Batanes Trip: The Engagement

We woke up to the flapping of the tent. Our bright yellow shelter braved the winds of Itbayat in the morning of April 15, 2014.

Tito Danding's Bukid and the Yellow Tent

Tito Danding's bukid is just perfect! Wide green lawn and vast sight of hills refreshed our Tuesday morning. We had coffee paired with native eggs for breakfast.

While we pack our things, Dex suggested that I wear a dress and that we are going back to the port we have been a day before. I said NO to both. First, it was windy and cold and a bareback dress will do no good. Second, it will cost us Php200 for a roundtrip tricycle ride to that one location where we have already been.

Minutes after, he brought the suggestion back. I was still hesitant but thought of just giving in. Then I gave in, except for the dress thing. It is really cold!

I was passive the whole time, from the bukid until we arrived at the Port of Valanga. Dex said he would like a picture by the cliff and that I look for the angle I think is beautiful. I pointed at the corner of the port, the cliffs as background with a chance of a dramatic splash of the sea.

I was a little impatient watching Dex walk back and forth to the DSLR camera then to the GoPro which he inserted in between the rocks. Surprisingly, I did not snap. Instead, I devoted my "waiting time" breathing fresh air.

Then Dex came to me. I posed for the camera. He posed with me. He turned me towards him, kissed my forehead, held my hand and whispered "I wanna grow old with you, honey..."

I smiled and said I want the same.

The Proposal at the Port of Valanga by the cliff of Itbayat, Batanes

All of a sudden, I was oblivious of the things around me. The waters have gone still; the wind ceased to blow; there were no rustles anymore. The world stopped. Everything in my peripherals has gone dim and before me is a man on his knees holding up a diamond ring.

I saw his lips move but I did not hear anything. I kept moving but I cannot feel anything.

"Kuwaa na.. baad mahulog.." (Get it. It might fall.) were the words that brought me back to my senses. I felt my lungs work again. I nodded, got the ring and asked him to slip it on my finger.

"We're engaged! We're getting married! He's mine for the rest of my life!" went over and over again on my mind. My heart was pounding hard and fast. I cannot believe this day has arrived.

I am happy. I am filled with love.

Mt. Talamitam: My Sentimental Solo Climb

The idea of a solo trip/ climb has crossed my mind during the early months of 2011. To my mind, it will give me time to be with myself, to rearrange my life, to breathe in air.

I woke up to the golden rays of the sun peeping through my window. I checked my itinerary. I am an hour late. Hurriedly, I packed my trail foods, water and clothes then I hit the road.

The sun is already up. Trabajo Market is crowded with people and pedicabs. The sight of a market warms my heart. The vegetables and assorted fruits basking in the sun literally gives color to this day.

The jeepney moved slowly, carefully driving through the crowd. I jumped off the jeepney as it stopped at Tayuman. I walked fast to Jollibee for my packed lunch then I rushed up to the train station.

I missed the train. I patiently waited for the next praying for enough space to accommodate me. It is already 8am and I have to be at the jump-off before 12noon.

8:45am and I am at the far end of a queue. I am not the only person today who is itching for the mountains. Are we headed to the same mountain? I don't know. I wish not. Otherwise, it's a "solo" climb no more.

Nasugbu, Batangas is 3 hours away from Manila. I alighted at KM 83 and walked to the registration area. There are already climbers preparing for their assault when I arrived. Lunch is a good alibi not to join them :)


Unfortunately, I was not allowed to go solo, so I hired a guide for php300. To keep my goal, I asked the guide to walk past ahead of me and stop only, if needed.

THE SOLO FEEL
I took a deep breath and had my first step towards the summit of a mountain I have never trekked. The trail is shaded in the first leg of the assault. The smell of the leaves soothed the sting I nurse within. I can feel almost everything: the wind, the brush of the leaves against my skin, the soil I sink my feet on, the sun kissing away my loneliness.

"It is a beautiful world." I said to myself as I slowly walked into the plains where coconut trees are abundant and carabaos graze. I turned to see the how far and high I have been. I saw beauty. The sight of the jagged slopes of Mt. Batulao was the best there is from Mt. Talamitam.

"Saan nyo po gusto? Sa mahirap o sa madali?" asked the guide, interrupting my reverie.

"Kaya ko ba yung mahirap?" I asked.

"Wag ka lang po titingin sa baba." he replied.

"Oo nga naman." I mused. Don't look back. I started caressing the earth, gripping tight every grass and rock along the way up. Mid-way to the summit, my hands were charcoal black. I was told, the mountain had just been burned days ago.

Mt. Talamitam Summit View

So it was not just me. I am not the only one enduring pain. The mountains, even. And despite being burned, it still welcomed me to share the beauty this earth has. I should be like this mountain - burnt yet still brave to have the sun shine on it.

***

I went down via the easier trail with a positive spirit and a lighter heart. I met mountaineers setting their camps and greeted them with a warm smile.

I settled myself peacefully inside the bus bound to Manila, closed my eyes and thanked the Almighty for the wonderful day.