Conquering Mt. Maculot!

2 days ago, I was with my friend’s house, with my g.f. and 3 other friends, in Cuenca, Batangas. It was determined ahead of time that we will be climbing Mt. Maculot. I was told that it will only be halfway the Mountain. I was relieved to know that—I’m familiar with Mt. Maculot because it can be seen from the golf course that I used to play in before—inside San Fernando Airbase. Yes, with all the airplanes and choppers. But when we arrived, I can see our destination was 3/4 of the mountain and it was really high! It may not be the case for some but to me, who has really no experience in climbing, it is.

The trail was not easy but it can be done. There are a lot of mini stores there selling drinks and snacks. So just imagine those people who bring that food everyday along the track. Man, they are incredible, along the way I was overtaken by a guy carrying ‘taho’ in two large tin bins, I think it weighs more than ten kilos each. The man with a small bell on his hand on the left photo is carrying icedrops. On the right is one of the camps of the volunteer rescue team constituted by both Red Cross and the villagers.

 

Hundreds of people climb this mountain throughout the Holy Week. (Going Up)

(Going Down)

View of the Taal Lake from the Grotto (Left). Surely, you’ll get hungry by the time you get to the top, but there are people who sell rice and viand, noodles and soup nearby. How they managed to build those ‘stalls’? I don’t have an idea. =)

Other magnificent views from the top.

The Cross up close. (And me of course.. haha!)

Other photos:

 

This was the bed that I slept on after the climb. It’s called ‘Papag’. I find it very comfortable to sleep on this.

Thanks for stopping by. =)