Last Sunday, February 21, 2016, after several months of planning and in a rare opportunity, the author with some mountaineers and adventure seekers from Romblon Province had a chance to climb together in one of the famous mountains of Batangas, the Mt. Maculot.
The said fun climb was organized and made possible by yours truly with the help of Ms. Jonah Chavez, a native of Alcantara, Romblon, a licensed teacher, and an active mountaineer based in Manila. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to join the climb because of the unexpected health reason.
The climb was commenced early morning of Sunday and was completed early in the afternoon as planned. In this event, participants especially those first-timers in Mt. Maculot experienced the beautiful and breathtaking scenery offered by the said mountain from its famous “rockies view deck” where everyone had a chance to take their hazy rockies shots, a glimpse of the view of Taal Lake and the nearby mountains, and a quick visit to the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes that is regularly visited by hundred of devotees during Lenten season and situated along the way of the traverse trail
It was organized to have Romblonian mountaineers and adventurers a chance to meet and greet each other, and for them to have some simple knowledge and information about the “Leave No Trace” principle and on how to appreciate, conserve and protect our mountains.
Participants in this friendship climb are Shai Uy, Amyli Albano, Myla Galin, Joven Galivo and Joepit Antonio of Alcantara; Darwin Dalisay of Odiongan, owner of www.siranglente.com and administrator of “Let’s Explore Romblon Facebook Page”; then Elmer Dela Pena, Elvin Fetalino, Blady Fabellon, Mar Fanoga, Edward Villagracia, Dhin Faderogao, Lynn Bailey, Carlyn Ngo, Lorilyn Fabellon and Mary Corrus of Sibale Island.
The group hopes that there will be more activities like this to further deepen their relationship and to be more aware of the importance and beauty of the Mother Nature and other must-visit places in the Philippines.