I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 :	Saturday
0600AM	Assembly @ Tropical Hut, C.O.D., Cubao, Q.C.
0700AM	ETD for Rizal
1000AM	ETA @ Jump-off Point
1030AM	Start of Trek
1130AM	ETA @ Rest Area (lunch time)
0100PM	Resume Trekking
0500PM	ETA @ Camp Site
0600PM	Meal Preparation / Dinner
0800PM	Socials
1100PM	Lights-out
Day 2 :	Sunday
0530AM	Sun Rise Watching
0600AM	Wake-up Call
0700AM	Meal Preparation / Breakfast
0730AM	Assault of the Summit
0830AM	Break Camp
0900AM	Start of Descent to Sitio Pinugay
1200NN	ETA near River for Wash-up
1230PM	Lunch Time
0200PM	ETD for Cubao, Q.C.
0500PM	ETA @ Cubao, Q.C.

The PLDT Mountaineering Club has opened its doors to a new batch of aspiring mountaineers. The Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) for Batch 2 commenced last May 19, 1995. The aspiring mountaineers will have to go through three Training Climbs and an Induction Climb. Twin Peaks, a.k.a. "Mt. Susong Dalaga" , served as the venue for the First Training Climb of Batch 2. This peak was scaled on June 10 and 11, 1995. The itinerary was discussed on their first pre-climb meeting. The theme of this particular climb is "What is wrong with our Environment ?".

The trainees were divided into four groups which were led by members of PLDTMC’s Batch 1. The "Die Hard" Group, which was handled by Mon Vasquez (MDG -GMMC), consisted of Lito Cespedes (Mkti OPSIM), Nancy Silva (QC-OPSIM) and Baldomero M. Layugan (IOTServ I). Jonjie Maranan (MetTraf) led the "Star Trek" Group, whose members were Joey Estallo (IOT I-North), Aaron Osabel (Leased Lines II), Macel Tirol(SysDes), Nhell Grefal (MDG-GMMC), Rey de Guzman (MetTraf) and Girlie Dimayuga(MetTraf). The "Trail Blazers", headed by Asher Elenzano (IOTServ) and Manny Caneos (StockServ), included Matthew Docena (IOTServ I), Indee Pincaro (DATANET), Lorie Ramiro (MITD) and Arnel De Guzman (DMSC). The fourth group, the "APEX" Group, had Joey Magcalas (NetComp), Jo Gangan (MNTD), Ted Enriquez (MITD), and Malou Madlang-Awa (MNTD) for its members. The APEX Group Leader was Lenie Yumang (Budget), supported by Che Wamelda (RTD-Sampaloc).

The other mountaineers who partook in this climb were Danny Sta. Cruz (Mkti OPSIM), Merlin Siscar (Mkti OPSIM), EJ Santos (DATANET), Rudy Hernandez (StockServ), Odette de Guzman (MNTD) and Mike Salalila (QCID). The Training Director, Eugene Silva (Mkti OPSIM), was supported by the Expedition Leader, Noel Farrales (Mkti PABX) and Sweeper, Noel Sarabillo (Mkti OPSIM).

The climb started at the jump-off point in Barangay San Roque, Baras, Rizal. To ensure strict compliance with the discussions in the Pre-climb Meeting, the backpacks of the trainees were inspected by the PLDT Mountaineers. Lunch was also taken at this area. After a long rest, the trek to the campsite was resumed. The initial trail was wide and surrounded by tall trees. Suprisingly, there were Pine trees, making it seem that the trek is in the Mountain Province.

As observed by the mountaineers, there were parts of the mountain which were cleared, for farming. Alarming also, is the rate by which the trees are being cut to be converted into charcoal.

After an exhausting and humid hike, the campsite was reached by early afternoon. The campsite was shared with another mountaineering club, the Crusade to Save the Earth. The afternoon was spent on Tent Pitching, Meal Preparation and Socials Preparation.

There was a joint perfomance between the PLDTMC and Crusade to Save the Earth during the Socials. The Crusade gave "friendship bands" to members of the PLDT Mountaineering Club. At around 9:00 o’clock the summit was assaulted by the able mountaineers. Batch 2 had their first taste of night trekking. The Climbers were treated to a display of lights which were being radiated by fireflies, giving the impression that they were climbing a "Christmas Tree". The trail leading to the summit consists of shrubs, burned out forrest and rocks. Rock Scrambling became even more thrilling and challenging because it was being traversed during night time. Finally, after fourty-five minutes, the summit was reached. The view was a clear 160 degrees of city lights. The groups arrived at the campsite at around 10:30 in the evening. Lights were out at Midnight.

Prior to the wake-up call at 6:00 o’clock, the early risers awaited the sunrise to break the horizon of the Sierra Madre Range and the clouds. And, no one was disappointed because of the beauty and splendor of the sunrise view. After a hefty breakfast, the summit was again assaulted by some members of the PLDTMC. Those who preferred to stay in the campsite broke camp early and patiently waited for the other climbers.

Lunch was taken near the trail’s water source. Before heading back to the pick-up point, the mountaineers washed-up with the cool water the mountain generously provided. PLDTMC was on its way back to civilization at around 2:30 o’clock in the afternoon.

This first training climb would have given the aspirants an idea of what they are getting into. The thrill, pains and satisfaction of being a responsible mountaineer.

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