“So when people leave, I’ve learned the secret: let them. Because, most of the time, they have to. Let them walk away and go places. Let them have adventures in the wild without you. Let them travel the world and explore life beyond a horizon that you exist in. And know, deep down, that heroes aren’t qualified by their capacity to stay but by their decision to return. All great people leave. And, yes. One day, a great person just might leave you.” – The Staying Philosophy (everydayisa)
I’d always thought that solo backpacking was the scariest thing that could ever happen to me as an adventurer. Whenever I think about the soloflight activity I had months back to the southern part of Cebu, I couldn’t help but feel anxious and terrified at the same time. However, just recently, I have discovered that more than rock climbing, cliffjumping, diving, passing through cliffs on mountain climbing, and solo backpacking, nothing is more frightening that the thought of being left behind. As mentioned on my previous posts, I don’t a big group of friends – even the list of my Facebook friends are screened and are often updated (remove) from time to time. I don’t want keeping unnecessary people. That’s the reason why for two years, I have been keeping the same travel company. But just like any other thing in this ever-changing world, people and their decisions in life changes. The day came when my travel companions have to follow different tracks – different paths with different people.
In order to address the SEPANX (Separation Anxiety) that I have been feeling, I started to join outdoor groups, community and events. I started meeting people from different walks of life and began to see the world in a rather different perspective. It was scary at first. I mean, come on, me? Talking to strangers and diverging into silly/ serious conversations? I was never that type of person. But probably I was desperate. Probably, I needed an outlet. It was only at that time that I was grateful for courageously pursuing that solo backpacking trip. It gave me the guts to talk to people (I don’t have a choice), deal with different types of people (From habal-habal driver to seemingly perverted guide), and respect diversity amongst culture. Later then I’ve realized that God has been preparing me all along.
My once two to three companions have grown into a community. Though I didn’t sign up for any mountaineering or outdoor group, I have been actively participating (and even organizing) to a number of outdoor events. I have come to meet the beginners and the hardcore mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts who have developed great love for nature and the protection of the integrity of creation.
Just like this scouting activity of the NCR Trekkers, which was organized by a fellow blogger, Kring-kring. She invited me and my friends to tag along on their short trek to Lanigid Hill in Liloan. It was even quite awkward at first because we didn’t know each other and only communicated through Facebook and text. But who would have thought that after the trek, we would be in constant communication with each other.
Yes, it’s sad when the people you thought you’d be spending your crazy and memorable days with will leave you. But rest assured, God has graciously opened the windows for you to see other people who’d be willing to join you as you continue your own journey. You’ll be meeting new friends, discovering new horizons and pursue grander ambitions. But more than anything else, on this new journey, you’d find yourself. I’ll find myself. And I hope that in this new journey, I’d be blessed to meet and set forth to an adventure with you! :) :) :)
HOW TO GET TO LANIGID HILL?
- Ride a jeepney bound for Liloan. (P13.00 from SM Cebu)
- Ask a habal-habal driver to send you to Lanigid Hill (Barangay Mulao). – (P50.00)
- Register at the Barangay Hall. (P10.00)
- Start the 500m trek to the peak.
- Enjoy.
Dakilanglaagan 