The Only Thing You Should Burn in Mt. Pulag
(After almost four hours of trekking through muddy trails, steep cliffs, blinding darkness, and spine-chilling temperature, we finally got to the Radio Tower of Mt. Pulag which is believed to be the best spot to watch the sea of clouds roll by as the first streaks of golden light makes love with the skies. We were led to believe it was worth the climb, and we were disappointed -- it was more than worth it.)
News of Mount Pulag getting burnt broke social media last Saturday, January 20, 2017. Coincidentally, it was also during this time that we just got back from this godly haven of a mountain.
Having just experienced the grandeur of its scenery, I was infuriated by the news of it burning. I could not fathom how people could be so irresponsible and reckless that they would take such a beautiful piece of nature for granted.
I was just there soaking up on the God-given beauty of the place and before we even reached the foot of Benguet, almost five hectares of it turn to ashes. Frustrated is an understatement to describe what I felt (and I know most of us are). BUT, I am not here to play the blame game.
If anything, let this be a loud wake up call for each of us. Let us all be reminded that the next time we visit Mount Pulag (or any mountain for that matter), there is only one thing we should burn, and that is...
NOT ITS FLORA & FAUNA
(We barely even noticed the beauty that surrounded us as we trekked toward Mt. Pulag's Summit. Apart from the fact that we left the camp later than we were supposed to making us unsure if we would catch the sunrise, it was also pitch black around us during our onward trek. It was only during our hike back that we witnessed this abundance of greens that are really refreshing to the eyes.)
Mount Pulag, originally pronounced by the locals as "pu-lag", literally translates to "bald." However, its name speaks of the exact opposite of its vegetation. As discussed to us during DENR's (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) orientation, Pulag's vegetation is divided into three parts--pine forests, mossy forests, and grasslands. Evidently, from the camp ground's perspective, you can easily tell each section apart just by looking at it. Some say that the partitions are caused by the height at which each section is located, while some say it's just the way it was made by the creator. Scientific or not, the changing hues of greens that make a play in front of you is so delightful it can capture your soul just by looking at it.
(This photo doesn't do much justice to how pretty this tree is. One of the biggest trees along the mossy forest section of the Ambangeg Trail, this tree also serves as the cradle of bowets.)
Apart from its greenery, Pulag also boasts of its wildlife which include the very unique Cloud Rat (bowet as the locals call it). These are tiny rats that live in trees and feed on earthworms. It is said to be unique as it stands on its hind legs when it hunts for food, unlike the normal rats which crawl on all fours. I was especially fascinated when this was being discussed because it reminded me of those tiny rats that performed circus tricks in the movie "Coraline."
These are only some of the myriad of species that make Mt. Pulag's flora and fauna rich and one of a kind. It'd be such a waste if this burned to the ground, if you were to ask me.
NOT ITS SCENIC FORESTS
(A trek in the wilderness is supposed to compel you to unplug from all the technology of the world. But seeing a sweet spot like this one just had me drooling for a snap, because when you are faced with such beauty, you'd want to keep a memory of it with you.)
Mount Pulag's flora and fauna deserves highlighting, but it is its forests' character that makes the whole trekking experience one of a kind. Once you enter these forests, you get a different vibe that only it can give. It emanates with such mystery that piques your curiosity enough to keep you going through its trails. Like a gentle touch that caresses your soul, it enchants you to be engulfed in its heart, lost in the middle of nature, apathetic to the worries and conflict of the world in the metro.
I guess part of this atmosphere is brought upon by the energy of the locals' ancestors who are believed to have made Mt. Pulag their haven. No wonder this place is highly respected and is considered sacred by its surrounding community.
(A quick snap of the mountains we passed during the whole trek to the summit--just breathtaking!)
When you have spirits as guardians of a special place, you can rest assured that it will be well taken cared of. Just look at the beauty of this landscape. All the shades of blues and greens are perfect where they are right now. Can you imagine this turning into blacks and greys? Yep. Didn't think so.
NOT YOURSELF
(Take the time to soak up on the refreshing energy brought about by the unique sunrise in Mt. Pulag. Feel the icy breeze rustling through your hair as the warmth of the sunlight touches your cheeks; contrasting sensations have never felt this good.)
The wonders of the sight you will get to experience as you go along the trail towards the summit will be worthless if you're too tired to appreciate them. So it's best to remember not to burn yourself out. Be prepared for the trek, it will all be worth it, I promise. Get yourself some good and warm soup. Head to bed early. Have yourself the best, uninterrupted sleep before you saddle up for the adventure.
Understand that even the easiest trail (the Ambangeg Trail) has its share of steep slopes that will require more than your ordinary walking strength.
(A snap of the crew taking some much needed rest amid the trail from Camp 2 to Camp 1 as we head back to Ranger's station.)
Do not rush yourself to the top. Take the time to stop, rest, and breathe every once in a while. It's better to get there slow, than to not get there in one piece at all. Push yourself enough, but never push yourself too hard.
As much as you owe it to the guardians of Mt. Pulag to be appreciative of the gift of nature, you also owe it to yourself to have enough energy to take in all of Pulag's beauty. After all, isn't the whole point of climbing to indulge on its splendor?
NOT THE DAYLIGHT
(Immediately after the dark dissipates, you are gifted with a prelude of the magnificence that is about to manifest before your eyes.)
I'm pretty sure you've heard of the saying, "stop burning daylight." Well if you haven't, it simply means that one should not waste time. And I'm bringing this up because, while it is not a race towards the summit, once you get there, you have to make use of every single second you have.
You see, not everyone is blessed with clearing (good, clear, sunny weather) during their trek to the summit. We were told by our tour guide, Ate Fe, that some hikers even come back more than 10 times and still do not get lucky enough to witness sunrise, much more the raved about "sea of clouds" phenomenon. So if the spirits of the mountain welcomes you with good weather, be sure to use every millisecond of your time up there to appreciate and embrace all of its wonder.
The view from above, where the sun sneaks into the horizon and gives birth to a multitude of colors that make love to each other. is priceless. I guess there's a reason why some people call it "sky porn." It's because it looks so unbelievably attractive that your soul lusts for its beauty; that you would crave to have a piece of it, yet the closest thing to a tangible souvenir that you can get are photos.
So when you get up there, do not burn daylight. Instead, let the rays of the sun burn in memories into your mind that it may stay there for as long as it can.
(An attempt to snap a memory of this once in a lifetime experience. I know it's never about us, but let me make this about these guys in the photo, because the hard climb was made bearable because of their presence.)
With all that's been said in this post, the whole point is that we should really pay attention to all of our actions whenever we set foot to sacred grounds. Do not burn anything. Instead, let the landscapes heat up your emotions enough to make you remember, when you are in your olden days, that once in your life, you were at a loss for words for how much beauty we have around us.
May the Pulag fire never happen again, because the only thing we should burn in Mt. Pulag are the calories we shed as we walk towards the summit.
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