Conquering Mt. Ulap when You're Lazy AF

Remember that Halloween long weekend last October? What did you do? Me, I was lazy AF to do anything really, but since my friend Valerie already booked us for an outdoor adventure, might as well get out of bed and make the most out of the weekend. Our agenda ? Conquer Mt. Ulap.

I did not have an idea where Mt. Ulap is until I Googled it a day before the climb. Turns out, it's in Benguet. Side note, I've noticed that since last year, every time HB returns to the US, I get to climb a mountain and all of them are unintentional so maybe this might be a tradition?

But let's move on. Like what the title suggests, I was (and still lazy AF) to do this so let's go ahead. Valerie booked through Rock Jockers and OMG, they are super affordable. The package is just Php 1200 and this already includes the van, fees, and guide. Of course, food is up to you. Including food, I think I shelled out almost Php 1600 for this trip. Not bad if you ask me.

First bump in Mt. Ulap. This is about 15 minutes into the climb. I just now realized that this mountain has a warm-up part. Climbing to this part made my heart run. I thought that it was going outta my chest seriously. This was around 5:30 AM already. Btw, when we got to the jump point, which was a basketball court, there were food stalls carinderia style where you can have breakfast (I suggest you eat big because the climb lasts all day) and a clean rest room where you can change to your climbing gear. I think the local government has really made money from Mt. Ulap, but it's okay because they are taking care of it (and the barangay officials were friendly too!)

The most pastel pink sky that I have ever seen! I thought colors like this only exists in VSCO, but no, it's very possible to see it in Mt. Ulap!

You know you're in Benguet when you look up and instead of seeing billboards, majestic pine trees greet you. 

Nothing beats sunrise from atop the mountain. When I took this picture, I realized how much I needed this break not because I am stressed at work, but my lungs needed fresh air. This is the moment that I told myself that at least once every 3 months, I should fill my mind and lungs with clean air; because Manila air is just so dirty! 

Mt.Ulap has 3 summits, but I already forgot their names. This is the first one. It looks and feels like New Zealand because of the cows na tumatambay. By this time, I was wondering how cows were able to get here because I was already catching my breath but they were just so chill! So, stranger, if you are reading this, care to explain?  

A panoramic shot of Mt. Ulap's first peak. 

A mountain range that I forgot the name, but when you see straight into the horizon, Mt. Kanlaon peeps. Mt. Kanlaon is not for the faint of heart and it will take at least 10 pabebe mountains to climb before you can conquer it. 

The way to the 2nd peak. Even though it was already near noon when I took this shot, it was still so breezy so it made hiking very nice and bearable. Oh, btw, those are pine trees on the slope.:-)

I'm just going with nature's flow here thus the weird angle. Just a tip: always bring rain wear when hiking. It rained during our hike and considering that this is only my 3rd climb and have not experienced any rain my 2 previous climbs, I did not bring any rain gear. A practical solution is to have garbage bags, or if you prefer, a rain coat to keep your bag and head dry. 

Meet the culprit behind this climb. My friend from Grad School--Valerie. I am glad that since this climb, she has gone to a few more climbs with Jock Rockers. I think that this is one of her New Year goals.

Peace-ing it out on top of the final summit. The feeling is surreal when you reach the summit of a mountain, I tell you that. I encourage everyone to climb/hike at least once a year. 

This is why it's called Mt. Ulap--because the clouds play with you no matter what time of day it is. This one, particularly is already past noon yet it's still cool at the summit. 

Another view of the final summit. Do not be deceived of its "loneliness," because behind the scene, there are a lot of hikers who want to conquer this majestic mountain.

We finished the climb at 4PM and I was exhausted AF! My co-hikers took a bath, but I did not. I am scared of the cold and was not comfy with the rest rooms' condition, but its just my opinion. After rest, we decided to eat at Good Taste in Baguio. Damn, I love that place! So mura, but the servings are so huge and yummy!

So here it is, finally! So stranger, start climbing today. It's addicting.