Hello, adventure lovers all around the globe. It was one fine Sunday morning when we instantly decided to explore an amazing place hidden somewhere in San Remigio, Cebu. Based on the description given to us by our local tourist guide, we will be having a strenuous activity where there is a massive adrenalin rush. This was pretty challenging and was what I kept looking forward to.
I usually perceived that in every journey, hunger strikes. In order not to lose energy, I bought 2 kg of chicken and was religiously marinated by our travel buddy. This is said to be roasted in the middle of the river where we will be trekking. I'm a little bit exhilarated about this process. With this, I'm pretty sure we will have a satisfied stomach after a long walk that is truly exhausting.
After an hour of walking in a vast expansion of open field, we finally reached the foot of the mountain. My eyes were suddenly dimmed as I started to immerse myself in the woods. It was due to the high temperature we experienced in the field and as we stepped here, the temperature dropped. It was so cool to be here. The deafening silence of nature was all we got.
We traversed joyfully, there was an exchange of talks and laughter. Our journey was full of enthusiasm, and were eager to find out what was waiting for us ahead. No houses were seen around, however, we were following the path and maybe there were inhabitants far from here.
After two hours of walking, the mesmerizing scene of the flowing water enticed us. We were in awe upon seeing the river, so clean and refreshing. We got closer to it due to its captivating appearance that starstruck us. Cautiously, we descended to the area to scrutinize what could be seen nearer. I was thinking there might be tilapia out there. But nothing in there, only the emerald-green water was seen.
We were extremely excited after the first discovery of nature's wonder. Not too far from our first stop, the natural landscape of huge rocks welcomed us all. Honestly, this was my first trekking on a long river. This is the incredible Bagtik River. Everything was amazing, the bubbling sound of the water was so relaxing to our sensation. So wonderful.
We rested for 5 minutes and afterward, we gathered some firewood to be used in roasting the chicken. The kids were so motivated and energetic to look for some stuff to be used in this cooking method. The Bayanihan Act was applied here for everybody's benefit. This was my first time experiencing an amazing way of cooking and it was done in the middle of the long, and wide river. Good thing the weather was fine.
So we will have an enjoyable lunch, the boodle fight (banana leaves were used, and it was where we will place all the foods) was our first preference. It was set at the riverside. This is how Pinoys find some incredible solutions that will be beneficial to everybody. When the roasted chicken was cooked, this was served hot. Perfect time to eat, we were all hungry. We walked for almost three hours, with no snacks, and our stomachs were rumbling already.
This is what made this bond amazing, the foods were shared with everybody. These were all yummy and delicious. And trust me, if I'm going to rate the taste of roasted chicken, it was a 10/10. So juicy, and the blend was so delicious that it penetrated to the bone. It was one-of-a-kind. It is highly recommended and is addictive.
After being full, we were recharged and determined to proceed with our journey. After taking a quick photoshoot, we traversed the river so we would be mesmerized by its marvelous beauty. Our enthusiasm had risen when we saw the unexpected. I couldn't believe what my eyes had seen, I was totally in awe. The river is shrouded with wonders. I got mixed emotions upon seeing its majestic view. The water flows freely everywhere, so amazing!
A quick pose before ascending. I just cannot let this moment pass by without taking a picture of the beautiful landscape nature has made. The overflowing water made it lovelier and gave harmony to these rocks that appeared to be alive.
After trekking, stepping, leaping, and crossing the huge rocks, unknowingly we reached these boulders that needed to be ascended so we could see the other side of it. We cannot feel the intensity of this adventure if we cannot surpass these towering rocks. I was so determined to climb, and without any hesitation, I took the challenge.
Guess what made this climb so different. The variety of grasses that have grown above the boulders, I just don't know which of them exactly brought an itchy sensation to my hands. I can't identify which of these I have grasped. I couldn't resist my irritating hands and planned to wash them on the running water. However, another climb is to be surpassed before I cannot touch the cool water which can be the best remedy for this itchiness.
My legs were shaking when I started to climb. If I cannot hold tight, falling into the river will probably happen. But my persistence kept on pushing me, and luckily I did it! It was a great feeling that I was triumphant.
Another amazing view opened up after the intense climb of the boulders. This cave-like structure was seen at the back of those towering rocks. Fantastic!
For us to see another wonderful scene, another obstacle is to be surpassed. This time, it is more difficult for me because in descending, leaping to another rock is to be done. If legs slip, definitely, it was a 5-meter distance fall and this will be excruciating due to the sharp rocks below. And congratulations to myself, although I'm terribly shaking, I was successful again. The views waiting for us below were magnificent. So serene, green and it seemed like heaven.
Finally, I was able to wash my itching hands with the cold running water. It gradually disappeared. I was totally in awe after this extreme adventure. We were all exhausted, it was an 8-hour trek. So incredible to be at the Bagtik River.
This adventure taught us many lessons that will shape us in times of survival. It was a long journey, we kept on moving and we did it! I have imparted another teaching with RM that help her grow better and more resilient in the future. We have a fulfilling day that is worth remembering.
That's all for this blog and I'm a little bit excited for another adventure to unlock on weekend.