Climbing with Two OMs (Old married men? Old maids? Operations managers) There is significance in climbing a relatively unknown trekking destination in Rizal that barely made it as a mountain by cartographers’ definition: Susong Dalaga of Talim Island Cardona Rizal 438 M ASL. We were in the company of Banny Hermanos and Elmer Cabotage. Elmer was a 3 termer board member and a 2 termer Operations Manager of PALMC under the presidencies of Jazz Aquino, Noel Rebuelta, Lex Evangelista and Jo Abian from 1998 to 2001; Banny, the OM during the terms of Danny Montaniel and Herr Obusan from 1987 to 1992. A climbing club operations manager task is to plan, develop and deliver a climb program and other adventurous activities for the year. Members look forward to their annual climb program to cover training, initiation and induction. It was no surprise that these two illustrious climbers were with Larry H., Jing (recent reductee) and I that weekend. Since last quarter of 2001, they declared it was their climbing season with a battlecry “climb every new mountain.” True enough they discovered only recently Tarak in Mariveles, Daguldol in Laiya San Juan Batangas, Manalmon in San Miguel Bulacan in the last few months. That weekend of 9-10 March, Banny was free of obligations from his family and work so the Talim climb initially proposed in the Pulag post climb of Danny Montaniel, Dap Tolentino, Jun Feliciano was realized. The short trek time to complete this climb almost spanned for over a century as it gave us a helicopter view of how it was climbing then compared to now and what lies ahead in the future for the club and also for themselves. It was an insightful share. Who wouldn’t give one when both gentlemen have deep-seated passion for mountain climbing? Who would dare question their dedication to the recreation and loyalty to the club when aside from their relationships with the mountains, they found their lifetime relationships partners in a PALMC climb: Carol for Banny and Grace for Elmer. Banny recalled how immensely thrilling it was to go through a PALMC climb. Each climb was a main event where everyone was looking forward to join and to complete. To be invited was a privilege and the recognition of a membership had to be earned with blood, sweat and tears. There were hot climbs where almost all wanna-bes showed up. They saw new places because of the respected stature of the club in the corporate PAL generating generous supports and the adventurous spirit of the body. As it was a pioneering venture, learnings and equipment did not come in a silver platter. Citing an unforgettable trek, Banny narrated the Banahaw climb that starts off in Kwebang Ama and ends in Guisguis. Highlight was the rappelling to the caldera. They could do it then no matter how demanding because they had club equipment, had rescue operations know-how and the attitude. The other interesting tale was when he accompanied a beautiful lass to a Pulag climb upon request of his pilot friend who could not join. Climbs really drop defenses and put a trusting bond between people. How unimaginable during those early year when females were already willing to wash up with males in clear running spring water and dressing up with no covering shelter. What happened then we will leave it at that, a part of the pleasant memories of the past. Jumping 8 years after entered Elmer with the technicalities of climbing. It was understandably so as he is a physical kinetics graduate and a PE instructor. With his training in Rescue 505 and the completed climbing guideline of PALMC, he also cited “operating by the book.” Talim Island though drew out from his own narration his first infraction with the club in the Pico de Loro climb. In this climb, the EL set as the primary concern safety of the trekkers. Thus ropes were fastened in that large chunk of rock before the final assault slowing down the pace. Their impatient EL bypassed everyone in the line to lead the pack. Not wanting to be undone, Elmer and the rest who set up the ropes sped their way to the top. You can conclude what happened at the post climb. This delayed Elmers’ acceptance to associate membership. The question “why do you continue to climb” does not escape climbs especially in the company of eminent personalities. But this time, in this relatively low altitude setting, it was overruled by a more relevant question, “where does the club stand right now in the mountaineering community?” As if exploding like fireworks timed with the spectacular Enchanted Kingdom display at the west side, the bold testimonials were spontaneously aired. To enumerate some of them: Is there any other club with an international chapter based in the US? Which club has a base of certified rescuers? After you school based clubs graduate you, are you still part of them? Are the members’ affiliations with the club on a short or long term basis? Have you heard of other clubs still doing slide shows? Which club is known to be a source of liquor? Which club has members who keep on coming back? What about history? Tradition? Color? Going down in our traverse, we touched on what else they and we can do. Among the exciting one volunteered were defining a climbing circuit in the Cordilleras, shooting the city from the different buildings in Metro Manila, a see you Monday travel write up and photo works published regularly, consultancy work on the outdoors, counseling for a children’s summer camp, sharing school equipment resources to the needing clubs. Climbing with our two OMs was in itself the exhilaration in this Talim trek. It was ironical that this easy trek set the backdrop to put us in a full climbing circle. Using the teachers’ phrase (both Elmer, a PE instructor and Banny, a children’s camp facilitator), it showed us the past, the present and the future of the club and climbing. They are admirable not only because they are Palmcers but also because they are more than willing to share the insights and the way to appreciate the outdoors to club members and non-club members alike. So when the two invite even on short notice, drop everything. It will lead you to some new heights. CBRazon 11 March 2002