MOUNT PAMITINAN: A bittersweet Hike to remember

What a fascinating view from above

Trekking is a mind blowing adventure for a newbie like me. Some say, trekking is something you don’t want to do but I will do it and I want to do it. Excitement covers my mind and my heart when one of my workmates told me that we are going to hike in Mount Pamitinan located at Wawa, Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal. On this blog, let me share my itinerary, breakdown of budgets, tips, ideas and my awesome experience. (This is my first ever blog and first ever trek. Sorry for the wrong grammar)

Facts about Mt. Pamitinan (Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com)

Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal

LLA: 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL

Days required: Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 / Trail class 1-4

Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province

Facts about Hiking/Trekking (Source: Hiking Benefits Heart, Mind, and Body)

Hiking outdoors has plenty of perks: nice views, fresh air, and the sounds and smells of nature.

It's good for you, too. Hiking is a powerful cardio workout that can:

• Lower your risk of heart disease
• Improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Boost bone density, since walking is a weight-bearing exercise
• Build strength in your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and the muscles in your hips and lower legs
• Strengthen your core
• Improve balance
• Help control your weight
• Boost your mood.

Road to Montalban Rizal

I am living in the heart of Makati, Philippines so I woke up early in the morning (2 am), full of excitement as I prepared all my gears, grab a breakfast and headed out to our meeting place (Jollibee Ayala Telus Building). Mt. Pamitinan is not too far from Makati. It only takes about an hour and a half to get there. Our call time is 3 am and OMG I’m late. (As usual) So, from Ayala we booked a Grab going to Cubao Farmers Plaza, there are UV there that will drop you off at Eastwood Subdivision in front of a Ministop branch. There are tricycles in front of Ministop that can take you to Sitio Wawa where the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office is.

(Sorry, I accidentally deleted some of my photos that is why some of them are blurry)

The climb

OMG!!!! I’m so excited!!! Hahahah!! We arrived at Sitio Wawa around 5:30 AM. After the registration and short orientation . . . . here we go! I really got chill on my bone because this is it (I told myself) It’s really happening! (Sorry, I’m really a newbie on this so please bear with me!)

Before climbing the peak we have to cross a hanging bridge over Wawa River, passing houses and some concrete stairs. (I’m already exhausted) ^___^

 Photo Credits: Gemuel Davao and to our guide-photographer (Sad to say I forgot the name of Kuya)

After a not so long walk I still managed a smile ... we pause for a while after passing the houses to catch up our breath.

This will be the start of a serious hike.

I though we are already on the peak (HAHAHA) I’m so tired on the picture thinking we still have a long walk. 

 See that “give someone a black look” face? Urggh! All I want is to go home! I realized what the heck am I doing here? But my inner self whisper on me sayin’ “Cha! You can do that! Captain America is up there!”  (I literally lied on myself)

I almost cry! But my friends and our Kuya tour guide are cheering me up! Up to the rocky road!

This is when my mind started to regret the decision of coming here. "I had a comfortable bed and a warm shower... Why am I doing this", I thought to myself as I climbed the rocky roads that seem to have no end. Thank you Kuya tour guide for babysitting me. HAHAHA. I’m really tired and exhausted. I thought I’m going to faint. My body was in pain, I got the symptoms include nausea and headaches but our tour guide told me that most of the newbie have experienced it.

Resting Site

We need to rest to fill in some energy. I don't know how many time we stop because of me, I am really a burden on them. HAHAHA. As per our guide you can catch up your breath to the three resting camp in the mountain before trying another hike.

Okay guys. After the resting time and I already get back my super energy we continue the trail and our guide told us that we are near the first peak. Amazing!

And after the almost 1 hour hike we conquer the world I mean the summit of Mount Pamintinan! I’m the happiest!!! The 30 minutes hike takes 1 hour because of my tantrums! Lol

The Latter Stage

 Facing the Mt Hapunang-Banoi (Mt. Pamitinan, Rodriguez, Rizal) (Photos Up and Down)

At the pre-summit

All the painful walk washed away when I saw the beauty that surrounds Mount Pamintinan.

I was not able to try the "buwis buhay" pose because I'm afraid I might fall.

 Groupie Pose at the Summit

My signature pose. Hahaha!

I couldn't believe I did it!

 Group Shot

"Buwis buhay pose of Arjee"

The trail to Mt. Pamitinan is not that easy for me because of the pointed rock formation in which you need to more cautious in every step you take. I underestimated my stamina and I thought it was easy for me. But after that risk, I've got the best view ever.  As what the saying goes by “the best view comes after the hardest climb”

Jump Off @ Wawa Dam

So, after the hike we decided to take a trip at Wawa Dam. What I love there was the rock formation.

The ruins??? HAHAHA

If you guys are professional or have the guts to take another hike within the day you can try their Montalban Trilogy Day Hike - the Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Hapunang Banoi, and Mt.Binacayan. (We will try that next time)

Thoughts:

The mount Pamintinan was honestly the best, the painful one, the beautiful and dramatic experience I ever had (because it was my first time) HAHAH Yes, you feel the pain on your legs, knees and toes (is that a song?) but guys! You will have a blast when you conquer the summit. I just feel that day the courage of David! The strength of Solomon. God is truly a wonderful, amazing and fabulous Father! Saying good bye to the mountains and the friends I met during the hike. It was a hell of an experience!

Notes/Tips:

• Wear hand gloves and thick soled shoes as rocks are sharp and hot especially during the summer season.
• Bring enough amount of water for you
• A local guide is required for the climb
• Assess your mental strength and get fit
• Rest if you are tired
• Bring extra shirt and a towel

Sample Itinerary

How to get to Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal?

 From Araneta Center, Cubao - there are vans going to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) in front of Farmers Market.

From Sta. Lucia Mall or Robinsons Metro East in Cainta, Rizal - take jeepneys along Marcos Hi-way going to Montalban.

From Commonwealth Avenue in Litex Road - take jeepneys going to Montalban.

Dayhike Itinerary:

3:30am to 4:30am – Farmers Plaza Cubao to Rodriguez

4:30am to 4:50am - Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa

4:50am to 5:20am - Registration at DENR and securing of guide

5:20am to 6:05am- Jump-off to Junction

6:05am to 7:20am - Junction to Summit

7:20am to 8:30am - Picture taking at the Summit/Rest

8:30am to 10:00am - Summit to Jump-off

10:00am to 11:30am - Freshen up /Eat Lunch

11:30am to 12:30pm – Wawa Dam (Picture Taking)

12:30pm to 0200pm-Off to Cubao

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

RT Fare Van Cubao-Eastwood > P100

RT Fare Tricycle Eastwood-Sitio Wawa @ P60/3 > P40

Registration Fee > P30

Guide Fee @ P500/6 > P100

Snacks > P50

Lunch > P150

Sorry guys but I was not able to get the contact number of our tour guide.