Adventures – Forever grateful

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake.
Deuteronomy 31:6

These are the words that echoed in my mind as I grasp for air and catch my breath. Two weeks ago, I went trekking with my adventure-goer friends. It was from the foot of Budlaan Falls in Pit-os Talamban going to the flowery peak of Sirao.

I was a bit stressed at work and when my closest workmate invited me for that hike, just as the YES person as I am, of course I confirmed right away. I thought it would be a great stress-reliever. I did my quick research just the day prior our trek and when I knew how steep the trails are, I had my second thoughts. At first I was bit apprehensive knowing that I haven’t climbed for few months and with my current work-lifestyle, I wasn’t sure if I can endure it. I do not have regular exercise, though I walk every morning from IT Park to Mabolo I thought it wouldn’t still be enough for me to survive that day. Not to mention, I am on graveyard shift. With no adequate rest, I was a bit afraid of fainting thus I hesitated. But of course, I am born NOT a quitter. So, Vamonos!

Image may contain: 8 people, including Janine Largo and Jerome Tubog, people smiling, outdoor — *Notice the energy. This was at our starting point.*
Photo Credits to Janine. Check her blog as well: https://www.timelesstiara.com/about-us/

So, that was a Retreat-No-Surrender moment for all of us. It’s like when you say YES in following Jesus. There’s no turning back.

Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, plant, tree, outdoor and nature

The climb was a bit rough and exhausting. I can already feel a bit of soreness of my thighs even at the first few kilometers that we had. I was third on line to follow the lead-hiker who is a professional one. He has amazing agility. As much as I could, I tried to keep my pace while making sure to conserve every stored energy left. I can literally hear the sound of my fast-beating heart. Thank God it didn’t stop! There were few trails that we need to literally kiss the wall of the hill and swing through the big roots of Mahogany trees. One wrong step or move can instantly end our life.

Image may contain: one or more people, child, outdoor, nature and water — We need to go down then climb up that huge rock to get into the creek.

Image may contain: one or more people, outdoor, nature and water — Me still on the 3rd spot trying to keep up with the lead hiker. NOTE: Trekking is not a race, it’s a test of agility and endurance.

Every hard climb, we took some rest then resumed. I can still remember myself asking to the lead-hiker, “Hapit na?” or “Are we there yet?”, “How far is it?”, “Can we stop?”, “I am tired“, “my legs hurt“, and the likes. I became impatient and I complained a lot. I am not different from the grumbling people of Israel when they had their journey to the Promised Land. Now the study of Exodus to Deuteronomy made lots of sense. God taught me to stay faithful and content while He is preparing the good things he planned for my life. I asked myself few times if this climb is worth every sweat and strength lost, then I say surely, it was. Not to mention the beauty I saw up there when we reached the peak but also how this whole experience mold my character and well-being.

Budlaan Falls
Great Practice Hike Area for Mountaineers
The area itself is very suitable for practice hikes that require eye to hand coordination, pacing, assault pacing negotiation, river treks and being close to Nature. This falls should somehow be conserved for what it is worth so that future generations will be able to utilize this. The trails leading to the falls itself should be safeguarded. -TripAdvisor

Image result for budlaan falls — The falls in Budlaan is usually called “Kabang Falls.” It has seven (7) level falls with the highest one of more or less 15 meters high. To go there, you have to ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) from Talamban proper to Sitio Baugon with the fee of P25 to 30 pesos. The other option is via JY Square then drop by Crossing Buslot in Busay area and walk down to Sitio Baugon or ride a motorcycle from JY Square to Sitio Baugon with a bit expensive fare of around 70-75 pesos. -TripAdvisor

Image may contain: tree, sky, plant, outdoor and nature — This is how serene it is up there.

Image may contain: plant, grass, outdoor and nature — Beauty of nature awaits you.

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, tree, sky, plant, outdoor and nature — Me and my childhood friend, Janine.

Image may contain: 8 people, including Ogn Jakein, Jerome Tubog and Michiko Itoh, people smiling, child, mountain, sky, outdoor and nature — the team is still intact, complete, alive and enthusiastic

Image may contain: mountain, sky, outdoor and nature — The view of the city. Sorry I do not have much closer shot of that panoramic view.

I thank the Lord for the gift of life that we are able to see and enjoy. I am reminded that he is my strength and my steadfast love; and that I should continue to follow His statutes.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience. It was tiring but I had fun. I gain wisdom, I gained new friends and stress was released. Though it only took 5-6 hours, unlike the 40 years of the Israelites, I have learned a lot from it and for that I am FOREVER GRATEFUL for He is my utmost guide, my protector.

photo credits to Carlos Itoh. Follow him on instagram @kenrel1973