Mayan Lakwatsera: Mt. Batulao.. My awesome first climb :)

(Credits to Pinoymountaineer for the pic)

Climbing Mount Batulao was never planned. I was starting the year with an empty pocket. I just started going to the gym for a few months. It was on our gym's pre-valentine party with the company of my gym buddies I met Sam's cousin Marlowe, amidst drinks he was talking about his escapades when he is in the country. He climbs on his spare time while at home. It had me thinking when he told me that in a few weeks there will be a minor climb in Mount Batulao with KPMS (Kababayang Pinoy Mountaineer Society). I immediately said yes without batting an eyelash. I don't even know how to climb; I still have fear of old knee injuries coming back. But what the heck, it’s another check on my bucket list of things to do before I die.

I then texted a few friends if they would like to accompany me to climb. And I was glad to get two (Che & Rhea) yey :) We met the group (KPMS) led by Sir H at Edsa near the MRT Station. I was all set with my jansport bag filled with food, lotsa clothes and the checklist they gave us of things to bring. I really didn't look like a climber then. I was just a happy camper thinking that climbing is just gonna be like a summer camp. Go to the wilderness, a bonfire at night and marshmallows roasted on the bonfire if I get lucky. Man I was wrong. It was a long trek (I like long walks but with a back pack and a small bag it was hard for me then) amidst the scorching heat of the sun. Mt. Batulao by the way is located in Nasugbu, Batangas (haven't been there for a looooooong time). Its Jump Off Point is on Everest Golf Course, Nasugbu Batangas w/ 811 MASL (which makes it a minor climb).

I was glad I could drag Che & Rhea along with me in the climb; it was a moment to bond with my old friends. Though I had to introduce them with each other along the way. Che is from my high school barkada in Colegio San Agustin, while Rhea is from my college barkada in College of St. Benilde. Along the trail we as newbie’s are finding it difficult the other guys carried the other stuffs we had. Me & rhea keep switching in carrying her other pack along the way. Mountain dew, buko juice along the trail and simple chit chats kept me sane. We reached the camp site I'm not sure if its lunch time or after lunch and took a rest after. For me moments like these are cherished by taking pictures. I had an old school camera, my phone (n82) along the trek for picture takings (mostly solo shots because they are camera shy) (and I am not vain "Sabi ko nga sino pa mag picture sa akin kundi sarili ko hehehe).

When we are at the campsite the tents were set up by the other mountaineers it was our time to rest again. Then it was time to go to the summit. Before climbing I saw Ate Erl, said to myself "cool naman ni ate mag isa lang xa mag trek". She was fast like the lightning haha I couldn't keep up well still the same now (it's august i couldn't keep up parin). I remember talking to here while going up the summit. Na I don't like running etc etc. I'm eating all my words now haha. I really didn't think that that climb would lead me to finding someone like her. I'd like to quote a post I did in her facebook wall. "Climbing Mt. Batulao led me to meeting the best climbing partner, running buddy, travelling companion & "Ate" rolled up in one person - Erl Pamesa its just August & we've travelled all over the country climb & ran in different places.. Memories I will surely keep... Here's to being an amazing friend... More travels to come for us after this... haha :))

To sum it all up at socials we had drinks, made a bunch of new friends, Sir H, Sheng, Adi, Melchor, Maku, and a whole lotta new people who added or brought impact to my life. It was this climb that I am the most thankful for. I'll cherish this climb because it lead me to meeting an awesome friend... Ate Erl... Cheers to 2011 :) Seatbelts fasted coz 2011's almost done... I got my eye out for 2012 :)