Weekend Escape 4: Twin Dayhike of Mountains Sembrano and Tagapo

As adventurers with a passion and appetite for challenges, we constantly try to push our skills and abilities to the limit to see how far it would take us. We were always planning of climbing the tallest mountains in the Philippines and eventually make it to Everest. But for now, we were planning of finishing all mountains in Rizal before moving on to mountains in nearby provinces. And so we brewed up a plan for our first twin dayhike- Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Tagapo. 

We left after lunch and headed to Tanay Market to buy supplies. We arrived at the jump off at 4pm- perfect for a night hike which is also a part of our challenge. We started the assault with heavy bags, and just as before we had to stop every once in a while to catch our breaths. After all the starts and stops we were able to summit and camp for the night. 

Early in the morning after a few pandesal we headed out to Mt. Tagapo. We had to travel an hour from Tanay to Binangonan to reach Talim Island, the location of the mountain. The travel doesn't stop there. We took a ferry bound to Barangay Janosa which is another 1hr. As the ferry glide over the water of Laguna Bay, my excitement grew. I was thinking of what I would expect when I get there.

We arrived at 1pm and registered at the Barangay Hall. We rested for a while before we continued the assault. Mt. Tagapo is no different from Mt. Sembrano- the challenging trail, rocky paths and steep assaults. The hike is indeed a test of endurance and stamina. 

We've bumped into several locals during the hike who were harvesting bamboo. One local even pointed us the way to get to the water source. Bet most mountaineer who've been there never knew that. But we pressed on to make sure we get to the summit in time, just before the night falls. 

Though tired, we were determined to carry on. We were forced to convince ourselves that "30 minutes more and we'll be there" "come on, just a few more steps"... But 30 minutes seemed forever when you're really, really tired. At last after a grueling 1 hour and 30 mins we were able to reach the peak. 

The view was breathtaking from above. And the part which I enjoyed and loved the most was WE HAVE THE MOUNTAIN ALL TO OURSELVES. Hahaha! I danced and sang to my heart's delight. We took a lot of pictures and nature didn't fail us- she gave us a majestic view of the sunset  on the mountain. 

       Presence of a pit on the summit

We pitched our tent, made fire and prepped for dinner. While we were enjoying the solitude there were a lot of bugs flying around and hovering on us so my partner made a fire just enough to bug the bugs away ;) At 10pm we called it a day. 

At 8am after breakfast we decided to camp out. The sun is already high and we can't afford a late morning hike since it will be very hot. We have ran out of water and we were feeling sticky so we headed to the trail where the local told us that would lead to a water source. We have lost hope and thought we were lost when we bumped into a local and even showed us the way to get there. She was going there to get water too. On her shoulder was a bamboo stick with pails on both ends. If carrying the bag was a burden, try carrying that stick with pails full of water. Imagine they have to do it not just once in a day and not just in one travel. Just then I felt that I was fortunate and grateful to have these conveniences back home. 

After replenishing our water bottles and taking a refreshing bath, we continued our descent. We passed by a hut which some of the locals reside and offered us to stay and rest for a while. They haven't cooked lunch when we arrived so instead they gave us 2 big slices of sweet jackfruit to take home, aside from the ones we were already eating. I handed them payment for the fruit but they politely refused. We knew then that we had to be back, and will bring them something next time. It's just too bad we forgot to take their number. 

To get to Mt. Tagapo, you would prepare around 500 pesos for everything. 

Fare from Tanay to Binangonan- 25

Ferry ride to Brgy. Janosa- 30

Registration fee- 20

The trail is far from the water source so it's best that you bring enough on your ascent and you may refill them on your descent. Put sunblock on for it will be a hot hike under the sun in the late morning. The summit is small and would only fit 2- 3 tents at most. The locals are very friendly, you may ask them for directions and they will point you or even accompany you to the well where they get their water. And if you wanted to own the mountain for a night, it's best to hike during weekdays. 

This is just a start of the challenges we would be doing. We're actually planning to traverse mountains for a week and I wish that we'll be able to do it soon.