I Dream of Apo

As a former Army Scout Ranger, climbing mountains used to be second-nature for me. As the Scout Ranger song goes:

Shadows to hide us
And bright stars to guide us
The night we roam
No one can find us
Wherever we choose to roam

Yes, we used to roam mountains like crazy during our younger days. Thus, when I first laid eyes on majestic Mt. Apo, I thought about how wonderful it would be to be able to get to the very top. And it has always stood out as one of the great challenges inviting me, even as I grew older, even as I finally retired from active military service.

Through the years, Mt Apo never failed to astound me with its enchanting landscape. It is the highest peak in the country, and it towers over the bustling city of Davao, along with other peripheral cities and towns. To me, Mt. Apo is not just a natural icon; it embodies the spirit of adventure, similar to the mysterious Himalayas in that popular old movie “Lost Horizon”. Lately, it has caught our attention once again as frequent discussions arose about environmental consciousness and the need for preservation in today’s new world.

Due to my heavy work sked before, I have never had the chance to climb Mt Apo. I have had the wonderful opportunity to climb Mt Kota in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; said to be the highest peak in Southeast Asia (pls read : Conquering Mt Kinabalu. Just click on the title). But I have never, for the life of me, had the chance to climb Mt Apo; even though it sits right out there lazing majestically over my hometown in Davao City. Hence, at my slightly advanced age now, I have started – with some cajoling from my wife – to re-develop an interest in climbing this imposing, yet seductively-inviting peak.

My desire to reach its summit is not merely borne from the challenge it represents. Of course, I know that it also provides many benefits: from the breathtaking beauty of the journey, to the wealth of knowledge it has to offer. And the imperatives of protecting it from pollution – from human abuse and from the creeping threat of extinction. These elements may not seem urgent at the moment, but they certainly are a cause for concern for our children in the future.

There will certainly be many physical and non-physical rewards to climbing Mt. Apo. Climbing Mt Apo offers a rigorous workout that my wife says will help re-engage most my old body parts. She assures me that it will help enhance my strength, my balance and endurance. The climb will certainly be a test to my physical limits, she says; and hence, it shall definitely contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Sounds convincing, don’t you think?

And, of course, there are the mental benefits as well. Climbing cultivates resilience, alertness and determination. It teaches us to push forward with more resolve, and to maintain focus in the face of difficulties. The sense of achievement I felt in conquering Mt Kota was something truly unparalleled. It fostered in me a sense of fulfillment and self-confidence that transcends beyond the climb itself. Already, I can feel the adrenaline rush, the exhilarating feeling, with this long challenging climb up Mt Apo. It is truly something I look forward to.

Beyond the personal gains, I know that the journey to the top of Mt. Apo will also provide us the opportunity to savor the extraordinary scenery that has rarely been touched by modern civilization. I recall our climb up Mt Kota. And I’m eager to witness similar scenarios with this climb. As one ascends, the landscape morphs into a canvas of lush greenery, rocky terrain, and breathtaking views. As with my experience in Mt Kota, the early morning sunlight will be breathtaking. And I see the sun’s rays spilling over the peak, creating a golden hue that will slowly transform the surrounding valleys into a picturesque wonderland.

I can already foresee the wildlife thriving under the new day. And I look forward to encountering the area’s unique flora and fauna, as well as the rich ecosystem that Mt. Apo supports. And I imagine the peace and tranquility found in nature as the rising sun slowly reveals itself. Seeing our mountains bare themselves in the early morning always takes my breath away, providing a healing balm that takes away the stresses of everyday life. And with each exhilarating view as we reach higher elevation, we are served a powerful reminder of the majesty of our planet, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the environment we have inherited.

But then, the natural beauty of Mt. Apo is under threat. As more and more development sets in, and as the popularity of climbing and exploring nature increases, so does the risks brought about by pollution and environmental degradation. We have now come to a point when issues of littering and waste disposal have reached an alarming level. Cases of significant amounts of discarded plastic, leftover food, and other forms of waste now pose a significant threat to the pristine environment. The reckless behavior from irresponsible campers can cause irreversible harm to the ecosystem, threatening the very wildlife that must serve to inspire us in our journey. This reality necessitates our strong commitment to protect this natural haven.

To ensure that Mt. Apo remains a sanctuary for nature and a wonderful climbing destination for everyone, locals and environmental advocates have been campaigning for the adoption of responsible climbing practices. These responsible climbing practices include obtaining the necessary permits, preparing physically and mentally, respecting local culture, following guidelines, and minimizing environmental impact. It’s crucial to prioritize safety, avoid littering, and appreciate the natural environment without disturbing wildlife or taking souvenirs. Adhering to the principle of “Leave No Trace” is fundamental. Thus, there is also a pressing need to educate others about the importance of preservation.

My dream of climbing Mt Apo, now that I’m in the twilight of my years, brings back the spirit of youthful adventure and the quest for a closer connection with the natural world. There are profound physical and mental benefits in climbing for me, and it will offer not just personal growth, but will also provide enriching experiences. The beauty of Mt Apo will always be a larger-than-life monument of nature’s splendor. However, even as we enjoy its beauty, we must remember to safeguard it from pollution and human abuse. We can protect our beloved Mt Apo and ensure that its breathtaking landscape and vibrant ecosystem endure for generations to come. We can do that by embracing responsible climbing practices. Climbing Mt Apo then is not just about conquering the summit; it is about preserving the journey that lies within, for the generations to come.

Mt Apo, here we come!!!

Cover picture courtesy of Wit Holganza. Other pics courtesy of Country Highlands, Wit Holganza, Pinterest, Facebook, Samal Bahay Kubo, Flickr, Mt Apo Adventures Pexels, WikiVoyage and Ironwulf. For a closer view, just click on the pics.