All those spontaneous
climbs and risky moves during hikes that I did with friends or alone were an
evidence of how 2013 turned out to be big time in the realization of my huge
fascination for discovery and thrill of adventures, with all those grains of
sweats, aching knees, gasping breaths, and more. And as I look back
at those days on beguilingly elevated lands across the clouds, I’m doing this summarized list of my
best mountain encounters this year.
Mt. Maculot (January 13). They say nothing beats the first time. But then the seemingly unending treat with every trail I walked from then on makes this first actually just a tip of the iceberg. Surely the intricate rock formations at the Rockies and the glorious view of a piece of Taal Lake on the sidelines were a win, but then, way to go. The the thrill for every jumpoff is there, but the journey itself is something bigger than the initial thrill.
Tayak Hill (May 8). This hike is all but a long walk best done alongside friends. The deafening quiet and silence up there was more than perfect for those who seek peace in the midst of an open air way above the nearby Laguna towns. The adventure’s still there, minus a huge chunk of that element called danger which probably made the climb less exciting. Nevertheless, the 360 degree view on top with the gloomy view of the devil's mountain in the background is still no less than exceptional.
Manabu (February 16). After the record-breaking 54 minutes trail run to the summit with minimal breaks along the trails, this turned out to be one of the most tiring ones I did thus far, that which greatly reminds me of how healthy my knees once were and how much weight I have gained thereafter. Mountain climbing is a test of mental strength. The first thing that needs to be done is believing that you could be up there. And it’s another thing to be there with that time pressure challenge and yet still with your eyes not missing the grandiose feast.
Jubilee Hill (February 2). Fifteen minutes was all we needed to complete the course. But the whole thing was still memorable in many sorts. In case you’re wondering where it’s located, it’s that hill with bright cross when you happen to see yourself at night in UPLB.
Mt. Romelo (April 11) & Buruwisan Falls! There is this great deal of pride about trekking at least a portion of the infamous Sierra Madre range and visiting the painfully beautiful but deadly-once-you-come-closer Buruwisan Falls. Though the place has been heavily visited nowadays, it's still a great feeling in knowing that as natural wanderers, we place that flag of pride of being into some place most people do not have a chance of seeing at all. Literally needs to conquer a mountain (and back again) just to experience the falls.
Mt. Kalisungan (January 26). This hike would never be complete without Mang Bino, my ultimate guide bias this year. His meekness while telling his tales related to the mountain – from Agot Isidro to Yamashita treasures were one for the books. The last time I heard, his house at the foot of the mountain was burned. Sad news.
Mt. Mabilog (February 23). Getting lost is more fun in Mt. Mabilog, and there were just too many lessons I learned out of this hike – in between those trials in the trails and the joys in very step. Needless to say, getting lost, sometimes mostly define my experience of the outdoors. And there's nothing more surprising than that feeling of refreshment made possible by Lake Pandin, after all those uncharacteristic events that happened that day.
Mt. Batulao (November 2). There are basically 7 things I like the most about this mountain. I’ve said it before and I won’t say it again.
Mt. Malipunyo (August 21). I think I may have technically failed in this #13PeaksFor2013 project because of this unsuccessful climb. We were only able to reach the first of the mountain’s 3 peaks due to a terrible encounter: stormy howling winds, heavy-pouring rains, thunderbolt and lightning (very very frightening me!). Indeed, it’s not always a sunny day as we climb, and no matter how much we think and prepared we are, there will come a time when we are faced with so much of what we can take that the best thing to do is to just walk away (at least for the time being). After all, getting to the peak is optional, but going home is mandatory. Plus, the mountain will not go anywhere, and there will always be a next time.
Pico De Loro (January 18). Well this could easily be on top of the list if we were
able to successfully conquer the Monolith. But as they say, there’s always that
right time for everything.
Mt. Balungao (December 30). The last one I had that year. Dramatically on my very own province. With my beloved high school friends.
Mt. Zion (December 26). First, and probably my last solo climb. Knew the risk but had
to take it because ultimately the greatest risk is not taking the risk at
all.
Mt.Makiling (November 16). Was able to climb this mountain twice this past year but the second time’s the sweeter. It was a climb with a cause – a climb I’d be glad to do all over again for a cause I wish would never ever happen again.
This #13PeaksFor2013 Project is a concept I promised to fulfill by conquering 13 mountains this 2013, given limited resources as an inexperienced hiker.
