Mt Ugo Climb

Leo, Ralph and I were invited by Cy to join Mt Ugo Traverse with the Nature Trekkers Club last Nov 30 to Dec 1. We met up with them in Victory Liner Kamias. CY introduced us to her friends Carol and Marvin, but not knowing the rest of the 12 of our group aside from the team leader Suzette. We left at around 930 pm and arrived in Nueva Vizcaya at around 4 am, where a jeep was waiting for us.

When we arrived at the jump off point, it was around 530 to 6 am. We had breakfast and packed our lunch, fixed our things, and gave some of our things to be portered. Our group wanted to take our time taking photos so we volunteered to be the sweeper.

The trek consisted of a 2 to 3-hr hike uphill, then we had lunch in a barangay arriving ahead of schedule. We, Cy's group, went to a nearby hill where we can have our photos taken. Then it was a relatively easy but longer trail ahead of us to the Domolpos Village. Easy because it was flat with some trees for shade. The guide said that there will be a road soon so that the trail will only consist of 3 hrs to the school and will skip the first harder uphill part of today's trek.

Of course, there's no mountains without any elevations

A very long dry road (about 2 hours of walking like this) in this hot sun 

You're going to pass through Mt. Samiento first (O diba? Two mountains pala ang Ugo)

Mountain ranges. Lots of them in the trail.

Enjoying the view while resting

Anyway, due to our excess photo shoots, we somehow lost them along the way and followed another group which was going to camp at the summit. Their porters pointed us to the right direction, which led us to the village proper and finally to the school, where we spent the night. There was water, cr, and our dinner was served by the villagers, boodle-style containing tinolang manok and red rice. We had dinner at 5 pm, had socials at 6 and lights off at 8pm because we were to start our trek at 4 am.

At the school where we slept

Only some joined the socials, so I still don't know the other 8 members of their group. At least 4 of them did the socials with us. They bought 1 bottle of gin cuadros and it was a good thing we have some sachet of juice as a contribution. When we consumed it, they slept already. But we were still restless so we went outside for a while, appreciated the moon and went back inside after about 10 to 15 minutes, especially when Ralph developed fever.

I was awakened by around 1030 pm because of the cold, gathered my jacket, and fell promptly back to sleep. I was awakened at 1230 pm, and couldn't sleep again after that so we just talked and helped cooked breakfast of corned beef, spam and hotdog at around 2 am.

At around 3:30 am, our trek started. It was still a relatively flat first hour, but then there was about a 30-40 minute assault to the campsite. We reached the campsite a few minutes prior to the sunrise. It was beautiful :) Since there were also some trees, unlike in Pulag and in Apo, it was also a bit dramatic hehe

The nice about-to-rise sun

Sunrise in Mt. Ugo with a sea of clouds

Enjoying these raisinets with the sunrise. Yummy! 

Siyempre, photo-ops with the sunrise, solo-solo, then by group hehe CY's group went to a fallen log somewhere in front, and generally had the rest of our photo shoots there, despite the other views hehe Then it was 7 am already, so we had to go up to the summit, had another set of photo-ops with the Mt. Ugo marker, then started our descend a little before 7:30 am.

Mt. Ugo

The descend was steep (some saying it resembles Akiki trail), and it was a really good thing that I have a trekking pole. (Yes, it was really really useful for this mountain!) After about 2.5 km of steepness, there comes a relatively easy flat but longer trail. I feel that we could trek continuously throughout the end, but instead, we stopped at around 11 am in some dry pine forest where we can lay down in the cool shade. We left at around 12:30 am, and continued the hike from then, which was really, an easy trail for me. So from the back, I was able to catch up with a lot of them, until I reached Nilo who was the pacer. We rested in the 5 km marker, where there is another steep descent coming. Aside from the descent, it was also very exposed to the sun, so it was also very hot and dry. The dry loose rocks where the ones that made the descent hard and slippery. After that part, you will reach the water source, and it was another relatively flat descending trail. According to the porter, it was about an hour's trek if I were fast enough. Eventually, there's a small gate, ascend again for about 20 minutes, then another flat trail. And here is where people got lost hehe

On the way down, there would be lots of pine trees (route looks like that of Akiki)

Since I was way ahead of CY's group, I wanted to lay down under a big mango tree or in this shady downhill part, where I get to see a view of the mountain ranges and the fields. Unfortunately, I can't do that because I only have less than 200 mL of water left at the time. So I just went ahead. But maybe, if only I didn't lack water, I would have stayed up there, enjoyed the view, have photo-ops by myself hehe
zzzz

At around 3 pm, we reached the sari-sari store where people can buy refreshments. After which, there is only about a km left going to the hanging bridge and to the road where the jeepney is waiting, usually takes 20-30 minutes according to the guide.

Since we were early, we chatted for a while and waited for the others to catch up. After more than an hour of rest (it was already 4 plus), and all of them went ahead (I waited for CY's group), I trekked back again to see what's keeping them! Haha (Oo na, ako na ang mainipin!) It was about a 30-minute uphill hike for me (no bags, no stops, just two trekking poles and my belt bag) before I finally saw the end of our group. We stopped by shortly in the refreshment stand and continued the last km to the jeep, hurried them along when I realized it's 5 pm.

We passed the fields and did some photo-ops in the hanging bridge. By the time we reached the jeep it was already dark.

The hanging bridge at the end of the trail

All in all, Mt. Ugo was a great mountain to climb, with a lot of flat trails albeit longer to trek. There were always views of mountain ranges, pine trees, plains. We trekked a total of 32 km to do the traverse from Nueva Vizcaya to Benguet... and that's not yet counting the trail where we got lost hehe

Strawberry fields

Mt. Apo Climb

Majority of us arrived in Davao on November 7, 2012 on the first (and second) flight to Davao. There were 8 of us so we rented a van to go to downtown and check in at our dormitel in Green Windows along Mt. Apo street, near Davao Doctors Hospital. Since a lot of us were sleepless from the very early flight that we took, we basically had breakfast, slept while waiting for the others, shopped for supplies in the nearby Gaisano South mall, took a nap again, and had dinner in Barbecue Boss. (Yes, we could have done a Crocodile Farm tour or something but we didn’t… Maybe if we were a bit more organized!)

On our second day in Davao (Nov. 8), we woke up around 5 am, had breakfast in the dormitel at around 6 am, and was finally on our way to Digos around 7 am. We arrived in the Municipal Hall around 9 am, waited for our permits to be printed, and was finally at the Barangay Covered Courts at around 11:30 am. While Deo negotiated with the habal-habal, most of us went around the area, scouting for food! Hehe The habal-habal ride consists of two hikers/bike and a 30-to-45-minute dirt road to get to the jump off point. We had to walk amidst the beautiful plains for about 30 minutes before we reach another stop-over and had lunch.

At the Brgy Covered Courts

Backpackers United at the Drop-off Point of the Habal-Habals (Photo Credits: Victor Ayson)

via Kapatagan Trail (plains) with rows and rows of vegetable plants

Nice view (and cute puppies) while stopped-over for lunch (Photo Credits: JM Esmeralda)

Mt. Apo was, is really beautiful. From the plains, you could see views of hills, greens, organized crops together. Knowing it is possible my last climb, I tried to take everything in. I wanted to slow down, stop, and appreciate the little things: the plants lining our path, the cool fresh breeze, listening to the wind roaring and animal sounds in the forest. I appreciated every step that I have to endure, every ounce of strength that I mustered, every branch and tree that I hanged on to climb. Nope, I didn’t try to appreciate the muddy trails, especially where my shoe would go in. But I did feel for the sweat falling off my forehead and into my shirt, my pants, my shoes, and the trail. I didn’t even bother wiping them.

A Very Muddy Trail Indeed

Backpackers United at the Emergency Camp (which I forgot the official name)

Since we were late in starting our hike, we only reached the first camp, the E (for emergency) camp. The guides and porters discouraged us from continuing for another 2-3 hours of night trekking just to get to the Goody-Goody camp, which was the original plan. It was a good thing, too because the trail was technical, and second, there were another group of campers at the time.

On our third day (Nov. 9, 2012), it was a long hiking day. Since we were late, we woke up around 4 am, ate breakfast, break camp, and started hiking. And hiking. And hiking. In the forest, you would appreciate the technical routes of branches and trees, stones, leaves. I tried to appreciate the animals and birds, but I couldn’t find any... But I can listen to them sometimes. I appreciated the shades given by the canopies of the forest and the anti-slip hold given by the rocks.

Nearby water-source to our camp (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Parang sa Kanlaon trail lang, trees to go over... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

... and trees to go under... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Goody-Goody Camp (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

We reached the Goody-Goody camp around 8 am, where the other campers were eating breakfast and breaking camp. Deo was now pressuring us at this time to hurry our pace because there was another group of campers. So much for appreciating the plants and the trees and the route, right?

After the forest were the boulders. Since Mt. Apo is a volcano, there was a part full of many rocks that you have to climb. It was murderous because of the scorching sun. There was hardly any shade because the clouds were below us! Only the soothing wind was rewarding. I just had to stop for a while to appreciate its cool breeze. But then, the cold wind was also harder to breathe especially when one is carrying a heavy pack. I did feel my nostrils constrict because I have a cold, making it harder for me to breathe, especially once the air gets cooler. I can feel my heart beating fast because of the effort I had to endure.

End of the covered forest, and gasp, start of the scorching heat (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

With the sulfur coming out of the volcano (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Such a mesmerizing view while going up the boulders (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Pang inspiration picture ito. Melted by the scorching heat pero going up pa din (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

The rocks seem to go on forever... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Since I wanted a slow pace, despite the urgent pressure coming from Deo, I just volunteered to be the sweeper. That plus, I was just feeling really sad and down on this second day of climb. It’s like unconsciously, I don’t want to reach the summit… yet. I was so glad in taking my time, going through my own pace. I really don’t want to hurry along. But on an ordinary day, I would have like the challenge of going through those rocks, despite the heat. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… or do I? I was just so slow that people were offering me water and chocolate, and the porter offered to carry my bag. Since I was a bit dizzy at the time with dimness of vision, I relented and gave him my bag. Despite that, I still had easy fatigability and occasional dimness of vision, so I was just going through my own pace, letting them all go ahead of me, as long as one of the porters stayed with me. (I diagnosed myself with syncope!) Eventually, the climbers from the other group overtook me… and I reached their sweeper hehe We talked for a while, and I realize that talking with locals and new people seemed to lift my spirits. I don’t know why. It’s like… I’m just sad with the other group. Why is that? I don't know why, I'm happy with them... right? But that will be further reflected upon in my other blog.

Finally reached Boracay at the endless mountain of boulders (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

"Yes, we're going to scale that um 80-degree wall behind us in 30 minutes" (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

 Anyway, on a less personal note, after the boulders, there was the place they called “Boracay” because of the sand. There was a big rock where we could rest and shade ourselves from the sun. By the time I arrived, the rest of the Backpackers United started the trek going through the almost 90 degrees. The other group of campers rested and had their lunch there. The sweeper team, consisted of Leo, Victor, Marlon, and me stayed for a while. Leo and I wanted to even sleep because it was so hot, and it was 1-2 hours away from the camp site anyway. I just wanted to trek when there’s no more sun. But there was a problem of lack of water supply at this time, because of the heat of the sun and the boulders. I wasn’t hungry, more of thirsty only, and just really sleepy. (Well, could be because of this deep sadness that I’m feeling.)

Fight! Kaya pala with less than 30 minutes i-assault eh! (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

 Eventually, around 1 pm, we started our trek going up the almost-90-degree wall. It took us less than 30 minutes, and when we reached the end, Lake Venado was waiting for us. We walked around, had our pictures taken. The rest of the BU was also up at the summit, waving down at us. Anyway, it was another 30 minutes of up trek going to the campsite, where they were already having lunch.

Nag mumuni-muni hehe (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

The Lake Venado (is this the old Crater?) after the assault, but it's not a potable water source
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

I wasn’t really hungry; I was just thirsty, dirty, and sleepy. So I changed clothes and slept, barely ate lunch and just drank. I woke up when there was a little drizzle, a little time before we had to hike to try for a sunset summit. Not everyone was into it, but since I had a mission, I just HAD to do it. We had to wear our raincoats over jackets and thermal wears and shirts, because it was cold, reaching about 12 degrees, if I remember correctly.

Our campsite (still early in the afternoon, why do we have to hurry through the boulders anyway??)
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Resting on top of the near-by bleacher-like bench hehe (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

We hiked to the summit, hoping for a view of the sunset. It was just hope, but it was successful! We had a glimpse! People were screaming whenever we get a clearing! Hehe We also had to remove our raincoats and jackets for pictorial purposes hehe But soon, it became dark and we had to go down. And from that glimpse, I knew I had my answer. Sigh… Anyway, we had dinner inside the tent. Hardly anyone wanted to drink, so we barely had socials. (Besides, everyone knew each other anyway.)

Sunset picture at the summit (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

When one of us went out the tent to pee, he commented on the stars. Some of us who were still awake (Rose, JM, coach, and me) stargazed for a while until we were freezing! They were just SOOOO many of them, so many bright stars! It would have been nice to sit somewhere, stargaze in silence, and reflect on life for a while. It was so beautiful, I could have cried if I was alone. I saw two shooting stars. And I knew it was another sign. My last night in the mountain was just perfect.

We woke up around 4 am, break camp, and went to the summit. There was a bit of a drizzle at this time, so I wasn’t in a hurry that there would be a clearing (and yes, I was again the sweeper by choice). Leo and I were the sweepers, but we didn’t go directly to the topmost area of the summit, where most of the BU where located. We went to the rock nearest the sunrise. Hence, when the sunrise appeared, Leo and I were in the pictures! Hehe That sunrise summit was so majestic I could have cried if I wasn’t shouting for happiness and excitement.  If I was alone. If I had my own thoughts only to ponder. But since there were a lot of us, and we were all excited and ecstatic, I just can’t cry! But it was a perfect sunrise! (That now, my eyes are getting misty reminiscing about that sunrise, writing about it.)

Yey, the sun made it through the clouds! :) Ecstatic and very good position for pictorials hehe
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Shh... Quiet... Mt Apo is talking to me here (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Backpackers United at the Sunrise of the Summit of My. Apo

At around 7 am, we eventually had to start going down. After all, there were the deadly boulders made murderous by the scorching sun. We don’t want to go through the deadly sun, right? (How I wish that we just traversed through the Kidapawan Trail. But my colleague said that Kidapawan was the easiest trail, so Kapatagal was still harder than Kidapawan.) We eventually stopped near the end of the boulders for breakfast.

Going down the steep wall, happy, hot, and covered in my white jacket. Time to take it off!
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Quick Picture in Boracay (Photo Credit: Leo Pineda)

Dahil kulang ng water, we used the berries on the trail as trail food and juice. Berry power! (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Breakfast Amidst the Boulders. Ayun ako o... Nasa pinaka shadiest part ng picture na ito hehe (Photo Credit: Deo Calumba)

Back to the Kapatagan Trail (with Mt. Talomo, I think, behind) - Photo Credit: Victor Ayson

It was easier going downhill than uphill, obviously, as we were able to finish the route in one day. And by this time, I was more accepting about my fate, so I was also happier I think. (That’s how I fooled myself anyway.) We were listening to our own music portals and singing our hearts out while hiking! Hehe

We had lunch in the place where we had our lunch on the first day. Some played with the cute puppies there, while some played basketball, while yours truly sat, put my feet up, and tried to get some rest (failed because we just chatted)! Afterwards, it was another short walk to the jump-off point. It was another round of habal-habal to the barangay basketball court, and a jeepney ride back to Davao City.

Nope, this climb was not a blurry hazy memory or dream. It was a memorable climb.

Kapatagan Trail on a clear sunny day (The first day was rainy so it was cloudy) - Photo Credit: Victor Ayson

Negros Adventure: Part 1: Mt. Kanlaon Climb

Day 1: Preparation Day

Most of the Backpackers United (JM, Sha, Leo, Marlon, Victor, Nino, Ben, and me) had their flights from Tiger Airways, so we arrived in Bacolod and filled up a shuttle van to go to Lopue’s East mall for a fixed price of PhP 150. (It actually takes you up to Bacolod, still with a fixed price of PhP 150.)

L-R: Leo, Victor, Marlon, Sharlene, me, Ben, and Nino. (Photo credit to JM)

There, we met Deo, AJ, and Cesar. We did some last minute shopping and had dinner at Deo's aunt's house. Some were playing video games, some played basketball, while some like yours truly, slept. Most of us already know each other but we met our new climb mates from lloilo, Julius and Troy. After dinner, we met up with Nadz and Dwight, then proceeded to the Deo’s Uncle’s place to stay for the night. Trying to get some rest for the grueling hike ahead. An understatement. Really. I cannot sleep because of the possible insects regardless of the fact that I only had 2-4 hours of sleep for the past 3 days!

Day 2: Guintubdan Trail

The jeep was late in fetching us and we started our trek around 8, from the jump off point which was Guintubtan, about 800 meters above the city according to Julie's watch. We had breakfast of tuna pasta in the jump off point.

BU Challenges Mt. Kanlaon (L-R): Marlon, Sharlene, Cesar, me, Leo, Victor, Nino, AJ, Ben, Julius, Dwight, Troy, Nadz, Deo (Photo Credits to JM)

After an hour or so into the trail, we passed by the Ranchos Dos Waterfalls. Originally, we wanted to do a Wasay-Guintubdan Trail, but due to our numbers (according to Deo), we did the reverse. This was supposed to be where we're going to wash almost at the end of our trek. Since we were all pretty clean at this time, we just took photo ops.

We had lunch in a campsite where other campers were already settled. But there was no one about because they were assaulting at the time. We cook and ate lunch. It started the rain and drizzle, and people started water proofing themselves (aka putting on their rain coats, while I forgot to bring my own and instead put on a garbage bag under my dry fit shirt).

Stretching Time (okay, yeah, we stopped for stretching but it doesn't show on the pic) - Photo Credits: JM

Rocks aplenty. Rock climbing should be part of the training. - Photo Credits: JM

Ranchos Dos Waterfalls

Hurdling ourselves near the cooking area for some heat and shelter against the rain

What can I say about this trail? About today's trek? It was hard. A lot of fallen logs. A lot of logs to go under. Over. Trees to cross with cliffs on both side. The steepness of several slopes. Plus the rain. And the cold there after. Especially for me who failed to bring a raincoat. Haha But learning from Tapulao climb, I waterproof myself by the garbage bag method. Helpful against the cold. We had lunch of menudo in a campsite somewhere.

Water Source Aplenty
(Thus, you only need about 1 liter for hiking because you can continously refill it.)
Photo Credits to Nadz

And on the hike goes, more wind, rain, logs and mud. There was a point where I just want to stay for a while and sleep on the trail. But my climb-mates at the time were Cesar and Nino. I feel guilty for slowing us down and just offered to let them continue without me, while I sleep while waiting for the sweeper team. Nino continued on, but Cesar stayed with me. We talked and bonded for about 30 minutes, eating my trail food, eventually reaching sunset and the dark. It was also getting really cold, so I suggested we go ahead just to get warmed up. But when we shouted, apparently the sweeper team was already near, so we waited for them.

When you see this boundary, have hope. You only have less than an hour to the camp site.

Eventually, we reached our campsite after 30 min to 1 hr of night trekking. I was really cold at this time, I was so glad for some clean warm clothes. We had dinner of tinola, very appropriate for the very cold weather. We also had 2 to 3 rounds of alcohol for socials then slept... I slept very well, thank you very much! I should have savored that night of rest.

I was able to test the water proof socks and they work very well indeed :-) I was happy jumping on mud because I know that it won't seep through my feet hehe Though I may feel the cold and the squishy feeling when stepping on the mud, when I removed them at the end of the day, my feet were cool but dry! Cool!

Victor testing the water proof socks. It can hold water! (Taken in Casaroro Falls, Valencia, Dumaguete)

Day 3: The Assault, Crater, and the start of the Wasay Trail

We woke up around 5 to 6am, and we were hesitant to assault the summit because we didn't think there would be a clearing. We were right hehe but since we were there, we still did the assault. We passed by the kissing rock, where we were to kiss this rock for luck. I was doubtful of such a thing but they said that they all kissed it, so I also did Haha Then we put some rocks up in a sort of stone sculpture (or pile of rocks) after making a wish. The bigger the rock, the more likely it will come true hehe Really?

The Kissing Rock - Photo Credits: Dwight

The bigger the rock, the bigger probability of your wish coming true.

Backpackers United Conquers the Kanlaon Summit - Photo Credits: Dwight

It was so cold up there, that the temperature reading reached 13.4°C if I remember correctly. While we were talking, mists of water would condense in our eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Afterwards, it’s like we took a bath, without really getting that wet.

After eating breakfast (luncheon meat), we fixed ourselves and head on out. It was a long day of trekking for us. 2 hours to get to the lunch stop near a lagoon, and another 6 hrs to the camp site via Wasay trail. We had pork adobo for lunch and sinigang na baboy for dinner.

Backpackers United at the Lagoon - Photo Credits: Dwight

If yesterday was hard, today's trek was hell! This is why this trail is also known as "Killing Me Softly". There were parts I couldn't lift my legs anymore. Or bend low enough for the fallen logs. Or slide beneath the logs. I cannot even bend my legs to sit while crawling down a steep slope. Instead of the usual downhill after the summit, there were several uphills then downhill, then uphill again. The sloping seems to reach 90 degrees! Sometimes, there were no trees to hold on to, or if there were trees, they were very bushy. When there was a “flat” land, there were many thorny bush and trees. It would have helped if our guide or porter had a bolo to cut these off.

Example of logs to go under while going down a cliff

Sloping uphills

And many sloping downhills

Hardly a trail can be seen - Photo Credits: Nadz

We had lunch near a clearing with a lagoon so we had some photo ops while waiting for the food to cook. Then 6 more hrs of trekking... It seems to be a blur hehe It became better once we reached the Avatar forest, where the trees were just… amazing. The tree formations and the moss covering them were cool. Seems to be like we’re really in the movie Avatar.

Some you have to really hold on to (aka the need for rock climbing practice)

Logs that you slide underneath (Photo from Nadz camera)

More branches to hold on to

Avatar Forest. Ganda ng weird tree formations - Photo Credits: Nadz' camera (pero sino ba ang kumuha?)

A glimpse of sunset. This is the best clearing that we could get because the mountain was really full of trees and shrubs.

Anyway, eventually after 1-2 hrs of night trekking with less rain today, we reached the camp site which was near a stream, I think. Then dinner. Then socials... Which was way fun-ner than yesterday. Maybe because we were more alive? Or had better sleep the night before? Anyway, we were more rowdy this time around. The girls’ tent was far, so we forced ourselves and all of us slept in one big tent. All 15 of us in 1 tent. Can be fun, but very crowdy. Hence… wasn't able to sleep much.

15 people inside one tent = crowdy + fun + body warmth - Photo Credits: Dwight

Day 4

Yey! Last day of our climb. That was the main thought in my mind!

Regardless, there were still several uphill and downhill as we cross different mountain (ranges) to reach Wasay. Though the second day was still the hardest. There were more downhill than uphill this time. Thank God for small miracles! Hehe There was also the problem of limatik sucking our blood especially during the first and last day of the climb (there were such miniscule problems on the second day because of the exercise we were having) but we weren’t that concerned because it doesn’t hurt really, just itch. And we have some salt to ward them off hehe

There was a part where we reached a stony road, apparently the road where PNOC trucks can enter. We thought it was the finish line, but false hopes! But we were so relieved for a moment, that we lay down on the dirty road for a while as in an accident happened and our bodies were thrown all over the road haha

After that rest stop, we once again went inside the forest and continued our downhill trek. Eventually, we reached a clearing with some cows and were told that there is only about 1-2 hours left! Whew! The trail was now an easy one, and we were able to trail run. The first half of group was already waiting for us for about an hour.

So eventually, we finished and reached the finish line. End of story hehe It seemed like a hazy dream... Or nightmare!  Though I'm so proud of myself for climbing Mt Kanlaon! Though we didn't see the crater, it was a really awesome climb with really good friends!

We once again went to Deo’s Uncle’s place where we washed up and fixed our things. Then we had dinner in Bacolod along Manukan Avenue in Nena Rosa, where Shee was already waiting for us. Then we had a taste of the Maskarra Festival where we went to the tourism office to ask for directions, tried some masks on, and took our picture.

Some of our climb-mates were leaving very early the next day, so we stayed in some street bar and had a few beer to celebrate a successful climb. (There were festivities because of the Maskarra Festival so it was still very loud.)

It was a really long night. After drinking until about 2 am, we split. Nino and Ben were going to walk around until 5:30 am where they would be picked up to go to the airport. Marlon, AJ, Dwight and Nadz also would go home tomorrow, but would sleep at Deo’s Uncle’s place for the remaining of the night. Deo stayed with them. And the rest? Extended Negros adventure including yours truly, Victor, Leo, JM, Sharlene, Cesar and Shee (who only arrived after the climb haha)