It is a dwarf and a hiking-friendly mountain in Montalban, Rizal, that can give you a tantalising view of nature's beauty. Together with Pamitinan and Binacayan, Hapunang Banoi is one of the most hiked mountains in the area because it is also surrounded by Lucius green trees, which makes the area look relaxing. Plus the exhilarating terrains added an adventure to hikers. In the centre of these mountains is Wawa Dam, a water reservoir built by the Americans. This area was chosen because it's a catch basin of the three mountains.
Specifications:
- Location: Rodriguez, Rizal
- Major jump-off: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
- LLA: 14°44′25.3′′ N, 121°11′30.4′ 517
- Height and Elevation: 460+ MASL
- Hiking Difficulty: 4/9, Minor, Trail class 1-4
The Trails of Mt. Hapunang Banoi:
- We started trekking at around 7AM. The trail is simple to moderate type, but only up to the fork trail to Mt. Pamitinan.
- From the fork trail to the summit is moderate to hard type. The majority of the trial is like a relationship; it's complicated.
- Trail marks are not always visible, so your feelings and observations are needed.
- Hopping on and off the limestones and sharp boulders is needed, which makes the trail more difficult. There are parts where rock scrambling is needed.
The Summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi:
- Mt. Hapunang Banoi has a gorgeous view on the Summit. Though the ascent was tiring, we were rewarded with a perfect on the summit.
- On top, there's a 360-degree view of Wawa and the nearby municipalities.
- The boulders with different shapes and sizes are the perfect backdrop.
- The majority of the area is still covered with greens, but mining activity from afar is very noticeable.
History of Mt. Hapunang Banoi:
Marahil isa ka sa mga taong nag-tatanung kung bakit "hapunang banoi" ang pangalan ng bundok na ito. Ayon sa kwentong aming nakalap, ang mga salitang Hapunang Banoy ay nagsimula sa dalawang salitang “hapunan” o dinner at “banoy” – isang salita "na di umano" nanggaling pa sa kabisayaan na nangangahulugang “witch.” Ayun sa kwento: ilang dekada na raw ang nakararaan, may dalawang agilang napad-pad sa parteng ito ng Rizal. Noong una, isang tanong lamang ito sa mga isipan ng mga residente kung anung klaseng ibon ang napadpad sa kanilang lugar. Habang tumatagal, nakakasanayan na ng mga residente ang pag-paroo’t parito ng dalawang estrangherong ibon sa isang kweba sa bundok, lalong-lalo na kapag papalubog na ang araw. Dahil sa kanilang obserbasyon, nalaman nilang sa kwebang ito pala nag "hahapunan" ang mga agilang ito, na kalauna’y binansagan nilang “banoy” or “witch” dahil sa ugaling iyon ng mga ibon. Sa kasamaang palad, ang dalawang agilang napad-pad sa lugar na ito ay nangamatay na dahil sa pag-baril sa kanila ng mga lokal. Maraming salamat Ka Jhong sa impormasyong ito!! Siya ay isa sa mga guide ng Brgy. Maskat, kung saan nahahati ang boundary ng bundok na ito.
Side trip to Wawa Dam:
- After the tiring hike, you can take a break by dipping in the cool water of Wawa Dam.
- During summer, the water is crystal clear and cool, perfect for soared muscles, while the pressure of the water falling off the dike is soothing and relaxing.
How to Get to Mt. Hapunang Banoi:
- Beside Jollibee Farmers, Cubao, ride in a UV Express van and alight in Eastwood, not the Eastwood in Libis huh.
- In Eastwood, ride in a tricycle to Wawa Dam. Or, you can wait for jeepneys with "Wawa" signboard and alight in in DENR.
- Reminder: Entrance fees, environmental fees, as well as guide fees are to be collected at the DENR. The guide is a must.