Mt. Mandalagan and the Worth It All Steps We Took
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Tinagong Dagat Campsite
1450 MASL
Major Climb
Philippine Difficulty: 7/9
After the prep climb last January on Mt. Babag, the plan to climb Mt. Mandalagan was realized with pride last February 2-4. The event was organized by Nico Reyes. All nine of us who joined the climb came from the same workplace. The organizer who worked on all the papers, accommodation on Day 0, and transportation to the jump off point and back to Bacolod City was Lito Adasam (or Sir Tolits).
Friday morning at around 7 am, we took a ride on a vhire from Junquera St. Cebu City to Toledo Port. We arrived in Toledo at 8:50 AM. We waited for the 9:30 fast craft to San Carlos. Someone might have angered the gods as the sea was very rough. Thankfully, we arrived safely at the port of San Carlos by 11:30 AM. From the port, we walked and found a carenderia where we had our lunch. Twelve noon and we went to the bus terminal on a tricycle. The bus ride from San Carlos to Bacolod City was approximately 3 hours. Arriving in Bacolod City at 3 pm, we went to Mcdo-Lacson which was the rendezvous point with Sir Tolits. While waiting, Dale and Arn proceeded to the nearest marketplace to secure our food supplies.
Sir Tolits arrived at around 4 PM together with Sir Brian who will also join us on our climb and with the service vehicle which took us to our jump off point. We stayed on a bunkhouse with overflowing water supply, cooking and sleeping area, and a good shelter for the storm which passed overnight as we slept.
Seven thirty in the morning and we're ready to battle the awaiting slopes. We started our ascent. Along the way, hello leeches, hello rain. The thing with leeches, you'll never know they're there clinging unless someone tells you. Almost all of us got our share of experience with the thirsty bloodsuckers.We were also received with steady drizzle along the way. Moreover, if you think your balancing skills are above average, you'll enjoy the thrill on the dam area. There were parts where you have to step on a narrow cemented path.The rest of the trail was mostly filled with slippery rocks.
We arrived at the campsite at around 1:00 PM.The campsite was at Tinagong Dagat. The view was just as astonishing as the enviable photos we googled before. The lake was half full, fog surrounded the area and raindrops were slightly visible on tips of grasses. The lake was crystal clear you can see the grasses beneath the surface of the water. The area is surrounded by moss-covered trees. The cold which was doubled because of the strong wind should never be underestimated.
We started setting up the tarp tent which served as cover for our things. It was a real struggle as the grounds were muddy and wet. After we had pitched our tents, we had to move our location as we were advised that the water level would rise if the rain will continue to pour, better be prepared than be surprised with our tents floating in an ankle-deep water. We camped near the entrance area but two of our colleagues decided to stay near the lake. After everything was set up, I mostly stayed in the tent as I was not feeling well.The rest of the team, gathered under the tarp to chill and eat some snacks.The rain would come and go. My clothes were almost all wet so I decided not to venture out much under the rain.I slept for some time and when I woke up, I found myself shivering in cold. I had to grab my jacket and doubled my blanket.
Thanks to Arn and Dale, who were the cooks of the team as they prepared hot misua noodle soup for the rest of us. Early dinner was also prepared for all were tired and decided to take an early rest. We couldn't roam around much because of the rain. At around 5 PM Mt.Mandalagan was kind of generous as we were given a brief clearing.The fog dissipated for a moment and the whole area showcased its mesmerizing lush, green grasses and trees. The rain came again pushing us back inside our shelters.
At around 7 PM when everyone was preparing to call it a day, a group of hikers from Bacolod (we met them at the jump off point as they were invited by Sir Tolits but they reached the campsite for like an hour or so), joined us for a brief camaraderie over drinks. It was a fun night with amiable people who welcomed us.
Breakfast was at around 7 AM the next day. Stories of cold and wet tents hovered for some time. The water level indeed rose and if we stayed on the first spot where we have chosen to pitch our tents, we would have to evacuate in the middle of the night. We then took mandatory pictures, lots of them. We started our descend (backtrail) at around 9:30 AM. We arrived back at the bunkhouse at 2:00 PM and delicious tinolang manok was prepared for us by Sir Tolits local friend.
Mt.Mandalagan is a beauty worth the steps we took. It was just a great adventure which will be worth reminiscing about for the years to come.
Thank you: Nico for spearheading the climb, conferencing team for making this event successful with your courageous participation, Sir Tolits who was so helpful and accommodating all the time, also to Sir Brian who joined us and lent us his tarp tent and to the Bacolod hikers who were super friendly.
Here's the video of the climb :
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Here's the breakdown of our expenses :
*Event Fee inclusive of service vehicle to jump off point and back to Bacolod City,, all papers needed for the climb and guide ( you can contact Sir Tolits on Facebook as Otil Adasam or text him, his phone number is 09060022629) - 1300 Php
*Cebu City to Toledo via Vhire - 100 Php
*Fastcraft to San Carlos - 180 Php (For lite shipping the rates are : 100 sitting economy, 110 lying economy, 120 aircon-sitting)
*Tricycle from San Carlos Port to Bus Terminal - 15 Php ( we later learned it's just supposed to be 10 php)
*Bus from San Carlos to Bacolod City Terminal - 118 Php
*Jeepney Fare to reach Macdo Lacson St - 14 Php( two rides)
*Each of us contributed 150 Php for all the food needed for the climb duration.
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