Majayjay...cold but sweet!

Majayjay Falls

 I have always remembered Majayjay adventure whenever i would have a cold shower in the morning. There are times i really enjoyed having a cold shower even when its not really hot. Yes, only to remember the times we had so much water that is so cold in a mountain. Majayjay, which is located in laguna, is not really a hiking type of adventure that's why we call it another fun climb. A 15 minute walk is all we need to be at the camping site!

Kinabuhayan...

We have a long walk from Sta Lucia to Kinabuhayan. Most of the people we see that afternoon of Black Saturday are already on their way home but our group is different, we felt that it just started. While on our way to Kinabuhayan, we rest for a while in a “free coffee” along the way and an unusual conversation took place with the person in charge of the free coffee stand. When she found out that we are on our way to Durungawan, she initially asked our group, “Bakit kayo umaakyat sa bundok? Hinanap niyo ba ang Diyos sa tuktok ng bundok?” (Why are you climbing mountain?Are you seeking God in the mountain summit?). It was a challenge question that made us all silent for a while and made us think the real reason why are we going up the mountain. As for myself, it was indeed my quest! I hope to see and feel closer to God in the summit. The conversation also triggers another revelation from our new found hiker friends…most of them are an atheist. They are catholics by birth but they don’t practice it and they don’t believe in Christian practices. I haven’t felt nor noticed it from them coz most of the time they would participate silently when there are spiritual rites at Sta Lucia. My motivation and strength to continue climbing Durungawan started to slow down and fear grips me in again. Fear of something bad that might happen to us since most of our companion do not believe in God.  I wanted to back out but I have no good reason to say it so there is no turning back!

When we arrived at Kinabuhayan, we immediately set up our tent and cook our dinner. We started to talk of all the places that we will go through while climbing Durungawan. The Salaming bubog, Cristalino, Kuweba ng Diyos Ama, A river with two colors, one white and one red, and all the majestic sceneries above. Mount Banahaw is indeed a Holy Mountain with its places named after mystical names. I felt recharged again, my motivation? To see all these with my eyes! Can’t wait till tomorrow am to start the climb to summit…Durungawan.

Next going up to Durungawan...
;Des

My First Hiking Experience

My first experience in climbing mountain was in 2001 with my officemates. My former officemate invited me to join her friends who usually go to Mount Banahaw every year during Holy week. It was not an immediate Yes answer for me. In fact, she already invited me twice before and i would always give a “No” answer since i couldn't imagine myself climbing mountain with my so called "petite" physique. Oh! I could almost faint just imagining myself up in the mountain with my fear of heights and going into caves. But something happened in 2001 that made me say yes,  a yes to something I wouldn’t dare to do in my dreams. My purpose: a hurt I need to heal…a search I’m longing to know... a something I could find if I go with my friend and spend the holy week in a different way besides that year I already care less about myself. We’ll I’m just being myself disregarding anybody who cares even my family. Yes, they don’t know where I’m going that holy week.

I started to pack my things with mixed emotions, of excitement and of fear. I have an idea what the place looks like coz I saw Mount Banahaw featured  on TV just before we go on hiking. I felt I really should be going. It’s maybe something I really long to do. We are less than fifteen (15) persons in that climb. They are all in hiking gears except me, Lovelle (my friend who invited me), and Helen (my officemate). We are using an ordinary backpack with shoulder bags. It was also my first time to join in a group whom I met the first time, the first day of the climb! and what so funny about it is Lovelle also met them the first time. (“,) Lovelle’s friend who invited her was not around. We are strangers! Helen almost back out and having a second thought of joining since eventhough they are in hiking gears…most of them really look like “kanto” boys! Are we coming home alive with these people? Are they kind? Will they take care of us? What if they do something bad to us? We are helpless! So many doubts in my mind but that night, that first night of the climb was a turning point in my life. I began to trust people first before I get to know them eventhough they don’t look like one. I trust that Lovelle’s friend is good enough to let us come with them even though he is not around. Then..the journey begins!

Till my next blog…

;Des    

Climbing on foot or on wheels?

Climbing a mountain on foot or on wheels? I have experienced both but still the experience of climbing a mountain on foot is a learning experience. Each step counts! You must not stop until you reach the top...of course, you rest if you must...but the promise of the top brings back your feet to step once more...and another...and another...until you are finally at the summit!..It is a real joy to finally finish the climb especially when you know you have overcome many obstacles! Soon you will also realize that your body has been prepared for next big climb! So don't take shortcuts and never climb alone!(“,).

Till then,

D.E.S.

p.s. I'll be sharing more on my climbing experiences and almost all have done a great impact in my life.