A DELIGHTFUL DAY IN DARAITAN | Mt. Daraitan (739+) and Tinipak River

What a way to start my year!

I've mentioned Mt. Daraitan in my previous posts, but I never really thought it would be my first adventure for 2016.

I've been a jetsetter for a couple of weeks, flew to and from Manila, and continually gazed at the lovely mountains of Rizal from outside the plane's window. I wondered when I could try the mountains of the said province.

Little did I know that one of my mountaineer friends (whom I've met in my Mt. Pinagbanderahan trek), had plans of doing a Mt. Daraitan climb on the same weekend I got back in the metro. He is one of those people who got addicted to climbs ever since he started, and not even a knee injury can stop this guy. Way to go, Karl!

So this is how it looks from the summit. Lovely, isn't it? With how the river flows and forms like a heart, it's just truly fascinating. But as to how we got there safe and sound is a much more challenging story.

Our meeting place was at McDonalds Katipunan at 2:00 AM on what could be another adventurous Sunday. We left for Tanay, Rizal around 3:00 AM. We had two cars on convoy, four pax in each car. Thanks to Waze, we found our way to Brgy. Daraitan two hours after. 

We immediately registered and Kuya Rudy (our guide) did a short orientation. We started our trek at 6:00 AM. Just as soon as we started, it rained and it never stopped raining even until we reached the summit. The trail was extremely muddy and I had so much difficulty getting fog off my pair of eyeglasses. We were all wet for the whole duration of the trek. Not to mention, the wind was also making it so cold for us to climb Mt. Daraitan.

After several stops, it took us 3 hours to get to the summit. From there, we saw a lovely view of Tanay, its neighboring towns and the Sierra Madre mountain range. Rizal mountains are known for their rocky trails and summits. Mt. Daraitan had something to boast for that matter. Sharing this moment with me are Karl (guy with the red cap) and my new friends, Banjo, Edison, Francis, Chelsea, Marvin and Leanne. 

Needless to say, I have that fascination for taking selfies on summits. The height doesn't seem to scare me just yet. There's always that excitement I feel when I'm up there. All the pain on the legs, the mud on my shoes and the cold didn't mean anything anymore as soon as I set my sight on what the view from the summit had to offer. 

We spent an hour at the summit. It was highly congested and it was difficult to take group pictures without any photobomber joining the moment. 

We took the traverse trail to Tinipak River, and was twice as difficult to trek downwards with all the mud. It took us 2 hours and a half to finally reach the river.

And what was once an item on my bucketlist was finally right before my eyes. Tinipak River was beyond words. It was as breathtaking as the pictures I saw on blogs. The river was said to be the cleanest in the region. No doubt that it is!

We spent another blissful 2 hours in the area, just listening to the water gushing in between rocks and feeling the breeze through our hair. It's something not often experienced in the hectic life I have in the city. I took quite some time to cherish the moment. 

Daraitan had so much to offer. Not only does it boast of its lovely landscapes, it is also home to kind and friendly locals. And also a lovely location shoot for Coco Martin's Ang Probinsyano. That's another trivia.

I'm blessed to have shared this experience with my new friends. Shout out to this amazing group--Leanne, Francis, Banjo, Karl, Chelsea, Marvin and Edison. I believe this won't be the last time I'll be trekking with these guys. 

High five for more adventures!

- - - - - - - 

ACTUAL ITINERARY

2:00 AM - Meet up at McDonalds Katipunan

3:00 AM - Left for Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal

5:00 AM - Arrived at the jumpoff | Registration at P20 | Parking fee at P50 

6:00 AM - Start trek | Guide at P500

9:00 AM - Arrived at the summit

9:45 AM - Started trek along traverse trail to Tinipak River

12:30 PM - Arrived at Tinipak River | Registration at P20

2:30 PM - Left for the jumpoff area | Wash-up at P20

3:30 PM - Left for Manila

4:00 PM - Food trip at Tanay | Budget at P150

7:00 PM - Arrived at Manila

Total budget for the entire trip: P500 

Definitely worth it!

Visit the Pinoy Mountaineer website for more details about the Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River dayhike. PINOYMOUNTAINEER.COM - Mt. Daraitan + Tinipak River

THE TANTALIZING TALAMITAM | Mt. Talamitam (630+)

The year is about to end and I wanted to climb one more mountain before 2015 bids farewell. No particular mountain in mind, just one more adventure that will be worth blogging.

I sent Rovie a message and asked him to accompany me on the weekend for a day climb. He suggested to climb Mt. Talamitam. He's that one friend of mine whom I've met online in a mountaineer group in Facebook. He is also the same guy who was supposed to be part of the Maculot climb in September. He overslept and missed out on all the fun. This time, I was too makulit and made sure he does not oversleep again. 

Anyway, the day came and thank goodness, Rovie showed up!

He and another guy (Ghor) met up with me and we started the day with a bus ride from Coastal Mall to Nasugbu, Batangas. Unfortunately, we rode a bus with a very inattentive driver. We can already see Mt. Talamitam outside the window, but the driver continued driving despite being told to stop at the jump-off. We noticed that he drove further and further away from the mountain, so we stood up and confronted the driver. Indeed, we were a few meters away from the jump-off already. We went off the bus and took another jeepney ride to the jump-off.

We arrived at Km. 83 Sitio Bayabasan in Nasugbu at 8:20 AM. We registered at the jump-off and hired a guide named Joel. We started trekking at 8:40 AM and reached the summit at 11:00 AM. 

The trail starts in a man-made bamboo bridge and into a forest for about an hour. As soon as we reached the top of the hill, everything we saw were open fields of green. It may have taken us 2 hours to reach the summit but it's not like the trail was so hard. It was easy actually, but we had to stop and take several minutes to enjoy the views both behind and infront of us. 

Even when we were still in the bus, Talamitam already seemed very tantalizing. It looked so beautiful from afar, and it even looks a lot better up close. It's another one of those painting-like images that got stuck in my head for a couple of minutes. Green in all shades can be seen on every angle. That's the amazing view we had to appreciate while we were on the way to the summit.

Just when I thought that the view infront of me was spectacular, it was even just as amazing when I turn around. From afar, I saw the first mountain I fell in love with-- Mt. Batulao! 

That other view behind us was so beautiful, I was mostly lost for words.

This is why I love mountains. It gives me that feeling of peace that I don't normally get elsewhere.

We spent about an hour and a half on the summit. My companions took a nap while I was busy taking selfies. 

It was just so beautiful. Perfect weather, perfect day!

Took us an hour for our descent. Along the way, I can't help but fall in love with everything my eyes laid upon. Nature is definitely an art of God! We have such a beautiful world. 

And that's my last mountain for 2015. Mt. Talamitam, you were lovely!

I will certainly be back.



- - - - - - - - - 

ACTUAL ITINERARY

6:00 AM - Bus left from Coastal Mall to Km. 83 Sitio Bayabasan, Nasugbu, Batangas | P120
8:20 AM - Registered at the jump-off point | P40 
8:40 AM - Start trek | P400 for the Guide (minimum of P300)
11:00 AM - Arrived at the summit
12:30 PM - Started descent
1:30 PM - Arrived back at the jump-off and took our lunch
2:30 PM - Left for Pasay Rotunda | P120
5:30 PM - Arrived at Pasay

Visit the Pinoy Mountaineer website for more details about Mt. Talamitam:  PINOYMOUNTAINEER.COM - Mt. Talamitam

AN ESCAPE FROM THE CITY | Rizal Province

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.

It wasn't really quite an outdoor thing, but having a taste of the Rizal province wanted me to explore it some more in the coming months.

A MEMORABLE CLIMB | Osmeña Peak (1072+)

Like mother, like daughter!

At the age of 5, my daughter has been hooked up to the internet. She has her own Facebook account that she can use, but only for viewing. She is aware of all my escapades for the year and even scolds me for climbing mountains without her!

In one of our Cebu trips, I got an idea of having her climb Osmeña Peak. The moment I asked her if she wanted to do it, she was frantic. 

"Yes! Yes! Sure mommy!"

And so, the mother-daughter adventure began.

As early as 4:00 AM, I woke her up and we started preparing. We arrived at the Cebu South Bus Terminal around 6:00 AM. The bus bound for Dalaguete left at around 6:30 AM.

For most of the ride, my little Andi was asleep. At least she had enough time to rest and gain strength for what lies ahead. It was her first and I didn't know if she could make it to the summit. Andi does have the tendency to get tired and to prefer going home. 

We arrived at the crossing of the Dalaguete-Mantalongon Road at 8:00 AM. We were greeted by habal-habal drivers who obviously knew we were headed to Osmeña Peak because of our attire. Since I had a child with me, I asked our driver to take us to the nearest point to the summit. It was another hour from the crossing to the foot of the mountain. Andi was wide awake since it was her first time to ride a habal-habal. She wasn't complaining about the heat since she enjoyed the view of the nearby mountains and the steep slopes. This kid did have the same enthusiastic spirit as me. She showed no signs of boredom. She loved the whole thing as much as I did!

As soon as we arrived at the jump-off, we registered, hired a 10-year old guide and started trekking. At first, Andi was getting tired, but didn't give up. We had occasional stops and just as she saw the sight of the summit from afar, she got excited and walked faster than me. Oftentimes, she'd even drag me and complain that I was walking too slow.

At 10:30 AM, we arrived at the summit and spent an hour just enjoying the view of Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Dalaguete and even Tagbilaran City from afar.

It was indeed a truly memorable climb since I had the chance to do it with my daughter. We seldom see each other so moments like these are quite special. 

As soon as she grows older, I'm pretty sure we will share more adventures together!

- - - - - -

ACTUAL ITINERARY

6:30 AM - Left South Bus Terminal for Dalaguete 

8:00 AM - Arrived at crossing for Dalaguete-Mantalongon Road

9:00 AM - Arrived at foot of mountain 

10:30 AM - Arrived at summit

11:30 AM - Started descent

12:00 PM - Drove back to crossing

1:00 PM - Lunch

1:40 PM - Left for Cebu

Visit the Pinoy Mountaineer website for more details about Osmeña Peak and a possible traverse to Kawasan Falls: PINOYMOUNTAINEER.COM - Osmena Peak (Traverse to Kawasan Falls)

THE FOGGY ROCKIES SUMMIT | Mt. Maculot (706+)

And so, my adventure continues.

When I started my fascination with mountains, I've always had that urge to climb Mt. Maculot. I love summits with amazing picturesque views and Maculot is one of them.

For a typical newbie, there's always that bucketlist of mountains to climb. Of course, Everest isn't on my list. That's basically hardcore. In my age and for my capacity, I can only do less. So my list of mountains aren't really that amazing. Maculot is on my top 3. I'm really glad I had the chance to climb it.

The summit and its view is literally to die for. 

For the month of September, I tried to convince my friends to hike with me. Any mountain will do. But none responded to my messages. I was seenzoned.

Then I searched for a local Facebook group with active mountaineer members. Someone told me to join the group CLIMBER. And indeed, everyone gave updates on their upcoming climbs, sold gears and even posted great pictures of mountains they hiked. It was that haven of comfort wherein you also see other people who share the same interest. I've been scanning posts for several days, hoping I can join in a group who will do a Mt. Maculot climb. 

Finally, I saw this comment on a post by a guy named Rovie and invited people to join them in Maculot on the weekend. I inquired and immediately, I was added to their FB chat. They were total strangers but everyone on the thread seem to be very jamming, so I felt more excited to do the climb.

Our meet-up was on the morning of September 27 at Cuenca, Batangas. I was supposed to meet them in Cubao but I insisted to ride a bus from a much nearer terminal. I arrived at Cuenca around 9am. The rest of the group arrived an hour after.

The guy I was in contact with (Rovie) overslept and failed to come. So I was left with Bianca, Jimson, Dominic and Louie. 

We registered at the outpost at 10:00 am. We then proceeded to the jumpoff where we took our brunch and took time to get to know each other. Unexpectedly, Dominic was a close friend of my close friends in Bohol. Indeed, it's such a small world! And just that quickly, I felt comfortable with the group.

We started our trek to the Rockies summit at 11:15 am. The trail was a continuous ascent on a lush forest which reminded me of Pico de Loro. Being the oldest in the group, I admit to having blackout moments. Lucky enough, they were all concerned to keep me back on my feet and in no time, I felt better.

At that time, it was raining for a few days and there was even a storm warning. From below, we saw fog all over the summit. It rained as well and made the trail muddy and slippery. After several stops, we reached the peak adjacent to the Rockies at 1:30 pm. We took our lunch and took a rest.

Thinking that the Rockies summit was just a short walk from the hut we were resting in, we decided to walk around. The boys took off their shirts thinking it was just near (explains why all my summit pictures had shirtless boys). When we realized that it was still on another peak, we then decided to go ahead with it. It was also too slippery to go back to the hut. Good thing I brought my phone and selfie stick with me. 

In less than 30 minutes, we reached the foggy Rockies Summit of Mt. Maculot. 

It took a while before we got a clearing. As soon as the clouds disappeared, we hurriedly posed and took photos. I was even brave enough to stand on the end of the rocks for a picture. And there it was, that view which I only saw on blogs. I now had the chance to see it for myself. 

I don't call any mountain safe. But climbing a mountain with fog everywhere and a muddy trail, that's really quite a risk. I am again thankful for the safe travels and adventures. 

All five of us only chose to do the Rockies Summit and no longer do the traverse. We spent two hours being mesmerized by the view of Taal Lake. 

At around 4:30 pm, we started our descent. We safely arrived at the jumpoff at around 6:00 pm. We cleaned up and went on a food trip to get a taste of Cuenca's lomi and goto. 

And then again, I gained another set of friends. I'm blessed to have been part of this group for this climb. I had so much fun with them and laughing along the trail is perhaps the easiest part of the experience. Maculot's summit was breathtaking. To sum it all up, I had such a great time and my love for mountains grew even more. 

Another mountain conquered! 

- - -

Here's our actual itinerary for this climb.

6:45 AM - Left JAM Liner Terminal in Pasay | P117
9:00 AM - Arrived in Cuenca, Batangas | Tricycle to outpost | P30
10:00 AM - Brunch at jumpoff
11:15 AM - Started trek to Rockies Summit
1:30 PM - Lunch
2:00 PM - Reached the Rockies Summit
4:30 PM - Started descent
6:00 PM - Arrived at jumpoff | Clean-up | P20
7:00 PM - Food trip
9:00 PM - Left for Lipa City | Jeep | P20
10:00 PM - Left for Manila

Visit the Pinoy Mountaineer website for more details about Mt. Maculot: PINOYMOUNTAINEER.COM - Mt. Maculot Rockies Summit