ORMOC – This year, I decided to get back into mountain trekking and once again experience the unique beauty of the world from atop a mountain.
The last time I did this was probably two years ago, when I climbed Mt. Lanaya and Kalo-kalo Peak in Southern Cebu. I was seriously out of shape at the time, so getting to the summit was a struggle. Even the hike to the campsite already had me gasping for air.
But I wanted to push through because I wanted to see the sunset from the peak. After enduring aching knees, desperately inhaling every available molecule of oxygen, and the constant promise of “duol na” by my guide, I was somehow able to reach the summit. And it was worth every bit of the struggle.
The greenery, the shoreline, the vast sea, and the setting sun at that altitude created the kind of scenery that stays with you long after the climb is over. It is one of those happy little moments in life that I still vividly remember to this day. Naturally, I wanted to experience that feeling again.
Hence, the decision to go mountain trekking once more. But this year, I set myself a much bigger goal: I will reach the summit of. . . .Mt. Apo.
I climbed Mt. Lanaya and Kalo-kalo Peak with the mountain trekking group, Sugbo Summit Seekers, and I really enjoyed their company during that trip. So I checked with them to see if they had a scheduled Mt. Apo climb for the year. Fortunately, they have one for December 4 to 6, which was perfect for me because it gave me enough time to train and prepare.
I registered for their Mt. Apo climb and for several other climbs as preparation:
Ormoc Trilogy – September 12–13
Alicia, Bohol Day Hike – October 11
Mt. Talinis – October 17–18
And then, the main event: Mt. Apo – December 4–6
So here comes the first one, the Ormoc Traverse Trilogy.
We took a Roble Shipping boat from Cebu Pier 3 to Ormoc Port, which took around six to seven hours. We departed at around 10:00 p.m. and arrived in Ormoc at around 5:00 a.m.
If you're taking the same trip, it is advisable to find a way to sleep through the night on the ship so you can conserve your energy for the climb the following day. If you bought a tourist ticket, make sure to claim your free blanket from the reception desk because the air-conditioning can make the sleeping area surprisingly cold.
After arriving in Ormoc, we proceeded to the nearest Jollibee for breakfast. We also bought our lunch, which we planned to eat at the summit of Mt. Alto.
I was only planning to wear a waist pack during the climb, so I decided to buy just two cheeseburgers for lunch. Two burgers, two summits for day 1, one waist pack. Very scientific planning, hahaha.
We were then transported to the Tourism Office of Barangay Cabintan, where we completed our registration and orientation for the climb.
This was also our last opportunity to purchase anything we might need for the trail. Afterward, we proceeded to the campsite, where we set up our tents, secured our belongings, and changed our clothes in preparation for the climb.
The Ormoc Traverse Trilogy is composed of three summits: Mt. Alto at 1,332 MASL, Mt. Malingatong at 1,205 MASL, and Lake Janagdanan at 1,120 MASL.
The first day shall be for Mt. Alto and Mt. Malingatong, while the following day shall be for Lake Janagdanan.
Unlike my first climb at Kalo-kalo Peak, I felt much more confident this time that my body would not betray me halfway through the trail. For this year, I had already run around 416 kilometers, including a 50-kilometer race and a 42-kilometer race. So, at least this time, I was physically ready.
On the first day, we were scheduled to climb Mt. Alto and Mt. Malingatong.
Like my tradition during running events, I brought with me two Snickers bars as emergency fuel, as well as two 500-ml collapsible water flask, for Mt. Alto and Mt. Malingatong.
I also highly recommend wearing gloves during the climb to protect your hands from sustaining cuts and wounds while grabbing and holding stones, roots, trees, and rope. You can buy gloves at the stores near the Barangay Cabintan Tourism Office.
We started our climb to Mt. Alto at around 9:30 a.m., and the last of us reached the summit at around 12:00 noon. I believe the lead pack reached the summit at around 11:00 a.m.
The climb can be very technical as there were sections near the summit with almost 60 to 90 degree inclines that required the use of fixed ropes and careful maneuvering. You also have to step on stones and roots, some of which can be slippery.
Thankfully, I was able to retain some of the flexibility I developed from my martial arts training back in college. It definitely helped me in stepping up and down, and generally negotiate my way through mud, stones, and roots.
I stayed with the sweeper throughout the climb because I wanted to take photos and videos of the mountain scenery without feeling rushed.
There were beautiful plants and flowers along the trail, and I definitely took my time appreciating them. For me, the climb is not just about reaching the summit. The trail itself is part of the experience.
When I finally arrived at the summit, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of Leyte's expansive green landscape that I could not even see the shoreline from where I was standing. This was the highest elevation I had ever reached in my life, and the perspective from that viewpoint was simply staggering which made all the effort worthwhile.
Then came lunchtime. I pulled out my two cheeseburgers.
Unfortunately, I discovered that they had been partially crushed by the tightness of my waist pack and were partly drenched in sweat. So, I decided to donate them to the dogs at the summit.
The only choice I have then is to eat my Snickers bar for lunch. I guess there was no room for a balanced diet.
I then took some photos at the summit of Mt. Alto before I proceeded to the next destination, Mt. Malingatong.
Its summit is lower than Mt. Alto, which meant that we first had to trek down from Mt. Alto and then climb back up toward Mt. Malingatong. It seems that reaching one summit was not enough for the day so we had to go down a bit just so we could go up again for another summit.
On our way to Mt. Malingatong, we encountered a knife-edge section with a very steep 60 to 90 degree drop, which we navigated with the help of a fixed rope.
It was my first time trekking along a knife edge, and I have to admit there was a few safety concerns swirling in my head. Nothing dramatic though.
Just the occasional, “Please don't fall like an idiot.”
But with proper mental focus and careful physical execution, I managed to get through while still enjoying the incredible view along the trail. It was one of those moments when the scenery was beautiful enough to make you forget, at least temporarily, that you were standing somewhere you don’t want to tell your mother.
I arrived at the summit of Mt. Malingatong at around 3:00 p.m. I took a short rest, ate my second Snickers bar, took a few more photos, and then began the trek back to the campsite.
Along the way, I passed through an area where sulfuric smoke was emanating from the side of the mountain. The sweeper guide explained that there is sulfur smoke because the mountains were once part of an active volcano. It was a fascinating thing to see and a reminder of the mountains’ long history.
Home Camp Home
I arrived back at the campsite at around 4:00 p.m.
I changed clothes, took a bit of rest in my tent, and then went out to chat with Tatay Mike and Nanay Mitch while they prepared our dinner.
One thing I really like about Sugbo Summit Seekers is that they always serve delicious food. After spending hours walking uphill, downhill, sideways, and occasionally questioning your life choices, having a proper meal waiting at camp makes a huge difference.
For dinner, we were served chicken afritada, bami, escabeche, chopsuey, calamares, biko, watermelon, and, of course, LECHON!
Unlike me, however, make sure you do not forget to bring your own plate, spoon, and fork so you can properly enjoy all the food. Or else, you have to improvise like me.
During the night, all the campers gathered in a circle for some socializing activities which provided some entertainment. Thereafter, some of the boys decided that the evening would not be complete without drinking the ever famous KULAFU! This elicited conversations that were probably better left at the foot of the mountains. Hahaha.
Once the arrow of the KULAFU archer started to hit us, we immediately decided to call it a night. We wanted to make sure that we still have enough consciousness left for the remaining climb the next morning.
The following morning, Sugbu Summit Seekers once again prepared for us a delightful breakfast consisting of hotdogs, siomai, spaghetti, egg omelet, paleya, escabetche, grapes, banana, and of course, PAKSIW! This sumptuous breakfast fueled us on our next climb, the summit of Lake Janagdanan.
The starting point for Lake Janagdanan was just across from the campsite. We started our climb at around 8:30 a.m. and reached the summit at around 10:00 a.m.
The climb was still technical, with several steep sections requiring the use of ropes. However, compared with the trails of Mt. Alto and Mt. Malingatong, I found it much more manageable.
I believe the lead pack reached the summit at around 9:30 a.m. and had already returned to the campsite by around 10:30 a.m. They were fast like foxes.
The summit of Lake Janagdanan sits at around 1,120 MASL and offers a beautiful view of a wide and majestic lake.
Some climbers even took a swim in the lake, which is allowed. Our guide advised those who wanted to swim to bring extra clothes because continuing the descent in wet clothes could potentially cause cramps.
I decided not to swim. I simply sat by the lake, ate my Snickers bar, and appreciate the serenity of the place. After all, it is not every day that you get to see a lake from the top of a mountain.
I then took some photos and started my descent back to the campsite.
Beginning of the Ending
I arrived at the campsite at around 11:30 am. I was then told by one camper that there was a waterfall nearby where I could bathe. I was told it was just a short walk away and my innocent self believed it. It was not a short walk. It was quite a walk. It turned out that someone decided to play a little prank on me. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Hahaha.
Still, I was happy that I went because I eventually reached the little waterfall and was able to freshen myself up. The water was comfortably cold, and the falling water felt like a natural massage, exactly what my muddy, sweaty, and exhausted body needed. It was probably the best shower I had in a while.
After I finished my luxurious mountain spa treatment and returned to the campsite, I saw that it was only my tent left standing as everyone else was already packed and ready to leave.
I hurriedly packed my things and ate the packed lunch provided by Sugbo Summit Seekers.
Conquerors of Peaks
We were then given our respective Certificate of Achievement by the Barangay Cabintan Tourism Office for completing the ORMOC TRAVERSE TRILOGY: Mt. Alto at 1332 MASL, Mt. Malingatong at 1205 MASL, and Lake Janagdanan at 1,120 MASL. I am sure I made the Starks of Winterfell proud with this accomplishment.
I would also like to thank God that it did not rain while we were trekking as the rain would have made the climb significantly harder.
After that, we were picked up by the transport vehicle and drove us back to Ormoc Port.
We arrived at Ormoc Port at around 4:00 p.m., but our boat back to Cebu was scheduled to depart at 10:00 p.m.
That meant we had several hours to kill. The other campers used the free time to explore different places in Ormoc.
Since I had already been to Ormoc a few times before, I decided to just check myself into a nearby hotel where I can sleep on a soft foam bed hahahaha. I forgot to bring my sleeping mat, so I slept on the cold, hard ground at the campsite. My body therefore had every right to demand some soft cushioning hahahaha.
If you do not want to spend too much time wandering around Ormoc while waiting for your boat, I would suggest booking a trip at around 5:00 p.m. onwards so you can head straight to the port after arriving from the campsite.
Leaving Ormoc
We boarded a Lite Shipping boat from Ormoc to Cebu at around 10:00 p.m. and arrived in Cebu at approximately 4:00 a.m.
I would also like to add that I personally prefer the tourist bunk beds of Lite Shipping over Roble Shipping because Lite has curtains on one side and a wall on the other, giving you a little more privacy while sleeping. Roble Shipping, however, has a better lobby and other common areas, and it also has charging stations, which is definitely useful after spending hours in the mountains.
Three Mountains Later
Overall, I found the entire experience incredibly fulfilling.
The Ormoc Trilogy was for me an exciting and challenging reintroduction to mountain trekking. This time, I was able to appreciate the trail much more because my body was better prepared and conditioned.
The scenery, the camaraderie, the food, the laughter, and that wonderful feeling of finally reaching the summit after putting one foot in front of the other for hours, all make mountain trekking worth it.
Money matters
As to the expenses, the event fee for the Sugbo Summit Seekers Ormoc Trilogy was ₱3,400, which included practically everything except breakfast and lunch on Day 1 and the boat fare from Cebu to Ormoc and back.
The fee also included an event shirt. I also purchased their full sublimation shirt for an additional price of ₱600.
Personally, I found the event fee worth it. The food alone was already quite generous for the price, and everything else, from transportation, campsite arrangements, and guides, made the whole experience convenient.
After all, organizing a mountain climb is one thing. Organizing a mountain climb where someone is also feeding you lechon is another.
For inquires and bookings, you may contact Sugbo Summit Seekers through their Facebook Page.
With that, I am now looking forward to my next trail with Sugbo Summit Seekers: the Alicia, Bohol Day Hike on October 11.
One mountain at a time. One Snickers at a time.
And, hopefully, one day, Mt. Apo.
Onwards, and upwards!
