Mt.Banahaw via Crystalino...PLDTMC Batch II's First Major Climb

After completing two minor climbs, namely Mt. "Susong Dalaga" a.k.a. Twin Peaks, Baras, Rizal and Mt. Arayat, Pampanga, the PLDT Mountaineering trainees vested all their skills and energies to conquer Mt. Banahaw.

Mt. Banahaw, the "Mystic Mountain", is the highest among the dormant volcanoes in the Batangas, Laguna and Quezon area. It stands around 2450 meters (8,036 ft. ) above sea level. The mountain itself is shaped like an open pot with a deep scar in its southern rim. This opening, which looks like an incomplete 3/4 oval forms the Crater of this dormant volcano.

Although a bit late, based on the itinerary, and arriving at 11 o’clock on a Friday evening, the PLDT Mountaineers jumped-off from Dolores, a barrio at the foot of the mountain which is frequented by pilgrims. Headed by the Expedition Leader, Noel Farrales (Mkti PABX) with Noel Sarabillo (Mkti OPSIM) and Noel Cuartero (Mkti. Switching), the trainees night trekked through the lush forest leading to the first campsite at "Crystalino". The campsite was shared with members of a religious sect based in Mt. Banahaw. Lights were out at around midnight.

The trainees were divided into three groups and were headed by members of PLDTMC. The first group, handled by Te Gaspar (SalAd), comprised of Matthew Docena (IOTServe), Erlites Ramos (SITD), Aaron Osabel (LL2), Macel Tirol (SysDes) and Jun Layugan (IOTServe). Jonjie Maranan (MetTraf) led the assemblage of Jo Gangan (MNTD), Nancy Silva (QC-OPSIM), Jean Batacan (CommSales), Arnel De Guzman (DMSC) and Joey

Day 2 : After eating a hefty breakfast and breaking camp, the mountaineers proceeded to Crystalino Falls. The sight was awesome. The waterfalls provided the eager climbers their taste of natural mineral water and freshened their bodies with its cool splashes. To get to "Cueva ng Dios Ama", the mountaineers did a "Romancing the Stone" on a crevice of boulders. Each individual was virtually hanging up on the air, supported by ropes and hugging the paving stone. The "Cueva ng Dios Ama" is popular among pilgrims because inside this high cave is a face of Jesus Christ which is sculptured on the wall. After saying their prayers, the group assaulted the first of two walls. This particular wall is around twenty feet high. To get to "Pinagsugalan" or "Pintuang Lihim", the PLDT mountaineers scaled another wall and went through a forty minute "Cardiac Climb". Lunch was taken at "Pintuang Lihim".

After savoring their sumptous meals and resting, the trek continued. Going through fallen trees, twining vines and slippery soil, the exhausted mountaineers arrived at "Durungawan I", where camp was set. Altitude at that point of Mt. Banahaw is 2200 meters (7216 ft.) above sea level. The campsite was shared with climbers from PAL Mountaineers, who are conducting their induction of new members and "Linis Banahaw". There are two crosses erected on this part of Mt. Banahaw. This is the site where devotees light their candles and offer prayers. Aside from the people cooking and preparing for dinner, almost everyone was waiting for the view of the sunset. No one was disappointed. The rays of the sun was filtered by the clouds with Mt. San Cristobal acting as a backdrop. Another spectacular sight are the clouds being broken by the ridges of the mountain, creating an illusion of waterfalls cascading down from the summit. Visible are the surrounding mountains of Mt. Makiling in Laguna, Mt. Maculot and Mt. Malepunyo in Batangas, Mt. Batulao in Cavite and Mt. Halcon in Mindoro. Batangas Bay, Balayan Bay, Tayabas Bay, Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake can also be seen.

Cold as it was during that Saturday night, the PLDTMC huddled together on one of the smaller campsites, shared drinks and listened to the stories told about the sacred mountain. It seemed that even if the climb was a bit hard, everyone can still entertain and amuse one another.

At the break of dawn, the sunrise was eagerly awaited. The rains that fell the night before, added to the crisp coolness of the mountain. After breakfast, "Durungawan 2" and "Durungawan 3" were assaulted. Although Mt. Banahaw does not have a definite summit to base its highest point, the elevation at this point stands at 2430 meters (7970.4 ft.) above sea level.

The start of the descent started at around 10 o’clock in the morning. The trail leading to "Kapatagan" and " Tatlong Tangke" was used in going down. The mountaineers reloaded their water containers and traded their extra food with "Pomelos" c/o Lola Marcela, a resident of the mountain. PLDTMC members who participated in this major climb include the Batch 2 Training Director, Eugene Silva (Mkti OPSIM) aptly supported by EJ Santos (OSD), Danny Sta. Cruz (Mkti OPSIM), Manny Caneos (StockServe), Tony Dimatulac (Mkti OPSIM), Joven Despabiladeras (CABO), Girlie Dimayuga (MetTraf), Jojo Del Mundo (Mkti OPSIM), Danny Lopez (ProdServ), Malou Madlang-awa (MNTD), Asher Elenzano (IOTServ I), Dle Santos (ColGov) and Mike Salalila (QCID).

The exhausted bodies of the mountaineers were cleansed and revived by the cool waters of the river in Dolores. This river is said to be a "Fountain of Youth", frequented by the locals and tourists, alike. After a quick rest and light meals, the PLDTMC was off to Manila.

This major climb aims to develop the leadership potentials, cammaraderie and interdependence, of the latest batch of PLDT Mountaineers. The hardships and trials, both physical and mental, will prepare them to greater and more challenging heights.

Aug. 4 :	FRIDAY
0530PM	Assembly @ JAM Transit (LRT, Buendia)
0600PM	ETD for San Pablo City
0900PM	ETA @ San Pablo City
0930PM	ETD for "Kinabuhayan", Sta. Lucia, Quezon
1045PM	ETA @ "Kinabuhayan"
1100PM	Pitch tents @ "Kinabuhayan"
1200MN	Lights Out
Aug. 5 :	SATURDAY
0530AM	Wake-up Call / Breakfast Preparation
0600AM	Breakfast
0700AM	ETD for "Durungawan"
0800AM	ETA @ "Crystalino" / Reload Water
0830AM	Resume Trekking
1100AM	ETA @ "Cueva ng Dios Ama"
1130AM	Lunch Time / Rest Time / Picture Taking
1230PM	Resume Trekking
0200PM	ETA @ "Pinagsugalan"
0400PM	ETA @ Dimas Campsite
0800PM	ETA @ Campsite, "Durungawan 1" Summit
0830PM	Dinner Time
1000PM	Lights Out / "NO SOCIALS"
Aug. 6 :	SUNDAY
0500AM	Wake-up Call / Breakfast Preparation
0600AM	Breakfast / Break Camp
0630AM	Summit Assault - "Durungawan 2 & 3"
0730AM	ETA @ "Durungawan 2 & 3"
0830AM	ETA @ Campsite
0900AM	Start of descent
1200NN	ETA @ "Kapatagan" / Lunch Time
0200PM	ETA @ "Tatlong Tangke"
0300PM	ETA @ "Kinabuhayan" / Wash-up @ river
0400PM	ETD for San Pablo City
0500PM	ETA @ San Pablo City
0530PM	ETD for Manila
0800PM	ETA - Manila