ADYUHAN SA BATAAN

(MT.MARIVELES a.k.a TARAK REDGE)

www.akamug.com

By: McMike_Angel@akamug.com

Approximately an hour away from manila via ferry boat. A historic place. Great Sunset. Sunrise. Ridgeline. Nice People. Those were the reasons that brought us to another great journey. “Adyuhan sa Bataan” was a bit difference from our previous journeys. This time we were accompanied by a lady, mam Billie. A very nice and gentle climber. Then we had also new trekkers wanting to start an adventure with us. The energy and passion for mountaineering is in their eyes. Just like us, they loved to be challenged!

The jump-off point starts at Brgy. Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan. We are expecting a very relaxing and fun climb because we want our guests to enjoy their first taste of adventure. But it was not. The burning heat of the sun from brgy alas-asin up to triangular cogon was not what we had expected. From the jump-off point, one can see tarak peak as 500 miles to grace land!

Tarak peak is protected by a community-based organization aiming to save the mountain from illegal activities. A person can be found collecting “any amount” you can afford to help achieve their objective.

The trail was not that hard. However, it was a “winding trail”. You could find yourself turning up/down or let-right from time to time because the trail was established avoiding steep climbs. The trail goes around the edges of the mountain. Upon reaching Papaya river @ 1200, we were mesmerized by its natural beauty. No vandalism. No garbage. No soap. No abuse of any kind, just as fresh as it can be. We had our lunch at a campsite few meters away from the river. After a short rest and some hilarious conversation, the group proceeds with a recharged energy. One thing we’d noticed, our guests are quite fast and strong. They seemed to be so sure of themselves. Not asking questions, always on the move and just like a real Boy Scout….laging handa!

After 3 hours into the bush and relatively established trails, cogon grass appeared. For us it’s a sign of relief. This area is the pre-ridgeline similar to Mt. Maculot and Mt. Banahaw, it symbolizes a grand entrance to the summit. We pitched camp at the ridgeline. A glimpse of the sun as we welcome the night at tarak.

Then here comes the morning breeze. One can see the island of Corregidor, as a massive bulk of rock, to the left is the province of Bataan with some visible ports and industrial facilities. Manila with its tall buildings was nowhere to be found, lost in the clouds. The gentle touch of the sun with its colorful rays…same as ever. From Mt. Pulag to Mt. Banahaw, same beautiful sunrise greeting us for another great journey.

The descent started @ 0900, eager to reach Papaya river to have a refreshing bath. The water was as cold as ice! With mam Billie as our photographer, we took our best pose’ as if there was a bikini open, But there were no recorded nudity of any kind except for Sir Romeo who wants to be videotaped at an angle.

It’s pure fun in the end, just what we had expected.