Hike For a Cause in Maculot

‘Non nobis solum nati sumus. (Not for ourselves alone are we born)’

Mount Maculot is a favorite amongst mountaineers and hikers alike. This is due to numerous reasons and factors that make this a rather memorable trail. I’d finally gotten the chance to hike on this mountain during this year’s Palm Sunday. Aside from the fact that this was the start of the Lenten season, what made the climb extremely special is the reason behind it all. The climb was organized in order to raise funds for Franco Ramos, a baby boy who is suffering from chronic liver disease called Billiary Atresia and who is in dire need of a liver transplant. Another reason which made this climb different was that I was doing the climb with a friend, Pinky. Yes, after climbing a few mountains I was finally able to recruit a friend of mine into joining me. It was my first time doing a dayhike with a friend and colleague as a companion.

Pinky and I arrived in Cubao earlier than expected, and with loads of time to spare. Because of this, we decided to eat breakfast while waiting for the other climbers. It took a while before other participants started arriving including the coordinator of the event and another friend of mine, Alvin. When all the participants were all thereand everything was settled,we boarded our van and headed to Cuenca in Batangas. It was a long travel with the usual stopovers as we fetched some participants along the way including Arby Ramos, Franco’s father who accepted the invitation and will be joining us in our climb.

Upon arriving in the town of Cuenca, we made a stopover at the registration site. After registration and securing our guides we proceeded to the jump off point. At the jump-off point we made last minute preparations, including the distribution of shirts bearing the words ‘I Support Franco’s Journey’ which we will be wearing for this event. We also did some photo op together with Mr. Ramos. Then we began our trek using the old trail.

Trekking Maculot’s is an easy one making it an ideal climb for first time hikers. Most parts of the trail is forested except for select areas and the camp site. The nice thing about climbing this mountain is that it was not exhausting. There was no chance for that because every few meters you can grab the opportunity to stop and take a rest. Areas with improvised benches are provided for you to take a sit and rest. Alongside these resting areas are makeshift stores selling cold beverages. You will never get hungry or thirsty even if you do the climb empty handed. The sari-sari stores sell coconut water (buko juice), sodas, flavored drinks, mineral water and even halo-halo to quench your thirst. The only catch is that, as you go higher near the summit, the prices of these commodities get higher as well. I recall buying halo-halo at the campsite which was near the summit at P30.00 and when we’re heading down the mountain and almost near the jump-off point I bought one at only P20.00. While you may think of this as taking advantage of the situation, I still think the price is reasonable, considering that they need to transport all those merchandise all the way to the mountain.

There are rope segments along the steep part of the trail. The rope provides support to make the ascent easy and safe for hikers. However, it also caught my attention that some parts of the old trail are obviously deteriorating. The soil is very slippery due to the accumulation of sand, dust and pebbles. I deduce that the main reason for that is the crowds of people that are climbing the mountain. Considering a lot of people are climbing Maculot daily, the trail seems to be suffering from over usage, which I believe should be given proper attention by the authorities managing the mountain.

It made me sad to realize that there is always a price to pay for exploiting the beauty of nature. I just hope they can do something before it’s too late. Maybe they should try to regulate the number of hikers climbing the mountain. Setting a limit to the number of people going there may somehow slow down the deterioration of the trail. I’ve read that they once opened a new trail and closed the old trail to help it recuperate.I don’t know if they’re still doing this since we did start the trek on the old trail.

We were halfway near the campsite when suddenly my friend and hiking buddy, Alvin, experienced pain in his torso. He then decided to turn back to the jump-off point while he let us go on and continue. Our group proceeded to the base camp where we met the other members of our group. The base camp was crowded with hikers. The campsite is home to the 7-11s, a name climbers jokingly call stores in the area in reference to an international chain of convenience store. These stores sell beverages, snacks, meals, etc. You really don’t have to worry about food because you can buy basically anything there although the price is higher than usual. Nevertheless, it saves you the hassle of bringing your daypack with you.

We took our lunch at the campsite together with some members of the group. We took a brief rest and then we headed to the south end of the campsite where the Rockies are located. Technically, we did not climb the summit of Maculot, though some of those in our group managed to go there. We instead headed directly to the famous Maculot Rockies. It is the most scenic part in the mountain so hikers prefer going there than to the actual summit. The Rockies is a rocky cogonal peak separated by a deep gorge. In order to get there, you have to make a steep descent and then you have to scale between huge boulders. It is a struggle to reach the top because of the size of these boulders. There were instances when the assistance of our guide was needed just so you can lift yourself up those huge rocks. But then once you’re already on top you will not regret anything at all.

The Rockies is called by that name for the obvious reason that it is composed of lots of rock formations. The rock formations are everywhere and we all lined up to have our pictures taken there. Extra precaution is to be exercised though because it is indeed dangerous. The heat of sun was so intense but we didn’t care as we were all mesmerized by the scenic view around us. The Rockies offers a breathtaking 270 degree view of Batangas and its nearby towns. It also gives you the best view of the enchanting Taal Lake, Balayan and Batangas bay, and Halcon range of Mindoro. The picturesque Taal Volcano is also visible at a distance. It makes you want to stay there and be in wonder at the scenery forever but then of course you have to leave the place eventually.

After our photo op, our guide informed us that we were to make our way down. Only a few people are allowed on top of the Rockies because of its limited space. Thus we had to give way to the other groups, who were patiently waiting below to have their time there too. So we made the descent this time with much ease. We hastily continued our journey back to the jump-off point. Most of the participants were already there and enjoying a much needed cold shower.

Another good thing about Maculot that I truly liked is the availability of many shower rooms at the jump off point. The shower rooms are spacious and decent so I commend them for that. So after the trek you don’t have to worry about the long queue to the bathroom or you don’t have to go from household to household to ask permission from the owners to use their bathroom so you could take a bath and dress up. For a minimal fee for the water you will be consuming you can enjoy your shower without haste and thinking about those who are patiently outside waiting for their turn.

Our dayhike to Maculot is worthy to reminisce for a lot of good reasons. It was comforting and reassuring to have a friend at your side while trekking. The presence of stores along the trail also amazed me and made me consider going back there again, this time without a daypack. Scaling the Rockies was challenging but rewarding upon seeing the fascinating and breathtaking scenery above. At the end of the climb I still felt a little exhausted but it was all worth it knowing I enjoyed the experience and most of all, for the reason that I joined this hike; to extend a helping hand to someone in need.

We are not born for ourselves alone. We have been created to contribute to the greater good of humanity; to provide comfort, understanding, love and care, especially to those who need it the most. Life is worth living and it become more meaningful if we dedicate ourselves in serving others unconditionally. I admit there are times when I tend to be selfish and mainly focus on the acquisition of material things. But then I think of the unfortunate people out there who have nothing in life. It then hits me and makes me realize how lucky I am for living a comfortable life with a loving and supportive family behind me. Let us not dwell on what we lack in life but instead on what we have to give and share to others. There is happiness in sharing, and you can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others. Even though I didn’t reach the summit of Mt. Maculot, knowing I did contribute to a worthy cause made me elated. It feels like I’d reach the summit of humanity where few had ever been to.

On March 12, 2017, Zane Franco L. Ramos finally succumbed to his battle with Billiary Artesia. His journey finally come to an end. He is at home at last.