Caption This Adventure: Climbing Mt. Hambubuyog, Ginatilan, Cebu

We began the day with a trip to Inambakan falls few kilometers from town proper. After getting a splash from the gushing waters we began trekking going to our main destination Mt. Hambubuyog - marking our 5th mountain to summit. 

It was an easy walk traversing a small river going to the main highway which took us about 30 minutes or so after asking directions from the kids we encounter along the way. 

We were discussing the possibility of getting lost because of our unfamiliarity, we only rely to a bit of information we gathered from the blogs we read beforehand. Nevertheless, we were positive that we can do it even without a guide and of course the excitement of getting lost was there. 

The rocky road adds to the hotness of the trek. We were relieved that we took the right path after seeing the familiar spot just like what we read and saw in blogs. Yes, were getting there. We're trying to double our steps as we find some place to have our lunch. 

At exactly 12:30 pm we managed to ask permission to eat our lunch in a small waiting area near the road. We filled our system with dose of sugars of not cold soft drinks at what they called "Mangganhan" place in Brgy. Camungko - few meters above. We also bought 1 bottle of Empi Lights  and a litro pack of juice; reserve for the celebration later. 

The locals pointed us the direction going to Divine Mercy Chapel where Mt. Hambubuyog peak was located. Seeing the pointed direction from below seemed to have no exit point going to the chapel. I saw big boulders of white rocks/limestone plateau at the top of it and couldn't think of a way to cut our way through it. The locals said that we have to cross our way to the mountain slope and to follow the foot path which will lead us to the exit point of the steep mountain. 

Well our excitement shoots up to trek uphill to the pointed direction and get ourselves to the top. I may say that going uphill was a bit tricky. The steep mountain lacks substantial cover from the heat of the sun and balancing our way with extreme caution as we cut the slope of the mountain. We were walking in a loose powder rocks which added pressure to us; making it hard to ascend. 

We found shelter in a big rock after 30 minutes of traversing the steep terrain of the mountain. Catching our breath while discussing if it was the right way after all and if to continue going up was the right decision. 

It wasn't right after all. My first thought was right - there was no way to cut through the big boulders on top. Windyl couldn't find another path to push our way through and the decision has to be made; we have to go down - down to where we started at Manggahan place. 

We couldn't imagine going down again and start again. A suggestion to just walk through the rocky road came up but it wasn't a good idea, we didn't have enough time to walk long way. The best idea was to climb again, by this time with the help of the kids around the area. 

We took the same path just like our first ascend and the kids took us to the pathless woods right across the big rock where we got lost. It wasn't easy ascending for second time around; we were very exhausted pushing ourselves to where the kids lead us. Navigating through the pathless woods was tiring and the kids were determined it was the right way. They ascend their way down after giving a small amount for helping us. 

We believed that we're on the right path after seeing a small patch of light in the top of the pathless woods. Catching our breath again  and trying to elevate a smile. 

But hey! Another, what? So we didn't get anything out of kids help after all. Disappointments, fear, and tired joint were all present that time. To make this short, we went down again for the 2nd time around. It was already dark when we reached Manggahan place. 

snap by Orville

The locals crowded us as we reached Manggahan place. Everybody was asking how we get lost there when there was established foot path going up. Seriously? How we missed that?

It was already dark and we couldn't risk ourselves going up again even with the help of two locals who offered their service to guide us. We just asked them if we could have a habal-habal ride going to Divine Mercy Chapel and yes for 100 pesos each. 

It was not a comfortable ride because of the rough road. We reach Mt. Hambubuyog in one piece at 7:30 in the evening. We thank God for the safe ride going there even with the hindrance and struggle we met along the way. And then, we had a great night camping. 

We will definitely going back and will make it sure we can push our way to the mountain via Mangghan-Camungko trail.

 Special thanks to our friend Mary Ann for everything. May God bless you. 

This will not be the last time for sure. So long, Mt. Hambubuyog we will meet again.