#mt. apo

[emmanuelbagac]

Davao del Sur

Entry point: Brgy. Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur Exit point: Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur LLA: 7°0′30″N, 125°16′33″E, 2,956 MASL (#1)

Days required / Hours to summit: 3-4 days / 14-16 hours Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 8/9, Trail class 2-4

Mt. Apo, which towers above Southern Mindanao and covers the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, is the tallest mountain in the Philippines. At 2,956 MASL, it has a diverse scenery that ranges from rugged rock formations to virgin woods, mossy bogs, and volcanic structures. In fact, Mt. Apo has the broadest variety of habitats and offers mountaineers an experience that meets their standards for the tallest mountain in the nation.

The Kidapawan trail leads to Mount Apo's summit, the highest point in the Philippines. The journey includes crossing the Marbel river on coconut logs, passing through Mainit Hot Springs, and reaching Lake Venado. From there, it's a 3-hour trek through a grassland to the rocky summit area, with wild berries and a water source. Climbers find the summit enchanting with its scenic beauty and exploration opportunities.

According to legend, Mt. Apo was named after a nobleman by the name of Apong who perished while settling the conflict between two potential husbands for his daughter Saribu. The term "Apo," which in Filipino means "master" or "grandfather," is another idea for the name's origin. Mt. Apo is unquestionably the patriarch of Philippine mountains.

[thephilippineskylines]

Abreeza Mall and Mt. Apo, Davao City

By Lui Velasco @lui_velasco on ig

[wunderwolll]

As the killers kill the albatross blinks its eyes the weather stays mostly the same.
― Charles Bukowski Mt. Apo February 2018

[maulap-ulap-na-mayo]

MT. APO ⛰️🇵🇭

via Sta. Cruz Back Trail — Day Hike

Mountains are calling … — indeed. After months away from the mountains and grappling with life’s setbacks, I returned for an 18-hour day hike at Mt. Apo. And let me tell you, 18 hours is no joke. I found myself as the sweeper this time, which pushed my limits more than I ever expected and reminded me it’s okay to not always be strong.

And yes to the one of the reasons why I agreed to go with this activity—I was able to pray and silently shout on the top of the Philippines again. I am thinking it will easily transcend to Jesus. This might sounds silly, hehehe but yeah, it is.

One thing I regret? Not preparing enough for the hike. Though I felt physically fit, I underestimated the circumstances. Let this be a reminder to fellow hikers or anyone would love to try: no matter how fit you feel, preparation is always a must.

Took a nap on the boulders, HAHAHA Just a quick break to recharge.

But through it all, I discovered something within myself—I can still conquer, even when the path gets tough.

They see me as a strong, independent woman, but they don’t know how I messed inside. Lately, I’ve been dealing with a lot—relationships, career challenges, and financial pressures. Yet, despite it all, I continue to move forward.

I have to admit that I’m a bit frustrated and disappointed with myself. This is my first time being the sweeper on a trail, compared to previous major hikes where I was either leading or in the mid-pack. I know that I haven’t had enough training. And to think of it actually as sweeper it highlights a different set of strengths — such as patience, endurance, and looking out for the team.

But, after all I am proud of myself.

This experience serves as a valuable lesson in resilience, and with more preparation, I know I’ll come back stronger!

—— Aftermath ——

This is also the first time I’ve experienced such a severe sunburn, and of course, I can’t go without Salonpas.

I’ll use sunblock with high SPF next time. As a person doesn’t like the feeling of having a jacket under the sun, so yeaaaah here is the art. HAHAHA

That’s all.

P.S. My calves and thighs feel good now; the muscles are no longer sore.

[maulap-ulap-na-mayo]

It may sound silly, but the reason I agreed to go back and hike Mt. Apo is that I once prayed and silently shouted for our LDR relationship to make us stronger and keep us together while we are apart. And it worked, so I am hoping again this time.

See you tomorrow Mt. Apo ⛰️

[maulap-ulap-na-mayo]

Mt. Apo via Sta. Cruz Trail

Therapeutic | Nature | Green | Photograph

Century Tree • Campsite (Lake Venado) • Crater

[maulap-ulap-na-mayo]

Lezgoooow! ✨

[metanoia-sturmfrei]

Mt. Apo view