Mt. Pico de Loro - Scaling the famed "Parrot's Beak"

Since we scrapped our planned dayhike at the San Jose Circuit last Saturday (September 20) due to the inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Mario and the enhanced Habagat, we decided to do a "substitute hike" at Mt. Pico de Loro last Sunday (September 21). Although it was really some spur of the moment decision, the thought that there would be less hikers there (hence a better chance for us of scaling the fabled "Monolith") made us oozing with adrenaline.

We left Quezon City at 0500H and had to fetch Gani at the Boni MRT Station along EDSA. Passing through the Coastal Road and Cavitex, we finally reached the DENR Station along the Ternate-Nasugbu Highway in less than 2 hours. We could have arrived earlier because while the traffic at that instance was still bearable, we were somewhat delayed as we neared the jump-off point since there were road repairs at the approach of the Magnetic Hill.

We then immediately prepared our gears, paid the registration fee of P25.00  and proceeded to the nearby store cum eatery for breakfast. While they did not prepare pre-cooked meals because they anticipated that mountaineers will only come in trickles, they still have on hand silog meals.

It was already 0745H when we left the DENR. Of course, we prayed at the trailhead like we were accustomed to. As we also did some stretching exercises, it was already 0755H when we formally started to hike.

We traipsed leisurely at the start as we were welcomed by chirping birds and the whistling of leaves. It really is a very welcome respite from the intoxicating life in the city. The forest in Mt. Pico de Loro is really very impressive.

At 0815, we arrived at the famous "orange tree" (it was not an actual "orange" tree but I called it as  such because its bark has this somewhat orange glow) where we encouraged Gani to have a picture. At the junction where one needs to do a right turn (going to Camp 1), we noticed the trail sign made up of luminous Mountain Dew plastic bottles that one of the vendors at the DENR mentioned to us. We then passed by the famous fallen tree trunk, and was able to reach Camp 1 at 0825H.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy / Mt. Pinagbanderahan - Tramping the famous "Pig's Spine"

We left Quezon City at 0420H bound for Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, one of the most recognized diving sites in Philipiines. But we are in for a different adventure and that is to scale Mt. Gulugod Baboy, so-called for its resemblance to a "pig's spine". There were actually five of us who answered the challenge for this climb.

We are Skookum!

A great day to climb

We arrived at the scenic town of Mabini, Batangas at 0630H and went straight to the market for breakfast and for us to buy some provisions. And after having our fill of Pork Nilaga, Liempo, and Giniling, we headed straight to the PhilPan Dive Resort in Anilao, the jump-off point to Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

At the public market...for breakfast and to buy food

Skookum...at the registration area

We are ready to rumble :)

After fixing our things and a short prayer, we commenced hiking at 0815H.

The hike actually began on a concrete pavement opposite Philpan Dive Resort. The initial climb (and so we thought it was only the initial climb but it was pure climb all throughout until you reach "Teletubbyland") was a pure ascent passing by residential areas until we reached the "intersection" where a store cum rest area is located on the right side of the road. Facing the said store is the actual dirt path leading to Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Previously, there was a sign board that was posted here but at that time we were there it was already gone.

The beginning of the trail looks like this.