“I stayed for 5 days with a simple but very happy family. My adopting Nanay, Edna Anis was very hardworking, and most of the time busy doing household chores, performing volunteer works in the Barangay Health Center, and taking care of family livelihood since the patriarch, MSgt. Anis is far from home, serving in the military. Despite of her busy schedule, Nanay would always find time to ensure that her children (including me then) were well-guided and well-nourished. One of the amazing things about this family is their way of manifesting hospitality to their visitors. Whenever, Nanay would leave the house; Teresa, Jake and Charles would ensure that I have companion.”
- Personal Journal, October 27, 2012
Jake’s series of persuasive requests to tell stories about my climbs when he learned it through my facebook cover page inspired me to try and climb the nearby Mt. Tagapo. Whenever I would share something about a certain mountain, Jake would try to compare it with the nearby Mt. Tagapo. From time to time Jake would express his desire to climb the said mountain.
On my second day in Talim Island, (that was October 24, 2012) I had a chance to roam around and explore the barangay. I never expected that I will be able to try to experience trekking through the mountain. Jake brought me to the trail head near the Barangay Hall of Gulod (according to Jake there is another trail from the nearby barangay) leading to the summit of the mountain. We then walked up to the “patay na ilog” and visited their farm, located almost halfway to the peak of Tagapo. We stayed in the farm for a while and eventually went back to the house. We simply enjoyed staring at the mountain while exchanging stories. We did not push to go to the summit because we have no permission from Nanay Edna. We went back to the house to asked permission from Nanay Edna to climb, although with little hesitation, she gave permission to me. However, she convinced Jake to remain in the house and instead climb the mountain in due time. So I hurriedly went back to the trailhead and jog along the trail. However, upon reaching the farm, I decided to move back because the horizon is showing sign of looming thunder storm. I decided to go back… when I reached the house, rain poured heavily almost nonstop until early morning.
After the brief rest, I pushed on and suddenly discovered that I was lost in the middle of the thick bamboo forest. I then trek back and found a small hut owned by Mang Jobite (possibly a relative of Nanay Edna). Mang Jobite and his son Melvin accompanied me to the trail junction leading to the summit which I missed because it was concealed by the rushing flood.
The view of the almost 360-degree view of the lake, coastal areas and the mountains of Laguna and Rizal was very spectacular! It was so refreshing that I decided to stay at the summit for an hour to enjoy the atmosphere. Furthermore, I was happy then to see newly planted trees which gave me hope that this mountain is at least being taken care of. I restored and replanted some newly planted trees which was affected by the rushing flood water before descending.
It took me around three hours to ascend the mountain, probably if I was not lost in the bamboo forest, the summit could be assaulted in just less than two hours. I was able to reach the trail head, less than an hour from the summit.
I went home fulfilled, with a lot of stories to tell to Jake and to Nanay Edna, Tere and Charles as well. I knew that my stories about the climb further inspire Jake to hike the mountain in due time.
“Mt. Tagapo was not as lofty as other mountains that I went through but it took me three tries to reach its summit. In a not so-complicated trail, I lost for an hour! I was so happy for I did not panic and I did not feel anything that hurt my mountaineer’s pride. Probably because I was able to keep the calmness of heart and the awareness that I am always with Him. We don’t need to be so tightly conscious about the rough terrain’s elevation for it is a ‘static’ aspect. Mountaineer should be sensitive to the nature’s mood to be able to find the right and best time to be there on top.”
- Personal Journal, October 24, 2012