In what has become an annual activity for the club, the group climbed Mt. Pulag via the Akiki-Akiki trail from November 6 to 8, 2008. Participating were Rey Cuyugan, Jon Rivera, Jhigs Pabale, Brian Agana, Angel Valencia and Laila Pineda.
The first day’s camp was set up at the Eddet River area. Rey, Jon and Jhigs proceeded to the site after the BFAM practicum. Brian, Angel and Laila who came from Manila Wednesday night arrived at the site by 1700H of Thursday, the 6th. They were met at the jump-off point by guide Pepito Bastian.
The group started up the Akiki trail at 0730H on Friday, the 7th, and reached the Marlboro campsite at 1200H. After reviewing the pace and performance of the joining probationary members Rey, Brian and Jon decided to set up camp in this area rather than attempt to camp at the saddle area as originally planned. At 1405H the group proceeded on day packs. Brian and Jhigs opted to stay in camp due to aching muscles.
By 1715H the trekkers have reached the peak of Jr. Pulag. The EL, Rey Cuyugan decided to abort the climb. Visibility at this time was very poor, the trail was wet and darkness was setting in. They figured that with no view from the peak there was no ample reward to justify the risk of continuing under the situation. The group was back in camp by 1920H. It was very cold that night and the wind was howling. Luckily the wind carried no rain and the group woke up to find their tents wind-dried on the morning of the 8th.
By 0930H on Saturday, they were going down the Akiki trail. They met with a group of 20 mountaineers from PLDT who were on the way up and taking the Akiki-Ambangeg trail. By 1130H they were back at the river camp area where they had lunch, dipped in the cold waters of the Eddet River and rested. At 1430H they were back on the trail. They reached Duacan, the jump-off point at 1730H. They were invited to spend the night at the residence of Leonard Aguinse, where they were served pinikpikan (a local specialty) native chicken, dinuguan and chicken adobo. Here they had the chance to chat and bond with some of the trainees before calling it a night by 2200H.
At 0400H of Sunday they were all up and by 0500H were already at the roadside waiting for the first trip back to Baguio. By 1000H they were back in the city. From there, Brian and Angel took the first trip available to Manila while Jon, Jhigs and Lai went marketing. Rey took the 1140H bus. By 2245H all were back in their respective residences. Jon Rivera was the last to confirm safe arrival. It was a good climb!
