Five Things I Learned from Conquering Mount Matutum

This is my first time to join a group for a mountaineering activity. I’ve never been to any such hiking and climbing event but thanks to Winlove and Archie and the rest of the group for allowing me to try my capacity and ability to challenge myself for a climb.

We started walking from Sitio Glandang, Barangay Kablon, of Tupi municipality. The first segment of the hiking is an open trail passing by rolling hills surrounded by vegetable plantations up to the entrance of the forest where a spring of water is located. It was almost two hours of hiking through a dense forest, vines and mosses.

The second stretch was far more difficult than the first two hours even we took a rest for a while before started climbing. The route was challenging and tiring especially when the rain started to pour when we were about to reach the peak after almost three hours of hiking, climbing and crawling as well.

It was almost dark when we reached the peak due to the formation of clouds with scattered rain shower which added to the chilling temperature we felt. But before the sun sets, the rain stopped and we’re able to set up our tents. My first day was tiring but fulfilling, together with my company of 12.

The next day was another day. Before the sun rouse, we walk on the other side of the crater and we were blessed to see the sea of clouds while the sun rises. The 360 degree-view at the summit was stunning and it was indeed an awesome experience!

At around half-past eight, we started to move going back to the base of Mt. Matutum. We just followed the same route in going down from the peak of Mt. Matutum for only four hours. Descending was faster than yesterday’s climb.

This was my first time mountaineering experience together with the new acquaintances. I learned a lot of things from this activity. Here are the five things I learned which I want to share with you:

Appreciate little things in life. Water was very essential on our ascend to Mt. Matutum. There was only one known source of clean water, and it was situated at the base camp. No spring of water is discovered yet on the trails going up at the summit. At least, that’s what I know.

Patience and persistence. From that mountain climbing, I learned to be patient yet persistent. I was not able to reach the summit unless I believed myself that I can do it, that I can survive the tedious hiking and crawling. I had to be patient and be persistent with what I was doing. I kept repeating the mantra, “Bahala’g hinay, basta kanunay…” And so I reached the peak!

Team work works! Without the company of the 12 individuals I was with, I am very sure that I was not able to go and climb with them. Distributing our loads made the climb easier. Sharing food for thoughts, food and drink for the body and sleeping spaces, made the activity exciting and fulfilling.

Bring what is essential. Every kilo or gram matters. I didn’t need to bring all my stuff which I believed I needed. I just needed to bring the most important stuff I needed up there: myself; and of course, food and shelter compacted together to lighten up my burdens.

Unforgettable and life changing moments. I lost all my saved photos and videos except for the ones I was able to upload on my social networks. It was so difficult to accept that I lost my memorabilia but eventually I was able to process it on my own. I already achieved what I wanted: to climb that mountain. It was an unforgettable climb, there was nothing to regret. And I was happy.

Today, I am looking forward for another mountaineering activity with Winlove Apostol, Ronald Jones Hinay, John Hagoriles Herrera Jr., Joy, Keener Silverio Polo, John Salcedo, Archie and the rest of the group. You can follow their Facebook account and ask them also about their mountaineering experience. I think this is just the beginning of my another adventures in life aside from riding my motorbike. I also thank my sister Shane for dropping me off to our meeting place in Koronadal City before we proceeded to Tupi, South Cotabato.

Mount Matutum – the highest point in South Cotabato, is situated more than 5 kilometers from Acmonan, Tupi, South Cotabato, Philippines. It is an active volcano with an elevation of 2,286 meters above sea level. The name Matutum is taken from the native Blaa’n words “Amyak maleh” that means, “climb and plant.”

Do you have something to share in mind? Please don’t forget to leave your comments below.