It was my first time to hike many mountains in a span of a day, a planned twin dayhike that turned out to be a trilogy hike.Among the Pamitinan Protected Landscape that we conquer: Mt. Ayaas, Mt. Binacayan, and Mt. Pamitinan.
Summit of Mt. Ayaas
For the record, this is our first time to hike many mountain in a day along with my buddy - Maan.
Journey
Our goal is to hike Mt. Ayaas and Mt. Hapunang Banoi only, hoping to hike the two mountains that we didn't venture yet within the area of Sitio Wawa. Due to unexpected turn of event - a guide-ship conflict between Brgy. Mascap and Brgy. San Rafael arise. Hikers whom we met at Mt. Ayaas coming from Mt. Sipit Ulang decided to join with us after their guide-ship conflict was resolved and we were able to follow their itinerary including the hike to Mt. Pamitinan which is the last mountain that we conquered.
An on-going negotiation of the hikers/trail runner and the guide
Prior to our hike, we registered at DENR and hire a guide. There we met kuya Isidro nickname as "Colie" kasi cool daw siya which is 100% true. He has a sense of humour and he is quite familiar in all the trails among the Pamitinan Protected Lanscape. I highly commend him as a guide, he is objective "Walang pinipili na i guide" when it comes to guide-ship and he's humble enough.
In our journey, I was accompanied by my hiking buddy - Maan and tag along was our guide - Kuya Isidro.
Mt. Ayaas is the highest and the furthest mountain among the four of Pamitinan Protected Landscape, Hapunang Banoy is the hardest to trek so far, and Mt. Pamitinan is the easiest mountain to hike among the four which is ideal for beginner hikers.
Kuya Isidro, our Guide and Photographer at that time
In our journey, I was accompanied by my hiking buddy - Maan and tag along was our guide - Kuya Isidro.
Me and my hiking buddy Maan
Mt. Ayaas is the highest and the furthest mountain among the four of Pamitinan Protected Landscape, Hapunang Banoy is the hardest to trek so far, and Mt. Pamitinan is the easiest mountain to hike among the four which is ideal for beginner hikers.
A peek of the mountains - Binacayan, Hapunang Banoi, and Pamitinan from the summit of Mt. Ayaas
Firstly we commence to Mt. Ayaas, passing through the bridge of Wawa and several homestead. Since Rodriguez, Rizal become a well-known destinations spot and its mountain is eminent to many, a fast growth of hikers are venturing the mountain particularly on a weekend period, there was a meet and greet moment with our fellow hikers before we ascend the slope and narrow trail.
Compared to the three mountains, Mt. Ayaas is not that rocky and steep, the trail is grassy and slope until the summit. It has a trail resemblance with Mt. Batulao which is also a ideal hike for beginners.
It was sunny that day, perspiration began to rise on our ascend. Along the trail, we began to draw conversation with our guide about the conflict between the two barangay - Brgy. Mascap and Brgy. Wawa which affects the guide-ship of the guides. We also began to see a signage as we forward on our hike which prohibit all hikers to summit Mt. Ayaas who are coming from Brgy. Wawa. If this seed of turmoil finds its way to grow will result to disagreement or dispute. I hope the authorities will put an end to this and resolved the issues as soon as possible.
After the conversation regarding the conflict, we started to peek the summit of Mt. Ayaas which is evident from where we were standing at that time; we took pictures and had rest. Subsequently, we resumed our hike to the top reaching it in just a short minutes.
I was astounded of the grassy part of the mountain which made me halt to take pictures along with my buddy. All the contemplation of life fades temporarily as I stand at the base of the summit along with the winds that pampers through my body.
Standing at the summit, I overlook the different mountain within the vicinity of Mascap and Wawa which are the Pamitinan, Sipit Ulang, Hapunang Banoy, and Binacayan. The sight of the cities and homestead from different locations are also evident.
As we were having our rest, hikers and trail runners arrived at the summit coming from different mountains. Due to conflict, the trail runners were able to merged with us because Kuya Isidro was the only available guide at that time and the mountain that they will venture match with our Itinerary. It was agreed upon that we will all hike until Mt. Pamitinan because the trail runners who were with us were aiming for tetralogy or even pentalogy if their time permits.
We began to descend after the guide-ship agreement heading to Hapunang Banoi, we tackle a different trail which caught the attention of our companions - trail runners. They began to doubt the integrity of our guides. But I fondly presume and trusted our guides because he declared his reputation to us in relation to guideship of all the mountain covered by Brgy. Wawa.
We literally sink in an abandoned trails on our descend into the creek, experiences creek crossings until making it up to the junction. Prior to our venture to the summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi, we had our lunch and spend some time to rest. Afterwards, we resumed the hike embracing a steep trail and sharp pointed rocks up to the summit itself, the beauty of the view exhilerates us to continue the journey. I tell you, the trail is literally not easy to scale. Indeed, Hapunang Banoi is the hardest among the four, cuts and blister were experienced that literally pained my body on our descend back to the junction.
We started our last hike to Mt. Pamitinan at the junction. Along the trail on our ascend, I began to feel dreary upon our ascend; began to feel hopeless. But this pride of mine set itself to reach until the summit, which I eventually did. I'm happy I did push myself, there were no regret afterwards, only a trophy of enlightenment. Although, my first ascent to Pamitinan was easy and not that cruel compared to my second attempt. I started the hike with a healthy and ready body, but to the point that we're already tired due to the many mountain that was conquered beforehand, we started slow reaching the summit later than expected.
Finishing the hike was a heart pounding experiences, and a one hell of a journey. We compliment each other after our hike at the registration point upon our arrival. And say our thanks to our guide and all the DENR personnel before returning to our respective areas.
It was sunny that day, perspiration began to rise on our ascend. Along the trail, we began to draw conversation with our guide about the conflict between the two barangay - Brgy. Mascap and Brgy. Wawa which affects the guide-ship of the guides. We also began to see a signage as we forward on our hike which prohibit all hikers to summit Mt. Ayaas who are coming from Brgy. Wawa. If this seed of turmoil finds its way to grow will result to disagreement or dispute. I hope the authorities will put an end to this and resolved the issues as soon as possible.
One of the signage posted along the trail upon our scale to Mt. Ayaas
After the conversation regarding the conflict, we started to peek the summit of Mt. Ayaas which is evident from where we were standing at that time; we took pictures and had rest. Subsequently, we resumed our hike to the top reaching it in just a short minutes.
A peek of Mt. Ayaas from afar
I was astounded of the grassy part of the mountain which made me halt to take pictures along with my buddy. All the contemplation of life fades temporarily as I stand at the base of the summit along with the winds that pampers through my body.
Going up to the summit of Mt. Ayaas
Standing at the summit, I overlook the different mountain within the vicinity of Mascap and Wawa which are the Pamitinan, Sipit Ulang, Hapunang Banoy, and Binacayan. The sight of the cities and homestead from different locations are also evident.
Enjoying the view at the summit of Mt. Ayaas
As we were having our rest, hikers and trail runners arrived at the summit coming from different mountains. Due to conflict, the trail runners were able to merged with us because Kuya Isidro was the only available guide at that time and the mountain that they will venture match with our Itinerary. It was agreed upon that we will all hike until Mt. Pamitinan because the trail runners who were with us were aiming for tetralogy or even pentalogy if their time permits.
We began to descend after the guide-ship agreement heading to Hapunang Banoi, we tackle a different trail which caught the attention of our companions - trail runners. They began to doubt the integrity of our guides. But I fondly presume and trusted our guides because he declared his reputation to us in relation to guideship of all the mountain covered by Brgy. Wawa.
On our way up to the junction
We literally sink in an abandoned trails on our descend into the creek, experiences creek crossings until making it up to the junction. Prior to our venture to the summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi, we had our lunch and spend some time to rest. Afterwards, we resumed the hike embracing a steep trail and sharp pointed rocks up to the summit itself, the beauty of the view exhilerates us to continue the journey. I tell you, the trail is literally not easy to scale. Indeed, Hapunang Banoi is the hardest among the four, cuts and blister were experienced that literally pained my body on our descend back to the junction.
The famous rock structure of Mt. Hapunang Banoi
We started our last hike to Mt. Pamitinan at the junction. Along the trail on our ascend, I began to feel dreary upon our ascend; began to feel hopeless. But this pride of mine set itself to reach until the summit, which I eventually did. I'm happy I did push myself, there were no regret afterwards, only a trophy of enlightenment. Although, my first ascent to Pamitinan was easy and not that cruel compared to my second attempt. I started the hike with a healthy and ready body, but to the point that we're already tired due to the many mountain that was conquered beforehand, we started slow reaching the summit later than expected.
Me, Maan, and the newly befriended strangers at Mt. Pamitinan
Finishing the hike was a heart pounding experiences, and a one hell of a journey. We compliment each other after our hike at the registration point upon our arrival. And say our thanks to our guide and all the DENR personnel before returning to our respective areas.
A rainbow appeared after finishing our hike which is a sign of good luck
How to get there
Public Transport. If you are coming from North or South EDSA, ride any bus passing or going to Cubao or take an MRT ride and go down at Cubao MRT station. Look for the FX heading to Eastwood near MRT Station. Lastly, once you're in Eastwood, look for a tricycle ride heading to Sitio Wawa.
Private Transport. From Cubao you may choose to go to Montalban via Aurora Boulevard passing through Marikina and San Mateo.
Things to bring
Private Transport. From Cubao you may choose to go to Montalban via Aurora Boulevard passing through Marikina and San Mateo.
Things to bring
- Gloves
- Trekking shoes/sandals
- Water or rehydration fluids
- Extra clothes
- Trail foods
- Flashlight
- Head gear
Itinerary
0500am Meet up at Cubao
0600am ETD to Eastwood
0700am ETA at Eastwood
0730am ETA at Tourism office of Rodriguez, Rizal; Register, Secure guide, rest
0800am Start hike to Mt. Ayaas
0900am Arrive at the Summit of Mt. Ayaas
0930am Start hike to Junction
1015am Arrive at Junction; Early lunch
1100am Resume hike to Mt. Hapunang Banoi
010pm ETA at the at the Summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi
0300pm ETA at the Summit of Mt. Pamitinan
0400pm Return to Tourism Office
0430pm Arrive at Tourism Office; Logout; Tidy up
0600pm Back to Manila
0800pm ETA at Manila
Contacts
Arnel Zata (Guide President): 09076004641
Reyniel Manigbas (Guide): 09497245727
Kuya Isidro aka “Colie” (Guide): 09198730265
Expenses (as of November 2015)
Cubao - Eastwood: P50 x 2 = P100 (Back and Forth)
Eastwood - Wawa: P20 x 2 = P30 (Back and Forth)
Entrance Fee: P2.00 with an additional fee of P5/head, P50 (Mt. Ayaas)
Guide Fee: P800 (plus our additional fee)
0600am ETD to Eastwood
0700am ETA at Eastwood
0730am ETA at Tourism office of Rodriguez, Rizal; Register, Secure guide, rest
0800am Start hike to Mt. Ayaas
0900am Arrive at the Summit of Mt. Ayaas
0930am Start hike to Junction
1015am Arrive at Junction; Early lunch
1100am Resume hike to Mt. Hapunang Banoi
010pm ETA at the at the Summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi
0300pm ETA at the Summit of Mt. Pamitinan
0400pm Return to Tourism Office
0430pm Arrive at Tourism Office; Logout; Tidy up
0600pm Back to Manila
0800pm ETA at Manila
Contacts
Arnel Zata (Guide President): 09076004641
Reyniel Manigbas (Guide): 09497245727
Kuya Isidro aka “Colie” (Guide): 09198730265
Expenses (as of November 2015)
Cubao - Eastwood: P50 x 2 = P100 (Back and Forth)
Eastwood - Wawa: P20 x 2 = P30 (Back and Forth)
Entrance Fee: P2.00 with an additional fee of P5/head, P50 (Mt. Ayaas)
Guide Fee: P800 (plus our additional fee)
Travel Note
- All hikers are required to register first at DENR and Barangay Hall.
- Guide is required, 7:1 ratio.
- All hiker will fill up a waiver at the registration area.
- Use of gloves is highly recommended to prevent cuts and blisters
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