Kawangis Year Long Events

Recently, our group Kawangis had successfully organized a year long event. The event was dubbed as "Battle of the generation" which means each generation of the Kawangis participates by organizing an event of their choice. It started when Generation 1 & 2 launched a kick-off event that was held last May 2013, climbing Mt. San Cristobal Traverse. The purpose of the events is to bring up the fire that was long gone and also to relived the camaraderie that was built through the years of it's existence. I will not type any longer, i will let the pictures and videos tell the rest of the story. So here it is, enjoy viewing.

Kawangis "Battle of the Generation" Year Long Event 

Pictures and Videos:

Kick-off - Mt San Cristobal Traverse 

via Rizal Tala to Dolores Quezon 
(May 25-26, 2013)

Group picture @ ridge campsite

Group picture along the trail while resting

Another batch of group picture

Final group picture before descending to Dolores, Quezon

For more picture please visit https://www.facebook.com/narriel.ceribo/media_set?set=a.10202183772455219.1073741837.1216398311&type=3

Kawangis 3rd Generation "Chillax sa Cagbalete" 

Cagbalete Island, Mauban Quezon
(June 29-30, 2013)

Group picture inside the bus

Socials

Playing the games

Group picture with the guest and organizers

Literally chillax sa Cagbalete

For more pictures please visit https://www.facebook.com/narriel.ceribo/media_set?set=a.10202184308548621.1073741838.1216398311&type=3


Kawangis 4th Generation - Malabrigo Beach and 
Basic Mountaineering Course 1 & 2 Seminar
(August 10-11, 2013)

Basic Mountaineering Course 1&2 seminar in action

Our 4th generation's organizers

Group picture before BMC

Basic Mountaineering Course

Group picture after the event

For more pictures please visit https://www.facebook.com/narriel.ceribo/media_set?set=a.10202185871147685.1073741839.1216398311&type=3

Kawangis 5th Generation - Mt. Pico De Loro 
Dayhike & Beacheering For A Cause
(October 19-20, 2013)

Day hiking Mt. Pico de Loro

5th Generation's organizers

Kawangis 5th generation tarpaulin

Socials

For more pictures please visit https://www.facebook.com/narriel.ceribo/media_set?set=a.10202186461682448.1073741840.1216398311&type=3

There you go, hope the pictures and videos shows the whole story of the event. 

Photos and Videos courtesy of Narriel Ceribo

Next: Kawangis 7th Anniversary...

Jillian first ever climb - Unfinished business

Just recently, our group Kawangis organized a day hike climb to Mt. Pico De Loro in Ternate, Cavite. The plan was to bring our daughter up in the mountain, however, we failed to bring her to the campsite because of a sudden rain and also my daughter won't allow me to carry her all through out the hike. As i'm worried to my wife carrying my daughter up to the campsite and that she might get injured as we go along. We decided that She and my daughter together with 2 companions would stay at the base camp and wait for us to comeback from the hike to the summit. My cousin and I proceeded to hike up until the summit. We were running on the trail so we can lessen the time spent walking and for us to be able to come back early to the base camp and we can be able to accompany my wife and daughter back to the jumpoff. The hike did well as we planned. We arrived at the jumpoff point on time before it gets dark. The hike was successfully however it leaves us an unfinished business, so for the next climb, we were planning of bringing our daughter once again and hopefully it will be successful. Until then, wait for my next write up on our next climb.

My wife and daughter

My cousin, Ali and I @ summit

See you when I see you...

I'll see you in a bit, Mountains....

Top priorities for the future...

Building shelter for the little ones...

B12 L04 coming soon...

Positive vibes ahead...

Safety Tips - River Safety

Water for us is LIFE, But it can also be our worst unforgiving Element. - YABAG MC 2009

Safety Tips - River Safety
Rivers are one of the greatest hazards in the Outdoors. Errors of judgment often have serious consequences. Before you or your party attempt to cross a river, there are questions you need to ask.
1.Should we cross?
If in doubt, stay out.
2Where do we cross?
The choice of the safest place to cross is vital. Try to view the river from a high bank. You may be able to see gravel spits or sandbanks just below the surface and get some idea of the depth and position of channels.
3.How do we cross?
Use mutual support methods. The more people in the party, the more strength there is for crossing and for supporting anyone who slips or falls. All river-crossing methods have their advantages and disadvantages and, in difficult conditions, no method is absolutely safe.

River crossings can be deceptively hazardous. Even a very shallow swiftly flowing body of water can pack enough force to 'skittle' the unwary. If you cannot walk at the speed of a stick thrown into the river, or if the river is swift and above knee height, then it could be hazardous to cross. If a river is in flood then wait for it to subside.If in doubt as to whether a river is safe to cross, then find an alternative route.

Photo courtesy of YABAG MC

Here are some methods for water crossings...

Crossing Alone
1. If possible, view the river from above to identify the shallowest point and smoothest area of river bed possible, avoiding submerged snags, boulders etc. Do not attempt a crossing if large pieces of debris (logs, branches, etc.) are being carried downstream.

2. Keep your boots on. Wet boots are preferable to damaged ankles or feet. Do not cross wearing long pants, these will increase resistance to the current. Release the waist and chest strap on your pack before crossing - this way you will be able to free yourself quickly if you lose your footing or find yourself in a position where your pack is snagged and holding you down. It's also well to remember that your pack has a certain amount of buoyancy and can serve as a flotation device if necessary.

3. Generally, the safest area to cross will be either a shallower braided section or a straight section between bends in a river. If you imagine the river in the shape of the letter 'S' then the safest area to cross will be the middle of the 'S' between the bends. That way, if you should lose your footing, hopefully the current will carry you into the bank on one of the bends. Realize though, that water can be deeper and swifter at bend sections, so always look for the best 'run off' section of a river that will carry you to a safe point and not into danger if you lose your footing.

4. Use a strong pole or stick about five or six feet in length as support, placing it on your upstream side so that the current forces it into the bottom. Always keep two points of contact on the river bed at all times and cross diagonally downstream, resisting the current much like you would a strong wind. Take shuffling footsteps, feeling for the bottom. Try not to look down at the flowing water as this may upset your equilibrium, look ahead for the best possible route. Resist the temptation to grab at submerged or semi submerged rocks in transit, as this may upset your balance.

Crossing in a party
1. Members of the party stand in line abreast, each placing their hands behind the back of the person on either side of them and grasping the lower part of that persons pack shoulder strap. (or clothing if no pack is worn) This will 'interlock' the party. If a pack does not have a quick release buckle on the hip belt, then the hip belt should be left undone and clothing grasped instead.

2. Enter the water parallel to the current, with the strongest member of the party in the upstream position, this will break the flow for the others. Move with the upstream person just slightly ahead of the next person downstream and so on down the line. If a member of the party should break away during the crossing, the remaining members should maintain formation and either back out, or complete the crossing before attempting a rescue if necessary.

Crossing in groups of three
Another crossing method is the 'Triangle' crossing. Three members enter the water in the shape of a triangle with each member facing inwards, arms linked and each grasping the person to either side of them. The heaviest person should
be at the point of the triangle that directly faces the water flow and is on the downstream side
of the triangle. In turn, each member moves one step at a time, supported by the other two.

With any crossing, ensure that important items are stowed in waterproof areas of your pack. (Plastic rubbish bags make good pack liners)If you lose your footing and are carried away, release your pack but hold onto it. Float with your head upstream, this will allow you to fend off from any obstacles with your feet. Using a rope to assist in crossing is not generally a good idea and could be hazardous unless it is anchored correctly and a proper technique used. Ropes can hold people under the water, entangling the person crossing and preventing their ability to swim. They can also become snagged on the river bed or to a rock, pinning the person in the river. A rope may also end up pulling someone from the bank into the river. Remember, flowing water is deceptively strong. Do not view river crossings lightly.

Method for gauging the width of a river (or gorge)
1. Sight a point 'A' on the opposite bank.
2. Place a marker 'B' into the bank directly opposite.
3. Walk at right angles for a known number of paces and then place another marker 'C'
4. Continue for another equal number of paces and then place another marker 'D'
5. Turn at right angles away from the river and marker 'D' and keep moving back until your second marker 'C' and the point 'A' on the other side of the river are in line. The distance from here back to 'D' will give a good approximation of the width of the river/gorge.

Knowing when to cross a river is not a black and white decision, it’s about good judgement. learn how to anticipate what might go wrong and therefore recognize and avoid potential problems.
YABAG 2009

Climbers Responsibilities

Source: Sir Fillman Mapalad of LUCP(Let's Unite all the Climbers in the Philippines)

There are so many etiquette that should be follow, manners that would help us become more responsible and efficient in everyday that we do. I will share this to all of those who are into outdoor activities or adventure, an etiquette that help us become a more responsible individual.

1. If there is an established trail, walk in a single line and avoid creating new trails. Widening of such and formation of new ones can damage the soil and kill the plants crossing the paths of hikers.

2. Do not take anything from the forests as souvenir. If each climber would bring home one souvenir, the future climbers may be left with nothing but ugly remains of a once-beautiful place.

3. Avoid disturbing wildlife. Many species of animals become stressed due to disturbance by man.

4.vNever leave garbage along the trail or at the campsite. Oftentimes, the local communities do not have well-managed waste disposals, so it will be better to bring the garbage to the cities for proper disposal.

5. For human waste, each climber can dig his own “toilet”, about six inches deep, and cover it with soil afterwards. Common latrines are proven to be bad because the soil cannot break down concentrated amounts of waste in reasonable time; it would be much better to bring along waste treatment gear to bring down the wastes back to the cities for proper disposal.

6. Bring along camping equipment like stoves to minimize the use of forest materials (like wood for cooking). In some cases, the only resources available are almost irreplaceable.

7. Do not bathe or wash dishes along rivers. The people downstream may be using the water for drinking purposes. Do the washing or bathing about twenty feet (make that 100 ft.) from the river bank. A more acceptable bathing practice is to do it without using soap.

8. Before traveling to a foreign culture or to an isolated village, it is best to learn the locals’ culture to avoid embarrassing situations, both to the visitors and to the hosts.

9. Be sensitive to the values of the local people. Tourists may bring culture shock to the villagers and may alter the basic values of the population.

10. Abandon the old practice of digging trenches at the side of tents of campsites. Doing this leaves permanent damage to the environment.

11. Do not buy souvenir items made from rare animal or plant species or questionable sources.

12. Find out the maximum capacity of the trekking area before going to prevent over-crowding and to minimize the impacts on the environment.

13. Always register with the municipal or barangay (village) or park office or leave the names and number of the trekkers to any local official at the jump-off point. Tell them the date the group is expected to return so that emergency measures can be adopted the soonest possible time in case of accident.

14. Avoid giving money or token candies to the children in areas visited. The practice will ultimately affect the local children’s set of values and condition them that each hiker is a source of easy money.

15. Make sure that health measures are taken into account in order to avoid disease transfer between the visitors and the locals.

16. If no one is familiar with the destination, always hire a guide. It saves time and lessens the probability of accidents.

17. DINAGDAG KO LANG PO ITO NUMBER 17 ... IPASA SA IBA ANG KAALAMANG ITO AT GAWING GABAY BAGO AT TUWING MAMUMUNDOK =)

Mt. Pico De Loro Traverse Day Hike - July 2, 2011

Jasper and Budz had organized a day hike to Mt. Pico de Loro traversing from Ternate, Cavite to Nasugbu, Batangas last July 2, 2011. A total 15 persons had joined the said climb, we pursued even if a few backed out due to important reasons. 

Mt. Pico De Loro Summit and the Parrot's Beak

Mt. Pico De Loro is located in both Cavite and Batangas province. Its elevation is around 664 meters above sea level. It is accessible from Ternate Cavite or Nasugbu Batangas. Its major jumpoff situated in magnetic hill, Ternate. It is a minor climb with 2-5 hours of trekking. But we did it for about 8 hours including lunch, take 5s and a couple of 10 minutes break. 
Day 0
Mhean and I were already packed up. We went to Shopwise Pacita at around 9:30 PM to buy foods for the hike. We proceeded to Budz's place together with Jasper and spent the night to prepare our packed breakfast and lunch. 
Day 1
At around 3 AM, SC arrived and off we go to the meeting place in Jollibee Junction. We arrived in Alabang at around 4:30 AM, Joshua and Cherry were already waiting there. Everybody else arrived one at a time. At around 6:00 AM we departed for Ternate. We rode a jeepney and travelled for about 2 and a half hour from Alabang to Ternate. We take the route from Alabang-GMA-Dasmariñas-Trece Martires-Ternate. At around 8:30 AM, we arrived in Magnetic Hill wherein the trek started.

Getting ready for the trek.

It was around 9:00 AM when we have arrived in the basecamp. We had a 10 minutes of rest. We'd met some fellow mountaineers from Pasig, if i'm not mistaken. 

Taken at the basecamp

By 9:10 AM, we've resumed our trek and at around 10:00 AM we had reached alibangbang and by 11:30 AM we have reached the campsite. There we'd took our lunch for the day. We ate pancit, rice and the "adobo sa asin". Picture was taken, summit, beak, etc.

Budz and SC

Parrot's Beak as seen from the summit

Summit and Parrot's Beak as seen from the campsite

Another angle of the Parrot's Beak

At around 1:30 PM we started trekking off the traverse to Nasugbu, Batangas. It took 3 hours of descend from very steep rocky trail, to kawayanan trail and upto the mango tree filled trail. Our pacing was quite fast even one of our guest got injured on her right arm. We had reached the road that leads to Nasugbu at around 4:25 PM and we had waited for Mang Jose's arrival to pick up us and rode to Alix Beach Resort wherein we spent the night and refreshed after a long day of walking. That experience was indeed a great adventure to remember. 

Arrival at the road to Nasugbu

Henry, Keso, Clifford, CJ7 and Kyla?

Alix Beach Resort

Going home via Tagaytay

Buntot Palos aka "Hidden Falls"

HOW TO GO THERE
If you are coming from Alabang, you can ride a bus bound to Sta. Cruz Laguna. Drop off to Pagsawitan,
From there, you can ride a jeep bound for Siniloan and drop off to Barangay Balian, Pangil, Laguna. From Balian you can walk up to the jumpoff point or to Green house. Trekking would only last for about 2-3 hours depending on your group pace.

Here are some photos taken at the falls. Enjoy viewing.