Saturday, October 1, 2016
Mount Pamitinan, Rodriguez, Rizal (426 MASL)
Major jump-off: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, RizalLLA : 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9/ Trail class 1-4
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2015/02/mt-pamitinan-426-and-mt-binacayan-424.html
Rodriguez is a town of mountains. From its north to south, a series of
sloping ridges, hills and mountains ranges adorn the town. In fact,
around 27% or the town is occupied by mountains and slopes.
Bernardo Carpio, who was trapped in two mountains according to legend, is told to have happened in the town.
Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) also has a historical story in Pamitinan Cave where Andres Bonifacio and seven (7) Katipuneros made their pilgrimage and covenant for freedom (the first cry of independence) in April 1895, a year before the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, the first revolution in Asia.
The start of the trail is crossing the hanging bridge passing houses and concrete stairs going up. Warming up our sleepy bodies but it is already tiring and exhausting...
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| side trips to Pamitinan or Bat Caves |
Still with lots of energy, this is our first day of hike, mountains Mount Hapunang Banoi and Mount Pamitinan. Among the trilogy hike, this is the easiest and the fastest summit we climbed. You will pass through this old Balete tree and the rock climbing area "the face".
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| the old Balete tree |
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| the rock climbing area "the face" |
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| the "junction" |
You will reach the "junction" after 45 minutes from the jump-off. The junction wherein when you go to the other side, you'll reach Mount Hapunang Banoi or the other way, Mount Pamitinan. Snacks and refreshments like buko and softdrinks are available here.
The next trail after the junction is already the rocky part with bamboos that can help you reach some parts. Start wearing your gloves after the junction for some bamboos have brown thin thorns that enters the skin and can be very irritating. The rock formations are also jagged and sharp. Proper shoe wear and gloves is a must. Wear trekking pants and not shorts to avoid unnecessary cuts and lacerations.
Thirty minutes after the junction is the summit. Enjoy the scenery....
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| groupie |
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| pointing to Mount Hapunang Banoi |
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| searching... searching for a girlfriend, haha! |
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| jayshelle forever <3 <3 <3 |
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| reaching each other's hand... |
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| extreme caution is advised... Do not cross without the guidance of tour guides... |
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| when you dare to be different.... |
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| hawak kamay... |
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| takipsilim |
How to get to Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal?
- From Araneta Center, Cubao - there are vans going to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) in front of Farmers Market.
- From Sta. Lucia Mall or Robinson's Metro East in Cainta, Rizal - take jeepneys along Marcos Hi-way going to Montalban.
- From Commonwealth Avenue in Litex Road - take jeepneys going to Montalban.
6:00am to 7:00am - Cubao to Rodriguez
7:00am to 7:15am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa
7:15am to 7:45am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide
7:45am to 8:30am- Jump-off to Junction
8:30am to 9:00am - Junction to Summit
9:00am to 9:30am - Picture taking at the Summit
9:30am to 10:30am - Summit to Jump-off
7:00am to 7:15am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa
7:15am to 7:45am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide
7:45am to 8:30am- Jump-off to Junction
8:30am to 9:00am - Junction to Summit
9:00am to 9:30am - Picture taking at the Summit
9:30am to 10:30am - Summit to Jump-off
10:30am to 11:00am - Freshen up
11:00am to 12:30pm - Brgy. Wawa to Cubao
Twin-Hike Itinerary (Mount Hapunang Banoi and Mount Pamitinan - 1st day)
11:00am to 12:30pm - Brgy. Wawa to Cubao
Twin-Hike Itinerary (Mount Hapunang Banoi and Mount Pamitinan - 1st day)
6:00am to 7:00am - Cubao to Rodriguez
7:00am to 7:15am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa
7:15am to 7:45am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide
7:45am to 8:30am- Jump-off to Junction
8:30am to 10:00am - Junction to Mount Hapunang Banoi Summit
10:00am to 10:30am - Picture taking at the Summit
10:30am to 11:30am - Summit to Junction
11:30am to 12 noon - Lunch at the Junction 7:00am to 7:15am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa
7:15am to 7:45am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide
7:45am to 8:30am- Jump-off to Junction
8:30am to 10:00am - Junction to Mount Hapunang Banoi Summit
10:00am to 10:30am - Picture taking at the Summit
10:30am to 11:30am - Summit to Junction
12:00pm to 12:45pm - Junction to Mount Pamitinan Summit
12:45pm to 1:30pm - Picture taking at the Summit
1:30pm to 2:30pm - Summit to Jump-off
2:30pm to 3:00pm - Freshen-Up
3:00pm to 4:30pm - Brgy. Wawa to Cubao
We did a trilogy. We trekked Mount Binacayan on the second day.
Contact our guide/photographer Romeo "Jon" Espanola and Rey Pelayo with celphone number 0910-1668471.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Mount Binacayan, Rodriguez, Rizal (424+ MASL)
LLA (Binacayan): 14°43′30.5′′N 121°11′26.1′′ E 424 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9; Trail class 1-4
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2015/02/mt-pamitinan-426-and-mt-binacayan-424.html
We are looking for mountains to hike near Manila and it is in Rizal that we always think of because of its proximity to the Metro. It was originally Mount Batolusong in Tanay that we planned to hike but I've searched a more interesting mountain, rather mountains.... We will climb not just one, not just two, but three mountains.... Mount Hapunang Banoi, Mount Pamitinan and Mount Binacayan.... This is just great!
Rodriguez is a first-class, urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is the northernmost town in the province and comes after San Mateo, Rizal and Quezon City coming from Metro Manila. The town is located on the slopes of the Sierra Madre and features many resorts; it is also the largest town in Rizal province with an area of 312.70 km2. It borders San Mateo, Rizal and Antipolo, Rizal on the south, Norzagaray, Bulacan and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on the north, Quezon City on the west and General Nakar on the east.
Montalban, a common name for the municipality up to the present, was its official name from its founding in 1909 until 1982 when the Batasang Pambansa officially renamed it Rodriguez in honor of Eulogio Rodriguez, Sr., a native of the municipality who served as Senate President.
Rodriguez is a first-class, urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is the northernmost town in the province and comes after San Mateo, Rizal and Quezon City coming from Metro Manila. The town is located on the slopes of the Sierra Madre and features many resorts; it is also the largest town in Rizal province with an area of 312.70 km2. It borders San Mateo, Rizal and Antipolo, Rizal on the south, Norzagaray, Bulacan and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on the north, Quezon City on the west and General Nakar on the east.
Montalban, a common name for the municipality up to the present, was its official name from its founding in 1909 until 1982 when the Batasang Pambansa officially renamed it Rodriguez in honor of Eulogio Rodriguez, Sr., a native of the municipality who served as Senate President.
We met with the group at Farmers Cubao in front of Farmers Market. The vans going to Rodriguez and Montalban are stationed here. Van fare going to Rodriguez is Php50. From Poblacion ride a trike or jeep going to Wawa, jeep is cheaper but we rented the whole trike for Php60.
Register at DENR for Php50 and hire a required guide for Php500/day. Our recommended guide is Romeo "Jon" Espanola and Rey Pelayo with contact number 0910-1668471.
Our trek starts at the cemented assault... Sementado pero masakit na agad sa hita. The real struggle started after the kubo... Ang tindi! Yun lang!
After the kubo started the challenging trail. It was raining continuously and the other groups are already planning to abort their trek... The rain subsides for sometime and I said "ganun din yan, mababasa din tayo!" so we continued with the strenuous and exhausting climb. One needs proper concentration and care with every step because one wrong step will cause a serious accident.
The first photo op at the tail of the mountain is very rewarding... We were just starting...
Register at DENR for Php50 and hire a required guide for Php500/day. Our recommended guide is Romeo "Jon" Espanola and Rey Pelayo with contact number 0910-1668471.
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| at the DENR Registration Area |
After the kubo started the challenging trail. It was raining continuously and the other groups are already planning to abort their trek... The rain subsides for sometime and I said "ganun din yan, mababasa din tayo!" so we continued with the strenuous and exhausting climb. One needs proper concentration and care with every step because one wrong step will cause a serious accident.
The first photo op at the tail of the mountain is very rewarding... We were just starting...
One hour from the jump-off is this scenery...
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| jagged and sharp rocks at 70% of the trail |
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| photographed by our guide, kuya Rey |
We started by 5:30am so we were able to enjoy the place all by ourselves... Before we ended with the photo ops, the line going to this spot also started.
This is the middle part of the trail... Most of it are sharp rocks ascent. Do not wear shorts for the rocks are really jagged, sharpened and even knife-edged. When I remove my gloves, I got some cuts on my hands and legs though I am wearing a trekking pants.
After this trail is the dinosaur rock formation where we witnessed a pile of people... We said that we will proceed with the summit first to save time.
We reached the summit after three hours because the rain somehow slowed us down. With or without the rain, the trail is extremely difficult, tough and knee-breaker. The trail is mostly rock ascent. This mountain taught me to hop long steps to reach one limestone to another.
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| Mount Binacayan Summit 3 |
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| our dedicated tour guide, kuya Rey Pelayo |
We did the traverse so we were not able to take pictures at the dinosaur rock formation because we went down the other way. Sharper and larger rock formations greeted us on our way down. The trail is truly challenging and honestly I don't consider this as a minor climb. Serious lascerations will result from a simple foot slip. Keep safe all the time!
From summit going down is two and a half hour with rains.
Dayhike Itinerary:
6:00am to 7:00am - Cubao to Rodriguez
7:00am to 7:15am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa
7:15am to 7:45am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide
7:45am to 10:30am- Jump-off to Summit
10:30am to 11:00am - at the Summit
11:00am to 1:30pm - Summit to Jump-off
1:30pm to 2:00pm - Freshen up
2:00pm to 3:30pm - Brgy. Wawa to Cubao
Can do a twin dayhike at Mount Pamitinan or make a trilogy for 2 days.
We hiked Mount Pamitinan and Mount Hapunang-Banoi on the first day and Mount Binacayan on the second day.
From summit going down is two and a half hour with rains.
Dayhike Itinerary:
6:00am to 7:00am - Cubao to Rodriguez
7:00am to 7:15am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa
7:15am to 7:45am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide
7:45am to 10:30am- Jump-off to Summit
10:30am to 11:00am - at the Summit
11:00am to 1:30pm - Summit to Jump-off
1:30pm to 2:00pm - Freshen up
2:00pm to 3:30pm - Brgy. Wawa to Cubao
Can do a twin dayhike at Mount Pamitinan or make a trilogy for 2 days.
We hiked Mount Pamitinan and Mount Hapunang-Banoi on the first day and Mount Binacayan on the second day.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Mount Talamitam, Nasugbu, Batangas 630+ MASL
Jump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu (KM. 83)
LLA: 14.1158° N; 120.7577° N; 630 MASL
Days required/ Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-2.2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with steep assault (100m)
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-talamitam-630.html
It was a gloomy Sunday and we were really itching to climb. We are already in Amadeo, Cavite area and it will just be less than an hour bus ride from Tagaytay to Nasugbu.
After arriving at Sitio Bayabasan, we went at the registration site and paid Php40 and a required guide of Php300.
Talamitam has a reputation of being a hot mountain because of being treeless but I hope that the locality has its plan to rehabilitate the mountain and have trees planted.
After arriving at Sitio Bayabasan, we went at the registration site and paid Php40 and a required guide of Php300.
Talamitam has a reputation of being a hot mountain because of being treeless but I hope that the locality has its plan to rehabilitate the mountain and have trees planted.
The rain just poured to its most powerful level and we just stayed first for an hour at a roofed area and when the rain subsided, we proceeded with the hike...
My brother-in-law, Raymart, have hiked Talamitam before that's why even if it's raining, he said "Saglit lang yan akyatin!"
The rain temporarily stopped and we continued with the hike. The trail is so easy especially during cold seasons. It will only take you 2 to 2 1/2 hours to reach the summit.
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| crossing Talamitam River |
The first part of the trek is crossing the Talamitam River. The bridge is made of slippery bamboo so caution is advised.
There are plenty of cows and horses along the way. Be very observant on what you are stepping on.
Around 70 to 80 percent of the trail is just plain flat, the only thing that will make this hike difficult is direct exposure to sunlight because of the shade-less trek. You can bring umbrella to protect you from the unforgiving sun.
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| dad with Ayen and Marlon |
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Caviteño hikers we've met along the way, hello guyz <3
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At the half of the trek is a mini store selling coffee, bread, noodles, buko, softdrinks and chicheria. They sell coffee at Php25.
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| jump shot at the foggy mountain |
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| the most difficult part of the trek |
There is a little challenge along the trail. It is the 60-70 degrees slope summit assault and will take you around 20-30 minutes to reach it.
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| the family who hike together |
If it is not foggy you can see Mount Batulao to the southeast, Mount Pico de Loro and Mount Marami to the northwest . You can also see Mount Makiling from the peak.
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| Josh and JP at the foggy summit |
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| wet and rainy hike |
Going down will only take you one and a half hour. It was a very relaxing hike since we went on a rainy season.
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| wet but happy =) |
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| picture with Rey our guide |
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| enjoy the views by staying here for a while |
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| Team jayshelle <3 |
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| my second born, Josh, with an amazing view as a backdrop =) |
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| JP enjoying selfies at magpapicture sa mommy with Talamitam peak as a backdrop =) |
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| one last groupie pose |
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| one last shot na talaga =) |
Things to Consider:
- No water source throughout the trail
- Overnight is allowed
- trekking during dry season will drought you, bring 3 liters of water for a dayhike
- estimated budget is from Php700-800 if Mount Talamitam is your only itinerary
- cooked food can be bought at the jump-off
How to get to Kilometer 83, Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy Aga, Nasugbu?
Nasugbu bound buses are in Buendia and Coastal Mall. Tell the conductor to drop you at Mount Talamitam jump-off in Sitio Bayabasan. A/C bus fare is around Php 180.
We came from Tagaytay and from there we rode the bus up to Km 83, bus fare is Php40.
Dayhike Itinerary:
Nasugbu bound buses are in Buendia and Coastal Mall. Tell the conductor to drop you at Mount Talamitam jump-off in Sitio Bayabasan. A/C bus fare is around Php 180.
We came from Tagaytay and from there we rode the bus up to Km 83, bus fare is Php40.
Dayhike Itinerary:
6:00 to 8:00 - Coastal Mall to Brgy. Bayabasan, Nasugbu, Batangas
8:00 to 8:15 - Register and hire a guide
8:15 to 10:00 - Jump-off to Summit
10:00 to 10:30 - Stay at the Summit
10:30 to 12:00 noon - Summit to Jump-off
12:00 nn to 2:00pm - Nasugbu to Pasay
Proceeding to Mount Batulao for twin dayhike or a sidetrip to Tagaytay is a great idea!
Contact our guide Reynaldo Yu at 0975-6236917
10:00 to 10:30 - Stay at the Summit
10:30 to 12:00 noon - Summit to Jump-off
12:00 nn to 2:00pm - Nasugbu to Pasay
Proceeding to Mount Batulao for twin dayhike or a sidetrip to Tagaytay is a great idea!
Contact our guide Reynaldo Yu at 0975-6236917
