I am probably the only hiker in Mt. Pulag that never experienced the “sea of clouds” and even the simple “clearing” after climbing seven times since 2000. Although all my climbs were accompanied by thick clouds, strong wind and heavy rain, I never had any chance that I got fed up. All my climbs ended with good memories for various reasons.
Gloomy but Hopeful
In 2000, to be able to cope up with some relationship setbacks; Maricris and I decided to hike Mt. Pulag. My intention then is to let her experience hiking since this was one of the sources of our miscommunication and most importantly to have a very intimate space between us to discuss a very serious matter affecting our relationship.
Upon meeting in Baguio City, we rented a jeepney that brought us to the DENR registration and eventually to the Jump Off point of Mt. Pulag. Our three-hour long and winding ride from Baguio City to Kabayan was full of seriousness and gesture assessments. Coming from a month of ‘zero communication’, our conversation was full of awkward moments. When she started to be amazed by the good view along the way, I decided to give re-joining information about what she was seeing until we realized that we were already comfortable in exchanging words. When we reached the Ambuklao Dam,I requested the jeepney driver to halt when I saw her amusement to the structure. There, I let her enjoyed the view, and entertained her inquiry about the reservoir and on the different features of the dam. Before we leave the dam, she said “sorry” and I simply smiled.
After registering at DENR, we proceeded to the jump-off and started trekking at 10:00 AM. I made sure that our phase would be suited for a new hiker to make certain that she could survive the trail and at the same time, I could initiate further conversation and seek her reasons on some relationship concern. I thought then that our issue was not that serious… but upon hearing her stories it was serious and very complicated. Upon listening to her emphatically, I did not show any anger, instead I tried to be composed and purposely diverted our conversation to the appreciation of the magnificent views along the trail to cut her words. Although Ambangeg Trail was not that difficult, we reached the campsite after 7 hours, 2 hours longer than the usual hike. That time, I honestly cried… luckily, the heavy rain concealed the tears in my eyes.
Rain was still pouring hard when we reached the campsite… I hurriedly set up the tent on wet grounds but with the aid of tarpaulin, ground pad and sleeping bags, we managed to ensure a dry sleeping place for us. I cooked our dinner and we shared it while having casual conversation about outdoor adventures. I did not mention our previous topic anymore. I just told myself that I can no longer bring back the time and I need to accept the fact that an innocent life was already sacrificed due to selfishness and vanity. We rested at 8:00 PM… and before I close my eyes, I said “please be assured of my forgiveness and please embrace God once more… I am sure you will be forgiven… He will forgive us”.
I woke up at 5:00 AM, it was still raining and was extremely cold. I prepared our breakfast and the things that we will be using during the summit assault. At 6:30 AM, we shared the food and eventually prepared for the summit assault. The morning was gloomy but I was filled with hope that it will be memorable.
We reached the summit after an hour of trekking under the rain. There was no clearing, thick fog obstructed the good view. I knew that time, similar to our foggy situation; there was still hope… the sun still shining behind the clouds.
When I gave the go signal for descending, she embraced me tightly, cried loudly in my arms and promised that this day will be a new one for us… for a better and stronger us.
We reached the campsite after an hour, fixed our things and eventually descended still with pain in our hearts but very hopeful that we shall journey together with stronger will than before.
In 2000, to be able to cope up with some relationship setbacks; Maricris and I decided to hike Mt. Pulag. My intention then is to let her experience hiking since this was one of the sources of our miscommunication and most importantly to have a very intimate space between us to discuss a very serious matter affecting our relationship.
Upon meeting in Baguio City, we rented a jeepney that brought us to the DENR registration and eventually to the Jump Off point of Mt. Pulag. Our three-hour long and winding ride from Baguio City to Kabayan was full of seriousness and gesture assessments. Coming from a month of ‘zero communication’, our conversation was full of awkward moments. When she started to be amazed by the good view along the way, I decided to give re-joining information about what she was seeing until we realized that we were already comfortable in exchanging words. When we reached the Ambuklao Dam,I requested the jeepney driver to halt when I saw her amusement to the structure. There, I let her enjoyed the view, and entertained her inquiry about the reservoir and on the different features of the dam. Before we leave the dam, she said “sorry” and I simply smiled.
After registering at DENR, we proceeded to the jump-off and started trekking at 10:00 AM. I made sure that our phase would be suited for a new hiker to make certain that she could survive the trail and at the same time, I could initiate further conversation and seek her reasons on some relationship concern. I thought then that our issue was not that serious… but upon hearing her stories it was serious and very complicated. Upon listening to her emphatically, I did not show any anger, instead I tried to be composed and purposely diverted our conversation to the appreciation of the magnificent views along the trail to cut her words. Although Ambangeg Trail was not that difficult, we reached the campsite after 7 hours, 2 hours longer than the usual hike. That time, I honestly cried… luckily, the heavy rain concealed the tears in my eyes.
Rain was still pouring hard when we reached the campsite… I hurriedly set up the tent on wet grounds but with the aid of tarpaulin, ground pad and sleeping bags, we managed to ensure a dry sleeping place for us. I cooked our dinner and we shared it while having casual conversation about outdoor adventures. I did not mention our previous topic anymore. I just told myself that I can no longer bring back the time and I need to accept the fact that an innocent life was already sacrificed due to selfishness and vanity. We rested at 8:00 PM… and before I close my eyes, I said “please be assured of my forgiveness and please embrace God once more… I am sure you will be forgiven… He will forgive us”.
I woke up at 5:00 AM, it was still raining and was extremely cold. I prepared our breakfast and the things that we will be using during the summit assault. At 6:30 AM, we shared the food and eventually prepared for the summit assault. The morning was gloomy but I was filled with hope that it will be memorable.
We reached the summit after an hour of trekking under the rain. There was no clearing, thick fog obstructed the good view. I knew that time, similar to our foggy situation; there was still hope… the sun still shining behind the clouds.
When I gave the go signal for descending, she embraced me tightly, cried loudly in my arms and promised that this day will be a new one for us… for a better and stronger us.
We reached the campsite after an hour, fixed our things and eventually descended still with pain in our hearts but very hopeful that we shall journey together with stronger will than before.
Same Clouds, Different Feelings
Year 2003; Maricris and I went back to Mt. Pulag… this time, without any relationship concern! It was a very different hike under similar condition… rainy and very cold. But the bad weather did not hamper our enjoyment. While on our way to Kabayan from Baguio, we are so noisy in the jeepney; along the trail, we were constantly cracking jokes; and while setting our tents, we were mocking each other due to stench. In this climb, our gestures were totally different under the heavy rain compared to the previous.
The next morning, we decided not to pursue the summit assault because of strong wind and rain. We simply stayed in our tents and wait for a good time or chance to break our camp and eventually go back to the trailhead. That time, I never thought that that was the last outdoor adventure together… that she would be called very soon to be one of the angels in heaven.
Year 2003; Maricris and I went back to Mt. Pulag… this time, without any relationship concern! It was a very different hike under similar condition… rainy and very cold. But the bad weather did not hamper our enjoyment. While on our way to Kabayan from Baguio, we are so noisy in the jeepney; along the trail, we were constantly cracking jokes; and while setting our tents, we were mocking each other due to stench. In this climb, our gestures were totally different under the heavy rain compared to the previous.
The next morning, we decided not to pursue the summit assault because of strong wind and rain. We simply stayed in our tents and wait for a good time or chance to break our camp and eventually go back to the trailhead. That time, I never thought that that was the last outdoor adventure together… that she would be called very soon to be one of the angels in heaven.
With Two Jolly and Persuasive Boys
With my Australian friend, James Fitzgerald and his children Sean (Sansan) and James Anthony (Notnot); I went back to Mt. Pulag in 2007. It was an unplanned hike in Pulag. All we intended that time was to stay in Baguio for a week and simply hike in Mt. Timbak before going back to Manila.
When we went to Baguio Cathedral to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, James saw some mountaineers who had just descended from Mt. Pulag. After a short conversation with them, James was enticed to hike in Mt. Pulag. I was hesitant because I don’t have enough equipment for an overnight camp that time and I am not yet emotionally ready to be in Pulag. But James and his sons were so persuasive, thus; we end up buying tents, gears and supplies.
The next day, we found ourselves in one gasoline station near Victory Liner Bus Terminal (the usual meeting place of Mt. Pulag hikers and their jeepney contacts) seeking favor from small group of Mountaineers from Pangasinan to permit us to join in their jeepney. The charm of Sansan and the politeness and friendliness of Notnot who instantly played and talked with some of the group members while we were negotiating was the very visible reason why we were adopted by that group of mountaineers!
At 7:00 AM, we managed to leave Baguio with the group. Among us, the most excited were the two boys! Amazement in Sansan’s blue eyes and Notnot’s Chinese eyes was remarkably visible. The boys likewise enjoyed the treatment of our companions.
The journey to the trailhead was pleasant despite of the weather and road conditions. We arrived at the registration area at around 9:15 AM where we attended the orientation and bought some souvenirs. We then proceeded to the jump-off after an hour. Sadly, the jeepney was forced to park a kilometer before the Ranger Station due to extreme road condition which was caused by heavy rain. While walking through the muddy road to the Ranger Station, I was touched by the gesture of the two boys… they were holding each other’s hands while walking under the rain!
When we reached the station, we immediately contracted a guide and two porters to carry our food and the bags of the two boys. We likewise sponsored the guide and the porter of the group who adopted us. The boys protested when they heard that someone else will carry their bags, so we bargained to reduce the weight of their bags.
The boys reached the campsite 15 minutes ahead of us because they preferred to join the lady hikers. When we arrived, the boys were already eating burger and drinking milk that was given by their instant nannies.
James was so amazed with Filipino hospitality and in my case, I was amazed by the way James disciplined the two boys. James suggested to the whole group for a joint dinner since our supplies could cater for 12 pax! We literally became a larger family of climbers… literally one group!
We had a good dinner and socials! James set up a mess tent using one of the weatherproof fabrics that he bought as roofing and the tarpaulin as ground sheet. The rain and the cold breeze did not hamper our laughter and good stories. As expected, Sansan joined the lady climbers which he all called “tita” while Notnot sat beside me and sought my attention by asking assistance in meat slicing, pasta relishing and others. After the dinner, James offered wine and few cans of beers for everyone to enjoy the socials while the two boys were given cans of root beer.
We rested in our respective tents at 9:00 PM. Notnot joined me in the tent and was successful in persuading me to share something about my recent climbs in Bicol. He was so amazed to learn that I was able to climb the mountains he knew in Bicol, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Bulusan, Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga. Before closing his eyes, he tightly embraced me and whispered… “thanks for the [experience], you really care for me”.
The next morning, it was still raining and terribly cold, James and I woke up and prepared our breakfast. We were assisted by our companions… we prepared a morning feast! Everyone enjoyed the lamb burger steak, mushroom soup, pork chop and egg! I personally prepared food for the two little boys… “tinapa”, tomato with salted egg, and lumpia with fresh milk (they actually requested it before sleeping), and brought it to their tents. Sansan insisted to transfer to Notnot’s place for them to enjoy the food together.
Right after the breakfast, we assaulted the summit… the two boys were assisted by our lady companions. They insisted to be with the trail leader while James and I acted as the sweeper. The two boys were shouting together when they reached the summit… there was no clear view… but the two were jumping and constantly shouting “we made it”. The boy did not mind the cold temperature and the rain. Sansan waved his Australian flag while Notnot was equally proud in waving the Philippine Flag. I will never forget the words of the two boys for each other… Sansan said “I am very proud of you, kuya Notnot” while Notnot replied, “am much proud of you little brother”. James approached me then and said “thank you for this experience… I may not regularly visit the Philippines but I will make it sure that Sansan, Samantha (his daughter in Sydney) and especially Notnot will visit the Philippines regularly”.
On our way back to the campsite, Sansan rode on James’ back… while Notnot clasp my hand and placed it in his shoulder… together we walked back to the campsite. Notnot was very happy in his first climbing adventure. While on our way, we did not mind the rain and the whooshing wind for we listened to the non-stop music... Notnot’s angelic voice filled the air, he was repeatedly singing the theme song of “The Sound of Music” until we reached the campsite.
We reached the campsite, rest for a while in the tent and when the rain stopped, we immediately packed our things and eventually went down. We reached Baguio and continue our bonding time with the boys in the Hotel.
The two boys left for Australia… In the airport Sansan gave me a small piece of paper with “I Love my Filipino Dad” while Notnot simply said “From now on, I will always join you in your climbs… promise”, a phrase that was similar to one of his last words before succumbing in leukemia in 2012.
The Pulag climb is one of the best outdoor experience… it was memorable and every time that I would remember those days, I would packed my things and immediately climb Mt. Batulao where portion of Notnot’s ashes was interned.
With my Australian friend, James Fitzgerald and his children Sean (Sansan) and James Anthony (Notnot); I went back to Mt. Pulag in 2007. It was an unplanned hike in Pulag. All we intended that time was to stay in Baguio for a week and simply hike in Mt. Timbak before going back to Manila.
When we went to Baguio Cathedral to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, James saw some mountaineers who had just descended from Mt. Pulag. After a short conversation with them, James was enticed to hike in Mt. Pulag. I was hesitant because I don’t have enough equipment for an overnight camp that time and I am not yet emotionally ready to be in Pulag. But James and his sons were so persuasive, thus; we end up buying tents, gears and supplies.
The next day, we found ourselves in one gasoline station near Victory Liner Bus Terminal (the usual meeting place of Mt. Pulag hikers and their jeepney contacts) seeking favor from small group of Mountaineers from Pangasinan to permit us to join in their jeepney. The charm of Sansan and the politeness and friendliness of Notnot who instantly played and talked with some of the group members while we were negotiating was the very visible reason why we were adopted by that group of mountaineers!
At 7:00 AM, we managed to leave Baguio with the group. Among us, the most excited were the two boys! Amazement in Sansan’s blue eyes and Notnot’s Chinese eyes was remarkably visible. The boys likewise enjoyed the treatment of our companions.
The journey to the trailhead was pleasant despite of the weather and road conditions. We arrived at the registration area at around 9:15 AM where we attended the orientation and bought some souvenirs. We then proceeded to the jump-off after an hour. Sadly, the jeepney was forced to park a kilometer before the Ranger Station due to extreme road condition which was caused by heavy rain. While walking through the muddy road to the Ranger Station, I was touched by the gesture of the two boys… they were holding each other’s hands while walking under the rain!
When we reached the station, we immediately contracted a guide and two porters to carry our food and the bags of the two boys. We likewise sponsored the guide and the porter of the group who adopted us. The boys protested when they heard that someone else will carry their bags, so we bargained to reduce the weight of their bags.
The boys reached the campsite 15 minutes ahead of us because they preferred to join the lady hikers. When we arrived, the boys were already eating burger and drinking milk that was given by their instant nannies.
James was so amazed with Filipino hospitality and in my case, I was amazed by the way James disciplined the two boys. James suggested to the whole group for a joint dinner since our supplies could cater for 12 pax! We literally became a larger family of climbers… literally one group!
We had a good dinner and socials! James set up a mess tent using one of the weatherproof fabrics that he bought as roofing and the tarpaulin as ground sheet. The rain and the cold breeze did not hamper our laughter and good stories. As expected, Sansan joined the lady climbers which he all called “tita” while Notnot sat beside me and sought my attention by asking assistance in meat slicing, pasta relishing and others. After the dinner, James offered wine and few cans of beers for everyone to enjoy the socials while the two boys were given cans of root beer.
We rested in our respective tents at 9:00 PM. Notnot joined me in the tent and was successful in persuading me to share something about my recent climbs in Bicol. He was so amazed to learn that I was able to climb the mountains he knew in Bicol, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Bulusan, Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga. Before closing his eyes, he tightly embraced me and whispered… “thanks for the [experience], you really care for me”.
The next morning, it was still raining and terribly cold, James and I woke up and prepared our breakfast. We were assisted by our companions… we prepared a morning feast! Everyone enjoyed the lamb burger steak, mushroom soup, pork chop and egg! I personally prepared food for the two little boys… “tinapa”, tomato with salted egg, and lumpia with fresh milk (they actually requested it before sleeping), and brought it to their tents. Sansan insisted to transfer to Notnot’s place for them to enjoy the food together.
Right after the breakfast, we assaulted the summit… the two boys were assisted by our lady companions. They insisted to be with the trail leader while James and I acted as the sweeper. The two boys were shouting together when they reached the summit… there was no clear view… but the two were jumping and constantly shouting “we made it”. The boy did not mind the cold temperature and the rain. Sansan waved his Australian flag while Notnot was equally proud in waving the Philippine Flag. I will never forget the words of the two boys for each other… Sansan said “I am very proud of you, kuya Notnot” while Notnot replied, “am much proud of you little brother”. James approached me then and said “thank you for this experience… I may not regularly visit the Philippines but I will make it sure that Sansan, Samantha (his daughter in Sydney) and especially Notnot will visit the Philippines regularly”.
On our way back to the campsite, Sansan rode on James’ back… while Notnot clasp my hand and placed it in his shoulder… together we walked back to the campsite. Notnot was very happy in his first climbing adventure. While on our way, we did not mind the rain and the whooshing wind for we listened to the non-stop music... Notnot’s angelic voice filled the air, he was repeatedly singing the theme song of “The Sound of Music” until we reached the campsite.
We reached the campsite, rest for a while in the tent and when the rain stopped, we immediately packed our things and eventually went down. We reached Baguio and continue our bonding time with the boys in the Hotel.
The two boys left for Australia… In the airport Sansan gave me a small piece of paper with “I Love my Filipino Dad” while Notnot simply said “From now on, I will always join you in your climbs… promise”, a phrase that was similar to one of his last words before succumbing in leukemia in 2012.
The Pulag climb is one of the best outdoor experience… it was memorable and every time that I would remember those days, I would packed my things and immediately climb Mt. Batulao where portion of Notnot’s ashes was interned.
The ‘Solo’ Adventure, still under the Rain
In 2008, I planned to climb Mt. Ugo but ended in Pulag. Upon arriving in Baguio, I tried to ask my jeepney contacts… sadly, since I am alone, my budget is not enough to cover the Ugo climb. Instead, I went to7-eleven store near Victory Liner Terminal (the usual meeting area of Pulag Climbers) and tried to negotiate with group of mountaineers who were going to Mt. Pulag. Luckily, a group of climbers from Lucena City accommodated me… and so, I went to Pulag.
The weather in Baguio then was fine… the sky was blue and the sun, at 7:30 AM was vibrantly shining… I was very excited for I assumed then that I will be able to experience good weather in Pulag. However, when we trekked via Akiki Trail, it was rainy and cold… No clearing, again!
Nonetheless, we managed to reach the summit safely and I enjoyed the company of ‘Quezonians’. It was a fine and joy filled trekking! Pulag gave me nine new friends… Some even invited me to climb in Mt. Binanderahan and Mt. Banahaw few months after our climb.
Truly, a real mountaineer will never ever consider the weather as an obstacle in any adventure… as a matter of fact, it offers opportunity for us to appreciate the presence of fellow climbers, as God given instruments to experience and see the other ‘perspective’ of joy in an outdoor adventure.
Eager to Witness the Sea of Clouds, it turned out to be more!
In 2009, I went back to Mt. Pulag; enticed by the stories of my students who went to the mountain and experienced sea of clouds. The weather in Baguio and in Kabayan was sunny… it gave me hope that I be having similar stories with that of my students after the climb. Again, to be able to go to Pulag, I negotiated with mountaineers in 7-eleven… I managed to join a group of Spanish and German Mountaineers.
Along the way, I became an instant ‘tourist guide’ of the group, which I enjoyed! Likewise, I served as an interpreter... and their spoke person! We trekked via Ambangeg Trail and reached the campsite in just 3 hours of climb, my fastest ever! While on our way, I invited them to visit other mountains especially in Bicol.
At last for the first time, I was able to experience a better weather… we reached the camp without experiencing any rain shower. However, a couple of hours after setting our tents and preparing our dinner, heavy rain poured… and it lasted until next day. Artemio, a young Spanish Anthropologist transferred in my tent when rainwater drifted in his tent. We were almost sleepless due to a very rich discussion about world politics and FilHispanic Time stories. Artemio claimed that he was a descendant of Spanish Lieutenant who was assigned in the Philippines in 1880’s that’s why he visited the country. He shared that his Spanish Lieutenant ancestor had a son (technically his grandfather’s half-brother) and settled in Central Luzon. Furthermore, he told me that he had a plan to look for the offspring of his grandfather’s half-brother in Pampanga.
Due to heavy rain and very cold weather, we did not assault the summit. Instead, we had our breakfast together, and waited for the weather to improve which happened after three hours. We descended the mountain, still filled with joy despite of the weather because we were able to share each other’s culture and stories.
There was no sea of clouds, it was more than that… a flood of clouds but that confined us in a place conducive for socialization and apt for establishing friendship.
By the way, five months later, I learned that Artemio was able to trace his relatives, not in Pampanga but in Urdaneta City.
In 2008, I planned to climb Mt. Ugo but ended in Pulag. Upon arriving in Baguio, I tried to ask my jeepney contacts… sadly, since I am alone, my budget is not enough to cover the Ugo climb. Instead, I went to7-eleven store near Victory Liner Terminal (the usual meeting area of Pulag Climbers) and tried to negotiate with group of mountaineers who were going to Mt. Pulag. Luckily, a group of climbers from Lucena City accommodated me… and so, I went to Pulag.
The weather in Baguio then was fine… the sky was blue and the sun, at 7:30 AM was vibrantly shining… I was very excited for I assumed then that I will be able to experience good weather in Pulag. However, when we trekked via Akiki Trail, it was rainy and cold… No clearing, again!
Nonetheless, we managed to reach the summit safely and I enjoyed the company of ‘Quezonians’. It was a fine and joy filled trekking! Pulag gave me nine new friends… Some even invited me to climb in Mt. Binanderahan and Mt. Banahaw few months after our climb.
Truly, a real mountaineer will never ever consider the weather as an obstacle in any adventure… as a matter of fact, it offers opportunity for us to appreciate the presence of fellow climbers, as God given instruments to experience and see the other ‘perspective’ of joy in an outdoor adventure.
Eager to Witness the Sea of Clouds, it turned out to be more!
In 2009, I went back to Mt. Pulag; enticed by the stories of my students who went to the mountain and experienced sea of clouds. The weather in Baguio and in Kabayan was sunny… it gave me hope that I be having similar stories with that of my students after the climb. Again, to be able to go to Pulag, I negotiated with mountaineers in 7-eleven… I managed to join a group of Spanish and German Mountaineers.
Along the way, I became an instant ‘tourist guide’ of the group, which I enjoyed! Likewise, I served as an interpreter... and their spoke person! We trekked via Ambangeg Trail and reached the campsite in just 3 hours of climb, my fastest ever! While on our way, I invited them to visit other mountains especially in Bicol.
At last for the first time, I was able to experience a better weather… we reached the camp without experiencing any rain shower. However, a couple of hours after setting our tents and preparing our dinner, heavy rain poured… and it lasted until next day. Artemio, a young Spanish Anthropologist transferred in my tent when rainwater drifted in his tent. We were almost sleepless due to a very rich discussion about world politics and FilHispanic Time stories. Artemio claimed that he was a descendant of Spanish Lieutenant who was assigned in the Philippines in 1880’s that’s why he visited the country. He shared that his Spanish Lieutenant ancestor had a son (technically his grandfather’s half-brother) and settled in Central Luzon. Furthermore, he told me that he had a plan to look for the offspring of his grandfather’s half-brother in Pampanga.
Due to heavy rain and very cold weather, we did not assault the summit. Instead, we had our breakfast together, and waited for the weather to improve which happened after three hours. We descended the mountain, still filled with joy despite of the weather because we were able to share each other’s culture and stories.
There was no sea of clouds, it was more than that… a flood of clouds but that confined us in a place conducive for socialization and apt for establishing friendship.
By the way, five months later, I learned that Artemio was able to trace his relatives, not in Pampanga but in Urdaneta City.
CLIMB WITH DMS ALUMNI, 2011
Climb with DMS Alumni; never mind the weather.
On December 17-18, 2011; I was invited by Pj, one of the pioneers of DMS to join their group in Mt. Pulag. There was a typhoon in Mindanao but the PAG-ASA forecast insinuated a good weather in Northern Luzon; so, we pushed through with the climb.
As usual, we met in 7-eleven near Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Baguio and met Tony, Pj’s jeepney driver contact. We were joined by group of young doctors, all DMS Alumni; a Korean exchange student and some other DMS pioneers.
The weather was fine in Baguio and in Kabayan which gave me hope again to experience good weather in Pulag. When we registered and attended the orientation in DENR, the sun is scorching… the road was dusty. When we arrived at the Ranger Station, it was likewise sunny.
The situation suddenly changed when we started the trek via Ambangeg Trail… we experienced ‘on-off rain shower’ and when we reached the campsite, it became heavier. At first we stayed at the sleeping hut of the guide and waited for at least a good moment to set up our tents. The temperature then was already 11 degrees… it was very cold! After three-long hours, there was no sign that the rain will stop, we forcedly set up our tent over muddy soil. Outright, upon setting; water drifted in my tent ‘floor’… luckily I have a tarpaulin, large rubber sleeping pad, and a good sleeping bag that gave me a dry surface. Upon setting the tent, I immediately changed my wet clothes to stop the involuntary shivering. When I entered the tent, I did not see my fellow climbers anymore… we stayed in our respective tent until morning!
Instead of cooking dinner, I resort to loaf bread and cheese for dinner. I could not set up my cooking equipment due to heavy rain and chilling temperature.
Since I started climbing, that moment was the longest time I stayed in a tent. Even during call of nature, I resorted to creative means as a rejoinder. I had nothing to do but to write on my journal… and from time to time shout and send signal to my fellow climbers that I am ok and I am secured.
The strong wind further aggravated the situation. Some of my companions’ tent did not withstand the effect of the wind and was forced to transfer to other tents. I was asking some of them to join me, but I was at the end of the tent alignment, and they don’t want to be exposed further under the torrential rain and strong wind. The tent for two was able to accommodate six persons! Probably, I was the luckiest then because I have a dry place to sleep.
The rain and strong wind did not stop until the next day. Some of the first timers in Pulag was quite disappointed due to the miserable condition. They were sleepless, wet and unsatisfied with the food for no one could cook. We did not assault the summit, instead we stayed in our respective tents. In my case, to avoid boredom; I made myself busy writing and sketching something in my journal… I was also praying that none of us would succumbed to hypothermia.
We broke our camp under the heavy rain. We eventually descended and trekked back to the Ranger Station in shivering cold. Due to very cold weather, none of us had extreme courage to have a shower, instead; we went directly to our jeepney service and immediately drove back to DENR station… where the weather is very fine!
The DENR station was jam-packed with tidying climbers. So we simply logged out and proceeded to Baguio City. Luckily, along the way, in one of the restaurant at the bank of a river, there were shower rooms… so, after eating; we were able to neaten ourselves.
We were not aware that while we were experiencing miserable situation in the campsite, Mindanao was pounded by a strong typhoon. We never expected that the news that is waiting for us in the city is the devastation in key cities of southern Philippines. We were still lucky then… at least.
On December 17-18, 2011; I was invited by Pj, one of the pioneers of DMS to join their group in Mt. Pulag. There was a typhoon in Mindanao but the PAG-ASA forecast insinuated a good weather in Northern Luzon; so, we pushed through with the climb.
As usual, we met in 7-eleven near Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Baguio and met Tony, Pj’s jeepney driver contact. We were joined by group of young doctors, all DMS Alumni; a Korean exchange student and some other DMS pioneers.
The weather was fine in Baguio and in Kabayan which gave me hope again to experience good weather in Pulag. When we registered and attended the orientation in DENR, the sun is scorching… the road was dusty. When we arrived at the Ranger Station, it was likewise sunny.
The situation suddenly changed when we started the trek via Ambangeg Trail… we experienced ‘on-off rain shower’ and when we reached the campsite, it became heavier. At first we stayed at the sleeping hut of the guide and waited for at least a good moment to set up our tents. The temperature then was already 11 degrees… it was very cold! After three-long hours, there was no sign that the rain will stop, we forcedly set up our tent over muddy soil. Outright, upon setting; water drifted in my tent ‘floor’… luckily I have a tarpaulin, large rubber sleeping pad, and a good sleeping bag that gave me a dry surface. Upon setting the tent, I immediately changed my wet clothes to stop the involuntary shivering. When I entered the tent, I did not see my fellow climbers anymore… we stayed in our respective tent until morning!
Instead of cooking dinner, I resort to loaf bread and cheese for dinner. I could not set up my cooking equipment due to heavy rain and chilling temperature.
Since I started climbing, that moment was the longest time I stayed in a tent. Even during call of nature, I resorted to creative means as a rejoinder. I had nothing to do but to write on my journal… and from time to time shout and send signal to my fellow climbers that I am ok and I am secured.
The strong wind further aggravated the situation. Some of my companions’ tent did not withstand the effect of the wind and was forced to transfer to other tents. I was asking some of them to join me, but I was at the end of the tent alignment, and they don’t want to be exposed further under the torrential rain and strong wind. The tent for two was able to accommodate six persons! Probably, I was the luckiest then because I have a dry place to sleep.
The rain and strong wind did not stop until the next day. Some of the first timers in Pulag was quite disappointed due to the miserable condition. They were sleepless, wet and unsatisfied with the food for no one could cook. We did not assault the summit, instead we stayed in our respective tents. In my case, to avoid boredom; I made myself busy writing and sketching something in my journal… I was also praying that none of us would succumbed to hypothermia.
We broke our camp under the heavy rain. We eventually descended and trekked back to the Ranger Station in shivering cold. Due to very cold weather, none of us had extreme courage to have a shower, instead; we went directly to our jeepney service and immediately drove back to DENR station… where the weather is very fine!
The DENR station was jam-packed with tidying climbers. So we simply logged out and proceeded to Baguio City. Luckily, along the way, in one of the restaurant at the bank of a river, there were shower rooms… so, after eating; we were able to neaten ourselves.
We were not aware that while we were experiencing miserable situation in the campsite, Mindanao was pounded by a strong typhoon. We never expected that the news that is waiting for us in the city is the devastation in key cities of southern Philippines. We were still lucky then… at least.
DMS TRAINING CLIMB
DMS Training Climb
As part of training climb series to be able to be inducted as full-pledge member, the remaining 8 applicants (Roan, Ayn, Bob, Mhieyo, Jessica, Jean, John Barry and me), a number of full-pledge members, officers and advisers; we headed to Benguet on February 5-6, 2012. This was my seventh climb in Mt. Pulag.
Honestly, that time, I kept on wishing that the Almighty will grant me the chance to see the “sea of clouds” and the downhill view at the mountain’s summit. While on our way to Kabayan, Benguet; I was so hopeful because the sky was blue and the sun is vibrantly shining.
We arrived at the DENR registration post at around 8:00 AM, attended the orientation and mingled with other climbers from various parts of the country. That time, as we are on our way to the Ranger Station, I did not mind the dusty road for I knew that that was a good sign of a favorable weather in the mountain.
We started trekking at around 10:00 AM under the heat of the sun… sharing stories and jokes, and for some senior members, “kumustahan”… it was a good trekking start. We were able to enjoy the beauty of the different features along Ambangeg Trail. We reached the campsite after almost five hours… the sun is nowhere to see, it was foggy.
I started to accept the fact that this seventh Pulag adventure will be under the same type of weather with my other previous visit… I’ve seen this situation before, now all I need is to accept the fate. Twenty minutes after we arrived, the rain poured heavily… and the storey of setting up the camp was very much identical with my previous climb. Furthermore, no dinner preparation because we opted to resort to loaf bread, cheese and milk during dinner.
I shared my tent to Ayn, we were far luckier than the other fellow climber because I insured to bring things that would gave me a dry sleeping space as I have learned in my past climbs. I have enough protection from chilling temperature… that time was 7.8 degrees Centigrade. Ayn and I were able to comfortably rest.
The next morning, there was no sea of clouds and no downhill view… It was still raining slightly when we assaulted the summit. And of course, we expected a totally white background in our souvenir photographs. But then, the situation did not hamper us to celebrate our successful summit assault. All were enthusiastic and excited in taking group pictures… all were still manifesting amazement despite of the situation. All of us were fulfilled and deeply delighted by the climb.
The rain stopped when we were on our way to the campsite… that gave us good time to break our camp and prepared for descending. We neaten ourselves at the Ranger Station and eventually headed back to Baguio.
As part of training climb series to be able to be inducted as full-pledge member, the remaining 8 applicants (Roan, Ayn, Bob, Mhieyo, Jessica, Jean, John Barry and me), a number of full-pledge members, officers and advisers; we headed to Benguet on February 5-6, 2012. This was my seventh climb in Mt. Pulag.
Honestly, that time, I kept on wishing that the Almighty will grant me the chance to see the “sea of clouds” and the downhill view at the mountain’s summit. While on our way to Kabayan, Benguet; I was so hopeful because the sky was blue and the sun is vibrantly shining.
We arrived at the DENR registration post at around 8:00 AM, attended the orientation and mingled with other climbers from various parts of the country. That time, as we are on our way to the Ranger Station, I did not mind the dusty road for I knew that that was a good sign of a favorable weather in the mountain.
We started trekking at around 10:00 AM under the heat of the sun… sharing stories and jokes, and for some senior members, “kumustahan”… it was a good trekking start. We were able to enjoy the beauty of the different features along Ambangeg Trail. We reached the campsite after almost five hours… the sun is nowhere to see, it was foggy.
I started to accept the fact that this seventh Pulag adventure will be under the same type of weather with my other previous visit… I’ve seen this situation before, now all I need is to accept the fate. Twenty minutes after we arrived, the rain poured heavily… and the storey of setting up the camp was very much identical with my previous climb. Furthermore, no dinner preparation because we opted to resort to loaf bread, cheese and milk during dinner.
I shared my tent to Ayn, we were far luckier than the other fellow climber because I insured to bring things that would gave me a dry sleeping space as I have learned in my past climbs. I have enough protection from chilling temperature… that time was 7.8 degrees Centigrade. Ayn and I were able to comfortably rest.
The next morning, there was no sea of clouds and no downhill view… It was still raining slightly when we assaulted the summit. And of course, we expected a totally white background in our souvenir photographs. But then, the situation did not hamper us to celebrate our successful summit assault. All were enthusiastic and excited in taking group pictures… all were still manifesting amazement despite of the situation. All of us were fulfilled and deeply delighted by the climb.
The rain stopped when we were on our way to the campsite… that gave us good time to break our camp and prepared for descending. We neaten ourselves at the Ranger Station and eventually headed back to Baguio.
I will not cease in visiting Mt. Pulag… this time, I will no longer totally aspire for the ‘sea of clouds’ and downhill view… Somehow, I knew that such will come as a bonus, because in the past seven climbs; my enjoyment was really due to the good social interactions among the members of the climbers while appreciating the wonders of the trail, and the ambiance of the summit and campsites.