After a fondue dinner at D2's house last Friday (Thanks B2, C2, D2, Q2 & John!) and partaking of so much food to celebrate my birthday, went ahead with our first climb of the year at Mt. Manabo in Lipa, Batangas. It was a reunion of sorts for our Mt. Pulag group - Tina, Cecille, Celeste and Manny. We were joined by Tina's friend, Anthony, and Cecille's chums, Irma and Vin. Save for the very muddy trail, it was a really enjoyable climb lalo na't buena mano for 2006. Masarap makisilong at makipagkape sa mga locals lalo na't umuulan. We missed the Lipa fiesta by a day alright but eating a hefty dinner (bulalo, lechon kawali, mangga't bagoong, the works!) at Jake's near the bus station more than made up for it. Thanks for taking the trip (and birthday climb) with me guys! Short info on Manabo climb: Take any bus going to Lipa city (approx. fare: 110 pesos, 1.5-2 hr trip), board down at fiesta mall, ride a tricycle to Bgy. Sta. Cruz (80pesos for 3 passengers) • Register at the barangay/police station and take down emergency cellphone number of Mang Lobrica • climb time: approx 1.5 hrs.; wash areas at the waterfalls but no potable water source • summit highlight: 360 degree view of Maculot, Makiling, Banahaw, Cristobal, Malipunyo peaks, Taal, and Mindoro island
