It all began with
hesitation, but as soon as we started our journey on a broad daylight, I know
there’s no coming back. This is no ordinary journey and certainly not for the
faint-hearted. We’re heading to Mt. Apo,
the grandfather of Philippine mountains and the crown jewel of Philippine
mountain climbing experience.
Last Holy Week, I
felt like Bilbo Baggins of Shire—plucked from his comfort zone to take a part
in a journey that could only be described as an ultimate adventure of a
lifetime. I certainly know how this
journey would take its toll on us, especially on me—an obvious heavyweight and an
inexperienced mountaineer. One would certainly wonder why I decided to join and
the fact that we are aiming to reach the summit of the highest mountain in the
Philippines for my first major climb is totally a crazy idea. As what we always
say along the trail, kiat ray agi. Climbing
Apo is not really included in my bucket list because I know that mountain
climbing is not my cup of tea. Originally, I already planned to do a
documentary about the holy week activities in Tagum last week but when I
realized that majority of my officemates are joining the trip, I hastily agreed
to take part and might as well give it a try. The journey to Apo started in
Tagum two weeks before March 28, in early mornings at Energy Park where I did
my exercise regimen.With just a little bit of jogging and more on walking and
just few days to do it, I know this wouldn’t be enough. But still I pushed
through with the plan, this time inspired by the idea of standing in the spot
that every true-blooded mountaineer dreamed of reaching.
 |
| Mt. Apo's reflection is seen in a portion of Lake Venado. The country's highest lake sprawls at the foot of the country's highest mountain. According to local tribesmen, the lake is believed to be enchanted, killing countless mountaineers in the past. |
