Conquering Mt. Pulag - Luzon Highest Peak

October 2014

At Bacolod-Silay International Airport, patiently waiting on our delayed flight bound for Manila for our Mt.Pulag climb of the annual UCCP National Mission Climb. It's 2nd National UCCP Mission Climb.
In front of the airport window at the waiting area you can see the view of Mt. Mandalagan waiting to be explored.



Its Claire my girlfriend patiently
waiting our flight. Looks already tired because of the very unexpected situation happen in preparation of this climb prior to our travel going to Bacolod airport.

The story goes this way, our original flight was in Mactan-Cebu International Airport earlier that day but we decided to just no show with our flight because I have to settled first our climb registration for our permit and others fees. I need to go back to Kabankalan City where I deposited the money which has a problem regarding the receivers name which was our guide to that climb. So me and Claire decided not to go with other participant in Cebu and instead I settled first the problem from Dumaguete we traveled 4 hrs to Kabankalan City where I deposited the money, had it corrected then proceed to Bacolod-Silay City Airport without any ticket bound for Manila. While we are in the bus going to Bacolod we are a bit anxious as to where to get ticket on that day flight. We almost loss hope and then it pop up in mine that I remember my friend in CYF who has a ticketing business and asked him favor if he could help us booked a plane ticket for two bound for Manila that day in the afternoon just in time on our arrival from our bus ride. Without any hesitation my friend Lemuel booked us a ticket on our way to the airport. He just texted us the ticket confirmation number and told us to present it to the airport and I said to my self WOW, traveling now a days has becoming easy and hassle free, just a text on your confirmation number and then go, you can travel anywhere you want as long as you have money with you. SO finally we arrived at the airport. We are in a hurry because we might missed our flight but to our dismayed the plane operator just announce that our flight to Manila was delayed.

Fellow passengers waiting on our delayed flights. Its already late in the afternoon.

After an hour of waiting, our plane bound for Manila just landed and the crew just announced to prepare our selves for anytime they will announce boarding.

After 55 minutes we arrived  safely at NAIA( Ninoy Aquino International Airport) 

Without wasting a time, we proceed directly to Cubao bus terminal were the other participants are waiting for us.

We swiftly took our dinner and afterwards meet and greet with our guides and other participants then on board to our bus going to Baguio City.

Another long long long bus ride.

I took this blurry photo while on the bus. It takes around 10 hrs bus ride going to Baguio City.

Along the journey they have stop over for a snacks and some call for nature. Others also opted to just sleep and rest.

After the long bus ride we arrived Baguio City early the next day. We went directly to our home in Baguio City, UCCP Baguio City Church, where we leaved our other things which are not necessary for the climb and while waiting for our jeepney going to the DENR station and to the jump-off area.

AT very early hour in the morning our jeep ride just arrived and we have to prepare for another mountain ride going to the jump-off.

Morning came and have our breakfast at the Cliff-side Coffee . They have unlimited free coffee inside.Locally brewed coffee.

They artistically painted there jeep with a Filipino culture theme.

 It's me at the rooftop of the jeep.
After a short stop for our breakfast we proceed our way going to the Jump-off.

On our way to the jump-off, another stop over. We passed by Ambuklao Dam.

We took this group picture at Ambuklao Dam.

Ambuklao Dam dried up the river system in the area.

 It is  located in the mountains of Bokod, Benguet and is about 36 kilometers northeast of Baguio City. The plant was designed to provide 75 MW (megawatts) of energy to the Luzon grid. It utilizes the Agno River which is the longest waterway in the Island of Luzon.

During the 50's the Ambuklao dam was the highest and biggest in the Far East. It is made of earth and rockfull which measures 129 meters in height and 452 meters in length. The elevation of its crest is 758 meters and the roadway that runs through the top of the dam has an elevation of 756 meters. There are 8 Tainter radial gates at the dam's spillway. Each spillway measures 12.5 meters by 12.5 meters and is 127 meters in length. The gross storage capacity of the dam's reservoir is 327,170,000 cubic meters and it has a usable storage capacity of 258,000,000 cubic meters. The drainage area is 686 square kilometers and is 11 km long with a maximum width of 1 km.

Another solo picture of mine at Ambuklao Dam.

It's me and Claire with the historic icon Ambuklao Dam us our background. Great landscape behind us.

That's Claire and Joy our fellow mission climber from Ilocos, north Luzon area.

Another sweet outdoor couple participants, Juno and Cliff the Ambuklao Dam lovers.

After a short stop we then proceed to the DENR Office for the orientation and briefing before going to the jump-off.

I took this photo while inside the jeep. The beautiful landscape of Benguet.

Finally we arrived at the DENR Office, Mt.Pulag Protected Office. We are on our fleece jacket because of the cold climate in the area.

Mai2x and Claire at the entrance going up to the office.

It's us listening carefully during the orientation and briefing before the climb. Each climber should undergo briefing and orientation prior to Mt. Pulag climb. Park rules are discussed, the do's and don't inside the national park. Respecting local cultures and tradition was emphasized during the orientation.

I took some photo of the official trail in Mt. Pulag National Park.




While for us, we decided to have the executive trail. Ambangeg Trail, Bukod, Kabayan,Benguet. Very cool trail, best for beginners and people who just love to be with mountain in a very comfortable walk in the park mode.

After the orientation, we took a group picture outside the office in front of their office souvenir shop with all the banners hanging on the wall.

ME with the advocacy banner Save Mount Talinis at Mt.Pulag Protected Area Office.

 

 Me and Claire at the jeep roof top with us was the Save Mount Talinis banner..

Me and Sir Dennis our fellow mountaineer and host guide for this climb, a very cool and approachable person.

After the orientation, the national park in charge give us signal and permit to proceed to the Ranger station the jump-off area.

Along the way I saw this tall pine trees.

Amazing landscape with this clear blue sky that make it perfect for the climb.

The abundance of vegetation in the area, which provides the locals for there provision and enough income for living that sustained them from generation to generation. Its there home, ancestral domain.

We arrived at the Ranger Station our jump off to Mt. Pulag via the Executive trail. Me and Claire with the sign board.

We arranged our local guide for Mt. Pulag here at the Ranger station. Each group is required to have at least a local guide.

After arranging a guide. Our trek just started with an open trail. That's Claire with her Deuter Act Lite32. 

The spectacular view from the trail. Unlimited mountain landscape ahead of us.

Mountain kiss the sky..Jaw drop.

Claire with the mountain view at the background.

I'm in love with this huge pines trees but I'm more in love with the lady beside me. Me and Claire while having our rest,took time to have a picture with the iconic trees in the highland of North Luzon.

Presenting the executive trail. For me climbing is not a race, it's a pageant. Take it slow,relaxed and enjoy the environment that surrounds you. For who knows,you will never pass this trail again.

The heat of the sun already dried us up together with the cool breeze of the highland wind. Still we manage to posed and smile.. Dave, Mai2x, Cliff and Juno in the picture.

Another breathtaking landscape along our trail. I'm speechless and my heart full of gratitude and praise as I contemplate His wonderful creation that no one can phantom. 

A stunning mountain landscape. Mt.Pulag from a far.

We had our first break at this small waiting shed. Sharing some trail foods the UCCP Mission Climb way.

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My partner had to have a power nap from a long ride to climb proper. Energy draining thing.

Me trying out how the locals transport their products with this native materials using the strength of your head and neck.

A not so easy life routine in the mountains.

 Before leaving the first stop, we took group photos with the banner. Mt. Pulag here we come!

We start our trek right away,

Presenting the Executive trail of Mt. Pulag.

                              Me at the mossy forest section of the trail.

Look!

Were almost there at the grassland summit...

                                         Arrival at the campsite.

The sea of cloud behind our campsite..

Our first selfie before setting up our tent.

My co participants already pitch there tents.

Me and Cliff at the campsite.

My home, my shelter at Mt. Pulag, introducing Rev20, a 4 season tent locally made in Cebu by Silangan Outdoor Equipment. Orange in color.

A pose with my Silangan Rev20 tent. It was already tested the strenght and vigor of the majestic Mt. Apo. Now I'll be testing it in the freezing coldness  in Mt. Pulag. Gods of mountain.

Mt. Pulag and its wonderful mountain range covered with tiny bamboo grass.

Some started to prepare already dinner while others enjoying the view.

Pastor Dodong at the campsite.

Our dining area.

Me and my soon to be better half Claire at Mt. Pulag campsite.

We felt a bit of cold already even if the sun was still up.

Then campsite was soon about to be covered by darkness and it was a signal to take our dinner.
We had our dinner then after a rounds of rhum then a goodnight. Getting ready for tomorrows summit.

Until midnight came, when Claire suddenly wake me up. She told me that she can hardly breath. She was shivering and feeling super cold. Actually the temperature at our campsite really drops and extreme cold weather condition attacks. Chilling effect.  SO what I did was give her another layer of fleece jacket and warmer jacket for a remedy and it works for a minutes. Her body temperature was back to normal yet still she cant' breath normally. I already turn on my burner inside my tent just to give heat and I almost got panic and I was about to call for help until I remember to give her a paper bag and let her breath in and out to help her normalized her breathing. It was Hypothermia and High Altitude Sickness that Claire experienced. A worth learning experienced for both of us.  It was around almost 5 dawn that Claire have a normal breathing and temperature. Were tired and no sleep. Its about time to get up and prepare for summit and they called us and I just told them that we will just stay and continue to sleep to gain some energy for the descend to the exit point later. They just borrowed my camera which was started to moist and fog inside the lens.

They arrived the Mt. Pulag summit in less that an hour.

UCCP Mission Climb group picture at the summit.
Happy climbers ended.

A supposed to be UCCP Mission Climb group jump shot picture. hehehe -)

Successfully conquered Mt. Pulag.

Along the trail going back to the campsite they stop for there breakfast.

While on the other hand around 8AM  me and Claire explored the area. The view of our campsite.

That's me and Claire roaming around the campsite area. Exploring the details around us.

We took another selfie the hard way. I'm using a Nikon DSLR camera with tripod as our monostick.

 Another solo foggy capture.













 We just conquered ourselves through this mountain.

Some climbers started to break camp already.

We took our last and final selfie before going back to our campsite.

Break camp done and were ready for our group picture with our event Mission climb shirt.

at the count of, One, two, three....

SMILE.....

UCCP Mission Climb just conquered Mt. Pulag on our 2nd National UCCP Mission Climb.

By the way I would like to thanks our partners and sponsors. Habagat Outdoor Equipment, Silangan Outdoor Equipment to name a few.
We are supporting local quality outdoor gears and apparel.

See you again Mt. Pulag. We are now on our descend to exit point.

We just had an outback route, or others say backtrack.

Passing through this mossy forest.


Another selfie.

We are inside the mossy forest trail.

Benjie and Mae our co-participants from Cebu City.

Dave, Pastor Dodong and Mai2x with the banner.

Claire with her favorite backpack Deuter Act Lite32.

Along the trail me and Claire took selfie once in a while.

This giant trees which can be seen easily on the trail. The Cordillera Pine Tree guide us along the way.

Since I was the handling the camera and so Claire will always be my model. hehehe

Well another here's another full body portrait of ours in the trail of Mt. Pulag. Me wearing my Silangan technical shirt and Silangan pants one among my most used apparel that I'm comfortable with.

And hey, I found you guys. Familiar faces in the trail. Our co-participants taking a rest.

In hiking, giving importance to rest and break will minimized muscle fatigue and its time for your body to recover and gain energy as long as your rest interval is not that long enough that you fall asleep on the trail but if its needed to sleep on the trail so be it.Just be mindful of other climbers, give them way or space of course. hehehe

Our recharged faces after the race. Ready for another kilometer hike.

Were almost at the finish line. After about 5 hours on the trail.

Thumbs up.

Got a chance to had this cute photos of our together with the local kid in town playing near there potato garden. The red chicks kids with there power pose. yeah! Happy kiddos waiting us near the exit point.

Near the exit point I took this picture of a healthy potato's soon to harvest. My first time to see a potato plant. I love potato fries thou. A good source of carbo.

Yes we made it.. Finally we arrive at the exit point.

For us we just arrived, while to them they just about to start the climb. Group warm up and some stretching.

And on the others side, lines of local guides waiting for there turn to guide the group. It's also there way of living. Helping the locals through eco-tourism.

One thing that cathced my attention was this group of climbers. One of there team was an amputee. Climbing Mt. Pulag with only one leg. A courageous man, an inspiration to all of us.

What we just saw was a finale and climb-ender lesson and inspiration to us. He smiled on us, a man full of positive vibes, courage and enthusiasm. It only proved that climbing mountains is not really conquering the mountains but conquering your self.

And while waiting for our ride, we took another souvenir photo at the DENR Ranger Station.  

Finally our most awaited ride arrived and again took another photo with the jeepney. The jeepney statement itself explained that We Survived Mt. Pulag. yahoo!

Inside our ride going down with this Nalgene Bottle. A cotton candy in the mountain because of its vibrant colors.

Cabbage and some carrots along the down to the Mt. Pulag Protected Area Office.

 We have to go back to the office and sign the guest logbook.

I just borrowed there souvenir shit for sale while other sign the log book.

Some climbers leave there climb I.D.'s at the office some also leave there group banner hang on the wall for souvenir and proof that they were there.

  As the sun set and so are we. We are going back to Baguio City.

We arrived Baguio City almost 8 in the evening due to heavy traffic.

We then proceed for our dinner right after we arrived Baguio City. That must be the faces of a hungry trekker.

While waiting for our orders.

In just a few minutes our the food was served. And our victory dinner begins. Pray and then picture before we eat. SMILE!

Oppps oooppps oooppps! Here's another picture together with my self. Another selfie. I must already hungry this time..

After the dinner since were all tired so we just have to sleep early because we still have to attend the regular Sunday worship service at UCCP Baguio City Church our home in the City.

Morning came we have to wake up, get energies and because the Church was just at the heart of Baguio City. We had our morning walk at Burnham Park while scouting for a good breakfast meal in the city.

Me at the Burnham Park.

Strolling at the session road, Baguio City.

Finally found a breakfast meal. Captured this monument just in front of the coffee shop we had for breakfast. Monument of there local heroes.

After the breakfast we head back to the Church office to prepare ourselves for the worship. We  had another group pictures, first was the lady group then the men's group.

And then altogether UCCP Mission Climb family picture. Getting ready for the Sunday Worship Service.

It was UCM(United Church Men) sunday. They lead the service. Photo UCM rendering a message through song.

After the service, We took the opportunity to have a picture to there church main altar.

Another group picture together with the speaker, US missionary with us also was there Pastor.

Outside the church we did some meet and greet with there church members and council.

After the sunday worship service. The most awaited sidetrip Baguio City tour with our official guide Winston Terence Gonzalo, A fellow Sillimnian which happen to be from Baguio City offer us for a tour. He was a close friend of one of our participants. We start here.

Were looking for a jeepney ride going to the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. We are all excited.

On our way to the Strawberry Farm.

Hundreds of houses, Urbanized Baguio City.

And finally at the entrance of the strawberry farm there they sale mango sliced. hehehe Funny start to explore the strawberry farm.

There you go, We are at the middle of the strawberry farm. Yeah! Sweetness of the strawberries so with the lovers in the picture. -)

Request granted a solo photo inside the farm.

Strawberry couple.

To our dismayed, Its still not time for strawberry to bear fruits and this was the only picture I had of a strawberry in the farm that time. What a lucky we are.

Out of disappointment we just took a group photo inside the farm for souvenir. 

Without losing of hope before leaving the farm we saw a basket of strawberries outside. Let's go attack.

 

Happy faces with the strawberries.

We also tasted there strawberry ice cream for free. We took the free taste 3 times. hehehe

After the strawberry farm tour Winston our instant tour guide invited to his house which happens to be just in front of the strawberry farm. He offered us drinks and snacks. Thank You Winston for your kindness and generosity.

Before leaving Winston residence we took another group picture in front of his house.

Without wasting time we proceed to the Mansion. Just InfoTrivia: The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along the Leonard Wood Road and right across from Wright Park. It was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines.

The Philippine government later rebuilt and improved the structure in 1947 and since then it has been used by various Philippine presidents whenever they come up to Baguio for their official visits and engagements. The Mansion served as the seat of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting of the South East Asia Union which was popularly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950 which was conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.

Another groupfie at the mansion.

Happy us at the Mansion.

After exploring the Mansion, We move to the other side The Wright Park. Me and Claire at the shallow elongated rectangular body of water popularly known as the " Pool of Pines".

Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. It's our signature pose.

Inside the park you will find at the some Igorots dressed in their native attire and regalia who are willing to pose for a photograph ... of course, for a fee. But this time we rented there native attire and pose for a souvenir photo. Just to see what it looks like also for a fee.  Native handicrafts are also sold nearby.

Its me and Claire with the Native Igorot Attire.

From this point  was a walkway which leads to a 

wide stairway made of stones that descend to an area where ponies are rented out.

Along the way you will also find variety of flowering plants. Vivid different colors of the flowers.

After the park tour. Its about time to go for a souvenir shop.

Inside the city market there you can find souvenir shops. You just have to be wise in selecting cheaper shop. They all sell souvenir  shirts with almost the same design they just vary with the cloth quality. Of course the quality the cloth, the higher the price.

Afterwards we took our dinner.

Since it was too early for us to proceed to the bus terminal bound for Manila. 

What we did was spend our remaining hours in Baguio at the Burnham Park by night.

Me and Claire at the Burnham Park. The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. 

Group picture with the Burnham Park dancing fountain.

There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic,  or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.

 A man-made lake located at the heart of the city.

It was well spent day in Baguio City. Its time for another long bus ride going to Manila. Before leaving another group picture at the park. Thank You again Winston for accompanying us in Baguio City.

You think we are tired? Well we still have energy to smile for another groupfie at Baguio City Bus terminal while waiting for our bus.

After another 10 hours of bus ride we arrived Manila early the next day. We went to the UCCP National office to freshen up, meet some old friends in the office.

Time flies swiftly and its hard to say goodbye but we have to go separate ways. Til then. See you soon!

Padayon!

" After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb." 

-Nelson Mandela