One of the most healing processes that have been practiced mostly of the people is through mountain climbing. Mountain climbing has been on the bucket list of many people. It is an activity which is considered to be very exciting and adventurous. Moreover, it is something you will find to be very common all across the world.
Way back 2017, I was a graduating college student. Before completion, conducting research is one of the hardest requirements of being a student. One major subject had ordered us to conduct research on variety of mushrooms in Nueva Ecija. My groupmates had decided to conduct spotting in Minalungao Cave, that is a popular tourist spot here in Nueva Ecija. As the spotting continued, I found out myself enjoying the spelunking and climbing rocks formation. It is just finding mushrooms that turned into a wonderful and adventurous experience. Since then, I enjoy and learn to love the essence of climbing mountains.
1 year ago, while cooking sumptuous foods and chatting with high school barkada, my friend and I planned to hike. All of them agreed and we planned the date in order to avoid conflicts on each schedule. We were randomly searching mountains within Nueva Ecija and its vicinity. On top of our choices were Mt. Arayat in Pampanga and Mt. 387 in Carranglan. Mt. Arayat is already known here in our town so we wanted to try a unique mountain that people might not be so familiar with. After extensive searching, our choice was finally arrived in Mt. 387. As the days and months went on, there were unexpected matters happened. Our schedule became altered and everyone seemed hanging on the planned date we had. This sort of circumstance is already common nowadays especially we are all working and far apart. However, we thought that this adventure should be checked on the bucket list. That time, June 12 was approaching. It was the date we agreed to go in Mt. 387 and some were saying “No” and “I can’t”
Fast forward...
My one friend and I were decided to continue this plan even we were just only two. We contacted travel and tours who will have the schedule on meeting Mt. 387. Luckily, we settled the hike on Triplang Travel and Tours as joiners. The day was arrived and they picked-up us at exactly 12 in the morning because the travel hours were approximately 2 to 3 hours from Cabiao to Carranglan. We bounded to Mt. 387 main house around 3:30 in the morning. The local government who is responsible in nurturing Mt. 387 conducted a 30-minute orientation and registration. After this, we started the trekking at exactly 4 in the morning. At this hour, the trekking was anew as I firstly experienced it with dark surroundings of the mountain.
Trekked... Trekked... Trekked...
As the trekking getting harder, a glimpse of sunrise was appeared surprisingly. The tiredness all over the body was turned away and seized the moment to move forward.
The trekking went so well and everyone was motivated to reach the peak. While the walking continued, each of us shared untold stories that challenged our lives as an individual. Some of them shared their challenges encountered in work, in family, within oneself and how they cope up from their darkest times of their lives. I felt teary-eyed as I listened and mesmerized by their stories. Aside from it, I have gained valuable lessons and realizations that life is a cycle, there were good days where you feel the pleasures and wanted to be the happiest; there were bad days that you wanted to give up, lose hope, cry and a nobody to anyone. Nevertheless, you should always choose to look forward, be happy and fight against any challenges and problems that life may throw towards you.
We reached the first point where we can breathe a cup of rest and enjoy the view. To make the most out of it, I climbed on the tree just to take pictures and able to glance how lovely the nature is.
Another spot had been reached; this is the spot where you can stare the lovely hills of the mountain. It was like you were in a switz view enjoying the sceneries and green place on Earth. Is it steep? Scary? Deep? Of course, yes, it is. I am a bit afraid but I chose to seize the opportunity to overcome my fears and enjoy the moments.
Here is the almost peak of the mountain. Since I refreshed myself from breathtaking views, I constantly enjoyed the sceneries.
A short review:
What is this mountain about?
Mt. 387, also known as Mt. Batong-Amat, is located in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, part of the Caraballo Mountain range. The name came from the 387.9 hectares of land that it covers, which belongs to the Talavera Watershed Forest Reserve. It was a new experience from what we were used to climb. From the eastern mountains of Rizal, now we are conquering summits of the Central Mountains of Nueva Ecija. Its elevation is 2,375 ft / 724 m.
Up to there, there is so-called, a loving tree and a cradle. The people of Mt. 387 said that if you leave a money on that tree, you will meet your soulmate or the one. But there are few who said, it’s a prank!! (because they are still missing and hoping their soulmates to come out haha) whatever. For me, loving yourself must a priority before loving someone.
After this, we started trekking again to reach the Aloha Falls. It is the falls, where you can swim with clean and relaxing water that comes within the mountain. Before we get to the falls, trail must to be surpassed. I am smiling when I construct this experience in trailing because it is absolutely adventurous. I experienced slipped, wounded, and tie-breaking traversed. While everyone was aiming to surpass the trail, it was truly an enjoyable and delightful moments we had. Everyone was laughing as the trail went more difficult.
We had almost a 15-minute walked before we reached the Aloha Falls which the water is so refreshing and relaxing. Everyone makes the most enjoying time as we swam on the falls.
As you can see on the photos, we had met cuties on the falls. According to them, they were cousins and their parents/guardians sell banana que and fresh buko near the Aloha Falls. It is almost every day that these children swam on this place because as their parents are working, they are swimming.
What drives me here? Hmm,
The primary reason which I really pushed this Mt. 387 adventure, is to breathe and find peace of mind. I want to be refreshed from all forms of tiredness, mental issues and problems in life. Sometimes, the best way to pause for a moment, is to find a place where you can feel the silence, tranquility and peace. If yourself is asking for that, go, give it and you will never regret of choosing yourself over everything.
Bakit ako nung naghiking ang Haggard ko? Hahahaha