Mt. Banoi in Lobo, Batangas was the venue of the PLDT Mountaineering Club’s First Training Climb. Aside from being a requirement of the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC), this particular climb ’s goal was to participate with other mountaineering groups in ‘tree planting’ project initiated by ‘Rocks and Woods’ and Lobo’s municipal government. The Expedition Leader was Noel Farrales (Mkti PABX) and the overall Sweeper was Matthew Docena (LeaseServe).

The Mt. Banoy climb started out with a general inspection of the trainees’ backpacks. This was done to ensure that the trainees were practising the correct way of equipment loading and packing. After adjustments and corrections were made, the PLDT mountaineers waited for the dump truck that will take the trekkers to the jump-off point. At the jump-off point, seedlings were distributed.

Being a training climb, arrangements were made with the organizers that PLDTMC be the last group to ascend. For safety purposes, four stations were to be passed prior to the campsite. On the second station, the PLDT Mountaineers refreshed themselves with the natural mineral water flowing from the mountain. Along the trail, several tempting fruit bearing trees were passed. The trainees and members regrouped on the fourth station. After which, the campsite near the summit was assaulted.

The PLDTMC Batch 3 were divided into two groups. The first group, "Alis Lula", led by Erlites Ramos (GMMN-IOSD), is composed of Manuel Felix Huidem (RTD-North Pque.), Louie L. Lopez (Warehouse), Molly Cordova (CustCare), Edward L. Pike (IOT Trans) and Alice Pulido (GMMS-NOSD). Jonjie Maranan (MetNet) headed the second group, "Nurture Nature". The members of second group are Ronaldo D.J. Villapando (MetNet), Ma. Isabelita L. Comia (FinAcctg), Evelyn del Rosario (CustCare), Garnel Gilberto A. Dangel (MetNet), Mannix D. Mariano (CommServe-Diliman) and Rizaldy V. Cayton (IOTServe). Rodel Santos (ColGovSpec) and Emmanuel Caneos (StockServe), are the Sweepers for Groups one and two, respectively.

At the campsite, the mountaineers battled with the wind in erecting their tents. Everyone was exhilarated because of the cool breeze blowing and the panoramic vista of Batangas Bay. The trainees were taught how to effectively anchor their tents and cook on uneven terrain. During the socials, each group gave their respective presentations, and the members were eager spectators. Representatives from different mountaineering groups also paid visit to the PLDTMC campsite, and shared their stories and jokes. Lights were out at around 11:00 PM.

Although the wake-up call came late at around 0600 AM, almost everyone was already awake and waiting for a view of the sunrise breaking the clouds and surrounding terrain. After breakfast, it started to rain. Symbolically, the trainees bathed in the cool shower from the clouds, as if Mother Nature was giving them their Baptism, welcoming them to the world of adventure. In return, the seedlings were planted with enthusiasm.

Camp was broken at 0900 AM. The PLDT Mountaineers made sure that the campsite was clean and free from all non-biodegradable waste. The group passed by the campsite of the other mountaineers and bade their farewells.

The PLDTMC members who participated in this climb are Arnel de Guzman (QC Division), Trinidad Enriquez (GMMS-NOSD), Indee Pincaro (TechSupp), Lorie Ramiro (GMMS-IOSD), Tony Dimatulac (Mkti OPSIM), Rowena Duran (GMMS-NOSD), Eugene Silva (Mkti OPSIM), Joven Despabiladeras (GMM Business Office - Ugong), Lenie Yumang (Budget), Don-don Sarabillo (Mkti OPSIM), Virginia Wamelda (CustCare) and Mike Salalila (QCID).

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