WE CONQUERED the MONOLITH of Pico de Loro! (part 2)

Click here for part 1: Climbing Mount Palay-Palay (Pico de Loro).

Off to the Monolith!

Off to the monolith!

It was not in the plan that we'd go to the monolith. But some of the group just wanted to go at least at its base just to have a feel of it. It was mainly because of the people we saw at the base looked so cool from afar  (can you see the people chilling at the monolith from the photo above?). Some of the group just stayed behind and will wait at the parrot's beak. Miah stayed behind while me & Chris decided we'd go along with the group to the monolith. 

Stage One: Rocky Slope
The path to Pico de Loro monolith is more like wall sliding/climbing. We have to sit and crawl down 'cause it's too steep. We also have to move fast 'cause the wall we're sitting/holding on is hot to the touch. Tanghaling tapat kasi nung pumunta kami! After that is a narrow path with lots of thorny plants.

Pico de Loro Monolith up close.

It felt so cool just by sitting there. We're sitting on the picturesque badass monolith itself! The shade the monolith provides, the refreshing wind blowing, not to mention the view at the side of the monolith... it's so different compared from the beak. My worn out body felt energized just by sitting there. Definitely worth the trip down the rocky slope.

The view... I could fall into the ravine beside me if I moved further! 

My group and the sad ugly vandals on the monolith. Really... some people :/

I dedicated my climb for the earthquake-striken Bohol and Cebu.
That's parrot's beak at the background.

Second Stage: Crossing the chiseled rock.

After a few minutes staying at the base, Joubert asked the group if we want to go to the monolith's top. Me and Chris looked at each other with question marks written on our face. Chris said go. I hesitated when I saw what we have to cross:

It was so nerve-racking! This was the first time I had thoughts that I might die by doing something. Joubert showed us how to cross but it only helped a little. As you can see on the picture, there were no path and no guide ropes. The route was like chiseled rocks and there's nothing to hold on to. It's easy to slip and fall to the edge with one wrong move. Chris was right. Kelangan buo ang loob pag ginawa ito kahit takot. Bawal ang half-hearted.

I was like... Oh SSHHHIIIIIII.....

Third Stage: Mini-rock climbing
Immediately after crossing, we're greeted by a wall of rock with thick blue rope dangling on it. It's approximately 10-15 feet high and is slightly sloped. We have to wait for people at the top to go down before we climb ourselves up. The space at the top of the monolith is pretty limited and it would be dangerous if there would be too many people up there at the same time.

That's me brandishing the peace sign :)

This is easier and safer to do than crossing that ridiculously dangerous chiseled rock route. There's a couple of rock "dents" you can step on so it's like a very steep rock staircase. Just use both your legs and arms when climbing. Most importantly, don't let go of the rope. Have presence of mind and tell yourself that you can do it!

Fourth Stage: Hug the Walls!
Yes, you literally have to hug the walls like it's the last hug you'll ever give to your parents. Why? Well... Hoho. Your life depends on it. I think the picture below explains it all. Your body will automatically want to stick to the walls. Not to worry, someone with a good heart installed a rope there to hold on to.

Yes, the left side of the pic is approximately fifty feet drop. No trees or branches to break your fall. Really scary. Other than that, the view from the route was pretty awesome. You have to focus though. Don't stop for the view and climb up!


The top of the Monolith:

Top of the monolith? More like top of the world! It's a pretty glorious feeling :) You may want some of your friends to take a picture of you from the parrot's beak when you got to the top. It would be an awesome Facebook cover and a cool testament of what you've conquered. Here's a sample picture:

Can you spot us? :D

To make the experience more awesome, why don't you shout from the top of your lungs what you wanted to say to the world? Make a jump shot (dangerous!). Or maybe confess to your crush by waving a poster "I love you (insert name)" from the top of the monolith while she's on the parrot's beak. Or climb with your girlfriend and make a badass proposal there. But of course, don't jump in glee when she said yes. Don't jump off either if you're turned down. Haha.

Here's my version of my awesome monolith moment:

Now have your own awesome monolith moment and get climbing!

This is the part 2 of our Pico de Loro adventure. Click here for part 1: Climbing Mount Palay-Palay (Pico de Loro).