Climb Every Mountain
He fell in love with Lake Holon and that has been the start of his journey and love in mountaineering. The crown jewel of the South is placed in this area, the Lake Holon in South Cotabato. You can experience a mountain trek adventure, where campers can make perfect relaxation and do some recreation like kayaking.
Aside from the beautiful scenery on top of the mountain, he realized that climbing a mountain is a very good exercise. He also get to meet new friends with the same passion. He get to reflect and contemplate about appreciating simple life, contentment and right perspective when he's there on top. Above all he was able to contribute in the local community. Of all his climb, Joseph will never forget Mt. Kalatungan, 5th highest mountain in the Philippines. He didn't know that at first as he only thought of it as minor climb but not as advisable for a beginner. It was not part of his habit yet to do research but more of wanting to get the experience of climbing. Hence he was not prepared, he didn't have the proper gear. The climb becomes more difficult because of heavy rain and cold breeze. He was not able to sleep all night and just thinking of jumping off soon. That was a learning experience for him though.
After posting photos of Lake Holon in social media, many of his friends ask about the experience and how to. Since he also wanted to go back, he started to organize a group. With the help of the first batch in climb, they dubbed the succeeding events as “climb for a cause” for Jun. Jun is their local guide during their climb in Lake Holon whom they found was unable to support his studies. Aside from that cause, he enjoyed meeting new people and eventually see the potential of earning income in organizing such activity. As most of the people appreciate the climb and asking where is next, that is where he started planning and organizing. As tour organizer, his responsibility is to work on itinerary, estimate the cost, secure permits, arrange the transportation, and food preparations. During the climb, he work hand in hand with the local guides and porters to secure the safety of the guests. With this new found passion, he gets to have extra source of income and the good news is that their cause for Jun paid off as the latter was able to graduate.
As many of us already misses this activity and is dreaming to go back in climbing soon, Joseph want to reminds us and consider the do's and dont's.
1. For the beginners, always start with the minor climb like dayhike to test your physical strength.
2. In minor climb, you don’t need much gears. Don’t invest yet until you will find it as your recurring activity.
3. Joining a group or an organized event is advisable too to avoid unnecessary hassle in preparation & planning as well as to secure your safety.
4. Look for climb buddies, if you don’t have one at the start, make friends with your climb mates until you find one.
5. Don’t forget to make time for physical preparation like jogging before the climb and do advance research about the mountain.
6. Be generous and be nice all the time with the local guides, porters and people in the community.
7. Bring extra candies or biscuits for the kids in the community. Be a blessing!
8. Lastly, read and understand the Leave No Trace Principles so you won’t fail to apply them in the mountains. Help preserve our mother nature.
Mind to share your most memorable "akyat" experience? Comment down below.
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