2010 IN REVIEW

Year 2010 is almost over. Another challenging year is going to take over which is believed to be giving more challenges ahead. While our Mother earth is presently battling for survival in the midst of the climate change issue, our local setting is also facing with so much hardships.

Same with what happened to our young group called Local Government of Sta. Cruz Adventure Club. In a span of 3 years, this club has created so many shifts in the hearts and minds of its members while also fashioning a paradigm for responsible adventure and environmental conservation.

Year 2010 is extremely awesome. Our accomplishments are way beyond the expectations. Despite having financial scarcity, we still managed to defy all odds and carried on with our thrusts. Below are LOGSAC’s accomplishments in review for year 2010:

A. ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION. Two major events relating to environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation were initiated by LOGSAC in 2010. First was the Nature Treat (Mangrove Growing at Tajos Beach, Sta. Cruz) held on February 19, 2010 in consonance to the observance of its 3rd Foundation Anniversary.

Second was the club’s participation to GASA SA SUBA, a Sibulan River Conservation Project with the LGU of Sta. Cruz as the lead implementer along with the private sectors, NGAs, EcoGov, Barangay Governments, etc.

There were also events wherein LOGSAC had been an active stakeholder such as the OPERATION KONTRA BAHA PARENTING STAGE, PISTA SA KINAIYAHAN MANGROVE PLANTING, HOLY WEEK MONITORING, MT. APO CLEAN UP DRIVE, EARTH DAY TREE PLANTING AT EDEN NATURE PARK, EARTH DAY COASTAL CLEAN UP AT PEARL FARM RESORT, among others.

B. ON CLUB CAMARADERIE. In order to strengthen the bond of the club, several out-of-town events were joined in by LOGSAC like the MFSM Foundation Day at Hi-Ponds Resort on January, MFSM Island Congress at Marix Resort on June and the Kalingawan sa Aylan at Bislig Surigao on September.


Club-initiated meetings were also customarily conducted, as well as the holding of LOGSAC 3rd year anniversary and the just-concluded 2010 Christmas party.

C. ON CLIMB, CLIMB AND MORE CLIMBS. If there was one thing notable in 2010, that’s basically the sudden twist of climbing destinations of the club. Our usual Mt. Apo backyard was not solely the venue of our climbs. There were members who have successfully scaled Mt. Pulag in Benguet, the 2nd highest peak in the Philippines. Papong also used to climb Pico de Loro, the highest point in Cavite.

Other mountains climbed by the rest of club members are Lake Holon in South Cotabato, Samal Traverse Trekking, Mt. Pandadagsaan (White Peak) in Compostela Valley, and Udalo Mountain Range in Malita, Davao del Sur.

D. OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED. 2nd Annual Freedom Climb, Phoenix Race for the Heart, 3rd Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, Octo-Trek Monitoring and Sibulan River Water Measurement.

DANREV BROÑOLA SORMOUNTS PICO DE LORO

Danrev Broñola (a.k.a. Papong), one of LOGSAC’s chartered member, has finished another minor climb to Cavite’s highest point – Pico de Loro – on December 26, 2010. Also known as Parrot’s Peak due to its parrot beak-like structure when seen in the Cavite shores, Pico de Loro is Cavite’s highest point with an elevation of approximately 664 meters above sea level and is part of the Palay-Palay mountain range.


“What’s good about the mountain is that it can easily be climbed even for first-time climbers. It’s always an option as leisure climb destination in Luzon with easy trail, forest shade and good campsite” said Papong. He also pointed out that the summit of Pico de Loro offers great panoramic view overlooking the entire Cavite landscape and Corregidor Island. Along the way, there are also waterfalls which can be alternatives when one seeks a longer stay in the area.

LOGSAC Xmas Party 2010 – MORE THAN THE USUAL FUN

On December 22, 2010 we had our LOGSAC Christmas bash celebrated in a very humble and simple way. We were supposed to conduct a mangrove replanting and clean up at Tajos Beach (a perennial venue of every club gathering) but because we fell short of the time considering the members’ respective yuletide commitments, we just ended up having a short club meeting and an all-night party afterwards. The meeting resolved several internal club concerns, yearend evaluation and future plans for 2011, especially the much-awaited international edition of Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge.

Except for Doray, Badi and Chicay who were all dangling with work schedules; all members were enjoying the night. Our dinner was also very simple highlighted with a budols fight (a cruel version of buffet) featuring sinugbang pandawan and pork, fish salad and other indigenous delicacies.


After our dinner, we started our merrymaking. As usual, Red Horse was our sole potion. At around 12 midnight, everybody was not in their conscious mind. I left the place with Junjun Libre unnoticed by the other intoxicated members.

At this point, LOGSAC would like to thank all persons who have shared their generosity which enabled the event to be successful. Special thanks to Hon. Andy Ugduracion, Hon. Oliver Enot, Hon. Mila Lim and Ms. Josephine Devera of TDEVS for giving financial support.

LOGSAC Christmas Party 2010

Merry Christmas to one and all.....more activities to be undertaken next year, more mountains to climb and more beers to drink without getting drunk.....

Donors are welcome in this event. See you all

Snickers - NEVER CLIMB WITHOUT IT

Snickers power bar has been my long-time partner in mountain climbing. I started pocketing this stuff 3 years ago and its merit is notable with its numerous nutrient content suitable to combat trail exhaustion and hunger without the threat of taking too much carbohydrates.

Snickers is a chocolate bar made by Mars, Incorporated. It consists of peanut nougat topped with roasted peanuts and caramel, enrobed in milk chocolate. Its nutrient composition is outfitted for high altitude mountaineering activity highlighted with saturated fat, petite amount of cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, Vitamins A and B12, Thiamin; among others.

With me seeking more mountains to climb next year, Snickers will always be part of my life’s adventure.

A memorable climb to White Peak

Grassy steep trail. Rope-assisted assault. Banakon encounter. Romance with leeches.

These are some experiences we gained while joining the Technical and Documentation climb conducted by the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao (MFSM) last November 27-30, 2010 at Mt. Pandadagsaan (White Peak), New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province. The technical team was composed of fourteen (14) hardcore mountaineers, an all-male platoon spearheaded by MFSM chief Engr. Albert Gabriel. I was then accompanied by my club-mate Papong.

Indeed, the mountain was highly technical. Our trekking was warmed up by a 2-hour river trekking, afterwhich we had our lunch at Ya-uno, a tributary stream having potable water source and just an inch before the real sheer assault going to Camp 1. The trek to Camp 1 was extraordinary. We were greeted by an intricate track, attacked by epoxy-inspired leeches and stumbled for countless times. It was the first time I heard Papong breathing with so much impunity. With all our feet feebled, we stayed overnight at Camp 1.

On the second day, we departed very early from Camp 1 going to Peaks 1 and 2. The trail became very narrow having difficult rope tracks including dodgy face-the-walls and deep cliffs on the other side. At around 12:00 noon we took our lunch at a mossy forest area, so beautiful that we instantly forgot all the fatigues. While watching the scenery and taking pictures, the mossy forest reminded us of the movie Avatar. It was picture-perfect, even a contender for FAMAS Best in Cinematography award. At around 1 PM, we reached Camp 2.

The third day was more than a descend. White Peak has a lot of cruel things to offer to its visitors. Apart from the already difficult trail going down, we were also helplessly held by heavy rain along the way. Then there was that King Cobra trying to greet us. I couldn’t hardly remember my fellow mountaineers talking upon seeing that little beast while suffering body pains.

After surviving the climb, we all have something felt in common – HAPPINESS. White Peak is worth climbing for. For me, a mountaineer should climb this mountain before he can consider himself a full-fledge mountaineer. It’s a climb that you can really be proud of yourself for pacing another phase of self-esteem.

Dare White Peak now fellas, I’m posing this as a challenge to all Mindanao mountaineers.

3 LOGSACs, 2 others from MFSM scale Mt. Pulag on Halloween 2010

Three members of the Local Government of Sta. Cruz Adventure Club (LOGSAC) have climbed Mt. Pulag – the highest peak of Luzon and the 2nd highest in the Philippines – on October 30-31, 2010 along with 2 other members of the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao (MFSM). This is in relation to the club’s quest of scaling several mountains outside Mindanao. The climb was made successful through a mammoth support provided by TEDV Services, Inc. through its head honcho Ma’am Josephine Devera who was also part of the climb.

Mount Pulag is the second highest mountain in the Philippines. It is Luzon’s highest peak at 2,922 meters above sea level. The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.

I was accompanied by my club-mates Papong and Irvhin and we were also joined by MFSM chief Gabo and club affiliate Ella. We had chosen Ambangeg Trail in Kabayan Town of Benguet as our route considering that there were other side trips of much concern that we wanted to visit as part of maximizing the remaining days of our stay in Luzon.

After a hilarious pre-climb orientation and registration at the DENR Protected Area Superintendent Office, we headed our way directly to the Ranger Station as the jump off point where we were on board a sturdy public utility jeepney trying to endure a bumpy road. The overall travel time from Baguio to the ranger station was approximately 5 hours. We had a very exhausting road trip we already suffered body pains even before we started the actual trekking.

Since we had the Ambangeg route, the trekking was more of a recreation. We reached the first campsite in less than an hour and had to go directly to the second campsite. Mt. Pulag, although already drenched with climbers all over the Philippines, still has a lot to offer especially wild bushes and fierce fauna species along the trail way. Water source is also not much of a problem considering that there are still protected springs in the area as the main source of potable water for climbers and the community.

At about 5:30 PM, we reached the Saddle Campsite and stayed there the rest of the evening. The first climbing day had given us so many reasons to take pictures because of the good weather. As other mountaineers from Luzon would put it, Mt. Pulag is one mountain having the best and alluring panoramic views in the entire Philippines. Indeed, we experienced it and have all of the depictions archived in our respective cameras. The setting of the sun on the first day was also terrible, displaying all its rays in our favour.

Our experience on the second day was very opposite as compared to the first day. As we were about to experience sunrise, Mt. Pulag suddenly began flaunting a frown on its face to all of us. We have waited for almost 2 hours waiting for the sun to sparkle but to no avail. Instead, it gave us extremely strong wind, heavy rain showers and terrific but manageable coldness. We were forced to descend through Ambangeg then and reached back the ranger station on lunch time. Our second day was more of a fortitude rather than amusement. However, the success of the climb was manifested when we arrived at the ranger station alive and kicking and wearing a smirk on our respective faces.

“I really had good time climbing Mt. Pulag although my Mt. Apo experience was far more challenging. It’s a dream come true for me,” said Ma’am Josephine. “I just hope that while climbing, we will not change the mountains but instead let the mountains change us.”

Gabo, for his part said Mt. Pulag is just a minor climb destination every leisure climber would love to visit. “It didn’t scare me. The temperature was fine I didn’t even utilize all my anti-cold stuffs. If only I had the luxury of time I really wanted the Akiki-Ambangeg traverse trail”

“Pulag ba yun?,” exclaimed Irvhin, saying the trek was just normal even first timers would find it easy to climb”.

After the 2-day climb, we had a very rewarding side trips to Baguio and Zambales (Anawangin Cove and Capones Island) on November 1 and 2. #

Limited Edition Shirt for a Cause

A limited edition LOGSAC t-shirt for a cause is out now for sale. This is basically the club's strategy to generate funds for conservation and rehabilitation of Sibulan River as an offshoot to GASA SA SUBA Sibulan River Conservation Project.

The t-shirt costs 165 each for LOGSAC members and 175 for non-members. Certain percentage of the proceeds will be used to purchase materials and other supplies for next year's LOGSAC Anniversary celebration Tree Growing at Sibulan River dated February 19, 2010.

For orders, please contact Mr. Julius R. Paner thru Mobile Phone number 09208567991 or email at logsac_adventure@yahoo.com. Please indicate the sizes of your orders and also have it paid upon order.

Day hike to Udalo Range

A refreshing day hike on October 6, 2010 was done by 4 LOGSACs at Udalo Range, Malita, Davao del Sur. It was a sort of unwinding after a very busy 5-day Araw ng Sta. Cruz celebration. The highest point we reached was recorded at 120 masl, traversing Udalo shoreline going to the Buhangin-Tubalan border ridge.

With me were Jonas, Papong and I.T. expert JercPas. We were guided by Manong Rey and company. Udalo is basically an agricultural landscape with lush vegetation. At the highest point is an overlookign view of the Davao Gulf area. The place is relatively peaceful and it's evident that commercialization is purely strange.

We ended the trip with an unlimited lunch at a nearby towm Sta. Maria.

LOGSAC’s Adopted Daughter

Less than a month before she would be turning over here crown as Mutya ng Sta. Cruz 2009, Augie Clarin-Sagarino finally appeared before this group and decided to be an ex-officio LOGSAC member. At least in less than one month time she will be a ka-tropa.

This 19-year old lass is a student of the University of Southeastern Philippines taking up Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Although climbing Mt. Apo has been one of her prime desires, Augie revealed that her exposure to beauty pageants in different places is part of the adventures in her sterling life.

However, she discloses that after schooling, she will be taking a more physical nature of adventure and climbing Mt. Apo will be one of those.

Surigao Chartered Adventure 2010

On September 17-20, 2010; 3 LOGSAC regular members and 2 guest members have joined the Chartered Adventure at Bislig, Surigao del Sur. The event was dubbed “Kalingawan sa Aylan” which featured prime tourism destinations in Surigao called Hagonoy Island, Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River. Participating the event were members of the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao (MFSM) and Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI).

With me, Jonas, Papong, Dockie and Dancel were some of the delegates from Sta. Cruz municipality. Also joining from Sta. Cruz are members from AMECC group.

First stop was Hagonoy Island. This is a private atoll of Vice Mayor Conrad Cejoco surrounded with a fine white sand and pristine blue waters. It is a 30-minute ride from Mangagoy, the commercial center of Bislig City. While we were enjoying the sights, we were served with sumptuous lunch of fresh seafoods such as squid, crabs, fishes and shrimps. The island also was location of several outdoor games like beach volleyball, kayaking, fressbie, among others. On the evening of the first day was an offering of unlimited dancing the beat of reggae music.

On the second day, we headed our way to Tinuy-an Falls, a captivating waterfall located at the heart of Barangay Borboanan. This waterfall, according to some local folks, serves as Bislig’s window to the world, considering the many tourist arrivals it has generated from domestic and foreign places. There was also a side trip to Hinatuan town during the second day, where an enchanted river was introduced to us. Enchanted river is a blue-colored lagoon, its depth unfathomed until today and has been an abode of assorted fish species.

The officers of MFSM and MFPI ferried back to Hagonoy Island on the third day, while the other participants were sent back home. As part of the MFSM officials, I joined the meeting of the two mountaineering federations. There were a lot of resolutions made up, all relating to policies for the good of the mountaineering community in the Philippines.

We were homeward bound on the fourth day, but before home sweet home, we were treated with a very luxurious dinner by the Department of Tourism XI at Marina Tuna Restaurant, the best tuna restaurant in region XI. It was supposed to be a dinner meeting and farewell party of Ma’am Sonia Garcia, the previous director of DOT who retired from active duty. However, she failed to join the dinner because of more pressing commitment.

Marina Tuna Restaurant served as the breakaway point for MFSM and MFPI delegates. We left the place with numerous smirks on our respective faces.

LOGSAC joins several stakeholders in inking Sibulan River Conservation pact

The Local Government of Sta. Cruz Adventure Club has become an affiliate of the “GASA SA SUBA” Sibulan River Conservation Project which was done on June 28, 2010 at HEDCOR Sibulan, Inc. compound, Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Gasa sa Suba is an initiative of LGU Sta. Cruz in partnership with Ecogov to craft an advocacy campaign for conservation, protection and rehabilitation of Sibulan River, the province’s lone body of water that held several citations being the cleanest inland body of water.

In a launching ceremony, LOGSAC has participated the signing of Manifesto of Commitment and tree planting ceremony within the riverbank that eventually signaled the start of the initiative.

Headed by Mayor Atty. Joel Ray Lopez of Sta. Cruz, the program also lured the interest of industrial companies within Sibulan River such as HEDCOR, San Miguel Brewery, CJ Toyota Tsushu Philippines, Oboza Realty, Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation, International Pipes Industries, among others.

Sibulan river stretches a total of 30 kilometers length from the highlands of Sta. Cruz and is an intermediary of the Mt. Apo Natural Park and the Davao Gulf area. The river is also one of the town’s unique natural heritage, providing water supply to 5 barangays namely: Sibulan, Tibolo, Jose Rizal, Astorga and Darong.

MFSM Island Congress spells unity, friendship and pleasure

The Island Congress of the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao conducted last June 26-27, 2010 at Marex Villarica Resort, Island Garden City of Samal has spelled unity, camaraderie, friendship and pleasure among all mountaineering clubs in Region XI.

Bearing the theme MFSM goes Wet 'n Wild, the congress aimed to promote advocacy on responsible mountaineering and outdoor ethics while also reuniting with fellow mountaineers.

As usual, LOGSAC - being one of the federation members - had actively got involved during the celebration; joining all sub-events of the congress such as Basic Mountaineering Course, Ropemanship Course, Basic Orienteering and Navigation, Mini Adventure Race, Freesbie Competition, among others. There were a total of 22 LOGSACs who eventually joined the congress.

This corner would like to congratulate ka-LOGSACs Jongjong, Faridah and Jacko who won second place in the adventure race conducted by Mulatto.

LOGSAC would also like to thank Councilor-elect Andy Ugduracion and ABC President Mila M. Lim for supporting us during the event.

FREEDOM CLIMB 2010

Freedom Climb is an annual climb held to reminisce the Filipino heroes who fought for freedom and independence. This year, 50 summits were venues of the event as coordinated by FIMO, a Manila-based mountaineering club.

Sharing the same thrust with FIMO, the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao has actively joined the celebration. Almost all mountains in Mindanao were occupied with mountaineers during the 122nd Independence Day.

As usual, my club LOGSAC did our share of Freedom Climb and had it at the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo – on June 12-14, 2010 via Sta. Cruz trail. Along with us were six mountaineers from Luzon. There was fun during expedition, although we were clasped by rain showers for two consecutive evenings.

Eventually there were several good points that the climb had prearranged. First, the spirit of patriotism was cultivated. Independence Day celebration nowadays is just a mere piece of something and its meaning has been forgotten. With us joining the flag-raising ceremony on the 13th of June, at least there was a deeper understanding and appreciation about the efforts made by our fore heroes and their century-old struggles were remembered. Here’s a glass for that.

Second, our venue was at Mt. Apo. With an echelon of 10,311 feet above sea level, we were the tallest then. For two consecutive years I spent my Freedom Climb in this mountain that has long been a backyard for me. The last time I climbed Mt. Apo was February this year and while I was face to face with the mountain last June 13 I even developed a deeper sense of accountability not only to Mt. Apo but to the environment in general. While seeing face to face with Mt. Apo last June 13 I appreciated more the beauty of this behemoth. While seeing face to face with Mt. Apo last June 13 I realized how kind the nature to human beings. Here’s another glass for that.


Third, this year’s Freedom Climb has given me new set of friends. Apol and company are great comrades

Lastly, strange things happen during the climb. We met a lone chimpanzee while taking a breather at the boulders and the good thing was that the beast was so cool, allowing me to take several photo shoots. Also, it was the only climb in my whole life that I never tasted a single wine shot.

To all those who co-celebrated the 2010 version of Freedom Climb, congrats.

LAKE HOLON INVITATIONAL CLIMB

Lake Holon is located in the middle of Mt. Parker mountain range, Tboli, South Cotabato. It was officially declared as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. Formerly known as Lake Maughan, this lake formed part of Tboli’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

On May 21-23, 2010; we joined an invitational climb to Lake Holon. The event was organized by Gaudy’s World Outdoor Shop based in Polomolok, South Cotabato which included tree planting and reggae night. It was participated by 178 mountaineers. I was then accompanied by kaLOGSACs Papong and Jonas.

Although there were several good points about the climb such as the amazing sights of Mt. Parker and the lake itself, there were also some depressing sidelights which eventually took place. For one thing, a scene stealer at the Municipality of Tboli occurred when “Tatang” showed us how to be a drunken master by throwing punches to an unknown adversary. Tatang has been climbing mountains through the years, and it was only during that climb where I saw him creating trouble. He might have been overpowered by alcohol spirit, here’s a glass to Tatang.

For another thing, three participants were arrested because of marijuana use. Unfortunately for those guys, they were caught in the act by PNP officials who were also having climb at Holon on that same date. Aside from marijuana use, the PNP also recovered drug syrups and numerous marijuana sticks, forcing PNP functionaries to file legal and appropriate actions. As of this writing, the 3 captives were detained at Tboli Police Station.

When I talked to one of the police members, they asked me whether mountain climbers really use drugs. To my shame, I just told them some uses drugs while others do not. According to the police, they would file a case to the three. The incident should bring us to a high alarm, considering that many of the mountain climbers also use drugs when climbing (puera de los Buenos). I just could not understand the logic then. Mountaineers and climbers climb mountains to commune with nature and enjoy God’s creation, nothing else matters. Let’s not associate drugs to mountaineering anymore.