So many eerie stories preceded Mt. Cristobal and all of us, in one way or another have our own stories to tell. With all these spooky things lurking in our minds, we certainly came there prepared. I think this is one of our climbs wherein, most of us

MT. CRISTOBAL : March 13-15, 1998

By Blanca L. Ocampo

Many eerie stories have preceded Mt. Cristobal and these stories were the very reason that made this climb a very exciting and nerve wracking one. From the very start that the group planned to go to Mt. Cristobal, the members cannot help sharing their "supposedly" spooky experiences when they conquered this mountain. Of course, with so much curiosity, the trainees made a research on their own. With all of these stories hunting us, we were brave enough to find out for ourselves how true all of these were.

It was March 13, 1998. The group was set to meet at 7-eleven Store in Buendia at exactly eight thirty in the evening. Me, as the team leader decided to be there a little early so as to check if everything will go on as planned. Somehow I had the gut feeling to check our ride going to San Pablo city via JAM Transit and I panicked when I found out that the last trip was already on its way. Immediately with the help of tall and handsome in the dark Boki, we started thinking of the nearest bus station with trips to San Pablo. Luckily, the last JAC Liner bus to San Pablo was leaving at exactly nine o’ clock, but there were still some of us who are not yet around! Even the ever dashing but always late president was nowhere in sight! The bus left the terminal by nine as promised. I don’t know if by sheer luck or determination, Jerick was able to catch up with us in his car! I went down the bus to accompany him in the car and I can not even describe our journey to San Pablo at 140 km per hour! I was even surprised that we were able to catch up with the group in one piece!

Once in San Pablo, we got a jeep to bring us to the foot of Mt. Cristobal. It was a long, bumpy and rigorous trip ahead, and as if to prove how unafraid we were, the group started to talk about more horror stories. Upon arrival on the foot of the mountain, the group immediately prepared for bedtime. Doc, this being his first time to climb with us, was in for a surprise, he was treated to a snoring "concerto." As if this was not enough to drive a sleepy man crazy, the night was cold and misty, making it harder to catch some sleep.

March 14 was an early day for us. We all knew that it is going to be a tough day ahead (basing this from the stories of the members). We started our trek on time, and true enough, from the start till the end, it was a continuos uphill climb. We took some rest at the last house on the trail, and it was here where the "King of the Mountain" Roy caught up with us. After the 15-minute rest, it was time for us to cross the gate and enter the twilight zone. It was the boy-next-door Mark who was leading the pack (since he was the leadman, and not because he’s fast). After sometime, some went on ahead of him to secure a place in the campsite (not because they are faster than Mark), knowing that there were other groups ahead of us. As usual, the girls (you’re included here Jaday) except for our "Queen of the Mountain" Queenie, were appreciating nature so much that we tail behind the group. While resting, our group led by the "songstress" Kay, taught that this is the only way our voices will be appreciated. Of course, we sang our hearts out, even Karen Carpenter was no match for us. Finally, after hours of endless climbing, we reached the crater where we set our camp.

The highlights of this climb were our activities for the night. After dinner, everyone was ready to start the socials. The first activity was the continuity of the activity in Sembrano, this time we were asked to associate ourselves with any object of nature considering our negative attitudes and share this with our group. Next was for us to think the scariest story we can share. Many were eager to share their stories, both real and imagined. Listening to them makes me think of an old radio program "Gabi ng Lagim." After scaring each other, in one single pile, the group night trekked Mt. Cristobal. Once we were in the heart of the forest, each one was placed 10 meters apart from the other, and was instructed to turn off the lights. This activity was not supposed to scare the hell out of us. This taught us to commune with nature and to listen and feel what it has to offer. The 10-minute lights-out proved to be terrifying to some and at the same time recharging. After this we had to go back to camp still with the lights out, trusting only the one in front of us to guide us back. Back in the camp, the final activity was for the trainees to go one by one in a specific area to sign a logbook and then go back to camp. The guys did it alone but the girls were allowed to go in twos. This activity measures one's courage that will come in handy in times of emergencies especially when these happen in the dark.

After all these activities, we were tired and ready to hit the sack. But during those times, sleep seems to be elusive. Our neighbor had decided not to sleep but drink and be merry, and they have included us in the first part of their plans. While inside our tents, we were kept awake by their loud laughter, constant swearing and any kind of noise you can think of. It was after about four o' clock in the morning that we were able to get some sleep.

March 15. With only a few hours of sleep, we started getting ready by seven o' clock in the morning to go to the viewpoint where we saw a good view of Mt. Banahaw . After a lot of picture taking, as if to prove with our smiles that we survived the night, we went back to camp and prepared to go down. Going down has never been really a problem for us, in fact, we were even able to play pass the apple (remember how exciting this game is). Upon reaching the foot of Cristobal, we were so eager to go to Dolores, Quezon to be able to bathe in Kinabuhayan River but much to our surprise, the river had dried up. We took a bath in what was left of the river, and after having lunch we started our long journey home.

Looking back, we wonder if we have experienced any of those we thought we will be encountering. Some actually had new stories to tell. It may be real or just a pigment of their imaginations but, who can really tell. Nonetheless, all these made our climb worth remembering.