Mt. Lanaya, Alegria, Cebu

National Mountain Clean-Up Day
May 9, 2015

MT. Lanaya

Alegria, Cebu

Entry point: Poblacion Alegria (highway) / Brgy. Legaspi (foot)
Exit point: Brgy. Lumpan
LLA: 9 ° 42'N, 123 ° 21'E (inexact), 720 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days; 4-5 hours
Specs: Minor, Exploration, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 2-3  ompetitive pace, relaxed pace 5-7 hours

ACTIVITY

Gallopers Mountaineering Association participates in the National Mountain Clean-Up Day, on May 9, 2015 organized by  Sir  Gideon Lasco .  This is a nation wide mountain clean-up activities which mountaineering clubs, freelance hikers, local governments, private sectors working hand in hand to promote awareness and clean-up activities in the mountains and other natural areas in different parts of the Philippines ( Pinoy Mountaineer Guiding Document ) . 

Mountaineers from different parts of the country, had the liberty to choose their targets for mountain clean-up. Gallopers choose Mt. Lanaya, Legaspi, Alegria, Cebu (720 + MASL), located in the southern part of Cebu. The group is composed of eleven (11) members participating in the said activity.

Participants Members:

Ana Marie Garcia
Christian Ian Sy
Christine Sy
Harry Jim Secusana
Hubert Repunte
Ricoy Jodol
Ritchie Sanchez
Rutchel Baguioro
Vincent Laping
Sheina Joy Bayona
Christine Itang

The gallopers who are participating the activity was gathered in Cebu South Bus Terminal. Scheduled time of departure was 5:00 am and CBS of May 9,2015, the group rode the bus via Bato Barili going to Brgy. Leagspi, Alegria Cebu. The fare bound is around Php 150-160.00 per person. 

We arrived at Brgy. Hall of Legaspi around 9:30 am estimated of around 4hours of travel from Metro Cebu.  The group registered and paid the registration fee, yet our registration fee was waived by Legaspi Brgy. Council as we are participating the National Clean-Up Day. 

The group start ascending to Mt. Lanaya at 10:00 am and facing the glaring heat of the sun. The group enjoyed the scenery along the way seeing the vast of the Tanon Strait and the grassy hills in the trail.

The trail is quite straight forward in nature yet the trail invites danger even from its starting few meters from the base of the mountain. Loose rocks (dot) that makes the ascent very difficult for those mentally unprepared. Climbing up two steps while sliding down one step is quite normal, as struggling to grab bush roots to hold on or sink your feet into large rocks are the norms. Mountaineers have to bring ropes to aid the entire group.

Our first stop was at the area they called Windows XP as it resemble the iconic wallpaper. We've ate our lunch and drink a fresh coconut for 25pesos.

After taking our lunch we decided to take rest to regain our energy as we are not yet half way going to the peak of Mt. Lanaya.

The trail is unforgiving. There are no descents for comforting the weary mountaineers, let alone large open spaces for sprawling out. The trail is punctuated by 60/70/80 degree inclines for most of the time and the last 20% of the trail is normal. There is also a 90 degree rock climbing obstacles from which no degree of error should be made, unless one wants to fall into the green ravine below.

After 3 hours of trekking  torture  we finally reached the campsite which could accommodate no more than 5 to tents and is just less than 30 minutes from Kalo Kalo peak, which is the summit of Mt. Lanaya. The summit allows you to see the coastline of Alegria, Tanon Strait as well as the neighboring province of Negros Oriental.

The beginners in our group experienced the trail of this mountain which is a great initiation climbing experience for the newbies. 

The group were able to camp in the tree lines campsite which is perfect choice if bad weather will occur.

Gallopers started the clean-up activity at around 4:30 pm after establishing the camp. Clean-up target was teh trail going to the summit from the tree lines campsite. Garbage is collected were plastic bags, candy wrappers, empty bottles and some small water containers. The estimated collected garbage weighs to 1.5 kilograms.

After the clean up our team decided to go to the peak as they called it "Kalo Kalo-Peak" to witness the beautiful sunset, the peak was really a steep peak literally. 

While waiting for the sunset "Groufie with the Team" :) We #Survive Mt. Lanaya

And the long wait is over ... Oh such beauty "Sunset"

Gallopers enjoyed the summit after the clean-up. The 360 degree view of Alegria and the dramatic Sunset. The perfect place to feel breeze while your sight soaring over the places of the town.

"THE AMAZING SUNRISE"

The endeavor was very worth it during the activity. The difficulties experienced by the newbies was all paid with scenery of the place. Truly, as the saying goes "What is hard to endure is sweet to remember". 

Honestly speaking my experience in assaulting this Mountain was awesome and excellent because of the good weather, unharmed, breathtaking view at the Peak, and the laughter we had shared along the trail.  I truly believed that the bonds of friendship are the best present we ever received.

ITINERARY

(From Cebu City)

Day 1

0500 off to Alegria

0900 Alegria and arrival, breakfast, food / water gathering

1000 start trek via Legaspi trail

1200 @ lunch trail

1700 arrival at the summit area

1800 arrival at base camp, pitch tents

1900 dinner socials &

Day 2

0600 Morning call time, cook for breakfast
0700 Breakfast and prepare to ascent to Kalo-kalo peak for Sunrise

0800 Break camp, descent going to Alegria Proper

1000  Ride habal2x to proper Alegria
1100 Optional sidetrip beach or spring

1300 Back to Metro Cebu

Mt. Lanaya budget and expenses

Food & water: 150
Transportation: 280 (Bus)

                        80 (Hala-habal)Guide: 500 (500/11 )= 45.50 

Total: 555.50