MOUNT BATULAO: A FIRST TIMERS CLIMB!

Mountaineering is not just a sport of mountain climbing, it is also meant to help protect and conserve forestry. There is one known quote from mountaineers, “Leave no Trace.” It refers to a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors. It is built on seven principles (1) plan ahead and prepare, (2) travel and camp on durable surfaces, (3) dispose of waste properly, (4) leave what you find, (5) minimize campfire impacts, (6) respect wildlife, (7) and be considerate with other visitors. The seven principles have been adapted to different activities, ecosystems and environments. 

March 21st is the “International Day of Forest”. The celebration is intended to promote the protection and conservation of forest all over the world and the people with interest in forest and climate change adaptations to work together to ensure sustainable forest management for future social, economic, and environmental goals.

According to UN studies, forest is on our side in fighting the battle against climate change. It also contributes to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. It also protects watersheds, which supply fresh water to rivers. Global deforestation continues at an alarming rate – 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Together let us celebrate Gods creation by protecting and conserving our forestry. We must be active and vigilant in taking care of our forest. Let us support all the current Philippine laws on forest and wildlife conservation.

I encourage every mountaineer to promote any possible activity for the protection and conservation of forest. All mountaineers are called to be stewards of nature.



MOUNT BATULAO: A FIRST TIMERS CLIMB! 

Gear up. Lose liters of sweat. Make new friends. Feel's God creation up there!
February 7-8, 2015, Nasugbo, Batangas 

Mount Batulao is situated between Tagaytay and Nasugbo, Batangas. About 1 hour to 26 minutes via South Luzon Expressway and South Tagalog Arterial Road from Manila.

Elevation: 813 above sea level, Difficulty: 4/9, Trail Class 3 with 60 – 70 degrees assault.

We need to train ourselves for our Mount Pulag this October. The jump off we decided is to take the new trail and traverse the old trail.

It was my first time to climb a mountain that’s why I got exhausted so quickly. So I just crawled in climbing the rocky side of the mountain.

It was hard yet fun climbing the mountain together. 

We, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Physical Planning and Development Office,  finally reached Camp 1.

Mount Batulao: Adventure is up there!

Day 2 Summit Assault: “Everyone wants to live on the top of the mountains but all the happiness growth occurs while you’re climbing it” – Andy Rooney

This is for me the most difficult part of the trail because I am afraid of heights. Small stones can only handle between two cliffs. I love the adrenaline rush! Sa maniwala kayo o hindi!? Gege…

The beauty of the environment and fresh air assuage all your tiredness! 

The summit of Mt. Batulao. With our companions from Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Engineering Faculty and Students.

I conquered Mount Batulao! Keep dreaming, hoping and planning new projects and adventures with God. Keep in mind that you were created to excel.

“Isa sa pinaka-magandang bahagi ng mountaineering kapag nakakasalubong mo ang kapwa mo mountaineers mag-babatian kayo ng good morning, magandang tanghali, ingats po kayo, careful, God bless po. Isa ito sa sinasabi sa 7 principles ng “leave no trace”. That is to respect and be considerate with other visitors.

Til' my next climb. These are some of our itineraries this coming May, Pico De Loro in Batangas, Mt. Damas in Tarlac, and Mt. Tarak in Bataan.

DO IT ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!