Hi Ma’am Elaine,
Tell us about yourself - where you from, how old are you,
places you’ve been, etc.?
I am Elaine Ongpauco, I am
born in 1980, and grew up in Marikina City. I competed in bowling for the
National Team from 2001-2007 and won a silver medal during the 2005 SEA Games.
How long have you been hiking?
My first hike was February 2014 in Mt. Pulag. I was invited
by a friend whom I just spent a vacation with a month before and did sky diving
with on that same month, January 2014.
How many mountains have you conquered?
I conquered 11 mountains since February 2014. The most
challenging has always been the first climb, Mt. Pulag. And that same the
mountain has always taken the first spot in my list of favorites because of the
wonder I never expected to experience in a climb.
Do you travel to climb mountains or do you climb mountains to
travel?
I would travel to climb mountains, my purpose
has been to climb and I would travel with my friends to reach that mountain
destination. The fellowship I have with my friends is a motivation for me to
climb more mountains. And I have joy from seeing and celebrating God’s creation
with them.
How do you plan and prepare on your climbs?
I would usually get an invitation from one of my girl
friends, we would search or check a mountain we would usually read about or
recommended to us. And then we would communicate with Ken, a friend who would
usually go with us on our hikes. If Ken is not available, we would just go Waze
and get a guide from there.
I don’t have any special preparation plan before a climb. I
would not recommend it though because I never found climbing easy. Our routine
is to stop somewhere on the way to get breakfast before reaching the jump off
area, bring enough water and snacks to last the day.
I don’t have any special gear but gloves, cap, lightweight
pants/ leggings, rubber shoes and long sleeves top have always been my uniform
when climbing.
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| Climbing Rangyas Peak in Mt. Batolusong |
Important lesson you picked up from hiking which you can
apply in your daily life?
Learning to endure is a great lesson I picked up when
climbing. I realize that when one endures instead of giving up half way, the
reward is always more than one can imagine. I also learned how an encouragement
from a friend would go a long way in difficult circumstances, having someone to
motivate you is a blessing.
Who/what is your hiking inspiration?
Hiking is a not a career for me, I haven’t researched enough
to actually have a hiking inspiration. Although I admire the discipline and
strength of the people who climbed Everest. I watched documentaries and movies
about it and I am always left amazed.
What are your hiking goals?
I want to travel the Philippines to climb, and Mt. Apo is on
top of my list.
What can you do to help (even in your own lil ways) in
preserving/ protecting our mother nature?
Promoting the beauty of every mountain will go a long way,
especially for some who have no idea what nature is really like. If everyone
gets to enjoy the beauty of creation, there will be more people fighting to
preserve it.
I usually promote by posting photos of my climbs in social
media.
Would you recommend hiking to someone? Why?
Yes, I recommend climbing to everyone I meet only because I what
them to experience the same awe that I feel whenever I reach the top.
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| Signature pose at Mt. Pamitinan! |
