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

Talamitam has a cuteness level of 5 with all the pairs of neighing horses, curious cows, photogenic carabaos and charming baby goats. Oh wait, this isn’t a farm.

Mt. Talamitam is an easy dayhike like her sister Mt. Batulao. Legend has it that a giant once lorded the plains. He had one foot in Batulao, and the other at Talamitam. Or so the story goes from an enthusiastic and chatty (slash intoxicated) local official. The trail starts from the barangay hall with a ten-minute walk through houses and concrete paths until a footbridge is crossed. From there, the trail transforms to a relaxing walk through partially covered paths. A clearing is reached after about twenty minutes; it offers an unobstructed view of the peaks of Batulao. Moving forward, the bare slopes transform to neatly lined rows of seedlings. It becomes open afterwards as one passes through fields and a “golf course”. There is absence of shade and trees throughout the rest of the hike.

There are two paths going up to the summit; one with a steep assault, the other with a more gradual version. We took the steep route going up and the gradual one on the way down. The steep route was a good hundred or so meters of near-90 degree portions. The gradual one was the path taken by an ice cream peddler who comically came out of the blue with his flavored popsies.

After the customary pictorial, the trek back lasted about 45 minutes until we reached the river.

Our schedule as it is:

07:00 Depart for Bayabasan, Batangas (take any Nasugbu- or Balayan-bound bus, Php124.00 via BSC Bus Lines located at the back of McDonald’s MRT Taft)
09:00 ETA Bayabasan/Sampaloc
09:10 Register (Php25.00)
09:30 Start trek
11:30 ETA summit
12:30 Start descent
13:15 ETA river
13:30 End of trek; wash up
16:00 Depart for Tagaytay/Metro Manila (Php102.00)

I now understand why some mountaineers keep coming back. As with most Benguet mountains, the scenery going to and from Ugo is picturesque. Rolling pine tree-covered ridges, chilly temperatures, long yet slightly ascending and descending paths complete the breathtaking landscape. The tiring traverse is capped by a crossing of the 90.7-metre hanging bridge of Sitio Cayoco over the Agno River.

A major climb because of the distance to cover, one will walk approximately 15KM on day 1 from Kayapa to Domolpos and on day 2, 21KM from Domolpos (~3KM to the summit) to Itogon (~18KM from the summit). The trek commences with a 1.5-hour steep ascent to Indopit Village then progresses to a 2-hour easy trek through both wide and narrow trails. Finally, to get to the Domolpos community, a half hour tricky descent ensues. The Domolpos’ public school can be used for the night as campsite. It has a water source and a nice toilet at the back. Spending the night there beats setting camp at the cold and windy summit.

The trek resumes the next day with a relaxed 2.5- to 3-hour hike to the peak. The summit has a wide area for camping and has a marker partially hidden by bushes and trees where it is said to once have marked the boundaries of Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan and Benguet. Navigating the steep descent takes less than two hours and then another hour to get to the nice lunch area at the old saw mill. With two more hours to go, the trek takes you to more covered trails, farmlands and easy trails to Lusod Village and finally to Itogon Village.

With credits to Ultraman Ace, here are the twenty one names of the mountains our guide, Sir Alex, recited from memory: 1. Kabilisan, 2. Indopit, 3. Yabnong, 4. Bundao, 5. Samiento, 6. Sadngat, 7. Sadle, 8. Domolpos, 9. Ugo (2,150 MASL), 10. Bakuyan, 11. Tigingan, 12. Dyabes, 13. Timal, 14. Sumil, 15. Lusod, 16. Badjao, 17. Sadyatan, 18. Anawang, 19. Latbak, 20. Cawayan and, 21. Cayoko.

The usual trek suggests three days. We did it in two. Well, more like 1.5. Our two-day traverse looked like this:

Day 1
06:30 Depart Kamias for Bambang, Nueva Ecija via Victory Liner (Php684.00 for a deluxe seat)
12:30 Arrive at Bambang, Nueva Ecija; board public van going to Kayapa, Benguet
13:30 ETD Bambang via van (Php70.00)
14:45 ETA Kayapa
15:00 Start trek
16:30 ETA Indopit
18:00 ETA Ansipsip
19:00 ETA Domolpos; overnight at the public school

Day 2
06:00 Start trek (approximately Php200.00 per person for the guide and registration fee)
08:00 ETA summit
09:00 Resume trek
12:00 Lunch at old saw mill
13:00 Resume trek
17:00 End of trek
19:30 Depart Itogon, Benguet for Baguio City (via chartered jeepney; Php200.00 each)
20:30 ETA Baguio City
22:30 Depart Baguio for Metro Manila (Php450.00)

They both turned s-i-x-t-y!

The big 6 and 0 finally caught up with my Mom and Dad. My Dad threw a surprise party for my Mom and for a change, my Dad chose to celebrate his privately.

The best parents in my universe deserve all the love and gratitude. Cheers to their compatibility and insanity. And to the set of happy and normal children they brought to this era.

I will give it to you straight. Steep. Yes she had fabulous views at the peak, refreshing river crossings and the thundering drop of Ubod Falls, but, what stuck to me about Damas is her killer ascents and knee-busting descents.

The guides may insist the slopes are gradual, but they are not. With the jumpoff being at an elevation almost as high as the mountain’s peak (685+ MASL), the trail starts with an almost one hour sharp descent through slightly covered grass paths leading to a river crossing. It then progresses to a two-hour ascent all the way to the summit.

There are two saddle campsites and one at the summit itself. Each area can comfortably hold about five to eight tents. The views at either of the campsites offer clear sights of neighboring mountains (like Tapulao and Arayat) and the Tarlac terrain.

The traverse to Ubod Falls takes an average of three to four hours through more cogon-lined paths and steep trails. There are a number of roped segments to make the way down and up easier. Fifteen minutes away from the 100-foot Ubod Falls, you will pass by a smaller one through which you will have to negotiate the final roped segment.

After the side trip to the falls, the traverse continues through another hour of steep ascents. There is supposedly an easier route via the river, but by some stroke of fate (and apparently on grounds of safety), the guides gave us the cardiac trail. Finally, the last two hours of the trek will be through carabao and farmland trails. At the barangay, you can take a quick wash-up at one of the residents’ houses before boarding the ride back to Tarlac City.

Our actual itinerary:

Day 1
04:00 Depart from Manila via private vehicle
06:30 ETA Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac
08:00 ETD for Camiling via bus
08:45 ETA Jollibee Camiling
10:30 ETD for San Clemente, Tarlac via rented jeepney
11:30 ETA Dueg Settlement
12:00 Lunch at kubo/resthouses
13:00 Start trek
16:00 ETA summit campsite

Day 2
07:00 Break camp
08:00 Start traverse
11:30 ETA Ubod Falls
13:30 Resume trek
16:30 ETA Brgy. Papaac, Camiling, Tarlac
18:30 ETD for Tarlac City via rented bus
19:30 ETA Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac
20:00 ETD for Manila
21:15 ETA Hacienda Luisita
24:00 ETA Ortigas

Dangerous as it seems, here is one for the books: planking at 400+ MASL. An instant adventure is what happens when you do something risky and over-daring.

Taken at one of the rock faces of Mt. Marami with the verdant landscape of Cavite in the background.

Just look at a rosy sunset,
And wonder about running off into his rays.

Before sunset, after sunset,
There’s the ruddy glow of the sky.

And I quote:

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”

- Rabindranath Tagore