“Mt. Kanlaon National Park: the Oriental Assault”

In the ancient times, people had always offered gifts to their deity for good harvest season and for the wellness of their people.

One of the ancient Visayan deity is Kan-Laon - who is known as "One who is the Ruler of Time". “Kan” means a title given to rulers or other important people in Asian countries. It has been told that the mountain is said to be where Laon made his presence to the people. The supreme deity is the protector of nature and of the people.

Many have expressed their devotion and advocacy for Mt. Kanlaon. At present, the Sentinel Mountaineers spear-headed Sentinel President Mr. Jhiffy “Epoy” Cabatingan has been considered as the “Trent Protectors of Mt. Kanlaon” (derived from a computer game DOTA character TRENT PROTECTOR, a tree-like character that protects and controls nature).

Last August 20-22, Zzubu Ecotourism Society visited Mt. Kanlaon for a special cause. Headed by ZETS Lex Tyler Berame, together with ZETS sir Ayanz Gelves, ZETS sir Noel Ortega and ZETS Sterl Jason with ZETS Volunteers, Christian Rivera, Eduardo Nillas Jr., Kezia Cabrera, and Mountaineer Clemente Ryan Alcos joined forces with Sentinel Mountaineers Lead pack Kim Joseph Llena, Rambo Vergara, Rjed Eleco, Bagz Escares, and King with the cause of preserving and restoring mother nature at the same time taking the pleasure of experiencing the beauty of the volcano.

Mt. Kanlaon National Park takes pride with an elevation of 2,435 meters above sea level. Its broad elongated northern caldera with a crater lake gives the audience an astounding view from the peak. The Sudlon Waterfalls offers a refreshing feeling and is considered a spot for relaxation, while giving irrigation to crops and animals downhill. Camp Mapot and Mountain Park an abundant plateau was first developed as a health camp. Makawiliwili Ridge known as the “Saddle in the Sky”, the ridge is located between two mountain peaks. The Margaha Valley the volcano’s former crater which is located just below the base of the present-day active crater is considered as the best highlight. The Margaha Valley forms a lake when the rainy season comes. During summer, the Margaha Valley becomes a good camping site for outdoor enthusiast. The Margaha Valley has a wide range of flora and fauna for scientific study or just simply to enjoy the view. The endangered Visayan Spotted Deer that can be found at Mt. Kanlaon Negros is the official logo of Zzubu Ecotourism Society. In addition, the Rough Backed Forest Frog, Visayan Warty Pig, Round Leaf Bat, Rafflesia Speciosa and many more species can be found in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

The Sentinel Rock can be found along the way of Mananawin Trail. This rock forms the face of the Protector of the Forest, which has been adapted by the Sentinel Mountaineers as part of their logo.

The trail to Mt. Kanlaon offers a lot of stupefying views, which consolidates to the blissful chrome of Mother Nature. For ZETS, this has been a wonderful bonding experience which money can’t buy. From Cebu, we took one night at Toledo City port area; we literally slept out at the port. Good thing Port Security personnel didn’t drive us out of the place. Taking the first sail thru Fast craft bound for San Carlos City, we gathered all our excitement for a great experience ahead. Although some of us are still groggy after that night’s affair, we reached Kanlaon City safe and sound. Mr. Jhiffy “Epoy” Cabatingan greeted us at the terminal and gave us a briefing about the activity ahead. We met Kim “The Lead Packer”, Rambo “the Nutz-craker” (with his record breaking 34 slideshows), Coolman Rjed, King the Midman and Bagz “the Sweeper”. They were very accommodating and made us very comfortable throughout the trip. They complemented us for reaching the Kutitap Emergency Camp site earlier than expected. But it was not an easy assault. The thought of eating “Adobo” for lunch was a great motivator for us to reach the summit of Makawiwili Peak. Due to time constraint, we weren’t able to lay our steps at PMS and PMS lagoon. We summit Makawiwili peak at 1200hrs and took lunch. Waiting for the clearing of the clouds to take a view of the crater took us more than an hour. But she was very kind to give us the chance to clear out for less than 5 minutes and gave us time to take pictures. The clearing of clouds rarely happens during rainy seasons, sometimes it never shows. After the quick pictorial, we grabbed our packs and headed to the Oriental Shoulder Makawiwili Ridge for the campsite. More or less 2 hours of walking we reached the campsite. Everyone got a spot for their tents. Late evening, none of us got a good sleep due to a drop of temperature. Legs were tingling and back were aching. Early morning we grabbed our chance to summit the crater. While taking every step, I always remember my friend who is now based in London who introduced me into this kind of hobby. I wish we could have experienced it too. No words can explain the feeling being at the top of the highest peak in the Visayan Region. It was superfragilisticexpialidocious! She gave us the most wonderful feeling, at 2,435m above sea level was no joke! Though there were some remnants of uneducated mountaineers leaving marks of vandalism on the rocks, at least it wasn’t very extensive. Sentinel Mountaineers always takes their part of preserving the site. While on the other hand, Zzubu Ecotourism Society is be very proud to promote Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park as the number one destination for EcoAdventure Experience for outdoor enthusiast. Mother Nature was as good to us on our way back to Cebu as we sailed from San Carlos because we have the chance to have encounter dolphins at the Tañon Strait while on the ferry.

In a nutshell, Mt. Kanlaon is now considered as 27th highest peak in the Philippines. Nonetheless it is still abundant with breath taking beauty of its flora and fauna, and still considered as the highest peak in the Visayan region.