My first mountaineering experience was at Mount Tagapo, also known as Susong Dalaga which literally translates to " A Virgin's Breast " According to wikipedia: Two huge mounds of conical hills resembling the female breast, which are the highest peak of the Island. Hmmm... kaya pala.
I arrived in EDSA Central Crossing to met our companions Mark and Jeffrey at 5:00 A.M. We left EDSA crossing at 5:30 and rode a jeep bound to Binangonan Port. We arrived in Binangonan at around 7:00 A.M. At 7:15 we were already in a boat, ready for off to Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island.
Given the fact that I was not even geared up for the climb, wearing only a sando, short and slippers, at first I was really nervous but I thought to myself, kakayanin ko kaya? Oh my God, what have I got to lose? hahahh
It was really relaxing seeing different views of Laguna de Bay some fishermen that are harvesting their fishes on their ponds. We arrived around 9:00 A.M in Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island where as usual, one has to register his/her name in the Barangay Hall. It's like an SOP for those who will embark on any journey to the mountains and take a rest for a while and met Archie , our guide.
And so, the climb begins..............
The trail is easy especially at the starting point but some parts are confusing so hiring a guide is a must. Actually , for first timers like me, it was still challenging. After a few minutes , Archie showed us a mango tree which was there for ages, which was the first stop of the journey. After few minutes of rest, we resumed the climb. This time, it was harder since the slopes were way steeper, but yet, the nature's view just took away all the tiredness.
We were starting to feel the pressure in our legs, lalo na talaga ako hahahahah, so Archie made us a walking stick made from bamboo.
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| With Mark and Archie, our guide who made us walking stick |
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| Look....pawisan, diwal-wal ang dila hahahha |
Before we head to the summit , a wonderful sight to see is the swaying of green grasses as if glowing under the sun.
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| yun oh ang Summit |
Going to the summit is a 15-18 minute trek at a grassland. From there, you will see the majesty site that the mountain has to offer. During the day time, you will spot the whole Laguna Lake, its villages, and the nearby Mount Sembrano. Also, be careful of the open pit here. Archie said to be very deep and dangerous.
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| Wow ! |
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| With Jeffrey and Mark |
It was so beautiful ! I fell in love with the place.The feeling was unexplainable. Sigh!
it sounds like a meditative adventure, enjoying nature with your friends, as you hike together. that is what makes a trip worth remembering--the scenic locale and the bonds made.
ReplyDeleteNkakimis din umkyat ng bundok..nice view
ReplyDeleteTagapo was also my first climb. I will always give utmost respect to this mountain. Been here a number of times yet it still feels like the first each time.
ReplyDeleteMore power, Sir! :)