Mt. Magsanga - A Captivating Tors of Merida Leyte

I was pondering where I should go next for adventure during the weekend. My thoughts were wandering back to Bondari, Buga-buga, Toril, or a nearby peak in the Villaba area. 'Why don't you go to Davao or Bohol,' my colleague said. Yes, there are many beautiful, well-known, and tall mountains in the Philippines, but I doubt I'd be able to meet them in person. With a few dimes, visiting them seems impossible. They are not only too far away, but also prohibitively expensive in terms of transit, lodging, and fees. My budget can't handle the costs, even just for the fare. In Leyte, however, a small amount of money allows you to climb mountains and marvel at the natural splendor. Many locations are free, enabling you to enjoy the beautiful scenery without spending much, if anything at all.

Robert, a friend of mine, invited me to climb and camp overnight at Mt. Magsanga. I gladly agreed because, despite being on a tight budget, I really wanted to spend a night camping there. In previous years, I have visited Mt. Magsanga twice: once with friends from Ormoc City and once with friends from Abijao. However, those were just day hikes.

Mt. Magsanga is located north of Merida and east of Isabel along the border of Barangay Puting bato and San Isidro. Rising at around 665masl*, this natural fortress overlooking the vast fields and seas of the different municipalities serves as a natural landmark in western Leyte. From the city of Ormoc, the hill is more appealing which resembles of that perfect cone volcano of Albay, the Bulkang Mayon. But if you go to Isabel's side, this hill will reveal its second peak, which is why it is called Mt. Magsanga.

We picked a day, and Robert drafted an itinerary for our planned adventure. It was perfect timing since I had nothing to do on Saturday. He suggested inviting some of my friends to join us, but none of them could make it due to family obligations.

Saturday came. We planned to meet at the Palompon terminal at 1pm, but I arrived there 30 minutes late because that day, there were very few vans passing through our area to the town of Palompon. When I got there, I immediately bought lechon manok while Robert went to the market and bought some pork dish and ginamos for our dinner.

He had no other companions that day too, as none of his invited friends confirmed. At 2:20 PM, we boarded our bus to Isabel. The fare was 40 pesos, and in less than an hour, we arrived in the town.

From the Isabel terminal, we took a habal-habal to the village of Can-untod. It is the last village of Merida and is adjacent to the border of Isabel. Before we started our hike, we went to Ate Elmira's store and took a shortstop. There, we gulped a liter of cola to supplement our body with calories as we prepare for the tedious assault to the summit. But eventually, Robert decided to drink beer and proffered me a glassful of it. I was reluctant at first, but the outgrowing foam and the cold fizz of the beer were undeniably inviting. :-D

Past 4 o'clock, in order to catch the setting of the sun, we decided to start the hike. During the first twenty minutes of walking, the trail we took was just plain and easy. There are few households settled in just a few yards away from the range. The locals were kind, some were in festive singing, others were gardening and the kids were playing volleyball next to their ricefield. And there was even someone who gave us young corns - fresh right from the stalks he planted alongside the trail.

They had a spring with an attached pipe connected to the well where we could collect water. Robert picked up his collapsible container and filled it full. He said it can hold six liters of water thus making it heavier to bring. At first, it was easy to carry but as we were on the slope following the trail up the mountain, here Robert already felt a strain in his hands. He took a breather from the clasping pain and we agreed to just take turns in carrying the heavy container until we make it to the top.

The sun was setting when we reached the peak. The color of the sky changes slightly, from gold into red. It was cloudy on the western horizon that is why we haven't seen the fading sunset. Yet, we witnessed the beautiful and colorful transition of the sky while standing atop the fascinating mountain of Magsanga. It was so beautiful and amazing. 

We were glad to have summited to the top after hours of arduous assault without unpropitious occurrences. The sky seemed to rejoice with our triumph as it showed a spectacular display that makes our hearts so happy. The place was so tranquil. The grasses swaying against the cold breeze, the chirping of the birds, and the night songs of every insect were the only sounds that vivified the night as we gazed out across the vast urban beamed with city lights below. Quiet, soothing. These are the things I want to experience again.

*665masl (Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2011/01/mt-magsanga-655-in-isabel-leyte.html )

Watch the video here:

https://youtu.be/JczIVhqF18E