For the past 4 years, I celebrated my birthdays by going to the beach. I remember our first time in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last 2008, having a special bibingka in lieue of a cake in Bacolod last 2009, my first ever birthday surprise in Bohol last 2010 and our most awaited Calaguas Island last year.
This year, I celebrated my birthday in Baguio (posts to follow) and in one of the most beautiful mountains I've ever been - Mt. Daguldol. Technically, we were still on a beach because we camped there but I didn't get to enjoy its clear waters. The timing was perfect because I finally got to meet the rest of the members of Abot Kamay Adventure Club (AKAC) and was quite surprised that we hit it right then and there.
restrooms with unlimited water
For groups with private vehicles, head to San Juan town proper then to Brgy. Hugom and go to HEGA station where you need to register and hire mandatory guides. We took a San Juan - bound bus (Alps Liner) from EDSA-Cubao (fronting Nepa Q-Mart) and then a jeepney to Hugom which is the last stop from San Juan town proper. We registered (P35/person) where the jeep parked (almost all jeepney drivers are familiar with the registration place). After buying last minute supplies, we walked along the beach coast to our camp which is one of the nearest resorts near the jump off (can't remember the name but it just beside Naambon resort).
The camp had electricity, restrooms and unlimited water supply (not suitable for drinking even the locals say so) for just P100/overnight/person. We pitched our tents and had Binagoongan for dinner courtesy of AJ and Tito Art. A couple of bottles of hard liquor followed suit as the evening sky was filled with our roaring laughter.
my improvised cake - Fudgee bars and a lighter to blow on :p
We woke up early the next morning, had a quick breakfast and began our day. Tita Gina booked our guide, Mang Domeng for P350 who was a few minutes late (sorry, time Nazi here.)
We passed by a little community called Sitio Catmon where the actual ascend begins. Official time was 6:15am. Everyone was surprised to see steep trails after steep trails at the first 30 minutes of the climb. The trail was well defined and there is no way you can get lost. The first pit stop was marked by the a hut beside a huge rock where we rested and re-fueled our bodies with water.
We were the only group to ascend that day. We just crossed paths with a some locals and their horses transporting goods which they will bring down to the community. The trail is entirely teeming with trees and the wind was constantly blowing making you feel like you are in Mt. Batulao. Since it was a dayhike, everyone was just carrying light loads. But the arduous trail was making everyone's pace sluggish not to mention that 9 of us had upset tummies (and we do not know if we need to blame the liquor, the water or the fresh fish the fishermen gave us the night before). Phone reception was totally dead. There were also a number of little waterfalls where you can freshen up and we were surprised to find that the water was salty. After another hour, we reached the 2nd pit stop.
We reached Mang Lizardo's place after almost 3 hours. Everyone took their turns in using the restrooms. One can buy fresh coconut juice for P20 each. Tita Gina and Tita Ody talked to one of the locals if they can prepare lunch for us after our descent and the lady charged our group (10pax) P700 for 2 whole chickens cooked Sinampalukan style and 2 kilos of rice. Locals also reminded us that we were just halfway.
The second half of the climb was a lot more demanding. The continuing rise in altitude put our muscles to a test as well as boosting our heart rates a notch higher. Big boulders and a lot of coconut husks are scattered as the trail widened revealing tall coconut trees.
Our group got divided into two because of calls of nature. 5 of us went ahead and reached the summit at 12 noon. There are actually 2 kinda-like summits. The first one where we stopped was located on the right side from the trail. Our guide insisted that the views from there are similar to the other one. We disagreed and told him that from what we read, this was not the one we are looking for. I won't tell you more about it because all of us got disappointed that he is being somewhat a little lazy to bring us there. So along with Sir Noel and Peewee, the Boss and me descended and walked to the left part of the trail where it led us to the summit we were looking for (it was just a 15-minute hike).
Green slopes, blue ocean and a 360 degree view of everything! It was so beautiful! I recommend taking pictures here rather than the first summit.
The summit is perfect for a camp. The guide said that there is a water source but we didn't get to see it. I can imagine spending the night there under the stars and waking up to a majestic and unobstructed sunrise. I told myself that I will come back!
We descended a few minutes after and re-joined our group only to find out that our guide also told them that the first summit that we stayed on was it. (the nerve!) So we gave them the directions and they went their way while we rested. As much as we wanted to tip our guide because of the hard trail, we all agreed to dismiss the idea.
The group rejoined at the community where we had our lunch prepared. We were able to reach the jump off after an hour and 45 minutes, broke camp and prepared to go home. The chartered jeep that took us all to Lipa City charged us P1,600. Which is not bad considering he brought us to our respective bus and van terminals.
Overall, it was a very hilarious climb because of my new friends who do not know how to rest from laughing. Haha! This is one of my best birthday celebrations to date despite no gifts received but that's okay because I am still tuned in to Meritline updates to see what I can reward myself with. If you are generous enough to buy me this hdmi switch I will love you for the rest of my life! Yes, simple joys!
But seriously, thank you AKAC for making this climb a very memorable one! (Yes, including all your painful tummies!)
Video summary:
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