MT. KALISUNGAN Pre Climb Meeting

Good Day! We would like to invite you to our 4th Open Climb this coming September 5-6, 2009 Mt. Kalisungan, Calauan, Laguna. we are having a pre-climb on September 1, 2009 (Tuesday) @ SM Megamall Foodcourt near Greenwich @ 7:00pm.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns.

Thank you and hope to see you

Niño Rex Flores
Team Leader
0922-4132873

MT. KALISUNGAN

Location: Brgy. Lamot, Calauan, Laguna
Date of Pre-Climb: September 1, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Place of Pre:Climb: SM Megamall Foodcourt near Greenwich
Date of Climb: September 5 – 6, 2009
Coordinates: 14° 08.790N; 121° 20.683E, Calauan, Laguna
Elevation: 760 masl
Level: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
Jump-off point: Erais Farms, Brgy. Lamot, Calauan, Laguna

BACKGROUND

In Laguna, there is a mountain that has many names. Some call it Mt. Calauan or Mt. Nagcarlan after the two towns it borders; others call it Mt. Lamot because it lies in Brgy. Lamot, and it may have been a mossy forest a long time ago. There is growing consensus, however, that this mountain, rising to 760 MASL, should be known as Mt. Kalisungan.

Japanese guerillas, at the twilight of World War II, made Mt. Kalisungan their last stand in Laguna. Afterwards, locals erected a white cross at its peak. It has become a local Holy Week custom to climb the mountain. Throughout the year, Mt. Kalisungan receives ample rainfall, and because of its relatively rustic location, its great charm lies in its serenity.

Verdant fields surround the slopes of Kalisungan. There are coconut trees, banana plantations, corn fields, citrus orchards, and vast grasslands leading to the summit. As one goes higher, the view becomes more distinct: directly in front of you, to the north, is Talim island with its Mt. Tagapo shaped like a young woman’s breast; you can also see Jalajala peninsula jutting into Laguna Lake like a ship, with Mt. Sembrano on its helm. Moving your eyes to east, the highlands of Caliraya appear. And once you reach the peak, you will be able to glimpse upon the seven lakes of San Pablo, flanked by Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. Then, from a distance there is Mt. Makiling, to the west, completing the circle.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 September 5, 2009
06:00 Assembly at 7-11 Buendia corner Taft
06:30 ETD Green Star bus bound to Sta. Cruz for Brgy. Masapang (at the Duck junction)
09:30 ETA @ Masapang, Victoria, Laguna (Breakfast/Packed Lunch)
09:45 ETD Take tricycle to Erais Farms Brgy. Lamot
10:15 ETA @ Erais Farms Brgy. Lamot Jump-off
10:30 Rest, Prepare Lunch
12:00 Lunch
13:45 Start Trek
16:30 ETA @ Campsite / pitch tent
17:30 Prepare Dinner
19:00 Dinner / Socials
23:00 Lights Out


Day 2 September 6, 2009
05:00 Wake-Up Call / Prepare Breakfast
06:30 Breakfast
07:00 Break camp / Picture Taking / LNT
08:30 Start Descent
11:00 ETA @ Jump-off Sitio Lamot (refresh)
11:30 POST CLIMB
12:00 ETD for Brgy. Masapang
12:30 ETA @ Brgy. Masapang / Lunch
13:30 ETD for Manila
16:00 ETA Manila

*May opt to have a side trip @ Dampalit Waterfalls after the POST CLIMB*

Guest Fee: Php 175.00
Includes: I.D. and Button Pin (Souvenir)

Transportation:
Air-con Bus from Buendia to Masapang (115.00) (as of March 2009)
Tricycle from Masapang to Erais Farms (P10.00)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN CLIMBING
Water sources are not available along the trail or even near the campsite so bring enough water for the two-day hike. Cogon grasses are also itchy when it comes into contact with the skin so long pants and long sleeved shirts are advisable.

Climb Officials:

Senior Team Leader - Esmeraldo “Emoi” Dedicatoria
Team Leader - Niño Rex Flores
Asst. Team Leader - Ada Grace Domingo
Scribe - Donna May Montalbo
Treasurer - Jocelyn Villocino
Medic - Mae de Leon
Sweeper - Marlon Lugtu