Mt. Timbac / Mt. Singkalsa - Hiking within the salad bowl of the Philippines + Highest Point of Philippine Highway System

“If you get the taste of the mountains once, you will always find the cities horribly tasteless!” 

                                                          ― Mehmet Murat ildan

Mt. Timbac, otherwise known as Mt. Singkalsa, is sacred among the tribes of the Cordillera. According to one account that I have read at the National Museum in Kabayan, Benguet, the local tribesmen lay their dead in Mt. Timbac believing that the souls of their departed loved ones shall join that of their ancestors in Mt. Pulag (located east of Mt. Timbac), hence its monicker "the playground of the gods".

Mt. Timbac / Mt. Singkalsa

Mt. Timbac / Mt. Singkalsa

Taken from the Akiki Trail jumpoff

Although touted as the third (3rd) highest mountain in Luzon (9th highest in the Philippines), the existing of the Halsema Highway (the highest highway system in the Philippines) within its confines has in a way made the trek up to the summit of Mt. Timbac a relatively easy one.

From the KM 55 (I am not really sure why they call it as KM. 55), look for the signage welcoming you to the Mt. Timbac Mummies. The road, although concrete, is a very steep and continuous ascent. At the fork, turn left and continue until you get past the school. From the school, continue straight until you see the junction on the right side of the road that would seem to make you do a sharp U-turn. For additional reference, consider that there a number of houses on the left side of the road.

PASKOokum 2015 Akiki Trail Sidetrip - Kabayan Mummies / National Museum and Opdas Cave

Still basking in euphoria after the successful and effectual Paskookum 2015, and while enjoying the cool climate and wonderful views in Kabayan, Benguet under the stars that seem to shine brighter up in the mountains, we finally mapped out our itinerary for the sidetrip that has become an integral part of every Paskookum.

NATIONAL MUSEUM - Kabayan Branch

Owing to the chilling weather, most of us woke up later than planned. Nevertheless, our e-camp at the school gradually grinded with activity as soon as we prepared breakfast. Some of the kids even returned to the school and gamely played with us. We felt appreciated, much less the kids’ gratitude as we bid our farewell to them.

It was already 1000H when we left the school for the DENR where we were met by Ms. Melody and some of the locals. We left some school supplies, raincoats, and rain boots for some students in a school in Poblacion.

Back on the road, we were surprised that the locals have prepared gifts for us in return. They gave us two boxes of fresh vegetables (We, the Skookum Mountaineers are thankful for this act of kindness that you have extended to us).

PASKOokum 2015 - Tujakap, Duacan, Kabayan, Benguet

                                           "A simple act of kindness creates an endless ripple."

For its annual PaSkookum, the Skookum Mountaineers went up north last December 12-14, 2015 for the benefit of the students at the Duacan Primary School in Kabayan, Benguet. Duacan is the jump off point for mountaineers aiming to climb the breathtaking Mt. Pulag through the Akiki trail (the killer trail).

Paskookum 2015 was made possible in coordination with the teachers of Duacan Primary School led by Ms. Jolina Pilo. Unfortunately, Ms. Pilo had to attend a seminar in Baguio City during the program. Nevertheless, other teachers and some locals ably filled-in her shoes during the proceedings.

Christmas really came early for the students of Duacan Primary School as seven iron-willed Skookums, namely: Isagani, Bogs, Ericson, Allan, Jaimel, Bette and Oliver, bucked the odds and traveled all the way to Kabayan, Benguet for Paskookum 2015.

It was already 1000H when we arrived in Duacan. Still, the children remain to be in high spirits. As Bette, Jaime, Bogs and Gani took charge of facilitating the Paskookum Games 2015, Allan, Ericson, and Oliver went to the chopping board and with the help of some locals, prepared the yummy chicken noodle soup that we shall serve thereafter.

The boy on the left sang a song about his mother who left him when he was still very small...so touching.

Happy Kiddos

Trip to Jerusalem

The boat is sinking...

Engr...ano ba pangalan ng game na 'to...heehee

We are the kings of the Kitchen

The glimmer in the eyes of the kids were very inspiring. Their youth and idealism were perhaps unmatched as they gamely participated in every event that was set. Most of us turned emotional when a kid sang a local song in their own dialect which, according to one parent, was about the mother who left him when he was still very young. Yes, we were elated to at least share our happiness to this kid for even just a moment.

After the bonding moments, the kids started to loosen up and interacted with us. Now, laughter, smiles, wonderful moments, and even parents brimming with pride, filled the room.

The gift giving followed. Among the simple tokens that we shared with the kids were school supplies (papers, pencils, erasers, notebooks, crayons, among others), rain boots, rain coats, story books, chocolates, candies, vitamins, caps, head bands, and other paraphernalia. The smiles on the faces of these kids would really wipe the worries of a weary heart.

 

Vitamins

The children likewise enjoyed the chicken noodle soup that we have prepared for them. A simple yet delicious meal for all of us to share.

Hmmm yummy

Naimas adding?

Although we were somewhat short with personnel at that time, we did our best to multi-task. As such, we are gratified to say that Paskookum 2015 was a tremendous feat for the Skookum Mountaineers. Of course, we have also created a lot of new friends by spreading good vibes to those who would least expect the same from total strangers.

In this regard, we share our pride and the never-ending heartfelt gratitude of the kids at the Duacan Primary School, including some students at the school in Poblacion (as we also left school supplies, boots and rain coats for them) to our magnanimous and caring sponsors:

Dr. Reuben & Celina Guerrero                               Darwin & Celia Rocamora
Belle Eniv                                                             Sharon Firme Mendez
Vanessa Cunanan                                                  Aliah Travel & Tours
Maria Tajao                                                          Joy Due-David
Zyl Delfin                                                            Baffy Belgar
Daphney Maravilla                                               Carole dela Merced
CBRE Corporate Finance                                       Ten Ten and Saio Manaois
Jocelyn Castro                                                     Alpha May Melegrito
Lorevie Mariano                                                   Marven Laurino
Dennis Berino                                                      Kristine Joy Adriano
Lucille Morata                                                     Paul Legaspi
Lysa Alab Legaspi                                                Sonny Boy Abit
Donnah Delas Alas                                              Radzma Mojica
Zareene Estomo                                                   John Viado
Loren Mabelle Sarmiento                                    Neil Cabral
Johann Gonzales                                                  Senen Quizon
Angelo Matthew Santos                                        Phil John Gil Wycoco

Welcome Friends...yes we have made friends

The Thank You Card that we have received from Ms. Jolina

Study well and do good always

We earnestly hope that you will continue supporting this worthy cause. Again, on behalf of the kids in Duacan Primary School, thank you for the smiles and happiness that you have helped us create and share....thank you for the love.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

We are Skookum!!!

- Allan Calura
- Jaimel Mina De Leon
- Bryan Bognot
- Ericson Marzan
- Isagani Dagdag
- Bette Quiocho-Beltran
- Oliver Gil Beltran

A big thanks also to our Skookum Driver....Mr. Elmer Cariaga.



***credits to the abovementioned Skookum Mountaineers for the Photos

#paskookum #skookum #skookummountaineers #outreachclimb #akiki #MtPulag #KabayanBenguet
#createhappiness #shareyourblessings #cordillera