Rough Groove

Independence Day 07

Lest we forget that more than a hundred years ago, our forefathers offered life and limb, sacrificed themselves on the altar of heroism to attain the freedom that we enjoy now. A year short of a hundred and ten years, that freedom is still alive but with current mindset and general apathy, this momentous event is in danger of just becoming a hollow yearly no-work/no-class holiday represented by wreath laying at national shrines, flag displays, expected speeches on nationalism and of being Filipino. At the otherside, crass commercialism abounds with the usual mall sale madness, trips to out of town sorties for a short vacation and just plain I-don’t-care-attitude.

The struggle for our freedom, it seems, still continues.

One of my photos has been featured in Pinoycentric for their Independence day post.

Mt. Marami itinerary

I just have to post this one as I have received many requests. About this mountain, while it is a simple and leisurely trip, the many trails crisscrossing the path can mislead climbers. It would be better that for first time climbers, a guide is a must. Also, the trek can be very draining if it is hot and humid as forest cover is nonexistent except for cultivated or patches of vegetation and sometimes scant secondary growth and can also be very muddy and slippery if it rains. However, views are magnificent especially at the “stone pillars” that comprise the peak.

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Mt. Marami – Cavite, 3

Lea tasting our meal of beef steak while Marvs is heating the rest

Team Tapang gathered for dinner

Before lights out at 2300H and after a few rounds of Jeff’s drinks concocted from gin and Tang (pomelo and mango flavors)

Jeremy holding his dogtag – proof of his membership, with Rex at the background. Both at the summit

SMC posing with Mt. Marami in the background

Batch 2 before breaking out for the climb down

Drops aka Armel signing Bong’s backpack cover

Here’s a link to the itinerary.

Related posts:

Mt. Marami – Cavite, 1
Mt. Marami – Cavite, 2
Series 15: Mt. Marami

Mt. Marami – Cavite, 2

Grace and Yumi, the mother and daughter team preparing their packs at Magallanes, Cavite.

Tina and Hardcore Marvs boarding the tricycle bound for Barangay Ramirez where the trek starts

Candy posing at the bamboo bridge a couple of minutes after the start of the trek.

Rest area near the Nuestra Sra. dela Paz chapel

At the bamboo “forest” where one has to pass low hanging branches as well as the grass’ sharp leaves. Gloves are recommended.

Batch 2 members posing at the summit.

Here’s a link to the itinerary.

Related posts:

Mt. Marami – Cavite, 1
Mt. Marami – Cavite, 3
Series 15: Mt. Marami

Mt. Marami – Cavite, 1

Last 27 – 28 August, my batch, the Batch 2 of Smart Mountaineering Club, had our induction climb at Mt. Marami (840m) in Maragondon, Cavite (but access point was at Magallanes). It was suppose to be Mt. Mabanban but due to the number of climbers, around 40, and the rains which swells the river – not so good when doing the river crossing, it was decided to climb, traverse would be the exact word, the former.

Its really an easy climb, compared with Mt. Tapulao with slopes being gradual and not that difficult. Paths are well marked and one can take it in 6 hours. The mountain’s summit is sheer delight to look at and kind of unusual: a series of vertical rocks clumped together, thus the name which means “many,” and jutting up that forms the so called silyang bato or rock chair. I suspect that this area have been part of an extensive volcanic system that has become extinct and as the series of millenia passed, the softer earth around these rocks just eroded thus exposing the pillars.

However, not so good for me:

- lots of mosquitos
- very few water source and may not be reliable
- I just don’t like the vegetation. Its a very disturbed place with bamboo “forest” near the summit proof of this, some areas are denuded (therefore hot) and just woodland, not forest
- trail became muddy when the rains started to pour at the point before reaching our campsite

but it does offer magnificent views of the surrounding areas and mountains like Pico de Loro, Mts. Maquiling and Banahaw and, as they say, if the weather conditions are right, Mt. Mariveles in the Bataan peninsula can be viewed.

Here’s a link to the itinerary.

The rocky summit of Mt. Marami

Three climbers atop one pillar with a view of Pico de Loro in the distance

A wonderful morning scene just before the mist competely disappears

Related posts:

Mt. Marami – Cavite, 2
Mt. Marami – Cavite, 3
Series 15: Mt. Marami