Kibungan Cross Country - Tri-Provincial Traverse

Kibungan Cross Country Traverse also known as "KXC", (though really not a cross country hike) is a hike starting from the town of Kibungan in Benguet, descending to the town of Licungan / Sugpon in the province of Ilocos Sur, and finally making that final push to the municipality of Santol, La Union. In this regard, KXC is also popularly referred to as "tri-provincial traverse".

On to Kibungan, Benguet

With a call time of 2200H, members of our group began to trickle in at the McDonald's EDSA corner  Quezon Avenue (also in the corner of Panay Avenue) as early as 2130H. While I live relatively near the area (maybe the nearest among all us hikers), I was the last one to arrive at 2215H (sorry guys, the usual traffic problems). After stashing our gears at the back of the van and brief moments of chit-chat, we eventually left for Baguio City at 2245H.

We had brief stop overs at the PTT Gas Station in the SCTEX, as well as at the Shell Gas Station in Rosario La Union (just before the Kennon Road), for "jingle" breaks, buy additional provisions, and more importantly, for our driver to be able to unwind and have some rest. Passing through the Kennon Road, we arrived at the City of Pines at around 0345H. We then immediately went to the public market to do some much needed marketing, which took us about an hour to finish. At 0500H, we continued towards La Trinidad en route to Kibungan.

From Baguio City, Kibungan is a 2 to 3-hour drive on an initially descending terrain through the Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun Road, until the ascend towards Kibungan town proper. We initially traversed the Halsema Highway and passed through the La Trinidad Valley until we ultimately reached the junction leading to the town of Kapangan. The roads are well paved, albeit, with brief rough portions but still, even sedans (in other words, vans can easily navigate the roads) can make their way until Kibungan.

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. Pulag via Akiki Trail

"Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so that you can see the world, not so the world can see you."

                                                                                                   - David McCullough Jr.

The Akiki Trail leading up to Mt. Pulag (Luzon's ceiling) is known for its reputation as the most difficult route. As such, while most climbers choose to scale Mt. Pulag through the Ambangeg Trail (celebrity trail), in contrast, only a few dare to hike up Luzon's highest peak through this fabled "killer trail".

Mt. Pulag

Skookum

Mt. Pulag Summit - Just relieved that we made it through Akiki

While stories about the Akiki experience is customary in social media and in the internet, passionate mountaineers still dream to experience what it really is like to hike up this dreaded trail into the "Playground of the gods."

As there were remaining slots left in the group organized by our fellow Skookum Mountaineer, we decided to join the StourS in its Akiki-Ambangeg climb.Since we were actually last-minute joiners, Gani and I had to try our luck at the Genesis Bus Station in Cubao, Quezon City for a ride going to Baguio City. It was just unfortunate for us that they only had one cancellation for the Joybus. Hence, we chance passengers were forced to wait and just hail a bus along EDSA. Fortunately, at 2300H, a Genesis Bus (coming from the Dagupan Bus Station on the other side of EDSA, stopped. For us on a race against the clock, sitting on the bus conductor's seat and the platform beside the driver is always better than not having the luxury of time. Hence, we agreed to bus conductor's offer for us to take those respective seats until we reach Binalonan, Pangasinan, where a bus passenger will first alight from the bus. As to the second, it will be as far as Pugo. La Union. Still, we considered ourselves lucky because our bus will traverse the TPLEX and will take the exit in Urdaneta City.

We finally arrived in Baguio City at 0330H and as we still had much time to spare, we decided to eat Beef Pinapaitan in one of the eateries at the Baguio Central Terminal. From there, we went to the nearby 7-11 convenience store to buy our final provisions. At 0415H, we decided to hail a cab and proceed to slaughterhouse terminal.

As there were already a number of UV Express Vans waiting for passengers (only later did we discover that most actually are not going to Kabayan), we were upbeat that we are going to arrive at the Jump Off Point in Duacan at 0800H. At 0530H, another passenger arrived and joined us in waiting for other passenger inside the van. As a result of the ensuing boredom, we dozed-off and was awakened when the other passenger alighted from the van and ultimately proceeded to ride the UV Van bound for Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

Worried that it was already 0730H, we eventually decided to pay for the fare of the whole van as long as we arrive in Duacan at 0930H.

Alone at the back...."Kabayan...Kabayan kayo diyan! Maluwag pa!"

True to his word, Manong Driver effortlessly negotiated the twists and turns of the Benguet Nueva Vizcaya Highway and by 0840H, we are already at the junction in Gurel. At 0920H, we finally arrived at the JOP in Duacan, and how good it really felt to be back.

So we paid for the entire van

Tara na!

So...the sign says it all

Starting the arduous trek

After a few minutes of photo-ops, we had to negotiate the steep climb to the Ranger Station. As we were nearing the Station, we were surprised that our companions (as organized by the S'tourS) were still there waiting for us.

Once at the Akiki Ranger Station, we were met by the warm smiles and greetings from the locals, who have recalled us as the mountaineers who conducted outreach programs at the nearby primary school. As the mother of Sir Geronimo put it, "Welcome Back Sir! You bring good tidings to the people of Duacan!". It was just so nice seeing them again, much less, knowing that they remembered us.

Mt. Tabayoc - Into the mossy forest and up in the clouds

“Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it.” (Edmund Hillary)


After our Outreach Climb, a good number of us participants decided to climb Mt. Tabayoc, which at 2842+ MASL is considered to be the 2nd highest mountain in Luzon. Not to be outdone by its more famous and higher next door neighbor (Mt. Pulag), Mt. Tabayoc's claim to fame is its mossy forest that is supposed to be one, if not the most beautiful of its kind.

Located just next to Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc is located in probably one of the wettest places in the Philippines. Hence, it is normal for hikers to get soaking wet when climbing Mt. Tabayoc. On the other hand, according to the locals living within the vicinity of Lake Tabeo, fair weather usually comes in January to April. As such, prepare your climb accordingly.

At the Summit / View deck of Mt. Tabayoc

A cloudy scene

Ready to go!

From Tinaleb Elementary School, twelve adventurous climbers rode on a jeepney to get to Lake Tabeo. While the road in Tinaleb also leads up to Lake Tabeo, Mang Santi and our driver advised us that it would be easier to go back down to Ballay Proper and then take the concrete road for supposedly another two (2) kilometers (as per the sign located at the Ballay Junction) until Lake Tabeo, where the Ballay Ranger Station is incidentally situated.

It was a cool and breezy morning, with light showers intermittently passing. The hike up to Mt. Tabayoc started at the ranger station in Lake Tabeo. We then followed the foot path just after the bridge cum spillway. Rows and rows of vegetable terraces/gardens, particularly those planted with cabbages, led us into the forest.

The Ballay Ranger Station is located in Lake Tabeo  

Just before entering the mossy forest

At its initial approach, the forest is composed of huge dipterocarp trees, which slowly gave way to the mossy forest as we went on the hike. As Mang Santi explained to us, the higher and deeper into the forest we go, the smaller the trees become. Once we entered the forest, it was a continuous ascent from then on. However steep the climb is, you seldom notice it really because the monkey trail would make available roots and branches where you can cling on to as you make your ascent. Hence, you get to make use of your hands and arms aside from your legs. In other words, hikers would actually be treated to a total workout during the climb.

Chillin'

An hour and a half into the climb, we arrived at the view deck. Unfortunately for us, rain clouds block our view of the surroundings at that time. But if ever there is a clearing, one will be treated to a panoramic view of the other side of Cordillera. The view deck (clearing) is also a good place to rest.

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.

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.

PaSkookum 2015 - Cordillera (Kabayan, Benguet)

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

As the season to be jolly is fast approaching, the Skookum Mountaineers invite you to participate in its annual outreach program as they go up north and bring smiles to the students of Doacan Primary School in Brgy. Doacan, Kabayan, Benguet (Akiki Trail jumpoff of Mt. Pulag) this coming December 12-14 2015.

Our traditional gift-giving shall include school supplies, slippers, toiletries, medicine, vitamins, raincoats/umbrellas and even pre-loved clothes the kiddos in that part of the Cordillera. We shall likewise treat them to a sumptuous treat after the fun-filled games.

Join us and feel first hand how enlightening it is to make others happy through some of the most simple deeds.

The PASKOokum 2015 Shirt courtesy of Jaime

Should you wish to contribute and share your donations, you may do so in cash or in kind. For more details, kindly contact Jaime (+639175537819), Bette (+639228689893), or Charm (+639063343917). You may also approach any of us Skookums in case you wish to personally join us. You may likewise send us an e-mail at skookummountaineers@gmail.com.

For a sneak peak of our last outreach program, please click on this link: PaSkookum 2014 - Abeling Tribe (Tarlac)

Let us continue spreading good deeds and sharing our blessings. Thank you and may God bless you always!

Mt. Apo - MANP-PAMB issues new Trekking Policy

Climbing Mt. Apo has been in the bucket list of every Filipino Mountaineer. Mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those coming from Luzon, would literally need months to organize a climb in Mt. Apo. Most would likewise tighten their belts in a bid to finance this so-called climb of a lifetime.

Just recently, climbers and mountaineers went abuzz in popular social media sites, decrying the drastic increase of Entrance/Exit and Guide Fees. The main object of their distaste is Resolution No. 2015-01 that was promulgated and issued by the Mt. Apo Natural Park - Protected Area Management Bureau (MANP-PAMB).

This is issue on fees that hikers are being made to pay is already nothing new. This has been a perennial problem by mountaineers, but I must admit that the PAMB in Mt. Apo has really taken this issue to unprecedented levels. Imagine a climber/hiker who is from Luzon like me would need to shell at least PhP7,000.00 up to P10,000.00 just to be able to climb the Philippines' highest point (...of course this includes airfare already and other transportation expenses...and meals...).

For example, a sample computation of expenses (based on my crude estimate) by a hiker from Luzon is provided below:

Promo Airfare = PhP1,500.00
Guide = PhP1,000.00 per day X 3days = PhP3,000.00 / 5 pax = PhP600.00
Porter = PhP500 per day X 3days = PhP1,500.00
Entrance Fee = PhP1,000.00
Exit Fee = PhP1,000.00
Transportation = PhP500.00
Food = PhP1,000.00

Total (Estimate) = P7,100.00


Other important matters that hikers/climbers ought to remember include the following:

1. Walk-in Trekkers are strictly prohibited. Pre-booking with the applicable Local Government Unit (LGU)s

2. Cooking shall be done only through portable burners. Use of firewood is prohibited.

3. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

4. All trails are closed during the dry season and when there is an absence of rain for the past two (2) months.

5. There are also other prohibited practices such as vandalism, collection of flora and fauna, bringing knives more than 3 inches in length, and indecent practices. Penalty is PhP2,000.00, and possible blacklisting of the offender.

For more information, you may refer to the pictures below.


***Credit goes to the owner of the pictures used below as these were shared by different people in Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

There are a number of trails to choose from in climbing Mt. Apo. And should you wish to climb via the Sta. Cruz Trail,  you can visit the Tourism Office of Sta. Cruz (Davao del Sur) or contact the personnel in-charge through telephone number 082-2720741 or mobile number 09208567991.

 

Tramping Advisory 004

Mt. Apo Climb Rules and Regulations

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

Mt. Pulag Open Climb - Ranger Station to the Sea of Clouds

Straight from our side trip (which we did in reverse to the usual Pulag itinerary)  we headed towards the DENR for us to be able to register and attend the short briefing before we ultimately proceed to the Ranger Station and set up camp.

THE BRIEFING

We finally arrived at the DENR at 1000H. We paid our registration fees and waited for our turn for the short briefing about the to do's and what not's inside the nature reserve. It was actually 1120H when we left the Ranger Station.

Starting February 2015, the DENR has proscribed camping at Camp 2 Extension. Moreso, the DENR has likewise limited the slots (150...?) for campers at Camp 2 and Camp 1 during weekend hikes (Saturday-Sunday). As such, majority of the informal hikers and weekend warriors that troop to Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg (Executive Trail) are now compelled to camp at the Ranger Station.

Busy

Shirts for sale

Sir Espi welcomes you to Mt. Pulag

The main entrance

The DENR...taken from the road

With this setup, the locals at the Ranger Station now enjoy extra income (from camping fees to fees for toilet use). It is also noticeable that more and more enterprising locals have started to sell foodstuff and other goodies. They also rent camping necessities to hikers like earth pads, tents, and cooking utensils.

The DENR has likewise decided to limit the number of hikers at the summit per given time. In this regard, hikers have been assigned to the different peaks (such as Peak 3, Peak 2, and the Tower Station) for the sunrise-viewing and the famous sea of clouds.