On June 12, 2021, a lifelong dream was realized as I stood a top the majestic Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak at 3,144 meters. The experience felt like something out of a fairy tale, with the breathtaking sea of clouds unfurling before my eyes, creating a scene of pure magic. It was a moment of disbelief and awe, as all the struggles, aches, and fears I faced during the climb suddenly felt insignificant. Standing on top of the Philippines highest point, it became clear that every bit of hard work had been worth it, and I was overwhelmed with a profound sense of achievement and fulfillment.
It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Guess what? My awesome work colleagues decided to tackle a bucket list challenge – climbing the majestic Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines! As soon as I heard the news, I knew this was the perfect birthday adventure (June is my birth month, after all!). And with the added bonus of it being near National Independence Day (June 12th), the timing couldn’t have been better.
To get myself ready for this epic trek, I went into full training mode. Daily jogs, conquering smaller mountains, and focusing on cardio exercises became my routine. I wanted to be in tip-top shape to fully enjoy the challenge!
Speaking of challenges, we decided to team up with a reliable guide. Luckily, our awesome work supervisor, Engr. Albert Gabriel from mtapoadventures.com, was up for the task! Together with my friends, we set off on our adventure, starting at the foot of Mt. Apo via the Sta. Cruz trail.
Starting our journey at 9 PM, we set off for Colan, our base camp for the night. After a quick rest, we were up and ready to conquer Mount Apo at 3 AM!
Our guides were absolutely amazing! They made sure we were safe every step of the way, checking on us constantly to see if we could keep up. Our safety was always their top priority. They even prepared a delicious breakfast for us to fuel our hike!
Beyond their care, our guides were also incredibly fun and entertaining. Their stories helped us forget about the exhaustion and made the trek feel like a breeze. It was an unforgettable experience!
After a challenging climb, we reached a spot, “The Big Rock”. It was time for a well-deserved break! Our guides surprised us with a delicious snack that gave us the energy boost we needed to tackle the next part of our journey: the infamous boulders of Mount Apo.
I must admit, I was pretty nervous about the boulder section. Some of those rocks looked like they could tumble any second! But our amazing guides were always one step ahead, carefully selecting the safest paths for us. Their expertise and encouragement were incredible. They kept reminding us, “You can do this! We’re almost there!” Their positive vibes helped calm my nerves and fueled my determination.
Reaching the white sand, I thought I’d made it to the top! But Mount Apo had more surprises in store. As a first-timer, every part of this mountain was a new challenge and a breathtaking sight.
Then came the boulders! I had to climb almost straight up, holding onto nothing but a rope and a few blades of grass. It felt like a life-or-death situation! Mount Apo tested my limits.
After what felt like forever, I finally reached the peak! The view was incredible. I was so overwhelmed with emotion, that I almost cried and peed myself (just kidding!). But seriously, conquering the King of the Philippine Mountains was a dream come true!
I survived!
My colleagues and I just had the most incredible adventure climbing Mount Apo with mtapoadventures.com, and let me tell you, it was unforgettable! Our guide, Engr. Albert Gabriel and Kuya Moroy, made the entire experience absolutely fantastic.
These guys weren’t just there to lead us up the mountain; they were a blast to be around! They kept the mood light and fun, sharing stories and jokes that made even the toughest parts of the climb enjoyable. But what really impressed us was their knowledge of the local flora. They pointed out all sorts of interesting plants along the way, explaining what they were and how they were used. It felt like a nature tour on top of a challenging hike – we learned so much!
Honestly, the quality of service we received from mtapoadventures.com goes way beyond what money can buy. Engr. Albert Gabriel and Kuya Moroy are awesome people, passionate about the mountain and dedicated to making sure their guests have the best possible experience. We can’t thank them enough for such a memorable trip!
Article Contributed by :
Ms. LYLLE MICHELLE SIAREZ