LOGSAC’s Seven Summit attempt in Luzon

While I had an Independence Day climb in Mt. Apo with Niloy and Hardi for that annual simultaneous clean up drive on June 9-11, the other LOGSAC trio had a different climb experience on that same dates. Instead of joining us, Pawiks, Raffy Gonzales and Michael Gapula had a great climb through Luzon’s seven summits. Although minor climbs at that, they also had their very memorable experience and some fair share of fatigue and joyfulness just like we had in Apo.

As usual, Pin had made the climb successful. She crafted the complicated itinerary. The loop they traversed was within the Cavite-Batangas area where most of Luzon’s minor climb destinations are nestled. It was the first time for Raffy and Michael to climb mountains outside Mindanao and the excitement, according to them, was tremendous because seven summits in a first time climb away from their playground was something special.

They completed the expedition in four days starting from a popular Pico de Loro in Cavite and then they proceeded night trekking to Mt. Talamitan for an overnight stay. The trekking continued the day after through a Batulao assault and a little detour route to hike the shortest among the mountains – Mt. Taal. 

Pico de Loro

Mt. Talamitan

Mt. Batulao

Taal Volcano

 After Taal, they once again night trekked Manabu peak as their fifth destination before heading to the beautiful Mt. Maculot Rockies. They scaled their seventh and final summit Mt. Gulugod Baboy on the fourth day that completed that epic climb.

Mt. Maculot

Manabu Peak

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

The average elevation was 630 meters above sea level with Batulao as the highest and Taal the lowest. According to Pawiks, it was his first time hiking in four straight days in seven different mountains. “The experience is worthwhile. We were physically exhausted but we enjoyed the trip very much. I have seen varied landscapes which I never saw before.”

Pawiks also said he did not expect to complete the course in just four days because they were behind the itinerary. “The good thing was that we all came home safe and sound, no injuries whatsoever. For me that was my best climb ever of all the minor climbs I have done before.”

Congratulations to all of you guys for making that climb successful.