Sunday. June 8, 2014
After my 1 day adventure at Sitio Madlum in Bulacan,
Gilda (a good friend of mine) informed me that she’ll be having a rock
scrambling activity at Norzagaray, Bulacan. Upon hearing those words ‘rock
scrambling’ made me smile. I hesitated at first given that my budget is on the
‘brink of bankruptcy’ but later (like 2am!) decided to join her group.
By 7am, we arrived at SM Fairview to meet the whole
gang. Had a quick breakfast at the nearby fastfood chain and a little briefing
on what to expect that day.
We left the meeting place by 8am and ride the first jeep
we came across leading us to Bigte, Norzagaray in Bulacan. It was a smooth
30-minute ride with non-stop chitchatting among participants. Drop off point is
at the Rotunda of Bigte where another 5-minute ride via tricycle awaits.
Landmark to remember is the Iglesia ni Cristo chapel
beside an Elementary school (forgot to
take a picture of that.) No fret remembering all of this as the tricycle
driver knows where to take you.
 |
| view of Lioness Back from the road. |
We started around 8:50 passing through a private
prorerty. Take note, it is under a private property so it is a MUST that you
talk with the owner if you can proceed with your activity.
Right after giving their ‘go signal’ and ensuring that ‘leave
no trace’ policy is implemented amongst us, we head on to the first stop. It’s
rock all the way!
 |
| Set...Go! |
Right after reaching this cute house (more like Korean-inspired house), is
huge rock formation already.
Just be mindful of the broadband cables scattered
within the rocks or it could get messy....bloody messy.
 |
| Korea? nope! |
 |
| the group at the first rock formation. watch out of the cables. |
Facing the roadside at the peak of the first rock
formation, you will see Lioness Back to your left and Rhino rock formation to
your right. Manoeuvring from the first rock formation is a bit tricky as you
have to find your way down to the ground. The best way is through the right
side if you’re facing opposite the road.
 |
| wrong turn..on to your right |
After reaching the ground, we continued to our next rock
formation – The Lioness Back. On the ground, one cannot see the actual ‘Lioness
back’ formation as this can only be viewed atop. It was a good 15-20 minutes of
pure pulling and grabbing between rock crevices. The view was spectacular, as expected.
Of course, the best part is to have your pictures taken on top of the Lioness
back.
Our group, total of 9 stayed for at least 30 minutes. While some are
already descending, Rome and I decided to stay a bit longer to take pictures of
the rock formation devoid of any human form.
 |
| Maria, my dayhike Osprey! |
 |
| Me at Lioness Back. Thanks, Romer! |
 |
| Returning the favor |
 |
| wasn't able to capture the entire rock formation :( |
After that, we took a quick lunch. Thanks, Sir Albert
the Backpacker for the meal! While eating, the sun hit its burning point that
some of the gang decided to abort climbing the ‘Rhino’ rock formation. I
decided to push through in spite of the scorching heat. Yep! No amount of sun
can come between me and the ‘Rhino’ and the rocks and the butterflies in my
stomach.
 |
| 'Rhino' rock formation |
Summoning all my reserved energy, I took the first step
to the steep ridge-like path going to the top of this gigantic sharp rock
formation. I tried to move faster than what I did while ascending the Lioness
Back because the sun was unforgiving. Good thing that I borrowed Racky’s arm
sleeves or else I’d be toasted. While making a mental note to myself to buy an
arm sleeves, I was suddenly greeted by a beautiful amphitheatre-type knife-like
rock formation. It was nothing I’ve ever seen!
 |
| the picture fail to give justice to this beauty. |
 |
| these beautiful rock formation is just plain awesome! |
Before reaching the top of ‘Rhino’, the rocks became
sharper, thinner and crowded. One wrong move could mean serious injury so I
took my time in planning my move, step by step. Before I knew it, I was there.
This calls for a ‘Seflie!!!!’
 |
| the blogger at the top of 'Rhino' rock formation |
I was too busy taking pictures and videos that I was
suddenly stunned upon seeing three of my co-climbers! They followed me. Good for
them! So, I took the liberty in including them in my ‘selfie’ shot!
 |
| can you see how sharp those rocks?! |
 |
| Thanks again, Romer! #soarhigh |
My upper body was put to the test while ascending but it
was the best part of it. I’m beginning to like this rock scrambling thing!
 |
| the blogger in one of the rock formation peaks |
Below itinerary is based on my personal recordings. Time
recordings are just close estimates.
0700 –
Meet up at SM Fairview coming from Edsa-Boni (Php 40.00)
0720 –
Breakfast at a fastfood chain (Php 80.00)
0810 –
Ride jeep going to Bigte, Norzagaray (Php 26.00)
0845 –
Tricycle ride to jump-off (Php 10.00/each)
0900 –
Start trek
1000 –
Start ascend to Lioness Back
1020 –
ETA Lioness Back
1050 –
Start descend
1110 –
FREE Lunch courtesy of Sir Albert the Backpacker
1140 –
Start ascend to Rhino
1200 –
ETA Rhino. Yup, it’s not that long!
1230 –
Start descend
1250 –
Back to Main road
1320
– Head straight to Pinagrealan Cave
Estimated
damage – Php 300.00
How’s
that for an adventure?!
Reminders if you’re planning to do this activity: Rock
scrambling requires full body coordination so do some stretching to thoroughly
warm-up your muscles. Bring hand gloves because the rocks, particularly at
Rhino rock formation are very sharp. I am no expert. These are simple words of
advice from someone who just loves trying out different stuff.
Till then!
