On top of the Philippines - Mt Apo

Kapatagan to Kidapawan traverse.

After a few months of through planning, the time has finally arrived for our Mt Apo adventure of a lifetime. 

It was 3AM when we left Davao City for Digos. It was a 2 hour smooth ride and an hour super uber rough ride to the jump off area. I thought the truck won’t make it but then again we were one lucky group. (Kudos to manong driver! Superb strategy!)

We ate our breakfast [fried chicken and egg – call that double murder] and did some stretching before we started our trek at 8AM.

Little did I know that Davao is the source of “Baguio vegetables” in Mindanao. I thought vegetables travel all the way to Mindanao from Baguio for their supplies. I was wrong. Vegetables grow in Kapatagan. And they grow well. I think it will be a sin having unhealthy body in that area. The air was cool and fresh. Veggies were abundant. Walking is an obvious exercise. Life is simple and almost perfect. Moreover, the Malaysian mums and Chrysanthemums [plantation] made the place more enchanting.

Our first day was a walk in the fields. We passed by the vegetables and the farmers toiling the soil. They smiled whenever we said, “Maayong buntag.” (Good morning.) We felt the warmth of the people there. They know how to treat their visitors well.

It became colder when we entered the mossy forest. The mosses grow up to the top of the tress - an indication that the flora was protected. There were a lot of obstacles along the trail. We even had to go over and under the trees several times. I slipped a few times and so did my companions. (Ha ha ha!) (Ok I slipped many times. :P)

I adore Choco’s resourcefulness. He made a hat out of a taro leaf. Although he had a rain coat, he didn’t want to spoil the fun of having a biodegradable hat. I just hope he didn’t get allergies from it. J

We arrived at Godi-Godi camp site at 5PM. It was dark already and our guide and porters started preparing our dinner. We pitched our tents and changed our clothes for the “socials”. It was very cold so we had to wear thermal suits inside our shirts.

After chatting and finishing our dinner, we arranged a surprise birthday party for M. I was touched when she cried and hugged us all. She was really moved. J Anyways, happy birthday again M. Wish you more birthdays to come! J

Our second day was gorgeous! We climbed the boulders to the summit. Looking at the pictures of our friends who first went to Mt. Apo, I initially thought it will be the hardest part of the climb. Actually, it was not. I didn’t know if it was because I expected the worst weather but got a very fine one or that the sulfur was really kind while we were climbing. It turned out to be the most relaxing part of the climb. Super surprising view!

We were awed by the sea of clouds. My companions E and B literally held their breaths when they saw the scenery. Our guide/porter told us that it was one of the most beautiful things in the climb. They did not expect the sea of clouds. They usually had some problems in the boulders due to bad weather. But ours was exceptional. Thank you Lord. ^_^

We arrived at the summit a little past 3PM. I think the mountain did not like noisy people because it became foggy when we arrived. (Ako na maingay!) But hey, we had our pictures taken at the summit. I can’t believe I really was on top of the Philippines! Yahoo!

Mt. Apo crater

We went down to Lake Venado after some photo ops and settled there for our second night. It was like an enchanted paradise.

Dinner was superb! Claps to kuya B who prepared spaghetti. I loved the cheese. And to Lolo E who treated us 200Php Sprite that was passed ala vodka. So precious! [Akalain mo may nag-pass sa SPRITE!^_^]

Our third morning was spent taking pictures of the magical lake Venado. It was so enchanting and so breath taking at the same time.

Our third day was a test of knees. The first half was like going down a very steep stair case. The trail was unforgiving. We had to take extra caution because one mistake can lead to a casualty. My knees shivered during the descent. I had some problems in my knee cap, that’s why. Thanks to my companions and their beautiful stories we passed time laughing it all out. J

The second half of the descent was the river crossing. Sometimes we passed through makeshift bridges and sometimes there were none. At first I didn’t want to get my shoes wet. But when they told me it will be one hell of a river crossing, I decided to go for it. My shoes got wet and my feet soaked. But what the heck! I was there to enjoy the climb.

Relief got inside me when I finally crossed the last bridge. It was no joke. I felt my left foot slipped so I held tightly and walked cautiously.

After the final bridge, a final assault was waiting for us. 15 minutes after a pure assault, we finally made it!

I’m super happy to be a part of the team!

Will I do this again? Well YES! Will definitely be back to Mt. Apo. J

~Till next time folks. :D