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 (L-R Ed, Richard, Boying, Joey, Jerick, Long, Anne and Dennis.) |
The Metropolitan Mountaineering Society or commonly known as MMS was founded 1994 born out of pure love of nature, the outdoors and it’s exploration. The group started out through the efforts of Denis Sacro, who also became its second president. He initiated its organization through advertisements from newspapers particularly in the Buy and Sell magazine. Ed Ocampo, Long Henson, Jerick Yaya and Dennis attended the first meeting held at the latter’s residence at Murphy Cubao Quezon City. No one among them belongs to any similar organization before although most of them have informal trekking and climbing experiences. During the month of January of 1994, the initial policies of the organization were established. The first official climb which is now considered the foundation day of the organization happened on March 13 of the same year at Mt. Makiling attended by now considered the eight founding members Dennis, Long, Ed, Jerick, Boying Amio, Richard Kahulugan, Joey Avila and Anne De leon (now Anne Sacro). |
| The following months were a very busy month for the organization. MMS started out laying the policies, structures and the first Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) training of the organization. The officers who where designated to handle the very first BMC training of the organization were Joey Avila as Training Officer, Ed Ocampo and Long Henson handling Logistics, Anne Sacro for the Monitoring and Richard Kahulugan for Physical Fitness. The training course was basically designed by Joey Avila who was a former member of AMCI. The first name of the organization was "Nature’s Camp" which was eventually changed a month after to Metropolitan Mountaineering Society through the suggestion of Jerick Yaya. The first batch, Batch 1994 conducted their BMC at Mt. Maculot (March 26-27), Mt. Romelo or Famy (April 9-10), Mt. Lucban de Banahaw (April 23-24), and Mt. Banahaw de Dolores (May 7-9). |
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Mt. Banahaw was to be remembered as the climb where all the 17 members of batch
94 were present. Included with the eight founding members to constitute batch 94 were Bong
Ocampo, Jonjon Alegre, Nick Pacis, Bong Ramos, Pauline Carganilla, Claire de Ocampo, Malen
de Guzman, Reiner Glori and Butchoy Macasaet.There were those who joined the training
but didn’t made it through to becoming a full pledged member by finishing the entire
training course. Finally the first induction was held at Mt. Banahaw with Anne, Malen and
Pauline as inductees. The next induction was held at Mt. Halcon on May 18-22 with Dennis,
Ed, Long, Nick, Butchoy and Richard as the first "Hard Core"members.
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| INITIAL
YEAR 1994 An election was conducted after the training and the interim officers who were elected were Ed Ocampo as President, Dennis Sacro as VP Internal, Richard Kahulugan as VP External, Anne Sacro as Secretary, Long Henson as Treasurer and Jerick Yaya as Auditor. Few months after, Ed Ocampo resigned as president and a formal election for the fiscal year 1994 was held which resulted in the following: President-Dennis Sacro; VP-Victor Ocampo; Secretary-Anne Sacro; Treasurer-Long Henson and Auditor-Jerick Yaya. The first environmental project of the group, a tree planting activity was conducted on July 2-3 of 1994 at Arayat Pampanga attended by members and some guests. The Manila Seedling Bank was the sponsor of the seedlings. The second environmental project happened on August 20-21 of the same year with a clean-up drive at Crystalino, Mt. Banahaw, which was also the induction of another member, Jonjon Alegre. |
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On September, the organization drafted the first constitution and by October, the group was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization. The eight founding members plus Bong Ocampo were the first board of directors of the group. October 24-25, the organization was involved with the search and rescue efforts of the infamous Mt. Halcon tragedy, as two of its members, Bong Ramos and Richard Kahulugan were included in the ill-fated expedition via the San Beda Mountaineering Group. It was the induction climb of Bong Ramos. A thanksgiving and commendation party was held immediately after the incident at Bong Ocampo’s residence at New Manila Quezon City. The first logo of MMS was unveiled latter during the year after a logo-making contest was held. It was Jonjon Alegre who won the contest. The first MMS Awards Night was held during the first Christmas party of the organization also held at Bong, Ocampo’s residence. The rest of the year was dedicated to the exploration of new destinations particularly Mt. Cristobal (Oct 15-16), Talamitam (Dec 30-31) and Malipuño (Dec). The group also conducted a fun climb at Famy on September 10-11.
| GROWING PAINS 1995
New sets of officers were elected for the fiscal year 1995. Elected were Long Henson as President; Bong Ocampo as Vice President, Pauline Carganilla as Secretary; Jerick Yaya as Treasurer and Jonjon Alegre as PRO. During the same year, the organizations’ policies and guidelines as well as the documentation of the organization was formalized. A lot of members went on leave a year after their membership but nevertheless the second batch, 95 was successfully inducted at Mt. Pulag on April 20-23 with 4 inductees Rodel Palisoc, Mark Salcedo, Roland Javier and Jun Medrano. Edwin Serapio and Brian Timario were the two others who made up batch 95. The recruitment orientation was held at Ezekel Building at Pasong Tamo in Makati through the courtesy of Bong Ocampo. The training officer of this year’s recruitment-BMC training was Long Henson. Training was held on Talamitam (Feb 18-19), Famy (Mar 4-5), Makiling (Mar 12), Cristobal (Mar 18-9) Banahaw (Mar 31-Apr 2) and Maculot (Jun 10-12). Still more new destinations were explored this year including Mt. Mapallao on April 12-15 through the invitation of Dr. Nick Pacis and Madlum, Biak na Bato and Pinagrealan Caves on July 6-7. A fun climb was held at Mt. Arayat on September 15-16. The first edition of the MMS Explorer, the official newsletter of the organization was also published on October of 1995 with Bong Ocampo as Publisher, Anne Sacro as Editor in Chief and Mark Salcedo as Managing Editor. The group held it’s second major climb of the year back to Mt. Pulag on December 27-31 with Rainer Glori of batch 94 as the inductee. In the lighter side, the first media exposure of the group happened this year through an article on a weekly magazine, Mirror, written by a former trainee though she didn’t mentioned the name of the organization. |
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TEST OF FIRE 1996
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1996. Re-elected for the second time as president was Long Henson while the other officers elected were VP- Mark Salcedo, Secretary- Claire de Ocampo, Treasurer- Roland Javier and PRO- Jerick Yaya. Still more members went on leave during this year, including the vice president, Mark Salcedo due to injuries, which made it more difficult for the remaining officers to implement the organization’s plans and projects. It was a test of fire if the organization would last for another year but a test, which the group has passed through the diligent efforts of the remaining active members. It was always the new recruits who gives a new lease on the life of the organization through their active participation during their first year as members. The third batch, batch 96 was successfully inducted at Mt. Guiting Guiting in Romblon on April 3-9. Long Henson was again the training officer of this year’s training. The batch was composed of Anne Palisoc (formerly Ann Palaganas), Merci Guilas, Colet Flores and Bob Ali who was the first foreigner member of the organization (Bangladeshi). Another member of this batch, Baby Hualda was previously inducted at Mt. Banahaw. Jerick Yaya was also inducted at Guiting Guiting. The training venues were as follows: Famy (Feb 9-11), Mt. Maculot (Feb 17-18), Lucban de Banahaw (Mar 9-10) and Mt. Banahaw (Mar 22-24). It was a long induction week since a typhoon stranded the group in Sibuyan and Romblon, Romblon for an additional 2 days. The venue for the recruitment orientation was held at BETP in Buendia Makati through the courtesy of Rodel Palisoc and Edwin Serapio. Long Henson also established the club’s website during this year. It was second local mountaineering website in the Philippines. |
The MMS website ushered in a "new era" in terms of promotions and recruitment for the website gave exposure and contacts to the organization with the growing Internet users. Boying Amio was the first member to climb outside of the country at Mt. Fuji in Japan during his training there. Also this year, the Fiscal Year of the organization was changed from January to December of the same year to a July to May of the succeeding year. Long Henson took over as editor in chief of the MMS Explorer with four editions under his editorship. 1996 was also the year MMS began naming batch names from mountains with batch 94 as Halcon, 95 as Pulog and 1997 as Guiting Guiting. The group participated in an invitational climb of the Philipinas Sierra to Daraitan, Tanay on July 6-7 and the CFTF to the Twin Falls in Cavinti Laguna. Other official explorations includes Maculot (Jun 15-14), Majayjay, Halcon (Oct 30- Nov 2), Natib (Sept), Talamitam (Sept 7-8), Twin Falls (1996) and Pulog (Dec 27-30).
RENAISSANCE (1997)
The Current Logo of the Club |
For the recruitment of 1997, the training officer for the third time was Long Henson. The MMS BMC curriculum was now taking shape with a distinct MMS characteristic. It was continually evolving based on previous training experiences. The MMS BMC handout was also becoming an exclusive MMS original. The training recruitment this year was again held at BETP in Buendia, Makati through the courtesy of Rodel and Edwin. But the recruitment that year only produced 2 members, Bob Gamboa and Blanca Yaya (formerly Blanca Ocampo) who were inducted at Mt. Pulog during the December major climb on December 27-30. Bob and Blanca were to compose Batch 97 or Batch Pinatubo. The other trainees didn’t finished the training course due to personal reasons. Training venues were as follows: Batulao (Feb 15-16), Natib (Mar 1-2) and Banahaw (Mar 14-16). Batch 97 though not inducted at the place, reached new heights after conquering Mt. Pinatubo, during the time when it was not yet safe to climb its slopes. Two members Edwin and Long reached the Philippines highest, Mt. Apo during the Holy Week of the same year. Long Henson went to Japan for a work related training and in his absence, a new set of officers to constitute the Executive Committee for the fiscal year 97-98 were elected composing of President Jerick Yaya and his Executive Officers- Ed Ocampo, Jun Medrano, Mark Salcedo, Bob Ali, and Brian Timario. The new set-up of the executive structure was changed due to the few numbers of active members. |
During this year, Jerick commissioned Bob Gamboa to redesign the MMS Logo, which was presented during this year’s Christmas party held at Mark Salcedo’s residence at Merville Parañaque. Also on 1997, the first major fund-raising activity of the organization was held to fund the tree planting activity at Mt. Natib in Bataan on October 19-18. It was a "T-shirt selling" campaign that generated more than enough earnings to fund the activity. Bob Gamboa did the T-shirt design. The editorship of the MMS explorer was turned over to Mark Salcedo. Another project enacted late this year was a gift giving campaign held during the December Mt. Pulog climb. Other climbs that year were in Mt. Sembrano (Aug 16-17), Buntot Palos (Sep 20-21) and Pico de Loro. Also late this year, the MMS guided foreign tourist free of charge to Mt. Romelo in Famy Laguna.
START OF THE GOLDEN YEAR (1998)
1998 will be remembered as the rejuvenation of MMS. The investment of the group through its website has already posted results as more members are joining the group via the Internet. The organization has also gained prominence in the local mountaineering circuit due to its website, which was face-lifted this year through the help of Long’s DTI co employees. The training for batch 1998 will also be remembered as a milestone since it was re-structured and improved to serve the new ideals of the organization. Its direction was re-focused on developing the members wholistically in terms of skills and personality. Focus was also placed on the develeopment of teamanship and camaraderie of the group. Since then, It has served as a standard in terms of BMC training. It was the last time Long Henson was assigned and has accepted the role as the Training Officer. The training was also a success since the officers of 1997 headed by Jerick Yaya fully supported the training activities. Jerick also implemented the MMS T-shirt campaign with old members having black shirts and the trainees with gray-colored ones. Jerick also commissioned members to re-draft the constitution and by-laws, which they did for two days at the house of one of the trainee, Thon Tan at Quezon City. Members who have attended included Jerick Yaya, Long Henson, Mark Salcedo, Jonjon Alegre, Bong Ramos, Bob Ali and Jun Medrano. The constitution was re-drafted based on current needs of the organization. It was unanimously ratified during the induction party for batch 98.
1998 was also the first year the MMS Summer Games were held incorporated in the training of batch 98. The Black Team was the overall champion composing of the old members. More traditions were also established including the trainees’ initiation night, the induction party, which was first held at Mhon Martinez Residence at Matapang St., Quezon City and the first publication of the Training Year Book. It was the first MMS party to incorporate themes as well as costumes. This year it was "Malong Only." Composing batch 98 were Joan Aday, Jovert Bautista, Girlie Elman, Roy Flores, Jun Genoveza, Ariel Geronimo, Erwin Luz, Mhon Martinez, Kae Masangkay, Ting Ocampo, Boki Olipas, Bong Pico, Nini Salgado, Thon Tan and Queenie Tolentino. Training venue includes Sembrano (Feb), Makiling (Feb 28), Cristobal (Mar 7-8), Banahaw (Mar 27-29) Isarog, Itbog, Asog, Ugu (April 8-12), Talipanan (May 1-3) and Famy (May 10-11). The first members of this batch to be inducted were Ariel, Boki and Roy on Mt. Halcon (June) where the term "Warriors" was first used in replacement to the term "Hard Core" for those who have climbed Halcon.
During the batch 98 or also known as Batch Ugu induction night, an election for the officers for the year 98-99 were conducted with Mark Salcedo as President, Jun Medrano as Vice President, Blanca Ocampo-Yaya as Secretary, Mercy Guilas as Treasurer and Ariel Geronimo and Joan Aday as PRO. A turn over ceremony and a planning session were held at Angat Bulacan on July 5-6 which was another milestone in the life of the organization for it once more elevated the professionalism and organization of the club a step higher. It gave the club a more directed, meaningful and interesting activities for the fiscal year 98-99.
The organizational structures were also strengthened due to the efforts of the officers. Worth mentioning were the MMS equipment renting guidelines and fees through the efforts of Merci Guilas and Bob Ali as the Property Custodian and the proper filing of the MMS documents, the publication of the STEC Updates and the creation of a new committee, the STEC or Special Training and Education Committee through the efforts of Blanca Ocampo and Mhon Martinez. Another fund raising drive was spearheaded by Jeric Yaya as member of the Special Projects Committee which was a "T-shirt selling" campaign for the benefit of the Dumagats. The Dumagat Immersion Project was one of the biggest projects of MMS up to date, which was a consolidated effort of the entire membership, and as a batch project of batch 98. It was a medical mission, gifts giving and immersion with the Dumagats of Sierra Madre. It was conducted in partnership with a church based organization, the Galilee Foundation of Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan.
| Another group was created through the proposal of Long Henson, the MMS Search and Rescue Group after some members trained under the Philippine Air Force 505th Rescue Wing. The initial members were Queenie Tolentino, Bob Ali, Jun Medrano, Edwin Serapio, and Long Henson. Another first in the history of Philippine mountaineering was when a group of MMS members were commissioned to write the first book on Philippine Mountaineering. The project was a joint effort of the entire membership, the authors were Bong Pico, Long Henson, Joan Aday, Mhon Martinez, Merci Guilas, Ariel Geronimo and Bob Ali. It was also during this year when the precursor of the MetropolitanMS Egroup was launched, the MMS E-Flash which is an e-mail news update on everything related to mountaineering and MMS. Long was the first editor of the e-group. The calendar of activities of the group was also published on a monthly magazine, the Sun Star Horizon. There were also a number of climbs during the year some of them unofficial while the official ones includes Maculot Fun Climb (Jun 13-14), Natib Animal Day Climb, Quezon National Park Open Climb, Doña Remedios Trinidad River Gliding, Mt. Banoi in Batangas and the Banahaw de Tayabas Exploration (Sept 12-13 & 26-27). Mhon Martinez and Nini Salgado were inducted at Mt. Apo during the same year. The year’s Christmas Party was held at Mhon’s residence at Quezon City with a theme "Retro". |  Dumagat Logo
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NO WAY BUT UP (1999)
The year started with the first award of the MMS website, the sport website award of the night given by a foreign sports web award giving body. Training commences the first quarter of the year with Joan Aday as the Training Committee Head. The orientation was held at Max’s Restaurant at Greenbelt Makati. The training venue were are follows : Mhon’s Martinez’ farm in Novaliches Quezon City (Jan 30-31), Mt. Banoi (Feb 13-14), Mt. Makiling (March 13-14), Mt. Banahaw, Montalban for the rock climbing module, Power Up for the indoor climbing lecture and Mt. Ugu where batch 98 member Kae Masangkay was inducted. One of the training components was offered as a reach-out program of the group and was opened to non-members. It was an environmental seminar entitled "Mountaineering Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pag-akyat sa Bundok" held at the NEC building in UP Diliman Quezon City.
The following were the members of batch 98: Rovert Arevalo, Rosan Cruz, Irene Descargar, Sharelene Dimayuga, Nancy Geronimo, Rommel Jotic, Tara Lupiba, Beth Policarpio, Chie Policarpio Keith Villaruel, Myrtle Yap, and Erwin Yap. The second MMS sportsfest was held at the Amoranto Staduim and then on Capones Island on May 1-2 with the Blue Team as the overall champion. The batch 98 induction party was held at Erwin & Myrtle Yap’s residence at Parañaque Metro Manila where the election of officers for the year 99-2000 was held. The new officers were, Jun Medrano as President, Bob Gamboa as VP, Rosan Cruz and Joan Aday as Secretaries, Blanca Yaya and Kae Masangkay as Treasurers and Mhon Martinez and Myrtle yap as PROs.
The MMS Book was also published and launched by the middle of the year. It was distributed to various mountaineering stores and lately to large bookstores.
 MMS Book |
Two e-groups were also launched, the Metropolitan MS E-group
open for members and non-members discussing anything related to mountaineering and the
MMSChika, which is a member’s only e-group discussing internal to MMS topics and
issues. The MMS e-group was the first e-group dedicated to Philippine mountaineering. Climbs conducted during 1999 includes Biak na Bato Caving Exploration, Mt. Malipuño Climb, an induction climb at Mt. Halcon where Edwin Serapio of batch 95 was inducted, Mt. Pulog Induction Climb of Myrtle Yap, Erwin Yap, Irene Descargar, and Rommel Jotic, Mt. Halcon induction climb of Robert Arevalo, Matulid Exlporation, Mt. Apo climb with Tara Lupiba as inductee, and minor explorations on Sembrano, Buntot Palos, Pico de Loro and Talamitam. |
The Presidents of the Organization as of this Date :
| Ed Ocampo | - 1994 |
| Dennis Sacro | - 1994 - 1995 |
| Long Henson | - 1995 - 1996 |
| Long Henson | - 1996 - 1997 |
| Jerick Yaya | - 1997 - 1998 |
| Mark Salcedo | - 1998 - 1999 |
| Jun Medrano | - 1999 - 2000 |
The First MMS Logo
The First Edition of the
MMS Explorer
The First Layout of the MMS Website
