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

Pinagheneralan is situated at the slopes of Banahaw de Tayabas (i.e. the section of Mt. Banahaw under the jurisdiction of Tayabas, Quezon), and is the name given to the area because of its historical significance (Camp 2 was once a garrison for the Japanese; and until a few years ago, some remnants of old weapons can still be seen there).

It was already drizzling when we arrived in Lucena. My batchmate Dip helped us charter a jeep that will take us to Bgy. Lalo, the jump-off. Still, the weather was holding, and we were very hopeful that we'd have a dry hike.

Approaching Idoro, the area they call the "twilight zone"

I wasn't familiar with Lalo because we always went up from Nawawalang Paraiso, a resort along the Tayabas-Lucban Road. It turns out that the trail wasn't so different, as the two routes converge into one trail going to Camp 1. After 30 minutes, I come across familiar territory again.

The guides told us that the trail suffered some changes in recent years, as trees have been felled by past storms, like Glenda in 2014. From Camp 1 to Idoro (a small stream crossing with an eerie pool, which is our usual rest area), it was just as it was before. Once we climbed up the other ridge, it was a different story. Several large trees blocked the old trail, forcing us to detour around or over them. In some places, this means disturbing colonies of the most fear-inducing ants I've seen in person. Man, those ants pack a mean bite! 

Fortunately, Pinagheneralan is still relatively a well-visited area for hikers and biology students so the trail is very visible, despite the detours I mentioned. 

Pandan

Another think I like about the Pinagheneralan trail is it's a challenging route rich in sections of sustained climbs along narrow trails, perfect for mountaineers-in-training. It's a good place for them to appreciate the fruits of their toil. The second-to-the last section is especially interesting. A nearly vertical descent of about 15 feet through rotten soil and rock, with a heavy pack, using a safety line and your wits. The team must help each other to make sure everyone gets down safely.

Slowly the precipitation started to creep in. By the time we reached the river near the camp it was close to raining. The weather held on just enough for us to pitch our tents then it opened up the sky and rained on us until the following day. Everyone retreated to their respective tents for dinner (I made beef bourguignon). No socials happened that night, except for the typical neighborhood banter with a side of Italian wine and Belgian cheese.

The rain did not let up until early morning. This was a worrisome situation since the river below us could overflow, trapping us until who knows when. The guides suggested we leave as early as we can to avoid this from happening. Everyone had to pack quickly and start going down.

paking up

The river did swell to twice its size the day before. Crossing it is a huge safety concern, but it was managed well and everyone got to the other side relatively unscathed. What followed was a cold and somewhat miserable descent even if the rain wasn't as hard as the night before. Some were on the verge of mild hypothermia while we waited for the last group to arrive at the rest stop. The two other river crossings weren't as bad, and as we reached Camp 1, the rain stopped altogether. 

Casa Unson. Thanks again, Dip and Munch!

All we can think about while hiking down from Camp 1 is how nice it would be to take a shower and get rid of all the mud, dirt, and ant bites from the nasty trail. The weather became milder as we approached civilization; soon we were at Dip and Marchella's place in Lucena, having pancit and lambanog with Pastor Noel. It was a great afternoon catching up with these people, I was tempted to stay for the night. But we have to catch a bus back to QC; and boy what a crazy bus did we catch! (the driver thought he was Vin Diesel, or something).

I didn't mind the rain that much. I'm so used to it being present in my hikes by this time. What intrigued me is the fact that the weather now is so unpredictable, that a storm now seemed a normal occurrence even at the height of summer. I fear that climate change is slowly creeping up on us, its effects slowly getting more intense, until it is too late for everyone. Who knows, maybe soon our last resort is to head for the hills or drown in our undoing. (well, that was a cheerful ending.)

If you are interested in hiking up to Camp 2 of Banahaw de Tayabas, make sure to secure a permit first from the Protected Area Office of DENR in Pagbilao, Quezon.