Photo with my cousin Franz Lasco, at Durungawan I (Peak of Mt. Banahaw), April 16, 2003.
Year after year, many people are drawn to the passion of mountain climbing. And as hiking grows in popularity, the population of 'beginners' also increases. However, we were all beginners once, and in the succeeding posts of mine, I will share with you my thoughts as a novice hiker and dreamer. Fortunately, I have journal entries handwritten during my very first adventures. These are real-time narratives. I will begin with Mt. Banahaw, my first-ever major climb on April 15-16, 2003. I was 16 then:
April 15, 2003
Wind. That’s what I am feeling here- cold. But excited. We’re halfway through the trail to Durungawan (the peak) and we’re spending the night here- a few minutes’ walk above the so-called ‘Kweba ng Diyos Ama’.
The voyage was very difficult, Herculean even. Climbing Mt. Makiling is child’s play compared to this kind of adventure. There were ‘walls’ to climb by ropes; there were almost-vertical rock climbs and very steep trails. It is really a mountain to climb, but I am enjoying this, because adventure is, and will always be close to my heart.
The village in Kinabuhayan was bustling with activity when we stopped over there. We trekked until we reached Crystalino Falls, then we proceeded to ‘Salaming Bubog’, and we walked on until we reached this place. Franz and I had Spam w/ Tabasco in rice, neatly placed in a banana leaf, as dinner. I am now inside the tent with Franz and Ephraim.
Another day of hiking awaits me.
April 16, 2003 4:43 AM.
Just woke up. %^!@$! It’s freezing cold up here! And rocks litter the floors of the tent and that makes sleeping grossly uncomfortable. But I managed. I still believe that our spot (which is located above the rest of the tents) is way better than others.
The falls were disappointing. Only drops trickle down, and I was expecting real rapids. I heard an old woman say, “There used to be a real waterfalls here.”
All sorts of people climb here, but a majority comes from local fraternities, and they are mostly youths. There are also old timers, cults, gays, and so on. To assist us all are volunteers that are stationed in most of the key locations.
This momentous adventure gives me time to momentarily escape from life and reexamine it in a different perspective. The peace that can only be found here instructs us about the ideal way of living, which I will try to achieve.
Note: the mountaineers are real friendly. Some would even greet you. Ask them how far Durungawan is, and they’ll oblige with an answer to the best of their ability. Those answers, however, are often conflicting and unreliable.
We’re still adequately supplied. I still have 3 liters of water in my pack. I have strawberry jam-bread, some cookies, some candies, and a functioning two-way radio unit. My survival training-Casio watch has proven useful. And my cousin and best buddy Franz is here, as always.
My body? I’ll manage. Fatigue hasn’t worn me out- yet. I just felt some headache earlier. I’ve just changed clothes, and that has made me quite comfortable.
The peak still needs to be conquered.
April 16, 2003 11:31 AM.
We made it!! I am writing as I enjoy the majestic view here in Durungawan I, Banahaw’s peak and the roof of Southern Luzon. We all made it after 23 hrs 07 mins of hiking and camping. We’ll just eat some and head back home. The clouds are beside us, covering and uncovering the lowlands of the southern provinces.
Many people are here, too, for various reasons: some for religion, some for recreation. But the question is: why spend 23 hours just to have a few minutes up here?
The answer lies in the fact that all this is part of the journey, which is what really matters. A pianist rehearses a piece for long months just for one performance. But it is all worth it, because part of life is pushing yourself to the limits, to the best of your ability and the most of your potential.
This is a dream come true, and I thank God for granting me, here in this lofty place, peace and enlightenment, which I pray I can carry with me down from this mountain, in another journey called LIFE.
Gideon Lasco
From the Peak of Mt. Banahaw (2,158m+)
Quezon Province, Philippines
Friday, June 26, 2009
Hiking matters #59: Banahaw, my first major climb
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fourth of July Mt. Pinatubo Trek
On July 4, 2009 we are holding another trip to Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake. The rate for the tour is still P2,000 inclusive of transportation to and from Manila and the 4x4 ride, guides, entrance and conservation fees, complimentary drinks/light snacks. For more information, you can email trekpinatubo@gmail.com or contact 09223487619
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Petzl: unanimous headlamps of choice
Gear review by Cecil Morella (AMCI)
Equipment Adviser, PinoyMountaineer.com
We all get our first headlamps at the home improvement shop-- heavy, bulky, oftentimes fragile models. But cheap. Obstinate newbies climb with a penlight or a key light. Everyone always upgrades once they had gone through the terror of the night trek. In the dark you need both hands to stay upright, and crossing a ridge, descending a rocky slope, or fording a river is a dangerous time to lose your only means of illumination.
There are many excellent brands out there for getting you out of tight spots, but in my club the near unanimous choice is Petzl, by a French mountaineering and rescue outfitter that traces its roots to the sport of caving. After my Petzl Tikka Plus, with four light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, was stolen I bought a single-LED Petzl Tikka XP. Both use a single elastic strap headband and three AAA batteries.
Other Petzl models that do the job just as well include the basic Tikka and the Petzl Tikkina, and more powerful but also generally heavier models favoured by some of my friends that use bigger AA batteries like the Petzl Myolite 3 with both LED and Xenon bulbs and the single-LED Myo XP. Some other high-end Petzl headlamp models have separate battery packs attached to a waist belt and thus are more suited to industrial or household use, while others have ultra-bright beams but shorter burn time, best for adventure racing.
Compact, water-resistant, durable and economical, turn on the Petzls in driving rain and the light would still be working perfectly five days later even if you had forgotten to switch them off. The Tikka XP and Tikka Plus last six days on economy mode and the Myo XP is good for at least a week, non-stop. Encased in plastic, the ultralight Tikka series models weigh between 78-95 grams, not much heavier or bigger than the collective mass and weight of the batteries themselves, while the higher-end Myo models weigh about double. All the Tikka models save the basic versions have a strobe, or blinking mode, that marks out the user for rescuers. My headlamp throws a 35-metre high beam compared to 32 metres for Tikka Plus and 27 metres for the basic Tikka. All are bright enough for picking out the trail and for choosing secure footholds and handholds during night treks as well as for performing typical nighttime campsite chores including meal preparation, packing, pitching tents, emergency gear repairs, and finding your way in the bush when relieving yourself. The Myolite 3's powerful Xenon bulb throws a 76-metre beam. Leave the Petzls on up your tent loft if you are the type who dreads sleeping in the dark. I also use my headlamp around the house for reading and domestic chores during power outages.
The headlamp assembly ratchets up and down securely to direct the light where needed, while some models have a diffuser that slides over the bulb for a wider light coverage. The switch, brightness and boost functions for the Tikka XP are controlled by small buttons at the top of the housing. A single switch controls the basic Tikka and the newest Tikka Plus models, while a bezel does the job for the Myolite 3, like a flashlight. A battery life indicator on the Tikka XP gives me at least two days' advance warning -- flashing orange when the charge is down to 30 percent and red when the juice is down to 10 percent.
These lamps are maintenance-free and LED bulbs have very long lifespans, but make sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only normal non-rechargeable batteries, as there have been reported cases of rechargeable batteries causing the power cable to the Myo series lamps to melt or spark.
Pull out the batteries when you return home from a climb, as leaving them inside the casing for long (or not climbing regularly, or both) will corrode the metal contact points. Opening the Petzl casing takes some practice, though once you get the hang of it you will be able to change batteries in the dark.
Final update: Pico de Loro Climb for the Environment
Thank you to everyone who submitted their registration forms for the Pico de Loro Climb for the Environment on July 11, 2009. The Climb Secretariat, Daniel Dellosa, has already sent emails to acknowledge your reservation and for instructions on how to confirm your slots in the climb.
For those who did not receive a confirmation email, or for those who still want to participate in this fundraiser-climb, please accomplish the registration form and submit to info@pinoymountaineer.com. The climb fee (for everything including transportation and the fundraiser contribution) is P1000. Submissions will be entertained only until Friday this week.
Also, I would like to announce that there will be another 'Climb for the Environment' that will be held in September. This time, the venue would be Mt. Talamitam.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to climbing with the participants of the Climb for the Environmetn on July 11, 2009.
More BMCs this season: UPM and EMS
The UP Mountaineers will be having their Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) soon, and I was informed that the Applicants' Orientation will on July 3 (Friday), 7pm in UP Diliman. Exact venue to be announced. Visit their upmountaineers.multiply.com for more details.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Hiking matters #58: Break in Boracay
STATION 1, BORACAY - Five days after the Visayan Voyage and five days before I enter medical internship in PGH, here I am in Boracay. Thankfully Hannah Hotel here has Wi-fi access so I can still update PinoyMountaineer.com.
This island has long been scoffed at by backpackers as a "commercialized" place but hey - no one goes to Boracay for the pristine. Instead, Boracay is here for people to unwind and relax at the "world's best tropical beach".
There are outdoor/adventure activities too. This afternoon, my siblings and I parasailed for fifteen minutes, and in front of us was Mt. Madjaas and nearby mountains. Also we drove ATVs around the island and took the very short trek up Mt. Luho, the highest point in Boracay (around 100m) and an excellent viewdeck.
Many thanks to SEAir for supporting my adventures; the very swift, thirty-something-minute flight via SEAir was very smooth and convenient. Right now I am craving for another Jonah's fruit shake and my cousins are egging me to take a nightwalk by the beach. Perhaps I should not spend too much time with my laptop here in paradise!
Hiking matters #57: Visayan Voyage 5 - Majestic Madjaas!
The final mountain of the Visayan Voyage was no less than Mt. Madjaas, the legendary highest mountain in Panay island and an elusive dream for many Filipino hikers.
Why? Because access is difficult. For a long time, there have been rumors of NPA (and RPA) activity in the area, not to mention the distance and logistical complications. Indeed, it technically takes three permits to climb Madjaas - one from the Provincial Police, one from the Municipial Chief of Police, and another from the Municipal Mayor.
Besides, the mountain is a really difficult three-day climb. And we found that out for ourselves last April 14-16, 2009. We were already quite tired after four mountains and almost a thousand kilometers of land/sea travel. Yet, Madjaas was a target we didn't want to miss.
Fortunately, the Master Guide, Josue, was still in the barangay and he agreed to take us to the summit. The first part of the trail was a punishingly steep , open slope reminiscent of the Zambales mountain. The view though is nice - of highland villages and even some rice terraces. Then, a forest ensues until you reach Camp 1.
Camp 1 is a very nice place to spend the night: it has a rock cleft where you can take shelter and cook when it's raining; there's also an adjacent stream where you can bathe. From Camp 1 the next day, Josue took us to a very steep detour that requires fording some streams and scaling some precarious trails. Here I got a nasty 'lipa' lashing and we had to cross an unpassable trail segment via the branches above (cool!)
Then we arrived at Camp 3, having circumvented Camp 2. From this Camp we assaulted the summit. Meanwhile, the trees have been dwarfed and mossy - therefore beautiful. Several narrow ridges, some deer track sightings, and finally before 1430H of Day 2, we reached the tiny summit of Madjaas. The highest measurement was 2116 masl.
Then descent and a joyous celebration that night. Being the last of the Voyage climbs, we decided to splurge on trail food and I brought my usual Nerds candies, Tabasco hot sauce, strawberry Stik-O wafer sticks, House of Hannover bread crumbs, and even peach slices with syrup (which, when mixed with river water, makes excellent juice!)
Instead of being unremarkable, we found reasons to make the descent memorable. Best of which was the strawberry fields along the trail where we plucked wild berries with abandon! That was the best trail food ever. And the best trail drink? Home-brewed locally-grown coffee from Josue's hut near the end of the trail.
When we arrived back at the jumpoff of Day 3, there was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. We had not just climbed one major mountain, but five challenging peaks - Osmena Peak Traverse, Kanlaon, Talinis Traverse, Pan de Azucar Traverse, and the formidable Madjaas. We were very very tired but fortunately we suffered no injuries and we thank God for the safety He gave throughout the journey. For the Madjaas leg, the team that remained was comprised of: me, Gideon and Jacob Sarreal, Lalaine and Ted Hablado, and Bianca Silva.
The next day, we went back to Iloilo City and Manila. End of the Visayan Voyage...but surely the next adventure is just around the corner!
PinoyMountaineer.com and the Visayan Voyage team thank Mayor Aida Alpas and Tourism Officer Romeo Alpas of Culasi, Antique, for their generous assistance that enabled the team to climb Mt. Madjaas.
Environmental Alert: Stop the illegal logging in Mt. Pulag National Park!
Nalulungkot ako sobra. It is very sad to report that illegal logging is currently, progressively, and mercilessly being done right within one of our natural treasures, the Mt. Pulag National Park. Severely endangered as a result are the pristine forests of Mt. Tabayoc, the second highest mountain in Luzon, as well as the slopes near the beautiful Lake Tabeyo.
This is a calamity of greater proportions. The Pulag park is one of our most important national treasures with its rich biodiversity and natural beauty; we cannot afford to lose it.
The DENR, fortunately, is taking steps to stop this, but they will definitely need help in this difficult battle. Sadly, some local governments are turning a blind eye on what is happening.
Pictures courtesy of sir Juancho (http://juanch.multiply.com/)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tadpole tents compared: Jetstream, Apexus, and the original TNF
Gear review by Cecil Morella (AMCI)
Equipment Adviser, PinoyMountaineer.com
As you build up your vertical mileage in mountain-climbing, you learn the hard way that certain things just do not mix: Tents and open flames. Rainfly and direct sunlight. Tents and washing machines. Fly and cat....
But for the marvelous invention called duct tape, the bored feline in a friend's home would have wrecked nearly a week's worth of sleeping arrangements on our Tawangan-Akiki traverse of Mount Pulag last year. In the end, the taped-up Apexus shell held up well in relatively dry conditions on the campsite beside the Eddet River, where our group's shelters were compared by another team to a "Baseco," the Manila slum notorious for its jobless men who sell their kidneys to the Japanese. But it had no answer to the deluge that swamped our Lake Tabeo camp, which thankfully came at dawn and not in the evening.
Dubbed as a "tadpole," the Apexus (Apexus Tadpole classic) and a similar model sold by second local outfitter, Jetstream (Jetstream Tadpole), are inspired by the iconic elongated, low-slung shelter produced by The North Face that gave the design its name - the TNF Tadpole 23. Two long poles intersect above the tapered rear end of the canopy, with a shorter third cross-pole creating headroom space at the wider front end, which has a single door and a vestibule. The design itself is now an anachronism in the age of avant-garde dome shelters with pre-bent, hubbed pole configurations and vast footprints that provide vestibules in pairs.
Built like caves and designed to withstand strong winds that would flatten shelters with plastic or fibreglass poles at high, open grassland campsites, the aerodynamic tadpoles hug the ground and their rectangular footprints come on their own in tight and narrow places where open space is at a premium -- think Tarak Ridge, where you are instantly under pressure to race to the campsite to claim valuable real estate if you had the misfortune of having packed a four-person tent -- or open grassland campsites like Pulag's Camp 3, where partial, "bikini" rainflies typical of beach tents could expose its occupants to hypothermia after sundown. My first ever tent was a Jetstream while I still frequently use a TNF Tadpole. Several friends of mine own Apexus, which comes in a variety of striking colours including hot pink that stands out even from several miles away. The local brands use clips to attach the tent body to the poles, ideal for fast pitching, while the TNF combines clips and sleeves for even more stability against the wind.
Given a choice, all of us would plump for the TNF in an instant, but at less than half the price, Jetstream and Apexus are real value for money (Gid's note: around P5,000+ for either). The Jetstream's livable area is about three inches shorter, an inch narrower and the headroom is four inches lower compared to the 26 square-foot TNF, while the Apexus is about an inch wider but four inches shorter and three inches lower than the TNF. Because I am taller than most my toes touch the radically sloping rear canopy of the 86-foot long Jetstream, forcing me to curl up or stretch out diagonally. That is why I usually treat tadpoles as solo tents, finding them a bit of a squeeze for two men. But a female friend said her Apexus routinely sleeps three women and sometimes four. She concedes "it's a bit tight" at the back, where their feet touch.
While the Apexus and Jetstream both have full-fly coverage like the TNF, care must be taken to pitch them properly and guy them tautly so the rainfly never sags onto the nylon mesh inner canopy, either through the force of the wind or loose guyout lines, which is sometimes a problem on uneven ground. Always pack string to give yourself flexibility with your pegs and guy lines. Both tents claim to weigh just under two kilograms minus the stakes, compared to about 2.3 kilos for the TNF version that I use, but you would need quite a few owing to their layout, and the pegs' collective weight swiftly adds up. To compensate, get a pair of scissors and trim the footprint if you use a regular-sized tarpaulin cut to conform to the tent's tapered shape, leaving about two inches or so for allowance.
My feet got wet for two nights' running from condensation while camped out in Signal Number 4 typhoon conditions in the forests of both Mosimus and Binulauan in Kalinga in 2006. All three tadpoles also let some rainwater through the door when you open the fly fully, even in the Apexus' U-shaped door which has two layers. My friend also said the seam seal of her tent started to unravel less than two years after purchase, which appears to be a common complaint with Apexus. There are of course do-it-yourself sealant remedies sold at outdoor shops, while at least one local shop actually accepts seam repair jobs along with broken pole replacements.
The other gripe for tadpoles is that the single vestibule cannot hold more than one backpack without blocking the door. Here you have a choice of tossing a coin with your tentmate or buying the TNF, whose long vestibule allows two packs to be stacked on one side.
Tent picture courtesy of Alex (alexskywalker.multiply.com)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Freedom Climb Message
PinoyMountaineer.com congratulates the over 2,400 participants who joined the First Annual Freedom Climb, a momentous event in Philippine mountaineering and hopefully this is just the start. Thanks be to God Almighty for benign weather last weekend. We commend the organizers for a job well done. Kudos to Jade Acidre, PNMS President and Climb Director for his dedicated leadership. Here is Jade's message for the mountaineering community:
Moments ago, 50 contingents coming from 90 mountaineering groups from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao successfully raised the Philippine flag on June 13, 2009 (Saturday) at exactly 0800 hrs. This attempt signals a new beginning for mountaineering as we stand united in celebrating our Independence Day. We were blessed with good weather conditions as the sun rose from the horizon and uplifted our spirits as the program went on. There were also contingents who climbed Gunung Datuk in Malaysia and another mountain in China. The Freedom climb celebration will be followed by a mountaineers motorcade going to the grand party to be held in Nasugbu, Batangas by July and a Freedom Climb Photo exhibit this coming August.
Also this July is the launching of www.freedomclimb.org.
Philippine National Mountaineering Society, PNMS along with other outdoor groups initiated a move to unify us all and work together in protecting and guarding our forests. These activities will further bring us in the mountaineering map in the world as a leading advocate of nature. May the 2,400 mountaineers who participated in the “The 1st Annual Freedom Climb 2009” send a strong message of peace and unity to our countrymen and may this be a start of a new awareness campaign against the destruction of our environment!
The event will be documented and will be shown in GMA7 “Born to Be Wild” and will be featured in some magazines and news. Some writers were able to join the climb and some observers also followed suit. The phenomenal success of “The 1st Annual Freedom Climb” inspired us to work even harder for next year’s Freedom Climb where mountaineers will attempt to break “The Guinness Book of World Records” as the most number of mountaineers who climbed in a single event plus the largest cleanup operation and Independence Day celebration done simultaneously. This historic event is another milestone to uplift our spirits and inspire us Filipinos that we can make it.
We would like to thank all the groups, individuals, sponsors, freelance climbers and the mountain guides. You are the reason why this event was conceptualized. At least for now, there’s a day of unity among us regardless of what group you belong. We will work harder in making this an annual event and we will pursue organizing events that will benefit the mountaineering community.
In behalf of all the 2,400 Freedom Climbers…MARAMING SALAMAT AT MABUHAY ANG PINOY MOUNTAINEERS!!!
Sincerely,
Jade Rance Acidre
PNMS President / Freedom Climb Director
Freedom Climb photo courtesy of Dennis Hilario.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hiking matters #56: Ilocos exploration / first ascents of two mountains
LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE - I have just arrived here from Solsona, Ilocos Norte after a successful first ascent of Mts. Sumagaysay and Mt. Timarid, as well as the first traverse of those two mountains from June 12-14, 2009. It was a privilege to be able to join the ONE Degree Mountaineering Group in this pioneering expedition.
The traverse was very strenuous - the first day involves climbing up a grassy ridge, then a trail-less dense forest, before finally reaching the summit of Mt. Sumagaysay with its breathtaking views of Ilocos Norte and pine forest environs. Then the second day involves crossing through ridges of pine forests, in steep, narrow trails to Mt. Timarid (1,560 masl est.). Finally, the third day requires several hours of negotiating you way through a long, winding river -- perhaps this is the most difficult part.
Anyway it's good to be back here in Laoag. Will have Ilocos longganiza in Saramsam Restaurant then take the 1915H Maria de Leon bus back to Manila. Will write more later when I get back to Manila.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A mountaineer's prayer
We wish the participants of the 1st Annual Freedom Climb a safe and successful climb, and we wish the same for all the hikers who will be climbing this long weekend. We will be celebrating the Philppine Independence Day tomorrow, but everytime we climb, we celebrate the beauty of God's creation and invoke his guidance and protection.
Lucy Larcom was an American poet who wrote beautiful poems and hymns about the mountains where she climbed. Two of her poems form what is now known as "A mountaineer's prayer". Although the language is archaic, any hiker can relate to the epiphanies that she describe, and the poem still rings beautifully:
A MOUNTAINEER'S PRAYER
Lucy Larcom, 1885
Gird me with the strength of Thy steadfast hills,
The speed of Thy streams give me!
In the spirit that calms, with the life that thrills,
I would stand or run for Thee.
Let me be Thy voice, or Thy silent power,
As the cataract, or the peak, —
An eternal thought, in my earthly hour,
Of the living God to speak!
Clothe me in the rose-tints of Thy skies,
Upon morning summits laid!
Robe me in the purple and gold that flies
Through Thy shuttles of light and shade!
Let me rise and rejoice in Thy smile aright,
As mountains and forests do!
Let me welcome Thy twilight and Thy night,
And wait for Thy dawn anew!
Give me the brook’s faith, joyously sung
Under clank of its icy chain!
Give me of the patience that hides among
The hill-tops, in mist and rain!
Lift me up from the clod, let me breathe Thy breath,
Thy beauty and strength give me!
Let me lose both the name and the meaning of death,
In the life that I share with Thee!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Talamitam climb advisories lifted
It is time to move on from the problems of the past. As a result of the reported theft in Sembrano, climbing activity decreased by an estimated 60% and I'm sure this is more than enough for the locals to realize that they better fix their backyard to attract more visitors. Although no charges were officially filed, the suspect was severely reprimanded by leading officials in the locality and no further cases of theft have been reported to us. Hence, as of June 1, 2009 the Climb Advisory vs. Sembrano has been lifted in PinoyMountaineer.com. Thus it is our opinion that it is safe to climb Sembrano -- the usual precautions still apply of course.
Then we also reported about a local dispute in Talamitam between Nick Wijangco and a group of locals called CCEM led by Bro. Ted Calimag. Without rendering judgment on their arguments, we have to note and appreciate the efforts of the latter in nurturing the mountain - this includes a tree-planting activity last week - and I hope that the whole local community will join hands in protecting and promoting Talamitam. We have not heard of any mountaineer-related problem since this issue came up and it is also our opinion that it is safe to climb Talamitam.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Camp Recipes by Fish: Beef Tap-aah!
by Chef Louie Lee Castro (UPM)
Starting June 2009, Chef Louie Lee "Fish" Castro of the UP Mountaineers will give us practical tips and zesty recipes for an outdoor culinary experience!
Food is our main fuel to get us going, especially during long treks up & down major mountains. It is also a part of our socials during dinner time as we celebrate stories of success, failures, experiences & friendship.
Who would choose canned goods & instant noodles over a Beef Tapa meal after those long hours of trekking? I wont! Preparing this simple meal 2 days before a climb will take only 5mins. cooking time on camp for everybody to enjoy.
Beef Tap-aah!
Ingredients
1kg beef (laman) trimmed into thin slices
marinade with:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1tbs. msg
10pcs. calamansi
2tbs. minced garlic
2tbs. sugar
3tbs. catsup
1cup water1. After a day or two, bring to boil for about 15 minutes.
2. Simmer in low heat to dry the remaining marinade.
3. Let it cool down before storing in container, (lock n' lock, etc.)
On camp:
Heat pan, add oil, make sure oil is hot enough before adding the tapa.
fry for only about 3 to 5 minutes & there you have it! Ulam in a flash!
*its also good to have red eggs, with tomatoes & onion as a side dish for a full hearty meal!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Kovea cooksets: For penny-pinching mountain gourmets
Gear review by Cecil Morella (AMCI)
Equipment Adviser, PinoyMountaineer.com
PinoyMountaineer.com is honored to have Sir Cecil Morella of AMCI as its equipment adviser starting May 2009, providing insights on camping gear and equipment in the website's "Climb Gear" section.
A strange thing happened when I first went shopping for my first ever mountain cookware. I was naturally drawn to the high-end ultralight pots and pans on display, but the shop owner astonishingly dissed his expensive models and recommended an unfancied lump of cheap aluminum.
"Titanium burns rice easily," was his worldly advice, amassed through many years spent in the wildest corners of the country. "You're better off with Kovea." And so it has been for me ever since.
Apparently, I was not the only rice-eating backpacker to get the same tip because the South Korean brand is also the favourite cookset of most members of my club, such that it is difficult to sort out which items are mine whenever it is time to break camp. Save for the occasional GSI or MSR we see when swapping dishes with other groups we meet on mountaintop campsites, Kovea seems to be the default cookware as well. It sells in most outdoor shops, including one local online store.
My club prides itself on the elaborate dishes cooked up in its camp kitchens . Not for us are the boil-to-eat instant noodles, sachets of mayonnaise squirted on cold bread loaves, or canned sardines. Meals are planned and agreed to weeks before a climb, viand is seasoned and pre-cooked at home, thrown into the freezer until they turn rock-solid, and carried in our packs to be given to the assigned campkeeper to prepare for meals on the trail. Although we prefer to carry the pot from the rice cooker to for our steamed rice, the Kovea Silver for 5-6 adequately serves most camp kitchen needs, be they for preparing linguini, chicken curry, chocolate pancakes or even for just reheating strips of leftover roast suckling pig. If a club climb coincides with a birthday and the celebrator wants to party, we carry a whole "lechon", and even gallons of ice cream packed in dry ice, up the mountain in the backpack of one member, who assigns the normal contents of his pack to other members of the group.
Compared to the American brands which are at least twice as expensive, the Kovea tips the scales at one full kilogram, but that is only because the set also comes with throwaway plastic items. Depending on your club culture -- ours is to use wooden spatulas and to require members to carry their own individual mess kits -- the scoop and ladle, the bowls and dishes can be dispensed with. I don't bother bringing the half-litre pot at all, making do with the 2-litre and 1-litre pots and their individual lids plus the non-stick frying pan to keep the weight down to that of an equivalent MSR Blacklite, a classic set that weighs just 665 grams. Unlike the more expensive makes moreover, Kovea pots and pans come with attached handles that wrap around the items for easy stowing . If you lose an MSR pot grabber by contrast a replacement unit would set you back 450 pesos.
Aluminium pots tend to get dented more easily, but mine have retained their shape through the years , though the bottom of the big pot is permanently singed into coffee brown after a rare stove malfunction several years ago while trekking up the Spanish Trail to Sagada.
Cleaning them, always a challenge in mountain environments where water is sometimes worth its weight in gold, is surprisingly a breeze. Just boil several spoonfuls of water to remove the grease, and wiping the surfaces with paper napkins or the old newspapers that you wrapped your meat rations in will take care of the rest. Just make sure to keep the pots out of reach of roaming animals -- rodents, mainly, though free-range cattle ate our angel hair pasta on Mount Ugo and feral dogs stalk the campsites on Pico de Loro and Gulugod Baboy. I usually hang the pots on a tree branch for the night, along with the garbage and the rest of the food, which also keeps most of the ants away. On grassland or open campsites however, you must store them inside your tent's vestibule.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Mt. Talinis/Bediao-Apolong Traverse to Casaroro Falls (1,903+)
MT. TALINIS (BEDIAO-APOLONG TRAVERSE)
Dauin and Valencia City, Negros Oriental
Entry point: Brgy. Bediao, Dauin
Exit point: Brgy. Apolong, Valencia City
LLA: 1903 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 2-3 days / 10-11 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: Lakes, waterfalls, mossy forest
BACKGROUND
A longtime favorite Visayan destination of mountaineers is Mt. Talinis in Southern Negros, otherwise known as "Cuernos de Negros" for the horn-like peaks that highlight the mountain. It holds its position as the second highest mountain in Negros, next only to the lofty Kanlaon.
It is not surprising that Talinis is the only mountain other than Mt. Apo to have become twice the venue of the annual MFPI Federation climbs, among other activities. Its only impediment is the perennial rumor of NPA presence, but as of 2009, it is perfectly safe to climb Talinis.
There are several trails but the most typical, and comprehensive enough, route is a traverse from the Bediao trail in Dauin, Negros Oriental, to Apolong. The roster of places to see is formidable: first is Lake Yagumyum with the optional ascent to Yagumyum Peak; then, passing by the mystical maribuhok forests, one reaches the higher and grander Lake Nailig. From this lagoon there is again the option to scale Nailig Peak, otherwise known as Talinis Dako i.e. the highest point in the mountain. Finally, on the way down via the Apolong Route, pass by the sulphuric river and the Twin Falls of Talinis before ending in the grand cascade of Casaroro Falls, the highest in Negros at over 90 meters. A destination by itself, Casaroro Falls is a fitting conclusion to the Talinis experience.
ITINERARY
Bediao-Apolong route from Dumaguete City
Day 1
0600 From Dumaguete, take Ceres minibus to Dauin
0700 Get off at plaza; arrange habal-habal to Geothermal Site, Bediao
0730 ETA jumpoff. Start trek
1200 ETA Lake Yagumgyum. 30-minute assault to Yagumyum Peak
1330 Back at Lake Yagumyum, proceed to Lake Nailig
1700 ETA Lake Nailig; set up camp
1800 Dinner / socials
Day 2
0500 Talinis summit assault
0700 ETA summit
0730 Head back to Nailig campsite
0900 Start descent
1200 ETA Sulfuric River
1500 ETA Casaroro Falls; sidetrip
1900 Back in Dumaguete
NOTE: the two peaks can be discarded for a lighter itinerary. Also, this same itinerary can be spread over three days.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Mt. Talinis is one of the remaining mountains under the care of a local mountaineering club, in keeping with old mountaineering tradition. The Cuernos de Negros Mountaineers, Inc. (CNMCI) based in Siliman University, Dumaguete, has maintained a close and fruitful relationship with the mountain and they are the best contact when planning a Talinis climb.
Transportation. To go to Talinis, the staging-off point is Dumaguete City. There are at least a few flights daily. Fares range from 3000-6000 roundtrip. Or, take the six-hour trip from Bacolod to Dumaguete (~P180). From Dumaguete take a tricycle to the Ceres bus terminal and take the minibus to Dauin. From Dauin municipality take a habal-habal up the mountain to the jumpoff in Bediao Geothermal Site. At the other end - you can take a habal-habal from the Casaroro Falls junction to Valencia town proper, where jeepneys will take you back to Dumaguete. Here don't fail to appreciate a nice view of Talinis.
Climbing notes. It is safe to swim on both lakes Yagumyum and Nailig although the latter is cleaner albeit colder. You can also swim in the pools of Casaroro Falls. Cellphone signal is sporadic on the trail but it is present in the Maribuhok-Nailig leg of the trail. Water sources are available in the two lakes as well.
PICTURES OF MT. TALINIS AND CASARORO FALLS
The start of the trail is an exposed slope, lending an expansive view of the southern Visayan seas.
Behold the tranquility of Lake Yagumyum, the first ancient crater lake to be encountered in the trek.
Between the two lakes stands a ridge of grand, mossy, ancient maribuhok trees.
Lake Nailig is the setting of one of the most scenic and cold campsites in the Visayas.
The finale of the traverse is swimming and sightseeing in the realm of Casaroro Falls, the tallest waterfalls in the Visayas.
TRIVIA
Beside Lake Nailig is another lake called Lake Mabilog. It has a pecuiliar rounded shape and is said to be the hideout of snakes.
Mt. Talinis is the third mountain in the Visayan Voyage. A narrative of the blogger's trip to Talinis will be published in Manila Bulletin on July 25, 2009.
PinoyMountaineer thanks the Cuernos de Negros Mountaineering Club, Inc. for hosting the blogger and the Visayan Voyage Team in Mt. Talinis on April 9-10, 2009. Images courtesy of Lalaine Hablado, Julian Canero, and Jacob Sarreal.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Update: Pico de Loro Climb for the Environment
We are pleased to report that just over two months after the publicity spread about the environmental condition of Pico de Loro, the trails are now clean and for the most part, free of garbage. Kudos to the mountaineering clubs and individuals who silently did their own clean-ups of the mountain. Of course the vandalism is still there. We are hoping though that with the rainy season, water and mossy growth will erode and obscure some of these markings. Likewise, the onset of rains would hopefully permit regrowth of forest areas that have suffered the fires of March-April.
With these developments, we are pushing through with the Pico de Loro Climb for the Environment on July 11, 2009. However, instead of clean-up activities which may at that time be no longer applicable, the climb would be a fund-raiser activity for MountainWatch as well as a workshop-climb in which the opinions of the participants would be elicited on how best to respond to the Pico de Loro situation.
This will be a dayhike. Registration fee is P1000 inclusive of private transportation to and from Manila, entrance fees, BMC-Environment modules, climb certificate, climb ID, and climb shirt. The rest of the registration, as mentioned, will go to MountainWatch.
To ensure that the funds will be handled properly, I will invite Lendl Layug, outgoing SBMS President and Fredd Ochavo, outgoing Environmental Head of the UP Mountaineers to be advisers of MountainWatch. The participants themselves will be involved in the ensuing projects as they will be part of the MountainWatch mailing list an their opinions will weigh on which projects to pursue afterwards. Lendl and the SBMS will also help organize the climb.
Interested participants, please accomplish the registration form and submit to info@pinoymountaineer.com. Please send also a digital copy of your picture for the ID (in jpg format). Please register only if you are sure of participation. Confirmation details will be emailed to the participants after the registratation has been mae. Unfortunately, we can only accommodate a certain number participants in this first event but we are planning more events in the future. If there are too many participants we can modify the plan to include other activities/venues.
Again, click here for the registration form.
Mt. Kalatungan/Traverse (2,824+)
MT. KALATUNGAN/TRAVERSE VIA MAKAUPAO PEAK
Talakag and Pangantucan, Bukidnon
Entry point: Brgy. Miarayon, Talakag
Exit point: Brgy. Mendis, Pangantucan
LLA: 7°57'18"N 124°48'09"E 2824 MASL (#6)
Days required / Hours to summit: 3-4 days / 15 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail class 3-4
Features: Tribal domain, mossy forest, Top 10
BACKGROUND
Complementing the grand Kitanglad Range to the southwest is the Kalatungan Mountain Range, which, although smaller, has its own high peaks and perhaps even more challenging climbs. Everest climber Carina Dayondon has described Mt. Kalatungan, the chief mountain, as a "difficult climb" and it remains classified as a Difficulty 9/9 mountain in PinoyMountaineer.com, justified with its "non-assured summitability". Coupled with the logistic difficulty of climbing Kalatungan, it has grown a reputation as being one of the most difficult climbs in the country. Finally, to complete its credentials, it is the 6th highest mountain in the Philippines at 2824 masl.
Kalatungan deserves all its majestic appelations. Mijan Pizarro, among the most notable mountaineers in Mindanao, has favorably compared the mossy forest of Kalatungan vis-a-vis those of Dulang-Dulang. And, perhaps the strongest evidence for its biodiversity are the recent sightings of no less than the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in its slopes in 2001.
PinoyMountaineer is pleased to feature this mountain with information from Jan Pambid and Kat Ocol - friends of the blogger's - who climbed the mountain in March 2009. They follow the classic traverse of Kalatungan which starts from Brgy. Miarayon in Talakag town. Here, the tribal ceremonies of the Talaandig tribe are held prior to an ascent; as in Dulang-Dulang, they consider Kalatungan as a holy mountain. While interacting with the tribe and the reigning Datu, Reo Biso, an interesting story about Kalatungan's story and etymology may be heard -- and I am isolating it as a stand-alone narrative courtesy of Jan Pambid:
Bukidnon legend has it that during the primeval Great Flood, only the Kitanglad peak remained above the waters - and therein grew a stalk of lemon grass (tanglad) hence the name of the mountain. But the Talaandig tribesfolk of Brgy. Miarayon [trailhead of the Kalatungan trail] clarifies that in fact, the Kalatungan peak too, stood above sea level. And whereas plant life survived in Kitanglad, animal life took a stand in Kalatungan's summit, where praying mantis eggs were found. Hence, Kalatungan became the mountain's name, meaning "praying mantis eggs" in the native tongues.
This and more tales are just a part of the cultural component of the trip, and it is always encouraged of climbers to take interest in the tribe's ceremonies and folkways. Indeed, the datu's words will ring true as you ascent the mountain, where praying mantis, various insects and other fauna could be found. The latest survey in 2003 showed no less than 129 animal species dwelling in Kalatungan.
The first part of the trail is open and like that of Madjaas, would consume three hours of trekking. Then the forest line is breached, after which the long trek continues, taking 8 hours to reach the summit campsite and involving a scenic "summit ridge" trail. Then, the traverse proceeds south to the town of, starting off with Mt. Makaupao, a component peak of the Kalatungan Range. It will take a dozen more hours to reach the town proper, and climbers (indeed, survivors) of the Kalatungan climb will tell you that the final leg of the trail is called "Dead Nails' Trail" and for good reason. Indeed, the technical challenges as well as cultural and natural wonders of Kalatungan are a powerful invitation to climbers who must not miss Kalatungan in their list of must-climbs in Mindanao.
ITINERARY
MT KALATUNGAN TRAVERSE MAKA-UPAO (WIJI)
Day 1
1000 CDO Airport; ETD for Agora Terminal
1030 ETA Agora Terminal
1330 ETA Malaybalay, lunch
1400 ETA DENR (registration, secure permits)
1500 Palengkeneering
1800 Dinner
Day 2
0600 ETD for Miarayon
0900 ETA Miarayon (ride habal-habal going to Brgy)
1000 ETA Brgy; look for Datu Reo Bisto; tribal socials
1200 Lunch
1300 Buy Tribal Ceremony materials
1600 Tribal Ceremony
1800 Dinner
2100 Lights out
Day 3
0500 Wake up call; prepare breakfast and packed lunch
0600 start trek
1000 forest line
1200 lunch en route. (+)H2O in Camp 1 along the way
1800 Kalatungan Summit
2000 Dinner
2200 Lights out
Day 4
0500 Wake up call; Prepare breakfast and packed lunch
0600 Start descent
1100 Mt Makaupao (Wiji)
1200 Lunch en route
1700 Pangantucan camp (+)H2O
1800 Dinner
2100 Lights out
Day 5
0500 Wake up call; breakfast
0600 Start trek
0700 Dead nails trail
1100 Town Proper; ride habal-habal to terminal
1400 ETA Malaybalay; late lunch; get certificates from PASU
1500 ETD for Agora station
1800 ETA Agora station; dinner
Day 6
900 ETD for CDO Airport
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Logistics. Arrangements in climbing Mt. Kalatungan are made with the PASU of the Kalatungan Range Natural Park, Mr. Vergilino Alima, +639282523558. His office will issue a permit, climbing certificate, and will also coordinate regarding guides and the Talaandig tribe. Ten is the ideal maximum number since there are limited guides and the tribe also wants to regulate number of persons climbing. As of March 2009 P300/day is the guide fee while P200/day is the porterage fee.
Transportation. From CDO's Agora Terminal you can take a Malaybalay-bound bus, then from Malaybalay, take a bus/jeep to Kibanggay (P60) then finally take a habal-habal to the jumpoff. There is also, if you're lucky, a direct trip from Agora Terminal to Kibanggay until 4 PM daily.
Tribal sacrifice. It is Talaandig custom for the following items to be brought for the ritual sacrifice: a live chicken, some local wine, white and red cloth, and rice.
Others. There is minimal cellphone signal coverage in the mountain, especially at the North Face (Brgy. Miarayon-summit). Two watersources are present: one in Camp 1 en route to the summit and the other at the Pangatucan campsite itself.
MT. KALATUNGAN PICTURES
The start of trail involves open fields with views of the nearby Kitanglad range.
A mossy forest then ensues.
Excellent views of the highland trees, at par with the surrounding high mountains
Jan Pambid, source of the article's information, at the summit of Mt. Kalatungan
TRIVIA
Kalatungan did not become identified as one of the Top 10 highest in the Philippines until recently, and although there are proposed elevations of Kalatungan as high as 2870 or 2880 masl, these are still unconfirmed. However, it is possible that Kalatungan would be upgraded as the 5th highest on the next revision of the "Highest Mountains in the Philippines" list.
Pictures and information courtesy of Jan Pambid and Kat Ocol, as well as Mijan Pizarro. Many thanks!
Gear review: Merrell Waterpro Ultrasport
I am about to retire my Merrell Waterpro Ultrasport after two years and more than thirty mountains, but I have a lot of nice things to say about it. And it's not just the sentimental value one attaches to a shoe who has joined me in such great mountains like Mt. Napulauan, Mt. Madjaas, and so many dayhikes and minor adventures.
The versatility is what I like best. So many shoes offer waterproof coverage but in many cases, this is actually meaningless in a tropical conditions. Your shoe may be waterproof but if you're crossing a stream, water can easily seep from above. The Waterpro Ultrasport totally deviates from this approach; in fact it is a water shoe and it accepts water as a fact. Its defense against water, instead of waterproof leather, is covering is a mesh so that when water comes in, it comes out. It also has a quick drying material, negating the woes of a wet shoe. The result is a lightweight, well-ventilated shoe that you can bring anywhere - at 60% the cost of the heavy-duty ones.
At first I had doubts whether the Ultrasport can handle such heavy duty mountains like Napulauan and Madja-as, but this shoe is still a Merrell shoe with Vibram. Faced with a choice between a bulky Hi-Tec shoe and this one, for the Visayan Voyage, I chose the Ultrasport. And hey -- I can bring it in the city and the beach too without looking 'wild'. Of course this shoe has limitations; I still brought a more heavy-duty Merrell when I scaled 9/9ers G2 and Mantalingajan. But for many if not most adventures, the Ultrasport is an excellent and affordable choice.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Trek poles: Life extenders
Gear review by Cecil Morella (AMCI)
Equipment Adviser, PinoyMountaineer.com
PinoyMountaineer.com is honored to have Sir Cecil Morella of AMCI as its equipment adviser starting May 2009, providing insights on camping gear and equipment in the website's "Climb Gear" section.
If I were asked to name my single most important life-saving gear on a typical climb or day out in the wild, I would have to say trek pole.
Most backpackers don't even carry one. But to me, it would be the difference between descending a scree or a rain-slicked drop on two legs and sliding down on my backside or worse. It's there so I don't have to grab onto the trunk of a thorny palm tree. Trek poles allow you to crawl on a boulder field while remaining upright, and help you stay on your feet during tricky river crossings, when they also serve as probes as you step into the hidden rocks and other obstacles beneath the water. At a 30-hour, 100-kilometre river-strewn trail running race near Clark in mid-May, only a third of the field, some of them equipped with trek poles naturally, reached the finish line.
There are three or four pole makes that I know that retail at local outdoor shops -- Petzl, Kovea, MSR and Coleman. I would like to focus on the first three as I have trekked with them or done multi-day climbs where they were used by my teammates.
I first found out I have a high centre of gravity while falling repeatedly by the side of the trail on the way to the Bulalakao lake at Mount Tabayoc during my first ever climb. For the rest of the weekend our team leader graciously lent me his Austria-made MSR stick. For my next climb I bought an aluminium Petzl Galaxy, a French brand, that has been my trek buddy ever since. It's about double the price of a Kovea -- the South Koreans use an alloy called duraluminium -- but less than half that of a carbon-fibre MSR Overland. Some friends have mastered the use of a pair, but I make do with one that alternates on either hand.
All three are so-called telescopic poles, using three cylinders with the thinnest one slipping into the next bigger tube, all held in place by a twist-lock mechanism that adjusts to the height and preference of the user. Your elbow is usually level with the top of the grip on flat trails or gradual ascents, and the pole extends more during descents. They double as pole supports for tarp tents, camp kitchens and emergency shelters. The 308-gram Galaxy, the longest of the three, telescopes to a full 1.45 metres and collapses into 80 centimetres (31.5 inches) so it fits inside most packs when not in use. It weighs about 70 grams more -- about one headlamp -- than an Overland.The locks are mostly hard rubber and virtually maintenance-free. Be sure to clean and dry them after each climb. Most Kovea models have stainless-steel springs inside the tube segments that act as shock absorbers.
The stout end of the trek pole is wrapped in an angled rubber/foam handgrip with straps (the handles of some Kovea models are shaped like a walking cane), while the thin end that touches the ground has a super-hard carbide tip underneath a mushroom-shaped rubber basket that stops the stick burrowing deeper into the dirt. Some Colemans use a thick rubber stump instead. Be careful to keep your distance when climbing with a friend using a conventional trek pole. I unintentionally poked my tentmate in the eye during a 2006 climb up Mount Ugu.
Beyond the technical detail, a trek pole to me makes the grade if it does not bend or break when you accidentally collapse onto it with all your body weight plus that of your full backpack. This usually happens when you are forced to use the stick to arrest your fall from a ledge or a steep trail. Mine has survived several including a harrowing one in the dark near Mount Apo's Lake Venado. I also recall using it as an anchor as I grabbed a colleague who had lost her footing and was being carried downstream while we crossed the rapids along the Daraitan River near Infanta two years ago.
The Kovea and Coleman fail this test. They are perfectly fine walking companions on level ground, but I have seen at least a dozen of my teammates' trek poles snap during training climbs over the past three years -- a friend actually broke two poles of the same make on successive climbs, such was her brand loyalty.
I am a big man, more than six feet tall and nearly 180 pounds, and luckily, I have not had an opportunity to push a borrowed MSR trek pole to its breaking point. Carbon-fibre supposedly has a lot more flex, and thus is tougher than aluminium, but I would hate having to spend that much on a new replacement pole.
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