The day started off at the rendezvous in Pasay City’s BLTB bus terminal. After a brief two hour’s ride going to San Pablo City, a jeepney was rented to take the mountaineers to Bo. Parang, Sta. Lucia. At the jump-off point, the contingent eagerly posed on a big boulder, for picture taking. After last minute checks and the prayers were said, the trek was started.

Leading the PLDT Mountaineers was Rowena Duran (GMMS-NOSD). After hiking for thirty (30) minutes the Montelibano Rest House was reached. Being early compared to the itinerary, it was decided that the group will have an early lunch. The overall Sweeper was Eric Tigas (QCID), ably supported by Jun Orpilla (QCID).

The trainees were divided into three groups. The first group, headed and tailed by Indira Pincaro (TechSupp) and Joey Estallo (IOTServe), respectively, comprised of Evelyn del Rosario (CustCare), Garnel Gilberto A. Dangel (MetNet) and Louie L. Lopez (WHSE-Reliance) . The second group, consisting of the Edward Pike (GMM-IOT/TX), Molly Cordova(CustCare), Mallix Huidem (RTD North Pque.) and Adelle Comia (FinAcctg), was handled by Erlites Ramos (GMMN-IOSD). Josephine Gangan (GMMS-NOSD) guided the last group of trainees. The trainees of this group were Alice T. Pulido (GMMS-NOSD), Mannix D. Mariano (GMM Bus Office - Diliman), Ronald D.J. Villapando (MetNet) and Zaldy V. Cayton (IOTServe). Sweeping the last group was Manny Caneos (StockServe).

The climb proved to be challenging because of the steepness of the trail. After around two hours of continuous ascent, the trainees had their first taste of "big wall horizontal traverse", via "Romancing the Stone". Everyone grabbed hold of the various vines to safely pass the stone wall with a sheer drop of its face. Passing along side a small lake, the mountaineers camped at the mountain’s wide crater. After a brief rest, meals were cooked, with each group having their own specialty. The cooked food was collectively eaten, everyone having a taste of the other groups entree.

A slight drizzle delayed the trainee’s ‘Socials’, a presentation shared on most of the climbs. Lights were out at around 11:00 PM.

After breakfast and ‘break camp’, the trainees assaulted Mt. Cristobal’s summit, while the other members waited near the lake. The descent proved to be equally exciting as the ascent. Falls and bruises seemed not worth noticing. Regrouping, lunch and wash-up were taken at the Montelibano Resthouse.

The other PLDTMC members who joined the climb are Eugene Silva (Mkti OPSIM), Merlin Siscar (Mkti OPSIM), Tony Dimatulac (Mkti OPSIM), EJ Santos (OSD), Odette Lozanta (GMMS-NOSD), Lorie Ramiro (GMMS-IOSD), Jonjie Maranan (MetNet), Yeye Dimayuga (MetNet), Joey Estallo ( IOTServe) and Mike Salalila (QCID).

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