Mt. Damas Super Loop - Papaac to Papaac via Dueg

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

                                                                                              - Martin Luther King -

The mountains in Tarlac have their own reputation that is, though not that high in elevation, they actually pack a myriad of surprises even for experienced mountaineers. As to Mt. Damas, while it is common knowledge that this mountain already provides a punch, we decided to add more challenge to this already grueling hike (usual dayhike) by setting the bar a notch higher owing to our intended cross-country climb in the Cordillera.

Mt. Damas (taken from Brgy. Papaac)

Mt. Damas (the Summit taken from the campsite at the western side of the mountain)

Our intended Mt. Damas Superloop Traverse commenced at the usual jumpoff point in Brgy. Papaac. It was 1045H when we left for Sitio Dueg. While Mt. Damas is already near the area, we followed the dirt road in the opposite direction (northward, leading to the basketball court) until we passed by some rice paddies and residential areas where dogs barked continuously at us. the initial part of the hike is a relatively easy walk on a flat surface. Trees along the road would sporadically offer shade, but there are also areas where we were fully exposed to the searing heat of the sun.

Mt. 387 / Mt. Batong Amat traverse to Aloha Falls

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity”

                                                                                               
                                                                                           ― John Muir, Our National Parks

Mt. 387 (also known as Batong Amat) has instantly gained its ground as one of the more popular climbs in Central Luzon since the time it was introduced to the mountaineering community at the onset of 2017. Now, it has become as one of the favorites even by newbies and occasional hikers because mainly of two factors: 1. the supposed view of the so-called Chocolate Hills of the North; and 2. the cool dip at the nearby Aloha Falls after the climb.

What is referred to as the Chocolate Hills of the North is actually a part of the Caraballo Mountain Range....notice a faint Mt. Arayat in the background.

The Stone Marker near the Summit...the actual Summit is the clearing about 200 meters from this area.

Solitude

Aloha Falls

While we were supposed to participate in the National Mountain Cleanup Day, cancellations and conflicts in our respective schedules resulted to us five (5) deciding to climb Mt. 387 and do some tree-planting. It was already 15 minutes before midnight when we left McDonald's Quezon Avenue (corner EDSA), and as I practically know the easiest and fastest route to Carranglan, driving there would practically be a breeze.

Tarak Ridge / Mt. Pulag - Rescued Hikers (Typhoon Karen)

With Typhoon Karen wreaking havoc in Central and Northern Luzon this past weekend, news has it that there are some hikers who were rescued in mountains located in the different parts of the country.

According to news reports, 100 hikers were rescued in Tarak Ridge in Mariveles Bataan,

Tarak Ridge - Rescued Hikers

Meanwhile, 16 hikers were supposedly rescued in Mt. Pulag due to the inclement weather that was brought about by Typhoon Karen.

According to reports, theses hikers tried to fight the bad weather out and pushed the hike until Camp 3 at the Ambangeg Trail, to no avail.

There are also reports over the net and mountaineering group pages that mention of another group of hikers that were stranded at the Akiki Trail.

Mt. Pulag via the Ambangeg Trail

Mt. Pulag - Rescue
16 trekkers rescued in Mt. Pulag
Tarak / Pulag - (Typhoon Karen)

Mt. Tangisan - Hike after the forest fire

“There are two kinds of people. Those who climb mountains and those who sit in the shadow of the mountains and critique the climbers.” 

                                                                                                                            ― Richard Paul Evans

As I only had barely two days left to use my Birthday Leave (we are only allowed to use it during our birth month), it was my first time in a long while to again climb solo, and on a weekday at that.

At first, I could barely decide where to go until a brilliant idea pique my interest and which eventually made me decide to visit some friends in my province. As such, I found myself driving towards the NLEX while eagerly anticipating the climb up Mt. Tangisan.

Mt. Tangisan

Mt. Tangisan as seen from Monasterio de Tarlac

For starters, Mt. Tangisan is one of the mountains located in Western Tarlac (particularly in the town of San Jose), thus the popular term "San Jose Circuit". As I have already done the Circuit Climb twice, I know how humid the climb up the mountains of San Jose can be. Yes, while the mountains in San Jose are not really that tall, the climbing conditions (especially the heat/humidity) can take its toll on a climber / hiker.

San Jose Circuit - Tramping Advisory (Permit to Climb)

Mountaineers/Climbers/Hikers wishing to climb the mountains in the town of San Jose, Tarlac (San Jose Circuit) are now required to secure a permit from the Municipal Tourism Office. This policy has been enforced due to the untoward incident that happened last 2015 to a group of hikers that went on an Outreach Mission in Sitio Baag.

Mt. Tangisan

Mt. Matalaubaba

For more details, you may contact Engr. Ramil E. De Vera, the Municipal Tourism Officer / Municipal Engineer of San Jose at +63 908 881 9789. You may likewise send an email to him at redevera33@gmail.com


Should you wish to personally drop by the Municipal Tourism Office, it is located at the Municipal Hall Complex in Brgy. Villa Aglipay, San Jose, Tarlac.

Climbing Mt. Kawayan

Skookum Jump....with Mt. Ngile and the San Pedro River Valley in the background

***As I decided to go back to the San Jose Circuit for a dayhike up Mt. Tangisan last March 30, I was informed at the Registration Area that climbers / hikers are now mandated to secure a permit from the Municipal Tourism Office. Hence, I rushed back to the Municipal Hall and was so fortunate to have been permitted to climb despite the short notice. But I would recommend that you secure the permit or at least coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office prior to the actual date of the climb.




Tramping Advisory 014

003.030.016

San Jose Circuit / San Jose Tarlac (Climbing Permit)

Mt. Arayat - Traversing the pride of the Central Plains

Growing up in the fertile plains of Central Luzon, Mt. Arayat is one of the then very few mountains that I am familiar with. Knowing that it was an extinct (or was it dormant?) volcano so close to home added to the mystique that it radiates everytime we would pass by the North Luzon Expressway on the way to and from Metro Manila. As such, there always was that desire in me to climb this sentinel of the verdant plains and home to the mystical Mariang Sinukuan. Hence, with our supposed climb in Mt. Pulag, we finally decided to do an Arayat Traverse (“ArayTrav”) dayhike as one of the needed practice climbs.

Mt. Arayat (taken from the highway in Arayat Town)

It was already 0420H when we arrived at the Bataan Transit Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City (it shares the same terminal with Five Star Bus). At 0440H, the bus went on its intended journey as we desperately tried to get some needed sleep. We were so fortunate to be stirred at the right time as we were roused from our deep slumber just as the bus reached the Robinsons Starmills.

We then debated amongst us if we are going to take the jeepney towards Arayat town and from there, just hail another jeepney going to Magalang or go straight to the SM Public Transport Terminal and wait for the 1st trip going straight to Magalang. Until we finally decided to try our luck at the SM Public Transport Terminal.

The jeepney ride from SM in the City of San Fernando to the town of Magalang went on for 40 minutes. I’d say it was the better choice for us sleep-deprived individuals. We went straight to Jollibee Magalang (opposite the Municipal Hall) for breakfast. On the other side is the terminal for tricycles that would take us to the jumpoff in Brgy. Ayala, which is about a fifteen minute ride. Less the formalities, it was already 0800H when we started to hike.

Mt. Manalmon + Bayukbok Cave - Hiking and Spelunking on a rainy day!

Situated within the Biak-na-Bato National Park, Mt. Manalmon is a famous haven for mountaineers and weekend warriors. Last year, it has hugged the limelight due to the unfortunate incident that resulted to the untimely demise of some students of the Bulacan State University. As a result, the LGU, DENR, including the local guides, have decided to strictly enforce a no river-crossing policy as soon as the waters of the mysterious Madlum River becomes knee-high. As an added precaution, hikers are now required to secure permits either from the LGU of San Miguel, Bulacan or of Barangay Sibul. Hence, it is best to coordinate with the guides / coordinators in Sitio Madlum. Hikers are likewise required to sign a waiver at the registration center.

We left Cubao Quezon City at around 0600H and arrived at the jumpoff two hours later. Surprisingly, we saw a lot of mountaineers / hikers preparing their gears. We then crossed the hanging bridge (Thank God we never had to cross the river using the Monkey Bridge) and had to register on the other side of the river.

At the junction...take the rough road on the right.

Hanging Bridge

Looks like the Wawa Gorge

Registration

After paying the mandatory registration fees (Php5.00 per person), we immediately secured a guide and queried whether we can do a twinhike of Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola. Unfortunately, our guide (Jek) informed us that they do not allow river crossings at the Madlum River at that time because of the swollen waters of the river.

Skookum Mountaineers Anniversary Wash - Saipan Beach

As I was roused from my deep slumber by movements outside our tent, I saw Skookums Gani, Allan and Bogs already preparing breakfast because while our initial plan was really to assault Mt. Tangisan at 0500H, no one seemed to have informed our guides of our said intention. Hence, I went back to sleep a little more (or was I just too sleepy to dress up haahaa).

It was already 0600H when we woke up, just when the other Skookums were busy cooking chicken noodle soup and fried smoked fish (tinapa). We also have salted eggs with tomatoes on the side. It was indeed a breakfast to behold.

HHWWPSSP

Pangasaan Dam

To think that this can be filled with water...:)

San Jose Circuit - Skookum Mountaineers (1st Anniversary Climb)

As we observe the 1st Anniversary of the Skookum Mountaineers, we Skookums chose to celebrate it in a place very close to our hearts. Where else but in Sitio San Pebro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac, where we also held our 1st Outreach Program (PaSkookum 2014) last December 2014. Since the San Jose Circuit (mainly composed of Mt. Caoayan, Mt. Bungkol Baka, and Mt. Tangisan) is known for its long circuitous trek under hellish conditions, we chose to have an open itinerary so as to maintain a relaxed pace along the trail. Among the participants of our 1st Anniversary Climb were Skookums Bogs, Gani, Allan, Oliver, Espi, Nelson, Bette, Charmm, and Jaime. Amy and Jhen participated as our guest climbers.

Mt. Caoayan...energy-sapping

Mt. Bungkol Baka...the mysterious

Mt. Tangisan...the elusive (so near yet so far)

We started to assemble at the McDonald’s located in Quezon Ave., cor. EDSA at 0100H. It was already 0200H when we left for Tarlac City aboard our service van. Everybody exuded the anticipation of having the chance to conquer one of Central Luzon’s hardest and most intense climbs, and more importantly, to again meet some of our old friends in Sitio San Pedro.

At 0415H, Skookums Allan, Bogs and Oliver alighted at the Tarlac City Public Market to do some marketing. While the others proceeded towards the McDonald’s opposite the Tarlac State University to have breakfast (we decided to just rendezvous with them there so that we can actually save some precious time).  It was already 0500H when the three of us arrived and ordered breakfast. It was already 0620H when we left for Sitio San Pedro in San Jose, Tarlac.

We finally arrived at the registration area in Sitio San Pedro at around 0715H, where we were warmly met by Kapitan Omeng together with a bunch of kiddos who were then playing by the roadside. We then repacked some of our things and prepared our gears. As we were already late by more than hour in our intended itinerary, we decided to hike on a moderate pace. Before we left the registration area, there were locals who sold us their fresh catch that morning. It was already 0830H when we left the registration area and started to again test the tramping grounds of the Abeling Tribe.

Thank you...Thank you

We acknowledge the invaluable assistance and support that our benevolent and thoughtful donors and sponsors have extended in furtherance of PASKOokum 2014. You efforts have greatly contributed to the success of this commendable program.

The kiddos saying thanks to our donors and sponsors

You made the whole village happy

....ang blessing ko'y kayo...

They were really very happy.

While words constantly remain deficient, the Abeling Tribe are truly grateful that you have made the difference of touching their lives. The smiles that we have seen and the happiness that glowed from the faces of the children are truly priceless.

Some of our sponsors

We earnestly hope that you will continue supporting the future outreach programs and social climbs of the Skookum Mountaineers.

May you and your families be blessed a thousand-fold in return.

Aliah Travel and Tours
Workplace Design Center
Jasmin
Siony Valdez
Alpha May Melegrito
Marvin U. Zapanta
Richard A. Quiocho
Angelo Matthew B. Santos
Phil John Gil B. Wycoco
Senen M. Quizon
Atty. Jennylyn V. Reyes
Atty. Shirley C. Tuazon
Atty. Arthur Catabona
Atty. Lorraine Taguiam
Atty. Donna Gragasin
Nathan ni Lorie
In-Check
Elsa Mallari
JC and Tina Salazar
May Lorraine Saddam
Emmelyn Serafico
Monique Borromeo
Roy Dela Cruz
Zamora Brothers
Kinawag Family
Finance Team CBRE
CBRE Admin
Sharon Relos
Nina Mendiola
Verlie Gatchalian
Celia Rocamora

Special Mention to the following sponsors who decided to join us during the Gift-giving and Feeding Program.

Eisha Barriga 
Bernie Tenerife

The Skookum Mountaineers would also wish to thank the following people who extended invaluable assistance before and during the Program Proper.

Kapitan Omeng
Mrs. Vangie Tabaquero
OIC of the School (sorry I forgot the name)
The parents who helped us in preparing the Chicken Noodle Soup
The other Barangay Officials who helped us in maintaining order and gathering the children

To all the Skookums who participated during the planning, preparations, collection of donations, packing, much less, participating in PASKOokum 2014. Hats off to you guys.

Allan Calura
Jaimel De leon
Lennon Vic Del Socorro
Bryan Bognot - (marami sponsors ang nagbigay sa kanya...sorry di ko alam mga pangalan)
Espi Lang
Erickson Marzan
Nelson Apostol
Charmaine Sarmiento
Lorievie Mariano
Geovanni Tacla
Isagani Dagdag
Bette Beltran
Oliver Beltran

Until next time...let us continue to pay it forward!

PASKOokum 2014 - a priceless moment with the Abeling Tribe

The Skookum Mountaineers had its first ever Outreach Program last December 7, 2014 for the benefit of the children of the Abeling Tribe of Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac. While Typhoon Ruby (international name "Hagupit") was then currently wreaking havoc in the Eastern Visayas, we took the risk to proceed with our planned Gift-giving and Feeding Program in coordination with Tribal Chieftain "Kapitan Omeng", and some teachers of San Pedro Elementary School led by their Officer-in-Charge, and a member of the faculty, Mrs. Vangie Tabaquero

Charm, Nelson and Geovanni

At 0520H, we arrived at the McDonalds located near the Siesta Junction in Tarlac City and had breakfast. We then proceeded to the Tarlac City Public Market to buy additional provisions for the chicken noodle soup that we shall serve to the kids of Sitio San Pedro. Surprisingly, the all boys Marketing Team was composed by Skookums, Bogs, Allan, Espi and Oliver.

Allan and the Chieftain of the Abeling Tribe...Kapitan Omeng

...at Sitio San Pedro Elementary School...with Mt.Tangisan in the background

Happy Kiddos

Smile

Excited

Marami sila pero kayang kaya yan