Climbing the Tarak Ridge of Mt. Mariveles

The other Friday, I took a leave from work just to join the two couples in the AKAC Group, for an overnight camping at Tarak Ridge of Mt. Mariveles in Bataan. We boarded Bataan Transit in Cubao, which dropped us to Bgy. Alas-asin of Mariveles. Bus fare is Php 267 each, and registration fee at barangay office is Php 40/climber.

Early lunch at a roadside carinderia costs only Php 55 for a dinuguan & rice meal. After loading up some supplies and wearing our climbing gears, we started our hike by 10:45 am over cemented road. A few minutes later, we were walking into a dirt road, while the scorching sunlight started to deplete our energies. 

CJ Corona's Impeachment Trial in Funny Pics

Now that the Philippine Senate have bestowed a "Guilty" verdict to the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the nation can hopefully focus on other things, like the standoff with China, etc. The senate can also do their prime duty, which is to legislate or enact laws.

People have many opinions on this impeachment trial. For me I think he's guilty, and should have just quit his job to avoid battle scars, like what the former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez did. Well, this blog post would not touch on those serious matters or arguments about the merits of the trial. This is just to show the lighter side of it, for a change, hehe.

Conquering the Roof of Luzon: Mt. Pulag

After a difficult traverse of Mt. Timbak via Atok-Kabayan trails here, we took a brief respite at Kabayan Central, where we've had breakfast meal at a local restaurant being run by Chinese owners. They allowed me to charge my mobile phone there for about 30 minutes, at Php 5 fee.

For lunch meal, we bought sauteed pancit (noodles), plus loafbreads and bananas. Gatorade and bottled water there are understandably expensive, making me shell out Php 120. We need to replenish our supplies and our tummies, for the very challenging trek ahead of us to Mt. Pulag, ascending via the Akiki trail. Pinoy Mountaineer has the following technical description of this trail:

MT. PULAG (TRAIL)

Kabayan, Benguet

Major jump-off: Brgy. Doacan, Kabayan (Akiki)

LLA: 16°34'58"N 120°53'15"E, 2922 MASL

Hours to summit / Days required: 10-11 hours / 2-4 days

Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 3

Climbing Mt. Timbak & The Kabayan Mummies

This is another late post from our twin traverses of Mounts Timbak and Pulag in 3 days, last 14-16 April 2012. For our AKAC mountaineering group, this is our toughest climb so far, hiking more than 38 km. in cumulative total of around 30 hours. Yet it brought out the best from us, a very fulfilling sense of accomplishment, and forming a much stronger bond between the team members.

Pinoy Mountaineer has this technical description of Mt. Timbak, which is also known as Mt. Singakalsa among non-locals. It is the 3rd highest mountain in Luzon, as well as the 9th highest mountain in the country. Climbing its summit is relatively easy, but the long trek down to Kabayan barrio makes it difficult.

The Half-Buried Church of Bacolor, Pampanga

Last month on a trip back to Manila from Subic, our group decided to skip SCTEX, for possible side trips along the old highway of Pampanga towns. I was hoping to see the Betis Church in Guagua, but fate brought us to the Bacolor Church instead.

Not far from a Razon branch where we've had quick halo-halo break, we turned right from Jose Abad Santos Avenue to a small road that leads to San Guillermo Parish Church of Bacolor, Pampanga. Despite being buried by about 6 m. from its original height, the church is still identifiable from the main road.

Climbing Mt. Manalmon for the Second Time

Not satisfied with our first climb of Mt. Manalmon here, we climbed it again last Easter Sunday, right after our day climb of Mt. Arayat on Black Saturday. My body had not yet fully recovered, but I have to fulfill my promise to my companions that I will bring them to Mt. Manalmon on that day. The summit of the 196 MASL Mt. Manalmon is on the right side of the photo below, while Mt. Gola is on the left side.

Unlike our first visit, there are already many people when we arrived at the jump off site. We met family excursionists and group of mountaineers at Madlum River, despite the low water level of the river. The parking area and the bamboo raft that ferries people on the other side now has fees of Php 50/vehicle and Php 5/pax respectively.

San Bartolome Church in Magalang, Pampanga

After our day climb of Mt. Arayat on a Black Saturday, I asked our tricycle driver to take us first at the old church of Magalang town in Pampanga. Officially known as San Bartolome Church, I was not disappointed with its facade, even if we were not able to see its interiors.

Originally built in 1605 by Augustinians, it is not on its original form. The first structure built on its current location was the site of the historic battle between Spaniards and revolutionary followers of Andres Malong (not Bonifacio) in year 1660. 

Climbing Mt. Arayat via Magalang Trail

It is the mountain that people see whenever they pass the Pampanga portion of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). I've been seeing this mountain as a kid, and heard many legends about it. One is that the mountain was plucked from the Candaba portion, thereby leaving a swampland. Another legend tells a story of a man named Sinukuan, who lives with his 3 daughters at the white rock, entertains hunters, and gives them gold upon departure.

Having climbed many mountains now, I realized that I should include it on my bucket list of mountains to climb this year. So last Black Saturday, I took my son and a nephew with me to finally climb it. Pinoy Mountaineer has this technical description of Mt. Arayat:

LLA: 15.2067N, 120.7441E, 1030 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5 hours (North Peak)
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-4 (10kms)

A Visit to a Watermelon Farm

Have you ever wondered how those big, sweet, and juicy watermelons are grown? Well, my family and I have had that opportunity to witness it personally last Sunday, on a wide 300+ hectare space in Northern Luzon.

Improving our Domestic Airports

I enjoyed my 4 days of vacation in Coron last mid-March. It would have been perfect for us travellers, if not for the two inconveniences we encountered in Busuanga airport that time, as follows:

Maquinit Hot Spring in Coron

After days of trekking, snorkeling, and beach bumming, my body needs to soothe its tired muscles. I've already tried the Php 250 Thai massage near Sea Breeze on my first night. An alternative solution can be found about 5-km southeast of Coron town proper, called Maquinit Hot Spring, at the end of the main road.

Trike drivers quoted us Php 300 for a round trip travel to the Hot Spring, which involves passing through a brief dusty rough road. Entrance fee for non-Coron resident is Php 150/person, which seem reasonable as they have clean and well-maintained shower and dressing facilities. Arriving at dusk, there are many visitors at the place, a mixture of foreigners and locals.

Coron Food & Room for Budget Travelers

Being a solo traveler in Coron, I only have to think about my own preferences regarding accommodation and food options. Yet as a frugal mountaineer, what else can you expect from me when it comes to those 2 basic needs?