Lanaya, Alegria – The WANDER (FULL) LIFE

A Peak & A Hot Spring in One Adventure

No trek is ever the same even if you’ve done it many times. This was my 3rd trek in Mt. Lanaya. Yet each and every time is a different experience. And if I were to pick the best, nah, I’ll pass. Last Saturday, June 11-12 is as good as the first (2013 via Legazpi – Lumpan) and the 2nd (2015 via Lumpan – Legazpi, same as this trail).

Views of Lanaya – the mountain side below and the sea side on top!

It was another great weekend with NCR Trekkers Club at a trek we dubbed as “Freedom Climb” since it falls on the “Independence Day” weekend. It was NCR Trekker’s 8th mountain after Naupa in January, Lanigid in February, Osmena in March, Mago in April, Kandungaw in May and just last weekend, Mt. Babag & Chalet Hills. There were 28 trekkers who joined the adventure that started in Brgy Lumpan in Alegria and ended in Mainit Springs in Malabuyoc just like my 2nd trek, a first with NCR Trekkers in Lanaya.

Like any other trek, it was great but not without hiccups. Thanks to God we were able to triumph over it with no injuries. Great climbs were not meant to be flawless. It had to be flavored with an epic adventure. We had that adventure by being lost. My emotion got the best of me for some time and then it faded when I realized my responsibilities. I had to be bigger than my angst.

From that trek, I realized how hard it is to be the “Sweeper”. It takes a lot of patience and empathy. And as I have always mentioned, I fall short of the two. Still I’m thankful for the experience. It lets me see a different view of the entire trek. But I’m most thankful to the 2 people who are always there to back me up. Without them, no trek would be as good as it always does. 🙂

So here are the 12 things that made this adventure as good as the first 2 experiences:

1. We were able to achieve the “Apas” group for the 2nd time. Hooray!!! In support of the husband’s habitual Friday late nights, we had to adjust accordingly. Last time I was pretty confident with Kandungaw but not this time. Thanks to God I was able to lead us safely to the campsite even if it was a different trail. Haha! =)

Apas team starting the ascent at 5:30 PM!

2. We had a better and muffin-free camp. Last time, we camp in front of the cool looking trees but now we were nestled at a small enclosure near the “shortcut”. Our tents are closer compared to the previous too.

Checking the camp if it was NCR Trekkers camp. Bottom right pic shoes the “regular group” passing by the previous campsite.

3. Breakfast at the peak achieved again. Yahoooo! This time the team got bigger. Because, we weren’t able to visit the peak at sunset unlike the “regular” group, we had to wake up at 5AM to see the sunrise. We arrived at the peak at 5:30 AM, brought a cook set and a burner. Boiled water while waiting for the sunrise. We had oat meals and fruits.

Breakfast at Lanaya’s Peak! Hello Rey – our unexpected guest. 🙂

Group pic sans Junji’s team who chose sleep over sunrise at the peak!

Another group pic at the seaside. The pole was quite useful as a camera stand. 😀

4. We had an unexpected “recruit”. While waiting for the bus to Alegria which was surprisingly populated when we assembled at 11AM, I saw a familiar face – a neighbor from our condo. He was as surprised as I am for seeing each other. He commented that he never thought of me as the adventure type. Haha! Oh well, everyone’s 1st impression of me. Thus the blog to prove them wrong. 😛 It wasn’t long before he got comfortable with the rest of the group. His stories of Tres Marias and Guiting2 entertained us while we are waiting for our turn. He was supposed to join a group in cleaning Kanlaob river but to our surprise, he ditched them when they got off in Alegria. Lol He is indeed one of a kind. He’s a great addition to my already quirky group. Hehe

While waiting for our turn. We spent 1.5 hours waiting. Left at 12:30 and was in Alegria at 4:30 PM.

5. Socials assignment continued. This time it was Barbie who started it. Thanks to him, we had wine to pair our laughter with. No #hugots this time but instead, we were looking back on our trekking adventures. Happy to have known 1 who is really a first timer. I just hope Lanaya wouldn’t put out her flame. Lanaya can be pretty tough for a first timer. 😀

Socials started at 8:30 PM followed by a game of “Werewolves”!

6. “Werewolves” with 27 people was a ruckus but still fun! I still can’t get over the fact that all the werewolves were from the “Apas” group and my guests. Haha! Well mostly, all the roles really: Barbie – the Scapegoat, Jane – the Seer, Didit – the Little Girl, Cha – the Defender, Migo – the Nurse, Werewolves: Liz, Ziel, Dee, Marvin & Ricco. Only me, Junji & Rey had no roles, hepless “Villagers”. Van2 was the witch. Last time 4 all girl villagers survived with me as the most annoying villager. Haha! Now almost half of the villagers were saved. Thanks to the most “ichusera villager” of all time – Bujoy. Being friends with influence get her so far indeed.

7. Call time was almost achieved with a 30 minute delay. We left the camp at 8:30 this time. Kandungaw was an hour late so it’s an improvement.

Breaking up camp and cam-whoring while waiting.

8. No major injuries despite the fact that it rained when we went down to Legazpi. We had hiccups with some guests. A shoes needed a medic. The sole falls out and she was having a hard time. And another almost had cramps.

9. We got lost for a while but eventually angels were sent to lead us to the right path. We were already famished when we arrived at Mainit Springs by 1:30 PM, 5 hours after we started.

Bottom right peak is where I left my bag to scour for the lost sheeps.

10. I learned a great lesson. One that I would cherish. My respect for “Sweepers” have grown immensely. After that ordeal, I swore never to be on the tail again but thinking about it now makes me want to be a sweeper again. There’s just so much in a trek that you could only see when you are seeing it at the back. 🙂

11. We were able to put up LNT sign again. This time we put it on the trail.

This trek’s LNT champion is Van2x supported by Jumz plus our new overnight joiners.

12. From what happened last weekend, I was more fired up to implement that “ribbon” thing or put up signs on the trail. It is important for the guests to be aware of the difficulty of the trail too. Next time, we should be firm in implementing that the inviter should tell their guests about the nature of the trek. We are all for fun and sometimes, thinking of the safety of other people can suck the fun away. Each and everyone needs to treat each other as companions too. It is supposed to be a rule to be mindful of the one in front and behind you on the line. NEVER lost sight of the one in front of you and ALWAYS check if you have the person following you is still around. If that simple rule isn’t followed then problems will arise. We are not on a race, we are on a trek. Well, we can always do a race if we don’t have neophytes.

But all is well that ends well. Mainit Spring is still rejuvenating but unfortunately, Montañeza falls was closed down because of some rock issues. There’s the dispute of the road too. We had to pay Php5 to exit. It’s weird. And when we finally reached the highway, most buses were full. We had to squeeze in at a full bus. Good thing a lot of them got off at Alegria. Wew!

Freedom climb at Lanaya is another one for the books but I would love to go back via Legazpi soon even if I have to pay the exorbitant price. Hehe! And ohh, did I mention I was having muscle pains in the leg. Wew! That was indeed a great pre-climb for Tres Marias. Hopefully, no more muscle pains on Friday. I’m very excited nowww. Tickets are ready. Yay!!!

view1 — Kandungaw-like view of Lanaya. The big rock before the peak!

Mainit Springs & Montaneza Falls, Malabuyoc, Cebu (Lanaya Side Trip)

Aside from the buko break, trekking w/ NCR trekkers is a different experience compared to my other climbing groups because for twice now, we wrapped up the climb at a body of water. The Hambubuyog climb started & ended at Inambakan Falls. This climb was supposed to start & end at 2 different falls but unfortunately, we weren’t able to proceed as planned to Cambais Falls.

However, we still ended at a body of water in Malabuyoc. What set it apart is that we were able to enjoy both cold & hot water in one place. Yay!

Hello Mainit Springs
Upon crossing the river after 15 minutes of walking from where we had our bukos, the cottages & tables of Mainit Springs were the first indications that you have arrived.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Almost there, Analyn!

It was passed lunch time so we were all famished that I thought of just buying cooked food. But the group insisted on cooking so we did. Nadia and Ads led the cooking. While on support mode and to sate my hunger & glutonny, Nalyn & I bought Indian mangoes. The salted shrimp was so yummy I ate 3 mangoes. Lol

Like the previous, we had rice blooper again. The combination of heat & thin cooksets burnt the rice turning it into brown. 😦 Good thing there were extras, we didn’t have to eat the brown rice. 😛

Lunch Time
I was hungry but when it was time to eat, I lost some of the appetite. I was so sure the 3 mangoes took all of it away. It seems it wasn’t just me who ate little because there were leftovers.

After eating, Chaola volunteered to wash the dishes. Yay! While waiting for her, Kat, I & the others cleaned the table. Because Kat had some personal dilemma, she was left at the cottage. Poor Kat! Another reason to go back to Mainit Springs.

Montaneza Falls
When we arrived, before we were allowed to settle at our cottage, we were ushered to a small hut beside the entrance. There we were asked to logged in our name & were given an orientation about the place. We paid Php 20 each as well for the entrance.

There were 7 falls. I was planning to picture everything but when I was actually there, I had totally forgotten about it.

I was pleasantly surprise at the beauty of Montaneza falls. Unlike the other falls I’ve been to that has an open space, this one is conveniently hidden at an enclosure. The rocks lining up its sides were astoundingly beautiful. I couldn’t count how many times I’ve told myself that it would be nice if I had a cam that can capture just how high those rocks were.

The first of countable stone crawling while exploring the falls!

Each nook was picture perfect. I could see myself camwhoring at every corner but since the human tripod was not around, I just lingered a while & take photos for the blog.

The last falls! It doesn't look like it's high but it is. :D — The last falls! It doesn’t look like it’s high but it is. 😀

The 7th falls was off limits due to falling rocks but I didn’t know really how they count the falls. Haha! Next time, it might be nice if they put some indication. 😀

Mainit Springs
You could pass the springs on the way to the falls but it would be nice to take a dip at the falls first. It would save you time for the shower which is a requirement to bath in the springs.

View of the spring from the falls entrance!

Another view of 3rd & 4th falls! — Another view of 3rd & 4th pool!

There were 4 falls with varying temperatures. The hottest spring is at 42 degrees celcius, then 36 and
then around 20s. Because I am always a bit on the crazy and confident type, I tried the hottest first. For a normal person, my tolerance to heat is pretty abnormal but it was just too hot.

When I transferred on the 2nd pool, it was tolerable, it was hot as well but pretty tolerable. I dipped my legs first & was so surprised that it turn pink. I was so happy and joked that I might stay in the water longer to retain the color. 😛

Posing with the sign just above the first & hottest spring!

I swam and stayed in the 2nd pool. The hot water was very soothing. After a while, I decided that I was OK and took my chance at the 1st pool. And yayyyyyyy….the 2nd pool must have put my body in a state where I could already tolerate the 1st pool. I only dipped twice though afraid that anytime soon I might get a heart attack ’cause my heart beats like crazy. After trying on the 1st & 2nd, some of my companions decided they had enough, so we ended our time with the spring, gathered our belongings, ready for the shower.

The hot water source. An according to the “Ate” who made sure we follow the rules, the source of the hot water is an undiscovered volcano.

Goodbye Mainit Springs
After everybody has done showering we left Mainit around 4:30 PM. We were told that the “habal2x” drop off was still 15 minutes of walking but we enjoyed talking so much that we didn’t noticed the drop off and walked up to the high way instead. 😀 By 5:30 PM, we were on a Ceres bus bound to Cebu City. 🙂

Group picture before leaving Mainit Springs!

The girls were now in slippers & sandals!

Ice candy stop! my bag looks longer 'cause I put the jacket on top. :D Used the huband's bag for this trip! — Ice candy stop! my bag looks longer ’cause I put the jacket on top. 😀 Used the huband’s bag for this trip!

If you missed the start of this post here it is. Till the next adventure…not a mountain this time but canyooneering in Badian. Yay! First “Try” post this year. What are my other “try”s? See wakeboarding in Camsur, ATV in Mayon.

Climbing Lanaya Via Lumpan, Alegria to Montaneza, Malabuyoc

Everyone laughed as Ads did her bottle shake. — Everyone laughed as Ads did her bottle shake on the socials!

” ‘Cause your body resets after climbing a mountain”, answers one of the trekker on the socials’ question as to what’s their reason for climbing, last June 27-28, at the NCR Trekkers climb in Mt. Lanaya, Alegria, Cebu. His reason never crossed my mind but today I just realized how significant that was.

Hello again, Lanaya! — Hello again, Lanaya with my pink raincover bought at Brown Trekker!

Today I woke up without my alarm clock after an 8 hour sleep. I was feeling refreshed and almost forgot the adventure weekend if not for the muscle pains in my legs. Wew! It happened indeed. It was not a dream that I have been to Mt. Lanaya once again, the one mountain that had me fear for my life as I climbed it’s slopes with loose rocks and soil. It was a happy reunion made even happier by being with different people, on a different weather in a different trail.

On the way to Alegria
The adventure started at South Bus Terminal Door 10. We rode a bus via Barili bound to Bato, like last weekend’s anniversary escape to Ronda. The assembly was 6 AM but I overslept and got there an hour after, enough for everyone to arrive. By 7:30 the bus left. It was dreamland for 3.5 hours until we took off at the corner to New Allegria Market, some steps way from the Stopover Bakeshop, the stop for my first trek to Mt. Lanaya.

Lunch at New Alegria Market
We were supposed to drop by at Cambais Falls. But as we negotiated the price, it was too costly. Back and forth to Cambais is Php 160. Everyone decided to just have lunch at the market. The hours that were supposed to be for Cambais was spent differently. Some slept while I enjoyed talking about anything under the sun, but mostly about the wedding & some tips for an adventure and photo filled relationship. One that would help create endless memories & pictures enough for an aisle runner. Haha! Thanking the “Grey Girls” for that. Lol Cambais hours were not wasted. Aside from yapping about my life, I was able to listen and have a peek of my companions lives as well.

The Trek to the Camp for the night
We were told that the camp for the night would be just around an hour walk from the motorbike stop. But since the last trek, I promised myself to be on constant guard. Looking back, the 15-minute “habal2x” ride to Lumpan was quite scary. The road was cemented but there were some steep areas where I feared that it would just gave in and eject Analyn, Kat & me. I was very happy when finally, I saw the other trekkers. Thankful that the scary ride was finally over. A word of advice: It’s better to ride the “habal2x” with just 2 passengers.

When everyone arrived, we all gathered to officially start the trek with a warm-up exercise led by Elijah and girlfriend, Ads. By 3:15, we started trekking up a hill which turned out to be the wrong way. Haha! But we quickly find the correct path and after 30 minutes arrived at the campsite, to everyone’s surprise.

to_the_camp_01 — Up a hill…ended in a wrong way. LOL

to_the_camp_02 — The short trek to the camp!

The “Muffins” Camp
The camp was very beautiful with green grasses & trees lining up its perimeter. It would have been perfect without the bountiful “muffins” or cow dungs around. When I asked our guide what’s the name of the camp, someone jokingly answered that it must be the “muffins” camp. LOL Need Info: If anyone of you knows the real name of the camp, drop me a comment below. I would really love to know this beautiful camp. 🙂

The sun was up but thunders were heard as if it was threatening to rain. My group wasted no time and setup camp immediately. Beforehand we expected a rainy climb already thus we decided to bring a packed dinner. It was also to minimize the use of water since there’s no water source near the area. By 4:25, my group had comfortably settled. It must have been the reason why when we were asked if we wanted to climb the summit, we declined. Much to my delight ’cause I was feeling lazier than usual too. 😀 While everyone was busy, someone suddenly exclaimed that there was a rainbow. I hurriedly took a picture of it. After a while, Nadia asked if I brought some games along. I didn’t ’cause I expected a bad weather and so was Analyn.

Playing Resistance
But of course, when there’s a will, there’s a way. I asked if anyone had cards. No one had it but someone had a pen & calling cards. Analyn & I proceeded on making the roles & the mission outcomes. When it was done, we gathered everyone to discuss the roles. Cris, one of the guide hesitated to play on the first round so there were 9 players only. 8 from my group and AJ. Before starting the next game, some trekkers passed by. We were called to take a picture with them. When they left, we continued the on the 2nd round where Cris decided to join and Ivan who just got back from the summit. Randy decided to give up his seat for Ivan to Nadia’s disappointment saying we won’t have anyone to bully anymore. What a girl friend, so much like me. Hahaha! We only had 2 games but it was evident that everyone was enjoying it as much as I do. But I was happier because I won twice being part of the Resistance. Yay!!!

Picture with the passing trekkers! (pic from AJ’s cam)

Dinner & the Socials
Dinner was early that night. By 7:00, we were already munching on our packed dinner of dried fish, sardines, salted shrimp, chicken & more. We were given the choice to pick our own dinner. I was very delighted ’cause for the first time I had sardines, dried fish, salted shrimp & hanging rice for dinner. 😀

This was my 2nd climb with NCR Trekkers but the first was so tiresome everyone retired after dinner. This time was different. Everyone gathered. Starting with our guides Nei & Cris, we each took our turns to introduce ourselves and was coaxed to drink a-not-so-favorite potion. I was actually planning to not drink but everyone before me seemed to have drank, so I did as well. By around 9 PM, we decided to call it a night. Analyn & I had some chat and was off to dreamland some 30 minutes or an hour after.

The Morning After
The camp was alive at 5 AM. Target time to leave was at 7 AM. Estimated time to arrive at Mainit Spring was 5 hours after. Like the dinner and our Hambubuyog breakfast, we just had bread & hot water for noodles & beverage. My breakfast was a loaf of bread w/ mayo, sausage, egg & coffee. On average, I am a slow packer so I always want to pack ahead of the others to have ample time for packing and documentation.

Group pic from AJ's cam! — Group pic from AJ’s cam!

To The Summit
From the camp, it was an uphill climb to the summit. Like always, I was out of breath and managed to stay afloat by enjoying the view and capturing it. After a while, I saw a familiar clearing. And just as I thought, we separated with our pack and proceeded to the summit. From the clearing, we could see the quarry at Lumpan. Sir Jay opt to stay behind to watch our packs. We stayed in the summit for a while taking in the view. After picking back our pack, we resumed trekking only to find out that we went into the wrong path. It wasn’t wasted since we were able to see the camp in the trees. Some picture taking then we headed to the right path.

Sir Jay poses for AJ while going up to the summit!

Group picture at the summit! — Group picture at the summit from AJ’s cam!

Group pic at the camp from my first visit! — Group pic at the camp from my first visit by AJ!

Going Down to Windows XP
Climbing Lanaya the first time via Legaspi was unpleasant. We had been reading blogs that it would be hard but our group somehow thought it would just be possible with pure will and determination. It was indeed possible ’cause we made it through but not as pleasant as what I experienced in today’s climb. Last time I almost lost balance in going up. This time, we had ropes to hold on to in going down so it wasn’t that scary anymore.

And on both climbs, I wasn’t able to visit & camwhored at the windows xp camp. Last time I didn’t because I was already too tired when I reached it. I had to regain my strength at the house. This time, all of us didn’t ’cause we were evading the Php 50 exit fee. It was sad but paying Php 50 for passing is unreasonable much like the exorbitant price of guide fees and entrances when you start at the Legaspi trail. 😦 No offense to the Legaspi government but they should really do something about it. Lanaya is one, if not the best mountain Cebu has.

Passing the windows xp camp! From AJ’s cam!

Hello Malabuyoc
It is such a shame that despite being very active in travelling & trekking in Cebu, I haven’t really memorized all the towns & municipalities. So I was quite amazed when a local told me that the windows xp camp or the mountain is the boundary of Malabuyoc and Alegria. Glad they were especially chatty when I went for refill. From them, I have also known that Mainit Spring & Montañeza Falls is already part of Malabuyoc. Silly me thought that they are still part of Alegria. 😀

Buko break and a peek of Mainit Springs
Now I was so impressed. The first time was good but this one was EVEN better. I shouldn’t get used to this. 😀 And like in Hambubuyog, I had 2 bukos but all the meat were put into my drinking bottle. 😀 The bukos were so sweet it didn’t really matter that we missed our target time. It was already 12 PM when we left the kind locals who served us buko for only Php 10/piece. 15 minutes of leisurely walking, we reached a river and just beyond it was our target destination – Mainit Springs & Montañeza Falls. Hurray!!! Lanaya climb officially ends here. 🙂

And AJ caught me while putting in the coconut meat to my drinking bottle. 😀

Up next will be the story of just how amazed I have been to have experienced the over coldness of Montañeza Falls and the super hotness of Mainit Springs. Plus the itinerary & the budget details.

Have you been to Lanaya, how was your experience?
What trail did you take?
Do you want to go back?
Which is better starting at Lumpan or Legaspi?
Share your story by commenting. Looking forward to be hearing from you. 🙂

Hoping to see you in the mountains,
Kring

Sunrise at Mt. Lanaya

Favorite picture in Mt. Lanaya…a heart shaped with the boyfie. =)

Putting Your Life On The Line For Those Moments

Time spent with the one you love…

Camaraderie and friendship!

The VIEW!

Mt. Lanaya…Conquered!

It was an answered prayer – climbing without the rains and winds on our feet. The 4th climb with BRB and yet a first fair weathered climb. Yay! No sleeping wet experienced at Osmeña Peak. Cold winds and slippery trek in both Talinis and Canlaon climbs.

Group picture just before the ascent sans Jame, Pong and Flo2x!

The day started with Migo and I in a rather tiresome argument. The call time was 6:00 AM yet we were still having our breakfast by then. He must have been so pissed because it was the first time that I witnessed him snap and raised his voice when I kept reminding him that we’re ALREADY super late. The thought of not going crossed my mind.

When we joined the group at South Bus Terminal, I was not in my usual jolly self. I know I needed the time to calm myself so I wanted to be separated with the group. Like an answered prayer, when we board the bus bound to Alegria, most seats were occupied. The trip took about 4 hours. The sleep must have taken my angst away because on the bus stop in Barili, I was feeling more like myself.

The Stop Over

The initial plan was to have our stop at Alegria Plaza for lunch. But for an unknown reason, it was later changed to Stop Over bakeshop.

We waited about an hour for Pong to joined the group. When he arrived, we then proceeded to Nanay Lucing’s house to meet with the guide and have our names listed on the mountain’s log book. We had our lunch there. They were so nice to offer us free “humba” and “ginamos”.

Ascension

Then the suffering…the journey rather…started. 😛 The first 15 minutes was so-so. The next few minutes was literally hell. I felt so hot. It was like my body is burning. I had to stop every 5 minutes of walking. I pity those who walked after me. They had to stop because I hold the line. 😐 I was a little shy I had to do that to them…just little though because I know in the next few minutes, my body would adjust and I wouldn’t be that slow anymore.

Taking a break at the house near the Windows XP camp!

For me the whole ascension trail was divided into three parts. First is the path to the house that has a captivating view. Then the endless climb in rocky, leaves-laden, loose soiled path with too much ants. And finally, the plain path where Charry got bitten by bees.

On the 1st part with Gliana, Charry, Dave and Banky.

July, Ali, Florence, Dea and Dave (nibalhin dayon ug sides. Hmph)

The Actual Climb The hardest part was the 2nd. I feared for my life twice on it. The soil was so loose and a little bare. No roots to hold on to. I had to use my knees to get me through it. I actually crawled. It was a first! And before reaching that life-and-breath-taking path, we had to endure the the constant nuisance of ants. We can’t rest in a place too long because ants’ would get in our shoes and bite. The only consolation I had on that was the view when I reached the top. It was so beautiful it makes you forget all the hardships in getting there.

Waiting for our town to crawl? — Waiting for our turn to crawl?

The Camp & More

It was night time when we reached the camp!

Migo&Miga's matching jacket! — Migo&Miga’s matching jacket!

Charry & I's very dirty shoes! — Charry & I’s very dirty shoes!

Camwhoring while waiting for the others!

Hello Mt. Lanaya…3 days to go!

Photo from PinoyMountaineer.

When I caught the Climbing fever last year, I eagerly list the mountains to climb in Cebu. Lanaya is on the list. There was no date as to when I could climb this mountain. Not this time. Yay! Finally have a date. 🙂 Weeeeeeee!

Lanaya, here I come.
Hope you’ll be kinder than Canlaon.
Aja!