Mt. Makiling Benefit Climb

We climb mountains for various reasons: to challenge ourselves, to have that abstract self-fulfillment, to kill boring hours during some nothing-to-do-days, to celebrate, and so on. But my (second) Mt. Makiling climb was dedicated to an entirely different purpose. Regardless of various motivations, I, with a bunch of 22 other first-time and not-so-first-time climbers, climbed for a single mission: to extend a helping hand. 

The onslaught of #Yolanda (Haiyan), one of the worst typhoons to make landfall in the Philippine history of typhoons, which left a devastating situation down south with nearly 5000 lives lost and unimaginable properties wrecked, was the reason for this climb. Knowing the fact that some people we know (and their families) were actually directly affected by the calamity, we took the initiative to help through our own little ways ― one of which was through this Mt. Makiling (Peak 2) Benefit Climb last Saturday, November 16, 2013, where we ask for kind-hearted individuals to hike with us at the expense of a reasonable registration fee. Through the said climb, we were able to raise a little amount that we hoped would help those who badly need it at this point in time. 

It was one bracing November dawn when my precious sleep in my cramped bed was disturbed as my hands automatically searched for my phone to check the time. Glancing at the screen, my clock read 5. I made a mad dash downstairs as I was supposed to be up by 3 to prepare lunch for the day's climb. Surprisingly, the burger patties were already fried. 

Several minutes later, we were already busy packing our personal stuff for the climb. Just a few minutes before the call time, we were already at the DL Umali steps at UPLB across freedom park, the designated place for the general meet-up. For a few moments, we waited for the others to come. One after the other, the rest of the participants arrived. A brief orientation for some reminders was held regarding the climb. Then we finally asked for His guidance for a safe climb ahead.

At around 6:30 am, we left the meeting area and walked our way to UPLB Forestry where the jump-off point was located. It took us around 15 minutes of the semi-uphill climb to reach the registration area when some of us were all ready to go back judging from the looks on their warmed-up faces. Right then our team of 23 hikers was divided into groups for an efficient hike. And off the climb, we go.

Mt. Makiling was very inviting that day, familiar chirps rolling over the shaded trails were pleasantly echoing as we walked upwards. The sun was also shining bright as if giving us the assurance of a dry and safe climb. As we walked, I realized I was walking the very same trail I hiked three weeks ago. We continued with the long walk until we reached our first major stop:

We spent a couple of minutes resting before resuming the march. Some took the opportunity to energize by having their breakfast while others chose to treat themselves the luxury of comfortable seats. The hike itself was strenuous due to the long walk required. It’s manageable nevertheless, especially with the sufficiently paved road during the first hours of the climb. In addition to the nice trail, the good thing about Mt. Makiling is the presence of tall trees keeping almost the entire hike shaded against the raging heat of the sun. Despite the seemingly endless walks, our skins were safely guarded against the potential hurt that could be caused by the sun.

Things started to really get a bit hyped as some of the participants were already showing signs of tiredness as we further ascended. The laughing and trading of stories were almost gone when the drastic change in the quality of trails began. Additional paranoia about the limatik (a local term for a certain species of leeches) invasion further made the trek difficult, as Mt. Makiling trail has been a favorite playground for such. Despite the fact that those leeches are indicative of the forest’s health (I read it somewhere before), they were a major annoyance and hindrance to us on this climb. We have to look down every once in a while to check if one (or more) of them was already taking advantage, sucking blood out of us.  

We resumed with the hike following the usual drill: the leaders on the lead and the sweepers on the far end of the trail. A couple of minutes later, the initial groupings started to slowly rearrange. Some were demoted to the sweepers' team as they fail to keep up with those on the leads’ pace. This is expected especially for a large group comprised majorly of first-time hikers. But then we were a team, we had to wait, push, and watch each other’s back until we all successfully reach the peak. We were passed by the Agila Base and the Malaboo station which called for the commencement of uphill slopes soon.

A few more walks and we reached Stn. 20. The air got a bit colder, the trail get even narrower, and the assault started to get steeper. The mere sight of the uphill trudge in front of our very eyes drastically changed the mood for some. The fog also began to thicken blanketing some parts of the trail, shrouding our way, inhibiting us the scene of a grandiose view down below. It started to get cold with occasional rain showers gracing the hike.

At this point, I lost count of the number of limatiks that tried to get under my skin. I also lost count of the number of curses I heard from fellow hikers every single time limatiks attempt to suck in. Along with this are the countless lies I so far told them :) For the past two hours, I have been constantly telling them that we’re arriving at the peak very soon when in fact we weren’t even halfway there. More so, gave a false hope that the hike will be ending end up at Stn. 25 (my favorite Mt. Makiling Station of all time). The disappointment was evident on their faces as we reached the said station, though, still managed to crack a smile.

As we, sweepers, arrived at Stn. 25, our team’s lead group was already at the peak. In our case, we had two more stations to conquer including a major assault. AT that point, I knew it wouldn't be long before we reach the day's destination. The adrenaline started to kick in as we approach the peak, already feeling that sense of accomplishment. A few more steps against gravity and we finally set afoot the peak. I saw some familiar smiles from my climbmates’ faces were enough to call the climb a success. We grabbed some more minutes to rest at the peak and document things.

It was past 1 already when we decided to descend. After another 5 hours of excruciating walk, our new group of sweepers finally reached the base. It was dark already and we had to make use of our flashlights. We logged out from the registration area and walked our way back to the real world. We had a cheap but satisfying dinner and claimed the much-needed rest. Again, with our goals attained, despite the calculated danger, and the prize of another unforgettable adventure at hand, I’ve proven I’m stronger. And prouder. That night, I found myself with aching head and legs, back in my cramped bed. 

On behalf of the organizers, I would like to thank everyone who has participated and contributed to the success of this activity; from the hikers, sponsors, and donors who unselfishly shared a part of themselves by lending us their time climbing with us up to the peak and by providing resources necessary towards the realization of our purpose. We know that a simple thank you would not suffice, but from the bottom of our hearts, thanks anyway.

Photos credit: A. Yanos