Mt. Napulauan Traverse - Birthday Climb

With all the planning of my so-called 'Anniversary climb' blasting right in my face and mocking me like a stupid junkie....I never falter. Why would I, when I'm doing my -- birthday climb and the completion of "The Great Cordillera Traverses". As the saying goes... 'good things come to those who wait!' 

Thanks, Shy for this shot!

Bessie and I luckily made it right under the wire! The culprit....the cake, the traffic and basically US not allotting enough time for travel on a Friday night.

After gearing myself for a cold trip to Banaue, I easily dozed off but of course; hunger is emerging...quickly! We got off to grab something to munch on our first stop in Nueva Vizcaya. Had a little stretching, a little smoke (bad me!) and continued with our journey.

The sun is peaking on my right eye and I was greeted by the calming view of....Banaue! Not to mention the persistent yet happy, accommodating faces of locals offering tour and guide services.

almost sunrise!

Right after finishing our breakfast, bought our packed lunch and had my number 2 (you know!), we headed back to register at Banaue Municipal Tourism Center.

The monster jeep were already loaded with our bags and hit the road past 8 in the morning. We arrived in Hungduan an hour after that. Registered ourselves again before going to Mt. Napulawan (Napulauan) jumpoff.

the ride!

at Hungduan Municipal Station

groupie at the jumpoff

Napulawan (Napulauan) jump off signage

After all the unloading, packing and securing guides and porters; we were gathered for a small meaningful prayer before hitting the trail.

I was already sweating when I decided to stop 15 minutes later. My heart was pounding as I was gasping for air....damn open trails! Past lunchtime when we reached camp site (not sure if it's Ny-o) and decided to take a rest and eat lunch. After taking some snaps around the area, we continued with the trek as the looming weather approaches.

view from Hungduan trail

Note: There's water source five minutes (approx.) of the camp.

water source after the camp

The temperature started to drop upon entering the mossy part of the trail. It was a sweet torture while battling the steep ascent. And the rain started to fall while we were assisting our porter's condition (he got a little dehydrated and dizzy). Packed with rain jackets (them) and umbrella (me), we carry on.

A co-hiker said that a sign that you're near the summit camp is the the 5-minute descent followed by a 10-minute assault. Thank you, Supremo! And yes....flat....small flat ground...but still a flat ground! We're at the summit of Mt. Napulauan! Cold and exhausted but we made it!

a rare moment with Supremo Lester

The last time I felt this cold was in Pulag. My fingers are numb, my knees are trembling and I'm shaking uncontrollably while Leen and I are setting up the tent in open rain shower! After 5 minutes, we were inside the tent and all I can think of is the wet floor of my tent....Noooo!!!!

First thing to remember to avoid hypothermia, dry yourself up. And that's we did! Right after fixing my sleeping bag, I literally snoozed. When I decided to get up, the weather was more calm. The rain stopped and I can hear my co-hiker asking us for something. I was asking her for a light; on the other hand. 

The coffee and spicy pasta that Pao made helped a lot in bringing back a little heat in me. I decided to get up and went to check the cake. The socials area were graced by some of the hikers who braved the chilling night. I asked our event organizer, Jepoi Mansibang of Mansibang Institute if the cake made it to the summit intact. A little bump on the side is all the cake suffered. He passed (with flying colours) the 'Cake Challenge'.

Thank you, Crumbly Yours!

with Mannnn, Jepoi Mansibang

We wrapped up around 10pm. Set up alarm at 5am and bid the night away. 

The alarm was hammering my ears....it says 5am. Happy birthday, Redhikerr! 

view from Napulauan summit

As I open the tent, the cold morning wind greeted me with a freezing slap on my skin and I melted upon seeing the almost lit surroundings of Mt. Napulauan. The beautiful mountain ranges of Cordillera was just that...majestic! Everybody was up and were already taking pictures of the infamous sea of clouds while the sun radiates its beautiful colours.

have I captured Pulag?

Breakfast was done by 7am and by 8, we were already geared up for the Hapao trail. If the mossy forest going to summit is superb, wait till you see the Hapao mossy forest. It was enchanting!

with my co-hikers

The trail going down were a little steep on the first hour before it gradually shifted to rolling mossy terrains. The impact on leg muscles are less felt since the dried ferns act as a natural cushion while descending.

the realms of Hapao trail

with our hardcore porter

I thought that this was easier that expected but it all changed when we reached the bamboo area before the rice terraces view deck. The stairs are staring at me. Challenging me. We began the gruelling walk down the stairs to Hapao past 1 in the afternoon and by 2:05 pm, we were at the Hapao Entry point. There, we were welcomed with a hot coffee courtesy of our local guides.

even our bags looked tired

While taking turns in the shower, there's this non-stop conversation of each and everyone's adventures and misadventures. After removing my shoes, I then discovered 2 'limatik' bites. Good thing, it wasn't there anymore to scare me!

The monster jeep arrived an hour late of  our agreed time. He informed us that there are multiple landslides going to Banaue. Fortunately, none was reported injured during the landslides.

It was quarter to six when we arrived at Banaue. After given instructions by Jepoi of the bus schedule, we hurriedly looked for a quick dinner to fill us up for the long journey back to Manila.

By 7pm, we were aboard the bus bound to Sampaloc, Manila. Tired yet happy. This was another memory worth keeping!

Group pic at Mt. Napulauan summit

Below is the quick recap of our itinerary. Note that this was based on my personal recordings.

MT. NAPULAUAN (HUNGDUAN-HAPAO TRAVERSE)
Hungduan, Ifugao
Major jump-offs: Poblacion and Brgy. Hapao, Hungduan
LLA: 16°50′N, 121°10′E, 2642 MASL (#15; 1580m gain)
Hours to summit / Days required: 9 hours / 2-3 days
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 3
information above courtesy of pinoymountaineer.com

Itinerary:
Day 0 (October 10)
08:00 PM Assembly time in Ohayami Bus Lines (Sampaloc, Manila)
09:11 PM ETD Manila to Banaue

Day 1 (October 11)
03:45 AM Stop over at Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
07:00 AM ETA Banaue. Arrange bus reservation going back. Take rented jeep to Hungduan, Ifugao
07:10 AM Register at Banaue Municipal Tourism Center.
07:15 AM Breakfast. Buy other needed supplies.
08:07 AM ETD Banaue to Hungduan
09:10 AM ETA Hungduan, Ifugao. Register at Municipal Police Station.
09:45 AM ETA Mt. Napulawan (Napulauan) jumpoff. Load water. Secure guides and prepare for trek.
10:30 AM Start Trek going up the concrete stairs. Turn left. Steep open ascent.
12:30 PM ETA Campsite 1. Rest. Lunch.
01:00 PM Resume trek to Mossy Forest. Water source 5 mins from campsite.
04:55 PM View of the summit descending trail. Lucky us, it was raining hard!
05:15 PM Ascending trail along the ridge.
05:30 PM ETA Mt. Napulauan summit / campsite. Setup camp.
09:00 PM Socials (amidst the chilling night!)
10:00 PM Lights out 

Day 2 (October 12-bday ko!)
05:00 AM Wake up call. Team lead prepare for breakfast and packed lunch.
06:00 AM Wait for sunrise. Neverending photo opt.
07:00 AM Break Camp. Prepare for descent.
08:20 AM Start descent to Hapao trail (rolling trail). Amazing mossy forest!
12:10 PM Rest. Lunch.
12:30 PM Bamboo area. Presence of limatik. Got 2!
12:50 PM Start of neverending steep stairs. Open trail.
01:37 PM glimpse of Hapao rice terraces.
02:05 PM End of traverse. ETA Hapao Entry point.
02:15 PM Wash up and coffee. A sweet gesture from our guides/porters.
04:30 PM ETD Hapao to Banaue. Delayed jeep arrival due to landslides.
05:40 PM ETA Banaue. Unload bags. Dinner challenge. Buy souvenirs.
06:30 PM Return to Ohayami Terminal. Load bags to bus. Celebrate. 
07:08 PM ETD Banaue to Manila

Day 3 (October 13)
04:10 AM ETA Ohayami (Sampaloc, Manila)

04:45 AM Home! 

Till then.

Playground of the Tamaraw - Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park Adventure

It’s been almost a month and I miss the smell of the mountains. Every time I passed by fields, I paused and try to remember how it felt...up there. I terribly miss climbing.

Lucky me! An invitation to climb Mindoro’s Mts. Iglit-Baco one day popped out of my event. Without hesitation, I clicked ‘Join’ and the rest was pure bliss! 

DAY 1. Still dizzy from a quick nap aboard the ferry, we were awaken by the loud voice coming from behind the speaker just right above us announcing our arrival at Abra de Ilog Port at around 5am.

Sunrise at Abra de Ilog Port

Most of the seasoned climbers usually climb this mountain during August where rain is more of an ally but surprise of all surprises, the sun was all smiles to us while riding a coaster (yup... a coaster! Astig ni Jepoi Mansibang!!!!) to jump off at Barangay Poypoy.

the coaster!

'Groupie' inside the coaster.

The group took our breakfast along the way. The carinderia, good thing, was serving breakfast and coffee. A decent breakfast would cost you at least 50 pesos including coffee.

After that, we head back to our coaster and continue the never ending ride to jump off. It took us more than 5 hours (we had like 5-6 stops) until we reached our host residence.

Lunch was already waiting for us when we arrived at the super accommodating residence of the Oreiro’s. After eating, we fixed our bags and prepared ourselves for the trek then head straight to jump off where our guides are already waiting for us.

Receiving area of Oreiro residence

At the jump off, time check – 1:30pm. Damn! The sun was punishing us! It’ll pass, I uttered.

at the jump off

We reached Station 1 by 2:15 and had ourselves registered. We took a quick break before passing a hanging bridge which marks the first hour of our trek.

the hanging bridge after Station 1

By 3:30, we reached this river and what do you know....a teeny weenie bridge! I fondly called it “The V-ridge.” When the water is not that deep and the current isn’t that strong, one can actually cross the river with caution, of course.

The "V-ridge"

waiting for our turn to cross the "V-ridge"

After 2 more hours, we saw the “BMS 2KM” signage across the small river. Yes! One more hour to go before the Ranger Station! The way to Ranger Station, commonly known as Station 2 was infested of the dreaded (for me) limatik. I was too tired to mind if there were limatik on me. All I wanted at that moment was to reach the Ranger Station and throw myself on the comfort of my sleeping bag.

At exactly 7:08pm, I reached Station 2. Tired and with 2 limatik in me! I freaked out at the mere sight of it but since it’s my first time, might as  get the best out of it....I had it documented in a video.

the first bite!

the second bite!

After eating dinner, I packed my assault bag for Iglit summit and grind my teeth in slumber.

DAY 2. The day started early for us. After eating a quick breakfast; by 5:30, we started trek to Mt. Iglit. 

the blogger at Station 2

Armed with just our daypack (My version of daypack – water, lunch, trail food, rain jacket, fan, umbrella and the ever important, lipstick!) we lazily started walking. We took pictures from time to time. Feasting our eyes to the scenic beauty of Mindoro then all of a sudden....the drop! Literally, an 80 degree! One by one, we slowly manoeuvred going down that steep descent where a potable stream awaits. After crossing the stream, came the first assault....yup another 80 degree! We took a “V” trail crossing one mountain to the other.

the steep descent to Mt. Iglit

We we’re lucky enough to have been given a very nice weather. It was not raining nor was it too sunny. The rain clouds are visible but not threatening us for a battle between mud and rainfall. Thank God for that!

selfie while nearing the summit 

the scenic beauty gracing Mt. Iglit

pamorama while nearing Mt. Iglit summit

Pass 9 am when we reached the Mangibok Ridge and not an hour later, we reached the summit! Finally!!!!

the foggy view taken at Mt. Iglit summit

It was a small flat ground covered with knee-high grass. Nothing too grand but the view was probably boasting with beauty if not for the foggy weather. While waiting for a much better clearing, we began eating our packed lunch.

Team lunch at summit of Mt. Iglit

my version of "lunch"

After waiting for almost an hour, a small clearing came. It was not a 360 view but nevertheless, a clearing worth seeing. Mt. Iglit did not disappoint us. After taking group pictures, panoramas and some ‘selfies’, we decided to go down while the sun is still bearable. Also that, we are still following the itinerary for Mt. Magawang where in a closer look of the tamaraw (Mindoro dwarf buffalo) awaits us.

If summiting Iglit was hard, then going down is much harder. Imagine descending an 80-degree trail covered with loose small rocks, mud and a ruler-length grass to grasp on. Not to mention the ravine on your left side. It was challenging and scary and fun in a morbid-kind of way. Fortunately, all of us made it back to Station 2 safe and tired. Some did not pushed through with Mt. Magawang due to minor injury and decided to rest.

Around three in the afternoon, we resume our trek to Mt. Magawang. According to our guide, it is a sweet 2-hour walk to Mt. Magawang. He was right! The trail was wide and the ground does not consist of loose rocks and steep assault. It was a gradual up and down but mostly; flat grounds. The only sharp ascend you will encounter on this trail is when you’re nearing the Ranger Station. And that’s just 10 minutes away from the summit of Mt. Magawang.

Mt. Iglit

Twenty minutes before 5 when we reached the viewing deck or the Ranger’s Station of Mt. Magawang where one can have a closer look of the tamaraws; by the help of binoculars lent by the personnel of the Ranger Station.

area where tamaraws are viewed. Taken from Mt. Magawang Ranger Station.

believe it or not...those are tamaraws! I need a 200 mm camera!!!!

From the viewing deck, the tamaraws are too small to be seen. Luckily, there are like 3 or 4 binoculars that can be borrowed to have a better view of the only endemic Philippine bovine. Ahem! Thanks, Wiki!

Aside from tamaraw viewing, there’s also the beautiful sunset showcasing the majestic beauty of Mindoro mountain ranges. It was a nice way to cap the day off!

sunset at Mt. Magawang Ranger Station

it was a sight to behold!

For those of you wanting to check Iglit-Baco National Park, check below itinerary. Note that this are all based on my personal climb. 

Day 0 , August 22,2014 
09:00 pm Assembly time at Jam Bus Terminal in Buendia 
10:00 pm ETD manila 

Day 1, August 23,2014 
01:00 am ETA Batangas Port / Secure tickets 
02:00 am Board ferry going to Abra de Ilog 
05:00 am ETA Abra De ilog 
05:15 am Road trip via rented coaster
07:30 am Breakfast
09:00 am Bound to San Jose Occ. Mindoro 
10:50 am ETA Calintaan / Oreiro Residence /Buy Supplies
12:00 pm Lunch *hosted meal
01:20 pm ETA Jump Off. Register and meet local guides. 
01:30 pm Start Trek 
02:15 pm Station 1. Register again. Take 5. 
02:30 pm Hanging Bridge
03:30 pm River crossing 
05:50 pm ETA small river with "BMS 2km" signage. Limatik attack starts here.
07:08 pm ETA Station 2. Limatik check! Got 2 :)
07:30 pm Set-up camp. We slept at the Tamaraw Ranger's HQ.
08:00 pm Prepare for Dinner
09:30 pm Socials / Lights out 

Day 2, August 24, 2014 - Long day for us! 
04:00 am Wakeup call / Breakfast 
05:30 am Mt. Iglit Summit Assault. Bring assault pack only. 
06:30 am ETA stream (water source)
09:00 am ETA Mangibok Ridge
09:45 am ETA summit / photo ops 
10:00 am Early lunch at the summit
11:05 am Start descent
01:30 pm ETA stream. Cool down.
02:30 pm ETA station 2.
03:00 pm Resume Trek to Mt. Magawang. 
04:40 pm ETA Mt. Magawang Ranger Station. Tamaraw viewing deck. 
05:00 pm Tamaraw Viewing (and limatik viewing again) 
06:15 pm Sunset viewing. Photo Ops. 
06:30 pm Start descent to Station 2. 
07:30 pm ETA Station 2
09:00 pm Dinner / Socials
10:00 pm Light out.

Day 3, August 25,2014
05:00 am Wakeup call 
06:00 am Breakfast /BreakCamp / Photo opt at Ranger Station
07:00 am Start descent
07:45 am ETA "BMS 2km" signage
09:20 am ETA River crossing
11:30 am ETA jump off 
12:15 pm ETA Oreiro Residence. 
12:30 pm Lunch *Hosted Meal / Wash up 
02:00 pm ETD Oreiro residence to Abra de Ilog Port 
06:00 pm ETA Abra De Ilog Port
08:00 pm Board ferry back to Batangas Port
11:30 pm Batangas Pier

Day 4, August 26,2014

12:00 am ETD Batangas Port. Board bus bound to Buendia.
01:30 am ETA Buendia 
02:00 am Home :)

Till then!