Securing of a Europe (Schengen) Visa from France Embassy in the Philippines: Amazing 2018 France Adventure #1

My travel to France this year brought me to so many adventures months even before I left for the trip. My decision to join Transpyrenea 2018 brought me to so many experiences. 

Months after the acceptance of my application of interest to join the race (Transpyrenea) mid last year, the ballot for UTMB opened. My thought, after my DNS in 2013 and was rejected for a lottery last year, this year could give me an assured slot for next year if not accepted this year. But alas, I was accepted to the lottery this year. Now I have two big races on the beginning and end of the same month of August this year Transpyrenea and UTMB. Since then, it has been a puzzle to me how will I do it, how will I leave from work, how will I train for it out of my very busy work schedule.

Making arrangements for the trip itself, the preparation of the mandatory gears, complying to the medical requirements,  among others,  I have to squeeze in to my daily busy life at work. It took me a while to decide to book for a ticket and to process my visa. Until we got a news that Transpyrenea will not push through as a race this year but there will be group of registered runners who will do it as an unofficial race self supported and self navigating following the same route. I decided to push through but a week after the date they started.

Now the visa part. I cant leave from work, I only had limited time to prepare all documents, fast forward I only had on the day of my original date of departure had my visa figured out and launched following the online visa application.

So here I go. With so little time left I had no choice but process my Schengen visa. Though I had already purchased my ticket, I do not know if I can really fly on my intended day of departure.

Being selected to participate in Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) or any European race does not assure any runner of a Schengen visa. One still has to prepare all the necessary documents and submit it to the Embassy of the European country where you are going, for UTMB or Transpyrenea,  in France Embassy in the Philippines. 

REQUIREMENTS

List of requirements are found at the  website for France Embassy www.vfs.com. Below are what I prepared, in addition to what were stated in the website and I prepared 2 copies of each:

- Back and forth plane ticket
- Travel insurance for the duration of the travel
- Proof of income
*Bank Certificate and Bank Statement for the past 3 months - in my own experience this does not have to be too big, mine did not reach a P100,000.00 pesos when I applied. A lesser amount is okey for as long you can show that you got a regular income, there is a cash flow into your account every month, your bank account did not have a big amount of cash all of a sudden in one time.
*Employment Certificate, Memo of Promotion from work, letter of salary increase, employment contracts
*Payslip
*Income Tax Return (ITR 2316)
- Proof of Accommodation ( Email confirmation of the payment and other exchange of emails)
- Detailed Itinerary of Travel
- Letter addressed to the Embassy stating about your travel, why you want to join the race, why is the race  important to you, tell them it is your dream race, assure them that you will return to the Philippines, etc.
- Letter from the race organizer, include the very first communication that you got through email, including the payments for the race that you made.
- List of participants showing your name, if available
- Photocopy of your previous race certificates (so it is important to collect all race certificates that you can get)
- Photo copy of your bibs or race numbers
- Photo copy of your birth certificate
- Passport valid to travel for 6 months
- Passport size photo ID with white back ground
- Photo copy of all the visa issued to your passport on your past travels. You may include the travel stamps stamped in your passport (though mine they did not ask for it, but I guess this will also show what countries you have been to)

SET AN APPOINTMENT
With all the documents ready, go online at France Embassy Website www.vfs.com. Open the submit application tab. Make an account, fill up the necessary fields.Go out of this site.

Go to visa.france website and make an account using the same email address. Choose an appointment date.

Print all the documents, filled up application form and confirmation of date of appointment.

APPOINTMENT DATE
Be at Mega Plaza an hour before your appointment time. They accept appointment as early as 7:00am which is convenient for working runner like me. Look for the line of the country you are applying for, in my case France.

To avoid hassle, do not bring any bag, ladies bag for that matter. Visa applicants are the only one allowed inside and can only bring all the necessary documents, wallet, ball pen and cellphone. If one is bringing a bag, you can leave it in a locker for P75.00 no time limit. Bu the thing is, hassle, the line is long, it can cause delay.

Have all your documents photocopied most especially all the visa on your passport. There is a photocopier machine inside, you will only pay P45.00 no matter how many number of pages you will need a copy, in my case 9 pages, but then again, there is a long line, another delay. Hassle.

Bring enough money. Though the website says fee is only 65.00euro, there might be additional charges, in my case finger printing and service charges summing up to P5, 300.00. There are ATM machines at the ground floor of the building, but then again, you will still go out which causes another delay.

They process pretty fast. Granting all requirements with duplicate copy of each, in less than 2 hours application will already be launched and accepted. No interview with the Consul, only agents at the counter that accepts the papers. And yes they release the result of the vise in 48hours. I finally filed my visa in a Wednesday. My ticket was scheduled on a Monday, 8:00am. They take note of that on my application papers. They released my multiple entry 40-day visa in the afternoon of Friday. Isn't that fast?

A Trip To Linhai (China) 2018

It's nice to be back in Shanghai after almost 2 years, this time not for a business trip but for a weekend adventure in Linhai, a county-level city in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province situated on the banks of the Lin River in Eastern China. Thanks to Asia Trail Master, Mr. Kris Van Delle for the opportunity and to Kien Lu for having us as invited runners. I am too shy to say no to an almost all expense paid trip. 

I was with two more Filipino runners given the opportunity to run at Ultimate TsaiGu, Khat and Majo. I decided to adjust my travel schedule to that of Majo and we were glad that a Shanghai based friend Yang Kai made arrangements for us (our hotel stay in Shanghai and purchase of train tickets for Linhai and back to Shanghai) and  assisted us (in ordering food every meal and at race pack collection)  and was even traveling with us. Travel to race venue from major airports seems easy through the instruction in English at Tsaigu website  but I thought it would still be best if traveling with someone who can speak the language. Without hesitation I adjusted my travel schedule to that of Majo and we travel together.  

On a mid-week, I made it to my  the evening flight via Cebu Pacific arriving Shanghai past midnight. As soon we cleared immigration, Yang Kai was already waiting us at the arrival area. The weather was cold. It was more than an hour travel by car to the city where he booked us for the night. Real late already but we need something to eat, he brought us to a nearby convenient store  and finally settle on a hostel that he booked for us, a room with two single beds. 

The following day he picked us for breakfast on a walking distance Chinese restaurant from where we  stayed. Of course we cannot understand anything written in the menu, so he ordered our meal, two bowls of dim sum soup and a steamed dim sum. Two big bowls arrived which was just really a lot. After a good breakfast, we walk back to our hostel, got our things then go to the nearest train station.  Destination will be the Central Terminal. The weather is cold despite Yang Kai saying spring weather will be warm.

I have been to Central Terminal before and I did not remember this much passengers. There were lots of people every where, at the escalator, to the security scanner to the issuance of train ticket for Linhai. All instructions and signage in Chinese, I cannot imagine going  through the travel without Yang Kai, though I know I will survive and probably can figure it out had I travel on my own.  From the claiming  of our train ticket to which plot form we are going to ride, all comes easy with the help of Yang Kai. We waited for almost an hour before we finally boarded our train. A 3-hour train ride, I was just enjoying the trip by watching the places we pass by and getting as much sleep as I can. 

Finally reached Linhai on a cloudy Thursday afternoon. A big backdrop of TsaiGu race welcomed us right at the door where we exit from the train station. Taking a taxi we reached our hotel, Grand Overseas Hotel with huge and big lobby, same goes with our room. Yang Kai settled in his hotel nearby where we stayed. Settled and had dinner together. Hot pot beef this time. 

The following day after breakfast and after we got cleared and finally got our race bibs, we went to the starting line of the race and went further, to the last few kilometers of the race which is going to be a downhill part upon finishing, this time we went up.  And a walk around the Walled Old City Linhai. Nice place with cobbled stone paths surrounded by preserved old houses. Late lunch and went to the race briefing.

There was never a day in Linhai that I saw the sun. It was gloomy and rainy the entire five days that we were there. On race day itself, we all experienced that heaviest downpour of rain. (A separate write-up about this will be out soon.) It was only on the day that we arrived Shanghai that we saw the sun on our tour beside the river of Shanghai before we left for the airport to catch up our evening trip. Thank you Tsaigu for having us, thank you Yang Kai for all your hospitality. It was one great experience running the mountain slopes of China. Will be back one day to finish this race.

Pinoy Trails: Trail 101 with Altra Running PH

Yesterday's run was spent with friends from UPNR who selflessly shared their expertise, knowledge and skills in trail running to participants who wanted to learn more about the sport at Wawa, Montalban, Rizal, headed by Mr. Pinoy Trails himself Mr. Jose Ramizares.

The event started at Ati My's backyard at the local community in Wawa, with a talk about the event, what to expect during the course of the actual trail run  after which the main speaker, one of the most successful ultra runner in the local running community, Master Jon Las Bruce shared his experience in trail running.

Lucky participants they heard it from  his first hand trail running experience the basics of trail running like gear preparation, a little of nutrition and hydration, how to manage uphill terrain and downhill sections and most importantly the leave no trace principle.  

The UPNR Members were readily available  to lead and guide the participants that were divided into  teams in  the actual trail run that passed through the VK Trail of RMR up to Parawagan Peak on a cooler sunny Sunday morning. A continuation of the short talk at the peak about Leave No Trace principle I can say was one of the most important  part of the event.

We as trail runners,  are merely visitors of the mountains and trails that we pass by, and that we should carry all trash that we have and should not peak or get anything that we see along the trail. After countless picture taking, the group went down and a lecture was continued at the Acacia Junction to show the downhill techniques.  

Back at Ati Mys backyard, the event ended with a mini socials after raffling off merchandise from Pinoy Trails, Amihan and Altra. 

Salute to the individuals behind this event, for it is through sharing that we can have more  responsible runners that will take care of oneself and most importantly of the environment too. We are one in our passion and together we learn and train.See you all in the trails runners. Hope you learn something yesterday.

Photo credit to Barok, Pinoy Trails 

Altra TIMP Trail - Be Seen in the Dark

I had my pair of lovely turquoise blue colored Altra TIMP Trail last year, but  I said I will reserve it for bigger race. I still have my favorite Altra Superior anyway. Until last weekend I decided to make this my partner in the trail. 

A right choice. With Cordillera Mountain Ultra's  hard packed trails, some rocky and rooty parts and paved road on the last part, the maximum cushioning of this shoes protected my aching left mid sole foot from my previous long  race.

I was just bouncing back and fort and flying on the 15km downhill part not noticing any pain that has been bothering me the past few days. The GaiterTrap™ hook-and-loop tabs provided attachment points for gaiters protecting my feet  from the pebbles and soil. That gave me less hassle in clearing my shoes from discomfort.

The weight-balanced from front to back with a 0mm heel-to-toe drop of this shoes encouraged low-impact landing most especially on the downhill parts plus the wide toe box allowed my  toes to spread naturally and move freely avoiding blisters on my feet.

The grippy rubber outer soles that comes with 4mm lugs and a trail rudder for mowing down all kinds of rough terrain was really perfect on the rocky parts of the trail.

And when it was just too hot and I just kept on pouring water on myself, the drainage holes in uppers help shed out excess water. I still have to test this on river crossings but it was already perfect at that moment.

And most of all, this pair  just gives me joy every time I looked down into it, I can see it glows in the dark, the 360° reflectivity helps keep me visible in the dark. Isn't that lovely?

 

 

Sungai Menyala Forest Trail Race 2018

Sungai Menyala Forest Trail Race is a race I enjoyed running this year at Port Dickson, Malaysia. It is considered to be the  fastest 50km Trail Race in the Peninsula, and it is now open for registration. Register now, I am sure you will enjoy the race.

Go to link below for more info and registration.
https://register.raceyaya.com/events/sungai-menyala-forest-trail-2018

#malatra
#sungaimenyala
#portdickson
#asiatrailmaster
#malaysiaultraleague
#raceyaya
#tourismN9
#JabHutanN9

Life

What is your spiritual philosophy? Is it leading you to the places you want to go? Your spiritual philosophy is the way you approach life. It is the foundation upon which you can stand at any time, in any situation, without fear of falling or failing. If your spiritual philosophy leaves any room for fear, lack, hate, intolerance, anger, pain or shame, it may be time for a change.

Unleashing the Hunter's Spirit Within Us - Mt. Balingkilat - Mt. BiraBira Twin Day Hike

 Everything “out there” is You. You are One With Everything. One with God. One with all other human beings. One with the Earth. One with Life Itself, in all its forms.

I thank the opportunity to leave the busy life in the city once in a while and witness the vast horizon full of natures beauty. My source of energy.

Mother earth is my playground and I am so at peace being one with it. Yesterday was just that moment. After almost 3 hour car drive from Manila, eight adventurers in high spirits arrived the plains of Zambales hoping to traverse 4 mountain peaks. I have been to Zambales several times and been to its mountain peaks for few climbs in the past. The group started with Mt. Balingkilat. Together with our local guide we left at the jump off area 5:30am with our torches on. As the dawn breaks, the several surrounding peaks with few low clouds becomes visible up to the vast plains all green and  several coves down the sea. A lovely and breath taking view to witness.

Mt. Balingkilat with over 1 thousand meter high is the highest peak on this side of Zambales. The single track trail with lash bushes on both sides and some parts slippery early part of the trek/run is a good warm up to start with. But this mountain is not a walk in the park trail to do as well. As our elevation gain went higher, trail slowly goes steeper and some parts treacherous scrambling on rocks and stones. As the sun goes higher so is the temperature. With very few scattered clouds and an open mountain peak, it is expected that we will have a sunny trek for the day.

I struggled the uphill on the first few minutes until I  slowly got my rhythm.  After few rest stops on the slopes,  the group arrived at the peak faster than expected and was granted with a 360 degree view. A breathtaking sight to witness. An awesome 360 degree view with Silangin Cove at the back, Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove in front.  One can also see the overlooking view of Mt. Pundaquit and the islands of Capones and Camara. Plus the the unlimited neighborhood mountains peaks so green like Mt. Bira-Bira, Mt. Mabiga, Mt. Dayungan and the famous mountain of Cinco Picos. Everything is just really a beautiful place to play. With the breathtaking view, the group cant help but stop once n a while and take  photos. 

The group went down through Hunter's Trail now under the scorching heat of the sun. An open trail with no clouds it was just really very hot. But I was enjoying hopping from one boulder to the other while traversing the ridge going up and down. Looks easy looking from the mountain ridge where we are heading but its not,  most especially that the heat was just getting higher. After a short break for lunch on a lone tree beside the trail,  we decided to move down. Upon reaching the saddle of Mt. Bira-Bira just a little past 12:00noon the group has to make a decision. Though we just stop for lunch few minutes earlier, most of us run low of water already and of food too. It  has been estimated that it will take us another two hours to reach Mt. Mabiga before going to Mt. Dayungan then Sinco Picos. Given our situation we head down to where we started. 

We ended traversing two mountain peaks, Mt. Balingkilat and Mt. Bira-Bira that gave us over 8 hours of running and trekking covering over 11km distance with over a thousand elevation gain  on the mountain slopes of Zambales under the scourging heat of the sun. That already made my dose of energy full enough to face me another week of adventure in the city before I head again on the mountain. Once again I gave thanks to the force up above for giving me the chance to enjoy nature with the company of friends who work hard to  fulfillment  a dream. Keep pushing Mountain Goats, together lets conquer our fears and achieve our dreams. Thank you Conqueror Pilipinas leader, Miss Jackie for organizing this getaway.

Dream On - 39th Milo Marathon Lucena Leg 2015

"Great things start with small beginnings. Run a Milo Marathon and let your Champion story begin."

While others were on their quest to physical greatness on their journey of achieving their dreams as a Runner or as a Race Director,  I too had my own share of story to tell on my quest of fulfilling my dream as a 'forever hopeful' runner. Yesterday was a weekend of so many races, UTMB in Chamonix, TMBT in Kinabalu, MURA's Malaysia Eco100 in Penang, Danang International Marathon in Vietnam, Mt. Balagbag - DLB Trail Challenge of  Pilipinas Mountain Running Series Leg 2, Team Malaya's Last Stand of Yamashita to name few. Mine was my continues quest to qualify to the finals of Milo Marathon,  the Lucena Leg of the 39th Milo Marathon. 

When I was short of 7 minutes on the full marathon on last July's  Manila Leg, I continued my 2nd year of dream to qualify  the Finals of Milo Marathon  at one of the Regional Races, the Lucena Leg. Trying my luck one more time, this will be on  the 21km category before I give this quest for this year a rest and move on to the next project. Whatever the result, at least I give my best. 

Together with my few Ayala Triads family, we traveled to Lucena City bringing with us high hopes and exciting spirits to go for what we are aiming for. Hoping for the best we stand at the starting line together with the rest of the 21km runners. Lots of familiar faces including my TPK dear dear friends. Just like my countless other run races, standing at the starting line always gives me mixed emotions no matter what the distance is. This time around, counting the few minutes left before the gun start while  listening to the opening program, it gives me a teary eye watching the video of the many runners' journey on several Milo Marathon in the past. Building dreams and each one's champion story is a very individual journey, a very inspiring one. As I continue to write my own story on this journey, I hope for the best and always reminded myself of what my Malaysian friend Hui Mathews told me the night before the race, 'most important u do your best and enjoy it!!' Even before the start of the race, I reminded myself again of that.

And as the count down brings to zero and all 21km runners were released, I run only to my own convenient pace. Most of my runner friends run fast ahead of me. As much as I wanted to zoom fast on the dark streets of Lucena, I also have to listen to my body, I do not want to push to much that might bring me to trouble. Reaching the first u-turn made me realize I am not too far from the lead pack of runners. The next long stretch that runs several kilometers in a  highway is a slow ascending part,  I slowly picked up my pace to a faster rate and I catch up few of my friends ahead of me early on the race. 

After the second turn around is already a downhill part. I still hope of making to my qualifying time so I run with all my might on the downhill stretch but towards the last 4km where I only got 12 minutes left, I know that will be too hard for me to reach within my qualifying time. I just reminded myself to just enjoy the beautiful scenery, the more green and open space as far as my eyes can see. Two more kms to the finish line,  one marshal told me I ranked 10th  among the female on 21km. I really did not hope much as most of the time I run really slow towards the last part  of the race. I will do my best to maintain my ranking and hope to catch up with the 9th female which I did at some part but she also catch up with me few meters before the finish line. 

I crossed the finish line 6 minutes beyond my qualifying time but  happy. I am always grateful and thankful that I finish safe and injured free and most of all for making me the 10th Female runner on this category. This may not be a big race like the races that  I mentioned above but for me this is a small beginning towards a bigger dream. What a sweet reward to all the training and sacrifices that I did prior to the race. It gave  me goosebumps when my name was called at the stage for I never thought I will be sharing the stage with elite runners much younger than me in age. Having to share the stage with Mommy Del (4th place) and Miss Rhina (5th PLace) is already a dream come true for me. 

There goes my story. I congratulate all the finishers on this leg of  Milo Elimination race. Salute to all the qualifiers. As I end my Milo quest for the year 2015 I will continue my speed training as I long to improve my speed and continue on to bigger longer races.

I'd like to congratulate all my friends near and far who race big races yesterday. My salute to fellow ultra runners who made it to UTMB, to Ige, Mia, Roland, George and Xerxes, Amy, Simon, Sang, Cynthia, Janet, Steve,  and those I forget to mention, you guys will always be an inspiration for me to continue loving the sport. I am one of the many who salute you all for braving yourselves to be even at the starting line. Congratulations too to all my RD friends who did a successful race as well.

Thank you Milo Marathon for another year of great running. For as long as there is life there is hope. I will never give up on you. I will continue my journey of becoming better runner  for I believe one day my name will be put on the List of  Wall of Qualified Runners on the Milo Finals. For now I have to move on to my next big race. On to the trails of Merapoh. 

Thank you Russel Hernandez for accommodating us and feeding us on our stay in Lucena.

A race powered by Altra Torin Shoes, Feetures Socks, Ash Be Nimble Running and Yoga Apparel, Trail Toes  Anti Friction Foot and Body Care, Coqionone and Rev3 and Tail Wind Nutrition.

Photo credit to Janina Valderas of iCloud Running Group, Miss Jackie Gutierez  and Runaholics. Thank you for capturing the moment.

Tough Human on Tough Race - La Ultra The High 2015 Edition

La Ultra - The High 2015 Edition - 333km distance

There are runs. Then there are long distance runs. And then there are brutal, cruel runs. Imagine running 333 kilometers across three mountain passes in the Himalayas at over 17,400 feet in three days. Unthinkable? But that is what some incredibly tough humans accomplish at the La Ultra, the cruelest run on Planet Earth.

Meet the elite athletes who participated in what seems to be an impossible race. How do they do it? Why do they do it? What lessons have they learnt? I hope I can listen to them and learn on the things that they will on how high performers live and work.

Sean Maley
Winner of 333 km at the 6th edition of La Ultra - The High in an time 64 hrs 3 min 35 seconds. Sean is an engineer who has taken year off to run some amazing races around the world. Earlier in the year he also won Joggle 2015, covering 860 miles (1384km) over 17 days. That’s averaging 50 miles (81km) each day! The route follows the classic journey from John O’Groats to Lands End and is all road.

Ferenc Szonyi
Ferenc is the first runner at La Ultra to have finished the Race Across America (RAAM) and Double Deca Ironman (20 Ironman Triathlons in 20 days). He started his ultra-running and ultra-triathlon career at 43, and has already run over 20 ultra-marathons and extreme endurance races.

William Sichel
William at 62, has run over 90 ultra-marathons, won 14 of them, and holds 153 world records in ultra-running. He recently ran the Sri Chinmoy 4,960 km race in New York. He has run 100 km in 7 hrs 7 min.

Mark Woolley
Mark has attempted La Ultra - The High twice before. He finished 222 km in 2012 and had to stop agonisingly 15 km short of the 333 km finish line last year. He's run Spartathlon thrice, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc seven times and more than 20 other ultras like Badwater, 100 km, 24 hour races etc. In his spare time he’s a schoolteacher who holds a PhD. He has unfinished business at La Ultra.

Darek Strychalski
After an accident left him partially disabled, Darek had to learn to write, walk and talk again. Today he is one of the finest ultra-runners in Poland and one of the brave few to take up the challenge in the Himalayas. He has completed over 34 marathons and tough non-stop ultras such as Badwaters 135 and the Spartathlon.

Time is Diamond

The path to greatness is riddled with thorns and potholes. Then, there's the constant fog that hides the rest of the road. Too often we see no further than just a few inches ahead. And in these times, when we have walked too far, we look ahead and begin to wonder 'Is there even an end at all?"

"Why did I even walk this path? And why do I keep going?"

Of the few who chose to take the road, only a handful keep walking on. No end in sight, nothing to hold on to but a vision. A vision that one day, the road will end and the sun would rise between the mountain peaks.

And when the night is darkest, they raise their eyes to the sky and see the clearest blue!

The night is over; tomorrow begins now!

#timeisdiamond

An Ultra Traverse In Search for Mt. Ayaas

The Wednesday Warriors strike again. On to our playground:  Montalban, Rizal.

"What mountain will the destination be this time?", asked the locals at the jump off who are already used with our presence on a weekday. "To Mt. Ayaas", our reply. " That is along walk from here", their common answer.

Peak of Mt. Ayaas. The story in between this part from the jump off is more interesting. Photo credit to Sir Joseph Sibal

We left Sitio Wawa on our own. Our runner friend who is from here and familiar to all the trails of the nearby mountain ranges is not available to join us this time. Started with the same trail as that of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi, it is evident that it has been raining in this area the past days, the trail is  just too slippery. My sore calves and quads from last Sunday's Milo Marathon did not have the chance to complain on the uphill trail early part of the trek. We stopped at the Uling Wall and only then Sir Joseph realized he did not put on the Strava program on his phone to keep track of our distance and direction.

That peak on the left is where we are going. Photo credit to Sir Joseph Sibal.

Upon reaching the saddle where on the right is Mt. Pamitinan and on the left is the trail that leads to Mt. Hapunang Banoi, there was one group of hikers resting. We proceed using the middle trail going down.

Bringing our gut feel and mountaineer spirit we used this as our companion from this point on. It's a single track shaded trail covered with trees, with bushes on both sides. Still slippery so we had to be extra careful going down. Shortly after our descent, we already encountered a fork (several trails going to different directions), a trail going to the right, one towards the left and  another on the left most that is a little uphill. 

Seeing the mountain ranges on the left, we know somewhere in the several peaks from afar is Mt. Ayaas. We decided to take the left trail. It's established and looks commonly used. Alas it went to an Uling site (Charcoal manufacturing by locals) and farm land. We tried to search for a possible trail  further left going down but to no avail. Until a local farmer noticed us (he is the owner of the farm land - Kuya Roger). There is no trail on this side of the mountain to where we are heading. He gave us direction where to go back and what landmark to look for. From this part on, I know we are on a real adventure. This is going to be an exploration trek, no more running as we are mindful of the trail. 

Making conscious of the landmark that Kuya Roger told us, we need to hit Ka Henry's house. We are still on a shaded trail,  covered with trees and tall bushes and banana plants, sometimes with open view decks especially in  areas  converted to farm lands by the locals. Despite the slippery trail, I can say this is still more runnable and friendly to newbie trail runners, still very safe compared to the trail of Mt. Pamitinan, Binakayan and Haponang Banoi. 

Reaching down the gorge we should hit a river, but before reaching that far as our elevation goes lower another major fork encountered. With Mt. Hapunang Banoi as our focal point, we decided to go for the trail on the left. We are already at the base of the valley but we did not pass any river. As we trek further following the trail we hope to pass by another community or a local house where we can ask for directions but to no avail. In rural areas such as this,  houses are just kilometers away. And don't ever take their word for saying it's just near because their near more often than not is still kilometers away. 

With Hapunang Banoi on the left where we are and another mountain range on the right, finally we reach another local house and lucky to have an owner around. We are at Sitio Lubog. We continue on hoping to reach a waterfalls as they said there is Lubog Falls and probably just settle of climbing the peak of Mt. Lubog.  Reaching  the house of Matandang Rolly, he said  the right trail will lead to Mt. Ayaas. With his word, we again see light of reaching Mt. Ayaas on this adventure. 

As we have been trekking for several hours now passing  forest lands, bamboos and farm lands,  crossing few streams on our search for the mountain, we hope to reach a community that has a sari sari store (local grocery store), where we can buy food and  hopefully ask for a  direction to either Mt. Lubog or Mt. Ayaas. 

As we trek further on the left, it is evident on the Strava that we are heading to a counter clockwise circumferential direction from where we started. Until we reached the other end of Hapunang Banoi. We figured out there could really be a traverse on this mountain. It's an open farm land with upland rice planted. It's showing the wall of Hapunang Banoi. Just when we are all set to let go of the thought of climbing Mt. Ayaas,  a group of locals showed up telling us that going left will be down to  an access road to the community while the trail on the right will lead to Mt. Ayaas. There our hope of climbing Mt. Ayaas  becomes alive again. Of course we want to accomplish what we come here for. They told us to take the left trail after the mango tree. As we stayed a little longer at the wall of the mountain to take few shots another local told us to take the right turn upon reaching the mango tree. 

We followed the last direction given, turn right on the mango tree, and it looks like it make sense since the mountain peak seem to be like towards the right direction. But as we move few more meters on the right we encounter again the first group of locals that gave us the direction and asked us to go back and turn left. We followed. This time around the trail is more open that passes through farm lands that is following the contour of the mountain. But it never goes towards the peak but rather away from it. As we moved further, we encountered two of the group of locals earlier and said that we are heading away from the peak of the mountain. Though he said we can go further then we will encounter the church of the Rizalitas where we can ask for directions and probably someone to guide us. We are following the contour of the mountain side which reminds me of the trail in some parts of Mt. Ugo under the trees. We know very well that we reached the house because of the barking dogs. But there was no use as the caretaker said she do not know anything about the place. We had no other option but to move further, hoping to encounter another house. We encountered farm lands we went over fences. Until we reach another house. The old lady said there is a road that leads to the peak of Mt. Ayaas. Before leaving we asked for water as we run out of supply already. 

The long haired man politely showed us the way after giving us 3 glasses of water, he walked with us. Until he showed to us a short cut, a trail that follows his farm land with fence on the side. This man is ended an angel. He said after the fence will already be the peak. It is a direct assault with no trail at all. We just followed the fence, holding on to what ever we can (tree trunks, the wooden fence, bushes and grass) as we negotiated that 60-80degrees inclined terrain. Until no more fence but tall sharp edged bushes. It is evident that this has been flattened not long ago, looks like just a week old. It gave us the trail to follow.  Holding on to the bushes, we reached the first peak that is just too slippery. All that one can see now is an open grass land, with the view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges as far as your eyes can see. 

After passing by single track trail that goes up and down to  several local houses and streams, alternating with covered trails with old trees up to that part that is open and farmed by the locals,  passing by bamboos and fenced land, it is also evident how civilization slowly eat up the green forested mountain ranges of this area. On the left is a growing community with houses and subdivisions slowly eating up the mountain ranges, while at some part is a quarry of gravel that is used for commercial business in building houses and skyscrapers. Until how many more years will this place be conserved and left to the custody of the locals and will only get what they needed for daily living. We will never know but I will be one that will be sad if slowly this place will be destroyed to accommodate modernization.

As we continue to the next peak we can now closely see the flag that they said is the landmark of the summit of Mt. Ayaas. 11:45am, after 3hours and 15  minutes after so many wrong turns we finally reach the summit. Looking below at several mountain peaks rich with thick bushes, there are no tall trees at some mountain peaks. And with the grass land well arranged, looks like this part of the mountain was into upland farming decades ago, it has a well arranged terraces of bushes. And finally we found the established trail on the left. After few more shots of photos and little rest and eat some food we head down. 

But mind you going down is another story. Following the established trail on the left, we bounced back and forth at the trail  like a child happy on its playground. Its just so nice to run when we are sure of where we are heading. Going down passing by the electricity tower then until we pass by the house of Kuya Henry, the house that Kuya Roger told us early part of the trek this morning. Going down down down until we pass by a water falls on the left. It was 10 minutes before 2:00pm. It wouldn't be too far to where we come from probably we so take the luxury of spending some time on the water falls. After more than an hour of sprinting going down it is just a good reward to cool down our body on the cold flowing water. After sometime it rained. Then we decided to move on. 

The next move going further down becomes another adventure. We encountered another fork which we had to decide which way to go. As we move right it leads to no trail,  now bush whacking tall bushes and vines, slippery and muddy at some parts,  beside  big drops on the mountain slope. Until we figured out this could be a wrong trail. We went back to the last part that we entered, figured out it could be the other trail, went further down until finally we reached an old house with an old lady. She showed us the direction, until we reached another gate that leads to the river. Trying to figure out which way to go up to the saddle of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi, we move further down following the river. We encounter another house which the owner said just follow the river then go up on the left after passing by a house. House out of sight, we decided to go  up on the right side of the river but  the strava is showing a direction going away to where we are suppose to go. 

We decided to go back to the river until we come across another house, the lady Mom told us to just go straight into the river. Though it's not really a heavy down pour of rain,  I am really afraid of trekking a river especially when it is raining. An incident years ago that take away 4 lives of dear mountaineer friends really made me so conscious when it comes to river trekking. We went back to the house where the Mom is and asked the direction. She said its just the river. We followed her instruction until finally one local man bringing his umbrella catch up with us also going to Sitio Wawa. He served as our guide. Thanks to his presence no more uncertainty of which direction to take. 

Until we reached Karugo Falls, the second water falls that we encountered on this adventure,  a much bigger than the first  one. We stopped for a while, played  into the cold water while the local patiently waited for us. We left and trek further, encountered group of locals heading towards the water falls bringing some food and drinks. Until finally we get out and finally reach Wawa River near Wawa Dam. What a big relief. We are finally out of the jungle. What seemed to be endless inside the jungle is finally over. I still cannot figure out how we reached that side of the mountain and not back to where we started the trek earlier. We continue on up to the community. We reached where we started almost 4:00pm. What an adventure we had on this mountain traversing several rivers and streams uncertain of where it will lead to. We traveled 15km distance meeting several locals and local houses. Thanks to the generous people who showed us the way and I thank the mountain gods and goddesses for opening the trail gates of Mt. Ayaas and the gates of the river beds and the jungle to the Weekday Mountain Warriors like us, for giving us a safe passage and showing us the pristine and beautiful nature on this part of Montalban. Despite our ambitious spirits, they gave us the permission to enjoy the good weather and the long journey despite the puzzling  trail along the way.

The province of Rizal, especially that of Montalban is such a vast area that has a rich mountain ranges.  A good place to explore, to practice and to enjoy for a free-spirit hungry for adventure and with passion to be with nature like us. We hope that in slowly exploring the several mountain peaks of the area, it will also instill in us the grit and the guts, will toughen our body and mind just like the  champions in running that gained such while honing their skills in the same mountain ranges. 

Compared to the 3 mountain peaks that I have been to on this place, Mt. Ayaas is the furthest and it also has a different character when it comes to terrain. As oppose to the rocky terrain of the first three towards the peak, Mt. Ayaas is not, its just mostly purely hard packed single trail which passes by rivers at time that is similar to other mountains in the country. It has the most uphills as well and the longest. 

My Assessment

When trekking this place, go get a guide or have somebody who knows the trail. Don't try it on your own as there are several trails that leads to nowhere. 

This mountain can be a good training climb and a good place to climb for a gutsy newbie climber, otherwise one should be a bit experienced in tackling this place. 

Have enough water that will last you the entire day and have packed lunch too. Even if you are a trail runner and just be there to do a run, its always best to be safe. Bring packed lunch, enough water, headlamp and first aid kit. 

With the nature of the trail, this place can also be a good place to do a trail running event for newbie trail runners. A nice place to run around.

Most importantly I hope those who will climb this mountain they will practice the 'Leave No Trace (LNT) principle. There are few trash left in the summit. 

Our Itinerary

Sitio Wawa crossing hanging Path Bridge

Saddle of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi

Down to Sitio Lubog 

Up to the Peak of Mt. Ayaas

Down to Kuya Henry's House 

River Crossing to Wawa River 

The locals were right. Indeed, this is one long adventure with lots of great tale to tell. It was  a very fulfilling fun filled day. Another mountain peak of Rizal ticked off the list. That was one great adventure that showed us how small we are compared to the jungle that we are in.  It was one beautiful playground that sharpened our instinct, our land navigation skills less the gears. I thank my two companions,  Sir Joseph and Coach JLB again and again,  for tirelessly showing to me the beauty of nature and I hope in the many times that I am with you both I will be able to hone some trail running skills that you both already have. Together we will make our dreams of conquering big mountains and big races come true.

Another mountain conquered, battle scars added. One happy feet with a happy soul. Til the next adventure. Happy running.