Nakupoo...The Sicapoo Adventure!

When asked of one of the most difficult climbs in the Philippines, Mt. Sicapoo would definitely be included in the top 5. Here's why.
First, river crossing. I lost count on how many times we've crossed Gasgas river but luckily;  the weather was fine making the river passable enough inspite of the strong rapids tugging us along.

The unlimited river crossing at Gasgas river.

Second, loose rocks. Since we climbed on a good weather, loose rocks are more pronounced making it harder to put weight on every step. Scarier on my part because the soles of my shoes are almost worn off.

The nonstop loose rocks on both ascent and descent.

Third, steep ridges. If ascending a steep ridge is hard, try going down. I don't remember which one was harder though, focusing on my steps or admiring the beautiful yet dangerous ridges.

Sweet torture! More ridges,  baby!

Fourth, strong winds. If ridges are hard enough to cross, try adding some strong winds. You get the picture.

These windy portion of the ridges was just scary.

Lastly, it's a traverse! Some said there are total of 9 peaks (including Sicapoo's summit) on the entire climb. Towering at 2,354+ MASL, Mt. Sicapoo is a sight to behold. The kilometer read on a friend's watch was roughly around 43 km. Other said it was more than 43 km. Needless to say, it was long.

Mt. Sicapoo seen at  Mt. Timarid and me with the 'Penguin'

The windy ridges before the plateau.

Below itinerary based on my personal experience.
Day 0
2100 Meet up at Florida Bus Lines (Manila)
2130 ETD Manila to Laoag
Day 1
0620 ETA Laoag. Breakfast at carinderia.
0700 ETD Laoag to Solsona via chartered jeep.
0810 ETA Solsona Public Market. Buy supplies and packed lunch.
0900 ETA Solsona Municipal Police station. Register.
0920 ETA Brgy. Manalpac (jumpoff). Register. Meet guides. Final preparation before start of climb.
1020 Start trek to Gasgas river.
1100 ETA Gasgas river (first river crossing).  Take 5.
1230 ETA third river crossing. Lunch.
1300 Resume trek.
1420 ETA last river crossing. Rest. Swim.
1600 Resume trek. Start of assault climb.
2000 ETA Saulay campsite. Setup camp.
2100 Dinner. Socials.
2200 Lights off.
Day 2
0400 Wakeup call
0500 Breakfast. Prepare assault pack.
0545 Start trek to Mt. Sicapoo summit.
0800 ETA Pakpako campsite.
1015 ETA Mt. Matalidong peak (2100+ MASL). Rest and photo opt.
1040 Resume trek.
1120 ETA Mt.  Sicapoo summit. Photo opt with the 'Penguin Rock' formation. Lunch.
1210 ETD Mt. Sicapoo summit back to Saulay campsite.
1410 ETA Pakpako campsite.
1620 ETA Saulay campsite.
1800 Early dinner. Prepare packed lunch for Day 3.
2000 Lights off.
Day 3
0530 Wakeup call
0630 Breakfast. Break camp.
0800 Start trek to Mt. Timarid.
1050 ETA Mt. Timarid (1,527 MASL)
1150 ETA Mt. Simagaysay (1,341 MASL). Lunch.
1300 Start of series of ridges. Windy part.
1550 ETA One degree plateau. Rest.
1600 Resume trek.
1615 End of plateau.
1626 ETA Solsona Dam.
1720 Wash up at guide's house.
1900 ETD to Laoag.
2020 Post climb dinner.
2115 ETD Laoag to Manila.

View of mountain ranges from Balbalitok peak

Top: one degree plateau; bottom: Solsona Dam

Writing this article was easy but as they say, nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishing a tough mountain (rated 9/9 on difficulty level) that offers not only pain and sweet torture but an astounding showcase of nature's beauty and magnificence.

Scenic view during my Sicapoo traverse adventure.

Climb while you can. The mountains are calling.

Till then.

Kalinga and Whang Od - A Moment to Remember

I got my first tattoo back in 2011. Eversince then, it was a dream of mine that one day I'd be able to meet Buscalan's very own - Whang Od.

Whang Od and the blogger

I don't want to bore you with loads of background introduction of this famous traditional tattooist (well, that's me lacking energy searching the net for her biography). Mainly; she's 96 years old, healthy as a horse, came from Butbut tribe and up to this day is still practicing the art of traditional tattoing called 'batok'.

Drop off point going to Tinglayan then Buscalan.

A rainy atmosphere greeted us on our way to Buscalan but that didn't stop us from enjoying the view of the small town where I'll be having my next ink (8th and 9th, respectively) and a first to the 9 brave fellows who was with me during that time.

Drop off point to Buscalan.

The 30-minute walk to Brgy. Buscalan

Walkway signage at Brgy.  Buscalan

Here we come!

Meeting Whang Od for the first time was as normal as seeing your own grandmother. She was warm and so are the people of Buscalan (contrary to their past and rich culture of being warriors and headhunters); but don't be misled by her fragile and petite appearance because she's tough (boy, she can hit that 'siit' <thorn used to put ink> hard)!

Grace and the blogger.

Sweet goodies for Buscalan kids.

After settling our stuff at Grace's house (Whang Od's grandniece and apprentice) and sipping the last drop of freshly brewed coffee offered by Grace herself, we head back to pick our tattoo design from the three magazines presented to us. Well,  you know the rest.

That is pain personified! 

My friends' first ink

Another set of traditional 'batok' designs.

Whang Od's masterpiece on my skin, the Scorpio. 

Below is the itinerary for your reference.
Day 0
2000 ETD Victory liner Kamuning (bus fare - 700)
Day 1
0210 Stopover at nueva vizcaya
0700 ETA Tabuk
0825 ETD Tabuk to Tinglayan (chartered jeep)
1050 ETA Tinglayan
1200 ETD Bugnay to Buscalan (van ride)
1400 ETA Buscalan.
1500 Start tattoo session
Day 2
0530 Wake up call                
0630 Breakfast                      
0700 Resume tattoo session
1030 ETD Buscalan    
1100 ETA Buscalan jumpoff. Wait for van.
1145 ETD Buscalan to Bontoc via chartered van  
1420 ETD Bontoc to Baguio
2030 ETA Baguio. Dinner.
1000 ETD Baguio to Manila via Dagupan bus (bus fare - 445)
Day 3
0330 ETA Cubao

Don't forget to drop me a message for any inquiries. I'll be happy to help!
Till then!