Sunrise in Mount Pulag, Benguet, Philippines

A souvenir shot with the sunrise in Mt. Pulag

 Conquerors of Mount Pulag has the same purpose in assaulting it's summit - to see the beauty of the sunrise but only few has the chance to see the perfect sunrise because of the unpredictable weather.

Sunrise at Mt. Pulag, Benguet (200545 May 2012)

Clouds started to cover the sun..

As early as 3:30A.M., trekkers has to wake up and prepare for the assault.  All they need are flashlights/headlamps, a jacket and raincoat in case of rain fall while on the very long trail towards the summit.  At 4:00A.M., some trekkers started their assault while we were late for an hour because it is hard to compromise ourselves under the cold rain showers.  We saw trekkers with flashlights on to give illumination from a distance.  Since I am trained to walk in the province in long distances, I was able to overtake many trekkers who were very careful about their steps on the mud where we passed through.  It was not an ordinary mud because its color looks like a chocolate.  With my Merrell shoes on which is designed for outdoor adventure, the mud has no excuse for me, I walked just like in concrete roads.  I was in hurry together with Ate Jen, the lead guide so we can see the sunrise.  True enough, although we were at Peak 3 only when the sun showed up, it really looked beautiful.  Since the weather in the area is unpredictable, after five minutes, clouds covered the sun and the other trekkers were not able to see it.

The sunrise was a message for me that despite of the dark sides in our life, there is hope.  The clouds that covered the sun symbolize the challenges we are facing at this moment and at the end of the day, the sun will set and prepares to rise again the following day, a new day, a new beginning and a new life in the service of God, country and people.

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Conquer Pulag Preparation

Mount Pulag will be happy to see you at the summit!

Conquering any mountain with high altitude requires a lot of preparation from coordination with travel or tour coordinators to strengthening our physical stamina so we can withstand the hours of hike from the Ranger Station to the Camp Site and eventually to assault the summit; and even the requirements for the trek such as hiking packs, shoes thermal jackets etc.  It was two months ago when my boss asked my to do the coordination with Travel Factor (our official tour coordinator) for the trek to Mount Pulag.  A lot of things were considered from the cost of the package and its inclusion to the schedule of the trek, list of participants and their personal details, the weather and and security of the area.  At first, I was hesitant to accept the offer to be one of the participants considering the distance that I have to walk just to reach the camp site and to assault the summit and of course the very cold temperature through advance researches.  However, I cannot say no to my boss for according to him, only few can conquer Mount Pulag and that I will be joining the group for free.  And because I was the coordinator of the group for the said travel, it was a big YES then.

For those who want to conquer Mount Pulag, be it known that it is the highest mountain in Luzon and the second highest mountain in the whole Philippines, meaning it is second to Mount Apo in Davao.  It has an elevation of 2,952 meters above sea level and houses endangered flora and fauna species and where the natives of Benguet live.  Before making any final decision to climb the mountain, it is a must for everyone to research about important facts about the mountain and choose the company that offers free tent accommodation at the camp site and free meals so you will not be bringing your own tent and other provisions. 

The following are the requirements:

• Clothing equipment
• Clothes for Layering*
• Backpack*
• Pants*
• Mess Kit (Plate, Spoon, Fork, Cup)*
• Jacket*
• Plastic bags for waterproofing
• Gloves
• Flashlight/Headlamp + Batteries*
• Socks*
• Cellphone*
• Hiking shoes/sandals*
• Sleeping bag
• Raincoat*
• Insulator
• Bonnet/Beanie
• Trail water
• Trail food
• Community water (1Liter)*
• Personal Medicine/First Aid

There are important reminders when preparing your things such PACK LIGHT and waterproof your things! When cleaning up, use wet tissue or hand sanitizer.  Be environment friendly - bring plastic bags to keep your trash and practice LEAVE NO TRACE POLICY.  Latrines are available at the campsite.  For those who wish not to carry their backs, porters are available at the Ranger Station for two hundred fifty pesos (P250.00) per way.  Lastly, don't forget to drink BONAMINE!  You may feel dizzy while riding the jeep from the DENR Station to the Ranger Station.

Summer-ender Get Away Soon!!!

Two more days and I am excited to conquer Mount Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon!  Good luck to my fellow climbers...

A Tribute for Nanay

Two years ago, my mother died due to health complications.  I knew her as a mother who is very supportive in my studies, career and personal life.  Her journey to the other side of the world was a great loss for us since our father has already left us almost six years ago.

I could still remember the laughter, joke, stories and other family bonding activities when she was still alive.  When I go home for a vacation, I would always ask her to cook ginataang langka for me and at night time a massage on my tired legs.

I salute my mother for raising me and my twin-brother Marlo without any nanny.  Anyone could imagine how she did the chores at home while taking care of us and helping my father in the farm.  I lived with my parents until the age of 20 before going to Manila to look for a greener pasture. 

Gone are the days with my mother.  What's left are the sweet memories we had together which I will treasure for the rest of my life.  I love you so much Nanay, I now that despite of my imperfections, you are very proud of me.

Confused?

Lately, I have been battling with such an unexplainable feeling that leads me to have not only a second thought but so many thoughts about someone.  Because of this, I really wanted to spend one day in my life alone in a place where no one knows me, no facebook, no cellphone, no laptop, no internet and all i need are my personal toiletry, clothing, pocket money, a pen, notebook and a map.:-((