Thursday, November 27, 2014

San Jose Circuit - Seize the Trail (Mt. Tangisan, Mt. Bungkol Baka, Mt. Caoayan)

Contrary to the misconception that Tarlac is composed only of flatlands, there is actually a mountainous area on the western part of the province where it shares boundaries with Zambales. Actually, there are mountains in the towns of San Clemente, Mayantoc, San Jose and Capas that are now slowly gaining prominence as mountain climbers' paradise. Since a number of us Skookums are sons of the province of Tarlac, dubbed as the "Melting Pot of Central Luzon", we consider this as our coming home climb (Nevertheless, it also was our "ocular climb" for our planned outreach program in Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose Tarlac this coming December 2014).

It is the first time for us Skookums to attempt a circuit climb as well. For starters, a circuit climb is made when mountaineers successfully summit a series of mountains that are usually located within close proximity of each other. It may be a dayhike, an overnight climb, or an extended hike that may last three to five days. In other cases, it may be called as Trio Climb (as in Bakun Trio) or even a Trilogy Climb (as in Nasugbu Trilogy). Another Circuit Climb that has become popular to mountaineers over the years is the Kibungan Circuit in Benguet.

The San Jose Circuit ("SJC") actually refers to the series of mountains that straddle the town of San Jose in Tarlac. Nevertheless, the term San Jose Circuit has evolved in the mountaineering world and now refers to the hike (usually a dayhike) wherein three (3) mountains namely: Mt. Caoayan; Mt. Bungkol Baka; and Mt. Tangisan, are scaled.

For this climb, four Skookums namely: Allan, Gani, Lennon and Oliver dared to answer the challenge.

We decided to meet at Mcdonald's Eton Centris (along EDSA before Quezon Ave.) at 0145H. At 0200H, we were already on our way to rustic Sitio San Pedro, San Jose, Tarlac. Even with our leisurely pace, we reached Tarlac City at 0400H. After spending minutes going around looking for an eatery, we just decided to eat breakfast at the Mcdonald's located on the junction just opposite Tarlac State University.

It was still dark when we arrived in San Jose (0520H), and since at first, we thought we still had to go to Brgy. Iba where we were advised by one barangay official that we still had to backtrack and find our way back towards the Monasterio de Tarlac and turn right towards the gravel road leading to Sitio San Pedro. So much with the thinking that we were still very early haahaa.

"Double Shot"


Waiting for the sunrise


dare to climb


We were already in Brgy. Iba before sunrise


Thursday, November 20, 2014

PASKOokum 2014 - Abeling Tribe






The Skookum Mountaineers invite you to participate in its outreach program with the Abeling Tribe of Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac this coming December 7, 2014.

We aim to distribute toys, school supplies, slippers, toiletries, medicine, vitamins and even pre-loved clothes to more than 500 kids. We shall likewise treat these kids to a merienda after the program.

PASKOokum Shirt designed by Ms. Jaimel De Leon


You may chip in your donations in cash or in kind to this worthy endeavor. For more details, kindly contact Jaime  (+639175537819) or Bette (+639228689893). You may also approach any of us Skookums that you personally know should you wish to personally join the activity. You may likewise send us an e-mail at skookummountaineers@gmail.com.

We really appreciate your help and consideration. Thank you very much.