Mt.Apo ...The Philippines' Highest Peak

Mt. Apo, standing at 3,144 meters Above Sea Level (10,311 ft. ASL), served as the venue for the First PLDT Mountaineering Club (PLDTMC) Congress Climb from March 2 to 6 1996.

PLDT Metro Davao, under Mr. Rodolfo Belmes, played host to the Luzon-based PLDT Mountaineers. Accommodations and logistics for the Mt. Apo Expedition were prepared by Mr. Danny De los Reyes.

The first day kicked off from Baranggay Kisandal, Magpet, North Cotabato, going to the jump-off at Baranggay Bongolanon. After a couple of hours of trekking, the campsite at "Sitio" waterfalls was reached. Due to exhaustion and the weather’s humidity, most of the PLDT Mountaineers retired early.

Wake-up call for Day 2 came at 4 o’clock in the morning. After breaking camp and having breakfast, the expedition started their long and tedious hike via "Magpet" Trail, one of the most difficult but most beautiful trail going up to Mt. Apo.

The Cardiac ascents and descents seemed endless to most mountaineers, traversing several mountain ridges and hills. After eight (8) hours of continuos trek, the Trailmaster, Jectifer "Badjik" De los Reyes (OP-Metro Davao), decided to call it a day and set-up camp beside "Bobong" Creek. The clear water of the flowing creek was tempting, and the group was happy to indulge in its icy waters for their much-deserved bath.

On the third day of the climb, the PLDT Mountaineers started early in continuing their trek via "Magpet" trail. The diversity of the various flora and fauna in this rain forest never failed to awe the trekkers. The trail itself is covered with thick moss, a sign that very few individuals pass through this part of the mountain. Lunch was taken near the banks of the famous Lake Venado, a large fresh water lake situated 2,280 meters above sea level.

The last three hours of the ascent proved to be the most inspiring because the summit is already within reach. The cool winds blowing in various directions envigorated the bodies and soothed the spirits of the climbers. A banner which reads "WELCOME PLDTMC-Metro Manila" was put into place by the PLDT Mountaineers from Davao, giving each member of the expedition a sigh of relief and a sense of accomplishment.

During the Socials or Fellowship, a champagne was popped and shared by the members to celebrate the momentous occasion. Likewise, stories were told about the different paranormal occurrences and personal experiences by the Davao-based PLDT Mountaineers.

With its natural windbreakers, the campsite at the summit of Mt. Apo can be described as one of the best in the Philippines. The summit itself has seven small peaks. The views are breathtaking. Clouds seem to cascade down gullies of the surrounding ranges. The lush forests looked greener. The air smelled thinner yet fresher, with a tinge of sulfur vapor. Clearly visible from the peaks are Davao City; Digos, Davao del Sur; Kidapawan, North Cotabato; Bukidnon; Mt. Talomo (2674 m. ASL); Mt. Matutum and Samal Island. With limited time, the eager PLDT Mountaineers explored the surrounding areas, which consists of boulders, old and new craters, and a sulfur vent.

The descent from Mt. Apo started at around ten o’clock in the morning. From Lake Venado, the "Mainit" trail was used. This trail is the most popular of all, specially during Holy Week. At the end of the "Mainit" trail, the mountaineers removed their climbing shoes and put on their Mojo Sandals, for the next obstacle, the "Marble" River (elev. 1,450 m.ASL). Crossing the river for two hours has provided the expedition with a different kind of excitement and challenge. The trail signs among the big boulders and marble rocks seemed to blend with the environment. After the thirty-minute cardiac climb from the river, the pick-up point, PNOC Drill Site 2 was reached. A soothing warm foot and leg bathe was taken at Lake Agco (elev. 1,200m.ASL), a natural hot spring.

The Expedition Leader of the first PLDTMC Congress Climb was Ernesto Joel Santos (OSD) and the Sweeper was Noel Farrales (Mkti PABX). The other participants include Diomedes M. Libaton (OP-Metro Davao), Nelson B. Pacatang (OP-Metro Davao), Josephine Gangan (MNTD), Lorelei Ramiro (MITD), Antonio Dimatulac (OPSIM-Mkti), Eric Tigas (QCID), Nhell Grefal (MDG-MMC), Michael Ma. B. Salalila (QCID), Joey Magcalas (NetCom), Joven Despabiladeras (CABO-B), Nancy Silva (OPSIM-QC), Indira Pincaro (TechSupp), Carlito Cespedes (OPSIM-Mkti), Joey Estallo (IOTServe), Danny Lopez (ProdServe), Jun Layugan (IOTServe), Merlin Siscar (OPSIM-Mkti), Emmanuel Caneos (StockServe), Matthew Docena (IOTServe), Erlites Ramos (SITD), Rowena Duran (MNTD), Danny Sta. Cruz (OPSIM-Mkti), Rodel Santos (ColGovSpec), Benito Del Mundo (OPSIM-Mkti), Jess Hornedo (Mkti CO) and Eugene Silva (OPSIM-Mkti).

For all the hardship that was invested into the Mt. Apo Congress Climb, each PLDT mountaineer can say that it was well worth it...and to be on top of the Philippines is truly awesome. PLDTMC’s next Major Climb...the dreaded Mt. Halcon in Mindoro.

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