a first: Winning an Online Raffle Contest!

And I was like OMG this morning when I confirmed my suspicion that I won!

For quite sometime now I have been immersing myself with travel blogs to compensate my frustration with foiled, botched or no travel days. It is wonderful to just read about the places that these people went to and daydream about them.

In searching for Batanes info I came across Ferdz' site: ironwulf.net. I subscribed to his page via FB, and before new year I saw his congratulatory post to the Philippine Blog Awards winner, Nina Fuentes of justwandering.org. Out of curiosity I checked out her site, and from there she became a regular in my everyday blogroll.

Sometime early this month Nina held a contest were she posted questions about her travels. Of course, I hopped onto the band wagon, I will lose nothing by joining. I subscribed to her RSS and twitter. I painstakingly researched her questions throughout her blog. After weeks, what do you know?

I won!

Outdoor Orientation and Survival

I have been a follower of the Upward Trail site from the start of my peakbagging career (lols at the term). I always read survival and backpacking articles of which I used as my basic mountaineering course. I would like to share one the articles in my mountain climbing bible from the Upward Trail site.

How to Pack a Survival Bag

It fits in a one-gallon Ziploc. It weighs just a couple of pounds. It costs a fraction of what one of those GPS-equipped cell phones costs. But this survival kit could save your life. While more complete kits could include everything from fishing gear to first-aid supplies, the 12 items of this one can be used to address all your basic nonmedical needs.

Shelter: Large plastic garbage bags make excellent ponchos. (The bright orange ones used by the Department of Transportation are even better, if you can find them.) With an 8-by-12-foot [2.4-by-3.7-meter] plastic drop sheet and 25 feet [7.6 meters] of parachute chord, you'll be able to build an emergency shelter. (Hardware stores stock all three items.) A pocketknife can be used to cut the cord—and for myriad other chores.
Fire: Double wrap waterproof matches in Ziploc bags, and carry a lighter or flint-and-steel set as well. Cotton balls dipped in Vaseline (store them in a film container) are handy fire-starting aids.
Signaling: The reflection of a signal mirror can be seen up to a hundred miles [160 kilometers] away on clear days. You can purchase one at any decent outdoors store, as well as a whistle (something every child in your party should carry).
Water: One bottle of iodine-based purification tablets can treat up to 25 quarts [23.7 liters] of water. Navigation: Carry a compass. Enough said. A mini-flashlight is useful in many ways—and having light also boosts morale.

Whatever is in your survival kit, says expert Byron Kerns, the fundamental rule is: "You've got to keep it with you." Put it in the bottom of your daypack; put it in the detachable fanny pack from your frame pack. Just put it somewhere.

Hip Pack: Deuter Pulse One

When I try to jog (which usually ends up in brisk walk), I am always on solo. My jog/walk essentials are hydration, cellphone, cash, comb and another vanities. And with no one to look after my things, I first tried using a small sling bag. It felt uncomfortable, with the sling bag bouncing back and forth keeping me distracted plus it wouldn't hold an average-sized water bottle.

For the longest time I have been scouring Landmark in Makati or any malls that I have been to (when I remember) for water bottle bags. Even belt bags I could not find one in the malls that I went to. I used a belt bag as an assault pack back in 2007 Mt. Mayon knife ridge attempt, and the cost of it was around php300-400, unbranded. I set my budget at php500.00 for this.

Pulse One

Surigao City: It's Restday, and the Rest is History.

Northern Mindanao Solo Roadtrip: Part 2 of 3

SURIGAO CITY

November 28, 2010 

Part 1 of 3 - Gingoog City: Climb-turned-roadtrip

Back in Manila, Sunday  is considered as everybody's restday but it doesn't mean that people do actually rest. The streets near the malls and most establishments are bustling with people who wants to spend restday....not resting.

So I wokeup before my alarm went off. I sat there in the bed droned in the white noise of the telly, and contemplating on my plans for the day. I was already dressed, ready to go mountain climbing, but was having a heavy heart on the matter. There are few things to consider like my remaining resources a.k.a. CASH, and I was a bit torn between spending another day in Gingoog City or setting out to explore another land. I made my decision as I went back to sleep. Lol.

Gingoog bus terminal

Gears in Mind, Not on Hand

noThose persons that I have climbed with, and those who have followed my Multiply posts, all know that I am not a gears person. It was only in the year 2009 that I bought a decent backpack (Deuter ACTLite 35+10). It is that time also that I decided to buy a local tent (Apexus Tadpole - red), and my reliable trek shoes (TNF Plasma Gtex XCR Boa II). I bought all of these necessities, after 2 years of climbing, just in time for my Mt. Apo climb. 

Now that another biggie climb is in the picture (Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia), I need to upgrade my other gears, or that I need to buy those that I don't have yet. As of the moment, I have my eyes on these babies....

Petzl Tikkina 2

HEADLAMP 

We all know that one of the most important part of a mountaineer's survival kit is a headlamp. During my 3 years in mountaineering, I have seen different types of headlamp used. There are cheap headlamps (like what I usually use) which you can buy from hardware stores at the mall, or from tyangge stores ran by the Chinese, lols. They are priced somewhere in between 100-200php. Also there are headlamps that are somewhere in between cheap and expensive, like Energizer or Eveready which ranges about 300-800php a piece. And of course there are branded ones, like the most famous Petzl, Black Diamond etc. which is priced from 1000-5000php, Philippine distributed. You can procure these branded items through the internet but the price range is almost the same if you will include the shipping cost.

I have been using a cheap generic heavy headlamp before I upgraded to Energizer, which I haven't used yet since it is relatively new. What I don't want to happen is the headlamp dying on me just when I needed it the most. So I decided to get a cheap and decent Petzl Tikinna 2 headlamp in my favorite color, orange.

Tikkina 2 is priced at $19.95 last time I checked, shipping not included. If converted to Philippine peso that will be roughly around 900php. Locally distributed, it is priced 1400php almost. It has two lighting modes, and a battery life of 190h at economic level. It has two LED that can light up to 23 meter range at maximum level. Not a very good choice for search and rescue, but just enough for normal climbing condition. Just pray you don't get lost in dense jungle, hehehe.

Originally, I dreamt of getting a high powered headlamp, Petzl Myolite (with Xenon bulbs and can light up to 100m range in maximum power) which costs around 5000php. Climb trip priorities inifinitely delayed the purchase. So I am settling on this not so pricey torch.

Deuter Wizard

ASSAULT PACK

Aside from the regular packs that we climbers lug to the campsite, there also cases where assault packs are needed. Assault packs are small bags enough to carry our basic necessities like water, food, and med kits usually for hikes from campsite to summit. One good example where this is needed, is Mt. Guiting guiting in Romblon where you need to camp at Mayo's peak then assault to summit the next day bringing as little as you can to help you maintain balance as you negotiate the ravines and slippery ridge terrain.

I haven't bought one eversince I started climbing, and I considered buying one for the sake of the Mt. Kinabalu climb, since we are taking the Via Ferrata and we need to have both our hands free in scrambling down the boulder face of the summit. 

I have checked Altrec.com, and saw that this is priced at $28 or something. 

Deuter Futura 24 SL

TALL PACK

I have been using a 45L overhead pack since late 2009. Although I have other packs for lighter loads, this has been my staple for overnight climbs. I realized that the larger the backpack, the more stuff you will bring, ergo the heavier your load will be. Whereas when you have a small one, you will be forced to leave some of the comforts at home. I still don't know if all my necessaries will fit this 24L bag, but this is still for consideration and not needed immediately just like the previous 2. 

I haven't checked the price of Futura 24 but I bet it is around $100, an amount which I could use for something more important.

I am still on the budgeting phase where I try to balance my personal expenses, my travel expenses, and my gears expenses. It is only now that I realize that this hobby is much more expensive than others. That I realized when I passed by a golf shop and saw that a club set (main gear in golf) of Calloway is only 14,000, which is same price to a branded foreign tent (just one of our necessities). I cannot imagine how I survived this hobby, with just a meager amount left for my travel expenses. Because I don't buy gears, maybe? Lols.

Philippine Tropical Mountaineering - General Terms

This post is also a condensed article from the site of Singarong Backpackers, who I consider as a reference in climbing during my newbie years, together with the Upward Trail site. I extracted this from my Multiply archive from a few years back.

Tropical vs Alpine Climbing

The Philippines has no alpine mountain peaks because the country is situated in the tropical belt and, at least, none of the peaks in the country exceeds 11,500 ft in altitude to be able to acquire alpine conditions like Mt Kinabalu in Malaysia and Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) in Indonesia. As such, Philippine Mountaineering (mountaineering in the Philippine setting) does not have to contend with alpine conditions – extremely low temperature, ice, snow and barren rocks – that makes mountaineering life extremely difficult and hazardous. Hence, in the Philippines, the use of protective gear for very low temperature and the use of crampons are not necessary. Much less, Philippine Tropical Mountaineering is free from the debilitating effect of very high altitude – the deficiency of oxygen supply in the atmosphere.

Lesser-Known Wonders: Nabuntulan Falls in Mt. Isarog National Park

ne of the lesser popular destination in Naga is the Nabuntulan Falls in Mt. Isarog National Park in Brgy. Panicuasion. Tourists and mountaineers alike often talk about their adventures in Malabsay Falls, which is also within the park. My Bikolano friend who invited me over to climb Mt. Isarog, and ever so nice when he succumbed to my request of aborting the climb and hangout at the falls instead, told me that most of the visitors of the park frequent the more popular Malabsay Falls. Personally I haven't been able to visit the same since we ran out of time because we arrived at Nabuntalan Falls a bit late. I was also told that Nabuntalan Falls is the source of Malabsay Falls, although the latter is more majestic than the former.

To get to Nabuntulan falls, you need to hike the mountain trail around 30 minutes or less. You have to take the left turn going up the Panicuason trail going to Mt. Isarog summit upon reaching the junction with the trail to Malabsay Falls which is to the right.

Majestic Nabuntulan

When we arrived there, after battling several clinging limatiks on the way, I was wowed by the force and power of this hydro-wonder. Watermists are everywhere, and it was a very cold part of the mountains since the area is secluded and all that waterforce are creating powerful thrusts of air. I practically sat in a stone most of the time, to keep the cold from seeping to me, while my companion was giddy with the thoughts cool water.

man and nature

See how majestic Nabuntulan Falls is? I can't describe the awesome feeling back there, me staring at the continuous water flow from nowhere that was creating the wind force threatening my newly bought tent that I set up on a boulder a few meters away from my spot. It was literally mist, mist, mist, and I was soaking wet even without having a dip in the cold, cold water.

I really hope more mountaineers and tourists alike will visit this part of Mt. Isarog National Park.

Nabuntulan Falls/11.2.09

Passport 101 for Dummies (like me)

International travel has never been in my mind, much more the application of a passport. But my recent embrace to travelling dictated a need for one.

I have been known, or I always expect difficulties when it involves my birth certificate. Six years ago, I have these nightmares of attending court sessions just to correct a few entries in that document.

Last year, I tried to set an appointment via the DFA's Online Passport Appointment System. The date given to me fell on a weekday and I was reluctant to take leave from work. Manya Na habit, I know. So that was a chance foregone.

Fastforward 2010, I am browsing pictures of friends who visited foreign lands. At the same time there are lots of tempting seatsale. Plus, the call of mountaineering. This passport matter has to be resolved this year once and for all.

I visited the DFA website often to slowly digest the procedures. I set an appointment for myself and my mother who wants to renew her expired passport. She got an earlier appointment than mine, while I got a December 16 appointment.

A major reason behind why I always delay applying for a passport is my fear of encountering complications when it comes to my requirements. Since I have that newly acquired resolve, I armed myself with every possible document that I can provide them when needed. Had they asked for more documents I am afraid I cannot provide them with any and it will be a culdesac situation.

I arrived in DFA Aseana around fifteen past 3pm, an hour earlier than my appointment. Since they only let inside those with appointments within 30 minutes, I decided to have a stroll and explore the area (parang nasa bundok lang). I found an S&R store behind the office building, and went inside to take a snack. Which is I am thankful that I did because I have no idea it would take me a bit more than four hours to complete the entire process.

pizza love

I ordered New York Style's Garlic Cheese Pizza (php89). I didn;t expect it to be quite a mouthful, but I still managed to devour it to the last morsel. Glad I didn't order the apple pie I have been eyeing when I got inside the store. 

After (over)eating, I went back to the DFA building to get inside.  First, you need to wait outside the main building, in a line while sitting on plastic benches. Ooooppss... I forgot to have my papers verified so I entrusted my seat to another and had my papers checked on the DFA database. Afterwhich I went back to my seat.

long wait

The wait was a bit long, but it is well organized so it is tolerable. Plus that it is late in the afternoon so no more scorching heat for me. After about 20 minutes of wait, we were finally ushered inside the main building.

still on queue

Inside there are still lots of passport applicants on queue. This is the first step, the Documents Verification. The verifiers will check your documents like the application form and the valid IDs. Then they will decide if you are eligible to be processed. This streamlining will eliminate waste of time when people pay then found that they don't have the necessary documents. 

empty chair

I am one of the few who were on the last of the line. Seeing the long queu in front of me, I can also see the few more hours that I will need to complete this whole application process. Upon reaching the counters, I saw that one verifier was being harsh to an applicant. When assigned with a counter number, I saw in the next counter an applicant was being scrutinized for her documents submitted. When it was my turn, I was a bit surprised at how courteous the verifier was, and how she asked me no questions on my complicated situation, me having a foreign sounding name which requires a lot of documents like parent's marriage certificate and proof that I am a Filipino citizen, and how my name was misspelled in the birth certificate and all. All the complications that was holding me back previously, was now zapped in an instant??? Can it just go away like that, people ignoring it? Well I'll be damned. This is just my luckiest day. Plus I was complimented for having organized all my requirements with proper labelling, hehehe. Must be the clothes I wore, I went there wearing my office attire and the verifier read out loud my job position. It is not much, just enough to solicite politeness and courteousy on her part.

pray be seated...

I was instructed to pay at the cashier on the second floor, and have my details encoded and picture taken. After paying at the cashier, I proceeded to the courier services because I opted for my passport to be delivered. Then I got a number for the waitinglist of applicants to be processed. 

my digits

I waited more than 2 hours as there are more than 500 applicants ahead of me. I stared blankly on the computer screen announcing the numbers for processing, and regretted at the same time that I haven't brought a book with me. The next best thing was the ebook stored in my cellphone, the ever so unfinished "Lolita" by Nabokov. I passed time trying to read it. 

When it was my turn, they made me remove my colored contact lens! I wore blue that time and asked them jokingly to put in my details that I am blue-eyed.

I finished around 8pm. I asked around on how to get to EDSA northbound. Afterwhich I decided to have dinner on Robinsons Pioneer with my fave Mongolian in mind. At the bus I decided to try the cafe that I was eyeing for quite some time now. This is for reward for overcoming a task that I keep on delaying.

it's Thursday so there's Banchetto

Tokyo cafe at last!

You can read my Tokyo Cafe experience here.

TIPS for PASSPORT APPLICATION

1. Be there an hour before your appointment.
2. Don't bring any food. It is not allowed inside and will be confiscated upon entrance. Eat first before going inside.
3. Don't forget to have your papers verified first before queueing.
4. Be extra polite to the people inside.
5. Get a number first upon arrival at the second floor, before paying the cashier and proceeding with the courier.
6. Don't wear colored lenses.
7. Bring enough money.
8. Bring a pen.
9. Most important of all.... choose the earliest appointment possible. In my case, the 500+ applicants were accumulation of earlier appointments.

Upward Trail: Packing Light for Mountaineers

Blogger's note: This article was "borrowed" from a site, as credited at the end of this post. I have this posted in my Multiply account a few years back, and reposted it here in blogger.com. This piece helped me a lot in my mountaineering trips, and this formed part of my informal BMC (Basic Mountaineering Course). I find reading this again, a bit refreshing. It's like the old days back when I was still a newbie, and was really wowed by the things I've learned from this. Till this day, I might not practice this all religiously but I definitely know this by heart. Thanks to the author of this article.


Fast & Light Backpacking Revolution:

There’s a gear revolution going on right now. Our load is getting lighter than ever before. What’s more, backcountry innovators have developed new techniques that let you go light without going to extremes. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, you’ll find useful tips for lightening your load by a little or a lot. So join the revolution. It’s making backpacking feel like day hiking.

Here’s the real trick for traveling light: Scrutinize every piece of gear. Why take a three-pound, multi-zippered, multi-pocketed, expedition jacket when an eight-ounce windbreaker is sufficient? Why take a heavy full-length air mattress when, with the right campsite selection, an eight-ounce foam pad is enough? Why carry a ten-pound tent "tested on Everest" when, if the point is to be outside, a four-pound tent is terrific? Why take a bulky sweater when a featherweight down vest is adequate? Why carry extra food when you’ll never eat it? Why carry extra water when you can move from stream to stream to purify what you need? And now that you’re carrying half the weight, why use a seven-pound backpack when a three-pound pack is fine?

Gary Barnes: "I Tried to Climb a Mountain Today"

Mt. Kilimanjaro

I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt overwhelmed, so I had to turn back.

I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall, and I was full of fear, so I had to return to a safe place.

I was ready to climb the mountain today. But it was so hot outside, I thought I better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for  tomorrow's attempt.

I was about to climb the mountain today. But I had so many other things to do,so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of much more important tasks. I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the big game. Today the mountain will just have to wait.

I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I stared at the mountain in it's majestic beauty, I knew I stood no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even bother trying.

I have forgotten about climbing the mountain today; until a friend came by and asked me what I was up to lately. I told him I was thinking about climbing that mountain some day. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish this task.

Finally, he said, "I just got back from climbing the mountain. For the longest time I told myself I was trying to climb the mountain but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could.”

“One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn't make an attempt at this dream all my dreams will eventually die. The next morning, I started my climb."

He continued, "It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed "stop!" I focused on my goal never letting it out of sight, and I kept moving forward. At times, I was ready to quit, but I knew I had come too far.”

“Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled to make it to the top, but I climbed the mountain!"

"I have to be going," my friend said. "Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?"

I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said…


"I have a mountain to climb."



- Gary Barnes, 1999