The Long Walk to Mount Apo

Sprinkles for Friday, March 22, 2013

For quite some time now, I have always believed that the mountain is not really made for me. While I always marvel at the beauty of the mountain from afar, I have never thought of conquering one—climbing it and wandering through its mossy forests and treacherous hills.

Apo's Peak as viewed from Toril in Davao City.

The first time I acted like Jack who went up the hill was a year ago, in Sigaboy Island in Davao Oriental. It was particularly memorable because I consider this as my first climb, never mind how short the distant was. Standing proud on top of that cone-shaped island is a modern lighthouse which I made as an inspiration to negotiate the steep hills, never mind if I was just wearing ordinary slippers then. I made it on top after dismissing thoughts of giving up mid-way. The view on top—how fishing boats became so tiny, how the San Isidro mountain range looked grand in the mainland and the how calm the deep blue sea was—is just so breath-taking. And then there’s the Calvary Hills, also in the quaint town of Governor Generoso, which I managed to climb despite the sweltering noontime heat.

The second was in Arakan Valley in North Cotabato, home to some of the Philippine eagles and to the magnificent 600-meter Bani Waterfalls. Yes, I truly cherished the view—the panoramic vistas of valleys and plateaus, the seemingly manicured hills—but the long walk under the heat of the sun (there was no single tree that could give us shade for a respite) took its toll on me. I almost fainted in between catching breath.

That affirmed my belief the mountain is not really for me.

But believe it or not, I am off to Mount Apo next week. Crazy idea!  Yes, Mount Apo, considered as the grandfather of the Philippine mountains considering it is the Philippines’ highest peak and one of Asia’s towering peaks. I know how pretty insane this idea is when in fact I almost made a vow never dare to climb a mountain again!

COME WHAT MAY. As part of the Holy Week's Mount Apo 
Adventure, I have to prepare physically and mentally. Each morning, 
starting last week, I kicked off my walking-jogging series at the Energy Park
 in Apokon, Tagum City. This is not enough, I know. :)

But why not?

Of course, the initial hesitation is my readiness to climb mountain anew. In this case, not just an ordinary mountain but the country’s highest peak! Never in my entire life did I fancy climbing Apo. From the second level of my dorm in Davao City years ago, I would always cherish waking up in early morning with the view of Apo’s peak from the balcony.

Friend Zee dropped a question close to becoming a bombshell: Kaya kayá nato?

Maybe. I don’t know. For someone who considers the flatlands, or the flickering computer screen, his comfort zone, I don’t know what the mountain has to offer me this time. I am beginning to feel like Bilbo Baggins, plucked from his comfort zone, leaving his fellow Hobbits of the Shire, in an adventure that would bring him to “far over the misty mountains cold.”

I’ll just cross the bridge when I got there.

Louie.

THE TREK. Photo courtesy of Ma'am Caroline Espejon.