Mt. Pulag

Heaven on Earth,magnificent,beautiful and adorable landscape
in the Cordilleras.

That is how I could describe the experience while climbing
the second most high peaks in the Philippines.

A best destination for backpackers seeking the thrill
and testing their endurance.Walking and climbing uphill and
rugged terrains.

Just recently,I opened a blog that tells of a fauna,
a rare one caught in the mossy forest section of the Pulag
vicinity. The smallest "Cloud Rat".

Rare since 1896.Thanks to Danny Balete for a good work.

The find is most welcome to every biologist and
conservationist alike.

That was April 16, 1992 when Linus Caguioa and me first
set foot on Mt. Pulag.With four forest guards accompanying, namely;Roger,Santi,Gerry and Romy it was a most fascinating
and exciting official and leisure climb for us.

We started at the DENR-Baguio field office and proceeded to
check on the the Mt.Pulag commission office located near
the same DENR compound.

Then to the Ambangeg field office.After which it took us
Two hours walk to reach Palansa.There we got our dinner.
Early morning the next day we started to climb and
continue walking for Six hours to reach Mt. Babadak.
Where our old Rangers' station is located. It is a
picturesque side of the park.There you can see the foot
of Mt. Pulag.You can also notice Calla lilies all over
the place. At the side of the station is Babadak lake.
A cool to frozen drinking water.At night when the
temperature goes down to the extreme, one could see
Snowflakes on top of the waters on the lake.

Wild edible Strawberries can also be found in the vicinity.
Likewise,Orchids and some hanging plants are abundant in
the mossy forest.

From the Rangers' station it took us another Two hours
more to reach the peak. There you can see Dwarf bamboo
grasses that cover the entire mountaintop.
A carpet like feeling underneath your feet when you try
to step and walk on them.
While one could kiss the cloud welcoming as if a Ghost
is hugging you.

Till your next visit. Thank you.

Biography

Born on July 10,1961 in Calbayog City,Philippines.

Attended elementary education at Calbayog Pilot Central School(1968-1974)
Finished high school at Christ The King College in Calbayog (1974-1978).

Graduate of B.S.B.A. major in Accounting at the University of the East,Manila (1978-1982).

Certified Public Accountant.
Member:Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
Worked at Haribon Foundation for three years as an auditor for USAID Debt-for-Nature-Swap program. The first in Asia(1989-1992).

Three years after the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW)was founded in Eugene,Oregon,USA, worked as a volunteer accountant for its field office in the Philippines (1992-1994).

An environmentalist by choice, now once in a while join rescues especially during summer at the Carmel River for Trout and Red legged frog endemic in California.Along with the members of Carmel River Steelhead Association (CRSA).