Showing posts with label Mt. Hibok-hibok. Show all posts

I Fell Off a Mountain on A Friday, the Thirteenth

By Apolinario Villalobos

How does it feel to fall off a mountain? Well, for one thing, it does not sound good, more so with the rolling and it is not funny, either. But it is more embarrassing than hurting. And, it happened to me on a Friday, the thirteenth, yet.

I have climbed Mts. Apo, Banahaw, Sierra Madre, Pulog, Mayon and the low-rising Taal in the past, but nothing was more remarkable for me, than when I joined the PAL mountaineers who scaled Mt. Hibok-hibok on Camiguin Island.

I had a lingering fever even before we left Manila and I was hoping that a good dip in one of the volcano’s hot springs would completely make it vanish. I was wrong. All that the sulfuric water did was to worsen my colds and fever.

In Camiguin, the morning we left Esperanza where we camped for the night, I was already dizzy, but nobody had knowledge about it. Somebody, however, commented on my flushed  face.  I even managed to crack jokes to hide what I really felt that time. I was determined to “conquer” the rocky Hibok-hibok come what may.

We scaled the first obstacles – walls of volcanic rocks that looked more like they were piled by man than by nature. Halfway to the top, I paused to observe Melba, Neri, Nanette, Thelma, Janet and Ceres, the girls in our group and who were practically making it on all fours. Gone were the smiles that they were sporting when we left Manila. Neri, especially, seemed to have been suddenly transformed into a fierce-looking creature with the deep furrows on her forehead, due to her herculean effort. She got that dagger look that seemed to pierce my person when she looked at me. But petite Melba, who would rather crawl than be helped by any of us, still managed to sing despite the perspiration that was beginning to give her a “wet look”.

I heard somebody curse. Another commented that he almost tripped while catching up with his flight, only to sweat it out here on Mt. Hibok-hibok!

As before, during previous treks, I knew that they would change their impression when we have reached the summit. Just as what happened while climbing Mt. Apo, some swore never again to join treks, but changed their mind when they reached the crest, as their legs were hidden in thin wisps of clouds.

There were two sudden downpours that soaked those who had no parka or raincoat. I chilled and felt like quitting. I almost decided to stay behind and just wait for the group on their way down. Pride, however, prodded me on. As we ran out of drinking water, Timmy and I licked the droplets trapped in the sleeves of Nanette’s parka…as dictated by survival instinct. It was my first time to experience a killing thirst ever since I joined the mountaineering club. The thirst weakened most of us that some even began to hallucinate. Tom imagined a big boulder to be a big hut. So he hurried towards it.

I was dizzy and almost crumpled to the rocks while negotiating perilous trails. We were afraid that one little wrong step would cause an avalanche of rocks and sands. I was going very slowly and had to be patient with my slow pace if I wanted to reach the summit which seemed to be taunting us with its garishly-looking tips.

Somebody positioned himself atop a big boulder and gave directions due to the bad visibility caused by the heavy mist. He was shouting at the top of his voice for us to take a shorter and safer route which he was indicating with a staff. But my condition was telling me to take the regular route which was actually a very narrow and almost vertical trail hugging the side of a mesa leading to the peak. Besides, I could barely make another step so I rested on a boulder while waiting for Janet and Roy who later on arrived, gasping for breath.

Despite a reduced visibility when a thick fog suddenly enveloped us, I persisted, clinging to rocks and clumps of sharp blades of grass. I got cuts alright, but they’re better than losing my balance. Each one was busy with his or her grip to the rocks, unmindful of who was ahead or trailing behind. The silence was broken from to time by the shrieks of Janet and the mountain calls of Nanette.

One last stride and we at last reached a flat ground. Sticky, who took another trail, called me from somewhere behind the mist. Soon, he materialized and panting for breath, slumped to the ground for a much needed rest.

With the help of Fabie’s rope, we managed to pull ourselves up a winding a notorious trail. I cursed it and somebody else behind me was also cursing it but more loudly. I could not blame him. He scratched his elbows, very badly while almost losing his balance. That’s mountaineering for you, man, I just told him.

As we reached the peak, we found the rest to have settled down and were preparing for lunch. Tins of sardines, cheese, baked beans and bread were brought out of daypacks and passed around. We drank to the grotesque looks of Hibok-hibok while feasting our eyes on steam vents that hissed white vapor. After, the traditional photo opportunities despite the mist, we finally decided to go back to where we left our packs a few meters down.

In going down, everybody was extra careful not to dislodge any of the loose rocks, as a simple mistake could cause an avalanche. My runny nose and bleary eyes irritated me so much aside from my aching head. Dizziness gripped me after covering just about a hundred feet. But still I went on and even overtook Ric and the Mayon boys.

Ben, one of the Mayon boys tried sliding down a sandy trail. Ric followed suit. They were obviously having fun and this prompted me to do the same despite my condition. Unfortunately, while going after them, I made a misstep and before I knew it, I was already going down very fast for more than 30 feet, blacking out before I finally tripped and rolled down.  As I came to, I saw Ric trying to block my way, but he failed as my acceleration doubled. My head hit a rock and I again blacked out. This time, I felt like I was floating. Maybe it was my will power that made me regain my consciousness although, I was still rolling down.

I was helpless and I could feel that sands were filling up my shoes, pockets and ears. I have rolled down for 100 feet or more and the sight of jagged rocks a few feet below urged me to use my left elbow and knee as brakes, skinning them in the process.

Manny, Ben, Ric and Joe rushed to my rescue but were at a loss as to what to do first. Finally my aching chest and back were massaged with a certain ointment. My knee was numb and so was my left shoulder. Except for a few muttered invectives, nothing was heard from me. Not even a groan. I did not want them to know that I was that hurt and deeply embarrassed.

While gingerly inching my way down, Manny was beside me, helping me with my footholds and from time to time imploring me to rest. But I kept on telling him that it was no longer necessary as we were nearing the camp. However, the truth was, I would like to show him and the rest that I was not a weakling. While fighting back tears every time I bent my knee, I limped all the way to the camp. Nobody paid so much attention to me as they knew that it would just irritate me. They were aware of my temperament and were very much cautious not to provoke me, then.

The incident would have just been part of a normal trekking except for what some members of the group did – spread the news on what happened to me. When we went back to Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Tourism staff approached me to express their sympathy. I was shocked for I did not expect them to know of the fall. I just wondered who told them all about the incident. In Manila, friends were asking me what really happened. And, worse, even those in the far off Cebu knew what happened to me.  I was just thankful that mongers did not kill me in their stories. From then on, I made a promise not to let similar incident happen as I would be doubly careful the next time I trek up mountains. But most especially, made a resolution not to climb a mountain on a Friday, the thirteenth!

Camiguin: Philippine’s Marine Sanctuary

By Apolinario Villalobos

Camiguin is the smallest island-province of the Philippines. Its minuteness should not be taken for granted, as the coralline island is cramming with nature’s treasures. The intriguing island can evoke imagined exaggerated stories, especially, as the highest pinnacle of Mt. Hibok-hibok dominates the view as the ferry taken from Balingoan (Cagayan de Oro) nears Benoni, the island’s port. The island province is composed of five municipalities…Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsilban, Sagay, and Catarman.

Mambajao prides in the White Island Marine Sanctuary which is located two kilometers from Agoho, west of the town. The strip of white sand bar is shaped like a letter C. It is a popular picnic site of locals and visitors to the island. Around the sand bar are coral gardens that snorklers will surely enjoy. Other marine sanctuaries are Baylao Marine Sanctuary, Kabiling Tupsan Marine Sanctuary, and Magting Marine Sanctuary. Additionally, marine sports will also delight in the Jicduf Reef and the Old Volcano. The latter is composed of a series of peaks that rise 80 feet from the ocean floor.

At Mahinog, a pocket of forest offers birdwatchers endemic avian life. The green canopy is actually that of Mantique Island Marine Sanctuary where a fascinating scuba dive can be made. The minute forest island’s coral gardens are homes to big-eyed jacks and sea turtles. Aside from Mantique, the municipality of Mahinog also boasts of Burias Shoal, San Roque, Benoni and Binaliwan marine sanctuaries.

The southern municipality of Guinsilban on the other hand, offers Cabuan Marine Sanctuary and South Marine Sanctuary with more abundant and colorful coral fishes, while the Cantaan coral communities are dominated by giant clams. 

West of the island is Sagay where two protected marine sanctuaries, the Alangilan and Balite, are found, with their coral gardens profusely alive with colorful fishes. The most famous marine product of the municipality is squid, albeit, fishing for which is regulated.

Catarman is the site of the so-called “sunken cemetery”, following the eruption of the volcano in 1871. The other attractions of the town are the Pasil Reef Marine Sanctuary, Catibac Marine Sanctuary, Lawigan Marine Sanctuary, and Poblacion Marine Sanctuary.

The island province has a total of 31 Marine Protected Areas (MPA), virtually making the whole island a protected area, and a top dive site of the country.

Other must-visit on the island are: Katibawasan Falls, 5 kilometers southeast of Mambajao; Tuasan Falls, 6 kilometers northeast of Catarman;  Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool, located at Bura, Catarman; Esperanza Ardent Hot Spring, 6 kilometers southwest of Mambajao, fed by the warm spring water that escape from the vents of Mt. Hibok-Hibok; Sto. Niῆo Cold Spring, 4 kilometers, north of central Catarman;  Tangub Hot Spring, 12 kilometers west of Mambajao; Macao Cold Spring, located at Tupsan Pequeῆo; Tanguines Lagoon, located at Benoni, a man-made lagoon fed with warm water, where boating can be made.

The prominent feature of the island is Mt. Hibok-hibok with its 3,584 feet above sea level height and craggy slopes. From a distance the jagged tips of black corals look forbidding. The extinct volcano can be negotiated in about four to five hours. For a leisurely climb, it is suggested to spend a night at the Abo camping site in preparation for the trek up, early the following morning. Guides and porters can be arranged at Benoni, where some tour guides can be found soliciting clients. The best way however, is to make arrangements  with the lodging house or resort management where one is billeted.

The main produce of the island, aside from copra is lanzones which is one of the sweetest in the country. The islanders bring their produce to as far as Manila where it vies in popularity with those from Laguna, source of another sweet variety. The island is good for a three to four-day sojourn to fully enjoy the stay that should include snorkeling and diving, as well as, leisurely trek up Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

Historically, Camiguin was visited by Legaspi in 1565. The first settlement was Guinsilban, established in 1598. Many years later, a major Spanish settlement was established in Catarman known before as Katagman or Katagman, in 1679, growing by leaps to become what was known later as Barangay Bonbon. On May 1, 1871, Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted and destroyed the town, leaving only traces of the old Spanish church, convent and bell tower. Sagay was established as a town in 1848, while Mambajao became one, in 1855.  Mambajao was derived from the Visayan word “to have breakfast”. The town of Mambajao prospered in the 1900s due to its port which was among the busiest in northern Mindanao. Both Mahinog and Guinsilban used to be under the administration of Sagay. Later, the two got separated to become municipalites, with Mahinog in 1860 and Guinsilban in 1950.

The island of Camiguin beckons to visitors who prefer unspoiled surrounding. For a packaged tour, that include Cagayan and Bukidnon, Camiguin is suggested as the last destination in the itinerary, so that the weary body can rewind in any chosen tranquil white beach of the island.

Hospitality

…essence of Philippine Tourism

By Apolinario Villalobos

Big cities in the Philippines have sufficient rooms for tourists, provided by lodging inns and multiple star hotels. But this is not so for towns and villages that are visited by tourists during the summer months which are the season for fiestas, and even year-round for some, as in the case of destinations that boast of natural attractions such as mountains, caves, swift white rivers, as well as,  indigenous flora and fauna.

During the ‘70s which was the peak of tourist promotion effort of Philippine Airlines through its Tours and Promotions Division of Marketing and Sales-Philippines (MSP), the “hospitality home” was conceived by the think tank group of Vic Bernardino who heads the said division. The concept which was integrated in the PALakbayan Tour Program was supported by the late, Mr. Ricardo Paloma, the then, Regional Vice-President of MSP. The concept was laid down for appreciation and implementation of local governments which extended their full support. Along with this concept was also the promotion of the “backyard tourism”. To differentiate it from commercialized tourism, the “backyard tourism” was the small-scale tourism-related business that far-flung towns and villages operated in line with the Department of Tourism’s effort to drum up the attractions of the country.

Among the popular destinations that overflowed with tourists during festival season then, were Marinduque with its Moriones Festival, Kalibo with its original Ati-Atihan Festival, and Bukidnon with its Kaamulan Festival. Due to the limited commercial lodging facilities, pre-chosen local families were asked to host visitors for certain fees that varied according to their facilities and offered meals. Nowadays, sufficient lodging facilities have been built by local governments to accommodate visitors.

The tourism industry of the Philippines, did not start with big hotels. The industry started from scratch, so to speak. The hospitality home type of accommodation in the provinces supported the influx of foreign tourists in Manila, Cebu and Davao, as the hordes were desirous to see and experience more of the country. The PALakbayan Tour Program of the national flag carrier, PAL, through its Tours and Promotions Office successfully distributed tourists throughout the country. This is how the St. Paul Subterranean Park of Palawan, now known as Underground River of Puerto Princesa, the “dragons” of Caramoan peninsula in Bicol, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the enticing waves of the Quezon Province and Camarines Sur, Mt. Apo of Davao, Mt. Mayon of Albay, Mt. Hibok-Hibok of Camiguin, Mt. Pulog of Benguet, Mt. Kanlaon of Negros, to name a few of the mountains, Sicogon Island, the beaches of Cebu, Tubbataha Reef of Palawan and other dive sites in Mindoro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, the Philippine Eagle, and later, the now world-renown Boracay….became essential features of international travel brochures and magazines..

It was a hectic period of promotional effort for the Bernardino group which reaped good results. Those who sacrificed much of their time were Edgar Buensuceso who handled the cave explorations and researches on the Philippine flora and fauna for promotion to nature lovers of Europe, Australia and Japan, as well as, the promotion of awareness on the Philippine Eagle; John Fortes who handled the mountain climbing activities; and Julio Luz, Jr. and Thelma Villaseῆor, who organized dive expeditions. Edgar Buensuceso can also be credited for the development of birdwatching as a popular naturist activity in the country. John Fortes on the other hand, did much in organizing the different mountaineering organizations in the Philippines into the National Federation of the Philippines. During mountain climbs, the diminutive Joe Cobilla, a famous outdoor photographer of the Department of Tourism was always part of the groups to document every detail of the treks. The photos of Mr. Cobilla graced the pages of many travel brochures and magazines here and abroad which further boasted the concerted effort of the national government and PAL in promoting tourism.

Tourism industry is the only hope of the government in earning the much-needed revenue to bolster the economy of the country. Agriculture is out of the question, as the agencies involved are inutile in making the country rice sufficient, despite the presence of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Laguna, Asia’s cradle of knowledge for rice technology. Even the onions and garlic are imported from China, Taiwan and Thailand. The high technology is likewise out, as the country has become the receiving end for sub-standard gadgets from China. Cheap and competitive, but unfortunately seasonal labor cannot be relied on, as the meager take home pay of workers has no buying strength. The exported labor is likewise threatened due to unrests at host countries which drastically affects dollar remittance.

In pursuing the advocacy of tourism, cooperation is necessary – among the residents, as well as, the local and the national governments. And, finally, the accommodation and transport components of the industry play an important role as they must be consistent in satisfactorily serving the needs of the tourists who now include local travelers.  The Filipinos showed that with their innate hospitality, both foreign and local tourists can have fun around the country. Thanks to the Filipino hospitality as it has bolstered the tourism industry that has overshadowed the badly smeared image of the government due to prevalent corruption in practically, all its branches.