My First encounter with the Heights

Date of travel: June 12, 2004 

Buddies: Jeff, Meong, Mike Angeles and Cris Sison 

 Related topics: (Click on the "Limatik sa Natib" link) http://www.geocities.com/akamug/ -- by Mike Angeles 

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 I have always been a nature lover. The thought of beaches, mountains, caves, and all of nature’s bounties always gives me a feeling of enchantment and a deep sense of peace. Though I loved mountains and I’ve always wanted to conquer it, I never had the willpower to pursue it. I remember my first "trek" was when I am with my high school buddies. That was one of the most tiring activity I had in my life. Not reaching the top, I deemed it "unsuccessful". From then on, I always wanted to do the "real" stuff --- getting at the top and having a feel of the clouds. It was when I was working for four years that I happened to know a colleague who was a mountain climber. Cris invited me to join them but more often than not, I am unavailable. Then finally on the 12th of June 2004, I said yes. I excitedly searched for things to prepare, what to bring, what to wear, what to buy. I have so far prepared everything that a newcomer would do – except for one thing. I forgot to prepare myself for the physical demands that mountain climbing would require. Come June 12 and no wonder I was the first to arrive. I have always been a latecomer during meetings, classes, gatherings and all sorts of group assembly. But on things that interest me a lot, I have this early blood in me. Within a group of 5, I was the only female climber. Two were experienced climber and the other two are semi-neophytes like me. 

Being the only female in the group and the first time climber, I felt a little bit of an underdog. Not that I see it as a competition but I just felt a little pressure from the way things are presented. I just don’t want them to see me as someone that they would look after simply because I’m a woman and I am a neophyte. I want them to see me as another mountain enthusiast like themselves who only want to experience the feeling of being on the peak and feel the beauty of God’s creation. I’m just too lucky that these bunch of guys are really cool and are really good companies. After signing in the DENR logbook and having lunch, we started the trek at around 12 pm. The first 2 kilometers was already difficult for me as I struggle for the ascent. I can hardly breathe. I was way behind them and even though they stopped once in a while, I still had difficulty catching with them. Our first stop was like a food given to a person who has never eaten for 2 days. From that time, I was fighting for any negative feeling I have during the climb. For 2 grueling hours, we walked under the extreme heat of the sun. The trek was not yet uphill; it was still a bit refreshing because it is an open field where you can see other mountains, lakes and other awesome views. We met a lot of other climbers along the way, though I cannot remember which group they were associated with. When we reached the first water source, the group had to rest for a while and munch for some trail foods. Jeff was always checking on “limatiks”, and has to request me to see if there are any parasites on his clothes. Despite the constant checking of the group, the “limatiks” were still yearning for our precious bloods. Mike’s back was bleeding and some of our group mates have one or two bites from the slimy creature. Even I was not spared of the bite. I have to prepare alcohol for the easy removal of the creature. We are only halfway the trail and it is already getting dark. Jeff and Cris went way too ahead of the group and we were never able to catch them up. 

We headed on the path we thought was the right one, unaware that it would be the start of our breathtaking predicament. We were halfway through the trail when it rained hard. The path was getting steeper as we face large rocks. It became difficult for us because it got darker already and the rain kept on pouring in. Mike was shouting to both Jeff and Cris for help, and was actually feeling frustrated for not telling us that their trail was the right one. We thought of going back and following their trail but it was so dangerous and more difficult. Meong came in first and was also complaining about the difficulty of the situation. I became so nervous and thoughts of whether it was the right decision to pursue this adventure flashed into my mind. I slipped as I reached for another big rock above me. Good thing that I got hold of another rock just beneath my chin. As I looked back, I can only see total darkness. My flashlight fell off from my hand as I was clinging on to those big rocks ahead of me. Cris tried to go down and help us out but he got cramps and was yelling from above that it was difficult because it was very slippery. As Meong get on to a secure place, we tried on a new strategy – move up our bags, then ourselves. It took us more time doing that but it was the safest way possible. At around 9:00 pm, we arrived on the campsite --- wet, tired and hungry. Mike and Cris set up the tents but as if one misfortune is not enough, one of the tents broke down. The guys have to let themselves fit in the small tent. Since I am the only girl, I slept over to another tent where Ma’am Connie (I forgot what group she was from) was already sleeping. With much difficulty in changing my clothes, I hurriedly got into the tent as I was already shivering from the extreme cold. Ma’am Connie was very kind and as we are conversing, another female climber got into the tent. Their group also had problems with their tent. Thanks to that another climber because I might have ended up shivering the whole night if not for her. 

 I woke up the next day with blood on my right arm. It was then that I discovered that the whole night, the dreaded “limatik” feasted on my blood. As I opened up the sleeves, there was her still clinging on my skin. It was also the time that I have discovered I have lots of “limatik” bites. When I went out of the tent (“Nagpasalamat naman ako kay Ma’am Connie”), the rest of the guys are already preparing for breakfast. After the casual photograph taking, our group headed first for the descent. It was doubly hard as I have to literally slide down using my butt since it was very slippery. Halfway through the first water source, Cris had to carry my bag as I was feeling extremely exhausted. When we arrived at the water source, we prepared for our lunch. Cris have to help me get rid of all the "limatiks" setting in my feet. While we were having our lunch, the other climbers started also to prepare for their lunch. There was some commotion between 2 groups of climbers but was then settled by some senior members of the group. Finishing up the other half of the descent, I had to endure having my feet and arm bleeding from the limatik bites. As we passed through the same path we took the day before, I find it hard to believe that I was able to hurdle the first test of one of my worst fear – the heights. It was so exhilarating to feel the cool breeze that dampened my spirit --- possibly whispering to me it was worth the pain, that it was just the beginning of another adventure that life has to offer. I was just so lucky to have a group of reliable mountaineers to go with… My first encounter with heights will not be that memorable and exciting if not for Jeff, Meong, Mike and Cris. Thanks guys and see you on the next climb.... This is a climb I will never forget....

The Filipino mountaineer

The Filipino mountaineer

Oct 10, 2006

Recently, just read some interesting blog entries from mountaineers and aspiring ones. And suddenly I thought of coming up with an interesting piece based on my observations.

And so here it comes:

A typical Filipino mountaineer:

(1) Have been bitten by the dreaded "limatik" in one of the climbs.
(2) Is respectful (Aba tawagin ba ang lahat ng Sir at Mam...)
(3) Is a nature lover ( I think this is what binds us all..)
(4) Have eaten unique foods (e.g. adobong isaw na may ulan at dahon ng puno na nalaglag habang nagluluto -- di napansin)
(5) Have sweared not to go on mountain climbing after 30 minutes of continuous steep ascent, but still continues to climb... (naaddict na)
(6) Have slipped, fell, been injured, suffered cuts, bruises and broken bones all for the love of mountaineering
(7) Have been warned by their parents about not going on another trek after hearing the news of a mountaineer who died during the climb
(8) Have smelled and hugged the clouds.
(9) Have planted "something" on the ground. (Sana nagbubungkal ang iba no.... Be a responsible one!)
(10) Have been wasted. (No water, no trail food, have not even reached half of the trek going to the campsite, etc..)
(11) Have literally used his/her butt on a descent. (Whew!... sakit!!)
(12) Have eaten on a plastic, cookset cover, or any available "food holder" using bare hands. (Minsan sa sobrang gutom kahit hindi pa nahuhugasan.. hehe)
(13) Does not care how a food tastes as long as its a FOOD...
(14) Have been stunned, mezmerized and awestruck after reaching the summit.
(15) Have been lost (even after the nth climb on that mountain)
(16) Have been drunk.
(17) Have fallen in love with a fellow mountaineer (kagrupo o hindi)
(18) Have drowned at least 1 buko after the trek( or can be during or before)
(19) Have bathed in alcohol or cologne (wala ng tubig, haba ng pila sa paliguan, tinatamad n maligo, wlang damit na pampalit, etc.)
(20) Have tried drinking water from the falls or any water source.


...And there are so many things I can add up to this list... But for now, that's all I can think of..

A Visit to Paradise - The El Nido Adventure

Date: March 30-April 3, 2010

Buddies: Mariecel, An, Bagsy and Carmela

Day 1 - March 30 (Tue)
My friend An and I walk up early for the 9:30 AM Manila-Puerto Princesa flight. To avoid the rush hour, we thought of going there early. We ended up getting a cab around EDSA crossing. Carmela, who was coming from Laguna, was first to arrive in Terminal 3. Bagsy and Mariecel already had the earliest flight from Cebu to Manila and booked the same flight with us from Manila to Palawan. After checking in, Carms, Ann & I went to the boarding area wherein we created a rowdy scene when we saw Bagsy and Mariecel. Meeting long-time friends have this effect in us. Getting on the plane, I sent my last text to our guide, Kuya Marlon. After less than an hour, we arrived at Puerto Princesa airport. Kuya Marlon was already there waiting for us and as soon as we get in the van, excitement was all over us. We then proceeded for a buffet lunch at Leslie’s restaurant which was around 30 minutes from the airport. Having been to Puerto Princesa myself three times, it was refreshing to know restaurants so refreshing that it offered not just great food but such good ambiance. After the refreshing lunch, we headed for a 2-3 hour long drive to Sabang. At past 4pm, we arrived at Sabang bay, headed to Taraw Lodge and took advantage of the beautiful sun and beach. It was a good thing that Kuya Marlon was a good photographer. He got us beautiful shots with unique views and positions. We continued frolicking on the beach until the sunset. Such beautiful view! Around 7pm, we had our first dinner at Palawan with of course the all-time favorite --- seafoods. Come 9pm and it was bonding time. It was Bagsy's turn. Being on the hotseat, it was never easy but he handled it well!!! Kudos Bagsy for putting up a brave front...... It was one hell of an evening!!! Bonding time ended around midnight as we had to wake up early for yet another long drive.

Day 2 - March 31 (Wed)
Kuya Marlon woke us up for an early drive to El Nido. He already told us that it will really be a long drive, longer than what we had from Puerto Princesa to Sabang. We left Sabang at around 5AM. Half of the way towards El Nido was paved and the rest was well --- an exciting ride!!! I think I now know why El Nido was really expensive because a lot of people prefer to take a chartered plane from PP to El Nido or Manila to El Nido. The drive was really long!!!! We had to stop for a couple of times for some peepee and stretching. After a seemingly rough but exciting ride, we arrived at El Nido at around 8AM. Having to see docked boats, we felt excited on the thought of us already on El Nido, a place we only dreamt of going. After a simple breakfast, we then headed to our beautiful rooms to prepare for our first island hopping adventure in El Nido. And yes, we loved our room at El Nido Beach Hotel, the best so far along the shores of El Nido albeit more expensive than its neighboring accommodation. It was simple yet clean and cozy. At around 9AM, we took a small walk towards the center of the shore and boarded the boat. With us onboard were tourists from Czech Republic and Sweden. We instantly bonded with one of the girls – My(that’s her real name) who was with her boyfriend and were all the way from Sweden. We took Tour B on our first day which scoured around the southern part of Bacuit Bay, a combination of white sand beaches and lagoons. We first went to a white sand beach which some called Pangalusian and enjoyed the crystal clear waters. Refreshing feeling and a good start for a tour! We then headed to Snake Island which at first glance was just a long strip of white sand connecting a mangrove and another island. When we got off the boat, we headed for some trees serving as shade from a scorching sun that greeted us. We decided to explore the “snaky” island towards the mangroves. When we reached the middle, and looking back where we docked, the sand was blindingly white and oh-so-amazing! Even when we reached the farthest area towards the mangrove, one can tell the place are well-protected by the locales. And you can’t just stop being amazed. El Nido is so captivating you can’t close your mouth in great awe. And in retrospect, we’re proud that we have these beaches in our country where we can be proud of. After more than an hour of exploring, we headed towards the shore for a hearty lunch of seafood, veggies and fruits. After a little rest, we then headed to the caves. First stop was Cathedral Cave where a small cave opening greeted us. One has to get past a big rock and crawl towards the opening to enter the cave. Inside was why it was coined the Cathedral Cave – its magnificence a striking resemblance to the church. After a couple of minutes of touring around, we then headed to another cave – Cudugnun Cave. After entering the cave, we got a sudden rush of adventure and the reason was obvious. Sitting on the middle of the cave is a tall structure with a flat surface on top – a good place to take pictures with. We climbed through the rocks to reach the middle and voila, a fantastic view! It was worth the pain of climbing it! After taking numerous shots from above and below, we then headed back to town arriving at El Nido bay before sunset, enough for us to take a well-deserved bath. The first night at El Nido was enchanting, not that we felt that kind of magical feeling but because strolling the beach shore with less people was for me enchanting enough. We had our first hearty dinner beside the beach on a serene environment, a far cry from the famed Boracay where the noise will kill the night’s serene atmosphere. We ended the night with light stroll before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3 - April 1 (Thu)
We woke up early for a well-deserved breakfast. It was a quiet and lazy morning but the sun beamed brightly you can’t resist its temptation for adventure. After the prep for the tour, we headed to the shore and boarded the banca along with some foreign tourists and a couple of local ones. We took Tour A which spans Miniloc Island, among its most popular resort being Lagen Island, venue for Amazing Race. The tour of course does not cover landing on the Lagen Island and Miniloc Resort because non-guests are not allowed to tour around it. We passed through the hotel and it was just enticing – really something to look forward to in a special vacation. We started off with Simizu Island, one of the white sand beaches along the Miniloc area. We then headed towards the 3 lagoons – the Small, Big and Secret Lagoon. First off was a small lagoon, which is not accessible by the boat. The only way to enter is through kayak or swimming through the small entrance. In high tides, you have to dive in to enter inside as the entrance would have been blocked by the water, We decided to swim towards the entrance and again, another wow experience! It’s actually akin to the Twin Lagoon in Coron Island which I loved so dearly. We swam towards the center and an inviting secret place drew us nearer. Our guide told us there’s a hidden place only seen when you crawl towards the small hole where you see a mini cave enough to fit in 10 people. Secret indeed! After spending roughly an hour in the Small Lagoon, we past through what they call the Big Lagoon where its so open you can just jump in and swim your hearts out. We decided to just enjoy the view, be amazed on the corals and wonders of the water and took numerous pics as we crossed past the Big Lagoon. After lavishing through the crystal clear waters in the Big Lagoon, we headed to the “real” Secret Lagoon. Greeted by a white sand beach, you can never tell what lies behind the limestone rock formations. We were told there’s a secret small lagoon once you unlock the secret entrance. It was indeed a view to behold, much like the movie “The Beach” where you never know there’s still some hidden beauty behind rocks and enchanting islands. After beholding the beauty, we’re now off to a small island where we spent our lunch. The island has no entrance fee and the beauty is comparable to the other white sand beaches that require some fee. We snorkeled our way towards the small rock around 5 meters from the shore while waiting for our foods. I think that’s the comfort of being on the tour. Instead of spending time cooking and preparing, all we need is just enjoy the sun and the beach. And that’s exactly what we did!!!! Minutes later, we had our sumptous meal of veggies, seafoods and fresh fish with of course fresh fruits to complete the feast. After spending half an hour, we then headed to our last destination – 7 Commando beach. From afar, its looked like another white sand beach with other tourists frolicking on the sand. Setting it apart from the other beaches we’ve explored for two days was the fact that there’s a mini store that sells fresh buko --- which is heaven on a sun-drenched afternoon. We ordered buko and spent our afternoon lazily lying on hammocks hanging on trees – a welcome treat for a tired but enjoyable tour we had so far. While Che, Mike and Carms enjoy the hammock, Cel and I gun for another last ditch of snorkelling adventure. And again, this paradise we call Palawan never ceased to amaze us. Revelling to another set of aquatic meetups, I was astonished to find not only Nemo but a black version of his kind, quite unique as our guide said it only appears seldom on this beach. I must be too lucky Black Nemo let me show he too is beautiful. Just when we are about to return, we saw 2 sets of Nemo friends playing around their porose abode. Pahabol , ika nga. We spent almost the rest of the afternoon in the beach and it was time to go back to town. Before sundown, we reached the town and prepared ourselves for some shopping before heading to the restaurant where we’ll spend our last dinner in El Nido. Dinner was one of the best we had – crabs and shrimps are simply heaven! After dinner, we thought of visiting some of the bars sprawling around town and we ended up in one of those local bars where singers sang original songs (Balay Tubay) – the ones we never heard of in the city. It was so enticing you want to dance along with it. Some reggae songs are also played. And we are told the audience can sing along with them – not on the tables but ON STAGE. And what a way to celebrate a good experience in El Nido than to sing our hearts out! No question on who should represent the group -- Mike (Bagsy) being the singer of the group. He agreed only if he’s with some company and so Cel and Carms went along. Che and I shouted like crazy as we cheered with them, Bagsy singing the classic favorite “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang”. It was one helluva of a night – one of the most memorable night we truly enjoyed, a good mark to leave for the night. After a few drinks, we decided it was time to go back to the hotel, time to pack and rest for an early trip the next morning.


Day 4 – April 2 (Friday)

It was around 4AM that Kuya Marlon knocked on our rooms. Its time to go. Carrying our backpacks, it was goodbye to a beautiful island that was worth the experience. Once we get in, we we’re shocked that the driver was on the passenger seat and Kuya Marlon on the driver side. My initial thought was that this might have been the plan, a switch so as not to stress the driver. But there is something wrong and we can feel it from there. Our instinct says this is not supposed to be the setup. Too tired and too sleepy, we just accepted what it is at that moment. We’re going the same way we treaded 2 days ago, the same unpaved road halfway. Full moon was up and the roads are visible from our seats. Half-awake, half-asleep. Rocky road down would temporarily wake me up. Then the struggle to go up on rocky & tricky terrain somehow created some stress on the van. I was awaken by a smell of burnt clutch. Cel and Bagsy were wide awake, Cel being scared that things aren’t going well. And she told us later when we were at Puerto that she deliberately did not sleep because she’s scared we might fall off on some ravine or some accident might happen. At that time, anything can happen. We can be stopped by a group of robbers or kidnappers, or be trapped in a rocky road or van died out. At that moment, fear enveloped me. All of us are silent. Mike volunteered to take a sub for Kuya but he said he can still drive. Silence again. God, please let us be safe. I knew at that moment all we could do was pray. Things are getting difficult as we continue to pass on difficult roadpaths, some with a small bridge, some requires expert maneuvering. After a couple of hours of difficult terrain, the sun started to shine brightly ready to shake our dampening spirit. We were still not comfortable until we get into the paved road. We heaved a long sigh after the early morning ordeal was seemingly over when we stopped on a gasoline station. There, the driver seemed to be past his “wastedness” and we knew he will receive some word from Kuya Marlon. After roughly 30 minutes, we arrived at Liberty Inn at past 9AM. After settling in, we then proceeded to the Honda Bay adventure which was originally a Dolphin Watching adventure (we we’re too late for the dolphin watch). We were already familiar with the tour as we had it the other year, except for Carmela who had this as his first time. Cruising past Luli island, we arrived first at Star Island and spent little time as there were a lot of tourists already on the island. We proceeded to Snake Island and planned to spend our lunch there but there were too many people also that nipa huts are running out. So we decided to stay and spend the rest of the day on Pandan Island, which was the best idea as the people are quite manageable, plus the island is bigger. It was seafood time again and it was worth the second trip for the group, a third for me. Bagsy, Carms and Che decided to try the massage while Cel and I were still reeling from the sunburn we decided to just enjoy the view and snorkel some more. At past 4pm, we left the island and headed to the port and off to the hotel. We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up and getting ready for the last night at Palawan. We had our sumptous dinner at Balinsasayaw restaurant where Kuya Marlon thanked us for the patience despite what happened earlier. The bond was instant as we consider Kuya Marlon as part of the group and not as our guide anymore. The food was a celebration for the trip that was all adventure and fun. We ended the night with a little chat in the hotel and prepared for tomorrow’s departure.

Day 5 – April 3 (Saturday)

We woke up with a hearty breakfast provided by the hotel and prepared for the trip to the market and stores to buy pasalubong before heading to the airport. It will certainly be not the last time I will set foot on the beautiful island of El Nido. Palawan is a paradise worth visiting! Thank you Palawan and see you again!!!!