Climbing Mt. Pulag

Mt. Pulag is the third highest mountain of the Philippines. With 2,922 meters above sea level, it is considered to be the highest peak in Luzon. It is a popular adventure destination known for its sea of clouds, as seen below.

Unfortunately, we didn’t actually get to see that. Such luck that my friends and I chose a weekend that unexpectedly was the coldest temperature recorded in Baguio for the past 5 years. Imagine it was 8 degrees in Baguio and we were up in the mountain trying to survive an almost below zero degree temperature with insane wind chill.

Because of the strong wind, our tent seemed like it had a life of its own and while the 7 of us were all cuddled up trying to distribute body warmth to each other, we all tried to sleep it through. We hardly slept though and patiently waited for our 4 am call time. Some friends decided to stay in the campsite because of the uncomfortable weather. But the rest decided to brave it through. After about 2 hours of hiking in the dark, we finally reached Peak 2, the highest peak of the mountain. By this time, my fingers were frozen and instead of rejoicing (WE MADE IT!), we silently and patiently waited for the sun to rise. But it was too foggy… too cold… and sadly we didn’t get to see or feel the sun. After 10 minutes, we all descended and couldn’t wait to get out of the cold.

This whole trip was such an experience… and I will never forget it, my very first climb : ) I know it would’ve been different if the weather had cooperated. But it is def memorable not because of how easy and doable it was, but because of all the imperfections and all our triumphs over it. Mt. Pulag is so beautiful and the whole climb was definitely fun especially with great company around. I would definitely do this again and hopefully see the grand peak view Mt. Pulag is known for.

Meanwhile, here are a few photos we took on the way up the camp site and down to the ranger station. Big thanks to Miguel of Yabag Mountaineers for helping us organize our first Mt. Pulag weekend.

CLIMB A MOUNTAIN ✓

Our deluxe bus from Manila to Baguio

The bumpy jeepney ride from Baguio to Pulag

Hike up the campsite

Campsite # 2

Waiting for the sunset

Singleton keeping us warm

Mt. Pulag

Mt. Pulag

packing up

half of the whole crew

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Travel Pants

Me and my restless feet (can’t help it argh!). Thinking again of where to go this 2014… Hopefully i get to cross out another new country or city at the end of this year.

 4 out of 16 on this one, so far.

New Year, New Post

Last year was all about fun, all about me exploring… Did a LOT of traveling, met new friends and more importantly, fell in love ♥ ♥ ♥ – the best thing that happened in my 2013 : )

Well, this year will be a little different. 2014 will be all about work, saving and getting myself busy hopefully with new projects on the side. I know, what a boring resolution. But all I can think of right now is that in 4 months time, I will be turning 30 and I know I still have sooo many things to accomplish. 11 years ago, I wrote on a piece of paper my “101 dreams before I turn 30”. To date, I have accomplished 54 dreams out of 101. Some would probably take more time (like 28. go on a Mediterranean cruise 61. plan my dream wedding 79. have cute children) and some are mmm, probably no longer appropriate (28. Party in Ibiza 3. Take up my MBA abroad and 22. live in New York – sigh!). But I do can’t wait to tick off these cheap thrills like 35. climb a mountain (doing it this month!!!), 91. ask for an autograph (?) and 97. dance in the rain (i still can’t believe i have never!).

 

Anyway, I only have 3 major goals for this year and I hope that you too will make everything you’ve ever wished for come true this 2014. Make it happen!