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.

Falling in love with Dahican

It was high noon when I arrived in the sun-kissed Dahican in the City of Mati in the picturesque province of Davao Oriental. The seven-kilometer shoreline bleeds with awesomeness and offers charm that will detach you from the hustle of the metro.

PARADISE would be a perfect word to describe Dahican in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines.

Wandering in Baní Falls in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato

The moment we started walking after that one-hour bus ride from Davao City that took us to the picturesque side of the Davao-Bukidnon Highway, I said to myself I’m in for a real adventure. It’s Sunday and the sun was on its mightiest, the blue sky hosted scattered clouds amidst a sea of green. Welcome to Arakan Valley, North Cotabato, where hills that seemed manicured greet you upon reaching this place that could only be described as paradise.

Arakan Valley is home to the majestic Baní Falls which, when seen from afar, is oozing with silky white hue that stands out amidst a green foliage. I was told that going there wouldn’t be easy, and it would require a lot of stamina and endurance since the site is abundant with cogon grass and with just few trees standing on its soil. That could only mean you have to walk under the heat of the sun since no shade of trees will give you respite on your long walk heading to Baní Falls. This prompted the Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Foundation to partner with the Bagobo tribe to come up with a greenhouse nursery, just one of the first steps in the reforestation efforts in that part of Arakan valley.

The 100-meter Bani Falls in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato

Feeling Good in Hijo Estate Resorts

At the heart of Davao Gulf is a place where coconut trees tower in rows, a sprawling forest remains untouched, and banana trees flourish. Vast lands lay between the quiet waters of Madaum and Tagum rivers, where local tribes share the riverbanks with white-collared kingfishers, each nourishing their home. A place where every morning is a view of the sun from the ocean's horizon, where nature and man commune, where everything is offered to your delight. ~ Hijo Estate resort brochure

The view from Lanikai, the heritage house of the Tuason Family.

Mention "Banana Beach" and good memories will surely play in my mind. My work in the Tagum City Information Office regularly brings me to this wonderful place and each time I set foot on its productive soil, new discoveries, adventures and memories are definitely made. The beach surely lets you go on a reflective break, providing you calm and serenity. Going through it means communing with nature in mere footsteps.

Feeling the Sun in Kopiat

White Sand Beach in Kopiat Island.

The past week has really been very busy and exhausting, so when we had some little opportunity to saunter into the island, we grabbed it. As I’m writing this post, I can feel the muscle pains I got from the very strenuous things I did during our very short trip. To give justice to the pains, here I am chronicling what went well and wrong during this trip.

I have a penchant for little-known or better yet, unexplored territories. And so out of nowhere on a very hot Sunday, me and my officemates ventured into a three-hour island hopping in one of Compostela Valley’s tourism gems: Kopiat Island.

Going Crazy in Governor Generoso

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
                                                              -Apple’s “Think Different” advertisement

Over the past two days, the setting has been so different. The sky was blue. The clouds were fat and were scattered on hills and mountains. There were no papers, news and speeches to write and a flickering computer screen. This is what is left: sky, hills, farms, open sea, lonely roads and a middle-aged man in a red short along the shore.

Our four-hour motorcycle ride led us to a place in what could only be described as a perfect gateway: Governor Generoso in the picturesque province of Davao Oriental. Oozing with its small-town appeal, GovGen (famously known as Sigaboy) boasts of the sight of a lighthouse standing tall and proud on top of an almond-shaped island, crystal clear waters, long stretch of white sand and a good spot to enjoy the splendid views of the sun.

Sigaboy Island in high noon

Weekend Musings at Davao Oriental

Under a deep blue sky and with the sound of the sea breeze, I found myself in one corner of a beach resort in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. It was a fine afternoon: the sea was gentle and calm, the white sand shimmers as the seawater went ashore and the only thing visible from where I stand are the children enjoying the heat of the sun on their skin and a lonely fisherman navigating through his banca amidst a sea of blue. It’s twenty five minutes past two in the afternoon and I am perfectly lonely.

Davao Oriental speaks of legends and folklore and is brimming with nature's wonder. While many around me enjoyed the beach, here I am standing still on the shore, missing someone from a not-so-distant past. It’s been a while since I last saw the sun kiss the western sky with someone I love, enjoying each time nature paints the sky with yellow and red. This afternoon, I’ll be viewing it alone and with high anticipation someone’s gonna stand beside me someday, hold my hand and cherish the moment that marks the passing of another day. From a distance, I saw couples sweet as lovebirds, flashing those sweet smiles to each other and exhibiting those gentle caresses.

There's no perfect time and there's no perfect place to dream than on the spot where I am standing today. It's fourteen days before Christmas and I know --- more than anybody else --- the true meaning of a Cold Christmas. Soon as the night bites after a very hot day, I'll be shivering in the corner brought by the sweet zephyr. 

The sea is still gentle and calm. The white sand still shimmers each time the seawater go ashore. The kids just quit from swimming and the lonely fisherman is now excited to go home with his catch which will be shared by his family for dinner.

I'm still here. Melancholy strikes. I knew what loneliness meant.

Writing on the Shore,

Monobloc Chair

Tagum City River Cruise

 For so many years, the cool and calm waters of Tancuan in Bincungan, Tagum City seems like to be so elusive from the public. Not until recently when the Local Government of Tagum had embarked on a noble project of establishing a wetland reserve in this progressive southern city known for its best governance practices, palms and grand festivals. The once elusive Tancuan as well as the gentle waters of Nabintad River is now Tagum City's newest attraction, serving like a magnet for people who are looking forward to have a date with nature and rediscover its allure.

One Day Adventure in Tagum City

There’s something in the City of Tagum that had remained so foreign to me. Not until recently when I woke up on a sun-kissed morning. I was smiling because I know that day will be a day full of adventure and adrenaline rush. When Sir Edwin Lasquite informed us that the great Jojie Alcantara is coming to town for a shoot, I dropped all scheduled plans just to rub elbows with the famed travel photojournalist and of course, to conquer and see for myself Tagum City’s hidden gems.