My heart was beating fast and I can't sleep. I've also felt this before the orientation climb. Maybe because I'm excited or maybe because I know mountaineering is risky. But still, I'm passionate about my new hobby. The excitement, thrill and fun that I'm experiencing in every climb are priceless!
For the training climb, our trainor, Sir Elmer Cabotage chose Mt. Manalmon. Knowing that it was the place where Mulawin was shoot, doubled the excitement.
I woke up at around 4:00 AM and arrived at the meeting place on time. (Usually I'm late when I have an appointment, but not on this one.) We left PGH at around 7AM and set off to Baliuag Transit to meet the other members. Although we arrived at the bus station 30 minutes before the estimated time of departure (ETD), we still left the bus station 15 minutes late, because we still have to wait for the other group coming from Ortigas.
When we reached Brgy. Kamias, there's a jeepney waiting for us with our 'guide'. We arrived at Brgy. Madlum at around 10:30 AM.
Before we started the climb, our trainor gathered us for a short prayer to ask for His guidance. Teacher Tina, one of my co-trainees, lead the prayer.
Here are some of the pictures at the jump off.
And this is me with our trainor from the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc., Mr. Salvador Elmer Cabotage.
Every now and then, we have to stop and re-group so Sir Elmer can discuss some stuffs along the trail. On our first stop, we did some warm-up exercises and checked our pulse rate. (my pulse rate was 170 bpm).
On our second stop, our trainor discussed about 'trail signs'.
SHORT DISTANCE
We passed along the Madlum River and the scenery was breathtaking. I enjoyed this climb more than the orientation climb at Mt. Talamitam, because I love water!
We had our lunch on the top of the mountain, and the over-looking view was amazing!
Our guides
After eating, Sir Elmer taught us how to use a compass and how to read a map. Me and Arnie easily learned how to get the bearing of an object and how to get the back azimuth, but for some reason we had a hard time plotting our location on the map.
Since we were Team A, we lead the descent. Going down is a lot easier than going up, but since Mt. Manalmon is very rocky and mossy, it was so slippery. So you really have to hold on to the bushes for support.
We reached the starting point in less than an hour. Here's the picture of our team with our trainor after reaching the starting point.
TEAM A with Sir Elmer Cabotage
The group decided to swim in the Madlum River before going home, so we looked for a perfect spot where we could enjoy the water. Oh my God! I can't let this opportunity pass so I really wasted no time and plunged into the water. Good thing I brought extra undies and clothes. :D
After 30-45 minutes, the group decided to go back to the jeepney. So we changed our clothes behind the bushes while covering ourselves with a malong. (buhay bundok nga naman... kelangan resourceful ka...)
On our way home, me and three of my teammates joined the other members on top of the jeepney. It was like a roller coaster ride!!! I love it!!!
2 comments:
Punta kami dito bukas.
TY sa review! Its really helpfull. Newbie kasi kami. hehehe
Went there last weekend and it was great! Thanks for your pics we had an idea on what to expect.
The wire crossing was awesome! :)
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