PASKOokum 2018: Alibijaban Elementary School

" It's not about how much we give but how much love we put into giving."

                                                        -Mother Theresa-

We, the Skookum Mountaineers, wish to thank all those who have helped in making PASKOokum 2018 a meaningful event for the students at the Alibijaban Elementary School, in Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon.

As our chosen community for the year, it is our actually our first time to hold Paskookum outside our usual tramping grounds. Nevertheless, we remained true to our advocacy of reaching out to communities in far-flung areas, with the aim of creating smiles and sharing our blessings.

On behalf of the children/students, parents and teachers at the Alibijaban Elementary School, we say our unending gratitude to the generosity of the following sponsors, many of whom have actually shared their blessings every Paskookum Outreach Climb that we have facilitated over the years:

GS Oil Field Solutions Ltd. Co.	Team E1	Celia Rocamora
Josephine Bautista	Tropang Kape	Alvin Fernandez
Marigil Santos	Romel Alcayde	Carol Saplala
Angelo Matthew Santos	Nancy	Joy David
Monette Beltran	Marvin Dineros	SKF Finance Team
Phil John Gil Wycoco	Tony Marquez	Nieda Galapon
Senen Quizon	Janice Loyola	Allan Pore and Family
Pam Quizon	Jude Penamora	Tenten Manaois and Family
BLGF, Department of Finance	Jun Limpin	Roy Dela Cruz and Family
Aissa Buno	Menard Martin	Dhan Osalla
Jackie Lou Chua	Kat Quiambao	Glen Beason
Sgt. Nina Del Rosario	Cha Jimenes Andres	Charmaine Sarmiento
Angel Adriana Druja	Dimple Marquez	Mabel Cantor Dumigpe
Bea Kendra Druja	Melai Marquez	Jaime Octavo Joson Jr.
Sofia Ester Letaba	Marc Taruc	Divine Garduque
Lara Gwyneth Dagdag	Randell Llige	Johna Pascual
Aloha Nietes Valdez	Sie Nna	Stours
RJ Santiago	Paul Vincent Elima	Badfrog
Xenia Andres	Alexis Penamora	Kris Techico
Studio West	Carrie May Rosales	Eileen Dy
Sharon Mendez	Cunanan-Guerrero Family	Sunshine Caralde
Lucho Boom Boom	Eric Angeles and Friends

We also acknowledge the invaluable efforts and contributions of our volunteers who participated and joined us for #Paskookum2018. Your help, much less, your presence during the program itself boosted our confidence. Thank you for believing in our advocacy, for believing in us.

Paula Xenia M. Andres	Freddie Ignacio	Yannah Marrela Posecion
Domingo Arambulo Jr.	Jaime Octavo Joson Jr.	Dhan Osalla
Glean Beason	Janice Loyola	Harry Robles
Kurt Zion Calura	Antonio Marquez	Brian Dwight Samson
Sigrid Alanis Calura	Tony Marquez Jr.	Leonard Mack Samson
Roy Dela Cruz	Chino Marquez	Rome Tongohan

Again, we hope that each and eveyone of us c share happiness. As what we always say, there is a Skookum in each and everyone of us.

Allan Calura              Bette Quiocho          Bryan Bognot           Isagani Dagdag    
Jaime De Leon           Lennon Vic Del Socorro           Oliver Gil Beltran

The Four Lakes of Kabayan + Junior Pulag

The next day after our outreach climb, we were hyped to hike up Mt. Tabayoc. After an unfortunate incident at the DENR Range Station however, we decided to just hike up the Four Lakes of Kabayan.

Of course, the First Lake is Lake Tabeyo, where along its banks the Ballay Ranger Station is situated. According to the locals, the area around Lake Tabeyo/Tabayo, was previously covered by lush greenery. Trees supposedly dot the area, thereby adding that mystique to the quaint scenery. However, as vegetable gardens began to sprout, the trees were eventually cut.

As per the Ranger in Ballay, we were no longer required to present medical certificates. Nevertheless, we still had to undergo the mandatory briefing that was conducted at the Ranger Station.

From the Ranger Station, we rode the jeepney towards the trailhead leading to Lake Bulalacao / Ambulalakaw. From the concrete pavement, it was a relatively inclined hike through ladder steps that led us deeper into the jungle. As it was actually raining intermittently at that time, we enjoyed the colder surroundings. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached the apex of the climb and saw Lake Bulalacao. From there, we had to go down until we eventually reached the banks of Lake Bulalacao.

From Bulalacao Lake, we again had to backtrail towards the apex and from there, followed the trail to the left. It led us to a very slippery trail that twisted and turned through the forest. We would hold on through tree trunks and pass through the protruding roots of trees. The mossy forest here is really impressive and dense. It's really a different world out there. We even saw a trap meant for wild boars along the way.

After some time, we finally arrive at Lake Latepngapoh. There is that eerie and mystical feeling in this lake. The place really is eerily silent. The fallen trees and overgrown moss added that one of a kind aura to this place. It really is amazing how this body of water was formed on the top of the mountain.

We spent a considerable time in the place to enjoy the surrounding areas. We took pictures and selfies in protruding branches of trees that added mystique to this lake.

From Latepngapoh, we continued to negotiate the mossy forest, until we arrived at a clearing that is Lake Incolos. For me, this is the highlight of our hike. As Lake Incolos is actually covered by grass and moss, each step one makes would result to your feet getting submerge in water. With each step that you make, you will see water seeping through the grass. As such, caution must be made when negotiating the area as there are parts that resemble quicksand.

Nonetheless, the fun thing here is that this one of a kind lake also would create that illusion that one is floating in water (which actually is except that grass, moss, and dirt). We really enjoyed this lake and played like little kids.

From Lake Incolos, we then ascended to Junior Pulag. Junior Pulag is a gently-sloped peak / grassland. As it offers a scenic view of Mt. Pulag (in case there is a clearing), the boulders in the area made it more idyllic. While we were at Junior Pulag, strong winds came as the uber cold rain began to pour. Hence, we decided to descend back to the road where our monster jeep is waiting for us.

We followed the dirt path leading down to the road. Then came the concrete stairs that were actually more slippery owing to the rain that poured. After about thirty minutes of continuous hiking, we finally reached the road.

From the extraction point, we all went top loading as we made our way back to Lake Tabeyo. We all had fun, with the drizzle that soaked us wet, we seemed to have had participated in the once trending "ice bucket challenge". Ultimately, we arrived at Ballay Junction where our fellow volunteers were waiting for us.

Traipsing Chronicles 049
012.018.017

4 Lakes of Kabayan + Junior Pulag
Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: Lake Tabayo / Tinaleb, Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10
Highlights: 4 Mystical Lakes, Mossy Forest, Views of Mt. Tabayoc, Mt. Pulag, and the rest of the Cordillera

Mt. Timbak

On our way to Kabayan, Benguet for our Paskookum Outreach Program this Christmas Season, we decided to climb Mt. Timbak with our participants. It  will be our second time to climb Luzon's 3rd highest peak.

While its elevation may seem to be daunting at 2717 MASL, Mt. Timbak is relatively an easy hike. But should you wish to add more challenge, you start the hike at the Halsema Highway just after the Highest Elevation of the Philippine National Highway System in Atok, Benguet (now the 2nd highest).

The monster jeeps easily negotiated the steep inclines from Halsema Highway, and to our surprise, we continued towards the main jump off point where vehicles are still able to reach.

As we had two small kids with us, we went on a leisurely pace, carefully threading the vegetable gardens / terraces. The cold weather is a relief considering that there were literally no trees in the area.

Some of the unique features at the summit include the stations of the cross and the mini Calvary. A panoramic view of Mt. Pulag and its famous sea of clouds is also visible. We can even trace our way up to Ballay (where we were heading for our Outreach Program).

If you are looking for a brief hike with its own version of sea of clouds and views of the rest of the Cordillera, you will surely enjoy a hike up Mt. Timbak.


Traipsing Chronicles 048
012.017.017

Mt. Timbak / Singkalsa
Atok / Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: KM. 55, Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10  (from the Highway) / 1/10 from the dead end
Highlights: Stations of the Cross; Magnificent Sunsets; Vegetable Terraces; views of Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc, and the rest of the Cordillera

Notes:

Overnight camping is also allowed as long as you ask permission from the locals especially if the surrounding areas at the summit are planted with vegetables.

PASKOokum 2017 - Kabayan, Benguet

The Skookum Mountaineers wish to acknowledge and extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who have provided their invaluable help and tireless encouragement for us to continue with Paskookum 2017 against what seemed to be insurmountable odds. 

While 2017 may not be the easiest for some of us, sheer will, perseverance, and the guidance of those who believe in our advocacy made this year's Paskookum one of, if not the best we ever had since we started this annual event.

Duacan Primary School
(At the Akiki JOP)

Tinaleb Elementary School

With Tinaleb Kids

On behalf of the children/students, parents and teachers, of Duacan Primary School and Tinaleb Elementary School, we long to say our unending gratitude and utmost appreciation showed by the following sponsors:

Celia Rocamora	Charmaine Sarmiento	Glean Beason
Carole Ramirez	Margie Bello	Freddie Ignacio
Maria Saplala	Ray-Ryan Garduque	RJ Santiago
Bernie Tenerife	Shiena Garduque	Ten Ten Manaois
Kurt Dayrit	Amado Rivera Jr.	Kris Techico
Verlie Gatchalian	Amado Garduque Jr.	Jerome Magdato
Alvin Fernandez	Zenaid Garduque	Francis Maglinao
Percy Datayan	Gui Sigua	Rhunna Parinas
Louwella Lusong	Jocelyn Naverra	Mary Rose Maceda
Joyce Samonte	MJ Sebastian	Freeiah Louisse
Martin Rante	Jayson Adra	Thor Libay
Faith De Sagun	Che Picache	Alger Salise
Jhen Cordeta	Eviv Belle	Sharlene Diaz
Jhian Nazario	Jaime Octavo Joson Jr.	Ronelle Cruz
Claire Holdem	Wilson Mina	Jessa Camille Yamar
Randy Racelis	Tau Gamma Phi Central Paniqui Chapter	Marvin Dimarucut
Jong Baua	Alia Travel and Tours	Pauleen Soriano & Family
Bryan Bognot	Hendrix Calura	Alvin Christian Madriage
Johna Pascual and Friends	Paula Xenia Andres	Lorevie Mariano
S'tourS	Djoan Rae Canono	Geovanni Tacla

Team E1 GS Oil Field Solutions Ltd. Co. Senen Quizon Tony Marquez Marry Anne Purcia Atty. Jennylyn Reyes Janice Loyola  Emem Atty. Shirley Tuazon Menard Martin Phearl Durado Ed Warren Balauag Melanie Marquez Studio West Family Willy Jimenez Jovel Marquez Aloha Nietes Valdez Ferdinand V. Beltran Myk Asuncion Lazol Pediatric and Family Clinic Quintin Beltran Jr. Ferdz De Guzman Meech Villahermosa and Friends Quintin Josh Beltran Charmaine Jimenez Arguelles Family Marigil and Archie Santos Verjun Legisma Sunshine Buenavista Caralde Angelo Matthew Santos Katherine Quiambao Hair and Nail Camp Salon Phil John Gil Wycoco Paul Vincent Elima Early Orolfo Monette Beltran Carrie Rosales Sherealyn Estrada Apanto Kaye Corpuz Fusilero Vanessa Cunanan and Family Michelle Naje Abegaile Cortes Sharon Firme and Family Inah Angelica Bunag and Friends Lucho Boom Boom

Moreover, aside from their priceless donations, we similarly acknowledge the invaluable efforts, care and contributions of the following volunteers who participated and joined us for #Paskookum 2017. As we keep on saying, it is our pleasure that you have joined us for Paskookum 2017. We cannot do it all, but with your help, we felt everything is possible. We hope that you will join us again in the future.

Paula Xenia M. Andres	Jerome Tordesillas Magdato	Kurt Zion Calura
David Zacharias A. Arambulo	Francis Maglinao	Sigrid Alanis Calura
Domingo Arambulo Jr.	Angeline Marquez	Freddie Ignacio
Glean Beason	Antonio Marquez	Janice Loyola
Chariza Bernardo	Chino Marquez	Earvin Francis Pore
Angelyn Arambulo Bondoc	Menard Martin	RJ Santiago
Rosendo Bondoc	Juliet Orbase	Rome Tongohan
Inah Angelica Bunag	Johna Mae Anne Pascual

Packing 101

Packing 101

Let us keep on sharing happiness. There is a Skookum in each and everyone of us.

Allan Calura

Bette Quiocho

Bryan Bognot

Isagani Dagdag

Jaime De Leon

Lennon Vic Del Socorro

Oliver Beltran

#Quecha

#happy

Elate to see you again Kiddos

May pa-Chicken Joy si Sir Domeng kahit galit sya sa Jollibee heehee.

Happy Kiddos

Skookum Girl

Courtesy of the Teachers at TES

Happy Volunteers

Masaaaraaap ang Sopas!

Approve ba?

Sack Race

Mt. Timbak...covered with clouds.

Kibungan Cross Country - Tri-Provincial Traverse

Kibungan Cross Country Traverse also known as "KXC", (though really not a cross country hike) is a hike starting from the town of Kibungan in Benguet, descending to the town of Licungan / Sugpon in the province of Ilocos Sur, and finally making that final push to the municipality of Santol, La Union. In this regard, KXC is also popularly referred to as "tri-provincial traverse".

On to Kibungan, Benguet

With a call time of 2200H, members of our group began to trickle in at the McDonald's EDSA corner  Quezon Avenue (also in the corner of Panay Avenue) as early as 2130H. While I live relatively near the area (maybe the nearest among all us hikers), I was the last one to arrive at 2215H (sorry guys, the usual traffic problems). After stashing our gears at the back of the van and brief moments of chit-chat, we eventually left for Baguio City at 2245H.

We had brief stop overs at the PTT Gas Station in the SCTEX, as well as at the Shell Gas Station in Rosario La Union (just before the Kennon Road), for "jingle" breaks, buy additional provisions, and more importantly, for our driver to be able to unwind and have some rest. Passing through the Kennon Road, we arrived at the City of Pines at around 0345H. We then immediately went to the public market to do some much needed marketing, which took us about an hour to finish. At 0500H, we continued towards La Trinidad en route to Kibungan.

From Baguio City, Kibungan is a 2 to 3-hour drive on an initially descending terrain through the Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun Road, until the ascend towards Kibungan town proper. We initially traversed the Halsema Highway and passed through the La Trinidad Valley until we ultimately reached the junction leading to the town of Kapangan. The roads are well paved, albeit, with brief rough portions but still, even sedans (in other words, vans can easily navigate the roads) can make their way until Kibungan.

PASKOokum 2017 - Skookum Outreach Climb

Now on its 4th year, the annual outreach climb of the Skookum Mountaineers dubbed as PASKOokum (from the words "Pasko" (Christmas) and "Skookum") will be held on December 16 - 17, 2017.

For this year, we shall be coming back to the Duacan Primary School in Tujakap, Duacan, Kabayan, Benguet and the Tinaleb Elementary School, in Sitio Tinaleb, Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet. At least 180 students are expected to benefit for this year.











Everyone is invited to join this noble activity. Should you have questions or wish to make your donations in support of this activity, you may comment below or contact the Skookum Mountaineers at the following numbers: +63 927 7470339 (Isagani), +63 906 4412618 (Oliver) and +63 917 5537819(Jaime).

Mt. Pulag - Increase in Fees

As per the new directive issued by the Mt. Pulag National Park Superintendent Teber Dionisio, the is an increase in the fees collected from each hiker / climber, the details of which are as follows:

MT.PULAG NATIONAL PARK FEES:

a. Entrance fee:  

Php 175.00 per head for local
$15 or peso equivalent for foreigners

b. Camping fee: Php 50.00/head/night

LGU FEES: Php 150.00 per head

Akiki Trail JOP

GUIDE FEES:
a. Amba - amba = 1 night = Php 120.00 per head

b. Akiki - Amba = 1 to 2 nights = Php 1800 per 7 pax

c. For foreigners: Php 800 per 5 pax

PORTER GUIDE:
a. Amba - amba = 15 kg & below = Php 600
b. Akiki - amba = 15 kg. = Php 1500

Contact number of PASu Teber Dionisio = 09182960274

Pls. Contact PASu Teber between 8 am to 5 pm ONLY

Tramping Advisory 017

009.005.017

Mt. Pulag - Increase in Fees