Mexico: The Birthplace of Margarita

MARGARITA is one of the most loved cocktails in the world—especially come summer—because of its refreshing and fruity flavors balanced with the pureness of tequila.

But have you ever wondered where the Margarita was born, and how did it get its beautiful name?

The answer lies in a speakeasy bar somewhere in Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico where a bartender by the name of Carlos Herrera concocted the first glass of the cocktail. According to stories, it was meant for a polular dancer named Marjorie King.

But Marjorie, despite being a regular to the bar, was in fact allergic to almost every form of alcohol— except for tequila! Obviously meaning to impress her, Carlos concoted something from tequila and the result was a drink that not only fit her tastes but also embodied her characteristics as a captivating woman.

The drink was also aptly named Margarita as it exudes sensuality and vibrancy.

In her spirit, Jose Cuervo presents its Silver Margarita, a modern take on the iconic drink featuring the Especial Silver. Tequila at it’s purest and most potent form, Especial Silver is an unaged “blanco” that contains over 51 percent Blue Agave.

Jose Cuervo shares the Silver Margarita recipe below:

(PHOTO ©JOSECUERVO)

Ingredients

2 parts Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part triple sec

Ice

Lime for garnish

Salt for rim

Directions

• In a shaker, add ice, Jose Cuervo Especial® Silver, triple sec and fresh lime and shake well!

• Run lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip salt into the glass.

• Add ice to the glass and strain in contents of the shaker.

• Serve!

For the latest news and exciting events from Jose Cuervo this year, visit http://cuervointernational.com and follow Jose Cuervo on Facebook http://fb.com/cuervopilipinas.

A Day with the Aetas of Sitio Pokis

IT’s not every day that ordinary Filipinos like us meet our nation’s indigenous peoples. As in personally interact with them, and not just treat them with disdain whenever they board a jeepney playing makeshift instruments to ask for alms—like how we would normally encounter them in the big city.

But IPs who are leaving their ancestral domains and local communities in the hopes of finding better life in the urban jungle that is Metro Manila is a whole different matter altogether, one that I am not capable of writing about yet.

This story is actually meant for the Aetas of Sitio Pokis at Brgy. Papaac in Camiling, Tarlac. The community of 34 households used to be part of Dueg Resettlement, which was formed after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

Dueg Resettlement was formed after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991

As we all know, the powerful natural calamity—of what was once believed as a dormant volcano—affected the lives of thousands of Filipinos in Tarlac, Pampanga and even Zambales. Heavily affected was the Aeta Magnache of Capas.

In 1992, members of this tribe were relocated to Dueg where they lived and thrived again. However, other Aeta tribes and even the unats, what these IPs call the Ilocanos from the lowlands, transferred to the resettlement area as well.

When population increased and resources decreased, some original Aeta re-settlers looked for other places to live,
thus Sitio Pukis was formed

The increased population resulted to limited resources. Some original Aeta re-settlers decided to look for nearby areas to live, thus the formation of Sitio Pokis in 2002. By 2007, the sitio was officially recognized and registered as an extension of Dueg.

This data, Random Act of Kindness (RAK), a group of outdoor enthusiast and outreach volunteers, gathered from an ocular at the sitio in January. The group targets to adopt the sitio as the beneficiary of its upcoming outreach project.

Being part of RAK, this blog’s author did not miss the chance to visit Sitio Pokis in March as part of a training climb at nearby Mt. Damas in San Clemente town.

RAK enjoying a hearty breakfast at the backyard of Kuya Gary, an Aeta who earns from guiding tourists at Mt. Damas

In fact, the climb’s guide Kuya Gary is an Aeta from Sitio Pokis himself. Moreover, he also lent the group his backyard to camp for the night the second time around. RAK received his generosity at the climb and ocular in January.

After RAK’s much needed rest from the tiring climb, the group enjoyed a hearty breakfast of sinampalukang manok (tangy chicken stew with fresh sampaloc and vegetables) cooked at Kuya Gary’s.

Then, it was official business before going home: A visit to the house of Robert Sanchez, the respected and trusted chieftain of Sitio Pokis. Interrupted in his lunch with the family, the chieftain nevertheless welcomed us to his humble hut. He was glad to finally see us after having word that we climbed Damas.

Photo op just before meeting with Chieftain Robert Sanchez

Chieftain Robert also shared many stories like how the sitio got its name Pokis, which is an Ilocano word meaning haircut. According to him, there was one elder who used to stay at Mt. Damas. Every time people passed him by, he would shout “Pokis! Pokis!” and oblige them to get a haircut.

A true-to-life story that really made a mark was how even up to this day, unats, which really are us, still look at them as an inferior race. But as a proud chieftain, Aeta and Filipino, he never let this bring him down. In fact, all his children are studying and well on their way to becoming professionals.

Beyond his own family, Chieftain Robert also wishes to uplift the lives of his fellow Aetas at Sitio Pokis.

Let us all give a brighter and better future to the children of Sitio Pukis

This is where RAK intervenes. To support the Aeta community, it is our goal to donate solar lamps, seeds for farming, and other basic needs like school supplies and clothing.

Help us in this cause by joining our fundraising climbs or by donating cash or in kind. If interested, you can email eudenvaldez@gmail.com or rick@solarsolutions.ph .

Here are more photos from Sitio Pokis and Dueg:

Mt. Damas as viewed from Dueg that serves as the jump-off point of the traverse climb

At Sitio Pukis, the mountain looms just behind Kuya Gary the guide’s hut

The laidback and rustic homes at Dueg, and what used to be the health and daycare centers (lower right photo)

Weng, one of RAK’s member, meets an old friend at Dueg

Majority of Aetas in Sitio Pokis have already converted into Christianity 

A short stopover at the home of the former chieftain of Dueg

RAK and proud, always. PHOTO BY FREDERICK LAPING

***

To know more about RAK, follow it in Facebook.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©EUDENVALDEZ)

In Photos: Beach Bliss in Bauang

THIS Holy Week, a surge of Filipinos from Metro Manila took advantage of the long holiday to visit tourist destinations. As we all know, we are now enabled to travel, most especially locally. But sometimes, good is bad like just what happened to San Juan in La Union, the surfing capital in northern Philippines. All those trash left by the visitors by the seashore after they had fun. How horrendous.

Bad-mannered tourists, however, are not solely to be blamed. The people of San Juan and its local government must also also be held responsible for the protection of their natural resources is as important as tourist arrivals.

In the meantime, let’s allow San Juan to recover and visit another beach town in La Union: Bauang. If you’re the laidback beach lover—the kind who’s content bumming around instead of trying out water activities like surfing—then Bauang is really for you this summer.

Bauang, just like many coastal towns in the archipelagic Philippines, still relies on fishing as a source of livelihood

My friend and I discovered Bauang by chance in February. After surfing in San Juan, we wanted to just relax in the waters, which definitely was not possible with the big waves. So we researched and asked locals. Bauang was suggested to us. And off we went being the carefree traveling duo that we were.

Here’s eight hours of beach bliss in Baung:

Leaving San Juan at 12 high noon, we arrived at Bauang via San Fernando at 1pm.
The sun was way up so we decided to just nap at the first available cottage we spotted.
After which, we did what you see in the photos.

Soon after, I realized that the charming community where at was that of fisherfolks. But thanks to tourism, fishermen like Kuya Butch get the chance to earn extra. Their fishing boats also serve as touring vessels. He then suggests for his fellow Pinoys to visit during Holy Week when the entire fishing village sails to depict the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Another fisherman preparing for the night’s upcoming catch.

Everything was golden as we waited patiently for the sun to break from the clouds.

And it did disappoint casting crimson hues to the sea while kayaking tourists get first-row views!

Here’s us basking in the summer glow.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©EUDENVALDEZ)

RELATED STORIES: 

24-Hour Escapade to La Union

In Photos: Surf's Up in San Juan


Follow Traveling Journo Ph

Tara! Abra: Tayum's Treasures

IT’S a shame that Abra, the birthplace of my father, is perceived in such a bad light. Even after its tumultuous years caused by political unrest, the stigma has stuck. This has prevented Filipinos from discovering the northern Luzon province.

I must admit, Abra still gets in the news due to bad reasons. But believe me, there is now peace in the land bounded by the Cordillera Administrative and Ilocos Regions. This is true particularly if you start at the municipality of Tayum, which TJPh has found so charming in a recent visit.

Located northeast of capital city of Bangued, the municipality only has a population of 13,940 thriving in a 6,114-hectare land area. A day here must be spent at the poblacion, or what is considered in the Philippines as the old town center.

The Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church, or more commonly known as the Tayum Church

At the heart of the poblacion is the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church, or more commonly known as the Tayum Church. Built by secular clergy among the Christianized Tinguians, the 19th century baroque has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 1991.

According to the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Tayum Church in all its glory has been declared such because of its “outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value” and its “representation of the original church-building orders of Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Augustinian Recollects, and all the major regions of the country.”

The church has been declared as the National Cultural Treasure in 2001

In 2004, it has become part of a restoration project spearheaded by NCCA.

On its vicinity, there used to be a convent that later on became a house for nuns. Today, the structure just across the church serves as a high school. On its right at the rear is the bishop’s home that houses early Tinguian art like the original, carved wooden baptismal font. From its churchyard to the main streets are 14 small shrines of the Stations of the Cross, many of which are being preserved.

The bishop’s home houses early Tinguian art like the original, carved wooden baptismal font

And because of the church’s patroness is Santa Catalina de Alejandiar (Saint Catherine of Alexandria), Tayum celebrates its town fiesta on her day, November 25.

The old municipal hall of Tayum still stands outside the church as the area is fashioned in the poblacion town layout. In front is the plaza where a sculpture of Heneral Antonio Luna towers proudly.

Walking around the vicinity where vendors sell street food and locals kill time is highly recommended.

The towering sculpture of Heneral Antonio Luna. Behind him is the old municipal hall of Tayum

A five to 10-minute drive from Tayum Church is a not-so-hidden gem anymore. This is the Garbiela Cariño Silang Gallery of Fine Arts, now considered a tourist destination in Abra.

A little brush up on Philippine history, Gabriela Silang is one of the few Filipina revolutionaries in the country who has led a movement against the Spanish conquistadors in northern Philippines together with her husband Diego Silang.

Dubbed as the “Joan of Arc of the Ilocandia,” Gabriela was recorded to be born in a town in Ilocos Sur, which later on became part of Abra when it separated as an independent province. This is contested up to this day but Abreño’s claim Gabriela as their own people thus a grand bronze sculpture of her was erected just before you enter the iconic Abra tunnel.

The Garbiela Cariño Silang Gallery of Fines Arts is now considered a tourist destination in Abra

The museum and gallery in Tayum also pays homage to Gabriela. It is actually the ancestral home of her uncle Nicolas Cariño, which served as her refuge and headquarters during the revolt.

Well-preserved up to this day, the 300-year-old house has been passed from one generation to the next until in 1993, former ambassador Rosario V. Cariño, the current owner, decided to open it to public as a museum. It contains relics from the Philippine revolution as well as antiques and antiquities.

Besides the humble abode is a lavish art gallery housing thousands more of artworks—all the former ambassador’s personal collection.

The 300-year-old house, which served as Gabriela Silang’s refuge and headquarters during the revolt, is now a museum open to the public

Pressed for time, TJPh was not able to tour inside the gallery but was able to briefly chat with its current curator, Chato  Cariño, the son the elder Cariño.

According to him, the gallery contains thousands of artworks including paintings of legends Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo and Pablo Picasso, among others.

He also revealed that the massive structure used to be the house’s stable, which was transformed into what it is today.

The gallery contains thousands of artworks including paintings of legends Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Pablo Picasso

Lastly, Sir Chato reminded everyone, not only Abreños, to never forget their history and heritage.

With that, do not hesitate in visiting Tayum when in Abra.

***

The Gabriela Cariño Silang Gallery of Fine Arts is located at Teodoro Balmaceda St. in downtown Tayum. Entrance fee is P120. Email gcsgfa@yahoo.com.

Get to know Abra better by following Tara! Abra Travel and Tours.

Read more about Tayum here.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©EUDENVALDEZ)

RELATED STORIES: 

Tara! Abra: Lagayan Spring

Tara! Abra: La Paz Weaving

How to Survive the Heat in the Mountains – Part 2

IT’S true. One will only, really get to know and understand a mountain once one is there—subjected to its magnificent beauty and at the same time, tested by its treacherous traits.

Believe me for I have proven it myself. After being introduced to mostly wet climbs in the beginning—of what may be an eternal love for the outdoors and adventure—I am now being faced with some of the driest climbs this summer, of all season!

As part of Random Act of Kindness (RAK-Ph Mountaineers), TJPh went on back-to-back training climbs at Mt. Cinco Picos in Zambales and Mt. Damas in Tarlac in March. (The group were training for Mts. Dulang-Dulang-Kitanglad traverse in Bukidnons, and as of this writing, they are on it.)

Two very different mountains with one major similarity: Unforested and cogon-laden trails that provide little canopies thus exposure to the sweltering heat of the sun throughout the climb.

Two different yet similar mountains: Damas of Tarlac (top photo)
and Cinco Picos of Zambales

To help those who are keen in experiencing Cinco Picos or Damas or both this summer, TJPh has prepared a two-part series sharing practical and useful tips.

After the basic preparations in Part 1, let’s now learn trail practices that will help you cope with a hot climb.

Mt. Damas: Small but Terrible

It wasn’t RAK’s first time to climb Mt. Damas. In January, three of our strong men scouted the mountain nestled in San Clemente, Tarlac. It was an ocular for our upcoming outreach project for the benefit of Sitio Pukis, an Aeta resettlement in the town of Camiling.

The summit of this small but formidable foe offers a 360 view of Tarlac and Pampanga

From that, our senior members dubbed the mountain as “small but terrible.” Because at only 685+ meters above sea level, it posed a steep assault to the summit, and a steep descent . It was not your usual “walk in the park” type of terrain.

In March, a bigger group returned to the mountain and everyone had this thought in their minds. We also reckoned it would be tougher because summer was nearing by then. The sun would be out and the mountain would not provide much cover.

I was fortunate to be placed behind our team leader Alex in the formation. This meant that I was guided well throughout the traverse and learned a lot.

1. Take advantage of the terrain. Hot climbs are meant to be slow because the heat tires hikers easily. You don’t want your energy to drain fast.

Take advantage of gravity's pull when going down

One technique is to take advantage of the terrain. In Mt. Damas’ rolling hills, go up slowly and go down swiftly. Going against gravity is hard but going with it is easy. With its pull, you can even run if trail is gently sloping. If it’s steep, take baby but quick steps to avoind rolling over.

2. Water discipline. Water is life during a hot climb so carry as much as you can, around 1 to 2 liters on a day hike. However, be disciplined not to intake as much as you can.

Water is life in the mountains

When quenching thirst, sip little amounts with intervals instead of one big, long slurp. Drinking more than your body needs can cause, at the worst, vomitting.

Of course, running out of water is also a concern especially if water source is limited along the trail. Thankfully, there are rivers at the foothills.

3. Rest, rest and rest. Yes plenty of it. Because no matter how slow you go or how often you hydrate, exhaustion just creeps easily at Mt. Damas.

The few shaded parts along Mt. Damas' exposed trail 

But even rest is difficult at times because there are few flat surfaces and little forest cover. Often, we take a break exposed to the sun and sit down uncomfortably. Shade is a luxury so when present, rest as much as it allows.

Don’t forget to pick a good spot for lunch and an example is the river bed.

Bonus. The hike to Mt. Damas may be slow yes but do mind your time. If not prepared for the dark (which was our case), make sure you get back to jump-off point before the sun sets.

For our part, we had to sacrifice seing Ubod Falls.

Nothing is predictable in the mountains so there are times when important calls like this must be made, even if not unanimous among the group.

***

This is the last of a two-part series. Hope you learned a lot as much as I did!

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©EUDENVALDEZ)

RELATED STORY:

How to Survive the Heat in the Mountains - Part 1

Bisikleta Iglesia 2017 Connects the Body and the Spirit

“To connect the bisikleta (bicycle) and the iglesia (church). To connect the body and the spirit.”

This was the goal of Bisikleta Iglesia 2017 according to Father Robert Reyes, the special guest invited to lead the annual pilgrimage of cyclists in Batangas organized by Lima Park Hotel.

It was the first time Father Reyes, who is known as the priest who runs for socio-political and environmental causes, to join the Bisikleta Iglesia that took place on April 8 to usher the arrival of Holy Week in the country.

Father Robert Reyes blesses the Bisikleta Iglesia cyclists
before their pilgrimage on wheels

Inspired by the Visita Iglesia tradition, Bisikleta Iglesia gathered about 200 cyclists who pedaled to seven churches in Batangas covering a distance of 52 kilometers. These were the Sto. Niño Parish Church, Sacred Heart Chapel in Marian Orchard, Divino Amor Chapel-Redemptorist, Parish of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Monastery, Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian, and the Parish Church of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.

But more than just visiting these churches, which are mostly pilgrimage sites in Lipa City, Father Reyes made sure that cyclists were able to connect their bicycles and the churches, thus connect their bodies with the spirit. They did so by reflecting the passions of the Jesus Christ through the 14 Stations of the Cross.

To connect their bicycles with the churches, the cyclists also prayed and reflected

“Although it took more time, I invited cyclists inside the chruch to pray. I really made it a point that when I said the prayer at the beginning, people geneflected and stayed with one knee on the ground—even just for a few seconds—to enter into the atmosphere,” explained Father Reyes in an interview with reporters and bloggers after the event.

The athlete-cum-activist priest also shared in one of his “sermons” that Bisikleta Iglesia participants should look at their bicycles as the cross that Jesus Christ carried and the suffering he endured. Whenever the path is difficult, then the bike becomes the cross. They should embrace this suffering for Holy Week.

Father Reyes also lamented that while more people gravitate towards sports like biking, they, however, tend to forget their faith. He expressed, “A lot of people wouldn’t go to church in the weekend but they would ride their bikes go to Tagaytay, to Antipolo, to various destinations. But they would not go inside the churches, just outside to be able to say ‘I biked to Antipolo Church.’ It’s just a destination now.”

The "Running Priest" during one of the 14 Stations of the Cross that the cyclists remembered

 As such, he said he was happy that efforts like Bisikleta Iglesia exists.

For their part, Rose Landicho, Marketing and Corporate Communications director of Lima Park Hotel, shared that Father Reyes was the ideal pilgrimage leader as he was known for using sports to express his faith and advocacies.

“We are blessed because for the first time we are having a priest join our Bisikleta Iglesia. The participation of Fr. Robert Reyes no doubt makes this year’s edition more meaningful and inspiring,” she said Landicho.

The pilgrimage on wheels welcomed an interesting mix of locals, domestic tourists and foreigners who were professional, non-pro bikers and enthusiasts alike

Bisikleta Iglesia was started in 2014 by Lima Park Hotel Resident Manager Bong Evangelsita Jr., a cyclist himself, as a way of promoting fitness and ecotourism.

On its fourth year this 2017, the pilgrimage on wheels welcomed an interesting mix of locals, domestic tourists and foreigners who were professional, non-pro bikers and enthusiasts alike. And of all ages too: the youngest was aged 11 while the oldest was 65.

The family that bikes together, stays togeher

For more information, call Lima Park Hotel at (043) 981- 1555 or 0917-5042385 and 0925-5042385. Follow it on Facebook.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©EUDENVALDEZ)

Island of Christianity Hosts Month of Literature

The Casa Gorordo Museum in Cebu City

THE island of Cebu prides itself with a deep and rich Christian heritage, having been the very place where the religion was first established in the Philippines in the 15th century.

With faith as its foundation since time immemorial, Cebu has then become one of the most culturally-rich provinces in the country. And for this, it hosts festivities for the National Literature Month this April.

Celebrated in the Philippines for three years now under the auspices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), this year’s literature month will highlight Cebuano literature.

Our friends from NCCA have shared this press release with lineup of activities:

In celebration of the National Literature Month this April, the University of San Carlos Cebuano Studies Center (USC CSC), with the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), organizes a series of activities on Cebuano literature and culture open to the public.

The Casa Gorordo Museum grounds will be the venue of two events. On April 19, at 3 to 6 pm, “Balitaw Molutaw!” will showcase balitaw performances and a video lecture on the balitaw.

On April 22, the two major events will happen at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Basement 2. KWF, through the Sentro sa Wika at Kultura (SWAK), will hold moderated conversations on Cebuano poetry, fiction, and theatre in “Tertulya sa Bagong Panitikang Sebwano” at 10 am to 12 pm.

From 1 to 7 pm “Kinutaw: National Literature Month Celebration” will feature poetry performances, book launches, trivia and riddle games, the stage play “SeguroangPancit,” a balitaw presentation, a Vispop lecture, and poetry open mic. “Kinutaw” is among the nationwide initiatives of the NCCA for the National Literature Month.

Kids and young adults, as well as parents, are invited to “Istoryahi Ko!”—a storytelling of reinvented Cebuano folktales on April 30 at 3 to 5 pm.

Women in Literary Arts (WILA), Mga Anak sa Dagang (MAD), and Basadours are the partner organizations for the implementation of the different activities.

The National Literature Month has been celebrated in the Philippines for three years now. This year’s theme is “Banyuhay,” the Filipino word for “metamorphosis,” emphasizing the transformative power of literature.

For more information on the activities, you may contact USC CSC at (032) 406-6079, or e-mail cebuanostudies@gmail.com.

(PHOTO ©EUDENVALDEZ)

Summer is in Full Swing at Bonifacio High Street

AS we usher summer 2017—PAGASA has just announced its official arrival—we now prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the hot season, OR we prepare for exciting and interesting activities under the sun.

I suggest we the do the latter because Bonifacio High Street (BHS) in Taguig City has already lined up a series of festivities until May. Dubbed Summer on the Street, it dedicates every weekend to different passions and interests including pets, food, fitness, reflection, the outdoors, music, the arts, geekery and more!

The Summer Food Fest kicked off the festivities last March 25 and 26 with homegrown and well-loved food brands and food trucks along 9th Avenue. This was followed by the Pet Summit on April 2 at the BHS Park for an adorable showcase of a variety of animals, including a few exotic ones.

Walkway: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross is BHS's annual commemoration of Holy Week

This coming weekend, Summer on the Street marks Holy Week with the opening of Walkway: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross. Running from April 9 to 16, Walkway is BHS’s annual commemoration the Stations of the Cross through interactive, larger-than-life displays.

This week-long reflection culminates with a concert by the international rock band Switchfoot at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater on April 16, 7pm.

International rock band Switchfoot performs in a much-awaited concert

Kids are not left behind because an Easter Egg hunt is in order also on April 16 at the BHS Activity Center. There will also be adventures, magic shows, a petting zoo, carnival booths, and loads of treats.

After Holy Week, get fit while having fun at the Health & Wellness Weekend slated on April 22 and 23. It offers free community workouts, a fair for all things organic, and fun games and challenges at the BHS Amphitheater. This event is in partnership with Lifestyle Network.

Time to get fit and be well on April 22 and 23

How about glamping in the city? This unique outing happens on April 29 and 30 at the BHS Park where a campsite will rise in the middle of the city. There, the whole family can enjoy survivor-type challenges and workshops, a boodle fight, s’mores making, and more.

If you still haven’t heard of glamping, portmanteau of “glamor” and “camping” thus an outdoor experience but with modern comforts.

Come May, Summer on the Street levels up with United Geekdom 2, celebrated in time with World Comic Book Day on May 7. Expect hordes of comic enthusiasts who’ll bring the house down with their passion for all things geek.

From geeks, moms then take the center stage at BHS on their special day on May 14. During this Mother’s Day Weekend, BHS partners with TLC for surprise activities that give gratitude to the heroes of our lives feel special.

Treat your furry best friend at Waggin' tails on May 21

Waggin’ Tails follows on May 21 at BHS Park, where man’s best friend will be treated to a whole day of fun activities and endless treats.

As a grand finale, a free concert happens on May 27 at the BHS Amphitheater. The final line up or artists will be announced through the BGC’s Facebook page. This celebration of music is staged in partnership with AXN.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet or follow @bonifaciohighstreet on Instagram.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS RELEASED BY BONIFACIO HIGH STREET)

How to Survive the Heat in the Mountains – Part 1

EVERY mountain has its unique personality. Is it mossy or is it grassy? Is it canopied or is it exposed? Is it a steep climb or is it a gentle slope? Is it one of the other, or is it all of the above?

Seven months into hiking, I realize that one will only, really get to know and understand a mountain once one is there—subjected to its magnificent beauty and at the same time, tested by its treacherous traits.

This realization hails from Mt. Cinco Picos in Zambales and Mt. Damas in Tarlac, which this author climbed in two consecutive weekends of March together with Random Act of Kindness (RAK-Ph Mountaineers).

Two very different mountains with one major similarity: Unforested and cogon-laden trails that provide little canopies thus exposure to the sweltering heat of the sun throughout the climb.

And having been introduced to mostly wet climbs in the beginning of my hiking journey, Mts. Cinco Picos and Damas have posed new sets of challenges to this author. Add to that the fact that both served as training climbs for RAK Ph Mountaineers’ upcoming major traverse of Mts. Dulang-Dulang and Kitanglad, two of the highest and toughest mountains in the Philippines nestled in Bukidnon.

But whether it’s for training or just for leisure, climbing these two mountains in Luzon is no easy feat.

If you’re keen on meeting Mt. Cinco Picos or Mt. Damas, especially this summer, TJPh has prepared for you a two-part series sharing practical and useful tips.

Let’s begin with the basics.

The "crowned peak" of Mt. Cinco Picos looms in the distance

Cinco Picos: From Summit to Sea

Cinco Picos in Zambales is RAK’s first traverse for 2017. As part of the Zambales Mountain Range, the mountain with five peaks—thus its name—stands only at 881 meters above sea level. Although it is not so high, it is classified as a major climb because of its exposed terrain.

During pre-climb, our team leader Rick Laping told participants to prepare for “excruciating heat.” I asked, if there was no better term for excruciating. He answered none.

So how does one prepare for a hot climb? Here are three simple steps:

1. Protect yourself from UV rays. Apply ample amount of sunblock, preferably SPF30 and above. Then, wear proper clothing. Cover up as much as possible by wearing long-sleeved tops (arm warmers may do too) and leggings for women and cargo pants for men. This is not only to prevent sunburn but also to protect oneself from cogon grass, which can cut through your skin. Also bring caps or hats, scarves, and UV-protected sunglasses.

On top of applying ample sunblock from harmful UV rays, cover up nice and well too
(PHOTO BY COLEEN SALAMAT)

The downside, however, of covering up is accumulation of body heat so if you can, pick loose and breathable clothing.

Don’t forget proper, hiking footwear.

2. Hydrate! This is very important because climbers may suffer from hyperthermia, which is the extreme elevation of body temperature, on hot environments. Causing headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue and sometimes, even heat stroke, hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it dissipates.

Realize available water sources along the trail to replenish your liquids, but do make sure it is safe for drinking first

Prevent the condition with proper hydration. Besides bringing enough water, 1.5 liters is the safe amount for a whole-day hike, drink oral rehydration therapy before climbing. Best to bring ORTs too, and practice water discipline.

Identify available water sources along the trail, like rivers or falls. And make sure it’s fit for drinking.

3. Pack light. This right here is contradictory, especially if your team would be camping, thus the need for certain equipments like cook sets, stoves, and tents. Add to that food for everyone.

But the team can address this by equally distributing equipment to each member so that weight will be distributed as well. Some must bring tents, while others, cook sets and stoves. Of course, it pays to have strong members on the team because they can always carry more. ;)

Equally assign equipment to each member so that weight will be distributed as well

As for your personal belongings, bring only those that you need. For the Cinco Picos traverse, our destination was Silanguin Cove in the town of San Antonio. So swimwear and beach attires are a must. Other essentials include toiletries for washing up, portable head lamps for light, mess kits for food, and blankets for the night.

Bonus. It pays to have a good group that will impart all these to you before a climb. That’s us in Random Act of Kindness.

If this is not the case for you, particularly if joining a commercial climb, be the responsible one and ask your climb organizer and/or tour operator all the questions you have before climbing.

***

Second part of this series will discuss actual trail practices to help one survive a mountain as difficult as Mt. Damas.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©EUDENVALDEZ)

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