Tirad Peak was introduced as a hiking destination in February 2010 at the 2nd Annual Charity Climb organized by Gideon Lasco of PinoyMountaineer. It has been on my wish list since I saw a video taken by one of the participants. Incidentally, the people in the video are acquaintances I've hiked with in Mt. Cristobal. Small world indeed! :)
This fairly new hiking trail takes 6-8 hours to summit and requires two days due to the travel time from Manila to Candon, Ilocos Sur. From Candon, it will take another 2 hours to get to Gregorio del Pilar where the trail starts.
The commute is tedious but with views that can both visually and literally take your breath away - (check out those steep ravines!), the discomfort becomes insignificant. Now the only question is, when?
Itinerary of Tirad Peak is available here. A traverse can also be done starting from Ilocos Sur to Sagada, Mountain Province. More info. here.:)