GULUGOD BABOY

www.geocities.com/akamug

Anilao, Batangas

July 24-15, 2004

By: Michael Angeles

One of the newest destination in Batangas located near Diving Resorts and has a crystal clear 360 degrees view at the summit.

The mountain was called "Gulugod Baboy" because the peaks looked like a Pig's Spine. The "Spine" stretches the two major peaks, not to mention the vast shoulder that could accommodate hundreds of tents! This is one of the rare destinations that offer an expectacular view of the horizon, oceans, mountains, low lands and city lights. The blending of beautiful sceneries is a feast nobody can resist.

The journey began when an information reached akamug mailbox. All of a sudden, everybody is talking about Gulugod Baboy. The power of the internet is really amazing, when a new destination is discovered, it spreads like lightning. Gulugod Baboy was opened just few years back, now it is a very popular destination among mountaineers.

Akamug invited some of our dear friends to join the climb. Sir Paul (the surfer we met in Famy) was first on our list. Mam Tina (from Mt. Natib ) was also eager to taste her second adventure with us. But I hope not as difficult as in Mt. Natib , Don't worry Mam, Life is getting better. Mam Cathy (Daguldul 2003) was also up and ready. We were also lucky that day because Sir Leo (our youngest member) was around to join us. It's been a while since our last climb with him in Mt. Pulag . He was a high School stud back then, now he is pursuing a career in college. Sir Howard, Sir Abumer and Mam Beus are three of our new guests. Very much excited and willing to get things done.

A total of Nine Trekkers ready to face Two days of adventure!

The Group hit Buendia-Taft to rent a van that would take us to Anilao, Batangas. This is a more convenient way to get there rather than by bus, but is a bit expensive. Nobody in the group has been to Anilao, but everybody has an idea of what it looks like or where it is located. We reached Phil Pan Dive resort at around 1000. A sari-sari store on the left side of the road marks the trailhead. It is a steep road leading to a chapel. We spent about 15 minutes just to get through it. I don't know but, it does made our sweat pumped-up a little. The chapel also signals the assault passing through several houses. One must not make unnecessary noise because the trail is very near to residential houses. Courtesy and respect must be strictly observed.

All of us had not eaten anything yet for lunch so we decided to look for a place to prepare food. We spotted an open area in front of a small nipa hut. Melmar, a 17 year old local was so nice to offer the place. He weaves basket and chairs for a living. One thing I noticed, a lot of chicken roamed around the yard. Adobong Mamoy (Manok and Baboy) was Sir Abumer's special menu for the day. He is my classmate in college from the proud city of ilocandia. We bought all the ingredients at a small market in Bauan Junction.

The sun was so bright that day; a good pair of sun glasses will keep your beautiful eyes safe. The trek was very easy. It only took us an hour to reach the summit. The open grassland greeted us with the cold touch of the wind. The place could literally accommodate thousands of mountaineers.

We chose to camp at peak 1 on the western side. It is a mere 5 minutes from the shoulder. The peak resembles the chocolate hills in Bohol towering at about 30 meters with an elevation of approximately 60 degrees. The summit is very wide, having also it own spine.

The scenic 360 degrees view will surely set you free. It is now 1530 and the mighty sun is still very much alive, however the clouds are slowly getting into its way. The group pitched tent. The crystal clear view kept the telescope of Mam Cathy very busy. Ships, mountains and lowlands are very visible. There are so many things going down below, some of them are very entertaining. We couldn't help ourselves but be mesmerized. All of us thought that we had witnessed what Gulugod Baboy has to offer. Then something extra ordinary happened, a rainbow appeared in front of our eyes! It was so beautiful. Our cameras captured its vibrant colors. A one of a kind greeting that touched our hearts.

And it's not over yet. The weather drastically changed. In a few minutes, we were in gulfed with speeding clouds as the temperature started to drop. Visibility is just a few meters; we can hardly see edge of the peak. It was like a fairy tale. We ran like a child, as free as a bird, feeling the cold wet cloud as it touches our skin. Sir Howard took tons of photos. Here, there and everywhere!

It's time to slow down and prepare for dinner. Canned goods, noodles and rice pour down on us. We brought so much food as if we will have a relief operation on typhoon victims. Small drops of rain starts to fall, we have to speed up the cooking sessions. Let's get it on! Puwede na po yan Sir!!

The social began soon after. The rain keep falling, the small dome tent served as our shelter as we enjoyed the rest of the evening.

Ohayo gozaimazu! Magandang Umaga po sa lahat!

Its only 0500. The City light still glitters in the dark. Again Sir Howard took his camera in action. Our plan is to get to Phil-Pan Dive Resort at 1000 so that we could go for a dip until 1500. I can't wait to dive into the open sea!

Our foot stepped into Phil Pan dive resort at 1100. SMART communications was also there refreshing after a tiring descent. A hundred of them! Everyone enjoyed playing with the waves. Yippee! Give me more water! Water! Water! The fun lasted until 1700. We arrived in Manila at 2300 because our Chartered Van encountered a minor problem. All are safe. Happy. And looking forward to the next destination………

I thank GOD for giving us the opportunity to enjoy Nature.

I thank the People of Anilao for welcoming us to their Home.

I thank Akamug for the time we spent together.

I thank All the Mountaineers for keeping Gulugod Baboy clean.

Salute!!!