2. Mount Sembrano in Pililla, Rizal
Aside from the recently constructed Wind Farm in Pililla, Mount Sembrano is another one of this municipality’s exciting destination. Unlike the previously mentioned mountains, Mount Sembrano has a fairly easy trail where a guide is not mandatory.
The grassy trail of Mount Sembrano
Hikers can go wash up at the nearby Manggahan Falls
While staying overnight is not recommended (due to numerous reports of “tent-slashing” and thefts), couple it with a side-trip to nearby Manggahan Falls and this mountain will make for a satisfying day-hike.
1. Mount Tagapo in Binangonan, Rizal
The location of Mount Tagapo is described in Jose Rizal’s writings: Elias visited Talim Island once in Noli, and the bapor-tabo made it a stopover in Fili. This hilly island can be accessed by a 45-minute boat ride from mainland Binangonan.
Mount Tagapo’s prominent mount, dubbed as “Susong Dalaga” (maiden’s breast), can be seen as soon as you dock at Baranggay Janosa’s pier. Like Sembrano, Mount Tagapo is generally grassy. On the rainy season, this sea of grass blooms into a fluffy mound of green, turning idyllic with white cogon flowers during the last months of the year.
The fluffy Mount Tagapo
It is a great training ground for beginners, as the trail is made up of several major inclines. While the trek is relatively short (this writer can do it in an hour), it is admittedly exhaustive, often necessitating more than the recommended two-liter of water.
Tagapo’s summit looks out into the Laguna de Bay, with outlines of fish pens and a distinct encroachment giving it dimension. The Pililla Windmills can also be seen in the distance as well as the silhouette of Mount Sembrano.
Tagapo’s signature “encroachment”
Mount Tagapo is, perhaps, the most humble of the mountains mentioned here, offering no caves or waterfalls as a side-trip. Its accessibility, however, assures it remains as a hiker’s favorite.
Have you been to any of these summits? How was your experience? If you haven’t hiked this quartet of mountains yet, check out this list of DIY Hiking Guides to plan your trip.
