Mt. Makiling Traverse (Sipit trail)

Sigh Makiling, I don't even know where to begin haha! There were many firsts that took place on this climb and I must say, they were all memorable. I was once called weak by my ex before, so after the break up, I told myself no boy would ever EVER say that to me again (naks) haha and so I started pushing myself to the limits. Whenever there's a major climb and someone would tell me I won't make it, the more I become eager to reach the summit. So when I heard about Mak-trav and all the glorious stories about its climb I instantly wanted to climb it (plus the fact that I always see it as a backdrop of SLEX). Eventually, I got an invitation from a mountaineer friend and thanks to that invite, I was able to experience Mak-trav. And it was one bloody (literally), tearful, jolly, and memorable experience. :)

Here's a short flashback of the traverse:

• Our jump off point was at Sto. Tomas, Batangas and our exit point was UP's college of forestry in LB.
• We trekked our way through Sipit trail, it's the trail that is seldom used.
• We started trekking 5.30AM and was able to finish the traverse at 10PM that was how long the trek was minus our 1 hr. delay due to getting lost haha and oh, we only reached peaks 2 and 3 because apparently, nobody goes to peak 1 daw.
• I enjoyed all the rope segments it was swabe! Climbing those walls was fun:)
• A limatik (leech) went inside my eyes. It stayed there for about 45 mins. and I cried for about 45 mins. Many thanks to my hero: Jojo for rescuing me yet again. And many thanks to Elren who was there to keep Jojo and I calm. And many thanks to dear Jay for lending her eye-drops and to Alvin's tweezers just so Jojo could get the freaking limatik out of my eyes. And many, many thanks to Topher who trekked quickly his way to our location just to deliver to Jojo those remedies supra. Whew! That's the tearful part of the climb I was talking about by the way. hehe
• Because I was too traumatized by my plight, I trekked with my shades on even when the moon's up already. None of them was able to talk me out of it. haha shades on a night freaking trek. Swabe. :))
• Reached LB's forestry, removed our muddy trek shoes, and behold! I also had a bloody feet! Those limatiks had a feast with my blood's expense.
• Thank God for habal-habal. If it weren't for those rides, we would've had walked our way out of the LB trail for another good 3 hrs.
• Was able to meet new friends in the outdoor world and they're all a bunch of fun as always. :P
• Went straight to Pansol for relaxation and had our dinner at 3AM 
• I cried, yes. But that's not being weak. I finished the traverse in spite and despite of me shaking for the fear of limatik and wearing shades on a night trek haha
• Will I go back to Makiling? That, I am not sure. hahaha Told myself I won't climb a limatik infested mountain ever again. :P

Our group shot with the Makiling backdrop:

And I was still excited then:

Dencio with his retiring trek shoes. Temporary remedy: Duct tape Pero galing, it didn't give up on Makiling. He threw the shoes when we reached Pansol. :)

Gabbie's also retiring shoes. Served her for 3 mountaineering years. :)

Alvin, Eumir, Ren, and Topher

The rich forest of Makiling:

Getting lost in the the forest :)

First rope segment... I think

Crying time with the limatik

Nearing the peak 3

Lunch time:

They were eating while I was just staring. Stone-cold. Traumatized.

Finally reached peak 3!:D

Spotted a pitcher plant just after the 2nd rope segment and on our way to Melkas ridge:

All smiles. Finally done with the traverse. No photo taken at the peak 2 though because it was already raining and getting dark. With Gabbie:

Tired and relieved faces

Removed my shoes and surprise! Limatiks having a feast!

We survived Makiling traverse shot!!:D

And off we went to have some fun in Pansol

What's next for us? Arayat traverse day hike! and SoLE's 2nd anniversary climb at mt. Balagbag!:D It's so Sunny!! :D