Two years later, the four of us, on a whim decided to finally go hiking one rainy Saturday afternoon. We excluded alcohol this time from the list of 'fun activities to-do' but later you'll find out that alcohol just can't be escaped especially when a group's name is that of a brand of tequila.
The four of us, Maan, Lets, Nina and yours truly, decided to go hiking, at night, plus a guide whom Maan communicated with via text. Never mind that only Maan was the only one who knew where we were going, never mind that Lets, have had no workout whatsoever, adding that Nina was extremely hesitant and late, and with myself being occasionally paranoid about worst case-scenarios.
At around 5pm, from Angono Plaza, we rode a jeep to Binangonan Fish Port. Inside the jeep, we pointed out the list of things that we forgot - flashlights, a can opener, all advantageous to our survival. But being a bunch of hippies we just looked at each other, and laughed an awry laugh.
At the Binangonan Fishport, we were seated at a boat which was halfway filled with people. It was past 5pm but it was only after an hour after it sailed. The one hour wait was patience-testing and nerve-wracking. We understood that it had to fill the unoccupied spaces but seeing a gas tank being brought to the boat was just testing. Nina whispered to me her hopes that what will happen won't be a Final Destination movie. I told her to shush it and added to say that it won't happen, trying to convince her and essentially, myself.
Our worries weren't over for there was a motorcycle being brought to the boat. Letlet mentioned that a tricycle was to be transported next, followed by a jeepney. Nina said that the motorcyvle, placed on one end of the boat which we were facing, will be what will run the boat. I said that once the boat was fully occupied, paddles will be distributed to everyone on board and we will have to get to our destination in three days.
The boat ride was pleasant. It was my first time to geographically take in the view, to appreciate the fish port, although the water was far from clear. I was envisioning how this will all look like on top view. I observed the hills and the mountains, questioning which lucky mountain would gloriously experience having me, @ninyathegreat to hike it.
We finally were at Barangay Janosa, Binangonan, Rizal after an hour. After paying the boat fair which was 30php, A Kagawad who was on board the boat with us, approached us, introduced himself and said that we needed to register at the barangay hall first.
As passengers alighted the boat, we noticed several people, a group of 15, were wearing professional hiking gears and were asking aloud if 'they' meaning us were climbing Mt. Tagapo too. The four of us didn't answer, but I'm sure we were all thinking the same thing. "We are saved."
At the barangay hall, we paid 20php each for the registration. The other group asked if we were coming with them, I said, "Please, if it's okay." They said "Yeah, the more the merrier."
We learned that we were to have only one tour guide, Kuya Archie, and his ten year old son, Armin. While the other group was eating banana, to load up on potassium, the four of us were led to Kuya Archie's house, near the barangay hall were talking amongst each other that we are ill-equipped and that it is an itsy bitsy bit embarrassing.
Later on, the other group formed a circle and invited us to pray with them. At 7pm, it was decided that we start with the hiking trip.
Nina and me were paired and trailed behind the other group. It was not that dark then and we were living off the other group's source of light. Maan and Lets were right behind.
Thank God though, that I didn't forget to fully charge my phone because it has a built-in flash light. Nina was using whatever light is coming from her phone. I don't know about Maan, but Letlet's phone also has a built-in flash light. She also has this tiny cookie-shaped key-chain that emits light just enough to realize that the light isn't sufficient enough.
The hike began well, with Nina and me still being able to talk, I was telling her about the hike to Mt. Banahaw, how it was way more difficult because we hiked while it was raining. Later on, all that can be heard from the both us is our heavy-breathing.
Some of the highlights, of the two-hour hike was Letlet puking so the people hiking near her had to stop and assist her. Especially Maan. At one stop where Letlet stopped so that she could sit down and catch her breath, I got to talk to Kuya Randy who was so kind enough to lend me the head flashlight he was using in exchange for my phone. He said he couldn't help it after hearing how heavy I was breathing.
Nina and I reached the camping site at around 9pm and boy were we extremely happy. A group of Pakistani hikers greeted us and asked to which group we belonged to. I blurted out 'the lone group'.
Maan and Lets arrived 20 minutes later. Kuya Archie, Armin, Nina already set up the tent where they could rest unto.
Kuya Randy's group invited us for a few shots and a hot monggo meal after to which we accepted gratefully. We woke up at before 4am to reach the summit which is a 5 minute hike from the camping site and viewed the sunrise.
This is a first to one of our monthly hikes as a group.
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