Independence Day Climb: Mt. Buntis and Mt. Nagpatong

June 12 marks the Independence Day of the Philippines, thanks to our heroes who fought very hard to achieve it. In celebration of it, my brother and I joined an Independence Day Climb event organized by Peak Summit Trail.

The whole team before getting started :)

At pass 3 in the morning, my brother and I had our warm-up for the hike by walking from our house to Aguinaldo Highway, since tricycle is not yet available at that time. Off to the Coastal Mall Bus Terminal we headed to meet other participants. Some of the participants had their meeting place in Cubao, after fetching us at the terminal we headed to Maragondon.

After a few minutes of introduction and reminders, we finally started our trek to Mt. Buntis. From the Municipal Hall, we passed by the residential area and the famous Kaingin Hanging Bridge (this is the part I hated the most), thanks to members who is after me when we crossed the bridge, thank you for being patient with me and sorry for the delay.

We saw a monkey at a resident's house

Kyaa! The Kaingin Bridge!
It is longer than I though it would be...

After passing the bridge, the chill trek along the vast field starts. The peacefulness of the place along with the rich green field and fresh air, makes you exhale the words, "This is the life!"

After what seems like forever, the team rested somewhere under a huge tree. And this also marks that you are near/at the foot of Mt. Buntis.

Under the tree.
Kuya Jimmy (in yellow shirt), our tour guide,
talking to a resident of the area.

Trek to muddy trail, rocky trail and stream crossing followed our sweet rest. At this point, the hike is still tolerable, I can still manage my tiredness since the path is still easy. Mt. Buntis, really suits beginner hikers, since approximately 85-90% of the time the path you will take is straight. It's a walk in the park.

A climb wouldn't be complete if there is no assault. Though the assault is short, it will still require you stop, rest, catch your breath, and gather some of your hidden energy before reaching the summit.

My dear brother catching his breath

Dried Bamboo leaves and bent Bamboo trees,
you will pass by these before reaching the summit.

Great reward comes after some hardship, that is what I'm reminded of when we reached the summit. 

Photo ops, video recording, chit-chat with other participants, and rest while enjoying the view, after all those things, the team decided to descend. We had our lunch after the climb. Some of the participants ate in the van, while my brother and I, along with Kuya Hawon (one of the participants), was invited by one of the residents to eat in their kubo, they even gave us mangoes for dessert. There are a lot of mango trees you can pass by on the way to summit, some of the residents will give you some even without you asking :). 

Before heading to Mt. Nagpatong, we visited Museo ng Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio (Bonifacio Trial House). Through the museum, I was able to review the events that sent Andres Bonifacio execution and I was able to know more about her relationship with his wife, Gregoria de Jesus.

Off to Mt. Nagpatong we go  after feeding ourselves with history. The used to be trail to the mountain is now closed, since it is already a private property says our guide. So we headed towards Mt. Nagpatong via our van, and we just walk for about more or less 10 minutes to reach the Bonifacio Shrine. 

Cemented trail towards the Bonifacio Shrine.
Be careful on the many cow poops you'll pass by...

After taking a lot of photo ops at the Shrine, some of the team headed towards the summit, but even before they start their ascent, the rain started to fall.

Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang Katipunan nang mga Anak nang Bayan

Yeah... He's waiting for someone...
Joke!

The summit of Mt. Nagpatong is visible as soon as you enter the Shrine. The members who went to the summit said that the climb to the peak is an easy one and the view at the top is beautiful. 

A group hikers at the Mt. Nagpatong's summit

While the others climb, most of the team stayed in a hall (since it is raining hard) and had some rest. After the climb, we washed up at the Bonifacio Trial House and head back home. Some of the participants had some merienda at Digman Halo-halo.

It was tiring but it was fun, it's nice to meet people sharing the same interest, whether they are younger or older than you. It's nice to treat yourself with some fresh air and beautiful sights. It's nice to be reminded of the history that is usually forgotten.