Conquer Pulag!

Last weekend (Nov 21) I 've finally decided to push through with my plans of climbing Mt. Pulag, the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon.  Ever since i've heard about how majestic the mountain is, i've made it to the point to be part of my bucket list.  And true enough, it did not disappoint me. 

I've decided to join a tour group this time.  I've learned my lessons with my spontaneous Sagada adventure last year and I don't want it to happen again.  Besides,  I think It'll be difficult for me to make it a solo DIY climb.   Reminders from the tour group were also helpful on how to prepare for the climb. Aside from that, the group will also try to do some sidetrips  in addition to the actually climb.  About two weeks before, I engaged  myself in cardiotraining everyday just to prepare for the climb.  Considering my lifestyle, I know I will have a difficult time climbing the mountain.  I also did my research on stuff I should wear and bring.  Unfortunately, due to tight budget, I had to maximise the stuff that I have in my closet (note:  I suggest that you REALLY prepare and invest for your warmers).

          

 Ambuklao Dam

our Homestay

Summit View 

               

DENR Office

 Jangjang Hanging Bridge

   

Municipal Hospital

Our group left friday night in manila and arrived in baguio, sat around 4 am.  From the bus terminal, we took a jeepney ride going to Bokod, Benguet.  We stopped over to ambuklao dam, a hydroelectric power plant that supplies power and water in the area.  We also visited and crossover the Jangjang hanging bridge, a 290 m hanging bridge, located in sitio Jangjang.  We also stopped over a municipal hospital for us to get a medical clearance prior to the climb.  Unfortunately, casualties have been reported in the past due to health related reasons and since then, they're requiring medical clearance for mountaineers making sure they're fit to the climb. We dropped by the DENR office for orientation prior to the climb. They made us watch a video regarding Mt. Pulag's terrain, flora and fauna and what to expect during the climb.  A short lecture followed after.  We learned that there are several established trails going to the Summit and we'll be doing the easiest trail (thank God!). After the side trips, we  straight to our home stays, where we will be spending the rest of the day and prepare for the climb

At the Ranger Station 12:40 am

Our group's call time is 11:30 pm, Sat.  We took a jeepney to the ranger station, our starting point.  At exactly 12:40 am, our group start our assault to Mt. Pulag. The park can almost be divided into three areas, the pine forest, the moss and oak forest and grasslands.  There are a total of two campsites and three peaks in all with  steep areas but mostly since it's the "easiest" trail, will be straight paths.  We passed by the camp site near the ranger station.  Everyone is lighting our way and cheering for us as we start our journey to the summit.  Pine forest area is arguably easy.  Very few steep areas with mostly flat paths.  What made it challenging is that it was dark and hardly we see the path that we are traversing.  Our guide is nice enough to wait for us and give us rest stations since most of us in our group are first timers.  On the first campsite, we then saw the next group of campers.  There's a pit toilet here but i saw no water source nearby.  After resting here for few minutes, we then continue our climb.  

After the first campsite, you will now enter the mossy and oak area.  You will notice the change of plants and trees in this area.  Aside from that, there are spring waters here that's why the path is slippery, wet and muddy. This is also where areas of steep and slopes can be found so be ready.  Just move forward and rest if you need to.  You'll eventually find yourself in the second campsite.  There's not much difference here from the first camp site just be sure to take a rest here because the next area is much longer.   Grassland area is I think much  longer than the other areas, probably because it has many steep areas so I had to stop many times.  It is also the area where you can now feel the cold temperature. My hands are freezing for I forgot to bring gloves.  My water supply is almost depleted at this point and it's like it was taken straight from a freezer.  From here on, there there will be two peaks we need to get pass to reach the summit.  

summit, 4:50 am

After more than four hours of trekking, we arrived at the summit.  True enough, it was majestic! it was cold. Really, really cold. I had difficulty in taking pictures though because it is causing moisture in my camera lens. Aside from that it was difficult to stick out my hands aside my jacket because of the cold.  I can't even feel my face anymore because of the temperature.   It was one of the best sunrises I've seen in my life.  Too bad it was too foggy for us to see the sea of clouds completely on glimpse of it.  When I saw everything, I can't help but praise God how great He is and how wonderful He is.  It was priceless and totally worth the 4 hour climb.    

          

                                      

Chrysalis

Hello blog world! it's me *again* *again* *again* *again*

Yeah, probably you are all tired of hearing my "comebacks" to blogging.  I can't recall how many times i've tried to blog regularly again since I was in college.  You see, back then, I regularly update a blog everyday as much as possible. Basically, stories everything under the sun.  I had stories to tell back then, both interesting and not so interesting.  

There were occasions that I tried to blog regularly after that but then I guess I was too busy back then.  Not only that, I don't have regular and reliable internet connections that makes blogging easier.  But more so, I felt insignificant and uninteresting.  Grew tired of my life you can say.  

Now, I am returning to blogging again and I am planning to keep and stick with it this time.  You know what,  blogging has actually helped me to express myself. It actually helped me to have an outlet of things that I want to say and share.   Now, honestly, I don't know who I am.  I don't know how to share myself with anyone anymore.  Recently, I underwent an interview for a position I am applying for and they asked me a very basic question, "Tell me Something About Yourself?" and you know what? i turned blank. As in stare to the wall.  I don't know who I am anymore.  I lost the passion.  I lost hobbies.  I lost myself.  I am going back to blogging to find my wants, needs, what makes me happy and excited.  To find what makes me sad, depressed, my passion and what i value the most.  Hopefully, I can find myself again.  

So there, world! There's no one here but some 30 something year old single, filipino man, presently lost and contemplating with the hope of finding and sharing himself again to the world.  ^_^