4-Wheel Drive
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| doing the 4-wheel drive on the slopes of Mt Timbak |
when a hiker has to scramble on all fours.
This can be seen done in steep treacherous trails and muddy slopes. While this indicates one’s lack of dexterity and balls, this maximizes balance and improves stability. When doing a 4-wheel drive up a steep slope, be careful to always let your weight and the backpack’s push you to the ground not pulling you backwards. Secure your handholds and footing before making any quick jerks as these little careless movements may disrupt your balance and cause your fall.
Sa sobrang dulas, nag-four-wheel-drive na ako pababa.
7-Eleven
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| at a 7-Eleven in Mt Romelo |
stores at the campsite.
So called because goods in these stores are sold at relatively higher prices than they are in the lowlands. They are also open 24/2ᶧᶧ. As of research time, three mountains are known to have 7-Elevens—Mt Romelo in Siniloan, Laguna; Mt Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas and Mt Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. Some mountaineers frown upon the presence of these stores probably because of its contribution to the bulk of the garbage in the mountain but many are thankful for the convenience these stores give a climber who doesn’t want to carry a lot of load and want to support the livelihood of the locals.
Wag ka mag-alala, may mga seven-eleven naman dun.
90-Degrees
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| 90-Degrees at Mt Guiting-Guiting |
an exaggeration for a near vertical portion of a mountain.
This segment of a mountain requires maximum strength and stamina. Utmost attention and concentration are also necessary in that one miss could cost you your life! There’s one 90-degrees in Mt Guiting-Guiting. Other ‘major’ mountains such as Mt Amuyao and Mt Madja-as also feature some 90-degree ascents. The ‘landslide’ area in Mt Arayat and the roped segments in Mt Makiling could also pass for a 90-degrees. In the Philippines, it is rare to find a perfect 90-degree ascent since most trail blazers usually avoid these treacherous routes. 90-degree ascents are no big deal, however, for rock-climbers because it is the name of the game in that field.
Tangina ang hirap. Ilang 90-degrees ba to?
A-type
A kind of tent that resembles the letter A when viewed from either the front or rear.
This tent is ideal for the minimalist. You only need to bring two short poles and a couple of strings to give form to your tent. Moreover, you can always squeeze your A-type tent in the smallest space available.
Depende kung magkasya tayong apat sa A-type (tent) ko.
Abnormal (aka hardcore)
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| at an awards night for the abnormals |
a climber who has extraordinary climbing skills (strength, speed, stamina)
An abnormal climber climbs difficult mountains and uses an itinerary which require a great amount of effort and most often few rests. This is a relatively new addition to local mountaineering parlance. I first heard of this term when Melo Sanchez’s group traversed Mt Guiting-Guiting from Sn Fernando to Magdiwang without camping.
Ang climb na to ay ‘for abnormals only’.
Advance
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| advancing at Mt Makiling |
to go ahead
This is a more polite term for ‘overtake (OT)’ or ‘mauna muna kami/ako’. When a group overtakes another, each member usually hunts for a possible new special friend. If there is none, the overtaking party goes ahead. Always give way to climber who catch up with you. Momentum should not be retarded. An overtaking climber should also check the condition of the climber he/she is overtaking. He/she may offer some water to drink but not plentiful. It will just make the struggling climber more exhausted. He/she should also let the team leader of the group know about the condition of the climber he/she has overtaken. When offering help, make sure it is needed. You might sound mayabang to a climber who keeps insisting to himself ‘Kaya ko to!’ Avoid using terms that may hurt the other person’s ego. Avoid saying ‘Malapit na ser/mam!’ He might just answer you back ‘Alam ko. Hinihintay ko lang ang tail pack!’ A cordial ‘Good morning ser!’ or ‘Padaan ser!’ may suffice. You can also ask innocent questions like ‘Traverse ba kayo ser?’ or ‘Ilang araw kayo ser?’ but never anything that pertains to speed or skill such as ‘Anong oras kayo nagstart?’ or ‘Ilang oras na kayo nagtitrek?’ When overtaking, never make it look like you want to engage in a race. When overtaken, just let the overtaking climber advance (with a self-consolation Hihingalin din yun!). Never be challenged by the overtaking party. Stick to your pacing.
Ser, advance muna kami.
Akiki
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| a take-5 spot in the Akiki trail |
the toughest trail to the summit of Mt Pulag
Onomatopoeically named after the cry made by a bird endemic to the area, the Akiki (trail) has also become synonymous with ‘killer trail’. This continuous 45-to-75-degree ascent has broken many climbers’ spirits and legs. But the breath-taking views all throughout the trek are the consolation to the effort you give. Many contest that the two other trails that lead to the summit of Mt Pulag (the highest mountain in the island of Luzon)—Tawangan and Ambaguio are tougher than Akiki. But it will take some time for people to associate the term ‘killer trail’ to another trail.
Apat na araw pala bakasyon e. Mag-Akiki na tayo. Sayang naman.
Altitude (aka elevation, eleb, alti)
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| the altitude reading at the summit of Mt Timbak |
the height of a mountain measured from sea level to the summit.
The SI unit for mountain altitude is masl (meters above sea level). Some prefer to use fasl (feet above sea level). Altitude is measured by most altimeters according to barometric pressure. The altitude of some mountains may change over time due to some human and geological activities such as the movements of tectonic plates, volcanic eruption and cutting down of trees that may lead to erosion. Mt Pulag was once regarded as the 2nd highest mountain in Philippines (after Mt Apo) until Mt Dulang-Dulang in Bukidnon was proven to be the real deal. There is a popular belief that in time, Mt Dulang-Dulang will take Mt Apo’s throne as the highest mountain in the Philippines!
Mayabang na mountaineer: 3000masl lang naman pala ang altitude e. Di gano kataas.
Amba
a contraction of Ambangeg. An easy trail in Mt Pulag
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| Camp1 of Ambangeg trail |
the easiest trail to the summit of Mt Pulag.
This trail up to the summit has been walked by babies, toddlers and grannies. Phrases like ‘Ambangeg lang kami.’ And ‘Kahit Amba lang’, have added a negative connotation to this name. When referring to an easy trail, many mountaineers say ‘Parang Ambangeg lang’. But despite the influx of tourists and mountaineers in the National Park, the Ambangeg trail is one of the best kept trails in the country. It is clean, green, safe and shady.
Ay Amba-Amba lang? Ano ka turista?
Arm warmer
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| This could happen to you if you don't wear arm warmers |
the protective clothing article worn on the arms to protect the skin from sunlight, mud, talahib, thorns and other harmful elements during the trek.
Some call it sun sleeves. A typical mountaineer’s arm warmer should not have prints on it. They regard you as ‘newbie’ or uninformed if you wear one of those worn by tricycle drivers with vivid tattoo prints. You’ll get the same mockery if you get a pair from Mossimo and Dickies. Chris Sports sell these (no-print) arm warmers at PhP130 a pair. They come in blue, white and black. In public markets, a pair of the tryk driver’s version sells for P30-P45.
Sabi sayo mag-armwarmer ka e. Ayan tuloy, kili-kili lang ang walang latay sayo.
Ascent
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| Ascent at Mt Kabunian |
The act of going up a mountain
The term ascent could either be used to mean elevation gain or the overall journey from the jump-off to the summit. Many climbers use the word ascent in the latter context. In this context, the ascent starts at the jump-off point. This part is called the ‘start trek’. Some climbers consider only the uphill trek as the start of the ascent. The ascent terminates at the campsite which is usually located near the summit. During the ascent, a climbing party of more than ten individuals is usually divided into subgroups or packs—the lead, mid and tail packs. The pacing of a climber is usually determined during the first 20 minutes of the ascent. Some try to speed up if he/she wishes to keep up with someone he/she likes. Others opt to slow down for the same reason—pogi points (‘Dun yung crush ko sa dulo e!’). During the ascent, water discipline should be observed especially when no water source awaits you at the campsite. Taking long rests in between treks also makes the climber more and more tired. The climber has to constantly keep pushing himself to reach the campsite. Along the way, you may meet some other climbers descending or on their way up. See advance for more details.
Usage note: Ascent is a noun; Ascend is a verb
Walang uutot sa ascent ha?!
Assault
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| an assault between Mt Kabunian and Mt Tenglawan |
an uphill trek usually with a minimum of a 45-degree angle of elevation
This is a dreaded part of the trek. This is where you see a lot of trekkers sitting down on the trail or panting and drinking loads of water or throwing curses at a companion out of exhaustion. And this is also the point where first timers ask the forbidden question which may come in forms like ‘Ilang oras pa ba?’; ’Malayo pa ba?’ and ‘Gano pa katagal?’.
Isang assault na lang tas camp site na.
Ser? Ano po yung assault?
Assembly
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| assembly @ KFC Buendia |
the place and time of meeting before the departure
This is usually set at a fast food joint. Many mountaineers enjoy the inquisitive eyes of people which give them some sense of pride. The assembly time could last for 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the number and discipline of the participants and the influence of the Team Leader.
1 Message received:
Nsa assembly n po b kau? Senxa n tlg. Sobrang trapik d2 s Aginldo e.
Backdoor
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| A backdoor climb in Mt Natib |
A common reason for a backdoor is that the traditional entry point or route is closed to mountaineers. A lot of backdoor climbs have been done in Mt Banahaw. The author has done a backdoor climb in Mt Natib. There are plenty of risks in doing a backdoor climb. To name a few, the climbing party could get lost (especially when no guides are hired). The climbing party could get caught in the middle of a skirmish between the army and the rebels. The climbers could also be pursued by (sometimes armed) locals (at night) who, knowing that the climbers have not been given the necessary permits, will harass or extort money from them.
(Pabulong) Naghihintay lang yan ng padulas. Madami talagang buwaya sa barangay na to. Tara backdoor na lang tayo.
Backpack cover
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| A yellow backpack cover can easily be seen |
This keeps the backpack dry and clean. They are sold at all outdoors shops like Conquer, Bombproof, Sandugo, Habagat, and Chris Sports. The North Face also have pricey versions. If you have a TNF terra series backpack, take care of the cover. A backpack cover at The North Face sells for at least PhP2,500 (just the cover). Local brands perform as well as TNF and Deuter as far as protection is concerned. The only difference probably is how long they can stay water-proof. Always cover your backpacks when putting them in baggage compartments especially in buses. You wouldn’t want your backpack to be collecting grease stains! Always check not just the length of the cover but also the breadth. I have used a local backpack cover that can cover only tall and slim backpacks. You would want a more multi-functional backpack cover.
Yellow bilin mong backpack cover para madali kang makita kung mahulog ka man sa bangin.
Backtrack
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| after reaching a dead end, we had to backtrack up this ladder |
The common problem in backtracking is that most trekkers forget where they came from. The mountain changes appearance when you look backwards. Always take note of major landmarks like a big tree or a brook so that you’ll have a reliable point of reference. Backtracking often happens when a trekker delves into a thick talahiban. Never focus on the ground! The ‘pseudo-trails’ on a thick talahiban are very similar in appearance to the real trail. Always pay attention to the trees and other distinguishable points of reference in the talahiban area. This way, you’ll always be able to trace your way back.
Backtrack na tayo. Di na tama tong daan na to e.
Bangin
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| The vertiginous bangin in Mt Nangtud |
Ang yabang ng mountaineer na yun. Sarap ihulog sa bangin!
Basagan ng IT
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| what should have been a Night 1 at the towers of Mt Amuyao, ended up at an inn |
A trek when the itinerary is not followed usually in the negative sense (i.e. when more time is wasted). This usually happens when a big number of climbers are involved. You’ll start to feel this at the assembly place with ‘sorry tol matrapik talaga’. Then the slowpokes start sitting on the trail and enjoying small chitchats. And the socials get extended indefinitely or infinitely and the wake-up call time is not followed. With these happening, some elements or destinations in the itinerary have to be forgone.
Anong basagan ng tuhod?! Basagan ng IT kamo!
Basagan ng tuhod
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| looking back at Mt Tenglawan after our Basagan ng Tuhod Bakun Trio |
This usually happens at the foot of the mountain. This is a feature in the San Juan Baño side of Mt Arayat, the Los Baños side of Mt Makiling, the entry to Mt Tarak. Although Ambangeg is lengthier than the rolling trails of Mts Arayat, Makiling and Tarak, few people have labeled Ambangeg ‘basagan ng tuhod’. Mt Amuyao, Mt Guiting-Guiting and basically all the other major climbs could be considered basagan-ng-tuhod kind of trek. The reason why they don’t often get described as such is that the itinerary breaks down the journey into many days of manageable treks. A climb circuit where a series of mountains or peaks are covered in a single journey could also be regarded as basagan-ng-tuhod.
Nakkanang! E basagan ng tuhod naman tong IT na to tol. Pwede i-extend natin ng isa pang araw?
Beachineering
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| beachineering @ Calaguas Island |
So called to rhyme with the word mountaineering. Most of the time mountaineers love the beach as much as they love the mountains. These beach trips, however, are different from your ordinary Puerto Galera getaway. Most of the time, the destination is inaccessible to ordinary people. Mountaineers have a penchant for discovering new things…things that are unknown to most people. They discover untouched beaches and camp there overnight with all their mountaineering stuff like tent, stove and lantern as opposed to getting on a big outrigger boat at Batangas port and heading for the touristy Puerto Galera which is flocked by call center agents on holidays looking for a nightlife and pamperfest. Some of the destinations that mountaineers have made known to ordinary people are Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove (both in Zambales), Calaguas Island (in Camarines Norte), Sombrero island, Cagbalete and Cutad Cove (which is now a private residential resort). Sadly, though, these beautiful and untouched destinations have attracted the attention of many weekend warriors that the essence of beachineering has been lost. Mountaineers can do nothing more than just talk about the good old days when Anawangin Cove was still empty and free of cheats.
Beachineering naman tayo tol. Nakakasawa na umakyat e!
Bladder
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| the 3-liter bladder of my Columbia Mobex |
Patay! Mukhang nag-leak yung bladder ko!
BMC
Basic Mountaineering Course: The supposed Constitution or Bible of Philippine mountaineering.
The first BMC in the country was developed by the University of the Philippines Mountaineers in the early 80’s. They made good use of their personal experience and the lessons in Alan Blackshaw’s book and came up with a collection of guidelines and tips for mountaineers in the Philippines. The course was later on adopted by the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc (MFPI) and was disseminated among the federation’s member organizations. For a more detailed discussion on this subject please click on to this link.
The first BMC in the country was developed by the University of the Philippines Mountaineers in the early 80’s. They made good use of their personal experience and the lessons in Alan Blackshaw’s book and came up with a collection of guidelines and tips for mountaineers in the Philippines. The course was later on adopted by the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc (MFPI) and was disseminated among the federation’s member organizations. For a more detailed discussion on this subject please click on to this link.
EL TARIK
Bomba
(aka tae, ebak, jerbaks, jebs) euphemism for feces.
Probably borrowing the concept of ‘landmines’ that should be avoided. While catholes are strongly taught in BMC, some climbers feel lazy to make one and just do their thing as soon as they pull down their underwear. Some climbers don’t cover their dirt and this attracts those big black flies (the presence of which is an indication that you are in a ‘landmine zone’). Well Mother Nature has her own way of purifying herself but exposed landmines spoil an otherwise pleasant walk on the hills. More importantly, human waste is a cause of a lot of diseases so it is important to seal your dirt.
Probably borrowing the concept of ‘landmines’ that should be avoided. While catholes are strongly taught in BMC, some climbers feel lazy to make one and just do their thing as soon as they pull down their underwear. Some climbers don’t cover their dirt and this attracts those big black flies (the presence of which is an indication that you are in a ‘landmine zone’). Well Mother Nature has her own way of purifying herself but exposed landmines spoil an otherwise pleasant walk on the hills. More importantly, human waste is a cause of a lot of diseases so it is important to seal your dirt.
Wag ka umupo d’yan! Madami bomba d’yan.
Bombsite
(from bomba = feces) a place where campers defecate.
A bombsite is sometimes mistaken for a campsite owing to the relatively cleared perimeter of the field. There was one nasty bombsite along the trail in Tarak Ridge in the talahiban area near the ridge. When you start seeing pieces of toilet paper on the ground, you’ll know you’re probably on a bombsite. Bombsites are a case of human nature overpowering BMC. In BMC it is a must to make a cathole and bury your excretions. But most campers feel lazy to make one and justify their act with the rationale: this will be swept away by rain water and toilet paper is biodegradable anyway.
A bombsite is sometimes mistaken for a campsite owing to the relatively cleared perimeter of the field. There was one nasty bombsite along the trail in Tarak Ridge in the talahiban area near the ridge. When you start seeing pieces of toilet paper on the ground, you’ll know you’re probably on a bombsite. Bombsites are a case of human nature overpowering BMC. In BMC it is a must to make a cathole and bury your excretions. But most campers feel lazy to make one and justify their act with the rationale: this will be swept away by rain water and toilet paper is biodegradable anyway.
Ingat. Nasa bombsite na tayo.
Boulders
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| at the boulders of Mt Apo |
In mountaineering, however, the term, ‘boulders’ has become a name of a particular region of the mountain which is abundant in these boulder rock formations. There is a boulders part in Mt Marami, Mt Maculot, Mt Mayon, and Mt guiting-Guiting. Mt Apo, however, has the most definitive boulders part among the mountains in the country.
(sa Maculot) Bukas pa ba tayo aahon dun sa boulders?
Break Camp
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| Break camp @ Mt Arayat |
This usually happens after breakfast in most open campsites. In open campsites the sun’s heat is unbearable by 8 am. To speed things up, those who are not preparing breakfast should start drying their stuff in the sun and packing them. The most common thing accidentally left behind during break camps are pegs, and utensils. Also, be careful not to forget to pack your trash. Leave the camp site the way you found it!
What time ba break camp natin ser?
Buraot
(adj. for people) unpleasant; rule-breaker; a pain in the ass; when one is a buraot climber, he usually doesn’t follow the LNT principle.
Buraot climbers are a little similar to ‘piknikers’. Piknikers are the invites who were not oriented by the expedition leader about the LNT principle. They are new to the mountains. On the other hand, buraot mountaineers (not referring to a particular mountaineering group) are those who already know the basic rules in mountaineering but by human nature choose to break them. You may see them setting campfires, leaving their trash bags intentionally at the campsite or on the trail, making a lot of noise even after a reasonable lights out (time), and leaving marks (usually their names) on surfaces of wood and rock. You can see a lot of buraot mountaineers in small mountains in the Calabarzon area like Pico de Loro, Maculot, Sembrano and Romelo.
Buraot climbers are a little similar to ‘piknikers’. Piknikers are the invites who were not oriented by the expedition leader about the LNT principle. They are new to the mountains. On the other hand, buraot mountaineers (not referring to a particular mountaineering group) are those who already know the basic rules in mountaineering but by human nature choose to break them. You may see them setting campfires, leaving their trash bags intentionally at the campsite or on the trail, making a lot of noise even after a reasonable lights out (time), and leaving marks (usually their names) on surfaces of wood and rock. You can see a lot of buraot mountaineers in small mountains in the Calabarzon area like Pico de Loro, Maculot, Sembrano and Romelo.
Madami talaga buraot mountaineers dito sa Famy.
Butane
a kind of fuel for most camping stoves and lanterns.
Popular brands are Iwatani and Ko-Nice. As of research time, Iwatani sells for P75/canister and Ko-Nice at P70/canister (as per Handyman price). You can get them at lower prices at most Korean convenience stores. A canister could last around 50 preparations of Lucky Me pancit canton. Take care of the cap, they are easily lost. It is always safe to cap the canister. Check the label for proper disposal. Both filled and empty canister should not be punctured or subjected to extreme heat. Nanay Lita of Mt Romelo got bruised and burnt when she incinerated one trash bag left by buraot mountaineers. She didn’t know there was a canister of butane gas in it. I heard the thunderous explosion even while I was at the bottom of Buruwisan falls.
Popular brands are Iwatani and Ko-Nice. As of research time, Iwatani sells for P75/canister and Ko-Nice at P70/canister (as per Handyman price). You can get them at lower prices at most Korean convenience stores. A canister could last around 50 preparations of Lucky Me pancit canton. Take care of the cap, they are easily lost. It is always safe to cap the canister. Check the label for proper disposal. Both filled and empty canister should not be punctured or subjected to extreme heat. Nanay Lita of Mt Romelo got bruised and burnt when she incinerated one trash bag left by buraot mountaineers. She didn’t know there was a canister of butane gas in it. I heard the thunderous explosion even while I was at the bottom of Buruwisan falls.
Bat niyo naman pinabitbit lahat ng butane kay Dex?! Pano tayo makakapagluto nito ngayon?
Campsite
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| the campsite at Mt Tenglawan |
Some campsites are at the peak or near it. Other campsites are situated near a water source. The size and other physical characteristics of a campsite should always be taken into consideration. Some small campsites can accommodate only 3 to 5 tents. Other campsites are open with few trees to tie strings or ropes onto. Campsites at the peak are vulnerable to strong winds. Convenient camp sites are the ones which are covered by trees, and the ones with a water source. Some campers feel happy to see a seven-eleven, an outhouse and a hut where a wonderful socials could be celebrated at the campsite.
Ilang tents ba kasya dun sa campsite ser?
Carab
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| a D-shaped carabiner |
A carabiner is a piece of lightweight metal loop which is of vital importance in mountaineering. It is basically used to connect things together such as a climber to a rope or to any other safety equipment. Carabiners are not used only in mountaineers but also in sailing, spelunking and basically any activity that requires ropes and connections. The two general categories of carabiners are locking and non-locking. Other types of carabiners are categorized according to gating, locking and shape. The word carabiner is derived from the German word Karabinerhaken which means ‘hook for a carabine’. Certain safety standards have to be met when manufacturing recreation and industry carabiners. Recently, however, this piece of equipment has gained popularity among bag and purse manufacturers. A responsible manufacturer labels these accessories as ‘not for climbing’.
Small as they are, they are given utmost care by a rock climber or a rappeller. Sometimes an x-ray machine is needed to detect any internal damage when a carabiner is accidentally dropped.
Malamang pag sinisid mo ang Buruwisan, madami ka mahahanap na carab!
Cathole
a small pit for human excretions.
A cathole should be well away from a body of water and should be at least six inches deep. Use a small camping shovel to dig a cathole. If you have none, you can improvise on recent deadfall hardwood which you should sharpen at one end. Cover your dirt after doing your thing. If other campers are present, you may place a mark on it such as a stone on top of a small piece of toilet paper so that other campers may not accidentally dig on it.
A cathole should be well away from a body of water and should be at least six inches deep. Use a small camping shovel to dig a cathole. If you have none, you can improvise on recent deadfall hardwood which you should sharpen at one end. Cover your dirt after doing your thing. If other campers are present, you may place a mark on it such as a stone on top of a small piece of toilet paper so that other campers may not accidentally dig on it.
Na-shoot cellphone ko dun sa cathole!
Clean-up
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| photo courtesy of End Jay, the man behind The Black Propaganda |
Clean-up climbs have been done in the past but they became very popular with a little help from social networking sites. This year (2011), Nomads Peak Competition spearheaded extensive clean-up and rehabilitation activities in many mountains across the country notably Mt Sembrano. PNMS also did a large-scale clean-up climb in Mt Maculot in 2009. Samahan ng mga Responsableng Mamumundok ng Pilipinas (SRMP) and other environment-oriented groups are very active in their campaign to clean up not just the mountains but also urban areas including Manila Bay. The Black Propaganda led by NJ Beltran is also promoting a similar advocacy. Participants in a clean-up climb bring down trash from the campsite and the trail. Most of the time, the trash is disposed of properly by the local government unit concerned.
Subukan mo kaya magpa-cleanup climb! Lagi ka na lang hardcore climbs e.
Clearing
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| Clearing at the summit of Mt Apo |
While most newbies rejoice when they see fog, most old climbers wish for a clearing. A clearing at the campsite or summit affords a spectacular vista of the lowlands and the surroundings of the mountain. A clearing is especially prayed for at Mt Pulag, Mt Guiting-Guting and Mt Apo, or basically in most tall mountains.
Taena naman. Pangatlo ko na to sa Pulag, wala pa ring clearing?!
Climb Shirt
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| my first Luzon 3-2-1 climb shirt design |
The climb shirt gives identity to the group and a naïve sense of pride to individual climber. Most newbies love to collect climb shirts and ID’s. Some organizers see this as an opportunity to make a little kickback to pay for the time he is wasting with the newbies. Some others just consider this as an opportunity to make money out of the unsuspecting participants. Other organizers make the climb shirt optional and profit-free.
Kasama na po ba climb shirt at ID sa P300?
Closed
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| a closed mountain in Benguet |
A mountain is closed usually for two major reasons: rehabilitation and/or insurgency problems. For rehabilitation, a mountain is usually closed for at least five years. When insurgency is the issue, the mountain is closed until it is safe again for visitors. As of research time Mt Banahaw (Dolores, Quezon) and Mt Halcon (Mindoro) are still closed for rehabilitation. From time to time Mt Natib (in Bataan) is closed for security reasons. So is Mt Marami (Maragondon, Cavite). Mt Makiling was closed for a while but was reopened in 2008. On some special occasions Mt Pulag is closed both for prevention and avoidance of forest fires. Pine wood and pine needles (which are abundant in Mt Pulag) are easily combustible during dry months. Mt Apo was recently closed due to incidences of landslides. But it was immediately reopened after it was declared safe for climbing. A mountain could be semi-closed. This means that not all the entry points of the mountain are closed. Mt Makiling and Mt Arayat could be accessed through more than one entry point. Mt Natib can also be entered through Abucay, Bataan if Brgy Tala is closed. The military personnel, however, will warn you that you are not their responsibility in case something bad happens in the mountain. Some persistent mountaineers climb closed mountains through a backdoor climb. This is strongly discouraged as you might get caught in the middle of a cross-fire or be a victim of natural hazards. Embarking on a backdoor climb implies that you have signed the waiver that the authorities are not responsible for your safety and survival.
Akala ko ba closed. Bat nakaakyat sila Peter last month?! Pera pera lang ata usapan dito e.
Cook Set
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| Kovea Cookset (Silver edition) |
Some cook sets include a chopping board and utensils. The Korean brand Kovea is a dominant brand in the cook set industry in the country. But if you want a less pricey brand, you can go for Voodoo. A cook set is very essential in mountaineering. It is lightweight and space friendly. To utilize space, smaller pots are encased in bigger ones. Among earlier models, the pot covers can also serve as fry pans. The Silver edition of Kovea has a separate Teflon-quoted fry pan. Always be mindful of the condition of your cook set. Don’t sit on your backpack if this may result in the deformity of your cook set. Don’t pound any hard material against your cook set. This might make a hole or a pimply surface on your cookware.
Na kanino ba yung cookset?...Nandun pa sa sweeper ser!
Cross-country
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| a view during my first Benguet-LaUnion cross-country |
A trek when the journey covers at least two towns or provinces and not following a road or track.
While this term is widely used in mountain biking, hikers in the Philippines have adopted the term to mean an expedition involving a long trek through the boondocks that starts at one province or town and culminates in another. A traverse trek in Mt Amuyao can pass for this definition but not many refer to it as a cross country expedition. Most cross country expeditions in the Philippines cover nameless mountains and many inaccessible settlements. The terrain could vary from flat to rolling and steep.
Pwede ba sumabit sa solo cross country mo?
D2K
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| A view of Mt Kitanglad from Mt Dulang-Dulang |
D2 stands for Dulang-Dulang and K stands for Kitanglad. Both mountains are in the Kitanglad mountain range in Bukidnon. Mt Dulang-Dulang was introduced to the mountaineering community by the late Manny Serina after whom the campsite (Manny’s Garden) near the summit (of Mt Dulang-Dulang) was named. Mt Dulang-Dulang boasts of Pandora-like mossy forests. Mt Kitanglad houses the TV towers of ABS-CBN and GMA TV stations. The temperatures on these mountains could drop close to 0˚C. But unlike in the desolate Mt Dulang-Dulang, you can spend the night at the station guards’ bunkers in Mt Kitanglad. Only a maximum of 15 climbers are allowed to climb these mountains at a time.
May piso fare na ba uli sa Cagayan or Davao? D2K tayo!
Dayhike
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| a dayhike at Mt Pulag |
Day hikes are ideal for busy people. One advantage of day hikes is that the hiker doesn’t have to carry a lot of weight in his/her pack. This saves a considerable amount of time and energy. Day hikes have been done in all the popular mountains in the CaLaBaRZon area including Mt Banahaw. It is important to carry enough water when doing a day hike. Headlamps (or any light source) are also recommended in case the climber is not able to get back down by night time.
Naku ser, pang-dayhike lang ako. May pasok sa Sabado e.
Descent
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| descent at Mt Amuyao |
Just like descent, descent could either mean elevation loss or Just like a start trek, a descent is usually begun with a prayer. The descent normally takes less time than the ascent. But just like the ascent, water is still needed. Climbers who have no self-control usually run out of water by the time they have to go down. They usually use up all their water for their ‘chaser’ during the socials.
Never run down an open-ended slope. If in your physics class you didn’t understand the term acceleration due to gravity, the mountains will teach you hands-on the meaning of 9.8 m/s². Always monitor your speed.
Always check loose stuff when descending. The bush-hat inserted in your side-pocket may be hooked off by a branch. Your garbage bag (which many climbers loosely tie to their backpacks) may be pierced by twigs or thorns and your garbage trail will betray either your negligence or stupidity.
Usage note: Descent is a noun. Descend is a verb.
May tubig pa ba tayo para sa descent?
Dri-fit (dry-fit)
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| got this dri-fit shirt for P60 |
Dri-fit ba yung climb shirt ser?
gusto ko yun basagan ng IT... hehehe.. more power sa site sir! pag my time dito lang ako one text away! NJ
ReplyDeletekasi nandun mukha mo? tingin ka sa Clean-up...nandun na rin name mo?hehehe patulong ako minsan tol...hanggang 'Z' to e.hehe
ReplyDeletebwaahhaa..kabog ako sir sa Arm warmer... Parang :WAG TULARAN KUNG AYAW MABANGASAN!"- rudy
ReplyDeleteSuper Nice! HINDI lng meaning makkita dito pati image pa.! hehe. jauod
ReplyDeletehaha...pasensya na at salamat mam Rhovee. ginamit ko na naman ang isa sa mga pics mo. sana ok lang sayo.
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