Mt. Ulap, a refreshing traverse day hike on a weekday!

Team Decathlon Clark at the highest point of Mt. Ulap
From L-R: Mon, Perry, Em, Mikee, Conz, Gen, Mons, Dajo, JM, and JL

Six years after ----- I had an opportunity to set foot again in the beautiful trails of Mt. Ulap in Itogon Benguet. This is the first hike I did this year together with my colleagues in Decathlon Clark Pampanga. A much easier than my last Mt. Arayat hike three months ago.

Our trip went straight from Dau, Pampanga to the trailhead in Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon Benguet. The travel took us 4 hours as planned and we arrived timely. It was a weekday, no queue and no crowd during our visit on March 14, 2024. Excitements lies ahead knowing the hike could start enough to catch the sunrise.

Morning scene at the initial leg of the hike

The hike started 05:00 along an ascending road passing the community of Brgy. Ampucao. Eventually going up to the ridgeline revealing the initial views of Mt. Sto. Tomas. Becoming more scenic as the sun rises, gradually illuminating the pine forests environment and overlooking peaks continuum of the Cordilleras. We enjoyed together numerous points of attraction. From the rocky viewing points to the grassland slopes of Ambanao Paway, Gungal Rock to the highest point of Mt. Ulap (1,846 masl). This trail treats us a refreshing cool-breeze feeling apart from the fact that the entire 9km hike have been doable for 6.5 hours in a relax pace. Then, the descent to Sta. Fe through quite challenging downward slopes, several hanging bridge, and cemented path, completed our traverse day hike experience. To reward ourselves more, we did our post-hike by having a late lunch and buying pasalubong in Baguio City before headed back to Pampanga.

Overall, it was a pleasurable comeback hike in Mt. Ulap. It's delightful to be reconnected and witnessed once more the beauties of the great Cordilleras. Grateful for the good weather and good times with my colleagues from Decathlon Clark. Cheers to more hikes and sports together!

At one of the viewing point in Mt. Ulap

Passing through the Pine Forest in Mt. Ulap

Mt. Sto Tomas as viewed from the trail

At the slope of Ambanao Paway, the Cordilleras on the background
Photo courtesy: Monica Sarmiento

At Ambanao Paway

One of the scenic ridge in Mt. Ulap

One mandatory pose at the notable Gungal Rock
Photo courtesy: Dajo Cabradilla

 Group picture at Gungal Rock. Mt. Sto Tomas on the background
Photo courtesy: Monica Sarmiento

At the trail end - Photo courtesy: Dajo Cabradilla

Trekking the Tough Palawan's Rooftop, Mt. Mantalingajan Traverse

"Trekking the Tough Palawan's Rooftop, Mt. Mantalingajan Traverse" 

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

DAY 0: Our way to Mt. Mantalingajan's jump-off

Five months after we secured sale plane tickets ------- we finally set off to Palawan on October 03, 2019. I was with my colleagues from Decathlon Philippines Inc., and some of our friends from mountaineering community who also flew from Manila. We're there to do the Mt. Mantalingajan Traverse, via Brgy. Ransang, in Rizal town to Brgy. Malis, in Brooke's Point.

The travel to Brgy. Ransang (entry point) is basically 5 hours drive from Puerto Princesa Airport, and entering the vicinity of Mt. Mantalingajan Protected Landscape required courtesies. Such as having orientation and getting of permit from the DENR CENRO in Quezon, and several registrations at Rizal Town, for PNP, Tourism Office, Philippine Army, and Brgy. Ransang. Like the usual "4 days and 3 nights itinerary", our Day 0 was spared for long rides, courtesy calls, and of course to prepare our supplies. Then, we spent our first night, and initial preparation at the covered court of Brgy. Ransang.

Our team at PNP Rizal, Palawan

Mac, Tiff, Marc, Francis, Jepoy, Mon, Jeff, Andrew, and Kevin

Our gears: Quechua and Forclaz

DAY 1: Balin-balin to Bulldog campsite

View from Bulldog Campsite (zoomed shot)

Morning of October 04, 2019, we head out to "Balin-balin" Village, where we are suppose to camp on  Day 0. There, we met our guide Kuya Binoy & our porters and did our final preparation. It was past lunchtime when we left the place. Since we didn't make to be there on Day 0, and rain occurred during Day 1, we hesitate to push our plan camping at "Kawayan Campsite". Our guide also told us the tendency of going there by night trek, which we should avoid due to potential presence of snakes on trail. Instead, we based ourselves at the available Hut in "Bulldog" campsite.

DAY 2: Camp away "Paray-paray" 

View of summit going up Paray-paray

As our itinerary adjusted, the Day 2 turned out to be a long trek, compelled us to start at 06:00 for 13 hours of ups and downs on October 05, 2019. Heavy rains poured again during halfway, but the scene became more dramatic, offered view of the summit and numerous waterfalls emit from the high slopes. Our trek continued, and the trail were getting steeper. Unfortunately, my colleague Kevin weakened from the impact of night-long socials at Bulldog campsite and experienced leg cramp, which hindered our ascent. So at around 19:00 we decided to do an e-camp to secure his recovery, at an area approximately 2 hours away from "Paray-paray" campsite which our group was wherein. We did a quick dinner, planned our trek for next day, then had our rest after.

DAY 3:  Ascending Paray-paray and summit Mt. Mantalingajan

Morning scene going up Paray-paray

Kevin and I resumed ascending at 06:00 on October 06, 2019. This time, we took the narrow trails going up to Paray-paray campsite. As we go higher, the trail shows stunning characteristic of stunted forest environment. We had more closer view of the summit by passing some limestones viewpoint. The coast and other landscapes of Palawan also looming in the panorama. I was really surprised that the e-camp we did complimented us with breathtaking morning scene.

An inch-sized Nepenthes mantalingajanensis

The group was preparing meals when we arrived at Paray-paray. A short breakfast after, altogether we ascend to the summit. We trekked through the dwarf forest and then crawled up to the knife-edge boulders. There was no stable clearing when we got to the top, yet the clouds momentarily open up a view. I took time to admire the scenery and keep an eye to the vegetation in the place, especially to the presence of endemic pitcher plants (Nepenthes mantalingajanensis).

After reaching the "Tough Palawan's Rooftop", we negotiated a challenging descent back to the campsite. And at the continuation of our trek past Paray-paray, we've been extra cautious in descending the slippery path ahead. The entire trek on Day 3 felt longer on my part and for Kevin, adding the hours of up to Paray-paray we did in the morning. Even so, the weather was generally favourable for our descent. We pleasantly ended our day at "Pisa-pisa" campsite.

Viewpoint in boulders section

Approaching the summit of Mt. Mantalingajan

Day 4: The Final Leg, traverse to Brooke's Point

View of Magringgit Peak

Traversing to Brgy. Malis (Exit point) is known as the most strenuous portion of Mt. Mantalingajan. With this consideration in mind, we intended to wake up early and started our descent from "Pisa-pisa" campsite at 04:00 on October 07, 2019. We passed through the thick mossy forest trails, followed with long slippery boulders, repetitive ups and downs, and lots of fragile ridges, which are all precarious. Dealing the traverse down to Brgy. Malis felt like crossing a mountain range. However, one will be treated to contemplate the features that are secluded in the traditional trail, like the "Magringgit Peak" and scenic slopes where the seascape and town of Brooke's Point is overlooking.

Finally, after a long thrilling traverse, all members of our group alighted at Brgy. Malis, Brooke's Point prior 17:00. The next day, we did a post-trek celebration by visiting the Islands of Patonggong, Tangkahan, and Patawan in Balabac. All these had been a refreshing treat for us before our flight back to Manila. Grateful for my first - definitely not the last - Palawan Adventure!

Sun Sear Beach Resort in Bataraza - Our base in exploring Balabac

Scenery in Patonggong Island

Tangkahan Island

Patawan Island

A GUIDE TO ADJUST BINOCULARS

BACKGROUND

Watching nature through Binoculars is a rewarding experience. Fascinating views, flora, and fauna from distance, binoculars perceive those scenes better than the normal sight can do. That's why it is important to ensure optic reliability, knowing its parts and essential adjustment would make the instrument function clearly.

I. PARTS OF BINOCULARS

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PARTS OF BINOCULARS

II. ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE

A. ADJUST THE EYECUPS (twist up-twist out)

For non-eyeglass user, twist up the EYECUPS

For eyeglass user, keep the EYECUPS retracted

B. ADJUST THE DISTANCE OF EYEPIECE LENS

Hold the binoculars with both hands, spot a distant object while carefully moving the BARREL downward and upward, until you aligned the EYEPIECE LENS with your interpupillary distance

C. ADJUST THE SHARPNESS OF LENS

Close your right eye, spot an object through the left eyepiece with your left eye, and rotate the FOCUS RING until you get a sharp image

Close your left eye, spot the same object through the right eyepiece with your right eye, and rotate the DIOPTER RING until you get a sharp image

D. ADJUST THE FOCUS RING

After adjusting the DIOPTER RING, you no longer need to use it. Instead, rotate the FOCUS RING - to get a sharp image - whenever you spot an object

--- ENJOY WATCHING --- :)

Guided Bird Watching with Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, in LPPCHEA

Guided Bird Watching with Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, in LPPCHEA

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

AT THE MARKER OF LPPCHEA

One year ago, I joined the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines’ (WBCP) Guided Bird Watching trip in U.P Diliman. It was a nice experience that enabled me to see birds like the White-collared Kingfisher and Black-naped oriole for the first time. I’ve made to continue this recreation after, and I would say I am now enjoying it evenly like how I indulge to my other outdoor activities. Sometimes, I do DIY bird watching and practice bird photography in our backyard, nature parks, commercial gardens and some woodlands near to my workplace. As I am getting more interested about birds, I joined the club again on their Guided Bird Watching event last September 09, 2018, at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), a Wetlands Ecosystem situated at the south of Manila Bay. To equip myself for that trip, I brought out some of the Solognac stuff usable for birding from my department, Wild Discovery, Decathlon Philippines. A khaki hat to protect me from sun, green breathable t-shirt to blend myself with the surroundings, waterproof boots for an hour of walking, and 10x42 Binoculars for watching.

GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS

Together with my girlfriend Heide Banday, we left home (from Merville, Paranaque) past 5 in the morning to meet the WBCP in Macapagal Blvd. A short registration and carpool briefing after, we headed to our birding venue, where we reached at around 7 in the morning. At this point, the members of the club huddled us, distributed binoculars and gave instructions how to use it, and reminded everyone to be silent not to scare the birds and have a successful birding. They also briefly discussed the Bird Watching opportunity in the country, which impressed me to knew that the Philippines is a home for diverse feathered creatures, owing to have a vast record of 695 avian species consists of resident birds, migrants and 241 endemic (only found in the Philippines). Then, our birding quest begin!

PARTICIPANTS ON BIRD WATCHING

The quest initially greeted with birds in flight, which identified by the club members as the Cattle egrets. Thereafter, Jops and some participants took advanced on trails. While, the other joiners goes with Mike - including me and my gf - we stayed and resume to watch the other birds can view at the spot of our first sighting. From there, Mike led us to the bird watching station where we saw the overlooking mangrove swamp showcasing numerous Egrets and Whiskered terns flying and wading. We also contemplated - via spotting scope - some perched Common Sandpiper, and Gray-tailed tattler when we surveyed the other spots in the area.

WATCHING BIRD VIA SPOTTING SCOPE

In the continuation of the quest inward the LPPCHEA, there are instances that both group congregated in one location and shares bird encounter along the way. Several birds species appeared onwards such as; Spotted dove, Chestnut munias, and Brown shrike  with food in mouth, which repeatedly spanked its prey - a bee as identified by Jops - on a tree branch using its beak. Upon walking the trail leading to the conjoin ponds, we beheld the Black-crowned night herons, from juvenile to adult. The White-collared kingfisher and Philippine Pied fantail which occasionally chirped emerged on the latter part, followed with a Yellow-vented bulbul. I also noticed many Eurasian tree sparrows. Interestingly, speaking of bird’s call, the sounds coming from Zebra dove and Golden-bellied gerygone lingered throughout the quest. While, some members of the club recognised calls of Clamorous reed warbler and Barred rail. Surprisingly, some Gerygone finally revealed themselves during our debrief (almost 10am). Though, it was only few seconds of appearance, these tiny birds flew from somewhere, and jumped over the cable, rewarded us a fun finale.

SPOTTED DOVE, FRAMED VIA SPOTTING SCOPE

Overall, I am grateful for the Guided Bird Watching trip I had with the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines in the LPPCHEA. The combination of good weather and accommodating folks made me had a very pleasant birding experience. While, the birds encounter left delights to my birding eyes. No regret if I missed watching the other bird species in the place, as this could be a great reason for me to go back there in the future.

BIRD WATCHING FIELD GUIDE

WILDLIFE DISCOVERY - BACKYARD BIRDING QUEST

WILDLIFE DISCOVERY - BACKYARD BIRDING QUEST
By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

BACKGROUND

You're wrong if you think I have a beautiful backyard. No its not, as the place where I live - in Sitio All-Top to be exact - is near a dirty creek, which we fondly called "gillage" means beside the village, as its just few meters across the exclusive village named Merville Park in Paranaque City. However, the dirty stream on my backyard is still possessing some vegetation where birds can perch, rest, and eat. There are trees living on it's bank such as; Talisay, Bangkal, Ipil-ipil, and fruit-bearing trees like Mango, Bilimbi, Guava and Star Apple, as well as cultivated trees like Papaya, Banana and Malunggay. Though not as dense wayback 1990s, yes! there still life on our backyard. I'm a bit lucky because there still remaining patch of greeneries from the past, where I can still see different birds living and pass through. On the otherhand, my involvement in hiking and other outdoor activities for several years exposed me to the beauty of wildlife specially birds; which I had the most experience in terms of wildlife encounter, in the form of listening and appreciating their flight. Bird is one of my fascination in the outdoor. I've been delighted by seeing the beauty of their presence and having enjoyment from music they bring. Moreover, to see some of them within my neighbourhood, is another great thing I truly celebrate. Making me have a pretty laid back birding spot, just on my backyard!

BACKYARD BIRD WATCHING

My backyard bird watching started when I brought home the Solognac 8x42 500 serie Binoculars from Decathlon Philippines for test. I tried it countless time by watching birds on my backyard, which happened after the two outdoor trip I did - where I also brought the said optic - in the month of October and November last year. However, the binoculars testing I had on my backyard did not end as trial. Indeed, It resulted to a preliminary spotting, which followed with focus backyard bird watching. So, on November 17, 2017 around 6:30 in the morning - few days after my last outdoor trip with the optic - I visited my backyard to watch birds again. Through the Solognac 8x42 500 serie Binoculars, I repeatedly watch birds, and record the color patterns on their feathers, wings, crown, vent, belly and tails, which eventually served as key for me to named them later on, with the help of internet. I felt glad to recognised variety of birds that morning - from Pied fantail to Yellow-vented bulbul, Eurasian tree sparrow to Asian glossy starling, and Brown shrike to Golden-bellied flyeater - showing the power of their flight.

Solognac 8X42 500 serie Binoculars on my backyard 11-17-2017

On the other hand, watching birds through the binoculars is truly entertaining. I was ogled with the birds I've seen, and it piqued my interest to think of ways to share this kind of enjoyment. Then, I come up to plan a photoshoot documentation like other birders do. But it didn't go easily, as I don't have zoom camera and It took a month before I am informed that I have the privilege to borrow our company's DSLR camera, thanks to my colleagues Aya and James! They made my backyard birding quest continue ---

BACKYARD BIRD PHOTO SHOOT

The backyard bird photoshoot I had - in the morning of February 02 to 04 this year - did not easily goes through. I'm just a beginner and I had encountered difficulties dealing with the camera. There are times I am over excited and unconsiously made noisy moves, which made birds became intractable and fly faraway. However, learnings goes along the way. I learned to deal with the camera, to hide myself, to silently observe them from distance and to carefully glimpse to see where they are mostly hop and perch, until I managed to take photo of them one by one.

Pied fantail

The Pied fantail (Rhipidura nigritorquis) - This bird has been the first product of my bird photoshoot. Mostly, I see it flies together with eurasian tree sparrow. It is very visible in the morning because of it's fan-shaped tail and black and white color combination. But to take photo of it is not just easy, as it is constantly moving, agressively attacking other birds, even the rat roaming on the tree branch. I just had a good timing to take a photo when it perched on the branch of Talisay tree.

Pied triller

The Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) - At first, I thought it was a "shrike" because of the black-stripe passing through it's eye. Then the pied (black and white) patterns on it's wing confirming that bird is definitely a Pied triller. However, very few than the Pied fantail.

Eurasian tree sparrow

The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) - This is the most dominant bird I always seen everywhere on my backyard. They are mostly very busy in getting dried stem to build nest on neighbor’s external ceiling, and sometimes joining the roosters eating on ground.

Yellow-vented bulbul

The Yellow vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) - The most active among the birds I've seen during the quest. Very easy to recognise as they are mostly perches in inclined position, making it's yellow vent to be visible. They flies and hop everywhere in a cluster.

Brown shrike

The Brown shrike (Lanius cristatus) - Same as Eurasian tree sparrow; this bird species is very common on my backyard. They hop in different trees and very comfortable to perch on barbed wire, wall and cable.

Zebra dove

The Zebra dove (Geopelia striata) - It has an occasional appearance - mostly in pairs - when I conducted the photoshoot. Perches on a high spot and not too much moving, yet active in surveying the ground like a chicken.

Yellow-bellied sunbird

The Yellow-bellied sunbird - Though I'm unlucky to see again the Asian glossy starling and golden-bellied flyeater during my photoshoot, the presence of a Yellow-bellied sun bird which suddenly landed in tall Malunggay tree is a nice complementary.

Blurred Photo of Philippine Pigmy Woodpecker

The Philippine Pigmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos maculatus) - The most intractable bird I saw during the photo-shoot. I seen it pecking the dried tree branch for only seconds and haven't had a clear shot. Though I regret, yet still thankful for this very surprising encounter. To see my backyard accommodating an endemic bird, is such a pleasant discovery!

Overall, I am pleased to finally document different kind of birds from my backyard. Hoping I could see again and take photo of their other breed I haven't yet include in the photo shoot. Very thankful to the Decathlon Philippines' Solognac 8x42 500 serie Binoculars! This tool exposed me to the idea of enjoyable wildlife discovery without living my comfort zone and left high importance to my "birding eyes", in learning to identify the birds. For sure, I'm gonna bring out this optic again; to check out new birds encounter on my backyard or try it for a longer birding quest in the future.