A Long Hour Drive to Enjoying the Streets of Mendoza

From Buenos Aires, the team traveled by bus to Mendoza. This is one way of acclimatizing to the place and  besides  the fare is cheaper. What was originally a 14 hour bus drive becomes a 15 hour one. We decided to get a semi cama seat, for a reason that it is cheaper than a full cama without stops. Though not a fully reclined seat but we thought we are used to this when we do long travels back in the Philippines. So we thought that would be good enough. True enough it is, it's just that the trip becomes longer.

We leave Buenos Aires passed 7:00 in the evening, the bus is on time. The first hour we enjoy the view of the city until it goes further to the less buildings and more wider plains. The sun sets late at around 8:30 in the evening so we have clear view of the places we pass by. I was hoping for the food to be served earlier as well but it was served almost 11:00 in the evening. After eating, we settled on our individual seats and just sleep.

I wake up with a good view of the place,  already far from Buenos Aires and near Mendoza. It's a wide flat plain of land, all flat as far as my eyes can see. There are trees but it is mostly a plantation of several crops. Establishments and houses are mostly near the road. I am beginning to see mountains on the left side of the road until I am seeing mountains with snow. I am sure this is now the Andes mountain range. I get excited. I am sure what we will be climbing will be much  more higher than what we are seeing now. We arrive Mendoza Omnibus Terminal without our pick up transpo, Rodrigo of Acon Trek give us instruction to just get a taxi and proceed to our hotel, Hotel Balbi. I am now seeing the beauty of Mendoza as we go to our hotel, I heard so much good story about the place, true enough the place is beautiful. Among the many things to see, I first notice the big trees beside the streets, every turn on every street are trees, most of it big tall ones. We are already at the main street of the city yet there are big trees before the tall and not so tall establishments. And beside the streets are ditches, some are open so are closed. Cesar passionately explained to us why they need the ditches, it is to water the trees. Menodza being a desert place build an extensive irrigation system that water their plants not just on their vineyards  and plants but up to the trees in the middle of the city. And each family that owns a house or establishment is required to plant a tree. I wonder how come we do not adopt such system.

On our arrival at Hotel Balbi, we are meet with a warm welcome by our lead guide Lito with Cesar and another climber Tito. We are six in the team, with me the only female, the team is now complete. After settling to our individual rooms with Ramon as my roommate, we have to go to Secretariat de Torismo, the tourist office of Mendoza to get and secure our climb permit. We need to do this personally. We just walk form the hotel passing by Plaza Independencia. It's just a short walk, passing by the stores, restaurants and establishments.  I am enjoying every minute of our walk.

Getting the climb permit is not a long process, each climber just need to fill up a climb application form and a waiver. After which we are going to pay it in a nearby establishment outside the tourist building, then go back to the tourist office. Together with the application form, payment receipt and passport, this will be processed by the tourism officer. Upon release of the receipt, they will ask each climber to read the rules and regulations of the park with fines and punishments if violated. Claro, intiende, that's all I said before the officer hand me my climb permit, permiso de asenso.

After getting our permit we proceed back to our hotel passing by the other side of Plaza Independencia while asking them of where we could possibly eat lunch. It's already late and we need to eat, I am already hungry. Mercado Central is their suggestion, so we check it out. It's seista time (until today, Mendoza still practice seista), so only the restaurant portion is open. We check on the food and cost, we find it pricey compare to the cost of food in our place. After checking form other restaurants and even Mc Donalds, we decided to go back to Mercado Central and order food. I got spaghetti for AR250.00 (PhP250.00). When my order arrive, its a lot but because I am hungry, I finish all of it.  I am happy with my food so as Zean and Mondy.

With stomach already full, we go back to our hotel. Lito and Cesar will be back around by 5:30pm to check on our gear. Mondy prepared his stuff, while I just take my sweet time enjoying my bed. When Lito arrive, he check on Mondy's gear first. Actually, it's a show all your gears to them thing. This is to make sure that each one of us bring the right gear as stated on the gear list forwarded to us few months earlier. And this is to check too if what gear do we need to rent. We already have that in mind and infact already confirm with the them early on. When done with us, Lito and Cesar transfer to the next door to check on Zea and Tito's gear. Leaving all our gears in mess on our room, we went to the next door to see how they are doing.

When done, we go down and walk to the office of Aconcagua Trek, this is to give the balance of our payment and ofcourse meet them personally. Heber was there, Rodrigo and the other one (I forgot his name). We meet other climbers as well, and they have huge packs. After which we trek to the gear rental store. It's a further walk but in this city it seems like everything can be reached by just walking. It's summer and hot but not humid making it friendly to just walk. I meet Miriam at the gear rental store, I have been in constant communication with her prior to the trip. The store is full of mountaineering stuffs both for rental and for sale. After waiting for all our gears to be arranged and paid, we walk ahead of Tito and the others. They will just meet us again in the hotel for dinner.

I started arranging and packing my things the time I come back to my room. The things I packed several nights prior to this trip needs to be packed before I will rest for the night in preparation for our travel to Penitentes tomorrow. Before we know, it's already time for us to go down and meet the guides for a welcome dinner by Aconcagua Trek. We are going to eat at La Marchigiana, one of the finest and oldest Italian Restaurant in town. I am excited, I am already hungry. The place is nice, it's for fine dining, the ambiance is superb, the waiters are friendly. The entree is good but my main course of mixed sea foods has been so salty. There was no rice so I make use of eating the bread together with my mix sea foods. We end our meal with a good dessert then proceed to our rooms. Lito and Cesar will meet us 10:00am tomorrow to pick us up for our trip to the mountain.

I still have tones of gears to pack before signing off for the night. I have to separate all my mountaineering things in my XL TNF duffel bag, putting inside my full pack. On my approach pack will be the gear that I will be needing for the bus rise including water and food. On a separate smaller duffel is all my side trip clothes with my laptop and other electronic wires. We will be bringing this to Penitentes as well and leave it at Los Puquitos office (Aconcagua Trek office in Penitentes) in care with Emmanuel. This I have to carefully pack and make sure I did leave anything behind.

Expenses for the day:
Taxi from Omnibus Terminal to Hotel Balbi - AR14.00
Though this is paid by AconTrek, I'd like to take note that it's easy to get taxi around the city. Just prepare small bill because the em barker (the one that calls for next taxi in line and will help fix your things in the compartment area) will ask for tip.
Lunch at Mercado Central - AR25.00
Gear Rental (Sleeping Bag and Ice Axe) - AR
It turn out one of my best investment in this trip is the sleeping bag, the rental is so expensive but it was a wise decision to get a good down sleeping bag, it is a much needed one in the high camps. The ice axe, I only use it in the High Camp 2 when clearing our campsite form tons of ice before pitching our tents. But ofcourse I dont wish to see and use my ice axe on ice arrest, I cannot imagine how to use it even if we practice it on actual snow and on my mind.
Water -  AR16.00
Climb Fee Balance - USD2,800.00
Postal Fee and other documentation fee - AR86.00

What A Day In Buenos Aires

Great adventure awaits us on November 30 on the streets of Buenos Aires. The night before we already discuss what we need to do for the day,  start our day with the free breakfast in the hostel, go to the bus terminal to check the ticket for Mendoza, change US dollar to Argentinian peso, go to the Central Argentine Embassy, have lunch with Ambassador Rey Carandang, the Philippine Ambassador to almost all South American countries.

It was a great plan and it ended  almost all happened plus sight seeing on the side. We eat breakfast, eat as many croissant as we can, take advantage of it being free and free flowing coffee. Had a minor chat with Mauro, my room mate who has been traveling for several months now, Ramon and Zenon discuss with him few  things about South American travel tips after which with all our things already packed, we leave all of it at the storage of the hostel then leave for the bus terminal to buy ticket. Walking on the streets of Buenos Aires from our hostel, I am with so much  awe  and amazement. The buildings are tall, architecture is fabulous and great, the streets are wide, there are vehicles yet its not crowded.  There are also tourists like us walking on the streets. And as always, we are very mindful of our personal belongings, Buenos Aires is also known for not so good people who will take advantage of tourist looking people like us. But on my mind I feel more scared walking on the busy streets of Quiapo than here. The sun is up but it's not hot and not humid.

Our main objective is to reach Retiro Bus Terminal, with city map at hand we walk the long stretch of streets, follow directions. We reach first the main building with  the central train terminal of the city. All the people who travel to and from the city who uses train as transportation alight on this station. We notice people walking from this building every several minutes. The station is huge and the station guards allow us to enter to take some photos inside. After taking few pictures, we left to Retiro Omnibus Terminal, just few meters away from the train station. Retiro bus terminal is the central bus terminal to all provincial trips from Buenos Aires. It's a huge place with so many people both tourists and locals. We inquire the cost of ticket going to Mendoza and time of travel, but because we do not have enough Argentinian Peso yet we decided to go out and look for the nearest money changer, the bank. The nearest is the bank right inside the Sheraton Hotel. I changed USD1,300.00 enough amount for me to spend up to the end of climb. But because the bank went off line, we decided to use my peso while Zea and Mondy will have their money changed yet. We pass by the tourist desk of the hotel  for the two to inquire about visa before we head back to Retiro Bus Terminal.

After getting our tickets we proceed to Marriot BA at Florida to meet Ambassador  Rey Carandang for the lunch meeting. He is with his cousin Tita Chitas. Both of them are cool persons. They brought us to one of the local restaurant in town, and order soooo many food. Tita Chitas is bubbly and so full of life. She ordered so many food especially for us, milanesa, its a breaded beef and so many bread. Luis arrive in a while and join us. There are six of us eating the so much food. We tried to finish as much as we can over so many stories by Tito Rey and Tita Chitas. I admire them both, and I am glad I met Tito Rey, he is a man with so much wisdom, he has been to so many places in the world but I salute him for he loves so much being a Filipino. His views in life made me think and re-assess my views in life as well. I am really grateful and thankful that I got a chance to meet and have a real talk with them.

After our lunch, just when I  thought we will just be left to go on our own, Tita Chitas tour us around Buenos Aires. We first finish the long stretch of Florida street which we drop by the electronic shop to by a local sim card. After which we walk again heading towards the Tango House, Tita Chitas love tango so much and she wants to show the place to us. Then we went to Obelisco, then she decided to bring us to La Boca. This is a place where first Italian migrants who enter Buenos Aires by boat settled. They are poor but made their house really beautiful by painting it with different colors. Now this place has been transformed into a tourist attraction retaining it's original color and style.

We head back to Tita Chitas place by bus for Mondy needs to change his dollar, the super mercado owner will give a better exchange rate. But because it was getting into the rush hour, what was suppose to be a less than an hour bus ride becomes longer, we need to hurry for we do not want to miss our bus trip to Mendoza. We decided to get a cab on our suppose to be bus transfer then had another cab going back to Hostel Colonial, get our heavy bags then rush to the omnibus terminal. We are still on time and we manage to catch up our bus trip.

Facts and Tips:
Andesmar Bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza - $378.00AR (PhP3,780.00)
Semi Cama with food
15 hour bus ride with stops
If you have big luggage that needs to be put on the storage compartment, prepare some small bills for the tip. The bagger man will ask for tip up front and will not accept smaller bills. We gave $10.00 (Php100.00)
It's best to choose a seat in the upper deck if possible the front seats. You will get a better view of the places that the bus passes by.
Bring other food even if the bus will serve food, sometimes food is served late making me too hungry.
Bring drinks like water and juice as well.
The bus gets cold so bring out your jackets.

And It's Time to Travel to Argentina

On November 28, after several months of planning, the time has come for me to finally leave the Philippines and make a 36 hour travel to Argentina for our expedition to Mt. Aconcagua. I pass by Narita Japan via Nippon Airways, a lay over of 2 hours then travel for 11 hours to Houston, a lay over of more than 7 hours then a 10 hour plane ride via Continental Airlines to Buenos Aires. Traveling alone on such a long flight is a no joke, I wish I have a buddy around whom I can share the adventure and misadventures but I just really cannot be on the same flight with my climbing buddies on this adventure. Because I have a US visa and Continental Airways is much cheaper than Qatar Airlines, our first airline of choice, I just really cannot be with  them and they cannot fly through Continental as well due to visa issues, so I travel alone.

But one good about traveling alone I got to meet new friends. From Manila to Houston I met Jenny who travel for the first time to the US to finally reunite with her fiance. We had a long trip together, Manila Narita, Narita Houston.  And while on my way to Buenos Aires I met Nely  while at the pre-boarding area,  she lives in Buenos Aires who travel from China She was kind enough to help me with the transportation when my supposedly hotel taxi airport pick up did not show up. She wants to invite me to her place when I drop by Buenos Aires after the climb but of course I was not able to do that anymore.

Having to sit on the plane for several hours is a no joke, I just make use of what ever the plane can offer, eat the food that is served, watch movie when ever I want to, take enough sleep for as long as I can. And having to wait at the airport is a no joke either, I just explore several corners of the airport after finding out that a wifi is not available and my phone's international roaming is not activated, only to find out later my other phone will not work on a develop country like US and Argentina.  And because I am really saving what ever amount of money I have on this trip, I decided to bring food from the Philippines, unfortunately most of it is on my supposedly carry on luggage that I check in after the counter told me I am allowed one more luggage for check in (making it 2 check in luggage). I made sure my 4 bread talk corned beef bun will keep me nourished until I board the plane going to Buenos Aires.

Boarding the last leg of my flight shows that I am now going to a different continent or rather even before boarding the plane. While waiting at the pre-boarding area, Latino looking and speaking passengers are already everywhere, I very much look different to them, and I think I am the only Asian looking person on that flight.

Arriving Buenos Aires on November 29 is a mixed feeling of relief that my long flight is finally over, excitement because so much adventure is in-store for me  on this big country and at the same time a bit scared, I really do not know what will happen to me on my almost a month stay here. It took me more than an hour to pass through immigration, the line is just really too long and so many tourists passengers  like me.  I thank Nely for waiting for me at the baggage area. After passing through customs, Ezeiza airport will be more an hour drive to the city where my hostel is located. It's still 10:30 in the morning.

As we leave the airport, my eyes are all around the place, looking at the places we pass by while talking to Nely who happens to speak very little English and I happen to speak nor understand very little Spanish. But we managed to converse. I drop her off first before I proceed to my hostel, Hostel Colonial. And to my surprise, our hostel is at the second floor of a commercial establishment, what makes it more surprising is that the door of the hostel leads to a long stairway to the second floor. It is where the hostel reception is located without elevator. A super good luck to me, how will I be able to carry my 24 kilos XL duffel in order for me to reach the reception area, if only this is a backpack, I  know I will be able to manage to carry it. After several minutes of thinking I thank one guy from the second floor offer a help, he is one of the guest in the hostel.

I check in, settle on my bed on a room packed with 4 double decks without aircon  unit. The lady opened the door from the terrace for a cooler ventilation. Ok, probably this is how things are here, the room does not have windows but big doors. The room is really crowded but I think this will just be for the night, this is going to be ok. After eating a late lunch from the food that I bring from the Philippines (canned tuna paella, sachet of swift corned beef and red ribbon  ensaymada bread) I decided to take a nap. I am just too tired to even take a bath. I noticed it gets dark late so I take a light dinner from my food again that I bring from PH, I am just so scared to explore the place alone on the evening. My climb buddies Zenon and Ramon arrive 11:00pm. And finally we are complete.

Tips on what to bring on a more than 36 hour trip:
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste. It feels good after a meal in the plane to at least brush my teeth before going back to sleep.
2. Comb and other toiletries. I totally forget to bring mine on the carry on luggage, not even a comb. So I just hide my hair on a baseball cap that I wear.
3. Panty Liner. After several times of going to the lavatory, it just feels great to feel fresh by changing the liner.
4. First Aid Kit with Meds. My allergic rhinitis got triggered by the cold temperature, and I am just glad I brought meds with me.
5. Food, many of it and substantial one. While on long lay over on several airports and while on tipid (save) mode, it's best to bring food, not just candies and cookies but substantial one like bread or even rice and viand.
6. Enough warm clothes. It gets so cold on the plane and on the airport.

Facts about the trip:
Stayed at Hostel Colonial in Buenos Aires for $48.00AR (PhP480.00)
Taxi from the airport $150.00AR   (PhP1,500.00)
Upon arrival at Ezeiza airport, change at least USD$100.00 at the bank right after you exit the airport after passing through customs. The exchange rate is not so good but you will need AR to pay for the ride to the city and upon check-in in the hotel. At least enough money even before  one can find a money changer or bank with a good exchange rate.

WHAT WEATHER SHOULD WE EXPECT ON MT. ACONCAGUA

A newsletter forwareded to my email by Aymara Adventures and Expeditions a day before I leave for Argentina. I just want to have a copy of it as my reference.

Mendoza City
Our expedition programs start in Mendoza City. Since these trips take place during the summer, and since our province is in a semi desert weather region, it is very usual that during midday and in the afternoon, temperature ascends to 35ºC or 40ºC. During the night, temperature descends and you may need a coat, since it is not strange for it to be 15ºC.

Weather during the approximation to Base Camp
As we get closer to the base camps at Mt. Aconcagua, we might find a difference in temperature between day and night. With good weather conditions, on a sunny day the temperature might be very nice; approximately 25ºC. Normally, during midday the wind starts, turning the weather unstable during the afternoon. By the end of the day the wind calms down and the nights go on quietly. During the nights the temperature reduces considerably, and it is possible to experience temperatures of 0ºC or even colder. For this reason, you must be prepared for these changes and carry adequate equipment and clothing. During the trekking in this first stage of approximation, it is important to bring a coat, preferably a rainproof coat that protects you from the wind or occasional snow that might surprise us on our way. It is also necessary to put a pair of gloves in your backpack and a pair of sandals is also important to have, since in the afternoon, it is very common to cross rivers. All these cautions are necessary, because it is better to be prepared - taking into account the varying weather conditions above 3.000 m.

Weather during the ascent, up above 4.300 m

Aconcagua climbing season takes place during the summer (December, January and February). During these months the mountain generally has good and stable weather conditions, but it may change very quickly. Weather forecast is not very precise in this region.

Atmospheric pressure and the sky, are some of the signs that our guides and other people use in the mountains in order to forecast weather.

A particular detail that is very possible to observe in this part of the Andes, is the formation of a lenticular cloud, very high up, known as the "HONGO". This sits at the top of the mountain, very still. It is formed by powerful air streams coming from the west (from where most of the storms come) and it moves over 5.500 m. Being in the presence of the "Hongo" during your expedition on Mt. Aconcagua is, undoubtedly, a sign of alert to take into account when planning our ascent, even if we have good weather conditions in the valleys and base camps.

It is also very common, to be in the presence of electrical storms. As we get higher, weather conditions turn more rigorous with regards to temperature. During the day, temperature will not rise more than 0ºC and sometimes, we might be walking with -15ºC. In the higher Camps, like in Berlin or in Camp 2 at the base of the glacier, we will experience temperatures of -25ºC to -35ºC during the night. Icy and persistent wind is constant on Mt. Aconcagua, making the temperature lower than the thermal sensation; it can make you freeze in a few minutes. These low temperatures along with the strong wind can result in a terrible white wind storm. This phenomenon is produced by the wind separating us from the floor and everything turning completely white (Blizzard).

In moments such as these, goggles are essential. We will, however, feel the harshness of the wind even on a sunny day and with good weather conditions, especially very early in the morning, when we have left the warmness and comfort of our tents, in search of the summit.

Weather during the summit day

Undoubtedly this section of the mountain has the hardest weather conditions. The day we start the ascent to reach the summit, we leave one of the highest camps very early. This is a very demanding experience, in which the wind can produce temperatures of -25ºC or -30ºC. Eventually, it may be harder during the first hours in the morning, than staying in the summit by midday when the sun warms us, and it is possible to have temperatures of 0ºC.

Teacher Cesar A. Mochi

Now you can also follow us on TWITTER    

Our Argentina Visa is Finally Out

Getting an Argetina Visa has been a challenge for the team. At first we just comply  and prepare the documents required and decided to file early part of November. We still have more than 15 days to do it anyway. But when the Argentine Embassy in the Philippines required additional documents that needs to be notarized in Argentina and original papers should be submitted to their office it was where the three of us got concerned. It's a big hassle requesting the documents notarized in Mendoza by our outfitter, Aconcagua Trek. Good thing their Director was kind enough to do all the hassle just for us to get a visa. So, this is it....

Aconcagua expedition - dispatch 02: team pre-climb meeting & send-off party

Keeping a copy of what we've been doing for this adventure. Thanks Zean for the video, and not just that, for documenting this adventure.

TNF's Women's Free Thinker Jacket

You will only be on my dreams for now. I encountered you today as I  browse on my favorite website. This jacket will be a big help up in the freezing temperature in the mountain. The original price is extremely expensive, and even when it's on sale it is still expensive. 

I love the color but unfortunately  my size on this color is not available on line. I hope our path will meet someday and I will have that fund to purchase you on exactly the same color that I want. 

Meet My Climb Buddy Today

I have to meet Pedro today for two things, I haven't been seeing him lately, he is busy with his business while I am busy with my weekend adventures and I need to get the trekking pole that I borrowed from him for my Aconcagua trip. I am leaving Monday so I am now pressed of time.

I decided to get it first thing in the morning before I went to the office. I was hoping that I will only get it, see him, get the poles and then leave. But that did not happen. As I saw his white van, I thought he will only hand  me the poles but he asked me to get into his car, drive a little while I updated him ofnthe final leg of our preparation before we leave for Aconcagua Expedition. Though he drives just super slow, we went further until he asked if I have the time to spare, ofcourse how can I say no to Pedro,  we have  lots of updates to make.

We ended at Figaro for more two hours over a cup of tea and cofee. We really had so much to talk about. He is just as amazed and excited about our upcoming major expedition just like the first time we did the very first summit of the seven summits, Mt. Kilimanjaro. He was with us then. And I am just as amzed and excited to try listen his inputs about how to keep hydrated and insulated up in the mountains. What possible good food one should take up there and how to possible prepare it in a best way. I did not notice the time at all, it was already almost lunch time. Before I head back to the office he accompany me of buying coconut oil, one thing that I should have up in the mountain to keep me warm. We part ways with a promise that when I get back we should get together more often, so that he can try is recipes he thought would be best up in the mountain while I thought I should see him more often so that I can start learning to ride the bike and keep him physically fit as well. It was really nice talking to you Pedro.

The North Face®: The Denali Experiment

Great video of the few great athletes of TNF on the slopes of Denali. It's just inspiring to watch them, seeing their gear especially their outer shell jackets gives me a thought, I have some of that...hehehe...but I can never have their skills that qualifies them to become a TNF athlete. 

A long road for an Argentine Visa

Finally we had our interview at the Argentina Embassy yesterday, 10am in the morning. Our most awaited letter from Aconcagua Trek in Mendoza, Argentina got delayed and it did not arrive yet. But still we proceed with the interview. Unlike other embassy that I've been to, this is different. We (as a group - of three) were asked to get inside a conference room with the Argentinian Consul and the lady that we've been talking the past months. 

It was a casual interview, asking each one of us what we do for a living, what on earth come to our minds of traveling that far and climbing such mountain. He is even amazed to see one female member of the team, that's me. What come to my mind engaging on such risky hobby. And after hearing each of us, the conversation leads to where to buy those TNF Jackets, and other gears, help them build  their website in the case of Zean.

And he asked for additional documents: 

1. copy of each of our credit card (which I do not have)

2. Health Coverage
3. Travel Insurance
4. In my case a copy of my passbook

They will go with the processing but we need to submit the following day all the added documents asked and only then we can pay for the visa. Today, I personally join Mondy to the embassy, I need to show my original passbook and explain to them about my not having a credit card. I have to make sure I  will be the one tp personally explain it to them. Thank God they did not bother to ask me and just proceed with the payment. That was a big relief in my things to do. 

Now I can concentrate on my long list of things to do that I need to finish before I leave.

Nathan Ridge Run 2011

My Sunday race, it's a Nathan Ridge Run in Tagaytay High Lands. I've been to this place when I was still active on my training work, I had run several areas,  so more or less I am a bit familiar of the terrain of the place. But a 21K route is long, so I expect it to be a tough uphill race all through out the race.

(work in progress)

Kabalikat sa Kalikasan - A Treeplanting Day for SCNoys at Ipo Dam

A relaxed Saturday for me. I decided to join Jing's invitation for a tree planting activity led by Smart in partnership with their sister company PLDT. Both companies are close to my heart, I have friends from Smart whom I become close in running and climbing. I also have friends in PLDT whom I can rely on not just when  I have problems with our high speed internet connection in the office but also become close to me personally, and I also have friends in climbing from the same company. 

I've been invited to join the company's community service activities  several times but it is only at this time that I join them. I have nothing scheduled on this day anyway. This will be at Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, one of the water reservoir that provides water including in Metro Manila. I know it will be a mix group of participants but I am confident I won't feel out of place, for sure there will be several friends who will be joining the activity. 

We are all taken cared off. I arrive in Smart Tower still dark and Pompo was still there. I thought he was joining us but he will be joining another activity of the company. Few minutes later familiar faces arrived. Our rides are already waiting for us but we ate our breakfast first before leaving. It's a two hour travel from Makati to the planting area. Upon arrival at Ipo, others were already there, mostly not familiar face to me. We gathered our things needed for planting, had a short orientation and proceed to the planting site on a 10 minute boat ride and short uphill trek. 

I become excited again, when it's being with nature it really gives me so much joy. Though it was just a short trek to the planting site, I wanted to do a short trail run, attempted several times but ofcourse I cannot do it continuously, there people ahead of me. We planted several seedlings in a readily prepared area, traversing the inclined uphill slope of the place. After several hours, we head down and go back to the entrance area for lunch and freshen up before leaving. 

I am glad I joined this event, I did not only give back to mother earth but I also gained new acquaintances who are also into climbing and running. It was fun doing a community service with them. Til the next outreach program friends.   

Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping

A very last minute useful read. Just when me and Mondy where trying to figure out how on earth did we miss the correct rating of our sleeping bag that would keep us warm up in the high camps, I come across this REI Blog about keeping warm. All the more I am convinced that I should get a sleeping bag that will be sufficient enough to keep me warm.

Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping: Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping | REI Blog: Weblog for an active community of people who love the outdoors

The North Face®: Behind The Lens Fall 2011 Tetons Commercial

As mentioned on my earlier post, I admire Jimmy and other athletes who are really good of their skills. A beautiful video that I want to keep on my blog, that will inspire me to keep on aiming for more and improve the sports that I love to do, not skiing though.

Our Visit to the Argentina Embassy

We finally went to the Embassy of Argentina located in Dela Costa Street today. We only have our documents checked, want to make sure we have the right documents before our very schedule of interview, Monday 10:00am. Due to the last minute document requirement that the Argentina Embassy asked from us that needs to be signed and notarized in Mendoza, Argentina,  the processing of our visa is delayed. With almost a week left, we just hope there will be enough time for our visa to be processed and released before our scheduled departure date for the expedition. Crossing our finger on a speedy processing of our visa.

The original list of requirements for Argentina Embassy:
1. Duly accomplished application form
2. One passport size photo, pasted on the application form
3. Valid passport and photocopy of the information page
4. Letter of request stating the reason for the visit
5. Original Certificate of Employment
6. Original Bank Statement
7. Latest ITR
8. Confirmed Hotel Bookings
9. Confirmed Air Ticket

Additional Requirement(since they find out our purpose of the trip)
10. Original Notarized Letter from the Outfitter 
11. Letter of Certification from the Mountaineering Club
12. Itinerary of the Climb Expedition

Filing Hours: 9:00am to 11:00am
Releasing Hours: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Processing Time: At least 5 working days

Argentina Embassy Address
8th Floor Liberty Center, 104 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
02-8453218/3219/3238
argvisas@eastern.com.ph

Just be kind and friendly to the lady in the front desk. Despite her stoic and flat sounding on the phone, she's accommodating and helpful in person.

The North Face®: The Denali Experiment Teaser

I am an avid fan of Jimmy Chin and what he has been doing on  the outdoors. I admire not just his skills in rock climbing and skiing but most of all on how he capture the outdoor adventure through the lens. He is a great climber at the same time a great photographer. His love of the sports and his passion in photography inspires me to  work hard in what I love to do. I hope to meet him someday on my travels on the wall. 

On Final Preparation for My AC Trip

Two weeks left and I still do not know how to organize my things for my major expedition. There are so many things on the list that I need to do and to organize. But aside from that I also have tons of office work to finish and personal things I need to attend to before leaving. Really, it's starting to scare me. 

But more than those things that I need to prepare and finish for the trip which I know I can finish before I leave, what adds up to my nervousness is my financial capability. I have just enough amount of money for the entire trip. But I need to leave some amount as well for my family. I cannot just leave for my expedition without leaving money for them. And just today my younger sister promised to lend me some amount to cover for that. Now I can breath and concentrate on my preparation for the expedition. Thank you so much my dear sister for being one of my sponsor on this expedition.

Run United 3 - A Race That Test My Being A Woman

My second 32K. I have done this last year, though at this time it will be on a different route, which excites me though I have done portions of the entire route on several different races before. It's a good weather, no sign of rain at all. The moon is still up while the 32K runners assemble at the starting line. I am early for the gun start so I just take my leisure time preparing myself near the assembly area. An hour later, I meet friends also joining the same distance that I will run. I visit to the rest room twice before the race starts.

It's the fifth day of my monthly period, something that I am confident it wont be so much of a bother doing a long distance race like this. I just wear a panty liner.

The gun starts at exactly 4:30AM. I am happy with my pace. I feel like it improves from my two previous races. It did not rain, I am not wet, and I make sure I will not be wet from the water on the water stations. There are many hydration stations along the way though there is only one station the gives banana. I get two which serves as my food for the entire race.

I am doing pretty ok, I love the uphill slope of the two overpass on the intersections of Buendia and EDSA. It gives me the edge to do a run on both going up and going down. My pace on the first 22K is pretty ok,  less than   2 hours and 30 minutes, I only have 10K left to finish. I did not feel any pain in my legs, I maintain a pace which is just a constant one not even dragging my foot to make one step forward. At times I even push a little faster.

But all of this changes the distance after 22K. With the effort that I am exerting and with the heat of the sun that started to rise higher at our back, my clothes are starting to get wet from my sweat. Without me realizing, my monthly period is still going on, it was when a lady runner nicely told me, 'ms. you're bleeding.' Oh shoot, I did not notice this early on, when it was still dark and the sun is still not up. I was just enjoying my run that I did not notice it anymore. She give me her last supply of tissue.

I pulled out from the road and go to the side on the sea wall. Good thing I have my buff, it serves as my towel, wiping the blood the drips on my legs. This is not good at all. But I have to get back to my composure and think. My shorts is already wet, with this condition will I stop from the race, I thought.  But I have gone so far already, I wanted to finish it. My change clothes is also at the  finish line, which means I need to be there as well.  I decided to go to the nearest available rest room. Unfortunately that is still after the US Embassy. It's still more than 500 meters from where I am. I started to do a slow pace run anyway. Upon reaching the one that I thought there is a toilet, it's closed. I have to go to the side of Luneta. But before doing that I have to look for a sanitary napkin. Good thing one kioshk sells one, then I proceed to the rest room and change. I  just hope this will work. 

I go back to the road, finish my u-turn at Luneta Park, but the position of the sanitary napkin has moved. So I need to go back to the only rest room available and fix it. After that, I went back to the road but now on a super slow pace. I need not to sweat too much so that my running shorts wont be wet and the stain won't drip on my legs. It's getting late and the sun is already up. As much as I wanted to do a faster pace, I just really cannot. 

With being so conscious that my legs will have stain of blood, I just take it slowly. My goal of doing a faster time now is all in vain, all I focus is just to cross the finish line despite my condition. Which I did, my time is just not the one that I expected it to be, 4 hours, 17 minutes and 9 seconds. I can say I survived. This is my first time to experience such condition on a race.

Lessons learned....always bring the following when running the next time with monthly period. In my case, I should have a different running attire.
1. Money
2. Sanitary Napkin
3. Wet Ones
4. Pins
5. and Lots of Prayers (that it will not rain, that you will not be wet, etc?

Kilian's Quest S3 E09 Kilian takes a break Part 2

Kilian Jornet, 2011 International Skyrunning Federation Supercup winner, Mount Kinabalu Climthon 2011 champion and Salomon athlete.  He win so many races before this race. He is young and really love running in the mountain. He grow up close to nature. I admire his discipline into the sports, the way he trains and put so much effort during the race. I am lucky I am one of those who witness his success during the last season of his quest, the race in Mt. Kinabalu. And how he push himself just to bit the one leading the race, Marco de Gasperi.

But all the more I admire him when he come out of this video, saying it's not all about the awards that you get in winning a game. But rather it's the emotions that goes with it. The people that you are with when doing the race, when you are with nature. Congrats Kilian for all you wins and good luck on your coming races.

Kilian's Quest S3 E08 Kilian takes a break

I come and join the 25th Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon 2011 race without any expectations. Ofcourse I wish to reach the cut off time and be one of the runners that finish the race, for I can say I prepared and trained for it several months before the race as well . But I am also prepared to the possibility of not being able to reach the cut-off time. 

Aside from the race itself, I never expect so much on what experience I will have on this event. I thought, this will just be like any other big races that I joined, register, train, prepare, claim the race kit and come on the race  day,  cross the finish line, get the finishers medal and certificate, eat a little, then go home.  But I was wrong, this race is a different one. The atmosphere on the two race events are very festive, runners and supporters alike are very enthusiastic and dynamic. The starting point is so much full of life despite its freezing weather on the early hour of the day. And once the gun starts and the runners are released, it's the finish line that is now full of life as well.

I come to know my co-Philippine contingent well and  meet other runners from other countries as well. And I meet Kilian. Funny, I do not know him at all before this race. Honestly, I am not a Salomon brand person, probably I do not bother to research and check who their top athletes are. I just heard of him from my team mates, the reason when I meet him on the rock face of the mountain on training, while I was freezing cold one shirtless guy pass by me, few minutes later he was back down the trail. I had a short moment of conversation with him, without really knowing  that he is already the star of the race.