I Conquered Mt. Daguldul

I know it's not Mt. Everest but for a relatively obese-couch potato-doesn't exercise-first time mountain climber, this is already an amazing feat. Mt. Daguldul is one of the more climable mountains in the Batangas Area it has an elevation of 670 meters. Compared to mountains climbed by previous batches Mt. Daguldul offers a more challenging trail.

It was my very first time to take on an outdoor activity. The closest trekking that I ever went through was the outreach program in Pampanga. I was very excited and scared when I first learned that I would be joining the first batch in trekking Mt. Daguldul. Everybody was telling me that it would be a difficult climb and that the mountain was very steep. I started to eat less and I did a lot of walking in preparation for the climb.

I woke up early on April 26, the day of the climb. We rendezvous at MRT Buendia Station and we rode a van until San Juan Batangas going through Candelaria, Quezon where we got the chance to eat some tasty lomi and chami. The initial plan was to take a boat until the Jump Off Station but there were no boats available. Below the mountain was the beach so to get to the mountain we need to ride a bangka. Instead of doing that, we had to ride a jeepney. I was scared during the jeepney ride because the road was beside a ravine and it was a curvy road. Nonetheless we reached the jump off station, ate our lunch, did our stretching and warms ups and prayed. That was about 3:00 in the afternoon. We were actually way behind schedule. We were already hurrying up since it might get dark and we want to set up camp before darkness envelop us. I was optimistic at the start of the climb and then I started to breathe heavily, I can hear my heartbeat in my throat, it was thumping so loud. Everyone thought it was over for me that I would already give up. And then I started to walk slowly and paced myself, we're just 30 minutes into walking and I'm already giving up? NO! I started to make small goals, like I'd go for that big rock, then I'd motivate myself to get to that tree. And ever so slowly I achieved my little goals. Before I knew it I am already half way through the mountain. There were a lot of pit stops along the way. A lot of families have already populated the area. There were houses that sell halo halo and buko. There were even electric meters attached in the trees. So its relatively safe to trek to the mountains.



Just one of the scenes during the climb


More Scenes

Around 5:30 pm we reached the campsite. The summit was already within reach we had to postpone until morning since it was getting late. And this welcomed us. The sun about to set and fog already setting in. It was amazing. I can't even describe the feeling of seeing such a wonderful scene! It was glorious and magnificent, only God can make something as beautiful as this. It was also very cold at the top. Winds were very strong, it was so different from the climate here in Manila. It was so beautiful at the top.



On Top of Mt. Daguldul

God's handiwork

We cooked dinner using the provisions we prepared and had some activties before we went to sleep on our tents. It was my firs time to sleep on a tent. It was uncomfortable but since we were so tired it didn't matter. We slept like babies and it was so cold that's why it was so nice to sleep.

Day 2. To be continued..

Maria Francia Posted At 9:25:00 AM

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Wide Eye Wonder

It's been a long time since I last updated by blog, let's just say I just went on a hiatus. So many things have happened since I last updated it. For starters, I have a new job. It's not a glamorous one nor does it pay as much as my previous job but I'm really happy and excited with the prospects of this new one. I'm an HR Associate for Training and OD at Primer Group of Companies. We are the official distributor of Samsonite Luggages, Jansport, The North Face, Kickers, LA Gear and other premium goods. You might not have heard of the company but our brands are pretty popular not only here in the Philippines but elsewhere. The first few months are a bit unnerving but the prospects are really exciting and I can feel that I can contribute so much to the company, I feel I really belong here. The office is located at Binondo and I'm happy with the location although come July will be moving to our own building in Malate. I know you're asking, how come I didn't choose a work near our place, since I already reside in Makati. Well, I feel that when I'm in Manila the possibility of me studying is much bigger than when I'm working elsewhere. The vibe is different when I'm in Manila. I feel it's real and this is the Philippines that I want to see or know not the superficiality of Makati or any city pretending to be successful when in fact, it is full of problems. It's also near UST and it bring a lot of memories. It's quite a challenge but I think I can face it. I'm still learning.

I had a very interesting Lenten Season. As I have already mentioned, I joined a choir and we were assigned to sing during the Washing of Feet Rites at Las Piñas and on our own Parish we sung during the Easter Vigil Mass together with another choir. It was quite a challenge since there were a lot of songs to be studied and let me tell you they are not simple. It was the first time in all of my 20 years of being a Catholic to actually see the rituals performed. And seeing it reinforced my faith in the Catholic Church, the symbols and rituals makes Catholicism special. It makes us different from other religions. The rich symbols and rituals remind us of how God deeply loves His people and fulfills His promises. It has been passsed down from generation to generation and everytime we are reminded how God provided us with everything and more and I doubt He'll ever stop giving us what we need. We just need to trust Him and believe in His power. I also joined a Christian Life Program at our Parish organized by the Singles for Christ. No, I didn't join the program in hopes of finding a boyfriend, far from it. I joined the program to develop a deeply personal relationship with the Lord, if indeed I meet someone, that's just a plus. Boys and boyfriends are new matter, altogether.

I was observing this kid one time and I saw his big eyes full of wonder upon seeing the city. We were both in a jeepney and it seems that it was his first time to see it. I hope that's the way with us adults that we face new experiences with big eyes of wonderment and we would always be kids at heart always curious and never afraid to ask. Growing up is a very difficult business, it's lonely and complicated. You miss people, you want to do things but you are always disappointed and frustrated. Your emotions are a wreck! Everything is confusing but with the love of God you'll get by and you'll get through. Honestly, I'm still adjusting with everything going on in my life. Hoping that everything will turn out fine.

Maria Francia Posted At 7:55:00 PM

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