Mt. Maculot

It seems only yesterday when I surprisingly mustered enough guts to dare myself if I can climb a mountain. Well basically, for me, climbing isn’t as easy as ABC. I mean, it’s sometimes not what it is cracked up to be. You have to have ample amount of strength, agility, perseverance and whatnot, hence; this activity is apparently not for the weak.

It seems only yesterday, yes, but who would have thought that it’s actually been a year since I first stepped my feet on the summit of this mountain?

March 26, 2010: John is 17; The Journey Begins

I have a thing for experiments once in a while and so it’s customary for me to be always thrilled if I happen to do things the first time. It’s like testing myself on how far can I go beyond it. Who knows I might enjoy it, and if I do, second and third tries are not taboo, right? But if I don’t, then that’s the time when I know I had to stop. At least I can be proud that once in my life, I was able to make a risky-fun thing that’s worth-gabbing.

Where it start…

It’s morning and I am trapped with my stubborn peers who won’t let me snooze alone inside our room while they’re climbing that Mountain. I’m mathematically obese so I doubt if I can do it. You know, it’s risky. Who knows it might be the end of me and I’m paranoid and scared. I am caught in the thought that I might palpitate, then lose air then suddenly die!

Ideally, I told them that I will just bury my ass on the bed while waiting for their arrival. However, I think I have not a chance of sticking to this plan so at one point, I have to heed to what they gotta say. After futilely feeding me with convincing words, I finally succumb to what they want. Oh yeah, I say am coming. By all means that I have to hoard all the fears I feel, set them aside at the moment. I tell myself that it’s just one way of loosening up a bit, enjoying and at the same time, exercising!



I wake up inside a room with a picturesque view of the mountain. Even from where I’m standing right now, I know that the view up there would be a haven. Heart pounding it may seem, but I have to go on. I know this’ll be over soon.




I start to freshen up a bit, wear the most comfortable clothes, slippers, gears I have. At this point, I know there’s no turning back. I’m on my way to the feet of the mountain and once I reach that, I’ll have to be brave and continue it until the end.






I’m dead-tired esp. with these inclined, rough and rocky ways-they’re killing me. It makes my legs and body ache. The scene is very rustic due to the excessive amount of dirt and litters that are being thrown by its inhabitants. Way up is complicated and fleeting—one wrong move and I’ll trip. I gotta be extra careful and my moves should be accurately calculated or else, I am a complete goner.

With all the strengths I can summon, I forced myself to climb while saying curse words to my friends, telling them I will never do this again. BUT..


Finally, I am here at the top! The beautiful view of the city compensates my efforts of getting up here. I feel a sense of fulfillment and pride. I thank Our Lady of Lourdes for her guidance, I actually made it to her groto!

At the end of all these, I realize that it’s all worth it and I will never regret ever climbing Mt. Maculot.


Ohh I have to mention that it all boils to one thing, it’s HEALTHY—physically, emotionally and spiritually.

PS. I used Present Tense because I want to know if I’m an effective story teller. It turned out very unruly. My bad, sorry! HAHA