"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
- T.S. Eliot
Since we were badly in need for a tune-up climb for our upcoming climb in Akiki, and having no idea to go, we decided to join an organized climb for a change. After threshing out the details from Kagawad, we were in no time up and about to tramp in the newest hiking hotbed in Tanay, Rizal, the Laiban Quatro.
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| Mt. Ngusong Kabayo |
Upon arriving at Sitio Mayagay, our vehicle went straight to and parked at the basketball court. We then transferred to the monster jeep that will take us to Brgy. Laiban. As we were at least fifty (50) in the group, a good number of participants decided to topload. It was one cold and bumpy ride to Laiban since the usual morning mists were accompanied a drizzle. After forty minutes and nine (9) river crossings, we finally arrived at the Brgy. Hall in Laiban.
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| Laiban Brgy. Hall |
Surprisingly, there are already a lot of hikers (one big group handled by an organizer) taking time to register. As for us, we just waited for our turn and decided to sit on the wooden benches in the makeshift stalls just opposite the Brgy. Hall. After we have logged-in, we were led to the house of Kagawad to re-group and for some to drink coffee and eat breakfast.
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| Sign in front of Kagawad Toto's home |
It was already 0540H when we left the house of Kagawad. At the Brgy. Hall, we had a briefing as to what we are going to expect during the hike. After a short prayer, we settled ourselves into smaller groups (there are four of us in our group). And at 0555H, we were off and commenced hiking.
From the main road in Laiban, we backtrailed for about a hundred meters, turned right toward, and followed a footpath in between residential houses until we ascended into the mountain trail. As rain poured throughout the previous night, it was already one muddy and slippery climb from that point on. As we were told, our first stop would be Mt. Lubo, then proceed to Mt. Ngusong Kabayo, traverse to Tangwa Peak, and then take the backtrail to Mt. Lubo before turning left for the descent towards the famed four (4) waterfalls of Laiban.
