hiking gulugod

the last time we climbed Mt. Gulugod or popularly known as Gulugod Baboy was when we organized a fun climb for single professionals. Gulugod Baboy stands for the word "pig spine".ever since i climbed this mountain, i always remember its greeny hills. although it's not always this green since i also had the chance to see it during summer. that was years back where the grass are not as green as this. Gulugod Baboy is a popular site for fun climbs since it does not require much experience to hike to its peak. but as for me, i still prepare myself on every climb no matter how easy the hike is. jogging and some push-ups at least a week before the hike helps a lot. Gulugod Baboy is located on the hills of Mabini in Batangas. Philpan Resort in Anilao is the assembly point which is about two to three-hour drive from Manila.it usually takes about an hour and a half to hike it and for experienced climbers maybe even less. the trail is not that steep but you will be passing by bushes but the challenge is still the heat but not as hot as climbing Mt. Pinatubo. there are some stopovers along the way which are houses of the people living in this area. people are already used to seeing climbers and are willing to give water if in case you run out of it.when you reach the base camp, you will see the two hilly peaks one is that of Mt. Gulugod while the other is that of Mt. Pinagbanderahan. you can see from the top, you will see Balayan bay on one side and the Batangas City and its pier on the other side. you can also see the islands of Maricaban and Sombrero of Anilao.Mt. Gulugod is also known as a playground of adventure because it also has a wide flat space where common activities can be held. it can also occupy large number of campers although we don't recommend that to protect the mountain's resources. another common experience that regular campers await is the sunrise and the sunset in the Balayan bay side. by night, you will be delighted by the city lights of Batangas. the photo below was taken at around 5:35am. we were astonished by its color blend telling us that it is really worth waking up this early. since i am still dedicating this post to "tribute earth", let's not forget to be reminded of the mountaineering creed "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time". let every climb be an opportunity to have a cleanup of the area. you can do simple acts like picking up trash along the trail even if it does not belong to you or to your group. then make sure that every climber will be responsible enough to respect and protect nature.