Mt. Patong, Lobo, Batangas

What better way to start 2013 than a climb?  Batangas has been a favorite of mountaineers because of the wide array of trails available.  You can choose different trails to satisfy your day.  Last January, I had the opportunity to traverse Mt. Patong at Lobo, Batangas with SAGA Mountaineering Club.  The trail to Mt. Patong was under the “Minor Climb” category, don’t let that fool you.  This was the hardest climb I had so far.

Preparing for our climb at Nagtaluntong and getting ready for lunch

We were scheduled to meet up at Buendia Taft at around 5:00 am where we can ride the bus to Batangas... but as we all should know, what we really meant was 6:00 or 6:30.  We arrived at Balagtas, Batangas at 10:00 and took the jeep to Curba, Nagtaluntong where we picked up supplies at the local market.  We then had a quick lunch at a local carinderia and prepped for the climb.  Registration is required before climbing and a guide is ideal since this would be our first time.  Sir Jay was our guide; he is enlisted in the Philippine Army and based at Nagtaluntong.  We were very lucky to have someone from the armed forces for a guide, with him around, I felt like a VIP.

Walking along the fields, unknowing of the challenge that we face.

We started the walk- a long walk.  First we had to cross a stream so I had to buy myself slippers unless you’re ok with walking the rest of the trail with wet shoes.  Then we head to sir Jay’s kubo to change the footwear and start the ascend.

One of the many creeks we pass through.

The trail crosses streams and mostly under the shade of trees.  With the amount of shade and the cool weather, this trail was fine even for a day trek- a high-noon day trek.  The early part of the walk would cross fields to the foot of the mountain.  The rest of the climb was going through a set of roller-coaster assaults- one moment you’re going up, the next you’re headed down. 

When I mentioned that this is the toughest climb I have had so far, I meant we were catching our breath almost every 15 minutes.  Sir Jay – the military man that he is, started commenting on our frequent requests for stops and taking 5s.  “Sanay na sanay ka na sir, parang di ka pa pinag-papawisan.” I would comment to the army man at which he would reply with, “Pagod na nga rin ako sa pahinga nyo, eh.”



A view of the summit- almost within reach.



The primary resource around these parts is kopra/ copra.  You will encounter copra farmers carrying them down to the foot of the mountain.  You may also come across local hunters like we did.  The hunter shot a monkey from the other side of the mountain.  We were informed that most of these mountains are home to wild boars or baboy damo/ baboy ramo, dears, reptiles, and monkeys.  We passed through Aling Marisa’s house which is along the trail where you can take a rest, refill your trail water, and have a taste of fresh buko that they will harvest while you watch.



Thick vegetation can make a difference.



The final phase of the climb required some crawling under the thick vegetation of spines and thorns.  Some have steep slopes that required both hands and some had slippery angles with tricky foothold.  After almost 6 hours and one last struggle through the shrubbery, you will find yourself facing a whole new scenic view of distant clouds and mountains as far as the eye can see- you are standing next to a ravine!  At this moment, however, one would not mind the long fall down and instead one would enjoy the glamour of the sight of the mountains and relish the gushing cold wind of the hillside.  I turn my head to the east and to my surprise, I find the black cloth tied to a stick – a make-shift flag as it danced on the winds and satisfaction overflows when I realized- we reached the summit.

Sir Jay assisting the rest as we approach the summit.

We pitched our tents and started to prepare for supper.  Our chef, Gian was in-charge of the culinary while we started to… get wet!  As the night dawned down on us, so did the weather.  Dark clouds started to gather above us and before we knew it, it started to drizzle.  As if the cold wind was not enough, it had to rain.  It was not expected, and it was my fault not being ready for this- I did not have insulation for my tent and so the flooring got wet, real wet.

The first view after the thick shrub obstacle course.

It was no use, we were getting wet fast, and I was getting cold faster.  While we wait for Gian’s pork sinigang, the rest of us decided to start the one thing that can possibly be the key to our survival- Gin!  We were required to bring one bottle each, but ended up with just 2 GSM blue and 1 GSM kuwatro-kantos to be shared around 8 heads.  There was no where to settle down for the drinks, the grasses were wet, we can not rest our butts on wet surface as that would increase the possibility of our body temperatures dropping.  What to do? – we downed them GSMs while standing, something you might be familiar with manong tambays over there, but let me tell you- it was no fun! We had to take it down fast with shots, in 10 minutes 1 bottle was empty and one fellow was dizzy!  After we had our dinner, I headed to my wet tent and tried my best to fall asleep- though my buddies didn’t make that easy for me, right Harvey? Vann?

The cliff opposite the campsite at the summit.

Isla Verde

Nagtaluntong

In the morning, nothing beats waking up and stretching at the peak- instead of stretching and looking up, you stretch and look at the land below!  Sipping down hot coffee while watching the clouds creep through the mountain peaks at the horizon.



The team leaving the summit, another peak conquered.