Tuesday, December 26, 2017

FIVE HUNDRED

YEAR 2017 IS COMING to a close and I aim to close it at fifty (50) original articles, just like I did in the previous years. Uniform and orderly. These series of 50s for ten years of Warrior Pilgrimage’s existence will culminate to a total of FIVE HUNDRED blog contents. Quite an achievement for a free-platform blog and for its owner who have not even bothered to finish his college studies. 500...500...500...500…………………..500

What would be the 500th article be like? I would have dedicated it to one of my backlogged activities that needs to be written from scratch, or from my memory. That is the easiest part. It would end 2017 and 10 Years with a flair. But I have other ideas. I will settle instead to an article that is academic and boring. It would describe my decade-long work here in Warrior Pilgrimage. A sort of a bibliography starting from the latest: Five Hundred!  

Some of the best articles, randomly chosen, are highlighted with a link. Actually, ninety-five percent of the contents are well-written, composed in a style all my own. It is a hard choice. If you would only have the time to comb all my contents from No. 001 to No. 499, you would find that my writing style and presentation progressed into something better, more authoritative and confident. I leave you to crawl on down the following: 

500. Dec 2017. FIVE HUNDRED
499. Dec 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 27 (Lanao to Bulalaqui Point)
498. Dec 2017. PINOYAPACHE MEETS THE GREATEST PINOY MOUNTAINEER
497. Dec 2017. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO NAVOTAS
496. Nov 2017. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO MASINLOC
495. Nov 2017. THE TRAILHAWK JOURNEYS: Baguio Wilderness Survival Class
494. Nov 2017. LI’L OL’ VALLEY
493. Nov 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 26 (Bakhawan to Lanao)
492. Oct 2017. URBAN LEGENDS OF MOUNT BOKATOL: Second Visit
491. Oct 2017. GERVASIO LIRA LAVILLES: The 80-Year Wait for Recognition
490. Oct 2017. BEBUT’S TRAIL XVI: Bushmen Also Love Trees
489. Oct 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 24 (Malingin to Bakhawan)
488. Sep 2017. CEBU’S BEST | JAMBOREE ON THE AIR
487. Sep 2017. GIAN CARLO AND THE CORE OF SUCCESSFUL BLOGGING
486. Sep 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 22 (Labangon to Malingin)
485. Sep 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 21 (Bongdo to Labangon)
484. Aug 2017. WARRIOR PILGRIMAGE: Ten Years of Blogging
483. Aug 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 19 (Tabili to Bongdo)
482. Aug 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 17 (Bangkito to Tabili)
481. Aug 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 16 (Lawaan to Bangkito)
480. Jul 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 15 (Ginatilan to Lawaan)
479. Jul 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 14 (Magsaysay to Ginatilan)
478. Jul 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 13 (Sudlon I to Magsaysay)
477. Jul 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 12 (Guadalupe to Sudlon I)
476. Jun 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 11 (Buot to Guadalupe)
475. Jun 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 9 (Mantalongon to Buot)
474. Jun 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 8 (Mompeller to Mantalongon)
473. Jun 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 7 (Balaas to Mompeller)
472. May 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 6 (Mantalongon to Balaas)
471. May 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 4 (Cerdeña to Mantalongon)
470. May 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 2 (Monteverde to Cerdeña)
469. May 2017. THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 1 (Liloan to Monteverde)
468. Apr 2017. MOUNT BOKATOL
467. Apr 2017. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XLIII: Man on Fire
466. Apr 2017. A MAN-SIZED HIKE THAT FAILED
465. Apr 2017. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XLII: Sacred Ground
464. Mar 2017. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CXIX: Kusina
463. Mar 2017. INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH KIDS
462. Mar 2017. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN LXI: Common Sense
461. Mar 2017. VISITING AN OLD FRIEND | OF BOOKS & LIBRARIES
460. Mar 2017. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XL: Lost in a Weekday
459. Feb 2017. WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN
458. Feb 2017. MAN-SIZED HIKE XXIV: Lake Lanao to Bulalaqui Point
457. Feb 2017. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XXIV: Flashflood!
456. Feb 2017. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CXVIII: A Small Homestead Feast
455. Jan 2017. MAN-SIZED HIKE XXIII: Nug-as to Liloan Point
454. Jan 2017. WALK, CRAWL OR DISAPPEAR: The Test Thruhike of the Cebu Highlands Trail
453. Jan 2017. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CXVII: Sapangdaku Creek
452. Jan 2017. SEQUELS AND NONSENSE PEOPLE
451. Jan 2017. BEBUT’S TRAIL XV: The Little Boss
450. Dec 2016. A LONG WEEKEND IN BAKHAWAN
449. Dec 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TAKES CXV: Monotony is Sweet
448. Dec 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CXIV: Country Good for Old Men
447. Dec 2016. MAN-SIZED HIKE XXII: Ilihan to Lake Lanao
446. Nov 2016. BEBUT’S TRAIL XIV: The Italian Sounding Abomination
445. Nov 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CXIII: Hard Reality
444. Nov 2016. THE MATRIARCH OF GUINTARCAN ISLAND
443. Nov 2016. BEBUT’S TRAIL XIII: Legends of Baksan
442. Nov 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CXII: Technology Meltdown and Dragonfruits
441. Oct 2016. MAN-SIZED HIKE XX: Cambubho to Caurasan
440. Oct 2016. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO THE ROCK
439. Oct 2016. THE TRAILHAWK JOURNEYS: Antipolo Wilderness Survival 
438. Sep 2016. A WATERFRONT INTIMACY
437. Sep 2016. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXVIII: In the Big League
436. Sep 2016. MAN-SIZED HIKE XIX: Camp 7 to Guadalupe
435. Sep 2016. SHOWDOWN OF POCKET SAWS
434. Aug 2016. MAN-SIZED HIKE XVIII: Lutopan to Guadalupe
433. Aug 2016. A CHRISTMAS WEEK IN MINDANAO
432. Aug 2016. BEBUT’S TRAIL IX: Christmas United Year 4
431. Aug 2016. BONIFACIO DAY SPECIAL BUSHCRAFT CAMP 2015
430. Jul 2016. THE BOND OF THE FIRST BORN
429. Jul 2016. MAN-SIZED HIKE XVI: Gaas to Danasan
428. Jul 2016. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXVI: A Happy Free Spirit of the Woods
427. Jul 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CV: Woodlore
426. Jun 2016. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XXIII: Flashes of Steel and a Fire Piston
425. Jun 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CIII: Jungle Wil and Pathfinder Tom
424. Jun 2016. THE ULTIMATE PIMP IN CEBU
423. Jun 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CII: More Fearless
422. May 2016. FIFTY YEARS: The First National Convention of the Omega Pelta Kappa
421. May 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES CI: Ever Fearless
420. May 2016. LILOAN (CEBU) GOES BUSHCRAFT
419. May 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES C: Wet and Wild
418. May 2016. BEBUT’S TRAIL VIII: Treasure Peak
417. Apr 2016. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXV: A Family Affair
416. Apr 2016. THE 1ST CEBU SEARCH & RESCUE SUMMIT
415. Apr 2016. CAPIZ RESPONDERS GOES BUSHCRAFT
414. Apr 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCIX: Fearless
413. Mar 2016. BAYANIHAN IN COMPOSTELA
412. Mar 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCVIII: Rain or Heavy Rain
411. Mar 2016. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXIV: Jungle Kids
410. Mar 2016. ALLIANCE MATTER VI: Basic Mountaineering Course 2015
409. Mar 2016. PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE BUSHCRAFT CAMP 2015
408. Feb 2016. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XXII: Hanging on for Dear Life
407. Feb 2016. BECOMING A HAM
406. Feb 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCVII: For the Love of Serving and Giving
405. Feb 2016. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XXI: A Dance with Pain
404. Jan 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCVI: Classified as Urgent
403. Jan 2016. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCV: Unconventionals
402. Jan 2016. MAN-SIZED HIKE XVI: Mantalongon to Boljoon
401. Jan 2016. THE RONIN’S WAY (A Warrior’s Pilgrimage)
400. Dec 2015. DAYHAGON CANAL ADVENTURE TRAIL
399. Dec 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCIV: Healing and “Chapter One”
398. Dec 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCIII: Raise a Roof
397. Dec 2015. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XX: The Ideal Camp
396. Nov 2015. DO YOU KNOW ANDRES BONIFACIO?
395. Nov 2015. MAN-SIZED HIKE XV: Mount Manunggal to Bonbon
394. Nov 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCII: The Bushmen
393. Nov 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXIII: The Search is Over
392. Oct 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXII: Sweet Time
391. Oct 2015. A SIMPLE FREE TIBET CEREMONY
390. Oct 2015. MAN-SIZED HIKE XIV: Mantalongon to Mantalongon
389. Oct 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LCI: Bayanihan and Bushcraft
388. Sep 2015. MAN-SIZED HIKE XIII: Badian Coast to Dalaguete Coast
387. Sep 2015. MAN-SIZED HIKE XII: Lutopan to Taiheiyo Cement
386. Sep 2015. CEBU HIGHLANDS TRAIL NAVIGATION TRAINING
385. Sep 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LC: The Team Finals
384. Aug 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXIX: An Exploration Team Tryout
383. Aug 2015. WHAT IS THAT POUCH?
382. Aug 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXVIII: Why Not Turkeys?
381. Aug 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXXI: Baptism by Water
380. Jul 2015. POST-TYPHOON RUBY ISLAND MISSION
379. Jul 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXVI: Real-World Education
378. Jul 2015. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XIX: Basic Firearms Training
377. Jul 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXV: A Tracking Lecture and a Try on Retro
376. Jun 2015. MAN-SIZED HIKE XI: Sinsin to Guadalupe
375. Jun 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXIV: Revelation
374. Jun 2015. MAKE WAVES FOR PIBC MMXV
373. Jun 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXX: Dog-Weary
372. May 2015. BIRD WATCHING AND MORE
371. May 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXIII: A Birthday, a Feast and Lots of Prints
370. May 2015. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XVIII: Glenn’s Thanksgiving
369. May 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXIX: The Last Visit
368. May 2015. USEFUL PLANTS 101: Kapok
367. Apr 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXVIII: Deadfall
366. Apr 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXXII: Over and Beyond the Ridge
365. Apr 2015. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XVII: Prospecting a Campsite
364. Apr 2015. ALLIANCE MATTERS V: Sibonga BMC
363. Apt 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXVII: “Riders” of the Storm
362. Mar 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXX;: Exploration Gallery
361. Mar 2015. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXVI: Badassery
360. Mar 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXX: Nasty!
359. Mar 2015. THE DILEMMA OF BROKEN GLASSES
358. Feb 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXIX: Sumptuous Lunch
357. Feb 2015. PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE BUSHCRAFT CAMP 2014
356. Feb 2015. VOICE OF PUNCTUALITY
355. Feb 2015. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XIV: Men at Work
354. Jan 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXVIII: For the Benefit of the Children of the Highlands
353. Jan 2015. WARRIOR REVIEW: Silangan Greyman Hike Pants
352. Jan 2015. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXVII: Men of Hard Stock
351. Jan 2015. BADJAO SAFE DIVING
350. Dec 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXVI: A Different Stripe
349. Dec 2014. CONVERSATIONS WITH THE BAJAUS
348. Dec 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XIII: Tides Turning
347. Dec 2014. A JOURNEY OF THE SOUL
346. Nov 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XII: Dirt Time
345. Nov 2014. A “RETURN OF THE COMEBACK” STORY
344. Nov 2014. POVERTY & REBELLION
343. Nov 2014. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXV: Clueless and Downright Dangerous
342. Oct 2014. A GREEN ISLAND IN A SEA OF CONCRETE & STEEL
341. Oct 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT XI: Notching Class by the Riverside
340. Oct 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXX: A Long Long day
339. Oct 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXIV: The Rosary Loop
338. Sep 2014. BUSHCRAFT IN THE PHILIPPINE OUTDOORS SCENE
337. Sep 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXIII: Pyromaniacs
336. Sep 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXII: Trails Do Tell Tales
335. Sep 2014. ALLIANCE MATTERS: An Osmeña Peak Reverse by Team Tamad
334. Aug 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXXI: Brave New Year!
333. Aug 2014. ACACIA TRESS DO NOT HAVE WIFI (Justice for Chad)
332. Aug 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXX: Manggapares Trail
331. Aug 2014. ZOMBIES
330. Jul 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXIX: Worthwhile
329. Jul 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXVIII: Christmas United Two
328. Jul 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXVII: More Rough Cuts
327. Jul 2014. MALAGARING TRAIL
326. Jun 2014. BUSHMAN BLOGGER BADASS
325. Jun 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT X: Knives and Hardwood
324. Jun 2014. PREPARE THE WAY FOR PIBC MMXIV
323. Jun 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXVI: Knife Tests and Cold Weather Discussions
322. May 2014. POEM NO. 10: OPeak
321. May 2014. ALLIANCE MATTERS III: Basic Wilderness Survival Course
320. May 2014. WHO PUT THE “N” IN NATURE: Rise 
319. May 2014. ONE LAST BIG SUPPLY RUN
318. May 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXV: Uneventful
317. Apr 2014. INTERVIEW ON PINOYAPACHE, LAST PART
316. Apr 2014. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXIV: A Rough Cut
315. Apr 2014. INTERVIEW ON PINOYAPACHE, PART 2
314. Apr 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT IX: Little Titay
313. Mar 2014. INTERVIEW ON PINOYAPACHE, PART 1
312. Mar 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT VIII: Rare Jewels
311. Mar 2014. OPERATION GREENE 
310. Mar 2014. A SOON-TO-BE PHILIPPINE SURVIVAL SHOW CALLED NATIVE INSTINCT
309. Feb 2014. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXIV: Day of the Feathered Ones
308. Feb 2014. A HUMANITARIAN MISSION OVER GUINTARCAN ISLAND
307. Feb 2014. THE GATHERING
306. Feb 2014. TYPHOON YOLANDA RELIEF MISSIONS BY TACTICAL SECURITY AGENCY
305. Jan 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT VI: Digging Holes
304. Jan 2014. GUNS OF AUGUST
303. Jan 2014. A TALE OF TWO SUPER TYPHOONS
302. Jan 2014. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT V: The Farm
301. Jan 2014. THE SAGA OF A TOE NAIL
300. Dec 2013. REVERSING A TREND AT OSMEÑA PEAK
299. Dec 2013. TACTICAL SECURITY RELIEF WORKS AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
298. Dec 2013. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT IV: Campsite Hunting
297. Dec 2013. THE DAY THE EARTH WENT WILD
296. Nov 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXIII: Wilderness Emergency Preparedness
295. Nov 2013. A DRRM BAYANIHAN FORUM FOR CEBU & THE REST OF THE VISAYAS
294. Nov 2013. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXIII: An Experimental Tour
293. Nov 2013. MAN-SIZED HIKE IX: Sinsin to Guadalupe
292. Nov 2013. MICKEY MOUSE BUSHCRAFT
291. Oct 2013. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT III: Boulders
290. Oct 2013. PINOYAPACHE GOES MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL IN LUZON
289. Oct 2013. PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE BUSHCRAFT CAMP 2013
288. Oct 2013. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT II: Raw Targets
287. Sep 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXII: Ninety-Seven at the Outreach
286. Sep 2013. WARRIOR REVIEW: SE Wristband Compass
285. Sep 2013. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XXI: Solo Reconnaisance
284. Sep 2013. RAVICHANDRAN THARUMALINGAM IN CEBU
283. Aug 2013. PINOYAPACHE IN THE LAND OF THE AETAS
282. Aug 2013. SCARY RIDE INSIDE A MINI BUS
281. Aug 2013. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XX: Shelters
280. Aug 2013. NAOPA ALLIANCE CLIMB
279. Jul 2013. PINOYAPACHE AS AN “ISLAND CASTAWAY”
278. Jul 2013. PURE SURVIVAL CHRONICLES: Vincent Canape and the MV Princess of the Orient
277. Jul 2013. COMPLEAT BUSHCRAFT
276. Jul 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LXI: Bamboos and Nessmuk Trios
275. Jun 2013. STREET SMART AGENDA: Knowing & Avoiding Road Sharks
274. Jun 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LX: Night Navigation Training
273. Jun 2013. PIBC MMXIII IS ON AND RUNNING
272. Jun 2013. MAN-SIZED HIKE VIII: Lutopan to Guadalupe 
271. May 2013. BASIC MAP READING
270. May 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LIX: Reunion with an Old Trail
269. May 2013. LET THE SHOW BEGIN: Who Put the “N” in Nature II
268. May 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LVIII: Traps & Snares
267. Apr 2013. POEM NO. 9: Nocturnal Hunting
266. Apr 2013. FOUR DAYS IN PUERTO PRINCESA
265. Apr 2013. EDC SEMINAR FOR PAGCOR SECURITY
264. Apr 2013. PINOYAPACHE SAYS TO “NO STAIRWAY TO MOUNT APO!”
263. Apr 2013. A CAMP RED EDC KIT PARLEY
262. Mar 2013. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XIX: Snakehawk Wilderness
261. Mar 2013. WARRIOR REVIEW: Rivers 3514M Hike Boots
260. Mar 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LVII: The Last Wild Place
259. Mar 2013. ONCE UPON A TIME IN LARENA
258. Feb 2013. PARABELLUM ROUTE
257. Feb 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LVI: The Battle of the Bulge
256. Feb 2013. POEM NO. 8: Crossing Bantayan Channel
255. Feb 2013. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LV: Christmas United
254. Jan 2013. EVERYDAY CARRY FOR SECURITY WORKERS
253. Jan 2013. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XVIII: Nocturnal Hunting
252. Jan 2013. WARRIOR REVIEW: Habagat Viajero
251. Jan 2013. MAN-SIZED HIKE VII: Mount Manunggal to Guadalupe
250. Dec 2012. A TACTICAL SECURITY TRADITION
249. Dec 2012. THE FINE ART OF WATERPROOFING
248. Dec 2012. ALLIANCE MATTERS II: Bushcraft Camp 01-2012
247. Dec 2012. OMEGA PELATA KAPPA @ 47
246. Dec 2012. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XVII: Environmental Advocacy and LNT
245. Nov 2012. CINEMA BLUES
244. Nov 2012. CAMP RED ISLAND III: The Finest Weather
243. Nov 2012. PARTING & REINVENTING
242. Nov 2012. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XVI: Trailsigns & Stalking
241. Oct 2012. BATS IN MY HOUSE
240. Oct 2012. MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS ALLIANCE OF THE PHILIPPINES INC.
239. Oct 2012. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO SIARGAO ISLAND
238. Oct 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LIV: Bushcraft Cooking Workshop
237. Sep 2012. PINOYAPACHE’S BUSHCRAFT CAMP GOES TO LUZON
236. Sep 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LIII: An Outreach Mission and a Firecraft Workshop
235. Sep 2012. WARRIOR REVIEW: Index Titan 2 Safety Helmet
234. Sep 2012. MAN-SIZED HIKE VI: Lutopan to Panadtaran via Tubod
233. Aug 2012. CORPORATE MOUNTAINEERING
232. Aug 2012. PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE BUSHCRAFT CAMP 2012
231. Aug 2012. WHO PUT THE “N” IN NATURE? - A COLLABORATION OF FREE OUTDOORSMEN
230. Aug 2012. BEBUT’S TRAIL VIII: Map Reading Practicals
229. Jul 2012. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XIII: The Search for Camp Damazo
228. Jul 2012. WORKING TRIP TO SOUTH CEBU
227. Jul 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LII: Black Saturday Night Training
226. Jul 2012. REMINISCING MOUNT PANGASUGAN
225. Jun 2012. MAN-SIZED HIKE V: Lutopan to Mantayupan Falls
224. Jun 2012. MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
223. Jun 2012. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN XLL: Circles
222. May 2012. NIGHT OF LOSSES & STUPIDITY
221. May 2012. PIBC MMXII: Plugged & Kicking!
220. May 2012. MAP READING 101
219. May 2012. NIGHT OF LOSSES & A REDISCOVERY
218. May 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES LI: Spoon Carving
217. Apr 2012. MAN-SIZED HIKE SERIES: Lutopan to Guadalupe IV
216. Apr 2012. RIGHTEOUSNESS ALWAYS PREVAIL
215. Apr 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES L: An Advance Party of One
214. Apr 2012. ARGAO NIGHTS II (A Nocturnal Hunting Event)
213. Mar 2012. MY MARCH 2012 STAGE MARCHERS
212. Mar 2012. MIDGET FORTRESSES OF SAMBULAWAN
211. Mar 2012. LATE LATE LUNCH AT STEELY DANAO
210. Mar 2012. STREET-SMAR MOTORCYCLING
209. Mar 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XLIX: Professors, Yogis and Crazy Bushcrafters
208. Feb 2012. GUNS OF OCTOBER
207. Feb 2012. POEM NO. 7: Budget Backpacking
206. Feb 2012. WARRIOR REVIEW: Bamboo Millennium Patrol Shoes
205. Feb 2012. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XLVIII: Knife Care & Safety
204. Jan 2012. MY SINULOG 2012 PILGIMAGE
203. Jan 2012. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN IX: Traditional Land Navigation
202. Jan 2012. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO UBAY
201. Jan 2012. ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE SIERRA MADRES
200. Dec 2011. POEM NO. 6: Going to Mount Babag
199. Dec 2011. THE TIGER WEAKENS BUT THE EAGLE SOARETH
198. Dec 2011. ONE HAPPY DAY IN DECEMBER
197. Dec 2011. MAN-SIZED HIKE SERIES: Lutopan to Guadalupe III
196. Dec 2011. KERYGMA CONFERENCE 2011: Glory 2 Glory
195. Nov 2011. WILDERNESS HEALTH, HYGIENE & SAFETY IN THE FIELD
194. Nov 2011. PINOYAPACHE GOES AGAIN TO THE TWIN CITIES OF ZAMBOANGA NORTE
193. Nov 2011. PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE BUSHCRAFT CAMP
192. Nov 2011. WARRIOR REVIEW: PinoyApache’s Tomahawk
191. Oct 2011. MAN-SIZED HIKES: Lutopan-Guadalupe II
190. Oct 2011. WARRIOR PILGRIMAGE IN CRISIS
189. Oct 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XLIV: Palm Sunday Bushcraft
188. Oct 2011. HOW TO CATCH CAVE BATS FOR FOOD THE PRIMITIVE WAY
187. Sep 2011. TRAINING THE PULAG BOUND 
186. Sep 2011. A DAY AT THE RANGE
185. Sep 2011. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN VI: A High-Ground Trail
184. Sep 2011. POEM NO. 5: Monkey Trails of Talinis
183. Aug 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XLIII: The “Seeds for Earth Day” Tree Planting
182. Aug 2011. CATMON RAIN
181. Aug 2011. A MAN-SIZED DAYHIKE
180. Aug 2011. WARRIOR PILGRIMAGE, THE BLOG
179. Jul 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XLII: Leading the Danes
178. Jul 2011. A JOURNAL OF AN UNFINISHED JOB
177. Jul 2011. KILAT SPRING
176. Jul 2011. NIGHT TRIP FOR BANTAYAN ISLAND
175. Jun 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XLI: Cold Weather Training
174. Jun 2011. WHY I SHIFT TO BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL?
173. Jun 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XL: Charity Climb 2010
172. Jun 2011. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO MALAPASCUA AGAIN
171. May 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXIX: Perfect Day
170. May 2011. PINOYAPACHE JOINS CEBU BLOG CAMP 2011
169. May 2011. THE TRAILHAWK, MT. BABAG & MR. GUINNESS
168. May 2011. ALBERT’S MARKET ADVENTURE 
167. May 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXVIII: A Birthday Celebration
166. Apr 2011. REMEMBERING MY TIME IN THE GATEWAY OF THE SIERRA MADRES
165. Apr 2011. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXVII: Hidden Waterfalls of Kahugan
164. Apr 2011. PINOYAPACHE GOES TO ORMOC & TACLOBAN
163. Apr 2011. ISLAND CAMP RED
162. Mar 2011. LAST SEASON WITH THE CSCST BUILDERS
161. Mar 2011. HOW TO BE A RELEVANT OUTDOORS BLOGGER
160. Mar 2011. NOCTURNAL HUNTING IN ARGAO
159. Mar 2011. OSLOB, HERITAGE TOWN
158. Feb 2011. FOOTNOTES TO A MISSING CHAPTER
157. Feb 2011. BADIAN FOOD SOJOURN
156. Feb 2011. KILAT TRAIL
155. Feb 2011. EARLY DINEER AT STEELY DANAO
154. Jan 2011. TSINELAS CHARITY
153. Jan 2011. MY SINULOG 2011 PILGRIMAGE
152. Jan 2011. REMEMBERING THE “SCORPION”
151. Jan 2011. HOW TO COOK MILLED CORN IN BAMBOO
150. Dec 2010. HAPPY CHRISTMAS (A Video Carol Presentation of the Cebu Mountaineering Society)
149. Dec 2010. KAPIYO-AN TRAIL
148. Dec 2010. KERYGMA CONFERENCE 2010: Restoration
147. Dec 2010. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN IV: Rainshower Tour
146. Dec 2010. TACTICAL PURSUITS BEFORE A TIGER YEAR
145. Nov 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXIV: Russians
144. Nov 2010. HOW TO MAKE A FIRECRACKER ALTERNATIVE
143. Nov 2010. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN III: Guille’s Trail
142. Nov 2010. FREEDOM CLIMB 2010
141. Oct 2010. ONE MORE TIME IN DUMAGUETE
140. Oct 2010. BUSHCRAFT BUHISAN
139. Oct 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXIII: Camp Red Training Day
138. Oct 2010. HOW TO CARVE A WOODEN SPOON
137. Sep 2010. MERELY MY OPINION GETS A NEW HEADER
136. Sep 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXII: Spoon Carving 101
135. Sep 2010. EXPLORING THE WILD SIDE OF BUHISAN
134. Sep 2010. NIGHT TRIP TO MALAPASCUA
133. Aug 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXXI: Seeds for Earth Day
132. Aug 2010. OSMEÑA PEAK FROM A BUSHCRAFTER’S EYE
131. Aug 2010. BEBUT’S TRAIL VII: Endurance Training
130. Aug 2010. DOMESTIC SUNDAY
129. Jul 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXX: Manwel’s Graduation Day
128. Jul 2010. AN AFFAIR IN MARINER’S COURT
127. Jul 2010. STARBUCKS HILL
126. Jul 2010. PLAYING WITH THE CSCST BUILDERS
125. Jun 2010. BEBUT’S TRAIL IV: Solo Mission
124. Jun 2010. 1ST CEBU BLOG CAMP 2010
123. Jun 2010. A HIKE THAT SPAWNED THE FIRST BUSHCRAFT CAMP IN CEBU
122. Jun 2010. OPINION REVIEW: Baikal 35-Liter Backpack
121. May 2010. BEBUT’S TRAIL
120. May 2010. PINOYAPACHE JOINS THE CEBU BLOG CAMP
119. May 2010. A NEW YEAR’S DAY IN MOUNT MAUYOG
118. May 2010. THE POLITICS OF WALKING
117. May 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXIX: Year-End Climb
116. Apr 2010. OVERHEATING MULTICAB, SWEET TUBA & SPOON CARVING
115. Apr 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXVIII: Goodwill Hunters
114. Apr 2010. THE WEEK THAT WAS
113. Apr 2010. SLEEPLESS IN BAIS
112. Mar 2010. MY CHOICES: May the Best Men & Women Win
111. Mar 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXVII: Jungle Wil
110. Mar 2010. BOHOL IN MY MIND
109. Mar 2010. FREEDOM TRAIL II: Ultimate Freedom
108. Feb 2010. THE ART OF NAMING STREETS IN CEBU CITY
107. Feb 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXVI: Maretzel & the Bytebandit
106. Feb 2010. AN IDYLLIC DAY IN PINAMUNGAHAN
105. Feb 2010. THE SUN ALWAYS SHINE IN TV
104. Jan 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXV: Freewalking Alone
103. Jan 2010. OPINION REVIEW: Mantrack Jungle Knife
102. Jan 2010. MY OWN TOUR DE CEBU
101. Jan 2010. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXIV: Full Circle
100. Dec 2009. MERELY MY OPINION IN 2009
099. Dec 2009. KERYGMA CONFERENCE 2009 CEBU
098. Dec 2009. CEBU MOUNTAINEERING SOCIETY @20 – A PHOTO EXHIBIT
097. Dec 2009. FIESTAS & BIRTHDAYS 2009
096. Dec 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXIII: Storm Hikers
095. Dec 2009. A QUICK VISIT TO LAMBUNAO
094. Nov 2009. TREES & ARCHITECTS
093. Nov 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXII: Father’s Day Special
092. Nov 2009. LAHUG CREEK
091. Nov 2009. A JOLLY GOOD TRIP IN BADIAN
090. Nov 2009. FREEDOM TRAIL
089. Oct 2009. GHOST WANTED – A CAMPFIRE CREATIVE: Two Tales for November 1
088. Oct 2009. THE “NEW” CEBU SOUTH BUS TERMINAL: A Rough Gem in the Making
087. Oct 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XXI: The Trailhawk
086. Oct 2009. CLIMATE CHANGE MAKES A STATEMENT!
085. Oct 2009. DIA DE SILENCIO
084. Oct 2009. RED-LEAD FICTION
083. Oct 2009. CHILD MOCK WARS: Airsoft to Slingshots
082. Oct 2009. THANK YOU TYPHOON ONDOY
081. Sep 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XIX: Desolation Trail
080. Sep 2009. RIFDING THE TIGER’S BACK
079. Sep 2009. I AM A FREE MOUNTAINEER
078. Aug 2009. A QUICK JUNE TRIP TO MANILA
077. Aug 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XVIII: Night Navigation
076. Aug 2009. FREE THE SNOW LION
075. Aug 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XVII: The Soloist
074. Jul 2009. MAGUA
073. Jul 2009. OPINION REVIEW: Habagat Venado II
072. Jul 2009. LEAVE ME NO TRACE
071. Jul 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XV: Endurance Training
070. Jun 2009. A VARMINT GOT AWAY!
069. Jun 2009. MY MISADVENTURE IN DAPITAN
068. Jun 2009. THE BACON HUNTERS OF DULANGDULANG & KITANGLAD
067. May 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XIII: Trail Running in Kahugan
066. May 2009. A EUROPEAN UNION-STYLE MARDI GRAS
065. May 2009. MOVING MOUNTAINS, ROUCHING LIVES
064. May 2009. CATCHING A TIGER, WRESTLING A SERPENT
063. Apr 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XII: Massacre at the No-Santol-Tree Trail
062. Apr 2009. PHOTOBLOGGING A QUICK TRIP TO MANILA
061. Apr 2009. EXPLORING CARMEN
060. Mar 2009. TACTICAL SECURITY FLIES AGAIN
059. Mar 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES XI: The Coconut Ghost Trail
058. Feb 2009. RATIFIED
057. Feb 2009. ILLEGAL LOGGING IN CEBU CITY
056. Feb 2009. NAPO TO BABAG TALES X: The No-Santol-Tree Trail
055. Feb 2009. FREE-WALKING ON SINULOG DAY
054. Feb 2009. LED BY CHARITY: Climbing for Manwel Roble
053. Jan 2009. MERELY MY OPINION IN 2008
052. Jan 2009. APO SANDAWA: Playground of the Gods
051. Jan 2009. THE MONSTERS ON THE FAIRWAY
050. Dec 2008. PHOTOBLOGGING: My Worst List of 2008
049. Dec 2008. CeMS CHRISTMAS CAMP 2008
048. Dec 2008. MOUNT MANUGGAL & CeMS
047. Dec 2008. PHOTOBLOGGING: Parish Hunting in Cagayan de Oro City
046. Dec 2008. CEBU BLOGGERS SOCIETY (CBS) LOVE LINK
045. Dec 2008. ERNIE’S TRAIL
044. Nov 2008. A SONY STORY
043. Nov 2008. MANWEL ROBLE, THE BOY GUIDE
042. Nov 2008. “19”
041. Nov 2008. OLANGO: My Island in the Sun
040. Oct 2008. NAPO TO BABAG TALES II: Kahugan Trail
039. Oct 2008: LICKING POVERTY THE TACTICAL WAY
038. Oct 2008: THE GUY FROM COMPOSTELA
037. Oct 2008. BIG BANG
036. Sep 2008. I NEVER KNEW IT HAD A NAME
035. Sep 2008. NAPO TO BABAG 
034. Sep 2008. POEM NO. 3: Path to Mount Pangasugan (The Agony and the Ecstasy)
033. Aug 2008. TOY SOLDIERS
032. Aug 2008. THE ART OF “FALLING”
031. Aug 2008. THE GUI DESKTOP WAR
030. Jul 2008. NIGHTMARE AT DA VINCI’S PIZZA
029. Jul 2008. MONKEYING AROUND MOUNT TALINIS
028. Jun 2008. OUTDOORS VIP PROTECTION
027. Jun 2008. POEM NO. 2: Spelunking at Cantabaco
026. Jun 2008. MOUNTAINEER’S LOG: Training for D2-Kitanglad Traverse
025. May 2008. THE MULTICAB: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
024. May 2008. CLIMB ON YONDER, PAENG!
023. May 2008. CEBU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES & SOME BRAGGING RIGHTS
022. Apr 2008: MATCHSTICKS IN LOVE
021. Apr 2008. ROUGHDRAFT 3.0
020. Apr 2008. THE BEST-KEPT SECRET OF NUG-AS, ALCOY
019. Mar 2008. THREE CLIMATIC ODDITIES & ONE LUNATIC ACT
018. Mar 2008. MOUNT MANUNGGAL: An Epitome of a Sick Mother
017. Mar 2008. BASKETBALL CRAZY!
016. Feb 2008. 16-A KABAHAR STREET
015. Feb 2008. THE ANATOMY OF DEMOLISHING AN OLD HOUSE
014. Jan 2008. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH WORD TODAY
013. Jan 2008. ORDEAL AT MOUNT PANGASUGAN
012. Jan 2008. FRAT WARS & HALF-BAKED GANGS
011. Jan 2008. WRITING FOR THE SAKE OF WRITING (AND MY EARNEST CONVERSION TO IT)
010. Dec 2007. WHY FOSS IS GOOD FOR THE PHILIPPINES?
009. Dec 2007. A DECEMBER WEEKEND IN SIERRA TREE FARM
008. Dec 2007. FIESTAS AND BIRTHDAYS
007. Dec 2007. ACCOMMODATING A NEW “BOX”
006. Dec 2007. THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE SHIELD
005. Nov 2007. MURKY FUTURE FOR MACTAN CHANNEL
004. Oct 2007. BLOGGING HERE AT BLOGGER
003. Oct 2007. BE AN ADVOCATE OF A GUNLESS SOCIETY OR BE AN ADVOCATE OF THE DEVIL
002. Sep 2007. YES! CEBU’S INMATES CAN DANCE
001. Aug 2007. POEM NO. 1: Save Mount Manunggal

You know why I am doing this? I am entertaining the idea of leaving blogging for good to concentrate on my unfinished books. They are three: (1) ETHICAL BUSHCRAFT; (2) A WARRIOR’S PILGRIMAGE and (3) THRUHIKING AN ISLAND IN THE PACIFIC. Then I have other things to write too which were requested and asked of me by private businesses and local government units and I might write some fiction novels.

I do not know if Warrior Pilgrimage will appear in 2018 but it is just a plan and plans change. I know this blog had been helpful and quite entertaining to people and I know also that people are expecting new contents every week because it dishes out regularly four articles a month. Warrior Pilgrimage has a unique readership following because it remains to be unique in itself. 

To my loyal followers and readers, stalkers and friends, this will be my final post after TEN YEARS. Thank you for making the PinoyApache a part of your imagination and journeys. I was inspired to write these articles because of you. You would only get the best from me because I appreciate your online presence and comments and you had given me some of the best years of my online existence. THANK YOU!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 


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Thursday, December 14, 2017

THE THRUHIKE JOURNAL: Day 27 (Lanao to Bulalaque Point)

BEFORE I UNROLL THE LAST TALE of adventure which hound Day Twenty-Seven of this first-ever Thruhike of Cebu, let me first acknowledge the people and the establishments that had put their faith in me and my team. They are mentioned from time to time in like articles and in Facebook. For the last time, they will have their worthy participation in the completion of the Cebu Highlands Trail and the ensuing Thruhike noted below:

DEREK’S CLASSIC BLADE EXCHANGE
TITAY’S LILOAN ROSQUILLOS & NATIVE DELICACIES
GV TOWER HOTEL PHILIPPINES
SILANGAN OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
GALILEO SATELLITE CONTROL SYSTEMS-PHILIPPINES
BAKHAWAN BEACH HOME
GOV. HILARIO DAVIDE III & PROVINCE OF CEBU
SUGBU TURISMO (PROVINCIAL TOURISM OFFICE)
ADRENALINE ROMANCE BLOG
PARK N GO BAKESHOP
VIAJERO OUTDOOR CENTRE
LAVILLES FAMILY OF AUSTRALIA
FRONTGATE BURGER RESTOBAR
VERSA TWO-WAY RADIOS
APP OPS PHILIPPINES
HAM RADIO CEBU
CAMP RED BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL GUILD

     MR. ALVIN JOHN OSMEÑA
     MS. JULIET MOLINA
     MR. NIÑO PAUL BERIALES
     MR. PERCIVAL ESPINA
     PACING’S HOUSE OF BARBECUE
     VEN GOING PLACES STORIES BLOG
     MR. MICHAEL SCHWARZ
     MS. WILMA RELLORA
     MR. RANDY SALAZAR
     MR. MARKUS IMMER
     MR. LESTER PADRIGA
     MR. ADOLFO OLMEDO
     MR. RONALD ABELLA
     MS. LOCEL NAVARRO
     ATTY. BRUCE RAGAS
     MR. JOAQUIN GOCHOCO
     MR. EMERSON BENOZA
     MR. GLEN DOMINGO
     MR. HAROLD BUTANAS
     TACTICAL SECURITY AGENCY
     MR. ALAN POOLE
     SHOESTRING XAYD BLOG
     MS. MIRASOL LEPON
MS. DIOCEL HINAY
     QUIJANO FAMILY
     MR. JEROME TIBON
     MR. ROMMEL MESIAS
     MR. JONATHAN BLANES
     MR. MELO SANCHEZ
     MS. AMAYA MONTECALVO
     MR. JEREMIAH DAYTO
     DRINOX KITCHEN
     MR. GLENN PESTAÑO
     MR. MATTHEW DE LEON
     THE KNIFEMAKER
     SESEBLADES
     MR. MARC IVAN DE EGURROLA
     ZUE FASHION
     MS. LAILA MANTOS-ABADINGO

My apologies for any omission that I might have made but let me take this occasion to cite the following brave individuals who comprised my CHT Exploration Team, namely: JONATHANIEL APURADO, JUSTIN APURADO, JOVAHN YBAÑEZ and late addition FRITZ BUSTAMANTE; and my Base Support Crew in JHURDS NEO and CHAD BACOLOD. They were all there on their own accord, offering their time, intellect, skills, muscles and naked enthusiasm for a place under the sun.

This citation also goes to another set of individuals who were in earlier explorations with me on the first two segments of the CHT like ERNESTO SALOMON, CIRILO TOLEDO, MARCO ALBEZA, CHARLTON BATHAN, ARCHIE MAYOL, RAYMUND PANGANIBAN, ELI BRYN TAMBIGA, LEOMIL PINO, JAMES CABAJAR, JOHN SEVILLA, GLENN PESTAÑO, SILVERIO CUEVA and ANTONIO VERGARA. They slogged and charged the unknown with me. 

 
Finally, I could not have done this without the faith and trust in the ALMIGHTY; the support, love and understanding of my wife VILMA and my family. These are the strengths and the inspirations why I persevered, against all odds, since I started the exploration on February 20, 2011 from Lutopan, Toledo City; and the first step of the Thruhike twenty-six days ago from Liloan Point, Santander.

Today, February 14, 2017, is a special day, not that it is Valentine’s Day, but it is the day that I will put closure of this historic Thruhike. The early morning is still silent as I rose from the comforts of my Therm-a-Rest laid on the concrete floor of the multi-purpose building of the village of Lanao, Daanbantayan. My morning habit for a glass of water led me to a water dispenser. The noise woke up both Markus Immer and Jonathaniel Apurado.

The sun had not thrust its will on this part of the world but I see five residents starting to enter the iron gate that lead to us. They were carrying pots and I believe there would be a feast later. We decide to clean up the place and put all our equipment and gear into our backpacks as neatly as possible as was practiced many times. We would not be needing our extra food anymore and we decide to leave it with our hosts.

I prepared the fossilized shell I picked up from Liloan Beach on the first minutes of the first day of the Thruhike and placed it inside a small ziploc plastic along with my business card and a paper indicating the origin of the shell and the date of the Thruhike. Jon prepared his also and labeled a small paper with his name and the date of the long walk. I drank coffee for the last time on the CHT.

The CHT itinerary says: 09:00 Arrival at Bulalaqui Point. Too stiff! It is just a morning hike of a few kilometers but I can tweak it by walking at a snail’s pace. We have a lot of time! Now the village hall is a beehive of activity and the people of Lanao are preparing a breakfast in our honor. Food are brown rice and bitter gourd with egg, organically grown along the lakeside shores of the heretofore unknown Lake Lanao.

After saying our deepmost thanks to the village council and the people of Lanao, we faced the cold northeast monsoon wind outside and lurched forward at 07:45 to fulfill our once-in-a-lifetime mission which no person or group have done before. Markus is in high spirits, extending his adventures in his adopted home. Connecting with the right people is his uncanny skill and he will not be denied today.

We follow an unpaved road that I have already identified as our route to Bulalaqui Point. I have explored this route last November 2016 which capped the more than five years long exploration of routes for the CHT. We entered the village of Tapilon, Daanbantayan when we reached the Looc Elementary School. In the mildest of weather, we barely shed sweat. We were not forcing our pace but walked in a manner akin to touring with a bike.

From a rough road, we were now walking on a new concrete pavement for just a few paces only as an old trail that have served the residents in the past is now my preferred path. It is a short cut to the highway which connect the town center of Daanbantayan to the Port of Maya and vice versa. We reach a bridge and I guess the stream below as the outlet of Lake Lanao. A concrete sign says we are now entering the village of Maya.

A motorcade celebrating National Heart Health Day overtook us as we walk towards Maya. Some of the participants on the vehicles must have known our presence and our business in their municipality and pointed their hands towards us. They waved at us. The noise of the drums drowned out their shouting voices as they were in the process of communicating with us. We waved back and became part of their celebration while it lasted for a fleeting seconds.

We arrived at the village hall of Maya and made a courtesy call to whoever is in charge. A watchman welcomed and entertained us as we try to explain our presence. A village council woman, Hon. Vanessa Laspinas, came and learned the purpose of our Thruhike and she was glad upon learning that their village, especially at Bulalaqui Point, is the terminus of our 27-day journey.

After a customary picture, we bade goodbye and seek the route to Cebu’s own finis de tierra, our land’s end of the north. I seek the small streets that would lead us to the new Port of Maya. The wharf is still under construction but, nevertheless, in operation. Two Ceres Liner buses parked at its empty parking area waiting for a boat from Malapascua Island or from Palompon, Leyte. There is a path that goes into a growing community and it had not changed despite construction of more houses.

We are now hiking uphill. It is grassy with patches of waist-high shrubs, some coconut trees and a few huge trees. The trail goes into another hill which the locals referred to as “pawikan gatakal”, because it looked like one turtle riding on the back of another turtle. Whatever it is, I climbed over the great hump and into wilder shrubs and better views of the yet-unfinished wharf and of a beautiful cove on the other side.

There is a cairn right on the trail and I stood above it and tried to propagate the Versa Duo VHF radio in the direction of the repeater tower of Ham Radio Cebu, 140 kilometers or so away, just like I did in Day Three, Day Fourteen, Day Fifteen and Day Twenty-two. At five watts power, the distance was just too great even when I have the strong amihan to my back. The Versa served me well and satisfies my experimentation. 

There are just a few meters of open space on the trail for soon we would be entering a stunted forest cover. The trees would provide us shade and we would be partly protected from the strong northeast monsoon winds, which is now more pronounced due to our proximity to open sea. I have to tread the trail slowly because, somewhere beyond my vision, would be the precipitous edges of Bulalaqui Point.  

At exactly 11:07, we arrive at Cebu’s northernmost point. The adventure of the Thruhike which had spun for 27 days plus two days rest halfway in Cebu City is now at a close. The jagged rock that had separated from the headland many many years ago danced among the waves a hundred feet below. My Canon IXUS camera, its very existence bounded to document in still and moving images the CHT Exploration and the Thruhike, is now more relevant than ever.

SPO4 Condino and PO1 Arreglado of Daanbantayan Police Station arrived to look over our safety and witnessed our small celebration in this most uninhabited corner of the great island province of Cebu. I am in the midst of the greatest performance of my life, talking before my camera in video mode for a total of 211 seconds, acknowledging Providence, the people I am with and those who have helped in the realization of the Thruhike and the CHT.

In a location I previously marked months ago, I retrieved a “time capsule” which I left last November 3, 2016. With that, I dug a shallow hole on the ground and place it there, together with my fossilized shell and that of Jon’s as well. I covered the hole back and placed a small cairn over it. I hope it would soon become a landmark. A shrine for adventurers who would leave their marks someday.

How many would be placed there in the future? At that moment, I was clueless. The idea of another Thruhike is a thing that I would not like to think of at that moment. What I am thinking of right now is to go home and be with my wife and my family. I missed them all especially my little grandson, Gifford. His grandpops has a lot of tales for him. Another reason is the Brew Kettle beer that I readied before Day Twelve. It would be very cold now. A good match for my deprived body.

The Thruhike had proven that Cebu can be walked along the middle, the interior, and at its most rugged terrain from the southernmost beach to its northernmost headland or vice versa. On both ends, you are assured of a dip in the sea by a beach. Although there had been attempts to walk across its length, notably by the party of Judge Meinrado Paredes in 1996-1997, it was not realized due to the prevailing peace and order situation and scarcity of maps.

During my explorations, the insurgency in Cebu have died a natural death but residues of suspicions remained. For several times I was placed in many awkward situations. People in the hinterlands are not used to seeing strangers walking with big backpacks. It reminded them of the violent past. Although we talked in the same dialect but there is no way I could explain to them of what is a “hiker”, a “mountain climber” or a “mountaineer”. A few times, we settled on a neutral word - “tourist”.

I carefully planned my exploration hikes, making it sure that the local government units, through Capitol, and the police are properly informed. It does not give assurance though as what happened on separate occasions of April and September 2016, where I or my team were escorted by the police and had to terminate the activity. Once, we were threatened with harm in March 2012 and, another time in January 2015 and October 2016, we were denied camp in a village.

Maps are important but I used it only during pre-route planning. Analog maps sold by NAMRIA are utterly outdated by 20+ years. I used and studied online maps provided by DOST Project Noah, before it was mothballed. I even screen printed the mouse-enlarged maps on several bond papers which I brought in my exploration hikes, just for reference only. Just like the analog maps, some villages are off their true locations. Most of the time, I used traditional navigation.


Anyway, the Thruhike needs careful planning, enough logistics and a walk of AT LEAST a month or more. (If people are intimidated of strangers casually walking, how would they find you running?) Food is a consideration. You know, I have developed a trauma of a certain breakfast food. You need to cook dinner and breakfast with denatured alcohol. You need to use an alcohol burner. There is no other way unless you hire a porter.

I got cold sweat when I thought of doing another Thruhike with guests as I sat inside the empty Ceres Liner. I am sure a lot of people would like to try the CHT end to end. Unfortunately, I still have not possessed the data that the radio tracking device provided by Galileo Satellite Control System-Philippines and my memory would serve that purpose for the time being. However, I would accept guideship jobs in segments only. The CHT is composed of eight segments. It is much friendly that way and easy for me.

We did it, finally. On that first few steps of that February 20 morning six years ago, I never thought that I would reach the end of my quest. At that time, I find it too ambitious and I was afraid that I might get sucked into obsession. How did I overcome everything? Especially the logistics and the trickles of support. I do not know. But one thing I know is you enjoy your passion and let people believe what you do. You must be credible, honest, bold and human. And you must pray.

Distance Walked: 8.54 kilometers
Elevation Gained: 35 meters and a low of 5 meters


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