My First Tukang Cave Encounter (fingers crossed for a next one)

I was scrolling my Facebook Photos when I saw tagged photos of our Tukang Cave venture. That was three months ago.

Spelunking is a daring but fun adventure. And of course, you don’t have to worry about getting toasted by the sun.

Anyway, thanks to the invitation of a friend, again, I came to see the beauty of God’s creations.

Tukang Cave is located at Tuba, Benguet. Have you heard of Twin Peaks? Or you most probably heard Kennon Road… It’s somewhere along that road. The trip from Baguio to Tuba took us about an hour (I’m not sure). We got off the jeep and met with the caretaker of the cave, an old man. While we were waiting for some other companions, I heard the caretaker complaining about the destruction of the cave brought about by other people whose minds are so twisted. For that reason, the cave has been closed and locked for some time. Lucky for me, my companions knew the old man and the guys are frequenters so no problem. He even offered his humble home for us to wash up.

We started preparing, checking our lights, and refilling our water bottles. I didn’t know what to expect. I was even contemplating on whether I should leave my phone or not. My phone was new then. Either it will be soaked inside or it will get lost outside. I chose the latter. Result? Good luck and better choice, my phone was definitely not lost.

“Down the river…”

Crossing a fine-looking and sturdy bridge was no sweat. After which, we strolled down the river bank then climbed a bit of rocks. And tada! There’s the entrance to the cave! The guys in the group were Pro’s. They are real professional guides for caving and hiking activities. And they have crawled, slided, and maneuvered this cave a hundred times. So I was not worried if any misadventure happens to me.

In entering the cave, I had to do it facing down then carefully and blindly figuring out my next step. Rocks inside are like hardened mud. Don’t wear any light color stuff. Rocks after rocks. Some parts are really slippery too, so be careful.

I have always doubted my physical strength. There’s a part where you have to let your body slide and just keeping hold of the rope. I was like, “What? How should I do that?” I did it anyway, and I almost slipped.

“How do I do it?”

Another challenging part (especially for those who don’t wanna lose that extra baggage) is the part where you have to fit in a space between walls of rocks. No worries, all you need is a little push.

Here comes the harder part, climbing the walls of rocks. I’m no Pro, I don’t know how to carry my own weight while ascending, how should someone do that? Good thing, the girls were provided climbing gears like ropes, harness and restraints for safety reasons. And I reached the top! Yehey!

Some rocks are really sharp and are just inches above your head, extra caution is always advised.

We passed through some parts where there are bodies of water which tempted us to better swim it rather than holding onto rocks on the sides and guessing where will be your next step. The water is freezing cold. There’s not so much of a rock formations like other caves have but what is best here is the challenge it offers you. You know the questions like, “What if this rock falls on me?” or “What if I fall and get drowned?” or “What if I slip, and break a bone or two? Or hit my head?”

The jitters it will give you is the beauty of every adventure. 

After four hours of mixtures of wonder, fear, and fun, I came out alive. Of course. Just a few scratches. And I came out looking like a miner but with no gold. Haha.

The outside world is so hot. We headed towards the river and climbed our way back. We washed up, and took our lunch.

After reviving some strength, the group was up for another activity. Rappelling. Oh no! I hate heights! You know I even hate bridges. Hmmm. I have turned down a lot of offers of rappelling before. First times are always shaky. But then, I thought great courage brings about great adventures so I gathered myself, and inhaled like it’s my last. My face felt hot while my hands were cold. Weird. And hell yeah, I tried, and I realized how ridiculous I was. It’s was so freakin’ easy! Cool, and nothing to be afraid of. Ha! I even did it twice. And I’ll do it again if opportunity comes.

The day is coming to an end, so we prepared to leave, and said thanks to the old man.

A double treat. Thank you for the invitation. It was again superb!

Wandering at Ambongdolan Caves, Tublay, Benguet

The first time they mentioned Ambongdolan Caves in Tublay, Benguet, I was more than curious. So when the chance came, I never say no.

Tublay is around 30 kms from Baguio.  The atmosphere going to Tublay is cool, green and clean. I mean, that would be after the chicken dung area at Shilan La Trinidad. 🙂 It took us about an hour or more to reach Brgy. Ambongdolan.

Bedroom of Pedro Paterno. Photo by Manung Hencio.

And like every place with tourist attraction, we stopped in their Brgy. Hall/ Tourism Center to register. (I didn’t know how much they paid, I was enjoying a treat! Thank you Manung Byd.) 🙂 We continued to ride the jeepney for 5 minutes and arrived near the first cave to be visited. We strolled down and reach the entrance of Paterno Cave. According to what i heard, Pedro Paterno is one of the great people during the Spanish Times in the Philippines. I was totally curious about Pedro Paterno hiding in the caves of Cordilleras that when  I got home, I immediately researched about him. I learned that Pedro Paterno is actually a Filipino Revolutionary General, a mediator between the Filipinos and Spaniards, and one of people behind the Pact of Biak na Bato. How on earth did he knew about the existence of caves in Tublay?

Ambongdolan Caves

To enter the cave, you need to crawl a small opening with your head first. I was second in line. I was brave but when Manung Hencio, a medium built man, who went first suddenly felt difficulty of breathing and perspiring like hell, I was like OK… Should I feel the same way? I do not know what lies ahead. So I took my time and slowly dragged myself along. The guide cautioned us to move gradually for we might slip and hit our heads. Upon entering the cave, of course, as i expected, it was dark. 😀 Thanks to the guide and other members of the group, they brought flashlights. I was able to see and appreciate every glistening glow of the mineral stones in the cave. Touching the mineral stones is a no no. It was believed that the stones will degenerate. Mineral curtains, crocodile (I was not sure which part is the head.), were just some of the rock formations.

The River, Photo by Group D2D.

We had our lunch down the river and promised to come back after the caving to have some dip. Next stop is the Bengao-ngao Cave. It is not a good idea to go there when there is non stop rain. Water fills up the cave making it non passable. Good thing, we had great timing. The weather is fine, so we found ourselves stalking deeper in the caves. I was really surprised how vast and big Bengao-ngao Cave is. There exist what they call cathedral where you can find Mary and her child, and Joseph. Not to forget the vegetable section where formations of carrots, potatoes, and cabbage thrive. They have a stairway to heaven which is beautifully situated with water flowing in it. The wishing well where you can find coins dropped or left by earlier visitors. It was fun.

We walked and took more pictures in the river till we found a nice spot to wash up. Everything was perfect, but unfortunately, I lost my slipper in that river. I feared that stray cows might eat it. Niaha. Oh men.

In the end, we bid farewell to the amusing tour guides, humble and welcoming folks who handed us papaya and pomelo, and to the lovely place Ambongdolan. Thank you. And thank you to the group. Again, I had a blast. 🙂

Soon to open, Ave Maria Shrine in Itogon!

A very few people know the existence of an Ave Maria Statue/Pilgrimage Area in Mt. Bidawan, Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet. It is an area where people who pass by take some rest and pray. Usually, people who take that route to Dalupirip. Folks told me that it was built way back June 20, 1959 as written in the old concreted cement. My grandmother further explains that its creation was initiated by a priest, a Fr. Leon Dapiawen. (I am not sure of the spelling.)

Today, the people of Poblacion would like to rebuild and renew the pilgrimage site. It has been a part of the people’s history and faith. The construction of a pilgrimage site is planned with building the 14 stations of the cross. The first station will start at St. Charles Borromeo Parish and will continue to Sitios Lucbuban, Ma-nit, Tokok, way up to Mt. Bidawan. Sounds tough, right?

Just this 2:30 PM, we started trekking to Mt. Bidawan to visit the progress of the pilgrimage construction. Oh men. It was hot. Going up was not easy, but manageable. I wonder if those devotees who are getting old and getting fat will actually make it. @.@

On our way to Mt. Bidawan. Trails were fixed and rebuilt using bamboos.

Big space for Ave Maria. It measures about 12 feet high. Really huge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reaching the site is as always, refreshing and satisfying. It is not yet done, but this early, you can see its beauty. All we need is plenty of plants and some landscaping, and the sculpted Mother Mary.

Way up to the shade. Just needs some landscaping!

Huge it is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views are magnificent. Truly majestic. As early as now, I am inviting you to Itogon’s first pilgrimage site.

The shade..

Nearing the site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe the longest and toughest station of the cross you’ll ever try. It’s completion and perfection should be hopefully finished by March next year.

@.@

Mt. Ugo in the background. One of the majestic views.

A stranger in my own home, Mt. Bidawan.

I was raised in Poblacion, Itogon and lived here for almost 21 years already. But then, I failed to visit and scale its beauties. It felt shameful, considering the fact that other people from nearby municipalities and provinces have already been there more than twice. I am pertaining to Mt. Bidawan. It is just more or less 10 kilometers. near my residence. One time, some friends invited me to have some trek at Mt. Bidawan in celebration of the Philippine  Independence Day. They were surprised that it was my first time to ascend the mountain. No doubt, I became a stranger to my own home.

June 12, 2012. One foggy morning when the dark clouds started drizzle. There was a feeling of hesitation as the rain begun to prove its existence.  As much as I didn’t like to disappoint the people who extended the invitation, I didn’t like to dash my hope and wish to climb Mt. Bidawan. Getting out from the feeling of indecisiveness, I went to meet the group.

The trek started with a ride from the Municipal Hall to Sitio Mambolo. Since it is the Independence Day, we decided that the trekking be coupled with tree planting activity. With the downpour of water, and the weight of the seedlings we were carrying, and the steepness of the route, the first part  was really tough and tiring. Not to mention the big flies, mosquitoes and blood sucking insects bothering my already bothered skin.

After the scaling of the inclined part, we were now enjoying the flat and unelevated area. When the rain has stopped and the sun is slowly revealing itself, I realized, the rain is not the villain after all. I was told that newly planted trees need water to settle the soil and eliminate air.

Treading the trail near the summit, I saw the fruits of effort of the mountain climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who came years ago. I noticed that the pine, and mahogany trees they planted were now evergreen, young,  and 1-2 meters high. I emptied my mind and created some mental freedom a I started to pray that the trees I planted will grow huge, splendid, leafy and green.

The summit is not the summit that I expected where you can have a 180 degrees view below. Well, at least, there were trees. 🙂

After managing to cross the bridge, it was already high noon when we were descending. It was really hot. Good thing, we’ll be having some dip and soak in the 1300 L Swimming Pools.

That was my first climb in the mountain at my neighborhood.

I had my second climb at Mt. Bidawan last September 10, 2012. It was a birthday climb of an old friend, and when I say “old”, I mean his age. Kidding. 😀 This time, there was no rain, just the sun. And once again, I met new people and got myself a reunion with the beauties of nature.

For the nth time, I have proved God’s brilliance and wondrous creations.

Till next time.  @.@

The Adventurer goes to Purgatory

Would you actually believe if I say I went to Purgatory? 🙂

I really did. It was indeed a beautiful mountain, it was called Mt. Purgatory.

When they told me we were going to Mount Purgatory, it gave me goosebumps, I didn’t know if i would be scared, or what. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought that would be interesting so I just prepped and packed my bags, and said, leggo!

This climb, I wasn’t part of the organizing team. I was more of the participant. We arrived at the 1st Camp by car. Others did it by foot. Though which they thought was a bit ridiculous. Anyway, we felt welcomed as organizers of the climb and other participants displayed sweet smiles as we exchanged greetings. We pitched our tents, and prepared our belongings. Then they provided us with our dinner. Compliments to the team, good food. We then had this social night where we had some dancing, singing and some shots. And at 9 PM, I slept. I thought, It would be more fun tomorrow.

The next morning, coffee tasted best because it was cold. We took down our tents, had our breakfast, got washed up, and started walking. The sun is brightly rising as the wind rushes to my skin. And as we continue striding to the long mossy forest, I realized how fascinating and preserved their mountains are. I actually didn’t worry getting sun burned after all, the forest already provided me shade.

Aside from admiring the picturesque scenes around, I also came across with some of the participants. I had the chance to be engaged in lots of conversation. I was surprised, some of the participants also joined Mt. Ugo. I didn’t even recall their faces.

The mossy forest is a beauty. The green moss covers the pathway, it’s like walking in a carpet. The richness of the moss brings drizzle to the place. And it’s cool.  I can see various vines and trees  twisted to each other.  Not to mention the wild flowers and orchids thriving in the trees.

We arrived at the 2nd Camp and we were gladly welcomed by the locals. Some sell refreshments and snacks, others also had this necklace made of wild seeds. Which was really nice.

The night started with some cultural dancing. I was really surprised how varied their dance is. Some participants also joined the community dancing. But the dance I liked most is the Monkey Dance. It was executed really well that made it cool and funny.

I considered the last day the toughest. After walking through the misty and refreshing mountains, we were headed to this very hot, dusty and winding road. We were tired and the bags we were carrying became heavier in every step we made. By that time, we were running out of water. It was really difficult. Luckily, we had the car fetched us. We were spared for the remaining meters of hell. Anyway, thanks for that experience, I wouldn’t consider this climb an adventure if it came too easy. Hehe.

It was really fun walking with new people. I met this group of adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Most of them were a decade older than me. That made their pieces of advice and lessons in life counted the most. They were lovely and nice people. Some I enjoyed talking with. And to this date, they are good friends to me.

Mt. Purgatory is a real experience. Thank God for giving me the chance to be part of it. 🙂

Let’s dance the monkey dance

Learning from Mt. Ugo

I was given a special task to help promote my hometown’s tourism activities. Before committing to this duty, I was just an ordinary citizen of our community. Good thing, I always loved traveling, trying out new dare and meeting people. It wasn’t that hard to adjust to the expectations of this undertaking.

The task introduced me to experiences worth remembering. First is the Mt. Ugo Summer Climb.

Taking some rest

10^th Mt. Ugo Summerclimb was literally my first major climb.  I have never tried joining a climb with more or less 200 participants. What I usually had is just some fun trek with friends, or a long walk with some family members.

The climb’s itinerary sums up to 2 days, and 3 nights. I thought this would be a long journey. Luckily, I was part of the team who was organizing the event. I didn’t have to worry about our tents, foods, and accommodations.

Scaling Mt. Ugo

Along the journey, there were some pointers worth treasuring in this climb. It would be boring scaling mountains alone. Earphones with your favourite music genre wouldn’t compare to the stories, jokes and experiences other people will share to you while striding the mountain slopes. The 3D movie pictures you have in your iPad, iPhone, and phones have nothing to say to the views and sights of Mt. Ugo. Truly, a nature’s true magnificence.  Yes, we have thousands of friends in Facebook. But do we even know how they really look like? The friends I met during the Mt. Ugo climb are real people; more than the faces, I know their stories.

When we arrived in the 1^st Camp, everybody was tired. I didn’t have the strength to mingle with the other participants. All I wanted was to rest my exhausted knees and have a goodnight sleep. I knew, I had to prepare myself for the next day will be tougher. The Summit Assault.

I had in my back pack a thick and heavy jacket. I doubted my climbing skill and capability back then. So to lighten my cargo I actually got rid of that jacket and gave it to the locals.

Distance away to the summit, I was really physically tired. But my mind believed that it would just be a piece of cake. I was that confident back then. One participant passed by and asked, “Are you OK? Don’t dare giving up; we’re just few meters away to the top.” And he was right.

At the Summit

Reaching the summit is the best feeling I ever had. It felt like heaven. Cool breeze touching my skin, and suddenly it didn’t feel like I just walked thousands of steps. The feeling is remarkable.

Though, I regret not staying longer in the summit, after all, we went up there to appreciate the exquisiteness of the view of the summit. I needed to be back down quickly to prepare for the activities in the second camp.

With the 200+ participants, I wasn’t able to have the chance to meet them all. There were just so many groups. I was busy helping in the preparations of the climb.

It’s not every day that I join climbs, so I learned that next time, I would embrace every bit of it. Because too bad, you can’t repeat bygone days.  *.*