Mt. Sawi, Gabaldon

Instead of asking why they left, ask what beauty will it create in the space they no longer occupy?

Instead magmukmok, mamundok. Preferably sa Mt. Sawi. After all, this mountain was born to be conquered by the broken-hearted.

Part of the Aurora Memorial National Park, Mt. Sawi (594 MASL with difficulty level of 3/9) is a minor hiking destination in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. It became popular simply because of its name that endeared to many heartbroken millennials. And it can be day-hiked.    

I was drawn to this mountain because of its poignant story, which I’m not sure if really true.

A long time ago, a beautiful Dumagat girl found a wounded man in the mountain where she lives. Without second thought, she helped him – gave him shelter and food, and nursed him until he regained his strength. In this short span of time, they started to fall for one another. When the man was able to recuperate, he told her that he needed to return to his hometown so he could tell his parents that he’s still alive. But he promised to be back for her. Months passed and no word was heard again from him. Worried that something might have happened to the man she loves, she decided to follow him. But she soon found out that the man is already set to marry another. Devastated, she returned to the mountain and hanged herself by the tree.

The mountain was named after the girl’s tragic love story and fatal heartbreak. Its full name is Mt. Sawing Balete. The now lone dead balete tree where she hanged herself, is the landmark on the mountain’s summit.  

From Manila, I took a 4 am bus bound for Cabanatuan. Then took another van going to Dingalan. Gabaldon I think is often overlooked as an outdoor destination. Whenever I pass this route, I get invigorated just watching verdant, seemingly endless rolling hills and mountains. I got off in Brgy. Malinao, a little pass Dupinga River.

I registered first at the Barangay Hall and paid the fees and was assigned a young guide named John Lloyd. Medyo natawa nga ako sa pangalan ni kuya, kaya kinamusta ko na lang sa kanya si Ellen at Baby Elias.

First part of the trail ay around five minute walk on a flat terrain then biglang umaatikabong assault na agad. Simula pa lang pero pahirapan na. Actually this is the only part of the trail that is the most challenging. Eventually it becomes bearable.

It was less than a week na may dumaang bagyo so maraming puno ng saging na pinadapa along the trail. Thankfully, other trees were spared.

My guide told me that I should never miss Simbahang Bato, which is halfway along the trail and very near the last water source. He added that I will be mesmerized with the rock formations, as well as the stream beside it. And I did. A sacred site, the little cave church is where Catholic devotees usually flock to during Holy week. Masses for the Dumagat tribe were also previously held inside the cave.

After Simbahang Bato, the trail becomes more exposed to the sun but the panoramic view of the plains of Central Luzon and nearby hills and mountains becomes more prominent. Everywhere, talahib grows wild and free. I’ve read that a climber even joked “Matalahib po promise! Ang kati - kasing kati ng ex kong hitad!”

Wala na masyadong ascent going to the summit. Mababa na lang din ang mga inclines. It is more like a walk in the park.

I was the only one who climbed that day so solong-solo ko ang summit. It was already midday, and the place felt like a pugon – sobrang init. Buti na lang, humahangin from time to time, and there are two native huts that serve as resting place for the climbers; ang isa nga lang bumagsak dahil sa bagyo.

I stayed for less than an hour, savoured the relaxing view of Sierra Mountain ranges and the Dupinga River below, and climbed the famous balete tree. Even if the tree is already dead, it is still sturdy and could comfortably carry my weight. 

Was this innocent tree even instrumental in the untimely demise of a heartbroken girl, who took her own life out of agony? Did it even whisper to her “How sweet it must be to feel all the pain at once then never again”?

From Manila, take a Cabanatuan–bound bus (ES, FiveStar, Genesis or Baliwag Transit) in Cubao and get off at Cabanatuan Terminal. Then ride a van or jeep going to Dingalan or Gabaldon and get off in Malinao Elementary school (or just tell the driver that you are going to Mt. Sawi). Register at the Barangay Hall and get a guide; no need to contact them prior the climb. But for inquiry, you may contact the barangay staff via mobile no. 0935-4273243. For day-hike, better leave Manila 2 or 3 am. From the jump-off, the summit is 2-3 hours away, depending on your pace. Bring umbrella or any sun protection.