Field Notes
The Mountain Beneath the Summit
Natural History Notes from the Mossy Forests of Mt. Kalatungan Most hikers remember mountains by their summits. They remember the elevation, the difficulty, the weather, the photographs taken at the highest point. Years later, when stories are retold, the summit becomes the symbol of the entire journey. Yet when I look back on our climb...
Photo Climbing Mt. Kalatungan–Lumpanag Traverse
A Photographer’s Field Guide to Mindanao’s Twin Peaks Based on a 2013 Kalatungan–Lumpanag traverse via Brgy. Mendis, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. Trail conditions, regulations, access arrangements, guide requirements, and tourism policies may have changed since this expedition. Always verify current information with local...
Bone Doc and Team TAMAC goes Penek Busay!
September 22, 2007 “Maupod ko sa Penek Busay Dokie, upod ka man? (I’m going to the Digos river trek Dokie! Are you coming with us?)” These excited words of Sir Joy surprised me because a day before I never thought we’d push trough with this trek. “Cge ah! Upod ta! (Yes we’re going!) I bewilderingly...
The City of Fairies: A Cold Climb Up Mt. Dulang-Dulang (D2)
A cold, wet climb into the mossy forests of Mt. Dulang-Dulang, where a cancelled traverse, a difficult night at camp, and stories of fairies and unseen mountain dwellers made my first experience on D2 more memorable than I expected. We came for the mountain, but we left with a few stories—and goosebumps—to go with it.
My Mt. Kitanglad Majestic Surprise!
May 2, 2007 Mt. Kitanglad was originally not on our itinerary for this Bukidnon trip. En route to Sumalsag Caves in Sumilao, Bukidnon, however, I was awestruck by the sight of the vast Kitanglad Mountain Range. Onin casually mentioned there’s an actual Mt. Kitanglad in that range and jokingly suggested we climb it the next …...
Bukidnon Promised a Better Cave — So I Went Spelunking at Sumalsag Cave
A promise of better caves and the chance to explore Bukidnon was enough to get me on a bus to Sumalsag. What followed was a long, wet, occasionally awkward journey through underground streams, cold lagoons, slippery formations, and a cave exit that made me question my life choices.
