SkimChix - island life

When I scheduled my training in Manila, I made sure that the tickets I bought will be a day earlier and a day late than the scheduled training. That way, I have more time to adjust and have time to wander around Manila, before and after the official business.

When I arrived, I was not directly taken to my home for the next five days but rather, I was first housed in Cavite, their second home, where the family I’m staying go to during weekends. It’s located in one of the prestigious communities in Cavite and the place is cool, contrary to the weather in Manila.



In the afternoon I was toured in Tagaytay. Though that was not my first time in Tagaytay but it was my first time to zipline and horseback ride in Tagaytay.

Most of the time, it was only sightseeing and picture taking.


I like horseback riding, such a liberating feel when you get to ride and direct the horse all by yourself, and do I need to say more about how much I love speed! Woohoooo! ( waving my cowboy hat)

After our little adventure at Tagaytay park, we dined at Gerry’s grill.

It was supposed to be somewhere else new, but the mall where we were planning to eat was full packed. No parking space was available. But nevertheless, the food at Gerry’s grill was delicious and we have the evening view of the taal lake and the towns surrounding it.

Special thanks to Uncle Donald, Tita Fe, Uncle Marlon, Tita Evelyn, Uncle Ronald, Ate margie, the kids, the rest of the crew for a very fun day at Tagaytay.

I have been active in climbing just last year, 2010. I have climbed mountains and explored caves in the pass years but it was only in 2010 that I have dedicated most of my time to climbing. After my Mt. Lanaya climb in Alegria, one of the toughest mountains that I have climbed in Cebu, I had the desire to explore other mountains as well. But Mt. Apo was not in in the list yet. Because I know I have to train and climb more mountains before I conquer Mt. Apo. But never the least it was my dream to conquer Mt. Apo.

It was not until the second half of the year that I was invited to climb Mt. Apo, I was hesitant. I have heard a lot of stories from my fellow mountaineers about how difficult it is to climb Mt. Apo. And I do not want to do it until I’m not prepared. I know I have to be prepared emotionally and physically. But even with my doubts and as impulsive as I am, I bought my plane ticket going to Davao. I started buying climbing equipment including waterproof jackets to mention a few which can be purchased at outdoor shops like R.O.X. . I jogged the farthest distance and tried to convince myself that there is no turning back. Thinking about my climb did send my heart beating faster. I have to admit I was afraid. And to counter that, I tried reading articles on tips on climbing Mt. Apo. That way I know what to expect.

Time has come for us to climb Mt. Apo and the excitement of conquering Philippines' highest mountain was greater than my doubts and fears. I know that I’ll be expecting beautiful scenery, discover things that are not in the city. But everything surpassed my expectation.

The beauty of the mountain was beyond any words can explain. A lot of the time it left me speechless. It was such a beauty. I could not even justify the beauty of the mountain in my pictures. I was stunned. Everything was picture perfect, the sunset, the sunrise, the plains below, the clouds surrounding us from time to time, the wild berries, the forest, the falls, the peak, everything! All the hardships that we experienced during the climb, the cold, the swollen muscles, thorny bushes along the way, the knee deep mud, was all worth it! It was really tiring but it was also the most rewarding thing that I have done for the year.

Such beauty can't be experience in the comforts of our own homes or in the convenience of the city. Such splendor needs to be experience in the outdoors where fear needs to be conquered, going the extra mile, and taking the less traveled roads. Because such adventure pushed us to our limits but at the same time makes us realize that we can always make our dreams a reality. And it all starts in one small step to the R.O.X. outdoors.

It was a two day event that started late in the afternoon hiking to Campensa Peak at Camp 6, Manipis, Toledo. But I opted not to join the group since I have to wait for my Angel to come home from work. I will be bringing him to the camp out and hopefully negotiate to go caving the following day.

So it was only us, riding the motorcycle for almost 30 minutes, to the drop off point in Camp 6 Barangay Hall. It was refreshing to watch the view of the opposite mountain and all the greenery surrounding it. We were traveling the infamous Manipis road, know for narrow streets with cliffs on the side. It was so scary seeing the deep trenches along the way.

In the drop off point we were met by some locals who personally knew our guide and we were instructed to follow the foot path. We started climbing and hiking. It was all footpath, too easy right? Well think again, because the steps are more than a hundred steps and I think it could reach a thousand. We have to rest from time to time because everything seems like a direct assault. Angel trusted me that I will be able to lead him to the campsite before dark. Whew! It was tough because it was also my first time in the area. I don't have any idea if we really can reach the camp site in time.

And as per instruction we followed the footpath even if we are traveling away from the said peak. We were lost and it was already dark. With my not so bright headlamp, we manage to find a shorter route to the peak passing on the side of the hills. And because it was dark, we hardly can't see the path. Then a carabao was on our way, but all I can see was the carabao's eyes glittering from my light. I could still remember Angel's eyes when he saw the animal. He was scared, he can't see well in the dark and he doesn't have a headlamp. But I have to stop myself from giggling since I don't want him to get irritated, not on his first climb.

Thankfully we arrived at the camp site, unscratched and very tired and hungry. We just bought a packed meal to get rid of cooking and preparing for dinner and just have to wait for others to finish preparing their meal. And later the socials started by introducing everyone. And the alcoholic beverages, stories to share started pouring. Unfortunately, I had an early lights off. Though I was just listening to everyone talking outside the tent, since it was hard for me to sleep because of the cold.

I woke up early morning with the fog surrounding the campsite. Later the sun emerge together with a beautiful view of the city from a far. Ate a little to have energy to sustain the downhill climb going back to our jump off point. The rest of the gang have to wait for their ride going to the drop off point to the cave while we are on our way home. Too bad,wasn't able to convince Angel to join in the caving. But at least it was his first camp out. Maybe someday..