Mountaineering clubs: community-based groups by location

Starting July 2009, PinoyMountaineer.com will install in stages a comprehensive directory of mountaineering clubs and outdoor groups in the Philippines. The second category is "community-based groups", arranged by location. This list is NOT comprehensive; all clubs belonging to this category please add your club by posting a comment on this page. Please include your organization's name, 3-5 letter acronym, URL, and other details that you would like to share.

METRO MANILA and SCHOOL-BASED CLUBS have separate listings.

NORTHERN LUZON
Batanes Mountaineering Society (Basco, Batanes)
Bulusok Mountaineer (Baguio City)
Nomadics (Baguio City)
Nueva Vizcaya Mountaineering Club
One Degree Mountaineering Group (Laoag, Ilocos Norte)
Sang-at Salug Outdoor Club (Nueva Vizcaya)
SOKISOK (Ilocos Norte)
TEXINS Mountaineering Society (Baguio City)
UP Baguio Mountaineers (Baguio City, UPBM)

CENTRAL LUZON
Bataan Outdoor Club
Bulacan Mountaineering Club, Inc.
Dong-In Outdoor Society (Mariveles, Bataan)
Sierra Tapulao Adventure Group (STAG, Masinloc, Zambales)
Tarlac Mountaineering Club (TMC)
Yabag Mountaineers (Zambales)

SOUTHERN TAGALOG
Batangas Mountaineering Society (BMS)
Dahong Palay Mountaineers (San Pedro, Laguna; DPM)
Hillside Mountaineering Club (San Pedro, Laguna; HMC)
Isip Berde Mountaineering Club (Cavite City, IBMC)
Mountaineer's Offering Volunteer to Explore On Nature (Lucena, MOVE ON)
Silang-Dasmarinas Mountaineer (SDM-Peacekeepers)
Silangang Tanglaw
Tayabas Mountaineers (Tayabas, Quezon)
Team Akamug Trekkers (Gumaca, Quezon)
Unified Cavite Mountaineers, Inc. (UCMI)
United Decisive Soul Mountaineers (Cavite, UDSM)

BICOL REGION
Federation of Bicol Mountaineers Inc. (FBMI)
Alinao Guardians Mountaineers (Malinao, Albay)
Camp 1
Group of Environment Enthusiasts of Catanduanes (GREENCAT)
Hagahag Mountaineering Club, Inc. (Naga, Camarines Sur)
KADLAGAN Outdoors (Naga, Camarines Sur)
MASUKAL mountaineering club (Tabaco Albay)
Mayon Mountaineers (Legaspi, Albay)
Mt. Bulusan Conservationist and Mountaineering Club Inc. (Mt. BCMC)
ORYOL Outdoor Group (Daet, Camarines Norte)
Sorsogon Outdoor Society (SOS)
Sorsogon Adventure and Recreational Integrated Group, Inc. (SARIGi)
Tukador Outdoor Club (Naga, Camarines Sur)

MIMAROPA
G2 Mountaineers (Romblon, Romblon)
Halcon Mountaineering Society (Baco, Oriental Mindoro)
Sialdang Mountaineering Club (Calapan, Oriental Mindoro)
Suakwal Mountaineers (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

VISAYAN ISLANDS
Antique Mountaineering Society, Inc. (AMSI)
Bohol Eagles Mountaineering Society (BEMS)
Climb Up Outdoors (Bacolod City)
Cebu Outdoor and Adventure Team (COAT)
Cebu Mountaineering Alliance (CMA)
Cebu Mountaineering Society (CeMS)
Cuernos De Negros Mountaineers Club, Inc. (CNMCI)
Divine Word Outdoors Club (Tagbilaran City, Bohol)
Ewit Mountaineers (Cebu City)
Iloilo Mountaineering Club (IMC)
Kalit-Kalit Mountaineering Club (Cebu City)
Negros Mountaineering Club, Inc (NMCI)
ONE Cebu Adventure Team (Cebu City)

NORTHERN MINDANAO
Climber's Association in Response to Ecology (CARE-Iligan)
De Oro Mountaineer Explorers (DOME, Cagayan de Oro)
DIPOLOG OUTDOORS SOCIETY, Inc. (DOS)
KAPLAG Mountaineers (Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental)
Lyceum of Iligan Mountaineering and Backpacking Society (LIMBS)
Malindang Ecology Rehabilitation and Conservation for the Youth (MERCY-MS)
Malindang Trekkers (M-Trex, Oroquieta City)
Northern Mindanao Mountaineering Society (NORMMS)
Society of Active Volunteers & Explorers (SAVE, Iligan City)
Society of Active Adventurers Group – Eco-Mountaineering Club (Ozamiz City)
TINAGO Mountaineers (Iligan City)

SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao (MFSM)
Anito Great Outdoor Society(AGOS, Tagum City)
Calinan Mountaineering Club(CALMOC, Davao CIty)
Digos Active Mountaineers (DAM)
Digos Outdoors Extreme (DOX)
Group Hug Outdoor Adventure (Davao City)
Guardians of Lake Venado (GOLV, Kidapawan City)
High Altitude Mountaineering Club (Davao City)
Local Government of Sta. Cruz Adventure Club (LOGSAC)
Lumad Climbers of Davao Oriental, Inc. (LUCDO)
Outdoors Club Federation of Davao Oriental, Inc (OCF-DO,Inc)
Paraya Mountaineers (Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur)
Sandawa-Apo Mountaineering and Ecology Club
Steward of Nature Mountaineers,Inc (SON, Davao City)
Tacurong Mountaineers and Adventure Club (TAMAC)
Team LAYAK (Davao City)
Team ThreeFourth (Toril, Davao City)
Tribung Mindanao Mountaineering Club, Inc. (TRIMMOC, Davao City)
Zamboanga Fearless Mountaineering Society (ZAFMOS)
Zamboanga Earth Concern Oudoors (ZECO)

Mountaineering clubs: Schools, colleges, and universities

Starting July 2009, PinoyMountaineer.com will install in stages a comprehensive directory of mountaineering clubs and outdoor groups in the Philippines. The first category is "Schools, colleges, and universities". This list is NOT comprehensive; all clubs belonging to this category please add your club by posting a comment on this page. Please include your organization's name, 3-5 letter acronym, URL, and other details that you would like to share.

METRO MANILA and LUZON,VISAYAS,AND MINDANAO have separate listings.

A-G
Ambassador Mountaineering Club (Adventist University of the Philippines)
ABE Mountaineering and Trekking Society(AMATS)
ACSAT Outdoors Club - Mountaineering (Dumaguete City)
AMA Mountaineering Society (AMSOC)
AMACU Mountaineering and Outdoors Club (AMOC)
Angkan Mountaineering Society( Technological University in the Philipines)
Ateneo de Davao Mountaineeering Club (AMC)
BAKTAS MSU Mindanao State University Mountaineering Society, Inc.
Brotherhood Of Mt. Apo Climbers (BOMAC)
Bicol Univ. Realm of Altitude-Based Outdoor Descendants(BURABOD)
Cavite State University Mountaineering Society (CAVSUM Society)
Cebu Doctors' University Mountaineers (CDU-M)
Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society (Iloilo)
Cuernos de Negros Mountaineers Club, Inc (Siliman Univ., CNMCI)
De La Salle Outdoor Club (DLSOC)
De La Salle University- Dasmarinas Mountaineering Society (DLDMS)
Don Bosco Mountaineering Society (DBMS)
Eastwind Outdoors Club, Inc. (EWOC)
Eco-venture, Environmental Conservation Organization Group-venture (Bukidnon)
FEU Mountaineering Society (FEUMS)

J-R
Loyola Mountaineers (LM)
Lyceum Engineering Mountaineering Society (LEMS)
Manuel L Quezon University Stallions Outdoor Club (MSOC)
Mapua Mountaineering Club (MITMC)
Mountain Climbers Club of Engineers (MCCE)
Mountaineering & Exploration Society of Adamson University (MESAU)
Mindanao State University Mountaineering Club (MSUMC)
PATTS Mountaineering Club (PATTSMC)
Philippine Normal University Mountaineering Club (PNUMC)
PUP Mountaineers (PUPM)
Rizal Technological University Mountaineers (Mandaluyong City)

S-Z
SAGIP Mountaineering club (Batangas State University Malvar)
SAGKA-Bon Bosco Technical Institute (Makati, SAGKA-DBTI)
San Beda Mountaineering Society (SBMS)
Technological Institute of the Philippines Mountaineering Club (TIPMC)
University of San Carlos Moutaineers - Cebu (USCM)
University of the East Mountaineers (UEM)
University of the East Mountaineers Alumni Inc.
UP Baguio Mountaineers (UPBM)
UP Los Banos Mountaineers (UPLBM)
UP Medicine Outdoor Society (UPMOS)
UP Mountaineers (UPM)
UP Outdoor Recreation Group (UPORG)
UP Visayas Mountaineers (UPVM)
UST Mountaineering Club (USTMC)
West Visayas State University Mountaineering Club (WVUMC)
Xavier University-Ateneo Mountaineering Society (XUAMS)

Events for August-September: Maculot clean-up, Bulusan volcano and Tacadang open climbs, Pinatubo trek, and Cebu coastal adventure

Please take note of the following upcoming events for August and September. Even though it's not climbing season, our mountaineering clubs are very active nowadays!

1. Mt. Maculot Cleanup and Tree Planting 2 (August 15-16, 2009)
Organizer: Philippine National Mountaineering Society (PNMS)
Details: PNMS, the same group which coordinated the Freedom Climb, is organizing a climb to Mt. Maculot to perfrom a cleanup and tree planting activity. I think there will also be a dialogue with the local officials.
Registration fee: 300/person inclusive of shirt, ID
Contact: Nino Mansaneros (09165185885; pnms.adventures@yahoo.com)

2. Mt. Bulusan Regional Eco-Trek (August 21-23, 2009)
Organizer: Federation of Bicol Mountaineers, Inc. (FBMI)
Details: (From the organizer) Mt. Bulusan Conservationist and Mountaineering Club Inc. (Mt. BCMC) and Federation of Bicol Mountaineers Inc. (FBMI) in cooperation with Man and Nature Mountaineers & Tribu Bulusanon-BUKLOD Inc. will be organizing an event entitled “Saragka Sa Bukid Bulusan”, Mt. Bulusan Regional Eco-Trek Part IV on August 21-23, 2009, trek from San Jose Upper Trail to Lake Agingay and summit of Mt. Bulusan. It doesn’t matter which group you belong; during this time, what matters most is we climb as one. In this regard, we invite you and your group to participate in this much awaited event. Your presence will surely be a great help in making this event a memorable one.
Registration fee: 300/person inclusive of shirt, ID
Contact: Dan Arispe (09276480676; sos_fbmi@yahoo.com)

3. Mt. Tacadang, Benguet Open Climb (August 21-23, 2009)
Organizer: Tropeak
Details: The Tacadang highlands in Kibungan, Benguet are known for its bucolic scenes and rice terraces. Pre-Climb Meeting on August 14, 2009 7pm @ Tropeak Outdoor Shop 2nd Flr. Victory Mall, LRT Monumento Station
Contact: Paeng Limarag (09053134906)

4. Mt. Pinatubo Midyear Trek (September 5, 2009)
Organizer: PinoyMountaineer.com
Details: Once again we're organizing a trek to the famous crater of Mt. Pinatubo with its milky green waters. Bring your swimming gear because swimming is now allowed in the crater lake with its mildly sulfuric waters.
Registration fee: P1,900/person inclusive of transportation to and from Manila, coordinator, guides, roundtrip 4x4 ride, entrance fees, use of SKYWAY trail whenever available
Contact: Gideon Lasco (09223487619, info@pinoymountaineer.com)

5. Cebu Coastal Adventure Challenge (September 19, 2009)
Organizer: Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc., (CCEF)
Details: The 60-kilometer race will take racers around Mactan, Cebu, Cordova and Lapu-lapu, Cebu Philippines. Along the way, teams will be faced with a series of mystery tests supported by clues. You’ll definitely need some strategy and teamwork to get yourself ahead of everyone else. Finish time could range anywhere between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the pace of the team and route selection.
Registration fee: P1500 for the whole team
Contact: Gina Castro (0920-4627890; www.coastalrace.com)

Email your open climbs and events to info@pinoymountaineer.com if you want them to be posted in the website (emailing however does not guarantee posting). Unless otherwise specified, the above climbs are not associated with PinoyMountaineer.com so for inquiries, please email the respective contact persons.

Mt. Pinagbanderahan, Bantakay Falls, and Quezon National Forest Park

MT. PINAGBANDEREHAN AND BANTAKAY FALLS
Quezon National Forest Park, Atimonan, Quezon
Major jumpoff: Barangay Malinao Ilaya, Atimonan, Quezon
LLA: 366 MASL
Trail class: Minor, Difficulty 1/9, Trail class 1-2
Features: Historical site, national park, waterfalls

Mountaineer Richard Almodovar shares with us his experiences in Quezon National Forest Park with the Philippine National Mountaineering Society, and it is on his pictures and writeups that this mountain entry is based. Many thanks!

BACKGROUND
A very nice nature trip still within dayhike range from Manila is the Quezon National Forest Park in Atimonan, Quezon. This park which is nestled in the famed Sierra Madre Mountain Range, accessible by a scenic zigzag road that cuts through the forests. Built during the American period, the Forest Park is one of the oldest protected areas in the Philippines.

One of the highlights of this park is Mt. Pinagbanderahan, a historic site which literally means "where the flag was hoisted" - alluding to its significant role as a beacon where the Philippine flag was raised in the Philippine Revolution - and thereafter it witnessed the American and Japanese flags being raised in its heights before finally the Philippine flag reclaimed its proper place in 1946. The historical relevance, is therefore undeniable. At 366 MASL, it takes 1-2 hours to climb up the flight of stairs that leads to its peak.

The peak is s a perfect vantage point to view Mt. Banahaw (W), the islands of Marinduque and Mindoro (S), as well as the major towns and cities of Quezon, like Lucena, Pagbilao, and Tayabas. Moreover, environmentalists have acclaimed the excellent biological virtues of this peak, saying that it is a unique example of a lowland rainforest and that the karst vegetation found in the hills.

The wonders of the Quezon National Forest Park, however, do not end in Pinagbanderahan. There are more, and in the itinerary below, the Bantakay Falls and Caves located in Brgy Sta. Catalina is also covered. The falls is the most majestic in the at least five waterfalls found in the Natural Park, measuring up to 80 ft. Together with Pinagbanderahan, it forms the nucleus of a relaxing overnight camping trip.

ITINERARY
Day 1
0500 Take Lucena-bound bus from Manila (Buendia, Cubao)
0900 At Lucena Grand Terminal, charterVan/FX Zigzag road
1000 ETA Jump off Mt. Pinagbanderahan
1030 Cueva Santa Explore
1040 Resume Trek
1120 ETA Summit
1130 ETD Summit
1230 Back at Picnic Area or Jump Off / Lunch
1330 Take Bantakay Falls (Side Trip)
1400 ETA Brgy. Sta.Catalina Arrange For Guides
1430 Start Trek
1630 ETA Niyugan Campsite, Set Camp
1900 Dinner / Socials

Day 2
0600 Wake up call
0700 Breakfast
0830 Explore The Area / Free Time
1130 Prepare Lunch
1200 Lunch
1230 Break Camp
1330 Start Descent
1530 Back at Sta. Catalina Clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1600 ETD for Manila by Bus

SPECIAL CONCERNS
Transportation. Proceed to Lucena from Cubao or Buendia, then from Lucena take a jeep or FX to the town of Atimonan. From Atimonan you can then take a trike to the QNFP. Alternatively, if you're a large enough group you can charter a jeep or FX from Lucena directly to the Forest Park.

Logistics. Guides can be arranged at the jumpoff for the Bantakay Falls trip at a minimal fee. There are several camping area possibilities but the recommended is the Niyugan Campsite near Bantakay Falls.

If you are aiming for Pinagbanderahan Falls alone, then this trip can be a dayhike. Leave Manila early (0400H) to arrive at Lucena by 7 and Atimonan by 8; you can be back in Lucena early afternoon, do some foodtripping there then head back to Manila.

TRIVIA
The Bantakay Caves which are near the waterfalls is also a must-visit in the National Park. Ask your local guides to take you to the caves, which have an excellent display of stalactites and stalagmites.

The name of the town, Atimonan, is said to have derived from the town's lady founder, Simeona Mangaba, otherwise known as Ate Monang.

Seven Lakes Trek on August 1: NINE lakes in ONE day!

In keeping with my promise to promote San Pablo City in Laguna as an eco-tourism destination, we will be doing the San Pablo Seven Lakes tour on August 1, 2009. I am inviting everyone to join me in this trip. For more information, you can email me at info@pinoymountaineer.com or contact me directly at 09223487619.

Possible sidetrips, if there's still time, is the Crocodile Lake of Laguna as well as Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in Luzon. In this case we may see a total of NINE LAKES in one day!

COST AND INCLUSIONS
The tour is P1,600, and includes:
(1) Private van service from Manila to San Pablo and within San Pablo
(2) Toll fees, entrance fees, and other fees such as rental of bamboo rafts
(3) Services of a tour coordinator/guide
(4) Lakeside lunch at Sampaloc Lake
(5) Native delicacies as pasalubong

ITINERARY
0430 Departure time from Mcdo Quezon Ave. corner EDSA
0530 Brief stopover at South Luzon Expressway for breakfast
0700 ETA San Pablo; Commence tour - Visit the Seven Lakes
1200 Sampaloc Lake for Lakeside lunch
1400 Stopover on the lakeside of Laguna de Bay
1500 Crocodile Lake exploration
1700 Back in Manila

SPECIAL CONCERNS
1. Non-hikers, virtually anyone can participate in this tour (the oldest participant in the 1st tour was 74 years old!)
2. Trekking is very light so you can wear rubber shoes/light trekking shoes/sandals

CONTACT DETAILS
Gid- 09223487619; info@pinoymountaineer.com

Essay: An open mind on open climbs

by Gideon Lasco

In the past mountaineering in the Philippines seemed to be confined mostly to mountaineering clubs. In those days where Multiply and Facebook are things of the future, they would rely mostly on open climbs to attract new members. By "open climb", I mean a climb organized by the club as their own climb, with a certain number of guests as participants. Just like any organizational climb there were climb officers (team leader, scribe, medic, rescue officer, etc.) and participants were briefed during a preclimb. Expenses were divided among the climb participants, although sometimes the guest had to pay a little extra since they're still non-members. Organizers sometimes received subsidies as incentives for organizing the climb.

Today, with mountaineering getting more and more popular, open climbs are held in greater frequency. Most major mountaineering clubs plan out an open climb schedule for their fiscal year; outdoor shops hold open climbs, and even individual climbers now have the ability, thanks to the Internet, to hold their own climbs. PinoyMountaineer.com organized its First Annual Charity Climb in Mt. Pulag last February - that, too, was an open climb (we will hold the Second Climb early next year).

Open climbs then began to evolve into a wider terminology, with varying degrees of organization. There are open climbs that are free-for-all: someone would just invite climbers to join him; kani-kanya sila nang diskarte afterwards. The organizer would act as nominal team leader but he has little authority over the climbers with whom he/she is climbing as equals. Some climbs are more organized, with preclimbs held to discuss food and itinerary matters. Still others carried on the concept of open climbs in the traditional sense, with the Team Leader wielding captain of the ship powers.

Then I am sure many would object to "commercial climbs" or climbs for profit which are often organized nowadays. When I contemplated the idea of holding a Climb for the Environment last June, a commenter even said that "THis is a modus operandi...pera lang ang habol nyo." which annoyed me a lot -- indeed open climbs have been generalized as commercial ventures, even though there are legitimate reasons for the expenses (i.e. a charitable cause, organizational expenses).

Joining an open climb is a matter of choice. If you think a climb is expensive then you can organize your own climb. Commercial climbs, in the first place, will not attract much participants because the actual cost of the climb, and how to do it, are posted in this website. Indeed, I don't think the convenience of not having to organize a climb is the main reason why people join open climbs. There is the opportunity of meeting other climbers, getting a climb shirt, and so on. People climb for many reasons after all.

I am convinced that these developments are healthy for the mountaineering community. Let individual climbers exercise their choice of whatever climb to join. However, here's my "Ten centavos' worth" about this issue:

(1) The issue of responsibility - If something goes wrong, who is responsible for whom? There WILL ALWAYS BE a certain amount of responsibility on the part of the organizers no matter what waiver is signed or no matter, so organizers should always keep this in mind. But this responsibility has limits. Ultimately, there is also individual responsibility and if the organizers can demonstrate that they provided for sufficient measures of safety and security (i.e. screening of participants whether they are fit for a particular difficulty; making sure a doctor or a medic is on board), then the burden will now fall on the individual to explain his actions. If the Team Leader told you not to leave campsite without a buddy and you still did so -- it is no longer his fault that you got lost. Hence, responsibility is shared. Mountaineering is a risky recreational activity to begin with and everyone must be aware of this.

Waivers, by the way, according to a lawyer-friend of mine, have little legal weight. Even if your participants sign a waiver but it is proven that you did not exercise due diligence as the "captain of the ship" or negligence was found on your part, you can still be held liable. Conversely, the individual can still be legally held accountable for his actions even if there is no waiver.

(2) The issue of profit - I have nothing against groups or individuals who want to get some profit from open climbs but the safety of the climbers and the success of the climb should still be your top priority. Never mind the nice shirts and the certificates although they are nice bonuses, remember that people care most about reaching the summit, remaining safe, and having fun. If you can achieve this then I'm sure people will not mind allowing you to get your fair reward from the climb.

(3) What goes on in a climb stays within the climbers - I believe this is still practiced by some groups to date and it is a very good practice. Climbing is a form of fellowship and it is not only in socials where you will get to know more about people, but also in the climb itself there may be embarrassing moments. With open climbs, we get to meet total strangers but it is good to still observe this so people will be more at ease with your company. Getting gossiped about after a climb is not a very encouraging. Organizers, I think, should not badmouth their participants afterwards especially since they themselves were the ones who invited them. Also, if a conflict or dispute arises within the climbers, they should try to resolve it amongst themselves during the climb, or the postclimb.

(4) Choose your mountains well. A Free-for-all Batulao climb is good; an open climb with just one preclimb up Pulag via Ambangeg is alright, but personally I will have reservations in organizing an open climb for difficult mountains, especially if I don't know the participants well. Beyond Difficulty 6/9, I don't recommend "walk-in" open climbs. Of course, there is a way to go about this: hold training climbs to be able to assess the participants more and prepare them for the challenging climb ahead.

To conclude this piece, I appeal to everyone to have an open mind on open climbs. They are nice venues to get to know fellow climbers and they're an easy way for start-up climbers to gain experience quickly. Regardless of your reason for organizing or joining an open climb, do not lose sight of your own responsibility as a climber to help ensure the safety of the team, the meaningfulness of the fellowship, and the success of the climb.

Therm-A-Lite: sleeping pad for a good night's sleep

Gear review by Cecil Morella (AMCI)
Equipment Adviser, PinoyMountaineer.com

What would you trade for a good night's sleep? The question becomes even more crucial when going outdoors where you would need more than the thin footprint, bare tent floor and your clothes shielding your body from the wind-lashed cold ground of a mountaintop. The main trade-offs are weight, bulk/ space, and cost, since whatever you choose will have to be carried on your back.

I am one of the blessed few who can fall asleep once my back hits the ground, as long as it is reasonably dry, and over the past three years have tried and experimented with a fair number of options - plain tarpaulin, an aluminised Coleman polyethylene emergency blanket that weighs less than 43 grams but annoyingly rustles every time you move, a raincoat, a conventional mat, a self-inflating foam pad, a raw strip of foam padding, a heavy yoga mat, a bulky sleeping bag, a rudimentary garbage bag, and even a flattened out milk carton. Basically, everything worked, but most others are not so lucky.

Backpackers with bad backs or sleep problems -- the type who would carry their favourite pillow at home in their pack -- and generally the comfort-driven campers usually go for the high-end, and in the Philippines, the most expensive ultralight sleeping pad currently available on outdoor shops is the three-season Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3. Weighing 0.567 kilos, or about a half litre of water for the regular size, they are fitted with a grippy rubberised bottom to prevent slippage on the typical sloping grounds available at campsites. Unpack it once you set up your tent and just leave it inside with the screw-top air valve open and it will self-inflate to about an inch thick. Blow into the valve for more air as desired and remember to close the valve before you lie down and the irritating tree roots, rocks and twigs that lurk beneath your tent floor would be a thing of the past. Some users claim the material reflects back body heat, making sleeping bags obsolete, but I cannot vouch for that myself.

The pads are 20 inches wide, both for the male and female editions but taper slightly at the feet. The men's versions are six inches longer at 72 inches, but the shorter women's versions supposedly pack extra insulation on the torso section and unless you are a considerably more than six feet tall male, the women's version would work with ordinary-sized Filipino males just as well. A gram-shaving option would be to opt for the three-fourth length pads, if you can find one at local shops.

Though a bit heavier than plain form pads, the ProLite rolls up to the size of a Nalgene litre bottle and thus frees up space inside your pack. The 2009 model, which I believe is not yet available locally, tapers more drastically at the feet and shaves 113 grams off the older versions, while the rectangular NeoAir models weigh just under 400 grams. For the price of any of the three models though, you can buy a decent two-person backpacking tent. So is the trade-off worth it? It's all up to you actually.

Hiking matters #61: Captivating Coron

CORON, PALAWAN - It is unbelievably beautiful here in Coron. Right after our 24-hour duties, my classmate Livi Mejia and I headed off to this paradise, braving the threat of inclement weather posed by Typhoon Isang (Molave) for a weekender. Fortunately, the PAL express flight at 1350H yesterday took off one hour later - the delay was due to the storm but I killed time by buying the latest book from Haruki Murakami, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running".

We landed at Busuanga airport close to 1530H and immediately after arriving in Coron town, we proceeded to do the quick trek up Mt. Tapyas - actually a hill that towers above the town proper, enabling views of the town, Coron Island, and the sea with islands beyond. It is marked with a metal cross that lights up at night. Still, however, the storm's tailend lashed its fury with a heavy downpour while we were at the summit.

Wet and cold, we decided to immediately head to the Maquinit Hot Springs. It is right along the coast some 5 kms away from the town. There was a large pool, very warm (they say 37-41 degrees), and very soothing. We wrapped up the day with excellent European food at Bistro Remedios.

Today, after a long and dreamless sleep we did the highlight of Coron - the island tour by pumpboat. First we went to two beaches - the Pawi and the Banoi beach (entrance, P100 each). While the first was unremarkable (and cost me my cellphone which fell into the sea!), the Hawaiian beach was very nice and we climbed up a nearby rock formation, affording scenic, picture-perfect views of the coastline. Here also we feasted on the 1 kilo of crab that we ordered from the market!

Then after some snorkeling it was time for Kayangan Lake, selected as the "Cleanest Lake in the Philippines". It was paradise itself, with clear turquoise waters teeming with swordfish and other aquatic fauna. As if it weren't enough, we were further tantalized with the Twin Lagoons, also in Coron Island - where you have to swim under a rocky formation to reach another lagoon that is totally pristine and again, with beautiful bluegreen waters.

By the time we reached Barracuda Lake (allegedly name such because of the actual presence of those ferrocious fish species) we were already experiencing sensory overload. This lake has its own character; it is even more pristine than Kayangan Lake and the water is mix of fresh and saltwater. The lakes and lagoons are ancestral treasures of the Tagbanua Tribe; we paid a total of 300 to avail all of them.

The trip ended with a visit to Siete Pecados, a marine sanctuary of seven islets. You don't even have to snorkel, let alone dive, to see the corals and the fish - you can just look down from your pumpboat and there they are - an entire world alive, bustling, and colorful.

What a day! We celebrated the at a grillhouse and I just had a soothing massage before heading back here in our room at Seabreeze Lodge which is probably the cheapest (and most worth-it) accommodation here in Coron at just P300/night!

Pictures courtesy of Livi Mejia. Thanks to our guides, brothers Marlon and Erwin for the island tour by boat!

Essay: Mountaineering vs. hiking vs. trekking

by Gideon Lasco

A Filipino member of the British Mountaineering Council once emailed me to suggest that I change the terminology in PinoyMountaineer.com and Philippine mountaineering in general, saying that mountaineering is more closely related to alpinism and specifically refers to snow and rock climbing. Trekking, he adds, is the more appropriate term for the activity we know in the Philippines as 'mountaineering'. Which is which? And if ever our definition is different from other countries, do we have to abandon our understanding of the term to accommodate?

First, let us definite the terms, using Wikipedia as common denominator:

Mountaineering is the sport, hobby or profession of walking, hiking, backpacking and climbing mountains.

Mountain climbing - the sport of recreation of scaling or hiking up mountains with the specific goal of reaching the summit

Hiking- is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails.

Trekking/Backpacking (in US; tramping, trekking, or bushwalking in other countries)- combines hiking and camping in a single trip. A backpacker hikes into the backcountry to spend one or more nights there, and carries supplies and equipment to satisfy sleeping and eating needs.

Using these definitions, we see no reason to change our terms. The method we do to climb mountains is hiking and camping (that is, backpacking or trekking) and since our objective is usually to reach the summit (mountain climbing) which sometimes involves technical skills such as in Guiting-Guiting (mountaineering), then the terms become a matter of choice. Of course, hiking seems to be the most common denominator -- whether you climb Maculot or Everest, it is universally accepted for you to say that you are going "hiking". This is the reason we style PinoyMountaineer as "Your Guide to Hiking in the Philippines".

We acknowledge, however, than our concept of mountaineering may be closer to the international definition of "trekking" or "hiking". Yet, there are really differences in terminology that are inevitable across cultures and countries. Even the term backpacking, depending on where you are, can mean urban budget travel or wilderness camping.

Moreover, Filipino hikers have begun to become "mountaineers" even in the strictest definition of the term. Our countrymen have scaled Everest and other major summits of the world. Personally, I have experienced mountain climbing in the Japanese Alps.

Amid the plethora of terms used to describe something that doesn't even have to be named, but that which we profoundly enjoy, for whatever reason, we should stick to what we have come to know as our brand of adventure. We are hikers, trekkers, backpackers, mountain climbers and yes, mountaineers in our own beautiful country.

Hiking matters #60: Medical mission, Pinatubo Spa Town and Capas National Shrine

Upon the request of my blogging partner Ivan Henares, I joined the group of doctors who rendered free medical services in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac as part of the Tambayayong 2009 medical mission sponsored by Ivan and his friends. Held on July 4, 2009, there were more than 400 patients in the mission, many of which are Aetas living in the area.

After the medical mission, we proceeded to Pinatubo Spa Town, where we had the whole massage package (thanks to Mayor Rey Catacutan for a big discount). The first part is a 30-minute volcanic sand treatment where they will dig a hole for you and literally bury your body in the sand which is warmed underneath. The explanation for this therapy is that the heat will sweat you out, and the toxins in your body will be removed.

The second part is a 30-minute mud scrub: you will cover your body with lahar, wait for it to dry - then rinse. When the mud dries, there is a chance that it will act as an exfoliant and include with it the skin blemishes, so you will have better skin.

Finally, we had the one-hour shiatsu massage. Done by very friendly local masseuses in an outdoor pavilion, the massage was excellent and very, very relaxing. Whereas massage places in Manila are in dimly-lit, cold rooms, the outdoor massage was a refreshment. The rate is just 500 pesos or sometimes even less; this is really a must-try!

Mayor Catacutan also showed us around Capas - first we went to a newly-developed, modern Korean golf course near Brgy. Patling, and finally, the Capas National Shrine. Although it is just a tall obelisk from afar, a nice activity is going over the inscribed names of Death March participants - and see if your grandparents or relatives are included! On my father's side my great-granduncle Pastor Lasco was a Death March survivor, playing dead and rolling from the road in Pampanga and getting assistance later on from sympathetic locals. It was already dark when we reached the shrine, but it was a worthy sidetrip.

Both the Spa Town and the Capas National Shrine can be covered with a Pinatubo Crater Lake tour. I will suggest that both activities be included in the next PinoyMountaineerTour to Mt. Pinatubo that will be held in September 5. For more details email info@pinoymountaineer.com

Thanks to Ivan Henares and his group for inviting us in this event (pictures courtesy of him), and we also thank Mayor Catacutan of Capas, Tarlac for his hospitality.

PHIVOLCS: Mayon Volcano now under Alert Level 2

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has just upgraded the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Level 1 to Level 2. According to the PHIVOLCS bulletin, "This alert condition signifies, a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption."

The implication for hikers is that the mountain is effectively closed, at least for the time being. We are thus reinstating Mayon in our bulletin of closed mountains. Let us hope that the volcanic unrest will soon subside and will not lead to calamity.

RELATED NEWS
Alert level 2 raised over Mayon Volcano - INQUIRER.net
Mayon Alert Level raised - PhilStar.com

Seven Lakes Adventure Tour on August 1 - with Crocodile Lake sidetrip!

Visit and trek all the Seven Lakes of San Pablo and join us in exploring the mystical Crocodile Lake all in one day with PinoyMountaineer.com's Adventure Tour on August 1, 2009.

We have set the maximum number of participants per tour is 14. The tour will start at 4:00am and end at around 6:00 pm. Priced at P1,600, the cost will cover all transportation and toll expenses to and from Manila; entrance fees whenever applicable, a lakeside lunch beside Sampaloc Lake, and some local delicacies as pasalubong.

If you are interested please contact me at info@pinoymountaineer.com. Just like the two previous Seven Lakes tours, I myself am the one who will lead the group since San Pablo is my home town :D

Mt. Halcon (2,582 +)

MT. HALCON
Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Lantuyan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
LLA: 13° 15.749N 120° 59.703E, 2582 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 3.5-4 days / 15-18 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail class 2-5
Features: River crossing, mossy forest, rocky ridges

Mt. Halcon is presently a closed mountain. PinoyMountaineer has a general policy of not creating itineraries for closed trails or mountains, but we are nonetheless finally posting a Halcon page to collate information on its status and in preparation for its eventual reopening.

BACKGROUND
Mt. Halcon is highly regarded as one of the toughest climbs in the Philippines, and together with Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Romblon and Mt. Mantalingajan in Palawan comprises the "Knife Edge Trilogy" - three Difficulty 9/9 climbs that are truly world-class tropical mountaineering challenges. Halcon's biological profile is equally prestigious, being home to a lot of endemic flora and fauna.

The blogger himself has not climbed Halcon. In 2006, the local officials and the DENR closed Halcon, allegedly to give the mountain time to recover from trash left by climbers. Many believe this is just an excuse to cover-up for illegal logging that is going on, among other explanations. Regardless, there are rumors than Halcon will open soon, by March 2010 at the latest.

To give a glimpse of Halcon, we would like to invoke an old agreement with Long Henson, the father of itineraries, whose portrayal of Halcon was excellent. In his honor we are preserving his writeup and itinerary for this respected high and formidable mountain:

During the rainy season, climbing may have to be aborted when flash floods sets-in making the trail crossing the rivers unpassable. Another factor that adds up to the difficulty of climbing is the presence of the Philippine limatik on almost 90 percent of the trail. These small leeches silently clings to your boots and makes their way to any exposed skin where they begins to suck the blood of their host. The bite however is painless but after sucking the blood, the blood then flows continuously from the victim for about 30 minutes due to an anti-clotting substance it injects when it bits you. It’s more of a messy uncomfortable feeling than pain.Last 1994, Halcon was in the headlines of the national newspapers due to the death of one of its climbers. It was caused by hypothermia due to the cold winds of typhoon Katring and inexperience in the part of the novice climber. Because of this incident, locals began monitoring and requiring permits to the climbers of Halcon.

It also proves that Halcon is not your ordinary "hike-in-the-park". Climbing Halcon really demands months of preparation and proper planning to make the ascent not only a successful climb but more importantly a safe one. Though years of experience have shown that it’s not only preparation and planning that counts but it seems like the mountain chooses who will be able to set foot on its sought after summit.

Nature will always be a factor in the success of this climb. So it is best advised to climb it during the summer months of March to May to make the chances of success of the expedition the better. The hardship in conquering Halcon has a lot of rewards other than the feeling of conquering the Philippines hardest and setting foot on its sacred summit. The entire hike has a lot of wonderful sights and sounds to offer. It has unique and exotic flora and fauna, countless rivers and waterfalls, spectacular views, particular from the summit wherein you can see the entire island of Mindoro and the surrounding islands. In a clear day, you can see Banahaw, Maculot and even Mayon from the summit. Different terrain from rain forest to mighty rivers, mossy forest, bonsai forest and a wide variety of highland floras are some of the unique encounters. The contact with the natives will also give you a new perspective in life that is why it is advisable to take them as your guide.

Definitely, climbing Mt. Halcon is one of the ultimate in Philippine mountaineering. There you will come face to face with the question of why do you climb. And maybe come into conclusion that "mountaineering is the art of suffering!"

ITINERARY IN 2005
Courtesy of Long Henson

Day 1
0600 Assembly at Buendia corner Taft
0630 ETD Manila to Batangas City
0930 ETA Batangas Pier, take ferry to Calapan
1015 ETA Calapan Pier, Hire tricycle to Calapan Market Place (15 Php)
1030 ETA Calapan Market Place, Ride jeepney bound for Baco
1130 ETA Baco Municipal Hall, Arrange for permit
1200 Lunch Break
1230 ETD Baco Municipal Hall to Brgy. Lantuyan
1300 ETA Lantuyan, Arrange for Mangyan Guide
1330 Free Time, Setup Camp, Make Final Preparation

Day 2
0600 Wake-up Call, Breakfast
0730 Start Trek
0830 Last Major Mangyan Settlement
1200 Lunch Along River
1300 Resume Trek
1500 Cross Major River
1800 ETA Aplaya Camp, Setup Camp, Prepare Dinner
1830 Dinner
2000 Light's Out

Day 3
0600 Wake-up Call, Breakfast, Breakcamp
0700 Start Trek
0900 At Dulangan River
1200 Lunch Preferrably Along the River
1300 Resume Trek
1500 Last River, Last Reliable Watersource, Snacks
1730 Knife Edge Ridge
1830 ETA Summit Camp, Set Camp, Prepare Dinner
1900 Dinner
2000 Light's Out

Day 4
0630 Wake-up Call, Breakfast
0700 Summit Assault
0800 Back to Base Camp, Break Camp
0900 Start Decent
1200 Lunch Along Waterline
1300 Resume Trek
1600 ETA Aplaya Campsite, Prepare Dinner
1700 Dinner
1800 Light's Out (Believe Me it's Not Too Early)

Day 5
0600 Wake-up Call, Breakfast, Break Camp
0800 Start Trek, HEavy Snacks Along the Trail
1300 End of trek, Take Lunch at Lantuyan
1400 ETD for Calapan
1500 ETA Calapan, Arrange for Speedboat Trip to Manila
1530 ETD Calapan
1615 ETA Batangas City Pier, ETD for Manila
1730 ETD Batangas City
2000 ETA Manila

SPECIAL CONCERNS
Currently the status of Halcon is 'closed', although we are monitoring the situation which can change anytime. We will give updates as soon as we have them. Given the mixed signals and lack of reliable information in Halcon, we are not advising climbers to attempt a Halcon climb before an official mechanism is in place and the trail has been confirmed as established. There are some articles in PinoyMountaineer that discuss Halcon's status: Halcon reopening update and Mt. Halcon to reopen soon?.

Two hiking fatalities have been recorded in Halcon, as well as incidents of hypothermia in severe rain and wind conditions. Proper training and extra precaution are advised when attempting a Halcon climb.

Cultural sensitivity. Many in the Mangyan tribes do not allow to be photographed, so please respect their beliefs, or try to convince them nicely.

TRIVIA
Due to its closed status, Mt. Halcon is the last major mountaineering destination to be inscribed in the PinoyMountaineer registry of mountains.

Nalgene bottles: Mountain eye candy

Gear review by Cecil Morella (AMCI)
Equipment Adviser, PinoyMountaineer.com

Quite a few climbers I know retired their old trail bottles last year when Canada moved to declare bisphenol A, or BPA for short, a chemical that until then was commonly used in all kinds of plastic products, including milk bottles for babies, as a dangerous substance. The brand that was hardest hit was Nalgene, maker of the, colourful, iconic loop-top bottles commonly seen hanging on the shoulder straps or external mesh pockets of people who climb mountains for fun. The available medical evidence on cancer risk caused by the chemical leaching on the polycarbonate bottle's fluid contents is not entirely conclusive, and the US manufacturer insists that the BPA in the old bottles is safe for humans. But the company has since pulled the products and made new models using BPA-free plastics including copolyester and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Nalgene bottles in a burst of candy colours -- reds, pinks, spring greens, purples -- are back on the trail with a vengeance.

Filipino backpackers typically prefer one-litre (32-ounce) bottles that have loop-top covers to ensure that caps are not lost during refills. Widemouths are favoured over narrow-mouths, for the simple reason that it is far easier to refill them at the available sources of water on the trail -- iffy springs on Mount Guiting-Guiting, shallow holes excavated on the shores of Mount Apo's Lake Venado, or tiny trickles from a Cordillera mountain brook.

Nalgenes are not the lightest bottles around -- the widemouth copolyester model weighs 181 grams (6.4 ounces), about two small headlamps, while the colourless and therefore less fashionable HDPE model is a lot lighter at 99 grams (3.5 ounces). One climbing friend actually prefers to carry his trail water in two-litre plastic Coke bottles. However, copolyester is almost crush-proof and indestructible, while the HDPE version is only semi-rigid but withstands boiling water. A climbing colleague recalls his Nalgene survived after he accidentally dropped it down a 30-foot ravine on Mount Halcon. Another colleague lost his white polyethylene bottle during a Tarak Ridge climb in the Mariveles mountain range. A reconnaissance team from our club retrieved the moss-covered bottle the following year, and it was duly returned to the owner who still uses it to this day.

I used my old Nalgenes as instant coffee mugs on mountain campsites. They were excellent. I must confess I have yet to replace them -- the BPA-free ones apparently no longer come in brilliant firefly-yellows. For those climbers like me who insist on using the old bottles, US medical authorities advise against using them for warm or hot liquids, heating them (duh!) or washing them with harsh detergents. All these are said to induce leaching.

Climb for the Environment postponed / Pico de Loro open climb this Saturday

I am sorry to inform you that we are postponing the CLIMB FOR THE ENVIRONMENT scheduled this Saturday. One of our volunteers developed flu and although it hasn't been confirmed as a case of H1N1, we have been advised to forego the much-awaited event especially since most of my volunteers are medical students too, and having been exposed to a
number of patients, we do not want to take the unnecessary risk of exposing them to a large group of climbers.

Participants who have already deposited will have the option to get the full refund (Option A). If you are choosing this option, please email us the bank account where we can deposit the refund.

However, since I'm sure many of you have already marked their calendars for Saturday, I have asked mountaineer-friend to lead an open climb for those who still want to climb Pico de Loro on the said date (7/11/09). If you decide to join this, you will get a partial refund of P400 and you don't have to pay for your expenses in Pico de Loro such as transportation, guide, registration, etc (Option B). Those who wish to join this open climb this Saturday can still do so.

The OPTION B assembly will be at the bus terminal at LAWTON at 4:00 AM and the trip is scheduled to finish in Manila by 9:00 PM. The final itinerary and more details will be emailed to those who are opting for OPTION B.

Whichever option you choose, let us know immediately by emailing info@pinoymountaineer.com.

Personally I was really looking forward to this event, especially because we'll be tackling environmental issues. Although we will have to take this cautionary step, we are definitely planning to do the CLIMB FOR THE ENVIRONMENT in the future and I hope you will continue
to support our activities.

Mt. Halcon to reopen very soon?

LATEST UPDATE (7/05/09 2115H) Another source from Baco, Oriental Mindoro just texted us. When asked if Halcon will reopen very soon, he said: "Posible kc matatapos na ung 2yrs ban f d me nagkakamali."

An anonymous message addressed to PinoyMountaineer.com supported a rumor that has been flying for the past few months: Halcon is being opened this year. Initially I refused to give credence to this, since I have received official word from the Municipaity of Baco and the DENR-PENRO of Oriental Mindoro that Mt. Halcon remains closed until at least 2011. However, I decided to investigate when at least one major mountaineering group in Manila has begun to include Halcon in this climb schedule this year. It means that they must really be confident that Halcon will be opened.

The email reads:

"Ser, just informing you that Halcon will be opened in a matter of months. Nagpunta ako sa Baco [jumpoff of Halcon] last week and the officials there were saying na matagal na daw nilang gustong ipabukas, source of income daw din kasi ang mga mountaineers na umaakyat. Wla naman daw problema sa DENR [yung reopening], and although may municipal ordinance that limits climbing from March hanggang May, madali lang daw malusutan yun. Ang balita, mas mahal ang fees na sisingilin nila when Halcon opens. Parang comparable sa mga binabayad sa Mt. Apo ngayon. Maybe that's the bad news, pero at least ang good news is we can climb Halcon again. Will update you ser once I have new infos about this. Tnx and more power to your site!"

The status of Halcon is muddled in mystery. In the first place, why was it closed? The alleged reason is because the mountain has become so dirty. But this is a lame excuse because not too many people actually climb Halcon and the municipality even used to organize annual Halcon climbs. Another oft-cited reason is a quarrel between two local mountaineering clubs and between mountaineers and the local Mangyans. That is why the Mangyans are said to be reluctant to agree, and they have certain rights to the mountain since it's their "ancestral domain".

Last year a 'certain mountaineering group' climbed Halcon and it is claimed that massive logging operations are going on in the mountain. Just today, my contact near the jumpoff responded to my inquiries for an update. He said that "there are many soldiers scattered in the mountain right now and there's a road being constructed from Tiboy to Halcon." Indeed, these are pieces of a puzzle that ought to be put together. As a stakeholder in Halcon, the mountaineering community deserves to know the real status of the mountain and the municipality should give a definite date when they will finally reopen this mountain.

If you have news about Halcon, let us know so we can refute or confirm these rumors. Personally, I don't believe that Halcon will reopen anytime soon. But I appreciate the inputs we've been getting and I hope to hear your thoughts and infos on this matter.

PinoyMountaineer recommended by latest edition of Lonely Planet Philippines

We are pleased to see PinoyMountaineer.com being cited by the 2009 edition of Lonely Planet Philippines. Under the "Special Interests" section towards the end of the book, it reads: "PinoyMountaineer has information about all things trekking related and a forum for asking about closures, security concerns, etc." Of course, the extent of the information now available in this website is thanks in part to our readers who have shared your updates and experiences in our mountains. Thank you and please keep supporting our efforts!

Camp Recipes by Fish: Penne Seafood Marinara

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!

Some climb buddies have the penchant for being spectacular when in comes to campsite cooking serving meals out of the ordinary which makes the climb experience truly a gastronomical adventure as well. Pasta meal has grown to be an alternative to rice. Probably due to the reason that watching the group cook as he prepares the pasta meal is already socials and group bonding in itself.

Searching the internet for the story behind ‘marinara’ led me to this website which gave a very simple story. As the name implies, it is from the Italian ‘marinaro’ or ‘sailor’ and the sauce is supposedly made in Naples for the sailors when they returned from the sea bringing with them fresh seafood as ingredients for the sauce.

Penne Seafood Marinara

INGREDIENTS
500 gram Penne pasta
1 medium canned or 500ml whole peeled tomato
200g onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
40g white sugar
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
bayleaf/laurel
ginisa mix optional
cooking oil
your choice of seafood, it can be dory, prawns, mussel, scallops etc.

COOKING THE SAUCE
saute onion and garlic
add the mashed whole peeled tomato bring it to boil.
add laurel,sugar, dried oregano, ginisa mix
let it simmer for about 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
add your seafoods and add 5 nimutes simmering time, then add your pasta.

COOKING THE PASTA
see label on how long it will take to cook your pasta to make it al dente.
cooking rice or pasta to the "al dente" stage without over-cooking requires a certain amount of practice and skill, since both have a relatively brief midway stage between the under-cooked phase, where rice or dried pasta stays hard in the middle and where fresh pasta tastes "floury", and the over-cooked phase, where the dish lacks texture and is considered too soft. Using plenty of salt helps achieve the "al dente" texture.

Poaching is particularly suitable for fragile food, such as egg, fish, poultry and fruitswhich might easily fall apart or dry out. For this reason, it is important to keep the heat low and to keep the poaching time to a bare minimum, which will also preserve the flavour of the food.

Camp Recipes by Fish: Adobong Manok sa Gata

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!

Mountaineers often crave for comfort during tough climbs. We bring thick clothing for the cold summit weather for warmth, earth pad to provide us with a little cushion from the hard ground and of course a little home cooked meal to provide not only nourishment for the body but psychological comforting as well.

Adobo has always been a favorite packed meal among young and seasoned mountaineers because of the ease in preparation as well as its long shelf life, making it an ideal main course for any meal on extended or multi-day climbs.

Adodong Manok sa Gata

INGREDIENTS
500g chicken breast (hehehe)
100ml white vinegar
200ml soy sauce
40g salt
10ml oil
3 cloves garlic crushed
10g crushed black pepper
300ml water
240 kakang gata (coconut milk)

AT HOME
Put chicken. salt, vinegar, soy sauce, crushed garlic, and pepper corn together. Allow mixture to stand for about 20 to 30 minutes, stir occasionally in order to soak evenly.

Put mixture in carajay, add water, cover and let simmer until tender for about 45 to 50 minutes. stir the meat for a few times during the cooking.. Let it cool down in room temperature before storing in food container..

ON CAMP
When cooking it on camp, ready your coconut milk or dilute gata powder in small amount of water water, reheat adodo when it reach boiling turn fire into low heat before adding gata mixture, simmer for 5 to 10 minutes..

Invitation to Ilocos #2: Mt. Linao and beautiful Lake Linao

PinoyMountaineer presents "Invitation to Ilocos", featuring the newly-documented mountaineering destinations of Ilocandia. This new column is by Agnes Fidelis Gloria-Pinzon, PinoyMountaineer correspondent for Northern Luzon and the One Degree Mountaineering Group.

It was back to Adams for One Degree; this time to Mt. Linao! After having scaled Mt. Palemlem (Pico De Loro Norte) just the month before, we had originally planned to visit a different municipality but the lure of Adams – especially from the summit peaks of PDL proved too strong to resist. The choice of Mt. Linao (952 masl) was random and was primarily because we’ve heard from friends that if PDL was challenging, this mountain was more so.

We assembled at around 5 am in Laoag and after breakfast, took a chartered jeep again for the 3 hour ride to Adams. We’ve learned from the climb in PDL that it would be best to bring along an easy-to-munch lunch, to save on cooking and food prep time so that’s just what we did. On the way to Adams, one member of the group, who had climbed Mt. Linao years before with members of the Ilocos Norte’s Department of Public Safety, made passing quips about the climb that lay before us: that it took them 9 hours just to reach the summit and without load!

We reached the town plaza around 9am where we registered and met our guides, Beltran and Bartolome. People were mulling around us and wishing us good luck while some other guides who were there kept telling us to expect a much more difficult climb than PDL and while we heard what they were saying, we kept telling ourselves that it couldn’t be THAT bad. It had rained all day and all night the day before (a cause for worry) but the sun was shining in vengeful force and the morning rendered things in bright, clear detail that everyone was in high spirits, eager and almost bounding with excitement.

From the plaza, we walked for two hours on winding flatlands, across wide, hanging bridges and narrower, wooden foot bridges. We reached the small sitio of Masasabog which was incidentally where our guides were from. We ate our packed lunches here and rested for a while. We also refilled hydration packs and discarded extra water as we learned that Mt. Linao had a water source near the summit. Full and lighter in load, we thus started the ascent.

From the sitio, we hiked a short route across the Bolo river path, where we also saw the magnificent cascading waters of Kadisan Falls! Clambering up the river bed, we reached a very steep trail (almost 75 degrees) in wet towering cogon grass. Scrambling up the trail, our guides tell us that the ascent would be pretty much like that until we reached the tree line. We reached the trees after almost an hour of desperate, arduous climbing and while the slope softened a bit, altitude gain was still incredibly exhausting. What made the trail harder than PDL was that there was very little to hold on to for hoisting oneself up! It seemed we were climbing up for hours (3 hours in fact) when we decided to stop and rest in a small clearing which my daughters dubbed the “limatik clearing” because the limatiks were EVERYWHERE! It is here when Mang Beltran informs us that we had barely reached the midpoint and that we weren’t actually on Mt. Linao yet but on an adjacent mountain, Mt. Kadisan – which we had to traverse to get to Linao! The details were filtering slowly in and we regretted not doing our homework more conscientiously.

After a few hundred meters, the trail started descending – a welcome treat for our tired, aching calves – but the afternoon was turning out to be overcast and though it was just around 4 pm, dark was fast approaching. Our guides suggested we pitch camp by the stream (the first and only water source) at the foot of Mt. Kadisan and just do a summit assault before breakfast the following day. We heeded their advice and the thought of finally stopping for the day catapulted our weary party through the rough and tumbling trail towards our would-be camp site. The last leg of the trail, right above the flowing stream, was a sheer drop and we had to use anchored vines to negotiate our way down. By this time, my youngest daughter, the youngest in the group at twelve (but a veteran of Akiki), was already crying in exhaustion.

We reached the stream bed by 5:30 and our guides worked immediately to clear an area where we could set up our tents. There wasn’t much space but we managed to squeeze in the three tents we brought and still have room to cook and eat beside the flowing stream. The great thing about camping by a water source is the endless supply of clean, potable, rushing water to drink, cook and clean with. The downside is the increased presence of limatik. While the trail was already scattered with more limatik than we’ve seen in PDL, the campsite was a virtual feeding ground for them with us there! There was a point when we stopped plucking them off and just waited for them to fall, satiated with their fill (coming home, I counted 21 bites on my left leg and 14 on my right!).

Since the summit had a sunset view, we all decided to forego a sunrise assault and get some more sleep in before we had to climb again. We departed the campsite (without packs) at around 7 am and trekked through the boulders of the stream for a good hour. When we reached the foot of Mt. Linao, our guides had to bush whack the already disappearing trail. The ascent was as steep as expected but the time it took us to reach the top was unexpectedly surprising (just around an hour). Before we reached the summit, however, we had to go through thick, towering cogon grass and just right after clearing that, some members of the group accidentally knocked over an active beehive which had everyone scattering for safety! The excitement of that moment was quickly replaced by wonder and awe at the sight that awaited us at the summit – Lake Linao! The still waters surrounded by swampy marsh and edged with trees was a beautiful sight to behold. The presence of a flock of wild ducks that flew low and skimmed the lake’s surface only heightened the scene’s stirring effect on one’s soul. We sat there (on the summit campsite) for a few minutes, taking it all in.

We headed back for our streamside camp where we ate breakfast (which also served as an early lunch since it was 10:00 am) and broke camp. Our guides, meanwhile, re-fastened vines on the trail going back, which we would be needing to literally pull ourselves out to start the trek home, which we did at around 11:30am.

The trudge back was not as exhausting as our climb up but we had a difficult time negotiating the cogon grasslands – quite a few in the group took nasty spells and tumbles while some simply gave up the fight and chose to clamber down sliding on their backsides! We reached the sitio five hours after we left camp and because we didn’t have any lunch on the way, we were all ravenously hungry. It was a good thing the sitio offered buko for sale! We couldn’t linger there, dark was only a few hours away and we still had 2 hours of walking to do to get back to the plaza.

We reached the plaza just as dusk set in and by a small sari-sari store where we rested and drank our fill of ice-cold Coke, Mr. Paul Acupan met us with a knowing smile on his face. He explained that he didn’t want to describe the climb in too much detail for fear of discouraging us, especially after our experience in Mt. Pico de Loro Norte, but he knew that we would find the demanding and strenuous climb worth it when we saw the lake. He also chose the best guides he had to make sure we were safe. Also there with Mr. Paul was the wife’s mayor, Dr. Biel Bawingan, who congratulated us after our ordeal and invited us back again since Adams has still much to offer the intrepid mountaineer. We reassured her that they would definitely be seeing more of us in the near future.

[The One Degree Mountaineering Group was formed last year and seeks to popularize, professionalize and promote mountaineering as a sport and way of life in the province of Ilocos Norte and the rest of Northern Luzon. As our advocacy, we would like to promote environmental awareness, protection and preservation as we advance the development and growth of local eco-tourism. The ODMG members who participated in this climb are Archie Pinzon, Agnes Pinzon, Danielle Pinzon, Auriel Pinzon, Armi Mariano, Kaye Santella, Jay Gambalan and Louie Angangco. Special thanks should once again go to Mr. Paul Acupan of the Adams Municipal Hall for his invaluable assistance and guidance, as well as to Mr. Eric Bawingan, Adams’ Municipal Mayor and his wife, Dr. Biel for welcoming us once again!]