Conquering Mt. Maculot Hand in Hand

Holding hands in the Rockies

     

     

     On February 26, 2012, Carlo and I conquered Mt. Maculot in Batangas. Our outdoor feat was not just a simple post-Valentine celebration (if climbing a mountain can be considered 'simple' at all), but more of a positive turning point in our friendship and partnership of almost two years. For some people, this may seem too much for a one-year-old relationship. As corny as it may sound, I think it's important to keep on looking for creative and adventurous ways to take our relationship to a higher level, to strengthen it and have fun at the same time. Well, we literally took it to a very high level by reaching the summit of Mt. Maculot on that bright sunny day. It's not the first time we climbed a mountain together. But on this particular adventure, it's just the two of us. This bout measured not only our physical strength and endurance, but how much we care about each other as well.

Pre-Climb

      The first time Carlo reached the summit of Mt. Maculot was during his college days at UST. For me, it's a new challenge. Of course, I got first-hand information from Carlo himself. But it still wasn't enough for me. So, as usual, I resorted to my most reliable friend: Google. I still wanted to be sure that I am equipped with all the details, particularly the level of difficulty and other special concerns about that mountain. Everything I needed to know about Mt. Maculot I got from Pinoy Mountaineer's very informative website. To check the details about climbing Mt. Maculot, please click here.

      Our original plan was to go on a dayhike on February 24, Friday, and then spend the night in a nearby resort (we tried to make a reservation at Mt. Maculot View Resort, but got no reply from them). We also considered spending Saturday until Sunday in Puerto Galera. It was a very exciting idea, but we also had qualms about it due to financial reasons and the lack of preparation time.

      In the end, we had to move our climb to Sunday, February 26, because we just couldn't pass up the sky lantern event at UP Diliman and our friend's birthday celebration at Fred's in Cubao Expo. (For our sky lantern event experience, pls check out my previous post by clicking here).



The Day We Got HIGH

     The day finally arrived! We packed our bags the night before. Since it's only a dayhike, we brought a few important things only:

• Canned goods - two cans of tuna and a can of vienna sausage
• Can opener
• Rice - we bought take-out rice at KFC Buendia
• 2 liters of water
• Swiss knife
• Flashlight - in case it gets dark before we finish our descent
• Trail food - DingDong, marshmallows, and fish crackers (which we bought on the bus)
• One set of clothes - undies, shirt, shorts
• Rubber slippers - for tired feet after the climb
• Light jacket - this is useful during the bus ride
• Hat - our native hats from Kultura have a dual purpose: as a sombrero (hat) to protect our head and face from the glaring sun and as an abaniko (hand-held fan) to cool us down 
• Basic - alcohol, Biogesic, wet wipes, tissue, mirror, comb, shampoo, light towel, soap, moisturizer (for kikay me), extra plastic bags

   
     I chose to wear my long-sleeved, breezy shirt and running shorts to keep me cool during the trek. With my Conquer backpack, North Face shoes, and charcoal socks, I was set to go. We left Carlo's house a bit late, past 5am, so we decided to take the LRT to Buendia. Because we didn't want to embark on our adventure with an empty stomach, we took a quick breakfast at KFC. Afterwards, we went to JAM terminal and boarded a bus going to Lemery. The bus left at about 7:30am. At around 10am, we were already at Cuenca proper, where the grandeur of Mt. Maculot can be viewed from below. We checked in at the registration booth (it was just on the side of the street), made a quick stop at a sari-sari store, and started our ascent.

The Climb

View of Mt Maculot from below

     Luckily, the sun hid in the clouds most of the time, though it's still hot. As I was going up the mountain, I painfully realized the importance of making sure one is physically prepared for the challenge. Jogging and warming-up before the climb would have given me the endurance that I needed. It also made me realize that I need to cut down on my consumption of pork, chicken and pork skin, grilled meat, coffee, and softdrinks. On my mind, I vowed to go jogging regularly, do sit-ups, eat more fish, vegetables and fruits, and drink lots of water.

     The trail we took was the one headed straight to the Rockies. We're not familiar with the trail going to the Grotto, so we didn't pursue it. The dry, loose soil made me slip a few times, that's why Maculot does not mean 'easy climb' in my dictionary.

Heading up to the Rockies

     The trail stops where cold buko juice can be bought for only 7-10 pesos... those I loved so much! It was nice to take a rest and greet the other mountaineers. Most of them were already descending Maculot after camping near the summit the night before.

Finally: The Rockies

     After a few rests and lots of buko juice and water, and with Carlo carrying my backpack for me (thanks a lot, baby!), we reached the Rockies at noontime. And what a view! It was spectacular. We're both so happy we made it to the top together. We stayed there until the others have left. Carlo propped up the tripod and we took pictures of ourselves and of the beautiful surroundings. We took our time savoring everything: the Taal volcano, the green landscape, the clear skies, and the pristine waters below. We're proud of ourselves for reaching this far on our own. A proof that if we can conquer mountains, we can overcome anything - hand in hand.

Views from the top

                                       
The Descent

Gates of heaven

     As we were descending Mt. Maculot, we saw this spectacular view. It was like angels would come down and sing to us. It felt like we were blessed by the gods on that day.
   
     Tired feet and aching body didn't diminish the happiness and fulfillment we felt. After cleaning up, we walked and rode the bus home still holding hands.

Tired but still smiling at my love who took this pic

   

Plea of a Sentimental Girl Working on the Night Shift

I wish to see the moon and the stars tonight
And not be imprisoned in this fluorescent-lit room
These artificial beams only sting my eyes
They don't help me see the light at all.

This blue chair gives no warmth
My hands are getting stiff from the cold
Feeling alone and lonely
My only friend now is myself and this keyboard.

Please help me break free from this cell
Lead me out the doors and let me see the stars
The night sky brings comfort, gives hope to my weary heart
Please, I beg you... Get me out of here!

This is not a poem. I am not a poet. Tonight is just one of those Friday nights at the office. You probably know where I'm coming from. Don't worry... I'm gonna be okay after tomorrow's shift :)

*Image is from Google

When My Green Lantern Lit Up the Night Sky

     On February 24, Carlo and I were set to climb Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas as our post-Valentine date. I'm not saying that we didn't celebrate Valentine's Day. He actually surprised me with a romantic lunch at 12am on February 14 (don't get confused - we were on the night shift). Our Mt. Maculot adventure would be our main Valentine celebration and the ultimate test of our relationship, so to speak. Anyway, that's another story coming up on this blog soon. We gladly, and without hesitation, agreed to postpone our climb until Sunday, February 26, to experience lighting a sky lantern on the campus of UP Diliman with his equally adventure-loving sister, Marga.

     The event was Light UP: lighting of sky lanterns, organized by the UP Circle of Entrepreneurs. It was the magnificent finale of the Grandevour Food Bazaar that ran from February 23-24 at the AS parking lot. The actual lighting of sky lanterns was set at 10pm on February 24.

     We planned to go to UP earlier, at around 6pm, to take pictures as we roam around the campus. It was a very lazy Friday (Carlo and I were on paid vacation leave that day), so we didn't get there until 8pm. Missing the glorious sunset at UP was a bitter consequence of our laziness.

     When we got there, the Run Burger Run Challenge was over. Contrary to what we're expecting, there were not too many people at the venue. Luckily, the food bazaar was still on-going. We headed straight to the food booths and checked what's available. Our choice: Shawarma rice. While we were happily eating away our dinner, we were entertained by participants in the Pik-a Pik-up Line Battle who threw cheesy pick-up lines at a pretty girl. Though we had a hard time hearing what they were saying, it was fun seeing them looking clueless and "torpe".

     After heartily consuming our Shawarma rice, we took pictures as we strolled towards the Sunken Garden where the sky lantern event took place. We happily spent our waiting time taking pictures of ourselves and of the passing vehicles. When we got tired of it, we just resorted to people-watching.

     Finally, the moment we've been waiting for came. One of the organizers instructed us to go to the Sunken Garden grandstand to claim our sky lanterns, which cost 70 pesos each. Of course, my choice was a green one. It was red for Carlo and yellow for Marga.

     What came next was magical. Amidst the darkness were burning candles planted on the ground facing the grandstand. The candles were to be used to light the lanterns. When everyone was ready, we  were summoned to the open ground. The three of us had to share a single candle. Marga was the first one to light her lantern. Probably because of too much excitement , she forgot to make a wish. So when it was my turn, both of us said our wishes by heart before letting go of my lantern. The moment we let go, the other participants also cheered and clapped their hands with us. Seeing my lantern fly towards the night sky to join the other lanterns was overwhelming. Lanterns of different colors lit up the night sky. Everybody was cheering and clapping and jumping for joy. It was a magical experience for all of us.  


     What did I wish for? I actually had two wishes. My lantern reached the heavens, so I'm positive that my dreams will come true someday. 

Greatest Love of All: Remembering Whitney Houston (Aug 9, 1963 - Feb 11, 2012)

   


     Having no time and effort to watch or read the news, Facebook proved useful in delivering the shocking news of Whitney Houston's sudden death. She died of unknown and undisclosed reason at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on February 11, 2012, just a day before the 54th Grammy Awards. The stage was then set to give tribute to this legendary artist with one of the great voices the world has ever known.

     When I was a little girl, during my elementary days, I remember singing Whitney's Greatest Love of All in front of the class. And I did this more than twice. Those were the days when I still could sing pretty well, I guess. It's my favorite piece at that time.

     This song empowers us, teaches us that all we need is love. It makes us see that in the face of trials, we can survive on our own, that love can really keep us alive. We just have to remember that it all starts with learning to love our self. This may not be as easy as it sounds for some people, but Nothing Is Impossible to the one who BELIEVES.

     Thinking about it now, this song would have helped Whitney in overcoming her self-destructive behavior. It may be too late for her, but for the others who are feeling lost and beaten down, there's still HOPE.

Here's the chorus of this song:

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow

If I fail, if I succeed, at least I'll live as I believe

No matter what they take from me

They can't take away my dignity

Because the greatest love of all

Is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all inside of me

The greatest love of all

Is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself

Is the greatest love of all

     Whitney, you will not be forgotten. Thank you for your songs that move and empower  today's women. 

a look back at my 2 years at the Y: friends for keeps

February 16, 2010.

Two years ago.

It was my first day at work and I was late. Definitely not my fault. The HR told me to come in at 6pm on that day to attend my orientation. They forgot to tell me that it was also my first day of training and that I should have been there at 8:30am. Sir Ron (who looks like David Archuleta - sooo cute!) interrupted my sleep with his call to ask why I was absent, but ended up apologizing to me for the miscommunication. After our phone conversation, I got up, took a quick shower, slipped into my favorite pair of jeans and black, long-sleeved shirt, and headed to Eastwood --- full of excitement and pride, and with a smile on my face (when was the last time I felt this good going to work?).

Thankfully, I was able to catch up with the day's training, the get-to-know-each-other day. I remember feeling kinda weird as I entered the conference room. On that day, the most important thing happened...I met my very first friends at work:


Ria  - Reserved, sweet, and smart. These were my first impressions of her. She told us she's from Miriam and that she loves poetry and literature. Later on, I found out she's also into outdoor adventures and indie music. Ria is really intelligent. She taught me a lot about indie films, indie music, mountaineering, and many other cool stuff to do and places to go to. The best place she shared with me --- Mogwai! She's a great writer, too. You may visit her blog at www.rushmorebelle.blogspot.com and learn about her cool adventures!

Apple - Outspoken, petite, mataray. At first I wasn't sure if we're gonna hit it off as friends 'coz laging nakataas ang kilay nya. Then I learned that she's already a mom like me, so I felt closer to her instantly. I love her fashion sense - she can be sexy and fierce today and then turn into a rocker chick tomorrow. Apple is definitely a very practical person, smart, funny, sexy, and oozing with confidence. I love her micro dresses and sexy shoes! :)

Pepe - A big guy with a big heart. We all love him dearly. He may look intimidating, but he's really sweet and very thoughtful. He takes care of us like his little sisters. In those days when music players were still allowed, we listened to his playlist: Club / House Music. Pepe is a born leader and a friend to all. If you need some motivation, talk to him. He never fails to lift my spirits up :)  Congrats, Pepe!

So, it was the four of us who became the February 2010 batch of new QAs for the Print Department. Our training days were filled with fun and discovery. We helped each other all throughout, and we passed the training. We were so thrilled after learning that our TL would be Ms. Maren --- the coolest, prettiest, and super bait TL ever!

Wow, how I miss those days when everything was still bright and colorful. Sadly, some good things never last. This time it's painfully true.

Though a bit sad for the battles we lost, I'm still very thankful for the friendships I made here. I learned a lot, the hard way. WE all did.

On my 2nd anniversary, which happened just a few days ago, I wasn't too happy. It was not a time for celebration. After thinking hard about it, those two years could have been better for all of us. Still, I'm thankful for the opportunity, for the new skills I learned, and most especially, for the people who made this journey worthy to treasure as long as I live.

These pictures remind me that, well, there's still a lot of things to be happy about. I love these guys. Some of them we miss so much...

This "Girl From Hell" Needs Help

     I'm having this bad PMS (again!), and believe me, I break someone's heart every month because of this. When this curse takes over me, I turn into a witch bitch and ruin someone's life, and then feel sorry afterwards. To be honest, there were a few very bad decisions that I've made on impulse (courtesy of my raging hormones), which, when I think about it now, caused my life to be a bit messy.

     Imagine this happening every month. If you're the unlucky one who is the object of my outbursts and endless drama, even if you know I'm just having my period, you wouldn't put up with me for long. I wouldn't put up with me, too.


     My diagnosis:

             Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

     According to Mr. Wiki, Women with PMDD suffers from anger, anxiety and depression. Other symptoms, which can be disabling, include:

• feelings of deep sadness or despair
• feelings of intense tension or anxiety
• increased intense sensitivity to rejection or criticism
• rapid and severe mood swings
• bouts of uncontrollable crying
• lasting irritability or anger
• increased interpersonal conflicts (sufferers are unaware of the impact they have on people close to them)
• disinterest in daily activities and relationships
• chronic fatigue
• insomnia or hypersomnia
• increased need for emotional closeness

     It's not that I'm using this to rationalize my regular tendency to ruin my life and those dearest to me. I know what's wrong, but I can't control what I'm feeling, saying, and doing when I'm having my period (this usually happens a week before my period starts).  Little Red Riding Hood turns into the Bad Wolf.


Treatment


     Desperately looking for a cure, I stumbled upon some articles and online forums about women suffering from PMDD. The good news is, there are ways to treat this or alleviate its effects, such as:

• regular exercise
• balanced diet
• vitamin B6
• some SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a form of antidepressant)
• birth control pills
• acupuncture
• homeopathic treatment

LOVE is Always the Best Cure


     But for me, the best cure is lots of TLC! More love, extra care, and lots and lots of understanding and attention.

     Loving a woman with PMDD may be hard. But if you love her dearly,  then it's no big thing.

Shower her with all the love and attention and understanding she needs. 

Never ignore her. That will just drive her away. 

Hug her and tell her it's okay, it will pass.

Let her cry if she wants to, for whatever reason. 

Buy her favorite ice cream and chocolates (Choco Almond Fudge, Coffee Crumble, Kisses with Almonds).

Don't let her walk out the door. You'll never know what she's capable of doing.

Listen to her outbursts. She's just feeling down at the moment. 

Always forgive her afterwards. She doesn't mean to hurt you. 

Don't let her do anything stupid, something that will ruin her life, or yours.

Ask her out on a date, watch a movie or something.

Sing to her.

Cook her favorite meal. 

Give her lots of kisses.

Tell her you love her every 10 minutes. 

This list is endless! But you know where it's going... this Girl From Hell needs your help.





Images are from Google

Tick Tock

It's time to stop fearing adulthood

and the heavy burdens that come with it.

Time to accept that the person you relied on your whole life 

will be taken away from you one day

And there's nothing you can do to stop it.

The best thing to do now is to not let any more precious time 

and opportunities slip away

Or it will all be too late.

Let go of all fears

and spread out your wings.

You can't stop yourself from growing up

However hard you fight it.

Now is the time to take the reins.

Never disappoint those who rely on you

This will give you the strength and courage you need

To go on and to continue living. 

It's not too late now.

It may be, tomorrow.