Perrysonal

‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.’ My first major day hike was in the nearby province of Zambales. The mountain is notorious for its assault and open trail. Prior to the climb, I was repeatedly told that it was hot - extremely hot - there because of its barren landscape. Hence, there were constant reminders to bring lots of water and anything that will serve as protection from the heat of the sun. Given that caution, I didn’t know what got into me to accept the invitation for a dayhike in this mountain. Perhaps I was out of my mind or simply it was destiny calling me when I decided to do a traverse climb of Mt. Balingkilat or better known as the Mountain of Thunder. It was a relief that for this particular climb I had the option to go to Cubao or just meet the group in Pampanga on their way to Zambales. I chose the latter which meant that I had extra time for me to rest and sleep at home considering that I have work on

‘Non nobis solum nati sumus. (Not for ourselves alone are we born)’ Mount Maculot is a favorite amongst mountaineers and hikers alike. This is due to numerous reasons and factors that make this a rather memorable trail. I’d finally gotten the chance to hike on this mountain during this year’s Palm Sunday. Aside from the fact that this was the start of the Lenten season, what made the climb extremely special is the reason behind it all. The climb was organized in order to raise funds for Franco Ramos, a baby boy who is suffering from chronic liver disease called Billiary Atresia and who is in dire need of a liver transplant. Another reason which made this climb different was that I was doing the climb with a friend, Pinky. Yes, after climbing a few mountains I was finally able to recruit a friend of mine into joining me. It was my first time doing a dayhike with a friend and colleague as a companion. Pinky and I arrived in Cubao earlier than expected, and with loads of ti