My Mount Matutum Experience
My Mount Matutum Experience
Happy 3 Friends Mini Adventures
July 12-13, 2009
This is a re-post from my multiply.com site since they are now closing.
MT. MATUTUM
Tupi, South Cotabato
Major jump-off: Sito Glandang, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi
LLA: 6°22'N, 125°06.5'E, 2293 MASL Days required / hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="622"]
Mount Matutum[/caption]
Nobody really wants me to go to South Cotabato since parts of Mindanao was bombed just recently. But too late, Andrew and I already got a ticket (thanks to Jomar) bound for GeneralSantosCity. Since its my first time to go to that place, i didn't back-out and it would be our "Happy Three Friends Reunion". We were invited by Jomar because he is going to live in Banga, South Cotabato for the rest of his life (or not). We went there friday, July 10, 2009 via Pal Express. We planned to climbMt. Matutum on Saturday but other events came in so we have to reschedule it on Sunday. I have to check for the weather and the Itinerary from the internet and have to make emergency coke-in-can alcohol stove for the climb since we cannot find butane canisters for our stove in Jomars place. No worries, I have the whole night making two coke-in-can alcohol stoves. With a shotglass of vodka on the other hand. It took us 1 bottle of Vodka and four litters of Red Horse Beer just to get to sleep. No need to worry everything is already packed for we are supposed to leave jomars place at 5.30am bound for Tupi, South Cotabato (the jump-off place). But when I woke up, hangover strikes! The pain in my head, and quite dizzy from last night. So we planned that we leave at 9am. And we did.
I slept the whole trip from Banga to Koronadal (15-20mins). Very bad headache. Then we took another ride from Koronaldal to Tupi (30-45 mins). When we arrived at the crossing, Motorcycles were waiting there. We then took the ride to sitio Glandang. From there we passed huge fields of pinapple plantation (DOLE) and there, we saw Mt.Matutum probably looking at us, welcoming us. When we arrived at the Tourism area, we paid 150 (probably for the logbook? hehe). Then signed the logbook incase we die there or something. After that, guide #1 (forgot the name) gave us a guide which was #72, jerkin, a guide, habal2x driver, baranggay tanod. And he is only 22. After that we were given 2 seedlings (P10 each)in which you have to plant in order to climb. But we have to eat our lunch since its already lunch time, the guide invited us to his house. we bought canned goods and rice and we cooked it there. We ate and rest for a while.. 12pm was our target to climb the mountain.
I felt fine when i reached the first and last water source, about 30 minutes of trekking. We planted the seedlings there and the worst thing happened to me. Due to my hangover i threw up all my lunch (with a mix of blood). And that wore me down. I feel very tired and weak.. My backpack went heavier. I rested for a while eating the trail snacks i bought and drinking more water from the water source coz i think i lost all the water in my system. The guide told us we could get there for 4-5 hours. I think its doable even though i had hangover (bad mistake). After two hours of climbing, my body was very weak, i went pale. Andrew has to carry my pack(which was heavier than his). After that, my leg felt funny. There was this fat leech hanging there. After removing it, my leg went bloody.. It was kind of fun really having my first leech and i wasn’t feeling well in the mountain. After the long rest in PHASE 1 which was a 2-hour trek, I felt fine, I only drank lots of water probably the best cure for hangover. We reached Phase 2 at 4pm it was dark and raining (its a rainforest, what could you expect). The Trail was wet, slippery but we have to get to the summit fast since there were no campsites for emergency camps there. For 1 hour of climbing, we were near the summit. There were lots of obstacles there. Compared to Mt.Talinis, Mt.Matutum has more fallen trees, large roots, wet trails, and damp environment; we even saw Wild Boar tracks on the trail. Then Andrew had cramps! Luckily it was 45 minutes to the summit and it was 5pm.. And the best part is, Andrew’s headlamp broke. So I was the only one who has a headlamp. We do have two lighters (but thanks to the dude who invented the lighters with led light).
Now, harder obstacles welcome us. Lots of roots to climb. Mossy rocks, our clothes wet, and it was starting to get colder and colder. You can even see below the mountain because of the tall trees and the very thick fog. No turning back this time. We have to move on or we will be stuck in the deadly maze in the dark. Its funny there were no leeches there... sad... We were lucky that time the rain was not heavy. This time, Andrew had a hard time climbing because of the cramps he was feeling. Then i see bright area where there were no trees in sight, only tall grasses... then I saw steel pipes which were used as fences. WE WERE AT THE SUMMIT! It was 20 minutes before sunset. We have to set camp fast so we don’t have to worry setting up in the dark. We didn't have the chance to see MountApo because of the thick fog that surrounds us. Put my jacket on because its getting colder. You can even see smoke when you breathe or speak.. After everything was set, we have to cook our supper. With only two coke-in-can stoves with lots of denatured alcohol(very useful in removing leeches), We were able to cook rice, corned beef and sardines. Though it took a very long time to cook. Ate lots that night to replace everything i lost. Then I went inside my tent and checked my phone and there were lots of messages about not to climb the mountain. Well, too late. I greeted my sister a happy birthday (i have to get to the summit to greet her). Lights off for me. Andrew slept in his hammock (hardcore daw siya), while I have to sleep next to the guide.
Jerkin, the guide woke me up, says that there is a clearing. From inside the tent, I could see a bright light (which was actually the moon). But I was tired and was too cold to go outside. Even if I have my jacket on and inside my sleeping bag and inside my tent, it was still very cold. I looked at my phones clock, it was still 11:30pm. I went back to sleep and woke up at 5am. Excited to take a look at the view outside. When I got out of the tent, there was no clearing. The very thick fog was still there. I was disappointed, I wanted to see the 360-degree view of Mt.Matutum and that made reason for me to come back. I woke up the guide and Andrew then we prepared our breakfast. Noodles was in the menu. Then, we had Milo. We stayed at the summit for a little longer, discharge body wastes (hehe) and hoping for the fog to clear. But, no luck… Instead we drank the Tanduay mixed with juice and headed back down at 9am.
This time my pace was improved than the other day but now its Andrews turn to slow down because of his bad stomach. We have to stop at least 4 times for him to excrete his "deadly juice"... but made it to the water source within three hours. Finished the second bottle of Tanduay and washed my feet and removed the damn leech again. It was drizzling that time... This time we made it out of the mountain... We had a great time... Went back to the tourism office and had Milo with the guide and the #1 guide... Jerkin then gave us a ride to the main road. Got on a bus bound to Koronadal to meet Jomar. The funny part was the security guard was following us because we look suspicious. Ate at Shakeys in KCC Mall. Andrew got sick when we got to Jomars place but was cured when he smelled the aroma of the Tanduay Rhum Dark!
We had a great time climbing Mt.Matutum. One of the best experiences i had... But we are still going back to climb that mountain! Sober! hehehehe..
Pasalamat sa akong Pagora nga sapatos nga inutang ni mama sa Columbia (bayran na lagi takaw ma.. Tinuod gyud diay nga lig-on hehe). Ug akong TNF (Tent Na Fenk) ug Backpack nga lig-on nga di maka undang sa akong mga laag. Ug sa mga daghang txt messages (u know who you are) nga haskang maka kunot ug agtang.. pero ok ra.. Pasalamat sa kahitas-an Jah Rastafari sa maayong adlaw ug panahon....
http://head567.multiply.com/journal/item/58/Mt.-Matutum-Experience
Happy 3 Friends Mini Adventures
July 12-13, 2009
This is a re-post from my multiply.com site since they are now closing.
MT. MATUTUM
Tupi, South Cotabato
Major jump-off: Sito Glandang, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi
LLA: 6°22'N, 125°06.5'E, 2293 MASL Days required / hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="622"]
Mount Matutum[/caption]Nobody really wants me to go to South Cotabato since parts of Mindanao was bombed just recently. But too late, Andrew and I already got a ticket (thanks to Jomar) bound for GeneralSantosCity. Since its my first time to go to that place, i didn't back-out and it would be our "Happy Three Friends Reunion". We were invited by Jomar because he is going to live in Banga, South Cotabato for the rest of his life (or not). We went there friday, July 10, 2009 via Pal Express. We planned to climbMt. Matutum on Saturday but other events came in so we have to reschedule it on Sunday. I have to check for the weather and the Itinerary from the internet and have to make emergency coke-in-can alcohol stove for the climb since we cannot find butane canisters for our stove in Jomars place. No worries, I have the whole night making two coke-in-can alcohol stoves. With a shotglass of vodka on the other hand. It took us 1 bottle of Vodka and four litters of Red Horse Beer just to get to sleep. No need to worry everything is already packed for we are supposed to leave jomars place at 5.30am bound for Tupi, South Cotabato (the jump-off place). But when I woke up, hangover strikes! The pain in my head, and quite dizzy from last night. So we planned that we leave at 9am. And we did.
I slept the whole trip from Banga to Koronadal (15-20mins). Very bad headache. Then we took another ride from Koronaldal to Tupi (30-45 mins). When we arrived at the crossing, Motorcycles were waiting there. We then took the ride to sitio Glandang. From there we passed huge fields of pinapple plantation (DOLE) and there, we saw Mt.Matutum probably looking at us, welcoming us. When we arrived at the Tourism area, we paid 150 (probably for the logbook? hehe). Then signed the logbook incase we die there or something. After that, guide #1 (forgot the name) gave us a guide which was #72, jerkin, a guide, habal2x driver, baranggay tanod. And he is only 22. After that we were given 2 seedlings (P10 each)in which you have to plant in order to climb. But we have to eat our lunch since its already lunch time, the guide invited us to his house. we bought canned goods and rice and we cooked it there. We ate and rest for a while.. 12pm was our target to climb the mountain.
I felt fine when i reached the first and last water source, about 30 minutes of trekking. We planted the seedlings there and the worst thing happened to me. Due to my hangover i threw up all my lunch (with a mix of blood). And that wore me down. I feel very tired and weak.. My backpack went heavier. I rested for a while eating the trail snacks i bought and drinking more water from the water source coz i think i lost all the water in my system. The guide told us we could get there for 4-5 hours. I think its doable even though i had hangover (bad mistake). After two hours of climbing, my body was very weak, i went pale. Andrew has to carry my pack(which was heavier than his). After that, my leg felt funny. There was this fat leech hanging there. After removing it, my leg went bloody.. It was kind of fun really having my first leech and i wasn’t feeling well in the mountain. After the long rest in PHASE 1 which was a 2-hour trek, I felt fine, I only drank lots of water probably the best cure for hangover. We reached Phase 2 at 4pm it was dark and raining (its a rainforest, what could you expect). The Trail was wet, slippery but we have to get to the summit fast since there were no campsites for emergency camps there. For 1 hour of climbing, we were near the summit. There were lots of obstacles there. Compared to Mt.Talinis, Mt.Matutum has more fallen trees, large roots, wet trails, and damp environment; we even saw Wild Boar tracks on the trail. Then Andrew had cramps! Luckily it was 45 minutes to the summit and it was 5pm.. And the best part is, Andrew’s headlamp broke. So I was the only one who has a headlamp. We do have two lighters (but thanks to the dude who invented the lighters with led light).
Now, harder obstacles welcome us. Lots of roots to climb. Mossy rocks, our clothes wet, and it was starting to get colder and colder. You can even see below the mountain because of the tall trees and the very thick fog. No turning back this time. We have to move on or we will be stuck in the deadly maze in the dark. Its funny there were no leeches there... sad... We were lucky that time the rain was not heavy. This time, Andrew had a hard time climbing because of the cramps he was feeling. Then i see bright area where there were no trees in sight, only tall grasses... then I saw steel pipes which were used as fences. WE WERE AT THE SUMMIT! It was 20 minutes before sunset. We have to set camp fast so we don’t have to worry setting up in the dark. We didn't have the chance to see MountApo because of the thick fog that surrounds us. Put my jacket on because its getting colder. You can even see smoke when you breathe or speak.. After everything was set, we have to cook our supper. With only two coke-in-can stoves with lots of denatured alcohol(very useful in removing leeches), We were able to cook rice, corned beef and sardines. Though it took a very long time to cook. Ate lots that night to replace everything i lost. Then I went inside my tent and checked my phone and there were lots of messages about not to climb the mountain. Well, too late. I greeted my sister a happy birthday (i have to get to the summit to greet her). Lights off for me. Andrew slept in his hammock (hardcore daw siya), while I have to sleep next to the guide.
Jerkin, the guide woke me up, says that there is a clearing. From inside the tent, I could see a bright light (which was actually the moon). But I was tired and was too cold to go outside. Even if I have my jacket on and inside my sleeping bag and inside my tent, it was still very cold. I looked at my phones clock, it was still 11:30pm. I went back to sleep and woke up at 5am. Excited to take a look at the view outside. When I got out of the tent, there was no clearing. The very thick fog was still there. I was disappointed, I wanted to see the 360-degree view of Mt.Matutum and that made reason for me to come back. I woke up the guide and Andrew then we prepared our breakfast. Noodles was in the menu. Then, we had Milo. We stayed at the summit for a little longer, discharge body wastes (hehe) and hoping for the fog to clear. But, no luck… Instead we drank the Tanduay mixed with juice and headed back down at 9am.
This time my pace was improved than the other day but now its Andrews turn to slow down because of his bad stomach. We have to stop at least 4 times for him to excrete his "deadly juice"... but made it to the water source within three hours. Finished the second bottle of Tanduay and washed my feet and removed the damn leech again. It was drizzling that time... This time we made it out of the mountain... We had a great time... Went back to the tourism office and had Milo with the guide and the #1 guide... Jerkin then gave us a ride to the main road. Got on a bus bound to Koronadal to meet Jomar. The funny part was the security guard was following us because we look suspicious. Ate at Shakeys in KCC Mall. Andrew got sick when we got to Jomars place but was cured when he smelled the aroma of the Tanduay Rhum Dark!
We had a great time climbing Mt.Matutum. One of the best experiences i had... But we are still going back to climb that mountain! Sober! hehehehe..
Pasalamat sa akong Pagora nga sapatos nga inutang ni mama sa Columbia (bayran na lagi takaw ma.. Tinuod gyud diay nga lig-on hehe). Ug akong TNF (Tent Na Fenk) ug Backpack nga lig-on nga di maka undang sa akong mga laag. Ug sa mga daghang txt messages (u know who you are) nga haskang maka kunot ug agtang.. pero ok ra.. Pasalamat sa kahitas-an Jah Rastafari sa maayong adlaw ug panahon....
http://head567.multiply.com/journal/item/58/Mt.-Matutum-Experience
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