Lake Janagdan - The Hidden Gem of Mt. Aminduen

After successfully summiting the Alto peak, the highest point in the Leyte mountains, Me and my climb companions planned to visit Lake Janagdan as well. I was excited with the plan to climb and could not wait to see the hidden treasure that lies on top in one of the highest mountains of Ormoc. I was thrilled the next day when I got a message from Anne, it was the about the climb to the dormant volcano, the Lake Janagdan.

Lake Janagdan is located in the eastern part of Ormoc and is part of Mt. Aminduen ranges. It measures 1120masl and is surrounded by lush and diverse vegetation. Various plant species can be found, with ferns, vines, and trees covered with mosses. Different types of insects often crawl along the trail too.

It was five o'clock in the morning when I readied my pack. The contents were a pair of clothing, cameras and bottled water. I waited and rode a van to Ormoc City and there I met Anne and Irish. After buying food for lunch, we immediately sought a ride to barangay Cabintan to meet our friend, Janeth.

When we arrived at their barangay hall, we immediately registered, paid environmental fees and briefed on what's ahead of our adventure. At about 8 o'clock, the four of us started on our way up to Lake Janagdan.

Few minutes since we started our hike, exactly at the foot of the mountain, Irish, our first-timer companion, were already exhausted. Her breath came heavily as she thought about returning while we’re still near the main barangay. I didn't know if it was just a joke or something, but it made me sad because I really want her to complete the trek. We encouraged her to keep going - that it was a normal feeling. We told her that we too also experienced fatigue and dizziness during our first climb up the mountain before. Eventually, her condition improved and she was eager to continue what we have started.

After 2 hours of uphill climbing, we reached the peak, and to our great delight, we met the hidden gem at Mt. Aminduen. The crater lake is wide measuring about 200 meters in diameter. It was a majestic place with calm very cold water. At every edge of the lake, there can be seen fallen and dead trees due to previous storms especially during typhoon Haiyan. The water level is slightly lower because of the summer. However, during the months of July to January, the water will rise and submerges the trees. The waterline along the banks are clear signs that the water has dropped.

We strolled and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and then ate our lunch beside the lake. 

In the early afternoon, after marveling at the beauty of nature, we immediately prepared to descend the mountain. Following our itinerary, we have traverses our way down to the Junction site, where we came across the very difficult and rough part. Steep, slippery and there were parts that we still needed to use the rope to get down.

What makes our hike more difficult are the plants with thorns. and the unluckiest victim of them was Irish. Nearly all of her hands had blood and wounds. Although we did tell her to always on a lookout for plants several times, she still could touch them unknowingly. :-)

But, at the end of the day, despite the hardships we went through, we were still thankful that we had completed the adventure with great joy that God had given us a good day just to see the beautiful haven that warms our every hearts. And of course, I greatly appreciate the three strong and helpful women with me during the climb. Thank you.

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One of the things, when I get to visit Brgy Cabintan again, is to finally taste a sweet binit. And two days ago lang, by the invitation of a good friend, I came back to hopefully end my "Finding Sweet Binit" mission.

But to find one didn't happen. Instead, I bumped into another rarest wild berries while we're on our way traversing to a junction site. I was thrilled by this pretty raspberry look-a-like fruit and even if we're uncertain of its toxicity level, we dared to kill ourselves by tasting it. Charot! Bitaw gitilawan namo, and guess what!? It was undeniably sweet! Maybe this the one I've been looking for yet locals firmly confirmed it isn't binit and most of them did not know or haven’t seen the fruit before. Well, I'll need to do some research before I declare it's edible and safe to eat. A Sweet Beneath.

PS: Bilib ko sa mga kauban nako kay aside from being a payter mga suki pud ni sila! Si Anne suki ni siya sa slide-slide, si Irish suki sa mga tunok-tunok, si Janeth bag-ong suki sa latay-latay.