Travel StorYnia: It's the Climb! --- Mt. Pamitinan Experience

"Ain't about how fast I get there. Ain't about who's waiting on the other side."
- Miley Cyrus

Mt. Pamitinan Peak

Nowadays, people would always try mountain climbing, especially those who work. Some say it's a stress reliever, some say it's their way of moving on, some are just fans of climbing and some want to stay fit through climbing. For me, it's a way of reflecting.

I have climbed 3 mountains. One in Benguet, one in Rizal and one in Visayas. It was my climb to Mt. Pamitinan in Rizal that I realized climbing is for self-evaluation --- at least for me.

So let me start by telling you about how I went to that climb. It was November of last year that we scheduled that trip. My boyfriend Paul and his sister were with me in that trip. After our shifts, we waited for 2am to catch the first trip going to Rizal to witness the Sea of Clouds. Unfortunately, it rained so there was no Sea of Clouds that time. We rode an FX from Cubao then tricycle going to Mt. Pamitinan.

The estimated time of hike should be only for two hours but it lasted for 3 hours since the soil was wet after heavy rains poured. The mountain was said to be beginner friendly but it was so slippery so we had a bit of a struggle.

During the hike, I noticed one thing. It was the unloading of emotions. By pressing my feet to each rock, I felt relieved. By gripping and holding on to the rocks, I felt empowered. Maybe because I knew that it's going to be worth it. There were other climbers when we hiked but I felt solitude.

Mt. Pamitinan, 1st Stop

It was a reflection of life, of how am I doing in life, it was a reality slap. That not all hardships, not all problems, not all worries should win. That whenever you feel like falling, think of it as if you're climbing a mountain. Hold on.

There are stops as well. So we should take advantage of those stops. Like this one:

Those stops tell us that in life, taking a break is essential. Don't try to get to the top fast. Because if you do that, you'll get tired. You'll probably fall. You will not appreciate the view. And when there's an opportunity for an extraordinary scene, you should try it.

The famous "pabitin" area of the mountain

And when you get to the top, always recall your humble beginnings. Who guided you the way, what were the things you learned and where you started. Lastly, share your success with people who were with you throughout the climb. It's not a race. It's an opportunity for you to reflect.