I was exposed to the mountaineering world
last year, climbed several mountains and met a lot of great people on the
mountains. It was until last month when I decided that I should take a BMC (Basic
Mountaineering Course). Luckily, I found “Ahon Mountaineering Club” which
offers a free BMC.
Ahon Participants
What
is BMC? Why attend a BMC?
Basic Mountaineering Course teaches the
basics of mountaineering. It usually discuss the Leave No Trace (LNT)
Principle, basic map navigation, basic first aid knowledge; climb planning,
trail movement, basic climbing essentials, basic rope tying etc.
I decided to take a BMC because I know this
will further enhance my knowledge about mountaineering. BMC also gave me basic
skills that I can use for future inevitable incidents.
How
long is a BMC?
It depends on which mountaineering club you
decide to join. Some offer two days training, others offer three to six
months, and some may also take a year or so. The 2-day training is usually an
overview and only the basics. Others who offers months/year training is an
advance and extensive lectures/training about mountaineering.
How much does BMC cost?
It depends. The lowest that I have seen costs Php 600 only for a two-day training. While the months/year may costs thousands of pesos.
On the other hand, Ahon Mountaineering Club held a free BMC as they celebrate their 5th year Anniversary. We only paid for our personal expenses like the transportation, own food, registration to denr, and was only asked to pay Php 200 only for our BMC certificate and for the venue that we rented.
My
BMC experience with AHON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB.
Let me share my BMC experience with the
Ahon Mountaineering Club. We had our BMC at Mt.Gulugod Baboy located in Anilao,
Batangas last February 27 to 28. There are about 30 participants who joined the
training.
Since this is a free BMC, we were required
to bring the following: rope, triangular bandage and a compass for our own use and hands on training.
Mr.
James Cariaso, the president/founder of Ahon
started the BMC with the Leave No Trace
Principle. LNT is a set of
guidelines that every mountaineer should know by heart. Planning ahead, travel and camp on durable surfaces, disposing of waste
properly, leaving what you find, respect for wildlife and being considerate
with the locals and other visitors.
 |
| Sir James Cariaso:President of Ahon Mountaineering Club |
After the lecture, we had a mini activity.
A role playing that will demonstrate the leave no trace principle.
Basic
First Aid Training
Dr. Jayvee Guerrero of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) took over with the discussion. He taught each
and every one of us the basic first aid techniques. This is my favorite part
since I learned on how to give correct and proper bandage, how to give
compression and CPR.
 |
| Dr. Jayvee demonstrating on how to give the right compression for unconscious person |
 |
| My co-participant Kath giving me a head bandage |
After the lectures, we ascended to the campsite near the summit of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Pitched our tents, had our dinner, socials and then slept.
At the morning, Sir James taught us the basic
climbing essentials, proper loading of backpack, basic knot tying, compass
reading, trail movements and other pointers. I am just giving the
topics that were taught to us, please bear with me, I’m not going into the
details of what I have learned because I want you to attend an actual BMC and
have hands on training about the basics.
 |
| Basic Knot Tying |
 |
| Best way to pack a backpack. Although Sir James emphasized that there is no wrong way of packing a backpack as long as you are comfortable with it. These are just pointers. ;) |
After reaching the summit of Mt.Gulugod
Baboy we descended to our event area. We had an assessment of everything we
have learned. Had actual hands on exam for the knot tying, bandage and compass
reading.
Tenen! The moment we've all been waiting for! The awarding of certificates!
 |
| Sir James Cariaso and me with my BMC Certificate. :) Yey! |
Overall, I enjoyed the two-day BMC Training that we had. I have learned a lot of things and gained new friends. I will surely use and remember everything by heart. A true mountaineer will always care for the nature and its people. Don't change the mountain, let the mountain change you :-)
ABOUT
THE AHON MOUNTAINEERING GROUP
Ahon was founded by Mr. James Cariaso on
February, 2011. Aside from the BMC, they also held a medical mission
in Rodriguez Rizal last February 21,Valentine Outreach Program in Tanay Rizal last February 14 as a month long celebration of their 5th year Anniversary. Sir James told us that they are more than willing to
organize more free BMC for everyone that wants to learn more about
mountaineering.
CONTACT AHON?
Want to join bmc? Participate in a medical
mission? Give donations? Below are the contact details of Ahon Mountaineering Club.
Number: 09301190807- Sir James
Email: ahonmountaineerclub@gmail.com
Join their Facebbok Page: AHON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB and for OUTDOOR ENTHUASIASTS
“Its time to stop blaming other people,
Its time to share our knowledge
and educate them” -Sir James Cariaso, 2016
Feel free to leave comments!
Wrote by Diaries of A Financial Traveler
