Hiking Leaf # 15: Highest Peak of Rizal
Due to my upcoming birthday this November, I decided to look for an event that I could climb as my birthday hike, similar to what I did last year when I climbed Mt. Batulao. I joined Kaka Donato's event of Buhay Bundok and invited my hiking buddy JP and my former colleague Ms. Angie from Walter Mart. We were both excited because aside from being a major climb, Irid is the highest mountain in the province of Rizal. This climb was also Ms. Angie's first major hike, making it a special one. I was a bit nervous and hesitant about my physical condition because aside from not climbing for a few months (my last climb was in June), my work has become a back-office setting where I sit almost all day.
November 10 - We met up at KIA Cubao. We took a UV Van to Cogeo, Antipolo where we transferred to a Monster Jeep that would take us directly to the jump-off point in Sta. Ines, Tanay. I sat at the top of the Jeep, which was very exciting. It was my first time, so I held on tightly to the handlebars and stayed awake throughout the journey.
November 11 - At 1:13 am, we arrived at the Brgy Hall of Sta. Ines. We registered first, had breakfast at a nearby store, then huddled as a group and arranged our formation. Planting is required when climbing Mount Irid, so we each brought seedlings to plant on the mountain. We started trekking at 2:30 am.
According to our guide, we would cross 11 rivers along the trail before reaching Sitio Sadlak, and because it hadn't rained in the past few days, it was safe to cross these rivers. Around 3:15 am, we reached the planting area right after the seventh river we crossed. Here, we noticed the presence of limatik (leeches), and I was one of the victims.
At 4:30 am, we reached Sitio Kinubuan, where the famous Kinubuan Falls is located, a popular side trip when climbing Irid. There were military personnel stationed here because if you research the past news or stories about Irid, there were also NPA (New People's Army) presence in the mountain before, which was why the mountain was closed to the public.
Right after Sitio Kinubuan, we crossed the last river. Here, according to the guide, the trail would become an assault ascent up to the final Sitio, Sitio Sadlak. The trail up to Sitio Sadlak was mostly forested. Here, I felt my pace slowing down, with my companions overtaking me. It was getting brighter, so I could see those around me. The trail became open once we passed the assault trail and became muddy, which further slowed me down.
Me, Michael and JP
At 5:45 am, we reached Sitio Sadlak, the last community at the foot of Irid, although our elevation was already high. Some of us rested, and because the Guide also mentioned that this is where the unli-assault trail of Irid begins, we prepared ourselves. At 6 am, we resumed the trek. The Guide was right. We encountered a gradual assault, along with slippery and thick mud on the trail, which made it extremely challenging for me. As we entered the forested area of Irid, the unli-assault began. This was where my ordeal started.
Due to being inactive for several months, I struggled immensely here. This was where I felt extremely breathless, covering only short distances before needing to rest. I had to let some of my companions go ahead, although we would meet when they took breaks, but they would leave as I caught up with them. Around 8 am, we reached Rock 1, where JP, Ms. Angie, and some group members rested. We also had two guides in the group, with the lead group almost memorizing the trail. After a brief rest, we continued.
I was finding the ascent almost unbearable, and I was close to giving up. However, due to my dedication and eagerness to finish, as well as not wanting to return back on Irid if possible, I persisted. We encountered hikers from another group who said the summit was close. Seeing the peak of Irid boosted my adrenaline, pushing me to continue. I caught up with JP and Ms. Angie and advanced ahead of them. The trail was still an assault, and there were technical sections where you needed to grip onto sturdy roots to progress.
Around 10 am, I reached a mini campsite where I thought it was the summit because some of my companions were resting there. I didn't stop and continued towards the summit. Right at 10:15 am, I reached the summit of Irid. I was so exhausted that I just collapsed on the grass and didn't care if there were leeches around. I didn't even realise that I had fallen asleep and was only woken up by JP. Due to extreme fatigue and feeling the pain all over my body, I didn't immediately join them for a group picture. After resting for a while and gaining my strength, I also headed to the rock formations, and we took group pictures. This was where I witnessed the beauty of the scenery. It was slightly cloudy at that time, but I still appreciated the stunning view.
the view at the summit after the cloud subsides
me at the summit
At 12 pm, we started our descent. Of course, going downhill would be faster. And I was not mistaken because by 1:15 pm, we returned at Sitio Sadlak. Here, we had our lunch, where there was a store, and we had Pancit Canton cooked. After lunch, we continued back to the Jump-off point. We rested at Sitio Kinubuan and passed by Kinubuan Falls, but we didn't swim in the falls and chose to continue. We arrived back at the Brgy Hall of Sta. Ines at 7 pm.
The trail just after Sitio Sadlak
One of the river we crossed along the trail
JP - at Sitio Kinubuan
Even though I struggled immensely in climbing Irid, I still enjoyed it and tested myself in such situations. Out of all the climbs I've done, this is where I truly felt tired and felt like a beginner, unlike when I started climbing back during my Makiling days. It was a big lesson that one should prepare well for the mountains to avoid difficulties along the trail. The important thing is we finished the climb, and we were able to go home without any issues or injuries, and of course, the highest peak of Rizal is now unlocked!
ACTUAL ITINERARY:
12:00 AM Cogeo Petron - transfer to Jeep
1:15 AM ATA Sta. Ines Brgy Hall, registration
2:30 AM Start of trekk
2:35 AM First river crossing
3:50 AM Planting area, 7th river
4:30 AM Sitio Kinubuan
4:50 AM Last river crossin; kubo
5:45 AM Sitio Sadlak (659+ masl)
10:15 AM Summit, nakakaiyak
12:00 PM Start descent
1:00 PM Kubo near water source, rest
1:15 PM Sitio Sadlak, lunch
3:00 PM Resume
4:00 PM Sitio Kinubuan, Falls
7:00 PM Sta. Ines Brgy. Hall, wash
8:00 PM ATD going back to Cogeo
9:00 PM ATA cogeo
Date of Hike:
November 12, 2018
15th hike (my 7th major)
My 26th mountain
Mt. Irid (1,467+ masl) highest in Rizal province
Notes: Irid is a part of Sta. Ines Trilogy which consists of Mt. Tukdunang Banoi, Mt. Parukpok and Irid itself.
Event organiser/group:
Kaka Munoz of Buhay Bundok
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