SURVIVING MT. PULAG: A 1st Timer's Guide to SURVIVAL

Disclaimer: I am not a mountaineer nor a certified hiker/backpacker, but I know there's a lot of people who wants to go to Mt. Pulag. So, here's the share of a first timer for the first-timers. Take note, it's a DIY Trip. (Im not really into packages nor tours; Li Belizario of Sablay Mountaineering Group organized this).

F.Y.I.

Mt. Pulag is the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. It is located within the municipalities of Baguias, Kabayan, and Bokod in Benguet; Tinoc in Ifugao and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya. It seats at 2,922 meters above sea level.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Since it's my first time to climb, I really bombarded my friend with a lot of questions on what to wear and must-haves. I'm not really into anything cold so going up somewhere with below 0 degrees temp is a matter of life and death for me. Yeah, call me OA! But Im just like anyone who's afraid to die. Hehe

For the outfit/attire, it can be categorized into 5: Ascend(from Manila-Baguio-Benguet-Campsite), Campsite(from camping to sleeping time), Summit(early morning ascend to the peak of Mount Pulag), Descend(trekking from Campsite to Ranger Station), and Travel(from Ranger Station-Baguio-Manila).

Ascend: Dri-fit Shirts, Shorts, Tights, Leggings

Campsite: Definitely thicker clothing than what you had during the ascend. Jackets, warmers, pants

Summit: Jackets, warmers, pants, bonnets, windbreakers, handgloves

Descend: Dri-fit Shirts, Shorts, Tights, Leggings

Travel: Any comfortable clothes :) Weeee!

Ascend to the Campsite

at the Summit of Mt. Pulag

Descend from Campsite

Must-Haves:
*Jackets
*Bonnet
*Scarf
*HandGloves
*Thick Socks
*Poncho
*Trekking Sandals/Shoes
*First-Aid Kit
*Tent
*Sleeping Bag
*Cookset/Stove
*Headlamp
*Mountaineering Bag

Everything Yellow! :) Dahil yellow ang pambansang kulay ni Smiley, puro yellow ang gamit ko para happy.

Since this was my first climb, it was not easy for me to gather all of these stuff. I borrowed most of my things such as tent, sleeping bag, and warmer. I bought my bubble-type jacket at ukay-ukay for Php50.00 only. I invested my money for a good pair of trekking shoes (alam ko kasi medyo lampa ako at madaling madapa so better save myself) and a 35-L bag from Conquer. I got my headlamp for Php150.00 from a tiangge in Park Square, Ayala.

My other essentials:NIPS - my key to surviving hunger, thirst, and stress; MERENGGUE-the best kainin sa tuktok ng Mt. Pulag, ang crispy niya; OFF-LOTION-not really a necessity, walang lamok sa malamig na bundok

WHEN TO CLIMB:
Though Mt. Pulag is accessible all year round, it is recommended to climb during the early part of the year, when the weather is good so you can really enjoy the magnificent "Sea of Clouds".


HOW TO GET THERE:
There are 4 major trails to the summit of Mt. Pulag - Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan, and Ambaguio. For beginners, you can take the Ambangeg-Ambangeg trail, it is the easiest.

To take Ambangeg Trail, take a bus from Manila to Baguio. I prefer taking Victory Liner since they have Baguio Trips every hour. Fee is Php455. But for my 1st Pulag Adventure, I did something different to cut down transportation cost, click here to find out how I went to Baguio for Php143.00.

Friendly Tip:
It is best to leave Manila at night around 9pm onwards. Since Manila-Baguio is like a 6-hour-drive, you'll arrive in Baguio City before dawn.

From Baguio, rent a jeepney to the jump-off point which is at Badabak Ranger Station. There will be 2 stop-overs - 1) Jang-Jang's Eatery also known as "Kainan" and 2)DENR.

At the Ranger Station, make sure to have a heavy meal before climbing. This is also the last stop where a decent CR is found. Take advantage.

Before climbing, your group will be asked how many guides and porters you'll take with you. Each group are required to get 1 guide. You know the reason if you listened carefully with the briefing at DENR. Guide fee is Php250.00. Each porter is Php250.00.

IMPORTANT!!!
Waterproof everything!
You'll notice how it gets colder as you goes up. Especially at night, seems like everything gets moist and wet.

Respect. Say "Tabi-tabi po."
The local tribes consider the mountain as a sacred place. Learn how to respect.

Greet the locals.
I got a chance to talk with our guide, Ate Nivera. I could say that we have talked anything under the Pulag sun. From mountaineering, to childhood stories, from accidents to getting married and even from cooking to facebook(ing). She told me that a month ago from our visit, a mountaineer got sick after not greeting an old local during the climb. All the locals in Mt. Pulag are nice and warm, so I think, there's nothing wrong with sharing a smile and a simple nod.

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Chasing Philippines' Top 11 Destinations for 2011

Weeheehoo!!! 13 hours and 12 minutes left before 2012. Here I am, cramming to start my post about my 2011 Travels; just then I realized, I haven't traveled much this year. And again it was because of my decision to hibernate (yes, it was MY DECISION). I gone too busy mending my broken heart, I almost thought of deleting this blog and create a new one which I would call www.chasingmyex.com. Haha just kidding.

Of Escaping, Falling Apart, and Chasing Happiness
I love traveling and I have high respect for it. I promised myself ever since that I would not treat it as how most people see it. BUT, I'm sorry. I'M GUILTY. To be honest, I gone traveling this 2011 to escape from loneliness, from reality... from pain.

Probably, this had been my motto for this year...
"Everytime you get frustrated and feel that you're not going anywhere, consider this globe called earth that we are all riding on." - Anonymous

Well, that's enough, everything happens for a reason, of course.

The following are my 2011 favorites:

1. TRICK ART MUSEUM

2. PAGSANJAN FALLS

3. SKYWALK ADVENTURE

4. EDGE COASTER

5. THE PLUNGE

6. MOUNT PULAG

7. CHOCOLATE HILLS

8. TARSIER SANCTUARY

9. MALABON's FLUVIAL PARADE

10. ISLANDS of BOHOL - PAMILACAN, BALICASAG and VIRGIN ISLANDS

11. CALERUEGA CHURCH

80% of my 2011 was all about getting lost, well, who cares??! I have learned a lot, I became stronger, and most importantly, I'll be ending my year with a smile! Yeahboy! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Weeeheeehooo!

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Saturday Breakfast at Soderno

For a call center agent like me, I rarely get a chance to eat my meals at the right time, since I work and stay awake in unusual hours - my breakfast is your dinner, and my dinner is your breakfast, got it? Well, it's quite complicated.

After 5 sleep-deprived days, my aunt uttered words that somewhat lifted my tired body. "Let's have breakfast at Soderno." (I remember how those words captivated me, with just a blink of an eye, I smiled and lulled myself to sleep. The thought of going to Soderno the next morning was something to be excited about.)

How To Get There:
Well, Soderno is just like a 10-minute-drive (inclusive of heavy traffic during December) from my aunt's house in Alabang. This newest weekend food and lifestyle market is located at Molito Lifestyle Center (corners of Alabang Zapote Road, Madrigal Avenue and Commerce Avenue).

Okay, Enough of this! I'm hungry!

There's a huge variety of food finds at Soderno. But since I am really into Filipino Food, I so love this booth with Filipino's all-time-favorite -- Street Food.

Mmmmm... Need I say more?

My happiness :))

Filipino's Favorite, Isaw

Seeing these made me miss my Lolo.
He used to buy this super oily chicharong bulaklak dipped in vinegar in Baclaran

Waaah! Heaven! Heaven! :)

Kape ni Juan's 100 Peso Meal. Pwede!
Beef Tapa, Rice, Atsara, Itlog na Pula, Fried Egg

Another smart choice from Kape ni Juan booth
Chicken and Pork Adobo Flakes, Rice, Itlog na Pula, Atsara, Fried Egg

And this was what I had...

Beef Tapa Meal from Kape ni Juan, barbeque, and grilled 'Tenga'... Whew! The best!

Seeing this fatty pig ear on my plate gives me 100% gastronomical outburst.

Waaaah! I'm having some tears of joy now. :')

... and these 2 cups of extra rice
They're just Php10.00 each. Minsan na lang may ganto kamurang extra rice kaya 2 na inorder ko :)

And for a neatly prepared 12oz juice drink, w/ awesome taste - what's Php20.00?! Buy it here!

I love the idea! It's COOL! :D

Unique food finds from home chefs and bakers...

The food choices are really great. The venue is well-ventilated. However, I think there should be more chairs and tables for hungry people. I've seen some flies roaming around as well.

A comfy place to have a foodtrip galore

Soderno is not just all about Food Tripping. There's a lot of Fashion and Arts&Crafts booths too.

Here's the schedule:

Me w/ my cousin, David

Yehey! Weekend spent right.
BURP!!! :)

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Chasing Philippines Goes to Philippine Blog Awards 2011

Weeeheeehoooo!!!

For the 2nd time around, Chasing Philippines has been recognized as one of the Finalists for Best Travel Blog - National Level. *gives myself a big smile while doing a masigabong palakpakan for my official blog partners - my laptop and my Nikon D60*

Good Job guys!

Plasbak!
Well, the good news was delivered by Marky Ramone Go of NomadicExperiences.com. It was a Sweet 1st Day of December when I received a notification that he tagged me in one of his posts in PTB's Facebook Page. At first, I did not approve the post since I was quite hesitant why I was tagged in the first place. I even thought that that was a list of 2010's finalists for the same category. I am not really expecting to be included in the finalists not even to be one of the nominees for this year. I rarely went out this 2011 since I enjoyed my hibernation stage so much. See related post here. :P

Nothing to do, I clicked on the link and checked the threads...

... Buffering...

... Still Buffering...

... Ninuninuninu...

Ilang beses ko chineck kung tama yung spelling - Chasing Philippines nga! Weeheehoo!

The post was updated December 1, 2011. Thousands of "Is this for real? OMG! OMG!" bombarded my mind. Then came the official invitation from Philippine Blog Awards to attend the event at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Bldg in Makati City. I just cant believe it.

To RCBC and Beyond!!!

Obviously, I am super happy I'm here! :D

Gang Badoy of RockEd Philippines hosted the event.

Her mom got so proud of her hosting a big event such as PBA...
but she thought its Philippine Basketball Association

Just the thought of being recognized as one of the best travel blogs in the blogosphere is rewarding already. What more if you'll see your blog as big and wide as this. Whew! Heaven!

Ayun oh! Ang laki oh!

WeareSoleSisters.com bagged the 2011 Best Travel Blog award for National Level. Congratulations ChiChi and Lois!

The Record-Breaker :)
It was the first time the award for best travel blog was handed personally onstage.

Nagpapicture lang ako sa stage. Momentous event eh! :D
photo credit: Marky Ramone Go

with CPA-blogger-turned-tv-host Hannah Villasis of FlairCandy.com

with Radio DJ-slash-TV Host-slash-blogger Vince Golangco of WheninManila.com

And tsararan! A kodak moment with the 2011 Best Travel Blog - National Level winner, Lois Yasay of WeAreSoleSisters.com.

Idol! :D
photo credit: Azrael Colladilla of Azrael's Merryland

P.S.
To all the readers/followers of Chasing Philippines:

THANK YOU SO MUCH! As in BIG THANKS to all of you guys. It is my honor that my passion to share my passion is being appreciated. Chasing Philippines is just about 1 year and 8 months old, but has been recognized twice by Philippine Blog Awards (Best Travel Blog Finalist for 2010 and 2011). Hope you keep on chasing Philippines - the home of beautiful places and happy people. :)

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Philippines in Focus: Mount Pulag

MOUNT PULAG

Fast Facts: Mount Pulag is the highest mountain in Luzon.

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Don’t Tell My Mom How I Got to Mt. Pulag

Being the only daughter, I understand how my parents became too protective in nature. Believe me, I understand, I really understand. :)

That's why I decided not to let my parents know, especially my Mom what I did this weekend... Sssssh! (I'm not really good in lying nor in keeping my mouth shut but this I should never ever tell them, I want to keep them away from sleepless nights or from endlessly dialing my number on their cellphones. See, Im just being sweet.)

So, let me share you my Weekend Secret. (Good thing, my parents don't have a facebook nor a twitter account to follow this post. Love it!)

Weeeeheeehoooo!!!

1. PLEASE DON’T TELL MY MOM I DID NOT RIDE A BUS TO BAGUIO
To get to Mt. Pulag (Benguet), one needs to ride a bus from Manila to Baguio. Yes, that’s the usual comfy way, it should be, for a long drive like this. But when my friend told me about the idea of secretly riding a 14-wheeler-truck of fruits and veggies, without any second thoughts, I said, “Gusto ko Yan!”

It’s my first time to ride a 14-wheeler truck. I am just really so happy.

IT'S A 14-WHEELER TRUCK! Don’t expect that it’s air conditioned. There are also no comfortable reclining lazy boy chairs inside. Everything is made of cold steel. But good news, you can get some carton boxes and give these cartons their once-in-a-lifetime-chance to be sleeping bags.

Backpain? Uncomfortable? Hmmm… You might feel that, but, it’s not the end of the world. That’s me sleeping… SOUNDLY.

Friendly Tip: Since it’s a closed container truck, those with claustrophobia are not advisable to do this. Also, take a Bonamine an hour before the ride for those w/ motion sickness. But if you forgot to do so¸ you can sneak some calamansi as your alternative, hmm, we did. Hehe

The fruits and vegetables should be delivered fresh, there would be no stopovers for you to grab some snacks and do bio breaks. Take note: I had to control my bladder for more than 6 hours.

Tinago ni Manong yung mga orange sa ilalim niya. Tsk, sayang! Gusto ko sana papakin! :)

Anyways, aside from the experience, the thought of saving Php350-500 is a big plus. We gave the driver Php143.00 for letting us hitch.

2. PLEASE DON’T TELL MY MOM I HAD MY FIRST TOPLOAD RIDE
My family (my parents, my tita, my brother) promote safe driving a lot. They strictly observe traffic rules. Seatbelts and other safety gears should always be on. But there are some things in life I just couldn’t miss – tsararan! The FAMOUS TOPLOAD!

A Must-Try!

FYI: Topload is the popular way of riding the jeepneys in the countryside. Passengers can opt to seat on top of the jeepney.

It's not your ordinary ride!

All the jeepneys to Mt. Pulag stops in this one particular canteen, I forgot the exact name though. Locals and the jeepney drivers call it as “Kainan”. You can have your brunch here, buy some packed lunch, water, energy drinks, snack, etc. I tell you, the food is cheap but awesome!

On the walls of the canteen, you can see pictures of Filipino celebrities who have been here. Pictures of the store owners with Kristine Hermosa, Robin Padilla, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo, and Jeffrey Santos are neatly framed.

In my ambition to have my picture be displayed also, I asked my friend to take a pic of me. Unfortunately, the canteen owner didn’t ask for a copy (asa! :P), so I’ll just post it here.

Feeling artista! :P

After the 3 and a half hour of bumpy topload ride, we arrived at DENR Center. We had our names listed in their logbook and took a 20-minute briefing about Mt. Pulag (15mins video presentation and a 5 minute lecture by Ms. Daisy). During the briefing, I’ve noticed that the room was filled with people of different nationalities; that made me wonder and more excited to discover the beauty of Mt. Pulag.

At DENR, you’ll see numerous tarpaulins of Mountaineering Groups and companies who visited Mt. Pulag already. There is also a booth here where hundreds of ID’s have been pinned. Souvenir items are also being sold here.

Top - Ms. Daisy discussing the different trails of Mt. Pulag; bottom left - booth of ID's where you can brag that you've been here; bottom right - my new pals checking if everyone's listed already

Coz I’m a big fan of bloggers, I stopped my world and asked a pic with the blogger of PinoyMountaineer.com…

with Gideon Lasco, founder/blogger of PinoyMountaineer.com

Okay, the adventure continues…

After another hour of jeepney ride from DENR Center, we arrived at the Ranger Station of Mt. Pulag. We had our lunch there and took advantage of the presence of a comfort room. Yes, I made sure I had my Weewee galore before climbing.

3. PLEASE DON’T TELL MY MOM I’D BEEN HIKING FOR ABOUT 5 HOURS with A BIG HEAVY BACKPACK
Early this year, I was diagnosed with a severe case of TMJ; it has something to do with the joint that connects my jaw, my skull and my spinal. The doctor said there’s no way for TMJ to be cured. As of now, the only available relief for those who suffer from TMJ is to manage or to learn how to cope up with the pain. Yes, I am having a TMJ Pain Management Therapy for about 9 months now. Since the diagnosis, I was told by the doctor not to do any strenuous activities, not to carry heavy stuff, not to talk a lot, not to do anything that would require a lot of effort. But hey! That’s synonymous to stopping myself from traveling, from living (I did for a while but I need to test how far my body could go, to know up to what degree of pain my back can endure. This was the only worry I got – going back with a worse case of the said disorder.)

But hey, look! I’m all smiling…

Lalalala! Sisiw! :P

I know it's the easiest trail of Mt. Pulag but whew, it's very exhausting! Promise! Drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration

Nawawala talaga ang pagod kapag may picture-picture! :)

Are we there yet??????

Yeah! Rock on! Fresh-freshan pa kami!

Tiring but the hardship/challenge is part of the beauty

Whew! If there's a will, there's a way! Go, go, go!
Been talking to myself while trekking - Self-motivation is a must to survive. :)

4. PLEASE DON’T TELL MY MOM WE’D BEEN JUMPING and PLAYING at the PEAK OF MOUNT PULAG
Sure my parents would go loco if they will know that I enjoyed playing and jumping at Luzon's highest peak (2,922 meters above sea level).

Eugene, the Jump Shot Master

Michael Jordan daw. Sus! :P

This is Superman (kapag mabigat ang tiyan)

It feels so great to be at the summit of the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines!
Weeeheehooo! Happiness!

5. PLEASE DON’T TELL MY MOM I’M with A BUNCH OF TOTAL STRANGERS
“Don’t ever talk to strangers.”, that’s the first thing my Mom instilled in me since childhood. It comes along with not looking them in their eyes, or not accepting candies or anything from them. Yes I know, our world has become too dangerous. It’s too hard to trust.

But maybe, just maybe, STRANGERS are FRIENDS we haven’t met yet. We just have to reach out, and be open.

"To Sablay Bakod Mountaineering Group, my BIG THANKS to you guys. Thank you for letting me go with you. I am just a stranger, but you talked to me, feed me, and lend me some of your stuff to survive. You just don’t know how happy I am (well, the photos are worth a thousand words of my happiness)."

Sablay Bakod Mountaineering Group w/ the saling ketket Me :)

I will never forget the day I fulfilled one of my dreams.

Ate Nevera, 25 years old, an Igorot. We’re just of the same age but I call her Ate as a sign of respect. Mababaw ang kaligayahan ko kaya nung sinabi niyang 25 yrs old din siya, eh napasigaw na ako sa tuwa. Just imagine I’ve been yelling “Ay, ate 25 din ako! 25 din ako! Parehas tayo!” while trekking down the mountain. Her birthday is on November 2. So just if ever, you’ll have a climb on this date next year; please do me a favor, bring a cake for my friend or just a little something as a gift.

I don’t know why but I want to meet and live with the Igorots (You can even find it in About the Blogger section of Chasing Philippines).

Just sharing my first real talk with an Igorot…
Me: “Ate, gaano na kayo katagal naga-guide?”
Nevera: “May 1 year na din. Pero matagal na akong umaakyat ng bundok.”
Me: “Ay, talaga ate! Ang galing naman! Kelan yung unang akyat niyo sa bundok?”
Nevera: ”Bata pa ako. Kasi ganun kaming mga bata dito, pag naisip naming umakyat ng bundok, yun aakyat na kami.”
Me: “Ang saya naman ng ganun… Panganay ba kayo Ate?”
Nevera: “Hindi pangalawa ako.”
Me: ”Ay, ate! Parehas tayo! Pangalawa din ako! 3 kaming magkakapatid.”
Nevera: “ Sampu kami.”
Me: ”Buti hindi pa kayo nag-aasawa ate?”
Nevera: “Ay, hindi. Ang dami ko pang kapatid na nag-aaral. Tumigil nga ako ng college eh.”
Me: “Hmm.. ang galing. Okay yan ate. Ako din eh, ako na nagpapa-aral sa kapatid ko mula nung Elementary siya. Ngayon, High School na siya. Masarap maging ate noh? Ano bang course niyo, ate?”
Nevera: “Vocational yung kinuha ko. Cooking.”
Me: “Ay, wow, ate! Alam niyo mahilig din ako magluto. Pangarap ko nga magka-carinderia eh.”
Nevera: (she got too excited and yelled) “Ako din, gusto ko rin magka-carinderia. Gusto ko talaga kasi tutal malapit lang yung bahay namin dun sa Ranger eh walang kainan dun.”
Me: Bakit di kayo magtayo, ate?
Nevera: “Pera ang kailangan eh.”
Me: “Aaah, oo nga ate, kailangan mag-ipon kahit papaano. Puhunan tsaka yung mga lalagyan.”
Nevera: “Oo nga. Pero baka mga next year.”
Me: ”Ano ba mga niluluto mo ate?”
Nevera: “Yung mga luto lang dito yung alam ko, tulad ng Pinikpikan tsaka mga gulay. Ikaw? Ano ba specialty mo?”
Me: “Wow! Sarap naman nun, nakatikim na ako ng Pinikpikan. Specialty ko, sinigang tsaka adobo. Pero syempre pag Mama’t Papa ko yung tumitikim, hindi siya masarap, tama lang, kasi naman, grabe naman kasarap magluto parents ko. Pero pag yung mga kasama at kaibigan ko naman yung tumitikim, masarap naman. Hehe”
Nevera: “Talaga? Turuan mo naman ako nung mga niluluto mo. Bigyan mo ako ng recipe. Add mo ako sa FB.”
Me: “Eheh, sige ate!”
Nevera: “Kaya lang yung sa account ng kapatid ko yung gamitin ko kasi wala akong FB.”

Me: “Ate, ano bang pagkakaiba ng Igorot at Ibaloi?”
Nevera: “Hmm.. parehas lang yun.”
Me: “Alam mo ba ate, pangarap kong makakilala ng Igorot. Dapat nga pupunta ako ng Sagada, gusto ko lang tumira dun ng 1 linggo. Kaya lang bumagyo.”
Nevera: “Ako na lang, ako. Igorot ako. Ayan may kakilala ka ng Igorot. Kaibigan mo, kung okay lang.
Me: *speechless, I just smiled. I never thought that, that was the exact moment one of my ultimate dreams in life was fulfilled*

Chase-misan Portion:
*there's no internet connection in Benguet. Nearest place where internet connection is present - Baguio City
*they don't pay any single cent for their water supply. Lucky people, they enjoy clean water from natural resource
*they've been enjoying electricity in Benguet for about a month now. Finally! (sings 'May Liwanag ang Buhay'...)

Of Becoming a Good Girl Again...
Mama and Papa, I'll always be your baby girl. Just like what I'm always telling you, I'm just simply checking the places so I could see if I could bring you there.

So that if ever I'm gonna bring you in a certain place, we're not gonna get lost

Haaaist, if only, you don't have rheumatism and arthritis, I want you to also experience how heavenly it is to take a rest at the Grassland of Mt. Pulag...

I never thought that DREAMLAND do exists

Mama and Papa, I want you guys to witness how wonderful the clouds are... Parang ang sarap nilang kainin!

If only I could share every beauty that I see to my loved ones, I will

But Wait, There's More!!!There's More!!!

A Special Part of my 1st Mt. Pulag Adventure.
Yeah, I just cant believe that these people shared me these unbelievably beautiful scenes I would never ever forget for the rest of my life.

They say, "Love can move mountains.", well, Mt. Pulag is still in Benguet, but this one was really so extraordinarily sweet! Haaist!

Love is in the air!

Dale is the head of Sablay Bakod Mountaineering Group. At 28, Im so happy for her that finally she met her knight-in shining-NorthFace-jacket. Congratulations to you Guys! Whew! Love! Love! Love!

SWEET SUMMIT
Want some to-the-highest-level-kilig? Then do it at the highest point of Luzon!

Susyal! Ang haba ng hair niya! :)

So, see, I did escape ONCE. But I made sure it's worth it. :))

I Love You Mama.


This is my entry for Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival
for the month of December with the theme
'The Journey is the Destination'
hosted by Kara Santos of Travel Up.

Check out the past topics of PTB's Blog Carnival, click the logo on the left.

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