CLIMB 007: Pikoy Revisited

DESTINATION: Mt. Palay-palay a.k.a. Pico de Loro 644MASL

JUMP-OFF POINT: Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite

SPECS: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

CLIMB DATES: August 14-15, 2010

I had always made it known that Pico de Loro would always be my favorite mountain, it being my first love--my first climb. So, when the chance of climbing it again was presented to me, I had to grab it even though I was in the midst of a crisis. I felt like I needed that climb. Six months ago, when I first climbed it, I was black and blue. Six months later, I was black and blue again. But this time, I made sure it will be the last time I'll be climbing a mountain with bruises all over my body.

With us were new recruits--Janeth, Mitch, and Kim. Tommy and Jonah came with us, as well as Wilson. Melle acted as the trek lead. When we reached the camp area, we decided to go to the peak. Unlike our fist visit, the grassland was greener this time and the wind was gentler. Melle went to climb the rock formation. I wanted to climb with him. He didn't entertain the idea, and instead convinced the other men to climb with him. I was greatly frustrated. One of the motivations I set on my mind in revisiting Pico was conquering the rock formation which I found too scary to climb.

I didn't like how our trek lead pointed out my clumsiness and weak upper torso to justify his refusal to allow me to climb the formation. During the socials, when I was already tipsy (or was I drunk?), I let out my anger and frustration. When I didn't get him to listen to me, I went to socialize with another group who were willing to listen. Now I know I was being silly. I regret having displayed such silliness to our newbies. Aaaaargh!

The following morning, our trek lead and I were still not talking to each other. I climbed the rock formation with another group. Too bad the thick clouds wouldn't allow the peeps from the other peak to see us. They weren't able to take clear pictures of the four of us. Conquering the rock formation aka "dakilang bato" brought such pride. We could see the envy in the eyes of people left on the other peak. It was just not absolute because I knew I pissed off someone by conquering it. We had to wait for a few minutes for the clouds to go away and for the peeps from the other peak to take a good photo of us while there on top. We waited in vain.

When I climbed down and went back to our camp site, they already broke the camp. Our trek lead was trying to piss me off, I know. My belongings were scattered all over the place and five of our teammates had already left for the falls, our next itinerary. I actually blackmailed the couple, Tom and Jonah that if they left me at the camp site, I will go straight back home. What a jerk I had been!

Well, they waited and I was glad!

When we reached the falls, I wasn't speaking to any one of those who left me. They tried to talk to me, I stayed silent. After hitting the water, I found my temper cooling down. Maturity kicked in. I started talking to the guys, including the trek lead.

I ended up leading the team to base camp 1 and to the jump off point. Trek lead started talking to me but we hadn't discussed about the issues raised during the socials. It was a few days later that we did.

It still turned out to be a great experience, despite the mishaps along the way. Nothing and no one could ruin the moments I spent with Pikoy--my one great love. I would continue to bring newbies there so that they will experience what I had.

We passed by Ate Beng's house in Dasma, Cavite to have our post-climb socials. Hyago, Mervz, and Ayie from the Tarak climb joined us. We also met a new climb associate, Khen. We had so much fun!