Three things I found at the peak of a mountain

My coworkers thought that I was joking when I said that I would join them on an adventure up on the third highest mountain here in the Philippines… Mt. Pulag. Granted, the trail is not that precarious or hard, it actually rates 3/9 when graded but still, this would be my first time to go on a major climb that was supposed to last for 5 to 6 hours. I was actually thinking of bailing but then again, I really want to try it.

That was in May 2014 and although it’s summer here in the country, the temperature that night at the campsite near the summit, I would guess, went below single digits. It was ridiculously cold for us, since we don’t really have winter here but we managed to survive. That was my second time climbing a mountain.

A few months later, I went again on a trek that also included spelunking when we went to Rizal. And just this weekend I went again on probably the hardest of all that I’ve tried, Mt. Cinco Picos. In English, Cinco Picos means Five Peaks. It’s a mountain range at Zamabales, a province located at the northern part of the Philippines where you can find many beaches and the former US Army satellite base here in Subic.

Let me paint you a picture here. We started walking from the jump-off site at around 5:30 in the morning going to the first peak. At 8 am we were at least 10 KM away from the jump-off. The trail is quite flat but hindered by a lot of grasses that stands tall reaching our waist to our necks, some are even taller than us. At around 10 AM we were flustered and tired under the heat. We’re asking “Malapit na ba ung Peak 1?” (Are we getting near the first peak?) and then the guide, who is also the chieftain of the tribe would always say “Hindi pa.” English translation- NO.

At around 1 in the afternoon, we were very tired and decided to semi-camp under the few trees available. At this stage, we were very hungry and tired and all panting that we didn’t care so much as to where we put our bodies and sit, we just have to rest. We even considered camping there because we can’t imagine ourselves walking another mile again. But then, after an hour of naps, debate and ranting. The adventurous side of us won and so we went on our way.

By 2 PM, I was very angry at the sun for shining so bright. Yes, that’s how irrational I became. The heat was literally toasting my skin. Nearing the top of the mountain, there were only a few moments where the wind would give some relief. But then I remembered Johnnie Walker and his slogan, JUST KEEP WALKING. So we walked and climbed the steepest assault that I conquered in my life.

After 1 hour and 30 minutes, we reached the first peak.

That was a lot of introduction, I know. Life would give us a lot of introductions and actions too before we can learn our lessons and these are the three things that I did realized after the climb.

1. You’ll realize you’re stronger than you think you are

If you look at the majesty of a mountain range and I asked you to climb it, I would guess that the first thing you’ll think is “impossible”, or “that’s freaking hard” or even “why would I do that?”. Assuming that you’re a beginner, it would be unthinkable — that’s how I reacted too when I went on my first climb in Mt. Pinatubo which is also located in Zambales, but I did it.

The realization would come in a tidal wave when you look back after hours of walking and tell yourself- “Look at that, we were there an hour ago” while looking at a high peak you just went through or at a vast grassland you never thought you could pass. You did it under the scorching heat of the sun, oh and a 10KG daypack on your back.

After at least 11 hours of staying under the sun, we camped at 4 in the afternoon. The campsite is, at least, another 5 KM from the peak but well, we reached the top, it’s just a candy going down again (It’s not, but it’s easier than going up).

When face with a mountain of tasks and fear, we end up succumbing to our insecurities and fright that something might happen and we might not make it. But trust me, you’re stronger than you think you are…. just keep walking, no matter how slow or how you drag yourself off the ground, just keep stepping one foot forward. As our guide told us, moving slowly is better than not moving at all.

…And I think climbing a mountain is the most tangible proof of that. You didn’t move a mountain, you conquered it.

2. You learn to appreciate the journey.

I would say that my Mt. Pulag experience, although I kind of hated the cold that night, would be the most memorable experience in my mountaineering life. There were three campsites that we have to to through in order to get to the summit. I still remember how I hated the journey to the first campsite. We went through a mossy forest, a dry land and since the mountain is really high, we went through some serious assaults. It was the hardest I guess.

…But then here comes the second camp where I felt like I went through the secret wardrobe to the magical world of Narnia. It was splendid to the highest nth level. It’s like seeing huge broccolis as trees and having the entire heart of the forest beat in front of you. It was amazing. We were very lucky that afternoon because there weren’t many clouds to block our views so yes. It was really amazing. The view went better on the summit while viewing the most amazing sunrise with the sea of clouds under your feet.

Likewise in Mt. Cinco Picos where we saw a great cove that leads to the West Philippines Sea when we reached the top of the mountains and again, the virgin, unadulterated beach that we found, the Silanguin Cove where we dipped away the heat.

The time and effort is totally worth it.

Good or bad, you have to make a way to make the journey worth it. At the trail, I learned a lot of footwork, balance, pacing myself so I don’t drag my lungs to work and prior to the trip. I learned about traveling light and some pretty cool lifehacks that made my life easier while I’m out there in the wilderness.

I’m probably telling this more to myself than to you but I really think you should try and go out in the wilderness. A lot of my friends say that it’s not their thing but I think you should try it some time. Just pretend it’s your thing for one time and soak the beauty of nature right before your eyes. Trust me, you’ll gain a new found respect for nature and the very leaves that you’re stepping on.

Focusing on Mother Nature’s bare naked glory, a lot of today’s visionaries think that we have to go to Mars to survive and while that is very much debatable considering what we’re doing to our planet right now, I still think we don’t need a new planet, we just have to take care of the one we have. So for people who are not an outdoor person, I suggest you really try to go out. (For the second time) This world’s very beautiful for you to miss!

3. You’ll realize that quitting isn’t an option if you want to get there

Quit? You can’t quit… you’re in the middle of something great… in our case- I’m in the middle of a grassland with no water source, phone signal or assurance that somebody will pass by and carry me back to the jump-off or to the top of the mountain. I have no choice- I have to move…and so do you! Either forward or backward, you have to move — but remember, it would take the same effort for you to move backward than to move forward so why waste your energy?

There are a lot of things that made this world as it is today- and it started with those people who didn’t quit. A lot of people have been there already and most of them would tell you the same thing- it’s hard but you have to keep going.

As what they say-

It’s hard to beat a person who doesn’t quit.

It’s not as easy as typing or saying it, but don’t ever quit.

Let me share you my favorite quote said by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

“For what it’s worth, it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over again.”

That’s it… three things I found at the first peak of Mt. Cinco Picos. There were more sweat than wind but it’s totally worth the climb. :)

Thanks for reading!