Hello, Hive!
It’s less than 10 days before we bid the month of May goodbye and I hope you’re all doing great! Truth is, I really want to write about a trip that does not include hiking for a change. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the mountain life. It’s just that the very short dry season here in the Philippines is almost over and I can’t help but think of the sea.
However, the neat freak in me also want to get my Mt. Talinis series done once and for all. So here’s the final entry.
Irish whiskey and blended rum is a combo you might want to avoid if you don’t want to experience memory blackouts. Trust me, I learned it firsthand.
After a night of emptying bottles of Jameson and Tanduay Select, which our guides carried with great effort and care during our first two days, I woke up with the world rotating. The serene view of Lake Nailig outside was the complete opposite of what was happening inside my head. And, of course, my fellow campers took their time teasing me, recalling last night’s forgotten memories and shameful acts.
Anyway, I believe I deserved the once-in-a-blue-moon moment of craziness. And the acid reflux! HAHA
Lake Nailig and the flying sacrifice
We spent our third and final day in Mt. Talinis savoring the best of Lake Nailig. Some snapped photos of themselves, others captured videos of the surrounding for their reels. Meanwhile, one of us took it a notch higher — literally and figuratively.
France, being the man behind fv photography, flew his new FPV drone over our heads and up to the sky. We always find it funny yet fascinating whenever we see him wear those goggles that kinda remind you of a scene from the 1999 film Notting Hill.
His drone ripped the air with speed and loud buzzing. It took a bird’s eye view of the mountains, the forests and the lake. The photos and videos were naturally superb. But just like how Icarus met his demise when he tried too hard to get too close to the sun, the drone succumbed when tried to get too close to the water. What was meant to fly was never meant to swim. France and some of the guides tried to retrieve the drone from the lake but, without proper diving gears, they couldn’t find it.
Good thing the ill-fated drone was insured and he can still get the item replaced. But that will take another two months and probably a long nagging from his wife. 😂
To lighten the mood, we laugh it off and made jokes out of France’s series of misadventures. From losing his money, misplacing his phone and now killing his drone, how worse could it get right?
By 9:30, we packed our bags, took one last glimpse of Lake Nailig and headed back to the trail for another day of adventure.
Through the rolling hills of Panghilakan Trail
Our exit route was through the Panghilakan Trail which most of us were hiking onto for the first time.
The initial part of the trail was an easy hike on the lakeside. Then, after reaching a fork, we followed the ascending footpath that led to the densely forested mountain. The trees helped a lot in shielding us from the heat of the sun.
As we hiked further, the trail slowly became challenging due to several fallen trees blocking our way. We found ourselves climbing over and crawling under some of them just to pass.
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The only consolation, for me, was that Panghilakan Trail has a lot of rolling hills. There were only few steep portion and more descending trail. Some sections had slippery boulders though so we had to walk with caution. I won't name names but one of us even slipped while stepping these moss-covered rocks.
By the time we reached the river, most of us were exhausted and sweaty. We knew that were getting closer to civilization and the thought of an ice-cold coke became our strength in pushing through.
Upon reaching the rough road of Sitio Nasuji, we thought we’d finally be able to let go of our bags. But we had a few minor mishaps. Our jeepney ride was not on the pick up area yet and — worse — all nearby stores were closed. We had to walk further just to find a store that sells something cold. Thankfully, we saw one and the owner kindly let us rest in their porch while we wait for our ride.
Hours passed and there’s no sign of our ride coming. To add to our troubles, there was no network connection in this part of Valencia and locals only use walkie-talkies to pass on communication.
At 4 PM, we decided to walk again to search for a different ride. We were all tired and getting hungry but the scenic view helped alleviate our rising frustration. After hours of waiting, our ride finally arrived.
The other side of Mt. Talinis
It was not part of out itinerary but on our way home, we were able to see some of the many geothermal facilities that lie on the slope of Mt. Talinis. Being an active volcano, Mt. Talinis has several solfataras and steam vents that have been used to generate clean, renewable power in Negros and other neighboring islands.
I came from Leyte, which is home of Tongonan Geothermal Project, the largest wet steam field in the Philippines, but this was my first time seeing a geothermal power plant up close. We passed by the Nasulo Geothermal Power Plant and the Okoy 5 Geothermal Power Plant. I really enjoyed these quick sightseeing — staring at the condensers and pipes, imagining the electricity these power plants provide.
This other side of Mt. Talinis is also one of its charms. More than its scenic view sought after by mountaineers, its huge role in the lives of locals is something to be proud of.
A well-deserved feast
After what felt like forever, the group arrived at Wendell and Charlotte’s house who kindly let us rest and take a bath (after three days!). We condluded the long day with a well-deserved feast. The couple prepared a sumptous lechon for us which was the best tasting one I’ve ever tried — yes, better than Cebu’s (no hate, just my personal opinion). It's skin was crispy and the meat was very tender and well seasoned.
It would have been nice if we could stay longer but we had to catch the 10 PM boat going back to Cebu. The team said our goodbyes and headed to the bus terminal. We left Negros with fun memories and worthwhile experience. 😁
You can check parts 1 and 2 of our Mt. Talinis escapade below:
Mt. Talinis: Back on the trail for more thrill
Mt. Talinis: Exploring its triple treat of delight
Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives for life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.
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