Year 2024 was the best year for me, lots of new solo-traveling experiences that started in 2020, thanks to the pandemic. Solo flight from Davao to Cebu was not super exciting but my solo flight from Cebu to Davao last January 2026 was spectacular! Mactan Cebu International Airport offers the best experience for all travellers, relax and enjoy window shopping.
Solo flying really had me connect with the flight attendants. I was obviously scared and the flight attendants aura and smiles really had me smile too. Their energies were very contagious. During take off, I found myself feeling so excited that I really grinned so happily and I want to feel that feeling again. Same feeling like ascending to Mt. Apo and actually summiting. The stress I am feeling right now is the complete opposite, you can really see the difference.
Before the scheduled dates, I have faced doubts because no one decided to join me but I was determined to do it alone as long as the organizer will not cancel me. It was canceled but I was referred to a group… Sometimes, I don’t have to create my group, I’ll just have to join a group.
I’m so thankful and grateful for “Cee Jee” for considering my preparations and for referring me to the other organizer with open slots. It’s amazing how they help and connect each other. I felt welcomed even if I was a newbie. The universe really connect me to the right people and I’m so thankful and grateful for that.
At first meet up with the group, I felt alone but not so alone because I trusted my guide, “Chong.” He’s responsive and considerate. “Raw” was there too along with her friends from Japan and Dubai (They gathered for a short vacation). I’m blessed to have met “Kitty” and “John” because we vibe together on our way to the campsite.
The awkward moments seems to start fading away when I started talking to “John” during breakfast. He’s a solo joiner too, but he’s with Kai (his guide). He’s a quite young man, down to earth and serious. He also likes laughing and cannot sit still on trail which makes the whole trail to campsite so funny. There was Panja too, his real name is “Dave,” he’s carrying loads of stuffs and yet he’s so strong. Looking at his footwear, only wearing sleepers makes me feel so amazed of him. How’d he manage to climb Mt. Apo on a sleeper?
There were moments that I felt scared of being left behind, but Dave was actually behind me, I wasn’t behind. It made me feel at ease. It was so dark and so hard to find the trails. I joined “Noe” up to the white sand following the curly haired guy wearing akatsuki uniform, a personal guide of “Lakaw Ni Paw.” One of their team celebrated his birthday, the American couples got lost for a bit, while I was hiding underneath my emergency blanket, “Damn it’s so cold at 3 Am at the White Sand Boulders.”
“Noe” seek for water because his bag is with John, luckily I still have one to share. After sometime, Dave and rest arrived. We started going up too fast to warm our body, this time I’m with kitty. We rested and waited for the others and the sunrises. The unexpected events was cool and amazing. I lost John on our way up to the summit but we met again at the “Mother Peak” and “Digos Peak.” The young man climb the “Kidapawan Peak” first and met up with us afterwards.
The couple from Manila also got separated with us and was later summited through Digos peak, luckily they’re fine after getting lost at the boulders. We’re so happy we were all reunited at the summit. It was an awesome day for me. The trip that I thought would be so boring and scary ended up being the opposite.
Days before I left to the Mactan International Airport for my Davao flight, I felt so courageous, that’s all I have that time. I am not expecting anything that good could happen, I just prayed that I will enjoy and I will have fun. With all wishes that my first time being a joiner of big team for a major climb will be successful and it did. Nothing is impossible with faith in the Lord.
Prayers and connecting with my guides, organizers and joiners made it all happen. The faith and respect with each other made the whole journey unforgettable! It was once in a lifetime adventure with them. We let go of each other and will hopefully connect in the future and I’m open for it.
Life has been surprising lately, 2026 made my major dream came true! Not only did I attend the biggest party of the company with all make ups and rented sparkling dress and a colored blazer that looks so beautiful. I got into trouble right after for “laughing at my own mistake, for believing in a false thought, and the idea of messing up after a year of being together.” That felt like farting in a middle of a serious conversation. Then I decided to choose the environment where I can be laughing at myself, and surround myself with people who understands me. “You’re fine.” Experiences helps us see the differences and appreciate those people who understands you the right way.
Climbing, Rocks! 