This trip was truly an adventure because no one, in the group, has ever been to Mt. Malipuno. And its summit has been noted as inaccessible due to unestablished trail. Moreover, assigned climb officers and other attendants backed out shortly before the climb. They certainly missed a whole lot of fun.

The twelve people who comprised the group are: Boki, Edwin, Jun, Rommel, Robert, Yoko, Jaday, Ariel, Kemp (guest), Kel (guest), William (guest), and myself. Everyone were, surprisingly, prompt during assembly time on the morning of June 26^th. The following was our actual itinerary:

SAT, June 26th

0530 Assembly at Tritran Bus Station-7Eleven (Buendia-Taft)
0640 Departed for Lipa, Batangas (via JAM)
0900 Arrival in Lipa.
0940 Departed for Bgy. Talisay, Lipa
1000 Arrival in Bgy. Talisay
1030 Ascent
1145 Lunch on trail (before a nipa hut on your right)
1315 Resumed trek
1500 Attempted to assault summit, but unsuccessful due to trees and loose soil (Jun, Boki and myself w/ our backpacks); Robert also tried, he reached the peak pero "puwersahan" at walang clearing sa peak for campsite.
1600 Set-up campsite
1815 Dinner
2000 Socials
2215 Lights Out

SUN, June 27th

0600 Wake-up call, breakfast and break camp
0800 The rest of the group attempted to assault the summit w/o backpacks, but still unsuccessful
0920 Started trek down
1130 Arrived in the barangay; bathed along the river
1300 Departed for Lipa
1320 Arrived in Lipa, lunch in Chowking
1400 Departed for Manila

There were several highlights on this trip, both favorable and unfavorable. On the first leg of the climb, the lead-man had to make several backtracks. But the trail was relatively manageable. We were able to enjoy 1-hr-15-min. lunch break and give ample rest for our beloved guests. Robert, on the otherhand, was too happy to be given the responsibility to go ahead and establish the trail for us after lunch. Unfortunately, he failed to comply with the next instructions, which left the group waiting for a long time. And for this he had to undergo a consequence the next day, during descent. Nevertheless, the group was still able to set-up camp on time, as planned. The area only permitted us to have 3 tents in place so we’d still have space for socials. Dinner was remarkably delicious, and everyone shared their food; that’s the advantage of having a smaller group, I guess. As for socials, the assigned social masters were absent. Luckily, Ariel came to the rescue. Since he did not attend the pre-climb, he was given the task to carry the lantern, the first-aid kit, and to facilitate the socials. The first activity was great, especially for the president and the first ladyJ The second one was crazy – a drink-or-truth-or-consequence game. One thing’s for sure; those who had skeletons in their closets drank too much.