Montalban Quadrilogy Climb (Dayhike)

When it all started and the preparations

It all started in one group conversation on Facebook last June 23, 2015. Robin Rodrigo (Rob) invited me to one exciting climb that I think anyone would say as a crazy one. As soon as I read the conversation name, "QUAD", I got thrilled because it was different from the past climbs I attended (traverse, dayhike, twin dayhike). Included also in the conversation was Rayford "Ray" Duro and Cristina "Tina" Flores, Rob's original climbing buddies, and Seky Espejo. 

We had a problem finding someone who can guide us in this climb because there are only few who knows the trail to Mt. Hapunang Banoi as well as Mt. Ayaas and for the record, no person or group has done a Quadrilogy or even a Trilogy climb in Montalban (before July 17, 2015). The guide that Rob tried to contact even told him to bring an airplane for us to be able to finish the climb for one day. 

 

I think Kuya Guide got shocked with what he read.

After Rob informed us that he failed to secure a guide for our climb, I contacted Pat Labitoria, a friend I met at Mt. Pamitinan & Mt. Hapunang Junction on my 1st climb in Montalban (June 6, 2015). I got the number of their guide named "Arnel Zata" and started contacting him.

Kuya Arnel also felt uncertain about our plan of doing a Quadrilogy. He told us that Mt. Ayaas was far from the three mountains and so doing a Quad climb will be ambitious for a day hike. We even tried to haggle for the start time of our climb to be early as 04:00am for us to finish the Quad but we were informed that Montalban Mountains are only opened for hikers, 05:00am-05:00pm. Kuya Arnel though, promised us to climb the mountains as time permits. The group settled for a trilogy climb, but continued to talk about finishing a QUAD before 5pm.

  

The most awaited day

The climb was originally set on July 5, 2015 (Sunday) but due to bad weather condition and schedule of the members of the group, it was moved on July 19, 2015. Seky dropped the re-invitation leaving the members of the group down to four (4).

The group assembled on Jollibee - Cubao at 03:00am and arrived at exactly 04:00am at the DENR Office of Sitio Wawa, Montalban Rizal. When we met Kuya Arnel before the clock ticks at 05:00am, we made changes to our itinerary. Our first mountain was Mt. Ayaas since there was a good weather that week and we can pass through the rivers. 

 

The Quad Team with Kuya Arnel :)

Mt. Ayaas (1/4)
LLA: 14°45′3.38′′ N, 121°12′27.5′ 627 MASL (+570)

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with river trekking

Features: River trekking, scenic views, waterfalls

(Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com)

  

During our planning stage, Mt. Ayaas was originally our 1st mountain on the list but was then changed to Mt. Hapunang Banoi and Mt. Pamitinan then descent in the junction to Mt. Ayaas to avoid crossing the strong current of the river. Mt. Binacayan then was just a bonus mountain if we can go back to DENR at most 03:00pm. 

05:10am before we cross the river.

Climbing Mt. Ayaas involves passing through rivers. It will be very difficult during rainy season since the river gets high above the waist and the current of the river is very strong. 

05:45am after we passed on the gate.

The trail is very slippery when wet. Almost half of the trek is river crossing. We wore slippers when we passed the river portion and then put back our shoes after we passed all of the river crossing.

06:05am Kawayan

 Start of passing in the woodlands and inclined portion of the trail.

06:40am - Tower

Final Assault to Summit

Mt. Ayaas summit at 07:10am

 Mandatory Groupie :) 1/4.

We stayed for about 20 minutes in the summit to rest and change our footwear. At this point, we don't know what awaits us going down to the junction of Mt. Hapunang Banoi and Mt. Pamitinan. 

At the Junction of Mt. Hapunang Banoi and Mt. Pamitinan

20-minutes late with our target time of 09:00am

We were drained going up to the junction because of the heat from the sun. We were discussing if we can still finished the Quad or even a trilogy at this point. The group agreed that a decision will be made after we finished Mt. Hapunang Banoi and so we proceed after a 10-minute break.

Mt. Hapunang Banoi (2/4)

LLA: 14°44′25.3′′ N, 121°11′30.4′ 517 MASL (+460m)

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-4 with limestone scrambling

Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province 

(Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com)

   

We took the long but unexposed trail to counter heat of the sun.

Bamboo groves, rocks and sharp limestones formed the trail of Mt. Hapunang Banoi. One must exercise safety and focus going up and down this mountain.

  

At the Molave Tree

After 45 minutes of ascent, we reached the Molave Tree where abundant supply of air was present. At this point we took 5-10 minutes break. Ray had a picture taken hanging on the Molave tree.

                                        

At the summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi, 10:45am

After 30 minutes from Molave Tree we have reached the last summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi. This completes our 2/4 Quad climb.

  

Mandatory groupie :) 2/4.

We took 15-minute break before descending to the junction. 

Mt. Pamitinan (3/4)

LLA (Pamitinan): 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 Trail class 1-4

Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province 

(Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com)

  

We reached the junction at 11:55am and decided to take a nap. We told Kuya Arnel to take his lunch while we rest. Rob had zero water supply at that point and was thinking already to go down to replenish his bottle. He joked that he will just wait for us at Mt. Binacayan. After 20 minutes, we ascend to Mt. Pamitinan.

 

Rob resting his legs, fatigue becoming a factor.

 Tina on her way up 5 minutes to summit

 Mt. Pamitinan summit 1, 12:45pm

 

Mandatory groupie :) 3/4.

After a 15-minute break we rushed going down and had a water break in a store at the Ulingan area going down the junction.

Rob ready to run.

Crossing the Bridge to Pamitinan

Groupie during lunch time :)

We returned to the DENR Office at exactly 01:50pm. We took our official lunch break and had conversations with other mountaineers. Seems like everyone was aware that we were doing a Quad climb that day. Everyone was greeting us on our way up and down the mountains of Montalban. 

Mt. Binacayan (4/4)

LLA: 14°43′30.5′′N 121°11′26.1′′ E 424 MASL

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9; Trail class 1-4

Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province

(Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com)

 

Going up to the last mountain - Mt. Binacayan

We resumed at 02:30pm. This time we were with other mountaineers climbing Mt. Binacayan.

 

 Taking a 10-minute break

Motivated to end the Quadclimb.

 Final rest before the summit of Mt. Binacayan.

At the summit of Mt. Binacayan groupie 4/4, 03:55pm :)

We reached the summit of Mt. Binacayan before 04:00pm and everyone was so happy of what we have accomplished that day. 

Mts. Hapunang Banoi and Pamitinan (L) and Mt. Ayaas (R) as seen at the summit of Mt. Binacayan

Final descent, 04:05pm

We returned to the DENR Office at exactly 05:20pm and everyone can't believed we just did a Quadclimb that day. What an experience for all of us!

 

Quad Group final groupie at the DENR Office :)

It was one heck of a day for all of us. This climb is a reunion climb for Tina, Ray, and Rob. Plus it should have been my Birthday Climb. Thanks to Kuya Arnel for being part of this crazy itinerary. Thank you also to the people of DENR Office for being supportive - offering us water and coffee and monitoring us up and down the mountains through their radios. 

Itinerary of our climb can be viewed here: 

Itinerary/Expenses for QuadClimb

QuadClimb Video:

Montalban QuadClimb - July 19, 2015

Kuya Arnel's Contact #:

09076004641 (Smart)
09166518766 (Globe)

*Kuya Arnel is currently the President of the PPL TourGuides Association in Wawa; it was only that day that we were informed by the other guides we met along the way.


If you are not planning to do a quad hike, you can also contact the number below. The owner of this number is Kuya Ado, my first guide in Wawa, when I climbed Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan last June 6, 2015.

09097366940

Like their Facebook Page:
Pamitinan Protected Lanscape LUBID Tourguides Association

#ApatDapatTeam on Instagram

Robin Rodrigo (@robinrodrigo3)

Rayford Duro (@durotheexplorer)
Cristina Flores (@xtnaflores) please like her page -> Solo Mountainera

Jervine dela Peña (@jervinegotlakad)