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Brigada Blogs: Rida Reyes climbs Mt. Pulag in subzero temperature
Towering at a height of 2,922 meters, Mount Pulag is considered the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the Philippines. GMA News reporter Rida Reyes braved the painstaking climb to the mountain’s summit, not to mention the freezing cold weather, for her “Brigada” report.
She shares with “Brigada Blogs” her preparations for Pulag and her struggles during the ascend. She also gives advice for those who would like to make it to the mountain's peak.
Was this your first time to climb Mt. Pulag? How did you prepare for the experience?
Rida: Back in college, I've had the chance of climbing Mt. Banahaw in Quezon along with some classmates from UP. As for Mt Pulag, I've always wanted to experience it but didn't have the will, until “Brigada” asked me to do a story about it.
There wasn't much time for preparations since I was advised on the same day as the trip. What I did was finish my reportorial duty, go home and pack my stuff before going straight to Benguet.
What physical challenges did you encounter while climbing Pulag?
I confess to not being a very athletic type of person. This may seem ironic since mountain climbing is considered an extreme sport which requires heavy physical endurance. I guess it was my drive to conquer Mt. Pulag that pushed me.
As expected, the first few steps I took were the hardest. As amateurs, it took me and my team about 20 hours of trekking before we were able to reach the summit. With heavily sloped terrains combined with temperature variations, I could pretty much say this experience has pushed me to my limits.
How much of a factor was the extremely cold weather in the climb experience?
True enough, I got my first taste of temperatures reaching below freezing point when we reached our stop over at Camp 2. But it was nothing I ever expected. Five thermal jackets, one blanket, one body warmer, three bonnets, three gloves, and four pairs of socks — and all these just weren't enough to warm me up. I knew I was hours away from having hypothermia. For the first time in my career as a journalist, I felt really helpless that all I could do was cry and pray.
The sight of daylight that very next day was immeasurably overwhelming. Work was far from over though, as it became doubly hard to trek to the summit with subzero temperature reaching -7 degrees Celsius that morning. I guess I underestimated Mt. Pulag.
Any interesting stories related to your climb that you'd like to pursue for future reports?
Many people have climbed Mt. Pulag many times before. I have also seen quite a number of documentaries done on the highest peak in Luzon. Perhaps what people are not aware of is the fact that Mt. Pulag is just one of the several mountain ranges in the Cordillera highlands. In fact, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has recently been trying to control the number of visitors in Mt Pulag. Instead, they're encouraging hikers to try exploring other mountain peaks that offer the same sublime scenery of the magnificent Cordilleras.
What was the most interesting part of your climb?
My climbing experience would not have been fully enriched if not for our tour guide Mang Pablito, who happened to belong to one of the 3 indigenous tribes inhabiting Mt. Pulag.
Although farming has been their main source of livelihood, the frost that has recently been destroying their crops makes earning difficult for them during these times. As an alternative, Mang Pablito guides first time hikers like us so we can better appreciate Mt. Pulag. He also enlightened me with interesting stories of their rich cultural practices and beliefs, and how their tribes are able to cope with the occasional influx of tourists.
Any practical advice for others who are interested in climbing Mt. Pulag?
Perhaps my best advice would be DON'T underestimate Mt. Pulag.
Mountain climbing may be an exhilarating adventure many seek to experience, even at least once in a lifetime. But as with any sports related activity, one needs to prepare both physically and mentally before the climb.
Along the way, don't forget to savor the moment, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. — Jan Suing/CM, GMA News
She shares with “Brigada Blogs” her preparations for Pulag and her struggles during the ascend. She also gives advice for those who would like to make it to the mountain's peak.
Was this your first time to climb Mt. Pulag? How did you prepare for the experience?
Rida: Back in college, I've had the chance of climbing Mt. Banahaw in Quezon along with some classmates from UP. As for Mt Pulag, I've always wanted to experience it but didn't have the will, until “Brigada” asked me to do a story about it.
There wasn't much time for preparations since I was advised on the same day as the trip. What I did was finish my reportorial duty, go home and pack my stuff before going straight to Benguet.
What physical challenges did you encounter while climbing Pulag?
I confess to not being a very athletic type of person. This may seem ironic since mountain climbing is considered an extreme sport which requires heavy physical endurance. I guess it was my drive to conquer Mt. Pulag that pushed me.
As expected, the first few steps I took were the hardest. As amateurs, it took me and my team about 20 hours of trekking before we were able to reach the summit. With heavily sloped terrains combined with temperature variations, I could pretty much say this experience has pushed me to my limits.
How much of a factor was the extremely cold weather in the climb experience?
The main thrust of my story was meant to focus on experiencing Mt Pulag during the coldest season of the year, which happens in January. This extreme weather condition makes Mt. Pulag more appealing to hikers who seek to witness frost and the so-called "sea of clouds."
True enough, I got my first taste of temperatures reaching below freezing point when we reached our stop over at Camp 2. But it was nothing I ever expected. Five thermal jackets, one blanket, one body warmer, three bonnets, three gloves, and four pairs of socks — and all these just weren't enough to warm me up. I knew I was hours away from having hypothermia. For the first time in my career as a journalist, I felt really helpless that all I could do was cry and pray.
The sight of daylight that very next day was immeasurably overwhelming. Work was far from over though, as it became doubly hard to trek to the summit with subzero temperature reaching -7 degrees Celsius that morning. I guess I underestimated Mt. Pulag.
Any interesting stories related to your climb that you'd like to pursue for future reports?
Many people have climbed Mt. Pulag many times before. I have also seen quite a number of documentaries done on the highest peak in Luzon. Perhaps what people are not aware of is the fact that Mt. Pulag is just one of the several mountain ranges in the Cordillera highlands. In fact, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has recently been trying to control the number of visitors in Mt Pulag. Instead, they're encouraging hikers to try exploring other mountain peaks that offer the same sublime scenery of the magnificent Cordilleras.
What was the most interesting part of your climb?
My climbing experience would not have been fully enriched if not for our tour guide Mang Pablito, who happened to belong to one of the 3 indigenous tribes inhabiting Mt. Pulag.
Although farming has been their main source of livelihood, the frost that has recently been destroying their crops makes earning difficult for them during these times. As an alternative, Mang Pablito guides first time hikers like us so we can better appreciate Mt. Pulag. He also enlightened me with interesting stories of their rich cultural practices and beliefs, and how their tribes are able to cope with the occasional influx of tourists.
Any practical advice for others who are interested in climbing Mt. Pulag?
Perhaps my best advice would be DON'T underestimate Mt. Pulag.
Mountain climbing may be an exhilarating adventure many seek to experience, even at least once in a lifetime. But as with any sports related activity, one needs to prepare both physically and mentally before the climb.
Along the way, don't forget to savor the moment, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. — Jan Suing/CM, GMA News
