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| Hakbang Mountaineers at the summit of Mt. Apo in October 2014 |
Half a year after conquering the tallest in the south, the amateur trekkers want to turn pro by clearing the highest in the north.
On the 10th of April, 2015, all members of group gathered in Baguio for the final preparation. Though there are first time climbers in the band, nothing but excitement is seen in their faces. No sign of nervousness or doubt about reaching the summit, even if they have decided to tackle it via the “killer trail”.
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| Preparing the provisions |
Early the following day, they proceed to the DENR Office in Ambangeg for the Orientation before the ascent. While, the orientation was set at1100hrs, the group had to wait for another hour for their turn, since they happened to be just one among the 18 other groups lined up to listen to indications from the office which accepted their registration and permitted their daring attempt.
The Orientation lasted for an hour, delaying lunch break to 1300hrs. The group had no choice but to take their last meal before ascent on board the jeepney which will take them to the jumpoff site at Kabayan.
By 1430hrs, the group started on a steep hike under the scorching heat of the sun, which gave the climbers an idea that the marker which stands at Kabayan that said “Difficult Route” isn’t lying. Upon reaching the station of the guides and porters (Akiki Trail Visitors’ Center) at 1515hrs, they immediately settled the fees, said a simple prayer and pushed on at about 1545hrs.
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| At DENR Ambangeg for the Orientation |
When the group reached the Skull Area, they already have gained momentum and were by that time enjoying the trail.
The hikers arrived at the camp site along the Eddet River at 1745hrs, where they joined three others groups whose tents are already pitched. It appeared as if the group brought rain to the site, because it poured as they came. Some immediately erected their shelter, while others started preparing the dinner.
Each camp site is already furnished with a semi-permanent accommodation for guides and porters and a 2-cubicle toilet, which facilitated the campers need for relief.
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| Eddet River Campsite |
Dinner was ready by 2000hrs, followed by a short conversation and a long line of campers wanting to use the “blessed” cubicles either for wash-ups or for final unloading of unnecessary weight in preparation for a deep slumber on that peaceful night. By 2200hrs the Eddet River campsite was indeed filled with grand silence.
The succeeding dawn, many were awakened by the noise created by the insensitive campers from another group loudly asking around where the ingredients for their breakfast are. By the time it was our turn to arouse, we already knew from their conversations every detail there is to their early meal.
At 0400hrs of the second day, everyone was up to break camp. All they had to fuel their sluggish tummy was a small piece of pandesal and a few sip of coffee as they gaze up the mountain – to that part which appeared to them as if a quarter more from the Eddet River camp site to reach the Marlboro Country – where the early hikers already are. With the morning light already breaking the previous night’s darkness, at about 0545hrs, after some photo were taken, the group moved on.
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| Traversing the constant ascent |
On their way up, they have over taken the two other groups who started the hike ahead of them. By 0845hrs., they were already at the Marlboro Country, where they prepared their brunch. At about 1030hrs, after a short rest, they proceeded with the hike which was increasingly tiring.
When they reached the resting place where the last water source was, at around 1130hrs., they met up there with the group they were looking up to while having their breakfast at the Eddet River camping area.
From there, with their remaining strength, they went on pushing harder until the last man of the group reached the Saddle camp site at 1500hrs. After pitching the tents, they celebrated the Holy Mass at 1600hrs, with some members of the other groups.
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| Divine Mercy Sunday Mass |
While preparing for dinner, the heavens poured down rain like there’s no more space to keep it up there. The heavy rain was preceded by thick clouds that obscured the entire camp and so did our plan to hike up to the summit to view the sunset. The cold night was, therefore, spent inside the tents with a wish the the waters wouldn’t find its way inside our poor nylon and polyester shelters.
Similar to the previous dawn, the same noisy group – as if not running out of displaced enthusiasm, which at that moment was synonymous to “excessive thoughtlessness” – once again made public discussions regarding their coming meal about which no one else is interested especially when you check your watch and it says “0130hrs”. Despite this, everybody patiently struggled to find rest looking forward to a morning with a better weather.
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| Breakfast at Marlboro Country |
They set themselves to rise at 0400hrs, to start hiking their way up to the summit. As they wished, they were greeted by an indescribably serene dawn. By 0430hrs, they were already at the peak, where all the other climbers gather to witness what not many climbers are so lucky to view – the rising sun over the sea of clouds giving light and life to what seemed to be the playground of the gods – that morning these climbers were the gods. They remained up there for quite a while to enjoy glory that is visible in this masterpiece of the true God – the generous God who wishes His humble creatures to find their beauty, goodness and unity in their being.
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| On top of Luzon at 2,922masl |
Inebriated by what they saw, they descend to the Saddles Camp at 0700hrs for a simple breakfast before finally packing up and breaking camp.
By 0900hrs, the band was ready to hike through Ambangeg Trail. Having been trained by the tough trail of Akiki, their descent appeared easy. They reached Camp 2 by 1100hrs and Camp 1 at about 1200hrs.
By 1230hrs, they were already resting at the Ranger Station, preparing to proceed to the DENR Office to report on their successful trek and to claim their Certificate.
They are now, according to the Certificate, “included in the Mt.Pulag National Park (2922masl) book of honorary climbers.”
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| The expedition ended at the Rangers Station |
“Only the brave and the daring survive!”
So, did they.
- Bro. Christian De Sagun, rcj
