How Mt. Purgatory Got Its Name
Pioneer upland residents within the vicinities of sitio Mangisi used to consider the mountain as part of Mt. Mangisi. Mangisi used to be a jungle/thickly vegetated with various tree/plant species dominated by pine trees (pinus kesiya) that attracted the Benguet Consolidated Inc. to establish its spar tree (jump pole for tramline) site now known as line 7, where cut logs/timbers are temporarily stored ready to be trammed to Bobok Sawmill site for sawing into planks.
In 1960’s, according to Mr. Dibsan Suaya, Mr. Nicanor Lydio, and Mr. Atamio Padsungay, still living legend employees of the said company said that their logging superintendent, Mr. Durham Hale Bennett conducted timber cruising activity in the virgin forest of Mangisi. The difficulties encountered therein prompted him to baptize this part of Mount Mangisi to Mount Purgatory based on coldness ranging from (-0 ◦C - 18 ◦C) due to high elevation of 2,290 meters above sea level, darkness due to thick vegetation and forests, cloudy with no sunset, and, waterless, except in lower elevation. Such difficulties are compared to the sufferings of sinners cited in both old and New Testament of the Bible, that came into the idea of Mr. Bennett to rename it to Purgatory.
In 1960’s, according to Mr. Dibsan Suaya, Mr. Nicanor Lydio, and Mr. Atamio Padsungay, still living legend employees of the said company said that their logging superintendent, Mr. Durham Hale Bennett conducted timber cruising activity in the virgin forest of Mangisi. The difficulties encountered therein prompted him to baptize this part of Mount Mangisi to Mount Purgatory based on coldness ranging from (-0 ◦C - 18 ◦C) due to high elevation of 2,290 meters above sea level, darkness due to thick vegetation and forests, cloudy with no sunset, and, waterless, except in lower elevation. Such difficulties are compared to the sufferings of sinners cited in both old and New Testament of the Bible, that came into the idea of Mr. Bennett to rename it to Purgatory.
Mt. Purgatory Launching Climb
It was October 19,2011 , the day when the launching climb for Mt. Purgatory was held. The climb drew 102 participants from parts of Benguet and Baguio City, mostly from the municipality. This was a three-day activity which was scheduled last October 19 - 21, 2011.
Day 1
Before the said activity, a launching program for the climb was held at the Bokod Municipal Hall's grounds where DOT-CAR Director Purificacion Suanding-Molintas, also from Bokod, was the guest speaker. Mayor Mauricio T. Macay unveiled the Mt. Purgatory Climb banner which declared that Mt. Purgatory is now open for trekking.
After the launching program, the participants headed to the Japas jump-off point through transportation. Around 1:00 PM in the afternoon, the participants started the climb and traversed the Pine Forest of Mangakew up to the Mossy Forest of Mt. Pack (2290 MASL).
At 6:00 PM , trekkers reached Mt. Purgatory (2100 MASL) and set camp. Heavy rain pouring was no match with the fire burning inside the trekkers' hearts and their burning desire to conquer the mountain.Native pig meat was served for the trekkers that night.
Day 2
Because of the rain, the night was endless to most but the morning was a promising brand new day as the sun came forth peeping through the woven mossy forest.
After eating a breakfast of "pinikpikan" the trekkers set off to continue and complete the trail.Starting from Mt. Purgatory at 8:30 AM , trekkers reached Mt. Tinengan at 10:00 AM. Though Tinengan's view point was covered with clouds, the trekker's eyes were filled with endless views of the mossy forest and were straightened up by the beauty & challenge of its trail.
From Mt. Tinengan, trekkers reached Ekip Proper and had their lunch there. Native pig's meat, water cress, "pinuneg" and "tafey" were served for the trekkers.
At about 1:30 PM, trekkers set off the way to Brgy. Karao, the last stretch of the trekking activity. From mossy and pine forest views, the views changed to mountains, rice fields , vegetable gardens and the rivers.
Pethal, Ekip was the finish line of the climb. Reaching the Karao-Ekip River finishes the two-day climb. From that point, vehicles from the municipality transported the trekkers to the Municipal Hall.
Day 3
The culminating activity was done at the Ambuklao Heritage Site. It was synchronized with the Senior Citizens Day and the Celebration of the Indigenous People's Month. Certificates and recognitions were given to the participants during this day.
Different cultural dances from the different barangays of Bokod were also performed. The Ibaloi, Kalanguya and Karao tribes performed their own respective dances for the purpose of thanksgiving to the Almighty, cultural awareness, participation of the people and entertainment for the visitors.
The activity ended at 2:00 PM as trekkers headed for home, sweet home.