| |
U/TREK
INDUCTS BATCH 2003 (2ND BATCH) IN MT. PULAG
by Glenda Gallo
"ONLY THE BRAVE AND DARING SURVIVE
CONQUERING MT. PULAG VIA AKIKI TRAIL AT TYPHOON SIGNAL NUMBER
TWO"
The highlights of the year 2003 Utrek’s second Induction
Climb at Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon and the second
highest mountain in the Philippines.
Thursday, Oct. 30-Once again 35 high spirited Utrekkers and
two guests met at Victory Liner, Cubao bound for Baguio City.
As always, the consistent early comer was our Fitness Director,
George who registered at 7:15pm, three hours earlier for the
agreed assembly time of 10pm.
At 11pm the air condition bus assumed the road, drove straight
up north. The uneventful trip gave us the chance to squeeze
in the much-needed sleep.
Friday, Oct. 31-5am, the glistening lights of the human structures
situated at towering hills of Baguio City were sights to see.
Early morning, we alighted at the terminal and stopped by
the nearby Jollibee. With nothing much to see, as darkness
still covers the entire Baguio City, we settled for the cool
air, as it soothed our adjusting restless bodies.
With the rays of the sun emerging, at 6am, we loaded our
backpacks at the two jeepneys we hired that will take us to
Kabayan, our jump-off site.
The zigzag road we traversed offered us to appreciate the
towering alpine trees side by side everywhere. Breakfast in
one of the roadside eateries. We passed by Chico River, Ambuklao
Dam. The travel was bumpy, rough road all the time. We had
to hold on the roll bars in order to be in placed. We reached
the DENR office administered by Parks Superintendent Ms. Emerita
Tamiray. She briefed everybody of the policies and stressed
to everyone to minimize impact and to respect the practices
of the locals. With EL Joel’s new hair color, it was
at this point in time that she baptized him with the name
Rodman. In spite of sleepiness, lively proceedings took place
at the office. We released our maximum laughter when she stated
to the group that with George slim frame of body, there is
a need to have at least five additional sweepers. Of course,
it was just a joke because our sweeper is our Fitness Director
and he is very much equipped. After registration, payment
of fees and arrangements we separated with Mr. Louie, Pres
Judith, Doc Rosa, Joy, Linda and Ms Emely who opted for the
Babadac trail. We continued for two hours more. The ride was
still bumpy. Gosh! All participants were restless, trying
to locate what convenient if not comfortable position would
be helpful. I was on the brink of nausea, almost going to
vomit. I vowed to myself that next time I will make sure that
one pack of Bonamine tablets would be included in my first
aid.
Brief showers increased into rain occurred when we reached
Duacan Primary School. Stopover for lunch, stretching administered
by George and prayer led by Angie. Registration again took
place. After our last minute checking on our loads, EL together
with our guides marked the start of our journey by foot. I
noticed that we were so blessed. During the midday break,
the downpour took place. It cooled down the temperature. It
stopped when we were about to trek. So brief, the trail was
not slippery at all.
Again, wide array of alpine trees greeted us. Mountain ranges
all over inspired us every now and then. With cel phone signals
available, Ms. Scribe was ecstatic to text her friends back
at home. Cool temperature in uphill and downhill path, our
first day via Akiki trail could be considered as almost perfect.
From the lead, middle and end pack, everyone did not encounter
any difficulty. The pacing was not that fast as in “rat-rat”
and not that slow as in “walk in the park”. Trail
food of all kinds-chocolate, candies, bread was overflowing.
We found our energies still capable to afford cameras to click
on almost angles with poise (for Ms. Scribe) and “pakwela”
for the rest. Interesting backgrounds for our shots were the
Ibaloi burial sites Skulls Cave just few feet below from the
ravine and the biggest alpine tree along the trail with its
shady branches and matching trunk.
At the Eddet River, we crossed the hanging bridge. The last
one-hour or so, non-stop assault of day one will be forthcoming.
Because of this, EL Tiger announced a 15mins break at the
water source. The cool breeze, overflowing water and our relaxed
mood somehow relieved us. We reached the house of Mang Quillano
(campsite) way ahead at 5:30pm from the expected 6pm, considering
that when we left Duacan, we were actually one hour delayed
from the scheduled itinerary.
Yes, Akiki trail after all, has something to be thankful
for. The availability of water source and cel phone signals
were extra bonus. The community lies on this area. Several
houses with concrete roof are built alongside the flat level
portions of the hills. Brief rain showers dampened us. We
eagerly pitched our tent. For a brief moment, I gazed my stare
steadily at the bleak sky, as if wanting to capture possibilities
of seeing formation of stars. Nothing to see. At any rate,
verdant slopes of mountain ranges once more held my interest
completely. Its effect so intense, I almost forgot that I
had to text my friends for updates in the city.
Spaghetti in red tomato sauce and with grated cheese for our
group’s dinner. Kudos to Jhun, the instant ingredient
surpassed even the bestseller pasta at Cibo. At the hilltop
it was simply amazing. Gosh! What a perfect time to send text
messages once again. EL Joel Tiger-Rodman (the name-so athletic)
announced a surprise presentation number of our eight inductees.
For 30minutes, closed door they practiced. At 8:00pm hurray!
The club’s upcoming members swayed in to the a cappella
rhythm of their own version of Hagibis “katawan-katawan”
with matching blending of choreography and gracefulness. It
was so good, very impressive! Impromptu, they were able to
stir “kanchawan” and to some extent “asaran”
from the members who form part of the audience. Drinking session
took place (unusually brief). At 9pm everyone retired to catch
on sleep. We needed to recharge to face the following day
of scaling the way to the summit of Mt. Pulag.
Saturday, Nov. 01-4:30am- I was awakened by EL Rodman. His
voice “hey group one, you’re the only one who
has not responded yet to my wake up call”. I hesitated
for a while but responded “yes EL, we are on call”.
For 15 minutes I extended my sleep and then proceeded to prepare
our breakfast. Instant champorado, leftover spaghetti were
more than enough to sustain me.
Early morning, the fog enveloped the sky, covering and blocking
the view. For few minutes, while waiting for the others to
break camp, I silently immersed myself with my love affair
with the mountains. I treasured the fact, that the club was
instrumental in the challenging but nevertheless glorious
life up there at the seventh peak. And it is always an experience
to uphold and to behold. Something to be forever grateful
for.
At 7:30am- I was asked by EL to lead the early Morning Prayer.
Together, we thanked the heavens above for the success of
day one climb, without injuries and for reaching the campsite
ahead than the scheduled ITI. In our Almighty Father’s
goodness, kindness, and mercy, we prayed for His guidance
and blessings particularly on this slippery trail.
Assault all throughout. No wonder, Akiki way is the most
difficult among the other three “pang-turista”
common trails. In fact it is aptly called “the killer
trail”. Wet clothes and equipment doubled the weight
of our backpacks making it more difficult for us to move.
Little by little we managed to stride. The open trail somehow
provided me the triumphant feeling, during the times that
I glanced backwards and see for our group and myself our progress.
Everyone moved and kept on going.
8:45am-EL and group four made it ahead at the Cow/Marlboro
Country. When it was my turn to settle at the place, I searched
for the cows. Oh dear! They were nowhere in sight. Fortunate
for those who were wearing red outfits. Not a single cow would
run after them.
Change of scenery as we headed off the mossy cloudy forest.
Ferns, lichens and moss grow thick on the trunk of trees because
of high moisture. Rare kind of orchids in vivid colors of
yellow and violet grow in multitude. For the nature lover
as I am, the trail is a surprise treat. Definitely, the dense
forest is far beautiful than any botanical garden in the city.
A difficult trail once more, it tested our willpower. Nonetheless
it offered trees to hold on at the tough assaults.
At 10:30am- EL decided for an early lunch to maximize the
water source. As we were halfway to the peak, the frequent
occurrence of showers and sometimes-brief rains prompted us
to shiver. In between intakes of food, we moved to stimulate
heat from our cold and tired bodies. Three liters of water
were loaded. Gosh! Another load! Quite heavy, I almost begged
off, but could not do so. That was the time that I swore to
value and conserve the precious water, no matter where I am,
whether in the highland or lowland.
12noon-We strapped on our backpacks and resumed our way.
The rain did not stop and gradually increase its downpour.
Sprawling open trail grassland that could have greeted us
with breathtaking scenery during summer time now became difficult
to traverse. Appreciating the colorful wild blossoms of colorful
beautiful flowers from time to time was uplifting and respite
to my tired body. The flowers with japanese bamboo (bonsai)
trees side by side in between steps complement the harmony.
This area is considered to be a sacred ground, as the Ibaloi
believe their ancestors find rest in this peaceful place.
For a moment, I forgot all about the rain, I just walked in
silence and absorbed the serenity of nature. My privilege
to have gone this far and I savored it to the fullest.
At last, for most of us, we encountered the ultimate challenge
of our mountaineer lives. We needed to escape the torment
of the oppressive rain and wind. We had difficulty balancing
our strides in the open and exposed grassland with its narrow
trail. Oxygen was at its lower level because we were heading
the 9000 feet elevation. The non-stop heavy downpour drained
our body temperature. The wind mercilessly knocked down our
already exhausted bodies. There were times that we intentionally
lie down, our stomach on the bare ground to prevent us from
falling down whenever the strong wind blew. But we could not
stop, since there was no escape in the grassland. It was an
open trail, no trees, and no shade. Nothing to hold on except
our willpower and the determination to survive, live and conquer
the odds. It seemed that there was no indication that the
rain will subside. We walked, walked and ran where the trail
leads. Our last two hours at the mountaintop, almost at the
peak was purely survival. It scared me to realize that we
were actually running for our lives. Through Mr. Bong who
was ahead of the trail, he announced a summer attempt be aborted
and instead of going to the peak it was decided to go straight
to campsite number one. At any rate, the peak could not provide
any view, as it was zero visibility anyway. And it would also
be dangerous if we consider the peak attempt option because
the weather was worsening. Although the peak is just ten minutes
away, the risk of catching hypothermia could still be prevented
if we skip the summit attempt. Upon confirmation with EL Joel,
he called on for Mr. Bong to stay with him to check on the
others who were at the middle and at the tail of the pack.
We gathered all our strength and continued to walk. We did
not mind crossing the slippery, muddy, and to some extent
accumulated rainwater at the trail. We focused our minds into
one thing- we had to go on until we reach a much safer ground.
Meanwhile, George and Mon, our two sweepers at the tail of
the team could not afford to lose focus. With six members
to sweep, it was quite a feat. George already tired since
he swapped his backpack to carry a heavier bag of one of the
exhausted members was exerting best efforts to manage. While
Mon, still on his senses was also in the verge of extreme
weariness. When George slipped, all he wanted was just to
sit down and sleep. It could be dangerous, as sleepiness is
one sign of hypothermia. Fortunately, the three guides commissioned
by our Babadac Team met the group. At that the scenario, those
guides were truly heaven sent.
At 3:30pm Goodness gracious! I shouted when I caught the
glimpse of the concrete roof of the waiting shed located at
the campsite number one. Sigh of relief at last. Eagerly waiting
for us was the Babadac Trail Team. They were so thankful in
seeing the first batch-Jhun, Leya, Arnel, Glenda (Ms. Scribe),
May and our guide, safe and in rightful senses after braving
the storm. We changed our wet clothes, rested at the tent,
drank coffee and soup. While waiting for the arrival of the
rest of the team-we narrated our difficulties and almost cried.
I was even telling to everybody that from thereon, what I
have is my second life now. After one and a half-hour we rejoiced
in seeing all the Utrekkers, guests and guides complete in
the camp.
At 4:30pm few meters away from the waiting shed, induction
rites took place. The peak could have been the best place
to welcome the upcoming members of the club. However, at that
time it was just a wishful thinking. Anyway, the induction
venue was somehow an almost perfect alternative. Without the
storm, the place could probably offer panoramic view of mountain
ranges side by side. The green grass covered ground in itself
is nature’s awesome creativity. Pres. Judith together
with former Presidents-Doc Rosa, Ms. Angie, current officers
of the club-VP John, Asst. Secretary Glenda, Special Projects
Officer Abner and Fitness Director George administered the
oath taking. EL Joel, Members, May, Mon, Terg, Caryl were
also present to welcome our new members. The year’s
second batch inductees sworn in to uphold the ideals of the
club, be responsible mountaineers and be protectors of nature.
At that time, I felt the overwhelming energies revived from
our new members. I welcomed Arnel, Earl, Carl, Dennis, with
handshakes. The almost zero degree temperature, at signal
number two typhoon, required us to retain body heat. Nevertheless,
I could not help myself but release my warm welcome to our
inducted ladies- Rhea, Daisy, Lala and Anet- who were my buddies
in my climbs at Mt. Cristobal, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Tagapo, Mt.
Romelo and Mt. Daguldol this year. I embraced and offered
them without reservation the sense of belonging and my support
all throughout.
Ranger Station is the safest place to spend the night. At
5pm everybody resumed trekking once more. Flashlights on hand
and headlamps secured, as we would definitely be night trekking.
The way was muddy and slippery on some areas but with shade
of trees enclosed. We were blessed not to encounter anymore
trace of storm. For three hours, we continued to walk. The
trek seemed to be a lot easier. What transpired during the
day in our mind became our guiding light. We acquired the
so-called built in confidence. We managed to survive and we
continued to do so. We exchanged greetings with the members
of La Cobra we met on their way for their summit attempt scheduled
the following day.
EL Joel himself made sure that everyone was safe at the ranger
station. Two houses for all the climbers of different groups
with Utrek as the only club who trekked via the most difficult
killer Akiki trail. After dinner, majority decided to sleep
asap. For few minutes, my eyes fully awake I recounted what
transpired during the day. Definitely, our Mt. Pulag second
day was a remarkable courageous act, something that could
not easily be forgotten.
Sunday, November 02- We took our time and marvel at the sunrise
at the horizon. The place is so cool. The fog covers the entire
circumference. Groups one and three were on the same spot
in the breakfast preparation. We feasted on John’s champorado
with squid and danggit. After several meals of instant food
at the mountain, ingredients without preservatives were something
to be feasted on. We found leisure during this day. For two
nights we were not afforded socials, and so during this well
rested Sunday morning, for most of us we staged our “kwentuhan”,
“kulitan”, updates and never-ending exchange of
insights. Breakfast outdoors with friends, the blooming flowers
just within reach, it was simply romantic.
The first batch left the station at 10am heading to the DENR
office. The ride at the truck was again bumpy. It was the
time that passengers should really trust the driver. Hey,
we did. The weather was fine. The typical mountain ranges,
alpine tress and even the clouds on the horizon provided interesting
sights to dwell upon. Why is it that the weather yesterday
was different from today, I asked myself? Perhaps, my Mt.
Pulag Climb was after all a test on my love affair with the
mountains. Love affairs, relationships have also trials, I
think I have experienced mine at Mt. Pulag. Surviving the
storm made me a stronger and determined mountaineer. And the
trial was also a learning phase, something to be thankful
for.
For three hours we waited for the second batch. My chance
to exchange text messages again with my friends in the city
and at the same time escape tanggera Joy’s offer of
gin pomelo. Unfortunately, I couldn’t refuse two shots
right after lunch.
Together with the second batch, first timers at Mt. Pulag
were asked to watch the Probe Team’s Segment of “Isang
Grupo: Tatlong Bundok” with Ms. Che Che Lazaro ascending
via Akiki Trail the Mt. Pulag. It was a rather mixed emotion
seeing the video coverage. We shouted in glee whenever the
first few shoots were shown, as these form part of the clear
first day journey. However, we could not hide our disappointment
when the sprawling trail, early morning sunrise and glorious
formation of clouds were uncovered right before our eyes.
For these simply were hidden during our attempt, as typhoon
dominated. For us first timers, we agreed on a comeback. We
are hopeful that on our second trip, the promise of fulfilled
triumphs would be realized.
Baguio City at 8:30pm. Couple of hours for dinner and for
“pasalubong” scouting and some “ukay-ukay”.
At 11pm the Victory Liner Bus headed for Manila. Reached
the Pasay Terminal on Monday, Nov. 3, 2003 at 5am.
|
|
