Mt. Talomo (Talomo-Apo Traverse) | Struggle to Success

From January 17 to 28, I went to Mindanao to celebrate my 21st year. I scaled some of the highest mountains in the country, visited an island and explored its wonders, stayed in some cities and discovered how each differs from my hometown, Manila. It was a 12-day long journey - fun, exciting and crazy.

Summary discussed in this link: Mindanao Mountain Madness

Mts. Talomo-Apo Megatraverse makes up the first leg of my epic adventure. For 4 days, we were inside the wilderness of these mountains, survived all the elements that pounded and tested us physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. A one of a kind adventure, certainly an experience to be treasured.

This post discusses the first three days of struggle inside the notorious but gorgeous trails of Mt. Talomo.

Mt. Makiling (MakTrav) | Sipit Trail

I did MakTrav a number of times, five to be exact, but never did I try the Sipit Trail (San Felix jump off). All of my previous MakTravs were via the Palanggana Trail (San Bartolome jump off). That's why, just this morning, I went back to Mt. Makiling for another Sto. Tomas to UPLB traverse, walang kasawaan, but this time it was via the Sipit Trail.

Mt. Natib | Redeemed and Refreshed

And so, after 4 months, I went back to Mt. Natib, wishing for the clear summit view I never saw when I was there the first time. But hey, more than what I hoped for are a very nice waterfalls side trip and a batch of new hiker friends, a totally different awesome experience!

Mt. Marami | Storm and Clouds No More

There's a flood of about 3 inches deep inside our tent. We want to sleep but we can't, aargghh, it is my worst camping experience ever!

It was June of last year when we had this horrifying experience on Mt. Marami. We were so stormed and flooded during the night, and was clouded the next morning. Yes, without a doubt, it was my worst mountain camping experience, even up to this date, but even so, it is also one of my most favorite climbs of all time. (check out my first Mt. Marami experience in this link). Isn't it weird that sometimes our worst experiences are also our most favorite? Anyway, I made a promise to myself that I would one day return to this mountain for a redemption.

Finally, 7 months after that memorable Mt. Marami hike, the promise of redemption was put into action.

Mt. Makiling | Quick Traverse Day Hike

It's been four months since I last climbed Mt. Makiling and I truly miss its trails. That's why, when I heard that the mountain is now open again, and since all my scheduled hike for March 2 were postponed, I came to a decision that I'll do a quick Mt. Makiling Traverse dayhike.

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Saturday - March 2, 2013

Yes it was quick, just 4 hours from Sto. Tomas to Agila Base! Well, that's the good thing in solo hiking, you'll be able to maximize your speed.

When I alighted the bus in front of Sto. Tomas Market, I noticed that Mt. Makiling was clearly visible.

Tayak Hill | Beyond the Cross and Windy Summit

As we descend the mountain considered by many as the devils' dwelling (check out my latest article on Mt. Cristobal Traverse), a grassy hill with white cross came into sight. From its summit, we heard sounds of laughter and loud voices, "ah, the people up there were having fun, is it a park or something?".

"Tayak Hill na po yan sir, pwedeng akyatin ng mga 30 minutes lang," our guide replied.

I honestly know nothing about this Tayak hill aside from it being windy, grassy and has a cross on top,  I'm totally clueless. Little did I know that beyond its windy summit with tall white cross is a piece of WW2 history.