Featured Group: Lucena Mountaineering and Outdoor Society
Are you tired of spending all of your free time indoors, lounging in front of your computer and checking random websites in search of amusing stories or videos that would chase the boredom away? Are you looking for something new and exciting that will give you reasons to look forward to each coming day? Then you might want to check out the Lucena Mountaineering and Outdoor Society.
Lucena Mountaineering and Outdoor Society started out as a small group of friends from Lucena City who went on hiking trips for fun; however, as they climb more mountains together, they began to accept new members into their group, not only to have more people to share their travel experiences with, but also to gather more support for the charitable work that they started doing outside of the group’s regular activities. Here’s Rafael Lorenzo Saguid, the group’s president, to tell us more about them in this quick one-on-one interview.
How many members do you currently have?
Right now, we have 17 members.
How many years have you guys been climbing mountains?
As a group, we’ve been climbing for six years now.
Which of the mountains that you climbed do you consider to be the most memorable?
Mt.Labo in Camarines, Norte
How many hours do you guys usually spend hiking?
It depends on the particular mountain that we are going to climb, but on average, probably around 6- 12 hours.
Do you guys have separate activities for newbies and more experienced climbers? For example, activities that involve climbing lower mountains that may appeal more to newbies or especially challenging treks that are only open to experienced climbers?
No. We don’t limit newbies to particular activities.
Which particular mountains are you eyeing on climbing in the future?
We hope to trek Mt. Pulag in Benguet in the future. It’s the third tallest mountain in the Philippines so it will be an exciting challenge.
Has any of your members suffered any accidents while climbing mountains? What kind of safety precautions do you usually take to ensure everyone’s safety?
Some of us had some minor injuries, but no one has suffered anything major so far. We have a registered nurse in our group as well as a first aider, so we have extra support available on demand. Also, we send all participants reminders and safety tips before we start any climbing activities.
Are your activities only open to members or can non-members tag along when you climb certain mountains?
Our activities are open to everyone; however, we do require new members to have climbed at least three mountains before joining climbing activities.
What kind of equipment should interested individuals prepare if they want to become a member of your group or just want to tag along?
We strongly encourage new members to have their own tent and other camping gear plus a First Aid kit.
Do you guys require interested applicants to present medical certificates before joining the group?
We ask the participants about their medical history, but we don’t require them to present medical certificates. Of course, we would prefer it if they can present one of their own accord, but it’s not really necessary.
We noticed the phrase “Outdoor Society” on your group’s name. Aside from climbing mountains, what kinds of other activities does your group indulge in?
We facilitate outreach programs for every mountain we climb. Last time, we organized a feeding program and distributed school supplies to the students of Gulang-gulang Elementary School.
Do you have any upcoming activities lined up? Would you care to share them with us?
Yes. We have a cleanup drive this coming May 24, 2015, then we’ll also have an event called Basic Mountaineering Course Plus “Ngiting Kay Ganda Sukli ay Ligaya w/Kids Version 2.0.” You can find more information about them on our events page. See you around!
Organizational Chart
President : Rafael Lorenzo D. Saguid
Vice President Jaypee Ranillo
Secretary : Juluis Ryan C. Dañez, RN
Treasurer: Ronel Marto
Auditor: Juan Paulo Remoroza
Public Relation Officers: Jubail Vidad and Al Abrigo
Members:
- Glyn Vidad
- Vincent Valdepeña
- Jhoan Sancha
- Apple Kaycee Maraño
- Gigi Sitjar
- Jovet Martinez
- Blecy Lagmay
- Karla Auxillos
- Gerald Daya
- Cynthia Esguerra
Note:
The group decided to change their name last October 07, 2014 from Lucena Mountaineers to Lucena Mountaineering and Outdoor Society. LMOS wants to give special thanks to Philippine Mountaineering for their suggestion for the group’s new name.
For questions and specific concerns, you may get in touch with the group through their Facebook page.