THAT FEB-IBIG CLIMB | Mt. Ulap (1846+)

While everyone else was excited for Valentine's Day, I was busy packing my things for a special date--another adventurous date with myself!

I wasn't going to let the love weekend bother my senses. Being single on Valentine's Day sucks. It really does actually. But I wasn't going to be like those hugot-filled individuals who would almost cry over with the visions of lovers everywhere. I had better plans for myself.

I got an invite for Mt. Pulag which was eventually cancelled. An alternative was offered, Mt. Ulap. I heard a few things about the mountain. It was even the location shoot for a recent Tagalog movie. Initially, my excitement was not that much. But as soon as I saw what the mountain had to offer, it immediately became my new most favorite climb to date!

AMPUCAO-STA. FE RIDGE

Our meet-up place was in Cubao at 10:00 PM. Around 11:00 PM, all 11 participants left in a chartered van to Ampucao, Benguet. After several stops, we safely reached the jump-off at around 4:30 AM.

The Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail spans around 8 kilometers along several peaks of the Ampucao-Sta. Fe Ridge. The said peaks include: Ambanao Paoay (1788+), Gungal (1814+) and Mt. Ulap itself. Entry point is at Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet. Exit point is at Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon, Benguet. 

At the barangay hall, we registered and was given a short orientation. A pretty guide was assigned to us. She was a Liza Soberano look-a-like so it became more pleasing to each of us. We then started our climb at 5:30 AM. 

Both left and right, there was a panoramic view of Benguet and Baguio City nearby. Pine trees and seemingly endless grasslands made the experience more breathtaking. The trail was too beautiful that we spent so much time on taking pictures along the way. It was too cold when we trekked early in the morning, then turned too hot as we reached the summit.

About mid-way to the summit, we stopped and took pictures of ourselves on the Gungal Rock. It is one of Mt. Ulap's trademark stops. The gigantic rock stood out from a group of rockies. It may look simple to walk across, but it is actually inclined. One wrong step can send you falling several meters off the cliffside.

This was another one of those buwis-buhay pictures taken for me. My knees were numb, literally took my breath away as I glanced on what was deep down below.

Along the way, we had several stops and all we did was just sit down on one corner, appreciate the view and live the experience. 

These are the moments when you ponder upon God's creations and realize how wonderful He is for creating such lovely landscapes. 

It was around noon when we arrived at the summit. We took our lunch and took a short nap. The green grass, pine trees and the lovely panoramic view seemed unreal. Truly another great adventure for the passionate traveler's soul!

This group was a fun group to be with. Another adventure, another set of friends!

It was indeed the best choice to do a Feb-ibig climb. It's an experience that makes you forget all the worries in the city. Nature at its finest once again.


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ACTUAL ITINERARY

10:00 PM - Meet up at Cubao
11:00 PM - Van left for Ampucao, Benguet
3:00 AM - Stop over at Pangasinan, Early Breakfast
4:30 AM - Arrived at the Jump-off (Ampucao)
5:30 AM - Started trek 
11:30 AM - Arrived at the summit
12:30 PM - Started descent
3:00 PM - Arrived at the Jump-off (Sta. Fe)
5:00 PM - Left for Manila
8:00 PM - Arrival at Clark (my own side trip for the Air Balloon Festival)