Intentional Mt. Apo

I grew up where the Mt. Apo-Mt. Talomo range was a constant sight across the horizon.  I remember how one of the highlights of my day was to sit at our front porch and just looking at the beautiful sight.  We've changed houses over the years but the looking over, drinking in the sight of these two mighty sentinels, remained a constant.  At that house, it would be through the backdoor on the second floor; this house, over the main bedroom porch. I remember being partly sad when the trees that bordered the subdivision's basketball court at the back of house grew so tall that they've blocked a portion of the range's view.  Walking or driving through the streets of Davao, one would suddenly be treated to the view of these two. Treat, alright coz the range is such a beautiful sight.  Bold and imposing but breath-taking all the same.  

It is no wonder then if scaling Mt. Apo becomes one of my personal goals.  And achieved that goal, I did! My first climb was during the "Last Climb of the Century" season in summer of 1999.  Finally working, Mama and Papa were more lax about me flitting off wherever.  For one, I've finished school.  Second, they've chided me for taking the "Pa-alam" (letting you know) stance instead of the usual, "Paalam" (respectful goodbye). They knew I could spend my own money anyway for training and the trips even if they said "no" hehe The next year, "New Millennium Climb," I summitted again. And year after year since then, from different trails/routes.  There were instances wherein we'd climb twice in a year, and choosing off-season periods (like January) and we would be the only group around.  Those times were epic. And, special.  The most special though was the recent climb this Holy Week.  It was not just Tatay and I and our closest friends. It is Tatay and I, closest friends... and the kids.  

When Tatay and I had gotten married, we have always aimed to make healthy choices.  Because we have always been intentional about this particular thing -- when we would have kids, they would be scaling Mt. Apo for the first time with us.  When it was likely that Forest's graduating class would be climbing Mt. Apo for their rites of passage, I felt a pang of dismay.  Parents of graduating children are not allowed to accompany them in that climb.  It would defeat the entire purpose of the rites.  So from then, we were thinking of when to climb prior to theirs.  Good thing they changed it to Mt. Hamiguitan.  I started to relax then.  And then just like that, the opportunity presented itself.

Four years ago, Tita Kir sought our help because she wanted to pursue one of her dreams of climbing Mt. Apo.  As always, we are more than eager to lend a hand.  Tatay sought the help of a friend who is a professional and registered guide.  The details were worked out until Tita and her friend had their permits.  The IT, meals, etc were all set.  We were happy to plan and execute a pre-climb with Tita Kir as well.  We scaled Mt. Loay in Sta. Cruz for it. With us then were Forest, Jade, Kata, Don who this the guide and his daughter, Rev who has climbed Mt. Apo at a young age.  It was a slow and "painful" climb for me haha It's a first after pandemic and so I was hardly trained and prepared for it.  

Mt. Loay, 4 years ago. Photo credit: Kir P.

While Mt. Loay is "only" at 1,040 masl, the trail is mostly a steep incline.  So it was quite merciless.  It is not your typical "foresty" mountain and is even littered by houses and mini sari-sari stores along the trail.  With little forest cover, the climb was quite hot and there were very little trees to forest-bathe in, that was supposed to replenish our energy.  The sari-sari stores fare of puto, lansones, buko and other fruits compensated for that though :D  That it was an assault-and-back-on-the-same-day type of climb also did not help.  On our way down I was so tired I wanted to just crawl my way back.  As we reached the foot and making our way back to the car, I was walking backwards, in an attempt to relieve my screaming hamstrings.  But it was a good pre-climb though and would have helped Tita Kir in her preparation for Apo.  Sadly, Tita Kir had to cancel everything.  But rightfully so.  When faced with the same choices, I would have done the same.  

Now, four years after, there we were, meeting at Kidapawan's 711 and convoyed our way to EDC for our 3-day Apo climb, with our families in  tow. What a blessing!

Waiting for BP retake! Lol! Photo credit: Kir P.

What was funny though that since we were passing through EDC, they had certain protocols that we need to follow.  They also asked for a medical certificate that would be at least 2 days prior the scheduled hike.  We complied.  During the check-up, I already registered a high BP. I chalked it off to being busy running all day -- Forest's school activity, work commitments and having to buy last minute stuff for the climb.  On the day, the BP reads the same! (Palm on forehead!)  While they were kind enough to re-take the reading 3 times, I was so scared at the thought of not being able to go that it was impossible for me to be calm enough to register a lower BP reading.  Because after the third try I still have 150/80 reading, they said the protocol is to consult their physician.  As it is a holiday, it took awhile to get a reply from him/her.  I got more fretful since there were people, who cleared their own BP readings, waiting.  And how I hated being an inconvenience.  In the end I got to go! Much to my relief. Tatay was already prepared to haggle that I be allowed to hike until the camp, at least.  And would just sit it out and wait for them for their peak assault on Day 2.  But by grace, I was cleared for both. Hurray!

With Tatay leading a climb, we always had to do it the right way.  So we started with the usual stretching:

And then, the hike started.  Having been in other trails up Mt. Apo, we were always told the the EDC-VIP trail is "chicken."  Loren's friend even told her, "Pa-cute-cute ra ma na na trail!"  How wrong they were! It's a steep, uphill climb from the start.  Several 87 degrees and very little "inanay" trail or one where it's flat and one can pick up speed.  So our "aged" limbs and heart sure took a beating.  Several parts of the trail, I was breathless and tired.  The view cheered us up though. 

Unlike in Mainit, Kidapawan trail where the orange flowers would mark the trail, we first encountered its white variety:

It was already way up when I first saw the orange flowers,  often a looked-forward-sight at the Kidapawan trail.  My reaction was immediate.  I smiled and thought to myself,  "Ah, here we are indeed, amidst Apo's beautiful slopes..."  There is this particular part where the flower bushes looked "manicured," and enclosing a space that looked both intimate and personal. I hushed the kiddos and reminded them to be respectful.  We are visiting and likely encroaching.  

     

This was already way up, closer to the camp than the start of the trail thus the very tired faces haha. The orange flowers are visible in the background.  

Here are some of the photos and videos of the first part of the trek. We had to constantly help and guide the kids as it is their first time.  I was grateful to Tatay who was always mindful of them and I.

    


Tatay insisted on them carrying their own packs though.  This is specially the case for Forest where this climb serves as her training for when she would climb Mt. Hamiguitan.  By then, neither Tatay and I would be around to assist her.  It was difficult for Jade though who is mostly sedentary everyday, glued to her phone.  At one point, the ERT who assisted us offered to take the bag from her but Tatay informed him that the kids are on training haha!

I was a bit faster as I did not have any bag with me.  Tatay had to often call from the trail, cautioning me to pace slower.  He had to stay close to the kids, especially to Jade who was struggling at that time.  Rod was faster too so we were often together the whole trek.