Mt. Cristobal (CrisTrav) | Finishing the Unfinished Business

I can still remember the first time I ascended this mountain, it was March 26, 2012 (the day after I graduated from college). We were also on a quest to traverse this mountain but ended up not pursuing it because of an unexpected circumstance, parang kaming mga basang sisiw noon. You might want to check out that experience in this link: Mt. Cristobal Failed Traverse.

About 9 months have passed, and I, once again, faced the same mountain where, for the first time, I felt that I was defeated.

A Young Mountaineer's Reply to His Master

I can see your grin each time I mention a page in my book still too thin. It just shows that my stories compared to yours are nothing, like a dot in a broad white sheet, negligible. Your tales are far better, far more exciting, far more colorful, an epic. Nevertheless, you still lend me your ears, you listen, I see no sign of boredom, thank you for that sir.

But did I speak too much? Forgive me sir, for I cannot help myself from telling you my mountain adventures, I really can't. Nothing excites me more than sharing to you these adventure stories of mine. So if you aren't fed up yet, I have a lot more stories to tell, trail after trail, peak after peak, mountain after mountain.

Mt. Palay Palay (Pico de Loro) | Take Two

When I first climbed Pico de Loro last year (August 2012), I successfully fulfilled my dream of climbing the famous monolith.Yes, I felt gladness when I reached the top of this vertical rock, but even so, that gladness was not at its fullest. I need not to say why, just look at the picture below.

clouded and eerie

heartbreaking isn't it...

Panorama | Distribution of the Top 10 Highest Mountains in the Philippines

The top ten highest peaks in the Philippine archipelago are concentrated mainly on its two largest islands. Luzon Island, home of the grand Cordillera mountains, has the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 10th highest. While the rest, including the highest peak, are found in the island of Mindanao. 

  

 Mt. Apo, the highest in the country, is shown in this panorama. It was taken from the summit of Mt. Dulang Dulang (2nd), morning of January 26, 2013.  

Mt. Purgatory | An Endless Moss and Pine Trail

Weeks before this climb, I got my mind set on climbing Mt. Daguldol as my year-ender slash first year anniversary climb (yes, isang taon na akong namumundok). Would've been so nice to return to my mother mountain exactly one year after. But my plans simply changed instantly when I received this message: 

"Mt. Purgatory is set for dec 28-29. Budget is 2,000. Please confirm within the week. 10 slots only including me!" 

Another invitation from Pinoymountaineer which I just cannot decline.

Mindanao Mountain Madness

For 12 days, I was in Mindanao... scaling some of its beautiful mountains.. Inexplicable happiness I felt when I survived the notorious trails of Mt. Talomo, even happier when I summitted the 1st (Mt. Apo), 2nd (Mt. Dulang-Dulang) and 4th (Mt. Kitanglad) highest peaks in the country. A great treat for my 21st year.

Talomo-Apo Megatraverse

Day 1 - Manila to Davao to Brgy. Tamayong to Lumot Campsite

For about 12 hours, we dealt on a trail that was difficult and quite lengthy. Fallen trees, fallen trees and more, well, fallen trees. It was like a daylong obstacle course.