Mt. Pulag, my mother mountain

Mt. Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon at 2,926 meters above sea level. It is known as "The playground of the Gods" because of the sea of clouds you will see when you reached the peak and the millions of stars that you can see during night time.

I really wanted to climb any mountain, that's why when my office mate asked me if I want to join them on a climb to Mt. Pulag, I didn't hesitate even though I didn't know anything about Pulag yet. I prepared my stuff (bag, jackets, gloves, shoes, extra shirts, headlamp, bonnet and things that will give me warm) and even went to the doctor to ask for a medical certificate (proof that you're fit to climb).

February 5, 2016

We agreed to meet at Victory Liner Cubao Terminal at 10 PM. There I met my office mates together with their partners. We waited for the bus bound to Baguio. When it's time to ride the bus, I was very nervous because that will be the first time that I will be traveling far without my family. I didn't know what is waiting for me. So I just slept my worries and when I woke up, we're already at Baguio. We met the guy who arranged our package, and there we saw the jeepney that we will be riding on to Benguet. I slept during the trip and woke up when we arrived at the DENR Benguet. I was surprised to see lots of people who will be climbing Mt. Pulag. At DENR, we registered and we were oriented for the Do's and Don'ts and what to expect in climbing Mt. Pulag.

Orientation was done. We rode on top of the jeepney heading to the ranger station. It was really a fun and exciting experience. I can feel my adrenaline that time when the jeep goes up and down the road. I was so happy and never thought that I would experience that kind of adventure.

We arrived at the ranger station and setup our tents. After that, we eat our lunch and prepare ourselves for tomorrow's climb.

Night came, I was mesmerized by the millions of stars that I witnessed. It was surreal. We need to rest already but I can't put my self to sleep. It was very cold that I can't move. If only I have a sleeping bag that time. I can feel the coldness of the wind that embraces my whole body. My jackets and socks are not enough.

February 6, 2016

We started with a prayer before climbing. My heart is pounding so fast. I was very nervous. I just want to sleep, but on the back of my mind, I want to finish this. So I proceeded. We took the Ambangeg Trail which is the easiest trail to Mt. Pulag. On the first 10 mins, I was already running out of breath. I want to quit already, but my team keeps going. I decided to continue and walk and climb and walk. The assaults made it hard for me, my knees, legs, and feet are not well prepared. When we were in the mossy forest, I slipped because my shoes were slippery and were not for climbing. (Lesson learned) But it didn't stop me, knowing I was halfway there. Then the walk continues. The mountain was very foggy I can feel some raindrops which added to the coldness of the mountain. When I see the peak, I was very motivated to finish it. When I'm almost at the peak, I am already tired that I don't want to climb it anymore. My colleagues are already there so I decided to push myself more. Finally!! I reached the beautiful Mt. Pulag, my mother mountain. What a beauty!

I am beyond happy to climb such a beautiful mountain and experience it's mossy forest, grassland and the sunrise at the summit. I will definitely come back to my mother mountain. It was really a fun experience.