For the past two years, I have been itching to always try something new, something beyond ordinary and something that would spice up my sedentary lifestyle of checking papers, submitting documents and brainwashing the “Hope of our Nation”. That’s why when Sheila of the famed Adrenaline Romance invited me to join their Blogger’s Climb in Poog, I gave a resounding “Yes!”
I thought that rockclimbing Poog Crag would just be another hardcore experience of testing my abilities and courage; however, more than just the adrenaline rush, Poog Crag has taught me valuable lessons which I believe would last for a lifetime.
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You are your own limitations.
Everything is mind-over-matter, you are your own limitations. If you begin to think that you can’t do something, then most likely it will happen. Same goes with rockclimbing Poog Crag. But if set your mind in conquering and successfully achieving your goal, there is a great probability for you to have it realized! So if you want to kiss that Poog Crag anchor, then you should keep going no matter how tiresome and seemingly impossible it is!
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Keep grounded.
Never underestimate a rock – most especially the ones in Poog Crag. Sometimes, the thing that you think that are too easy to do are the hardest to accomplish. Rock climbing Poog Crag seemed an easy task when you are on the ground watching those people climb but when it’s your turn, you’ll begin to regret why you even commented on their lapses.
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Trust your comrades – the belayer most especially.
Most people are not interested rockclimbing Poog Crag because of the fear of dying or falling. But if there is one thing that rock climbing has taught me, it is the thought that you have to trust the people you are with and your belayer (person holding the rope). Yes, it is probably a big word but without trust, rock climbing Poog Crag wouldn’t be as successful as it has been.
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But believe in yourself. No need to listen to unsolicited advice.
Yes, it’s good to ask for advice and opinion and do some background research about Poog Crag or whatever endeavor you are planning to take. However, in the end, you are the master of your own ship. You’ve got to decide what to do and how to handle the obstacles set before you. Others might give you a good suggestion but most of the time, it is your choice whether to listen to them or not. Remember that what works for others may not be effective to you. So, if you feel like its the perfect time to climb, set forth to a memorable adventure to Poog Crag!
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Maximize your advantage.
I am short – a seemingly obvious disadvantage upon climbing Poog Crag. And overflowing with fluffiness, to add. HAHA. But this doesn’t mean that I can’t go rock climbing Poog Crag. I can always make use of my “vertically-challenged” disability in looking for packets and horns that fits my height. This is where creativity comes in.
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Hold on.
It hurts to hold to something unsure when rockclimbing Poog Crag. Sometimes it will make you bleed. But if you want to be successful in whatever you are doing, you have to hold on and never let go. Usually after the crux comes the easiest path towards your goal. You just have to hold on for quite some time. It’d be worth it.
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Begin with the end in mind.
“I can do this. I will get there. I can do this. I can do this!” You have to repeat it over and over again until your ear bleeds, until you have it tattooed permanently in your mind. You have to keep a mantra in going up in order to remind yourself what you are up to and to avoid falling short on your goal.
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Strategize before you attack.
In order to win a battle, you have to strategize before you attack Poog Crag. You have to plan it well. You have to find out where to go next and what position should be best upon rockclimbing Poog Crag.
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It is never a sin to fall, cry, get frustrated and fail.
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But remember to come back stronger.
Sometimes you don’t succeed in your first attempt of climbing Poog Crag. And this is where the real battle happens – you have to remember to come back stronger. Should you take a move for a second chance or should you sulk in frustration? Coming back and choosing to face your battles will always be your choice.
How to get to Poog Crag?
- From Cebu South Bus Terminal, you can take a bus bound for Toledo and ask the conductor to drop you off at Upper Poog-Toledo Highway.
- From the drop-off station (near Rosita’s store) you can ride a habal-habal to Upper Poog.
- You can start a short trek to Poog Crag within 3 – 5 minutes.
Expenses:
- Bus fare (non-aircon) to Toledo – P40.00
- Habal-habal ride to Upper Poog – P10.00
- Entrance/ Registration Fee – P5.00
- For guide and equipment, you can contact the hardcore rock climber Enie Yonson at 0948-712-4875. Rate starts at P400.00 inclusion of all gears needed for the climb as well as guide fee.
Dakilanglaagan 