The Climb: Mt. Hapunang Banoi (517+ MASL)

I made great use of my APEC holiday by going back to the hobby I missed most - hiking! Last 18th of November, with my original hiking girl friends, I conquered Mt. Hapunang Banoi in Rodriguez, Rizal. 

How do I begin to describe this mountain? Well, according to our guide, Kuya Romeo, it's the most difficult among the three steep and jagged mountains namely Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Binacayan, and Mt. Hapunang Banoi. We chose it because it was the one with the least traffic. In fact, we were the first group there. We were then followed by a hiking couple (#theycouldvebeenus if Neil doesn't have work. LOL!). Both Pamitinan and Binacayan were jam-packed, so we crossed that off our list (for now).

Personally, I prefer mountains such as Banoi, something that includes a little bit of "rock climbing." However, if you were to ask me if I wanna go back, I don't think I would. It's a really dangerous mountain, I even remembered having to jump from one pointy rock to another. I was really thankful my shoes never let me down. Nonetheless, as what most mountains promise, all of my effort was rewarded by a very wonderful summit with a 360-degree view of nature. 

For my fellow lady hikers, do not forget to put on sunblock before you start the hike. Wear your hiking shoes because running shoes will surely give up in the middle of the battle with the mountain's pointed rocks. If you're going to wear leggings, be sure to layer it with your trusty pair of shorts because there are parts where you need to sit on the rocks to advance on the next. You don't want to go home with tattered leggings on the butt area, right? To protect yoru precious hands, wear thick, cloth gloves with rubber on the palms (I'm sorry, I don't know how to describe it clearly. Ugh!). Also, don't forget to wear your sunnies and cap because there's nothing that will cover you when you reach the top and the sun can be cruel at times. Bring at least 2L of water and some trail food. Jelly Ace is a good choice. Most importantly, bring packed lunch, in case you get hungry in the middle of the hike. The stores at the junction only sell munchies, what you need is a good meal to regain your energy. 

After devouring our lunch, we took the traverse route to Wawa Dam. If you still have time to spare, rent one of their bamboo rafts or balsa for 150 PhP (unlimited use). Since we only wanted to ride the balsa for photo purposes, Kuya Romeo asked permission from the owner if he can take us on a 10-minute tour around the dam. The owner was kind enough to agree, so we paid him 80 PhP (20 PhP/ pax) for the short trip.

Our very kind and helpful guide, Kuya Romeo (0921 507 1392)

Below is our group's itinerary:
5:00 AM     Meetup at Jollibee Farmers; Breakfast
5:30 AM     Take FX (parked outside Jollibee) to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal 
6:30 AM     Arrive at Eastwood; Take green tricycle to DENR of Pamitinan
6:40 AM     ETA at DENR; Register and secure guide
7:00 AM     Start hike to Mt. Hapunang Banoi
7:45 AM      Arrive at Junction
8:00 AM     Head to Hapunang Banoi's Summit 1
9:00 AM     Arrive at Summit 1; Take photos
9:20 AM     Head to Summit 2
10:20 AM   Arrive at Summit 2; Take lots of photos
10:50 AM   Start descent 
12:50 PM   Back at Junction; Lunch
1:45 PM      Take traverse route to Wawa Dam
2:45 PM     Arrive at Wawa Dam; Sightseeing; Bathe; Washup
4:00 PM    Take tricycle back to Eastwood
4:10 PM     Take FX back to Farmer's Cubao
5:10 PM     Back in Manila  

Thanks for reading. Keep on hiking!

Budget reference:
FX to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal - P50

Tricycle to DENR (Pamitinan) - P10
Packed Lunch - P45 
Registration fee - P2
Guide fee - P150/ person (for a group of 4)
  *First mountain is P500, additional mountain payment depends on the hikers
Mountain Dew - P40
Ice cream along the way - P10
Wash-up - P25

Tricycle back to Eastwood - P15

FX back to Farmer's, Cubao - P50