1st Hike: Mount Makiling

Hiking Leaf #1: My mother mountain: Mount Makiling

August 20, 2017 - I was very excited for my first attempt to climb a mountain. My colleague, Appoy, mentioned that we were going on a Major Hike, so I truly felt excitement, with no nervousness, just pure excitement. Perhaps because my two best friends were also with me on this first experience.

JP, JR and me at KFC Cubao

We met up at KFC Cubao, my High school friends JP and JR entered together, feeling a bit shy in the group we were joining. Ms. Mylene was the organiser/coordinator of the Galang Paa group we joined, and she gave us a warm welcome.

Then at midnight, we set off for Laguna. We got a bit lost on the way to the jump-off point because it was a remote location, and maybe because we weren't used to climbing the Majestic Mount Makiling. After a few detours, we finally reached the Sto. Tomas, Batangas Jump-off point (thanks to the Tricycle that took us there). It was around 4 am by then, so it was cold, and the surroundings were dark. We changed our clothes and went straight to the registration house.

I thought we would start the ascent then, but we were told it wasn't safe as the trail was too dark and dangerous for us. So, we rested and had some mung bean soup.

Group picture

7:00 am - We started trekking, and our Organiser decided that us beginners should lead the group to pace the trail according to our speed. I was at the front with one of our 2 guides - Spencer. It was a long walk, passing by some houses until the path became dense. We reached Station 1 and took a rest, of course, taking pictures! Picture! 😊

The unexpected - the trail kept getting steeper, and our formation got lost. Perhaps due to my beginner status, I was left behind by some of my companions.
As we ascended towards Station 10, one of my friends slipped. We checked on him, and I noticed how pale he looked. We stopped on the trail for a few minutes, while some of our companions moved ahead. Shortly after, my friend decided to go back to the Jump-off point and not continue. I felt sad because the three of us friends started the climb together, and I wanted all three of us to finish. I didn't want to risk my friend's safety, so I didn't oppose his decision. With our sweeper guide, they returned to the Jump-off point, and we continued.

Limatik zone - approaching Station 15, our guide informed us that there were many blood leeches on the trail. Some of us, especially the women, were a bit worried. I, on the other hand, was curious about what they looked like 😎 and I was fortunate enough to encounter a blood leech!

Peak 3 - from a view-less environment, we reached the Peak 3, passing through a rope segment. I was amazed by the view I saw, an overlooking view where we could see Laguna and where we came from. It was a view I really wanted to see. I couldn't help but take pictures because I was truly enjoying it. And of course, more group pictures 😎 after that, we continued as we were told that our destination was still far.

Group picture at Peak 3

As we were heading towards Peak 2, the rain started pouring, making the ascent even more challenging for me, and my legs began to cramp. Additionally, blood leeches were crawling on my clothes. My bag also got wet.

As we were climbing, everyone started joking about not continuing. In my mind, I thought I should push through because we were already close, and it would be far to go back. The trail started descending, and the rocks on the path became steep. I ignored the blood leeches on my clothes and focused on reaching the final peak.

JP, Yvan (Appoy) and me

While ascending to station 30, I noticed something hidden in the thick tree. I felt a bit nervous, thinking it might be NPA or something else. But to our surprise, we found a Korean solo hiker at station 30!

Finally, we reached station 30, the last peak of Mount Makiling. Although I didn't have the privilege of a beautiful view or clearing, probably due to the rainy weather, the feeling of achieving my first-ever climb gave me a sense of accomplishment. The group was happy, and we started taking pictures! However, it was still a bit sad for me because not all of us friends made it to the summit of Makiling. Despite that, I know I will do it again and be with my friends once more!


At last at Peak 2 - Station 30


Picture at Agila Base



Date of Hike: 
August 20, 2017

1st hike (1st major)
My 1st mountain

Mt. Makiling Peak 2 (1,090+ masl)
Major hike - traverse


Makiling Traverse Jump-off:
Sitio Jordan, Brgy. San Miguel, Santo Tomas, Batangas

Event Organiser/Group:
Mylene (Momshie) of Galang Paa

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