5th Climb - Mt. Marami - Maraming Ligaw, Maraming Putik, Maraming Experience

MT. MARAMI 

Maragondon, Cavite

Jump-off point: Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite

Alternate jumpoff: Brgy.Talipusngo, Maragondon, Cavite

LLA: 405 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

Features: Rocky outcrops, scenic views of Cavite

Source: pinoymountaineer.com

It was a cloudy day when I stepped out of the comfort of our house and went to the bus terminal to embark in another challenging climb. My destination was the so-called twin sister of Pico de Loro, Mt. Marami of Maragondon in Cavite. Mt. Marami is famous for its two big rocky pillars that serves as the summit just like the monolith of Pico de Loro. The famous "Silyang Bato" part of Maragondon awaits to those who want to experience the beauty of the world from the top to down under where you can have a very scenic and life threatening picture.

I was very mesmerized and got excited when I first saw the pictures in the internet. These became my reason to climb this very challenging mountain. I invited my college friends to accompany me with this climb. I told my former classmates that this was a challenging climb. Though, considered as a minor climb. I still allowed them to jump into my journey. Honestly, it was a relief that Kuya Stick joined because I will definitely do not want to go on a hike with the girls if I am the only guy. We kind of started late because some participants were caught up in a traffic jam.

When all the participants arrived, we still have to wait for a couple of minutes before got on board on the bus bound to Maragondon. It was more or less a 3-hour drive from Manila. Then, we took a tricycle going to Brgy. Ramirez. We arrived at their barangay hall where there was a basketball court at the front. I forgot the name of our guide, but he gave us quite an expensive fee. He explained to me that the trail is long, so the fee is expensive. Honestly, I did not believe at first, but I found out that the fee really is nothing compared to the help he gave to us on our way down.

The trail started on a cemented road going to the first river that you need to cross by the name of "Kayrayag River". It was not hard and mostly descending, but I noticed that the trail is very dusty and I believed that the land was made out of clay because of the reddish color. My initial thought was " Thank God, it is not a hot day, but please do not rain" because I knew that these kinds of terrain are extremely muddy and slippery.

Our team going down the first river crossing

After the first river crossing, we emerged into an open trail exposed to the direct rays of the sun. Fortunately, our hike was not a sunny one. The trail was wide and the land was dry as seen on the picture below. The shadow of Mt. Marami was still nowhere to be seen. The long road to the summit has just started.

The lush forest on the side of the trail.

After few hours of walking, finally the granite peak of Mt. Marami appeared on the horizon. The view of our target destination ignited a flame within me lol. However, our guide quickly told us that it is still very away and we'll probably arrive past noontime because of our moderate pace. 

It looks like the mountain was getting nearer as we continued walking through this open area. Afterwards, we went trough the forested trail again passing by another river crossing named "Bangkaan River" as seen below. We passed through this section for about three times and then the ascent started from this point onward. 

The trail we used was the "Talahib Trail" which approached Mt. Marami from the south side instead of going straight to it. Just like the name itself, the trail consisted of lots of talahib grass. Some of the grasses were tall and really obscured the trail. This mountain is very notorious for waylaying many hikers and some are indeed getting lost in the labyrinth of trails so one should keep an eye open for the path being undertaken by the guide. Also, this trail is an open area and very hot during summer time. 

You know you are somehow near when you arrive at the campsite which is marked by a nipa hut as seen below. We took a significant amount of time to rest here. Also, the two grand structure of the peak can now be seen from this point.

I am contemplating how far we are until the summit lol.

I already noticed the clouds were already creeping its way. From the campsite, we approached Mt. Marami via a bamboo forest which has a very very confusing trail. We also encountered some cows and saw a slight glimpse of the Pico de Loro and its Parrot Beak. The temperature slowly dropped as more clouds covered the sky. I really hoped back then that the rain would not pour in. 

The two towers of Mt. Marami 

Some cows can be seen along the trail to the summit

The clear path to the summit emerged after we're done with the forested area. The view of the granite peak became clearer and lot more magnificent. 

Only few meters more..

Really few meters left. 

The way to the summit is through the middle of those two rocky pillars where one needs to do a short rock bouldering. I assisted them to safely navigate the trail because it was somehow loose but afterwards, you'll be rewarded with the scenic view at the top.

At the center is Pico de Loro with the Parrot Beak. It is being covered by clouds though.

Praying that the clouds clear up so that we can see a better view lol

It was very windy and cloudier when we arrived at the summit after more or less than 6 hours of trekking. This was really a long hike to the summit. We just chilled at the summit and ate our lunch. Some of us even slept while I went to the famous "Silyang Bato". We descended the summit and went on the other side of for us to reach the famous landmark of this mountain. 

There is a gap between those two rocky platforms hidden on the trees which is quite deep so exercise extra caution. The "Silyang Bato" is narrow and can only accommodate one per person. It was very windy at the time I stood up and I did spend lots of there because I was afraid of the sheer height of it. One wrong move and you'll end lots of meters below. The view was really picture perfect. I should have stayed a little bit but I knew that it was only a matter of time before it rain. The journey back to the civilization was really difficult. I could say that this was the most difficult dayhike climb until now because of the trail length, confusing plus super muddy trails. This was the muddiest place that I've been to. We also encountered some inconveniences along the way. We were lost for about 30 minutes which made me really nervous, I tried to be calm on why the hell we're lost. I was the sweeper of our team so honestly I was not paying any attention to our path and suddenly on of us told me that it looks like we're lost. We managed to contact our guide but we cannot point up our exact location so the guide and us panicked. The guide was blaming us for not paying attention to the trail. Honestly, I started to be pissed off and sort of blamed myself. I tried to look for another trail when I encountered another hiker. He told us that the trail that we're located was not the proper way back down and we should go backwards again. I was hesitant to move since I really cannot remember the trail so we just contacted our guide over and over again. He was shouting at the other end of the phone so that we can hear his loud shout and just follow the voice but unfortunately we really cannot hear any loud echo. We moved a bit from our original location and went backwards until we crossed the path of our guide. He told us that it was only a matter of inches. There was big and thick bushes that hides a right path but we didn't noticed it and went straight. I was really pissed and sorry for what happened and just told them to just continue. Our emotions at that time were high until another sort of misfortune happened. It rained and the muddy, slippery and hellish trail appeared that made our descent way too complicated. I started to feel down because this was supposed to be a good climb but it was now turning to be a dangerous climb. When I thought that what we we're experiencing was tough, it suddenly went tougher because one of the participants started to feel dizzy and wobbly and she just cannot continue. I really do not know what to do, I do not have the strength to carry and bring her down. I just gave her lots of encouragement I really saw her struggling in walking. We were so slow that reality kicked in my mind that we could not make it down before sunset. Thankfully, our guide carried her but not all the way down. I also knew that he was already tired as he was carrying her for a significant amount of time. Luckily, a person with a horse passed and we decided to just let her ride the horse since we really cannot bring her down. She went ahead and we were left there walking as usual in thick mud. I slipped a lot and negativity consumed my thoughts. I was just praying that we get back down safely. It was already dark, we have no flashlight and the light from our cellular phones were fading away. We we're trekking under the rain, in the night with only the light from the moon that guided us. My legs we're so damn tired that I nearly gave up until we saw the glimpse of the houses. I was really about to cry I really underestimated the difficulty of this climb but thankfully we all managed to get down this mountain. I really learned a lot from this climb. One should be really prepared when you climb mountains and getting all your team member back safe is really the number one priority. I really admire the courage of my friends who joined me in this climb. I am grateful to our guide for bringing us back although we had a heated argument when we we're lost and of course to the Lord for safely getting us back home.

4th Climb - Rainy Mt. Tibig Climb

At the background is the possible traverse trail to Mt. Lobo. This spot is just a few meters away from Mt. Tibig's summit

MT. TIBIG

Lobo, Batangas 

Jump-off point: Hulong Banalo, Lobo

LLA: 13°40′30.9′′N 121°9′37.2′′ E, 563 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-2.5 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3

Source: pinoymountaineer.com

Mt. Tibig is known to be an easy hike in the southern tip of Batangas that offers the coastal views of the Island Verde passage and scenic forest of the Tibig-Lobo mountain range. When I pushed through with this climb, there was an incoming storm back then. I remembered that I check the weather forecast and track of the storm and it was steering its way on the Aurora province so I told the other participants that we can proceed with the climb. However, I knew that we will encounter cloudy skies and a little bit of rain. Unfortunately, later will I found out when I got back home that the storm shifted its track downward. Yes, we climb Tibig in a very not so pleasant weather because it is very windy and stormy.

We took a DLTB bus bound to Batangas City. It was already raining when we left Manila but I thought that it will not stay long. After we arrived at Batangas City, we had a hard time finding the correct jeepney going to the Lobo terminal. Fortunately, we were assisted by some locals and finally we boarded the jeep bound to Lobo, Batangas. I did not expected that the ride to Lobo was time consuming. It took us more than an hour then we rode a tricycle to Brgy. Hulong Banalo. It was already raining heavily and I got a long scratch on my leg due to the sharp structure of the seat behind the driver's back. 

The rain continued to pour when we arrived at Brgy. Hulong Banalo. We met our guide and he advised us to let the rain subside a bit. Then, after a few minutes he gave us the signal to start the climb. I do not have any raincoat back then so I just used my umbrella. The trail was steep at the start but became manageable until the rest of the climb., The trail is well maintained and it was really quiet easy but the weather made us nervous and uneasy. The trees were dancing in the tunes of the howling winds and the rain continued to pour erratically. The views of the forested mountains were refreshing though.

The others are walking along the trail with umbrella. 

We continued our journey up until we encountered the Talahib trail. Thankfully, the rain deteriorated a bit so I was able to get some pictures of the trail while we go up. I felt cold but at the same time glad because it was a happy and refreshing feeling to just let yourself get wet and just enjoy the weather thought it was quite scary at the same time.

We continued our ascent through the talahib then suddenly, the weather went calm and a clearing appeared which revealed the view of the Verde Passage from afar and the summit a few meters ahead. We took our time to grab the chance to take some photos since we knew it will not last long. The clearing did not last for long as thick clouds engulfed our view and gusty winds and heavy rains followed thereafter. We pushed through to the summit and rested a bit to see if another clearing would open up. Unfortunately, there was none so we just hurried our descent since the rains and winds intensified.

Our team being battered by fierce winds and heavy rain.

And then, a clearing appeared. Yes!

The summit of Mt. Tibig as seen on the background

The hike down was a little bit difficult because of the muddy trail but we managed to get down safely. The rain continued its downpour until I got home. I definitely enjoyed this easy hike. However, if there's a chance, of course it is much better to hike in a good weather.

8th Climb - Mt. Pamitinan

Mt. Pamitinan

Rodriguez, Rizal

Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal

LLA (Pamitinan): 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours (P)

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 4/9 / Trail class 1-4

Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province

Source: pinoymountaineer.com

I was not able to slept soundly the night before our scheduled hike. I was quite nervous because of the hardship I experienced during our Mt. Binacayan day hike. I don't want to underestimate this mountain even though based on the blogs that I have read, Mt. Pamitinan is easier compared to Binacayan. Our meeting place and time was still the same, 4 am at Mcdo, Gateway Cubao. I did not noticed that I set my alarm at 3:45 am (probably due to nervousness) so I woke up late haha. I was agitated because I knew that I won't be able to arrive at the scheduled time. Of course, it was quite disgraceful since I was the one who reminded them to arrive as early as possible. Moreover, I felt that a storm was brewing in my belly haha. I was able to reduce some of my heavy baggage but I felt that it still wasn't enough haha.

I started my journey thinking that all was going to be well. Firstly, I went to Sm San Lazaro to fetch ate Jean Kaye because we were going to the meeting place at the same time. I felt uncomfortable while we were on the road but I just told myself that I'll be able to make it to Mcdo. Every second seemed so long so I was silent and just tried my best to focus and conserve energy and not think about my hidden problem haha. We arrived after almost 30 minutes at Mcdo and went directly to the cashier to order some food. I opened my bag and noticed that my cellphone was missing. I had a feeling something bad was going to happen so I searched every corner of my bag but to my disappointment, it wasn't there. My mind went into panic mode so I immediately went to our table and started to search my bag over and over again until I realized that I left it on the taxi we rode. I'm glad that ate Jean Kaye was there to help me calm down. I was really depressed that time because I have already lost two things years ago. I lost my ipod touch the first time when I went home early morning due to overtime at work. Then, I lost another one, my samsung s4 to bad guys. I was already thinking to stop the hike because of the misfortunes that early morning until the taxi driver answered our call. The heaven suddenly opened up when the taxi driver told us that he will return my cellphone. We immediately went outside to the place where the taxi driver dropped us off. The taxi arrived several minutes later and we raised our hands joyfully to welcome the taxi driver. I hastily approached the taxi, opened the front door, said lots of thank you to him and paid his good deed. I immediately thanked the Lord that there are still good people out there. We went back inside Mcdo and waited for the others.

Wilhelm arrived several minutes later. Then, Ebol and her bf Eric came.

We went to queue up for the fx across the street since we were all there and then our long trip began. Our trip took us almost 2 hours to Eastwood, Rizal because of traffic. It was palm Sunday so many devotees were flocking to churches and conducting religious processions. I felt that the storm in my stomach was intensifying due to the long trip.

It was almost past 8 am when we arrived at the DENR outpost in Brgy. Wawa. I swiftly went to the bathroom but was horrified to see lots of females queued up. I cannot paint my face back then due to the pain I felt. At last, my glorious moment arrived when I was next in line. I executed my evil plan and went out of the bathroom gasping for air haha. At last, I felt okay and ready to start the hike.

The officer in charge told me that kuya Gerry already went up Pamitinan so she gave us another guide by the name of Alvin. He is quite young and I think he is only older than me by a few years. He is also a DENR guide but he is quite new to the business. 

We started our hike at aroung 8:30 am. The left way is to Pamitinan while the right is bound to Binacayan. We passed by some houses until we arrived at a hanging bridge. Alvin told us to pray first, one thing that I forgot to do. After a brief prayer, we started to cross the bridge. This is the place where you could take a photo of both Binacayan and Pamitinan. They said that these depicts the old tale of Bernardo Carpio, a man that was crushed by two boulders. The left, easier and higher one is Mt. Pamitinan while the right, lower and more difficult one is Mt. Binacayan.

The next part of this trail are concrete stairs all the way up that served as a warm up for all of us. The trail was quite easy and more comfortable as there were lots of trees to protect us from the rays of sun. We continued walking with a quick rests along the way since Ebol is panting already. This was maybe due to the heavy backpack she had. Eric volunteered to carry her backpack all the way. How sweet hehe :) Actually, I prefer to have lots of break since it wasn't that hot back then and so that we can have a relaxing pace.

We arrived at a place where a grand balete tree stands. According to Alvin, this is the sturdiest and tallest tree in the place.

We continued our journey after a brief picture taking on the grand balete tree, as seen on the above picture. We reached the area with huge limestone formations where lots of people can do rock climbing.

There were a lot of climbers on this mountain because it is much easier compared to Binacayan so you'll encounter more traffic on this area. We soon entered an open area where you can already witness the beauty of the surrounding areas. This is the starting point where you should start wearing gloves and take more cautious steps at all times.

The picture above is Mt. Banoi. Our guide told us that it is climbable but the trail is long.

We continued our way up pass the boulders until we reached a picturesque area. We stayed here to take photos since there were still climbers ahead of us.

Ate Jean Kaye doing her signature pose. 

Me while searching for stable path haha.

The weather was fine and the scenery was good. Just perfect for a good adventure and picture :) 

That is our guide Alvin. I'm thankful that he is very skilled and does not hesitate to help us climb those unforgiving rocks haha. Traffic continued to build up as we head near the summit. After this open area, we were back again under the shades of the trees. There is a vertical rock formations that you will encounter afterwards. This is my most favorite part of the trail. Unfortunately, I was not able to get a picture of it. We stopped for quite some time because the next area for picture taking is quite narrow. The group ahead of us spent lots of time there so we were able to get plenty of rest. We also met the group of Sir Gerry. He was surprised because he thought that we will not continue our hike that day. He told us that he left his cellphone so he was not able to confirm to me that he will be our guide. After quite some time, the group ahead went forward so it was now our time to enjoy another breathtaking and death defying picture taking area.

All I can say is that this was the most perilous photo spot that I had been to haha. My legs did not stop shaking especially when I looked down below. This area is quite narrow and I think it can only accommodate few people at a time. Super extra caution must be taken when going to this strip of rock. I was supposed to do some daredevil poses in this area but decided to just go in the safe zone haha.

The summit is just a few meters away from this area so we packed up and move forward. There were many hikers waiting in line just below the summit to escape the intense heat of the sun. We spent our time underneath some boulder of rocks.

There it is the summit of Mt. Pamitinan :)

We are currently waiting for our turn to the summit of Pamitinan. This is a good place to sleep haha the air is cold in this place.

Behold the cordilerra mountain ranges :) I was supposed to stand on the rock formations on the above picture but the wind was too strong. I feared that I'll stumble so I did not pushed through with my plan.

Freedom! :) This is exactly the reason why I love climbing mountains. The feeling of getting out of your comfort zone. The feeling of being alive.

And at last, the last group descended on the summit and it's now our turn to taste the sweet victory of this climb :) Just a little bit of rock climbing and voila! we are now on the summit of Mt. Pamitinan. Cheers for a successful climb guys!

Yes, that is Mt. Binacayan. The mountain that made me feel like a lame duck haha. We descended the summit at around 1 pm and continued to make our way back down quickly since it was already getting late. We still have to go to Wawa Dam as a side trip for this climb. We safely arrived at the jump off point to eat lunch. My legs cramped when we were on our way to Wawa Dam so I decided to just stay at the tourism office with ate Jean Kaye. Our three peers continued the side trip. We took our last shot before saying goodbye to Brgy. Wawa and the two gorgeous mountains.

Thank you guys for accompanying me to this trip :)

See you on April for more adventures :)

Actual expenses excluding food:

FX to Eastwood, Rizal and back - 100 pesos

Tricycle to Brgy Wawa - 10 pesos

Guide Fee - 200 pesos (discretionary payment)

Jeep back to Eastwood, Rizal - 8 pesos

Total expenses - 318 pesos