Tongue ng Maculot

October 14, 2012

Cuenca, Batangas

Maculot had always been a part of a mountaineer’s life. With merely P350 budget excluding food, this mountain is a box office hit for many hikers. And with the perfect cliff views and easy trail, they say Maculot is the top most option of one’s first mountain.

True enough that almost half of our group had Maculot as their first mountain. As for me, this is one of the most enjoyable climbs because of the jolly good crowd.

Thanks to Ron for this picture of the whole gang.

Since the mountain is a bit famous for hikers as I’ve said, going there is a breeze. The buses to Lemery will know where to drop off climbers in Cuenca Batangas, some 2hrs away from Manila (bus fare – P140). From downtown Cuenca, tricycles are used to sending hikers off to the registration area for the P10 brgy fee, and then up to the Grotto or Rockies jump-off (tricycle fare – P20).

Given that most of us are new, we ascended a bit slower. It took us more than 2hrs under the sun to get to the camp site. Then we had lunch and socials. No plans in pursuing summit since our senior hiker Ron, hates mountains with stairs.

Right after noon, we headed to the rockies. The cliff views are dreadful especially for people like me with effin problems with heights. Although with slow pace and guidance from Ron, all of us made our way through down the knee trembling DilangMaculot, the lowest end of the cliff one can be.  The view, I would say, is spectacular.

Heights is a personal problem for me. I’d really love to go back to Maculot and see if the cliffs do have the same effect on me the first time I saw them. I really would want to get rid of that fear and I’d love Maculot to be my measure.

Another reason why I’ll be back in Maculot, well aside from the summit, is the Sitio Lumampao. An area a couple of kilometers down the jump-off where one can dip into the Lake. We failed to side trip on this one since photo ops ate all our time in the Rockies. A personal achievement of mine though is the shortest descent in my history – 30minutes. I think I can do better next time though.

We finished off the day with a well-earned bulalo in Lipa before heading back home to Manila.

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Hey i'm on twitter - @rome_john

Day Hike Festival 2012

October 14 - November 11, 2012 Dayhikes

Day Hike Festival

Mt Damas, being my first major climb, gave me the courage to take on bigger challege. So i accepted a friend's invite to conquer Mt Pulag via the killer trail. But damn i know i shouldnt be  taking this sitting down. Yes i want to climb the third highest mountain in the Philippines,but i  also wanted to go down. Alive.

Thus this series of day hikes.

I honestly didnt intent to plan this. All i wnated is a series of climbs that would prepare me physically for Pulag. But the invites came flowing in and before i knew it, my five weekends had all been booked.

Five Mountains in Five Weekends.

This isnt all about Pulag though. These mountains are also so common i'll be very frustrated if i really never climbed before the scheduled end of the World this December.  Also a huge attempt for me to escape from the stress i'm having in almost all parts of my life at the moment. Though this is not the venue to pour my heart  out on that. ;p

Maculot- Rockies.

It made me realize that my fear of heights is so cheesy i need all my strenght to get rid of it. After five weeks,i can say i have improved tremendously.

Pinatubo.

This bourgeoisie mountain gave me another challege i have yet to accept. Trail Run. Being a whimpy kid, i had always looked for a sport i could fell in love with ever since i started taking care of my physique. Many attempts had failed but this trail run, as hardcore as it is, is enticing me. Although i still need more convincing if i really can do it.

Manalmon.

thanks to Elmer for this picture

A friend rated this mountain -1/9. Well, can't balme her. But that doesnt mean this trip is less of an adventure. Madlum offers a number of peaks to hike, caves to spelunk and rivers to cross and swim. I totally enjoyed this day not only because of the place but also of the people i'm with.

Batulao.

This mountain told me i am improving. My body is conditioned with steep assaults and my backpack is prepared for all  possibilities. My every step is filled with eagerness and my pants are oozing with happiness. My stories to my new found friends are all about the mountains.

Tapulao.

If Batulao told me things i have, Tapulao pointed me to the things i dont have. I need to improve on my patience, and my sense of responsibility. Both for myself and for other people around me.

The beauty of the mountains gave me more than a visual treat. Before week 1 of this series, i told myself that i'll rest after wrapping up.But as i write this, my mind is lurking on Akiki trail already. Then i knew i'll never get enough. 

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Hey i'm on twitter - @rome_john