

Ah, a field of late summer blooms.

Show-stopping, abundant beauties that worship the hot season;
Multicolored flowers that lead the way on a summer walk;
Solid and breathtaking, the ones that brighten in the sunshine.

My field of summer blooms.

I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. ~Author Unknown

School may be over, but as they say, graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning. Enjoy the summer while you still can, dear Brother. For when the new chapter comes knocking ’round, you’ll take the world into your hands.

Blessed with fair weather, the weekend trip to Mt. Pinatubo and its famous crater lake was yet another open invitation to sunburn and the occasional heat stroke. Intensified by the desert-like terrain covered in volcanic ash, the heat struck harshly as the sun rose to its midday glory.

The Pinatubo experience starts with a 4×4 jeep ride to the jump off point. After a quick stop at the Philippine Air Force checkpoint, the one-hour ride takes tourists and mountaineers alike through wide expanses of open lands left by the deadly “lahar” or pyroclastic flows of the 90s. There are only a few patches of areas covered in grass (and these were sighted at the start of the ride only). Towering land formations line the paths and provide the much needed shade at some points. The 4×4 skillfully maneuvers its way through portions of the O’Donnell River and over big loose rocks spewed by the volcano.

There used to be two jump off points where the actual trek commences: a 15-minute trail and a 2-hour trail. Since the “Pinatubo skyway” was not passable due to the beating it took during last year’s strong typhoons, all treks take the long route (note: per the local guide’s estimate, the skyway may be opened by April 2012 if and when the workers finish; last 2009, during the author’s first trip to Pinatubo, there is a skyway fee of Php500.00 for each 4×4 jeep). The longer trail follows the course of the O’Donnell River all the way to the crater. The trail has no cover and becomes very hot as the day progresses. Ash, sandy soil and even loose rocks complete the picture. Trekkers go through a lot of stream crossings that provide a contrasting relief to the heat of the trail.

After 1.5 hours of walking, the 15-minute trail is finally reached. Pinatubo suddenly transforms into a tourist facility with cottages and toilets at the foot of the final ascent. It gets more developed as the trek advances to the crater. It was a total turnaround from its rustic charm from a couple of years back. A signage, several gazebos and stone stair paths occupy the areas going to the beautiful crater lake.

Although flocked by numerous weekend tourists, the serenity of the crater lake can still be enjoyed. Its appeal still lay on the awesome sight of this enchanting crater lake with the unusual color of aqua green surrounded by balding peaks with traces of lava flows permanently scarring its facade.

Costs to expect are:

Php3,000.00 4×4 jeep (capacity: 4 to 5 persons)
         500.00 guide (per 4×4 vehicle)
         300.00 conservation fee
         200.00 optional packed lunch (four viands, one big serving of rice, one banana and one bottled water)

The detailed schedule of a Pinatubo dayhike is as follows:

05:00 Depart Metro Manila
07:30 ETA Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac; settle fees at the Municipal Tourism Satellite Office
07:45 4×4 ride to jump off point
08:45 ETA jump off point
09:00 Start of trek
10:45 ETA Pinatubo Crater Lake
11:00 Lunch; swim
12:30 Start descent
14:10 ETA jump off point
14:30 4×4 ride back
15:30 ETA Municipal Tourism Satellite Office; wash up
16:30 Depart Capas, Tarlac

Mt. Pinatubo is accessible via private or public transportation. From the North Luzon Expressway, take the Sta. Ines exit and proceed to ply the highway to Mabalacat, Pampanga all the way to Bamban and Capas in Tarlac. At downtown Capas, at the heart of the public market, take a left at Brgy. Sto. Rosario’s marker and then a right at the first corner. After Brgy. Aranguren, turn left at the Iglesia ni Cristo and continue driving all the way to Barangays Cristo Rey, Sta. Lucia, O’Donnell and finally Sta. Juliana. There is a military checkpoint around 3 KM before reaching the Municipal Tourism Satellite Office and the Pinatubo Spa Town. If commuting, take the bus bound for either Dagupan or Lingayen and alight at Capas. As of posting, the Victory Liner website shows that the fare ranges from Php155.00 to Php170.00 per way. From the Capas public market, rent a tricycle and asked to be taken to the Sta. Juliana Tourism Office (Php300.00 per tricycle).

For registration and reservations, please contact Wendell Mercado of the Capas 4Wheelers Club at +63 919 6084313.

 
The love month kicked off with what I hold close to my heart: travel!

I bade hello to weekly trips and to the start of the sun-soaked season with bumpy bus rides, dusty roads, and a view of the rolling landscape. And I had more! The striking sun bit my skin, the fine white sandy beaches covered my toes, and the salty air filled my core.

“Difficult Route”: the sign going to the Mt. Pulag National Park Akiki Trail Visitors’ Center forewarns. The third (of four trails) I have tried, Akiki is indeed challenging compared to Ambangeg’s easy trail and Tawangan’s lengthy trek.

The Akiki trail starts with a 5-minute stair climb from the drop-off point to the ranger station. As with all Pulag climbs, the DENR-CAR (through Pulag park superintendent Mering Albas +63 919 6315402 and Akiki ranger Heron +63 908 7578319) needs to be informed of any group’s entry into the Park. Payment of fees and securing of guides are arranged either at the DENR Office or at the Akiki visitors’ center. Both open at 7:00 AM. Because the group had an early start, the fees were settled at the Akiki visitors’ centre. 

Php1,800.00 Akiki-Ambangeg guide for one to seven persons
            100.00 per head in excess of seven persons
            100.00 entrance fee
               50.00 camping fee
               50.00 green fee

Since the group is fond of modifying almost all its climb itineraries, the Akiki hike was no exemption. Instead of the usual 2-day climb up to the saddle campsite, the trail was finished in ten hours. This is the actual itinerary:

Day 0
19:00 Depart Cubao via Victory Liner (Php450.00)

Day 1
01:30 ETA Baguio; prepare stuff and eat breakfast
03:30 Load jeep
04:00 ETD Kabayan, Benguet
06:30 ETA DENR Office
08:00 ETA Akiki Ranger Station/Visitors’ Center; register and secure guides (Php100.00 entrance fee, Php50.00 camping fee and Php50.00 green fee)
09:00 Start trek
11:00 Eddet River Bridge; lunch
12:00 Resume trek
15:00 Marlboro Country
16:00 Mossy and montane forest
18:00 Grasslands
19:30 Saddle campsite

Day 2
11:30 Trek to summit
11:45 ETA summit
12:00 Resume trek
13:00 Camp 2
14:00 Camp 1
15:00 Babadak Ranger Station; settle guide fees
16:00 ETD DENR Office
17:30 DENR Office; wash up
19:00 Depart DENR Office
21:00 ETA Baguio City
22:30 Depart for Metro Manila

Tha Akiki trail has steep slopes all the way to the end of the forest line and into the grassland area. The trek from the Visitors’ Center commences with a scenic view of the Benguet landscape all the way to Eddet River. After two hours, a long steel hanging bridge is crossed over the river and its mini-waterfalls.

The next leg of the trek continues through more of the “killer trail’s” steep slopes. Lined with pine trees, walking thrugh the forest is cool to the senses and rejuvenating. Three hours into the trek, an area called Marlboro Country is reached. Albeit not as grand and breathtaking as those in Batanes, at that vantage point, the view of the lush greenery and wide landscape is still spectacular.

After another hour of walking under the pine trees, the forest transforms and becomes enchanting with huge trees covered in thick green moss. The mood turns surreal and Twilight-like with hardly any sunlight piercing through the dense vegetation. Finally, in approximately three hours, the forest line is breached and the famed Pulag grasslands is finally reached.

Because I promise to see more.

Of the outdoors, of blue skies, of lush landscapes, of amazing beaches, of rich cultures and of soaring peaks.

Because there is more to travel that benefits the wandering soul.

Of appreciation, of pleasure, of temporary disconnection, of knowledge, of lifetime memories and of a hole in my pocket.

Of trails.
Of mud.
Of river crossings.
Of cows.
And their dung.

Known for the towering rocks forming its pillar-like summit, Mt. Marami (405+ MASL) also has a monolith aptly called Silyang Bato. Located at Maragondon, Cavite, the mountain can be easily reached via a three-hour public commute from Metro Manila. From the bus drop off, walk about two blocks to the terminal of the jeepneys bound for Magallanes. If going as a big group, you can split the costs of renting the entire trip up to Barangay Ramirez.

The itinerary starts with an easy trek on wide dirt roads. After half an hour, the first river crossing is encountered. There will be three or four more crossings afterwards, two of which are via rickety wooden bridges. The rest of the way is no different than the usual trek through carabao trails, farmlands and cogon-lined paths.

There are two campsites in Marami. The first campsite is big and can easily accommodate more than ten tents. It has an open view of the two rock structures and an unobstructed view of the sunrise as well. Albeit wide and flat, the only bane is that the campsite appears to be a favorite of the resident cows (as evidenced by their droppings). The second campsite is near the summit already. It is small and may comfortably fit only two to three tents. It leaves not much room for activity (in addition to the strong winds and rocky grounds) hence the bigger campsite is recommended.

The ascent to the summit is thirty minutes from the first campsite. It commences with a brief trek through a forest which then progresses to a narrow path at the side of the mountains (with grazing cows looking on). Before the final assault, there is a bit of rock climbing prior to a steep grass trail leading to the small summit of Mt Marami. As an added adventure, a group of boulders at the side of Marami’s summit can also be scaled (located at the right side when facing the seas). Take extra caution when going down and over the slippery and sometimes moss-covered rocks.

Day 1
06:15 ETD Manila via bus (Php60.00 from Baclaran)
07:45 ETA Naic (get off at the Petron Gas Station along the highway); hire and board jeepney (Php800.00)
08:15 Depart for Magallanes
09:00 Register at Police Station
09:30 ETA Brgy. Ramirez; register at barangay hall (Php20.00)
09:45 Start trek
13:00 Lunch (after second river crossing)
14:00 Resume trek
17:30 ETA campsite

Day 2
06:30 Start summit assault
07:00 ETA summit
07:30 Start descent to camp
08:00 Back at campsite; breakfast
09:00 Break camp
10:00 Start trek
10:45 ETA bahay kubo near last water source
11:30 Resume trek
13:00 Lunch (before third river crossing)
14:30 Resume trek
16:30 ETA barangay hall; wash up
18:15 ETD Brgy. Ramirez via rented jeepney (Php800.00)
19:30 ETA Naic; dinner
21:00 ETD Naic via mini-bus (Php60.00 until Baclaran)
22:00 ETA Manila

On that particular afternoon, leaning back with legs outstretched and head tilted to the sky, the passing of the moment made me recall what Hal Borland once said, “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”

2011 had been a very good year for my wandering feet and mind. Going on and moving ahead, my thoughts shift between looking back and looking forward. To past experiences that became life’s lessons; to future adventures that will become life’s treasures.

Thank you for being with me this year.

Series 1 took us to the famed Bakun Trio: Mt. Tenglawan (1,940 MASL), Mt. Kabunian (1,700 MASL) and Mt. Lobo (2,000 MASL). What usually is finished in three days, we did in only two. With the inspiration of the Philippine skyrunners’ itinerary, we conquered all three mountains over one January weekend.

Day 0
19:00 Depart Manila via Victory Liner (Php450.00)

Day 1
01:00 ETA Baguio
02:00 ETD Bakun, Benguet
07:00 ETA Brgy. Poblacion, Bakun (registration fee is Php150.00 per head)
07:30 Breakfast, leave things at the old municipal hall, prepare for trek
09:00 Start Mt. Tenglawan trek (guide fee is Php800.00 for a group of 5)
15:00 ETA summit; scale Carrot’s Rock
16:00 Resume trek
21:00 ETA Brgy. Poblacion, Bakun

Day 2
03:00 Wake-up call; breakfast
05:00 Start Mt. Kabunian trek (guide fee is Php1,100.00 for both Kabunian and Lobo)
09:00 ETA summit
09:30 Resume trek
12:30 ETA Brgy. Poblacion, Bakun
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Pack up, load things (jeepney) and prepare for last trek
15:00 Start Mt. Lobo traverse
18:00 ETA summit
18:15 Start descent
20:00 ETA Brgy. Dada, Bakun; wash up
21:00 ETD Baguio

Day 3
02:00 Arrival in Baguio

There are lots of possible itineraries for a Bakun Trio climb. With a three- to four-day schedule, a mountain can be trekked in each day in no specific order. To finish all three in one weekend however, it is advisable to climb Tenglawan on the first day and then proceed to a Kabunian and Lobo (traverse) the following day.

The jumpoff point and base camp is at Brgy. Poblacion of Bakun, Benguet. A brief orientation is introduced by the barangay chairman. Registration and payment of fees are settled at the barangay hall. Securing of guides are also coursed through the barangay. Poblacion makes available for mountaineers’ use their old municipal hall building (it sits atop a hill) for overnight accommodations. It has two big rooms cum library, a kitchen and a big reception and dining hall (by my estimate, it can accommodate about fifty persons). A public toilet facility with running water and separate stalls for men and women is available outside the municipal hall (near the stores).

Supplies and cold drinks are readily on hand at Poblacion. Aside from that, the locals can cook meals for the group (albeit steep in price at Php1,000.00 per meal, the hot dishes are delicious and plentiful).

Although there are public buses going to the barangay, to get there, it is best to charter a jeepney for the 5-hour ride from Baguio to Bakun (and back). It is faster and more convenient especially if you are going as a big group.

Tenglawan, being the lengthiest and most challenging, is recommended to be climbed first. Trekking time (on daypacks) from Poblacion and back is nine to twelve hours. The trek starts with a steep descent through partly covered fieldways and two hanging bridges. It then progresses to the usual narrow paths through farmlands and rice terraces. There are portions of wide rough roads passable to vehicles (two waiting sheds provide respite from the heat). From thereon, the trail has no cover and is mostly exposed. It gets uncomfortably hot around midmorning going into midday.

The last leg of the assault is steep and surrounded by pine trees. Pine needles cover the paths and make for a very slippery descent. The moist soil and wet leaves explain the presence of the dreaded limatiks. The summit is reached after 45 minutes (to one hour). It is flat and can hold about five tents comfortably. Mountaineers are treated to another delight with the Carrot’s Rock. The monolith or rock formation can only be reached by crossing a ridge through Tenglawan’s summit. There is a metal cross at the peak put up by the locals of Bakun for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

The return trip distance from Poblacion to the summit is said to be more than 21KM long. There are two water sources along the trail, with one located within a community (Beyeng) and the other at a creek by the final assault to Tenglawan’s summit.

Kabunian has the most scenic and postcard-like views of the three. Trekking time from Poblacion is four hours for the ascent and three hours on the way back. There are two water sources along the trail with only one appearing to be potable (located less than ten minutes from the summit). The trek commences with a seemingly endless stairway walk through Poblacion’s community (I stopped counting at 500) and the crossing of two hanging bridges. After a short walk through tree-covered paths and flower-lined concrete steps, a marker heralds the entrance to the foot of the mountain.

The path to the summit consists of narrow concrete steps snaking and jutting out of the sides of the mountains. Seemingly carved out of rocks, some trails are so steep it requires extra caution (and the help of hand rails) to pass through it. The views while on top of the open paths on the mountain ridges are beautiful. Benguet’s greenery and landscape combined with the blue skies are breathtaking. There are no trees along the trail but the summit is an exemption. From afar, the top of Kabunian is lined with trees that make for a quick respite from the heat of the morning trek.

The distance from Poblacion to the summit and back is about 15KM. It is best to start in the early morning to beat the heat of the noontime sun on the way back.

Lobo has the easiest trail class and is the last to be summitted in the trilogy. There are two possible entry points to the mountain: Poblacion proper and Dada (thirty minutes away by jeepney from Poblacion). Considering climbers’ fatigue, the traverse from Poblacion to Dada has a trekking time of three hours to the summit and two hours for the descent. It starts with a 15-minute walk through a cemented road and then progresses to an all-the way ascent through mossy trails, a hanging bridge and vegetable farmlands. There are no water sources along the trail.

The final trek to the summit is marked by a small wooden gate. From there, it will take fifteen minutes to navigate towards the solid rock peak. The traverse to Dada is straightforward and fairly easy through wide rough roads (trucks ply the route to get to the farmlands). Upon reaching the jumpoff point, it will take fifteen more minutes of passing through houses to get to the main road.

The distance from Poblacion to the summit and then Dada is approximately 12KM. If ease is in mind, a Dada backtrail is recommended over the Poblacion route. Coming from Poblacion, the chartered jeepney (with the group’s load and bags) will wait at Dada where the group can also wash up before the long trip back to Baguio City.

“Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!” – Elaine Sherman, Book of Divine Indulgences