Some locals around the area instructed us to register at DENR office. My brother listed our names as well as the mountain to hike and the staff assigned a tour guide for the group. Kuya Jaime (wasn't able to get his surname) gladly assisted us in the registration. We also paid the Php50.00 hiking fee for each person (Php250.00 in total).

Registration at DENR Office

Kuya Jaime directed us in the barangay hall for another registration. We just listed our names and gave a little donation. After the registration, it's hiking time!!!

Hiking Proper

Kuya Jaime led the group going to a small sitio (Sitio Nino). To cross Wawa River, we walked in a hanging bridge (don't worry, it wasn't scary at all). Since the sun was already set and it's kinda foggy, the scenery was beyond beautiful.

Walking at the Hanging Bridge

After some chill walking, here comes the first phase of the trail. Notable features are small to medium-sized trees, muddy and slippery trail (due to fog), good canopy and some boulders. The first challenge this trail offered was the long stairs. I thought it was easy, but it made me realized how unfit I was for this climb. Four hours of sleep and no warm-up, my endurance as well as strength were tested at this phase. After climbing the stairs, I was breathing heavily and having palpitations, that's why we took a rest. The next distance was kinda difficult since the trail was slippery and you need to be extra careful when taking your steps. There are two resting areas at this phase (take your time to rest if you feel something is wrong! don't take it for granted!)

Starting the adventure by climbing these big boulders!

The challenging stairs

Slowly and carefully making our way to the top

Sweat and lactic acid build-up!

The second phase of the trail is characterized by large boulders, some with sharp edges, beautiful limestone formation, and bamboo trees (no trees to cover the scorching heat). This is where your gloves and cap would be really useful. There were some instances that you need to make a big step just to reach another step. There were three picture-worthy spots to consider here; but if you are in hurry, it's okay to continue hiking to the summit.

Sitting at one of the limestone formation at the second phase of the trail

Reaching the summit

We reached the summit around 10:00 AM; so it took us 2 hours of climbing. We got surprised when we learned that there were three summits at the peak! It's worth to try climbing all the summits because each offered different captivating scenery. The first summit shows most of the mountains surrounding Mt. Pamitinan as well as the Wawa River. the second summit offers clear view of Mt. Binicayan; and the third summit is overlooking at the Sierra Madre Range. Since a lot of people went hiking that day, there's a traffic control at every summit. We waited for more than 15 minutes just to be able to take pictures at each summit.

You need to climb the second summit using a big, blue rope. It's kinda difficult because you need to exert strength on your arms to help yourself make a step forward. It's scarier to descend since the rocks were steep and slippery.

My brother using the rope to climb the second summit.

In my opinion, the third summit was the difficult one to hike since you have to pass large, limestone rocks with sharp edges. You need to wear your gloves and be careful in taking a step due to steepness. And, I love the third summit since I was amazed at how beautiful the Sierra Madre Range was!

Check our photos below!

Kahit hirap, ngiti pa rin!

Help me not to fall, Yeng

Slaying the "buwis buhay" pose

At the second and highest summit with Mt. Binicayan

At the second summit, practicising my photography skills with my brother :p

Our group shot at the thirs summit. Great photo, Kuya Jaime!

Overlooking the Sierra Mader Range! Thank you, Lord for this wonderful creation!

I. TRANSPORTATION

Fairview going to Litex: Php7.00
Litex going to Montalban: Php20.00
Montalban going to Wawa: Php15.00
TOTAL: Php42.00 (one trip only)

II. REGISTRATION

Hiking fee: 50.00 each person

III. TOUR GUIDE

Php500.00 + Php50.00 (tip) = Php550.00 (for 5 persons, Php110.00 each)

IV. GLOVES

Php25.00 (bought at Litex clothing stall)

V. DRINKS (Gatorade, Drinking Water (1 L)

Php45.00 each (price from sari-sari store located at each juncture during hiking)

VI. LUNCH

Grilled Liempo with Rice and Iced Tea (plus extra rice) = Php80.00 (at Randy's Backyard, located at San Jose, near Montalban's Town Center)

Tips

• Invest in good shoes! What made my climb difficult was my shoes. I had cramps along the way and it was really painful that we had to make a lot of rest.
• It's much better to do the hiking during summer season since the trail is not slippery and you get a chance to visit the Pamitinan Cave (it's not open during -ber months since the water inside the cave is too high)
• Bring less! Do not bring oversize bags (it's difficult to carry these bags at the second phase of the trail)
• Bring lots of water! Don't forget to hydrate yourself.
• You can just buy lunch at the carinderias or have it at Robinson's area. In that way, you don't need to bring packed lunch that could make your bag heavier. You can instead bring any bread or any energy-giving snacks that are light in weight.
• Buy gloves at Litex because it's cheaper (Php25 vs Php50 at Brgy. Wawa).

I always anticipate this day. Every night, I would imagine myself walking on the stage with my mom and dad. Due to having  a busy schedule (since maraming ipapasa for clearance), I did not notice that this day was almost near!

After submitting our last paper for this semester, I got a lot of things to take care of. First is the processing of clearance and board exams. I admit the clearance process was kinda hassle since you have to go to different buildings in order to pay, get your membership from alumni association, and get necessary signatures for your clearance. But nevertheless, after finally being cleared, I felt so nervous and excited for the graduation day. I guessed I just anticipated this day so much.

Obligatory CHE logo shot before submitting our final revised papers for FN 176! (w/ my partner, Yna)

Then, the next problem was to look for a terno and a white dress for Recognition and Graduation rites. My friends had difficulty in finding a terno that perfectly fits them that's why they ordered a customize one. However, I did not have much time to wait for a customize one (that's roughly around 1 week or more), that's why mom and I went to Divisoria and looked at every clothing store just to find the perfect one. I was able to find one; it fits perfectly but it was not curvy (that's why I looked fat wearing it). Due to desperation, we bought the terno for Php1,600.00. For the shoes, I bought my beige stiletto at Php300.00.

The next problem was how to do my hair and make-up. I don't have the money to go to salon and have my make-up and hair done, that's why a month before the event I already purchased a cheap make-up kit and watched every YouTube videos about graduation make-up! Guess all the efforts has been paid off since I looked okay during my college recognition day!

Before the recognition ceremony starts!

With my forever groupmates, Lara and Kyle

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you are coming from the North (Fairview, Commonwealth, Batasan, etc.), ride any Cubao Kalayaan Aurora/Ali Mall/PhilCoA City Hall jeep and alight from QC Hall Gate 7. From there, walk straight until you reach Gate 5. Look for Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) which is at the left side of Gate 5 and almost in front of NBI City Hall satellite branch. All transactions will be processed here.

STEPS ON SECURING A HEALTH CERTIFICATE/CARD:

Step 1: Get your Order of Payment form

Outside the building, there are tables labeled with steps 1 to 5. Go to step 1 and inform the staff that you are getting a health certificate. The staff will give you an order of payment with the breakdown of fees (see below). In total, you need to pay P194.00 for your health card.

Health Fee: P50.00

HIV-AIDS Seminar Fee: P50.00

Laboratory Fee: P94.00

Step 2: Pay the fees

The staff at step 1 may give you directions on how to get to the cashier area (this is also within the building's premises). I also made a sketch (I am not sure if it is accurate haha) that you can follow. Just look for the black railings going to the cashier; it's very near from the tables so don't worry. Bring exact payment to avoid waiting periods. Keep the receipt.

Step 3. Submit your specimens (stool and sputum)

A. Sputum and stool cups

If you don't have any sputum/stool cups, you can buy those from sidewalk vendors. I bought mine for P15.00. You can also bring your own cups. 

B. Specimen

You can bring your stool and transfer it to stool cup if you already have one. This will make your life easier! If you didn't bring any stool, look for a CR across the road. You need to pay P10.00 for using it. WARNING: Long lines and long waiting time; use at your own risk! For your sputum, just spit at the cup and you're okay.

C. Bring the specimens to the laboratory

Go to the laboratory, which is behind the building (see map below). Ask for the forms to fill out (you need to fill out 3 forms). Then, submit your specimens, give your receipt at the window and get your releasing slip. 

Step 4. Releasing of results

Go back to the front of the building, go to step 4, releasing of results. You need to present your releasing slip as well as present one valid ID. No ID, no results. Usually, when you submit your specimens before 11 AM, results are already available by 2 PM. Beyond that, results can be obtained the following day. 

Step 5. HIV Seminar

Go to the next table and choose what seminar schedule you want to attend. If you obtained your results by 2 pm, most likely your seminar will be scheduled tomorrow or any day that you are convenient.

In case you choose to get your results the other day, make sure to go there by 8 AM so that you will be able to attend the seminar by 9 AM. 

The seminar venue is at the 3rd floor of another wing of Health Department (see map below).  In my case, all applicants were gathered in the waiting area, 1st floor. We are given a form to fill out and after 15 minutes, we went to the seminar area.

At the 3rd floor, you have to give the filled out form as well as your laboratory results to the staff inside the seminar room and in return, she will give you a number. DO NOT LOSE THIS NUMBER! The seminar lasts for an hour; it is very informative and at the same time, entertaining.  

Step 6. Processing of Health Card

After the seminar, you will be instructed to go to the 2nd floor where you have to process your health card. The process is based on the number given by the staff in the seminar room. Give this number when it is your turn. PLEASE CHECK YOUR ENCODED INFORMATION CAREFULLY since you have to pay another P50.00 if there is something to correct. After taking a photo, you just need to wait for 15 to 20 minutes for your health card. And you're done!!! :)

TIPS:

1. It would be less hassle if you get your results the next day so that you don't have to wait for the whole day. It will take you less than a day if you omit the long waiting time for the results!!! :)

My adventure:

Day 1: I went to Quezon City Hall at 10:30 AM; I didn't make it to the cut-off time (11 AM) that's why I was scheduled to get my results the next day.

Day 2: I went again at the City Hall at 8 AM, and to my surprise, I was able to attend the seminar by 9 AM and have my health certificate by 10:20 AM! 

2. Do the laboratory at the Quezon City Health Department. 

It is true that you can have your laboratory at the accredited diagnostic centers around Quezon City but if you are saving money, just do it at QCHD since it is only P94.00!!! And you can get your results at the indicated time in the releasing slip. But if you are in hurry and you can afford to spend more, then that's okay.