Mt. Daraitan Fun Climb

I still remember it was Halloween when I revisited Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal. That time I was already prepared for the Daraitan summit. I went there a couple of times but I wasn't prepared for it and since it was just a week after my birthday I considered this climb as a gift to myself for I have been striving for it for a long time. It was already dark when we arrived in the village, we planned to stay overnight near the jump off point but later decided to trek and stay in the campsite near the summit instead! So okay, I haven't tried trekking in the dark so I guess that was it! And our group went off!

It's showtime!

My imagination started to get wild as we walked along the wet, slippery, dark and lush forest. It was Halloween and creepy images started  to show in my mind. How foolish am I to forget my headlamp or at least a flashlight to light my way, good thing a friend was kind enough to lend me his spare headlamp so I should be fine. On our way to the jump off point, my headlamp focussed onto this signage, when I read it I want to go back and go home! But I have to finish my mission so I must be brave! And if I am not mistaken there are 7 rest stations in the mountain where we stopped to breath. I should say that the trail was short but steep!

After two hours we arrived at the campsite, just before it started to rain hard. Before pitching our tents we had some hot coffee in a nearby hut where a local was resting in a hammock, he started to tell us stories about "cloud rats"! They're big rats, which sneaks in tents and steals food from backpacks... and I was so scared that made me sleepless that night!

Behave cloud rats!

Okay this is how cloud rats looked like for those who haven't seen one like me. I took this picture when I went to Mt. Pulag after my Mt. Daraitan climb. Can you see the claws? Anyway, I think they're not that bad according to the description written on the canvas. So back to Mt. Daraitan.
That night, it was raining so hard, it was cold and the rainwater kept on flowing underneath the tent. I kept on praying for the rain to stop, so we can make it for the sea of clouds which Mt. Daraitan is also known for like with Mt. Pulag. At 5 AM we got up and started to walk going to the summit, it was just 15 minutes walk from the campsite to view the sunrise and the sea of clouds as well!

Unfortunately the sun didn't show up and the sea of clouds wasn't that impressive. But when the darkness faded away, I was rewarded with the immense view of the mountains and the winding course of the Agos River.

The long and winding Agos River

Yay!

 Jagged rock formations occupies the summit, they come in different sizes and shapes, just be careful when stepping on it because it's slippery, you might fall off the cliff.

It was a fulfilling experience, stepping on the grounds of the summit made my adventure very memorable and I thought that was it but wait...there's more! On our way to the campsite we passed by a mossy forest which made me stop and feel the breeze! You know the feeling of walking along mossy trees, the appearance and scent of the old moss plant apparently signifies that the forest has been in existence for a relatively long time!

Plenty of clingy moss on old trees, I just don't know the name of these trees but I think they have been together for a very long time. I just can't imagine how long this ball of moss was formed.

Goodness gracious great ball of moss

And of course mossy forest wouldn't be complete without mushrooms! There are lots of them,  tiny white buttons sprouting on old mossy tree trunks!

Mushrooms to make you grow just like Mario!

I wish these wonderful works of nature would be left untouched by human hands, they look so delicate and I think it would take some time before they sprout or formed. So let's be concerned about it.

Creepy-crawlers has also a space in the mossy forest and they're cute, they just don't care even if I take a lot of pictures of them in different positions.

I think everything I want to see and experience in a mountain are all in Mt. Daraitan. Clouds, mountains, rock formations, mossy forest, flora and fauna, packed together making this mountain an amazing place to explore! All I wish is that these wonderful gift of nature will be protected and that wouldn't be possible if visitors won't help conserve the biodiversity present in our environment.
I thank you for reading and you might want  to read more about my adventures in Daraitan at http://makitambay.blogspot.com/2015/03/dare-daraitan.html .

Aspiring Blogger/Plagiarist

I was informed by a concerned reader that my blog was being stolen by an aspiring sneaky blogger who just wanted to share his/her experiences particularly in Villa Pilarosa in Cagbalete. I was really disappointed when I read it and confirmed that the blogger copied and pasted my blog without any credits.

Blogging is not my bread and butter. I started blogging 10 years ago (2006) with Yahoo 360 and during that time I didn't how to do it. I don't have any formal lessons in writing and I just write things that comes in my mind, using simple English words that can easily be understood by my readers. I don't write difficult English words that is hard to understand and makes my readers and myself, cram for dictionaries just to know what I meant for that!  I write about the people I've met, places I went, things that I saw, sounds I've heard, food I've tried. I write what my emotions were during those times and all of those comes from my heart... that's all! Those were just the simple things needed to finish a blog, you don't COPY AND PASTE! Writing isn't easy for me, it takes a lot of time and effort before I come up with an introduction before I can move onto the main content. I ran out of words and adjectives at times, and maybe grammatically incorrect but I swear NEVER DID I STEAL SOMEONE ELSE'S WORK BECAUSE IT IS UNJUST!

Plagiarism is a major offense. It is considered  as stealing. Stealing one's thought, ideas, words and emotions.

By the way this is the link to the photocopier:

https://geremaegrajo.blogspot.com/2016/03/villa-pilarosa-cagbalete-island.html?showComment=1470296540823


This is my Cagbalete blog:

http://makitambay.blogspot.com/2015/05/ramblers-in-pilarosa.html

Run Wild

Maybe if I will count and complain about my injuries that I've had while training, I wouldn't achieve my goals as an addict runner. I started my running habit about 10 years ago only for the benefit of losing weight which I successfully accomplished. Until some of the runners I've met encouraged me to run for the 5 kilometer race for a charity. I never did finish 5 kilometers during those times, it was always 3 to 4 kilometers or lesser than those figures.  It was only then that I thought of preparing for the race, which I successfully completed! And with that, I became an avid devotee of charity runs because I thought it was fun and fulfilling!

KICKS!

And then my ambition of doing long distance running came. I have been very hesitant of running 10 kilometers for a long time that's why it took me so many years before I started because I thought I couldn't make it. I invested with a good pair of running shoes, which I thought could help me improve my running ability. Well of course, it doesn't depend only with the kicks. I started with it one step at a time, by adding a distance of 500 meters to 1 kilometer from my usual 5 kilometer run. Until I accomplished my desired distance which took months of training. Year 2015, I ran 10K for the first time in an hour and 15 minutes, I was amazed and the feeling was so rewarding! And that started my 10 K running romance by joining charity runs again under that category.

Hooray!

I thought 10 K run would be the conclusion of my ambition but wait...there's more! I had a desire of running half marathon and I asked myself, would that be too much? That would mean more time and effort. Furthermore, I wouldn't be challenged if I won't join any forthcoming marathon to push me to train for it! So I registered to the Condura Skyway Marathon under the 21 K category. For me, it looks so scary especially when I imagined the route which I will go through. First day of training and a month before the race, I went for a 15K run but the next day my back injury beat me. I was so frustrated and worried, I went for an injury treatment for six sessions and the positive news was when my doctor told me that running is not restricted, and it gave me hope! Yes, there's pain, but I just ignored it. I practiced yoga and did a lot of house works as my cross training, I ran in the rain, I trekked to increase my physical and moral strength. No pain, no gain!

The big day came! It was still dark, all participants were warming up. I was having jitters and my left foot was hurting! Seriously? At 3:30 AM, the starting pistol fired, I prayed and kept my "mind over matter" habit in my mind. It's a long road and arriving at the half-way point was already a big relief! My body was aching and legs were tired but I have to put in my mind that I'm not done yet. I entertained myself by listening to the music, by singing, talking to my running buddy, laughing, reading billboards, counting buildings and waited for the sun to rise but it rained! As I approach the finish line it made me run faster and the moment I stepped on it, I leaped... breathed deeply then victoriously exhaled all my remaining energy! Two hours and forty five minutes when I looked at the timer, not bad for me, at least I arrived alive! For me, the finisher shirt and the medal are tokens reminding of me of hard work, patience and determination. Running makes me happy and free from all the things which  holds me back. It gives me freedom! Running has taught me how to wait patiently for the crowning glory, a thing that I can practice not only during the marathon but in every situations in my life. I don't compete with anybody, my only opponent is myself and nobody else. And that's a challenge! What's next? I don't know.

Thank you for reading!

Sweet Cold Embrace of Mt. Pulag

It seems like Mt. Pulag has been one of the favorite playground of nature lovers, despite of the very cold climate, there's no way that it can stop them. Maybe for others they like that kind of weather but for me, it is one of my most dreaded situations because I am allergic to cold weather! My skin gets itchy and I tremble so easily, so I had a hard time deciding, that's why I am so late going there. But who will not chill with the 5 degree freezing temperature?

Amazing view of the summit!

Anyway, Mt. Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines standing at 2,922 meters high above sea level and its peak meets the borders of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. The mountain is famous for its superb sea of clouds which tourists can enjoy during sunrise and take selfie or groupie shots or panoramic shots or whatever kinda shots. Or you can just stand and admire the gift of heaven to mankind.

Campsite.

We arrived at noon and camped just a few blocks away from the ranger station. It was not that cold yet that I still enjoyed the cold breeze but not until late in the afternoon when wind started to howl, and the ground became so cold that it was penetrating through the tarpaulin, the insulation and the thick sleeping bed in our tent. The temperature started to drop until our tent has become a freezer!  Before that, I had some time wandering around the place and it is way too far from the chaotic environment of the metropolis.

Awesome View!

We had dinner at 6 PM, early huh? We should get some sleep for our trek going to the summit which will start at 1 AM. I had a hard time sleeping because it was so damn cold! I took a few shots of brandy to make me feel warm but it didn't help. By 11 PM I stood up and walked out of the tent to move my numb body and it helped! At 12 MN we had some coffee and sandwiches and prepared for our trek. I got four layers of tops (2 heat tech shirts, a wool sweater and a hooded jacket), three layers of bottoms, two socks, a shawl to wrap my head and half of my face, a thick scarf and gloves. I thought that would keep me warm but not really. I don't have a photo of me with that outfit because I looked like a ninja spring roll.

We started to walk at 1:30 AM and it was totally dark in the forest, only the flicker of headlamps and flashlights lighted our way which looked like fireflies flying in single file. We passed by Camp 1, and arrived  in Camp 2 by 4:30 AM, and because it's too early to go to the summit, we stayed at the bunkhouse to rest and prepare for the assault to the summit. It would take another hour of trekking to get to the summit so we must regain energy and so I slept!

Magic!

It didn't take too long, we started to ascend to the peak... it was drizzling, dark and cold! But thanks to the long trek which made us sweat and kept us warm a bit. Sunrise hasn't shown yet when we arrived, but as soon as it emerges on the horizon everyone stood up, started to set their cameras and clicked away! Be sure you wrap your cameras with thick cloth before trekking just to be sure it will work at the peak. Clouds came passing by in different shapes, it crawls along the slopes of the mountains and it was a fantastic phenomena of nature! Well I saw sea of clouds every time I'm in a plane, but it's something different when they're within your reach and touches your face. They're like acrobats in the air entertaining each and everyone of us there! It was an amazing experience!
Now back to the campsite!

 Well talking about cameras...my DSLR didn't work on that moment! Oh my God, why did you let it happen? It's a good thing that I brought my underwater camera so I thought there would be no problem with it getting moist and all, but if not I wouldn't have any photos at all!

Well I don't have any idea how it was like when we were going to the summit, but I never realized that there were more surprises and it was this beautiful! How wonderful it was to walk along the trails surrounded by rolling hills and clouds and it is such God's grace!

 This dog keeps on guiding us, going to the foot of Mt. Pulag but it disappeared later.

I think this white flower is "Edelweiss".

Some frozen delights along the way. I learned that we also passed by a large area of mossy forest, which I think has inhabited the mountain since time immemorial.

Hands off please!

And as we got to the foot of Mt. Pulag, another surprise awaits!

Oh well, I was tired, my body and feet hurts but I am very very happy! I promise to go back and commune with nature again in this wonderful gift of heaven.

REMINDERS:
1. Be sure that you secure a medical certificate before you go. No medical certificate no climb.
2. Attend the orientation at the DENR office for some information about the going there and how to stay safe while on the mountain.
3. Please LEAVE NO TRACE! Do not leave your trash, put them in a garbage bag and dispose them properly.
4. I have to tell you that it is really cold up there, so be sure you're prepared for it. Keep yourself warm. Layers of clothes, socks, scarf, beanie and gloves is advisable.
4. Homestays and campsites are available and can be arranged.

HOW TO GET THERE?
1. There are travel agencies that books tourists covering transportation expenses, food, tour guides, accommodations and other fees. All you have to do is pay, pack your things and get on the bus!
2. If you're on your own, take a bus going to Baguio via Victory Liner. Find a transportation which will take you to Mt. Pulag in Kabayan. There are jeepneys outside Victory Liner terminal which takes passengers to Mt. Pulag.
3. Attend the orientation at DENR office. IT IS A MUST!

It is better if you have an arrangement with homestays, they can arrange everything for you. Well thank you for reading and until my next adventure! I was with Travel Factor during this trip, it's a travel agency and they arranged everything for us. Please visit their Facebook page.

Immersion In Butbut Tribe (Buscalan)

I prepared so much for this trip for I know it's going to be a long one. Thirteen hours travel by bus, an hour jeepney ride, fifteen minutes motorcycle carpet ride and an hour and a half trek. After that, I am dead tired but I have to keep going to reach my destination in Buscalan.  Buscalan village is located in Tinglayan, Kalinga, home to "Butbut tribe" which has a reputation of being the strong people of the Cordilleras and also home to one of the greatest artists in traditional tattoo "Whang Od", the oldest tattoo artist in the Philippines.

Welcome to Buscalan!

I have been aspiring to visit the village for the sake of educating myself about their history and culture. At the same time I would like to meet Apong Whang Od, and the villagers on how they cope with the hundreds of tourists which flocks the village to visit Apong. As we arrived in Tinglayan we were not able to get into Buscalan Village because of their traditional rice planting ritual. Visitors were not allowed to come and those who were in the village at that time were not allowed to leave. So we were asked to stay at the nearby village of Bugnay in Butbut proper, just a few kilometers away from the village and the neighbor village of Buscalan. The locals of Bugnay also belongs to the Butbut tribe, they also boasts about their rice terraces along the coast of Chico River. They speak the Butbut dialect, they're courteous and hospitable people. We spent some time chatting with the locals of the Bugnay and learned so many things about their history and culture.

Heaven and earth.

On our second day, we ate breakfast early, got on our feet and rode a motorbike going to the drop off area. From there, we waited for our guide and started hiking. The narrow pathways along the cliff reminded me of the trails going to Pongas Falls in Sagada the only difference is when you fall off the cliff in Pongas you're going to land on the rice paddies while in Buscalan it will be a lot deeper than that and it will hurt. So be steady and cautious! "Assault" was on my mind while walking along the steep and narrow concrete stairs while panting and if I am not mistaken it was approximately an hour and 45 minutes trek going to the village proper. If you're planning to go to Buscalan, please do not just go on your own, you need to be guided by the locals or the accredited tour guides for your safety.

Caution: narrow pathways.

We started to walk at 9 am along narrow pathways and weeds which are deceiving because they are thick, you might think that you can walk on it but not! Be careful while walking and just focus on the direction. The concrete stairs going to the village proper are steep but the moment you see the clusters of wooden houses at the end of the trail, you'll realize you're already there! I got that big smile on my face you know and said  "hey I made it!".

Hello Buscalan!

This was the foreground of the Butbut Tribe as you step on their native soil. A typical village with children playing, mother doing house chores, colorful clothes hanged to be dried, a native hog waiting for its meal, logs, wooden fences. A scenario which I have never seen for a long time and which was exactly I am expecting to see! I heard women's voices singing in their native tongue with the accompaniment of guitar and they were like angels singing.  I rushed and found out that there was a mass going on and hurriedly joined the women even though I don't understand what they're singing. And I thought, that was my first mass on a mountain and felt even blessed celebrating it with the Butbut tribe.

Hallelujah!

Thank you and peace be with you Father.

We stayed at Manong Atong's house, together with the members of his family. A two storey wooden house which according to Manong Atong was an inheritance of his wife from her parents. The room was very spacious, comfortable and clean as well as with the comfort room which never run out of water. The Kalinga coffee was overflowing as we stayed in their house for two nights, the aroma of it always lingers around the house which makes us ask for more!

Atong's home sweet home.

Since our appointment with Apong Whang Od is on the next day, we roamed around the place to familiarize ourselves with the place and mingle with the village people. Native hogs are all over the place and since they are sacred to the village, they are free to roam around as part of the Butbut tribe, they even outnumbered the dog and cat population. Even animals should be treated with respect as they are inhabitants in the village.

Lazy afternoon.

As we went on our wanderings, we passed by Apong Whang Od's house and I saw her busy rendering her mastery on one of the visitors. I watched her do her craft, she works seriously and silently with perfection. It was my first time to see her up close, she looks so elegant with her headdress
on and some pieces of jewelries. She's still beautiful at her age (98) and I imagined she's even more beautiful when she's younger, what do you think? The tattoo on her added more beauty to her golden brown skin. She said tattoo makes women more beautiful...is that so?

The Master!

She uses pomelo torns as her needle and a special mixture of ash and oil as ink. Can you imagine how painful it is to be pricked by this? Well, I must have the guts to face it! No pain no gain, no guts no glory!

And her weapon for art!

Some of her tattoo designs are drawn on a plywood and you can choose from there, you can also ask Apong to choose a design for you.  By the way I chose "kinilat" (photo in the middle) which means lightning, a symbol for light. The design on your left is bird symbol for freedom and on the right, fern symbol for fertility. Isn't that cool?

Freedom, wisdom, light and fertility

Buscalan Village is not only proud of being the home of the most popular tatoo artist in the Philippines but also gifted with an impressive mountainscape that surrounds the village which protects them from natural disaster like strong typhoons and flood. The rice and vegetable production in the village can sustain their basic needs for nourishment all year round. The fundamental things that anyone needs to survive are just there... air, water and food. What more can they ask for? And I am so envious!

Promised Land

I had my tattoo on the third day of our journey and I was the first one to be inked! It is painful yeah, but the experience and meeting the woman who has been tagged as one of the greatest artists in the Philippines is rewarding!

Thank you for reading.

HOW TO GET THERE?
1. There are two options going to Buscalan. Bus from Manila (Victory Liner) going to Tabuk. Then take another bus from Tabuk going to Bontoc,  the bus will pass by Bugnay. Take habal-habal (motorbike) going to drop off, then trek going to Buscalan.

Bus from Manila (Victory Liner) going to Baguio, then another bus going to Bontoc (GLizardo Bus Lines at Dangwa Terminal or D'Rising Sun Bus at Slaughterhouse terminal). From Bontoc take the jeepney going to Buscalan, which leaves at 2 PM, I have to remind you that there is only one jeepney which goes to Buscalan so don't be late.

2.  Homestay rate is 250/night at Atong Lagui-ao's house mobile#0915 762 2328 and 09192679187.
Please call him a week ahead before you come. If you need tour guides please call Tajab Loyod mobile # 0905524248.

3.  Do not forget to pay the 75 pesos environmental fee.
4. If possible please bring candies for the children, they really like it and waiting for it.
5. Practice Leave No Trace policy. Respect the locals.