Mar 27-28, 2010 - Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Anilao Batangas

Mt. Gulugod baboy
Brgy. San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas
Jump-off Point: Philpan Beach Resort, Anilao, Batangas

Location: 13" 43.000N 130" 53.000E
Elevation: 470 meters above sea level 
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours 
Distinct Characteristics: 360" view of Anilao

BACKGROUND
Gulugod-Baboy is the general term that describes the hills that traverse Calumpan Peninsula. Located in Southern Batangas, the peninsula is more known for the diving resorts of Anilao – the birthplace of Philippine scuba diving. Since dive enthusiasts are also enthusiasts for anything ‘outdoor’, they began exploring the hills, and soon, Gulugod Baboy became a hiking destination on its right, although today it remains a popular sidetrip to a diving escapade to Anilao, or to the nearby Sombrero or Maricaban islands.

There is confusion regarding where the real “Gulugod-Baboy” is. From SE to NW (from Brgy. San Teodoro to Brgy. Laurel), there are three peaks in the range. The first is 470 MASL, the second is 485 MASL, and the third is 525 MASL. This third has a large, ancient tree as its landmark, and is known to mountaineers as the real Gulugod Baboy. However, locals say that this third peak is actually Mt. Pinagbanderahan, and the first peak is the Gulugod Baboy. Fans of Long Henson, father of itineraries, would remember that he wrote about a Mt. Pinagbanderahan in Mabini, Quezon. This may actually refer to Mabini, Batangas, and is actually one and the same as the Gulugod-Baboy we know. Thus, there are three peaks, from SE to NW: Gulugod-Baboy, Gitna, and Pinagbanderahan.

Gulugod-Baboy is a playground for adventure: you can refer to the map and ascend/descend to any point in the peninsula using the compass. Most directions have trails; indeed there are many trails in the mountain which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. At its peaks, you can see, from east to west: Janao Bay, Maricaban strait which bears Sombrero and Maricaban islands, a distant, faint blue Mindoro, Verde Island (SW) and Batangas Bay. The city and port of Batangas is visible on the west, following a farther Mt. Daguldul. To the north is Mt. Maculot, and even Mt. Batulao and the Tagaytay highlands.

TRIVIA
Gulugod-Baboy means “pig’s spine”, so named because of the contours of the hills. “Gulod”, however, means hill; “pig’s hill” can also depict the pastoral scene of the mountain. You would normal encounter cows, goats, and in the past, pigs, as you trek through the mountain.

SUGGESTED ITENERARY
Day 1

05:30 - Assembly @ 7-11 Taft, Buendia

06:00 - ETD Mabini, Batangas (crossing/ junction jeepney ride going to Anilao-Eagle Point )

09:00 - ETA Mabini, Batangas (crossing/ junction 1st jeepney ride going to Anilao-Eagle Point ) (last minute na pamimili sa palengke kung may bibilhin kayo)

10:00 - ETD for Brgy. Sulo(market/terminal another 2nd jeepney ride to jump-off- Philpan Dive)

13:00 - ETA Jump off  LUNCH! Philpan Dive Resort (Equipment/last minute check)

13:30 - Start of trek.

15:30 - Campsite na!!! Pitch tent (Pwede tayong maaga makarating or late depende sa pacing)

18:00 - Prepare Dinner

20:00 - Socials

22:30 - Lights out

Day 2

05:30 - Wake up call, prepare Breakfast (maaga ang wake-up call para mahaba ang time natin sa beach)

06:30 - Break Camp

07:30 - Start Decent

09:30 - ETA Philpan Beach Resort (Lunch and swimming)

01:00 - Get ready for departure (depende ito kung mabilis tayo lahat kumilos)

13:30 - ETD Philpan

15:30 - ETA Tritan Bus Station Batangas

16:00 - ETD for Manila

18:00 - ETA Manila 

Estimated Expenses: (as of March 2010)

• Calabarzon bus - 166.50php
• Anilao jeep - 30php
• Philpan trike - 80php (3climbers)
• Register - 10php
• Guide - 250php (09091321862 jun2/alvaro) (optional)
• Entrance to Philpan beach - 60php
• Cottage - 300php (hati-hati)

Special Consideration in Climbing
During summer, the bare shoulder becomes too hot so it is better to hike in the late in the afternoon and leave early the next day. At the jump-off point there is a store where u can buy other needs. There is also no water source available at the campsite so bring enough water. Last water source is the last house before the campsite. The trek would only take 2 hours depend on the pacing. Watch out for dogs, cows and horses roaming around the campsite.


Reference:
Pinoy Mountaineer