I had a chance to be in this mountain twice. First in August 20, 2011 as an applicant member of De La Salle University Dasmariñas Mountaineering Society (DMS) and the second one was in October 18-19, 2011 with few ‘challenged’ students of the DLSU-D College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, as part of the Office of the Associate Dean (OAD), DMS and Student Wellness Center (SWC) partnership program to help our students with academic challenges.
Climbing Gulugod-baboy doesn’t require too much technical skills in hiking. This 530 MASL rough terrain in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is precisely a good mountain for newbies. Likewise, the jump off, Philpan Dive Resort is very accessible and connected in the downtown by a well-paved road and readily available transportation (jeepney or tricycle).
The hike was just 2 hours and as far as I remember, the only challenging part is the steep concrete road from the resort to the trail head. The hard concrete is quite painful and stressful to leg and knee muscles. The blind curves of the road is also dangerous to climbers, thus extra caution should be observed. As a matter of fact, in one of our climb, one of the participants almost got hit by a speedy down moving motorcycle. The rest of the trail is very manageable as long as climbers are well-prepared to deal with the scorching heat of the sun.
Climbing Gulugod-baboy doesn’t require too much technical skills in hiking. This 530 MASL rough terrain in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is precisely a good mountain for newbies. Likewise, the jump off, Philpan Dive Resort is very accessible and connected in the downtown by a well-paved road and readily available transportation (jeepney or tricycle).
The hike was just 2 hours and as far as I remember, the only challenging part is the steep concrete road from the resort to the trail head. The hard concrete is quite painful and stressful to leg and knee muscles. The blind curves of the road is also dangerous to climbers, thus extra caution should be observed. As a matter of fact, in one of our climb, one of the participants almost got hit by a speedy down moving motorcycle. The rest of the trail is very manageable as long as climbers are well-prepared to deal with the scorching heat of the sun.
My first Gulugod-baboy climb was with DMS, as an applicant. Gulugod-baboy was the first among series of training climb. Upon hearing that we will be climbing this mountain, I already expected that it would be great and fulfilling. Upon reaching the summit, the mountain revealed more than I expected. Downhill view was delightful and the cold breeze was chilling. After the day hike, we proceeded to the beach... time to physically relax through the warm seawater.
DMS Training Climb, August 20, 2011
(Thanks Sir Mervs Alarcon for the photo)
(Thanks Sir Mervs Alarcon for the photo)
During my second Gulugod-baboy climb, the excitement of the participants to the OAD-DMS-CWC program for academically challenged student was remarkably visible. At first, I thought the program will not be attractive to our target participants but it turned out to be a blockbuster. In return, we divided the hiking activity into 'two groups- two schedules system', one in this mountain and the other in Mt. Talamitam. The climb was the very first school activity that was actively participated by ‘reserved’ students. As a matter of fact, participants showed enthusiasm during the pre-climb activities which include the pre-climb seminar with DMS as well as the session with our SWC- Guidance Counselors.
One student shared that he was very happy, because after 6 years in DLSU-D; this was the first time that he felt that there are people who could believe in his capability. He was shared that the activity gave him hope to could go back to the trail towards his summit of success. Another student shared that he was inspired to strive harder and to acquire discipline he needed to face the academic challenges. Someone shared that he is looking forward to be a mountaineer soon.
I could confidently say that the hike had great impact to the participants, and my simple basis were improved academic performance of significant numbers of participants and after three years, a lot were into mountaineering now.
One student shared that he was very happy, because after 6 years in DLSU-D; this was the first time that he felt that there are people who could believe in his capability. He was shared that the activity gave him hope to could go back to the trail towards his summit of success. Another student shared that he was inspired to strive harder and to acquire discipline he needed to face the academic challenges. Someone shared that he is looking forward to be a mountaineer soon.
I could confidently say that the hike had great impact to the participants, and my simple basis were improved academic performance of significant numbers of participants and after three years, a lot were into mountaineering now.
OCTOBER 18-19, 2011 CLIMB WITH DLSUD- CEAT STUDENTS
Gulugod-Baboy may not be a very challenging mountain to seasoned climbers but is unique and spectacular scenery could offer delight to every rough terrain enthusiast. It has one of the best uphill sunset settings, one of the most picturesque camp sites, and one of the best downhill views.