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

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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.

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. 

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

Shameless Plugging

"When opportunity knocks...."

If you are reading this, please indulge me in my bout of self-promotion, and vote for my entry in the North Face Philippines photo contest. You can check my entry (see photo below) by clicking http://www.thrillofthetrail.ph/gallery. 

Voting is linked through your Facebook account, so you will get a notification from the site, asking permission to access basic personal info (like age, gender, name). I hope you guys don't mind.

"I Am Waterproof"

The theme of the contest is I AM WATERPROOF; promoting their line of rain jackets, like what I'm wearing in the photo. Contest ends on October 27, where the entries will be judged, and the first prize winner will get P10,000-worth of TNF GCs.

If you also want to enter the contest, check out the mechanics at the website and start shamelessly plugging yourself!

Akyat Na! - An Alpine Climb Open Talk and Orientation

Our favorite (and only) Pinoy seven-summiter, Romi Garduce, will have a FREE talk on May 22 in R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street about the fundamentals of high altitude climbing.

This will also be a sort of launch and orientation for his expedition in October in the Annapurna Region. Mountaineers interested in joining the trip shouldn't miss this event.

Throwback: The 2010 TNF 100

My Facebook newsfeed is littered with photos of friends with their medals after finishing various distance categories at The North Face 100 in Benguet this weekend. I toyed with the idea of joining this year even if I didn't have any decent run in the past couple of months. Better judgment got the upper hand, so I stayed at home.

To join in with the weekend's hype. Here's a throwback account of the 2010 race, where I joined the 50km category. It was the third year TNF 100 ran in the country and the first held in Baguio. Cece was graduating that weekend, so I decided to run 50km instead of the full race so I can head back to QC the next day and catch the ceremonies. That's my "press release" whenever anyone asks why I didn't run 100km. In truth, I knew I would just hurt myself with the full distance because of the proverbial "lack of training".