Designated as a Protected Area in 2000 and bestowed the prestigious title of an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2009, the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park spans a landlocked expanse of 47,270 hectares in Bukidnon, encompassing the towering peaks of Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang-dulang, and Mt. Maagnaw—the three highest summits among the 40+ peaks within the range.
Now I realize how timely it was for Carlo to bring up his major climb of Mt. Kalatungan and Mt. Wiji. Fate has its unique way of nudging us toward what truly matters—and the mountains have a knack for discerning one’s character. Considering all the ongoing events in my life, it served as the perfect reset I required. At a more leisurely pace, in such a captivating place, it came precisely when I needed it the most.
You see, this isn’t how most of us imagined growing up. We all had these glamorous visions of what adulthood would be like: having loads of money and the freedom to do all the things we were prohibited from in our youth. But reality hits hard; it turns out everything is a scam.
I was already entertaining the thought of DNF. But the concern was just too difficult to dismiss. With every local asking where we began and where we will end, I was reminded how long the journey was—and that I don’t want to do it again. Hence the need to finish no matter what.
Man, I was too stunned to move at the sight of them. My mouth can’t even grasp a word out of the lyrics I have been LSS for months and years. What just happened to me?! Everyone was already rocking back and forth, screaming from the top of their lungs—yet there I was, seated like nothing happened.
Mt. Pangasugan was a dream waiting to happen. Deemed “The Last Frontier in Eastern Visayas”, this notorious mountain range has been hibernating on the waiting list—yearning for the day that it’d become a reality.
“Nakakapagod na.” She continued lamenting while still dragging her feet, pushing forward, hoping to not get swept by the bus. Through our short interaction, I learned that she’s from Subic and that she purposely came to Cebu to join the Cebu City Marathon. Oh, the lengths we go to for the things that keep us sane.
I’ve followed by heart, and it led me to Mt. Pandadagsaan—to trails only heard on tales, to experiences I’ll keep for life, and to people who were so generous with their time, heart, and effort. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I say it takes a whole running community to complete a marathon, most particularly if it is a road-to-trail kind of event.
There’s a part of us that can only be found in solitude, in despair, in anger, in frustration, in defeat. While that is not much celebrated, that part is precious. It is the place where grit is built. And grit—the courage and resolve to push through trying times, the strength in character—is worth it.
This blog wouldn’t last this long without you in the picture. My heart is forever grateful.
Dakilanglaagan 