PULAG HOLYWEEK CLIMB AMBAGUIO VIA LUSOD TRAIL
April 2-4, 2010
Bulusok Mountaineers

DAY 0
10PM – ETD BAGUIO TO AMBAGUIO

DAY 1
4AM – ETA AMBAGUIO, NUEVA VIZCAYA
    BREAKFAST, PACK LUNCH
7AM – ETD NAPO (FIRST CAMP SITE)
    WHOLE DAY TREK
    LUNCH ALONG TRAIL
6PM – 7PM – ETA NAPO CAMP SITE
    PITCH TENT, COOK DINNER, SOCIALS

DAY 2
5AM – COOK BREAKFAST, PACK LUNCH
    BREAK CAMP
7AM – ETD NAPO CAMP SITE TO GRASSLAND
    LUNCH ALONG TRAIL
5PM – ETA PULAG GRASSLAND CAMP SITE (CAMP 2) OR SA LIKOD NG TOWER
    PITCH TENT, COOK DINNER, SOCIALS

DAY 3
4AM – TREK TO SUMMIT
5:30AM – ETA SUMMIT, SUNRISE VIEWING
7AM – BACK TO CAMPSITE
8:30AM – ETA CAMPSITE, BREAKFAST
    BREAKCAMP
9:30AM – ETD BABADAK, RANGER STATION
11:30 AM – ETA RANGER STATION
    COOK LUNCH, TIDY UP
1:00PM – ETD DENR
2PM – ETA DENR, REGISTER
2:30PM – ETD BAGUIO
7PM – ETA BAGUIO CITY

1,600 – CLIMB FEE ( BAGUIO TO AMBAGUIO TRANSPO, BABADAK TO BAGUIO TRANSPO,
ENTRANCE FEE, GUIDESHIP)
*500.OO – CONTINGENCY BACK-UP FEE
Madami water source kaya wla problem sa tubig.

Cris David - Bulusok Mountaineer
09154331631
cris.david@toyotabaguio.com

C27 outdoor shop located @ STALL C-27 Cartimar ,PASAY CITY

For inquiries call/text 
Anton Aquino
0916 5726748

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Itinerary
Day 1
0700       Assembly SPi
0730       ETD for Batangas City, take jeep or trike to Philpan
1100       ETA Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Batangas
1130       Start trek through paved road
1200       End of paved road, start trek through forest
1330       ETA Camp site, pitch tent
1400       Explore area, summit
1700       Prepare Dinner
1800       Dinner then socials
2200       Lights out

Day 2
0500       Wake up call, sunrise viewing at the summit
0700       Breakfast
0800       Breakcamp
0900       Descend
1200       ETA Resort, swim, clean-up
1400       ETD for Batangas
1430       ETD for Manila

 

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Mt. Talamitam
February 6, 2010:

I've been actively climbing w/ a new set of friends recently who like me, don't have permanent affiliations w/ any mountaineering group. Freelance climbers, that's what we are. Having affinity for the same kind of activities it was inevitable that a group be formed, the Organization of Solo Mountaineers aka OrgaSM as coined by our Founder and President Rosetti, and this was our first climb carrying the group’s name.

This time around we were joined by 2 new additions to our roster, Aze (this was her first foray into climbing) and Deo (friend of Lotis). Of course the usual faces were there: Siege, Glow, Bino, Lotis, and Setti.

Mt. Talamitam is one of the mountains flagged for its alarming degradation brought about by the lack of awareness and concern (?) of the locals. “Kaingin” or slash-and-burn farming has always been the standard practice in this area, particularly on the slopes leading to the summit of Talamitam and has considerably contributed to the denudation of this mountain and surrounding foothills. It saddens me to see that in this return climb not much has improved, in fact it even worsened. My only consolation was being able to once again share this experience with like-minded friends.

The climb was easier than I remembered it to be; owing it probably to the highway-like wide trail that now leads to the foot of the summit. The weather was perfect for climbing; we received adequate cloud cover upon our ascent and were rewarded by the 360 degree view from the summit. After a brief lunch and rest we decided to descend and head back to Sitio Bayabasan.

Just when we thought the adventure was over we found ourselves waylaid on the way back. By mistake we took a right on an obscure fork when we should’ve gone left. This led to some confusing backtracking until we observed our sweeper group on the upper ridge north of our position. We knew where we need to be but how do we get there w/o unnecessarily tiring ourselves by climbing our way back on the ridge?

We found a trail south of our position but unless we backtrack up we would need to traverse the gully in front of us and contend with rocks and brambles. It seemed traversing would take less time and effort and so we did. Fortunately enough when we got to the trail we saw a local woman who pointed us to the right direction. The trail led us to the banks of the stream that feeds the local settlement. We realized though that we were at the wrong bank and the concrete bridge that fords this stream (which our sweeper group was crossing at that very moment) was beyond our reach from where we were.

We found a suitable spot to cross downstream. The current was swift and strong but we were able to safely cross (by skipping and jumping on boulders) and get ourselves back on the main trail to rest and clean up at Sir Nicky Wijangco’s house (the man's advocacy is the preservation of Mt. Talamitam). As planned we went to Tagaytay for dinner at a restaurant I fondly call Byulalo (see weekend road trip entry) where we met up with Ayisha who was in the area (unfortunately she had to sit this climb out). After a hearty dinner of bulalo (3 servings), chopsuey (2 servings), and tawilis (4 servings) we decided to call it a day and head on home. On the bus, everyone slept soundly as Lotis gave Ayisha an unabridged version of the day’s events. We arrived at the Pasay bus terminal a couple of hours later and parted ways at the MRT.

As I was walking from the Ayala station to my office (along dela Rosa near MMC) I was once again caught up in the solitude of my thoughts; pondering on the events of the day, the plight of Mt. Talamitam, and the reasons for why I climb (all the while searching for a vendo machine to get an ice cold Coke). For the most part, I admit, I climb for selfish reasons. Climbing lets me feel a sense of fulfilment; it makes me appreciate the little everyday things that I take for granted, like a glass of cool water, trees, or even waking up every morning to a new day. Each climb makes me feel alive and helps me reflect on how I’ve lived (or squandered) this life. And having my friends along to share these experiences is a bonus. For these reasons, I apologize for my selfishness.

It’s nearly Monday, you know what that means... just five days to go until my next climb!

Arwin Mathew

CARAMOAN Fever
with CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex)

Holy week 2010

Photo credits: Joji Evangelista

Tour date: April 1-3, 2010
(Wednesday night departure)
ALL-IN Tour Package only:  P7,150/pax!!!

Target slots:  25

Reservation downpayment:  Php 2,000.00/pax
Reservation deadline:  March 19, 2010
Full payment deadline:  March 25, 2010

Tour package includes:
 * Service of tour coordinator
 * Service of local guides
 * Roundtrip air-con van/bus transfers (Manila - Sabang Port - Manila)
 * Roundtrip boat transfers (Sabang Port - Guijalo Port - Sabang Port)
 * Roundtrip jeepney transfers (Guijalo Port - Resort - Guijalo Port)
 * Hotel accommodations - Rodriguez Resort (*Group sharing)
 * Upgraded Meals - 3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinner (*Dinner on the last day is not included)
  Sample meals: Fresh seafood, vegetables, Bicol food
 * Caramoan Island hopping and boat rental (please see itinerary)
 * Permit and entrance fees

Caramoan Itinerary:
Wednesday night
8:30pm    Assembly at McDonald's along Quezon Ave. cor. West 4th St., beside Red Ribbon, near West Triangle, infront of National Bookstore
9:00pm    Departure from Manila

*Travel at night and get enough rest for the day ahead.

Thursday
6:00am    Arrival Naga City
    Breakfast
6:30am    Departure Naga City to Sabang Port
8:30am    Arrival Sabang Port
9:00am    Departure Sabang Port to Guijalo Port (Caramoan)
11:00am    Arrival Guijalo port
11:10am    Departure Guijalo to Caramoan Town
11:40am    ETA - Paniman Bay, Caramoan
    Check-in at Rodriguez Resort
12:30nn    Lunch
1:30pm    Start of Island hopping:
    Matukad island
    Lahus island
    Honogan bay
    Umang cave
6:00pm    Back to Paniman bay
7:00pm    Back at the hotel to freshen up
7:30pm    Dinner
8:30pm onwards Free time

Friday
5:30am    Breakfast
7:00am    Departure by boat to Tabgon
8:00am    Arrival Tabgon port
    Lady of Peace statue (situated at the top of Mt. Caglago)
    -amazing view of panoramic Caramoan penisula
10:00am    Depart for Manlawi island
    -a mile of sand bar which is breathtaking during low tide
11:30am    Arrival Manlawi island
12:00nn Lunch on the island (packed lunch)
12:30pm    Swimming, snorkeling (bring your own equipments)
3:30pm    Depart for Basud island
4:00pm    Arrival Basud island and Cotivas island
4:30pm    Swim, snorkel, explore the sea, etc.
5:30pm    Depart for Paniman bay
6:30pm    Back to Paniman bay
7:00pm    Back at the hotel to freshen up
7:30pm    Dinner
8:30pm onwards Free time

Saturday
6:30am    Breakfast
7:30am    Departure Guijalo Port to Sabang Port
9:30am    Arrival Sabang Port
    Departure Sabang Port to Naga City
11:00am    Arrival Naga City
11:20nn    Lunch at Graceland
12:30nn    Travel to CamSur Watersports Complex
    Freetime at CWC
    CWC Activities (*On pax account)
3:00pm    Departure Naga City to Manila
7:00pm    Dinner along the way (*On pax account)

ETA Manila:  Past midnight
Drop-off point:  Same as assembly place

Limited slots available. Book your slots now!

For reservation details, please click:
http://traveladvocate.multiply.com/journal/item/3


For more info, feel free to call us:
412-7384
741-9187
0917-5011884
0917-4249629

Or email us at:
advocate.tours@gmail.com

MADMAN ADVENTURE QUEST (Feb. 11-12, 10)

MADLUM-MANALMON ADVENTURE QUEST

OVERVIEW:

Madlum is located in the historical and rustic San Miguel, Bulacan.

Madlum Extreme Adventure Quest is multi-faceted outdoor activity. The program aims to offer the participants wilderness appreciation and exploration and skills enhancement by maximizing all available outdoor experiences in the area – from waters to underground to high grounds and anything in between.

Activities to expect, but not limited to, are hiking, caving, rock scrambling, camping, river crossing, rappelling, cable traverse, and swimming.

Upon arriving at the jump-off, you will be greeted and surely be amazed by the quiet but never underestimated Madlum River. From here, we will be gearing up for our first undertaking. Armed only with a source of light, trail water, and maybe a camera we will partake in an awe-inspiring spelunking (caving) activity that will examine one’s fear of the unknown – the underground world. With a little squirming and crawling about we will get the chance to see the different parts of the Bayukbok Cave. We will literally be down-to-earth people. In contrast to going in, we will be scrambling and rock climbing on our way out. After some rests, we will carry our packs and hike thru the woodlands (with the river on our left) then trek up to conquer the peak of Mt. Manalmon – the twin mountain of Mt. Gola, also in the area. There we will set camp and cook our own menu. In the early morning you may get to chance upon an above-the-cloud experience. Have your breathtaking picture taken on the peak or on the boulder at its side. The sight is 360 degrees with the Sierra Madre mountain range in the background. Madlum River can also be seen below dividing the two abovementioned mountains. On the way down we will be going the same route as going up. But upon reaching the river, we will be wading to cross its knee to waist-high deep rushing waters. Then we will go over – and maybe under – some large limestone boulders on the way to Madlum Cave. After this cave you will challenge yourself for an exhilarating rappel. Using rope and some equipment you will rappel (slide down) from the top of Madlum Cave to some 60 feet high vertical rock face below. This is a chance to overcome personal limits for some and to upgrade ones skills for others. After all the strenuous undertakings, it will now be the time for a refreshing river swimming. But wait, as a thrilling way of plunging to the river your guts will be dared to cross the cable bridge hanging across the river. Maybe by peer pressure or personal conviction, in the middle of the traverse you will be appealed to jump into the river 20feet below. Some fun, huh?

The Madlum Extreme Adventure Quest is an adventure-filled and satisfaction-guaranteed outdoor activity ideal for novice and experienced adventurers alike.

:mcg

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Thursday)
6:00a - Assembly time in Edsa-Cubao (exact place to be announced)
6:30 - ETD for San Miguel, Bulacan (Bus fare P110 approx)
9:30 - ETA San Miguel; Trike to Madlum (P50 each approx)
10:00 - ETA Madlum; rest; light snack; local registration; briefing; Prep for caving
10:30 - Caving
12:30p - Lunch (packed)
1:30 - Hike to Mt. Manalmon
4:30 - ETA Campsite; Fix camp; explore peak; kodakan
6:00 - Prepare Dinner
7:00 - Dinner
8:00 - Free Time; Socials

Day 2 (Friday)
5:00a - Wake-up call; Watch sunrise; Breakfast; Break camp
7:30 - Start descent
10:00 - ETA Madlum cave / Madlum training center; rest; snack
10:15 - Rappelling
1:00p - Lunch
2:00 - Cable Traverse and Swimming
4:00 - Wash up
4:30 - ETD for Manila


WHAT TO BRING:
- Camping eqpt. (tent, sleeping gear, stove and cook set)
- Clothes
- Packed lunch, food/snacks (meals to be prepared/cooked will be for dinner, breakfast, and lunch)
- Min. 4L water per person for cooking and drinking
- Lights (preferably headlamp) for caving
- Appropriate footwear (no slippers pls.)
- Personal effects: medicines, toiletries, off-lotion, sunblock
- Optionals: helmet, gloves, knee pads, camera (preferable)
- PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)


INVESTMENT: Php600
Inclusions:
1. Guide fee
2. Local fee
3. Rappelling equipment rentals
Exclusions:
1. Tranportation: (approximations only)
P220 Bus Cubao-San Miguel-Cubao
P100 Tricycle San Miguel-Madlum-San Miguel
2. Meals (dependent on the group’s meal plan)
3. Your group’s and individual’s logistics (dependent on you)
4. Personal equipment



REGISTRATION POLICY:
1. “Register to confirm" and "First reg.-first serve" policy.
2. Registration fee is non-refundable but transferable and effective on the set date/s only.
3. Date/s set are final.
4. No on-site registration.
5. To register, please deposit your payment at BPI-Family Bank Account Name: Marc C. Gaña Account No.: 5346190789, inform me immediately if payment has been made, and present deposit slip on the activity date.




For more info feel free to contact me anytime thru:


MARC C. GAÑA
09215393318

Mega SARAP Adventure (Spelunking And RAPpelling Adventure) 
Mar 6-7, 10 Feb 4, '10

Start: Mar 6, '10
End: Mar 7, '10
Location: Wawa, Montalban, Rizal

What: Mega SARAP Adventure (Spelunking And RAPpelling Adventure)
When: March 6-7, 2010
Where: Montalban, Rizal
Skill requirement: previous rappelling experience an advantage.


ADVENTURE’s FEATURES:
- Rappelling, rappelling, and rappelling
- Historical place
- Trek
- Hanging bridge
- Limestone gorge and boulders
- Spelunking
- River crossing
- Swimming
- Cliff Jumping (very optional)
- Dam site
- Bernardo Carpio’s Nag-uumpugang Bato legend
- Sierra Madre
- Photoshoot
- New friends and great memories
- not to mention, scaring yourselves half-to-death


ITINERARY

Day 1
6:00a - Assembly at Jollibee Farmers, Cubao (below MRT station)
6:30 - ETD for Montalban
8:00 - ETA in Wawa; Register; Rest
8:30 - Start trek, cross river via hanging bridge
10:00 - ETA Bat Cave entrance; Practice Rappel
12:00p - Spelunking (Chamber 2)
12:30 - Pitch Camp; Lunch; Rest
1:30 - Spelunking (Chamber 1); Hike to jump site
2:30 - Rappelling (45m high approx) into the Bat Cave
(Rappel scenario: about 10m with wall the rest is hanging, twilight zone, with bats flying everywhere and around you)
4:30 - Rappelling ends; Hike back to cave camp
5:00 - ETA cave camp; rest; prepare dinner
7:00 - Dinner
8:00 - Socials

Day 2
5:00a – Breakfast; Break camp
7:00 – Cave out; Hike to El Torre (The Tower)
8:00 – ETA El Torre; Install rappel system
8:30 – Briefing; Rappel proper (Rappel scenario: 2 short rappels with wall about 5m each, then the 45m hanging rappel; all rappels with packs worn)
11:30 – Estimated touch down for the team;
12:00p – Hike back to Barangay (Base Camp)
1:00 – ETA Barangay; rest; Lunch
2:00 - Hike to the dam; photoshoot; swimming; cliff jumping (very optional)
4:00 - Hike back to the base camp; wash up
5:00 - ETD for Cubao


WHAT TO BRING:
- Flashlight, preferably headlamp
- Camping equipment
- Change clothes
- Packed lunch for day 1
- Meal ration
- Trail water
- and lots of “fear factor” spirit


INVESTMENT: PHP600 only
Inclusions: local fees, guides, rappelling equipment rentals
Exclusions: Transpo (P110 Cubao-Wawa-Cubao), food, and personal effects


REGISTRATION POLICY:
1. “Register to confirm" and "First reg.-first serve" policy. NOTE: Limited to ten (10) pax only
2. Registration fee is non-refundable but transferable and effective on the set date/s only.
3. Date/s set are final.
4. No on-site registration.
5. To register, please pay on the pre-climb meeting or deposit your payment at BPI-Family Bank Account Name: Marc C. Gaña Account No.: 5346190789, inform me immediately if payment has been made, and present deposit slip on the activity date.


For more info feel free to contact me anytime thru:

Marc
09215393318

ROCK CLIMBING EQUIPMENTS FOR RENT


EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is for basic rock climbing / top-roping only.
- 1 Kernmantle Rope 11mm x 50m
- 2 Harnesses
- 1 Grigri belay device
- 2 Long slings
- 4 Locking Carabiners (for anchor, harness, grigri and 1 extra)
- Chalk bag with chalk powder

Note: Equipment Marshal/s from my group is/are required to be present on the site.


EXCLUSIONS:
- Rope protector: Rags, earth pads, mats, etc.
- Transportation, all possible registrations, accommodation and meals of the Marshal/s.
- Porterage of the equipment from the assembly place to the site and back. (These shall be carried by the requesting group)
- Rope works from the marshal. Anchoring, belaying, lecture/instructional, and management of the activity shall be done by the requesting body.

Rentals:
- Php4,000.00 only for the above equipment
- Php1,500.00 refundable bond (for equipment damages. In case the worth of the equipment damaged is more the bond, the requesting group will have to replace the equipment or compensate for such amount)
- Rock shoes and climbing helmets are also available for rent.


Care Policies:
- Use the equipment for its intended purpose only.
- Equipment must not be carried separately.
- Equipment should be taken cared of at all times, as they are life-supporting.
- never mishandle any of them.
- never step on nor eat beside the rope. Also watch out for sharp edges where the
rope shall be placed over.
- hardware should never be dropped. Accidental or not, the requesting group has
to replace dropped hardware.

MARC GANA
09215393318