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

The Four Lakes of Kabayan + Junior Pulag

The next day after our outreach climb, we were hyped to hike up Mt. Tabayoc. After an unfortunate incident at the DENR Range Station however, we decided to just hike up the Four Lakes of Kabayan.

Of course, the First Lake is Lake Tabeyo, where along its banks the Ballay Ranger Station is situated. According to the locals, the area around Lake Tabeyo/Tabayo, was previously covered by lush greenery. Trees supposedly dot the area, thereby adding that mystique to the quaint scenery. However, as vegetable gardens began to sprout, the trees were eventually cut.

As per the Ranger in Ballay, we were no longer required to present medical certificates. Nevertheless, we still had to undergo the mandatory briefing that was conducted at the Ranger Station.

From the Ranger Station, we rode the jeepney towards the trailhead leading to Lake Bulalacao / Ambulalakaw. From the concrete pavement, it was a relatively inclined hike through ladder steps that led us deeper into the jungle. As it was actually raining intermittently at that time, we enjoyed the colder surroundings. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached the apex of the climb and saw Lake Bulalacao. From there, we had to go down until we eventually reached the banks of Lake Bulalacao.

From Bulalacao Lake, we again had to backtrail towards the apex and from there, followed the trail to the left. It led us to a very slippery trail that twisted and turned through the forest. We would hold on through tree trunks and pass through the protruding roots of trees. The mossy forest here is really impressive and dense. It's really a different world out there. We even saw a trap meant for wild boars along the way.

After some time, we finally arrive at Lake Latepngapoh. There is that eerie and mystical feeling in this lake. The place really is eerily silent. The fallen trees and overgrown moss added that one of a kind aura to this place. It really is amazing how this body of water was formed on the top of the mountain.

We spent a considerable time in the place to enjoy the surrounding areas. We took pictures and selfies in protruding branches of trees that added mystique to this lake.

From Latepngapoh, we continued to negotiate the mossy forest, until we arrived at a clearing that is Lake Incolos. For me, this is the highlight of our hike. As Lake Incolos is actually covered by grass and moss, each step one makes would result to your feet getting submerge in water. With each step that you make, you will see water seeping through the grass. As such, caution must be made when negotiating the area as there are parts that resemble quicksand.

Nonetheless, the fun thing here is that this one of a kind lake also would create that illusion that one is floating in water (which actually is except that grass, moss, and dirt). We really enjoyed this lake and played like little kids.

From Lake Incolos, we then ascended to Junior Pulag. Junior Pulag is a gently-sloped peak / grassland. As it offers a scenic view of Mt. Pulag (in case there is a clearing), the boulders in the area made it more idyllic. While we were at Junior Pulag, strong winds came as the uber cold rain began to pour. Hence, we decided to descend back to the road where our monster jeep is waiting for us.

We followed the dirt path leading down to the road. Then came the concrete stairs that were actually more slippery owing to the rain that poured. After about thirty minutes of continuous hiking, we finally reached the road.

From the extraction point, we all went top loading as we made our way back to Lake Tabeyo. We all had fun, with the drizzle that soaked us wet, we seemed to have had participated in the once trending "ice bucket challenge". Ultimately, we arrived at Ballay Junction where our fellow volunteers were waiting for us.

Traipsing Chronicles 049
012.018.017

4 Lakes of Kabayan + Junior Pulag
Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: Lake Tabayo / Tinaleb, Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10
Highlights: 4 Mystical Lakes, Mossy Forest, Views of Mt. Tabayoc, Mt. Pulag, and the rest of the Cordillera

Mt. Timbak

On our way to Kabayan, Benguet for our Paskookum Outreach Program this Christmas Season, we decided to climb Mt. Timbak with our participants. It  will be our second time to climb Luzon's 3rd highest peak.

While its elevation may seem to be daunting at 2717 MASL, Mt. Timbak is relatively an easy hike. But should you wish to add more challenge, you start the hike at the Halsema Highway just after the Highest Elevation of the Philippine National Highway System in Atok, Benguet (now the 2nd highest).

The monster jeeps easily negotiated the steep inclines from Halsema Highway, and to our surprise, we continued towards the main jump off point where vehicles are still able to reach.

As we had two small kids with us, we went on a leisurely pace, carefully threading the vegetable gardens / terraces. The cold weather is a relief considering that there were literally no trees in the area.

Some of the unique features at the summit include the stations of the cross and the mini Calvary. A panoramic view of Mt. Pulag and its famous sea of clouds is also visible. We can even trace our way up to Ballay (where we were heading for our Outreach Program).

If you are looking for a brief hike with its own version of sea of clouds and views of the rest of the Cordillera, you will surely enjoy a hike up Mt. Timbak.


Traipsing Chronicles 048
012.017.017

Mt. Timbak / Singkalsa
Atok / Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: KM. 55, Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10  (from the Highway) / 1/10 from the dead end
Highlights: Stations of the Cross; Magnificent Sunsets; Vegetable Terraces; views of Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc, and the rest of the Cordillera

Notes:

Overnight camping is also allowed as long as you ask permission from the locals especially if the surrounding areas at the summit are planted with vegetables.

PASKOokum 2017 - Kabayan, Benguet

The Skookum Mountaineers wish to acknowledge and extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who have provided their invaluable help and tireless encouragement for us to continue with Paskookum 2017 against what seemed to be insurmountable odds. 

While 2017 may not be the easiest for some of us, sheer will, perseverance, and the guidance of those who believe in our advocacy made this year's Paskookum one of, if not the best we ever had since we started this annual event.

Duacan Primary School
(At the Akiki JOP)

Tinaleb Elementary School

With Tinaleb Kids

On behalf of the children/students, parents and teachers, of Duacan Primary School and Tinaleb Elementary School, we long to say our unending gratitude and utmost appreciation showed by the following sponsors:

Celia Rocamora	Charmaine Sarmiento	Glean Beason
Carole Ramirez	Margie Bello	Freddie Ignacio
Maria Saplala	Ray-Ryan Garduque	RJ Santiago
Bernie Tenerife	Shiena Garduque	Ten Ten Manaois
Kurt Dayrit	Amado Rivera Jr.	Kris Techico
Verlie Gatchalian	Amado Garduque Jr.	Jerome Magdato
Alvin Fernandez	Zenaid Garduque	Francis Maglinao
Percy Datayan	Gui Sigua	Rhunna Parinas
Louwella Lusong	Jocelyn Naverra	Mary Rose Maceda
Joyce Samonte	MJ Sebastian	Freeiah Louisse
Martin Rante	Jayson Adra	Thor Libay
Faith De Sagun	Che Picache	Alger Salise
Jhen Cordeta	Eviv Belle	Sharlene Diaz
Jhian Nazario	Jaime Octavo Joson Jr.	Ronelle Cruz
Claire Holdem	Wilson Mina	Jessa Camille Yamar
Randy Racelis	Tau Gamma Phi Central Paniqui Chapter	Marvin Dimarucut
Jong Baua	Alia Travel and Tours	Pauleen Soriano & Family
Bryan Bognot	Hendrix Calura	Alvin Christian Madriage
Johna Pascual and Friends	Paula Xenia Andres	Lorevie Mariano
S'tourS	Djoan Rae Canono	Geovanni Tacla

Team E1 GS Oil Field Solutions Ltd. Co. Senen Quizon Tony Marquez Marry Anne Purcia Atty. Jennylyn Reyes Janice Loyola  Emem Atty. Shirley Tuazon Menard Martin Phearl Durado Ed Warren Balauag Melanie Marquez Studio West Family Willy Jimenez Jovel Marquez Aloha Nietes Valdez Ferdinand V. Beltran Myk Asuncion Lazol Pediatric and Family Clinic Quintin Beltran Jr. Ferdz De Guzman Meech Villahermosa and Friends Quintin Josh Beltran Charmaine Jimenez Arguelles Family Marigil and Archie Santos Verjun Legisma Sunshine Buenavista Caralde Angelo Matthew Santos Katherine Quiambao Hair and Nail Camp Salon Phil John Gil Wycoco Paul Vincent Elima Early Orolfo Monette Beltran Carrie Rosales Sherealyn Estrada Apanto Kaye Corpuz Fusilero Vanessa Cunanan and Family Michelle Naje Abegaile Cortes Sharon Firme and Family Inah Angelica Bunag and Friends Lucho Boom Boom

Moreover, aside from their priceless donations, we similarly acknowledge the invaluable efforts, care and contributions of the following volunteers who participated and joined us for #Paskookum 2017. As we keep on saying, it is our pleasure that you have joined us for Paskookum 2017. We cannot do it all, but with your help, we felt everything is possible. We hope that you will join us again in the future.

Paula Xenia M. Andres	Jerome Tordesillas Magdato	Kurt Zion Calura
David Zacharias A. Arambulo	Francis Maglinao	Sigrid Alanis Calura
Domingo Arambulo Jr.	Angeline Marquez	Freddie Ignacio
Glean Beason	Antonio Marquez	Janice Loyola
Chariza Bernardo	Chino Marquez	Earvin Francis Pore
Angelyn Arambulo Bondoc	Menard Martin	RJ Santiago
Rosendo Bondoc	Juliet Orbase	Rome Tongohan
Inah Angelica Bunag	Johna Mae Anne Pascual

Packing 101

Packing 101

Let us keep on sharing happiness. 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 Beltran

#Quecha

#happy

Elate to see you again Kiddos

May pa-Chicken Joy si Sir Domeng kahit galit sya sa Jollibee heehee.

Happy Kiddos

Skookum Girl

Courtesy of the Teachers at TES

Happy Volunteers

Masaaaraaap ang Sopas!

Approve ba?

Sack Race

Mt. Timbak...covered with clouds.

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.

PASKOokum 2017 - Skookum Outreach Climb

Now on its 4th year, the annual outreach climb of the Skookum Mountaineers dubbed as PASKOokum (from the words "Pasko" (Christmas) and "Skookum") will be held on December 16 - 17, 2017.

For this year, we shall be coming back to the Duacan Primary School in Tujakap, Duacan, Kabayan, Benguet and the Tinaleb Elementary School, in Sitio Tinaleb, Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet. At least 180 students are expected to benefit for this year.











Everyone is invited to join this noble activity. Should you have questions or wish to make your donations in support of this activity, you may comment below or contact the Skookum Mountaineers at the following numbers: +63 927 7470339 (Isagani), +63 906 4412618 (Oliver) and +63 917 5537819(Jaime).

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.

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.

7 Leave No Trace Principles

In 1994, Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics, a non-profit organization also known as Leave No Trace, was established to educate people about their recreational impact on nature, much less, to advocate the dissemination of the principles of Leave No Trace to prevent, or at least, minimize such impacts.

Leaving no (or actually as little as possible) trace is everyone's responsibility. Everyone, not only the supposed hardcore mountaineers and climbers but including those who consider themselves as newbies, weekend / weekday warriors, joiners of organized climbs, and even occasional hikers, must take it upon themselves to be responsible in knowing by heart the 7 leave no trace principles of outdoor ethics.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare - Climb preparation is not limited to knowing where to go. It also requires preparing oneself, physically, mentally, and emotionally for all the rigors of the outdoor activity/ies that you are going to participate on.

Always keep in mind during the climb, be an asset, not a liability.

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.

Laiban Quatro - Mt. Lubo, Mt. Ngusong Kabayo traverse to Tangwa Peak + (Laiban Falls)

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.