20160719 Osmena Peak (Mount Labalasan) Rush Dayhike
Personal Itinerary

Synopsis:
Contracted trip on Monday, to be executed at Tuesday. Physical condition goes at top shape. Third hike. Trail described as short and easy, with a provincial feel of vegetative landscape and low forestation. Group pace was fast but probably intended to produce body heat that will counter the ambient temperature. Ascent to wait clearance of fog did not happen as planned, but momentary clearance showed Chocolate-Hills-esque expanse and South Cebu coastline. Overall, a frigid but feel-good climb involving patience to await visual treat.

Participants: Christian R. (author), Graceshiel O., Kim l.A., Luis M., Mazelle S., Mad d.A., Carl J.

Date: morning event, Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Mountain Information:
Location: Brgy. Matalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu
Major jumpoff: Barangay Hall, Matalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu
GPS (per marker):
Lat 9;49;12.49 N
Long 123;26;32.61 E
Alt 1101 MASL
Trail Duration: 2 h 5 m
Trip Duration: 3 h 55 m
Features: Farmland under tall hill landscape, South Cebu vista

Trail plan: Quick dayhike to summit, catching sea of clouds, via private transportation

Side trail: Kawasan Falls (passed)

Equipment
Carry-ons: casual bag-15L to contain 50% water, toiletries, IDs, gadgets and pocket money
Clothing: tee shirt, cargo short
Footwear: quick dry mountain shoes

Weather: bright sunny weather masked by dense local fog, cold and misty

Expenses (per participant)
Total = PhP
Private Vehicle
Registration = Php 50~

Timeline
0330 pack equipment, ETD Cronin
0515 ETA Van Garage, Barangay Hall
0520 Start trail
0530 reach small peak, wild raspberry area
0545 reach designated summit
-----0652 minimal visual clearance
0700 start descent
0725 ETD Barangay Hall

Personal notes
Kudos to the female guide that shared her climbing experience with us. The wild raspberries were a plus. My third hike was easy as a stroll in the park. The trail was blank of other hikers, but the chill was a constant (recommending clothes against the cold weather). No physical obstacle were encountered, save for the failed visual treat of zero visibility by the fog. Minimal clearance was seen past 0652, where we can see the imprint of the sun and the breathtaking vista, momentarily yet memorable. The trip was satisfying, with a finishing visit to Kawasan Falls.


Author: Christian V. Rojas
Date created: 31-Mar-2017

Technicals: Alt points (MASL)
Summit area 1098~1101