sweet revenge: Pico de Loro

Vengeance is Mine, sayeth the Lord…

But I think the Heavens won’t mind if I overstate my title opposing His words. It thought it’s my only way to express a triumph from once a thrashing quest.

Last year, the unforgivable hike to Mt. Pico de Loro taught me a lesson about the climb… This year, the famous beaked-mountain of Cavite gallantly rewarded me the much coveted prize…with a bonus!

Still dealing a hangover from Batad, J and I geared up for our first official mountain climbing date. Haha. Most of the time he tend to decline my invitation for a climb, but perhaps his Batad experience made him decide to defy the mountains.

The first climb of the year for the Call of Nature, yet only three of us from the first Pico climb were seriously up for the challenge. Me, mommy Earl and my adopted brother, Inch. New recruits were J and Paulo, (Inch’s friend.)

What made this more challenging for us was that it was an overnight climb. J and Paulo purposely decided to join because of the overnight thing. At dahil overnight, we need to bring more equipment than the usual day hike – tent, sleeping bags, food and cooking sets… Mas nakakapagod umakyat ng maraming bitbit...

I can still vividly remember how hard and tricky the way to Pico – but we decided not to hire a guide. Armed with our powerful instincts, the ever reliable ribbons along the way and the escort of His hands, we knew we can make it.

We were blessed with a perfect weather every climber could ever wish for – the complete opposite of our last year’s hike.

 Jollibee Delivery's Mission: To serve great tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone.. Everywhere!! haha - Inch

After 30 minutes, we reached camp 1. They were kidding to just pitch the tent in camp 1 and continue the trek the next day – pagod na kasi. We stayed for more than ten minutes and resumed our hike. We were targeting to reach the summit in the next two hours – assuming the fine weather will continue to favor us.

I have telling J that we need to pass through a lot of batis (creek) on our way to Pico. Well, during our last climb last September, we had at least four or five batis to freshen up and cool down our wounded and heavy spirits. But now, we saw nothing but rocks and twigs. They’re all dried up.  

Somewhere in the middle of the trek, it drizzled and it rained. I seriously panicked. History cannot repeat itself, I mean, not this time. Not in Pico. Haha. Moreover, we are God’s favorite children so He then stopped the rain … and overwhelmed us of His grace.

On the last stretch of the climb, J saw a loose bundle of woods. He picked it up and started to collect more woods along the way for our bonfire. Dagdag bitbit whew!  It was then when he started to ask ‘are we there yet?’ Haha.. 

We were victorious to reach the camping grounds – after two and half hours. Lo and behold!

There were other campers in the ground. According to them, it took them five hours to reach the area. Haha. Well, most of them were first timers, so it’s very understandable.

After taking few shots, we started to pitch our tents before it gets dark. The camping grounds were almost cleaned up as according to DENR officers, there were around 300 climbers in Pico that previous weekend. I can’t imagine the crowd. Parang may piyesta daw sa taas. Traces of garbage were still visible. Tsk tsk.

Just before the sun rest for the night, we hurriedly climbed the summit. Well, hurriedly in a sense that we didn't retire ourselves and took the chance to witness the sunset in the summit right after our tents were put in place. But you cannot trudge up the summit as quick as you can because the trail is far more dangerous. It’s as steep as the walkways to Tappiya falls in Batad, or even worse than that.

 

Climbing the summit of Mt Pico de Loro is a little death defying. But upon seeing the famous Parrots Beak that once rejected us – it was all worth it. I have always dreamed of climbing the beak, but by the looks of it, I must admit, I chickened out. Haha. Nakakatakot. Besides, it was getting dark, it will be very risky. So we just enjoyed the rest of the sun set moments in the summit, while getting pleasure of being slapped by strong winds.

I am a sucker of sun rise and sun sets. Not just because it’s one of the easiest yet most beautiful photographed subjects, but because it always reminds me of a message that there is a time for everything. A time to rise...and a time to rest.

Trekking down from the summit is more challenging than the other way around, worst if you’re doing it without sunlight. Even with our headlights on, the trail is just complicated. Mapapa-one-wrong-move-and-you’ll-be-dead ka talaga. Haha.

Back to our tent, we started to prepare our dinner and the anticipated bonfire. As J would put it, what’s a camping without a bonfire.

 

  So what’s for dinner: adobong manok, binagoongang baboy, itlog na maalat, sardinas

 …and what’s bonfire without marshmallows… Haha!

It was indeed a fantastic night camping experience. We surrendered to our tents at around eight in the evening. Unlike my Pulag experience, where I had the longest night of my life, I succumb to a deep and uninterrupted sleep in Pico – an illustration of a victorious pursuit and a very sweet revenge! Haha.

***

Rise and shine!

We woke up at around five in the morning. We planned to trek back to the summit but we will be running out of time as we needed to head back down because mommy Earl has to go to work. Instead, we just savor the morning, had some coffee and prepared our scrumptious breakfast.

What’s for breakfast: noodles, bread, corned beef, tuna, luncheon meat, strawberry jam, srambled egg, rice and leftover food from dinner…

We realized our baon was actually good for two nights, pinilit na lang naming ubusin para mabawasan ang bitbit pababa.

And before we head back to the trail, we went camwhoring in the camping grounds, showcasing again, the wonderful view of the summit.

shao-shao kid!

to pooh or not to pooh! lol*

i believe, i can fly

first climb of 2012!

 flashback 2011!

We left the camping grounds at 825 in the morning. We took time trekking back as a reward to ourselves from a successful climb. Haha. We reached the DENR office at 11am.

Except the last two, all unmarked photos by Inch Datuin!

How far can a thousand go in 168?

Straight from a successful overnight climb to Mt. Pico de Loro, J suggested that we go to Divisoria to buy a jungle bolo, for future climbs and more mountain escapades. (may ganun agad?!)

Thanks to the very fine and cooperative weather and some pain relievers, we felt normal after the climb, amid the heavy backpacks and strenous trek. So when he suggested that we go to 168 mall, I answered him with a big ‘tara!’ Haha.

We got off the bus in P. Faura, together with mommy Earl who then took the jeep to Sta. Ana, while we waited for a jeep going to Quiapo. You cannot expect us to carry those big bags while battling shoppers in 168, so we decided to leave it in the baggage counter of Isetann mall, before taking another ride to Divi.




J and I normally go to 168 to buy pasalubong when going home to the province. It was very unlikely for him to invite me to 168 when we’re scheduled to go home, sa May pa! Well, it seems like, after one mountain, this very early, he’s showing symptoms of addiction to mountain climbing.

But 168 is 168. When you decide to buy a jungle bolo, make sure you bring money enough just for a jungle bolo otherwise, you’ll end up spending more than what you expected.

So we had a thousand in hand… and... here's what we got!

I’m going home next month, so I bought some of this for pasalubong for kids. (all for 50pesos)

J doesn’t have one, so… But little did we realize that this umbrella has some magic in it. Haha. See the difference when it gets wet? Amazed by it's special detail, I gave J my months old umbrella, and this one’s mine. Haha. (200pesos)

We agreed to buy two, strictly for camping purposes only. (50 each=100 pesos)

We were able to spend 350 first before we get to buy the main item for this side trip. Tsk tsk. Original price was 250, we got it for 200 pesos.

Rechargeable headlights. Told you he’s serious for more overnight climbs. (130 pesos)

Roaming around 168 can be very tiring. So we had one slice each of Greenwhich pizza and shared one glass of coke all for 51 pesos.. (no photo).

I once saw this for sale at Toby’s sports for 300 pesos, I think. I was planning to buy one, but never had a chance yet, until I saw it again in 168 haha.. (90 pesos) 

I was already nagging about our expenses - when our initial plan was to buy for one item only… Haha. So we were on our way out…  when we passed this ordinary stall, filled with cute stuffed toys and cartoon character designed bags and all. We’re running out of budget and we had no plans buying another item. Besides, we were assuming na walang tindang ganun si ate, pero sinubukan pa rin naming magtanong, and we were stunned when the sales lady showed us what we were looking for. We bargained hard because we had few bucks left. Mahirap kasi hanapin ang character na ito, at madalas mahal sya kaya din na namin pinakawalan. Haha.

Happy birthday to our little backpacker/climber, Russel.

Overall, we spent a thousand and 21 pesos in a quick afternoon in 168, doubled our expenses from our well-budgeted Pico climb. Haha.

Looking back 2011

Year 2011 will always be one of the most significant years of my life. It was the year I tolerated myself to do things I’ve never done before or never thought I could’ve done. Mistakes were committed, lessons were learned, some opportunities were wasted…others were not taken for granted…  and most of all, living life with utmost joy in the glory of His name.

Year 2011 has been a travelling year for me. Thanks to the invention of the so-called Pinoy Travel Bloggers, it awakened my deep-seated emotions to wander and see the other side of the world, without compromising my budget. Thanks to the magic words ‘seat sale’ among airline companies, that allows a diligent and hardworking employee like me to experience flying in and out of the country without hurting my wallet. Thanks to my office and my colleagues for the off sets and swaps. Thanks to J for extending me a hand and your pockets... and letting me utilize the thing called credit card. Haha. To my parents who never fail to pray whenever I’m on the road… And most of all, thanks to the Heavens for the provision, wisdom and safety.

So what really happened last year, let’s look back.

January: My first loss!

I originally booked tickets for Legaspi this month , but I wasn't able to use because I need to save up for the following months travel. What a waste. Tickets costs 400 pesos. Lesson learned: Wag magpadalus dalos pag book!

February: Best travel of the year!

February is my parents anniversary month and my father's birth month (reasons why I needed to cancel my January plans, to save for more funds haha.) It was a lot of firsts for all of us. Our first travel together as family, minus my Kuya. My fathers first flight experience. My first flight with Zest air. Our first in Bohol.

Since there’s no direct flight from Surigao to Tagbilaran, I had to meet them in Cebu, that gave us a chance to stay in the city and explore a little in the Queen City of the South, where my parents who were surprised but didn’t show any signs of fear when they tried the Skywalk… nor were they frightened about an crazy jump shot in the hanging bridge…and the --- high zipline in Bohol. I seldom travel with my parents – and when I do, it’s always the best trip experience ever.

March: Summerrific

The part of the year when I came, I saw and conquered Sagada. Together with friends, we survive the one of a kind experience to cave connection, we succeeded the exhausting trek to Bomod-ok falls, gratify our gastronomic obsession and overcame the freezing temperature to witness the very shy Kiltepan sunrise.

Also this month last year, I had a glimpse of one of the country's pride and historical sites... the Banaue Rice Terraces.

April: The Re-birth

Since I grew up in the province where mountains are everywhere, it’s not hard to develop a passion to hiking. I have somehow forgotten this once favorite hobby, when I started to migrate to the city. Thus, when an opportunity came to trek one of the famous and controversial volcanoes in the land, I was up to the challenge. Got bruised from the 4x4 bumpy ride, had blisters from the rocky trail, was disappointed with the crater’s grayish colors –  having this, I was certain, it was the rebirth of my obsession with mountains.

Weeks after Mt Pinatubo climb, we conquered Mt. Maculot in Batangas.

May: Not Our Ordinary Sumvac

Every year in May, J and I allot a week or two for our official summer vacation in our respective hometowns. We both live in CARAGA region, which makes it easier to visit one's family in between breaks.

It was J's brother first year to college, so he needed to facilite his enrollment in Mindanao State University-Naawan. And when you’re an hour-bus-ride away from Iligan town, you cannot possibly miss the chance to visit Mindanao’s major source of power, the ever famous and majestic Maria Cristina falls… and the other hidden gem of the town, the Tinago Falls..

Back in my hometown, mother asked me if I want to go beach hopping in Socorro. I'm not really a fan of beaches but when she told me about Sohoton Cave, I didn't think twice. I have seen it featured on TV so I knew it was the best time to visit.

I ended my summer with a celebration in Mt. Batulao with Mommy Earl and Abi. The three of us braved the irate weather amid reported typhoon – and went home untouched by any sign of a storm.

  

June-July: The Road to Self-discovery

I spent the first half of June studying and contemplating about this mad idea of travelling solo for eight long days – outside the country. I decided not to tell my parents about it until the day before my scheduled departure to Vietnam and Cambodia. Mama got so surprised at the same time bitter because she wanted to join the adventure. Haha. I basically didn’t tell anyone about it, except J, because I hate to hear my friends warn me of things they know about my destination. It might convince my other self to hold back and shelf the much-awaited backpacking trip. I may be daring at times, but it’s never consistent.  But just like any challenges, the first step is always the hardest…and sometimes, it’s all what it takes!

August: Mayon, Magayon

If there’s one place in the country that I have been dying to see ever since I was a kid, it’s the famous Mayon Volcano . I first failed seeing her last January when I had to cancel my trip for some reasons. Again I to wait for another chance of a seat sale -  and the wait was all worth it.

September: My Tanging Ina

September is mother’s birthday month…and it’s another travel celebration for the family. Papa didn’t join us this time, but J did. We went to Puerto Princesa to visit the Underground River before it made it to the new 7 Wonders of Nature. It was also our baptism to snorkeling.

Before our amazing trip to Palawan, I had perhaps the worst climb experience for this year - the disheartening climb to Mt. Pico de Loro…

October: Boracay and the flood

I may not seen the famous Boracay the way it should be, at least I’ve experienced it differently – in the midst of the typhoon and the aftermath flood – and the sweet consolation that I travelled for the first time with my college friends – made my first Boracay trip worth remembering.

November: Trip and trek

The most awaited time of the year. I always look forward to this month as it never fails to remind me that I’m alive and I’m growing… old. Haha. And celebrating it on the third highest mountain in the country was something very extraordinary – well, almost – as we didn’t make it to the summit of Mt. Pulag, but staying in the camping grounds with almost less than 15 degrees, was but another survival of the fittest. Also, the quick visit to the summer capital of the Philippines, after 12 long years was like a sweet prize for my wandering spirit.

December:  

To end a year with a travel with the love of your life is nothing but the sweetest. Much more if it happened in one of the coldest place in the country. Together with friends, J and I celebrated four years of love, friendship and commitment in the mountains of Batad and the waterfalls of Tappiya.

***** 

Indeed, it was a rewarding year of 2011. Such an achievement for a regular office worker who works eight hours a day, five days a week… with 12 vacation leaves … and a decent monthly salary. Haha. But seriously speaking, this wasn’t the greatest triumph I had last year. Because what I considered a lifetime accomplishment that transpired in 2011, didn’t happen outside the country nor out of town… it took place in a small and messy part of someone else’s apartment.

In a traditional culture such as ours, it is almost a requirement for women to know how to cook. When I was younger, mom would always tease ‘panu ka mag-aasawa, di ka marunong magluto..’ Well, not anymore Ma. Haha.

August of last year, I learned the most crazy thing I never thought I’d ever learn in my life. Cooking! Haha. Just the thought of it makes me feel uncomfortable. I’d always say, theoretically, I know how to cook chicken or pork…but I cannot put it in action, because I think, I can’t do it or maybe I’m just lazy. But how did I actually learn to cook?

It was one simple day when J and I had a fight. I started it as usual. Haha. To pacify his mood, I always tend to do or give him something in surprise. In four years, and thousand fights, I ran out of my sweet antiques. Then a very bizarre idea came to my mind. Uhmm… I sneaked into his tiny kitchen and cooked chicken adobo – (again, theoretically I know the procedure how to cook this but I just never had the chance to put it into action...so just to be sure I won’t make a fool of myself, I asked for Google for some help… )

…at imbes na toyo, patis ang una kong nailagay sa kawali.. ahahaha!

(photo taken from a mobile phone)

After successfully cooking the adobo… it rained… very hard… Perhaps the angels were just so happy about my newly discovered talent (or maybe the other way around…Haha…)

I then texted my parents about it, and the reason why I was able to do it. Sabi ni mother, sana mag away pa kayo para mas marami ka pang maluto. Tsk. Tsk.

From then on, little by little… day after day… I started to like it, and cooked some more. For a time, I’d always volunteer to cook for him during my off to practice what I already knew… and discover more from it.

I still can't compete even with junior master chefs, but as long as J is satisfied with my cooking and doesn’t complain much about it… I’m the happiest… I remember him praying one Sunday meal ‘Thank you Lord sa masarap luto ni love, at sa love nya sa pagluluto…’ Aaayyy… After all, the best way to a man’s heart…

***** 

I can’t dare end this article without thanking few friends who supported me in this ordeal (ordeal talaga..) Dolly, my food advisor, for all the suggestion and cooking tips, for educating me about cooking, for the inspiration and encouragement. Dada, for introducing me the baby potato with bacon. Haha. (I learned to mix it with mushrooms and cheese and ground pork. The very next thing I learned after adobo. ) To my other friends who never fails to appreciate my food haha – thanks for all the support guys.. And of course, to my food consultant  and taste master, J … salamat sa pagpapagamit ng kusina, seven months lang tuloy inabot ang gasul mo… Haha…love!love!love! ... (Looking forward 2012...!)