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

Mt. Daguldol + Ambon-Ambon Falls + Laiya Beach

“Hiking is a bit like life:
The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again.
And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek,
you will witness beauty every step of the way,
not just at the summit”

As our plan to go on an extended hike up North failed to materialize, we decided to go down South for a dayhike. So we decided to drive all the way to San Juan, Batangas and climb Mt. Daguldol. It was practically a drive of about three (3) hours from Quezon City to the quaint Sitio Biga in Hugom, San Juan, Batangas.

While we were paying the registration fees and securing our local guide for the hike, we were forewarned by the locals that there seems to be brewing problem among the local guides. According to our guide, a guide from the Lobo (the summit and campsite is supposedly within the jurisdiction of the town of Lobo) was prevented from leading a group of hikers the past weekend owing to the fact that he was drunks at that time. Trouble erupted among them since those from Lobo claimed (which is supposedly true) that a guide from San Juan (the jumpoff is within the jurisdiction of the town of San Juan) was allegedly previously allowed to act as such even though such guide was similarly intoxicated at that time.

Mt. Lubog - Hiking after a bumpy ride

"Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuffs to show."
                                                                                      - Anonymous -

Mt. Lubog and its rocky peak

Mt. Lubog: taken from the jumpoff

"Manong, bakit naman ngayon ka pa umikot ng Morato at E.Rod kung kelan napakaluwag ng EDSA? Timog hanggang Aurora, nakailang traffic light tayo?" 

Okay, that was me badgering the taxi driver who was obviously trying to rip me off by inflating my taxi fare in going to our meet up place in Cubao. Haahaa...fast forward.

As we were five (5) in our group and another group of four (4) hikers joined us in the fx, we decided to just pay for the last slot instead of spending time waiting for a chance passenger to arrive. It was a rather smooth ride through Commonwealth, and Litex in Quezon City, until we finally reached the Total Gas Station in Eastwood (Rodriguez, Rizal), where incidentally a 7-11 convenience store is also located and where we are set to meet our habal-habal driver.

It was still dark when we left the Total Station and went through the different subdivisions in Eastwood, until we finally reached the concrete road leading to Brgy. Mascap. Before reaching Mascap Proper, we however turned left towards Sitio Macaingalan and sooner than we think, we were already traversing an unpaved and bumpy road.

I actually lost count of the number of times that we had to alight from the habal-habal, push it, or just hike until it is able to negotiate the steep and/or difficult portions in the road. We passed by the local chapel and even the so'called Ark (similar in intent and purposes as the Noah's Ark) that was featured in news reports some years back. As we continued to ascend the dirt road, we reached the concrete structure that the locals refer to as "Simbahan" (concrete house with inscriptions in its wall...and what I remember is something like "Paraiso ni Diyos Ama"). After the next Station of the Cross along the road, our habal-habal again encountered difficulties in negotiating the dirt road that is obviously in a severe state of disrepair. Hence, we had to hike (to our surprise) at least 500 meters of continuous uphill climb until we reached the remains of what was supposed to be a "Welcome Arch".

That was actually the longest (but not the last) among the hikes that we had to take.Huffing and puffing, it felt like I already hiked a good deal of peaks even before we actually reached the trailhead.

Our butts definitely took a beating in this roller coaster-like and bumpy ride into the midst of the Sierra Madre. Good thing, our habal-habal had rubber straps for seats. It therefore is Newton's Law simplified, "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction". More so, the view of the vastness of the Sierra Madre, and the Metro Manila skyline, somewhat made up for the grueling ride. To tell you honestly, we were actually enjoying at that time.

Maysawa Circuit - Mt. Sa Pari traverse to Mt. Binutasan, traverse to Maysawa Falls / Sapa

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.” 

                                                                                                                  ― John Muir

After months of not having a hike, we were choosing whether to climb Pico de Loro (before it eventually closes its trails for the meantime), or to climb one of the newest traipsing trails of Southern Sierra Madre. Obviously, taking into consideration the expected foot traffic, we opted to go for the latter and hike up the now famous Maysawa Circuit.

Welcome to Maysawa Circuit

Maysawa Circuit is referred as such by reason of two things. First, it is located within Sitio Maysawa (pronounced as "May Sawa", interpreted in English as "There is a Python."). Second, it is a Circuit because its series of trails offers climbing a number of peaks and mountains namely, Mt. Sa Pari and Mt. Binutasan.

The appellation Mt. Sa Pari ("owned by the priest" when interpreted in English) was derived from the fact that the adjoining lands in the mountain was supposedly previously owned by a priest. On the other hand, Mt. Binutasan was christened as such since this is supposedly where a road going to the adjoining Brgy. Sto. Niño was made. In the vernacular, according to our guide (Ryan), "binutas ang bundok para gunmawa ng daan".

A faint Mt. Irid (left) and Mt. Tukduang Banoi (right)

From LRT-2 Cubao Station, we traversed Aurora Boulevard, and went on our usual route up to Masinag and Cogeo in Antipolo City via the Marifanta / MariLaQue Highway. Owing to the fact that we have previously hiked up Mt. Paliparan, we are now familiar where to register in Cuyambay. Hence, upon seeing a number of vehicles parked on the left side of the road (just before the junction going to Cuyambay Proper), we immediately recognized the place as the trailhead to Maysawa Circuit.

Nonetheless, as it is mandatory for hikers to first register and secure a guide at the Barangay Hall, we continued towards Brgy. Cuyambay Proper. (Hopefully, a satellite office / registration area will be established at the Maysawa JOP so that hikers will no longer be required to go to Cuyambay).

When we arrived, the Brgy. Hall is teeming with activity. As a considerable number of hikers have just registered and were busy preparing their gears (supposedly to climb Mt. Paliparan or Nagpatong Rock), groups of hikers continue to arrive. Obvious signs that Cuyambay has etched its own mark in the world of mountaineering / hiking. The local guide assigned to assist us during the climb is Ryan.

It was already a few ticks after 0700H when we left the trailhead / Maysawa Junction and started hiking. We hopped on the trail giddily, as we were enthusiastic to be back hiking. Hence, we politely declined the offer of riding the habal-habal. As we followed the dirt path, we snaked through the residential area and eventually passed by the makeshift basketball court. Then we reached the concrete part of the road, which according to Ryan, signifies that we are now nearing the rest house of a famous actor / actress. The end of the pavement ends at the habal-habal station, which incidentally is where patrons of the habal-habal are drop. Propitiously, the road / trail continued to dip, and to our amazement (as lady luck may have smiled to us), the sea of clouds were still prominent at that time.

Pico de Loro - To be closed indefinitely starting October 1, 2016

As per the DENR-PAMB in Maragondon, Cavite, which also serves as the Jump Off Point (JOP) for hikes going to Pico de Loro, the mountain will be closed for all hiking activities starting October 1, 2016. This closure is supposedly being implemented to let the mountain heal due to the damage that was supposedly brought about by the chronic number of hikers who there especially during weekends and holidays.

Pico de Loro

The Monolith

Many are hopeful that this plan would finally push through since news of such closure has been around the mountaineering circles as early as the second quarter of this year, after the announcement of the closure of the Monolith to hiking activities (which was not followed by some climbers).

Updates will be posted here as soon as we receive the information.


Tramping Advisory 016
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Pico de Loro - Indefinite Closure

Mt. Batulao - New Trail to Old Trail Traverse (Solohike)

"Great things are done when men and mountains meet."

                                 - William Blake -

Mt. Batulao has been known in the mountaineering circle as one of the better climbs near Metro Manila. It offers a challenging hike that offers a lot of rewards to aspiring hikers that would wish to practice some technical facets of climbing. Hence, it is not uncommon for mountaineers to have their baptism of fire in this mountain.

This popularity of Mt. Batulao has reared its ugly head. Controversies and issues regarding registrations and rules on climbing and guides resulted to climbers shying away from tramping in this hub of Philippine mountaineering.

Previously, in any given holiday or weekend, hikers would come in droves, 300 hikers tramping on its picturesque peaks and ridges would be an understatement. Foot traffic at the roped segments is comparable to EDSA and the summit is jam-packed at any given time of the day. But now, according to the local that I talked to, a lucky day would mean about a hundred or so hikers passing through the registration areas. I admit, I am one of those who were disenchanted and eventually became indifferent to climbing this popular tramping ground because of the so many issues that supposedly cropped up from the personal interests of some people.

Mt. Paliparan - Traverse to Tuoy + Tungtong Falls (where the kites roam free)

"Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world. We can't expect them to help protect and care for it."

                                                                                    - David Suzuki

The town of Tanay in the province of  Rizal is fast becoming a mountaineering/hiking hotbed. Proof of this is the emergence of new tramping grounds in the area.

The newest addition to the growing list of mountains in Tanay is Mt. Paliparan (meaning "airport" or "from where things are flown"). Situated in quaint Brgy. Cuyambay, Mt. Paliparan was christened as such since this is supposed to be the place where people belonging to the Dumagat Tribe fly kites, either for fun or for wagers. According to our guide Mang Carling, aside from bragging rights, bets in the kite fighting usually involve a sack of rice, kamote, and other agricultural products.

Mt. Paliparan...taken from the ridge leading to Tuoy

Another view of Mt. Paliparan

Mt. Paliparan...photo taken from Tuoy

Mt. Paliparan Summit

After more than an hour of travel from Quezon City, we finally arrived in Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. As we tried to ask a lady who just bought something from a store for directions in going to the Brgy. Hall of Cuyambay, a man suddenly appeared and inquired if we intend to climb Mt. Paliparan, The man was no other than Kuya Inso, also referred to as Sir Inso by our guide. He then conducted a brief lecture regarding what to expect during the hike, including the climbing conditions and the places of special interests along the trail.

We were greeted by this view of Mt. Batolusong

Subsequent to paying the registration and environmental fees, we waited for the arrival of Mang Carling, the guide who was assigned to us for the day. It was 0745H when we left the trailhead (Brgy. Hall) for another day of adventure.

Maynoba Circuit - Mt. Maynoba + Mt. Cayabu + 8 waterfalls

“We were not pioneers ourselves, but we journeyed over old trails that were new to us, and with hearts open. Who shall distinguish?”

                                                         ― J. Monroe Thorington, The Glittering Mountains of Canada: A Record of                                                                           Exploration and Pioneer Ascents in the Canadian Rockies, 1914-1924

A new tramping ground has recently been launched in Tanay, Rizal. Dubbed as Maynoba Circuit, it was formally opened last March 22, 2016. And this early, I am sure that the Maynoba Circuit will soon be in the bucket list of mountaineers, hikers, climbers, and weekend warriors.

Mt. Maynoba

Mt. Maynoba / Mt. Cayabu

Climbing the Maynoba Circuit would entail climbing Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu. But the added bonus of having a chance to take a dip in any, if not all of the 8 waterfalls that may be found along the trail surely makes this climb undeniably enticing to everyone.

Having overslept (because I again dozed off after acknowledging the alarm that I have set), it was already 0545H when I arrived at the McDonald’s in Marco Highway to fetch my best hiking buddy (Gani). And after buying some of our needed provisions at a convenience store in Cogeo, we went straight to finding Brgy. Cayabu (Tanay, Rizal).

It was already 0720H when we arrived at Mar-ning’s Resort, the jump-off point for the Maynoba Circuit. After paying the registration fees and securing our local guide for the day, we started hiking at 0745H. Thinking that what we are going to climb is the mountain opposite the resort, we were actually surprised when our guide led us towards the back of the resort.

Welcome to Mar-Nings Farm and Resort

Swimming pool

We initially hiked on rice paddies (one can actually survey the course of the hike here) until we reached the dirt path that eventually led to the “bamboo gate”. We then reached the bohoan at 0800H. While the initial terrain is mainly ascending, there are also some rolling parts that may serve as a breather for the harder climbs ahead.

Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay - Tramping Advisory (Temporary closure of the Monolith)

***Please note that there are claims (still unverified) that the Monolith is still open since it is supposedly outside the jurisdiction of Cavite, and that one only needs to sign a waiver in case a hiker/climber wishes to scale the Monolith (as of March 23, 2016).




Pico de Loro is one of the most popular climbs in the entire Philippines. Aside from the challenging trails and magnificent views at the summit, it's Monolith is really one of a kind attraction. As such, climbing the Monolith has become a personal rite of passage to the daring.

The Monolith on the left....the Summit on the Right.

On the other hand, this popularity has likewise become Pico de Loro's curse. As the number of climbers scaling it has dramatically increased in recent years, considerable changes along the trail leading to its Summit, much less, the trail leading to the Monolith became more and more obvious.

The Monolith taken from the Summit

In this regard, the DENR-PENRO in Cavite issued an order temporarily barring mountaineers / hikers / climbers from climbing the Pico de Loro's Monolith starting March 15, 2016. The DENR-PENRo Cavite cited the supposed erosion of land and loss of vegetation at the base of the Monolith in issuing the directive.


Mountaineers / hikers / climbers, please be advised accordingly. Let us help the mountain heal itself.

***credits to the owner of this photo that I got from the net

Tramping Advisory 013

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Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay (Temporary Closure of Monolith)

Manabu Peak - Mataas na Bundok

"He that plants trees loves others besides himself."
- Thomas Fuller -

Manabu Peak is one of the more popular minor climbs that is relevantly close to Metro Manila. Most enjoy its dense forest cover, the interesting flora and fauna within its range, and the wonderful views that it offers. Of course, who would ever forget the free civet coffee of Mang Tino and Mang Pirying. There are really a lot of reasons that climbers continue to flock and climb Manabu.


Arriving at the trail head, we changed gears and prepared to climb. Holding the seedling that we purchased at the registration area in one, we were so eager to trailblaze again.

Engr's seedling

The initial part of the trail is similar to the approach in Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Romelo. Subsequent to the preliminary plunge and ascent, we passed by agricultural  crops and some orchards as we slowly went deeper into the forest and reach the Stations of the Manabu Loop (Yes, the trail is a loop that is comprised by a number of Stations).

The rolling terrain went on until we finally arrived at Station 3 where we briefly stopped for some photo ops. Here, we also had to cross the brook. As the forest in the Malipunyo Range (where Manabu is located) is really one of the more impressive ones in the entire Philippines, it is not surprising that the flora and fauna in the area is really remarkable.

At the Station 3

Onwards, we passed by farmlands and even had to stoop down at one point in order to get pass by steel wires that resemble a clothesline, which I supposed is being used by the locals as a trellis for their vegetable crops.We decided to have our first rest stop at Station 4. This is where the loop trail merges. The trail on the left leads directly to the Grotto (Station 8) and is relatively an easier ascent towards the summit. On the other hand, while the conventional trail on the right is the steeper assault, it nonetheless leads to Station 5, where Mang Tino and Mang Pirying shall gamely offer a free taste of civet coffee to hikers.

Mt. Daraitan - Tramping Advisory (300 hikers)

As part of the efforts in regulating the influx of mountaineers, occasional hikers, weekend warriors, and tourist, the local leaders of Brgy. Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal, have implemented the rule that starting  January 30, 2016, only 300 hikers per day shall be allowed access into the summit of Mt. Daraitan.

While this rule is also subject to certain adjustments, as chance summiteers may take the risk of waiting for the possibility of being allowed to proceed to the summit once the condition of the foot traffic there improves, there are other alternative activities that are available for those who will not be included in the daily quota. These include the Maytuntong Cave, enjoy the cool and clear waters of the Tinipak River, or hike up to the summit of the recently-opened Mt. Marara.

So in case you wish to go to the summit, make adjustments to your schedule and go there as early as possible.

Happy Hiking! Seize the trails!



Tramping Advisory 009

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Mt. Daraitan - 300 Hikers to Summit

Mt. Tagapo - Hiking in the middle of Laguna Lake



While we were already along EDSA going southbound at that time, we were still debating where to go for a hike. And since it is the end of the APEC Holidays, we anticipated the traffic down south as countless vacationers troop back to the Metro. Hence, we decided to proceed to Binangonan, Rizal to try our luck for a parking space (our only consideration actually), before we proceed to Talim Island and hike up Mt. Tagapo.

Mt. Tagapo...up close from the grassland

Mt. Tagapo in the middle....Bundok ng Susong Dalaga

We then arrived in Binangonan at 0715H and tried to look for a much-needed parking space. We first tried to park at the nearby church, but since Sunday mass was on-going at that time, we decided to push our luck somewhere else. Good for us, we eventually were able to secure a parking slot (along the road) on the side of the local hospital.

After buying some of our supplies, we proceeded towards the port, bought packed lunch, trail food and water, jumped into the boat headed for Brgy. Janosa (which incidentally was the first boat in the queue), and waited for the departure time (0800H).

A usual scene at Binangonan Port

The boat left Binangonan Port at exactly 0800H. Along the way, we were treated to views of birds diving for fish from the lake, a series of fish pens, and locals doing some fishing. The boat then made a brief stopover in Barangay Buhangin to drop of some passengers. A few minutes later, we were already in Brgy. Janosa.

Mt. Hapunang Banoi - Climbing the Eagles' Eyrie

The popularity of the Wawa area in Rodriguez, Rizal as a mountaineering/hiking destination has really reached leaps and bounds since the time that the area was formally opened earlier this 2015. When we first hiked the trails of Mt. Binacayan and Mt Pamitinan, Mt. Hapunang Banoi is yet to be formally opened for mountaineers and hikers. Hence, as fate would have it, we saved the best (...and for me the hardest..) for last.

Peak 1

Peak 2

Peak 3 (Summit)

From our usual meeting place in Quezon City, we left for Wawa at 0515H and arrived at the registration center at 0600H. Surprisingly, the local guide assigned to us was Alvin, our guide when we first hiked the trails in Wawa.

We immediately commenced hiking after saying our own personal prayers. We crossed the Hanging Bridge to the other side of Wawa River, and made our way to the concrete steps leading to the residential area until we had to cross the mini-river onwards to the forest part of the trail. We continued and decided to take a short rest at the fork leading to Pamitinan Cave.

...at the Hanging Bridge

The famous Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan



Wawa River

The wrath of Typhoon Lando wreaked havoc on the Banana Trees along the trail.

Mt. Sembrano - Manggahan Falls & Pililla Windmills

After months of shelving carefully laden plans in the past, we eventually decided to summit Mt. Sembrano. Hence, I had to fetch my climb buddy (Gani) along Ortigas Ave (near Robinsons Galleria) at 0530H.

Mt. Sembrano's South Summit....taken from the North Summit

Fortunately, we were able to find our way to the Barangay Hall of Malaya, Pililla, Rizal (where we eventually parked Jaff). After signing our names in the log book and paying the mandatory registration fee, we continued towards the trailhead leading to the summit of Mt. Sembrano which is just 100 meters, more or less, from the Barangay Hall (2^nd street after the Flying V gas station). It was already 0755 when we commenced hiking.



Brgy. Hall / Registration Center

The hike began from the highway as the concrete road started to become steep, this would actually be the start of the never-ending assault until the summit (Yes, the climb is mostly uphill, maybe 85% thereof.). We made our way through the residential area until the pavement gave way to the “Rocky Road”.

It's a cloudy day in Mt. Sembrano



The Rocky Road begins where the concrete road ends.

Although there are still residential houses along the Rocky Road, it actually signified that we are nearing the edge of the forest. We then encountered the 1^st split and took the trail on the right. We likewise crossed a brook thereafter. There are trail signs along the way except at the junction where the trail on the right leads down to the river (this is actually the old trail). Here, you must take the trail on the left since the old trail has already been closed due to landslide.

Climbing in Tanay, Rizal? - Read This....

The Tanay Tourism Office recently issued a list of guidelines that climbers / hikers / mountaineers should comply. This was posted on the Facebook page of Tanay Tourism and has caused a stir because of the controversial requirement of submitting a medical certificate as proof of one's physical fitness.

Mt. Batolusong's Rangyas Peak and Mapatag Plateau

As copied verbatim from the post in Tanay Tourism Facebook page, the mandatory requirements before climbing include:

"REQUIREMENTS FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING/MOUNTAINEERS:
1. Permit/clearance to climb from the municipality of Tanay (and the concerned barangay);

 2. Email your request to climb to jeffpino@gmail.com and/or jeffpino@yahoo.com (please address your letter to Hon. Rafael A. Tanjuatco, attention to Engr. Carlos E. Inofre, Environment Officer, and Mr. Jeffrey M. Pino, Tourism Officer ;

 3. List of persons participating the climb, with complete address and contact numbers and copy of ID's s...hould be provided/attached to the letter;

4. Itinerary of the activity should be attached to the letter/email;

5. Climbing gear and paraphernalia must be provided by the mountaineer;

6. Medical certificate from a competent physician, certifying that the mountaineer is physically fit and medically fit to do such activity must be presented to Tanay Tourism or Barangay Chairman before the mountain climbing activity. No medical certificate – no climb. Medical certificate may also be secured from the Rural Health Unit of Tanay or Barangay Sampaloc;

7. Must register at Barangay Hall, attend a short briefing and orientation, pay required fees, and tour guide assignment;

8. Must comply with the municipality’s ordinance on plastic/styro ban;

9. No alcoholic beverage is to be consumed during the mountain climbing activity;

10. Local tour guide is a MUST;

For further info/inquiry please contact 0917.5229024 / 0936.2284173 / 7361059 or 0998.9881590"


While I believe that the local tourism office only has the best of interests in setting the aforementioned mandatory requirements, submitting a medical certificate as proof of physical fitness will make a lot of mountaineers shy away from climbing in Tanay, Rizal. Among the popular climbs in the area are Mt. Irid, Mt. Batolusong, and Mt. Daraitan.

Filipinos are known for their aversion of going to the doctor since many view it as an added and unnecessary expense. Also most mountaineers are actually trying to enjoy the outdoors while  possibly having the least spending. And whatever happened to the good old waiver? Isn't the waiver also a declaration that one is fit enough to climb mountains? And I remember, we had to sign a waiver when we climbed Mt. Batolusong twice earlier this year. Just my two cents though.

In view of the foregoing, mountaineers and occasional hikers should be aware of the rules that are being implemented in Tanay and coordinate with the authorities prior to their scheduled climb.

*There are claims that hikers without medical certificates are allowed to proceed as long as they sign a waiver at the jumpoff

Tramping Advisory 002
Medical Certificate - Tanay, Rizal

Mt. Ayaas - Wawa Dam traverse to Mascap

To climb or not to climb is not the question that we are to answer. Instead we were at that time asking ourselves, where to now? This is what actually transpired when we climbed Mt. Ayaas, a mountain situated in the up-and-coming mountaineering hotbed, that is Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal.

Mt. Ayaas taken from the Bulakan Tree

 Days prior to the planned hike we were endlessly trying to contact Emman, the guide extraordinaire when it comes to the mountains of Montalban, and with supposed contact for our fallback climb being likewise unreachable, we surprisingly have nowhere to go.

Making our way towards the Wawa Dam

It was already 0445H when I was able to fetch the Engineer at our usual meeting place (Mcdonald’s Eton Centris). With a dilemma of having nowhere to climb, we made a last ditch effort of contacting Emman. Providentially, the other line rang. And from then, Emman told us to meet him at the DENR in Sitio Wawa at 0700H. Consequently, we found ourselves buying for additional supplies and eating our favorite breakfast every climb (Jollibee Corned Beef Meal weehee…”nasa Mcdo na nag-Jollibee pa”.). In that regard, it was already 0545H when we left Timog Avenue, Quezon City for Wawa Dam.

Although we took easy on the gas, we arrived in Wawa still 30 minutes early. Thus, we decided to park at the Multi-Purpose Hall in the hope getting additional sleep. But we were roused by a knock in the front passenger seat window by a smiling man, who turned out to be Emman, our guide for the day.

Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan - Twinhike

Deciding to keep our next hike close to Metro Manila, we opted to do a twin hike of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan in  Rodriguez (formerly known as Montalban), Rizal.

Considered by many as twin mountains, Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan are located in Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael Extension, Rodriguez, Rizal. These mountains are regarded as the home of the legendary Bernardo Carpio. Legend has it that Bernardo, a young man with unbelievable strength and power was supposedly trapped between these two mountains. He used his bare hands to push the two mountains apart from each other, thereby making a gap between the mountains in the process. The gap formed is allegedly the spot where Wawa Dam is found.

The Arch in Sitio Wawa just before the Multi-Purpose Hall and the Tourism Office

Km Post

As climb of the month (May 2015), Gani and I decided to do a twin dayhike of these "twin mountains" as they have aroused a lot of attention from both mountaineers and casual hikers since the start of the year.

We left McDonald's Eton Centris at 0520H for Rodriguez, Rizal via Commonwealth Avenue. We arrived in Sitio Wawa at 0630H, where we saw a number of hikers already on their way to Mt. Binacayan. We parked our vehicle near the Multi-Purpose Hall (cum Brgy. Hall) and immediately prepared our gears.



Nearing Sitio Wawa

At the local office of the DENR, we paid the registration fee of Php2.00 per/pax and P20.00 parking fee. The DENR also required us to sign a waiver and they likewise assigned us Alvin Dalida as our guide (He turned out to be a gem of a guide in the end). And after a few more formalities, we commenced hiking at 0730H.

Registration here is also required

The Waiver...at the Office of the DENR