In a contemporary time where teenagers are exposed to nothing but gadgets, the environment becomes an obsolete term. Hiking is but a word read through pages of an old aged book and the outdoor is a temporary moment that bridged home to malls and clubs.
"Looking at the highlands of the Northern part of Cebu"
The introduction of outdoor hiking knocked at me as early as my first hike at Mt. Kinabalu National Park last 2011. From then on, I adopted it as my favorite pastime. Like I was before, a newbie in hiking, there are a lot of trails in Cebu a neophyte can enjoy. Take Mt. Lanigid, for example.
I Failed Three Times.
I scaled the Philippine mountains reaching up to more than 2,000 meters but I failed to reach an elevation of 500 MASL. Mt. Lanigid isn't even considered as a mountain but a hill, then why 3 times of failures?
First, I wasn't prepared. My only goal when I reached Brgy. Mulao sometime on April, 2017 was to trek Mulao River. I didn't know that Mt. Lanigid existed.
First, I wasn't prepared. My only goal when I reached Brgy. Mulao sometime on April, 2017 was to trek Mulao River. I didn't know that Mt. Lanigid existed.
At the second attempt, it was due to exhaustion. I was considering hiking Mt. Lanigid again with colleagues however, after river trekking at Mulao River, I felt tremendously tired. Dehydration and muscle cramping obliged me to try it next time.
Third attempt was the lack of time. It was already mid-afternoon when I was joined by another outdoor enthusiast that we trekked Mulao River. The pictorial got a way off schedule so again, we didnt' have the time to climb it.
Weather Conditions and My Conditionals
"If it would stop raining then I would climb Mt. Lanigid. If I were lucky enough to catch a ride I would climb Mt. Lanigid," these conditionals were running in my head while I was still hiking Lataban Hills until rain had me stopping in a nearby hut.
Maybe it was an insignia of the weather God for me not to climb Mt. Lanigid or maybe it was just a test of my determination.
The Universe Conspired
I was already weary when I couldn't take a ride to Brgy. Mulao. However, I remembered a line from a kind doctor whom I worked with during one of my volunteer programs saying, "Keep on walking. You will really get there. Don't stop."
"The green nature is always pleasing to the eyes."
Having that in mind, I continued my journey to Brgy. Mulao until a kind motorbike driver stopped at me and offered a ride. Later on, I found out that he is a barangay official.
Destiny Unfolds
I was met by a barangay lupon so familiar that I was already feeling comfortable.
I greeted him back like that of an acquaintance. I told him that I wanted to climb Mt. Lanigid first then go down to Mulao River.
"Literally at the top of a hill"
"Found this carabao resting under the mango tree - this is another side of Mt. Lanigid."
At that moment, I felt that Mt. Lanigid and I were destined with each other. Technically, Mt. Lanigid is a hill with an elevation of approximately 500 MASL. It starts with a continuous ascent up to 150 meters then gradual to another steep until the summit.
"Speculating which mountain to summit on the next weekend."
Mt. Lanigid is a northern hill in Brgy. Mulao, Liloan where one could see the highlands of Central Cebu - Mt. Mauyog and Mt. Manunggal, and the northern mountains, Mt. Likos of Compostela and Mt. Kapayas in Catmon even Mt. Manghilao in Danao.
Success Isn't Gained Overtime
Looking at the highlands at the peak, I sighed out of contentment. I am thankful of what I have now and what I have been doing with my life after the horror I had in my past. Prior to my climb, I thought I just faced the devil when I met my ex-fiance. But I am a changed individual with stronger conviction and sense of self. If I had been trapped in the past, I wouldn't appreciate all the beautiful things the world has to offer.
How to get there:
1. I purposedly made a traverse from Lataban Hills passing Kang-isid Falls then to Mt. Lanigid and trekked down Mulao River. But for beginners, I suggest to take two spots in different times.
2. Assuming you are from the Mandaue City, take a jeepney going to Liloan. Ask the kind driver to drop you off to Pacifica near Gaisano Grandmall. Motorbike drivers (habal-habal) will take you to Barangay Mulao. Fare is 50.00.
3. Visit the Barangay Hall first before climbing Mt. Lanigid. It is a protocol to register your name. A Barangay Lupon will be happy to take you to the peak. They won't ask for any fee. You are just asked for 10.00 as registration. The amount won;t hurt you anyway.
Some tips and reminders:
1. Observe LNT Principle (overly emphasized in my blog). Awareness of the Leave No Trace Principle is an utmost advantage for hikers and climbers It both respects the environment and fellow hikers.
2. Camping is preferably great! The peak offers a stunning view at night. The silence offers "me-time" as well.
3. If you are planning to trek Mulao River and hike Mt. Lanigid, I suggest to do the latter first then the former, second. You will know why when you won't follow my advise.
4. Enjoy the hike and love NATURE! (Search about the 7 Environmental Principles)
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