1st Mount Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse: Promoting Bokod’s Nature & Culture
Eyeing for a place in tourism industry, the Municipality of Bokod , together with the Association of Bokod Adventure Eco-Guides, Incorporated (ABADEG i)conducted the 1st Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse last April 13 – 15, 2012. With the theme “A Traverse for Environmental Promotion, Awareness & Protection”, the activity was able to invite 35 outdoor enthusiasts from the different parts of the country to participate in this event.
After the registration at the DOT – CAR in Baguio City, at 8:00 A.M., the participants were ferried by Bokod’s Transport Group. In the middle of the trip, they had a stopover at one of the eateries along the road until they finally arrived at the Japas Jump-off Point at 11:30 A.M.
After the registration at the DOT – CAR in Baguio City, at 8:00 A.M., the participants were ferried by Bokod’s Transport Group. In the middle of the trip, they had a stopover at one of the eateries along the road until they finally arrived at the Japas Jump-off Point at 11:30 A.M.
Arrival at the Japas Jump-Off Point, Km. 60 , Japas , Bobok-Bisal, Bokod, Benguet
Kick - off prayer before the trek.
At 12:00 Noon, the participants started their trek going up the sudden upward trail covered with pines going to Mt. Mangakew. The participants, somewhat excited took the trail, and arrived at Mangakew earlier than the expected time.
At Mangakew, just beside the road is a sari-sari store where they took a short rest and bought some goods. Just about 300 meters ahead was the Multi-Purpose Hall where they took their final rest. There, native coffee, camote and potatoes were served for the participants as well as the locals to enjoy.
At Mangakew, just beside the road is a sari-sari store where they took a short rest and bought some goods. Just about 300 meters ahead was the Multi-Purpose Hall where they took their final rest. There, native coffee, camote and potatoes were served for the participants as well as the locals to enjoy.
Stopping on one of the sari-sari stores in Mangakew
Coffee & Camote Break at the Mangakew Multi - Purpose Hall
After the short sweet stay at the Multi-purpose hall, the next destination was the Bangtinen Campsite.
At 1:00 P.M., the trek continued through the dirt road and pine forest of Mangakew until the arrival at the first campsite at Bangtinen, Pito, Bokod, Benguet. That was after 2 hours of uphill trek which is considered to be one of the two hardest part of the trek (the other one will be mentioned later). Arriving at Bangtinen, the participants pitched their tents and had a short rest, 360 degrees viewing, picture taking and socialization before having their dinner at 6:00 P.M.
At 1:00 P.M., the trek continued through the dirt road and pine forest of Mangakew until the arrival at the first campsite at Bangtinen, Pito, Bokod, Benguet. That was after 2 hours of uphill trek which is considered to be one of the two hardest part of the trek (the other one will be mentioned later). Arriving at Bangtinen, the participants pitched their tents and had a short rest, 360 degrees viewing, picture taking and socialization before having their dinner at 6:00 P.M.
Bangtinen Campsite, Bangtinen , Pito, Bokod, Benguet
The night in Bangtinen was intended for a short acquaintance party. So, after the dinner, participants were allowed to share insights, introduce themselves, and have intermissions, dances and other sorts of socialization. Added to the event was the overflowing coffee and camote. Getting to know each other, they shared stories and enjoyed each other’s company.
The darkness of the night was at least brightened by the generator and bulbs of the Mangakew community. Various groups of outdoor enthusiasts and sectors from the Bokod LGU and Barangay Councils shared the simple but memorable first night at Bangtinen.
The darkness of the night was at least brightened by the generator and bulbs of the Mangakew community. Various groups of outdoor enthusiasts and sectors from the Bokod LGU and Barangay Councils shared the simple but memorable first night at Bangtinen.
The singing mayors: Municipal Mayor Mauricio T. Macay and Itogon Mayor Oscar M. Camantiles (blue jacket) render their respective songs during the acquaintance night at the Bangtinen Campsite.
Night & Morning at the Bangtinen Campsite
At 9:45 P.M., the program has to stop in order for all to have their rest and at 10:00 P.M., lights were turned off.
April 14, 2012
The next day was a promising day as the sun rose and smiled.
At 8:00 A.M., the trek resumes passing by the Kabajo Access Road until Prospect, just 500 meters below Mt. Pack. Starting from this point, participants entered the Mt. Pack mossy forest which began the journey through Bokod’s mossy jungle. At Mt. Pack (2310 MASL), they took rest with the fresh mountain air blowing. Others settled down to view the different places which can be seen when someone is atop this mountain. And of course, time spent for picture taking will not be ignored as participants, with or without their banners, used the view of the Ambuklao Dam & Mt. Pulag as their background.
At 8:00 A.M., the trek resumes passing by the Kabajo Access Road until Prospect, just 500 meters below Mt. Pack. Starting from this point, participants entered the Mt. Pack mossy forest which began the journey through Bokod’s mossy jungle. At Mt. Pack (2310 MASL), they took rest with the fresh mountain air blowing. Others settled down to view the different places which can be seen when someone is atop this mountain. And of course, time spent for picture taking will not be ignored as participants, with or without their banners, used the view of the Ambuklao Dam & Mt. Pulag as their background.
At the Mt. Pack Summit
Continuing with the trek, the participants covered the next 2.5 kilometers of mossy forest before arriving at an unusual clearing at the midst of a mossy forest. Being unaware, they were asking and wondering what the clearing might be. Little did they know that they are already in the mountain called Mt. Purgatory (2100 MASL).
Mt. Purgatory at 10:00 A.M. is being kissed by the sun. Everybody adjusted themselves and looked for comfortable places where the trees can give them shade and protection from the burning sun. Special thanks to the simple hut which stood still and strong ever since its construction which dates back from the launching climb last October 19 – 20, 2011. Until now, it continues to be a vicinity refuge to every climber visiting the place. Through it, the outdoor enthusiasts were able to have a comfortable rest area while staying at Mt. Purgatory.
Participants stayed at Mt. Purgatory for about 2 hours depending on their choice. There, they took their lunch, socialized with the other trekkers and took a nap. Others opted to go first and decided to take lunch along the trail and take a rest at the next campsite since they have the luxury of time.
Mt. Purgatory at 10:00 A.M. is being kissed by the sun. Everybody adjusted themselves and looked for comfortable places where the trees can give them shade and protection from the burning sun. Special thanks to the simple hut which stood still and strong ever since its construction which dates back from the launching climb last October 19 – 20, 2011. Until now, it continues to be a vicinity refuge to every climber visiting the place. Through it, the outdoor enthusiasts were able to have a comfortable rest area while staying at Mt. Purgatory.
Participants stayed at Mt. Purgatory for about 2 hours depending on their choice. There, they took their lunch, socialized with the other trekkers and took a nap. Others opted to go first and decided to take lunch along the trail and take a rest at the next campsite since they have the luxury of time.
The heart of the trek - Mt. Purgatory
Trekkers at Mt. Purgatory
After lunch, the trek crossed Nanhipucan heading towards Bakian and passing by the Bakian Primary School where camote were served to appease the crumbling stomach after about 3 kilometers of uphill-straight-downhill trail.
Finally, after 4 kilometers of progressive trek from Mt. Purgatory, the outdoor enthusiasts arrived at the final destination for the day at Mt. Tangbao, where the next camp site is located.
At 4:00 P.M., a short Kalanguya ritual led by shaman Jericho Guiniawan of the ABADEG was conducted as three native pigs were prepared and butchered for the cultural night. The sounds of gongs echoed throughout the camp site as the Municipal Mayor Mauricio Macay, the LGU, BLGU, community and the visitors danced the tayao.
Coffee and camote were served. Exotic food, “abatel”, was also served for those who dared to taste it.
At 6:00 P.M., the dinner was served to the people gathered together; the visitors plus communities of Tangbao, Bakian , Naswak, Kabajo and other neighboring villages , the LGU, and the BLGUs of Poblacion and Ekip. Having a taste of the trademark cook of native pig, the visitors as well as the Bokodians experienced contentment with the food.
Finally, after 4 kilometers of progressive trek from Mt. Purgatory, the outdoor enthusiasts arrived at the final destination for the day at Mt. Tangbao, where the next camp site is located.
At 4:00 P.M., a short Kalanguya ritual led by shaman Jericho Guiniawan of the ABADEG was conducted as three native pigs were prepared and butchered for the cultural night. The sounds of gongs echoed throughout the camp site as the Municipal Mayor Mauricio Macay, the LGU, BLGU, community and the visitors danced the tayao.
Coffee and camote were served. Exotic food, “abatel”, was also served for those who dared to taste it.
At 6:00 P.M., the dinner was served to the people gathered together; the visitors plus communities of Tangbao, Bakian , Naswak, Kabajo and other neighboring villages , the LGU, and the BLGUs of Poblacion and Ekip. Having a taste of the trademark cook of native pig, the visitors as well as the Bokodians experienced contentment with the food.
Bakian Trail
Mt. Tangbao Campsite & the Afternoon Activities
After the dinner, bonfires need to be set up since it is already dark and after setting the fire ablaze, the cultural night began. The ABADEG i, presented seven Bokod cultural dances which includes the Ibaloi Tayao, Kalanguya Tayao, Tin-nadaw (Monkey Dance), Binukaw (Eagle Dance), Bendian, a welcome dance from Mangakew, and the crowd favorite Sagigi dance. All of the dances came from the Ibaloi, Karao and Kalanguya ethno-linguistic groups.
Mangakew Welcome Dance (Ibaloi-Kalanguya) Kalanguya Tayao
The Mayor dancing the Kalanguya Tayao Ibaloi/I-Karao Tayao
The “ crowd favorite “ , Sagigi Dance (Kalanguya)
Binukaw (Eagle Dance -Ibaloi ) Bendian Dance (Ibaloi)
The night in Tangbao proved that, despite being diverse in culture, language, customs and traditions, we always find a way on how to make people from Bokod – the Ibalois, Kalanguyas & Karaos one through our precious culture.
We also showed how we preserve and love our culture by practicing it and take it into account as our identity. It was not just the place that we are promoting but the people as well, it’s blending nature with people and the people’s culture. Our windows are being opened so people unaware or not so aware of our existence are able to know who we are, what we have and what we do.
Visitors were also somewhat able to learn how we practice and perform it. The participants were encouraged to join the dances which in turn, they did and were able to dance our dances. It was a feast, up in the mountains.
Same with the first night, lights were turned off at 10:00 PM.
We also showed how we preserve and love our culture by practicing it and take it into account as our identity. It was not just the place that we are promoting but the people as well, it’s blending nature with people and the people’s culture. Our windows are being opened so people unaware or not so aware of our existence are able to know who we are, what we have and what we do.
Visitors were also somewhat able to learn how we practice and perform it. The participants were encouraged to join the dances which in turn, they did and were able to dance our dances. It was a feast, up in the mountains.
Same with the first night, lights were turned off at 10:00 PM.
April 15, 2012
The trek on the next day started at 8:00 A.M. and participants continued to cross another set of mossy forest which is found on the Ekip side.
Participants take a final photo shoot before leaving Mt. Tangbao
This day included the visit to Mt. Komkompol, the highest point of the adventure at 2,325 MASL. Mt. Komkompol, named after its terrain of endless uphill then downhill trail, seemed to be a joking mountain because it is like trekking though a G.I. sheet where after a downhill is another uphill and so on.
At Mt. Komkompol, the participants settled for picture taking, viewing and resting. This is the last featured mountain after Mt. Pack and Mt. Purgatory. Mt. Komkompol provides a view of the neighboring mountains such as Mt. Salingsingan of Ekip (waiting to be explored) and Mt. Pulag of Kabayan. On the other side, it also provides view of the Nueva Vizcaya area.
At Mt. Komkompol, the participants settled for picture taking, viewing and resting. This is the last featured mountain after Mt. Pack and Mt. Purgatory. Mt. Komkompol provides a view of the neighboring mountains such as Mt. Salingsingan of Ekip (waiting to be explored) and Mt. Pulag of Kabayan. On the other side, it also provides view of the Nueva Vizcaya area.
At Mt. Komkompol (Mt. Pulag on the Background) Mt. Komkompol View Point
Mt. Komkompol – 2325 MASL
After Komkompol’s view point, the participants went down to Giw-giweng (junction) and continued trekking reaching Mt. Tinengan (boundary of mossy forest and pine forest) and crossed the pine forest of Ekip. Tinengan proved to be the most challenging part of the trek, harder than the ascent to Bangtinen because of its continuous downhill terrain mixed with 1.5 ft to 2 ft-wide trail plus the eye-pulling high cliffs all along the trail.
At around 11:00 A.M., some of the participants arrived at the Ekip Barangay Hall and took a rest while waiting for lunch. Native coffee was served, rice wine also. After everybody has arrived, they settled for the awaited part, the lunch.
At 12:00 Noon, free lunch was served at the Ekip Barangay Hall. Pinikpikan with tapsoy was the featured food .
At around 11:00 A.M., some of the participants arrived at the Ekip Barangay Hall and took a rest while waiting for lunch. Native coffee was served, rice wine also. After everybody has arrived, they settled for the awaited part, the lunch.
At 12:00 Noon, free lunch was served at the Ekip Barangay Hall. Pinikpikan with tapsoy was the featured food .
“Helping Hands” – Barangay Officials from Ekip Multi-Purpose
the host Barangays of Poblacion & Ekip Barangay Hall,
preparing the food for the lunch at Ekip Proper. Ekip Proper, Bokod, Benguet
the host Barangays of Poblacion & Ekip Barangay Hall,
preparing the food for the lunch at Ekip Proper. Ekip Proper, Bokod, Benguet
At exactly 1:00 P.M. in the afternoon, the participants hiked through the Ekip road and were accompanied by the burning sun. The Ekip road provided them with views of Rice terraces, vegetable terraces, towering mountains and the view of the Karao-Ekip River.
Participants reached Pethal at 3:00 P.M. where the transport group picked them up and ferried them to Bajombong Waterfalls at Uwak , Karao, Bokod, Benguet. Bajombong Waterfalls served to be a side trip point of the Traverse. Participants were allowed to stay at the waterfalls for about 30 minutes and have a short picture taking and nature bath (with no soap, since soap is prohibitedJ).
Finally, the participants arrived at the Bokod Municipal Hall at around 3:45 P.M. They had their coffee and a taste of the local product “tinupig’. They also had their clean up on one of the houses beside the presedencia.
At 5:00 P.M., the closing program was started. Impressions, comments and suggestions, and words of congratulations were given by the participating bodies of LGU – Itogon, Brgy. Tinongdan, Itogon, LGU – Kibungan, Dawn to Dusk (D2D) Mountaineers, Seven Peaks Outdoor Group – Manila, SN | Aboitiz, and the Freelancers.
Souvenir shirts , certificates, kintoman rice and locally crafted ladles (eros) were given to the visitors as tokens and remembrance obtained from participating in the first Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse.
Participants reached Pethal at 3:00 P.M. where the transport group picked them up and ferried them to Bajombong Waterfalls at Uwak , Karao, Bokod, Benguet. Bajombong Waterfalls served to be a side trip point of the Traverse. Participants were allowed to stay at the waterfalls for about 30 minutes and have a short picture taking and nature bath (with no soap, since soap is prohibitedJ).
Finally, the participants arrived at the Bokod Municipal Hall at around 3:45 P.M. They had their coffee and a taste of the local product “tinupig’. They also had their clean up on one of the houses beside the presedencia.
At 5:00 P.M., the closing program was started. Impressions, comments and suggestions, and words of congratulations were given by the participating bodies of LGU – Itogon, Brgy. Tinongdan, Itogon, LGU – Kibungan, Dawn to Dusk (D2D) Mountaineers, Seven Peaks Outdoor Group – Manila, SN | Aboitiz, and the Freelancers.
Souvenir shirts , certificates, kintoman rice and locally crafted ladles (eros) were given to the visitors as tokens and remembrance obtained from participating in the first Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse.
Closing Program at the Bokod Municpal Hall
The program ended at 6:30 P.M. as Mayor Mauricio T. Macay gave the closing remarks followed by the closing prayer led by Councilor Hanalyn M. Oldico, Committee Chairman on Tourism, so all of those who participated will have a happy and safe trip or walk going home.
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First Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse List of Participants
Special Thanks to :
SN | Aboitiz
Brgy. Ambuklao, Bokod, Benguet
PNP – Bokod, BFP – Bokod, RHU – Bokod , BLGU of Poblacion, Pito & Ekip
Respective Communities of
Mangakew, Tangbao, Bakian, Naswak , Kabajo, Ekip Proper & Poblacion Proper
The First Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse
April 13 – 15, 2012
was brought to you by the :
Municipality of Bokod
&
The Association of Bokod Adventure Eco-Guides, Inc. (ABADEG i)
“Trekking the Cordilleran Kilometer for God’s, People’s & Bokod’s Glory”
SN | Aboitiz
Brgy. Ambuklao, Bokod, Benguet
PNP – Bokod, BFP – Bokod, RHU – Bokod , BLGU of Poblacion, Pito & Ekip
Respective Communities of
Mangakew, Tangbao, Bakian, Naswak , Kabajo, Ekip Proper & Poblacion Proper
The First Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Invitational Traverse
April 13 – 15, 2012
was brought to you by the :
Municipality of Bokod
&
The Association of Bokod Adventure Eco-Guides, Inc. (ABADEG i)
“Trekking the Cordilleran Kilometer for God’s, People’s & Bokod’s Glory”
From the Bokod Municipal Tourism Office
Elinger G. Dayotao Gieson B. Madiano
Admin Aide IV / MTAO – Designate Admin Aide – Job Order
Bokod, Benguet, PhilippinesApril 18, 2012
Elinger G. Dayotao Gieson B. Madiano
Admin Aide IV / MTAO – Designate Admin Aide – Job Order
Bokod, Benguet, PhilippinesApril 18, 2012