Tough Times in Tangisan

'It's up to you to find beauty in the ugliest days.'

It was my second attempt to conquer Tangisan. The first one was when we had our San Jose Circuit climb in September 2016. It was a disaster since we failed to inform the municipal tourism office about our climb. We were summoned to the local police station because of our deed. The apparent misunderstanding between our organizer, head guide, and the tourism office of San Jose was ultimately settled peacefully. I learned from that mistake. Prior to our Tangisan dayhike I keep in touch with Engr. Ramil De Vera, the tourism officer of San Jose, just to make sure we were following protocol and to avoid embarrassment and inconvenience later on. 

My Tangisan comeback was also the second and biggest event of our group. There were a total of twenty participants in this dayhike including myself. Since San Jose, Tarlac is just near Tarlac City we decided to just hire a jeepney to take us there. I didn’t expect it will take us that long to reach the jump-off point but I was relieved that we did arrive safe because the road going there was a bit scary similar to Benguet’s roads. I was even skeptical about the capability of our driver at some point.

Upon arrival at the jump-off point I quickly went to the registration area which is actually located at a sari-sari store. They required each one of us to sign a waiver and for those minor in our group we submitted parental consent. After paying the registration fees, they gave us two guides. There were only two guides available that time. We are the only group they are accommodating that day. Afterwards, we proceed to the place adjacent to the registration area for the orientation. After that, we did some group photo and then started the trek.

Tangisan was the highest of the three mountains in the San Jose Circuit and it was the most visible one. The mountain was visible even at the jump-off point. We walked along the concrete road heading toward the direction of Tangisan then after a few meters made a left turn. From there it was a rough road that leads us to the rice paddies. Then, we reach the point where the trail going to Mount Kawayan and Tangisan meets. We turn right which then leads us to the bridge above the Pangasaan Dam. We stop in the bridge for some rest and group photo.

Since it was the beginning of summer season, the dam and its lake was dry. The rice fields were also brown and not green, unlike during my first time here. Our trek continues until we reach the foot of the mountain. We began to feel the intense heat of the sun so we take a long break before making our ascent. The initial part of the ascent was purely assault. Most in the group were first timers and they struggle as we go along. Then we also have to deal with the intense heat which made everything tough and challenging. 

Half way to the summit, one in our group becomes dizzy. We let her rest for awhile to recuperate. We stay beside her while the rest in the group proceed with the trek. After a few minutes, her condition stayed the same. Later on, she told us she cannot do it anymore. We decided to let one of our guides to accompany her back to the jump-off point. The rest of us proceed to the summit.

The group met and converged near the summit. Since it was nearly lunch time and we are starving, we decided to have our lunch in a shaded area below the summit. We took a short rest and then decided to conquer the summit. We made a short assault before finally reaching Tangisan’s summit. The summit was bare and with a small area but it offers a panoramic view of the villages below, the San Jose mountain ranges, as well as the nearby Pangasinan and Zambales mountains.

Everyone took turns in having their pictures taken at the summit. We did our group photo and then decided to make our descent. Although most of the trail was assault we all manage to make it down the mountain safe. For the steep part of the trail, our remaining guide and the men in the group assisted the others especially the women. The scorching heat was intense during that time. It was already noon and the heat proved to be unbearable so we hasten our pace towards the jump-off point.

Upon reaching the jump-off point we immediately went to the nearest store and bought some cold beverages to conquer our thirst. It was still early so we take our time to rest. Our companion who did not make it to the summit was already there and she was doing well. Some of us decided to take a shower. We initially plan to go to Monestario de Tarlac for a short visit after our climb but the afternoon heat was too much to bear for us. We all decided to go home instead, but not after dropping by and having our lunch to the house of a friend who happens to lived nearby.

Tangisan was an easy and worthy climb. Beginners will do just fine in summiting this mountain. What made our climb tougher was the fact that the heat was so intense then. Well, Tangisan and the whole San Jose Circuit is known for its hot environment. While most of the trail was assault and there were steep parts, it was still manageable. There are no river crossing in Tangisan unlike its neighboring Kawayan and Bungkol Baka. There are trees for most part of the trail but it did not help since all of the trees were bare without leaves during our time there. The view in the summit was rewarding although I think it may have been more picturesque during rainy season. Same with the Pangasaan Dam which looked magnificent during rainy and planting season, but again, hiking during this season has its risk. I did experience Tangisan on two different seasons and I know better. So, whatever season you choose to go there or to the two other mountains in the San Jose Circuit, always be prepared and bear in mind your safety beyond anything else. 

Mt. Tangisan Dayjike
Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac
February 25, 2017

ITINERARY:

05:30 AM  Assembly
06:00 AM  ETD for San Jose, Tarlac
07:00 AM  ETA Sitio San Pedro, San Jose, Tarlac/Register and secure guides
07:30 AM  Start trek
10:00 AM  ETA Mt. Tangisan summit/Photo op
10:30 AM  Lunch/Rest
11:30 AM  Start descent 
01:00 PM  Back at Sitio San Pedro/Tidy up
03:00 PM  ETD Sitio San Pedro/Pasalubong shopping along the way
03:30 PM  Dinner at Orcino's residence
04:00 PM  ETD for Tarlac City
05:00 PM  Back in Tarlac City

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Engr. Ramil E. De Vera
Municipal Tourism Officer
San Jose, Tarlac
Contact number: 0908-881-9789
E-mail address: redevera33@gmail.com

Mr. Daniel Gonzales
Local head guide
Sitio San Pedro
0907-986-2608

NOTE: This post is undergoing editing.