(In this photo: Ging, Leah, Me, Aris, Arlene and Myke)
Last January 30 marked the first climb of SPMB for 2010. Seven cool peeps (Orly, Myke, Aris, Arlene, Leah, Ging and I) decided to traverse Mt. Makiling using Sto. Tomas Batangas as the entry point and Los Banos Laguna as the exit point. It was supposed to be just a day hike.
We met at 7/11 Buendia at around 5AM and proceeded to Jam Bus Station. As if there was already a premonition to one great adventure ahead of us, the bus got engine trouble while on our way to Batangas so we had to transfer to another bus.
It was fun! fun! fun! at first. We were just
chilling around--until after during the trail-WE GOT LOST. Two hours were spent just trying to locate Orlando Alforque Ylaya and finding the right trail. Finally, after much comic with the whistle, we were reunited. With the second omen, the itinerary to reach Los Banos at 8PM will not be followed. I knew we would be roaming the jungle under the moon and not under the sun.
I thought it was an endless walking and rappelling. The trail is super difficult than I ever thought. On top of one of the highest cliff, the wind was so strong that
I needed to hold the grass so as not to be blown away. The cliffs are likewise so steep that one wrong move and I am dead. It was already night and we have not even reached Peak 2.
Midnight came and we were still walking rappelling and sliding in the mu
d. Worst, we have no more trail water and no more food. Not to mention the famous LIMATIKS (blood sucking leeches) feasting and crawling all over my pants and face.
Thank goodness for the trail signs (ribbons and warning signs) that we finally reached the foot of Mt. Makiling at around 2:00AM. We rested at the first house we saw and walked to the Talipapa where we rested again. We were all very very tired. I immediately claimed the tiny bench outside the shanty
to be my bed. We were all hungry, tired and freezing cold as we were just outside the house. I did not bring a jacket with me so I wrap around myself my rain coat. It minimized the cold that seemed to penetrate through my bones. When I glanced at Orly, he himself was shaking to death due to extreme cold.
Traversing Mt. Makiling is one great adventure that I know will remain in my memory for quiet sometime. The trail is difficult for a newbie like me. It was an ambitious attempt indeed. But looking back, I am glad I joined this climb. It tested my endurance, my courage, and my faith to God and myself that there is no difficult mountain I could not conquer. The experience made me stronger and braver. It gave me confidence to do more difficult climbs in the mountains and in life in general :))
(before the climb: still fresh and clean)
(after the climb--dirty and dingy)
(feeling fresh and clean after a warm bath)A video to sum up the adventure we had!!
For future climbers, here's a suggested guide for MAKTAV (From TL Myke):
5 : 00 am = Met-up at 7 /11 Buendia
5:15 = ETD Bus Station to Jollibee San Tomas Batangas(ride Bus To Lucena or Lipa)
7:00 = ETA Jolibee Sto. Tomas
7:15 = Barangay for registration
7:30 = Start ascent
1:00 pm = Summit Peak 2
8:00 pm = UP Los Banos
10:00 pm = ETA Manila
Must-haves:
- headlamp/flashlight, raincoat, mask, goggles, arm protector, skin protector, packed lunch, extra clothes for going home
WARNING:
- Limatik infested area
Fare:
Buendia to Sto. Tomas = estimated fare P110
Los Banos to Manila = same
UPLB jeep = P 7.00
Tricycle fare P 50.00 one way. lahat na yon. divided kung ilan ang sakay
GOODLUCK!!!!
