BMC at Mount Makiling

BMC at Mount Makiling

First stop to my new found action-filled adventure is the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) I took at the 1st camp site in Mount Makiling. I wasn't able to climb at the peak of the majestic mountain because it was just a preliminary course that a premature mountaineer must take to be able to learn more and do better stuff. Why conduct a mountaineering course after climbing? Well, I call it a "patikim" or a taste of what it feels like when you don't know anything about mountaineering yet or do not possess the basic skills of a mountaineer. It sure was fun. Hehe. I packed my things the wrong way. I put some unnecessary things on backpack. I was shortly packed. Yeah, it was fun not knowing. Haha. But it was satisfying to know what areas I fell short and know them hands-on than to know it from other people's perspective. Experience sure was a better teacher than hear-say or articles or book. I didn't really climb that high to be so dramatic about the experience. ^_^

To who did I went with? I was with the Mountaineering Society of Adamson University (MESAU). It's an organization in Adamson University that "caters to the upliftment of mountaineering and exploration as a science, sports and arts in its highest regard for the pursuance of  better understanding and knowledge of the world around us". Yes, that is MESAU. Pretty cool, huh? I joined this organization so that I could experience socio-civic and extracurricular activities. But I got more that I hoped for.

Well, this is my first account of my gonna-be, till-death experiences and lifetime commitment.  Here is the full narrative of the BMC program conducted by MESAU. This was originally written by Niño Mercado (an applicant also of MESAU for this year) and edited by me. ^_^

"The Mountaineering and Exploration Society of Adamson University Organization (MESAU) had successfully accomplished their first activity for this 1st semester 2011. The Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) at Mount Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna brought about great experiences to our new applicants. To date, Mount Makiling is one of the active volcanoes in the island of Luzon. It rises to 1,090 meters above sea level and it is a popular hiking destination. The major trail in the University of the Philippines - Los Baños where we began is more commonly used by mountaineers."

"5:00 am of July 23, 2011, Saturday at 7eleven Buendia near Gil Puyat Station was the call time for all participants including the members and alumni. Clearly everyone was ecstatic for the climb especially our new applicants who will surely have the opportunity to explore the new field of mountain climbing. As it reached 6:00am, we all started fixing and checking our loads with the help of the officers. Everyone always gets to be reminded by one another. Quarter to 7, we travelled via bus trip going to Laguna for almost 2 hours. Right after the bus trip, we took a jeep and used up 15 minutes journey via jeepney to Rainforest inside the University of the Philippines – Los Baños. Before we started climbing Mount Makiling, a prayer was led, we listened to the reminders, safety tips and things we should or shouldn’t do while trekking. As we started to ascend, about 9:00 am, the journey was filled with smiles and laughter, new discovered friendship, memories that will never be forgotten, and tasks where we challenged and witness our own strengths."

I embarked the mountain with my best pal Pinky Atregenio. She was the one who encouraged me to join a mountaineering organization. She said that it would be really nice to get us closer to nature. As gullible as I am, I was easily persuaded. I still was not close to the other members of MESAU so I ascended the mountain just with me and my best bud Pinky sharing some talks.

We rested on a benched space half way to the campsite. There, we waited as the other left-behinds ascended the mountain. When all are already present, we started climbing again. This time, no breaks. 

When we reached the campsite, we again waited for the "slow-movers" to come. When we were waiting, a lot of picture taking was done and bonding with each other was initially made. Some were making jokes and some were telling about others and themselves. After awhile, the others are coming.

“As we finally reached the camp site, by exactly 1:00 pm, we started pitching our tents so we could tend to our loads, enjoy our packed lunch and start the lecture activity, the BMC. The Basic Mountaineering Course program was designed to prepare the applicants’ physical and mental capacities and educate them about the meaning of mountaineering and the significance of being a mountaineer. It was started by our very own guest speaker, one of MESAU’s alumni, Mr. James Benito also known as our Kuya Dembot. Mr. Benito is one MESAU’s pride when it comes to mountaineering. As the activity proceeded, he taught us the proper back packing, ropemanship, things that we need to bear in mind while climbing a mountain, survival abilities that we should attain, trail signs that should be familiarized, preparation for disasters and to acquire skills like sturdiness while working under pressure and litheness working extensively.”

"After the lecture was done, an engaging get-to-know-each-other game was carried out. It’s a funny and a very unique idea where we had the opportunity to know each other with the old members and alumni. After the dinner was through, we took the activity unto the next level. We call it, the “socials”. After almost three decades of existence, socials had been one of the most exalted parts of a climb and had been a tradition of MESAU every time a climb is conducted. Prior to this climb, the applicants were grouped accordingly and would be competing amongst each other. Each had to perform a number to bring fun to the whole crowd. Three groups, each having 5 to 6 members, were assigned to perform at the socials. Two groups performed a dance number and the other groups carried out midget show. The first group did a Lady Gaga number and amused everybody by showcasing their very creative dance steps. The second group made everyone laughed by performing a chant and at the same time portrayed every uttered word. The third group did a very articulate performance by dressing up as midgets and performed a funny dance number.  Cheers were granted and compliments were shared. After the performances were over, the members and applicant mingled with each other and made huge talks. Some even shared stories of their previous climbs and made everybody laugh. As the socials reached midnight, we all went back to our tents and rest."

"By 6:00 am, everyone woke up. The mountain greeted us with its foggy prospect and misty impression. It was like the nature itself refreshed our will and cleansed our spirit. It was a good morning. The politeness and love of nature from everyone was inevitably seen. When the breakfast was served by the assigned cook, we happily divulged the meal and made talks. At 8:00 am, the group packed their belongings and breaks the camp."

"At 9:00 am, all people were ready to trek down. Around 11:00 am, the group reached the base camp and took two jeepneys destined to our next stop, pool resort. We were excited to get ourselves cleaned and plunged to the welcoming swimming pool. At 3:00 pm, we the postclimb was directed by the president. A postclimb is an open forum that allows everyone to speakout their thoughts, their unsaid compliments, clarifications, apologies and detested comportment."

After the strenuous descend, all were excited for the swim. The group rented a pool from the outskirt of Pansol, Los Baños, Laguna. I let the water wash out all of the dirt rejuvenate my senses. The climb did not only bring me closer to nature but it brought me new friends as well whom I share same interest with. The organization did not merely present me with activities I can work on but a family that I can share happiness with.  Thanks! I’m glad I joined this org.

"Every year, some people may be drawn into the field of mountain climbing, and as mountain climbing grows in popularity, beginners also increases. However, all skilled mountaineers always hail from being a beginner. Behind the hard times in climbing a mountain, the best part of a climb lies behind the will to reach the top and appreciate the journey. Pushing ourselves to the limits is part of our life. It’s to be better and be the best that you can be. Enhancing one’s own abilities hones the determination to even be better."

Pictures courtesy of: Orven Honofre, Joseph Domingo, Luis Cole