The Peak: Mt. Pico de Loro

A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world - Oscar Wilde

Frustration and disappointment enveloped my entire body when I finally accomplished the sole mission of the day. Yes, I won the game. But why didn't I feel any satisfaction about my winnings? What a very discouraging moment. Imagine an ultimate dream just shattered right in front of you, and you can do nothing but embrace the mere fact that you actually lost the battle you thought you won over. 

It took us  four tough freakin hours to get to the top of Mt Pico de Loro. Holding a handful of hope that all our efforts will be rewarded. Yes, we were. It was a cloud of  fog covering the vastness of the lush green mountains. The complete opposite of what I dreamed about the beautful Mt. Pico.

How can you appreciate a beauty when it's barely there?

But, I cannot allow myself to dwell in frustrations forever, right? I've gone this far, I had a rough climb, might as well sieze the moment that I actually conquered the mountain.

I snapped back to reality and realized that the last group finally made it to the peak. So what can you do on top of  the very foggy Mt. Pico de Loro?

..keep a lasting memory and secure pieces of evidence that we made it through the rain.



As much as we wanted to explore the mountain we have dreamed of for such a time, it was way too dangerous.  We hardly see any the trail to the famous Parrot's beak, we can't even see anything apart from the fog and the grounds where we at.

To ease my pain, I just pretended that she doesn't exist, or at least I'd like to think it that way. However, seeing other people's  photo with her was  like a  knife pierced to the different parts of my body.

credits to the owner

We stayed at the peak for the shortest time. Then head back on the road for our descent. We can't afford to spend the night traversing the same rocky roads we took on our way up.

And just when I thought the descent will always be easy compared to the climb, I ended up to be one who literally took one step at a time. I can no longer force my feet to move. I was dead tired and the only way I can walk comfortably was to walk barefooted again. So I did, for at least an hour and half.  Poor feet.

kasi nasa hulihan kami

Slowly, as I wander the rough roads again, trying to contemplate about the uncomfortable pain in my back, I can't help but be emotional about what just happened. We planned for this, we dreamed of this, we sacrificed for this, and yet. this is what we get? *deep sigh*

Talked about conquering Pico next year, probably summer, to completely enjoy the half-baked journey we just had.

It was the longest descent ever. As if trail was never-ending.

And as we draw closer to the grounds, I can't help but notice everyone, still ranting about their disappointments and frustrations. I totally understand. I for a moment did the same. Then I remember the prayer we had before the climb. I actually asked Him that He may give us the heart to appreciate and acknowledge His creation.  I suddenly felt guilty. Is this how we show Him our gratitude? Fog-filled-below-zero-visibility peak of the mountain still is part of His wonderful creation. I may not know exactly what are those fogs for, but they're their for something and He still made them all, they're beautiful and they're worth thanking for.

We arrived DENR office at around 6pm. Had a quick rest, washed up, coffee break and head back to the bus terminal for our departure.

Just before we left the DENR office, another group of mountaineers arrived. I was stunned. Are they gonna hike the mountain at this time of the night? They were somewhat surprised to see us too - they're outnumbered. Haha. But these people I think, judging on their full-geared bags and attire have been climbing for years now. Besides, you won't dare night trekking to Mt. Pico if you're an amateurish climber, like us? Haha.

Exchanged a few words with them. I tried threatening them about how dangerous the trail was, but they didn't seem to mind at all. Haha. They then asked of which group do we belong to. And I was like grasping my answers. And when I finally told them our groups' name, one laughed, 'naku, delikado yan,' he uttered.  Hmmm.. Why, what's wrong with our name? Haha.






****
Postcript:
I always feel sad when everyone's planning to go swimming for team building, because I'm not a pool or beach fan. I tried suggesting mountain climbing but it didn't realized. I don't think it will ever happen. But it's okay. I have found a bunch of crazy people who somewhat share the same passion as mine. 

And if there's one lesson I must learn from the recent expedition, it's the part of the song - Ain't about what's waiting on the other side. No matter how high or low the MASL's of the mountain will be, they're all worth a visit, they're all worth a climb, they're all His creation, they're all beautiful. 

Budget/Itinerary:

4am - Assembly RCBC Makati

450am - Taxi to Saulog bus terminal near D.Jose LRT - 40php (total bill divided into 4)

*540am - ETD Ternate, Cavite - 86php 

8am - ETA Ternate Cavite

*815 - trike to DENR office - 75php

*830am - Registration at DENR office - 20php

9am - Prayer, start of the trek

*10am - ETA Base Camp 1, Registration: 20php

 Brunch

1pm - ETA Pico peak-a-Booo!

2pm - Start descent

530pm - ETA DENR office

              bath fee - 5php

              coffee break - 12php

*630pm - trike to bus terminal - 75php

*650pm - ETD Saulog bus terminal, fare: 86php

9pm - ETA Buendia

910pm - bus to RCBC Makati - 12php

930pm - FX to reality - 30php

tourguide (oneway): Kuya Jun & Kuya Charlie: 600php (divided by 17) = 36.00php

      *Kuya Jun (0999.517.9414) waited and accompanied us all through out the climb, when our initial arrangement was just for them to guide us to the top* 

Tip for Kuya Jun: 200php (divided by 17) = 12php

TOTAL: P509.00

                 

The Climb: Mt. Pico de Loro

Ternate, Cavite

Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate

664+ Meters above sea level (MASL)

Sept. 15, 2011

I'm not a fan of Miley Cyrus, but I like her song 'The Climb'.  It embodies a message that sometimes what really matters most is how you make things happen.

And if have to describe the great experience I had during our climb last Thursday, let me go it through with you, through the poignant meaning of the song.

    I can almost see it.
    That dream I'm dreaming...

Mt. Pico de Loro. A unique name fit for a unique mountain. It is said to be the highest point within Cavite-Batangas boundary. Its summit offers a very unique standpoint that will allow you to view this part of the world in 360 degrees angle.

The first time I learned about her existence, I couldn't take her off my mind, as if every night I'd imagine myself  rock-climbing or rappelling the famous Parrot's beak.

credits to the owner



We had this dream to climb the magnificent Pico since June. Her outstanding view and genuine beauty - made us all excited to experience her greatness.

There's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm takin'
Every move I make
Feels lost with no direction,
My faith is shakin'

The ultimate plan to topple down Mt. Pico de Loro has been long overdue. Thanks to some weather disturbances, to our less-unified schedule at work and other no-nonsense excuses.

Part of the group even tried climbing a different mountain last month, in exchange for Pico's shaky schedule just not to miss a month without a climb.

But for Pico's sake, one can't just go without the other, so we have to consider each others' not-so-busy-not-so-stressful-lives. No wonder it took us months to finally realize this not-so-impossible dream.

But I gotta keep tryin'
Gotta keep my head held high

We are a group of amateur climbers. No training, no gears, no name. But you cannot underestimate the mighty hearts and minds of the newbies. We're much willing to vanquish any mountain. No matter what it takes.

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,

Yes, there are more than a hundred of mountains in the country. Each of which has its own distinct beauty. And Mt. Pico de Loro is undeniably an exceptional one.

And when I say we're willing to face any consequencies just to make a climb, it also meant filling a VL for JC, unpaid leave (UL) for me and Abi, unpaid time-off for Almae, off-swap for Inch and Paris. Never mind about little sacrifices, because we know in our hearts that we'll be rewarded with something priceless.

Except for those who have their day-offs on the 15th, each of us has only one thing in mind -  to make this date a free one to see something very very special.

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

We were able to pull the days, and September 15 came. We waited long enough and we can no longer afford any single delay for this much awaited event 

Final count for the climb is seventeen. That many! Three of which were fresh recruits - Gia, Zane and he-who-claims-to-be-my-other-brother-Inch.

The two-hour travel time from Manila to Ternate, Cavite seemed like travelling the road forever. But no gruellling traffic nor any road construction can hinder us now. We made this far, and waiting will be over.

Registraion at the DENR office is 20 pesos each.

Traversing Mt. Pico wasn't as easy as our previous climbs. It is part of Mt. Palaypalay-Mataas na Gulod national Park, which is a protected forest reserve. Having said this, we definitely needed a pro-guide. We're used to hire kids as our guide, for cheaper price. Besides, we can't reserve a room for errors in the trek as three of us needs to go to work after the climb.

But DENR charges 1,500 Php fee for a guide. WhaT?! We are an advocate of  budget climbs, and 1,500 fee for a guide is waaaaay out of our pockets.

Thanks to Mommy Earls leadership and financial skills, we were able to come up with 600 peso-budget for the guide, but DENR officers vehemently denied our bargain.

But this events cannot hold us back in fulfilling our dream. Thanks to our tricycle drivers who offered their services to lead us to the top - kuya Charlie and Kuya Jun.

Nine-oclock in the morning, we had a short prayer, then we started the climb.

let the climb begin..

 The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No I'm not breaking

If there was someone I wished to join our special climb, he would be the sun. But he showed no visual signs at all. Roads were wet. Trail was muddy. It was like it rained quiet hard the other night. Perfect timing huh. But we took the perfect chance.

I really thought it was an advantage, our well-reserved energy won't be drained by the heat of the sun, unlike our previous climbs. But the best has yet to come.

First hour of the trek to the base camp 1 was never like a walk-in-the-park, nor was it like walk-in-the-dark either. What made it a little struggle  for us was the fact that most of us were hungry and our trekking-mood-and-strength were slightly affected.

It took us an hour and a half to reach the camp base 1. Everyone was starving, so we immediately settled for our brunch.

 

i think it's about time for us to make one of this



I see no valid reason why we need to pay another 20 peso each for another registration fee at the base camp, but we paid it anyway.

We're used to fast break meals at work. And this lunch was nothing but like a 15-minute break to us.

It was a breeze eating outdoors. We're sorrounded with big beautiful trees and fresh cool air carresing our tired souls. I thought it was such a relaxing day.

And just after we filled our hollow stomachs, someone we hoped not to join us in our own amazing race suddenly came and we were all terrified. His name was... rain.

 

all set and ready



I may not know it, but

These are the moments that

I'm gonna remember most

I've just gotta keep goin', and

I gotta be strong

Just keep pushing on, 

Cliche it may seem but there's always a first for everything and first experiences are seldom hard to forget. So this marks our  first trek through the rain.

I sensed fear started to haunt inside me. I saw instant change of  mood from everyones face. An uninvited guest was trying to devastate the frame of our minds and the state of our emotions. It was very unfavorable, we're not even halfway-through the whole trail yet.

The rain stopped for a while to make way for the resumption of our arduous journey. Little did we know, that five-minute-rain will turn our precious lives upside-down, not to mention the lives of our beloved snickers, Sandugos, Tribus and my prized Havaiana flip flops. Haha.

The more the rain, the harder the trail, the more hassle trekking up. This I think was the simplest way to  describe the very complicated climb we had.

It did rain again.. and again... and  again!

I wore no jacket, I wore no shoes, I brought no umbrella. How hassle could that be?

Suprisingly, no one gave up. Oh well, if there was even a small chance, maybe one or two would have been. Haha. We were a bit dog-tired that we kept on asking our guides if we're there yet, because it appeared to us that we were hiking for the longest time, yet we're still trekking the enclosed fuzzy forest.

Adding to my discomfort was my camera, so I decided to hid it inside my bag and focused my attention to climbing those gigantic roots and rocky-uphill roads. Before doing so, I took the last photo (below) before assaulting the real summit. See the fog? It was all over the place.

This I think was the climax of our climb. At first, I had pleasure in it, though I was a bit anxious about myself unceasingly slipping the muddy trail. I can feel the agony of my feet while taking grip to the slippery grounds. Tried my best to be prudent not to make any stupid move that may cause my life to any danger. But things were just too much to handle. My knees knocked down, half of my body glided to the swampy  part of the trail while my arms painstakingly trying to hold on to something to save my dearest life from further jeopardy.

I had three major, major plakda sa putikan  moments. Good thing, there were a lot of bamboo trees in the area for me to take refuge to. I was only taking clutch through my poor flip flops. But after three-in-a-row slips in the sloppy forest, I decided to go barefoot.

The higher the trail, the harder it gets. More bamboo trees were covering the way and the next we knew, we were lost (for a moment)!

We kept on shouting the names of our friends ahead of us, trying to relocate our lost way but it seemed like no one can hear us anymore. 

We were accidentally subdivided into three groups. The first group, the fastest climbers, I suppose, led by our other guide Kuya Charlie. The second group, which I'd rather call the-taking-one-step-at-a-time-group with the other guide, Kuya Jun, at the tail end.

Then, us - me, echo, jc and tsichen. Funny thing as we were trying to figure out which way to take through the footprints and slide-prints of  those who were ahead of us. You can also rely those tiny ribbons tied on some trees which you can barely notice unless you still have 20-20 vision, or you can take heed of a tree that bears an arrow signage -  it will lead you to the right directions.

The last stretch of the climb to the summit was even more challenging and breathtaking. Trusting my sweet life to some talahib grass, while fighting the vigorous blow of the strong-iced-cold-wind and crawling the below-zero-visiblity trail. Yes, gapang-galore.

Thanks to the human-sized talahiban, I had this chance for a quick shot.

Mt. Pico de Loro is not as high as Mt. Batulao which we hiked smoothly while typhoon Chedeng stormed the metro and its nearby towns.

It doesn't even have the hill view of  Mt. Gulugod Baboy where you can act like Julie Andrews and sing 'the hills are alive with the sound of music..'

But what convinced us to keep our faith and endure all the hardships?

It was our belief  that something magnificent is in store for us at the peak of the mountain. It was too late when we realized  that  life is but full of surprises, and most of the time, it knocks you off when you least expect it.

There's always gonna be another mountain

I know. Mt Pico de Loro definitely won't be my  last climb.

I'm always gonna wanna make it move
I love mountains and the joy it brings when I conquer them.

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Be it an uphill or downhill fight, bring it on!

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Sometimes I gonna have to win!

Ain't about how fast I get there

I can take one step at a time. 

Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side

Noted. Lesson learned. 

It's the climb

I couldn't agree more!

next: Pico-peak-a-Booo!

Budgeting CWC_Mt. Mayon

EXPENSES:

NAGA

NAIA Terminal fee - 400 (2pax)

Trike to Integrated terminal - 50

Van to Naga - 300 (2pax)

Jeep to Pili - 14.00 (2pax)

Trike to CWC - 20 (2pax)

CWC rentals - 330 (two hours)

CWC lunch - 350

CWC shirts - 240 (170each)

Bread/cake - 150

Van to Legaspi - 300 (2pax)

                                                  subtotal:  2,154.00Php

 LEGASPI

Cagsawa Ruins entrance fee - 20 (2 pax)

Mt. Mayon shirts - 340

Pili nuts for pasalubong - 500

Keychain - 50 (5pcs)

Jeep to Lignon Hill - 20 (2pax)

Buko - 20 (2pcs)

Automatic telescope - 15

Motorbike going down the hill - 40 (2pax)

Jeep to Embarcadero - 30 (2pax)

Lunch at Biggs Diner - 500

Biggs Burger takeout - 120

Henna tattoo - 100

Trike to airport - 60

Legaspi Terminal fee - 60 (2pax)

                                                 subtotal:  1,875Php

  TOTAL:  4,029.00Php (based on twin sharing)


*Cebu Pacific Air tickets - 310Php (paid last Feb 2011*
*you can save more than we did, minus all souvenirs shirts, pasalubong, Biggs burger takeout, henna tattoo, buko, bread and cake of Graceland etc*

daytrip: Mount Mayon

Back to Legaspi:

Did I mentioned that wherever you go in Legaspi, you'll see her beauty - spewing some smoke from time to time, while clouds covering her half of body? I can't wait to see the perfect-coned-shaped Mayon Volcano. Oh just how beautiful.

I wonder how local treats her. Seeing her everyday, do they still have the same feeling as to what I felt when I first saw her on the plane? Do they still wonder why after so many eruptions, she remained her full beauty? Do they still appreciate her fullness when she had caused them some discomfort,  even lives?

Enough of my emo-mode.

From the town, we took a jeep to Guinobatan, and asked the drvier to drop us off to Cagsawa Ruins.  At the junction, you can either take a trike, or just walk 10-15 mins to the entrance of the ruins. We opted the later one, and I think we made the right choice.

Entrance fee is 10pesos, and you'll have the volcano all you want.

Locals here can do you a favor by  taking your pictures, with all different camera tricks. Such common tricks you can find when you search google images, all and the same. Good thing, J and I aren't fond of camera tricks. So we just explored the area.

Went behind the ruined church... Took a couple of shots. Argued a bit.  Then, off we go - to some souvenir-hopping.  If you failed to buy your souvenirs in Naga, fret not, there's a lot souvenir stores in Cagsawa Ruins area. Shirts, handmade bags and slippers, magnets, different flavor of pili nuts...and a lot more.

Next stop will be the Lignon Hill. Hire a motorbike going up to the hill, or you'll regret it.  It's an uphill climb, believe me. Good thing, I'm used to hike. But even if, it's not advisable to do such thing under the most heated sun.

But I think, it's worth all the sweat.

Try this one, as well.  It's 5php for 3 minutes. The view is priceless. J spent 15 pesos to get an up close view of her. It's very clear, vivid, and detailed. You can even see some lava running on her body.

 ...Overlooking the whole town? Must be very beautiful in the evening...

our chauffeur..haha

We asked an attendant in the hill if they have some contact person for a motorbike hire. I don't think I can still manage going down, it's mid day, for heaven's sake. While waiting for our service, we ate some fresh buko for 20 pesos each.

After Lignon Hill, we went straight to the Embarcadero. It's like their baywalk, mas sosyal lang.

Dined at Biggs diner. They say your Bicol experience is never compelete without a visit in this restaurant. So, we tried it as well. I didn't find any special with the food.

Still, I'm craving for laing pizza and pasta. I tried calling Smalltalk Cafe, I've read somewhere it serves the most tasteful laing pizza and bicol express. But we're really running out of time. We'll just have them when we get back to Bicol.

We were about to leave Embarcadero to the airport, when J saw this tattoo store, offering a ten-peso-promo... the next thing we know, he had his first henna tattoo experience. But we ended up paying 100 because the promo was good for chinese characters only. Hmp.

tattoo virgin no more

We just hired a trike for 60Php going to the airport. Checked-in. And waited for an hour before boarding. Yes, delayed flight. tsk tsk.

smoking for Mayon only...

TIPS:

If you plan to stay overnight in Legaspi, you can try Sampaguita Tourist Inn. It's one famous cheap accomodations in town. It can go fully booked everyday, so better book yourselves in advance.  052-480-6258

daytrip: CWC

Last February, I was able to acquire two roundtrip tickets to Legaspi. The price: 310 pesos only: Yes, you read it right. It's 310 peysus, for two, roundtrip. Surprised? Nah, I even got 250 peso-tickets-for two, Surigao_Cebu_Surigao route.

Well, it pays to be working in the overnight. Haha.

Anyways, I can be very meticulous with regards to planning or preparing an itinerary, that's what I did when I had my Vietbodia trip. But I can only do that when I'm travelling alone -  or I'm in-charge with the trip.

This time, I'm travelling with a go-with-the-flow-no-itinerary-bahala-na-kung-anong-mangyayari type of person... my dearly beloved boyfriend. It's our first just-the-two-us-out-of-town travel, and we're doing it for one whole day.

So forget all the iti notes. I just stored important details in my momery, with hopes of  not having any memory gaps.  Geared with our newly bought TNF backpacks, we left Manila very early in the morning and we arrived Legaspi ariport 15 minutes before  our expected arrival time.

my-AWE-WOW-moment



I always ask for a window seat when travelling, especially for this trip, because I want to have my first glimpse of the Mount Mayon while on board the plane.

Having no checked-in luggage, we exited the lobby and proceeded to the tourist info desk just in front the arrival area of the airport.

First agenda of the day: ask how to get to Naga

My initial plan for this trip was just to see the Mount Mayon up close, near the Cagsawa ruins. But since I'm travelling with my adventurous partner in crime, might as well try Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC), for him. Hoping we can manage to squeeze our itinerary, in our very very tight schedule.

We were instructed to take a tricycle to the integrated terminal (50pesos) and ride a van goin to Naga (150 pesos each).

baha-moment

I think, we wasted more than an hour because of the traffic due to some flash/mudslide along the highway.  And I started to rant about the time. WHILE my go-with-the-flow-no-itinerary-bahala-na-kung-anong-mangyayari boyfriend was busy playing his psp. arrghh.

To those planning to go to CWC via Legaspi, you can ask the van driver to just drop you off  in Pili where CWC jump off  point is located - instead of  heading straight to Naga City.

In our case, we went straight to SM Naga, thinking we can find the free shuttle service to CWC - but to no avail. So we boarded a jeepney back to Pili (7Php each) and dropped off at a junction to where we can ride a trike going to CWC (10Php each).

There's an upcoming activity in CWC on the weekend, the Cobra ironman event, so people were a bit busy.

Anyway, we arrived CWC and wasted no time.  J registered himself and we deposited our backpacks in the counter.

You just have to rent for the gears (helmet and vest) : 165 per hour,  460 halfday, 750 whole day (more info here.)  *with 500 peso-deposit which will be returned when you're done with the gears*

After a very short orientation with the experts, I got caught off-guard and saw my dearest beloved did his first attempt to kneeboarding. Bigla bigla na lang.





CWC has two cable parks. The Winch Park, for beginners. and the main Cable Park - for the PRO's... and J had his first kneebording attempt in the main cable park.

He took his first two-rounds of kneeboarding, could've been three rounds according to him, but his arms were already aching so he let go of the pulling rope. Having no warm ups, no exercise, I understand. Haha..

just for the Pro's

It's always best to visit any parks on a weekday, because it's less crowded. Moments later, four other young adults came to the main cable park. They were kneeboarding in the winch park area, when the cables had some technical glitches.

After kneeboarding, here comes wakeboarding.

I can't imagine the feeling being pulled fast by those cable wires. J even asked the operator if it can be adjusted to their level as beginners, because according to him, it's way too fast. But that's what the Winch park is for, because it's slower than the one's at the main park, however, it's out of order. Talk about right timing huh.

So J managed to be content with his semplang moments in the cable park, can't figure out how to balance his body to the board and the pulley...

... while these experts seemed  to have no trouble at all...



teach me how to, doggie?!


We had some rice bowl for lunch and one liter of ice tea (350Php) I wanted to order the renowned laing pizza, but J suggested we just have it after the activity so have something to eat on our way back to Legaspi. But we weren't able to buy one because we're running out of time and we wanted to catch the free shuttle service from CWC to SM Naga, so I just forget about buying the Laing pizza, hoping we have time to find one in Legaspi.

We had some time to explore SM Naga. We bought some bread and cake in Graceland, because I heard it's one of the famous bakeshops in town. Then we proceeded to the van terminal.

While in the van, on our way back to Legaspi, J can't seem to find the words  how to describe the pain he's been experiencing after his kneeboarding-wakeboarding exhibitions. I can't even relate to what he's feeling. But one thing is definite: we'll be back to CWC... soon!





TIPS:

*there's a scheduled free shuttle service from Naga Airport to CWC vice-versa, also from SM Naga to CWC vice-versa.

*visit CWC on a Monday, earliest time possible so you can enjoy their promo for beginners

*it's best to have exercise or at least a warm up before doing such activities

* prepare Alaxan FR haha..

 *for cheap souvenirs shirts - it's outside SM Naga, ask locals for Cottonworld - it's where we got ours for 170Php - near the jeepney terminal bound for Pili. There's actually a line of souvenir stores along Cottonworld...so you'll have a lot of choices.