JOURNAL 2041: Beauty Within Rizal (Adventure to Mount Lagyo)

       For most of us, summer is the perfect time to loosen oneself from the daily stress and haste that we encounter. Some might think of going to a beach to enjoy the crystal-clear water under the heat of the sun. For those who can afford much, an island-to-island hopping with your family is one good example. But for most of us, summer is the time when we can watch all the American Series, movies, and Korean dramas we stored in our flash drives with matching chips and dips plus a thirst-quenching soda. Well in my case, this summer, I promised to myself to try something new, and something that will require my whole body to move and something with a twist of adventure. Well aside from dancing, it is MOUNTAIN TREKKING that I am talking about. Here I am going to share to you my whole-day escapade to Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal plus everything that you have to know (the budget, time allowance, do’s and don’t’s and a lot more stuff) if you want to try out this awesome experience. Well, I am inviting you to try it with your friends! 

Challenge accepted! 

       Having been opened for public only this year, Mount Lagyo is one of the newest and hottest choice of many tourists, not only because of its beautiful limestone formation and spectacular views, but also for the added experience of climbing it to reach the summit. With an altitude of 396 MASL, Mount Lagyo was definitely a big but fresh challenge for me as a beginner. Upon reaching the highest peak, you can have a scenic view of its neighboring mountain ranges like Mount Pamitinan (426 MASL), Mt. Binacayan (424 MASL), and Mt. Hapunang Banoi (517 MASL). By the way, if you want something that will suit your level, Mt. Balagbag (700 MASL+) is a good suggestion with its very wide and opened trail. Along the way, you will see a vast bushes of tambo grass, where you can take Instagram-mable photos. There’s no rock climbing nor a forested areas to go into. Because of its easy trail, it is being suggested as one of the easiest mountain to hike. But if you’re into adventure and challenges, Mount Lagyo is a perfect destination for you. 

Thanks to my travel buddy, Jeric, and to our photographer/guide Kuya Chard 

SeaOil Gas Station where you can drop off at. 

       So, question number one is how to get there. Technically, it depends where you will come from. But the first drop-off point is in Litex. If you’re coming from Cubao, it will take you an hour to reach Litex. I prefer the call time is 4:00 A.M. so you will follow the same schedule I had. Also, early traveling will allow you to do the dim-trekking, especially for those who do not want to get their skin burned under the sun. Upon reaching Litex, ride a jeep with a signboard of Hiway/Montalban and just tell the driver to drop you at Hiway. If you see the Seaoil gas station, that’s it! Or sometimes, jeepney drivers use the other road so the drop-off point is Mercury Drug, a few blocks away from the gas station. Then, you can wait for a jeep going to Wawa Dam and pay P8.00 fare. But in our case, because we arrived there very early, we rode tricycle and we paid P15.00 each (since we’re two, total is P30.00).

       Upon reaching the very province-like Sitio Wawa, you’ll be assisted by a DENR Officer. They will ask you to log on to their information book and then ask for your environmental fee worth P50.00 (per head). Since Mount Lagyo is just a newly-opened mountain, the registration will be in the Barangay, a few meters away from the DENR Office. By the way, Mount Lagyo required a mountaineer guide. (I’ll share later about this at the end of my article.)

       Going to the first crossing of Mount Lagyo will challenge your stamina. The walk took us almost 30 minutes and (because I was only a beginner), I had a difficulty in catching my breath. You will notice a village on your way there, bunches of bahay kubos. Houses are starting to get distant to each other until only tall trees and grasses will meet you along the way. SUGGESTION no.1: Make sure to bring LOTS of water. Upon hearing that, I thought a liter of water will suffice for the whole trek. But during the hike, I almost drank half of the bottle upon reaching the first crossing. Also, SUGGESTION no. 2 is if you can choose a bag, pick a bag that could carry all your stuff and do not bring unnecessary things because they will only add up to the weight you have to bear while trekking. 

Up-and-down wide road is the first challenge.

Bikers are still allowed to go up to the first crossing of the mountain.

       After an hour of trekking through the rugged terrains towards the first crossing, a beautiful view is already available for a groupie shot. The trail to Mount Lagyo is to the left while the other side will lead you to Mount Parawagan. So we turned left where the real MOUNTAIN HIKING really started. Trees with ranging heights and beautiful rock formations will meet you along the way and because the trail is very narrow, you can't avoid to be slapped by tall grasses in all directions. Wear quick-dry clothes and avoid cotton fabrics which will really make you sweat. SUGGESTION no. 3: bring extra shirts. It is also good if you wear cap, or wide-brimmed sunhats for protection against the sun.

Mount Lagyo is smaller in terms of its altitude compare to its neighboring mountains but it's more challenging to hike, according to Kuya Chard.

Panoramic shot in the first crossing of the mountain. Kuya Chard on the right side of the picture.

       We trailed up the mountain and we passed by several boulders that show themselves in different sizes and shapes. Going to the first peak of Mount Lagyo was very challenging to me. Climbing through pointed limestone rock formations added to the thrill because you really have to exert force and energy to carry yourself, making sure that you’re in a balance while stepping from one rock to another. Definitely, if you see the rocky crags by yourself, you won’t just hold tight to them but you will surely grasp with your two hands to make sure you’re safe from falling. SUGGESTION no. 4: bring thick mountain gloves with you and wear a pair of climbing shoes with thick rubber outer soles plus thick socks for better protection. I am telling you- do not wear your fashion-inspired shoes and definitely not black shoes or else you will end up going home crying because you wrecked your favorite shoes. Hahaha. Sandals are good but they offer less protection to your feet.

First selfie on the first peak of Mount Lagyo.

Me: making pa-pogi face. :D

Honestly, My knees were shaking that time coz my position was really high (and dangerous). 

Panoramic view in the first peak.

I'm trying to be as awesome as I can while jumping from one rock to another. Hahahaha

S-E-L-F-I-E

      After scrambling up to the other peak and its summit, it got more interesting because more and more limestone crags and sheer cliffs were starting to dominate the way. The more we encountered pointed rocks, the more we made sure to ascend slowly but safely. Also, since we’re going higher and higher, the views of mountain ranges were really majestic and spectacular! As you go up, you will realize and appreciate more how beautiful the nature is, more than what you thought.

Into the woods.
Thank you @HeirsSportsPH for their all-in-one bag. Its awesome compartments make my things organized and easy to reach. :) 

Im just startled by the beauty of this nature. 

I MADE IT! I MADE IT! 

The "Pa-cute" pose 

The "Kungwari Serious" Pose

My background is INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! 

Panoramic View at the summit of Mount Lagyo

"Pagod na si acquo" Pose

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

My buddy and I with our SERIOUS Vs. FUNNY Pose

This photo is amazing! 

      At almost 12:00 noon, when the sun was at its blazing heat, we started the descent. I thought going down is easier than going up. Well partly, that was true, maybe because of the excitement that you can finish the whole mountain trekking experience. Our guide led us to another route that elevated the descent from easy to hard mode. Well, I just considered it as adventure, so I went on. And of course, I didn’t have any choice at all. Haha. The descent was definitely the most challenging part, I think for the whole trekking! We crossed different places from forest-like terrains, to bamboo-filled grounds, then to infinite ranges of tambo grass, I almost knocked myself out because I was out of water. (so please, bring lots of water). We took a short break and ate our packed merienda. That feeling where you just want to jump off into the pool was the best description I could give while drinking the two liters of water I bought during the break. Upon reaching the main road, I just couldn’t imagine how I made it! The experience was surely one of a kind and the most challenging experience I have as of this moment!

Short break after the second peak.

      We went back to the Barangay office to log out after our trip at almost 1:00 P.M. We paid the guide P800.00. I suggest that you bring a group of five or six so you can share the expenses at lesser cost. The professional fee was really worth it not only because of the assistance through challenging trails we received but also for the informative trivia about the mountain that we learned, and most importantly, for our picturesque photos that were willingly captured. With this, I want to commend Kuya Chard for his photography skills! Believe me, aside from his amazing stamina, he’s really good in taking photos. He actually took most of the photos I posted here. 

The adventure is not yet over!

      After resting for about an hour, I and my travel buddy went to a nearby residence where we rented a CR and took a shower for P25.00. So SUGGESTION No. 5, if you’re planning to hike somewhere in Rizal and you want to go home fresh and fragrant, you can bring your extra clothes (and don't forget your undergarments because it will also definitely get wet from all your sweating) and other toiletries and personal hygiene stuff. It is also good if you bring a pair of slippers or sandals for more comfortable traveling.

This bridge is not yet open to the public but I heard it is soon to open. 

This is what they called "The Face" because if you will stare on the big rock formation, it resembles an image of big face. 

The Wawa Dam and its sparkling water! 

Burned old room where you can take Instagrammable selfies. :D  

Another S-E-L-F-I-E moment

      Upon refilling our hungry stomachs, we decided to visit the famous Wawa Dam and its floating nipa huts. It is actually a side trip that you can do after hiking since it's nearby and has a free admission. While there, you can enjoy the cold-tickling water and spend the rest of the day swimming. The only fee you have to pay for is the cottage rent where you can put down all your things for only P250.00. But if you want to try the floating cottage, it costs around P700.00-P800.00 because aside from the cottage itself, you have to hire a person who will row it for you.

An infinity of thanks for my travel buddy who invited me to engage in this kind of adventure! 

      Going home is almost the same route. Ride a tricycle going to hiway, or you can choose to get off at Robinsons. Then from there, ride a jeep with a Litex signboard. After that, ride a jeep going to where you originally came from. 

       Hiking to Mount Lagyo is surely an extraordinary experience! Mount Lagyo also shows how God created an exquisite, elegant and fascinating mother nature. The whole day adventure is a challenging one but definitely you’ll be amazed that you made it! So try it now!

ACTUAL ITINERARY

0430—0520 ETA From Bagong Silang, ride jeepney to Litex Market/ From Cubao to Litex                                                                                                        P20.00 (RF)

0520—0555 ETA From Litex, ride jeepney then get off to Hiway                     P20.00 (RF)

0555—0610 ETA From Hiway, ride a tricycle then get off in front of DENR Office  

                                                                                                              P30.00 (ST)

                                                                                                             P50.00 (Efee)

0610—0655 ETA Arrival at the crossing

0655—0800 ETA Arrival at the foot of crossing

0800—0910 ETA First Peak

0910—1050 ETA Second Peak

1050—0100 ETA Descent, back to the office

0100—0200        Freshened up, Lunch                                                        P50.00

0200—0300        Adventure to Wawa Dam

0300—0315 ETD From Sitio Wawa (DENR Office) to Robinsons                      P30.00 (ST)

0315—0345 ETD From Robinsons, ride jeepney with Litex signboard               P20.00 (RF)

(as of April 2017, fares are subject to changes without notice.) [ST is special trip; RF is regular fare; EFee is Environmental Fee]

Mandatory Guide fee is P800.00 per pax (but I think it is still negotiable?). So the more, the less each will pay. But preferably, a group of five to six is enough for a #squadtravelgoals. J   

Contact details of our guide:

Richard "Chard" Solina

(10 years in the industry)

with awesome photography skills <3 

+639983266559

Written by: Mc Danielle Lleno

Edited by: April Gealene Alera (thank you so much Gelai!!)