Mt. Apo trail map now available for free

Climbers and tourists should not be disappointed with the temporary closure of Mt. Apo to tourists during the Holy Week because there are other things to see and do as shown by the new Mt. Apo Trail Map.

“The closure of Mt. Apo need not mean you can’t enjoy its other attractions,” Department of Tourism XI director Sonia Garcia said. The DOT, which is in the forefront of the Mt. Apo clean-up, discovered that Lake Venado was in dire need of a major clean-up, thus the decision to close the mountain to climbers temporarily.

Garcia said Mt. Apo is not only the highest peak in the Philippines at 9,692 feet but it is also a destination that is truly Holy. She said visitors can get more information about the mountain and its attractions by getting the free Mt. Apo Trail map from their office.

You can reach Davao City, where Mt. Apo is located, by land through the Philtranco Bus from Pasay City in Manila, by sea through SuperFerry or by air through any of the airlines which can charge from P2,000 to P7,000 for a one way ticket. Proceed to Kapatagan in Davao del Sure by bus or private car, and register at the site for P500 per climber.

Those who simply want to spend some quiet time during the Holy Week can visit Forest Springs, a mountain resort located in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur which is one of the jump-off point when climbing Mt. Apo. The resort offers mountain cabins good for up to five persons, with bathing facilities and kitchen. The resort has a campsite and picnic area.

Kapatagan is also the location of Bahay ni Kublai which overlooks the mountain. This is another masterpiece from Kublai, a Davao-based sculptor and artists who designed the very notable giant sculptures at the Davao International Airport and the Davao City People’s Park.

And while you’re in Kapatagan, you can also visit Camp Sabros which does not only provide a breath-taking view of the mountain, but also offers one of the longest zip lines in the country at 400 meters.

Garcia said those who are interested to know more about culture can visit the Kalimudan Bagobo Cultural Village in barangay Tibolo, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, just at the foot of Mt. Apo. The Cultural Village provides a majestic view with an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level.

“We are also proud of the Boulders of Mt. Apo which is another exhilarating feature of the mountain,” she said.

KMU's Omar Bantayan Debunks Military Claims He Is With The NPA

Kilusang Mayo Uno's Omar Bantayan yesterday called up DXAB anchor man Stephen Manangan debunking claims he has already gone to the boondocks to join the New People's Army as claimed by Major Medel Aguilar of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 5th Civil Relations Group.

Omar said he is definitely just in Davao and is visible to anyone who wants to see him. He said he is still with KMU but has ceased to be their spokesperson as he was assigned to union work.

Aguilar earlier said two militant leaders namely Bantayan and Jeppie Ramada of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan have been seen in the company of NPAs in Compostela Valley. Aguilar said they received reports that it was Ramada who negotiated for the release a few months back of three policemen who were abducted by the NPA rebels in Davao Oriental.

Bantayan said he is fearful for his life as the military may be conditioning the minds of the people to justify whatever happens to him in the future.