Batang Lakwatsero

Mt. Timbac | Too Fast, Not Furious

2013-05-13T14:29:00.002+08:00

Two weeks after my epic mountain adventures in Mindanao, I needed to travel to the City of Pines to use an expiring hotel accommodation voucher. A trip too sudden without any plan gave me an idea to hike a Cordillera mountain which, for some reasons, I've never done before. Mt. Timbac, the 3rd highest in Luzon and 9th in the country, turned out to be my 36th mountain.

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Side Trip | A Day in CDO

2013-05-10T08:41:00.001+08:00

On my 12th day in Mindanao, we practically did nothing. It's a lazy day for the group.

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Guest Post | Football Mad Stag Weekends: London Style

2013-05-04T16:57:00.000+08:00

It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but footie mad lads would love to have a stag do based around the beautiful game. If you’ve been put in charge of organising your best mate’s stag weekend and you know he has a love affair with the footie pitch, a weekend based around the sport would be a perfect way to celebrate is upcoming marriage.

Mt. Kitanglad (D2K Traverse) | The Fourth Highest

2013-05-02T11:32:00.000+08:00

For the second phase of my Mindanao Mountain Adventure, I went to Bukidnon to experience the 2nd and 4th highest mountains. We did the traverse, famously known as D2K Traverse, on Mts. Dulang-Dulang and Kitanglad. The beauty of this mountain plus the awesome people I was with in the entire 4-days makes it one of my most memorable climbs.

From the 2nd highest to the 4th highest. Part two of our D2K Traverse.

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Guest Post | Where in the World?

2013-04-30T16:29:00.000+08:00

Holidays are a magical time of year, and a great way to explore the world - one holiday at a time. From Madeira to Turkey holidays, Cyprus to the Caribbean, package breaks can take you to some of the world's most beautiful locations, and help you to explore new places or gain new experiences through various tours and excursions.

Mt. Dulang-Dulang (D2K Traverse) | Inside a World of Mossy Forest

2013-04-28T01:21:00.002+08:00

For the second phase of my Mindanao Mountain Adventure, I went to Bukidnon to experience the 2nd and 4th highest mountains. We did the traverse, famously known as D2K Traverse, on Mts. Dulang-Dulang and Kitanglad. The beauty of this mountain plus the awesome people I was with in the entire 4-days makes it one of my most memorable climbs.

Part 1 of our D2K Traverse is discussed in this post. From the time we attended the Talaandig Tribe ritual up to the moment we left the summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang.

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En Route to D2K | Pasalubong, Food Trip and Long Bus Ride

2013-04-20T15:54:00.000+08:00

From Davao City to Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Days 6 and 7 of my Mindanao Mountain Madness.

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Side Trip | Samal Island Adventure

2013-04-11T01:35:00.001+08:00

Who wouldn't want a beach side trip after an arduous 4-day climb? As soon as our team completed Mt. Talomo-Apo Megatraverse, we headed straight to Samal Island. It's time to hear the plea of our achy legs and feet for some relaxing activities.

This post narrates our side trip to Samal Island.

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Mt. Apo (Talomo-Apo Traverse) | Into the Highest

2013-04-01T02:26:00.003+08:00

Mts. Talomo-Apo Megatraverse makes up the first leg of my epic adventure. For 4 days, we were inside the wilderness of these mountains, survived all the elements that pounded and tested us physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. A one of a kind adventure, certainly an experience to be treasured.

This post discusses the second part of our Talomo-Apo Megatraverse, comprising days 3 and 4 - from the time we escaped the wilderness of Mt Talomo and reached Mt. Apo's Lake Venado, assaulted and set foot on the highest peak, and finally descended via the Kidapawan Trail.

If you haven't read the first part, here's the link: Mt. Talomo | Struggle to Success

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Mt. Talomo (Talomo-Apo Traverse) | Struggle to Success

2013-03-29T13:16:00.000+08:00

Mts. Talomo-Apo Megatraverse makes up the first leg of my epic adventure. For 4 days, we were inside the wilderness of these mountains, survived all the elements that pounded and tested us physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. A one of a kind adventure, certainly an experience to be treasured.

This post discusses the first three days of struggle inside the notorious but gorgeous trails of Mt. Talomo.

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Mt. Makiling (MakTrav) | Sipit Trail

2013-03-16T22:25:00.002+08:00

I did MakTrav a number of times, five to be exact, but never did I try the Sipit Trail (San Felix jump off). All of my previous MakTravs were via the Palanggana Trail (San Bartolome jump off). That's why, just this morning, I went back to Mt. Makiling for another Sto. Tomas to UPLB traverse, walang kasawaan, but this time it was via the Sipit Trail.

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Mt. Natib | Redeemed and Refreshed

2013-03-12T01:32:00.002+08:00

And so, after 4 months, I went back to Mt. Natib, wishing for the clear summit view I never saw when I was there the first time. But hey, more than what I hoped for are a very nice waterfalls side trip and a batch of new hiker friends, a totally different awesome experience!

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Mt. Marami | Storm and Clouds No More

2013-03-06T18:14:00.000+08:00

It was June of last year when we had this horrifying experience on Mt. Marami. We were so stormed and flooded during the night, and was clouded the next morning. Yes, without a doubt, it was my worst mountain camping experience, even up to this date, but even so, it is also one of my most favorite climbs of all time. (check out my first Mt. Marami experience in this link). Isn't it weird that sometimes our worst experiences are also our most favorite? Anyway, I made a promise to myself that I would one day return to this mountain for a redemption.

Finally, 7 months after that memorable Mt. Marami hike, the promise of redemption was put into action.

Mt. Makiling | Quick Traverse Day Hike

2013-03-03T01:31:00.002+08:00

It's been four months since I last climbed Mt. Makiling and I truly miss its trails. That's why, when I heard that the mountain is now open again, and since all my scheduled hike for March 2 were postponed, I came to a decision that I'll do a quick Mt. Makiling Traverse dayhike.

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Saturday - March 2, 2013

Yes it was quick, just 4 hours from Sto. Tomas to Agila Base! Well, that's the good thing in solo hiking, you'll be able to maximize your speed.

When I alighted the bus in front of Sto. Tomas Market, I noticed that Mt. Makiling was clearly visible.

Tayak Hill | Beyond the Cross and Windy Summit

2013-03-01T21:08:00.000+08:00

As we descend the mountain considered by many as the devils' dwelling (check out my latest article on Mt. Cristobal Traverse), a grassy hill with white cross came into sight. From its summit, we heard sounds of laughter and loud voices, "ah, the people up there were having fun, is it a park or something?".

"Tayak Hill na po yan sir, pwedeng akyatin ng mga 30 minutes lang," our guide replied.

I honestly know nothing about this Tayak hill aside from it being windy, grassy and has a cross on top, I'm totally clueless. Little did I know that beyond its windy summit with tall white cross is a piece of WW2 history.

Mt. Cristobal (CrisTrav) | Finishing the Unfinished Business

2013-02-26T18:06:00.000+08:00

I can still remember the first time I ascended this mountain, it was March 26, 2012 (the day after I graduated from college). We were also on a quest to traverse this mountain but ended up not pursuing it because of an unexpected circumstance, parang kaming mga basang sisiw noon. You might want to check out that experience in this link: Mt. Cristobal Failed Traverse.

About 9 months have passed, and I, once again, faced the same mountain where, for the first time, I felt that I was defeated.

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A Young Mountaineer's Reply to His Master

2013-02-19T19:15:00.000+08:00

I can see your grin each time I mention a page in my book still too thin. It just shows that my stories compared to yours are nothing, like a dot in a broad white sheet, negligible. Your tales are far better, far more exciting, far more colorful, an epic. Nevertheless, you still lend me your ears, you listen, I see no sign of boredom, thank you for that sir.

But did I speak too much? Forgive me sir, for I cannot help myself from telling you my mountain adventures, I really can't. Nothing excites me more than sharing to you these adventure stories of mine. So if you aren't fed up yet, I have a lot more stories to tell, trail after trail, peak after peak, mountain after mountain.

Mt. Palay Palay (Pico de Loro) | Take Two

2013-02-14T17:33:00.002+08:00

When I first climbed Pico de Loro last year (August 2012), I successfully fulfilled my dream of climbing the famous monolith.Yes, I felt gladness when I reached the top of this vertical rock, but even so, that gladness was not at its fullest. I need not to say why, just look at the picture below.

clouded and eerie

heartbreaking isn't it...
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Panorama | Distribution of the Top 10 Highest Mountains in the Philippines

2013-02-13T16:15:00.001+08:00

The top ten highest peaks in the Philippine archipelago are concentrated mainly on its two largest islands. Luzon Island, home of the grand Cordillera mountains, has the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 10th highest. While the rest, including the highest peak, are found in the island of Mindanao.

Mt. Apo, the highest in the country, is shown in this panorama. It was taken from the summit of Mt. Dulang Dulang (2nd), morning of January 26, 2013.

Mt. Purgatory | An Endless Moss and Pine Trail

2013-02-04T18:16:00.001+08:00

Weeks before this climb, I got my mind set on climbing Mt. Daguldol as my year-ender slash first year anniversary climb (yes, isang taon na akong namumundok). Would've been so nice to return to my mother mountain exactly one year after. But my plans simply changed instantly when I received this message:

Another invitation from Pinoymountaineer which I just cannot decline.

Mindanao Mountain Madness

2013-02-02T14:42:00.001+08:00

For 12 days, I was in Mindanao... scaling some of its beautiful mountains.. Inexplicable happiness I felt when I survived the notorious trails of Mt. Talomo, even happier when I summitted the 1st (Mt. Apo), 2nd (Mt. Dulang-Dulang) and 4th (Mt. Kitanglad) highest peaks in the country. A great treat for my 21st year.

Talomo-Apo Megatraverse

Day 1 - Manila to Davao to Brgy. Tamayong to Lumot Campsite

For about 12 hours, we dealt on a trail that was difficult and quite lengthy. Fallen trees, fallen trees and more, well, fallen trees. It was like a daylong obstacle course.

Packed and Ready | Mindanao 1-2-3

2013-01-12T16:54:00.000+08:00

At last, my long wait will soon come to an end. In 4 days' time, I will fly to Mindanao and embark on a 12-day expedition on some of the highest mountains in the country - the mountains Apo, Dulang-Dulang and Kitanglad, (the first, second and fourth highest peaks in the Philippines).

I already have my round trip plane tickets, all the necessary arrangements for the climbs are set (thanks to my friends for organizing the climbs: Jay for the Talomo-Apo MegaTraverse, and Agnes for the D2K Traverse), my 12-days worth of stuff are already packed in my 55L backpack. Basically, I am just waiting for the big day to finally come, hurrah I'm really really excited for this! I just hope the weather will cooperate.

Mt. Maculot (MacTrav) | From Grotto to Rockies

2013-01-03T04:39:00.000+08:00

One week before this Mt. Maculot traverse dayhike, I joined Trail Adventours in their Twin Day Hikes in Laguna, and with us was the awesomest blogger behind Pinoymountaineer, Doc Gideon Lasco. While trekking the trail of Mt. Kalisungan, I had a little mountain talk with Doc.

One week after that talk with Doc Gideon, I found myself walking the streets of Cuenca, Batangas, heading to Mt. Maculot, and my goal that day was to finish my unfinished business - traverse the mountain and reach its summit.

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Intramuros on a Major Makeover

2013-01-02T19:28:00.000+08:00

It has been eight months now since I last visited Intramuros. After spending 4 long years of my college life in this walled city, I have developed a special attachment to it. Somehow, I'm starting to miss those moments in my life where I use to walk on its walls, stare at its aged buildings, and feel the antiquity of this former Spanish colonial capital.

This uneasy feeling made me want to revisit Intramuros the soonest possible. I want to see again the walled city 8 months after I left the place.

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Rizal's Execution Site

2012-12-30T20:17:00.000+08:00


Seen in this old picture is the event that changed the history of the Filipino people. Rizal's execution 1896.