Always Wandering

When investors are faced with volatile market conditions, they are advised to be prudent. In times when both the local and global markets are bleeding, investors revisit their investment strategies. Back to basics. What is the tolerance for risk? How diverse is the allocation of asset classes? Will there be any change in the time horizon? Similar to the business of building wealth, it is back to basics when coming out of commission in the world of climbing mountains. And so as Always Wandering emerges from its shell, it also returns to the most fundamental of hiking – a minor dayhike.

Mt. Mabilog (442 MASL) is an inconspicuous peak that stands in between San Pablo City and Nagcarlan in the province of Laguna. This quick hike is straightforward with mostly covered foot trails lined with the usual forest and fruit trees. The ascent to the summit has portions that are exposed and unforgiving at high noon. Although not prominent compared to its more popular neighbors, it has an unobtrusive view of the three peaks of Mt. Banahaw, and the seven lakes of the province. The local guide patiently shares the surrounding bodies of water as Pandin, Yambo, Palakpakin, Sampaloc, Mojicap, Kalibato, and Bunot.

When planning for a hike up Mabilog, the local guides from Lake Pandin can be reached at +63 999 873 4924 (Mr. Roel Tolentino). The guide fee for a group of five is Php350.00. If taking public transportation from downtown San Pablo, a tricycle ride costs Php100.00 for a one way trip to the jumpoff of Lake Pandin. From Lake Yambo on the other hand, tricycle drivers charge Php50.00 per head if going to downtown Nagcarlan. From Nagcarlan, catch a jeepney going to San Pablo City, a tricycle to the main highway, then board passing buses from Lucena onward to Metro Manila.

A sample itinerary from San Pablo City is as follows:

11:00 Depart downtown San Pablo
11:15 ETA Lake Pandin jump off at Brgy. Sto. Angel, San Pablo City; walk to Lake Pandin
11:30 Arrive at Lake Pandin
12:00 Start trek
13:00 ETA summit
14:00 Descend to Lake Yambo
14:30 ETA Lake Yambo at Brgy. Sulsuguin, Nagcarlan; ride tricycle to Nagcarlan
15:00 ETA Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery