The Canibad beach resort experience

Just in time…

The weather is cooperating by giving a great shade with not much heat coming from the sun. Indeed, no sunburn to anticipate and I just dipped into the clear waters of Canibad Beach Resort.

The Place…

It was 11 in the morning when I got to Canibad because I traversed earlier the famous Puting Bato mountain before proceeding to this beach.

Secret beach hang-out?

Since I was doing it alone with the help of some locals until I get to the area. Behold! Still pristine waters and the area is surrounded by mountains makes me feel that I’m in the mood of running free on its shore line.

I did not bring any baon but I was able to have my lunch by asking the local resident to make a lunch meal for me… - Charm is really effective. Hehe

It’s my turn to jump.

What do I have for lunch? Rice, Banana, Grilled Pirit, and a soup of matambaka with vegetables that I paid for only 40 pesos.

I already arranged the motorcycle driver who took me to the jump-off point of Puting bato at Sitio Guilon to fetch me at Canibad, Audalan at around 4pm.

It was a great day and maybe the last beach escapade this summer.

 

Puting Bato of IGACOS

Nearing Peak

My last mountain climb was on March 20-23, 2008 at Mount Dulang-Dulang, Bukidnon. I was itching to do a minor climb and I decided to hike the mountain of Samal which they called Puting Bato.

Overlooking area at the Peak

I was at the Sta. Ana wharf bus terminal at around 6:30 and arrived at Babak 7:30 in the morning. It was 8:15 when I arrive at Sitio Guilon, Babak where the jump-off area going to Puting bato is situated.

On my way to the mountain

Off I go hiking at around 8:30 after asking for the locals about the trail. I passed a house where they log your name and collect a fee of 5 pesos since I am passing in their area.

Near Peak house collecting 5 pesos

9am and I was already at the peak of Puting bato. Since it was a minor climb, it just took me 30 minutes to get at the top.

Overlooking at the top, Panabo city is very visible, Mati area and Davao City. It was a great short adventure just to satisfy passion for being on foot. =)

View from the top

As I planned, I just stayed for about 10 minutes at the top then proceeded to Canibad Beach resort which it took me for about 1 hour and 10 minutes on foot on a big road.

Before I get there, I passed by Sitio Tayapok, Tagbitinao area and stop on a sari sari store to have some snack – a cold softdrink and bread. I arrive at Taglono highway following the road going to Canibad.

On my way going to Canibad

It was 11am when arrived at Canibad… I can already see the bluish green, white colored shore from above… I’ll post my canibad beach resort experience soon.

For those who want to visit Puting bato and you need someone that will guide you, just leave a message and i’ll give you the contact number of the person that can help you.

 

Enticing Tudaya falls via Kapatagan trail

Naturally thirsty

Last Sunday, my cousins and some of our friends were on for an outdoor adventure trip to Kapatagan, Davao del Sur. Since February, Tudaya falls was the first thing in the list to be visited.

A hired van was used for the trip to Kapatagan proper and a 20 minutes motorcycle rough ride to the jump-off area near Tudaya falls for 100 pesos per head and the driver was already arranged to wait for us in going back to Kapatagan proper.

The location where the jump-off area is mostly dominated by Bagobo- tribes people who welcomed us warmly with smiles. Tudaya falls is sacred to the Tagabawa Lumads.

Open trail

A 30 minute hike starts with an open area leading to a much narrower downward trail leading to the falls. The trail is slippery and careful step is a must.

Narrow trail

As we go deeper into the forest, green flora thrived abundantly in the area.

Since some of the group is experiencing this kind of adventure for the first time, tired expressions of their face were replaced with much enthusiasm and aggressiveness to continue as the sound of the water grew stronger and stronger until it became a loud roaring thunder.

Enticing Tudaya Falls

All was in marvel as we saw the majestic 150-foot tall Tudaya falls - One of the tallest falls in the country. The falls greet us with spray coming from the strong gush of its water.

First glance of the falls

All is wet as we are into the ground area of the falls – soaked wet even if we haven’t dip yet into the river – as spray of water are enveloping us.

I’ve been here before way back 2003 and Tudaya Falls is still strong, its river water is still deep and cold. Greens on both side of the falls were thick bushes, vines and rocks turned into green covered with moss.

Relaxing

There, for 45 minutes we remain, taking more pictures, talking, relaxing in the cold rush of the river water then we made our way back to the jump-off area.

All in the group was overwhelmed by the beauty of its nature. Even if we are having a difficulty going to the falls – fulfillment and joyous feeling is apparent in our faces as a reward of our tiring trek. =)

I became aware that there is an ongoing construction of hydropower plant and for sure it will further destroy the supposed natural park. As for my own opinion, the ongoing construction violates the ancestral land rights of the indigenous people in the area.

Inform me if you want to visit the area and I will be glad to give you the driver’s contact number of the van that we hired that fetch us from Digos Terminal to Kapatagan.

 

Island escapade- Punta Del Sol resort

On my way.

Summer is up and since I started my nature escapade from the highlands, last Saturday I did an island adventure at Punta Del Sol located at Catagman Peñaplata District, Island Garden City of Samal.

After 20 minutes of boat ride

It only take 20 minutes to get there from Sta. Ana Wharf on board MB Banca Barracuda.

Sun is shining and the weather is clear and that makes my island getaway a great day.

Punta Del Sol landscape

This would be my big summer, line-up of prospect beaches are jotted down and waiting for my visit. =)

Beach front

I can say that Davaoeños are so blessed that we can appreciate nature just a few minutes from the city whether from islands or highlands.

Sunset

Senses are up and ready to face tomorrows work

More info about Punta del Sol.

 

Conquering Mount Dulang Dulang

How great it is when you are very close to what our creator has blessed us. The feeling of fulfillment, unexplained joy, contentment and the appreciation of life – through hard work. 

Mossy forest.

All of our group share the same experience above as we summit Mount Dulang Dulang, the second highest mountain in the Philippines which is located at Sitio Bol-ogan, Barangay Sungco, Lantapan Bukidnon last March 20 to 23, 2008.  

Preparation was three (3) months ahead before the scheduled climb. We gathered information on how and what are the requirements, it includes the permission from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Malaybalay, Bukidnon. A series of meetings with the participants to update on the fare and fees to be collected, the Itinerary of the climb and Meal Itinerary was also discussed on each meetings.

                       Stop over for breakfast
 

We waited for a Rural Bus that will stop at Malaybalay City since non-stop aircon bus could not drop us at Malaybalay. We departed from Davao Ecoland terminal at around 5 in the morning, bus fare is 270 pesos, after 1 hour and 35 minutes the bus stop at the Quarantine area of Lorega, Kitao-tao. An hour passed again and we stop for 20 minutes at Salawagan, Quezon for our breakfast meal.

We reached Valencia city at exactly 9:15 in the morning and the bus stop again for 20 minutes. As we arrive at Malaybalay City’s Terminal at around 10:20 in the morning, we buy our needed things to bring for the climb and this includes ritual requirements like 3 white feathered live chickens, Mallorca Wine, Vino Kulafu, Coins, red and white linen and eggs.  

Road to Lantapan

We arranged a jeepney that would bring us to Sitio Bol-ogan, Barangay Lantapan for a fee of 75 pesos per head. Quarter to 1 O’ Clock as we departed from Malaybalay city terminal and the stunning views on our way to the jump-off site is very relaxing, we could barely see the tip of Mount Dulang Dulang since it was covered with clouds but its wide mountain range is visible which covers more mountains. 

Jump off going to Talaandig tribe village

 We Arrive at 3:30 in the afternoon at the Jump-off site Sitio Bol-ogan, as we hike from the main highway going up to the Village of the Talaandig tribes, we are greeted by the tribe Chieftain Datu Saumay Sabayon and was very generous by inviting us to sleep over his house.  

Talaandig Village

This area is an ancestral domain of the tribe, A tribal forest guard protects this area. A traditional ritual sacrifice was prepared by the IPs (Indigenous People)  that are living in the slopes of Mount Dulang Dulang and will be carry out by a Babaylan (priest for catholics ) of the tribe.

Ritual ceremony

 Purpose of the ritual is to ask guidance from the Gods of the mountain for a safe climb.  

Lights off at 10 in the evening. 

 March 21, 2008 and wake up call is 4:30 in the early morning, the group  prepared our packs and breakfast as well as our lunch meal as packed lunch.

An hour of open trail

We started to ascend at 8:00 am and walking on an open trail for 1 hour and we can see the landscape of cultivated lands planted with vegetables or “Utanon” as our Talaandig brothers calls it.  

Mount Kalatungan

 Mount Kalatungan is very visible with spectacular views of the plains offer an escape from the rush of the highway- what a relief.  

 

Rest before entering the thick forest

 Four (4) hours has passed and we reached the small stream of the Alanib river, the gushing water was so cold and chilling.

  

Thick canopy of trees

As we go on, the flora thickens with tall canopies of trees which branches and trunks turned green due to moss, the trail is muddy since tall trees prevents the ray of the sun from penetrating inside the dense forest.

An ancient feeling astounds us about its mysterious aura.

Mystical forest

 We savor the great landscape of the mountain while heading to the summit.

4 pm in the afternoon and we reached Manny’s Garden- a very mystical area in the forest.  

Mannys’ garden

We arrived at the camp site peak 5:40 in the afternoon.  It was a chilling experience at the camp site peak since it started raining slowly  and we are just pitching our tents and preparing for our dinner meal.

It rained so hard until 11 pm and the climate is so cold outside our tent that we could hardly talk straight.

 We sleep early that night since we are all exhausted for a long ascent.  

Spectacular sunrise at the top of Mount Dulang Dulang

Sunrise call was initiated and we did a short walk to the peak for about 5 minutes– I was shivering as the cold wind touches my body even I was wrap with bulk jackets and windbreakers. It was an amazing view at the peak of the mountain as we can see Mount Kitanglad at the left side and on the right side Mount Apo is very visible! Whhooow!

  

Mount kitanglad as seen at Mount Dulang Dulang peak

A great treat for me that I see so many mountains.  Cellular network signals are not a problem at the peak, still I greeted good mornings to my love ones via sms and call. Hehehe I even checked my mail and my ym. Yeeehha!  

Wearing a face of fulfillment and contentment

 We met other groups at the campsite peak one of the groups are the Zamboanga Fearless Mountaineers Society (ZAFMOS). 

Climbing is limited to only 15 participants per group.  As we prepare our breakfast and fixing our tent in preparation for our descent ,the last group descended at 11 in the morning since we are clearing the camp area for any garbage left by other climbers from the past- indeed there is. It is a shame how irresponsible other climbers are.  

Mannys’ Garden

 We reached Manny’s garden for 20 minutes and after 3 hours we, the sweeper group  arrived at the Village and descend faster than we expected since it is muddy but we made it earlier.

Lead pack group arrive earlier at around 2:00 pm.  

Our contact jeepney arrived 4PM and we thanked and exchange good byes to the Talaandig village people who are very warm in welcoming us on our first day.  It was a two hours ride again going back to downtown Malaybalay city and we headed to our good guide Ronan Montero place.

 

Ronan at the shop.

text/call: 09187114920 for any mountaineering gears you need when you’re at Malaybalay. 

The Panahik Outdoor Shop located at Cudal Street.  Ronan helped us all the needed requirements for us to get a permit and authorization to climb Mount Dulang Dulang since we, 15 participants are all located here in Davao City. I also would like to thank  Sarah Elizar for organizing this successful climb. 

As one of our co climber said “ Wala manalaw ang tiil sa kalisod sa way pu-as na tungas” hehehe 

Here are our expenses from this outdoor adventure:  

Davao to Malaybalay  non-air (Round trip)                        540 Pesos
Malaybalay  to Sitio Bul-ogan (Round trip)                         150
PAMB Permit                                                                    50
Ritual fee  (Divided by 15 we, paid 35 each)                      500
Local guide & porter fee (based on 2 days @ 100            1500

Here are our final climb itinerary : 

(Time specified in this write-up is based on the last man or sweeper. If I said 5:40 that was the  time that last man or sweeper of the group arrived, some participants of our group arrived as early as 4 PM in the afternoon.) 

Day 1
0500 From Davao Ecolang terminal, take bus to Malaybalay
1020 ETA Malaybalay market, buy needed things1245 Take jeep to Lantapan
1330 ETA Lantapan. Courtesy call with Datu
1800 Prepare for next day’s climb, dinner
1900 Attend ritual sacrifice by the Talaandig Babaylan
2100 Lights out

Day 2
0800 Start trek
1200 Lunch at Alanib river (water source)
1600 ETA Manny’s Garden

1645 ETA Campsite near summit . Setup tents

1700 Visit the summit (just 5 minutes away)

Day 3
0430 Wake up go to the summit to watch sunrise. Spot Mt. Apo
0630 Breakfast
0800 Break camp
1100 Start descent
1330 Back at water source
1530 Back at jump-off point; take jeepney back to Malaybalay
1730 Take jeep or bus back to Davao City 

Our group successfully and vigorously scaled the summit of Mount Dulang Dulang with an elevation of 2,938 masl. Muscle pain comes next. bang!

Hehehe We all back to work by Monday.

To all who summit :

Thank you.

 

Scheduled to summit Mt Dulang Dulang

My group are already booked to summit Mount Dulang-Dulang located at Lantapan, Bukidnon. Known for being the second highest mountain in the Philippines at 9,238+  MASL (Meters above sea level), I am very enthusiastic to know about the condition of this mountain.

 
Personal logo I designed intended for this Climb

I climb for the reason that it is there. 

The core of mans spirit comes from new experiences.

See and  feel Mother Natures’ best that should we all be proud of. If I only have the power to help sustain its ecosystem- I will in my own way.

Since this is a protected area, we already coordinated with PAMB (Protected Area and Management Board) Malaybalay and all is set for this adventure. I will post my Itinerary here after the climb.

We are set to climb this March 20 to 23, 2008.

 

Bonding with mother nature - Camp Sabros and Virgin falls…

 

Grand Mount Apo as seen on our way to Camp Sabros, Kapatagan.

Rain poured  early morning of Sunday but that doesn’t stop me from packing the things that I would bring for Camp Sabros and Virgin Falls adventure.

It was 4am when I got to Ecoland terminal with my outdoor buddies and some invited friends of friends gathered which bring us to a group of 28 individuals craving to have a great day with mother nature.

We departed from Davao Ecoland terminal at exactly 4:30 am via a bus bound for Digos. Bus fare is 60 pesos.

We arrived at Digos bus terminal at around 5:20 am and two vans that was pre-arranged was already there waiting that would bring us all to Kapatagan. The long stretch of mountain road is swaying from left to right with some portions of the road is not yet cemented for like 100 meters so a skilled driver for this is a must have (hehehe). While on our way, cool mountain air and scenic views can be seen each side of the road like big fern trees, mountain valleys, color red bouldering hills - terracotta, Mount Apo, Mount Matutum can be seen and some other great scene that cannot be found in the city. Very Relaxing  =) 

We paid two thousand pesos (2,000) back and forth for every van. Since the seating capacity of the van can accommodate for up to 14 persons, we divided our fare share of 143.00 pesos each.

6.30 am and the sun is shining and the cool breeze of air wrapped us as we arrived at Sitio Baras, Kapatagan the Jump off point going to Camp Sabros. 

Check-point area.

From there, we started trekking up to the hill just across the Military’s checkpoint area. it took us 30 minutes until we set foot on Camp Sabros because picture taking was the favorite past time while walking. Glowing blue color of Mount Matutum can be seen clearly towering in a spectacular sea of cloud view and the Grand Mount Apo is very visible and clear - A very Amazing panoramic view of our Nature wonders.

On our way to Camp Sabros.

Picture taking was still the favorite past time hehehe. From there on, we ate our breakfast and soon thick clouds of water droplets is embracing the earth’s surface - to make it short - Fog comes our way… and it lasted for almost one hour.

Trek to Camp Sabros. 

While we are having our breakfast, Camp Sabros personnels are preparing the zipline gears, while some of my collegues are busy pressing the keypads of their cellphones. Cellular communications are okay. Globe, Smart Networks have signals while Sun has a signal but not strong as the others but still functional, I even got to check my yahoo email and my yahoo messenger via globe wap. woot!

Welcome.

Zipline ride is in a lying down position with all our body is fully harnessed, in that way, we can pretend to fly as a bird or swim like a fish or feel like you’re a flying superhero. hehehe

 

Nice foggy view.

Zipline ride fee is 150.00 pesos and succeeding ride is 50 pesos. if you want alone ziplining, fee is 200 pesos. the ride is exhilarating and great! It claimed as the longest zipline in the Country and is a 50 seconds average fast ride in 380 meters long and 150 feet high above the ground. In this birds eye view, mountains and lush greens and pine trees and a clear mount apo can be seen. Return ride is via cable lift which lasted for 5 minutes and still savor the scenic view and the mountain cool breeze.

Cable lift after zip ride.

As what I see, they are making a new zipline that is more longer but as I talked with the personnel, it is still in a test process because it would only take 28 seconds to the other end with a 400+ meter ride. woosh! bang!

Geared and ready to do a zip.

As planned, to make our adventure more complete and there are much plenty of spare time, at 11 am we trek down to the checkpoint area were motorcycles are waiting that would bring us to Virgin Falls –we paid 20 pesos each for this ride. There are two locations on how we can get to the waterfall, one is at Camp Uno and the second is at Sitio Palo-5. We decided Sitio Palo-5 as our jump-off area even if it is more farther because we already knew the trail. If compared, Camp uno is much nearer and lesser walking distance right after the jump-off but we are not familiar with the trail.

Looking bac kat the last step on our way to Virgin Falls.

We arrive at exactly 12 noon at the Virgin falls, A 12-foot deep at the base of the 20-meter high waterfall. Passing by forested area with thick vegetation of exotic flowering bushes and flowering trees, cogon plants are abundant in the area. steep trails are often been encountered and 80 degrees of mountain slope covered with ferns. It was a muddy trail since it is raining early in that morning, better bring a good pair of trekking shoes.

 

Virgin Falls.

We rested and ate our Lunch, took a swim and relax, feel and hear the rush and roar of the gushing water. Don’t be decieved by its smallness as compared to Tudaya falls bacause the water is as cold as ice! Once you dip into it… naahh it calms the muscles of your body as if it is like a food for well being.

All was feeling great and I can see satisfied souls in them with my collegues and started walking to Sitio Palo-5 village at around 2PM. It was just in time we got to the village at around 3:00 pm  and took shelter to some sari-sari stores as it rained heavily and got stuck up to 4pm. Motorcycles fetch us were waiting as we arranged them earlier.Two Hired vans was also waiting at us in the kapatagan terminal - market. Some of my buddies bought fresh cabagges and tomatoes before heading back to Digos.

It was a great outdoor adventure. I’m sure some of my collegues who are not used to outdoor activities are suffering with muscle aches and pains. As one of our buddies commented ” Mag-abot man sad atong suwang ug tuhod sa pag tikang”. hehehe

Here is our Itinerary:

(adjusted if not being stucked by rain)

4:30 am                    ETD from Davao Ecoland terminal to Digos

5:20 am                    ETA Digos Bus Terminal

5:35 am                    ETD from Digos Terminal to Sitio Baras, Kapatagan Military Check point

6:30 am                    Arrive Sitio Baras, Kapatagan Military Check point

7:00 am                    Trek from Military Check point to Camp Sabros, (uphill trek)

7:30 am                    ETA Camp Sabros

7:31 am - 11:00 am   Breakfast, Picture taking, rest, shall I say the fun stuff

11:01 am                  Descend down to checkpoint area, ride a motorcycle going to Sitio Palo-5

11:20 am                  Arrive at Sitio Palo-5 Jump off point to Virgin Falls

12:00 am                  ETA Virgin Falls

12:01 pm- 2:00 pm    Lunch, Relax, Swim, fun stuff

02:10 pm- 3:45 pm    Hike going back to Palo-5 village

03:46 pm- 4:00 pm    Motorcycle ride going Kapatagan proper - Terminal

04:01pm - 5:00 pm    Kapatagan to Digos City

5:01 pm- 6:00pm       Digos City to Davao City. Home Sweet Home

Tip for this kind of adventure:

• Hired vans must be paid right after all the services we need from them as agreed with the drivers, in our case we paid them when we are fetched from Kapatagan terminal going to Digos City.
• Motocycles or habal-Habal must be arranged so that you will have no problem going back to barangay proper. We paid after every ride.
• As what they say that “what your mind can concieve, the body can achieve” is good but you really need an exercise before going to this kind of adventure. After effects of this kind of activitity is very uncomfortable and would last up to three days. Muscle pains.

For those who want to get there and need a ride going to kapatagan from digos city, just leave give me your email address or cell number in the comment area so that I can give you the contact number of the Van’s Driver.  I will not post his number publicly for some personal reasons.

More pics here.

 

Running free…again and again

Waking up in the morning as early as  4:00 am  is very punishing for some individuals and even more when running on the street this early when the body is not used to it. - Determination.

A pair of running shoes will do the job to take me into this delightful physical challenge. I say “delightful” since  I am happy doing this and it makes me more energetic all day round.

As I run passing the streets from Ma-a down to NCCC mall passing to Quirino Avenue up to where I can hold my breath, wind is cold and is very relaxing while my mind is thanking to the Almighty for the blessings. -Another day.

The city’s surrounding as early as 5:00 am  is very different from 8:00 am or any time of the day as the shine is up on normal weekdays and I can really appreciate the calmness of the city, the peacefulness. Greeting “Good morning” to all that I passed by from joggers to street sweepers. A very good mood to start the day.

I can hear the birds tweet and it’s music to my ears, I noticed one tree near Central Bank of the Philippines at Quirino Avenue has full of birds. I am also amazed on those old houses and buildings specially  the one in front of Magsaysay Park, I see faded ads on the wall but not clear to me what it is. As an individual born near 80’s, all I think when I see this old building is how is it when it was the day at the peak of its business, nostalgic feelings come to my senses while running with a smile. =)

Hope I’d bring my camera or even just my cellphone so I could take a picture of what I  am trying to visualize here. Anyway, I really love running, it keep me out of stress and to be alert and energetic for the rest of the day working at the office… sedentary mode again (actually, I hate sitting all day).

Sometimes I stopped at the famous Peoples Park were I practice basic parkour movements, I’m setting a goal this year to practice this technique. I am very enthusiastic to learn this and do follow all necessary exercises found at the internet for my own safety and to avoid injury. For more info of what I am talking about “parkour”, google is your friend. =)

Lets keep our body fit. ciao!

 

Bonsai forest-Mount Hamiguitan

They say ” The climb can truly be hard, and the ravine can be the greatest scare of your life,but once on top, you’re on for an experience of a lifetime, and experience a world of paradise.“

Lantawan1 - two lantawan points - 1 and 2

Last October 31, 2007 we travelled to San Isidro, Davao Oriental. We hired a passenger van and paid 180 pesos per head on our way to Barangay Bato-Bato where we would meet some other climbers summiting Mount Hamiguitan.

We depart from Ecoland terminal at around 12:00 midnight and arrived at Barangay Bato-Bato, San Isidro, Davao Oriental 2:00 in the morning of November 1. We meet with some other groups that are scheduled to climb Mount Hamiguitan - ADMCI or Adventist Mountaineering Club Incorporated. which comprises about 100 ++ participants. We Hitched a ride by their truck for 20 minutes on our way to Tumali-ti, La Union, San Isidro and paid 30 pesos per head. We arrived at the jump off area at around 9:00am and do some registration from local tourism officers who assist us on our needs like porters and guides. We paid 100 pesos for registration fee.

On our way…

We started trekking at 10:00am and the the area is more abundant with Bamboo trees, Coconut trees and some river crossing just below the knee…

November 1, start trekking at 10:00 and reached camp 4 ( the first camp) at around 5p.m. We pitched our tent earlier and decided not to continue to camp3 because some members of the group are still far behind from us and accompanied by the sweeper (last man) . We were heavily rained for about 30 minutes just right after we eat our meal at around 7:30 in the evening…

Camp 4…

We ascend November 2 at 7:00 am after we packed our gears and had eaten our breakfast meal and reached bonsai forest at around 10:30 in the morning… before reaching this bonsai forest, we stop and take a glance at Lantawan- a magnificent view of the pacific and the landscape of the mountains can be seen and be amazed to see from a distance the blue waters of Pujada Bay and the Pacific Ocean…. refreshing!

Lantawan2….

30 minutes trek from lantawan and you will reached Camp2 ( Bonsai Forest) - at last!

” At 1,650 feet above sea level, one can found more than a thousand hectares of 2-3 ft. tall century-old trees that are very sturdy that one can literally stand over it without falling.” It is like a huge vegetable garden in the middle of the jungle.

How vast the bonsai forest is…

Located near the Bonsai Forest is the mysterious “Tinagong Dagat“. The area is uninhabited and is considered as one of the most puzzling phenomena of nature. The water, reportedly, has its high tide and low tide schedule.

The peak of Mount Hamiguitan is another walk of 1 to 2 hours from the Bonsai field and is 5,345 feet above sea level and to date there are 16 tree species found in the area.

Since my climbing buddy Carl and I have to return to Davao by Saturday afternoon, we joined another group who are descending Mount Hamiguitan and Governor Generoso as their exit point. We are excited because we will be like traversing the slope. My group where we joined summiting were staying for another night at Camp3. Carl and I started descending with another group who we already knew - The Sandawa Pro-Ecology Great outdoor (SPEGO) headed by Lyndon Sumaoy at around 12 noon.

Twin falls …

We arrived at Camp 2 almost 4pm and arrived at Camp 1 at around 6pm. the trek is very tiring since most of the time we are descending, and I can’t count how many times we’ve crossed the same river… it was a great experience hearing the flow of the gushing water from the river. - Not having hard time finding water to take. =)

We reached Camp1 at 6:00pm also known as Balonggo, We lit our lights at an empty house - half cemented and half wood. It was believed that in the 1980’s this camp is a village composed of about 30 families but were massacred by the armies bec