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.