Last June I had been bugging my ex-office mate to take me Osmena Peak, the highest peak in Cebu (located in Mantalongon, Dalaguete). She joined this organization called ORGASM (Organization of Single Mountaineers). I was quite envious with her photos so I asked her to invite me in her next nature adventure. I thought I needed fresh air and recharge with nature. The thing about being adult, sometimes, you don't know where that emotional turmoil is coming from and all you want is to let it out.
She was hesitant to bring me along because she thought I don't like to get my shoes dirty. She had a picture of me in a neat office dress pants and collared top. Little does she know, I used to trek when I was in college its not really sometime new to me.
Part of the trip I wanted to prove I'm not at all sissy. A little sun burn wont hurt me. The trail was not really that challenging. All you need is good pair of knees. But mostly I wanted to have a long walk to recharge with nature. My regular activities at work and home can be draining. Also, it's a checklist in my bucket list. While Mt. Apo (highest peak in the Philippines) is out of my reach and Mt Kanlaon can be challenging. It was just a regular Sunday away from home.
It's not often that we see cow in the city other than a box of milk in the grocery store. And let the adventure begin.
An estimated walk of an hour and a half according to our guide who gave a pretty good estimate based on our pace. We have to climb over those rock formations behind me. That was the challenge.
An hour after we arrived. But this isn't the peak yet. This was the rock formation behid me from the previous photo. It's a grass land filled with tiny yellow flowers.
We continued our way to the peak singing A Whole New World with small laughs while panting in between and of course water breaks. I was smart to bring chocolate candy for energy booster. With my nostrils bigger than normal at this point, some of us were ready to give up. Finally, we reached the top.
The view was breath taking. You could see the west coastline of Cebu, beautiful rock formation. You would feel its alive and moved your spirit and gave more energy. Nature gives answers to your question far more you've expected. A reminder that life is so beautiful and its okay to take a break. It gives you the strength to continue living.
The descend was more challenging. You need stronger knees this time that serves as your brakes.
Finally a road! After one hour of non stop descend, I needed to squat. I started to imagine an iced cold soda.
You don't have to understand all things, some things are just meant to be felt. We don't see the wind, we just need to feel it. And that's what I needed "to learn to accept things".
P.S.
You can take a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal for php120. Alight in Dalaguete town then take a motorcycle ride for php50 to Mantalongon market. Then you can start the walk from there. There are guides available, you can pay them up to 300 php. So the more the merrier and lesser fee.
Wear shoes if you don't want blisters for wearing slippers. Grass may cause itchiness so wear pants. Dont forget to bring sunscreen fro minimal sun burn. I consumed 2 liters of water, a pack of chocolate candy and a tuna rice meal on an easy open can.
