Que Sera Sirao

"It's the cliiimb!!!"

Mountain climbing allows one to introspect. With so many thoughts running in our minds everyday and pressure from all sides, it helps to escape, if only temporarily. The beauty of this worthwhile activity lies in the fact that you need to rely on your own strength to take you to the peak. You are the only one who can push yourself especially when your muscles ache from hours of trekking and when you're short of breath. Once you get the hang of it, you develop a craving for the experience of conquering a mountain. I know I did.

"Whatever will be, will be."

Aside from the attempt to create a good pun as title, the line could not be more true with the 23-people, 7-hour trek to Sirao Peak. It was the largest group that I have trekked with so far and boy, was it a good climb. I invited as many people as possible for this trek - highschool batchmates, medschool batchmates, relatives, and a friend of a coworker of a batchmate (get that, networking! haha). Majority of the 23 people who came were beginners and first-time climbers. What ensued was a struggle of sorts that culminated in fulfillment and satisfaction: the tap-your-shoulder-for-a-job-well-done kind.

Pro-tip: We had a major delay with our trek because of traffic and what-not. The call time should be an hour earlier to allow for a long waiting period.

Say hello to my friends, family, and acquaintance.

The mountain leading to Sirao Peak (a.k.a. Pedro Calungsod Peak) is called Mt. Kan-irag. It  is found within Cebu City and is in fact the highest peak within the confines of the metropolis. We hired our guide, per suggestion of other travel blogs. Sir Ruel Olaso (cell #: 09215882345) provided us with the itinerary of the whole trek.

Pro-tip: It helps to read travel blogs beforehand. Take note of the tips, no-no's, and recommendations. It helps to read more than one blog to check different opinions. 

We rode a habal-habal (fare: Php 25) to the jump-off point in Brgy. Baugo in Talamban. We started the climb at around 1 P.M. 30 minutes later, we reached Kaban Falls and shortly thereafter, the Talinisag Uwang Falls. Unfortunately, the El Nino dried up the waterfalls and decreased the water levels of the catch basins. The trail had intermittent challenging parts with slippery slopes and a boulder that required a rope to get through. We had to rest every so often. It was a good thing that the trail had good shade from trees and tall plants.

Kaban Falls, or should I say, "falls alarm" (get it?)

Talinisag Uwang Falls, all dried up due to the drought.

These half-naked boys were swimming in the catch basin.

Put one foot in front of the other. Go go go!

Pro-tip: Wear good footwear like rubber shoes when climbing. It also helps to have a walking stick. Other important things to bring are sun protectors: hat, scarf, arm cover, comfortable pants/leggings.

We continued trekking until we reached the Happiness Point at around 5 P.M. After long hours of trekking, happiness consisted of sitting down on a proper bench and drinking cold softdrinks while watching the boys play basketball. We had the much-needed 30-minute break then continued our climb to Sirao Peak. Dusk was settling and it was nighttime when we reached Sirao Peak. Although we were unable to fully appreciate the distance that we covered with the trek, I couldn't really complain because the beauty of the city lights rivaled the stars of the nightsky.

Everything was lovelier in person.

The 20-minute descent to Balamban, near Ayala Heights Subdivision was quite challenging. It was quicker than the ascent, but we were forewarned to avoid making loud noises due to supernatural forces inhabiting that side of the mountain. Even our breathing had to be controlled! Haha.

Pro-tip: Always bring a flashlight with you even if you're only expecting a day hike. You'll never know when the need arises. 

We finished the trek at around 7 P.M., so habal-habal motorcycles were hard to come by. Fortunately, one of our fellow hiker's dad had his pick-up truck to take us from Balamban to JY Square. Otherwise, we'd have to wait for the habal-habal (fare: Php 50) for another hour.

To conclude this blog post, here's my friend Gerichter's reflection from the Mt. Kan-irag/Sirao Peak Climb:

This girl wore sneakers and brought a sling bag for her climb.
She bought the hat 10 minutes before we went climbing.
More than the material things, the preparation is within yourself.

"Euphoric cleansing - that is how I'm calling my first climb.
Each step of the way sheds off every doubt and regret. At the peak, all that remains is this unbelievable sense of fulfillment and enjoyment - simply being alive to feel the trembling of my knees, my ragged breathing, and, best of all, to bear witness on how magnificent nature can be.
Thank you so much~ to climbing buddies and red/blue ropes."

I couldn't have said it any better.

(Photo credits: Ruel Olaso, Marian Ibon, Gerichter Ochea)

Until the next adventure,

Dena

Rope climb pause to pose for the camera!