A HEART FOR THE MOUNTAINS: A TALE OF A FIRST TIME CLIMBER

“His heart is weak to conquer the heights, but strong enough to care for the mountains”.

A very lazy Saturday. Gloomy. The sun selfishly hid itself. The heavy clouds dropped a gentle drizzle. And I was so disappointed. I should be somewhere soaked in a 13-tiered waterfalls. I was so regretful of the weather that never cooperated with my getaway plan.

Then here’s my brother, wondering why I didn’t resort to sleeping the whole day and get rested from a weeklong stressful job. I told him I only get rested when I’m moving from place to place. Anticipating a flashflood, he suggested me to rather climb Mt. Musuan and he would go with me. I was really puzzled, never expecting him to think of climbing because he has a weak heart, physically… Weaker than my weak, enlarged heart. His diminished vision also impairs his balance.

LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT: A SIMPLE GUIDE

If you’re flying via Laguindingan Airport, it will take you 45 minutes getting there from CDO. 

Laguindingan Airport caters domestic flights, yet it is truly world class far too different from Lumbia Airport. It has modernized structures, wide runways, organized parking lots, nice hallways and corridors.

However, if you’re a first flight taker who is used to rest your sleepy head in the city a night before, meanwhile, lessen your confidence to catch your flight because of the distance and the mode of transportation… Unless you are willing to spend P450.00 for a metered taxi or P600.00 for a non-metered one.  

MY MOST LIKED TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHS

Photography should always go with travels. If you couldn't keep pictures of your travels, it seems like you haven't traveled at all. The way pictures are shot matters a lot. Great shot are the ones worth keeping.

As a traveler, I sometimes get an opportunity to go with travel buddies whom I consider great photographers. There are elements that make good pictures like composition and exposure. And the subject (hehehe).

I proudly give credits to my friends who shot most of my favorite pictures. Here are my top most liked travel photos (in no particular order):

TREADING BUKIDNON'S TOURISM HIGHWAY

Bukidnon is full of tourist destinations, from the country's highest mountains, grand rivers, majestic waterfalls, long caves, unique living cultures and a lot more...

In fact, the highway itself is an exceptional treat to every passerby.

Join me in treading my province's tourism highway.... 

From CDO heading south…

In Manolo Fortich:

*Reload with the bestsellers of Pinutos sa Kanto, San Miguel

TOP AND BOTTOM

Top or bottom?

Which do you prefer?  

Seriously, I prefer both. 

Literally, when I visit a waterfall, I delight on the experience of being on top of it to perform a death defying stunt. But to view the falls in its astounding glory, I have to get to its base.

Here are some of the falls which I invaded at both top and bottom.

 1.  Tausuvan Falls, North Cotabato

Before starting an ascent to Mt. Apo, our group camped in this scenic spot in Magpet, North Cotabato, one of the jump-offs to the majestic peak. 

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Kidapawan City, you can hire a chartered vehicle to Brgy. Magpet. It's better to travel with a group to lessen individual expenses. 

MY MOST REMARKABLE TREKKING MOMENTS

Each of my travels is noteworthy, whether it is a weeklong vacation or a dayhike. There are really moments I really enjoy like watching the sunset and conquering a summit. There are also some which I consider most remarkable that I even want to do again.

Here's my top 20 trekking moments:

Top 20. Witnessing a Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pampanga.

MY TOP TREKKING MISADVENTURES

I've been to many places around the Philippines, honestly. I can brag for having summited its top 5 highest peaks, been to its majestic waterfalls, visited its famous lakes, done spelunking on its dangerous caves, basked on its white beaches, gone to its uncategorized wonders and a lot more. And many I did all alone...

Many of my treks, however, are unplanned. And I have been frustrated so many times--- like having failed to visit Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary because I haven't caught the right schedule of the boat from Coron, aborted climb to Mt. Lumot due to storm and many more...

INDEED, NOT EVERY VENTURE ENDS IN CLIMAX...
 
Some misfortunes are even life-threatening. I am, somehow, grateful that my mishaps can still be counted by my fingers.

Here are my top trekking misadventures:


TOP 7. Feasted on by leeches in Mt. Makiling. A solo trek where I was not indeed alone. These creeping vampires accompanied me to the peak, causing my BP to soar and my heart to palpitate even more.

LESSON: Apply repellents. Do not fear the leeches to calm your chest. Bear in mind that leeches are good for blood detoxifying (but bad for heart attack). Wahahaha!