Mt. Makiling (MakTrav) | Inside the Realm of Mariang Makiling

Finally, I managed to cross-out Mount Makiling (or Mt. Maquiling in old Tagalog) from my bucket list of mountains. One of my biggest childhood dreams was to enter and experience this mountain, the realm of the famous Mariang Makiling. I never imagined that its densely forested trail would be loved by my itchy feet so much and would become Batang Lakwatsero's most favorite trail.

If you don't know who Mariang Makiling is, check out my previous post regarding this mythical protector of Mt. Makiling: The Story of Mariang Makiling.

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The Story of Mariang Makiling

Who would not be familiar with Mariang Makiling? Mentioned in many alamat (legends) and kuwentong bayan (folklore), this enchanted fairy guardian of Mt. Makiling is probably the most famous character in the Philippine Mythology.

To describe how she looks like, our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his version of the myth:

"Maria was tall and graceful. Her color was a clear, pure brown, kayumanging kaligatan, as the Tagalogs say. Her eyes were big and black. Her hair was long and thick. Her hands and feet were small and delicate. She was a fairy-like creature born under the moonbeams of the Philippines. She flitted in and out among the woods of Makiling. She was the ruling spirit of the mountain, but she seldom came within sight of people... "

Mt. Manabu | Lost in a Night Trek

The thrill and excitement lurked within me as we were trekking the trail of Mt. Manabu. It was nightime, and I know we're already lost. 

That's what I have experienced on the night of February 25, 2012 when I joined one of my online friends in their night climb at Mt. Manabu. It was my first time to experience getting lost on a trail, and I find it really fun. :)

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Pamamaalam sa Pamantasan: Ikatlong Bahagi

Sundan ang Una at Ikalawang bahagi sa mga link na sumusunod: Unang Bahagi, Ikalawang Bahagi

Anong mundo ang naghihitay sa akin sa oras na mahawakan ko ang rolyo ng isang papel? Handa ko na bang buksan ang pintuan na hindi ko alam kung ano ang nasa likod? Handa na ba ako pumasok sa mundong ibang-iba sa nakasanayan ko na?

Pamamaalam sa Pamantasan: Ikalawang Bahagi

Sa mga hindi pa nakakabasa ng Unang Bahagi, sundan ang link na ito.

Napakabilis ng panahon, parang kahapon lang ay hayskul pa ako. Ilang tulog na lang ay papasukin ko na ang mundo bilang isang fresh-grad na biology student. Ano kayang pang-yabang ang mailalagay ko sa Curriculum Vitae? Sapat na nga kaya ang apat na taon kong pananatili sa pamantasan?   

Pamamaalam sa Pamantasan: Unang Bahagi

Kay bilis nga naman lumipas ng panahon, biruin mo, apat na taon na pala ang inilagi ko sa iyo. Napakaraming alaala, marami nga dito nabaon ko na sa limot. Pero kung mag-babalik tanaw ako sa nakalipas na apat na taon... hay, masaya, napakasaya.. ang buhay sa kolehiyo ay ang pinakamakulay na yugto ng buhay ko.

Climb Itinerary | Mt. Pundaquit Traverse to Anawangin Cove

Our Climb
Date: January 21-22, 2012
Mountain: Mt. Pundaquit
Jump off: Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales
Difficulty: 3/9 Minor Climb, 464+ MASL
Climb: Traverse, Overnight Camping
Budget: P1,700

*view of Anawangin cove from the summit of Mt. Pundaquit

Mt. Tagapo | A Solo Adventure

A day before the climb, I felt the butterflies flying inside my stomach. I was still unsure if I am capable enough to do this solo hike since it will be my first time. But thanks to my mountaineering mentor for reminding me this: "pumunta ka nga ng marinduque mag isa eh. ayun nga ang liit lang na burol/isla" hahaha... My morale was boosted, off I went to my 7th mountain

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February 18 is the date that I braved my 7th mountain, and it's quite a different experience since I've done it the "solo way". I got no proper training in this so called "mountaineering", so I just relied on my 2 month old climbing experience for this first solo hike.

Days prior to this climb, I've done a research on how to reach Talim Island (where Mt. Tagapo is located) if I'll be coming from Manila. Thanks to Pinoy Mountaineer site, all my queries were answered. The route: EDSA Crossing - Port of Binangonan - Brgy. Janosa - Mt. Tagapo.

Climb Itinerary | Mt. Maculot (Rockies) with Sidetrip to Sitio Lumampaw

Our Climb
Date: January 14, 2012
Mountain: Mt. Maculot (Rockies)
Jump off: Rockies Trail, Cuenca, Batangas
Difficulty: 3/9 Minor Climb, 706+ MASL (Rockies Summit)
Climb: Dayhike
Budget: P600

view along the trail to Rockies Summit

Mt. Manalmon | Fun Climb And More At Sitio Madlum

Read my previous post about our adventure at Sitio Madlum. Part of that adventure is this fun climb at Mt. Manalmon - actually, I'm not sure if it is really a mountain being 196+ MASL only (based on Pinoy Mountaineer's specs). It's more like a huge hill rather than a mountain. Anyways, it is still one of my priority mountains because of the following reasons: 1) easy access from Manila, 2) student-friendly aka low-budget climb, 3) lots of sidetrips. With only P500 at hand, I conquered my 6th mountain, thanks again to sir Sonyboy for inviting me in this memorable climb.

Mt. Manalmon is actually just an easy climb. With its beginner-friendly trail, newbies in the field of mountaineering won't find this mountain a pain in the ass.

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