MT. MAKILING

(Discover the Legend)

www.akamug.com

Calamba, Laguna

MARCH 13-14, 2004

By: McMike_Angel@akamug.com

Way back when I was little, I heard so much about Mt. Makiling . There were many stories and legends about this Mountain. Of course, as a young kid, I believed all of them. They were my childhood fantasies. I never thought that in the near future, I'll be part of it in so many interesting ways.

The legends of Mariang Makiling are one of these stories. She is the Goddess of Mt. Makiling. Others said that the mountain is actually cursed by Maria and if somebody gets lost, it's because of her. I can never say if these legends are true, but I strongly believe that Mt. Makiling, with all its might, is a legend in its own way.

Mt. Makiling can be reach via several trails. UPLB trail is the recommended and is the safest trail. It is located in the town of Los Banos , Laguna.

Our itinerary suggests that we should start the trek at 0900, but Sir Jay didn't make it on time. Sir Earnie, Sir Alex and I wait at the Registration Area…Tik Tak Tik… At last! Sir Jay has arrived, but it's already 1600! Can we still make it? Of course we can! When we are about to start the climb, a group of mountaineers arrived at the Registration both. They were composed of 8 ladies and 2 guys. One of the guys politely approached us and asked if we are going to Peak 2. We said yes, then he invited us to share ride with them coz they will hire a jeep that would take us up to ¾ of the trek. That wasn't a bad idea right?

At 1620, together with fellow mountaineers, the journey to the top started. The jeepney ride took 20 minutes. And I think it is safe to say that it was ¾ of the whole trek. The road was not that dangerous, in fact some portion of it is covered with Asphalt.

While on the Jeep, we started to introduce ourselves. Then had some talks and laughs with them. To be honest, I like them. They are so excited about the climb.Their beautiful smiles and funny lines are all very entertaining. The Jeep stopped. Whew! The “Real” jump-off point is here!

Back in the Registration Area, we were advised by the Forest Ranger not to Camp at Peak 2. He said that it was prohibited to camp there.

We will definitely do night trekking before reaching Camp Site1 . So we prepared our equipment to embrace the dark night ahead of us. Together with the other group, we started to gradually trek towards Camp Site1 . Along the way, we had learned that the “other group” was from Phil Steel Corp. A popular Steel company here in the country.

After trekking for about an hour, a small area of flat grasslands appeared. Is this Campsite1? How come I didn't even sweat? Indeed, this is the camp site referred to us by the ranger to spend the night. The Phil Steel group was also amazed to reach the campsite that easy. It is only 1800. Sir Alex and I tried to scout the area, but after few minutes we had concluded that it was really CampSite1.

Well, that was smooth. We started to pitch camp. The other group also began to prepare for the night. After cooking tuna and rice, Sir JM from Phil Steel invited us to have socials with them. It was our pleasure to share an unforgettable night to such fascinating peoples. Akamug shared so many great thoughts. Sir Alex fueled it with never ending Jokes. Sir Earnie added some serious questions. Sir Jay followed it up by Smile. I listened.

By far, in all our journeys, it was our first time to get a “real” conversation with other mountaineers. They are very true to themselves. Each questions we asked, they answered it with sincerity and honesty. The story telling, discussions, conversations and laughs continued until dawn!

The plan is to wake up at 0500 for an early assault to the summit for the Sunrise . The info says that it would take an hour to reach it. But then again, we didn't make it. Not until 0700 when I was awakened by a drop of water from our “Old Lazy Tent”. The Thick fog covered the mountain. Even if we woke up early we won't see any sun, not today.

Our new friends from Phil Steel also woke up late. After having breakfast and Pics with them, the assault has begun! Mt. Makiling is Limatik infested. One must be covered up nicely from hands to foot to avoid Limatiks sucking your blood. Though it will not give your full protection, at least you will have a greater sense of security. The Assault is a moderate one.

After an hour or so, we had reached the summit (Peak 2). There was a small camping area on top. Our beloved Sunrise was no were to be found. The Fog covered every view. All we can see is what else, Fog. We had some pics. Again make some jokes. Laughs.

The descent started soon after. Sir Alex, Sir Jay and Sir Earnie make it early to the first rest area located at the roadside. I on the other hand, make it a bit late coz I tried to help Mam Cynthia together with Sir JM, Sir JP and Mam Leila. She was complaining about a footache caused by her shoes. I did try to comfort her. After changing shoe, she was Ok again.

Mam Aya and Mam Aileen was quite a strong climber. The two of them lead the group (including Akamug) towards the summit and again, downhill to the rest area.

Phil Steel group decided to wait for a jeep. On the other hand, we chose to trek down to the Registration Area at the College of Forestry , UPLB. We arrived at UP at around 1700.

I am so honored to share time with such great souls. Truly, Akamugs are not alone. The Spirit of a trekker is everywhere. A Journey such as this shall never be forgotten.

Sir Alex..Sir Earnie..Sir Jay And to You Guys..Salamat po!!!!

To: JM, Aya, Cynthia, JP, Janeth, Leila, Aileen, Hazel, Rochiel, Gynasel and Marc

Thank you Guys for the Time!

Thank you Guys for the Talks!

Thank You Guys for the Laughs!

Thank you Guys for such a Wonderful Journey to the Top!!!!!