Mount Manunggal: The Comeback
Time Machine
I still remember the time when I first got into Mount Manunggal. A lot has changed since then.
Somehow, I still remember the time where it was my first time I got there. At least Ramon Magsaysay and his plane engine were there. Few settlements were sprouting there but still the campsite was untouched.
I have been there with old friends (the bestest ones), mountaineering groups, and recently with my officemates since they haven’t been there and no one to guide them there.
I was able to join the Mount Manunggal annual climb which was celebrating the death anniversary and the plane crash incident of the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and witnessed the destruction of the campsite. From that experience, I am never going to join the annual celebration but instead, I’ve joined the cleanup of the site which was held a week after the anniversary event which was more rewarding.
The Team
We were drinking on a Friday night until we came up with the plan to do a night trek in MountManunggal. Actually, they already have plans to climb it but no one was able to guide them. I volunteered to guide since I have been there a few times. The team was composed of some close friends within the company with the same passion.
Night Trek
At last we met at the usual meeting place, the JY square mall. We ate our dinner early to prevent cooking in the mountain which is kind of a burden. Got into motorcycles for hire (habal-habal) and for more than one and a half hours of painful ride, we’ve reached our destination. But wait there’s more! We have to trek more than an hour to reach the campsite on a paved dusty road in the dark.
Funky Town
After an hour of hiking, we came across this little village with a huge ass disco machine! Maybe they are celebrating something or it’s just like that during weekends. I can’t get some water since the water source was blocked by the big ass disco stage.
Campsite
At last, the parking lot. There was a structure there. We used to camp there before. I decided to take the shortcut towards the campsite to the path were the Pinatubo engine was displayed. Then the campsite!
That Night
We drank the only booze we had, a 350ml of local rum mixed with iced tea. Turn the music on, ate what we brought, stargazing, and slept. The wind was blowing hard that night and got somewhat cold.
Sunrise
I woke up early but never got outside the tent because of the cold. Later on I setup my camera and did a time-lapse on the sunrise. Gen, was in a hurry so he got out first, and went back to the city for he as another thing to do.
Breakfast/Breakcamp
Had bread, noodles and sausage thanks to the Team Bombarda Brothers for adopting me. Thanks for the key keeper for the key to the great CR. Knock down the tent which was left by Gen for me to carry along with his other things. Now, my backpack has gotten heavier.
Off to Tabunan
The traverse, it’s the most awaited moment of the trip. Got lost for a sec but managed to find the correct route. It was hot and boring but for nearly two hours, we finally got into the big bridge of Tabunan. Went to the mini falls with huge boulders and stayed there for an hour. Got back to the village and waited for Motorcycles for hire. Home at last!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="638"]
A great way to cool down from the hot trek[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="441"]
The Trail[/caption]
I still remember the time when I first got into Mount Manunggal. A lot has changed since then.
Somehow, I still remember the time where it was my first time I got there. At least Ramon Magsaysay and his plane engine were there. Few settlements were sprouting there but still the campsite was untouched.
I have been there with old friends (the bestest ones), mountaineering groups, and recently with my officemates since they haven’t been there and no one to guide them there.
I was able to join the Mount Manunggal annual climb which was celebrating the death anniversary and the plane crash incident of the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and witnessed the destruction of the campsite. From that experience, I am never going to join the annual celebration but instead, I’ve joined the cleanup of the site which was held a week after the anniversary event which was more rewarding.
The Team
We were drinking on a Friday night until we came up with the plan to do a night trek in MountManunggal. Actually, they already have plans to climb it but no one was able to guide them. I volunteered to guide since I have been there a few times. The team was composed of some close friends within the company with the same passion.
Night Trek
At last we met at the usual meeting place, the JY square mall. We ate our dinner early to prevent cooking in the mountain which is kind of a burden. Got into motorcycles for hire (habal-habal) and for more than one and a half hours of painful ride, we’ve reached our destination. But wait there’s more! We have to trek more than an hour to reach the campsite on a paved dusty road in the dark.
Funky Town
After an hour of hiking, we came across this little village with a huge ass disco machine! Maybe they are celebrating something or it’s just like that during weekends. I can’t get some water since the water source was blocked by the big ass disco stage.
Campsite
At last, the parking lot. There was a structure there. We used to camp there before. I decided to take the shortcut towards the campsite to the path were the Pinatubo engine was displayed. Then the campsite!
That Night
We drank the only booze we had, a 350ml of local rum mixed with iced tea. Turn the music on, ate what we brought, stargazing, and slept. The wind was blowing hard that night and got somewhat cold.
Sunrise
I woke up early but never got outside the tent because of the cold. Later on I setup my camera and did a time-lapse on the sunrise. Gen, was in a hurry so he got out first, and went back to the city for he as another thing to do.
Breakfast/Breakcamp
Had bread, noodles and sausage thanks to the Team Bombarda Brothers for adopting me. Thanks for the key keeper for the key to the great CR. Knock down the tent which was left by Gen for me to carry along with his other things. Now, my backpack has gotten heavier.
Off to Tabunan
The traverse, it’s the most awaited moment of the trip. Got lost for a sec but managed to find the correct route. It was hot and boring but for nearly two hours, we finally got into the big bridge of Tabunan. Went to the mini falls with huge boulders and stayed there for an hour. Got back to the village and waited for Motorcycles for hire. Home at last!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="638"]
A great way to cool down from the hot trek[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="441"]
The Trail[/caption].jpg)
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