Mt. Pulag, Benguet

It was a nonchalant introduction---everyone telling something about themselves on the jeepney ride from Baguio going to Kabayan, Benguet. Chris. Mona. We were slightly sitting across each other. Fast forward years later, who would have thought I'll meet the love of my life during a climb to Mt. Pulag in 2010?

It was a Labor Day hike with the same group that invited me to Mt. Batulao in 2008. I, along with my high school friends, Yna and Jean, became part of the mountaineering group named Horizon Extreme Adventure Team or HEAT. Mt. Pulag-Ambangeg trail is considered a major climb, with 3 out of 9 level of difficulty. There are 4 other trails in climbing Mt. Pulag namely Akiki, Tawangan, Ambaguio and Ugo-Pulag Traverse. The Ambangeg trail is most recommended for beginners like me.

As all Mt. Pulag hikers are required to pass by the DENR Protected Area Office before proceeding with the climb, we registered and attended the orientation first. I even placed my calling card in their legendary hall! Don't forget to bring a memorabilia with your name that you can post and leave behind! Afterwards, our jeep headed to the Ranger Station or jump-off point of the trek. Encountered a slight delay on the way as our jeep got stuck on the uphill rough road aka nabalahaw. Simply turned the waiting game to some quality bonding time with the group. Also took our time snapping pictures of the unfamiliar surrounding. Consequently, we started our trek past 3 in the afternoon. Jean and I readied our jackets for the expected cold weather during the ascent but we felt hot and sweaty instead. So we just kept our jackets back in place.

Upon arrival in Camp 2 around 6 pm, we started setting up our tents. Shared the tent with Jean. Had yummy spaghetti for dinner! While some of the guys in the group proceeded with the usual socials, Jean and I went straight to sleep. Good thing we came prepared for the cold weather overnight. The insulation blanket I brought was really quite helpful.

Prepped up before 4:30 am the next day to start the trek up the summit. Left our things in the tent and just brought a bottle of mineral water along. Arrived just in time for the sunrise. We were literally above the sea of clouds. Didn't realize then that Chris and I had our first picture together, taken in the summit, while witnessing the dawn of another day. And there goes the start of my love story!<3

By 7 am, the group went back to the campsite. We had a hearty breakfast before descending back to the Ranger Station. Overall, the trek was fairly manageable alright...we encountered the real challenge while bathing near the Visitor's Center. The water sure was ice cold! After bathing, we were all joking that instead of saying we survived Mt. Pulag, it was more rightful to say we survived Mt. Pulag's ice-cold shower! =)

By the way, don't forget to bring a health clearance or medical certificate saying you are fit for an arduous hike. The management of Mt. Pulag National Park issued the advisory last November 10, 2015. For transportation rental inquiries, you can contact Gina Epe at this number: 0919-816-9234.

See also our climb up Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio-Tawangan traverse, Mt. Napulauan, Kibungan Cross Country, Tarak Ridge, Mt. Ugo, Mt. Arayat, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Pigingan, Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail, Mt. Purgatory Traverse and Mt. Timbak.