The Weekend Warrior (Mt Gulugod Baboy)

I. Predicaments

A few days ago, I attended a meet up among travelers. The idea of leaving the corporate world to pursue a life of travel and backpacking was always brought up. While everyone was excitedly exchanging thoughts, I just heard my brain whisper, "Yeah, that was exactly how I felt before"

WAS.
BEFORE.

I can't believe myself. What have I become? I guess it could best be summarized by my post last March: 

For the past weeks, I've been observing myself turn down all sorts of invites - mural painting, clean up hike, volunteering, camping, tour guiding, coffee, roadtrips, etc. (activities that usually delight me.) I felt no need to go out as much anymore, until I met a certain person in the backpackers meet up - someone I don't exactly know but have once bumped into. And without knowing it, I made an impact to her life. She asked, if she could travel alone and see the world. 

I say, you go girl! You don't need any permission from anyone to see the world with your own eyes and feet."

Just a few minutes after, I saw another friend whom I met in a black market among artists. She was undergoing some kind of predicament herself. We all got to talk with each other and it was then decided that we'll hike together and prove whatever we have to prove. My declining streak was broken just like that.

II. The Mountain Effect

We got to the peak after a little over an hour. It was supposed to be an easy climb, but I felt like passing out just before the peak so I asked for a break. It turned out that I was very low on sugar - I was starving. I forgot that I didn't have breakfast yet. I was so embarrassed of my poor judgment and carelessness. 

Boa constrictor digesting an elephant aka Sombrero island :)

The trail from Philpan was straightforward and easy to follow even without a guide. It's a combination of a steep uphill concrete pavement and rolling hills. It was challenging for my calves at first, but got used to the trail after a while. 

Kinto! Goku's flying cloud

Since we were the first to make it to summit, we had a lot of time to goof around and be candid about our circumstances - work, hobbies, and interests. We have different personalities, background, and view on things, but we share the same love for outdoors. That common preference made it easy for us to listen and try to understand each other. I couldn't believe at the depth of our conversations considering that we haven't known each other for a long time. The mountain is really good in stripping people off of their pretenses! It's the mountain effect!

After the trek, we went to Philpan Dive Resort for lunch and snorkeling. 

I figured that I'm giving my current lifestyle a chance. For now I'm contented with being just a weekend warrior. Heck I think I can even last a quarter without travel now. Nonetheless, the universe will always pull me back in, and when the universe calls, I'll listen. 

The Weekend Warrior

See you around!

Arlet

Expenses as of April, 2015

1. Bus from Manila to Grand Terminal, Batangas and vv- 300php

2. Jeep to Anilao and vv - 70php

3. Tryk to Philpan and vv - 60php

4. Philpan Dive Resort Entrance fee - 60php

5. Philpan Dive Resort Cottage - 150php from 300php  - we asked for a 50% discount because there was no one around anyway

Ilocos: Perfect for Tourists

Ilocos, which is roughly 8-9 hours away from Manila via car, houses a lot of tourist spots -  making the province a primary destination among locals and foreigners alike. Some of the sights to behold include a UNESCO heritage site, one of the new 7 wonder cities of the world, a white beach, sand dunes, and beautiful rock formations.

Bangui windmills

Must See

1. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan rock formation is a very picturesque place. Imagine the immaculate white limestone, the blue sky, the green sea, and the white beach foam in the picture. It's beautiful!

Kapurpurawan rock formation

2. Callle Crisologo, Vigan

Calle Crisologo is a busy place - whether it be in the early morning or late afternoon. It was probably because we visited on a weekend holiday. There are lots of antique shops and souvenir stores which you'd do best to scrutinize the products' authenticity before buying. Even so, I find the aesthetic of the place very romantic - especially if the tourists flocks disappear :)

3. San Augustine Church (UNESCO World heritage site)

I know nothing of architecture but according to Google, San Augustine church or commonly known as Paoay church is a classic example of Baroque earthquake architecture in the country. It has survived numerous wars and earthquakes making it true to its structure.l

Look the bell tower is detached - this is to avoid the instances of the bell tower crushing down the church in case of an earthquake. If you observe the sides, there are also 4 big major buttresses supporting the church.

There have been conversations during the trip that the bricks were glued using egg whites, but I cannot seem to find any credible account for this. That's interesting, isn't it?

4. Bangui Windmills

Previous research and mapping studies concluded that Bangui is a good place for wind power installation. Hence, the modern looking Bangui windmills!

5. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Picture taking is not allowed in the mausoleum. It is a small room with Marcos's embalmed body in the center. The group will just circle the coffin very quickly and then go out immediately after. I am not a Marcos fan so I find the stories presented here very one sided - but I guess the Marcosses were good to Ilocos.

Must Try

1. Sandboarding

Riding a 4x4 to get to the sand dunes is a story on its own! It's so fun, reminded me of Mt. Pinatubo! And then the sandboarding is also thrilling - too bad I wasn't able to slide down in a standing position. By the way, I walked barefooted and had mild burns on my feet after, don't try that.

Meet the Villanueva family!

2. Surfing / Strolling around the beach (ANY beach here is nice)

White sand beach and big waves!

3. Local  delicacies and cuisines
Try their longganisa, empanada, chichacorn, banana chips, bagnet, pakbet, etc. Food is great here!

4. Ziplining at Blue Lagoon
I've never tried ziplining over an ocean so I felt like hey this is nice, I'll try it. I backed out though because the wind was soooo cold. 

Other attractions

1. Kabigan Falls
2. Baluarte
3. Bantay Bell Tower
4. Cape Bojeadora Lighthouse
5. Paraiso ni Anton

Overall, I'd say that Ilocos is truly an ultimate tourist destination because of the variety of activities and sights here. I think majority of the people would enjoy a visit in Ilocos - besides, it's relatively easy to visit.

See  you around!
Arlet

Basic Mountaineering Course: Love & Respect

"You say you love rain, but you use an umbrella to walk under it. You say you love sun, but you seek shelter when it is shining. You say you love wind, but when it comes, you close your windows. So that's why I'm scared when you say you love me."

I love nature.  Hikers must all do. For if we do not, imagine the state our mountains, forest, and beaches will suffer. But to say we love nature, and act in counterproductive ways against its conservation and protection is futile.

I guess this is the core of every Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) and Leave No Trace principle - to love and respect nature.

Several mountaineering groups and outdoor groups usually organize BMC during this time of the year. And if you see yourself trekking from time to time, it would be wise to attend one - or at the very least be oriented by someone. I've been trekking on and off for around a year now, but I haven't attended a BMC yet - I was however coached by Loyola Mountaineering group during my first climb. The insights and lessons I've learned from them have guided me in my past climbs and up until now.

Even so, I felt that attending a BMC has been a long time coming so when I found out about Conquer's BMC event, I immediately signed up and joined.

A lot of things were discussed during the event - planning a climb, trail movement & trail signs, basic ropemanship, water safety, land navigation, climbing essentials & equipment, camping, first aid, mountaineering etiquette, etc. The discussion was mostly an overview of each aspect so one shouldn't expect to be a master immediately after the course. One has to study, execute, restudy, re-execute and restudy the lessons again and again to be completely skilled in the craft. As Sir Rec of Tanay Adventure Camp mentioned, our level of consciousness right now is awareness. At least after the program, we know what concepts to look for and study.

Survival in the wild orientation

Demo on fire starting

Demo on tent pitching

Obstacle course

Knot tying and basic ropemanship

Rappelling

Land navigation

River crossing and water safety

It was definitely an insightful and enjoyable event. The organizers and speakers were prepared and credible, while the host site (Tanay Adventure Camp) was well kept and overall hospitable. It is probably my most relaxed camping experience up to date. Sana ganito din karelax sa bundok :)

In the mountains though, we cannot afford to be apathetic and lax for one mistake could put us or the group in danger. If we aren't prepared, we increase the risk of harm not only upon ourselves, but also to the environment.

Remember that in the mountain, "there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."

Hiking is caring.

See you around!
Arlet

PS

Like Conquer Outdoor Equipment Facebook page for updates on their events and whatnot. I'm looking forward to their Banahaw next month, or if you know any Makiling hikes anytime soon, please let me know. Thanks!

We're Made For Each Other

I woke up earlier than usual today. I fixed myself and headed out to our meeting place. It's a date!

Today is Valentine's day, and with the help of other people, we planned to bring the hashtag lunchbag project here in Manila. 

#HashtagLunchbag was born on Christmas Day 2012 in a Los Angeles apartment with just a small group of friends. The intent was simple, to prepare and deliver a hearty and well-balanced meal to our local homeless community. We all chipped in a few bucks before taking a quick trip to the grocery store and purchasing a few goodies. We invited over a few more friends to help assemble the lunch bags, blasted some music, and then hit the streets.

The sun wasn't out yet, but we were already done with plenty of tasks. For most of us, it was our first time to meet each other. That wouldn't be obvious though - not with the way we talked, joked, and worked with each other.

They were all wonderful people! Everyone was competent, decisive, and kindhearted. They could rule the world if they wanted to!

On our way to Manila, we passed by several takatak boys, traffic enforcers, and roadside cleaners who were all very happy and appreciative of  the lunchbag we handed them. What we gave was only a lunchbag, but when you look at them, it feels like they've received something much more than that.

Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang (No one lives for himself alone.)
Walang sinuman ang namamatay para sa sarili lamang (No one dies for himself alone.)
Tayong lahat ay may pananagutan sa isa’t-isa (We're all responsible for each other.)

Perhaps the reason we feel good whenever we try to help others is because we're all really made for each other. We're here to look out for one another, have each other's back, and be each other's keeper. Perhaps.

Happy Love Month!
Arlet

With just a small network of friends we were able to raise funds and distribute packed lunch to hundreds of homeless  people. It may be just a little thing , but with the smiles and thanks we've been given, I felt how much little things could matter.

If everyone lights just one little candle, what a bright world this will be.

Reach out.

How Mt. Purgatory Made Me Reexamine My Love For Hiking

We will always find ourselves asking the same questions. And unless it's the truth, we will always have different answers. This is because our hearts cannot be tricked into believing what it does not genuinely love.

Day 1.

"I'll go ahead." I told my friends and left.

I walked on and observed the trees, the ferns, the moss, and myself. The universe can exist without us humans. Perhaps it can thrive better without us. I looked at myself and the surrounding again and again. I obviously do not belong here. I shrugged.

The sky was getting dark; the fog was getting thicker. I've been walking for a while now, but it seems I'm nowhere near the end of this forest. Maybe I shouldn't have gone alone?

No Arlet, it's okay.
I'm on the right trail.
I'm sure?

I took out my headlamp and whistle. If I'm on the right trail, then my friends would catch up with me sooner or later. If I'm on the wrong trail, then I should conserve my energy and avoid getting trapped deeper in the forest.

So I waited.

While waiting, I felt how painful and sore my shoulders were, how cold my hands were, and how scared my heart was. My little familiarity with the terrain was quickly fading. Why am I here alone? I'm scared. I'm scared to be a burden to the team.

"Paano ka magiging pabigat, eh ang gaan gaan mo," a friend's voice scolded me in my head.

My negative thoughts were quickly erased. At the same time, I heard footsteps quickly coming closer. I bit my lip and stared at the direction where the noise was coming from.

A wild Ate Sharie appeared! Woohoo! I was found! - and being rescued apparently

"She's safe," she radioed the others and asked for a headcount.

It turns out that no one could account as to where I was so she went ahead of the middle group and quickened her pace.

Oh gosh. I was immediately thankful that they were the ones I was with for this climb. They aren't just people who are willing to help, but people who actually can.

"Be prepared not just for yourself, but also for others." - I'm the 'others' :P

We were supposed to head for Bakian Elementary School, but we ran out of time so we stayed at the hut for rent just before the school.

Bakian Elementary School

Dinner.

Ohmigosh! Ohmigosh! Dinneeer! I was so excited for dinner because the ladies prepared pochero and sinigang. I mean, don't we all just usually eat meat loaf for a climb? After all, it's just 1 night - and we'd like to get as much rest as we can rather than cut eggplants, right?

Well, well, well... not this  group. Hooray for cutting eggplants and cooking rice at high altitude!

Boys cooking rice

Dinner ala Sha Rie, Dang, Maynard, Shelli, and Jack!

Day 2.

After finishing 2 mountains the day before, we continued hiking for Mt Komkompol. The trail was mostly uphill from the camp, and I felt my legs weakening already. We reached the peak of Mt Komkompol (our ultimate destination) in no time.

 

The view was beautiful, but the scenery from when we started the hike were just as beautiful, if not more beautiful. 

Nonetheless we basked in the sun as if we just came from a long winter break, breathed the air as if it was limited, beamed at the mountains as if it will vanish, and laughed with each other as if it were our last. It was indeed a day well spent. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Woohoo!!! HAHAHA see you guys next time! Itigil and vicks, please.

We stayed at the peak for a few minutes, and then started our descent. It was purely downhill from there. After several hours of going down, I felt my knees ready to give up. I wore my knee support and became extra careful with my steps. The last time I felt this way was during my first climb in Mt. Palay Palay. 

I had the exact same thought back then: "Can I do this?"

My answer then was I'll try.
Right now, my answer is still the same thing.

I'll try.
And try.

But I figured, I'm not here to try hiking or even my love for it - it has already been tried. It is myself that I am trying.

See you around!
Arlet

PS

Mt Purgatory traverse is roughly 30km long. It spans 3 mountains: Mt. Pack, Mt. Purgatory, and Mt. Komkompol. If you observe closely, you will be able to tell the difference in flora between the mountains - it's very interesting! -reminds me of the setting of Princess Mononoke :) I also tried betel nut here for the first time