Guess who’s back digging through the Blogger archives? Yep, me—finally giving this throwback post the spotlight it’s been waiting for! It’s been sitting there quietly, whispering, “Publish me! ” And here it is now—alive, shining, and ready for its moment. Not abandoned. Not forgotten. Just… redirected. 😉

Quick Trail Recap
🕓 Originally posted: Friday, 22 March 2013 | 8:56 AM | My Blogger account
✍️ Revisited & polished: August 2025
📍 DENR Station, Ternate, Cavite
🍰 The Birthday Climb That Wasn’t, But Felt Like One
🥾 Trail difficulty: 3/9—manageable for beginners but still rewarding for seasoned hikers.
🕯️ Highlight: Cold morning surprise with a cupcake and candle—an unofficial birthday celebration

🦜 Why “Pico de Loro”?

The name means “Parrot’s Beak” in Spanish, inspired by the mountain’s pointed summit and the iconic monolith that resembles a parrot’s beak when viewed from afar. Historically, it served as a navigational marker for Spanish seafarers heading toward Manila Bay.

I embraced the mountaineer’s life once again with my climb buddies. We were fewer this time—three friends from our previous trek couldn’t join—but the spirit remained. Our destination: one of Cavite’s highest peaks, known for its parrot-like beak shape. Pico De Loro, nestled within the DENR-protected landscape in Ternate, Cavite, awaited.

The trek took nearly four hours. For some, it’s still considered a minor climb, but the trail offered its own rhythm. From Base Camp 1, we followed a gradual ascent leading to Alibangbang Park—a welcome rest stop before the steeper trail toward the campsite. Trail signs marked the way, making navigation easy and reassuring.

🏕️ A Promise, and the Monolith

I had expected more than ten people to join the overnight stay, so I brought a tent for sharing. To my surprise, we were only six—five women and one guy—with three tents between us. We met up at Baclaran Church and caught a Saulog Transit bus bound for Ternate around 12:30 PM. After an hour’s ride, we transferred to tricycles at the Naic terminal, paying ₱100 each for the 45-minute journey to the DENR station.

After registering and grabbing a quick bite, we began our trek—joined by a solo backpacker we met at DENR. Four hours later, we reached the campsite, amazed to find it bustling with weekend backpackers. Pico De Loro, it turns out, is a favorite escape for many. That day, we met Kuya Melchor, a frequent visitor who became our guide and instant friend. He knew the trails well and pointed out the signs with quiet confidence.

🏞️ Overnight Camping Experience

After we settled our tents 🏕️, we began preparing food, shared dinner, and eventually called it a night. It was one of the rarest moments of my life—finally pushing through an overnight camping trip with my trek buddies. No matter how tired we were, falling asleep early was impossible. Other campers were still having the best time of their lives, and the campsite buzzed with laughter and stories.

We had already accepted that this adventure came with a few discomforts: a long walk to the water source and a mobile bathroom that tested our patience. But somehow, those little inconveniences made the experience even more memorable.

🏕️ Three Tents, One Cupcake, and a Parrot’s Beak

That early morning, while I was still curled up inside the tent, freezing from the cold, Candice handed me a piece of chocolate cupcake with a blue candle. She lit it and told me to blow it out—like I was truly celebrating my birthday. It wasn’t my actual birthday yet, but for me, that moment was one of the most special days of my life.

After we packed up, all eyes turned to the monolith. Everyone wanted to climb it—including me. But only two brave souls did. And I wasn’t one of them.

The monolith: a 50-foot vertical rock formation near the summit. Climbing it requires ropes and courage—definitely a badge of honor for mountaineers. I wanted to go, but I trusted my gut. The wind was strong—but my fear was stronger.

A few hours later, we left the campsite and began our descent. My unfinished business with Pico De Loro left me a little disappointed. But I was determined to return. Maybe not too soon, but eventually.

📅 As of 2025…

Mt. Pico De Loro has reopened to hikers after years of rehabilitation. With limited slots, mandatory guides, and improved trail infrastructure, it now welcomes a new generation of mountaineers—while quietly holding the memories of those who came before.

“Some climbs mark milestones. This one lit a candle in the cold.”