Mount Manalmon, San Miguel Bulacan

Major jump-off: Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel

LLA: 15°15.11'N; 121°1.22' E; 196 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1 hour

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Part of the historical Biak-na-Bato National Park is an outdoor destination called Mt. Manalmon, in San Miguel, Bulacan. Although merely a hill, strictly speaking, Mt. Manalmon possesses novel landscapes, including those of Madlum River, whose rock formations compensate for an otherwise unremarkable environ. Also, nearby sites such as the Bayukbok Caves (a 2-hr exploration from the River) and Madlum cave (historical due to an 18th century relic) can be coupled with a trip to Mt. Manalmon to maximize the Biak-na-Bato experience. Also, complementing Mt. Manalmon is another elevated ground called Mt. Gola; instead of turning right at the bifurcation, going left would lead to this peak, which is also a good vantage point. (Photo by JH Miranda. Details credited to www.pinoymountaineer.com)

THE JOURNEY: We stopped at the SLEX Stop over to eat for our breakfast and buy some foods for our pack lunch. Lets get it on.

MADLUM RIVER: Its beautiful surrounding gave us amazing viewpoint. This is where the boat crosses on both sides. You can ride in a boat, swim in the river or passing through on it while holding its cable, and that is optional. Those are remarkable experiences if you will try all of that. That is proven because our group tried it So just try it (*^_^*)

1-2-3 SMILE: Just take a pose before riding in a balsa and go on the other side. Were all excited to go around, discover what the mountain has and explore ourselves more in adventures. Go girls!!!

THE JOURNEY BEGINS HERE: We need to pass through the Madlum River by "balsa" (a boat made of bamboo that can carry 10-15 persons) before reaching the registration area for mountaineers. This ride only costs P5.00/head.

 Orangutan mountaineers at the rocky stones of Sitio Madlum. 

GEAR UP: Here at this area in Sitio Madlum, mountaineers must pay P5.00 for registration. Upon registration, they can prepare themselves for their journey. There is a mini-grocery store so you may buy some of your trail foods and drinks. A comfortable restroom is also there and a cottage where you can sit and relax. If there's still a time for rest you can sing with your group-mates using their P5.OO coin videoke.

CHECKPOINTS: [ABOVE] Catholics here were able to establish a Station of the Cross to commemorate the suffering  of Jesus Christ during Holy Week. [BELOW] We have to pass through this to reach the mountain's peak.

IN THIS CAVE: Our first stop was the Madlum Cave or better known as Manalmon Cave, where 300 Japanese Soldiers were killed by Filipino revoluyionaries during the Second World War according to our guide (a locals live there for 65 years).

AGAINST THE STRONG STREAM: Because of its strong stream, we must hold each other's hands to surpass and go on with the other side of the river.

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LONG WALK: We had to walk for an hour to reach the peak. Mt. Manalmon ranging of 196 MASL of its peak.

 

FIRST ROCK: We took a rest first when we reached the first rock before going to the summit. In this part, the way is not slippery when wet because the rock is adobe. However, safety is still our main concern.

 

THE SUMMIT: At our back, you will see how wonder the Sierra Madre is (a well-known mountain range in the Philippines).  In the right side, you will see the Mt. Golat, and the river crossing on both sides.

TRAVERSE:  A rocky, big stones waiting for us while doing the traverse trekking. Its river truly amazed our group, it flowed bigger and bigger while the climate changing its condition. You can rest here, share some laughters and talks, relax and feel the freshness of its nature.

THE MONKEY-BRIDGE CROSSING: Go first and show how wonder the monkey bridge is to your group mates. On its end, there is a WARNING sign before passing on this bridge. 

WARNING SIGN: It is compulsory to do. Your safety is still the main concern. Just follow what the warning says.

MONKEY BRIDGE CROSSING: This is the highlight of the trail. It is truly amazing and very much creepy. TRUST YOURSELF than anyone is the only key for you to be able to surpass the challenge and get through in the other side of Madlum River. You can shout as long you want too but never put your trust down and be failed. When you did it, a big SMILES (*^_^*) can paid off your fears. Just try it because we DID!! 

LESSONS LEARNED: 

IT IS EVERYTHING. It's the teammates - putting your life in the hands of strangers. It's the scenery - realizing how beautiful the world already is, the poetry of life without buildings. It's also the pain - the unparalleled accomplishment of doing something you didn't think you could. Despite being pressed for time, our team was a happy bunch, and there was plenty of laughter even if we were out of breath from the ascent.  There was nothing better than humor.