Mt. Palay Palay (Pico De Loro)

"When you ride your bike, you're working your legs, but your mind is on a treadmill. When you play chess, your mind is clicking along, but your body is stagnating. Climbing brings it together in a beautiful, magical way. The adrenaline is flowing, and it's flowing all the time." 

-- Pat Ament

Last May 18, 2013 we hiked Mt. Palay Palay (Pico De Loro) in Ternate Cavite. After registration in Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sanctuary in Ternate, Cavite for P20 each, we slowly hike to  2246 feet above sea level.  Pico de Loro is considered a medium-difficulty level mountain for climbers and is perfect for a day climb.

Going to Pico de Loro takes about a 2-3 hour bus ride to Cavite, where you get off at Marigondon Town. From there you take a tricycle ride which will charge you 75 pesos each. After an hour of walking we arrived at the base camp1 where we paid the second registration amounting to P20. There you can buy Gatorade, soft drinks, instant noodles, and biscuits. 

"Good morning po! Ingat po kau!" greetings with smiles of mountaineers we encountered as we continued hiking. 

Yes that's me with the boys, Owen-Nomeo-Fonz and Jid

In the summit we had spectacular views of Nasugbu Beach, coves, mountain ranges, and thick forest – all of which are equally impressive. Like Mt. Arayat, forest cover is good throughout the trail. Ang ganda nya! I consider this mountain as the best mountain I've climbed next to Batulao. The nasugbu beach was enticing and they said you can descend to that part of the trail if you wanna go swimming after hiking but we had limited time since most of our companions are first timers thus we made it on top for 3 and half hours. We were happy anyway :)  Always have consideration for the weaker members of your party. Advise other hikers of any dangers and give them encouragements.  

The trail becomes steeper as you approach the summit from the camp site. It was my first climb without a guide but we made it through the help of the obvious trail signs.

If it was hard climbing up that part of the trail, I was harder going down...we did slide in some parts.

The boys decided to climb the monolith or also called the parrots beak for a solid experience of Pico. Me and Aidinne didn't.  Well, first of all I love my life and I think I can make it up there and no need to prove anyone that I can. Plus my hands get so sweaty that I might lose my grip. 

Summiting Pico De Loro marks the end of one adventure and the start of another – you can choose to extend your stay by visiting the Pico De Loro falls which was dry during our hike day.