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Personal 11:43 PM

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It's been a while since I last went hiking (Mt. Daguldol, 2012) that's why I'm itching for my next climb. Fortunately, my older brother wants to do some hiking at Montalban, Rizal, and invited me to join him. And for our beginners' experience, we need a less difficult mountain to hike, that's why we decided to see Mt. Pamitinan for ourselves.

In preparation, I read blogs (by Pinoy Mountaineer and Impressions of a Princess) to get a glimpse on what to expect in Mt. Pamitinan. I also asked some of my friends to give me tips on my incoming hike. These preparations made the climb easy and less hassle.

I provided the budget breakdown and some tips to make your adventure awesome. I hope this post will able to help you plan and make your trip easier and less hassle.

Going to Barangay Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal

From Fairview, Quezon City, we arrived at Litex around 6:00 AM and rode a jeepney going to Montalban. My brother asked the driver to drop us at San Jose, Robinsons. Since there's no traffic, we arrived at San Jose at 6:30 AM. We rode a tricycle to get to Brgy. Wawa which took around 15 minutes. In total, our trip took only less than an hour from Fairview to Brgy. Wawa.

Welcome banner at DENR Office

Registration and Preparation

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!

After staying at the peak for around 2 hours, we decided to go down. We were able to descend at around 2 pm. Before going home, we signed out at the DENR's Office and paid our tour guide, Kuya Jaime. We took our lunch near at Montalban Town Center, at Randy's Backyard.

It was a good adventure for beginners like us! I'm already looking forward at my next hiking adventure, at Mt. Hapunang Banoi! Just tell me your thoughts at the comment section :)

Budget and Fees Breakdown

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).

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Graduation Day (Part 1)

college life 7:33 AM

I still remember my first day at UP Diliman, wearing a denim pants and a shirt, carrying a large bag pack and asking a random student about the direction going to New Chemistry building. My first subject then was Chem 16. I was so lost; I did not know my way, nor have any friends to rely on. When I entered the large room, I felt uneasy, all eyes were on me. Adjusting to new people and environment was so hard. I felt like I was all alone during my first semester.

Four years have now passed, I already managed to get my way out of the university. I still could not believe it.

I survived UP.

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!