Mt.Pulag ... Induction Climb of Batch 1

After scaling two Minor Training Climbs, Mt. Makiling (elev. 1,100 m. - 3,608 ft.) and Mt. San Cristobal (elev. 1,520 m. - 4,985.6 ft.), and a Major Training Climb, Mt. Banahaw (elev. 2,450 m. - 8,036 ft.), the Batch 1994 of the PLDT Mountaineering Club was physically, intellectually and mentally prepared for their greatest challenge of all, the Induction Climb.

Standing at 2,930 meters or 9,610.4 feet above sea level, the second highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag served as the venue for the Induction of the PLDT Mountaineering Club Trainees on November 30 to December 2, 1994. It took all of three days for the Inductees to complete the climb.

The PLDT Mountaineering Club was welcomed by PLDT Baguio's staff in behalf of Ms. Butch Mallare.

The trip to the jump-off point was an adventure in itself. Traveling for four hours through rough roads, the participants of the climb were treated to the different sceneries the Mountain Province has to offer. Lunch was taken at Bokod, a barrio sixty three (63) kilometers from Baguio.

Warming up and applying "Sun blocks", the entourage, led and tailed by Noel Farrales (Mkti PABX) and E.J. Santos (DATANET), respectively, departed from the KM.2 Waiting Shed at "Kabayan", signifying the start of the climb. Several hills were traversed via ridges surrounded by Pine trees. After two and a half hours, the campsite, near the "Ellit" River, was reached. Lights were out at around 10:00 o'clock in the evening.

On the second day, "Ellit" River was crossed by way of a hanging bridge. The mountaineers also freshened up on the river's icy waters.

After three hours of continuos trekking on the "Akiki" Trail, lunch was set at the View Deck. The ascent to "Junior Pulag" started off at the "Elfin" Forest. Exiting from the forest, "Junior Pulag" was clearly visible. The cold and harsh winds blowing at Junior Pulag made the Mountaineers put on their jackets and parkas. The temperature atop Junior Pulag was around 7 degrees Celsius.

Pushing the whole PLDT party were Joewe Cinco (CustRel), Jojo Del Mundo, Tony Dimatulac, Danny Sta. Cruz, Merlin Siscar and Eugene Silva from Mkti OPSIM. Danny Lopez (ProdServ), Gemma Tejada and Nette Villaflor of MNTD documented the course of the climb by Photography.

The first PLDT Mountaineers to reach the summit of Mt. Pulag were Chris Modina (CustRel), Weng Duran (MNTD) and Mike Salalila (QCID). Not long afterwards, the other climbers reached the summit. Everyone was welcomed by the members of the Baguio - Benguet Mountaineers.

On top of anything else and way above the clouds, the group was fascinated with the awesome display of lights during the sunset. With cold winds battering the tents, the temperature dropped to a low of 5 degrees Celsius. Everyone was inside their shelters and seeking warmth from each other.

On the morning of Day Three (3), while awaiting for the Induction Ceremonies to begin, almost everyone was watchful of the sunrise breaking the horizon of clouds and mountain ranges. Truly spectacular was the making of new day with its sunlights seemingly escaping from the clutches of the sea of clouds.

From an initial twenty eight (28) Mountaineering Trainees, twenty two (22) were able to complete their requirements in Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) and were candidates for induction. Nineteen (19) were inducted successfully as full pledged Mountaineers. They are Joel Almariego ( RTD- Sampaloc), Allan Anthony M. Alvarez (MarkPlan), Manny P. Caneos (StockServe), Asher H. Elenzano (IOTServe I), Anthony Karl "Te" Gaspar (SalAd), Ricky "Doc" Giron (Medical), Rudy C. Hernandez (Stock Serve), Peter Lumanao (OPSIM III), Pablo "June" Manahan (Safety), Jonjie M. Maranan (MetTraf), Ricky Miguel (RTD - Garnet), Sonny Boy S. Miguel (MetTraf), Annie L. Nebres (ServAss), Jun R. Orpilla (QCID), Noel Sarabillo (Mkti OPSIM), Eric G. Tigas (QCID), Ramon A. Vasquez (MDG/MMC),

Virginia "Che" Wamelda (RTD-Sampaloc) and Lenie M. Yumang (Budget).

In its descent, Mt. Pulag was traversed via "Babadak" ending at "Ambangeg", where the rides for Baguio City were patiently waiting.

Being the pioneer batch, PLDT Mountaineers Batch 1994, with their skills and knowledge, now have the means to make history on the Ultimate Adventure in PLDT.

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