Perhaps the most common question from a lot of people – is. “Bakit ka umaakyat?” o “Bakit ka ba akyat ng akyat ng bundok?”
– BAKIT NGA BA?
Once again I asked myself “Why do I climb (mountain)? Let me answer this question.
For me staying inside the 4 walls of our house or my apartment is boring. It may be more relaxing at home but I also feel the same in the mountains. Before, all I want was adventurewhich I found in mountain climbing. Since then, all I want is just to climb. I found hiking pleasurable even though it made me exhausted.
Then, I enjoy climbing with companions and group. Every moment with them was remarkable and it was a great experience to share with. However, I enjoy solo climbs more than group climbs. I climb because I want to witness the grand view which is not seen in the lowlands. –More than the views, I like the challenges of a mountain’s trail. I climb because I love the chillytemperatures. I climb because I want to meet other mountaineers. I climb because I want to do trail running and day hikes and multiple hikes in a day. I climb because of abundant floraand fauna of the mountain. I climb to meet the locals. I climb because of the cultures and traditions of different locations. I climb because I want to go to different places.
I remember my climb in Manabu Peak. During our socials, a guest asked me why we climb mountains. Then he answered his question. – “We all know that we are nearer to god when we are on top (of a mountain)”. I agree with him. There is connection between me and god. I climb because I believed god is guiding me. I always pray when I am in the summit. I climb because I want to see a glimpse of god’s creations.
Another conversation I heard when I was in Mt. Pulag (2006). “Umaakyat ka para kumuha ng picture o kumukuha ka ng picture para umakyat”. (mali o tama?)
In times of difficulty, I find myself pushing my limit. Believing mind win over matter. I simply want to exceed my limit. After all, I’m still in the process of knowing myself more-. I have more than enough reason why I climb mountains. The link between me and mountains is inexplicable.
If someone asked me why I climb mountains. My answer is “Masarap, Try mo=)”.
