Tales from the Trail: Mt. Pico de Loro as Told by a Novice Climber

The great outdoors never fail to amaze me but I have to admit that being in the wilderness isn’t really my cup of tea. Not that I’m afraid of the sun, being outside or anything. Just that the one thing I am good at that involves nature is sitting or lying on my back and sleeping close to where the sea hits the sandy shore. This is why I stick to yoga, dancing and training indoors. So imagine when, after being asked so many times, I finally said yes to climbing a mountain. With so many trips organized and run each week, I may be one of the last few people to try climbing for the first time and this is probably something they all say, but it really is an experience one won’t easily forget.

Not knowing what to expect, Nic signed us up for a climb led by Javi Villavicencio of Summit Surfin’ with Javi. And so we set off for Mt. Pico de Loro early one Sunday morning. Javier, better known to me as Javi, led our group during the climb. Like most young urban professionals these days, he works at least 40 hours a week for a multinational IT company and was looking for a way to de-stress and unwind. With a goal to travel more in 2014, Javi first climbed Mt. Balagbag traverse Mt. Maranat in Rodriguez, Rizal with the Malaya Mountaineers. Upon reaching the summit and seeing the view of the city lights and the stars, he knew he has found a love that would last. A year later, with the help of some of his mentors from the Datu Mountaineering Club, he found himself organizing climbing trips and assisting even non-mountaineers like me.

THE SLOW BURN

The Pico de Loro trail was long, with the first summit nearly 2 hours away from the foot of the mountain. That’s a long hike considering the fact that the path literally involved a lot of ups and downs. Although a trail has been established, some parts got pretty steep and scary. At some point, on our way up, the non-outdoorsy girl in me feared for life—okay, maybe just my knees and ankles because I had my regular trainers on. At the time, I wasn’t ready to invest on shoes made especially for climbing but to my relief, I got out of the whole thing unscathed. The weather that day was comfortable on the way up. The cold temperature in the summit, however, was a completely different story.

Taking on the trail was a challenge and I think that’s what kept it from being boring and repetitive. The steeper parts got my heart racing and having to climb up rocks and over huge tree branches got my thighs and bum burning. At the end of the trail, my legs were pretty much cooked and that’s just on the way up to the first summit. If you like to move but get bored with workouts, then this is probably for you. Slow-paced and low impact (unless you run), the activity works up a good sweat.

Prior to climbing, Javi already runs at least 30km a week. When he began climbing more regularly, he increased the distance to 50km per week to improve his endurance. So if you decide on mountaineering as a hobby, keeping your body in good shape will really help. Another word of advice: Never skip leg day. While endurance is important, strength and conditioning is also critical to develop muscles required in the thighs, glutes and core. These become useful in both climbing and stabilizing the body once you go “summit surfing”.

FREED UP HEADSPACE

I’d have to say the hike was my most favorite part of the trip. I deliberately took few photos as I tried to enjoy something I have not always been comfortable doing. I found the experience very therapeutic, meditative even. Having to analyze your next step to make sure you don’t trip or fall provided just enough stimulation for the mind while still keeping you calm and relaxed. Now, this may sound cliché but nature really does wonders in helping you feel more connected to yourself. Javi says during his first climb, they also visited the waterfalls at Mt. Maranat. It was an experience he never forgot and one that triggered him to explore nature much more.

What I appreciate most about the climb was how courteous and helpful other mountaineers were. Regardless of whether or not they recognize you doesn’t matter. They greet everyone with a smile and would encourage you to keep going. The trail was kept clean and most of us were careful to stay within the path to avoid causing further damage—a beautiful way of showing respect not only to its caretakers but also to the mountain itself. It was a yoga practice off the mat.

JOURNEY TO THE TOP

Getting to the summit was a picnic. It was climbing to the first peak that got my knees shaking. Aside from the fact that it suddenly got so cold (some of you may probably know how I struggle with cold temperature), the peak was terrifying and difficult to climb—at least for a beginner like me. It was incredibly steep that you’d have to be on all fours. Not to mention the sand and tiny rocks that slid, rolled and bounced right down giving you a mental picture of how you could possibly end up if you don’t hang on. As we got closer to the top, it felt like the peak began to run out of rocks for us to step on and hold on to. What was left for us were the plants firmly rooted onto the surface.

I found myself holding my breath three times: 1) On the way up, 2) upon seeing the amazing view at the top and 3), on the way down. I practically sat on my butt and nearly slid my way down the first peak. Javi, who was walking up and down like it was just a set of stairs, picked me up for a while and led me down (on my feet!) until the wind blew so hard. Fear got to me and I had to sit my sorry butt back down and continue on with the sliding/slowly stepping down while seated. As I did, I thought: I didn’t think summit surfing had a literal meaning. I mentioned you need the core to be strong and active, right? Useful stuff.

READY TO GO ON A CLIMB? JAVI ANSWERS A FEW COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

What should be in my bag?

1. Trail Food. Chocolates and jelly sticks are inexpensive and ready to eat. Nuts are also a good idea.
2. At least 1.5L of water to keep you hydrated.
3. A headlamp or flashlight regardless of the time you are heading out.
4. Change of clothes
5. Pocket Money
6. Scarf
7. Phone and Camera
8. Umbrella. Great for the rain and when there’s too much sun.

What mountains can you recommend for beginners?

Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas has a great view at the summit, the trail is easy and is 10mins away from Tagaytay (eating Bulalo after the climb is usually a side trip they take afterwards)

Mt. Talamitam on the other side of Nasugbu, Batangas also offers a great view like Mt. Batulao.

Mt. Pico De Loro in Ternate Cavite is 1hr away from Manila. They have recently opened a new trail making it easier to reach the summit on a shorter period of time. They offer the well-known Monolith (Peak 2), a rocky tower where you will see a rock formation which looks like a parrot’s beak.

Mt. Romelo in Siniloan Laguna offers 7 waterfalls where you could rappel.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Mabini, Batangas is also an easy mountain to climb. The trail offers a beautiful view of Sumbrero Island with a lot of beaches surrounding the area wherein you can relax after the climb.

What mountains would you recommend to those who have been climbing for some time and are looking for a challenge?

MakTrav (Makiling Traverse) lets you start from Sto. Tomas Batangas and exit in Los Banos, Laguna. This is the closest mountain to Manila that caters to the more advanced and skilled climbers.

Up north is Mt. Pulag in Benguet via the Akiki Trail (also known as the Killer Trail). It offers a scenice view of the Cordillera Mountain and is the second highest mountain in the country.

To the south of Luzon is Mt. Isarog in Naga known for its wild animals and beautiful waterfalls.

How do I sign up?

“Anyone can join regardless of their age and gender.” Javi says. The amount of money to set aside for each trip will depend on the duration of the climb, location, number of participants and many other factors. Prices range from Php500 to Php850 for a day trip. Find out about upcoming trips through his Facebook Fanpage: Summit Surfin’ with Javi or shoot him an email at summitsurfin@yahoo.com