Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in the Philippines, was once only a name we recall from geography and history textbooks back in school. But now it could finally be added to the list of mountains we have climbed.

As part of its “Getaway to Adventure” campaign, outdoor footwear brand Merrell invited the media to take on the Mt. Pinagbanderahan challenge. The mountain is one of Sierra Madre’s main attractions and a conserved national park in the country.

An easy trail located at Barangay Ilaya in Atimonan, Quezon province, Mt. Pinagbanderahan is believed to be the place where the American and Japanese flags were hoisted to symbolize their respective conquests of the Philippines.

The site is also known as a natural habitat for centuries-old trees and several unknown plant species.

Mountaineers have rated Pinagbanderahan’s trail 3 out of 10 in difficulty (with 10 being the hardest); it is also classified as a tropical rainforest.

Travel time from Manila to the park is 3-4 hours. We arrived at the jump-off point via Bitukang Manok, a famous zigzag road in Quezon, just in time. With trusty hiking bags, Merrell shoes and some with trekking poles, our group set off exactly at 7 a.m.

Slippery slopes

True enough, the almost three-hour trek to the peak wasn’t that difficult. There were wide cemented steps, metal handrails and ropes to guide us on our way up. But even at 366 meters above sea level—which is fairly easy for a day hike—the heat and occasional slippery slopes burned us out.

When we finally reached the top, all the hard work and exhaustion paid off. The picturesque, 360-degree view of Marinduque and Quezon was exhilarating and beautiful.

We were also welcomed by a Philippine flag hoisted in a circular concrete summit and a marker which explained why the mountain was called Pinagbanderahan.

After a good rest and picture-taking, it was time to go down. Though we took the same path going up, our tour guides from mountain tour company Trail Adventours decided we should also see Pinagbanderahan cave which was just en route.

Entering the bat cave was the most difficult part of the trip as it was too dark, muddy and slippery. It took us about an hour to pass through what seemed to be an obstacle course made of huge limestone boulders. Seeing the light at the end of the cave, which meant we were nearly out, was a relief.

There was mud and bat poop all over our body as we emerged from the cave. Most in the group was already on autopilot as we took the few steps back to our jump-off point.

Around 1 p.m. we made it back and enjoyed a hearty lunch prepared by the locals. This trip, for us, is definitely one for the books.

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