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We've been back to Manila for almost a month now, and things have been extremely hectic. My storytelling is sidelined by tons of things to do. But it will definitely resume next week!

In the meantime, I'd like to invite you all to our upcoming talk series about Nepal. The first one will happen tomorrow (Thursday, 10 November) in R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street.

Our friend and outfitter, Dawa Sherpa of Dream Himalaya Adventure, will be sharing valuable insights on how you can start with your dream trip to Nepal. Tips and tricks that only a seasoned tour organizer can provide. The talk starts at 7:30 PM. I might also share some of our experiences during the presentation.

The next leg will be on Monday, 14 December at Lagalag Store in SM City North EDSA.

We hope to see you all there!

[#AmaDablamTour Day 12] Kala Patthar and Mt. Everest

It was another early morning for us. The earliest, so far. At 430am, we're warmed up and ready to go up Kala Patthar (black rock, in Sherpa language). Only Marie decided to go to EBC (after weighing her options). 

The sky was clear, stars unhindered in their brightness. Venus and Jupiter just above Nuptse. The north star right on top of Pumori. I regret not bringing a good enough camera capable of long exposure. I have to content myself with the mental picture; hoping my memory can hold it forever.

The objective is to get up the black rock before sunrise. It's not the best sunrise in the world, but somehow, catching the first rays as the sun finally surpasses Nuptse's pinnacle can be spiritual. My reason was more practical: to get a time-lapse video for Henry's project.

The steady uphill can be taxing, unless you manage your pace and breathing. Getting to the top on your own sweet time, and not race the person ahead.

Several miscalculations on when the sun will finally breach almost drained my gopro's battery. Luckily there was still enough juice when it finally did.

Sun finally peeking out of Nuptse.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 11] Gorak Shep

I was awoken by Miko early in the morning. Their hike was supposed to start by 7am. But it wasn't like I was sound asleep. In fact I slept terribly last night. This is the part of the trip that I feel I won't really get used to. I need some humidity in my lungs.

Frosty morning. Missing the girls.

The three of us (me, Henry and Romi) took our time to get ready. We were on our way by 9. It was still close to freezing temps even if the sun was out. So it seems to call for warmer trekking clothing. I regretted the decision 30 minutes into the hike. When the wind died down, the heat became unbearable.  While I managed to take off some top layers, my legs were uncomfortable with the thermal bottoms.

Nuptse from Lobuche

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 10] Lobuche

It's just a matter of time when your body gives in to the days of hiking, climbing, cold weather, lack of sleep and improper nutrition.  When we started our hike to Lobuche this morning, my thighs cramped up abruptly but slightly. After an hour, I could feel my leg muscles aching. I regret pushing myself within my limit yesterday on the climb and descent to Nankerzong. The order for the next few days is to take a step back and slow down, rest, and stretch more.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 9] Pheriche

Internet connection has been nada since we left Namche Bazaar three days ago. So I am only able to post again now. Ncell's mobile data service is said to resume in Gorak Shep, which is two days away. Another problem is battery power of all our gadgets. Charging and wifi rates are ever increasing as we get closer to the base camp. Technology really brings both convenience and hassle to a connected expedition.

Here's what has happened so far:

Day 7 - We headed out for Tengboche (3875masl), but not before saying goodbye to Krista and Adrian, whose tour ends here. They are headed to Lukla, then the Philippines.  It was a long hike day with significant elevation loss and gain, as Tengboche is separated from Namnche by a river. It was a slog up the final slope and by the time everyone got there, it was already overcast and cold. The visit inside the monastery was the highlight of the hike. We stayed in Daboche, which was about 20 minutes further down.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 6] Hike to Khumjung

Namche Bazaar - We're back from our acclimatization hike up to Khumjung through the Everest View Hotel. Luck did not bring us snow,  but it was still a beautiful morning, with only a spattering of clouds around the peaks. 

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 5] Chumoa to Namche Bazaar

Sunday - From Chumoa to Namche is a lighter trek day compared to if we stayed in Phakding. Ang Kami Sherpa, our head guide, said we'll be up at Namche in time for lunch.

Our porter preparing for the long walk up

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 4] A Day at the Monjo School

Saturday - Today was sort of a rest day for us, after the long hike yesterday. But instead of just lazing around waiting to acclimatize, we spent the day with the kids at the Monjo School.

I posted a while ago that we were raising funds to help with the reconstruction of the school rooms ruined during the May earthquake in Nepal. All the members of the team chipped in to contribute and get donors to raise $10,000, which is just enough to build one room in a 4-room school building.

Inside of the classrooms

With the help of Dawa, our outfitter, we got in touch with the administrators of the school. Despite being a Saturday, and a holiday at that, the school kids took the time to meet us. I'm sure the teachers asked them to come, but we still appreciate their effort. 

We started out by handing out the supplies we collected.  Some crayons, writing pad, pencils, and other instructional materials. We talked to them briefly; everyone trying their best to understand what each other was saying. 

Before they left, we told the teachers that we were able to raise more than $6,000. Not yet enough to build one room, but it was better than expected, given the short time we had to raise funds. Dawa suggested that we partner up with the Himalayan Trust, which is also raising funds for the school. With their collection and ours, it might be possible to get enough money for the construction (fingers crossed).

The rest of the day was spent painting the facade of the building. We were given blue paint for the doors and windows, and white plaster mix for the mud walls. Half an hour into the work, the group working on the plaster were asked instead to just paint the doors. The traditional way they apply the white wash was too messy if one is not familiar with the method. But even with the blue paint and conventional brushes, we still managed to make a mess. I don't know if the teachers were happy with our work in the end.

(photo: Xamavee Pummuang)

We left satisfied that somehow we were able to affect the lives of a few children. I'm sure their needs cannot be fulfilled by a few thousand dollars and cosmetic repairs of their school, but it's a start. This wouldn'tbe possible if not for the donors who shared their blessings to these kids. (I'll post the full list of donors after our trip.)

***

Back at the lodge, we were tired and our hands smelled of kerosene. Our clothes had splatters of plaster and paint, but we didn't mind it too much. I felt grimy, though, so I decided to take a quick bath without asking for hot water. I wouldn't  say I regretted the decision, but man the water was cold! I don't think I can repeat that stunt for the rest of the trek.

Tomorrow, we're bound for Namche Bazaar!

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 3] Lukla to Chumoa

We were off to an early start. Dawa made sure we had the best chance of flying out to Lukla, so we were on the first flight out of Kathmandu.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 1] Welcome to Nepal!

Namaste!

We are now in Kathmandu, after a brief layover in Bangkok last night. We didn't get the most from our stop because we were a bit far from the city center. What I enjoyed most during both flights is that I got to catch up watching recent movies like Inside Out (was almost crying at one point). In-flight food wasn't bad either.

We arrived at Tribuvhan Airport past noon and I told Miko to rush and queue at the immigration booths to avoid the long lines. There was some confusion as to which line we should be, so we ended up at the end of the queue, anyway. It didn't matter too much because our bags were almost the last to come out of the plane. The airport still has the feel of a chaotic domestic airport back in the Philippines. But since I've been here before, it was more manageable and less shocking.

It was good to see Dawa again. He told us we had to wait for the next flight, where the others (Marie, Elaine, and two reporters from Rappler) were boarded. It was raining by the time we got out of the airport. I hope it's not a sign of things to come. 

With Dawa of Dream Himalaya Adventures

Soon, I am back in Thamel. For some reason this is one of the favorite places I've visited. Probably because its busy narrow streets are lined up with shops selling every mountaineering gear imaginable, both genuine and imitation. If only there is time to visit them all again.

First bad news of our trip is that Romi is stuck in Kuala Lumpur. His flight didn't push through that night, so he'll be arriving late tomorrow night, a few hours before we head out for Lukla. I just hope he gets here on time.

With Adrian, Marie, Elaine, Tik, Krista, Miko and Henry

First group dinner at Northridge Cafe. Prepare to shell out some moolah when you eat here.

Chicken tikka massala. Very delicious but surprisingly expensive.

Tomorrow is last minute shopping day for items we still lack. The first-time visitors will go on a half-day tour to see more of Kathmandu. I decided to skip this and just walk around Thamel and reminisce on my hunts the last time I was here.

We decided to use the hashtag #AmaDablamTour instead of expedition as it sounds "less ambitious", and according to Henry, puts less pressure on us. Hehe. 

This trip was made possible in part from the support of The North Face Philippines, Primer Group, and Lagalag Exploration.

Day Zero

Our expedition officially starts today as we head out to Kathmandu, Nepal via Bangkok. It was frantic in thebpast few days; with work, my birthday, and packing for the trip each vying for a share of my time. Good thing I have an awesome support crew, my best mate Cece, to take care of the preparations.

Before we board, I would just want to thank again all those who made this possible, The North Face Philippines, Lagalag Exploration, CORE of Primer Group, ROX, the UP Mountaineers, NokieAir, Shan and Dan, and of course, Celina and Ein the Adventure Dog.

Ein wants to come with me.

More updates when we reach Kathmandu.

-- 12:30pm NAIA Terminal 1

TNF Mountain Athletics

A while ago, Jundel of The North Face (TNF) Philippines invited us to try their Mountain Athletics training. This is a new global campaign of TNF, a workout program geared for mountaineers, trail runners, and outdoor sports enthusiasts, by targeting muscle groups needed for these sports. With 10 days left before we set out for Nepal, this would be our last major workout, and on to the "tapering" period.

Gearing up for the big climb

Climbing mountains can be costly, especially if it involves snow and very high elevations. Not only would you need the usual equipment and clothes, you also need specialized gear to protect you from the elements.

I've been slowly accumulating the things we need for our Ama Dablam climb. I'm really happy to have friends who are willing to lend their gear, sponsors who are supporting our trip, and for a fiancee who understands my need to be away for a month for the irrational need to climb a mountain.

Veteran Moves at SyncRUNize

Pen and Levi invited me and Princess to form a team for last Saturday's race, SyncRUNize, at the Arca South in Taguig (the old FTI complex, now the new real estate development of Ayala Land). With the promise of big prizes and free entry (very important), I said yes.

group shot after the race (instagram)

This promised to be different as it combined the elements of the physical--running with obstacles--and the mental--problem solving using the SyncRUNize app. We had virtually no idea how the actual race would be like until a few days into the event. The course map showed 15 challenges spread out over the Arca South property. Racers are released in waves to avoid bottlenecks along the course, while the mobile app monitors the time elapsed. 

MakLakFul Part 2

Romi suggested that we go on a training hike with the members of the Nepal team. The objective, at least for the Ama Dablam group, was to carry a heavy pack to simulate the conditions we would encounter in the Himalayas. He wanted to go to Mt. Daguldol, but I suggested thru-hiking Mt. Makiling instead. Little did I know I would regret that suggestion.

We agreed to bring between 20 to 25 kilograms in our pack. On a normal overnight hike I would be carrying a little over 15 kilos of gear, food and water, so this promised to be a strenuous activity. 

Pilipinas Mountain Running Series - Leg 2

After getting lost slightly going to the starting line in Licao-Licao, we arrived rather sleep-deprived for the second leg of the Pilipinas Mountain Running Series of Thumbie Remigio, whom we also know as the head mountain rockstar of UPM. It's been three weeks since I was last here at Mt. Balagbag, for my training with a weighted pack.

nervously excited mountain rockstars

The last real race I joined was the last White Rock Triathlon in 2013, which was cancelled because of rough weather. I stopped joining races after that because of the massive shin-splints that plagued me for months before and after, and just concentrated on climbing mountains. I didn't have a lot of expectations on this race, except to not be injured.

Help Rebuild a School in Nepal

October is approaching at light speed. I don't think I'm 100% ready yet. But I'm super excited, not just for the mountains, but for the other project we have planned.

Romi thought it would be good idea to help out in some way the communities affected by the two big earthquakes that hit Nepal earlier this year. We had a fund-raising drive just a week after the disasters struck, and we were able to send a modest sum, which went to the initial relief work by our friends in the field. But we could do more.

A Typical Workout Week

With the traffic and all the big and small problems in the country not going away any time soon, having a routine that de-stresses you is becoming more and more important. Without physical exertion, all that pressure inside you will slowly crush you until you get sick. 

As October gets closer and closer, making sure that I'm in peak form is a priority. Good thing I can rely on the U.P. Mountaineers for some motivation. My typical week is segmented into a) domestic duties and taking care of the dog; b) work and trying not to get fired, and c) physical training.

Tuesdays. Mountain rockstar training (MRT) is going well. Master Thumbie celebrated (in advance) his birthday with us with a lung- and gut-busting workout. Two days after the workout, I could still feel the burn on my obliques, which I hope would translate to a stronger core. 

Alternative Commuting

Normally you set out to have an adventure. But sometimes, the adventure comes to you.

If you're in the Philippines and haven't been living under a rock in some remote island, or just awoken from suspended animation, you are probably well-aware of Metro Manila's transport woes. Almost everyone you'd talk to will say that getting to and from work is getting worse every day. 

must bike to work more often to spare me from the hellish traffic

Since I moved residence last year, daily commute is pretty much unpredictable. On a good day it takes me an hour to get to work. On hellish days, the travel time doubles. Taking the MRT is definetely out of the question. That's one contact sport I don't want to play.

Last Monday I went to work a bit earlier than usual, hoping to arrive on time for once. Because of an accident in C5-Bagong Ilog, I was stuck in Katipunan Avenue for nearly an hour. I was already late, and it looked like I still have an hour's worth of driving ahead. So I turned back and filed for half a day's leave. The funny thing was, I had an inkling to just bike to work that morning, but was too lazy to push through with it. Of course I ended up bike commuting anyway. It still took me almost an hour to weave through Katipunan traffic.

At least on the bike, you know you have a way to escape being stuck on the road.

Rockstar-ing in Balagbag

I was planning a "solo" dayhike in Tarak Ridge last Saturday, but instead I found myself lugging a heavy pack up to the helipad of Mt. Balagbag, while the mountain rockstars ran/hiked ahead of me.

with the uncles

A Day of UPM-SAR Wilderness Training

(Having a puppy sure does take a lot of my time. I meant to post this a week ago, but after work, training and taking out doggie poop, sleep time is what's left - D)

Two Saturdays ago, I finally stepped into a forest setting, after months of mostly urban activities. This is the third session for the UPM-SAR Team 3, and we were in Alfonso, Cavite for their training on mountain search and rescue. Where better to learn about patient extraction and transport than in an actual wilderness, right?

how to rig a safe Tyrolean traverse line

[New Book] Charity book drive finds

I chanced upon the book drive organized in our office, and of course I couldn't resist digging around for interesting titles. It was a bit tough, though. The setup was chaotic, and I could feel my inner OCD struggling to get free in order to organize the books. Obviously I had to restrain myself lest earn the wrath of the staff spouses (a.k.a. the organizers). 

Tough as it was to dig through the pile, I still managed to score these two coffeetable books: Doug Scott, Himalayan Climber, and Mike Harding's Footloose in the Himalaya.

Ein

My life just got a whole lot furrier when this little rascal arrived last Friday. Everyone, meet Ein!

Ein is short for Josepfine, her registered name. Ask her Ukrainian breeder why that spelling. Anyway, we decided to keep the name since it's pretty close to Ein, the name of the hyper-intelligent Pembroke Welsh Corgi in Cowboy Bebop (which got me interested in corgis in the first place). 

Go Climb A Rock!

Last Saturday I put my training to the test and joined a "novice" and "fun" competition in Power Up Tandang Sora (or TS). I've been going to TS regularly now for the past month (plus the occasional mountain rockstar sessions), and I can feel some progress on my overall strength. Besides, they said it's a fun event, so no pressure to win (as if I would!).

38th UP Mountaineers Anniversary

There was a whole lot of running last weekend, as we celebrated the 38th year since the UP Mountaineers was founded. Six individuals got together during the summer of 1977 and decided to start an outdoor organization based in the UP Diliman campus. Despite being at the height of Martial Law--where going up the mountains mean something else--their application for university recognition was approved, much to their surprise. The rest is mountaineering history.

UPM-SAR Training at ROX

Last night's quick but heavy downpour nearly put Metro Manila into a standstill. Lucky for us, the stretch of C5 on the way to ROX High Street was surprisingly clear of vehicles, so I made it to the UPM-Search and Rescue (UPM-SAR) training (I found out that Katipunan was knee-deep in flood so very few cars could pass all the way to C5).

Rainy season is upon us, and what happened last night is a clear sign that Metro Manila is f**ked once a major disaster happens. If a brief rain shower like that could cause chaos, what more a massive typhoon or worse, a major earthquake? Which is why the SAR training is even more relevant than ever.

new recruits for the UPM-SAR Team (photo: Ninoy Leyran)

Let's Get Physical

October is fast approaching, and the Dream Climb is 80% sure. Time to panic. 

A lot of things have to happen before October. The biggest one behind money matters and making sure personal matters are in order, is to get fit. I've harbored the illusion that I'm fit enough to catch my dream. But if the past two weeks is any indication, I'm miles away from my required level of fitness.

Amping our core muscles (photo: Cleve Mallari)

Thoughts on Gunung Kinabalu

It's turning out to be a devastating year for mountaineering. After the deadly quake in Nepal that killed thousands of people and scores of mountain climbers, Sabah was shaken by a magnitude 6 tremor, which caused massive rockfalls and landslides in Mt. Kinabalu, killing at least 19 hikers, including several children from Singapore. Hundreds of people were trapped near the summit as the trail down got swept away.

Stranded climbers, awaiting rescue (photo from Zuma Press)

[Plan C] Saturday Climb in Atimonan

It was a warm, mostly sunny day at the walls of Tinandog in Atimonan. The first chance I got, I took off my clean shirt and changed to my climbing singlet. I wouldn't want to get my only shirt soaking in sweat on the bus ride home.

Cece and I weren't supposed to be there that weekend, but the universe has other plans for us. Out plans got cancelled. But I don't regret it. I've been longing to go back here since last year. As always, Pastor Noel is there to welcome us warmly to his playground.

Cece at Yema

[New Gear] New shoes, enough motivation?

Last weekend, while nursing my bruises, I got a package which I hope would rekindle my training fire. Inside were a new pair of Five-Ten MoccAsyms and a set of Omega Pacific quickdraws. The whole weekend I've toyed with these items in every way, most eager to try them out. (Atimonan was waiting for me. That would have been a great first climb for these gear. But life has other plans.)

Mercury in Retrograde

Last week was particularly "un-awesome" for me. Stock market is down. Pickup nearly stalled in a busy intersection because it ran out of fuel. Later on I found someone keyed my car door, leaving very nasty scratches. To top it off, I crashed my bike to a pickup truck on my way to work. I was too battered I had to cancel our Atimonan rock trip last Saturday. While Mercury's retrograde is said to affect electronics and big decisions, I think it had some influence on my week.

It's just one of those days, I guess. #Ouch

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on May 27, 2015 at 10:49pm PDT

Hot humid climb day

So many missed opportunities for rock climbing happened in the last year. I've used plenty of excuses, and all of them seems lame (buzzword of the moment) in hindsight. Just to be different last weekend, I took on the invite of Ian to go to Wawa and feel the rocks again, despite still nursing a nasty sprain I got two weeks ago.

Back to wasak. #Wawa #AngHeat #noupperbodystrength

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on May 8, 2015 at 9:17pm PDT

Thoughts on Nepal

I was off the grid when the news of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal broke.

I had the good fortune to visit Nepal three years ago and to see the Himalayas, Kathmandu and its heritage landmarks (like the Hindu city of Bhaktapur in the photo). Some of these landmarks are now reduced to rubble. Thousands of lives lost.

I also had the better fortune to be spared twice when two planned trips got cancelled: last year's supposed climb in the Annapurna region when a freak blizzard killed dozens of trekkers and Sherpas; and the Ama Dablam climb tentatively set this month, the same time the deadly earthquake hit and cut the lifeline of some climbers up the mountains. (Of course, it doesn't mean I would have been one of the casualties, and Romi said it shouldn't count because we didn't push through anyway. But I still feel lucky not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time).

I pray for the safety of all our dear Nepali and Pinoy friends, colleagues and their family living in Kathmandu, and those whom we know are now in the Solukhumbu Region.

Bhaktapur in 2012. A lot of structures in this wonderful heritage site got destroyed.

Outdoor Talk

The first thing I think of when someone mentions speaking in public is "Nope!". For most of my life I feared talking in front of people. Just the prospect of seeing them looking back at you makes fills me with embarrassment and dread.

Over time I've learned to cope with this fear and somehow accept that I will find myself in front of people, talking about whatever is assigned to me. Partly because I've had more exposure to it in the past ten years teaching applicants of UPM; and also partly because with age, you care less and less of what people say about you, and more for the need to say what you need to say. So when I was asked to give not just one, but two talks over the weekend, I was not as reluctant as I would have been a decade ago.

Hiking 101 at Lagalag Store, SM City (photo: Lagalag)

[Book Haul] Seven Years in Tibet - Heinrich Harrer

Harrer was more famous for his epic book, the White Spider, which is an account of the first successful ascent of the Eiger North Face (a copy of which I lucked upon Booksale, yay!). But arguably, it's Harrer's friendship with the Dalai Lama that has more impact. 

Seven Years in Tibet recounts Harrer's time in the forbidden kingdom at the height of World War II until the start of the Chinese occupation. It was during this time that he got to know his holiness, the young Dalai Lama. His story became even more popular after Brad Pitt starred in the movie based on the book. I haven't watched it yet.

Finally found one! #booksale #HeinrichHarrer

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on Apr 8, 2015 at 2:56am PDT

I've been looking for a copy of this book for some time now. It was one of the more elusive titles in my checklist. A couple of months ago I saw the sequel to this, Return to Tibet, but did not buy it, as I have no idea yet of how the original book will affect me. Now that I scored a copy, I hope to see the sequel again; and this time, I won't pass on it. 

Climate Change Climb in Pinagheneralan

One of the supposed "perks" of having the UPM application in the summer is the warm but dry weather conditions. Supposedly none of the wet and miserable times usually experienced during the monsoon. Imagine our surprise when they announced a typhoon was expected to enter around the same time as our climb (just my luck). Betty rolled in and threatened to rain on our weekend.

There was a large group of applicants eager to get to the next stage of their training, so we had to divide the group into three teams (Pinagheneralan, Banahaw de Liliw, and Makiling) to lessen our impact on the mountain. I chose to join the Pinagheneralan team since nobody else knew the trail and how to get the permits.

Team Banayad at Camp 1

Valentines in Bungkol-Baka

San Jose, Tarlac has been very close to the heart of the UP Mountaineers ever since the club help develop the trekking destinations there. Spearheaded by Boboy Francisco, several mountains were opened in the early 2000's, and UPM has since become a regular visitor to this part of Central Luzon.

Happy camper. #UPmountaineers #Tarlac

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on Feb 14, 2015 at 1:33am PST