At the summit of Mt Mamara with the summit of Mt Daraitan behind Change of plans. I love it when my companions are just ready for anything. Meeting hiking buddies Christine and Marky early Friday morning in Cubao, we were supposed to go to another mountain. As fast as the changing wind, we decided to visit another mountain at the vicinity of Daraitan – Mt Mamara. A smaller brother of Mt Daraitan…
Does anyone else here just feel that strong desire for change, to travel, to meet new people, to just start over somewhere you’ve never been before and away from your usual crowd. I do! Who wants to tag along? #Romelo #Buruwisan #Siniloan #Laguna #waterfall #nature #travel #photography #vsco (at Mt. Romelo (Buruwisan), Sinoloan, Famy, Laguna)
A waterfall so hauntingly beautiful it naturally draw your attention and cannot take your eyes off it. One of the thirteen waterfalls hidden in the wilderness of Mt. Romelo in #Siniloan #Laguna #Philippines Travel Guide 🌍 www.thebisdakexplorer.com (at Mt. Romelo - Siniloan, Laguna)
It was sunrise. The light was creeping on our skins as we lay quietly into each other’s arms right before the break of dawn.
“Macky gising na! 6 o'clock na!” She tells me.
The initial plan was to wake up at 5am, But due to fooling around till around 3 or 4am rather left us -- sleepless.We were supposed to leave earlier because we had a long day ahead. But to tell you the truth, we didn’t know if we would have a long day. We had no idea where we’re going, what we’re doing, but there’s one thing that was certain: We were anxious to see what would have unraveled right before our eyes. It felt different. Yeah, we’ve both have other’s adventures before, separately, or maybe even together. But that day was different. We were kids who were excited to see places, without no one over looking us, we felt unguarded, but safe in each other’s arms.
And like kids, we head on our first destination - The local grocery. Basically, to buy our necessities for that trip which mainly consisted of: Water, and Cloud 9 (The salted caramel ones, she loves those!) We we’re so stoked to have an adventure, we forgot things important to us. Nevertheless, we started moving towards Buruwisan falls. With only screen captures of travel blogs, maps and the likes, we only had guts, and each other. Adrenaline and Endorphin quickly takes over our bodies, intoxicating us. A trip of a lifetime. It was for keeps! We both knew it, that’s why we never felt lost. And as we stop from city to another, I try remember the smell, the heat, everything about that day. I wanted to drench myself in that aura because I know there will never be another feeling like this, telling myself “Today, we will be the greatest.”
Siniloan, Laguna. Agendas for today included
Looking for our way out of the city, into the foot of the mountain
Withdrawing money; and
Look for that Dunkin Donuts store we passed by.
She wanted donuts, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing because out of all the things, she wanted donuts. The girl wants donuts? You go look for donuts! After the short commercial, sort-of-breakfast, break, we head to the foot of the mountain. Slight fear entered me. It was my first time and honestly, it was nerve-wrecking. But then I looked at her, she seemed so calmed. Her eyes sparkled out of joy, her hand was the best thing I ever held that day. Since then, I knew, I never wanted to let her go. And so we go!
Let me remind you. First hike: No tour guides, no idea, we just went for it. I don’t mean to brag but we did a decent job. We found our way, trailed behind a group so they could lead us. She actually thought of it. You knows she’s smart, you can’t argue with her, especially when she’s right. I had faith in her. We had faith in each other. Followed horse tracks, she was amazing back there! Of course, we both fell along the way, laughed about it, and started walking again. By this time, she seemed super happy, probably, the happiest I’ve seen her. 3 hour hike. We talked, laughed, fell, imagined things, basically, to cut it shortly, I fell more in love with her. And I still do, every single day I do.
After three grueling hours of hike, WE MADE IT. It was breathtaking (literally and figuratively). I was speechless. Couldn’t say anything other than “Wow” It was nice to actually hike and swim in a waterfall, for the first time, with her. Everything felt so right that day. She taught me tricks with the camera, in order to take shots of the scene. She wanted me to take shots to remember of how beautiful this day had been, but the only beautiful thing I wanted to remember of, take a picture of that day was her. We didn’t have time to take a dip for so long, it was an hour of rest and back down we go. We were going down at a fast pace, probably because we known where we have been. But because of one unexpected turn, we were lost. So it took time to regain where we have mistakenly taken that turn, but in the end, we find our way back.
We were rushing. other than the fact that it’s almost sundown, her mom didn’t know about the trip. I wouldn’t want her to get caught. So after one tricycle, to another, jeepney rides here and there, we we’re on our toes. Running away? Coming back home? It was oddly confusing. It felt like a dream, and sometimes, it still does. She’s the main character of your dreams and somehow, she your dream that you didn’t want to wake up. She reminds you of beauty and how it doesn’t require perfection, she is the centerfold to your catalog life. She is the hike, from all your stress, and she’s mine. I conquered her, but just like the hike, I will never get tired of doing everything all over again.On our jeep ride back home, before falling asleep on top of her head, I realized all these things. And how lucky I am for her, and how grateful we are for this day, and how contented we are with each other.
We arrived in Los Baños. and before parting ways in Calamba, we kissed each other goodbye and I swear, it awakens you. It wasn’t sad though. That dream that we just went through, is now tatooed on my mind. Before heading to bed, back home, I slept with a grin across my face knowing that today, was one of the best days of my life. No regrets.
