The BACKPACKERS: Mt. Mabilog, Bunga Falls and Underground Cemetery

FIRST TIME - DAY HIKE

(Hirit Sa Tag-Ulan)

It was supposed to be an overnight climb for TheBackpackers event in September but due to the recent typhoon “Mario” that struck the metro which caused fear and concern to the participants, we decided to cancel the overnight event and changed it to a dayhike event. Luckily, the event can be achieved in one day.

According to our President, BP Heinz, this was the first time in our almost four years of existence to conduct a dayhike event. I must say, although cheaper and convenient, I still prefer overnight event whenever I am with TheBackpackers and here is the story on why.

All the participants met at KFC near Gil Puyat LRT Station at exactly 6:00am. There were four (4) BPs who confirmed their intention in joining this event and they are: BPs Heinz, Nickson (myself) and returning from months of absence, BPs Annalyn and Alexi. Joining us for the second time are Ramon and Jimmalyn who were our guest at Mt. Daraitan and lastly, to complete the line-up are the first timers - Siji, Malen, Charmaine and foreign national from Venezuela, Merly.

While waiting for our rented Van, we get to have a small chitchat with the guest and it was known that BP Alexi and guest Ramon knew each other because they previously work in the same company and that guest Siji (BP Heinz’ sister) is actually working already (lol). Upon arrival of the van, we embarked on the journey bound to Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Over two hours of travelling, we finally arrived in our first destination, the jump-off point of Mt. Mabilog in Brgy. Sto. Angel in San Pablo, Laguna. We were again doing a traverse climb (San Pablo City to Nagcarlan, Laguna).

We went straight to the Brgy. Hall of Sto. Angel and had ourselves registered. The Brgy. Hall was distant from the jump-off point that can easily be seen thru signage which states “To Lake Pandin” or “To Lake Yambo”. After last minute of preparation which includes bathroom break in the Brgy. Hall and a prayer, the group began with its Mt. Mabilog climb.

We were assisted by a kid guide from jump-off point to Lake Pandin named Rachel (I hope my spelling is correct). It took us about 15-20minute walk and it was literally a “walk-in-the-park” from the jump-off to Lake Pandin.

Prayer

Start of the trail to Lake Pandin

Coconut trees along the way

View of Lake Pandin upon arrival

Arriving at Lake Pandin

Waiting area at Lake Pandin

Monkey

Located at Brgy. Sto. Nino, Lake Pandin is one of the seven (7) lakes of San Pablo (along with Bunot, Calibato, Yambo, Palakpakin, Muhikap and Sampaloc). Together with Lake Yambo, they are called the “Twin Lakes”. Legend tells that they were both lovers that were cursed and it might have been true because of its positioning in the map. Regardless, its scenery is a must visit in the City of San Pablo.

It was the birthday of our 2^nd time guest, Ramon and while taking some picture from the lake, he invited us for a Halo-Halo treat as celebration of his birthday. It was a good experience sitting in a floating cottage and savoring the view of the lake while talking to new friends. Although, we might enjoyed the cold halo-halo after the climb.

Halo-Halo celebration

BP Annalyn

Guest Siji

Birthday boy Ramon

BP Alexi

At floating balsa at Lake Pandin

Guest (Ramon, Jimma, Malen, and Sharmaine)

After the mini-celebration, we resumed our way to Mt. Mabilog in a traverse route.

Mt. Mabilog is one of the mountains surrounded by San Pablo Laguna's pride, the Seven Lakes. With the height of about 450masl, this mountain would be recommendable even to those who are planning to do mountain climbing for the first time. With its gradual assault , beautiful flora & fauna and non-technical trails, surely a beginner will enjoy this mountain.

Trail going to Mt. Mabilog

BP Nickson

BP Alexi at the trail

Easy hike

A photo to the end group

A photo to the front group

It was an all easy hike for some of the experienced climbers. For BP Alexi and Annalyn, it was considered as their "return to BP climb". However, this two female BP are physically fit for adventure and even on their climbing absence, they still managed to keep the pacing with the group.

We managed to arrived at the summit, which also serves as the campsite for this mountain, at exactly 12:00nn. The campsite was spacious and flat. It is ideal for camping for big groups with alteast at 360 degree view of all the almost all of the seven lakes. The only disadvantage I felt would be the lack of trees. It may sound selfish but it is for purposes only of covering us from the heat of the sun.

Since the event was a dayhike, socials were made while we were resting. I admit that socials conducted in an overnight event is much more enjoyable than having it on a dayhike.

Usual introduction about ourselves happened but what made the mini-socials interesting for this event were because of two (2) things:
1. We were required to observe English Only Policy (EOP) and,
2. A particular guest made a bold move by asking for forgiveness to another guest on a reason that only the two of them knew.

After a short socials, we headed to the middle of the wide summit to have our traditional group photoOps. Here are some of the pictures.

Social circle

Summit view

view of Mt. Cristobal

view of Mt. Banahaw

view of Lake Yambo ang Lake Pandin

Guest Malen

Birthday boy (guest) Ramon

BP Nickson

BP Alexi

Guest Siji

BP Annalyn

Guest Jumpshot!

BP Jumpshot!

Group shot

TheBACKPACKERS and Guest at Mt. Mabilog summit

We arrived at the jump-off point Brgy. Sulsuguin in Nagcarlan, Laguna after 30minutes of non-stop descent (talking about record-breaking descent) and met Kuya Edward, our trusted driver. Next stop...Bunga Falls!

From the jump-off at Brgy. Sulsuguin, it took us around 15 to 20 minute ride to Bunga Falls.

Located at Brgy. Bunga, this majestic twin falls offers a different kind of experience to those who loves heights and cliff diving. With an estimate height of over 30 feet, cliff divers would really have their knees shake and heart pound. I've been to several falls near the metro and I can say that this falls amused me. I'm not referring to its basin but the falls itself. Its very rare that you get a chance to experience a waterfalls as strong as Bunga Falls. Myself and BP Annalyn wanted to experience what it feels like to be beneath the falls itself but to our dismay, it strong current kept us from reaching it.

Bunga Falls

Bunga Falls basin

Guest Merly and BPs Annalyn and Alexi

Merly having trouble swimming

Guest Ramon, Sharmaine, Jimma, Malen and BP Nickson

Some locals said that its basin can be as deep as an ocean and numerous marine animals can be seen from below. However, we don't have a goggles to prove their stories. All I know was the basin was very deep and there are only some point where visitors can stay. Severe caution should be exercised in this fall.

Surely, this falls will never be forgotten by one of our guest. But we were just glad that YOU are safe. Happy 2nd life! (story would be kept confidential)

Our last destination for this event was the Underground Cemetery. Located along the hightway of Nagcarlan, this tourist destination serves as the resting place for some locals of the province. It unique architechture make it a destination of the municipality. It's like a mixture of old spanish place and a cemetery.

Outside the Underground Cemetery

BP Alexi

BP Nickson

Guest Jimma

BP Annalyn

Guest Merly

Girls (Alexi, Anna, Jimma, Sharmaine, Malen, Merly and Siji)

The boys

Group shot (minus Alexi) at Underground cemetery

We were unlucky to enter the underground cemetery itself since we arrived beyond its operation hours (only up to 4pm). But that doesn't stop us from having some fun in the camera, here are the pictures.

You may wonder (or not) where we had our lunch or even snack, the answer was...we had none! From the time we ascent Mt. Mabilog until the Underground cemetery we had not eaten any proper meal. The reason was, we can't see any canteen/ restaurant/ eatery along the journey. So what we did to celebrate our event and to extend the socials was to have our LUNCH, SNACK and DINNER at Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Calauan, Laguna.

It was a feast of food for all of us who were there since I know everyone were starving. There were overflowing of foods in our table which made me feel even more hungrier. We celebrated and extend our socials while everyone were laughing at some jokes and sharing some stories with one another.

Singing band at Isdaan Restuarant

Guest Merly with Obama

Guest Malen

BP Annalyn with Obama

BP Heinz

TheBackpackers and Guest at Isdaan Restaurant

It was again a successful event to remember for TheBackpackers and the Guest (specially to one of us)

We will never stop exploring and meeting new people, because with TheBackpackers - it is about the ADVENTURES and the PEOPLE!

ACTUAL ITINERARY

DAYTRIP (September 21, 2014)
Activity	Time
Meet up at KFC near LRT Gil Puyat Station	6:00am
Departure (via rented van)	7:00am
Arrival at Brgy Hall of Sto. Angel	9:30am
Registration/ Last minute preparation	9:35am
Start Trek	9:45am
Arrival at Lake Pandin (South Trail) / Halo-Halo break	10:00am
Resume Trek	10:30am
Arrival at the Summit (aka Campsite)/ Rest/Socials	12:00nn
Start Descent	1:30pm
Arrival at Lake Sulsuguin (East Trail)	2:00pm
Departure to Bunga Falls	2:15pm
Arrival at Bunga Falls/Swimming	2:30pm
Departure to Underground Cemetery	4:00pm
Arrival at Underground Cemetery	4:30pm
Departure to Isdaan Restaurant at Calauan, Laguna	5:00pm
Arrival at Isdaan Restaurant/ Dinner	6:00pm
Departure to Manila	8:00pm
Arrival in KFC near LRT Gil Puyat Station	9:30pm

EXPENSES

Activity	Expenses (PhP)	Remarks
Rented Van	500.00	5,000/ 10people
Toll Gate (Back and Forth)	42.80	428.00/ 10 people
Guide Fee	60.00	600.00/ 10 people (P300.00/ guide x 2 guides)
Entrance Fee in Bunga Falls	5.00
Cottage Rental	15.00	150.00/ 10 people
Parking at Bunga Falls	2.50	25.00/ 10 people
TOTAL	625.30/ person

*SUPER Special Note: Our contribution was only 600.00/ person.

OTHER NOTES

1. It is highly recommended hiring a van because Mt. Mabilog is far from Bunga Falls and Underground Cemeteray and finding a tricycle would definitely take some time. The cellphone number of Kuya Edward is 0942-4912274

2. There are no bathrooms in the jump-off point of Brgy. Sto. Nino. I recommend doing it in the Brgy. Hall. Furthermore, there are small "sari-sari" stores but it is much advisable to buy your foods and water on your way to Laguna.

3. Original price of the cottage in Bunga Falls is P200.00. Therefore, bargain for less.

Photo courtesy of: