You’ve Got to Have Guts in Ugo
‘Expectation is the root of all heartache.’ The long and winding road The first day of the tenth month of each year is special to me. It’s my natal day. This year, I decided that having a climb on the exact date of my birth would make it more special, considering that the mountain is located in the Cordillera region, it made me more ecstatic because of my fascination with Cordilleran mountains. It didn't occurred to me then that what we’re doing was a one day traverse hike, a deviation from the typical two day Mount Ugo traverse hike. Although doing an Ugo traverse day hike is rare, it is still possible, as I was told. It was with confidence that I willingly accepted the challenge, believing that I can manage the task. Unbeknownst to me, it will become the longest and hardest climb I’ve ever done in my life. During the day, I woke up early and traveled to Manaoag, Pangasinan to attend the holy mass at Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine. The travel going to Manaoag ...