Hiking Leaf # 12: First Overnight hike
May 5 - Our plan to climb Mount Halcon with Doc Sheng didn't push through, so we decided to join an event where she was invited. I was also excited because aside from this being my first overnight hike, we were going to climb the holy mountain of Banahaw (Tayabas side). I planned to meet Doc Sheng at the Bus Terminal to Quezon near Gil Puyat at 11 pm. The bus to Quezon departed at 12:15 am.
May 6 - While on the journey, I fell asleep but kept waking up intermittently because we were also not familiar with the place. Around 3:15 am, we arrived at Lucena Diversion and headed to Jollibee where we agreed to meet. I saw some hikers inside, but we weren't sure if they were with our group. I also bought my packed lunch while waiting. By 4 am, our group increased, and we found out that they were indeed our companions. I even recognised one of them, Rocky, who was the seller of the dry bag I bought before, and also an organiser. We were also introduced to Maidee, the group's organiser, who informed us that the jeep we would ride was on its way.
Around 4:42 am, we boarded a jeep and passed by the market to buy some necessities for the hike. By 5:20 am, we reached the jump-off point and registered. There was a brief orientation about the mountain and the principles to follow. Exactly at 6 am, we started trekking. The first part of the trail was a community area, and even as we entered the forested area, there were still some houses around. The trail was easy, and you could enjoy the chirping of the birds.
At 7 am, we reached Camp 1. The group rested as it started to rain, so we took shelter. We also organised our belongings here. Around 8 am, and with the rain still ongoing, Maidee decided to continue rather than wait longer. We gathered the seedlings we were going to plant in a nursery and proceeded to a wide-open area where we would plant these seedlings. Planting is required when climbing Mount Banahaw, and a permit from the DENR is needed to do so. After planting our seedlings under the rain, we continued on the trail. By 9:45 am, we reached the area called 'pinagmanahan' as mentioned by the guides, where deep holes could be seen around. Here, we took a short rest and regrouped. From Camp 1, the trail became dense, with some parts being confusing, so it was important to stay close to the group. The path had ups and downs, testing your patience.
There are also several streams to cross and steep parts where effort is needed to pass through. Approaching Camp 2, this is where the challenging part of the trail begins, where you will need to descend or traverse lower cliffs. This part is at a 90° angle, but there are ropes available for assistance. After passing through here, there is also an assault part to climb to Camp 2 because it is at a high elevation. Around 12:30 pm, we reached Camp 2 and set up our tent with the help of our companions. Due to fatigue, we rested first.
At 7:40 pm, we were woken up by our organiser to socialise. It was my first time experiencing this, and it was truly enjoyable. This was also the first time where I tasted lambanog. It was delicious and just right because it was very cold. Our companion Mark cooked Sinigang, which was very tasty. Everyone had a great time chatting. By 9:00 pm, we returned to our tents to sleep.
I woke up at 4:00 am and it was very cold. I cooked corned beef for our breakfast. We prepared ourselves for our ascent to the summit. We started at 6:30 am, with Doc and I leading the way. We crossed another stream and then it was a pure assault. Due to very long assault trail and Doc's fast pacing, I suddenly got tired and slowed down.
The trail up to the summit is long and truly pure assault. Eventually, I fell behind our group. There were also times when I caught up with them. The path to the summit was very overgrown, with fallen trees along the trail that needed to be navigated. There were also many rattan plants, so one must be careful in holding onto them.
At 8:10 am, I reached the summit, and I was actually the last one in the group. There was no clearing at the top due to the thickness of the trees, but there was a small spot where you could see the nearby peak (Banahaw de Lucban). After the group stayed for a while, we decided to descend.
By 11:45 am, we were back at Camp 2, and we are surprised because our tent was already folded. Some of us, including Maidee, stayed at the campsite. They had also packed their belongings and we started to head back to the jump-off point.
Around 2:00 pm, we arrived at the house of one of our guides, and he offered us coconuts. By 4:00 pm, after changing clothes, we left and passed by Maidee's house to eat.
The beauty of Mount Banahaw is truly incomparable. This mountain is sacred to the locals living at its foothills, and they continue to protect it. It is now our responsibility to follow and respect when we visit this beautiful mountain.
ACTUAL ITINERARY:
Day 0
11:00 PM Meetup with Doc @ Gil Puyat-JAC
Day 1
12:15 AM ATD going to Lucena
3:15 AM ATA Lucena Diversion - Jollibee
4:42 AM Ride rented Jeepney
4:55 AM Buy things at Palengke
5:20 AM ATA Jumpoff
5:35 AM Registration, Orientation
6:00 AM Start of trekk
7:02 AM ATA Camp 1, rest
8:00 AM Resume trekk
8:20 AM Open Area, plant trees
8:40 AM resume trekk
9:45 AM Pinagmanahan area, rest
10:15 AM resume trek
12:30 PM ATA Camp 2, setup tent (1,400+ masl)
1:00 PM rest
7:40 PM socials
9:00 PM lights-off
Day 2
4:00 AM Prepares breakfast
6:30 AM Start trekk going to summit
8:10 AM Summit of Banahaw de Tayabas
8:40 AM start descent
11:45 AM Camp 2, packed up
12:00 PM resume descent to jumpoff
2:00 PM ATA Kuya Guide's house, Buko Juice, rest
2:30 PM Jumpoff
4:00 PM Ride jeepney going to Maidee's residence
6:00 PM ATD going back to Manila
8:00 PM ATA Manila
Date of hike:
May 5 - 6, 2018
12th hike (my 5th major, 1st Overnight hike)
My 21st mountain
Mt. Banahaw de Tayabas (2,158+ masl)
Major hike
Notes: The summit itself of Banahaw de Tayabas is not connected to the crater or peak of the Mount Banahaw. Still, securing of permit to the Office of the DENR-PASU (Mt. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape) is a must.
Event organiser/group:
Maidee of MDF Outdoors
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