Guiting-guiting Exploration - Our Thanks

The tale of our adventure will not be complete without expressing our gratitude to all those who made it possible.

at the house of Kap. Bibo (photo: L. Orticio)

Kap. Bibo (Bgy. Sogod), Kap. Cleto (Bgy. Marigondon), and Kap. Greg (Bgy. Danao) - Our hosts. These people went out of their way to welcome us and make sure that we get the necessary permits from the PAMB. They opened their homes, fed us, and made us feel at home. Our journey and commitment to you guys is not yet complete. We will come back to finish the job and open these trails.

Sir Jun and Juwen - The owner and caretaker of Kabit-tubi (respectively), our second home in the last 2 weeks. Without this place, our expedition would be a great deal more difficult. As a half-way house, you can't ask for anything more. If only we can build our own hut there, we will. Juwen is an all-rounder whom we depended on when things didn't go as planned. 

Isong, Ramon, Binoy, and Sonny - Our tireless guides in Cajidiocan. Their knowledge of the land made their work in trailblazing look effortless. It will take us years before we can even come close to your mastery in the forest. Bunny at one time saw Binoy in front of a dense brush, looking for an opening. Instead of hacking his way, he just walked on over the branches of the stunted forest, as if it was a trail. Is he part elf or something? How Isong knew about the portentous rainbow would remain in my head until I stop climbing. Special thanks also to our porters, Willy, Mario and Larry, without whom, our water and food supply in ABC would have dwindled much much quicker.

Kap. Nono and Toto Tansiongco of Bgy. Tampayan - Old friends of UPM that are always there for us every time we're in Sibuyan. Toto is always willing to be with us in every expedition. His knowledge of the trail from Mayo's peak pushed Drei and Twylah to reach the summit and come back safely, despite the poor weather. And the food in the Tansiongco household! As if a fiesta is being celebrated daily. Living icons in Magdiwang, keeping the hospitality of the late Manong Lee alive.

The Cajidiocan LGU, under the leadership of Mayor Ramos - The blessings of the municipality always boosts the success of any expedition (much like the first ascent of Guiting-guiting 32 years ago). It was a good thing we saw the good Mayor at the port before we left the island and thanked him personally.

The guides associations in Cajidiocan (CEGA) and Magdiwang - CEGA is still in its infancy, that has not stopped them in providing us the support that we need, while the folks in Magdiwang are also ever-reliable.

The Guiting-guiting National Park Office - PASU Malvin and his team was instrumental in securing us the permits to explore this mountain. Their endorsement carried us through the approval required in the central office. More power to your team.

Our donors: Lagalag, the UPM Executive Board and fellow UP Mountaineers - Embarking on a multi-week expedition burns through your pocket like crazy. We'd be selling our gear just to climb, if not for these sponsors and financial supporters. Just so you know, we didn't use the money to buy beer. hehehe. To Dom Solis and his family, who let us crash their family reunion in Tiamban Beach, and offered us food and beer. It was nice meeting you all despite our very short stay.

Our off-site support: UPM-Search and Rescue Team, Ninoy Leyran, Celina Cruz and Henry Nakpil - For lending your equipment and keeping close watch on our progress, and also providing vital information to help us properly plan our next move. 

And to the team: Bunny, Ram-mon, Levi, Adrian, Kerwin, Drei, Twylah, Neil, Kennet and JM -  Each member played their part without question and with total dedication. They saw the importance of this expedition and found time to become part of it. Each one contributed his/her unique talent to fill any gaps in the program, and the flexibility and good humor to take on any changes to the plan that the mountain has brought. Special mention to Bunny and Ram-mon, who were there since the beginning, and through whose initial trips and contacts, we were able to piece together the puzzle paving the way to this expedition. 

This adventure is still far from over. We're not halfway there yet. Through all of you, and others who will come and support us in the future, we are confident that this project will succeed.

Salamat sa inyo, at mabuhay kayo!