2012 Flashback. Five Mountain Summits Conquered

2012 was the year where I discovered a new interest- mountain climbing.

I never thought that I would actually love doing it. The dreadful memories of my first climb last April are still fresh and thankfully it didn’t stop me from conquering more mountains. I could still recall how I palpitated like my heart was going to come out of my chest. I felt like I shed buckets of sweat and i was cursing Mark (the one who invited me on my first climb) the whole time. I laugh at myself thinking that I made our guide a porter because I had no more strength carrying my backpack which I believe didn’t even weigh more than 7 kilograms. I also had stomach issues at that time and I went to the restroom 6 times in one day (thankfully, it started while we were on our way down and that there were decent restrooms available along the way, at the jump off point and at Maricaban Island where we had our sidetrip after the climb). I also just stared at Shei and Mark pitch my tent because I was clueless on doing it!

Mt. Gulugod Baboy climb with Voyager Adventure Club on its 4th Anniversary was where my love for mountain climbing started. **photo credit to Mark Lester Romulo

Those horrible (and nakakahiya) experiences though were being reciprocated by the amazing feeling of seeing the wonderful 360 degrees sight from the summit. I also felt this certain sense of freedom and satisfaction while I am the top of the world. Meeting new people and gaining new friendship are also great plus points.

This 2013, I am now ready (in fact I have embarked on my first major climb) to venture into more day hikes, more traverse and more major climbs. I am also excited for the new sights, new acquaintances and new memories that will be brought about by this amazing experiences.

To check out the details of my mountain climbing adventures (and misadventures too), please visit

Mt. Gulugod Baboy:

https://ralphandvoluntourism.wordpress.com/gulugod-baboy-batangas/

Mt. Balagbag:

https://ralphandvoluntourism.wordpress.com/mount-balagbag-rizal/

Mt. Pico de Loro:

https://ralphandvoluntourism.wordpress.com/mt-pico-de-loro/

Mt. Batulao:

https://ralphandvoluntourism.wordpress.com/mt-batulao-batangas/

Mt. Manalmon:

https://ralphandvoluntourism.wordpress.com/mount-manalmon-bulacan/

Special shout out to Voyager Adventure Club (headed by sirs Al del Barrio and Jhon Otico). If not for this group and all the people that I’ve met through it (too many of you guys to mention! hehe), I am doubtful that I conquered these summits!