Getting Back

Re-starting something after being away for some time is always hard (except maybe riding a bike, which they say you never forget). Even the thought of re-launching this blog, for example, is taking an extreme amount of energy. What more to actually start writing content again?

So after a year since my last hike of significant elevation gain, I headed back up a mountain. This time, the Pantingan Peak of Mt. Mariveles in Bagac, Bataan. I hoped that muscle memory will make up for the utter lack of hiking in the past six months. Pantingan turned out to be a mountain you should not restart climbing on.

The approach to Pantingan Peak (right-of-center)

Independence Day Rock Trip

June 12 - It's been a week since I came back from that not-so-secret 10-day trip. The one that left me sprained and gashes all around; making me miss out on a rock trip in Wawa the day after my return. Those who did get to climb told me that the route they took at the Uling wall was not the easier ones in the area (looking at the old guidebook, there is a scarcity of routes below 5.8). I told the guys that, weather permitting, I'll take them to the Rook area for a proper intro on the crags of Wawa.

Bridge leading to the limestone walls

Remembering the 2006 Filipino Mt. Everest Season

In 2006, all our eyes were fixed on the TV screen, anxiously waiting for the drama to unfold on this pyramid of black rock. By May 19, three Filipinos have stood on top of the highest mountain in the world, providing the spark for the Pinoy outdoor community to dream big again. 

Mt. Everest, as seen from Kala Patthar

Ten years hence, Pinoy climbers have left their footprints in mountain summits all around the world

Romi, after reaching the summit (photo: Romi Garduce)

Members of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition (photo: FPMEE)

A Day With the Philippine Orienteers

(This very late post is brought to us by procrastination.org, world's leader in not getting things done.)

I saw an invitation at work for an orienteering event hosted by the Philippine Orienteers. I got curious because this was the first I've heard of the group. Checking what was online, I realized this was the same people who sort of got in touch with us a few months ago asking about the orienteering scene in the Philippines. Nothing much happened there, so I thought things fizzled out.

Turns out, the club was well and alive. The event that I joined two Sundays ago was already their third since November. Their dedication to the sport is admirable, indeed.

Cycling Training for a Run Event

I put it in my mind to join The North Face 100 this coming May, just for fun. I've thought about finally doing the 100-km distance, but that's just crazy for someone as unprepared as I. So 50 km is the most that I'd do.

The thing is, I really don't get the chance to do any legitimate run training. Sure, I get to run at least twice a week, but that's really pathetic. What I do get to do is bike.

Two Saturdays ago, our planned rock climb trip got cancelled. So instead of wasting a good Saturday, I got duped into riding with Daddy-o, Princess, LA, and a few other well-biked individuals. The route taken was a miserable uphill road passing throuhg Monterey Village, AFP Village, and Maarat. I can't say that I didn't enjoy the ride, but definitely it was painful while I was pedaling. A testament to my lack of long ride is the newly-burnt tan line on my arms.

Then this weekend, I went to SBMA on a marshaling gig at the Ironman 70.3. I ditched my pick-up truck, took my bike and rode the bus. I was supposed to get off inside SBMA, but the bus I rode didn't pass through the freeport. Instead, I had to pedal my way from Olongapo City up to Subic Homes in Binictican. A good 9 kilometers. A meager distance, unless you lack sleep and nursing a neck crick.

The section I handled was close to the start/finish line of the run. The bike came in handy when going back and forth to check on the marshals and racers. It was a bitterly hot day for triathlon. I was glad I wasn't one of the poor racers on the road.

The race finally finished mid-afternoon. Back at the hotel, I found my face, especially my nose, all sunburnt. Didn't participate, but I had the same facial results.

I have to find a way to start running, or my chances of doing the ultra will be gone.

Not Getting (too) Lost at the 3rd MIT-MC Orienteering Competition

Friday - Two days into the event, my original teammate told me he can't join the race. I had to scramble and find an alternate, but actually I only had one person in mind. Daddy-o was my partner almost seven years ago in the second run of this competition, which we didn't finish because of a misread in the map (it still stings from time to time). This would be a perfect chance to redeem ourselves. Daddy-o was initially reluctant but said yes anyway.

Team Lagalag-UPM (photo: MIT-MC)

Sunday - It was a cold morning. The roads are wet, so there's a big chance that the race course would be muddy. The starting line was at the Base Kamp Riders Pit Stop. A lot of new faces and some veteran racers were there. A number of UPM members and applicants were waiting for Thumbie so they can start with their test run. It was a cold but festive atmosphere. Ein basked in the delight of her new fans.

Ein the Orienteering Dog (photo: MIT-MC)

2015 Going To 2016

Happy new year, guys! More than a month has passed since I last wrote here. What can I say? A cluttered mind is not good for blogging.

To save us all the trouble of backtracking, here's a summary of all the things that happened since the last post.

Short commercial break

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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