January 2011, I received an invitation from Athens Outdoor Group to climb Tarak Ridge, part of the prehistoric crater rim of Mt. Mariveles in Bataan Peninsula. I planned to hike the ridge a lot of times in the past years but typhoon, bad weather and unforeseen changes in work schedule hampered and postponed the hike. The invitation stimulated my adrenalin and forced me to complete all my work assignments earlier to be able to join.
January 22, 2011 at 3:00 AM, I left my house to join the group. I was surprise that the members of the group were familiar faces, mostly my neighbors. We left our neighborhood at around 3:30 AM, proceed to Genesis Bus Terminal in Manila, and took the bus to Mariveles. We arrived in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles at around 8:00 AM and registered at the Barangay Hall. After buying some supplies, we started trekking at 9:00 PM.
Initially, we passed through the gravel road that cuts through residential areas and eventually through farmlands until we reached the trail head after twenty minutes. For three hours, trail steepness is gradual to manageable as it cuts through farmlands and eventually secondary growth forest. This is from the trail head to Papaya River, the traditional ‘meal stop’ of mountaineers.
January 22, 2011 at 3:00 AM, I left my house to join the group. I was surprise that the members of the group were familiar faces, mostly my neighbors. We left our neighborhood at around 3:30 AM, proceed to Genesis Bus Terminal in Manila, and took the bus to Mariveles. We arrived in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles at around 8:00 AM and registered at the Barangay Hall. After buying some supplies, we started trekking at 9:00 PM.
Initially, we passed through the gravel road that cuts through residential areas and eventually through farmlands until we reached the trail head after twenty minutes. For three hours, trail steepness is gradual to manageable as it cuts through farmlands and eventually secondary growth forest. This is from the trail head to Papaya River, the traditional ‘meal stop’ of mountaineers.
Together with Mark, Glenn, Renz, Jhay and I we arrived in Papaya River at around 12:00. As we cook our lunch at the bank, other enjoyed the cold and refreshing water of the river. The second pack arrived thirty minutes behind us, just in time for our prepared lunch. Our food was simply steamed rice and cooked canned goods but the atmosphere of the place was so relaxing and everyone’s gesture to share smiles and stories despite of tiredness made the moment extra special. There were enthusiasm, empathy and cooperation among the group! With that delight, I managed to write this phrase to my journal…
“The humorous stories of Jhay with the jolly physical rejoinder of Renz; and the unusual ‘exchange of gestures’ between Mark and Glenn; concealed the difficulties of the climb… Psychologically, our constant laughter eased the obstacles of the trek. I was actually expecting for difficult impediments as what I read about the trail of this mountain… yeah, it was physically difficult but I don’t remember any agonizing situation from the very start of the climb to the river bank where we are resting right now.”
After our lunch, others decided to further enjoy the river; others fell asleep and in my case; others simple sat down and enjoyed the cool breeze; and in my case, I simply get my journal to write some of my thoughts at that very moment. How I wish to stay more time in Papaya River but we have a target to reach, the ridge!
We left the river at around 2:00 PM. We push further to woodlands, dealt with stiff assault, large rocks and crossed a number of landslides. The trail was steep and there are very challenging assault! I was so tired but upon reaching the grassy area, there was sudden gust of adrenalin… I knew that time that the ridge was just few steps away!
“The humorous stories of Jhay with the jolly physical rejoinder of Renz; and the unusual ‘exchange of gestures’ between Mark and Glenn; concealed the difficulties of the climb… Psychologically, our constant laughter eased the obstacles of the trek. I was actually expecting for difficult impediments as what I read about the trail of this mountain… yeah, it was physically difficult but I don’t remember any agonizing situation from the very start of the climb to the river bank where we are resting right now.”
After our lunch, others decided to further enjoy the river; others fell asleep and in my case; others simple sat down and enjoyed the cool breeze; and in my case, I simply get my journal to write some of my thoughts at that very moment. How I wish to stay more time in Papaya River but we have a target to reach, the ridge!
We left the river at around 2:00 PM. We push further to woodlands, dealt with stiff assault, large rocks and crossed a number of landslides. The trail was steep and there are very challenging assault! I was so tired but upon reaching the grassy area, there was sudden gust of adrenalin… I knew that time that the ridge was just few steps away!
I managed to arrive at the camp site at around 3:20 PM. While waiting for my companions, I chose the best camping area, marked (reserve) it, and set up my tent. I likewise took out my cook set and stove to at least greet my fellow climbers with coffee and bread upon arrival in the camp site. Sadly, I fell asleep while waiting for them because I was forced to stay inside the tent by the slight rain shower; thus, no coffee to welcome my companions.
At 4:00; half of our group members arrived and set their respective tents in the marked area while waiting for the other members. Others, prepared snacks and set the place where we will be preparing and sharing our dinner. At 4:35, all members of the group were able to reach the campsite… although tired, the group was still vibrant… sharing snacks and trail food was a usual gesture! After resting, we explore the highest part of the ridge (for some it was the summit)… there was a beautiful mossy forest that greeted us! The rock formations, the downhill view, the lush forest, as well as the ravine (probably part of the large caldera) was so delightful! I had few personal pictures because of drained camera battery, so, I closely stared on the good views and tried to keep a clear memory of the beautiful place. That time, I entered these phrases in my journal...
“The lush forest, the beautiful downhill views, the stunning rocks, the vibrant sound of birds, the soaring eagle, and the cheering mountaineers kept my silence. My mind was appeased, and my heart was delighted by the beauty of the place. For unexplainable reason, I whispered; I will be here, I was here, I will always be here. This is me, this place is the forgotten me.”
At 4:00; half of our group members arrived and set their respective tents in the marked area while waiting for the other members. Others, prepared snacks and set the place where we will be preparing and sharing our dinner. At 4:35, all members of the group were able to reach the campsite… although tired, the group was still vibrant… sharing snacks and trail food was a usual gesture! After resting, we explore the highest part of the ridge (for some it was the summit)… there was a beautiful mossy forest that greeted us! The rock formations, the downhill view, the lush forest, as well as the ravine (probably part of the large caldera) was so delightful! I had few personal pictures because of drained camera battery, so, I closely stared on the good views and tried to keep a clear memory of the beautiful place. That time, I entered these phrases in my journal...
“The lush forest, the beautiful downhill views, the stunning rocks, the vibrant sound of birds, the soaring eagle, and the cheering mountaineers kept my silence. My mind was appeased, and my heart was delighted by the beauty of the place. For unexplainable reason, I whispered; I will be here, I was here, I will always be here. This is me, this place is the forgotten me.”
After exploring the area, we went back to our camp; while preparing our dinner, the rain suddenly poured but did not take so long… and did not spoil the laughter. We had our lunch at 7:00 PM… marinated pork chop, corned beef, tuna and hot instant noodles! It was as special as our lunch… not for the reason that we had the best food but simply because there was very visible appreciation of each one’s presence. After our socials, we retired to our respective tent at around 9:00 PM.
I was joined in the tent by Vio De Lara (now a Mechanical Engineer and a very passionate mountaineer). At first, I thought that Vio was one of my neighbors, a member of Athens Outdoor Group; but I learned that he was from other place and was just invited by Kenneth Abat (also now an Engineer now), his classmate. As far as I remember then, before we close our eyes, Vio shared that it was his first climb. Before completely resting, I wrote this in my journal...
“I was with Vio, a first timer… while on our way to the camp, he never complained; instead he kept on moving and pushing as if he had been in the trail before. His legs and knees were strong and his alertness is visibly remarkable. The enjoyment that he manifested is a sign that he will soon be a rough terrain enthusiast… strong man on trails.”
I was joined in the tent by Vio De Lara (now a Mechanical Engineer and a very passionate mountaineer). At first, I thought that Vio was one of my neighbors, a member of Athens Outdoor Group; but I learned that he was from other place and was just invited by Kenneth Abat (also now an Engineer now), his classmate. As far as I remember then, before we close our eyes, Vio shared that it was his first climb. Before completely resting, I wrote this in my journal...
“I was with Vio, a first timer… while on our way to the camp, he never complained; instead he kept on moving and pushing as if he had been in the trail before. His legs and knees were strong and his alertness is visibly remarkable. The enjoyment that he manifested is a sign that he will soon be a rough terrain enthusiast… strong man on trails.”
I woke up at 5:30 AM, the sun was already displaying its might above the horizon. The reddish sky and the dramatic cloud formation created a very picturesque view especially in eastern direction. How great to start the day seeing this view! While others were still resting well in their tents, I decided to explore again the ridge and took more pictures.
Upon learning that others were already awake, and some were about to prepare the breakfast, I went back to the camp. We had our breakfast at 8:00 PM and eventually broke our tent and fix our things from 9:00 to 10:00. We then started descending at 10:15 and reached Papaya River at 12:00 AM were we stopped, cooked and enjoyed our lunch. We started trekking further down at 1:30 PM and reach the first pack of our group reached the trailhead at 3:30 PM. After quick rest, we proceeded to the Barangay Hall and looked for a place where we can clean ourselves along the highway but some members of our group who were left behind used the facilities at the trailhead for tidying up. At 4:30PM, we were already waiting for our groupmates. We then panicked because three buses had already passed by and the last trip to Manila was about to pass Barangay Alas-asin. Luckily, when the bus came, there were no passengers and we were able to persuade the driver to wait for 15 more minutes but still our groupmates did not arrive. However, some other mountaineering groups that descended the mountain started to reach the highway and eventually get on the waiting bus. Whenever the bus would decide to go on, the driver would see other mountaineers in the distance rushing towards the bus… that prolonged the waiting time! Our companions managed to catch the bus but most of the seats were already taken when we get aboard… but the case did not hamper for us to continue the laughter and reminisce the memorable accounts of the hike. Laughter faded after few hours when most of the group fell asleep due to tiredness.
The climb was a celebration of friendship, camaraderie and cooperation in the middle of a spectacular masterpiece of nature.
The climb was a celebration of friendship, camaraderie and cooperation in the middle of a spectacular masterpiece of nature.