tahac.net trekking|camping

Kabayan, Benguet - It's all systems go for the launch of the four-day journey to Mt. Pulag, which will jump off an April 30 culminating with a Cañao in this landlocked town on May 3.

Kabayan mayor Faustino Aquisan said that the journey to Mount Pulag was set in four package tours to allow interested participants to choose the most convenient time and trail leading to the summit of the highest peak in Luzon at 2,922 meters above sea level.

Package 1 will be the Mt. Pulag executive trek with is set from May 1 to 3 from Ambangeg to Bokod, Benguet to Babadak Ranger Station then an ascent to the Mt. Pulag base camp. The package costs P1,700 per participant.

Package 2 is the Akiki Extreme Adventure Trek, which will start on April 30. Participants will start the journey from Ambangeg then to Babadak before an ascent to Mount Pulag base camp. The package costs P1,700 for each participant.

Package 3 is the much harder Mossy Jungle Challenge with starts on April 30 with jumps off in Barangay Tawangan in Bokod leading to the mossy forest then to the Mt. Pulag trail leading to the base camp. The package fee is P1,900.

Package 4 is called the "Mummy & mere experience" where participants will have a glimpse of the treasured mummies in selected caves in this municipality with a package fee of P1,700.

Aquisan said that the participants of the four package tours will all converge in Poblacion for a cañao celebration with cultural presentations by the villagers.

all registration fees are inclusive of fare for the whole duration of the trip, batangay engtrancde fees, green fee, souvenir t-shirt, certificate, personalized ID, token, and dinner.

This isthe fourth time that Kabayan is hosting a trek to Mount Pulag.

For inquiries, contact: Mayor aquisan at 0919-563-7043, Kabayan Councilor Dorothy Sental - 0920-445-2822, or the mayor's staff at 0915-403-3211 and 0919-507-0923.

This article is by Harley F. Palangchao and appears on Page 18 of the April 27, 2008 issue of the Baguio Midland Courier.

I have done most of my treks using my trustworthy sandals, even on muddy trails (of which there were a couple: Daguldol and Manabu. Daguldol was especially memorable because on the descent the following day, my sandals gave up on me. The velcro straps because stuck with mud and they refused to seal off! Plus, mud between my feet and the sandals made sure that every step meant I would slip off. Good thing Sir Sam brought extra sandals with him which he loaned me after I slid 180 degrees and I was ready to throw my sandals into the ravine.


The bad part of this adventure is, I was already nursing a sprain at that time and this slippery trek definitely made it worse. I had to undergo physical therapy three times a week for a month after that.

Lessons I learned about these experiences:
1. Never attempt an assault when injured.
2. There's a place for sandals, and a place for good trekking shoes. Muddy trails are definitely not for sandals.
3. Invest in trekking shoes. It will do you a world of good, and your investment will be well worth it when you don't have to worry about slipping off your sandals or getting the straps bite through your already tender skin due to wetness and mud.

And so invest in good trekking shoes I did. This set me off at almost 4,000 pesos. Of course there are other, more expensive shoes around but 4k is already a bit above my ceiling. Ok, ok, I admit. It had a 20% discount on it. :-)

I asked from the sales person to get me trekking shoes that I can also wear as sort of everyday shoes. I would rather have a pair that I can wear for both treks and leisurely walks than have one for trekking alone and have it just lying around when there are no scheduled trips in sight.

Just today, I was able to test my shoes as we had a video and photo shoot which required our walking and standing about for most of the day. I am rather pleased at my purchase because - marvel of marvels- at the end of the day (that's 8:00PM for me) my feet don't ache at all! Even my rubber shoes of old did not perform this well. It must be the traction and materials used.

I am thus happy with my trekking shoes (whose brand, by the way, is Merrell); the next proof would be using it on an actual trek. But until that time I will continue using it for breaking-in purposes!

Tahac.net was born out of three friends' passion for the outdoors. They have gone to quite a number of wonderful places in the Philippines, and in these excursions they found the beauty and richness of the country's natural resources. However, they have also seen the destruction man is capable of, whether intentional or accidental. Even people who climb the mountains for nature appreciation forget the mountaineer's mantra:

"Take only photos, leave only footprints"

Through this site / blog, the group aims to provide trekking opportunities for others and share in the adventure, and at the same time educate readers of this site on:
- the Leave No Trace principle;
- how we can help reduce our's impact on nature;
- worthwhile things to do on treks.

So enjoy your stay and we hope you can learn from this site. We'd love to hear from you (comments, articles) as well!


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First post for this blog!