A Beginner's Destination: Philex Ridge

"Sama ka, may akyat ako sa Baguio? Sama ako, deal!" That was my instant reaction when a friend of mine invited me last July 1, 2015 for a weekend hike in Benguet. With my decision to join, I have 25 days more to prepare my self (both body & mind).

I and Thom arrived at Baguio City on the night of July 24. Kuya Buboy (Thom's ex-workmate at DMCI) offered their humble home where we will stay overnight. Thanks to him,bigtime! :)

July 26, 2015 5:30 AM
​Our group had assembled at 7-Eleven near Victory Bus terminal. There, I heard that they are really mountaineers. Kinabahan naman daw ako dahil first timer ako. hehe! Pero in my mind, I still feel safe because Thom is with me... Alam ko namang hindi niya ako pababayaan. We travelled for an hour, as jeepney being our mode of transportation. The jump-off was just after the Ampucao Elementary school and Philex Mining Junction. I felt a sudden feeling of wonder because the starting point of the trek to Philex Ridge is just beside the main road. At around 8:30 AM, we started the trek.

The first 15 minutes of the hike was so intense. Never did I expect that the beginning of the trek brought me gasping for breath. OMG! It was almost a 30-meter ascent, as per our planner Sir Rai Sean. However, I stayed calm under this pressure and kept my composure. I don't want Thom to get worried. For G's sake, we are still far to the destination.

After this battle (haha!), lies ahead a nice spot- a rock formation whose view provides a scenery for a good photo taking. This spot is also our first stop from the exhausting ascent.

It was an advantage for me to take the moment to rest since others were still having the photo ops with the beautiful picturesque.

When every one had their poses in the boulder, we also managed to have a group picture before proceeding.

Being shocked in the beginning of the trek, now, I was mesmerized by the wonderful pine forest. Upon reaching this phase, we were welcomed with a cool breeze and unique fragrance of the nature.

In this phase, I was able to withstand physical hardship. I enjoyed the trail very much, as if I was just walking in a park full of trees and with fresh air. I had even wished that the trail should be like this until we reach the summit. haha! After passing through a fence which serves as a boundary of Philex's property and a continuous length of pine forest, is a grassland with minimal pine trees. This is my first time to experience a full 360 view on top of a mountain.

The trail now is easy; however walking in cold brought me a test. The dryair caused slight narrowing of my airways making it harder for me to breath at maximum capacity. Luckily, I saw a pine tree in a distance which was great spot for us to have some rest.

And we are now one-third to our destination. We sat under a pine tree and enjoyed the cool clean air passing through from our nostrils to our lungs. While resting, Thom asked me, "ano, kaya pa?" My response? just a nod. hahaha! He doesn't know that I am battling with my inner self... hahaha!

While resting, we munched a bit of this chocolate- our official power bar. (Sneakers might thank me for this unpaid advertisement.. lol) This can really provide a good burst of energy. But of course, you don’t need to eat it all in one go...
just a little will give you a boost. This bar lasted even after we had the climb.

It's good that we have rested for a while because what awaited us after our a few minutes of inactivity is a trail leading us down toward the bottom of a slope- a downhill! I didn't just went through the motions, I exerted enough caution for safety.

#"Things go from bad to worse before they finally start getting better."#

At the end of the slope, a lot of cow welcomed us. We might have considered this as a view in the Batanes Island. Since Thom, Kuya Buboy and Kuya Tholz went ahead of me, I was scared when the group of the cows passed right in front and behind me. With the panic I felt, I just sat down, closed my eyes and held my ears.

I knew that Thom would be agitated, so he assisted me immediately to stand on my feet and proceed to the climb though my heart was still beating fast. Thanks to the cows which increased my adrenaline hormones. LOL! :D

I wanted the cows to be my background in this photo to remind me of what had happened. But then, they disappeared immediately.What was left is the spot where I almost feel like crying

And so the saga continues... hahaha!!! I know that we are 15 minutes away from the summit. I am now determined to reach our destination, take a rest and relax.

Finally, we have reached our destination after three and a haf hours.What I did? I heaved a euphoric sign of relief. YES!After a hundred of deep breath executions, I had this pose. Despite of being nervous, still, I was able to flash a sweet smile. Surely after this climb, I will confidently share the astonishing scenery of the place.

A couple shot? Naah, not yet.. hehehe! :)

I would never have this breathtaking experience without Thom's invitation. I guess, this would be the start of our journey together. I finally found now my travel buddy, and he even volunteered. haha!

We stayed at the summit for almost two hours since some of the members of the group have not reached the destination yet.

We grabbed the opportunity to have our final photo ops because the thick fog is slowly hiding the beautiful scenery. ​Thanks to Sir Rai Sean and the Sanggala Mountaineers, most especially kuya Buboy for informing us & letting us join the group.

​
It's time to say goodbye, 'til we meet again Philex Ridge!

After an hour of descent, we finally reach the main road where the jeepney is waiting. Horray to my first trip to the mountains!

Philex Ridge is the hardest mountain I had (kasi eto pa lang ang una. hehehe!). It was in some point very difficult for a beginner like me. During the climb, I kept on asking Thom, "are we there yet?" hahaha. I am even talking to myself, "what if I'll just stay here and wait for them to descend." Thanks to him because he persistently convinced me that I will surely finish what I have started. Hooray!!! I was not a burden to him and to the group. hehe! For them, it was just a chill climb; but for me, I was scared silly.

I love Philex Ridge. I love the feeling when I finished it, most especially when Thom offered a slow clap for my success.
(Though after this, he admitted that he wants to congratulate me with a hug.. Ayeee..

Is there a love story going to start here? Well.. :D )

After the amazing first trek to the mountains, we proceeded at Canto Restaurant located inside the Ketchup Food Community where we ate their delicious baby back ribs at an affordable price. Yum! :) After which, we proceeded for a wash and headed back to La Union.

Summary of Expenses per pax:
Transportation (from La Union to Baguio City, vice versa) - Php 196
Climb Package (incl. of transpo from Baguio City to Ampucao Benguet) - Php 350
Lunch - Php 199
Refreshment - Php 50
Total: Php 796