Anyway, the plan to go to Mt. Tagapo started when Tin sent a blog post about it on our group chat. And our stressed out selves made this an inspiration to get through the following days. Also, Tin and I had this big fantasy for talahib shots, we were determined to finally achieve it.
The plan started out with about 20 people (or more), most were Tin's blockmates. Then, the week before the hike, we were left with 8. But, the trip must go on!
Mt. Tagapo
Talim Island, Laguna de Bay
Major jump-off: Brgy. Janosa (Talim Island) Binangonan, Rizal
LLA 14.32° N 121.23° E, 438 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
Source: PinoyMountaineer
On October 2, around 6-7AM from (everyone's favorite meet up place) Cubao, we left for Pritil Port in Binangonan, Rizal. I kept thinking how bad it was that there weren't any port near our place since Laguna Lake is only a few steps away from my house and Talim Island is just across the lake. Sighs
After waiting for other passengers,we finally left for Talim Island. The boat ride went on for about an hour or so.
We reached Brgy. Janosa at around 10am and started climbing once our guide was available.
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Bamboo Trail[/caption]The trail wasn't so difficult which explains why the mountain is recommended for beginners.
Although some parts of the trail were shaded, it's still best to keep your skin protected against the sun.
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This is me in my natural habitat (according to my very nice friends)[/caption]Before proceeding to the summit, we first ate at the campsite. There was a tree that provided shade for those who want to rest.
Even before we arrived at the campsite, we already encountered the talahib trail which made me squeal because, Finally!
We found the perfect spot to take our ~meadowy~ shots on our way up the summit.
The trail to the top was surrounded with grass. It can get really itchy if you don't cover up. The guide told me that there would be some time in the year that they would burn or cut up the grass.
Not really sure of the burning part, but years ago I saw some part of the mountain burning from my bedroom window. Yes! My room has the best view in the house. It was around 7-8 at night when I noticed that there was like a patch of orangey red on the mountain. I thought it was a accidental wildfire so I was like, searching for the news about it that night. Anyway, the guide said it usually happens around holy week when the mountain would be crowded.
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Hi Kuya Sean![/caption]Once we reached the top, we were able to see 360° view of Laguna Lake. It got a little cloudy though that's why the surrounding mountains and land wasn't clearly visible. I wasn't even able to use the binoculars which I borrowed just to see Sucat from up there.
From the top, you could see the fences of the fishponds on the lake. They looked like stitches to me.
We didn't get to spend too much time on the top because it looked like rain clouds were on their way to us. Once we got back to the resting place near the campsite, we started taking our talahib shots.
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Jin&Tin © Sean Michael Amador[/caption][gallery ids="696,695,694" type="rectangular"]
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We'll release our movie, someday. © Sean Michael Amador[/caption]After taking our group picture, we started our way down. Once we were back at the base camp, we freshened up and ate merienda from the lugaw stall nearby. It tasted good enough for its price.
We took the boat going back to Pritil Port around 4PM. We were able to witness the sunset as we traveled through the lake. Too bad, my phone wasn't nice enough to let me take nice sunset shots.
On our way home, we weren't sure where to find the jeepney going back to Manila, so we walked from Pritil Port to the nearest fast food chains. We planned to eat there but there were too many people. Anyway, we walked somewhere to find where the fx/jeepneys would be but we really couldn't find them. So, we took a tricycle to the terminal of the FX going to SM Megamall. How doid we fit 7 people in a tricycle (excluding the driver, ha)? We had Kuya Sean sit on the very front of the sidecar :)
I totally recommend this hike for those who want to get a quick escape from the stressful Manila life with a low budget. P500 would be the safest budget for this. Excluding food and other stuff, the total expenses for the fares, registration and guide took not more than P300 for us.
Please watch this video taken and edited by Kuya Sean :)
https://youtu.be/2QVtF99alhs
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When you want to hike but also pass your exam for the next day :) © Sean Michael Amador[/caption]An irrelevant side story (but I still want to share because I think i'm such a genius)
Like I said, September had been really busy for me. I was trying to pull my grades up to pass Finals, especially in my Economics class. So, the week after this hike was our Final exams week. Because I had to work in the afternoon, I really didn't have enough strength to study anymore at home. Yes, that's why my grades were not up to my standards :( But I really wanted to be in this trip, so I studied my Econ while on our way to Mt. Tagapo. I was memorizing the Agrarian Reform Law while on the jeepney and boat and then, I was reciting it aloud on our way down.
Anyway, I'm so happy I managed to pass the semester :)
