THE MYOPIC WANDERER: rizal

There was that need for another adventure again. The same usual past time, browsing through posts in the CLIMBER group on Facebook and see what sparks my interest. True enough, I found another one.

I have always been fascinated with the mountains of Rizal province after I climbed Mt. Daraitan. There was something about the sharp-edged stones on its mountains that made me so challenged to trek them.

There were invitations online for a Penta Climb--five mountains in one day which included Mt. Binacayan, Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Hapunang Banoi, Mt. Ayaas and Mt. Sipit Ulang. I definitely wanted to but I knew I could not physically do it. 😅

So I settled for just two mountains, Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan. I signed up to join the group organized by Chad Cadawas. I knew nobody in the group. But it always thrills me to meet new friends during hikes.

As early as 1:00 AM, we met up at EDSA Starmall in Shaw. When the group was complete, we set out for Brgy. Wawa in Rodriguez, Rizal. We arrived at the jump off and went through the entire registration process. We had a few minutes more to get ready and I bought a pair of rubber gloves to make sure I wouldn't get wounded with those sharp limestone edges.

Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan are separated in between by the Wawa Dam. Both mountains are part of a legend of a mythical hero who kept the two mountains from colliding with each other. Mt. Pamitinan is also part of our history books as it is in the Pamitinan Cave where Andres Bonifacio took refuge and where he proclaimed one of the first declarations of our independence.

Other information about these two mountains can be found on this article of Pinoy Mountaineer:

Pinoy Mountaineer - Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan

Source: Google Earth

MT. BINACAYAN

We started our trek early since we were after the Sea of Clouds at the summit. On the way up, we came across a rocky path and had to go through bushes and trees. Some were spiky like the limestone from where they stood.

Going up Mt. Binacayan

Halfway there. Stop muna for the Sea of Clouds.

After a 45-minute trek to halfway of the mountain, there it was. A breathtaking view of Rizal's sea of clouds. It was just as amazing as how the guides described it. The whole panoramic view of Rodriguez, Rizal was covered in thick clouds, while the sun rises on the other side of where we were. It was indeed a beautiful sunrise!

Sea of Clouds

Simply breathtaking!

Selfie muna!

Sunrise at Mt. Binacayan

After an hour of taking selfies and just simply enjoying the view right infront of us, we continued our trek to the summit. Along the way way, we encountered some difficulty on the rocks. You had to walk a path with sharp rocks on both sides. Definitely had to be careful not to take the wrong step!

Rocky path to the summit

After another 30 minutes, we reached the summit and had to wait in line for us to take a group picture. There were other groups who reached the summit before we did. For less than 15 minutes, we had to take the same path down the mountain and head on to our 2nd mountain of the day.

At the summit of Mt. Binacayan

Mountain #1 for the day!

Headed to Mt. Pamitinan (that mountain on the background)

MT. PAMITINAN

From the same jump-off, we had to cross the bridge over the Wawa River in order to reach the base of Mt. Pamitinan. On the bridge, you can see the two mountains facing each other. Looks like a hill from where I stood, but definitely not an easy climb.

Bridge to Mt. Pamitinan

Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan

The trek starts with a usual terrain, like any other mountain. Midway to the summit, that's when the challenge starts. You have to climb a steep wall of sharp edges and make sure you don't cut yourself along the way. It was a risky type of rock climbing with no harness whatsoever.

The most difficult part

Posing on one of the limestone rock formations on the way to the summit

Waiting in line to have pictures on the rock platform

After another hour, we reached the summit of Mt. Pamitinan. Our second mountain of the day!

At the summit of Mt. Pamitinan (with Mt. Binacayan on the background)

It was definitely worth all the cuts and bruises. We went down on the same path. Good enough, everyone came down safe. We took a break at the base of the mountain. The cold buko juice quenched our thirst and made us feel high again. There was even an invite to climb Mt. Hapunang Banoi since we still had enough time! We all refused and decided to return to Manila instead.

New friends, new adventure! That is always the highlight of every climb.

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ACTUAL ITINERARY

1:00 AM - Meet up at EDSA Starmall McDonalds

2:30 AM - Left for Rodriguez, Rizal

3:30 AM - Registration at the Jump-Off

4:30 AM - Started the climb to Mt. Binacayan

5:15 AM - Stopped for the Sea of Clouds

6:30 AM - Reached the summit of Mt. Binacayan

8:00 AM - Crossed the bridge and started the trek on Mt. Pamitinan

9:30 AM - Stopped for pictures on the rock formation

11:00 AM - Reached the summit of Mt. Pamitinan

12:00 PM - Trek back to the base of the mountain for lunch

1:30 PM - Trek back to Jump-Off

3:00 PM - Back to Manila

5:00 PM - Arrived in Manila

Christmas is a time for celebrations. For me, it's one of those times when I expect to have my much-needed break from all the hustle and bustle in the city. I've been living in a jungle of buildings and each time I get an invite to explore a new place, there is no room for refusal.

Actually I was made to choose between two parties to attend. Both in the same company, but different departments. One was in BGC Taguig, the other in Punta de Fabian Resort in Baras, Rizal. I chose the latter.

I have always been fascinated with the different places in Rizal, but I've never really explored the place. I've been wanting to experience hiking at Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak Falls, also a visit to Daranak Falls and the windmills of Pililla. Unfortunately, I haven't had the liberty of time to explore any of those. The moment they mentioned to me the venue, all I can think about was the possible view of the resort which was situated overlooking Laguna de Bay and the mountains of Rizal. I had no hesitation. I joined the group's Christmas Outing in Baras.

As soon as we arrived at the resort, this was the only view stuck in my head for a few minutes. I was in awe of everything my eyes saw. It was like standing on a summit with a great view and an infinity pool!

I explored the place for the next hour or so. I just couldn't get enough of the panoramic view infront of me. I sat on one corner beside the pool and started guessing the names of every peak or mountain in that painting-like image. Not to mention the amazing sunset that followed.

I needed that break. I truly did.

We held our Christmas Party on that same evening-- exchanging gifts and videoke. I had a few drinks and had a lovely talk with one of my friends while lounging on the pool and staring at the black canvass of stars up in the sky.

It's been a while since I last saw the sky so clear. I was blessed to have had a moment for myself and to have enjoyed the tranquility of everything around me.

Early the next morning, I woke up as early as 5:00 AM and waited for the sun to rise. It was another amazing view to remember.

I was trying to guess that it was Mt. Daraitan on one side and the sun rising beside it. The silhouette of the Pililla windmills made it more dramatic. Fog was starting to appear and it felt like being on top of a mountain. This was effortless. A view like this wherein I didn't even need to do a hike!

I spent time that morning in the pool, gave myself a tan and rinsed my body with chlorine!

Before we headed home to Manila, we did a sidetrip to Tanay, Rizal and visited the famous Regina Rica. After a fun-filled day, it was quite good to have had time to light candles and do pilgrimage to Mama Mary.