The Masungi Adventure

Frenzied to make another great adventure, sixteen brods and sis journeyed their way through the Masungi Georeserve, last Tuesday, May 14, 2019. There, they witnessed the majestic karst rock garden, majestic rainforest, and experienced thrilling rope courses.

The tour was initiated and sponsored by Brod Bert Tagayuna and Brod Ben Dumaliang, both from Blue Star Construction & Development Corporation, one of the organizations that led and funded the conservation efforts and geotourism on the reserve. Brod Bert is also the president of BES-HNS Foundation, Inc. Among the participants of the tour were Sis Tess Andres and Brod Gil Palad who are both members of the Board of Trustees of the foundation.

Before the participants started the trail, the tour guide shared the history and facts about the reserve, provided the do’s and don’ts, and gave an overview of what to expect from the trail.

According to the guide, Masungi comes from the word “masungki” or crooked – a word to describe its karst topography. The terrain was once beneath the ocean and rose through tectonic movements. And as millions of years goes by, rainforest developed in the area, nurturing a wildlife of which was once of great diversity. Having been victimized by land grabbing and illegal logging, the area had lost most of its trees and wildlife but through the grueling conservation efforts made by the Masungi Georeserve Foundaion, the trees are now getting taller and the wildlife is thriving once again. The foundation aims to bring awareness of the ecological relevance of Masungi and to provide deeper understanding of the area.

Participants were given hard hats as protection and were advised to fill up their water bottles should they feel the need to rehydrate, finally, the awaited discovery of the trail began.

The trail seemed easy at first with all the rock and concrete blocks built to cover the area, but became challenging the moment they reached the first rope course.

Following a series of uphill and downhill treks is the popular gigantic metal spider web, called “Sapot”. It was built to give a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the Laguna de Bay on one side and the great Sierra Madre mountain range on the other, while preventing damage to the rocks underneath.

In the middle of two hanging bridges is an air house, called “Patak”, suspended above a cactus garden. The next spot is a big white braided rope hammock called “Duyan”, which connects one side of a mountain to another. Just in time to take shelter from the sun, the next attraction is a cave system, called “Yungib ni Ruben”. The group took their time inside to rest and cool down.

The further they got, the richer the flora and fauna they saw. With its picture-perfect landscape and the calming sound of nature, the georeserve reenergizes guests while letting them experience the pleasures of the hike.
Continuing the trail, they went to the tallest peaks in the reserve, called “Nanay” and “Tatay”, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Then to the final rope segment, called “Bayawak”, which is shaped like a monitor lizard. It descends from a peak to a long, scenic resting spot.

Finally, the group reached Liwasan, where they relaxed and had refreshing lemonade and sandwiches. There they met and chatted with Brod Ben Dumaliang , before they made their way back to the visitors’ shed.

By the end of the trail, everyone was exhausted and hungry but all cannot deny how much they enjoyed the wonderful experience. The trail certainly made one recover from the mental fatigue that comes from living and working in a world where computers and cell phones are a constant distraction.

The trail concluded with a picture taking of the participants with Brod Ben. The group thanked the sponsors for the experience and the lessons and understanding that came with it. Surely, this is an adventure that everyone will reminisce over the years.