Mt. Apo via Site G of PNOC

Four years after we climbed Mt. Apo via the Kapatagan trail, we decided to have a go at Mt. Apo again, this time via Site G of PNOC. The trail is relatively shorter because one can reach the peak in one day, but it does not lack for challenges and breathtaking views!

This time however, we brought along other classmates, friends, a brother in law and a nephew. There were 12 of us all in all. You could say that it was a logistical nightmare at the very start. With 12 climbers and 14 porters, we were an entire baranggay, climbing the Philippines' highest peak.

Benjie Lizada took care of our logistical problems while Dr. Fred Medina wielded unquestioned authority during the climb as our expedition leader. Before the climb, the rest of us mid lifers argued and haggled about minute details of the expedition like security, rehydration, travel times, protection of the environment and documentation. 

Our day started at 4am as we traveled to Kidapawan City from Davao City. Travel time was about 1.5 hours. From Kidapawan, we proceeded to Lake Agco, which took us another hour. We reached Lake Agco at about 6:30 am where we met up with our porters and redistributed all our goods among our porters.  By 8:30 we were all set! Social climbing tip: if you are worried that a lack of sleep on the night before the climb will slow you down, have no fear. Get a good night's rest 2 to 3 days before the climb. On the night prior to the climb, you won't need your full 6 or 7 or 8 hours of sleep.

This trail is a relatively new one. It goes through a reforested section of Mt. Apo, kudos to the DENR and PNOC. A total of 600 hectares has been replanted by Tinikaran trees that are endemic to the area.

If you noticed, our pictures are much prettier than our last climb. That's because we brought along Rhonson Ng and Eli Villarosa, two of Davao's accomplished photographers, to take our photos. Social climbing tip: Wear bright colored jerseys or dri fits so you will stand out in group pictures! 

The 1st 20 minutes of the trek was a relatively straightforward trail to a clearing called Campo Uno. However, because of the immediate and constant ascent, all of us were already short of breath. Social climbing tip: Rehydrate! Don't wait until you are thirsty, because that means you are already dehydrated. Pop in two tablets of Hidrite per liter of water and you will do just fine!

Campo Uno is a clearing with a small shack, which is the first pit stop of a 7 hour trek to the peak.

Social climbing tip: To prevent  blisters, apply petroluem jelly on feet and other high friction areas! 

After a short rest of 15 minutes, we proceeded again, single file, through lush vegetation

and verdant forests.

Social climbing tip: Instead of wearing briefs, try using  swimming trunks! If you chance on a pool or waterfall, you can dive right in!

Just before lunch, we got a glimpse of Mt. Apo's peak.

This was our next pit stop,  Macadac, about 3 hours from the peak.

Lunch consisted of apritada and rice, prepared by Benjie who owns a chain of restaurants.

After a sumptous lunch, we made our final assault to the peak. From Macadac, the trail looks like a highway to the peak.

Halfway throuh the final assault, fog started to come in and the temperature began to drop.

Social climbing tip: The goofy leggings and gloves have a purpose. Gaiters prevent pebbles and water from getting into your shoes. Gloves protect your hands from thorns and sharp rocks.

Just before the peak.

Social climbing tip: On steep ascents, take baby steps! 

Finally. After 8 long hours. Please excuse our over enthusiasm. We did not conquer Mt. Apo. 

But we did conquer ourselves.

After a long hard climb, we settled down and discussed our next climb.

Social climbing tip: Bring lightweight, portable chairs! 

We woke up the next day to find the entire peak blanketed in fog. There goes our sunrise pictures. But then again, it also gives us another excuse to climb Mt. Apo again.

Social climbing tip: Don't forget to bring raincoats or ponchos!

If you wish to watch corny videos of our climb on youTube just type in the search box: Ateneo Davao 79 Mt. Apo. We have a 5 part video of our adventure climb.