MT. TALAMITAM: The BACKPACKERS 2015 Kick Off Climb

MT. TALAMITAM

The BACKPACKERS 2015 Kick Off Climb

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

This activity happened while all the Filipino in the whole country were rejoicing because of the Papal Visit. And we in the Group thought that this activity would be our expression of happiness because of the same reason. Eight BPs (The BACKPACKERS Members) and 19 Guests climbed Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas on January 17 and 18. What made this activity more significant? The fact that this is the Group's kick off climb for the year 2015.

From left to right starting at the front row: Maine, Bev, Ghei, Mau, Heinz, York, Ann, Isabel, Bianca, Luisa, Faith, Nickson, Leah, Boss J, Red, Chat, Rhenn, Shari, Mark, Aaron, Jaimesz, Jeng, Rexie, Ramon, Jimmalyn, Shame, and Emma.

Residencia de Riego

AN UNEXPECTED ESCAPE 
@ RESIDENCIA DE RIEGO

There were so many things going on with the group during the first half of the month - birthday surprises and celebrations, basketball games and unlimited sessions in the metropolis. Despite these, we still managed to plan and execute an event for the love month - beachineering in Batangas.

Five BACKPACKERS went on this relaxing trip - 
Angel Cawaling, Anna Aujero, Marion Macapagal, Heinz Alvarez Jr and Ivan Laurence Ignacio

Top 10 Adventures of 2013

THE BACKPACKERS' TOP TEN ADVENTURES OF 2013

                         
10    MARINDUQUE ESCAPADE

Four BP Girls explored the heart of the Philippines - Marinduque. Hitting the beautiful beaches, island hopping, resort bumming and a little bit of caving were the sweetest escape for the girls.

Mt. Maculot 2013

A Redemption Climb. BP Ivan and BP York's Birthday Climb 
 A Pre-Climb for Mt. Apo Climbers.

Mt. Maculot

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

The BACKPACKERS' Mt. Maculot Climb on February 2 and 3, 2013, was an important activity for the Group because of three main reasons. First, it was the Group's redemption climb after being actually lost in the wilds and slopes during its first attempt to invade the said mountain two years ago. Second, it was the Group's avenue for the BP Lead Ivan and BP York's birthday celebration. And, last but certainly not the least important, it was a preparatory climb for BP members who will climb the highest point in the Philippine archipelago, Mt. Apo, on February 15 to 17 this very year.

Mt. Daguldol

The BACKPACKERS 

Year Starter Climb 

in Mt. Daguldol

by Ivan Ignacio

Eleven BACKPACKERS and five guests kicked off the start of 2013 with the group's adventure at Mt. Daguldol in the coastal town of San Juan, Batangas. Mt. Daguldol is known as one of the mountains near Manila that offers a wide selection of scenic viewpoints from its grassland peaks. This mountain is even included in one tourism site's Top Ten Must Climb Mountains in the Philippines joining the ranks of Mt. Pulag, Pico de Loro and Apo. When the group climbed this mountain last weekend, we definitely agreed that it is truly deserving of these praises as our expectations were satisfied by the wonderful vistas on its peaks.

Mt. Batulao Traverse

I was not able to join the Group when they climbed it for the first time in 2011. Because of that, and though I was aware of an accident that happened to a first-time hiker, who fell to her death attributed to human error, I was very excited and was looking forward to a memorable year-ender climb in a mountain where scenic views of Batangas could be seen - Mt. Batulao.

And yes, with The BACKPACKERS' Way in mind, that is individual sense of responsibility to personal and co-members' safety, we were able to seal the Group's mountaineering activities for 2012 safely and with pride.

The BACKPACKERS Year-Ender Climb

Mt. Batulao Traverse

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

December 29, 2012 - It was an intermittently gloomy Saturday past noon in Metro Manila and it actually drizzled when the Group was waiting to be boarded on a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. Because it was two days before the new year's eve, that terminal along Taft Avenue in Pasay City, for Genesis and BSC buses and jeepneys, was crowded and lines of passengers hurrying to go home to the South were literally lengthy. As a matter of fact, it took almost an hour before we found ourselves finally climbing a BSC bus! But it was totally fine because our Lead, Ivan Ignacio, had already briefed us ahead of time that it was going to be a night trek for us. We were eight in the group namely BPs Liz, Chons, Heinz, York, Resty and Ivan; and guests Wilson Galapon and Alva Zarte Nombrado.

Bonifacio Day Long Weekend

So where were you this long weekend?

BP Jovy attended a wedding this long weekend

The BACKPACKERS had no slated event for the long weekend covering Bonifacio Day but it did not mean that it will stop them from individually enjoying the holiday. Ever since the President started altering holiday celebrations in the Philippines so that it can be moved close to a Saturday or Sunday, long weekend holidays became a thing everyone's excited for. But since Bonifacio Day fell exactly on a Friday, we did not need to wait for any long weekend announcements to start planning on an adventure.

So where did The BACKPACKERS go this most recent long weekend?

Punta Malabrigo Beach Resort

Brgy. Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas

Relaxing in A Stony Shore

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

As part of the plan, the group proceeded to Punta Malabrigo Beach Resort to have a relaxing side trip after a good climb in Mt. Banoi.

We left the jump-off point in two batches as we had Tami (Wilson’s L300), which transported members of The BACKPACKERS (BPs); and our hired van, which carried our guests and few BPs.

It was a 30 – 45 minutes travel from Sitio Malabnig of Brgy. Balabat to Brgy. Malabrigo, Lobo Batangas. Because of that, most of us opted to sleep to replenish lost energy on the way to the resort. The first group had to stop over King's Eatery at the side of the Plaza to buy our late lunch at the resort. The owner of the eatery was very accommodating and friendly to us and we recommend that you to check out that small eatery when you get to visit this town.

Mt. Banoi

A BUCOLIC AND BEAUTIFUL BANOI

Mt. Banoi Climb

Lobo, Batangas

September 22-23, 2012

by: Ivan Ignacio

The BACKPACKERS had been to several towns in Batangas; Nasugbu, Sto. Tomas, Cuenca, Batangas City en route to Puerto Galera, and Mabini. Being blessed with several majestic hiking destinations paralleled with its proximity to the metropolis, Batangas has been a favorite target. But there's a specific town in Batangas that nobody thought existed: Lobo, Batangas. Nestled on its ranges is Mt. Banoi - a nice and easy minor climb in the vicinity. What made this trip to the edge of Batangas province memorable is the fact that it was everybody's first time in the town, not to mention it was also everyone's first climb in Mt. Banoi.

Mt. Pico de Loro Traverse

Mt. Pico de Loro has always been special to me. It is the mountain that opened my interest towards mountaineering. Its amazing campsite view deck and breathtaking 360 degree summit view are responsible for inspiring me to explore the beauty of other mountain's summits and peaks. Since then I became an active mountain climber. I have climbed and will be climbing several new mountain peaks but I vowed to visit Mt. Pico de Loro at least once a year. This promise is to remind me of those days when I was just a mere guest who was beginning to appreciate the sport. And being true to the pact I made with Mt. Pico de Loro, to date, I have paid it a visit of six times in four years. Each visit was special.

It was also Mt. Pico de Loro that triggered the passion for mountain climbing in some of The BACKPACKERS. I introduced five friends to this peak in 2010. Soon after, we became a group who vowed to climb at least once a month. The group easily became close and treated each one a family. The family grew bigger. And the rest is history.

September of the year 2012, I invited The BACKPACKERS to conquer the Parrot's Beak again. BPs Tin and Weng easily responded to the invitation for they haven't been to this mountain. Both were actually looking forward in such invitation. We were joined by BP Angel and Wilson, both would be conquering Mt. Pico de Loro for the second time.

This Mt. Pico de Loro trip is unique for three reasons. First, this is the first time I'm trying its traverse trail from Ternate, Cavite to Nasugbu, Batangas. It can be considered as one of the most grueling Mt. Pico de Loro trek for it's the first time I won't be spending a night in its campsite, thus making it a dayhike traverse. The last unexpected reason it's memorable is because of the presence of a dog who voluntarily guided and bonded with us for ten hours during this daytrip.

The Sixth Companion

A Mt. Pico de Loro Dayhike Traverse story

by: Ivan Ignacio

Backpacker Ivan and the unexpected companion

Mt. Talamitam

It was the second month in a row that The BACKPACKERS visited Batangas, a nearby province blessed with several impressive mountains. Nestled in the town of Nasugbu is Mt. Talamitam - a mountain no stranger to many of us as we have seen it when we visited its sister mountain Mt. Batulao a year ago. We have conquered several mountains to date but each new mountain that we encounter does not fail to impress us in its own unique way. Backpacker Anna said it best when she posted this on her facebook wall after a successful Mt. Talamitam climb:

BP Anna at Mt. Talamitam summit

The mountains indeed have their own unique beauty. And that makes them incomparable to each other. ~BP Anna

Aside from the breathtaking landscapes, you will get your unique experience from the people that you climb with, the unexpected challenging encounters and the beauty offered to you by the destination during the time that you step on it. These are some of the reasons why it is very difficult to replicate a climb so one should always make the most out of it.

Sombrero Island

Mt. Gulugod Baboy 2012 revisit

Our guests appreciated what they saw and experienced on top of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Expectations were met. Everyone was welcomed by the picturesque view of the blue sea bordered with verdant hills below and with the clear skies above seen on daytime. The cold breeze that kissed while the skies turned tangerine on late afternoon was indeed very relaxing. And, the Socials that night was made more inviting (and absolutely more romantic for those couples in the climb) because of the canopy of stars overhead and the tiny twinkling lights from the towns below which served as a lovely backdrop. No doubt, Mt. Gulugod Baboy always deserves revisits.



On with the next adventure in Mabini, Batangas: Sombrero Island!

Hat shaped when viewed from afar, thus the name Sombrero Island...
Sombrero Island is a small but very beautiful island along the coast of Mabini, Batangas

Mt. Gulugod Baboy 2012

December of 2010 when a group of friends decided to conquer a mountain: Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Most of them had mountain climbing experience but many did not expect that the beauty of the sport will allure them in craving for more. Thus, the start of The BACKPACKER's commitment in discovering the beauty of nature and targeting at least one climb per month. 

Since then, this group of friends found themselves wandering in many mountains, beaches, islands and caves. And along the way, they were joined by several others who shared the same passion and took the same commitment. The family started to grow. Several months have passed and their bond became stronger. They walked on several trails with eyes feasting on majestic landscapes. Come June of 2012, after several summits, they have decided to revisit that mountain which technically started it all, Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

Mt. Manabu

Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Jump-off point: Sulok, Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sto. Tomas
LLA: 13.9777°, 121.2413°, 760 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Climbing Up the Manabu Peak:

The BACKPACKERS Went "Dirty"

December 21 and 22, 2011 marked The BACKPACKERS' year-ender climb. Needless to say, it was the  Group's Christmas Climb and to celebrate the true meaning of the season, a gift-giving to the mountain's famed keeper, Tatay Perying, was included in the itinerary. The goal was to reach one of the peaks of the Malipunyo mountain range- the Manabu Peak. It was supposedly an easy two- hour climb turned "major" because of some factors that you will find out in the following write-up. As you read on, know why we said we went "dirty" during this climb, which sealed our "Calendar of Adventures 2011".

Here is the story from The BP Lead himself, Ivan Ignacio.

The view seen from the Manabu Peak.

Mt. Maculot

Cuenca, Batangas
Jump-off point: Brgy. Poblacion, Cuenca
LLA: 13°55'15"N; 121°2'30"E; 706 MASL
Days required / Hours to Rockies: Half day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-maculot-685.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Ralph Flores

Guest:
Angel Cawaling
Mon Sarmiento 
Weng Topasi


On June 16 and 17, The Backpackers experienced the most exacting course they had to face as a group.

All-strengths was tested...
Challenged by a death-defying trail...
Lost and arrived at an emergency camp...

But after that event, the Group was proven to be SOLID!   
With members believing in the "survivor spirit" within -  

So Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally STRONG.   

And They Readied for this...

Mt. Maculot: The REDEMPTION

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

Mt. Maculot

Cuenca, Batangas
Jump-off point: Brgy. Poblaction, Cuenca
LLA: 13°55'15"N; 121°2'30"E; 706 MASL
Days required / Hours to Rockies: Half day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-maculot-685.html)


The Backpackers:
Conts Cirujales
Jovy Duremdes
Liz Honrade
Deepee Piano
Frank Aguilar
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr. 
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Ralph FloresYork Advento
Len Tomas


Guests:
Angel Cawaling
Marion Macapagal
Weng Topasi
Mark 
Andie Yardan



The BACKPACKERS: 
Proven SOLID After Mt. Macu-LOST
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) was moved to a later time. Shopping for climb food took  a longer time. Some BP members arrived late at the JAM Bus Terminal in Cubao. Those delays happened definitely due to valid reasons. However, though many different things were delayed that day, the group still looked forward to reaching the peak of a mountain in Cuenca, Batangas. A mountain very known to local climbers as Mt. Maculot. 

From left: Andie, Dee Pee, Contz, York, Len, Heinz, Jovy, Mark, Marion, Liz, Weng, Angel, Ralp, and Ivan.

Each mountain that we had climbed in the past varied on the challenges they offered. But this Mt. Maculot Climb outlasted them in terms of the difficulties that we encountered and the all-kinds-of-challenges that we had to go through.

Mt. Batulao

Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-batulao-811.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Len Tomas
Ralph Flores
York Advento
Frank Aguilar
Pam Bautista
Jovy Duremdes
Contz Cirujales

Mt. Batulao: A Twin Peaks Adventure
Letters from: Ralph Flores and Contz Cirujales
Photo Selection and Captioning by: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

The fascinating Mt. Batulao.

**********
The ITINERARY

DAY ONE – January 22

8:00 AM - ETD Baclaran

10:30 AM - ETA Tagaytay Market
11:30 AM - ETD Tagaytay Market
12:15 PM - ETA Evercrest. Jumpoff point.
12:30 PM - Start Trek
2:00 PM - Arrival at Wilson’s kubo. Photo ops
3:00 PM - Continue Trek via New Trail
4:30 PM - ETA Campsite (Peak 8)
Set up camp. Rest
5:30 PM - Prepare dinner
7:00 PM - Dinner
8:00 PM - Socials
12:00 AM - Lights Out

DAY TWO – January 23

6:00 AM - Sunrise viewing
7:00 AM - Assault to Summit
7:40 AM - Summit. Marvel at the view. Photo ops
10:00 AM - Go back to campsite
11:00 AM - Quick Lunch
12:00 PM - Descent
2:00 PM - Back at Evercrest
3:00 PM - Gubat Beach Resort
6:00 PM - Departure
9:00 PM - Arrival. Baclaran
**********

Poster by Ivan Ignacio

From The BackPackers 

~ By Ralph Flores

As part of our commitment to have at least one climb per month, the group decided to conquer MT. Batulao, in Nasugbo, Batanggas. It was an easier climb compared to our first (Mt.Pico de Loro) and almost the same as our second one (Mt.Gulugod Baboy) coz we are able to witness the beauty of the place on our way to the campsite and to the summit. And the rest of the trek can be described with the following: Bruno Mars-ie. Early dispatch. New found friends. Lecel. Chai. Mommy Ems & Daniel. Tagaytay Market. Hot Bulalo. Frank's new DSLR. Marben & the other Porters. Horses, horses and more HORSES. Start of trek. Long walk. Buko Juice. Halo-halo. Peak 1-8. Peak 7-Campsite. My new tent. Summit-summit-an. Solo pics. Pam's Menudo. Rice-ala-chicken food. Ivan's Ensalada. Socials. 3 Cosack Vodka + 1 Grand Matador = Gulong pababa at pagtatawag ng uwak. Zombie. Len's hair.

Chillin' morning. Headache. Hangover. Our way to the Summit. York's turn comes in 3s. Group Pics. Jovy's checks. Solo pics sa Batuhan. Conts' slide. Jump Shots. Daniel's porter. Long walk again. Gubat-Gubat resort. Cold Swimming pool. Lecel's Vegetable salad (wow). Interview portion. Late dinner in KFC. --- Can't wait for the next climb in February. CONGRATULATIONS UNSTOPPABLE BACKPACKERS FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CLIMB!!! oO,)rockenroll Jan. 22-23,2011

~ By Contz Cirujales

Sa itaas ng bundok ng Mt. Batulao, may isang lalakeng nag tanong kung tama ba o mali na tanggapin niya pa ang taong mahal niya. Hindi sinagot ng mga taong tinanong niya. Kaya umepal ako at sinagot ko ang tanong niya ng ilan pang mga tanong. Hind ko nasagot ng maayos sa itaas kaya heto ang kabuuan ng sagot ko.

Hindi mo dapat tinatanong kung tama o  mali kung tatanggapin mo siya muli, instead you should be thinking of how are you going to define yourself after making the decision. Anu na ba ang magiging tingin mo sa sarili mo pagkatapos mo saying tanggapin muli?Magiging sino ka na ba kung pakakawalan mo na siya. Is the decision going to make you worst? is it going to make you a better person?Because how you look at yourself would determine how you live your life everyday. When you wake up in the morning how are you going to keep yourself moving with or without her.

Sana nakinig siya…. 

Photos show it all

The Backpackers: Ralph, York , Pam, Frank, Len, Jovy, Contz and Ivan; and a guest climber.

The Backpackers' very own Masculados.

Mt. Batulao... explored!!!

Mt. Gulugod Baboy 2010

Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini
LLA: 13°42'55"N; 120°53'43"E; 525 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-gulugod-baboy-525.html)


The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Len Tomas
Liz Honrade
Ralph Flores
York Advento
Frank Aguilar
Jovy Duremdes
Contz Cirujales
Deepee Piano


Organized by our guest:
Pam Bautista
Ariel Arellano


Mt. Gulugod Baboy: Invading The Swine Spine
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

December 11 and 12, 2010- Team Ariel reached the height, loved the sight, enjoyed the breeze, and invaded Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

A view of the Peninsula taken from the campsite of Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

Boys along the mountain's spine- York, Me (Heinz) and Relph.