Reunion (With the Masters) Climb at Mount Banoi and My New Friend From the Wild

Mount Banoi is located in the province of Batangas where its major jumpoff is at Sitio Malabnig, Brgy. Balatbat, Lobo. The mountains elevation is 960 meters above sea level (MASL) for the Main Peak and 850  MASL for the Two Towers’ Peak. It only requires 3-5 hours of reaching the summit and a lesser 2-3 hours of descent. Mount Banoi falls under the category of a minor climb.

To reunite with the people, who mentored me on this thrilling sport called mountaineering, is always something I look forward too since the year (2009) when I got to meet Redentor Gonzaga, Paul Basco, Katrina Dela Rosa, Rhovilyn Dadis and the rest of the now Sabit-Sabit Group on the mountain trails of Batulao, Tirad, and Timbak. Talking to these people each time we’re on the wilderness just brings so much joy. I couldn’t deny how thankful I am for what they’d imparted to me: Lessons that are to be learned from the short course called, Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC), turned out shorter because of them.  I’ve learned a lot from them directly with the mountains. I’ve learned about climbing preparations (e.g., the suitable outdoor apparel, which I admittedly ignored until my fourth climb, trail food, water discipline, etc.) to packing of equipment (e.g., light packing, which I failed to do repeatedly until my fourth climb also, ground equipment, water proofing, etc.). Moreover, on issues surrounding environmentalism like holding firm to the LNT principles. I have always admired these people because they share the same, if not more of what I can, concern to the now collapsing ecosystem. Hearing what they have to say about it is without a doubt enlightening. I can’t help but remember how Ms. Kat called my attention when I spit, for lack of a better term, without manners. I eventually thanked her for lecturing me on the ripple effects of such manner. They are the kind of people whom everyone would love to hang out with especially on the mountain trails. I’m proud to say that I owe these people BIG time.  That’s the reason why climb/s where anybody of the masters is present sure is anticipative for me.

On the 18th day of December last year, this reunion climb was held at the pristine and bushy mountain of Banoi in Lobo, Batangas. Apart from the fun we had during this reunion/climb, there are three things I vividly remember about the mountain: its clean streamlets, lush vegetation, and the encounter with the locals halfway to the summit. The Wandering Feet is but flabbergasted with the mountain’s preserved beauty. I take my hats off to the people living atop 400 MASL because they know their responsibilities for Mother Nature.

This is the marker of the summit … (YEY!)

And, of course, my new friend whom I met at the saddle. Ladies and gentlemen, meet “Snaky”.

This is to prove once again that I can talk to animals — as cute and deadly (or so I thought) as this fella. I thought I couldn’t convince him to give this unforgettable moment. Well, times like this require my ability to talk to animals, especially if it’s as daring as what you can see on the photo.

Mount Banoi truly is a preserved mountain perfect for hiking and adventure.

Mt. Banoi is my fourteenth conquered mountain.

For more information about Mount Banoi (how to get there, sample itinerary, trivia, special concerns, etc.) please click this site: www.pinoymountaineer.com.

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