July 23, 1994. Several PLDT employees from different Divisions, left Manila on board a BLTB bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. Their objective is to climb Mt. Batulao. The Itinerary was prepared by Mike Salalila. Arriving at a junction in the old Batulao Country Club, it seemed that the expedition was "doomed" from the start. Aside for the weather being unpredictable, the Climbers were late in their pre-planned itinerary, none has had any meals since they left from Manila, and worse, one mountaineer has encountered an accident upon getting off the bus. Final check out was conducted at the Don Bosco Retreat House.

Leading and sweeping the group were Mike Salalila (QCID) and EJ Santos (DATANET a.k.a. OSD), respectively. The assemblage include Chris Modina and Joewe Cinco of CustRel; Eugene Silva, Danny Sta. Cruz, Joy Aspiras, Tony Dimatulac and Boy Siscar of Mkti. OPSIM; and, Nette Villaflor, Gemma Tejada and Weng Duran, all of MNTD. After first-aid was administered to the severed ring finger of Chris, the group proceeded to the store of the Baranggay Captain for registration and some light meals. With high spirits, the climbers finally left the jump-off. EJ with his high-tech stereophonic backpack, provided the group some U2 music along the trail....Joy and Eugene’s constant bickering provided some sort of amusement.

Since it was already dark, the ascent to the campsite was a little bit difficult. Visibility is very low because of the high cogon and thick clouds. The powerful light of the torches/flashlights were the only guide used to determine each mountaineer’s position.

Campsite...The group has more than adequate shelters, four tents in all, two A-Frames and two Domes. This is where Mr. Ferdie Leonor’s ever-reliable Coleman Dome tent had its second Baptism of Fire. The meals were superb..courtesy of Mkti OPSIM. Joy Aspiras, carrying the groups "refrigerator", claimed that he wants his pack heavy in preparation for his Mt. Halcon Anniversary Climb. Dinner was cooked by master chefs Eugene and Boy..."Sinigang na Hipon". EJ prepared his version of half-cooked rice and his ever famous "Adobong Baboy and Manok". Dessert....Crema de Fruta and Fruit Cocktails, c/o Nette, Weng and Gemma. Condiments for cooking.....Joewe astounded everyone with the supplies that he carried in his day pack, four liters of water in a Shell Helix Container, three kilos of rice, half kilo of sugar, half kilo of salt, big bottle of Peanut Butter, four packs of noodles, canned goods enough to feed the whole of Batangas and a big "Kaldero", the ones used for fiesta gatherings. The Socials kicked off with Boy being the "Tanggero". Everyone thought of everything to bring, except for the alcoholic beverages.... So, everyone was contented with a bottle of Ginebra, using its small bottlecap as the shot glass. When the gin was totally imbibed, in desperation, a very small bottle of Absolut Vodka, became the desire of the thirsty climbers.

Very little alcohol was actually taken, yet, everyone was euphoric in its discussion about the formation of a Mountaineering Club in PLDT. Eugene emphasized the Physical Fitness Training, EJ was trying to work-out the training schedule, Joy shared his experiences in Mt. Halcon.....Everyone agreed that there should be a Mountaineering Club in PLDT..and it should be formed soon. The schedule and contents of the first Basic Mountaineering Course was hotly debated. Brainstorming in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by clouds, was as its finest moment. Lights were out at around 11 o’clock....and

On the morning of the following day, it was decided that the ascent to the summit of Mt. Batulao should be aborted. Visibility is near zero...Even if the peak was reached, there will be very very little to see to appreciate its grandeur. The hike back to the jump-off was as difficult as it was to reach the camp-site. Watersupply was low. Potable water source is non-existent in these parts of the mountain range. Along the way, the mountaineers were giving away their extra provisions to the inhabitants of the mountain. The children encountered were given chocolates, candies, jelly-aces...etc. Upon reaching the Baranggay Captains store, uncold softdrinks were bought and gulped furiously... Going back to Don Bosco, a few meters away from the store with no cold softdirnks, there was a sign on which reads, "COLD SOFTDRINKS FOR SALE"....

Whattan-experience !

Tell-tales of another Batulao Climb, A Wet Founding Anniversary

Experiences from this Climb
Joey E. busted a very expensive photo equipment...$$$$$ :-(.. EJ gave "Swing" dance lessons under the pouring rain... How does it feel to sleep in a bath tub inside the tent ?..."soggy"... How does spoiled "Sinigang na Baboy" taste ?...Ummmm....Theory: A Kite can fly when it is drizzling ?...Result: It won't if there is no gust of wind... Itches from Cogon Grass induced scratches will last a week....

[mbs]

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1: October 7, 1995 Saturday
05:30AM Rendezvous @ BLTB, Pasay City
06:00AM ETD for Batulao
09:00AM ETA @ Don Bosco / Backpack Inspection
09:30AM Log-in @ Baranggay Captain’s store / ETD from Jump-off
10:30AM ETA @ "batis"
11:30AM Lunch Time
01:00PM Resume trekking
02:00PM ETA @ Campsite
02:15PM Pitch Tents
03:00PM Assault of the Summit
04:00PM ETA @ Summit
05:00PM ETD for campsite
06:00PM Meals Preparation
07:30PM Dinner Time
09:00PM Socials
11:00PM Lights Out
Day 2: October 8, 1995 Sunday
06:00AM Wake-up Call
06:45AM Breakfast
07:30AM Break Camp
08:00AM Start of Trek
12:00NN ETA @ Barangay Captain’s Store
01:00PM ETA @ National Highway
01:15PM Back to Manila or "Bulalo" @ Tagaytay City

Notes :

1. Since there is no water source in this particular mountain, so bring at least 6 liters of potable drinking water.

2. All climbers will be exposed to the sun, 95% of the duration of the climb, apply sunblock and wear a cap w/ visor or a wide brimmed hat..

3. Be prepared to traverse tall and sharp cogon grass.

4. When rock-scrambling, be slow and sure. There are no ropes to aide you in the assault of the summit.

5. It is recommeded that you have a pair of binoculars, to appreciate the 360-degree view from the summit.