In almost 4 Years of consistently challenging myself to travel solo if no one makes time for me, I’ve had so many opportunities meeting new people, and they’re not just people, they are good people.
Recently, I took a flight to Davao to climb Mt. Apo and I met groups of strangers in a group of groups. It felt like we’re called to hike together, in that exact same date and time.
One of the team’s joiner cancelled his day hike and joined us instead. I have once cancelled a day hike too because I wasn’t ready and I want to camp so I can enjoy Mt. Apo without the pressure of time.
The original team who booked the sched were planning for 3 days and 2 nights but the other member arrived a day late from Japan, so they moved it to 2 days and 1 night instead. I also originally booked with the other guide for 3 days and 2 nights but nobody joined me so I got transferred to “Monteana Hikes” because they have available schedule that day.
I really do believe that there is no coincidences. Things change that brings us together. There was a couple joiner, two solo joiners including me, and the main group with their childhood friends and Churchmates. It was a beautiful day, full of energy, courage, bravery and most of all prayers. Most of us were first timers in Mt. Apo, and only one have been there for the 8th times excluding the guides.
Delays, cancellations, changes; all of those happened for good reasons. That team was perfect even if it started so quietly and then we started talking bit by bit, sharing foods, praising the Lord, etc. Sometimes, the Lord make good things happen. We do not have to force things because his plans are better than ours. So for any changes, misalignment, etc. do not hesitate to say no.
I remember seeing a man, who looked young and looking experienced who turned out to be younger than me, 42k marathoner who finishes it at 3 hours, how inspiring! That’s my next goal and I’m still thinking about the best preparation to complete it. He also turned out to be a seaman who will be taking his last semester this year and then he will be back into the sea.
He’s also a joker, he was laughing at me when both of the guide and him joked that the reason I hiked was because I was “Naloko” haha. Unsay English ana? Hahaha Deceived? It was a cute encounter. He likes to lead us too and not scared of getting lost, he definitely had his own way; he also visited all three summits and met up with us in the end.
On our way back, he stayed with his “Kuya”, one of our joiner and walked with him, he never left him and they even ride a motorcycle together. I had to go first because I wasn’t planning of riding a motorcycle, the road was quite dangerous because it’s too steep and I also heard feedback from the team that it was indeed scary.
On my way back to the main road from the campsite, I followed one guide who’s also younger than me. He carried a bag with almost 15 kilograms weight and walked so fast like a speedo. I only blink once and he’s already meters away from me. I thought maybe he had some kind of superpowers that teleports or invisibility skills. The porters at Mt. Apo are amazing!
I’m also amazed by kitty because we really have almost same energy; me, her and John were top 3 among the members of the team to arrive at the Mt. Apo Campsite, where we have to rest for a night. On our way there, we interviewed John, and it was fun. He’s our youngest because kitty and I were born a year apart.
John shared his food unconditionally and ’twas a really good feeling. The formal quiet man I met before the trail showed his child side and it’s so interesting. He surely had so much fun! I am happy I was there with them. I went home solo but I’ve made Facebook friends.
It’s always a pleasure meeting new people specially those who have already been to places you want to go next. One of them have been to ASEAN trilogy except MT. Fuji, while the other one have been to Mt. Fuji already; if they become one, the trilogy will be completed. I’m so inspired the 8th timer Mt. Apo Climber is scheduled to climb Mt. Everest Campsite. All the best to her, for sure she’s going to make it.
One of the reasons I feel comfortable is because she made me feel part of the team. Raw, offered help and assured me that she will be there incase needed, I just need to let her know; and that was more than enough for me to be free. A psychometrician knows how to handle me. She said that the only enemy is ourselves. I liked listening to her experiences and that really inspired me to keep going.
The guides were also very accommodating, open and funny too. I was very quite from the start but I managed to ask their names, introduce myself and then I started asking so many questions. It seems like my curiosity really helped me connect with them and it made the experience so memorable for me.
One of our joiner was once a seminary. He was about to become a priest and changed mind? The other one looked 18-20 and is actually on her 40’s. Those people were amazing. I didn’t even realized that the other was married and with a kid, how fantastic! I’m still very happy thinking about them all.
And the funniest thing ever, “My porter felt so lost and tired as he arrived at the campsite.” He did not know who owned the bag he carried but I knew him. I have to tell him “You are my porter.” He was laughing and it was the funniest. There’s more, the tent’s sticks couldn’t be found, not on their bag, because it was actually placed on the other bag; but the good thing is that it was remembered in the end.
Eating with strangers who became your instant family for a night and 2 days was perfect! It was a magical day and really good month to start the year. I had the best kick off starter ever! Yet I’m still interested to join the co event this Feb. 8, because I will be seeing new people with amazing outfits that day. It’s going to make me so happy!
At the hotel, 4 hours prior to my flight, I met a couple whom at first glance I thought were the owners of the hotel. They looked so simple but they talked so formally like they owned the fish. We had a quick chat about their two kids with different world, the other one is in my hiking world, while the other is in the old world.
Omg. I liked how supportive they both were to their children’s. I love how they understand their differences. I love how they adjust as parents and hope for the best for their child who is now a VA handling many employees. He said proudly, “He make Mt. Apo the training ground for Mt. Everest and other higher peaks in the world.” I was once again impressed. I also liked it that the people at the hotel remembers me, it made me feel at home. I will buy a property in the area. It will be scary but it’s worth it.
Climbing, Rocks! 