Mt. Hapunang Banoi is a dwarf and a hiking-friendly mountain in Montalban, Rizal which can give you a tantalizing view of nature's beauty. Together with Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan, Hapunang Banoi is ne of the must hiked mountains in the area because it is also surrounded by lucius greens trees which makes the area looks relaxing. Plus the exhilarating terrains added an adventure to hikers. In the center of these mountains is Wawa Dam, a water reservoir built by the American. This area was chosen because it's a catch basin of the three mountains.
The Trails, Important Reminder: 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. Majority of the trail is like relationship, it's complicated. Trail marks are not always visible, so your feelings and observations are needed. Hopping on and off the lime stones and sharp boulders is needed, which makes the trail more difficult. There are parts where rock scrambling is needed.
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 Mt. Hapunang Banoi, there's 360 degrees view of Wawa and the nearby municipalities. The boulders with different shapes and sizes are perfect backdrop. Mojority of the area area is still covered with greens, but a mining activity from afar is very noticeable (this is a copy paste from my Mt. Pamitinan post).
The last two photos were captured on one of the boulders, near the summit. We were holding the Philippine flag because this event is part of our annual Climb for the Independence. Apologies, the position of the flag is incorrect as the wind controls its position. But, holding the Philippine flag, regardless of the location, is such an honour.
WHY 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.
ENJOY THE COOL AND REFRESHING WATER IN 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 fee, environmental fee, as well as the guide fees are to be collected at the DENR. Guide is a must.