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 by 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.

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.

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.

]]> http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/island-escapade-punta-del-sol-resort/feed/ pedroiho After 20 minutes http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/conquering-mount-dulang-dulang/ http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/conquering-mount-dulang-dulang/#comments Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:47:39 +0000 pedroiho http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/?p=101

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.

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.  

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. 

 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.  

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.

 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

Mount Kalatungan

 

Rest before entering the thick forest

  

Thick canopy of trees

Mystical forest

Mannys’ garden

Spectacular sunrise at the top of Mount Dulang Dulang

  

Mount kitanglad as seen at Mount Dulang Dulang peak

Wearing a face of fulfillment and contentment

Mannys’ Garden

 

Ronan at the shop.

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

Thank you.

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.

Just want to share this great video with collections of great adventure  images captured by my friend Rocille on her bonding with mother nature.

“Take Nothing But pictures  (and memories)
Leave Nothing But Footprints
Kill Nothing But Time”

Newsboys  - In Wonder Lyrics

So much wonder
Carved in your coral seas
So much wonder
Shaded by ancient trees
I consider all that your hands have made
Every new born eyes, every new sunrise
No power can tame your presence
No light can match your radiance

Let all creation sing in wonder
Every sea, every creature, every start
You opened up my eyes to wonder
What a vision what a wonder what you are

Such a wonder
Ordering time and tide
Such a wonder
Bridging the great divide
I consider all that you had, all you gave
And all that you endured
From this rebel world
What a wondrous cross you chose to bear
What a wonder you would even care

Chorus

Let every rock cry out
Let every knee bow down
You opened up my heart to wonder
What love what a wonder you are

No power can tame your presence
No light can match your radiance
Such a wonder
Such a wonder

Chorus

Let every rock cry out
Let every knee bow down
You opened up my heart to wonder
What love what a wonder you are

————————————————–
In Wonder Lyrics - Newsboys Song Words

Song Words by Artist / Band : Newsboys
Lyrics Title : In Wonder
Taken from Album : Go
Single Released : October 2007
Music Genre : Christian rock, Pop rock

There are so many etiquette that should be follow, manners that would help us become more responsible and efficient in everyday that we do. I will share this to all of those who are into outdoor activities or adventure, an etiquette that help us become a more responsible individual.  

• If there is an established trail, walk in a single line and avoid creating new trails. Widening of such and formation of new ones can damage the soil and kill the plants crossing the paths of hikers.
   
•  Do not take anything from the forests as souvenir. If each climber would bring home one souvenir, the future climbers may be left with nothing but ugly remains of a once-beautiful place.
  
• Avoid disturbing wildlife. Many species of animals become stressed due to disturbance by man.
  
• Never leave garbage along the trail or at the campsite. Oftentimes, the local communities do not have well-managed waste disposals, so it will be better to bring the garbage to the cities for proper disposal.  
• For human waste, each climber can dig his own “toilet”, about six inches deep, and cover it with soil afterwards. Common latrines are proven to be bad because the soil cannot break down concentrated amounts of waste in reasonable time; it would be much better to bring along waste treatment gear to bring down the wastes back to the cities for proper disposal.
  
• Bring along camping equipment like stoves to minimize the use of forest materials (like wood for cooking). In some cases, the only resources available are almost irreplaceable.
  
• Do not bathe or wash dishes along rivers. The people downstream may be using the water for drinking purposes. Do the washing or bathing about twenty feet (make that 100 ft.) from the river bank. A more acceptable bathing practice is to do it without using soap.
  
• Before traveling to a foreign culture or to an isolated village, it is best to learn the locals’ culture to avoid embarrassing situations, both to the visitors and to the hosts.
  
• Be sensitive to the values of the local people. Tourists may bring culture shock to the villagers and may alter the basic values of the population.
  
• Abandon the old practice of digging trenches at the side of tents of campsites. Doing this leaves permanent damage to the environment.
  
• Do not buy souvenir items made from rare animal or plant species or questionable sources.
  
• Find out the maximum capacity of the trekking area before going to prevent over-crowding and to minimize the impacts on the environment.
  
• Always register with the municipal or barangay (village) or park office or leave the names and number of the trekkers to any local official at the jump-off point. Tell them the date the group is expected to return so that emergency measures can be adopted the soonest possible time in case of accident.
  
• Avoid giving money or token candies to the children in areas visited. The practice will ultimately affect the local children’s set of values and condition them that each hiker is a source of easy money.
  
• Make sure that health measures are taken into account in order to avoid disease transfer between the visitors and the locals.
  
• If no one is familiar with the destination, always hire a guide. It saves time and lessens the probability of accidents.

Taken From “Ecotourism in the Philippines” by Carlos M. Libosada, Jr., Bookmark, Inc., Manila, 1998.

Excited to do a mountain climb? or just any outdoor adventure? It  should be a comfortable trip.

Comfortable trip is equals to correct loading of your packs. I know that all seasoned climbers has their own individual style for loading a pack but there are a few standard or shall I say universal guidelines on weight and gravity.

Choose a mountain gear pack that would be easier for you to move, change direction and even perform critical task while you carry a weight on your back.

A properly loaded pack can be significantly more comfortable than one that is packed incorrectly.

Start by loosening all of the packs compression straps, and if you prefer, all internal dividers. Put your sleeping bag in the bottom. Some people put their bag into a stuff sack, while others simply stuff it into the pack.

We suggest using a compression stuff sack to compress the bag to its smallest size. Next, place your tent body and fly, folded into a square. Close to your back. Above the tent, but no higher than your shoulders, should be your heaviest items: food, fuel, water filter, etc.

Above this and away from your back should be lighter items, like clothes. The side mesh pockets may be used for water or fuel bottles, tent poles, and fly rods.

Try to keep items which you need to get to quickly or frequently near access points or in outside pockets.

More tips here.

 

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.