Climb 025: The Tahong, Talong, and Pinya Climb

DESTINATION: Mt. Palpag 600++ MASL
JUMP-OFF POINT: Maragondon, Cavite
SPECS: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
SIDETRIP: Gen. Gregorio Lim Marine Base Beach Resort a.k.a. Boracay de Cavite
CLIMB DATES: February 18-19, 2012

On my 2nd mountaineering anniversary, I wound up once again in Cavite (my first climb was Mt. Palay-palay in Ternate)--my father's home province with half my kaladkarin family (Elmer, Jason, and Ces) and some addition to our growing clan (Oyet, Jekk, Julius, the 8-yr-old PJ, Temyong, Tiny Bubbles and her hakot: Elaine, April, Marife, and Mhay).

The inception of this climb happened during the padre burgos island hopping.

The day before the climb, I was anxious because I went on hibernation from climbing for one and a half months after the atavism of my asthma and angina symptoms. Up to the last minute, I was praying for a great weather, a delayed monthly visitor, and a successful turnout. In return, I promised my boobs that they will not have an exposure the whole climb. Hahaha!

Palpag is not a common destination for mountaineers. This hidden paradise offers a serene farmland that provides a perfect view of the metro. During our socials on saturday night, we were able to watch the pyrolympics held near MOA.

Rice shortage. I underestimated the power of exhaustion that can lead to more rice consumption. Mhay's pack of Skyflakes biscuit was a life-saver!

As a result, we ended up pigging out at the Boracay de Cavite: tahong soup, grilled pork chops, ensaladang talong, pineapple and green mango from late lunch. A few dip, a few bottles of Tanduay ice and Red Horse, and we were good to go. I'm glad for the company of my growing tribe.