Majestic Mt. Apo Experience

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.

By the time we arrived at Magpet in North Cotabato where we spent one night, we had already had our baptism of fire. The jeepney’s engine that produced boisterous sound as it makes its way to Magpet from Kidapawan was killed in action—in the middle of an uphill road wrapped in total darkness. We have no choice but to walk, carrying our heavy bags containing food supplies for the next four days.

There are many trails leading to majestic Mt. Apo, one of which is the Bongolanon Trail in Magpet which packages its trek as a “rainforest adventure.” Based on internet research I did prior to the start of this trip, some bloggers consider this as the easiest trail to the Majestic Apo, never mind its far location and the time you will spend hiking in its forests. Normally, it would take you two days of hiking in Bongolanon Trail before reaching Lake Venado, located at the foot of Mt. Apo.