Our Northern Exposure: Mt. Pulag

 
 A “social media coincidence” brought the Byaheros in contact with Atty. Angelo Valencia (a.k.a KuyaPultak) and the Alphabet Warriors – a group who helps build schools and improve livelihoods in remote areas around the Philippines. They introduced us to the Mt Pulag Primary School and community through photos and stories, and we fell in love. It was the perfect mix of off the beaten path travel and the opportunity to help the community. Byaheros material !

Why we go: The Alphabet Warriors are helping build the school compound in Kabayan, Benguet, 7748 feet above sea level. They are doing this in cooperation with Ten Moves and Dep Ed. The Byaheros accepts donations of books and learning materials year-round to be brought to the school.

Before we can bring Byaheros to a certain place, we have to experience it ourselves, design workable itineraries, identify activities, – hence the need for research trips. Last April 26 -28 (Batch 1, the Worth it t Weekend) , and April 28-30 (Batch 2, Art Attack!) gave us a taste of the Pulag adventure tht we would like to share with more people! 

I traveled with Batch 1 , the maiden Worth it Weekend. The team was composed of myself, Byahero core team member Belinda Tamayo, pioneer Byahero Melissa Manguiat (a.k.a. na bola sumama, Hanna’s high school barkada) , and Pulag veterans Sarah Lumang and her bunnies (Erin and Chloe) , plus Tita Tess Lumang. It was an all girl group. Our experience was a testament that adventure, fun, education, and community immersion can be combined in one Worth it Weekend.

The main school building. Batch 2 was set to paint a mural on it. Stand by for those photos!

The itinerary : 

April 26 , Friday  - entered North Luzon Expressway at around 11 PM 

Motorbikes up the mountain!

April 27, Saturday - arrived Ambangeg road at about 6 AM. Realized that our van cannot traverse the road up to the community, so Angelo had to call in some back up to pick us up. Imagine our surprise (and horror, and anxiety) when 7 motorbikes came to get us. It was a death-defying , 45 minute motocross ride up to the Ranger's Station!

We arrived at the community lodge just in time for breakfast, where we were joined by Teacher Josie (a teacher at the local daycare center) and Ate Belin (the President of the Mt Pulag Eco-Tourguides and Porters Association or MPEPA) , and Nanay Norma. The cool temperature and freshly brewed coffee had a calming effect on my battered nerves after the motorbike ride! Nicknamed Pultak's Lodge, the community lodge had a cozy, log cabin feel and set to be our home for the weekend. 

Bel, Mel, Tita Tess, Me, Ate Belin, Teacher Josie, and Kuya Pultak

After breakfast, we had a leisurely hike around the community where we explored the newly planted vegetable fields, visited the lake, and checked out the souvenir shop. We also had the opportunity to observe the MPEPA guides prepare to receive the hundreds of hikers that Mt Pulag accommodates each day! That weekend, they were expecting about 300 people -- which is the set carrying capacity of the trail in order to keep environmental impact in check.

Distributing jerseys

After our MPEPA exposure, we hitched a jeepney ride and drove down to the daycare center , where the kids were wrapping up their Saturday Bible Study. Kuya Angelo of the Alphabet Warriors had some extra football jerseys from his Sulu trip that we helped distribute. We played with the kids a bit, and then they sang some songs for us! Such sweet and talented kids :-) , next time dapat kami may special number din, hehe. The Byaheros also left some books and teaching materials with Teacher Josie.

Home Sweet Home at Pultak's Lodge

We headed back to the lodge for lunch. We also had to rest .. because we were set to conquer Mt Pulag at 2 AM!

April 28, 2AM -- Off we go for the hike! Guided by Chloe Lumang and Teacher Josie Sumakey, shuddering in the cold and asking ourselves WHY ARE WE DOING THIS, we clicked on our flashlights and took the challenge. 

A daring jumpshot at the the "Junior Summit" -- very small floor area! Here we concluded, waking up at 2AM and hiking in the biting cold was worth it.

Girl Power: Reached Camp 2 in under 3 hrs, just in time for sunrise. Bel, Mel, Chloe, Sarah, Teacher Josie, and Hanna.

We had breakfast at Camp 2 (courtesy of my husband, Sam -- who gave me some energy meals! ) Then we hiked back and reached the lodge well before lunch time. We still had time to have lunch , wash up, and go back to the day care center to say good bye to the kids.

I can't seem to post more photos for this entry .. will set up an album for the blog. :-) Watch out for that! Stand by for succeeding Worth it Weekend at Mt Pulag schedules !

We would like to acknowledge the following for making this trip a success:

Atty Angelo Valencia

Sarah, Chloe, Erin, and Tess Lumang 

Teacher Josie and Ate Belin , Nanay Norma

Matthew and the Bikers

The Pulag Wunderkids , MPEPA, the teachers, the whole community !

Mel Manguiat (for being a pioneer Byahero!)

Romel Carlos (for the extra R&D subsidy )