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. Lagyo traverse to Mt. Susong Dalaga

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

                                                                                                   – Ralph Waldo Emerson


After almost two years, we were finally back in Wawa to explore the mountains that were newly opened as hiking destinations.

Commencing the hike at 0720H, we threaded the road leading to Mt. Parawagan. We were initially surprised to see that the dirt road has now been cemented up to the point where a public resort is located just a few minutes before the junction leading to Mt. Lagyo is located. As there was an on-going fun ride at that time, we had to contend with a considerable number of riders making their way to the summit of Mt. Parawagan.

As it was Engr. who scouted for our hike and prepared our itinerary, we were then expecting a leisurely hike. Nonetheless, through the prodding of our guide (Mang Geovanni), we were persuaded to traverse Mt. Lagyo onward to Mt. Susong Dalaga for a twinhike.

It was already 0800H when we reached the junction where we bid farewell to the bikers and continued towards Mt. Lagyo. It was after we reached another junction (where we took the trail on the left...the path on the right leads toward a residential area) that the trail began to get steeper. A mountain biker followed us and asked for directions saying that he is going to Pintong Bukawe which is still at least 3-4 hours from Mt. Lagyo (depending on the pace) considering the terrain of the trail that he still needs to cover. From the said junction where a store is located, we had to circle around Mt. Lagyo until we finally reached the trail that leads to the upper portions of the mountain.

It was 0820H when we reached the trail at the base of Mt. Lagyo where we decided to have some time to catch our breathes and prepare for the steeper climbs ahead. Initially, banana and some fruit-bearing trees dot the trail, until the rock scrambling began. Then we reached a bamboo grove which ultimately gave way to some more rock scrambling. The hike went on until 0915H, we reached the general area where the 1st Peak (viewdeck) of Mt. Lagyo is located.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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. Batolusong - Mapatag Plateau, Rangyas Peak traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls

As a practice climb for our hike up Mt. Pulag, I decided to go back to the mountain that I last climbed. But now, I was with my former officemates (and two potential mountaineers) Marco and Cathy.

Mt. Batolusong

It was already 0450H when I was able to fetch them at the LRT2 Cubao Station (McDonalds Gateway Mall). We then continued eastward going to Cogeo. Upon reaching Cogeo, we decided to eat breakfast at an eatery near the junction. We also bought additional provisions here.

As I was already familiar with the way going to Brgy. San Andres, we were able to reach the Brgy. Hall at 0715H. Again, it was Mang Tony who welcomed us and he recognized me from my past climb a couple of weeks ago. I immediately asked him if the "Bangkaan Falls" is already open, unfortunately he said that work still has to be done at the falls before they can finally open it for hikers.

It was so nice chatting with Mang Tony and he offered the perfect idea for us to do the traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls and just hire a tricycle who will wait for us on a pre-agreed time at Marcos highway (Kay-ibon Trail). Finally, we can do the traverse. We paid the P20.00 registration fee at the Barangay Hall, and were then introduced to our very jovial and efficient guide (Wenny).

It was 0815 when we left the Barangay Hall and pushed our way to the trailhead up the Duhatan Ridge. We reached the stairway to the assault to Duhatan at 0830H. While resting, we had some photo-ops and even talked about the trees in the area.

We also took brief rest along the trail, until we reached the 1st water source at 0855H. Here, we met some locals who unfortunately were kaingeros. According to Wennie, the kaingeros plant brown rice which they actually sell at about P90.00 per kilo. While they burn mostly the portions that are planted with cogon and boho, Wennie mentioned that starting next year, the DENR will ultimately prohibit kaingin farming within the area of Mt. Batolusong, and forest rangers will be deployed to guard the mountain and the seedlings that they aim to plant there. (Sigh...1 year is a long way to go.)

Mt. Ugo / Mt. Ugu - Day2 (Domolpos - Summit - Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet)

Waking up very early in the morning after a very tiring climb to do more climbing, much less an assault is not really our strong suit. But we were left with no choice but to make up with lost time.

We started our day at 3:30AM since we still need to break camp. Kuya Celso arrived fifteen minutes later while we were busy repacking our things and making sure that we leave no trace behind. Ate Concepcion arrived just a shade before 4:00AM.

A brand new day...

Break Camp

A bug's life

We immediately started to negotiate the inclined slopes of Mt. Ugo. The trail was a little bit slippery at that time owing to the thunderstorms that showered us through the night. As such, we were extra careful in threading the edge of the mountain.

And the clean-up continues even at dawn :)

After 40 minutes of climbing, we reached the clearing that has a ridge reminiscent of Mt. Batulao. At this time, the sun’s rays were already ready to break the dreary silence of darkness. We took some pictures of the jagged peaks around us as we took a brief rest.

Mt. Ugo / Mt. Ugu - Day 1 (Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya - Domolpos Village)

Coinciding with the National Mountain Clean-up Day, the Skookum Mountaineers formally had its 1st Induction Climb at Mt. Ugo in Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet last May 10 to 11, 2014.

Mt. Ugo / Mt. Ugu

Mt. Ugo (also regarded as Mt. Ugu) was personally chosen by the inductees due to the different challenges that the said mountain poses. Besides, being a traditional traverse climb, it is expected that the inductees will be introduced to the culture of the locals in both Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet. Of course, the highly esteemed views of the Cordillera, the cool weather even during the searing heat of summer and the famous "sea of clouds" that is prevalent in the area were some of the added perks that made it easier for the group to decide.

As the pioneer batch of Skookum, there were actually six of us, Allan, Jaime, Bogs, Lennon, Bette and me (Oliver).

Batch 1

Our bus bound for Santiago, Isabela left the Victory Liner Terminal beneath the Kamias flyover (just before you reach East Avenue on the northbound lane) at 11:00PM. Please take note that while the bus that we took went the customary route (through the different towns of Bulacan and southern Nueva Ecija), there are already trips that use the SCTEX, eventually passing through the Tarlac-Sta.Rosa Highway.

An hour and a half into the trip, we had our 1st stopover somewhere in Bulacan. It is a good chance for you to either eat some late dinner, buy additional snacks, or just answer the call of nature.

The bus shall pass through the Maharlika Highway and is expected to reach the Dalton Pass at about 4 hours and a half into the trip. It was a good thing that I was deep asleep when the bus was negotiating the dizzying twists and turns of this fabled gateway to the Cagayan Valley.

After almost 6 hours, we finally arrived at our initial destination, the CCQ Bus Stop & Restaurant in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. This is where mountaineers planning to scale the heights of Mt. Ugo usually rendezvous with their respective rented jeepneys that will transport them up to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

Waiting for the other mountaineers

While we were already ready to go, our driver mentioned that since there were only six of us,  and that they are expecting the arrival of at least 10 other mountaineers, they asked us if we can at least wait for the other group. Initially, we accommodated their request but after almost an hour of waiting, with the arrival and ensuing departure of at least 3 buses, we decided that we cannot wait for them any longer as our itinerary has already been compromised.

So on we go to the town of Kayapa at exactly 6:20AM. Since we cannot contain the excitement that persistently multiplies within us, all 6 of us decided to try top loading.