Mt. Batolusong - Duhatan Ridge; Mapatag Plateau; Rangyas Peak; and Sangab Cave

Just located within the fringe of Eastern Metro Manila, Mt. Batolusong has slowly gained a well-deserved prominence in the mountaineering circles. Conveniently located in Tanay, Rizal, Mt. Batolusong is actually part of the South-Western portion of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

Mt. Batolusong's Rangyas Peak...taken from Mapatag Plateau

Mt. Batolusong...just before the landslide

Itching to go on a hike despite their busy schedules, Skookums Oliver and Gani decided to go on a dayhike last March 29, 2015. Since the other Skookums were not available at that time (Skookum Allan was in Mt. Pulag for one of our Open Climbs this summer), we hiking buddies searched for a new tramping ground close to the metropolis. As we were already scheduled later in the day to watch one of the highly-anticipated movie sequels of summer,  we chose to scale Mt. Batolusong.

On board Goldie (one of our usual service vehicles), we left Cubao at 0515H and followed Aurora Boulevard to the East, going straight to Marcos Highway in Antipolo. After buying breakfast at Jollibee (located on the opposite corner of the intersection where Sta. Lucia Mall and Robinsons Metro East is located), we continued towards and went past Cogeo. As we reached the outskirts of Antipolo, we gained more altitude and passed by a number of highland resorts and subdivisions such as the Boso-Boso, Palo Alto and Garden Cottage. A few hundred meters after Kilometer Post 51, we arrived at "Batangasan Junction", which leads to Barangay San Andres.

Pico de Loro - New Rules implemented by the PAMB (No Overnight Camping Allowed)

As one of the most popular climbs here in the Philippines, Pico de Loro/Mt. Palay-Palay has indeed suffered a lot. From the improper disposal of garbage, especially in Camp 2, to the vandalism of the monolith and the degradation of the sloping trail leading to the summit, the concerned government offices has finally decided to act to at least preserve and protect this national treasure.

"The Parrot's Beak"

"The Monolith" is Pico de Loro's greatest attraction

In its meeting on March 27, 2014, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) has resolved to strictly implement the following rules in Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay starting March 28, 2015:

     1. Visit time is from 4:00am to 3:00pm only. Strictly no overnight stay in Camp Site 2.

     2. Strictly no collection of wildlife.

     3. Minimize noise. Keep in mind that each wildlife has its own activity and need not to be disturbed. All musical instruments are not allowed.

     4. Leave no trace. Anything brought up should be brought down.

     5. Do not vandalize.

     6. Strictly no cooking inside the Protected Area, only prepared food is allowed.

     7. Strictly no drinking of alcoholic beverages inside the Protected Area.

     8. No smoking.

The aforementioned rules were duly noted and approved by Engr. Rolinio P. Pozas, the PENRO of Cavite and concurrent Protected Area Superintendent.


Other Links related to this post:

Pico de Loro - New Trail / DENR Trail
Pico de Loro - Scaling the Parrot's Beak

Tramping Advisory 001

I CLIMB BECAUSE...

I climb because of countless reasons.

I climb in all of the seasons.

I climb because I love the outdoors.
I climb to escape from concrete floors.
I climb because I desire reaching new heights.
I climb to experience dark and starry nights.

I climb because I hope the wind sings.
I climb so that I can fly though I don't have wings.
I climb because I wish to hug huge trees.
I climb to kiss wildflowers like honey bees.

I climb because in the clouds I desire to walk.
I climb in silence so that my heart could talk.
I climb because I fancy seeing the world in a different perspective.
I climb to be more physically active.

I climb because I crave to challenge myself.
I climb to know that I'm small as an elf.
I climb because I aspire conquering my limitations.
I climb to see weaklings defy expectations.

I climb because it is good for my health.
I climb to acquire abundant wealth.
I climb because it makes me happy.
I climb eventhough I am sometimes sloppy.

I climb because the views are more than the usual.
I climb although I am a mere mortal.
I climb because of the friends I meet along the trail.
I climb searching for answers like the Holy Grail.

I climb because I simply start on a single step.
I climb yearning to bring my pet.
I climb because it is useless devotion.
I climb to satisfy my ceaseless passion.

These and all that I may have failed to recall,
I climb because I am capable.

                                                                  *** Ogzie ***

Mt. Pulag - Open Climb

Do you wish to experience the famous Sea of Clouds? Or experience to tramp on the renowned playground of the gods?

The Skookum Mountaineers will be having an open climb to Luzon's highest peak this coming March 27-30 and April 24-27, 2015, via Ambangeg-Ambangeg.

For more details, just call Allan Calura at +63 905 696 9432. 

You can also send us an email at skookummountaineers@gmail.com

Mt. Pulag

Sea of Clouds



2922MASL

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.

Pico de Loro - New Trail / DENR Trail

As the Skookum Mountaineers officially turned One, I made sure that our group should at least have a hike/climb last January 31. And since my fellow Skookums were either held back by their respective schedules or personal commitments, I was forced to do a solo-climb instead.

While I would always prefer to be with my best climb buddies (of course that includes my wife) rather than doing it solo, I'd say that hiking alone also has its advantages. Nevertheless, I'd make a separate post concerning this topic once I get more ideas and experience on the matter.

As it was my first time to climb solo, I decided to just limit my options to the mountains that I am most familiar with. And it was not until after I was able to drive-thru the Jollibee branch in nearby Tomas Morato (for my breakfast) that I finally decided to head to Pico de Loro.

Pico de Loro remains to be one of the most popular climbs in the Philippines

The Monolith

My 1st mountain for 2015

Held by traffic at the EPZA area just after the Cavitex, I arrived at the jumpoff at around 0730H. Just as I expected, there are already a lot mountaineers heading to the trail head, and of course, the ever-increasing number of weekend warriors who also try to have a piece of their own adventure. I parked Jaff on the shoulder of the highway and immediately put on my gears. I paid the mandatory registration fee of P25.00 and then went on to do some stretching. At 0810, I said a brief prayer and then started to hike/run.

Oh how I missed the eerie silence of the forest, which was intermittently broken by chirping birds, the sound of crickets/cicadas and the rustling of leaves caused by the cool mountain breeze.