Another Himalayan Adventure!

After months of uncertainty, we finally booked our ticket to Kathmandu! 

Celine and I have been planning to return to Nepal since last year. Levi and Pen's Annapurna Circuit trek was too appealing not to experience for ourselves. An opportunity came when we heard some of the UPM "uncles" were also planning a climbing trip in the Annapurna area, up the Chulu Far East Peak (6000+m), and Dawa suggested we join that group so that everyone's expenses get lower. Unfortunately things didn't pan out for the others, and we were left scouting for other options. 

Along the AC trail (photo: Dream Himalaya Adventures)

Trek to Everest Base Camp Spring (Holy Week) 2018 - 17 days (12 hiking days)

More and more Pinoys are finding their way to the foothills of the highest mountains of the world. Don't be left behind!

Our partner, Dream Himalaya Adventures Pvt. Ltd, has a special offer for Filipino teams planning to go to EBC. DHA has been guiding Pinoys since the 2006 Filipino Mt. Everest expeditions. Email me to book your slot!

[#AmaDablamTour Days 13 - 15] Climbing Lobuche East

Day 13-15 - Lobuche East [October 26-28, 2015]

It's been two years since our trip to Nepal. Time and distance brings introspection. I'm concluding my story with the benefit of hindsight, though it takes away from the "spirit of the moment" but helps me relate my experience to the larger scheme of things. In more ways than one, returning to my comfort zone made writing about my experience less urgent. If anyone felt robbed of a conclusion to my story, my sincerest apologies for this late post. For those reading this blog for the first time, you may want to read the start of this story here. Thanks for your support! 

Recapping where we left off in the story, we just returned to Lobuche from Gorak Shep after the team's forays to EBC and Kala Patthar. From here we parted ways with the ladies and Ang Kami as they continued to Pheriche. Someone proposed that maybe we can delay our bid for Lobuche East by a day to recuperate and better adjust to the altitude. We managed to discuss this with Dawa, who gave the sobering news that the weather might turn in the next two days, and that if we didn’t climb as scheduled, there’s a chance that the weather won’t be favorable. No choice but to move on as planned.

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)

Thankful to be alive!

Zero activity for the past year. Sorry about that.

A lot of adventures have happened since the last post; mostly indoor and rock climbing (had several trips since December to Atimonan and Wawa. yey!). Not a lot of biking and running, though I've had a few half-written articles about races I've joined with very poor physical preparation. The writing bug has left my system, unfortunately. But I heard it is contagious, so I'm just waiting for someone to infect me again.

Just checked in to say that I'm happy to still be writing here. It was a scary Sunday, and I'm thankful for all the support I've gotten the past couple of days.

I will be back again outdoors very soon, a little wiser, hopefully. Maybe by then I will be writing again at least once a week. I will definitely find ways to plant more trees,

Thanks guys! Stay safe!

- Dennis


Since you are here....

Please come to AkyatCon2.0, hosted by the UP Mountaineers! This will be on July 28 and 29 at the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman. Tons of interesting topics about the outdoors await.

To register, visit akyatcon.upmountaineers.org. 

Yeah, these happened (June-August 2016), Part 2

Climb Central Manila and getting back to sport climbing

I finally got to try the routes of Climb Central Manila, the newest climbing gym in the country. The joint venture between Climb Central (Singapore) and Joey Cuerdo (Power Up) boasts of at least 30 lines with color-coded routes for all climbing skill levels.

The upgraded facilities, however, comes with a price. Fees are double that of Power Up, but climbers I saw didn't seem to mind. The place was packed in the two times I've been there. My officemates also prefer it because of it's location. The addition of auto-belay devices is also attractive, especially for loners or for climbers who couldn't find a belay partner.

At my present condition, the gym offers a lot of room for me to develop. I did manage to top out on routes that I thought was above my abilities, but there is no shortage of problems that remain unsolved.

I'll definitely be back. I have no choice, since I already bought a 5-session pass. hehe

The "regular" climbers in UPM have also started to meet-up regularly again. In the past two months, we've been switching between Centro Atletico and Tandang Sora. Even if we climb just once a week, it's still better than nothing.

UPMSAR Training

The 4th batch of "formal" trainees has started going the modules. The very enthusiastic bunch began their practical course with basic rope and abseiling techniques in Power Up Centro Atletico.

This was followed up by a "wilderness" session somewhere in the hills of Tanay, Rizal. Where more rope and transport techniques were shared. The weather wasn't cooperation a lot that weekend, so we lost some time waiting for the rain to stop.

As with the earlier batches, this batch quickly learned that getting someone who is not ambulant out of the mountain is very serious and exhausting work. And despite soul-sucking conditions, rescuers must find in them the ability to keep a light atmosphere in order to function and get the job done.

For me, training rescues is hard work. But harder still is washing muddy and stinky gear.

Columbia Trail Masters Offroad Duathlon

I've been longing to join another off-road race. My last multi-sport race was three years ago. A very long time to stop "competing". But since I couldn't commit to any training program, I had to pass another opportunity.

Until Romi messaged us, offering slots to relay with staff of Primer/Columbia. I'm more confident that I'll finish the bike course with limited training, so I said yes. Who refuses a free slot, right? Three days later, he informed us that the relay is now out, and we had to do the full race, including the run section. Oh snap!

Nothing to do but enjoy and not die. I did a token "training" just to gauge if I can manage the run somehow.

Race day came. We started with a 6km run, followed by a 20km trail bike, and finishing off with a 3km run. I kept a running pace that put me in the middle of the pack. Just enough so that I'll still have reserves for the bike section. My riding skills were still suspect in the new bike so I just relaxed. Still in the middle of the pack, I found myself with a clear trail ahead. But I cannot take advantage and speed up, because halfway through the course, my calf muscles started to twitch, on the verge of cramping.

Not wanting to walk all the way back to the transition, I held back and kept the cramping in check. Luckily, it didn't go full-on attack. I still found a way to enjoy the slippery single tracks on the approach to the transition (though I did finally cramp up at the transition while changing shoes).

I was struggling by the last Section, unable to completely run the 3km course. Every few hundred meters I had to brisk walk to catch my breath. Adrian, whom I managed to pass at the bike section, caught up with me in the last 300 meters. He was still in fighting form, so it was just right that he finishes ahead of me. I was happy to just finish strong, relatively speaking.

The fact that I did not die in the course got me thinking if I should discard my current "couch-tomato" philosophy and pick up sports again. 2017 would be another milestone year for me, so it might be a good idea to celebrate it with something athletic.

AkyatCon, and celebrating 39 Years of UP Mountaineers

The club has been very busy celebrating its 39th year. The flagship event this year, excluding the annual Anniversary Run, was AkyatCon: Mountaineering for Everyone. This is the brainchild of my UPM batchmate and current training head, Rolly. The two-day conference covered a whole slew of topics related to mountaineering, from environment protection, formation of mountains, weather, to mountain explorations and alpine climbing.

Participants from all sectors listened and participated. I found the topics covered very interesting, and most of the speakers were engaging. Not surprising, a lot of people lined up to get a photo with Romi, who closed up the conference by inviting everyone to try the Himalayas. With the warm reception to this event, it seems we're on the way to making this a yearly event; with plans to invite more people, especially those in the provinces.

Yeah, these happened (June-July), Part 1

"The days are just packed", says Calvin. The months flew by, and now it's August!

Here are just some of the events that occupied my weekends since the last post:

Mt. Lubog Hike

I sort of volunteered at work to teach basic outdoor skills to the members of our club. The culminating activity was a trip to Mt. Lubog to apply the lectures first-hand. I haven't been to the mountain, and was quite surprised by the adventure we had with the habal-habal.

You can actually visit the mountain in a day. I have friends who climbed it as a side trip while training for their ultramarathon. Despite the sad state of the forest all around (especially concerning because it's part of the Ipo and upper Marikina watersheds), the beauty of the summit and it's limestone outcrop is undeniable. From the peak, the Sierra Madre range stretches out from south to north, while the smoggy Metro Manila skyline sprawls in the southwest. 

I would like to see a future where this area is reclaimed by trees. But as more and more people encroach the highlands of Montalban, the more likely scene would be horses pulling freshly-cut lumber down to waiting trucks, while the authorities are caught unawares (or turning a blind eye). Such a shame, though. 

Welcome, new(ish) Bike!

After much deliberating, I gave in to the temptation of upgrading to a full-suspension bike, courtesy of ninong Nokman. My main worry is that I won't match what the bike can do. As a casual trail biker, there are still a lot of tricks I need to learn. 

Madumi na. Soli ko na lang kaya?

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on Jun 18, 2016 at 10:36pm PDT

Anyway, my first foray with this bike was very sticky and muddy. At one point, the tires stopped rolling because all the mud that got stuck on the tires. I'm still getting used to the handing of a 29er, which turns a bit wider than my old bike. I also logged my first three spills in less than an hour; one more laughable than the previous. All part of the learning process, I guess.

Powtek! (photo: Princess Que)

happy riders (photo: Princess Que)

I just need to find a way to make this bike last. Contrary to what others say, having a bike is not necessarily cheaper than driving--relatively speaking. 

UPM's Amoy-Lupa Offroad Duathlon

I've been toying with the idea for a few months to have a quick and fun race with the members one Sunday afternoon. Since we've done the duathlon around the oval a couple of times already, it was time to bring it off-road.

The CHK bike trails is the perfect venue. It's close to our tambayan. It's short and fast. And easy enough for beginner trail bikers. There were 15 racers in this innaugural event. I would've been the 16th, but I crashed during the course check. I stuck to just officiating after that.

meet the players (photo: Oko Francisco)

As a special treat, it suddenly rained. The trail, which was already semi dry and in ideal conditions turned to mush. The racers to it in stride, and welcomed the added challenge. Some more ready than others. 

I joined in the fun for one lap, and instantly regretted the decision. I just made a mess of my outfit with very little to show for it, except validate that I've much to learn before mastering my bike.

Couldn't join the race, but couldn't miss out on the fun, either! (Photo: @jujoe) #UPmountaineers #39for39 #AmoyLupa

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on Jul 3, 2016 at 8:44pm PDT

Kyle came in first, followed by Adrian. Casper--proving experience is a great advantage--finished third. Hanzel, the lone female competitor after being persuaded (more like, forced) to joining, seemed happy with the experience (whether she joins again or not remains to be seen).

Kyle (photo: Oko Francisco)

Run section (photo: Oko Francisco)

Casper's veteran moves ((photo: Oko Francisco)

The brave Hanzel (photo: Oko Francisco)

All in all, it was a fun afternoon. We had the trails to ourselves, thanks to the brief showers. The racers are already asking for the next round.

congrats to everyone!

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)

The North Face 100 Philippines 2016 - Regrets?

Congratulations to all who dared and joined The North Face 100 last weekend. Whether you finished or not, you proved your mettle and challenged your limits. It was fun seeing you guys suffer. hehehe

50 km runners raring to go

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.