Manabo Peak

Last time we went there, it was 2003, and there were 3 crosses at the summit. Barkada outing lang.



This time, it's 2005, and we are climbing up Mt. Manabo as part of our org's scheduled climbs for new initiates. This is the 1st climb scheduled for the year. Curiously, there's now only 1 cross at the summit. It was extremely foggy, the vaunted 360 degree scenic view was virtually invisible, and the place was swarming with kuligligs. At the summit, it was quite difficult to open your mouth to yawn, since bugs were flying around everywhere. Hmm...not a very encouraging view for first-timers. :(

Good thing the insects were only flying around at the summit itself. At the campsite, and all throughout our climb, it was raining a bit and the weather was cool. At least, the initiates didn't have to contend with hot weather that day, although because of the fog, they weren't able to see much of the scenic view. We held the BMC (Basic Mountaineering Course) sessions under a tarp while the rain poured. We were cold and wet, but everyone still was game enough to participate in the BMC sessions.

Personal kuwento: May nag-advance party sa amin, at 3 silang tinira ang isang bote ng tequila. Aba, sosyal sila ha, tequila pa. Nung kami na, vodka at gin ang tagay. Naging tanggero na naman si Jeff, at tinagayan ng tinagayan ang sarili nya. Ayun, nasuka sa tent, at di na makakain ng breakfast kinabukasan sa sama ng pakiramdam.

On the morning of our second day, the view finally cleared. The fog gave way to a view of Maculot, Malipuno, Banahaw and Cristobal. Everyone happily snapped pictures.

There were a lot of campers that weekend. At night, during the socials, each group was having its own drinking and bonding sessions. There was even another group who got into a fun mud wrestling session, simply because they were bored and had nothing else to do.

All in all, it was a fun, albeit cold and wet, climb.

Manabo Peak is one of the numerous peaks of Mt. Malipuño. One can climb the peak in less than two hours. The campsite boasts of a 360 panoramic view of Makiling, Banahaw, Cristobal, Maculot, Taal, Mindoro, San Pablo City and Lipa City. Jump-off is at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Sto. Tomas, Batangas.



themesong of the moment: Michael V. in a bright yellow shirt, dancing and singing "J-O-Y, joy in my heart, deep deep down in my heart!"