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Earth Hour 2013

 

GEAR REVIEW: Caribee Plasma


I received this bag and took it out backpacking at Mt.Pulag last December in celebration of our 30th founding anniversary. The Caribee Plasma sleeping bag is ideal for a pack light adventure designed and developed for travelers or mountaineers on a limited weight of things to carry, a super com-pact design and a rip stop nylon shell, this sleeping bag series will be a welcome companion on any adventure. As I’ve used it, this sleeping bag made me really comfortable in my sleep, breaking the entire coldness ambiance and giving a feeling of at home sleep. Carrying this light weight sleeping bag is very convenient, because of its light weight characteristic it didn’t give me awareness that I have a sleeping bag in my bag. -Jun De Vera

 

GEAR REVIEW: Caribee Trail 30 and Pulse 65L

Caribee Trail 30 is a day to day backpack to use. it has a rain cover that protects your things inside. It is computer-padded wherein you can carry your laptop wherever you go, from day to day work to your desired multi-day travel. It can be use as a backpack when biking on the back country because of the hydration system and waist belt lock. used this bag when I climb Mt. Pulag in Benguet in December 2012 with my husband and daughter. This bag provides comfort when I walked along the trail. I say comfort because of the cushions that acts as an added “warming jacket” on my back as the weather was too cold at that time. -Coleen Fabon

 

Caribee Pulse 65L backpack is a lightweight backpack I used during my climb in our 30th Anniversary in Mt. Pulag last December 2012. There is nothing extraordinary in this bag as I compare it with other brands that I used in my years of climbing experience. Without load, it’s weighing approximately 2kgs. The back support is nice with its internal aluminum stabilizer that helps the back spine and the pack jive together when carried. The shoulder strap is contoured as if it is measured exactly to my shoulder, plus the added load adjustor strap that helps the pack fit according to my desired adjustment.  The sternum strap is perfectly placed as it hugs my chest when I lock it. The shoulder adjustor strap is easy to manage and adjust according to my own fit. The stabilizer strap together with the hip belt is too big for me but it’s better than none. It supports my waist to press the lower part of the back into my lumbar supported by the lumbar pad. The compression straps are just ordinary as it’s really needed and essential on every backpacks. One thing I noticed though is there are a lot of webbings that surrounds the back as if protecting the pack from tearing when loaded and prevent it from ripping. I think it is advisable to use the RIPstop type of fabric. The side pockets are not perfect for bigger water bottle. I used these pockets only for my tent poles and ground sheets. Hydration system is nicely placed on the pack and it fits perfectly with my bladder. The divider is the one I always look for in a pack because when I pack my things, I separate my tent, sleeping bag, blankets, clothings on one compartment, I usually put it on the lower portion of the pack for easy access. The upper portion of the bag are food supplies and some gears. The top load or the top hood zipper is not good for me since it is too wide and so it drops my things often.

As a whole, this pack is good for a multi-day back country travel with its lightweight features, plus the security of a rain cover to protect the bag from getting wet. -Ronald Fabon

 

 

MESAU 30 Years Of Passion and Advocacy

The most awaited year and time for all the members of MESAU (Mountaineering and Exploration Society of Adamson University) have finally come; the celebration of the “MESAU, 30 Years of Passion and Advocacy”. The 30th years of camaraderie, friendship and adventures.

As part of the tradition, once again MESAU members, alumni, founders, school based and MESAU friends climbed “Mt Pulag”, the second highest mountain in the Philippines (2,922 ASL) last December 26-29, 2012 in celebration of the 30th Anniversary with the help and support of Caribee Philippines. Mount Pulag is located at the borders of the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya meets at the mountain’s peak.
It was the most exciting climb for all, it was planned and prepared over the year for all members. Alumni from abroad like Ronald Parlan and Gian Babilonia came home to celebrate with us and joined the climb. Others brought their family and kids. Friends were also with us to celebrate including the President of MFPI (Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc.) – Yay Ortega. We have Korean visitors too – Woosung Joo and his niece.

There were fifty six (56) climbers on that day and it was grouped into two; twenty four (24) climbers went ahead on December 26, 2012 via Akiki trail and the other thirty two (32) climbers ascended via Ambangeg trail last December 27, 2012. Our itinerary was that, two groups will meet at the summit on the 29th of December and will both spend the night at the Ranger Station on the same day for the post climb and for the party.

Our group then ascended via Ambangeg Trail. First day of the climb has been too tough because of the rain and the very cold weather. We started trekking at around 12:00 noon regardless of the weather and we were all settled at Camp 2 around 6:00pm.

Along the trail, many climbers were also trekking down from the mountain and it was overwhelming to see them greeting us, as we hike. Porter and guides were also friendly that we almost forgot about the weather and let those smiling faces as our inspiration to continue with the climb.

Some of us were first timers, according to our Team Leader- Jun De Vera; Ambangeg is the easiest trail. Akiki trail is the hard one. The trail was slippery and muddy due to the rain but that did not stop us from trekking. The three (3) kids with us were enjoying and smiling taking their first climb as a new adventure of their lives and a great way to spend their Christmas vacation. Ambangeg trail has its own and very unique beauty, it’s like you were walking in a park because of its trees, flowers and the vegetations around.

At around 6:30pm everyone has pitched their tents, changed their clothings and took some rest while some members and applicants prepared for dinner. Jeff Nopueto cook the delicious “sinigang na baboy”. Some just tucked themselves in their tents and sleeping bags and skipped the dinner as they can’t bear the freezing weather. The party/socialization started early and ended at around 12:00am.

On the second day at around 4:00am, the group was ready for the planned assault, the weather was still unpredictable, all will be taking the risk that a clear cloud and a clear view will show upon us when reaching the summit. We started trekking and anticipating that the assault will took about two (3-4 hours). We hiked through its magnificent hills smoothly not realizing that the weather is becoming friendly. A clear sight is now on our way and the view was so amazing! We continued hiking and we were all joyful for what we were about to see; “the sea of clouds”.

We reached the summit and we were all standing at the coldest place in the Philippines, enjoying what is like to be on top; “ABOVE THE CLOUDS”; it was a wonderful experience most especially for the first timers and it is something that every climber keeps on coming back to this mountain. For MESAU, it was such a great way to commemorate our 30th Years Anniversary!
Both groups (Ambangeg and Akiki) meet at the summit, we took some pictures and was very thankful for the fine weather.

We trek down with happy faces and satisfaction and reached camp 2 at lunch time. Just as we reached the camp site, it started raining again, other members prepared our lunch and some settled themselves in a small shed as they shared their experiences about the climb and their experiences in the past. It was like sharing their 30 years of their lives in MESAU. The kids were just too happy playing around the campsite ignoring the rain while their parents started breaking the camps.

The group who brought their kids with them decided to trek down ahead to the Ranger Station. Youne (a 13 year old boy) and Faye (a 10 year old girl) were having their bonding moments as they hike, leaving behind their moms along the trail, soon “Fadz” not his real name but we fondly call him that way joined us. We took some pictures, we laughed things around, we smiled and greeted fellow climbers on the trail.

We reached the ranger station early and we were all settled at 7:00pm. The lavish dinner was prepared by Jalyn Javier and her assistants from the Ambangeg group and the applicants from Akiki Group prepared too. It was so entertaining that we felt like we were judging at the “Iron Chef Show” tasting the foods and judging which group prepared the most scrumptious.

The “POST Climb” started and everyone shared their experiences during the climbed, their comments, suggestions, concerns and reactions were also heard. It was an open minded communication that we happily greeted each and everyone in the end; A “Happy 30th Anniversary, Mabuhay ang MESAU”.

As part of the celebration, the President of MESAU; Mr. Orven Onofre and his officers decided to induct four (4) active applicants to be fully members namely; Ivan Lemuel Bulaon, Argelyn Guiao, Mayeh Mapagmahal and Tin Mercado. They were inducted because of their full support to the group and for accomplishing and continuing the goals of MESAU wholeheartedly.

The members of MESAU (Mountaineering Exploration Society of Adamson University) proudly say that we existed for Thirty (30) years and we shall continue the legacy as far as we can. A group that started only with full of fun and adventures and has strongly built the “Friendship” among us. On the other hand, we can never celebrate happily and successfully without hiking Mount Pulag, it is really a chance that shouldn’t be missed in our lifetime.

Before we parted ways on that day of 30th December 2012, we treated ourselves for that “native rice”, “native tinolang manok” and fresh vegetables for lunch. We all settled in Baguio City, bid “goodbyes” for that moment as we have to catch up the New Year and celebrate with our families too.

It was such a great celebration as we ended the year 2012, an inspiration for this 2013 as we continue the objectives and goals of MESAU!

Thank you for the participants, founders, alumni, members, applicants and our friends for celebrating with us!

Thank you “Caribee Philippines” for supporting us, Mabuhay kayo!

- Marilou “Nadine” Bulusan

 

References: Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

MESAU 30 Years of Passion and Advocacy. ADAMSON University Keeping the Legacy of Hope and Service Alive

Congratulations to MESAU on its celebration of its 30th anniversary. Under the leadership of incumbent president Orven Honofre, it will cap its celebration with the 30th climb in Pulag this December after having climbed 29 mountains as of 15 December 2012 since the start of the year. The theme of its pearl anniversary is “30 years of passion and advocacy”, interpreted as its strong desire for climbing mountains and the outdoors and its support to the causes for the environment, group camaraderie and the uplift of the medical conditions of the marginalized in remote areas accessible only by mountaineers. The anniversary program as in the previous years provides windows for members and alumnus to give testimonies on what the club meant to them. Witnessed by about 50 guests at the Rothman Hotel along Adriatico st. in Malate, young female applicants and members described the fun in getting together and climbing with the club. More senior member Paul Salvacion recounted the learnings and the discipline imparted by the climbs and the club and how it helped build confidence and competency facing the real working world. Founding members from the College of Architecture shared with the incumbent batch the early years building the club starting with a memorable wall in the San Marcelino st. as the claimed private space of MESAU. Started by a group of fun-loving, street smart students 30 years ago, Demi Abarguez and Jimmy Memjie recalled their 1st climbs which was the 1st time they gained acquaintance with each other, how they were perceived as a noisy, rowdy group by the more established clubs as UPM, PALMC, USTMC which eventually allied with them, how they learned the ropes of climbing by mere climbing and not by the rigidness of training and knowledge by reading. During their time when they were eventually recognized by the school, a favorite priest would support their climbs by providing financial subsidy and recognition as the club carried the school name. The tradition of climbing Pulag after Christmas started in the early 80’s and was carried on by the succeeding batches. Disclosed too were the close encounter with the military in Pulag when they were mistaken as rebels threatening their lives with armalites poked at their faces. Food related anecdotes were brought to the forum by former presidents such as the “abodo” spilling incident of their packed lunch to a Bacolod bound co-passenger in barong tagalong and the spaghetti meant as a group food in Tupperware that rolled down in the soil and eventually eaten as it nothing happened. Like typical post climbing stories, chronicled too were the make shift equipment for instance framed back packs and casual outfits like maong and how they fared compared to the highly technical gears of this generation. Past presidents such as Bart Bartolome, Rayan Reyes, Jon Linao, Jun De Vera, Queen Roma Pegarido, Jon Anista were recognized by the club for their contribution in keeping the club alive up to this day. Highlight of gatherings as in other mountaineering clubs gathering was the slide showing prepared by the organizing committee of MESAU in 2012 on how MESAU demonstrated it passion for climbing and advocacy. MESAU will undoubtedly cross its Golden (50th) Anniversary in December 2032 because what it does is consistent with the core values of the school inculcated to its students, “Adamson University-Keeping the Legacy of Hope and Service Alive” An Adamsonian Prayer Dear Lord, Teach me the things that are important: To be generous with Your gifts, Compassionate to those who have less, Just in the face of unfair circumstances, True when the world’s values contradict my own, Gracious when things don’t go my way, And magnanimous when they do. May nothing else matter Except Faith in Your goodness, my neighbor’s, and mine, Hope that things can get better, And Charity that always set things right. May Your special Love for the Poor, The mark of my uniquely Vincentian education, Be the work I excel in, The standard I constantly refer to, And my courage when I meet You someday. With Mary, our Mother, and St. Vincent de Paul, Amen

-Tochs Razon

 

Pre-Climb Meeting

PRE-CLIMB meeting sa Friday sa carwash 5pm
magdala kayo ng P460 para sa reservation sa bus
sa estudyante magdala ng ID para sa -20% discount

 

MESAU 30 years etc.

 

Save the date: December 15, 2012

MESAU Christmas Party: 30 years of Passion and Advocacy
Dec 15, 2012
CS Garden, Adamson University Grounds

UPDATE 12/09/12: The NEW VENUE for the Christmas Party will be at Rothman Hotel, 1633 M. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila.

Program of Activities

4:00 Registration
5:00 Doxology
5:05 National Anthem
5:10 Opening Remarks
Mr. Orven Laurence D. Honofre
5:20 30th Anniversary AVP
Recognition of Mr. Eric Mustajo
History and Achievements
5:40 Testimonial Speech
5:50 General Meeting
Securities and Exchange Commission
Officers and Board Members
Rules: Induction Process
6:30 Dinner
6:50 Recognition of the Presidents
7:00 “30 Years. 30 Mountains. 1 MESAU.”
7:15 Awarding
7:30 Closing Remarks

Alma Mater Hymn

 

See you at Mt. Pulag

Mt Pulag 2011 (Rough Cut) from Edwin Rolian on Vimeo.

Mt. Pulag 2011 AVP

 

Nagpatong Peak AVP

 

14th Tour of the Fireflies

TOUR OF THE FIREFLIES happening this November 18, 2012, Sunday!

Start and End: Tiendesitas, Pasig City
Assembly Time: 5:30AM
Ride-Out Time: 7:00AM
Duration: approximately 4 hours at a relaxed pace of 10-12 Kms per hour

What to bring: Helmet, water, snack and sense of adventure.

On-line and On-site registration to be announced.

https://www.facebook.com/FireflyBrigade