Majestic Mount Kanlaon

Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island is the Philippine's largest active volcano and Visayas' highest mountain. Its majesty lies in its verdant forests, waterfalls and breathtaking lagoons. One should not miss the Margaja Valley, Kanlaon's old crater.

Climbing Mt. Kanlaon is truly a profound experience that must not be missed in one's lifetime!

The Madia-as Agony

For all the mountains I went to, Mt. Madja-ass will always remain a pain, both on my psychological and physical level. This mountain will surely test your endurance and strength and will twist your mind of whether you'll go back there or not. But luckily I surpassed the agonizing mental and physical test of this mountain. I can proudly say that traversing this mountain is one of my mountaineering achievements.

Mount Madja-as Traverse
Flores-Alojipan Trail March 26-29, 2010, Culasi, Antique

photos by renel

Atop the Highest Mountain in the Philippines

"Literally the 'grandfather' of all mountains, Mt. Apo is a volcano that has never blown its top and at 2,954 meters is the highest peak in the Philippines. Local tribes believe deities reside near the summit and worship it as a sacred mountain. Situated in the island of Mindanao, Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines and Southeast Asia's second highest. Known to the natives as kingdom of the mountain god, Apo Sandawa". ~words from Riza, a co-mountaineer

Conquering the highest peak in the country, I had the the beautiful escape of my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could climb this mighty mountain. Thanks to nature for providing me the gift.  I'll definitely go back there.

Mt. Apo Traverse Climb. September 8-12, 2010.

Mount Talinis Trekkers' Shindig

Entry point: Brgy. Bediao, Dauin
Exit point: Brgy. Apolong, Valencia City
LLA: 1903 MASL

I consider Mt Talinis as one of the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines. The vegetations are lush and abundant and the trail is not hard. It is a mountain ideal for a no hassle climb. Mt Talinis is the second highest mountain in Negros, next only to the lofty Kanlaon.

ITINERARY
Bediao-Apolong route from Dumaguete City

Day 1
0600 From Dumaguete, take Ceres minibus to Dauin
0700 Get off at plaza; arrange habal-habal to Geothermal Site, Bediao
0730 ETA jumpoff. Start trek
1200 ETA Lake Yagumgyum.
1330 Trek to Lake Nailig
1600 ETA Lake Nailig; set up camp
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0500 Talinis summit assault
0700 ETA summit
0730 Head back to Nailig campsite
0900 Start descent
1200 ETA Sulfuric River
1500 ETA Casaroro Falls; sidetrip
1900 Back in Dumaguete

My climbing companions this time were Hajji, Lester, Shiela, Danlee,and Lynel.


Nov 27-30, 2009 Mt Talinis, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental 

Mt Porras Trek

Mount Porras in Sibalom, Antique is the home of the largest individual flower in Panay.  After the climb, we soothe our aching muscles at Camp Eupre Mountain Resort in Barbaza. We cooked spaghetti and drank Tanduay under the rain! What a way to spend the weekend.

September 19-20, 2009  Mt Porras Sibalom, Antique and Camp Eupre

Tinagong Dagat Clean Up Climb

We were invited by Rashid's Outdoors of Bacolod to participate in this clean up climb. The water in the lake was dry and we set our camps in the middle of it. We enjoyed the lake's serenity. We talked and drank Tanduay under the lake's dwarf trees. Tinagong Dagat is sure to be a place of mystery and beauty.  This is a special place for me since it was where I met love.

August 21-23, 2009 at Mt. Mandalagan, Silay, Negros Occidental.

photos taken by renel

First Attempt at Mountain Climbing

It's the annual 3-day Baklay Bukid organized by DENR, the local government of Maasin and by Eagle Cross Inc. It is my first mountain to conquer and after that, climbing became my passion.
The weather was fine and it was a wet and wild experience for us while crossing the rivers of Tigum. We walked or 8 hours and that's equivalent to 35 kms. We crossed rivers for at least 10 times and finally conquered Mt Puting Bato.  All in all it was fun.

July 24-26 2009. From Daha, Nagba Falls, Puting Bato, Inaman, and finally Sambag at Maasin, Iloilo

photo credit: renel