Hello, travel lovers from around the world!
I hope you're doing well wherever you are! Today, I’m sharing a quick trip I took during my single days. It is inspired by a broken heart, deep in the mountains of the Philippines.
Mt. Ugo nested in Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet but the trailhead begins in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya making Mt. Ugo a shared treasure by these two provinces.
Many of us travel for different reasons, some seek happiness and others are for healing. As for me, I’d love to share the reason behind my travel and I hope you’ll like it.
I once fell in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same, and because of that one sided love, it led me to the summit of Mt. Ugo. I was heartbroken and struggling to accept the reality, I suddenly remembered that the guy lived near the mountain. Out of nowhere, I asked my friends if they up to a quick gateway to unwind and they agreed. Without hesitation, we packed our things and traveled to his home town.
It just so happens that he and his father were local tourist guides in that area. While on our way, i gave him a heads up by texting him that we planned to climb Mt.Ugo and he agreed. However, he wasn’t at home during our visit, so his father was the one who guided us all throughout the journey.
Our adventure began with the guidance of his father. He fetched us From the Municipal Hall of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, which served as our jump-off point, we had to walk all the way to his home, as vehicles couldn’t pass through the muddy and unfinished road.
When we arrived, his family welcomed us with warmth, opening their doors as their long-lost friends or family. They even offered us free accommodation for two days and two nights, something that we’ll always thankful for. We also brought some food such as viands, bread, and other essentials to share with them.
Instead of camping at the campsite, we chose to spend the night at their house, which gave us the rest we needed before the big climb. The next morning, we woke up at 4:00 a.m. and started trekking with sleepy eyes but excited hearts. The trail was quiet at first, but as the sun began to rise, the horizon slowly glowed with warm colors. We couldn’t resist taking photos because the view was absolutely breathtaking. The sky was painted in golden hues, a cool mountain breeze brushed against our faces, and the clouds seemed to walk along with us as we climbed toward the campsite.
As we approached the summit, we faced a few challenges along the trail. One of my friends, who has acrophobia, began to panic, crying and screaming out of fear. Being more familiar with mountain trails, I stayed by his side, held his hand, I cried with him and comforted him until we safely made it to the campsite.
Light rain greeted us to the campsite, but instead of feeling disappointed, we welcomed it. The gentle showers made the trek feel even more alive and refreshing. After taking a short break, we continued our climbed toward the summit. And when we finally reached the top, all the pain, fear, and exhaustion faded away, and replaced by happiness and accomplishment. In that moment, I realized that the rocky and slippery terrain plus the cold breeze is easier to navigate and endure than the pain of being broken heart.
Unlike the campsite, the summit doesn’t offer scenic views due to the tall trees surrounding it. However, the landmark displaying the mountain’s elevation makes for a great photo opportunity and a meaningful spot for documentation. There, we enjoyed a simple breakfast and no words could capture how good the food tasted in that moment. After eating and taking photos, we returned back .
We took a different trail that led us to a refreshing waterfall. Even though it was our first time there, we couldn’t resist jumping in. We swam like there was no tomorrow , as if the cold water could washed away not just our exhaustion, but even the pain I carried in my heart. for over an hour, we let the icy water soothe our tired bodies and spirits.
When we returned to their home, we were completely tired but happy. After a long tiring trek, we took an early beauty rest. The next morning, aches and pains were everywhere! But our hearts felt lighter. My emotional pain had eased, and the physical soreness didn’t matter. What mattered was the joy, the laughter, the challenges and most importantly the healing that Mt Ugo gave us.
Mt. Ugo may not be the tallest mountain in the country, but its natural beauty and hidden waterfalls make it stand out and unforgettable. The trek is not easy. The trail winds through slippery paths, rocky and rugged terrain, and narrow ridges that challenge both your physical strength and determination to the limit. But that makes the trekking/mountaineering meaningful.
Now, I can say that this mountaineering is not just adventure, it helped me ease the pain in my heart and gave me a unforgettable healing experience. It’s a story of love, heartbreak and healing through the power of nature.
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