MT. NATIB

www.akamug.com

ORANI, BATAAN

JUNE 12-13, 2004

By: McMike_Angel@akamug.com

Mt. Natib is located in the town of Orani , Bataan . An hour via ferry or 3 hours by land from manila.

The journey started @ Ccp ferry terminal. A group of young, motivated and hungry adventurers was spotted @ 0800 (that's us!). The ticket going to Orani costs Php240. The ferry can accommodate approximately 150 passengers. This is the most convenient way to Bataan but much expensive than by bus.

We were the last passenger to aboard. Akamug decided to sit near the window where we can took pictures and videos of Manila bay. A tourist happened to sat beside us. A “Big” book was with him, out of curiosity, Mam Tina took a closer look. It was entitled “Combing the Coral Carpet”. The tourist was at his mid 40's, a Caucasian and a Traveler. He noticed our “unusual behavior”, and then politely asked if we want to read it. That was the start of a conversation that would last an hour! He is Mr. Bruce Curran from Scotland . Not just an ordinary adventurer. He had crossed England to India using a Bike in his early 20's!! Encircled the Globe using a boat without any engine - and repeated it for several times! He is a master navigator. The sea is his passion.

He called us “Mountain Fanatics” (Not bad right?). “Combing the Coral Carpet” is his first master piece. The book is about the richness of Philippine seas, the culture, the people and his experience while traveling all over the country. He was accompanied by an Australian photographer who has been living here for fifteen years now. Mr. Bruce told us so many stories on his stay in the country. He has been to so many places here. We felt like a stranger to our own land. From Apari to Jolo, the guy knows almost every place here in the country including several mountains. He also writes articles in a Philippine magazine “Mabuhay”. In fact he has an article last June entitled “Banca Safari”. You can check out his website @ www.combingthecoralcarpet.com . You can also buy his book at PowerBook Store in Glorieta.

The ferry ducked in Orion port @ 1000. Our first checkpoint is the town of Orani to buy supplies. The group arrived in the public market @ 1100.

The jeepney terminal bound for brgy. Tala is located few blocks away from the market. The waiting area can hardly be noticed, one must ask the locals for proper guidance. The ride took about an hour. The dusty road and plenty of flies bugged us up to brgy Tala. A barangay official was waiting and arranged a 10 peso registration fee.

The trek started @ 1400 on a wide trail passing through several fences. A 4x4 is possible to access this trail but several barricades will prevent vehicles from entering, clearly the locals doesn't want 4x4's roaming around. The sun was still up. 2 hours had past. . . . At last, Mt. Natib is now visible. Covered with thick clouds. Waiting for us.

Another hour of trek and plenty of rest, we reached the last water source located near a nipa house. It is now 1700, here we are-standing at the foot of Mt. Natib !

The weather condition had changed to cloudy. Mt. Natib , just like any other mountain should not be under estimated. The weather is not always on our side. The group prepared for the worst, double checked our equipments and prepared for possible rain ahead. We also brought out our headlamps for the night. The start of the assault also marks the beginning of limatik infested area. A group of 5 mountaineers had started the assault with us.

Mam Tina is a city girl, but she is tough. She joined the climb to experience a journey to the top. A good chat every once in a while keep her at ease.

The first 30 minutes of the assault was very irritating, thick vegetation covering the trail gave us a hard time. A bit difficult but this is the only way to the summit. The group continued the slippery assault.

The next hour was a gradual trek however; this is the point where plenty of limatiks will start to feast on your blood. The 2nd hour a bit harder and .......confusing? We came up on a splitting trail; Sir Jeff scouted the left trail. Sir Djxpact on the right. After a few minutes, we concluded that the trails led to only one direction. We assumed that the two trails will merge few meters away. Before we knew it, Sir Romeo, Mam Tina and I were already wondering in the bush. The dark night added an scary “Blairwitch Project" flavor. The thick vegetation and steep terrain leaves us no choice but to make a grueling traverse towards the right trail. After 30 minutes, we're on track again.

The rocky 70 degrees trail in an environment with plenty of limatiks, not mentioning the rain and the cold night was a challenge that anyone would find difficult. Sir Jeff and sir Djxpact led the rocky terrain. However, the 3 of us (Mam Tina, Sir Romeo and I) had to struggle for survival. The danger was real. One mistake and your gone.

Mam Tina showed an overwhelming courage. She was as cool as ice. Although a bit afraid, she continued the assault without hesitation. Her first encounter with mountaineering was a tough one!

The group reached the summit in nearly 8 hours. Eighty other mountaineers had already pitched camp. We quickly unpack our equipments. Then the unthinkable happened, our century old tent finally gave up. The two poles slowly bent down and kneel to the mighty force of the wind. We had no choice but to sleep together on our spare tent. Luckily, a nice lady from LA COBRA mountaineers offered Mam Tina to sleep with her. On the other hand, the four of us stayed on our spare tent. Plenty of Limatiks still keep on sticking to every part of our body. We didn't had the time to cook that night. Exhausted. Bad weather. Busted tent. Everybody thought it's better to sleep. However, sir DjXpact prepared tasty bread with mayonnaise to fill our stomach.

Hola! The time is 0430. At last, the rain had stopped. Sir DjXpact and I woke up this early to prepare for breakfast. Arggg! It was incredibly cold. Slowly, Bataan province came into the horizon. The South China Sea is clearly visible on the north eastern side. Mt. Samat looked so tiny from a distant. The cross on its peak can hardly be seen.

Oh my God! Mam Tina came to us filled with blood on her arm. It turned out that two limatiks sucked her blood all night!

After breakfast, we immediately break camp. The descent started @ 0700, we want it to be this early to avoid the volume of mountaineers going down. Just like in the city, heavy traffic along the trail could delay our itinerary. In addition, Sir Romeo got a big problem. He was thinking all night ... "What are my chances of getting out of here alive?” He was so worried about the condition of the trail going down. Well, there's only one way to find out. Let's get it on guys! The steep rocky trail is something that we didn't encounter that often. We literally slide down for 30 minutes. Of course our backpacks hit it first. Throw it like a ball brother!

We reached the jump-off point @ 1100. A chartered jeep brought us to the bus terminal going to manila. Got home @ 1700. Now sir Romeo, what can you say? He replied. "Where is the next destination?"

A one of a kind adventure along with the forces of nature is an absolute life! Every breath is important. Time is instantaneous. Once again, we conquered our fears!