Where Have You Been Recently?
3rd Time is the Charm
By Leng Castillo
Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is frequently recommended for neophyte climbers. It is an easy climb with a picturesque view of Janao Bay, Batangas Bay, Balayan Bay, Tingloy Island, and Sombrero Island. With its minor difficulty of 2/9, this mountain which stands at 525 meter above sea level, is one of the favorite destinations of mountaineers.
The pastoral view that welcomed our trek
After my two minor climbs in Taal Crater Lake and Mt. Pinatubo respectively, I am now on my third – onwards to Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Climbing this mountain is my ardent desire for almost three years now. Thanks to my officemate, Rodett, a “Dora” girl like me, who organized this exciting trek with our two other workmates, Janice, a hard core climber, and Tetchie, another neophyte slowly loving the sport.
Trivia:
Gulugod baboy literally means “pig’s spine” so named as the contours of the hills resemble the spine of a pig.
How we got there:
Our meeting place is McDonalds, LRT Buendia at 4AM. We had a quick breakfast and by 5AM, we boarded JAC Liner going to Batangas Grand Terminal. Travel time was only one and a half hours. From the terminal, we rode a passenger jeepney going to Mabini. We took a direct route going to the jump-off point and paid P100 per person. Registration fee was P35/pax. With Janice, we were confident we can reach the summit even without a trail guide. But since we were all angels with good hearts (naks!) we wanted to help local tourism. We hired Nancy, a mother of three, for P500. Across the registration area is a house with a toilet that accommodates trekkers for P5.
Behind the sweat are the spirits and the will to carry on
Janice had a reason to smile for we reached the summit in less than two hours
Our trek started across Philpan Dive Resort, in a cemented uphill path by 7:40 AM. Along the way was a sari-sari store selling basic goodies including a pole trek. Tetchie and I bought one each for an easier climb.
The cemented trail was steep. Upon reaching the forest area, I was already out of breath. It was then I felt we were now trekking a mountain. Halfway, Nancy brought us to her house to take some rest. She was selling cold treats like soft-drinks and ice candy. We bought ice candies to beat the summer heat.
We are halfway there
It was getting steeper and steeper as we went on and more sweat was coming out. The moment we had difficulty in breathing, we paused shortly and looked at the magnificent view of Batangas Bay. Nancy pointed to us Sombrero Island which is a recommended side trip and Tingloy Island which I plan to explore soon.
Watching the panoramic sea view restored our energies and so we continued traversing the grassy part. They say this trek is for beginners, but for some unknown reason, this one wore me out fast. Hooh!
We started rejoicing when we caught a glimpse of the first peak. I was captivated by the sight – it was stunning, clean, and green.
The three peaks namely, Pinagbanderahan (Peak 1), Gulugod Baboy (Peak 2), and Tore (Peak 3) are all worthy to climb. But just like other trekkers, we only explored Peaks 1 and 2 for our photo ops. Of course this climb will never be complete without this, which is the second reason why we are here! Hahaha!
Rodett was the reason behind this climb
The two summits frequented by trekkers
Office girls by weekdays, climbers by weekends
After our memorable photos to treasure, we sat, agape, on the grasslands. The fresh scent of the air was so rejuvenating. I could not explain how happy I was as we were gazing upon another of God’s wonderful masterpiece. I found delight looking at the lush scenery, perfect blue sky over us, the vast sea, campers, grazing cows, swaying grass, and fellow trekkers with their unstoppable photo ops.
I was once asked by a colleague why I climb mountains under the scorching heat of the sun. What benefit do I get from it? Simple, answered, I found a comfortable place that offers me insuperable fulfillment, peace, and tranquility.
Tetchie was full of spirit aiming to reach the top, to which she did!
When I get old, this photo will make me smile for I was able to climb moutains during my time
Refreshed and satisfied, we descended by 11:10 AM. Going back was easy now. It was then I used my trekking pole to avoid sliding down fast. We had our lunch of tapsilog (P60) and soft-drinks (P20) in a small sari-sari store in Barangay Maligaya. And then we had our halo-halo delight (P25) near the jump-off point.
Our climb at Mt. Gulugod Baboy, albeit short, was a great one. I am thankful for finishing the climb with flying colors. Yahooo!!! Though a minor climb, this adventure is another memorable experience for a busy mother like me who seldom go for a group activity, but wishes to go anywhere, if given ample time.
Quite true, even a Grade 1 pupil can make it to the summit. I am looking forward to go back here in the future, with my husband and my two kids.
One Day climb itinerary:
5:00AM – Departure from Buendia bus station (P165)
6:30AM – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal
7:15AM – boarded a jeep going to jump off point – in front of Philpan Dive Resort (P100), pay registration fee (P35)
7:40AM – Start of trek
9:30AM – Mt. Gulugod Baboy Peaks 1 to 2, nature tripping
11:10AM – Descend
12:30PM – lunch at Brgy. Maligaya – tapsilog (P60) & soda (P20)
1:00PM – ate Halo-halo in a nearby store (P25)
1:30PM – boarded a tricycle going to Anilao Crossing (P40)
1:50PM – Jeep to Grand Terminal (P35)
2:00PM – Bus to Alabang (P120)
