Mt. Arayat – My first mountain trek experience

Yeah that’s right, I’ve never hiked or trekked mountain before but I've always wanted to try.  So when Jed invited me and the other gangsters for a day hike in Mt. Arayat in Pampanga I gleefully said yes. The search for a higher playground started last March 16, 2013 (Saturday)

View of Mt. Arayat from San Juan Bano Jump off point

The Mt Arayat National Park Authority (forest ranger station) is located in San Juan Baño, Arayat, Pampanga. When we entered the park they offered us guides and parking space with fee. The mountain is considered a mystical one, the legendary home of Aring Sinukuan or the Fairy known as diwata Mariang Sinukuan. Two trails lead to the peaks of Mount Arayat. Mount Arayat National Park Located at San Juan Baño in Arayat, Pampanga has a trail to the southern Peak, taking around 3–4 hours to reach the peak. The Southern Peak offers views of Central Luzon, including a view of Pampanga River and that's the trail we chose. The other trail is the Magalang trail. 

On our way to the White Rock

My Mt. Arayat hike buddies :) PAGODa Tragedy na! haha

Experiencing the marvelous White Rock on top of Mt. Arayat is a wonderful experience. As a first timer I would say that the trail here was very tough yet I was thankful it was forested thus the sun was not a burden to us. After three hours of trekking, we reached the White Rock, nestled between Mt. Arayat’s two peaks and offering a magnificent view of the plains of Central Luzon. 

View from the White Rock

My Bragging pose ;)

We made it! We did it step by step and when we reached the top, it was an overwhelming experience to have achieved what we wanted to achieve. We stayed for an hour at the top looking at the view above and below. I cared less about the heat of the sun at that moment. The sweat, strain and muscle fatigue quickly diminished in awe of what I saw and felt.

We then descended from the white rock down a steep slope, with various slip sliding away from the group. There are parts where you need crawl down the rocks. It was challenging but exciting trail.  You’ll get to see rock, big rocks on your way up to the White Rock.  After the hike we paid P10 for the use of CR in the natural park and changed our clothes then we had our early dinner at Jurado's 5 Fast food. We were looking for Razon's Halo halo but locals said that the nearest halo halo station is the Jurado's 5 where they serve pastillas halo halo. It is located at Espino Ave. and Manapat St., just 10 mins away from the park and we paid P20 each to get there. I also ordered Sisig since it's Pampangas' best. According to my taste buds, Jurardo's halo halo is really good.

Let me just share you my expenses for this adventure because it surprised me when I did the audit. 

Expenses

Makati to San Juan Baño: P-0- (thanks to our manager Sir Ian for the free ride J )

San Juan Baño to Arayat Poblacion (tricycle): P20/person

Use of CR: P10

Jurado’s Fast food: P99 (Sisig with rice) P50 (Pastillas Halo-halo)

Arayat Poblacion to San Fernando (jeepney): P25/person

San Fernando to Manila ( Public bus): P102

Tour Guide: P275/person

Total: ~P581

Actually these expenses seemed costly for me because I did not expect to pay P275 for the guide. Having been read some blogs before the day hike, the average guide fee is only 500 per group. I tried to negotiate but they didn't agree. Well we have no choice because we’re all newbie mountaineer enthusiast.

MEET MY LITTLE WEEKEND CLUB

Jid Albin , the man behind KLDKRN blogs.  We've been friends for more that three years now and aside from out of town team-buildings and company outings we never travelled together.  It's our first time to travel together and I had a great time. He loves to travel and a photographer by heart. You can follow his blog and check out his adventures.

Meet Commander Dioso. A very jolly and optimistic friend, high on life and let things just go with the flow.

Nomeo was also with us but I was not able to get a picture of him. He is from a lower batch and decided to tag along even if its in the middle of audit season. 

Always remember that the best thing that you can bring while you’re hiking is just a little prayer.