MERCY CLIMB: THE MT. TALINIS EXPERIENCE

At Lake Nailig Campsite. The beauty that is hidden from the rest.

After a failed attempt to scale Mt. Canlaon for the Mercy Climb, HMU resorted to conquer Mt. Talinis instead in Dumaguete. Just weeks before the climb, Mt. Canlaon spewed a column of smoke high up in the air. Philvolcs immediately issued the danger zone surrounding the active volcano. Then we quickly diverted our scheduled climb somewhere else.

The choices were many (the cordillera and Mt. Hibok-hibok to name a few) but only one stood out from the rest – Mt. Talinis. As suggested by one of the members, we tried our luck in reaching out to the people who can give us information about this destination. The date is fast approaching but the flow of information was at a turtle pace. We have to decide and we said that this is it.

Participants from Manila

It’s going to be the start of the rainy season as some cautioned us but every climb is always a matter of rain or shine. The weather in these mountains is always unpredictable and just because we were warned, should we resign? Never!

After some information from blogs and from contacts in Dumaguete, we made our itinerary. We have chosen the killer trail but shorter assault towards the campsite (Lake Nailig) and a traverse going to Apolong. Good thing that we have decided to do so since the Apolong trail was shut off by the local government citing that bush fire is eminent due to irresponsible mountaineers.

HMU expected a large turn-out of participants since the date still falls under the school vacation. We had 15 at first then as usual, excuses had to be dealt with and the rest agreed to join but could not be reached anymore when the date is almost near. In the end, there were only four (4) of us. Nonetheless, whatever the circumstances may be, the show must go on, and surely we commenced.

Meet up in Cebu City

On the 3^rd of June, Friday, was the assembly date in Punta Princesa, Cebu City. Two participants flew all the way from Manila, one from Surigao while one waited for the rest in Cebu City. After more than an hour delay, the group finally met in Labangon. With all the provisions previously purchased, we repacked all our equipment and left for the South Bus Terminal. We were an hour late from our timetable. When we arrived at the bus terminal, we missed the first trip. Taking the next CERES trip to Liloan, Cebu, we learned that we are still in line with our schedule since the first ferry trip to Sibulan, Dumaguete will still be at 0430hrs. We dozed off during the whole trip.

Bumpy ride ahead from Cebu City to Liloan Port

Unloading our equipment from the Fast Craft

Arriving 15mins before the first fast craft trip crossing Tanon Straight to Dumaguete, we hurriedly purchased our tickets. The trip took only less than an hour. As we were earlier instructed, a van will pick us up at the pier and will bring us to the jump off at 0500hrs. We tried to look for the van but in vain, we did not find any. Thus we took time to take our breakfast in a nearby food stall. Just in time after we took our breakfast, our contact person, no other than the head of the Tourism Department of Dumaguete, contacted us and ushered us to our transportation. It was a big truck. We were then informed that this day is the National Clean-up Day for Mt. Talinis and with us will be hundreds of mountaineers also who will climb using all the trails to collect trash left by climbers. It was such a coincidence.

Enjoying the truck ride to Bediao jump-off

Sir Francis, our guide, joined us on the way to the jump off and introduced himself to us. He is one of the head guides of Mt. Talinis and one of the main organizers of the Clean-up drive. When we reached Robinsons Dumaguete, we saw a number of mountaineers waiting for their rides. Around 10 young mountaineers joined us but will be taking another route towards the campsite. We were lucky enough to have been given the privilege to scale Mt. Talinis through the Bediao route.

Distributing school supplies to the children of the village

Children gladly waited for their turn

"Thank you, Ate!"

Whatever little that we have, we can always share

The children in Bediao who received the school supplies in preparation for the upcoming school year 2016-2017

At 0730hrs, we arrived at the jump off in Bediao. We unloaded our equipments and we rounded up children as beneficiaries of our gift-giving. This climb by the way is called MERCY CLIMB as our concrete response to the call of the Church to be merciful as our Father in heaven is merciful. We prepared 24 sets of various school supplies according to our resources and some sponsors to be shared to children who will be starting their school year in a matter of days. We then met our guide and porters and handed them our packages. After saying our prayers we started our trek by 0830hrs.

Redistributing the loads for the porters before the start of the trek

It was at first a gently slope that turned right away into an assault cutting through winding roads until the end of the line. We find ourselves traversing into cultivated fields planted with sweet potatoes, bananas and other crops. The soil is dry due to the drought that has endangered the mountain itself from bush fires. The sun was already up and the heat was making us sweat profusely. We navigated through the narrow path uphill passing by big boulders and tree roots. Then we found ourselves in the middle of a dry forest which serves as our sunvisor but still our trek is considered an assault.

Sudden assault. Too early for this.

At 0930hrs, we were already standing at the lover’s rock which is believed to be the site of a tragic end of two star-crossed lovers. After taking some snaps, we continued our way to the top. But in a sudden turn of events, the cloud started to dim and we heard the rumbling of the skies above us. Could this be the start of the rainy season as others warned us about?

At the famed lover's rock

At 1030hrs, upon reaching an open area, rain started to fall. It was just a drizzle at first then suddenly became a downpour, then in a matter of minutes it became a thunderstorm. We didn’t have time to get our ponchos anymore. We shared one raincoat and let ourselves be drenched by the sudden downpour. Some of us were already shivering from the cold air that went with the rain. No part of our body was left dry. After the 30min downpour, the rain stopped and we continued our way up.

Taking cover from the heavy downpour. We did not stand a chance.

At 1245hrs, we reached Lake Yagumyum. The lake turned out to be a puddle now because of the drought. We sat down on the grassy field and started to take our lunch. We had Jolly meals for lunch brought to us by Jollibee. Hehehe. It was a take-out meal we purchased in Dumaguete. But as we opened it now, it was already covered in gravy that spilled on the way. Anyway, it was a well-deserved lunch. We took a power nap after lunch so that we will have enough strength to send us to the campsite just in time before sunset.

Lunch at Lake Yagumyum. Our spirit is still high after being drenched by the downpour

At 1442hrs, we stopped under a big tree with a branch that sprawled across the way. We waited for the sweeper there. The way up to this area is highlighted by a number of crawls under some branches, direct assaults and muddy trails that one has to hold on to tree roots for support. There were a number of floras along the way that is peculiar to this mountain only.

Under the shadow of the large tree and its branch

A little flower we found along the way

Mushrooms all over the place. Can't say they are edible, though.

A lovely chain-like flower hanging down from the tree branch

A different kind of mushroom that looks like an inverted umbrella. It stores water.

At 1700hrs, we finally arrived at the Lake Nailig campsite. Eight and a half hours of trek, we reached our resting place for the night. Lake Nailig is a crater of this sleeping volcano. Situated in the middle of the mouth of Mt. Talinis, the campsite is blessed with water source and a sprawling campsite that is already leveled. There were already tents set up by the mountaineers who arrived earlier and the colorful array of tents and makeshifts is a sight to behold.

Alas! We are at last in the majestic Lake Nailig

We didn’t take much time. We hurriedly pitched our tents so that when the night falls, we are already prepared to rest for the night. We pitched our portable cabin first to be used for changing and toilet needs. Then our tarp for our kitchen and dining needs. Lastly, we erected our tents.

The ladies took turns in cooking for our dinner while water needs to be fetched from the lake. Our porters and guides set up their own sleeping quarters and when darkness fell, we were already set to take our dinner. We were joined by Sir Francis who took the liberty to cook rice for the group since he is equipped with a large cookware. After the meal, we had our socials. This is the first for the HMU since the previous climbs we never had a chance to have our socials because of extreme weather conditions or because of utter exhaustion.

We played “quadro” at first, punishing the loser with a shot of Tanduay rum which we previously purchased back in Bacong. Yet, this is a very fast game and our drinks might be consumed in a very short time. So we decided to play another card game instead. At this, we decided to play “100”. We had so much fun so much so that we were all awake even though we were already very tired for the day’s trek. We only stopped when the group’s presence was requested by the organizers of the clean-up drive for their socials also. We were able to introduce to everyone our group and had also the chance to impart a short inspirational remark. After a while, we parted from the group and we headed back to our tents and we called it a night.

The first one to rise early in the morning. The ladies are still snoring.

Preparing breakfast in a beautiful warm day

Call time was supposed to be at 0500hrs in time for the summit assault but as usual, all were so tired to get up early. The guides were up early but we were not decisive about making the journey early. We took our time slowly to enjoy the bright new day. Sun was up but the crater-lake was still misty. At 0730hrs, we prepared our breakfast and enjoyed our hearty meal with our hot drinks. The temperature was bearable. It was a bit cold but not so cold so as to cover ourselves with jackets and thermals.

Going the way to the summit

At 0945hrs, we commenced our final assault towards the 1.9K summit. One guide and one sweeper and we were in between them. The difficulty of the assault was at 7/9. The surrounding was jungle-like with trees wrapped by dripping moss. A bit muddy because of the recent downpour and it was slippery at that. We have to navigate once again around, above and under large trees and roots. This time, we are not carrying anything.

Posing on top of the tree at the Summit

A wider view of what one can see at the summit

At 1020hrs, an almost 45min climb, we finally reached the summit. A large tree sprawling towards a deep ravine is the main feature of the summit. Here one can have a glimpse of Lake Nailig and the surrounding rim of the volcano. One can shout to the campers at the lake and one could get a response from them right away. We have to take turns to walk across the tree so that we can have our pictures taken with the lake at the background. The view was spectacular. We gathered round and said our prayer of thanksgiving for the successful attempt to the summit. We were so blessed to have reached the top and once again proven that there is nothing impossible to achieve if we only take it one step at a time. As the group’s motto would remind us “Ain’t no mountain high enough”, we have once again conquered a Visayan legend. After a short celebration on top, we headed back down with flamboyant hearts achieving another bragging right against those who up to now have not tried to conquer greater heights. The feeling is real and the struggle too is real. As it is difficult for us to climb, it is much more difficult for us to traverse down the mountain. Every mountaineer’s greatest enemy is gravity. If you are not careful, gravity can take the life out of you.

Back at our campsite

After reaching the campsite, we rested for a while and then prepared the Eucharistic Celebration. It was a celebration of thanksgiving and hope for a safe journey towards the next campsite and protection for the following day’s descent. The guides and porters exclaimed that this is the first Eucharistic Celebration in Lake Nailig and we can proudly claim that we made history here today.

A pose before leaving Lake Nailig

We prepared our lunch, had lunch and then we broke camp. We calculated that when we leave earlier, we can reach our campsite (the guardhouse) before sunset. The guides gave us 3hours tops and we will already be there by then. At 1540hrs, we left Lake Nailig with a prayer that the Lord will continue to protect us on the way. It was a difficult route to navigate. Other than the 30-min assault, the group encountered steep slopes along the way that one needs to climb down backwards just to avoid slipping downhill to God knows where. One of us was even injured by walking towards a protruding piece of unevenly cut branch. He shouted in excruciating pain. It hit his knee cap and ricocheted beside the knee thus leaving a trail of bruises with a deep concussion. We had to stop to apply first aid to the wound.

Navagating through the puzzling trail and the steep slopes

The grueling descent was too much to handle. With our aching knees and feet, we continued to move on fearing that sunset will catch us along the way and will be much more difficult for us to find our way in a very slippery slope. At 1740hrs, we arrived at the sulfuric river where the scenery is lifeless. River bed turned white-washed by the acidic element. Trees were rendered dead by the toxicity. The pungent odor of sulfur is too much to bear. We decided not to go down to the riverbed itself because of time constraint and its notoriety had almost claimed the life of a mountaineer a week earlier as the guide and porters related. They testified that a climber went so near the sulfuric vent and inhaled so many vapors that he collapsed unconscious. They have to rescue him and bring him down the mountain immediately. We don’t want this to happen to us today.

The sulfur vent at the background

Passing through tall grass and shrubs, we arrived at the Rancho campsite at 1800hrs. A place with vegetation and a well-built uninhabited house, the site was our option for a night camp but the guides and porters discouraged us since the drought left the water source in Rancho campsite dry. At this point, we can see the lady’s breast (Susong dalaga), an uneven two hills on top of the mountain far far away resembling a woman’s breast. They said that we hiked in between the hills. We could not imagine that we were coming from that place since it was really that far.

The Lady's breast at the background. That's how far we've been to.

After a short rest, we continued father. The darkness slowly enveloped the place and there is only at least 30mins more to go before we reach the guardhouse to where we are going to camp for the night. After crossing the river, we arrived at the guardhouse. We surveyed the place to see where we are going to camp for the night. No one is on duty during the night so we have the place all for ourselves. Unfortunately, the house is padlocked as well as the toilet which is inside the house. But there’s no need to fear, the river is so inviting.

We set up our camp under an unfinished structure supported by bamboo stalks. We decided not to use anymore our tents because there is no place to erect them. Instead we used the tarp as our main camp for the night. After setting up as night falls, we decided to have our much awaited dip in the icy cold water of the river. We changed into our swim wear, brought with us our muddy clothes and shoes, our toiletries, our lamps and down we went to the flowing river. The chill was only at the start. Once we dipped our exhausted bodies in the water, we felt the sudden rush of numbness all over our bodies. Lying on our backs under the water, we can see the stars in the night sky so bright. We are now clean and fresh. We are now revitalized. This is the best by far.

Dinner is ready. We are all fresh after a dip in the icy cold water of the river

Dinner was prepared and we had hot drinks and soup to fill up our empty stomachs. The weather was fair and it was not that cold anymore. There were only few insects and mosquitos and it did not bother us at all. We once again played card games and this time, the battle of the sexes resumed. This time, the men lost and got drunk. When it’s time for bed, everyone would want a place in the middle of the flock and don’t want to sleep at both ends for fear that someone will scare them. We were in the open but with everyone beside everyone, we will always be safe. Good night folks.

Rise and Shine Ladies! Get up!

Preparing our breakfast

Boodle fight in a moment

Packing up for the last leg of the trek going home

Call time was at 0700hrs. Everyone had a good night sleep with tales of “who-did-this-and-that” during the night. We all shared laughter. We prepared our breakfast boodle style and so with our lunch pack. We agreed to leave at 1000hrs so that we can reach the pick-up point earlier so we can still visit Dumaguete. Our pacing was a bit slow that we were already late. While we were wrapping up our things, a sudden downpour interrupted our preparation. We were all wet before we can even start our descent. Donning our ponchos, we said our goodbyes and we started our trek down Casaroro area. At 1100hrs, we traversed the slippery downhill trek. It was a walk in the park but there was one problem. We have to climb a hill once again. We can only exclaim, “Climb again?!! The downpour helped us regulate our body temperature like a cooling system of a car engine. It helps us endure the trek and not to get exhausted promptly.

Braving the heavy downpour, we need to go home.

"Akyat na naman?"

Apolong clearing with a nice view of the mountains

At 1215hrs, we arrived at the Apolong Clearing, a patch of grassy field where one could have a nice view of the range of mountains. We stopped and took some snaps. We went our way and planned for a lunch break somewhere where there is a water source.

Lunch break along the way

At 1453hrs, we arrived at a conducive place where we could have our lunch. We signaled for our guides and porters for a lunch break. We rounded them up, took our packed lunch and waited for the sweeper to arrive. In the meantime, one of our colleagues suffered from an ingrown related injury. We have to make some incisions to guarantee a safe and comfortable hike towards the pick up point.

We arrived at the pick-up point at 1530hrs. We logged off from the log book and we said our prayers for a successful mercy climb. We stopped by a store for cold drinks while waiting for our pick up service.

Victory party in Dumaguete with Fr. Mel Parcon

The group booked a room in a hotel in the city for a well-deserved rest and wash up while we were assisted by our guide for our ferry ticket back to Cebu. Unfortunately, all the vessels and buses were fully booked. We only have the 0315hrs bus trip from Dumaguete-Cebu City. We don’t have any choice at all than to take this option. Our victory party is on the way and we are so lucky to have been accommodated by Rev. Fr. Melchor Parcon of the Diocese of Dumaguete who invited us for dinner in Hayahay Diner. We were toured around the City and were sent back to our hotel. Fr. Mel made some calls and guaranteed us already of a seat in the 315am bus ride to Cebu. We took power naps in our hotel room and by 0230hrs, we checked-out and walked our way to the Ceres Bus terminal. Rightly so, we found our reserved seats waiting for us. The trip to Cebu City was fast. We arrived before 0900hrs the following day.

Our conquest is officially over. We have shared a little of our resources to the children of Bediao. We have supported each other to reach the summit. WE have contributed to the cause of cleaning the mountains. The pain in our bodies remained but no one could ever replace the joy brought about by the success of the climb. We have once again proven the strength of the human spirit. If there’s a will, there’s always a mountain to conquer. Wherever the next one will be, wait for us for we will conquer you no matter how high you may be.

Arriving in Cebu

Ready for check-in

Not as it seemed to be

Going with the trend

Striking a pose though were drenched

Wet but not wild

The Hakbang Mountaineers Unlimited would like to thank all those persons who made this endeavor a success. Other than God who protected us and gave us the strength under such difficult task, we thank:

Ms. Gin Co (Climb organizer and benefactress)

Ms. Jovy Trozzi (Tourism Department of Valencia)

Mr. Ain Dingcol (LGU driver)

Mr. Francis Pantilag (Clean up organizer, Eco tourism guide, nurse)

Ms. Leger (Valencia Contact Person, Sponsor)

Mr. Dodong, Mr. George and Mr. Benny (Bediao Porters)

Rogationist Seminary Cebu

Fr. Melchor Parcon (Sponsor)

Dra. Liway Entienza (Sponsor)

OVERALL BUDGET = 3K/head inclusive of transportation from Cebu to cebu, food, school supplies, porterage, guide fee, meals and accommodation.

PACING:

4.15hrs – from Bediao Jump off to Lake Yagumyum

4.15hrs – from Lake Yagumyum to Lake Nailig Campsite

45mins – from Lake Nailig Campsite to Summit (1.9MASL)

5hrs.   -  from Lake Nailig to Guardhouse campsite

4.5hrs – from Guardhouse campsite to Casaroro Pick up point