On November 14, 2015; my Mt Ugo climb was postponed. I thought i would simply stay in my room and spend the whole day relaxing. But the call of the mountain is really banging in my mind.
So, I suddenly fix my things, called Mark Anthony to guide me in Mt. Ayaas that day, and left Dasmarinas at around 8:00 AM to experience the charming Mt. Ayaas.
I met Mark Anthony in Wawa at around 1:00 PM and immediately registered at the DENR Center and eventually at the nearby Barangay Hall. I shoulder almost fell on my waist when I was informed that the trail from Wawa to Mt. Ayaas is closed due to some sort of 'territorial politics'.
I was eagerly looking forward to experience the mountain because this was the only rough terrain that I am yet to visit among other peaks in Rodriguez. Thus, I decided to seek the help of some individuals to be able to have an access to the mountain. Luckily, that time, force was with me!
So, I suddenly fix my things, called Mark Anthony to guide me in Mt. Ayaas that day, and left Dasmarinas at around 8:00 AM to experience the charming Mt. Ayaas.
I met Mark Anthony in Wawa at around 1:00 PM and immediately registered at the DENR Center and eventually at the nearby Barangay Hall. I shoulder almost fell on my waist when I was informed that the trail from Wawa to Mt. Ayaas is closed due to some sort of 'territorial politics'.
I was eagerly looking forward to experience the mountain because this was the only rough terrain that I am yet to visit among other peaks in Rodriguez. Thus, I decided to seek the help of some individuals to be able to have an access to the mountain. Luckily, that time, force was with me!
We started trekking at around 1:02 PM with excitement and zeal which made us enjoyed the trail. Although the loosed rocks along the trail challenged our leg muscles, still I could say that the first phase of the trail was very manageable. After a while, we found ourselves crossing some creeks with a lot of edible pointed snails. I suddenly imagined myself picking at least a dipper-full of these snails because I am very sure that it would definitely taste good when cooked in coconut milk and fern shoots.
It was 2:00 PM when we reached the TransCo lines which signified that Mt. Ayaas is few steps away. We continuously trekk along the clean and moderately steep trail that cuts through grass land shrub covered areas. Along the trail, were 'posters' reminding climbers to ensure proper coordination with Mascap Tourism Committee before scaling the protected Mt. Ayaas.
At around 2:30 we started dealing with a more steeper trail that signifies that we are about to reach the peak of the mountain. The beautiful downhill view of the nearby mountains of Rizal were as if giving us the energy to move faster and be on top of this rough terrain as fast as we can. We then entered the gate, dealt with the steeper trail along cogon grassland and eventually reached the summit at 2:45PM.
Upon reaching the summit of Mt. Ayaas, I realized the presence of unusual feelings. One is manifested by the visible effort of some group of people to bring the towering trees to the mountains and the other one is expressed by the on-going housing subdivision constructions in the edges of the town. The tree planting activities is promising the preservation of the mountain but the housing development in the horizon is showing the looming take over of concrete jungle in the nearby rough terrains and if uncontrolled, Mt. Ayaas will soon be next. My prayer then is for Mt. Ayaas to survive the challenges of time and be a greener forest rather than a concrete jungle for it to enjoyed by succeeding generations.
I m We stayed in the summit for almost an hour and enjoyed the downhill view and the lush rough terrains of Sierra Madre. As we were there taking pictures, I noticed the rough road cutting deeper to mountainous area. It was then when my guides told me that the road is leading to two more Barangays (or perhaps Sitios) of the town. I was bit surprised because the road seems to be rocky and rough. For sure, as manifested by the road condition, the lives of the people living in those areas are surely in contrast to the nearby visible urban settlement. My guides added that in those isolated areas, there were poor electricity and water systems which make the lives of the people harder. I was astonished... how come that there are communities which was only few kilometers to the 'progressive' Metro Manila that was seemingly forgotten by the government?
Together with inexplicable joy and excitement of reaching the summit, I also heard the whispers of Mt. Ayaas. Whispers that were so bold and disturbed my consciousness and enticed me reflect. Whispers that are seemingly conveying something... some actions that need to be done.
I must admit, i enjoyed the mountain so much but I did not conquer it... it was the other way around. As a matter of fact, even upon reaching the jump off back at 4:00 PM, i can still hear its whisper... until now, it was still murmuring!
Together with inexplicable joy and excitement of reaching the summit, I also heard the whispers of Mt. Ayaas. Whispers that were so bold and disturbed my consciousness and enticed me reflect. Whispers that are seemingly conveying something... some actions that need to be done.
I must admit, i enjoyed the mountain so much but I did not conquer it... it was the other way around. As a matter of fact, even upon reaching the jump off back at 4:00 PM, i can still hear its whisper... until now, it was still murmuring!