Well hello there mga ka-Hive!! So I have come up with the idea of making a blog about my previous travels. I shall start from the first one I had up until the present. This shall be in a series and the series is called "BevVoyage: Travel Stories Throughout the Years".
And welcome to its first and pilot episode.
"O-peak ta guys! (Let's go to Osmena Peak)" one of our friends blurted while we were busy doing our thing. With burning hearts for adventure and thrill, we all said yes.
This trip happened nine years ago, around July of 2015. It was on a weekend. I, my closest friend who happened to be my officemate at that time and our former college classmates decided to have a trek to the famous Osmena peak. We were all a newbie to trekking. We were thrilled as it was our first time to do so. During that time, O-peak was hyped by the netizens and we wanted to hop on the trend. As we all know, Osmena Peak is one of the highest points in Cebu.
We met at our boarding house early in the morning as it was close to the South Bus Terminal. We were welcomed with gloomy weather but it did not stop our plans of visiting the famous O-peak. What do you expect? It was a rainy season.
We first had our breakfast at a convenience store and got on the bus heading to Dalaguete. In the middle of the travel, it started to rain which worried us but there was no backing out. Thankfully, it stopped just when we reached the Poblacion area of Dalaguete. It took us about an hour or two of travel time from the city.
From the poblacion area, you may hire a habal-habal or a motor taxi to go to the foot of the peak. I forgot the cost of the fare since it was a long time ago and besides, there must be an increase nowadays.
During the ride to the foot of the peak, it started to drizzle. However, we just shrugged it off since we were so close to the peak. We paid the fees and logged our names then hired one tour guide. And the journey to the peak began.
Heigh ho! Heigh ho! Off to the peak we go! 🎼
The rain added a little spice to the trek. They said that it was for beginners which was suitable for us newbies. Even if it was for beginners, our way up was filled with screams, curses, and chortles due to the slippery slopes and moist soils. We did not make enough preparations for the trip. As you can see in the photos, we were not wearing trekking gear and shoes. We did not see it coming.
The view when we reached the middle of the mountain. The luscious green leaves are very pleasing to the eyes.
Hang in there, we are almost there.
And of course, smile despite the struggle.
Reaching the top was definitely an achievement for all of us. We all smiled from ear to ear knowing that we were already at its peak. The climb took us about 40 minutes to one hour. Though it was short, we struggled.
Because of the gloomy weather, we were not able to fully see and appreciate the view of the mountains nearby and some of the islands. We were not able to witness its true beauty since it was foggy and windy. It would have been a beautiful scenery if it was sunny. I could imagine the green mountains complimented by the blue skies, white clouds, and the rays of the sun. Nevertheless, it was still a wonderful sight to see.
One of the must dos, photo sessions.
We could not stop taking photos and videos for memories and for the gram (instagram).
The Squad at the O-peak.
Thank you J for my stolen pic.
A pose of success. It is O-peak Baby!
Shoefie. Look mom, we got dirty and stinky. But see? We learn. 🤣
Look at our shoes! All dirty and almost covered with mud from the trek. Guess which one am I? Yes, I was wearing that white shoes which turned dirty white. After taking some photos and appreciating the beauty of the Osmena Peak, we then trekked back to its foot. It was just an easy peasy journey going down. The only hard part was its way up.
And that was our adventure to Osmena Peak. We arrived in the city with beautiful Osmena peak memories with us and of course a lot of body pains. Because of that, we immediately went to a massage spa to somehow ease the pain we felt. We had our dinner at Greenwich after (no pictures) and watched a movie at the movie house but we just fell asleep because of exhaustion from the trip. What a waste! LOL.
Writing and narrating this blog brings so much joy to me. It is like releasing an old object that has been concealed for too long in a time capsule. It warms my heart remembering those moments with them, the shared laughter and happiness. I do miss the squad. We don't often see each other anymore as we are all busy with our lives. But we make sure to communicate with each other for updates.
Moreover, I would love to go back to O-peak but this time, in an overnight stay through camping whether solo or with friends. And witness the sunrise. Soon, when the weather, time, energy, and most especially, the budget permits. This time, I will be prepared when it comes to the gears and shall do warm-ups to avoid body pains. At this age, we are already vulnerable to it.😂
So that was my Osmena Peak Adventure.
P.s.
If only I had discovered Hive years ago, I would have made blogs of each travel I had in real-time. Anyway, it is never too late. On to the next travel blog.
Thank you for reading.
With so much love, XOXO,
Bev 😘