Mt. Manunggal Balamban, Cebu: The Historical

Mt. Manunggal is situated in Brgy. Magsaysay, Balamban in the Queen City of the South – Cebu. Elevation is measured at 1003 Meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Central Cebu.

Mt. Manunggal is the crash site of Pinatubo, the presidential plane which carried President Ramon Magsaysay in March 17, 1957. You see, Mt. Manunggal was an unknown mountain until the crash. Today, a commemorative bust of President Magsaysay and a monument embedding Pinatubo’s engine stand at the slopes of this historic mountain. Gallopers member who participated this climb last February 15, 2016 are as follows.

Ana Marie Garcia
Christian Ian Sy
Harry Jim Secusana
Hubert Repunte
Rutchel Baguioro
Vincent Laping
Geraldine April Cale
Shiao Suliano
and the first timer Jonnel Cabrera who accepted the challenge to be one of us.

The sunset faded and blended from pink to peach to mango in a smoothie in the sky.

Trekking at night is kinda scary, the silence of the place added the pressure with our cold feet and  empty stomach. Our goal is to be at the campsite with no estimated time. As it was our first time to climb Mt. Mangungal we didn't realized that we are already the start point going down to the camp site. 

I didn't get the chance to take picture of this post as we are in a hurry to be at the camp site. Note that this post will determine that you are already arrive at the Mt. Manungal.

Along the dark night and winding road the group is thank that mountain has path way that made it quite easy for us to traverse going down and lead us to the camp site. Just follow through it and you will never get lost unless of course you want to. :)

We arrived at Mt. Manunggal monument around 8PM (this is a traverse climb from Mt.Mauyog), we set up our camp, cook dinner, socials and lights off at 10:00PM to regain our energy. 

We woke up at around 6am and got the chance to walk around the area before the rain pours again. 

We saw the actual spot where the plane crashed, the engine etched in the area serving as its marker. Another cemented wall was constructed with a “marble plate” where the names of the 27 passengers of Mt Pinatubo are engraved.

Approximately 8 in the morning we started to trek and live Mt. Manungal with heavy and 
thankful heart. The road is a bit muddy as the sky pours us a blessings.

The famous dog guide in Mt. Manungal. We named his/her "Brownie" , Brownie lead the way up until we reached the town proper even the rain is pouring. I was concerned about brownie on how he/she will go back to the mountain, but I get those feeling that he/she will get there. Brownie is a smart, friendly and awesome dog. 

~ Pose like a boss ~ 

Itinerary

Day 01: 

05:00PM - Start descent and traversed to Mt. Manunggal
07:00PM - ETA foot of Mt. Mauyog
08:00PM - Arrived at Mt. Manunggal Monument, set camp, cook dinner, socials
10:00PM - Lights off

Day 02: 
06:00AM - Wake up call
07:00AM - Cook breakfast, eat breakfast, get water, sightseeing, and picture taking
08:00AM - Start descend for Barangay Gaas drop point going to Manungal
12:00NN - Arrived at Barangay Gaas (to wait our pick up)
02:00PM - ETA JY Square Lahug

Budget and Expenses:
*Hired jeepney to Cantipla junction (PHP2,500 divided to 8pax) 312.50/pax
-pick up at JY Square Lahug > drop off Cantipla junction
-pick up at Barangay Gaas > drop off JY Square Lahug
*Lunch (PHP55)
*Food supplies (PHP100) per pax including water both community and personal/trail)

Total expenses = 467.50/pax