#Mt. Pulag
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Kabayan, Benguet
Entry point: Akiki Ranger Station, Brgy. Doacan, Kabayan
Exit point: Brgy. Tawangan, Kabayan
LLA: 16°34’58″N 120°53’15″E, 2922 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 2-4 days / 9-12 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: Pine forests, mossy forests, Scenic grassland summit
The tallest mountain in Luzon and one of the most stunning mountains in the Philippines is Mount Pulag. The height of Mt. Pulag is 2922 meters, or 9586 feet, above sea level. Both novice hikers and seasoned hikers love it as a destination. Additionally, it contains some of the most diverse ecosystems in the nation, with broad pathways flanked by pine trees, mossy forests, and grassland scenery. The mountain is also worthwhile to climb due to its difficult trails and stunning surroundings. Benguet's Mt. Pulag shares a boundary with the provinces of Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. More than 500 different plant species can be found on the peak. There are also some endangered animal species there. According to the local tribes, Mt. Pulag is the gods' playground. In a same vein, it is figuratively as close to heaven as trekkers can get.
Mt. Pulag offers a breathtaking view of the Milky Way Galaxy and is known for its sea of clouds, which draws tourists from all over the globe who want to take in the beauty. The Ambangeg Trail, Akiki Trail, Tawangan Trail, and Ambaguio Trail are the four distinct trails on Mount Pulag. While Ambaguio Trail is the longest and most difficult trail, Ambangeg Trail is the easiest and most well-liked trail among hikers.
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© Paolo Dala
The Art Of Friendship, The Art Of Timing
Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny, and a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.
Gloria Naylor
#Gloria Naylor#Friendship#People#Adventure Photography#Sunrise#Sunrise Sessions#Mountain#Summit#Mt. Pulag#Morning#Kabayan#Benguet#Philippines
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going on a trip with a bunch of backpackers is practical 'cause you can split the bill and save big bucks, but i realized just now is that there’s even a huge price to pay — u're stuck bunking with them and spilling ur guts, u will hav to endure the loudest snore while ur nocturnal side is active
as someone who's seriously introverted, i’m kinda pushed to mingle with people having different personalities and meeting new ones feels overwhelming
but hey, in a nutshell, it was all about finding cool stuff, cracking up/sharing laughs, sticking together even when we’re having difficulties catching our breaths, and throwing in a bit of a hypothermic adventure – definitely a memory worth keeping!!
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Fourth time conquering the highest peak in Luzon and the playgroud of the gods. Still in awe. 💓
📍Mt. Pulag
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A short obligatory year-ender post
As we approach the end of 2023, I reflect on the highs and lows of life. This year has been filled with both positive and negative experiences — losses, changes, mistakes, and moments of doubt. I'm still grateful despite these challenges because I'm still here, pushing forward, growing, and learning along the way.
This year served as a reminder to be thankful for both the big and small things alike. It was about appreciating the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. So, I want to express my gratitude to all the people who were with me throughout this year. Your high-spirited energy and presence are very much appreciated. I'm also genuinely grateful for the often-overlooked little joys—the tight hugs, the 'I remember you' and 'I have something for you' messages, the words of affirmation, the packed or free cooked food for me to bring to the office, the whispered 'I have chika,' the coffee and food dates, the everyday budol, the free rides, the unexpected gifts, the book and movie/series recommendations, the memes and reels you guys continuously send on IG and Facebook. All these didn't go unnoticed, and I truly appreciate it. You have made 2023 more enjoyable and unforgettable. Cheers to the lessons learned and the memories made.
It is always the simple joys that truly matter.
Highlights and Achievements:
Attended Bobapalooza Music Fest
Built lasting friendships, old and new.
Marked the milestone of turning 30.
Conquered 3 mountains—Balagbag, Mt. Purro, and Mt. Pulag.
Attended a concert and a fan meet alone—One Ok Rock and SB19.
Successfully underwent a minor procedure.
Completed the Rave Cycle hobby program.
Approaching nearly 3 years with the same company.
Got engaged.
Read 11 books. Lost count of the number of movies and series I watched.
Enrolled in a gym membership for the first time!
Visited new places in the country—Siargao, Malunay-Quezon, Alibijaban Island, Jala-jala-Rizal.
EG: Office shenanigans, socials, cultural events, random food trips, and feeding programs.
Birthday celebrations
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hanggang ngayon, di pa din ako makaniwala na natapos ko yung Mt. Pulag.
tbh, inunderestimate ko ang hiking. ni hindi ako preperado, walang exercise at plus-sized pa. di ko din alam or wala akong ideya sa trail ng mga bundok.
kaya ang saya ko lang sa tuwing nagsi-sink in sa akin na nakadating ako sa summit. laking achievement for me at ang saya ko.
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Mt. Batolusong. 3.24.24 🌳
Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang hiking ko this year. Hindi ko man natupad yung plan ko na hike sa Q1, tuloy ko na lang siya sa Q2. Hehe.
Pero looking forward pa rin sa Mt. Ulap, Mt. Pinatubo, at Mt. Pulag.
Next month, Bolinao naman kami! Yay.
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Ambangeg
March 18, 2024. Sa Mt. Pulag.
Magkasama na naman tayo sa grupo pababa ng summit. Yung guide, si Sir Rudy, ikaw, at ako. Nauuna nga akong maglakad sa inyo eh kaya noong paglingon ko ng isang beses sa inyo, nakakatawa kasi tatlo kayong nakahilera sa matataas na damuhan para jumingle. Sana pwede ko ring gawin yun.
Naalala ko nga na nabanggit mo kung kanino na dinala mo sa summit yung hiking bag mo nang walang laman kundi tuwalya para pagdating sa picture, magmukhang binuhat mo hanggang summit yung mga gamit mo. Eh ang totoo naman ni maliit na ecobag, pinabuhat mo sa guide. Hahahaha
Pero ewan ko ba bakit ba madalas na magkasama tayo sa grupo sa trail?
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Pababa na ang grupo natin sa Mt. Pulag ng bandang 9 AM at halos magkasunuran lang tayo sa trail. Ang bilis bilis din maglakad ng mga kagrupo natin pero nakakahabol naman ang lahat.
Naalala ko sabi mo pa nga, may pasok ka na kaagad kinabukasan sa trabaho at siguradong bangag ka pag pumasok ka. Sinabi mo rin na marami kang gagawin kaya hindi ka pwedeng magleave.
Nung nasa Camp 1 na tayo, magkakasama tayong tatlo nila papa habang nagkekwentuhan yung ibang mga kagrupo natin sa di kalayuan. Humanga ka pa nga kasi nalaman mo sa kwentuhan niyo ni papa na 32 years in service na siya sa company na pinapasukan ninyo at hindi ka pa pinapanganak nung mga panahon na yon. Ibig sabihin, di nagkakalayo ang edad natin. Sabi ko naman literal na yung company na yun ang nagpaaral sa amin.
Nalaman ko rin na 5 years ka palang pala doon at sa R&D Dept. ka nakaduty. Ahh, malamang engineer 'to. Sabay pa nga kayong sumagot ni papa nung tinanong ko yun eh.
Tuloy na ulit sa paglalakad pababa at magkasama pa rin tayo sa grupo. Naalala ko pa nga nagjojoke ka na sana may zipline na lang pababa para di na tayo naghihirap. Ang arte talaga. Hahaha
Pero bakit ba naririnig ko mga sinasabi mo noon? Ganoon ba kalapit ang mundo natin nung panahon na yon? Madaldal ka lang talaga kaya siguro naririnig kita.
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Noong nakababa na ang grupo bandang tanghali, nagstay muna ang lahat sa isang bahay doon kung nasaan yung mga gamit natin pati na rin yung mga Grandia. Nag-aayos palang tayo ng gamit sa labas bago magpunta sa mga paliguan noong nagtanggal ka ng damit pang-itaas. Di ko inakala na fit ka naman pala.
Oo, nagsinungaling ako nung nagpag-usapan natin yon nitong nakaraan lang. Nakita nga kita noon pero syempre dumaan ka lang naman sa paningin ko kasi wala pa nga akong pakialam sa'yo noong mga panahon na iyon.
At saka, bakit nga ba kasi kung nasaan ako eh nandoon ka rin?
Pagkatapos ng halos 2 oras, handa na ang lahat para umalis. Naisip ni papa na lumipat kami ng upuan sa likuran ng van natin dahil dalawa kami sa mga huling ihahatid pauwi. Hindi ko maalala kung saan ko narinig pero nalaman ko na taga-Sto. Tomas, Batangas ka pala. Kaya nagkatabi tayo sa upuan pero doon tayo nagkataong maupo sa row na may espasyo sa gitna. Kaya di pa rin tayo magkadikit pero tamang magkatabi lang. Si papa kasi gusto sa gilid para maiunat niya ang mga binti niya kaya napunta rin ako sa gitna. Wala naman talaga akong pakialam noon pero pag naaalala ko 'to, natatawa ako.
Nandito Pa by Feel Day
Isinulat ngayong May 4, 2024 | 1:15 PM
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hope to see you again in november | mt. pulag | ph
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Thank you, 2023, for such a wondrous ride! You have helped me broaden my skills, patience, and, most of all, my faith. It was an incredible ride, with some moments being truly great. I'll never forget the highs and lows of emotions from last year; all those experiences are acknowledged. I'll always be thankful to you because you helped me open another chapter in my life where I found the love of my life. I believe everything happens for a reason. Some people left my life, but as they say, when something leaves, someone arrives. She's the one I've been waiting for, my partner, someone with whom I can share my life.
In order to move forward, I'd like to reflect again on 2023. I accomplished so much in the wheel of life, and I was satisfied. I appreciate and am grateful for all the events that unfolded in each area of my life.
At the start of the new year in 2023, I treated myself to an IMAX experience and made time for more leisure activities to move on from the challenging experiences of 2022. The movie was great, leaving me amazed and somewhat reflective—I was moved by the family's sacrifices for each other.
As an outdoor lover, I pursued adventures. I joined friends for a hike at Mt. Masungi Georeserve, enjoying the calm and safe experience. The scenery was fantastic, offering breathtaking views of Rizal. We also visited Daranak, my first time seeing such a wonderful waterfall—a legit adventure.
After Mt. Masungi, I tackled more hikes—Mt. Ulap, Mt. Pulag, Mt. Malvars, Mt. Talamitam, and Mt. Apayang—all incredible experiences.
I challenged myself further by participating in the intimidating Spartan race. Despite doubts and limitations, I pushed myself and found it to be a worthwhile and thrilling experience under the sun. Super proud of these achievements.
Last year, we finally bought our first-ever second-hand car, bringing immense joy to my father, and fulfilling one of our dreams—to see him drive a private car. Remarkably, we bought it on my birthday!
On that very evening, I messaged Arcel, who is now my girlfriend. I felt comfortable talking to her, and our conversations gradually led to dates, introductions to friends, and family. We enjoyed attending various events, going on adventures, and creating cherished memories together.
Later in the year, I ticked off some bucket list items—travelling to Palawan and experiencing the beauty of Japan for the first time. Both experiences were incredible, leaving lasting impressions and cherished memories.
This year, one of my siblings went abroad to one of my dream countries. I believe it's part of God's plan, blessing us in both small and big ways. I'm proud of my sister's transformation and her active involvement in every worship service to God.
Additionally, I met my girlfriend's family, a memorable experience. Eventually, I introduced her to my family in the last month of 2023, a year filled with many firsts. I'm grateful for these opportunities.
In summary, 2023 was a year of firsts and checking off bucket list moments. I cherish them all and eagerly anticipate more adventures with family, friends, and my girlfriend.
Today, I'm walking into the year 2024, January, feeling much like last year. The work challenges and room setup remain unchanged. Some people still indulge in peculiar jokes. I began the first week of the year with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. I drafted my focus for the entire year and areas for improvement. I've set my mind to consider this year as one where discipline holds the key to progress in life. I opt for the harder path now to avoid regret later on. By discipline, I mean taking care of my body, maintaining a balanced diet, and nurturing a healthy mind. Mastering control over my emotions in every life situation is another goal. I'm steering away from quick judgments of people because everyone has their story, and none of us are perfect. My focus is on personal growth and forging deeper connections with my loved ones. I've observed individuals who practice this and they exude happiness while broadening their perspectives. I deeply admire such individuals.
With my girlfriend, my partner in life, we've committed to inspiring each other, igniting fires within ourselves, and propelling one another to places we rightfully belong. We aim for a tranquil, healthy life surrounded by our loved ones. Hopefully, by year-end, our bond will be stronger, having embarked on this journey together with youthful determination. The first week has been challenging for her, but I have faith in her resilience to overcome these obstacles. I strive to learn from her experiences and remain grateful for every opportunity we face together.
In this year, I'm determined to become a better, wiser person. My mantra: "Better days are coming." It's a year of encouragement and victories. To kickstart, my goal for the first quarter is to establish a habitual system—exercising, prioritizing a healthy diet for mind and body, reducing social media usage, and enhancing in-person social connections.
Let's do this!
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© Paolo Dala
Earth Day 2023
When God created the Earth, on the first day of Creation, “it was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” God could have stopped there. He could have just designed people to live in a dark earth and not go through the hassle of creating the trees, the atmosphere, water, and all the things necessary for human existence. He could have done that, but He didn’t. He’s a marvelous Creator. He added beauty and variation to make this Earth a wonderful place for people to live in...
Earth Day may be secular day, but it’s great time to remember and appreciate our Creator. Happy Earth Day to you!
#Earth Day#Earth#Adventure Photography#Sunrise#Sunrise Sessions#Mountain#Summit#Mt. Pulag#Kabayan#Benguet#Philippines
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I only have work for two days this week. I'll organize my things on Wednesday and climb Mt. Pulag for the 4th time on Thursday and Friday. Then, I'll unwind in Baguio over the weekend. I’m stoked! 😊
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December 16 - 17 | Mount Pulag, Playground of the Gods
After nearly nine years, I revisited Mt. Pulag. Back in March 2015, I climbed my first mountain with my family, but we only made it to peak #2. We were tired, but it didn't bother me much as I could already see the summit from there. Now, my work friends planned a Mt. Pulag climb, and not wanting to miss out and eager to reach the summit this time, I agreed.
We were a group of 12, and most of us brought our partners on the trip. Fortunately, the GA Outdoor package we had came with homestay accommodation, so camping, like the first time, wasn't necessary. Plus, we had the whole van to ourselves. So, we planned this trip in October, giving us 2 months to get ready. I even signed up for a gym membership just to be somewhat physically fit for the climb.
Anyway, we hit the road as soon as we were all picked up from our designated points at around 12 am on Saturday. By 8 am, we had already reached Bokod, Benguet. After stopping at a clinic for the required medical checkup and grabbing breakfast, we went to the DENR office for another mandatory orientation about the national park. Upon arriving at Baban’s homestay at noon, we were free to do anything we wanted until the lights-off schedule at 9 pm.
Our wakeup call was at 1 am the following day, and we were supposed to be geared up and ready at the ranger station by 2:30 am. Despite being the first group to start the trek, unfortunately, half of our members were not adequately prepared for the hike, allowing other groups to overtake us on the way up. Our group got split, with the first batch advancing ahead, and us lagging behind. As a result, we ended up being the last group to reach the summit. Even though the hike was initially planned as a 5-hour trek to the summit, just in time for sunrise, it took us almost 8 hours to reach the peak instead.
The struggle to reach the summit was no joke. The pathways were muddy, slippery, and rocky—all worsened by the rain and fog. The cold temperature added another layer of difficulty to the trek. Some of us almost gave up, but I was glad we kept going. We continued at our own pace, and it took us until almost 10 am to finally reach the top, with the first batch waiting for us at the summit for an hour. Imagine waiting in the freezing temperature. Anyway, the first batch told us stories of what happened at the peak when they got there. They said it was so crowded, and people were fighting over their turns to take photos at the Mt. Pulag summit board signage. Unfortunately, there was no clearing, so they had no view, just fog.
The moment we reached the summit, we were rewarded with a clearing. Now, we could see the blue sky and a clear mountain view. Though clouds and fog still came and went every now and then, overall, the weather improved. There was even a rainbow! We stayed there for almost an hour, enjoying the moment, the view, and the accomplishment of reaching the highest mountain in Luzon. And, of course, we took tons of photos. I was beyond grateful. The journey we went through is definitely one for the books, one that we will look back on and cherish.
The reverse journey took us 5 hours, and the descent was just as grueling. I was thankful for my knees for not giving up on me; they honestly hurt because the force I exerted on them while descending was much greater than on the way up. Additionally, my backpack, loaded with all my stuff, made my arms and back tired, and all I wanted was to lie down and sleep. Asis and I didn't pack any decent food; all we had were nuts and sour gummy worms. We should have brought sandwiches—imagine the pain, the hunger, and the struggle. Oh well. I was also thankful for the habal-habal ride on the last part of the trail. We all booked one each, and from there, they dropped us off at our homestay, saving us from another 3km walk. I just couldn’t continue anymore.
Once we arrived at the homestay at 3 pm, we immediately ate our late lunch, freshened up, and fixed our stuff because we needed to head back to the metro. We arrived home at around 1 am the next day, and most of us took a day off because we might end up dead if we still decided to work in the office. Lol. So yeah, I can now proudly say I’ve conquered Mt. Pulag—definitely a nice way to end the year.
By the way, we were also rewarded with another rainbow on our way back to the homestay. Additionally, the sunset on our journey back home to the metro was simply breathtaking. The vibrant, gradual colors of the sunset—purple, pink, orange—and the silhouette of the mountain range, it was truly a sight to behold. I was just in awe.
Photos were all taken using Olympus Superzoom 800
Film stocks: Kodak Gold 200 and Orwo Wolfen Color NC 500
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