I AM BUT A MOUNTAIN BOY

Updated content migrated in this link:

https://diytrip.travel.blog/2017/03/22/i-am-but-a-mountain-boy/

I am but a mountain boy. That is a fact. I was born, grew up and finished my studies, and even worked for nearly a decade in the mountainous part of the northern Philippines. And yes, not a mountain man but a MOUNTAIN BOY. Now, this boy in me wishes again to bivouac under the bright stars, to feel the cool breeze, and to tread the grass-strewn and shaded paths [or no paths] of the boondocks.

Cry as you might but not of fear nor sorrow. Cry as much with a light heart

The rocks, trees, grasses and soil of the mountains have always been a mute witness to my life’s transitions, aches and gladness. To the mountain I go when I am stressed from the hustle and bustle of the city life. To the mountain I can ultimately cry all the anguishes in my life. When I want to shout for joy to the mountains I go. 

A mountain of rock! I takes years before it succumbs to its natural degradation, then the trees will invade [if humans will not do it first].

This is a typical cloud kissing the mountain. You'll be in a great treat if you'll see a sea of clouds. Such is common among the Philippine mountains at the northern part.

These behemoths are unconquerable when you hike through it. Most social media posts after a mountain hike would be like “I conquered Mt. Pulag” or “I beat the tough Mt. Guiting-Guiting”. A real mountaineer would know better than these social media-hyped and [almost] cheesy quotes. It is not the mountain that we conquer—we could never do that. It is ourselves that we conquer when we climb mountains. It is us that the mountain conquers! We bow down to the earth as the ache in our legs are felt. We gasp for air as our body needs more oxygen from exertion. We take refuge on its rock crevices and flat plains in our need for physical rest. We cry from the color of the sunset, the squeaks and chirps of the forest insects, the gentle curves of the mountains, and even the sheets of rain and network of lightning bolts. We conquer ourselves as we go beyond what we thought is our limit. Yes, the mountain is conquering us as we abide by its physical rule. 

At the mountains, you will also see different fruit that would make you wonder if it is edible or not. This one in particular is a peculiar fruit. Crush it, lit a fire on it and it will burn.

One of the most beautiful peaks in Philippine mountains, Mt. Pulag. You could spend hours lazing on the grass as you behold nature at its best.

This exertion, both physical and psychological, keeps our health in tune. Evidences on the good effects of mountain hiking have always been there. Cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, lipid profile, well, almost on all aspects of our life. There are a lot of success stories in the internet about getting fit, thanks to the hills and even to 9/9 hiking destinations. I have seen a lot of slow-paced hikers who moans from body pains, complains of never going back again in the mountains, and outbursts of expletives during the trek. Then [lo and behold!], at the peak of the mountain and/or after the trek, they would ask for the next hiking destination. It is addicting. 

Yes, it gets cold, and very very cold. Be prepared.

According to the BBC, in places where no lichens are growing, it is often a sign that the air is heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide. The presence of a bushy or a leafy lichen indicates that the place has a clean air. Next time you go a-climbing a mountain, check them lichens!

I grow as I get to know more of the mountains. I kept maturing as I see the law of nature. I widen my horizon as I get to hear stories around bonfires and along footpaths from people of different colors, race, creed, religion, and language. I learn more as I go to the mountain. Yes, I still weep and get that open-mouthed awe when I see wonders of this world and how minute we are in this world when I get to a mountain peak. Well, I am but [and just] a mountain boy.

LIBTEC CRYSTAL CAVE (a.k.a. QUILLING CRYSTAL CAVE)

LIBTEC CRYSTAL CAVE (a.k.a. QUILLING CRYSTAL CAVE)

Updated Article is migrated in this link:

https://pinoyspelunker.com/libtec-crystal-cave-a-k-a-quilling-crystal-cave/

LOCATION:		Brgy. Libtec, Dolores, Abra, Philippines.
HOW TO GET THERE:		From Manila: Partas Bus (fare and schedule here) or Dominion Transit Bus bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 9 hours. From Baguio City: Take a Partas Bus (Php314.00) or a mini bus (Php250.00) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 6 hours. Private vehicles: Directions can be easily asked from the friendly Abra locals.
		Bangued to Libtec, Dolores: Single motor: Around Php600.00 (negotiable; round trip, with side trips) Jeepney + Tricycle: Take a jeep at Bangued bound to Dolores then drop at Talugtog crossing. From there, take a tricycle to Libtec.
		Drop-off to cave entrance: During rainy season when the road is muddy, it takes at least 30 minutes walk. Expect that to be shorter during summer when the non-cemented part is passable.
		Spelunking duration: About an hour.
JUMP-OFF POINT:		Libtec Road, Libtec, Dolores
CONTACT PERSONS:		(074) 752-9278; 752-8081 (Mayor’s Office); 0926-403-4485 (Barangay Chairman).
FEES/RENTALS/FACILITIES:
	Registration Fee:	None.
	Guide Fee:	Negotiable.
	Shoes, lamp, knee & elbow pads rental:	None.
	Shower facility:	None. Not needed.
CHARACTERISTICS
	Mineral deposit formations:	Highly abundant.
	Underground river:	None.
	Bat population:	Numerous.
	Chambers:	Multi-chambered; more on caverns.
	Human artefacts:	None discovered yet.
	Cave fill:	Bat droppings and soil partially covering the floor.

Description

Libtec Crystal Cave, also known as Quilling Crystal Cave, is located in Dolores, a municipality in the nature-blessed province of Abra. A haven of bats, this full of mineral deposit cave is an easy spelunking destination.

The cave is situated in Barangay Libtec, hence the name Libtec Crystal Cave. The “crystal” comes from the microcrystals on the surface of the mineral deposits that shines when light is focused into it. According to the locals, even before the Second World War when Libtec is not yet populated the presence of the cave is already known to hunters and trappers from nearby areas such as Tayum, Abra. Decades after the Japanese regime, treasure hunters had also explored the caves, hoping that some Japanese treasures were kept and left there. Today, it is a bat-hunting ground as the cave is heavily populated with kurarapnit (bats). Bat droppings had also been gathered by the locals to be used as fertilizer. Possibly, other animals use the chambers as a habitat especially those near the exits.

Libtec Crystal Cave, like the Sibud-Sibud Cave in Tineg, is also a multi-chambered cave with a continuous cavern covering most of its length. It also boasts a multitude of beautifully-formed mineral deposits in the form of stalagmites, stalactites, straws, drapery, and flowstones. The length of the cave is not even close to a kilometer but the walls, floor, and roof are teeming with beautifully-formed and -colored mineral deposits. There are a lot of stone formation like a bird, banana blossom, horse, and many more.

Unlike Sagada Caves and Aran Cave, spelunking in Libtec Crystal Cave is not as arduous. Crawling, sliding, wading through icy water and rappelling are not required. It is a generally easy-take-you-time adventure inside the cave. There are two entry points (could also be utilized as exit points), however, only one is being utilized since the other is located halfway along the length of the cave. It is also noticeable numerous fallen blocks of mineral stones, most probably breakdown happened during earthquakes. As you enter and marvel at the formations inside, you will also be serenaded by the flaps and squeaks of bats.

Factors that hinder the promotion of this beautiful cave include the distance from the NCR where local tourists usually come from, lack of hourly public transportation, and the often misunderstood peace stigma of Abra. Like Sibud-Sibud Cave, Libtec Crystal Cave also has no standard guide fee, guides are not yet trained like those in the heavily populated cave tourist destinations, and no spelunking device rentals. Fortunately, the barangay is very keen with the safety of the tourists. At least one guide is often dispatched to accompany the tourists.

Other notable tourist destinations in the municipality are the Libtec Underground River, Simmimbaan Picnic Groove and a private resort.  

Reminders:
·	In hiring transportation, there is no standard hire rate; approximate trip duration takes as much an hour.
·	Wear a comfortable non-slip, close-toed rubber shoes. Do not use flip-flops especially during rainy season.
·	Do not vandalize the rocks nor take any physical memento from the cave. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
·	Do not touch or step on the surfaces of live dripstones. These are usually colored white and with continuous water dropping in it.
·	Be guided by the Leave No Trace mantra. Take only pictures and memories with you. Leave the stones and mineral deposit formations behind. As of early 2016, a lot of the stone formations have been vandalized, some of the tips of the draperys and stalactites have been cut and taken as memento.
·	Do not forget to bring water for rehydration and individual flashlight especially if you are a group.

Gallery

The entrance. This is the only part where you need to stoop-walk.

A closer look at the entrance.

You would immediately be welcomed with this.

The roof near the entrance of the cave.

Unfortunately, the beauty of the cave have been besmirched many times in the past.

This could have been more beautiful if the tips have been spared by vandal and thieves.

Dripstones like these are all over the place.

Each wall has its own personality.

One of the few instances where you need to half climb your way.

Flowstones and shields are also everywhere.

Notice the myriad of colors the formations has to offer.

A part of one of the uncounted columns.

A stone resembling a heart.

A cluster of uhm… what do they resemble?

The cavernous space inside the cave.

Everywhere you look, there would always be something that would catch your attention.

These dripstones seem like sentries in a hollow place.

Is it a bird? A gargoyle?

This seems like a short curtain.

When stalactites and stalagmites meet, they often form a solid pillar.

A flower? Banana blossom? Whatever it looks like to you, this could have been perfect without the vandalized part.

I have always wondered at the picturesque effect of the different colors of the mineral deposits.

This is the most beautiful part, I must say. I call it the “grotto”. If the cave is a novel, this could have been its climax.

A closer look at the upper portion of the “grotto”.

I really wanted to cry when we reached this point. I wanted to cry for a couple of reasons: one, the desecration of this nature’s art has a bitter tug to my heart; two, the beauty [and could have been more majestic without the vandalism] of the place that gives a church-like feeling.

On the other side of the “grotto” are formations untouched by vandals.

A colorful column.

These dripstones are still alive. Decades need to pass before a considerable increase in size is seen.

The exact location of the source of the water drops and the mineral content of the drops are bid factors in shaping these stones.

This shape could be a lot more different in the future.

You would almost always forget to close your mouth when you gaze upon things as stunning as this.

A dome-shaped part of the roof.

I don’t know what to call these, but they are sure pretty to look at.

Dang it! Its a horse!

With the rugae, you would liken it to a scrotal sac.

A majestic column.

Its white color and shape makes it unique.

A clenched fist or a heart maybe?

The wall-that-is-not-just-a-wall.

Oh please close your mouth, lol.

By the way, the previous images were as gargantuan as this. A lot of them are even of bigger size.

A colorful, mineral deposit formation-full crevice.

These screechers would always be present wherever you go inside this cave.

A small chamber. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to explore it including the other chambers. It’s for you to discover the wonders inside when you go there.

NOTE: I initially planned to go to the Libtec Underground River. However, the place is closed to visitors during rainy season as it is filled with water. By chance, the Barangay Chairman mentioned the Libtec Crystal Cave, hence this article. The history of the cave was given by 2016 Libtec Barangay Chairman. I was saddened at the extent of vandalism inside the cave. Despite of this, what you will see inside would still capture your heart.