Approaching the Bicol National Park- Bitukang Manok Area, travellers could see a domical and captivating mountain. This mountain, known to some as Mt. Susong Dalaga and Mt. Manrisikrisik among the locals is a 405 MASL extinct volcano and one of the natural wonders of naturally endowed Barangay Tuaca, Basud, Camarines Norte. For sure, mountaineers who were familiar with hiking destinations in Mindanao would say that the mountain is a smaller version of Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato.
May 2015, we planned to visit the three natural wonders of Tuaca, the Mt. Manrisikrisik, Mt. Balagabag and the Bicol National Park’s Mother Tree. However, due to time constraints we end up considering Mt. Manrisikrisik and reschedule the hike to the other wonders in June.
On May 31, 2015, around 8:30 AM, we left our house in Talisay and proceed to Daet, the capital town of the province. Initially, we planned to take the jeep to San Pascual-Tuaca PUJ or to ride in a Naga City bound bus and get off in Tuaca; but upon seeing my cousin in the downtown Daet, we were convinced to hire his tricycle from Daet to the jump off.
During our pre-climb conversation with Hon. Danny Barrameda, we learned that the Barangay is very active in reforesting Mt. Manrisikrisik with narra and mahogany. So, we decided to visit a private tree nursery owned by a local biologist, Ma. Louisa Sayno who happened to be a graduate our university, the De La Salle- Dasmariñas. Instead of selling two narra tree seedlings, we were given six narra young trees and two grafted calamansi for free! I knew and I believe that this could be a sign that our adventure in Mt. Manrisikrisik would be very successful.
May 2015, we planned to visit the three natural wonders of Tuaca, the Mt. Manrisikrisik, Mt. Balagabag and the Bicol National Park’s Mother Tree. However, due to time constraints we end up considering Mt. Manrisikrisik and reschedule the hike to the other wonders in June.
On May 31, 2015, around 8:30 AM, we left our house in Talisay and proceed to Daet, the capital town of the province. Initially, we planned to take the jeep to San Pascual-Tuaca PUJ or to ride in a Naga City bound bus and get off in Tuaca; but upon seeing my cousin in the downtown Daet, we were convinced to hire his tricycle from Daet to the jump off.
During our pre-climb conversation with Hon. Danny Barrameda, we learned that the Barangay is very active in reforesting Mt. Manrisikrisik with narra and mahogany. So, we decided to visit a private tree nursery owned by a local biologist, Ma. Louisa Sayno who happened to be a graduate our university, the De La Salle- Dasmariñas. Instead of selling two narra tree seedlings, we were given six narra young trees and two grafted calamansi for free! I knew and I believe that this could be a sign that our adventure in Mt. Manrisikrisik would be very successful.
We then proceed to the jump off, which is located few steps away from the Barangay Hall… it was accessibly located along the national road! Raul Ajento and Norly Canaba, the two guides who were assigned to us exhibited enthusiasm in assisting us. They shared a lot of stories including their aspirations and dreams on Mt. Manrisikrisik. They shared that they are very familiar in Mt. Manrisikrisik, Mt. Balagbag and Mother Tree because they are members of forest volunteer guard. They further shared that they are one of those who regularly plant trees in the mountain. They specifically exhibited thoughtfulness during the hike when they harvested some “bulala”, a native rambutan and shared it to us to experience its sour but appreciable taste.
We started the trek on a very gradual trail that cuts through the coconut farm and orchard at around 10:45 AM. We reached the spring after 10 minutes and planted some of the narra seedlings. Then we further pushed through the mountain, after another 10 minutes we reached a small grass covered open area, which serves as a vestibule to the forested part of the mountain.
We started the trek on a very gradual trail that cuts through the coconut farm and orchard at around 10:45 AM. We reached the spring after 10 minutes and planted some of the narra seedlings. Then we further pushed through the mountain, after another 10 minutes we reached a small grass covered open area, which serves as a vestibule to the forested part of the mountain.
In the forest, the trail was well-established, free from rubbish and still in very good condition. The steep ascend inside the forest is just 30 minutes. Rattan, lipa and some thorny plants were very abundant in the mountain, thus, mountaineers should be very extra cautious. The forest is also host to various wild animals. According to the guide, there are troop of monkeys in this mountain. In our case, we observed various sound of birds and crickets. We have seen at least four types of butterfly and two types of stick insects. There are also some flowering plants and orchids that are healthily thriving in the forest.
At 11:40, we reached the tree-covered summit where a small campsite which could cater at least four to five tents. Climbers who wishes to see a spectacular view would surely be disappointed to see that there is no downhill view but there are few two to three small but sturdy trees who could be climbed to see the beauty of the vast fertile crescent of Camarines Norte; the coastline; the nearby Mt. Balagbag and Colasi Peak; the distant Mt. Bagacay and Mt. Labo; the portion of Bicol National Park; and some towns of the province. Just be little more patient, anyway the trail is not that difficult and for sure, climbers may still have reserve energy to do some branch grappling and eventually be delighted and amazed with the view.
We stayed in the summit for more than an hour to have enough time to enjoy our lunch, clean some rubbish and plant the remaining narra seedlings. We start to descend at 1:15 and reached the jump off at exactly 2:10 PM delighted and very excited to be the voice of the mountain to mountaineering world.
We stayed in the summit for more than an hour to have enough time to enjoy our lunch, clean some rubbish and plant the remaining narra seedlings. We start to descend at 1:15 and reached the jump off at exactly 2:10 PM delighted and very excited to be the voice of the mountain to mountaineering world.
Mt. Manrisikrisik may not have the altitude, but definitely, a great rough terrain that would offer exquisite delight to hikers seasoned nor beginners. Furthermore, the hospitality and the nature-caring attitude of the barangay officials would surely inspire hikers to further adore the place… and keep a profound memory not just of Mt. Manrisikrisik but of the whole Barangay Tuaca.