The Nest Mountain Resort & Campgrounds


This resort is located in Sitio Kalunutan, Barangay Maligaya, Palayan City (Nueva Ecija). You can Google the place or click this link.

It was my first time to visit this place as the location of the Wedding Reception Party of the Wedding that I attended during the weekend. I stayed overnight in one of their “cabanas” which are huts constructed on the side of the mountain. The hut is complete with amenities and has a porch overlooking the mountain and the cities of Palayan and Cabanatuan. I am sorry that I could not tell how much would it cost to stay in this place for one day/night because it was paid by my friend.

I am familiar with the place when there was no resort yet ten years ago. I was able to conduct a recon by tracing the trail system in the mountains adjacent to the said barangay. I started at the Philippine Army CAFGU Detachment at Barangay Tanawan all the way down to Barangay Aulo, then to the Aulo Dam and Lake. It was a whole day trekking and hiking adventure with another trail runner who was familiar with the place. From what I have experienced before, I was able to determine the exact location where I made my recon in relation to the location of the Resort. I was in the mountain in front of the Resort when I did my recon. The place where the Resort is located was still full of trees and tall grasses then. I think the owner of the Resort (which is a Corporation) was the one who constructed the road leading to the place, coming from Palayan City and from Barangay Tanawan Road/Highway.

I was able to eat late lunch, dinner, and breakfast the following day and I would say that the food is okey and the prices are reasonable. There is only ONE THING that I dislike during my stay in the said resort. There are so many flies….in the restaurant and in my “cabana”. Maybe, the flies that were inside my hut were able to enter the place when I opened the door leading to the porch when I sitted on one of the chairs and then took some video and pictures surrounding the place. While were eating our late lunch there were so many flies trying to land on our food but we used our hands to drive them away. We tried asking for candles from the staff but they can not produce any. Instead, we asked for one stand fan to be used to drive the flies away from our food and table.

The amenities inside the hut is average. The space is not big or small. It is just average. The bathroom is too small. The lockers are very simple. However, the bed with comforter is nice and the air-con is new and efficient. I had it adjusted to 22-degree Centigrade and I was able to sleep soundly. I was not able to get any TV Channel or Cable in the TV available. The WiFi Internet connection is good, too! Once you are inside the hut/cabana, everything is silent! The sound of the air-con is the only one that you can hear which eventually unnoticeable!

It was drizzling with rain in the late afternoon and the surrounding path was slippery. I am glad I was wearing my heritage boots and it got better traction than wearing some sneakers of dress shoes. However, during nighttime, the place was so beautiful because of the lighting system and the beautiful garden and plants within the resort. It was a nice place to take night pictures.

Before breakfast the following day, I was able to hike and walk around the resort and the place looks so beautiful with the blue sky. It was a perfect time to have beautiful selfies and pictures of the swimming pool, the garden, buildings, cabanas/huts, and the pathways of the resort.

If not for the flies, this place is perfect for a getaway and silent place to stay for the weekend. Being a private place, this place is only reached by driving your own private vehicle as there are no public transportation reaching this place. If I need to write a book and find a quiet place, I would not think twice to travel to this place again and stay for two to three days! How I wished I should have brought my swimming attire and goggles and be able to swim in their clear swimming pool.

If you need a place to relax and enjoy a quiet environment in the mountains for the weekend, I highly recommend this place. You can visit their Facebook Page and find out more things about this place. Good luck! Thanks for reading this post.

Daily Journal: May 31, 2025


I attended a Wedding Ceremony and Party in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. I had been assigned in this place as a Brigade Commander of the 702nd Brigade of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. My Headquarters is located in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija which is the adjacent municipality where the Wedding was held. The reason why I attended this wedding is because of an invitation from the relative of the bride. The relative happens to be a very close friend of mine whom I knew as a runner.

The church is located in a place where there are a lot of trees and it seems it is located in a forest. The place is very green and the air around is very refreshing. It has a lot of parking speces and shaded parts. The chapel is a small place which can accommodate only about 50-80 persons. It is a very private place!

I was seated at the second to the last row of bench inside the church and I just observed the people and the rites that was being held. This is the second wedding party that I have attended for the month of May this year. I will describe the first wedding that I attended on May 5, which was a Monday, the start of the week, in my next blog. After more than hour of observing on what were going on on the rites, I left the place, in convoy with my friend’s entourage to the place of the Reception Party.

The reception place is far from the place of the Chapel and in my estimate, it was almost 10 kilometers away which took us 20-30 minutes of easy driving in a paved/cemented road with no other vehicles around. We finally arrived at the Reception Place which is a Mountain Resort and Camping Ground. It is located in the mountains of Palayan City and it is overlooking Fort Magsaysay where I had my Special Forces and Airborne training when I was assigned at the Special Operations Command of the Philippine Army. I was surprised to see the place as it is very new. I think the place is only only one or two-year old place. The place is called The Nest and it could be searched through Google.

The reception party was held on the 2nd floor of the main building of the Resort. The Hall was just enough for 100-150 guests and the tables were arranged to accommodate such number of people. In other words, the place was packed with guests. The ceremony was managed by those called Wedding Planners and the rites/program/ceremony was too long and boring for old people like. After one hour of waiting and watching the program being held, my friend decided to leave the place together with his family and he brought me with him and we went to the restaurant within the Resort.

We had a sumptuous lunch and we had long conversation after almost two years of not seeing each other. It was a good way to bring the good old days when we were still strong as runners and ultrarunners.

Simple Pleasure: Klondike Ice Cream


When I had my military schooling in the US Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia, taking up the Infantry Officer Advance Course during the Winter-Spring Course (November 1983 to May 1984), it was my first time to buy and taste this Ice Cream. And every time I would visit and buy grocery at the Post Commissary Store, I would buy one pack which would last me for my next visit to the store every two weeks.

One Pack Of Klondike Ice Cream

Since then, every time I visit the United States for a vacation or run a marathon race or any running event, I always make the effort to buy one or two packs of this Ice Cream. It brings good memories during those 6-7 months stay in Fort Benning, Georgia.

I have yet to see this Ice Cream in our grocery stores in the Philippines. I hope I am wrong. If anybody knows where to buy this Ice Cream outside the United States, it would be a good news or information to share.

Thanks for reading!

2017 Revel Canyon City Marathon Official Video


A few weeks after I finished the 2017 Revel Canyon City Marathon Race, I received an e-mail telling me that my Official Pictures and Video are ready to be uploaded. I was surprised to receive such message, most especially, when such documentation service from the Race Organizer had provided such to all the Finishers for FREE! This is the beauty and advantage of the Revel Races being held in the US. Most of their races are downhill, lesser in number of participants, Boston Marathon Qualifier, cheap as compared to others, no lottery, and free pictures/videos. They have also high quality “swags” like Finisher’s T-Shirts and Medals. At one time, they gave a Free Pair of Goodr Sunglasses.

The following is the video of the Race and it is personalized for me as a souvenir for the race. It is unfortunate that the 2017 edition was the last edition of this Marathon Race in Azusa, California. The Race Organizer had transferred the venue to Big Bear, California and I missed to join it last year.

Thank you for watching this short video. And thank you for dropping by.

Have a nice day!

Official Result: 2nd North Coast 200-Mile Ultra Marathon Run (2017)


2017/2nd Edition of North Coast 200-Mile Ultra Marathon Race

Starting Place: In Front of the Provincial Capitol of Ilocos Norte/Laoag City

Gun Start: 12:01 AM May 11, 2017

Finish Line: La Perla Inn, Barangay Zinungan, Santa Ana, Cagayan

Finish Time: 12:01 AM May 14, 2017

Cut-Off Time: 72 Hours

Number Of Starters: 10 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 10 Finishers

Percentage Of Finish: 100%

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Ten Runners At The Starting Line

RANK                    NAME                           TIME (Hrs)

  1. Bong Dizon (Overall Champion, Course Record) —-61:22:33
  2. Dondon Talosig (1st Runner-Up, Overall, CR) —–62:35:01
  3. Eric Cruz (2nd Runner-Up, Overall, CR) —–62:41:40
  4. Rhoda Caballero-Oporto (Female Champion, Course Record) —-62:48:16
  5. Rolan Cera ———————————– 67:19:15
  6. Remy Caasi (1st Runner-Up, Female) ———67:19:42
  7. Jon Borbon —————————— 69:06:14
  8. Gibo Malvar —————————- 69:37:45
  9. Fer De Leon —————————- 70:09:10
  10. Rose Betonio (2nd Runner-Up, Female) —— 70:48:28

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Overall Champion & New Course Record Holder Bong Dizon

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Female Champion & New Course Record Holder Rhoda Caballero-Oporto

Congratulations to all the Finishers and to their Support Crew.

See you in the next edition of this event (2018)!

Race Report: 2017 Tarawera 102 Ultramarathon Race (Part 2)


Race Report: 2017 Tarawera 102K Ultramarathon Race (Part 2)

Airbnb For Accommodation

Whenever I join ultra races abroad, I usually make my bookings on motels through their websites. I never had the experience to bring my camping gears and set up my tent in camp sites near or within the Starting Area of a trail ultra race. Since I was planning to join the CCC @ UTMB this year (but I was not lucky to be picked on the lottery) and try to stay on Airbnb in Chamonix, France, I looked for “homestays” in Rotorua, New Zealand on the Internet. Staying in New Zealand in an Airbnb accommodation would be a nice “first-time” experience for me prior to going to other races in Europe.

After some browsing on the Internet, I found a place which has so many positive feedback from the people who stayed in the said house. Considering the cheaper amount to be spent as compared to staying a Hotel or Motel in Rotorua, the house is located near the start of the event and the place is quiet and affordable. Looking at the Profile Picture and the name of the owner of the house, I was able to conclude that they could be Asian and it would much easier to communicate and to be relate to them since we belong to the same Continent. So, I made the decision to book for my accommodation in this place. For a duration of stay for 8 days, I was able to pay almost P 20,000 to include some fees.

Upon my arrival at the Town Center of Rotorua, NZ, I called for a Taxi which was waiting for passengers as the right side of the building. The driver is a 75-year old guy and he took some time to look at the address of my destination and glanced at his reference of the places of the city. Then another Taxi Driver asked him if he has any problem on our destination since it took him a couple of minutes to move his Taxi from where I boarded. The other Taxi Driver told him what street to take and the old guy realised where the house is located. It took the Taxi Driver less than 10 minutes to reach my destination.

It was already 9:00 PM when I arrived at the house and the Hosts, Gillian and William Ma were waiting for my arrival. They are very nice hosts and very helpful in giving me some directions to go to some places in the city; very responsive to my needs in the house; and give me some information about the city. They had been in the said house for the past 5 years and they are still childless. I told them about the reason why I was in Rotorua and they were surprised to know that there is such an international event happening in their neighbourhood without them knowing it. Much more surprised when I told them that I will be joining the 102K distance event and they could not believed it since they have known that I’ll be turning 65 years old in 3 months. Of course, I told them also that I am a retired officer with the rank of Two-Star General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the second day of my stay in their house. On the early morning of the second day of my stay in their house, I had a lengthy conversation with Gillian and we had to get to know more about her and her husband and the things/places to visit in Rotorua.

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Gillian Ma, My Host

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William Xu, Husband of Gillian

My room has a Double Size Bed with a view of the frontyard of the house with a wide glass window draped with a rolling curtain. It has a locker room and equipped with an electric fan. I was wondering why there was no air-conditioning unit for the room but by opening the window with a small space, I can feel the cool air from the outside to be entering the room. However, I was warned by my Host to close the window during nighttime because some flying insects would be attracted to enter the opened space of the window because of the light from the room. The bed, comforter, and the pillows are very clean and comfortable. However, I have to walk for about few feet outside my room for the toilet and bathroom. The toilet and bathroom are separate rooms but there was no problem for me as they are considered as “common” bathroom & toilet for the guests. I was lucky that I was the only guest for the first three days when a Lady from Switzerland occupied another room in the house for an overnight stay after I finished the race.

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Frontage Of The House

Their address is: 11 Carroll Place 11, Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty 3010, New Zealand.

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Advertisement From Airbnb On My Room

Warm-Up Run To Redwoods Park

After a breakfast of hot coffee and quaker oats, I prepared for a brief run to the Redwoods Park from the house which is about 2.5 kilometer-distance to its entrance and there is another one kilometre to run from the Gate/Entrance to the Visitors Center of the Park. I surveyed the actual place where the Starting Area of the event is located and I had the chance to inspect the trail of the park not knowing that the first kilometre of the race will follow the asphalted road towards the mountain.

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Entrance To Redwoods Park

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One Kilometer Distance From Entrance To The Visitors Center

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Redwoods Park Visitors Center/Starting Area Of The Race

After some picture-taking of those things inside and within the Visitor’s Center, it was time to engage with the personnel of the park. This is where I met Katrina who told me that she has two other Pinoy personnel working with her in the Park. Before we ended our conversation, we had a “selfie” where she approved of it.

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Katrina, A Staff At The Redwoods Park

I returned to the house jogging with a faster pace and I found the weather and the cooler breeze to be like Baguio City during summer time. I knew already that we will have a very hot weather on race day. While I was jogging, I was able to pass a commercial centre which is called Redwood Center which is about 50 meters from the entrance of the Park. From what I’ve seen within the Commercial Center, I knew already where I would eat my lunch for the day.

Bus Rides

I had my second shower in Rotorua and prepared to walk again for my lunch at the Redwood Center. After lunch, I took a Bus Ride to the Town Center for some shopping of souvenirs from Rotorua. Bus Rides are very efficient and orderly in Rotorua. All you have to do is remember the Bus Route Number and pay NZ$ 2.35 for the said route and have the option to transfer to another Bus Route Number within 30 minutes after you are being dropped by the first bus you have taken for FREE. All you have to do is to inform the Driver that you are transferring to another Bus Route after alighting from the Bus, so that he can give you your ticket for the next bus transfer you will be taking. As you board to the transfer Bus, inform the driver that you are transferring from another Bus and give your ticket. The Bus Route goes only on a One Way Loop which means that the next scheduled ride always comes from the Town Center and not from the Turn-Around Point of the Bus and pass on the same road where I was picked up! All the Bus Stops have the scheduled time of arrival posted on a pole adjacent to the Shaded Bus Stop. I have observed that the Bus arrival on the Bus Stop near the house where I stayed was always prompt and on the dot. The Bus Stop near the house where I stayed is only 50 meters away!

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Bus Schedule Posted On Bus Stops

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Typical Picture Of A City Bus In Rotorua

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Picture Inside The Bus

When I learned about the Bus Transport System in the area, there was no need to take the Taxi. However, the schedule of the Bus starts at 7:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM. If you want a ride after 6:00 PM, take the Taxi by calling the number 07-348-1111 as you could hardly see any Taxi roaming around the streets/roads in Rotorua. Once you call the number and state your location where you can be picked-up, the Taxi will be there with you in few minutes!

(Note: It is advisable to buy a Sim Card for your Cellphone at the Auckland International Airport as soon as you arrive for the cost of NZ$ 39.00)

Change Of Schedule/Itinerary

Even if I have friends on Facebook who are presently living or residing in New Zealand, I did not send them any PM or give them a hint that I need some help or need answers from queries I would like to ask from them. I just patiently read the instructions stated on the Souvenir Program of the Tarawera 100 Ultramarathon Race and then use the Google/Google Maps to get answers from concerns and queries where I need some answers.

My stay in New Zealand was focused in joining and finishing the race where after the race, I would go back to Auckland and board my flight back to Manila. Just simple as that! However, a sudden change has occurred in my schedule.

A PMA Cavalier (PMA Alumni Class ’81 and former Officer of the Philippine Navy) whom I had the opportunity to work with during my assignment in the Philippine Military Academy as a Tactical Officer and member of the General Staff of the Headquarters PMA as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Security, sent me a message and welcome greetings for arriving in New Zealand safely. After an exchange of messages on Facebook, I called him using my cellphone. I found out that he is now residing in Wellington with his family and he is inviting me to visit their place before going back to Manila if there is a way that I can squeeze his invitation in my schedule. I said, Yes, why not?

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With My Host In Wellington, NZ, Captain Virgilio Velasco, Philippine Navy (Retired), PMA Class ’81

Looking at my schedule that if I can finish the race before midnight of Saturday, I would take the first trip by bus on Sunday for a 7-hour bus ride to Wellington to rest and at the same time enjoy the view along the route, have a brief tour of the city immediately after arrival, stay overnight in their house, then have another bus ride back directly to Auckland on Monday and then depart for Manila on the morning of Tuesday. It was a hectic schedule that played in my mind but it is doable. However, my friend has a better suggestion for my schedule. The bus ride from Rotorua to Wellington was fine as I will be seeing the sea, the different city centers and landscape of the North Island of New Zealand while I was resting in the bus and have a chance to have some picture-taking during the brief stops in the Bus Stations along the way. Upon our arrival in Wellington, my friend would bring me to their house and have a home dinner with his family and then Rest Overnight. He suggested that I would take the last Jetstar Flight from Wellington to Auckland on the following day, Monday so that I he can bring me to a city tour the whole day before my departure. The schedule was perfect! He advised me to simply book my trip On Line through the websites of the Bus Company and Jetstar. He even generously gave the details of his Credit/Debit Card for me to use for this purpose. Of course, I declined since I have an e-card prepared for this trip.

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Prominent Mountain On The Road To Wellington

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Bus Stop For Lunch

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Kiwi Burger, So Far, The Best Burger I’ve Tasted

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Last Bus Stop @ Wharepaku Before Wellington

So, in a matter of few minutes after our conversation, I was able to book for my bus ride to Wellington and Jetstar Flight back to Auckland. My excitement to finish the race became secondary objective and my trip to Wellington became the primary objective of my remaining stay in New Zealand.

Little did I realize that this change of schedule will greatly affect or have an impact on my performance during the race.

To be continued….

Official Result: 2017/3rd Manila To Baguio 250K Ultra Marathon Race


Official Result: 2017/3rd Manila To Baguio 250K Ultra Marathon Race (Solo/Single Stage)

Starting Area: Km Post #0, Rizal Monument, Luneta Park, Manila

Finish Area: Rizal Park, Baguio City

Start Time: 10:00 PM February 16, 2017

Finish Time: 12:00 Midnight February 18, 2017

Cut-Off Time: 50 Hours

Number Of Starters: 37 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 24 Runners

Percentage Of Finish: 64.8%

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Group Picture Before The Start

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Few Seconds Before Gun Start

RANK                     NAME                                             TIME (Hrs)

  1. Lodovico Librilla (Overall Champion) —43:03:49
  2. Bong Dizon (1st Runner-Up, Overall)—-43:25:25
  3. Ryan Fabie (2nd Runner-Up, Overall)—-44:49:22
  4. Remy Caasi (Female Champion, Course Record)—-46:12:10
  5. Aldrin Pallera ———————–46:24:16
  6. Jocel Lañas (1st Runner-Up, Female)—–46:26:27
  7. Rhoda Caballero (2nd Runner-Up, Female)—-46:44:24
  8. Rolan Cera————————–46:51:42
  9. Armando Olan———————–46:51:42
  10. Jon Borbon————————–47:02:45
  11. Dondon Talosig———————-47:03:10
  12. Fer De Leon————————-47:26:46
  13. Rod Losabia————————-47:26:58
  14. Rose Betonio (Female)—————-47:28:50
  15. Jemfil Ramos————————-47:58:59
  16. Dennis Guidao———————–47:59:15
  17. Glenn Rosales———————–48:40:46
  18. Ken Molina————————-48:50:15
  19. Gibo Malvar————————-48:50:16
  20. Rasette Pesuelo (Female)————–48:50:18
  21. Raymond Nable———————-49:17:50
  22. Ildebrando Yap———————–49:18:55
  23. Chris Linawagan———————49:21:50
  24. Maui Toraja————————-49:46:50

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Overall Champion Lodovico Librilla

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Overall 1st Runner-Up Bong Dizon

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Overall 2nd Runner-Up Ryan Fabie

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Female Champion & New Course Record Holder Remy Caasi

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Female 1st Runner-Up Jocel Lañas

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Female 2nd Runner-Up Rhoda Caballero

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Most Coveted Finisher’s Buckle

Congratulations To Everybody!

Solo Hike To Mt Baldy (2nd Time For 2016)


On an early Monday morning, I woke up at 3:30 AM and drove all the way to the trailhead of Mount Baldy with the thought that I would be the first one to “summit” the peak for the day.

From my house to the trailhead was an easy drive for 45 minutes and it was still dark when I arrived at the Parking Area at Manker Flats. While I was preparing my things (hydration pack and shoes), another vehicle arrived and parked across the road where I was preparing my things. The other vehicle had two hikers in it and they immediately opened their vehicles’ trunk to retrieve their packs and went directly to the trailhead. They were 5 minutes ahead of me when I finally started after taking a pee in one of the Portalets.

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Parking Area Beside The Road

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Trailhead Going To The Mt Baldy Falls

They were wearing headlights as I saw them in front of me for about 200 meters. I was not wearing a headlight and I was confident that the light from the moon could easily illuminate the dirt road towards the commercial establishment at the Ski Lift. Before I was able to hit my first mile, I had already overtaken them after I greeted them. As I moved ahead of them, I could still hear their conversation as they were taking their time for the hike.

Being confident that I was already the first one on the trail, I maintained my hiking pace until I reached the Ski Lift’s Commercial Center. It was already daybreak when I reached the place and nowhere I would find find the two hikers behind me.

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Mt Baldy Ski Lift & Commercial Center

As I passed the Ski Lift’s Commercial Center towards the Devil’s Backbone Trail, I saw a Rescue Truck parked at the end of the Fire Road, the farthest that a four-wheeled vehicle would reach towards the peak of Mt Harwood. I was thinking that those guys aboard in it were just ahead of me but as I saw at the horizon and the trails above me, I would not see any individual/hiker ahead of me towards the peak of Mt Baldy.

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Devil’s Backbone Trail

Looking at a distance ahead of me, I would see the Devil’s Backbone Trail and it looks like a very challenging and intimidating ascending part of the trail where both sides have steep slopes that the lowest portion could not be seen. If anybody would slip or feel dizzy and plunge to any of the sides of the slope, I would suspect that a hiker would be hard to be rescued from atop the trail. But if you are already standing and doing your hike at the said place, you can feel that your courage is slowly taking over your mind and for you to be able to cross this dreaded part of the trail. As you passed this trail, you are rewarded with a higher elevation and a flatter portion of the trail with the peak of Mt Harwood in front of you!

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Mt Harwood’s Peak

I decided not to “peak bag” Mt Harwood as I was trying to be fast as possible in reaching the peak of Mt Baldy. As I was hiking on this flatter portion of the trail, I had my first sip of water and I started to feel some perspiration on my back as I was wearing my Uniqlo Water Repellant Windbreaker.

Finally, I was on my last mile before the peak of Mt Baldy! After about 200 meters, I saw a hiker going down from the trail and I said to myself that the guy could have started way ahead of me! He looks like he is a good hiker with all those beard and moustache on his face and the hiking boots he was wearing. He was not using trekking poles. A simple greeting and look on each others eyes as we met were part of the usual practice among hikers and it feels a good sign of showing respect to one another on the outdoors.

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At Mt Baldy’s Peak With Piles Of Rocks With Orange Ribbons

On my final 100 meters towards the peak of Mt Baldy, I met two hikers with backpacks and trekking poles telling me that a helicopter will be arriving at the peak in 45 minutes and my understanding of the message was that there was an urgency for me to reach the peak and spend a short/quick time at the peak. I said thank you to the two hikers as I moved faster and closer to the peak.

Few meters from the peak, I have observed that there were lots of stakes with orange ribbons tied on them that were placed surrounding the peak of the mountain. I concluded that those ribbons were markers for the pilots of the helicopters for them to visually know where exactly they would land. On the peak, I saw three (3) guys with big backpacks and orange jackets whom I assumed to be those who rode in the Rescue Truck parked along the trail going to the mountain. They were lying on their backs and talking to each other and not minding about my arrival in the area. They were inside the area where those pile of rocks formed in a semi-circle which I believed is being used for those hikers who would set their tent and sleep for over night in the area. The pile of rocks is so high that it can protect strong winds from hitting a pitched tent inside the semi-circle area.

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Mandatory “Selfie” At The Peak’s Marker

I could still remember where one of my ultra friends who lives in Los Angeles had to stay and camp at the peak of Mt Baldy for one week as part of his training for the 2015 Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Race. He would pitch his tent at the peak and then hiked and run towards the Ski Lift’s Commercial Center and then back to the peak during the duration of his stay in the mountain. I guess, camping in the said area is FREE as long as one has an Adventure Pass displayed on ones vehicle at the trailhead. As a result of his training, the guy finished the race in less than 24 hours!

I spent almost 30 minutes at the peak, taking some “selfies” and eating my nutrition bars/trail mix fruits & nuts, before starting my descent from the peak. On my way back, I started to move faster and run the flatter sections. If the descending part of the trail is smooth and without any roots or rocks, I would run and quicker with my pace.

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“Selfie” At The Bell Near The Commercial Center

I did not stop at the Ski Lift’s Commercial Center as they were still closed but three (3) SUVs suddenly arrived at the area full with “newly-recruited” Park Rangers and they were instructed to proceed to the establishments. I said to myself that I had to run 3.5 miles down to trailhead and be able to finish my hike before 10:00 AM.

As I was running down along the Fire Road, I could hear the sound of an approaching Helicopter to the mountain but sad to say that I could no longer have the view of the peak of Mt Baldy. Whatever, the activity that was being done in the area was part of the regular training being done in response to any contingency or emergency situation that is usually being experienced among hikers in the area. This is what I call being prepared and work’s efficiency among those people responsible in the safety and protection of the parks.

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Mandatory Pose After The Hike Overlooking The Mt Baldy Falls

At 10:30 AM, I was driving on my way back to the house in Downtown, Los Angeles.

My next plan will be to pitch a tent at the peak and sleep thereat for an overnight stay!

Official Result: 1st NORTH COAST 200-Mile Ultra Marathon Race


1st NORTH COAST 200-Mile Ultra Marathon Race

Gun Start & Starting Place: 12:01 AM May 12, 2016/Laoag City (Ilocos Norte)

Finish Line: La Perla Inn, Santa Ana, Cagayan

Finish Time: 12:01 AM May 15, 2016

Cut-Off Time: 72 Hours

Number Of Starters: 9 Runners

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Pioneers Of The NORTH COAST 200-Mile Run

RANK              NAME                            TIME (Hours)

  1. Thomas Combisen (Overall Champion, CR) —–64:37:41
  2. Dondon Talosig (1st Runner-Up, Overall) —— 65:55:31
  3. Jonathan Moleta (2nd Runner-Up, Overall) —– 67:05:57
  4. Allan Sabado —————————– 70:16:30
  5. Roberto Vocal, Jr ————————– 70:45:23
  6. Benedict Meneses ————————- 71:41:25
  7. Jocel Lanas***—————————- 73:14:49

***Beyond Cut-Off Time

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Thomas Combisen, Overall Champion & Course Record Holder

Congratulations To All The Finishers! Thank you for your support.

See you in the next edition (2017)!

 

Route Description: PAU’s NORTH COAST 200-Mile Ultra Marathon Race


The race starts on Midnight of May 10, 2017 in front of the Provincial Capitol of Ilocos Norte which is located along Rizal Street in Laoag City.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol
Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

From Rizal Street, runners will go on easterly direction until they reach the second street intersection and then TURN LEFT along the so-called BACARRA Road. The Bacarra Road goes on a northerly direction towards the town of Bacarra. After passing the Bacarra Bridge, the runner follows the Highway towards the town of Pasuquin and by-passes the Poblacion of Bacarra.

The runners will pass the town of Pasuquin as he/she proceeds to the town of Burgos. The Kilometer #50 Checkpoint will be located in front of the Burgos Municipal Hall.

Kapurpurawan Rock Junction Before Poblacion of Burgos
Kapurpurawan Rock Junction Before Poblacion of Burgos

In Front Of The Burgos Municipal HallI
In Front Of The Burgos Municipal Hall

After passing the Windmills in Burgos and Bangui, the runners will be on their way to the Boundary of Pagudpud. Once they reach the intersection/junction going to the Poblacion of Pagudpud and towards the Province of Cagayan, runners would have covered a distance of 72 Kilometers.

Pagudpud To Cagayan Junction (Kilometer 72)
Pagudpud To Cagayan Junction (Kilometer 72)

After 18 kilometers, runners will reach the famous Patapat Bridge and hopefully, the last runner will pass this place while there is still daylight. Patapat Bridge is Kilometer #90

Patapat Bridge (Kilometer #90)
Patapat Bridge (Kilometer #90)

After 10 kilometres, there is a flowing water from a hose from the side of the mountain which is very near to a road repair construction due to mountain slides. This is the Kilometer 100 mark of the route.

Free-Flowing Water on the Right Side of the Road Near a Landslide Repair/Construction
Free-Flowing Water on the Right Side of the Road Near a Landslide Repair/Construction

After 2 kilometres, the runners will reach the Ilocos Northe-Cagayan Boundary Arc (Kilometer 102).

Ilocos Norte-Cagayan Highway Boundary Arc
Ilocos Norte-Cagayan Highway Boundary Arc

From this point, runners will be going downhill towards the town of Santa Praxedes and to the plains of Claveria, Pamplona, and Abulog until they reach the famous Magapit Bridge, the Longest Suspension Bridge in the country.

Claveria Arc
Claveria Arc

Pamplona Welcome Arc
Pamplona Welcome Arc

The Pamplona Welcome Arc is Kilometer #150 and the Pamplona Poblacion is Kilometer #160.

Eight Kilometers before the town of Allacapan is marked as Kilometer #200.

Upon reaching the Magapit Bridge, the runners would have reached Kilometer #226.

Magapit Bridge
Magapit Bridge

After crossing the Magapit Bridge, runners will TURN LEFT towards the town of Lal-lo, Cagayan and proceed to Aparri, Cagayan. The runners will pass the DUGO Intersection (Dugo, Camalaniugan) on their way to the direction of Aparri until they will reach Km Post 0578 which is 4 Kilometers before reaching the town of Aparri. At this Kilometer Post, runners will TURN-AROUND back to the DUGO Intersection and then TURN LEFT towards Santa Ana, Cagayan.

The DUGO (Camalaniugan) Intersection is Kilometer #244.5 and the Km Post 0578 which is the TURN-AROUND point is Km #251. Upon reaching back to DUGO after coming from the TURN-AROUND Point, the runners should have covered a distance of 258 Kilometers.

DUGO (Camalaniugan) Intersection
DUGO (Camalaniugan) Intersection

TURN-AROUND Point Before Aparri, Cagayan
TURN-AROUND Point Before Aparri, Cagayan

From the DUGO Intersection to the Finish Line in Santa Ana, Cagayan will be a long-stretch of flat road of about 62+ Kilometers. The Finish Line will be at the LA PERLA INN which is 10 Kilometers away after passing the Santa Ana Welcome Arc.

Santa Ana, Cagayan Welcome Arc (Last 10 Kilometers To The Finish Line)
Santa Ana, Cagayan Welcome Arc (Last 10 Kilometers To The Finish Line)

La Perla Inn Entrance
La Perla Inn Entrance

La Perla Inn Merker & Road To Santa Ana's Centro
La Perla Inn Marker & Road To Santa Ana’s Centro

Good luck to all the Runners!