Screensaver worthy view of the mountain

Third Wheeling Chronicles

Mama Mary’s Birthday, a special non-working holiday to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the first ever Dec 8 holiday in my entire adult life), almost all working people were resting, we (the titas + bff’s bf) decided to visit Mt. Tagapo located in Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island, Binangonan Rizal.

The plan was to meet at around 3AM in Starmall, Shaw Blvd. but decided to move the schedule at 4AM. So there we were, having 3-4hours of sleep, with eyes still half-closed, convening at the UV station in Starmall.  Not really sure of which queue to approach or where to alight, invoked Dora the Explorer to guide us – and Dora showed us the way. Lols!

Actual Itinerary:

4:30 Van left the  terminal

5:30  alighted at the  junction in San Juan

– took a tricycle to Pritil or Binangonan Port

5:40 Arrived at Binangonan Port but was informed that the boat would leave by 6:30

5:40-6:20 Ate breakfast, bought baon

6:30 Boat left for Talim

7:30 After about 3 stops, arrived at Brgy. Janosa

  – Went to the outpost beside the covered court for registration,

7:45 Started trek

9:00 Arrived at campsite

9:10 Trek to Summit

9:20 Summit

10:00 Descent

12:00 Jump-off

12:35 Boat to Pritil

2:00PM Pritil Port

3:30 Van to Manila

7:00PM Home sweet Home

Notes:

1. After 18 months of hiatus, I felt like an official tita. I have to catch air in every few steps  especially during the ascent.

2. The boat ride is a bit long or maybe I was just excited. It had to stop on 2-3 ports before finally dropping us at Janosa Port.

3. The guide, (I forgot his name) is a man of few words. I hope he wasn’t offended by me being too loud.

4. The locals are friendly especially the entrepreneur ladies, they advised us on where is the best to get off.

5. Third-wheeling is fun, except that I don’t know if they enjoyed having me around.

6. Nature never fails me, despite the heat, the sweat and the itch; I felt energized.

7. There was a wedding going on and we get a glimpse of the life of the locals. I honestly hoped that they’d invite us. (lols)

8. Bamboo  groves abound the island, the first part of the trek was pretty shady.

9. Water is a very valuable commodity, do not waste!

10. Laguna bay is breath-taking. I just hope people would learn to be more grateful of it and preserve it for the future generation.