A Day Off on the Ridge (Part 1)

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Where do you work?

"I saw in your latest Facebook post that you've recently traveled in Palawan and Iloilo, did you travel for work?"

I've been asked this question before a few times by friends and even acquaintance, whenever I meet them in malls, restaurants, even on the street or inside a bus or jeepney on my way home.

I'd nod in affirmation.

"Wow, I'd love to work in your company! So where do I apply?", they'd jokingly end the conversation this way.

"My team's full. I'll let you know if we are hiring", but I'd seriously respond to their query.

An Amazing Job

Now that it's been more than two (2) years since my last travel for work, it's probably high time to scavenge all those "off-the-books" adventures and share them here.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before but my first job post was the kind any fresh grad would love (I guess). I was required to work cross-functional tasks and teams. It's as if I'm not really part of a single department which I really love. One day, I was given the task to launch a National Project, something the company hasn't done before.

It was exciting and challenging all at the same time, especially when we had to roll out the Project in key cities and major towns all over the Philippines.

Since the task was treated as a project, it required my team to do everything from scratch, that's from start to finish. From identifying activities (coverage of the project per city), to creating marketing activities (including material requisition and design approvals), from pre-launching, launching and post-launching assistance, finalizing contracts, the list continues.

During one of our business trips in Mindanao to launch not just one (1) but two (2) projects, one in Valencia, Bukidnon and the other in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City @eatslance and I scheduled the trip so we can have a weekend to explore the nearest attraction/s. Of course, we got permission from our boss (VF for Sales and Marketing). He's always been kind enough to allow us to wander when we can. I just have to explain that all expenses of our personal trip will be shouldered by us and not our company.

If my memory serves me well, we arrived in Valencia on a Wednesday and did a few preparations for our Friday branch launching. We were free by Saturday morning and the entire Sunday.

The Day Off

I've been dreaming of climbing mountains and ridges in Bukidnon in Mindanao, Philippines because they are the prettiest, covered in luscious fields as far as one's eyes can see. One attraction that I just couldn't get off my mind is Panimahawa Ridge. I've seen countless videos and photos of this place so when the right opportunity came my way, I know it's time to come face-to-face with Panimahawa.

Before going there I had to do my own research, contact a few persons to ensure the trip will go as smoothly as it could be, just how I want it.

Last time I checked, Valencia, Bukidnon to CDO takes about 4 hours of travel. But since Panimahawa's jump off point is in The Ant Farm, we only need to travel less than 2 hours from Valencia. I remember we had to stand the entire duration of the trip to Ant Farm. Since we really need to catch that bus or else we'll be late or worst we won't be able to climb at all. We'd rather stand for two hours in the bus as long as we'll be able to catch the sunrise and a chance to experience the sea of clouds in Panimahawa Ridge.

_{A few snaps at The Ant Farm}
It was past 3 in the afternoon when we arrived in The Ant Farm. Upon arrival we met the son of the owner. He welcomed us and the rest of the climbers. It was a bit scary at first - being observant I noticed how 'prepared' all the other climbers were. They were even ready in case of a rain shower. They're seasoned climber, I supposed. Meanwhile, Lance and I don't even have a tent; we had to rent one for our abode that night.

_{Started the hike with farmlands here and there, barely any tree just like this one in the photo.}

Speaking of rain shower, it was drizzling every now and then. We stayed in The Ant Farm for a while and tried to assess the situation. Since there were only two (2) of us, it was wise to wait for more climbers or tourists so we will split the guide fee. The drizzle subsided and off we went!

It wasn't my first time climbing, hence I am well aware that every climb requires patience, strength and endurance but most of the time, it just requires us to be present, to take in what Mother Nature can offer, to fully immerse into the experience, to be happy.

_{I took a selfie right before the war began}

We started the climb with another group and the owner assigned a guide for us. I'm sure I got the guide's name, it's just that I forgot! Poor memory! 😔

I remember being so happy, cheerfully walking towards the hills that my eyes can't wait to get a hold of. 😁

_{For the record, it was my first time wearing that jacket. I purchased it from a thrift store in Valencia for $10.}

We walked a few more meters then we started descending. It's the fun part and at this point we could see a glimpse of Panimahawa's grandeur.

_{Even the stranger climbing buddies couldn't resist the urge to take photos.}

The descent felt endless at some point. Until we reached this area where it felt like we're done with the chill walks and we're about to lose control of our breaths and maybe run out of energy, too!

_{Look at that steep way all the way down!}

We ended the fast and effortless way down in this small stream. And this could only mean one thing: a hardcore ascent!

But before that'd happen, we crossed this makeshift bamboo bridge to get to the other side. It might look scary but we have lots of this in the Philippines. Nothing new really.

_{This guy even stopped for a photo op}

Then... no more photos. Why? The assault was tragic if I may. It was getting dark and I could feel the night's ready to embrace us; the wind was cold and calm.

The sun started to go down and I planned on seeing it so I rushed on top while everyone else was way behind me. The guide instructed to just continue the ascent until I find a road; that's my cue to stop.

_{I made it on top on time for sundown! Wohoo! 😍}

While waiting for them to pick up my pace, I heard screams from below. I wasn't worried since the guide's well-equipped for these kinds of situations. I just sat down and cherished the beautiful sundown right in front of me.

_{Taking selfies while I'm all alone haha}
After what felt like forever, they finally arrived. I was a bit scared that it's almost sundown and we were still in the middle of nowhere. When asked, the guide would just say "We're almost there". Whatever, guides couldn't be trusted in this matter! haha! We moved forward to our day's destination.

And yup, the night fell and we apparently were still doing the final leg of the assault past 6 in the evening. It's crazy, we weren't prepared for this! I wasn't particularly worried about if we'd reach the campsite or not. I was just damn cold. Shivering while hoping the agony would end and I could finally lie inside the tent and just sleep.

Did we reach the campsite before we turned into ice? Let's find out in my next post! See you. 😁

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