On June 11, 2011; Jhay and I together with Ritchie left Dasmariñas at 2:00 AM to meet the Nasakilak Group in Manila. After meeting the group, we eventually took the bus to San Fernando, Pampanga and arrived there at 5:30 AM. We waited for some other Nasakilak members and proceeded to Barangay Ayala in Magalang and arrived there at 7:30 AM.
We then proceed to the Military Camp and register. Due to the huge number of climbers, the organizer decided to divide the group into five batches, each shall leave the camp every after 30 minutes. Our group were chosen to be the last to leave the camp. We were scheduled to leave at 10:30 AM, so the group decided to prepare our early lunch while waiting for our turn to trek. The long waiting time gave us a chance to at least talk and be familiar with each other, thus, during our turn to leave; we became much more comfortable with each other.
We reached the North Peak (Peak 1) at 3:30 PM. The trail has Philippine National Police communication installation. I am sure that time that the said facilities is very vital in for police operations due to the significant number of police guards, and to the security and safety amenities within the site. The view on top is very breath taking… Mt. Arayat selflessly and openly revealed its grandeur! I was so fulfilled and delighted because I seldom experience an outright ‘clearing’!
After the dinner, we had socials… this time, the story is much more personal and more of getting to know each other better! It was another fulfilling and delightful day in the mountain. We discussed the next early day’s Independence Day flag ceremony and rested in our respective tent assignments.
After enjoying our breakfast; we had a very solemn flag ceremony. This was the most meaningful Independence Day celebration that I had.
We immediately broke our camp and prepare for our descending. This time, via Barangay Bano, Arayat. We were advised that this will be the most difficult part of our trekking activity. Once again, our group was the last to leave the camp site. At 10:00 AM, our turn came to leave… we started the journey with a very steep in almost unrecognizable trail at the back of the PNP installations. We passed through various obstacles, the almost 90-degree descent, large boulder crossing, densely covered ridge, steep loose-soil slope, and the thorny shrub covered trail… that covers the trail from north to the south peak! It was dangerous and difficult. Reaching the other peak is the best news for us… because that’s the start of a very manageable descend to the other side of the mountain.
After we crossed the forest, we passed through mango farm, vegetable farm and finally a registration check point! After exiting, I looked back at the mountain…closed my eyes and whispered ‘thank you’. Then, I walk ten steps farther, had a glimpse of the rough terrain again, and softly spoke ‘I was there'.
After further walking down through a zigzag road, we arrived at the spring resort in Barangay Juan Bano, neatened ourselves, and eventually went back to Manila. I was very thankful with Jhay and Nasakilak Mountaineering Group for this climbing opportunity. This Mt. Arayat climb was a great chance to be able to appreciate the beauty of nature; meet new friends; enjoy the spectacular view; and most importantly, discover oneself.