DASCA BSN-1 (member) triskelion

TAU GAMMA PHI
Triskelion Grand Fraternity
(Member of Dasca BSN-1 CHAPTER)
BROD: BRAYAN
BROD: MARKA
BROD: TOTO
BROD: MACKY
BROD: KiNO
BROD: RAVEN (pach-3 chapter)

mt.pico de Loro

PICO DE LORO

Ternate, Cavite Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, TernateLLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASLDays required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-5 hoursSpecs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

BACKGROUND

Centuries ago, the Spaniards aboard their galleons to Manila Bay noticed the form of a giant parrot, perched in the forested mountains in Cavite. They named it "Pico de Loro" - "Parrot's Peak" Today, mountaineers who visit Pico de Loro discover that it is as enchanting as its name. High on Cavite's highest point, they could behold the rocky tower that the Spanish sailors once saw as the parrot's beak, and they could gaze towards South China Sea where the galleons once sailed, all the way to the historic island fort of Corregidor. Gusts of sea breeze reach the peak, refreshing hikers after a four-hour climb. The peak's rocky outcropping is dramatic, and sharply contrasts with the plains of Cavite and the waters of South China Sea.Such an experience is only the highlight of a trip to Pico de Loro. Nestled near the beaches of Cavite such as Puerto Azul and Caylabne, it is actually part of a small mountain range known as Mt. Palay-Palay. Readily accessible by bus from Manila, Pico de Loro has gained fame as a perfect weekend getaway. Even in summers, its forests protect hikers from the sun. Sometimes you can even chance upon exotic birds and monkeys along the trail. Although the trail is long for a daytrip, taking four hours, it is not that stressful. On rainy days, instead of the aforementioned views, you will experience a serene windscape: of clouds surging past you, and tiny rain particles brushing across your face like a massage.At least two waterfalls are located near the trails leading to Pico de Loro. One is past the "kubo" whereas the other is before it, near the Maragondon trail. They are best visited during the rainy season.The option to go down via Nasugbu, Batangas, is increasingly used. From there, you may relax at the beaches of Nasugbu after the climb.

ITINERARIES

TERNATE-TERNATE

0400 Board Saulog bus at Lawton to Ternate (~P110)0700 ETA Ternate town proper; buy supplies, rent jeepney to Magnetic Hill0745 ETA DENR / jump-off point. Pay P10.00 registration0800 Start trek. Note that jump-off point is 10 minutes' walk away from DENR.0845 ETA rest station, Basecamp 1 (they would also ask for P10.00 registration)1130 ETA summit. lunch.1230 start descent to Magnetic Hill1530 ETA jump-off point.1600 Back at DENR; take jeepney to Ternate then take bus back to Manila.1900 ETA Manila.TERNATE-NASUGBU0400 Board Saulog bus at Lawton to Ternate or Maragondon (~P110)0700 ETA Ternate town proper; buy supplies, rent jeepney to Magnetic Hill0745 ETA DENR / jump-off point. Pay P10.00 registration0800 Start trek. Note that jump-off point is 10 minutes' walk away from DENR.0845 ETA rest station, Basecamp 1 (they would also ask for P10.00 registration)1130 ETA summit. lunch.1230 start descent to Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu1530 ETA Sitio. Hamilio Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu. Arrange for return transportation or unwind at nearby resort. Pumpboats were originally employed but jeepneys may be arranged (P800-1000/jeep).1730 dinner (you can ask the resort to prepare meals); return trip to Manila2100 ETA Manila.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

You have to rent a jeepney to the DENR station from Ternate because public transportation is not constant. Either Ternate or Maragondon would be a good staging point to reach the jump-off.Pico de Loro is a DENR Protected Area. Although supervision is minimal, it is still advisable to register at the DENR station. The couple who lives at the "Kubo" or Basecamp 1 also requests a P10.00 registration for each climber; they are known to mountaineers and are truly involved in the management of the trails.Forest cover is good throughout the trail. Winds are strong at the peak. There are reports of flashfloods in the river system that includes the waterfalls. Proper caution must be observed.The tower at Pico de Loro, known as the "Parrot's Beak", may be scaled but do so only if you have enough skill and experience. There have been reports of deaths and injuries due to falls from the Parrot's beak.Going back on the Ternate trail from the summit, there is one very confusing fork after you've passed Basecamp 1. After 10 minutes, the main path leads to Maragondon. The proper way to the Magnetic Hill is an elevated trail to the left; it is marked with a trail sign but it is concealed so watch out for it on your way back.

TRIVIASM Investments Corporation is developing "Pico de Loro Cove", a residential and luxury resort complex in Nasugbu, Batangas at the foothills of Mt. Palay-Palay.Emilio Aguinaldo, in May 1897 originally recommended that Andres Bonifacio be banished to Pico de Loro. He was overruled by his generals, who instead recommended Bonifacio to be executed in Mt. Tala. This goes to prove that the name Pico de Loro was around before Spanish times, and places a historical significance to the mountain.

Mt. Cristobal (1,470+)

MT. CRISTOBAL

Dolores, Quezon; San Pablo and Nagcarlan, LagunaMajor jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Dolores, QuezonLLA: 14.064° N 121.428° E, 1470 MASL (600m gain)Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-5 hoursSpecs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3

BACKGROUND

Countless legends surround Mt. Cristobal. With its summit taking on a characteristic 'W' shape, like that of stealth bomber, it is flanked by the grander Mt. Banahaw to its northeast, and together, they figure prominently in folklore. For instance, it is said that while Mt. Banahaw is a holy mountain, Mt. Cristobal is the "Devil's mountain", and the two mountains possess good and evil energies that cancel out. The primeval forests of Cristobal, decked with ferns and thorny plants, culminating in its ancient crater, seem to fit the bill of an eerie mountain. Furthermore, there are tales of voices or apparitions, such as the creature called 'Tumao', waylaying mountain climbers; many hiking groups have their own "ghost stories" to tell. Even locals believe these stories; some guides say they have amulets to counteract the negative energy.These legends notwithstanding, there is no reason to be afraid of Mt. Cristobal. Its forests are pristine, with a splendid array of flora that include giant pakpaklawin, varicolored flowering plants, rattan, etc. Two types of civet cats, the musang and the animus, roam freely in the forests. There are also reptile species, including those locally known as the bubuli and the balikakas.

THE DOLORES TRAIL

The Dolores trail is by far the most common trail used to climb Mt. Cristobal. This trail commences just before you enter Brgy. Kinabuhayan (the jump-off to Mt. Banahaw). To your left, there is trail; you could see the range-like Mt. Cristobal looming to the west. A thirty-minute walk, through on-and-off cemented paths, would take you to house of the psychic, Montelibano. There are citrus fruits (dalanghita) along the way. From the Montelibano house, the forest ensues, taking 2-3 hours to cross. Take note of the ferns that demarcate the trail all throughout. Occasionally, there would be views of Tayabas Bay, with Mt. Daguldul to the west and, on a very clear day, Marinduque to the south. Due to the dense forest, however, panoramic views are rare. Further up the jungle, the western portion of the crater rim would have a striking resemblance with the Rockies of Mt. Maculot. The trail is pretty straightforward; there's only one confusing fork, marked by a big rock. Go straight to the right trail. At 1130 MASL, you will cross the cogon line.

ITINERARYDOLORES

(STA. LUCIA) TRAIL0500 ETD Manila0700 ETA San Pablo City (bus:P120). Rent jeep to Brgy. Kinabuhayan0800 ETA jump-off at Brgy. Kinabuhayan. Start trek0840 ETA Montelibano house1100 ETA crater rim; descend to crater1130 ETA Crater.1200 ETA Jones' Peak (highest point in trail)1230 Start descent1530 Back at the jump-off1600 Head back to San Pablo1700 ETA San Pablo2000 ETA Manila

Useful numbers include those of the Quezon Provincial Police Office, +63427102351, +63427103101. A nearby hospital is San Pablo City Doctors' Hospital, +63495627992.

TRIVIA

During coffee season, around January, the civet cats feed on coffee beans and excrete them undigested. These excreted beans litter the trails and are a sought-after delicacy, fetching thousands per kilo in Europe. The explanation is, because of the cats' acute sense of smell, they are able to select the best beans.The Cristobal trails are one of the cleanest mountain trails. When asked why, our local guide said: "Because only mountaineers climb here." His words are a shining testimony of hikers' reputation; hopefully we will be able to live up to this name in the future, in Cristobal and elsewhere.On a humorous endnote: The author first climbed Mt. Cristobal via Brgy. San Cristobal. What was supposed to be a daytrip become an overnight adventure. We spent the night in the inclined cogon slopes, 1275 MASL. When our companion woke up, his sandals were gone! The malignant spirits of Cristobal at play? Lacking provisions, he had to descent through the dense forests and woodlands – all the way to his home in San Pablo – barefoot!

Mt. Gulugod-Baboy (525+)

MT. GULUGOD-BABOY

Anilao, Mabini, BatangasJump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, MabiniLLA: 13°42'55"N; 120°53'43"E; 525 MASLDays required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hoursSpecs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

BACKGROUND

Gulugod-Baboy is the general term that describes the hills that traverse Calumpan Peninsula. Located in Southern Batangas, the peninsula is more known for the diving resorts of Anilao – the birthplace of Philippine scuba diving. Since dive enthusiasts are also enthusiasts for anything ‘outdoor’, they began exploring the hills, and soon, Gulugod Baboy became a hiking destination on its right, although today it remains a popular sidetrip to a diving escapade to Anilao, or to the nearby Sombrero or Maricaban islands.There is confusion regarding where the real “Gulugod-Baboy” is. From SE to NW (from Brgy. San Teodoro to Brgy. Laurel), there are three peaks in the range. The first is 470 MASL, the second is 485 MASL, and the third is 525 MASL. This third has a large, ancient tree as its landmark, and is known to mountaineers as the real Gulugod Baboy. However, locals say that this third peak is actually Mt. Pinagbanderahan, and the first peak is the Gulugod Baboy. Fans of Long Henson, father of itineraries, would remember that he wrote about a Mt. Pinagbanderahan in Mabini, Quezon. This may actually refer to Mabini, Batangas, and is actually one and the same as the Gulugod-Baboy we know. Thus, there are three peaks, from SE to NW: Gulugod-Baboy, Gitna, and Pinagbanderahan.Gulugod-Baboy is a playground for adventure: you can refer to the map and ascend/descend to any point in the peninsula using the compass. Most directions have trails; indeed there are many trails in the mountain which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. At its peaks, you can see, from east to west: Janao Bay, Maricaban strait which bears Sombrero and Maricaban islands, a distant, faint blue Mindoro, Verde Island (SW) and Batangas Bay. The city and port of Batangas is visible on the west, following a farther Mt. Daguldul. To the north is Mt. Maculot, and even Mt. Batulao and the Tagaytay highlands.

ITINERARY

0500 ETD Manila via private vehicle^0800 ETA Brgy. San Teodoro or Philpan dive resort Anilao0830 Start trek1000 ETA Gulugod-Baboy (Peak 1)1040 ETA Gitna (Peak 2)1130 ETA Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3). Lunch1200 Descent via Brgy. Laurel1300 ETA Brgy. Laurel, Mabini. Take jeep to town proper1330 ETA Mabini town proper; take jeep to Batangas City or van to Manila^ an option is to take bus to Batangas City (P150), then charter a jeep to Anilao.SPECIAL CONCERNSPlan ahead if you’re going to do a traverse, or head back to Anilao and stay in the dive resorts there. Gulugod-Baboy is one hike trip in which private transportation is advised. As you trek through Gulugod-Baboy you will be passing by private property; make sure you observe proper courtesy. Also, there are dogs on the loose in some parts so be careful.TRIVIAGulugod-Baboy means “pig’s spine”, so named because of the contours of the hills. “Gulod”, however, means hill; “pig’s hill” can also depict the pastoral scene of the mountain. You would normal encounter cows, goats, and in the past, pigs, as you trek through the mountain.For its part, Pinagbanderahan has a historical background. It can be translated, “Where the flag was hoisted”, and it commemorates the crash landing of the Japanese in early 1942. In the heat of World War II, Japanese airmen had a mishap and crash landed in the slopes of Gulugod-Baboy. To celebrate their survival, they planted a flag in the summit. Since then, locals called it “Pinagbanderahan”.

Mt. Calavite (1,521 +)

MT. CALAVITE

Paluan, Occidental Mindoro Jump-off: Sitio Ulasan, Brgy. Harrison, PaluanLLA: 13°29'N,120°24'E, 1521 MASLDays required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5-6 hoursSpecs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-3

BACKGROUND

Perched at the northwestern edge of Occidental Mindoro, overlooking South China Sea, is Mt. Calavite. Known as one of the two remaining areas where tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) could be found in the wild (the other being Mts. Iglit-Baco), this mountain is a haven of biodiversity - one of the few places in the Philippines where hikers have a good chance of seeing animals such as wild boar, deer, and yes, even the tamaraw, roaming on its grassy slopes. The name 'Calavite' is said to mean 'giant clam' - and this is derived from an old Mangyan tale that tells of ships being seen at the mouth of Calavite.The trek to Mt. Calavite usually starts at the Mangyan village called Sitio Ulasan in Brgy. Harrison, Paluan town. To reach this jump-off, you have to take a ro-ro vessel from Batangas Pier to Abra de Ilog, from which Paluan is still 2.5 hours away. The road is long and rough - with the views attesting to the pristine quality of the town. As you approach Paluan, Mt. Calavite would be a towering presence. At the town hall, one has to do a courtesy registration at the municipal hall, and a 30-minute trike ride will take you finally tot he jump-off.After passing by a few hundred meters of chestnut trees near the village, the trail becomes quite steep as the forested areas are entered. The altitude gain is astounding, around 300m/hour. Anintermission of level trails will take you again to a steep portion, but as you go higher, the forest thins out, giving way to a woodland with shrubs and wild strawberries (sampinit). Finally, beyond 700 MASL or about 2 hours of trekking, the grassland is reached. At this point, if you look to your back you can already see the town of Paluan as it faces South China Sea. From here until the summit, it is an open country - the grazing-place of horses, carabao, and occasional tamaraw. According to the Mangyans, the carabao are friends of the male tamaraw, who hangs out with his bovine cousins and even mates with the females! A place dubbed by the AMCI as 'Sam's viewdeck' (745 MASL) is a major rest area - this is around 2.5 hours away from jumpoff. Another hour leads to the water source which is also the basecamp for doing the summit assault.

ITINERARY

after old AMCI itinerary and blogger's climb in May 2008Day 10000 Take bus to Batangas Pier (P146)0400 ETD ferry to Abra de Ilog (P156)0630 ETA Abra de Ilog; take van to Paluan (P150)0900 ETA Paluan; register and head to jumpoff1000 Start trek at Sitio Ulasan1300 Sam's viewdeck (745 MASL); Lunch1400 ETA basecamp.1430 Proceed to summit assault1600 ETA1800 Back at basecamp1830 Dinner / socials

SPECIAL CONCERNS

Logistics. For permission and arrangements to climb Mt. Calavite, contact Sir Celso, the PASU, at +639215869271. Cellphone signal is present throughout the trail for Globe and for most parts for Smart.Transportation. Montenegro Lines ply the Batangas-Abra de Ilog route and vice-versa. Trips from Batangas are as follows: 0400H, 0600H, 1200H, 1400H, 2000H, and 0000H. Trips from Abra de Ilog: 0000H, 0200H, 0800H, 1000H, 1600H, and 1800H. The stated travel time is 2 hours but allot 3 hours for delays. Fare is P156 as of May 2008. Student discounts are available.From the port of Abra, you will be swarmed with people who will ask you where you're headed. If you have not arranged for a jeepney or van rental and need to take the van to Paluan, ask for the vans to go to Paluan directly. Some will promote their van even though it passes Mamburao and therefore eats up an additional hour.From Palauan, you have to rent a trike to the jumpoff which costs P150/trip (up to 5 persons). Ask for your tricycle driver's cellphone number so you may text him to pick you up also. A reasonable fee for return trip including the visit to Calawagan is P250

TRIVIA

A small hill at Calavite is called 'Suklay' by the Mangyans; a giant millipede is said to have lived there, with a comb-like structure on its head.

mt.Batulao

MT. BATULAO

Nasugbu, BatangasJump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, NasugbuLLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASLDays required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hoursSpecs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault

BACKGROUND

The cool and arid clime of Mt. Batulao is a pleasant escape from the tropics. The moment you alight from the Crow bus at Evercrest Golf Course – the jumpoff – you will feel the same coolness felt by the visitors of Tagaytay. And this temperature will be with you all the way. Batulao is the only mountain in the region where you can wear jackets at high noon. You have to. There is no tree cover throughout the climb. On sunny days, this paradoxical blending of heat and cold, on dramatic, sometimes steep landscapes, with forceful winds that make the cogon grass dance, forming beautiful waveforms across the slopes, earns for Batulao the distinction of being the most spectacular of the mountains in Batangas.

ITINERARY

0400 ETD bus terminal in EDSA-Taft via Crow Bus Lines to Nasugbu, Batangas (P114.00)0715 Arrival at Evercrest0730 Start trek0930 Arrival at Camp 1 (fee of P20.00)1015 Arrival at Camp 8, commence summit assault1100 Arrival at summit; lunch1200 Start descent1530 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store1600 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney (P24.00)1630 ETA Tagaytay; anything goes from here*For the new trail, a 0730 start trek can take you to the summit by 0930, and it is just around 1.5 hours going down. Use these figures to make your itinerary if you are passing by the new trail.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

During the cool months of December-February, jackets or long-sleeved shirts have a dual purpose in Batulao: they protect you from the chilly morning temperature, and shield you from the sun’s UV rays. Avoid garments that easily stain with dust, for Batulao is arid. During the rainy season, however, Batulao also gets humid, so wear clothes according to your comfort. Also, during rainy days, the portions of the trails could be severely muddy -- preparing accordingly. In all seasons, however, long-sleeved clothing is still advised.For the old trail, some would advice wearing gloves during the final ascent to Batulao’s peak, but it would depend on the hiker’s grip and convenience. For the new trail, gloves are not needed nor recommended.Boy guides, aged 8-17, wait for mountaineers by the highway; you can secure their services for a range of prices but PinoyMountaineer.com recommends P300/day. Don't worry much about the 'child labor' aspect as these kids are able to go to school on weekdays; they do the guiding on weekends as their part-time job.You can save time by taking a tricycle from the highway to the end of the road - about a 20-minute trip that costs P100/tricycle ride. You can also get their cellphone number to fetch you on your way back. At the small village that you will pass by foot or trike, you can buy food and water. A local ice cream is also sold.At Camp 1, P20 fee is collected; a similar fee is collected at the New Trail campsite. Take note: If you want to two different trails up and down, you must pay P20 on both sides.There are no immediately accessible water sources throughout the Batulao trail but guides can access further sources, 30 minutes away for you on either trails. For dayhikes, 1.5-2 L water is advised. Cellphone signal is present throughout the climb.TRIVIAThe altitude gain from the jump-off point to the summit is actually less than 300 MASL.The UP Med Outdoor Society celebrated its first anniversary on Mt. Batulao in January 19, 2008.

mt.Banahaw

Mt. Banahaw Quezon ProvinceMajor jump-off: Brgy. Kinabuhayan, DoloresElevation: 2158 MASLDays required /Hours to summit: Level 2-3 days / 6-7 hoursSpecs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3

BACKGROUND

Mt. Banahaw is the grandest of the Southern Tagalog mountains. Towering high over the provinces of Laguna and Quezon, its significance in religion and folklore makes it not only a physical, but also a cultural landmark. It is home to Rizalistas and other cults, some of whom believe the mountain as the "New Jerusalem". To a wider populace, it is a sacred mountain, visited every Holy Week by devotees, some of whom made it a pledge to regularly climb Banahaw. Thus it is not surprising that places in the mountain have religious names, such as "Kweba ng Dios Ama" (Cave of the God the Father) and "Kalbaryo" (Calvary). At its foot village of Kinabuhayan, all sorts of amulets, magical stones, and healing herbs are peddled, together with souvenir shirts.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

Hiking in Banahaw is currently forbidden; do not use this information to make an unofficial, illegal climb. Instead, you may explore the two other peaks of the Banahaw trilogy, namely Mt. Banahaw de Lucban and Mt. Cristobal. Both are challenging climbs, worthy of the Banahaw experience.

TRIVIA

Banahaw is actually an inactive volcano; its caldera, known as 'Ilalim', is one of the views you will see at the peak. This rarely-visited caldera is part of a traverse trail from Dolores to Sariaya, passing by the Durungawan III and descending to this caldera. Parts of this traverse are said to be so beautiful that they are described as "a paradise".The last recorded eruption was at 1721.Locals say two lovers once climbed Mt. Banahaw to escape their parents' wrath and make love in the mountain. However, in an unfortunate event, during the act of lovemaking the man's sex organ was stuck inside his girlfriend. Desperate and fearful of embarrassment, the two lovers decided to roll over and fell into a high cliff. They were discovered dead, still in deep embrace. To this day, Banahaw remains a place of refuge for locals who engage in "pagtatanan" (lovers' escape).At the height of its popularity in 2003, Close to a thousand people climbed Mt. Banahaw during Holy Week. Coke and Sprite, in cans, were sold at the peak for P50. A large pack of Piatos chips sold for a similar amount.