APRIL 13 was a big day for Baranggay Datal Anggas, the farthest barangay in my hometown, Alabel, Sarangani Province. No, not because it was Friday the 13th (blood was shed, though (there was a  mass circumcision courtesy of the municipal health office)) but because it was the 24th Foundation Anniversary and Abacafe Festival of the barrio.

When we heard about the local government’s Garantisado Serbisyo project, we decided to take part in it by running our own program alongside theirs. The Garantisado Serbisyo includes medical checkup, mass circumcision, turnover of medicines to the barangay nutrition scholar, tax mapping, distribution of voter’s ID, among others. We planned to conduct a fun day with the kids in the barrio, teach them personal hygiene, and serve them nutritious porridge.

With the help of our friends, we were able to raise fund for our project. My co-teachers, Team Bundol Mountaineers aspirants, and my family contributed cash and material donations for our activity.

Everything was set. We were going to ride the cargo truck (Saddam) of the LGU to Datal Anggas. Unfortunately, I received a message that we were going to have a faculty meeting on the same day as our scheduled trip. So, we had to make an arrangement — my fellow Team Bundol Mountaineers had to go with the group while I had to find a way to get to Datal Anggas on my own the following day.

The Road to Datal Anggas

The next day, I had no choice but to ride a motorcycle. A one-way trip to Datal Anggas costs six hundred pesos. Not only is it expensive, it is also perilous. I began my two-hour ordeal at 1:00 PM. It rained in the morning, so the road was all muddy and the ride was a mix of bumps, skids, and occasional walks on a winding and landslide-prone road.

Riding was so difficult that after we reached the last community before Datal Anggas, I asked the driver to head back to town while I went on in my journey on foot.

I had no idea how far Datal Anggas was from where I started walking. I just walked with the goal in mind that I have to reach the area before dark.

Barren Slopes

Trekking allowed me to take a look at the surroundings. The most part of the area was virtually barren and idle. All I saw was a vast field of cogon grass and sporadic trees, which were mostly leafless. I felt sad about it.

At the far end of the horizon, I saw a thicket. It was probably the last forested land in the area and there is a threat that in a few more years, it will be barren, too. I don’t wonder why it often floods in the town when it rains in Datal Anggas. The soil there is also soft, so there is always the danger of landslides.

See that the clearing in the middle of the forest?

More Teachers and a Dorm

I reached Datal Anggas half past 5PM. Fog was slowly creeping into the community when I arrived.

The team from the municipal government were housed at the Integrated School and at the Barangay Hall.

While preparing our dinner, the school principal joined us. I learned from him that there are only 8 teachers in the school and they are going to offer complete elementary and high school next year. So, there will be 10 classes. How could eight teachers handle these classes? We discussed about multigrade teaching but the principal said that it will be difficult since the classes are big. I also learned that other pupils and students come from far places and yet, the classdorm project there is still unimplemented. Students have to walk for hours to go to school.

The Fun Day

We woke up to bright morning in Datal Anggas.

Mac2x, Jhan2x, and I started preparing the food for the kids. A little later, I started to gather some kids for some games. Many of them were shy. They prefred to stay outside the school’s fence and watch. Others were interested and excited. I started playing with a few kids until they started to grow in number.

Barangay Captain Salimama joined us during the feeding program. I also asked some kids to sing songs in their local dialect. The people of Datal Anggas are a mix of Tagakaolo, Kalagan, and B’laan tribes. I just hope that there is a program that aims to preserve their cultural heritage. I wanted to hear an original traditional song but theirs were translations of a popular and a religious song.

Abacafe Festival

We were not able to stay long to join the people of Datal Anggas in their Abacafe Festival because the truck had to leave before the rain comes.

Abacafe festival is a celebration highlighting the products of the baranggay, which are abaca fiber and coffee. There is also civet coffee in the area. The locals were able to take part in education tour in Barangay Kinilis,  Polomolok, South Cotabato, which produces quality civet coffee and in Tagum City as well.

However, the abaca and coffee industies in Datal Anggas need more support. They need help in increasing their production and improving the quality of their products. Furthermore, derivative products from coffee and abaca can generate even more income for the locals, and most importantly, improving the farm-to-market road from Datal Anggas to Barangay Alegria will greatly help the trade. I’ve heard that some people in farther sitios choose to deliver their goods to Davao del Sur because they have better roads.

My trip to Datal Anggas had been a great learning experience for me. I saw with my own eyes the needs of the community there. I hope they will be given help other than just a day of delivery of social services. The area is rich; the people needs to be taught about using the natural resources properly and protecting their natural and cultural wealth.

On our way home, we got stuck several times and were stranded for over five hours. It was like fate wanted us to experience how difficult it is for people to live there and for government employees and teachers to deliver service to the people in the area.

I PLANNED to spend the Holy Week at home. I had plenty of reasons for not wanting to go anywhere, but the night before the EcoTrek to Lake Holon in T’boli, South Cotabato, something pushed me to join my group, Team Bundol Mountaineers, in what was going to be one of my most unforgettable adventures.

When I heard about Lake Holon, it never occurred to me that it is the same lake that I used to know as Lake Maughan. Even some of my friends wondered where that place could be. I learned later that the reason for the confusion is the name.

What’s in a name?

Lake Holon, popularly known as Lake Maughan, is the crater lake of Mt. Parker. By the way, Mt. Parker is really Mt. Melibengoy. Here’s the story.

The T’boli people, the indigenous tribe in the area, used to call the stratovolcano, Melibengoy and its crater lake, Holon. Sometime in 1934, an American General, Gen. Frank Parker, who claimed to have discovered the lake, crashed in the site, with another American, known only by his last name, Maughan. From then on the volcano was called Mt. Parker and its crater lake, Lake Maughan.

Recently, local officials moved to restore the local names of the volcano and the lake. They now prefer the names Mt. Melibengoy and Lake Holon.

According to some sources, Melibengoy is the T’boli term for volcano, while Holon is for “portal to heaven,” from a local legend about a T’boli witch who led a pack of followers to the lake, thinking that they were going to earn eternal life. No one has seen than since. They are believed to have gone straight to heaven after diving into the water.

The Trek to the Philippines’ Cleanest Lake

Lake Holon is accessible via Barangay Salacafe in the municipality of T’boli. To get to T’boli from General Santos City, you can take a bus to the City of Koronadal. From there, you can take a bus or a van to Surallah Integrated Terminal, where you can ride a jeepney or hire motorcycle to T’boli. It is encouraged that you drop by the municipal tourism office of T’boli before going to Salacafe and sign your name in the logbook.

In our case, the organizers of the 9th EcoTrek and Fun Climb hired a vehicle that took straight from GenSan to Salacafe.

The trekking begins at Salacafe. It took me about 3 hours to reach the highest point of the trail. The trail is lined with trees for the most part. we were just lucky that it was not very hot when when we traversed the open path. The next 45 minutes was pent going down to the lake.

As we were nearing the camp site, I began to catch a glimpse of the lake through the branches of the tress that surround the lake. By merely looking at the bluish green body of water my weary soul began to revivify.

Other campers were already pitching their tents when we arrived but I couldn’t wait to gaze at such a wonderful creation. I ran to the lake shore and gaped in awe of the beauty that was Lake Holon.

I saw some campers scooping water from the lake. The water of Lake Holon is crystal clear and mountaineers use it for cooking and, yes, drinking. Why not? Lake Holon was adjudged as the cleanest inland body of water in 2003 and 2004. I don’t know what happened in the years that followed. To me, it is the cleanest lake I have ever seen. I had to wait for the next day, though, before I was finally able to wallow in the cool and clean water of Lake Holon.

It was my first time to swim in a lake and I couldn’t forget it. It was so refreshingly cool that I didn’t want to stop swimming.

Reportedly, the lake covers an area of over 300 hectares. There are floating cottages there and some dugouts for those who would want to go boating around the lake. It’s depth, however, remains unknown. There were attempts but they were not able to measure it. Given the right equipment, I’m sure, we can finally get the correct data about its depth.

Leave no Trace

While we, mountaineers, show concern for the conservation and protection of natural resources, there are people who don’t. Mountaineers abide by mountaineering ethics that we leave no trace in the places we visit. There are some people (locals) who visit the lake and just leave their trash anywhere. I even had to ask a group of teenagers to pick up the empty cans, plastic, and other litter they left near the lake. I hope that local government can act effectively act on this if they want Lake Holon to still be the cleanest lake in the country.

There is an even bigger problem. Along trail, I saw some trees felled by a certain company. I think, that part of the forest is being converted into a plantation. It seems that the plantations are crawling towards the lake. It is so sad that things like this continue to happen despite the warnings the place has received from nature when the walls of the lake collapsed in 1995 that led to the death of 24 people and left hundreds of families homeless and when heavy rains caused the lake to overflow in 2006. There seemed to be no trace of learning left in the minds of the people living in the area.

I did not regret that I decided to change my mind and went with my friends to Lake Holon. It was an experience of discovery, learning, and strengthening of the bond of friendship and connection with nature. Lake Holon is a destination I would always want to go back to.

SUMMER WILL be sizzling hot again in Sarangani Province as we celebrate this year’s Sarangani Bay Festival on May 18 and 19.

The white sand beaches of Gumasa  in the municipality of Glan will again teem with beach lovers and adventure seekers as the local tourism council lay out outdoor activities and beach parties, which will surely spell fun. It’s an event you surely wouldn’t wanna miss. Even Manny Pacquiao wouldn’t want to miss the chance to party with us.

Here’s a promotional video showing Manny Pacquiao:

Here is the lineup of activities for the Sarangani Bay Festival 2012:

Sarangani Bay Festival Schedule. Click to enlarge.

How to Get to Gumasa

Gumasa is about a 45-minute to one-hour drive from General Santos City passing by the towns of Alabel and Malapatan. You may also take a public utility van whose terminal is beside KCC Mall of GenSan or a jeepney from Lagao Public Market. Fare range from 80 pesos to 90 pesos.

The popular resorts in Gumasa are Davak Ridge, Yoshikawa, White Haven, Coco Beach, Rosal Beach Resort, Brod Louie, and Isla Jardin del Mar. Entrance fees range from 30 pesos to 50 pesos per person and you can rent a cottage from as low as 300 pesos to 1000 pesos, depending on the size. Room rates range from 1000 to 7000 a night.

You can check out this link for the rates.

There are also reviews here,another one here, and one more here.

Alternative Resorts

On the other hand, there are people who prefer to spend the summer away from all the frantic parties and merriment and seek spots for relaxation and contemplation. Just this weekend, I found a spot in Taluya ( just before reaching Gumasa) that offers the same charm as Gumasa, minus the crowd.

There are a couple of resorts there. Marian Beach Resort is one of them. The water is crystal clear and the sand is white. There is also a beautiful rock formation on the side, which is perfect for your camwhoring.

I always look forward to resorts that will offer outdoor adventure activities for the more outgoing vacationers.

It’s time to play! It’s Time To SarBay!

I STARTED April with an enjoyable outdoor activity with friends who share the same interests with me. GenSan Run Club active member and fellow photography enthusiast Marvin de Asis invited me and 17 others to a Fun Run to Lake Beto in my hometown, Alabel.

We ran the trail from the Sarangani Provincial Capitol to Barangay Spring, where the calm Lake Beto sits. I haven’t run since I got busy with all the paper work as the school year was nearing its end, so I feared getting cramps or sprain along the way. And, yes, I feared if I could complete the over 10-km trail, which involves some uphill climbs and downhill runs.

Fortunately, I was able to successfully hurdle the challenge. From Lake Beto, we ran back to the provincial capitol following a different route, passing through Ladol.

I am seeing my  summer vacation to be filled with outdoor activities such as this. I have already several plans in mind. I just pray that God will give me good health and enough time and resources to carry out my plans for summer.

Have a great summertime, everyone!

NOT VERY far from the urban center of General Santos City, one can experience adventure and fun with nature and enjoy a breathtaking sight of the cityscape from a lofty vantage point. I joined my mountaineering friends (Team Bundol Mountaineers, UGTAS, and Wasalak) in a trek to Sanchez Peak via Balakayo Trail and then traversed to Amsicong and Kalaja, Falls, and finally, exited to Cassava, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Getting There

I prepared a two-day itinerary for this outdoor adventure. We hired a multicab from Lagao Terminal to Conel at Php 20 per head. At Conel, we took a single motorcycle that charged Php 100 per head. The road is very rough, I understand, but the price is still a bit too high. We tried to haggle and we were able to lower it down to Php 80.

The motorcycles took us to Balakayo, where the trek started. It took us roughly two-hours to reach the peak. The first part of the trail was very steep until you reach the  cross-road to the 5th Mountain Adventure Park, where you could ride the zip line and cable cars for a fee. It wasn’t part of our itinerary, though, so we continued on.

We stopped by one of the peaks because it was too misty that time, we couldn’t see the trail very well.

Mt. Matutum can be seen from that point on. It’s beautiful shape stands out from the surrounding landscape.

Sanchez Peak is a good site for relaxation. You can see the whole GenSan area and the towns of Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, and Maasim, which surround the Sarngani Bay. It has a wide area for camping. The owner of the land collects Php 15 from trekkers. They also sell potable water at Php 20 per gallon.

Sunset, City Lights, and the Sunrise at Sanchez Peak

The perfect time to start the trek to Sanchez Peak is in the afternoon so that you will be welcomes by the wonderful sunset. In our case, we left Lagao at about 1:00 PM.

We were lucky to still be able to watch the beautiful view of the setting sun, which Sanchez Peak is known for, despite the bad weather in the past weeks. And of course, everyone was caught in awe when GenSan started to light up as the night crawled. Looking at the whole city and its bright lights is one of the most relaxing things you could do. If you are in need of inspiration and some quiet time, Sanchez Peak is just so perfect for you.

One more thing you would love about Sanchez Peak is to wake up to a beautiful morning. I would run out of adjectives to describe how great it felt to be like standing on top of the world.

From Sanchez to Kalaja

According to some friends who frequent the area, there is a shorter and an easier to route to Sanchez Peak as an alternative to Balakayo. The Balsinang trail would only take trekkers about an hour to reach the peak. I have yet to try it. Yes, one day, I will.

From Sanchez Peak, we trekked to Amsicong and Kalaja Falls. It took us two hours to reach our destination through a challenging river trail. If you have been reading my blog, I had once visited Amsicong and Kalaja Falls. Team Wasalak led us in this part of the trail.

Itinerary

Day 1

12:30 PM             Assembly at Lagao

1:00 PM                ETD Motorcycle from Lagao to Balakayo

1:25 PM                ETA at Balakayo

1:30PM                 ETD Trekking from Balakayo to Sanchz Peak

5:00PM                 ETA at Sanchez Peak

6:00PM                 Tent Pitching / Preparation for Dinner

7:00PM                 Dinner

8:00PM                 Happy Hour/Camp Socials

Day 2

6:00AM                 Wake Up Call / Preparation for Breakfast

7:00AM                 Breakfast

8:00AM                 Break Camp

8:30AM                 ETD Trekking to Amsicong and Kalaja

10:30AM              ETA at Kalaja

11:00AM              Preparation for Lunch / Swimming

12:00NN               Lunch / Swimming

1:30PM                 ETD from Kalaja to 2^nd Camp Site

2:00 PM                ETA at camp site

2:30PM                 ETD from camp site to cave

3:00PM                 Cave exploration

4:30PM                 Homeward Bound

LET ME tell you how to acquire a professional driver’s license in the Philippines based on my experience at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Okay, I just had my professional driver’s license. With the help of a fixer. No, I didn’t intend to hire the services of a fixer, nor do promote dealing with one. As you might have known the LTO has a very effective campaign against them fixers. So, I went to the LTO without any intention to deal with any fixer. So I looked for the signage explaining the process. Beforehand, I already made a research by asking licensed drivers, who, as it happens, hired a fixer.

Before going to the LTO, I brought with me the requirements:

1. A five-month old valid Student Permit issued by LTO.
2. Police clearance secured from the local police station. (Note: To get a police clearance, you must secure a barangay clearance first (which requires a purok clearance) and 2 pieces 2″ x 2″ ID photo with name tag.)

According to the procedure posted at the office, I must fill out an application form (they call an ADL form), which I was not able to get because they stopped releasing at the time I arrived (around 11:30 AM) and they will resume by 1:00 PM.

I didn’t want to waste my time, so, I searched for the list of accredited drug testing centers and medical clinics posted on the wall. I proceeded to the drug testing center. They were about to close for lunch but I asked if they could still accommodate me. They told me to return by 1:00 PM. I was about to leave when a guy approached me, asking me if I was applying for a driver’s license. I answered his questions and he motioned to the clinic staff. I was then given a plastic cup for my urine sample. So the clinic rules can be changed by this guy. How powerful.

The guy then told me that if I need more help, all I should do was to look for him; he said that he would be staying near the LTO. I thanked him and took my lunch.

While eating, I wondered if I should ask him for help or just go through the process. I understand the process very well. After lunch, I would:

1. Go to the clinic and have my medical exam.
2. Return to the LTO to fill out an ADL form.
3. Take the written and practical exam.
4. Have my photo and digital signature taken.
5. Wait for my driver’s license.

After lunch, I went to the medical clinic. I was surprised to see the guy there. His wife happened to be a clinic staff. Okay. So, I approached the table and they asked for my Student Permit. The woman filled out the form for me using the information from my SP and told me to enter the examination room.

The funniest thing that ever happened to me that afternoon took place at the clinic: the guy who helped me at the drug testing center was the same guy who did my medical exam. He asked me to read the letters on the Snellen chart and decided that I have 20/20 vision. Just who was this guy? A doctor?

I paid the required amount and I was instructed to keep the receipt as it would be inspected at the LTO. I left the clinic went back to the LTO to get an ADL form. I went to window 1 and the woman behind the glass pointed me to the adjacent room where there were people seated, waiting for something. When I entered the room, I was told to wait outside because all the seats were already taken.

I waited outside and realized that, looking at the number of people waiting for their turn and considering the time spent for one applicant, the earliest I could get a form would be about an hour or two.

Suddenly, the guy who helped me at the drug testing center and did my medical exam at the clinic appeared. “Wala pa ka’y ADL?” (You don’t have an ADL yet?) he asked. I told him that I was told to wait outside. He asked me to go back to the clinic and wait there and that he would get me an ADL. We rode his motorcycle back to the clinic and he told me to just wait there. After a few minutes, he arrived with an ADL form, which I filled out right away. He asked for my Police Clearance and TIN card. “Package deal ni. Ambi imong Php 1,800, ako na bahala ani. Hulat lang ka diri,” (This is package deal. Give me your Php 1,800. All you have to do is wait here.) the guy explained.

Everything happened quickly after that. Literally. There were so many people at the waiting area, waiting for their names to be called. My name was called in no time. I didn’t have to wait for a very long time as everyone else. In less than 15 minutes, I had my photo and signature taken. I skipped the written and actual exam.

The guy told me that he would text me the following day to claim my driver’s license from him. We exchanged numbers and he told me his name was Jing.

I went home wondering what power the guy had: first, on the drug testing center staff, the medical clinic staff, and finally, the LTO staff.

If the LTO is serious about their campaign against fixers, how could they allow people like Jing to cut short the process of acquiring a driver’s license to people who are willing to pay?

DESPITE BEING haunted by claustrophobia I faced the challenge of exploring a cave inhabited by bats and a flock of balinsasayaw  (swiftlet) in Purok Bagong Buhay, Mabuhay, General Santos City. Let me tell you the tale of a reluctant spelunker.

It wasn’t part of the plan. We only talked about dipping in the cold water of Kalaja waterfall, but our guide, Dodong, suggested that before going home, we pass by a cave to take a look at the nests of balinsasayaw. The idea sounded exciting but I worried. I hadn’t been inside a cave. The closest experience I have had about caves was during our educational trip to the Japanese tunnel in Davao City several years ago. I know, it wasn’t even a cave.

Not many people knew about the cave. Most of the people who visit the place know only about the waterfall. Another group of teens heard us talk about it and they decided to go with us.

We trekked to the other side of the hill to reach the opening of the cave. When we reached the area, some birds were already alarmed by our presence, they started flying out of the cave. A few even flew past me that I could feel wind on my face due to their swift movement. The balinsasayaw are small and didn’t look spooky unlike the bats.

In the back of my head I wanted to tell the group that I will wait for them outside. I was hesitated to get inside the cave. I realized that I was there for adventure, so I fought back my fear and decided to get in. I was the last one to enter the cave.

It was dark inside the cave, given to its small opening. It was a good thing that I brought my headlamp with me. I also wished I was wearing a hard hat as there were stalactites hanging on the cave’s interior. It was cavernous inside the cave. On the walls, I was able to spot a few swiftlet nests.

The nest of the balinsasayaw is made out of the bird’s saliva. The nest could be made into a soup, for which El Nido, Palawan is known. The balinsasayaw in the cave we explored is probably the Black-nest swiftlet  (Collocalia Maxima). I have heard, their population is dwindling.

The teens were noisy at first but they were told to keep their mouth shut. The silence that followed, however, elevated my fear as I could hear the footsteps of the people inside the cave and how they cause the walls of the cave to vibrate.  Someone yelled to watch out for a hole on the floor. When that reached that point in the cave, I realized that I had to go jump down the hole into a smaller tunnel.

I had to stoop down to get inside. I wished the tunnel would only be very short, but it wasn’t. It was about 30 meters long.  After a few minutes of agonizing in fear, I was relieved to see the other end of the cave.

On our way out, I spotted a bird curling up in its nest.

I believe, the cave is part of a private land but I don’t know if the owner of the land regularly harvests the nests. Before we entered the property there was a signage by a certain Atty. Flores warning the people not to take any nest. Dodong also reminded us about it. Well, being respectful to nature, I had no plans of taking home a nest. I am curious about the taste of an authentic balinsasayaw soup, of course, but I can put off that curiosity for the sake the continuity of the birds’s population.

HERE IN SoCCSKSarGen adventure never ends.

I feel very lucky to be here in this part of the planet, where opportunities for adventure are limitless. I also thank God that he allows me to enjoy the wonderful gift of nature.

A week after our Mt. Matutum adventure, my team, together with our friends from Madyaw Alabel Mountaineering Association once again embarked on a journey, where we explored the cascades of Kalaja Waterfall and entered a cave in the boundaries of General Santos City and the municipality of Polomolok , South Cotabato. It is one surprise-filled adventure I would always treasure.

Macky and I drove to Cassava, Polomolok on my motorcycle last Saturday. From there, we started trekking through the Dole pineapple plantation and then through hills that were beautifully carpeted with yellow-green cogon grass and sporadically adorned by trees whose trunks and branches have been shaped by the wind and looked as if they were in an act of worship.

The trek to the waterfalls traverses a private property. Although the owner doesn’t require payment, trekkers must list their names in a logbook.

We started trekking at about half past 11 o’clock. The early part of the trail was easy. It was just a long walk – uphill at first, followed by a flat path, and then downhill. What made it a little hard was the heat. There weren’t many trees along the trail. We took some rest at a hut along the way and had some chat with the farmers. Their son, Dodong, later joined us in our Kalaja adventure.

We reached the campsite at about half past 1 o’clock in the afternoon. It was a perfect spot. It was under the shade of trees and there was a spring nearby.

We did not pitch our tents yet.  Instead, we headed to the waterfalls to cool our bodies down. We started river trekking from the campsite.

The trail was refreshing, except for the part where there was a boulder sandwiched between the walls of that lined the river. It made the trail difficult because you have to do some rock climbing. Beginners will need a rope to get through. I was not prepared for it. I expected the trail to be just so easy as described by others who had been there. I had butterflies in my stomach when I took my turn because I was the one who took the ropes off, but I was so glad to have succeeded.

Kalaja waterfall looks like a large cauldron, hence the name. Kalaja is the vernacular for cooking pan. It looks like it was really designed for swimming. A pool of clear water is perfect for those who want to relax. According to Dodong, the water is 16 feet deep at the deepest part.

The next day, we went back to the waterfall for another dip. We also went further downstream to Amsicong waterfall, the tallest of the series of cascades. A steel ladder was attached to the rock wall, where we descended to catch a better view of the falling water.

We met Gensan Mountaineering Club (GeMoC) at Amsicong. They were also headed to the Kalaja waterfall. They took the Conel trail from Sanchez Peak to reach the area.

For those in SoCCSKSarGen, who are seeking for adventure and relaxation, you need not go far. Kalaja is waiting for you.

Next: Our Spelunking Adventure after the Kalaja Escapade

I LOVE the outdoors. Just this weekend that passed, I made a noteworthy expression of that love as I took the trail to the summit of Mt. Matutum. Together with Team Bundol, I braved the steep slopes of Mt. Matutum to reach its peak, 2,270 meters above sea level in an eight-hour climb through a rocky, muddy, wet, and mossy trail.

Jump-off at Sitio Keumang, Polomolok, South Cotabato

Like all first timers (yes, this is my first major climb), I was very excited to climb Mt. Matutum when I learned that everyone agreed to push the climb through. Beforehand, I made a little research about the trail. It is rated by PinoyMountaineer 5/9 in terms of difficulty level and classified the trail as 3. I didn’t know what that meant at the time I read it, but I prepared for the worst, thinking that such a rating was from an experienced mountaineer.

We stayed at Lamcaliaf in Polomolok, South Cotabato the night before the climb where a family adopted us for a sleepover. We were jumping off from Sitio Keumang the following morning, so it was just convenient for us to do so than to travel straight from Alabel, Sarangani Province.

The next morning, we rode a motorcyle to Sitio Keumang (they also call the place Salol). The fare is Php 80 per head, negotiable. At Sitio Keumang, we met the Purok Chairman, whom the locals called, Awad. He asked us for our permit, but as it happens, we failed to secure one. That didn’t dampen our excitement, though. He offered that we pay a higher toll fee in order to be allowed to climb. We paid Php 75 pesos each.

Stopping by to catch some breath.

Organizing a Climb

For starters, here’s what you should do. If you want to follow the Keumang trail, secure a permit at the Polomolok Municipal Hall. They charge Php 150.00 per head. If you plan to take the Glandang trail, secure a permit from the Municipality of Tupi at the same price. At Keumang, you will need to pay 25 pesos to the purok treasurer. You will also be required to hire a guide. Guides charge from Php 300-500 each. One guide is required for every group of ten.

After all the talks, we commenced the trek at half past 10am. The first two hours was quite easy. We took our lunch at a house along the way. After which, we resumed trekking across cogon grass-dominated hills that became steeper as we went on. It also got colder and there was mist all over. My legs muscles cramped twice so I had to take some rest.

We reached phase 1 at around two o’clock in afternoon. That means, we’ve been trekking for four hours already. That point, I was told, was just the beginning of the actual assault. To which, I replied, “Whaaat?!”

True enough, from phase 1, the trail became increasingly difficult. It was rocky at first. I had to balance on rocks and occasional moss-covered dead tree trunks. It was followed by an endless uphill climb from that point onward. I had to use my arms to hold on to branches, roots, rocks, stumps, and whatever I could grasp to keep going. Rest period become more frequent.

It's a relief to see that you are on top of everything around you. All the pains we went through paid off.

At around 4pm, it became very cold. Despite the heat due to strenuous movements, I still chilled, especially when I stopped by for a breather. One of my companions, Macky, complained that he was hungry. Biscuits didn’t help. He grew weaker. He used to be the fastest in the group but I could catch up with his pace. He decided to take a long rest and asked if we could prepare something to eat. We all stopped, cooked, and enjoyed warm food.

It took us about an hour there. It was getting darker already so we started wearing our headlamps. The food was very effective in energizing me. Combined with my excitement to reach the summit, I led the group in the final hour of our ascent. The soil was very soft due to decayed leaves, so using my knees for support was not a problem. I reached the peak ahead of the rest. My heart was so filled with joy. At the peak, still trying to catch my breath, I laid on my back, looking at the sky above me. Finally, I conquered Mt. Matutum.

Here are the photos of Team Bundol’s first success for 2012, our Mt. Matutum adventure:

GOD GIVES you something and you let out a close fist instead of an open palm. All the blessings God gave you fell of your tight fist. You ended up getting nothing.

God is generous and because of that, I have always resolved to keep my hands open and ready to receive His blessings. He has shown his generosity in the year 2011 and just before the year ends, I would like to thank God for the all the blessings I have received.

1. Opportunities for more learning, and for personal and professional growth
   -My 2011 opened with our participation to the National Super Quiz Bee in Tagaytay after winning in the Regional Level. It was our first time and it really made me proud.
   -I was also sent by the school to different seminars and conferences like the Energy, Climate Change, Cosmology, and Astrophysics Seminar,  IT-DATE 2, the National SCAAP Seminar-Workshop, National Campus Journalism Workshop, and Training on Test Construction
   -This year I was also designated as school paper adviser. I coached the broadcasting team and the editorial writer. Although we did not make it to the NSPC, it had been a good learning experience for me
   - I also had been involved in fitness endeavors (I still gained weight, though)
   -I got my own DSLR last August and since then I have been improving my skills in photography everyday. I got the chance to cover the Talukudong Festival of Tacurong City, Lubi-lubi Festival of Glan, and Shariff Kabunsuan Festival of Cotabato City, and Mr. & Ms. Gensan, and Mutya ng Alabel. I also did my friend’s pre-nuptial photshoot and covered her wedding. I am enjoying my camera and I hope to continue perfecting this craft.
2. Opportunities to share my knowledge
   -Not only had I been given the chance to learn, I also had to chance to share my knowledge when I was invited as speaker for the Adobe Photoshop Training for SOCOTECO I employees, the Blogging Seminar during the T’nalak Festival of Koronadal City, and the Campus Journalism Seminar for School Paper Advisers in Sarangani
   -I am also thankful for being of help to the JeepneEd Program in Sarangani. I was able to share my knowledge to the volunteer teachers and I hope to be able to be of service to this project because I believe in its cause
   -When Typhoon Sendong left the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan homeless, we helped gather relief goods for them.
3. Opportunities to do something for others and for the Earth
   - Last summer, together with my co-alumnus, co-teachers, and students, we organized the Alabel Bottle School Project and we were able t raise funds through our Earth Day Run
   -I was also able to participate in numerous tree planting activities like the one for the National Greening Program launch in Masasato, Alabel, Sarangani Province, the Riverbank Rehabilitation in Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province, and our own Tree Planting on Rizal’s Birthday.
   -The Interact Club , of which I am the adviser, also conducted an outreach activity for the kids in Sitio Flume, Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province.
   -Last November, my group, Team Bundol Mountaineers, teamed up with Madyaw Alabel Mountaineers Association and Magu Sarangani Mountaineers to conduct the 1st MunaTo EcoTrek, where we delivered books for the pupils in a school in New Canaan, Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani Province and planted trees in the area.
4. Opportunities to spend time with my family
   -This year, I have rediscovered the importance of my family. Although I have always considered myself a family man, the effort I am exerting for my family is really not enough for the love they are showing me. So in 2011, I tried to give back to my family. I could say that we had been more bonded this year. I had the chance to spend a week-long vacation  with my family in Cebu (thanks to my niece, Cathy), which I will be telling you soon.
5. Opportunities to meet new friends and to strengthen bond with the old ones
   -I met new friends this year and I am so thankful that God bless me with them. First is the Team Bundol Mountaineers. With them, I was able to conceptualize the MunaTo EcoTrek. I was also able to meet admirable people in New Canaan, who I consider now as friends.
   -I am also glad to have been able to participate in many of SoCCSKSarGen Bloggers’ activities.
   -My T’nalak Youth Group family also renewed our bond just before the year ends.
   - My High School friends also had a get-together and I look forward to meeting them again next year.
   -I couldn’t imagine how I would be able to live my life without friends.

Looking back at how my 2011 went, God gave me things that I didn’t even have to ask for. I am just glad that I had always kept my hand open to receive whatever God gives. In 2012, I can see that He has something bigger in store for me. So, I will be opening my hands wider to accept God’s blessings.