Thursday, August 30, 2012

Spending Holidays: Osmenia Peak

August 2012  


I usually go outdoors, climb mountains during weekend or a long weekend holiday. This time spending our holidays at Osmenia peak (Ninoy Aquino's Day)


Early morning on board a "bangka"  a type of vessels. In the Philippines it is a means of transportation. The long, lean banana-formed vessel hull is made of marine plywood and painted with a number of coatings of epoxy paint. It has two outriggers made of bamboo, known locally as "katig". And acts as a stabilizer and muscle in the varying tropical waters of Tanon Strait. 
We are going to our neighbor the island of Cebu.
That's me and my girlfriend Claire with our Deuter Backpack a German engineered bags ideal for backpacking or outdoor.





Heads up, were climbing Osmeña Peak, the highest point in the island of Cebu Province. Standing 1,013 MASL(meters above sea level), this stunning view offers a dramatic view of jagged cliffs with amazing view of the sea in the distance.




Its us,Baktas MMC family inside the "banka". Faces of excitement of the new mountain to explore.












After 45 minutes boat ride, we arrive at Liloan Port then transfer to Ceres bus for a short bus ride going to the next town Badian.











Finally we arrived at the Badian town proper and while waiting for our guide we took chance to have our group photo taken in front of the eatery were we took our breakfast.











The waiting was over. Our guide with his vehicle arrived and we immediately load our backpacks arranged it accordingly at the rooftop of the multicab. Backpacks should be arranged well so as not to damaged its frame and fabric. We really care our backpacks.







We arrived at the jump-off area, were we are going to start our trek. As our club tradition we usually do first group warm-up and stretching exercise to prevent muscle pain and injury. To prepared ourselves for a long day trek in the trail of Cebu.










Followed by a prayer lead by Jonh Ray, A good way to start our trek for protection, safety and guidance along the trail.













Here we go, First step and ready to conquer the highland trails of Cebu.




















The trail basically was more likely the same of climbing Mt.Daat in Mabinay. It's an open trail. You have to pass through some vegetable farm and corn field. Sunblock, bush hat and a rush guard or trek long sleeve was a very appropriate thing to wear,considering an open trail with the scorching heat of the friendly sun . Think of it.







We did our break at the shade of this small tree. From a far you, the mountain view of the Tanon Strait.












We had to hide and cover from the sun with this rock formation that you can see along the trail. Best time to share your trail food to your group while at break.











Lunch tome swiftly came and its about time to take our lunch. We had our lunch near this limestone wall that gave us shade during our lunch on trail.

Share, share lang ta guys...




After our lunch we proceed on our hike to O'Peak. Hikers of the Corn.Passing through this corn field but of course we observed the leave no trace principle so we just had a picture on the corn. Promise we did not take one of it in our packs.







Finally we reached the campsite late after just about the sun to set.

A breath taking view of the mountains and the Tanon strait from a far. We prepared our dinner after explored the nearby mountains.









The next day, we woke up early and the weather was cold, and fogs around our campsite with almost 2 meters visibility.

Johnray, Jecky, Che2x and Lane prepared our yummy carne norte breakfast with egg omelet and fried chicken.




claire, me, art, kim, johnray and justin





After our sumptuous breakfast, we then explored the summit. That's us at the summit.

















Savoring the moment with your love one at the summit of Osmenia Peak towering 1,013 MASL.
Celebrating love, friendship in the great outdoor.













After the summit photoshoot its about time to leave the summit and start our break camp. Before leaving the campsite we see to it that we never leave a trace of garbage. We all brought back inside our packs. Start the trek.
Kim,Che2x,Slash,Claire,Lane,Ann



An all women's group picture at the summit.



Before leaving of course the mandatory full body portrait.











Osmeña Peak group picture getting ready for the descend.











Another group picture on a different non traditional position. We are about to leave the summit.











Ofcourse before the summit we had our prayer of gratitude for the wonderful creation and safety and guidance as we are about to leave the summit going to the exit point which was traverse to Kawasan Falls.


Starting the trek around 9 in the morning. The sun was wide awake. You can just imagine the open trail and the biting heat of the sun that everyone felt while we are on the trail. An exhilarating mountain view and exhausting trek but of course a great outdoor adventure all in package.






Along the trail you will see this typical farm to main road mode of transportation of there products. They have to carry 
the products all by themselves with the use of there head and neck. I realized that if ever I will buy vegetables from the farmers I will never have to do bargain with them because they put so much labor just to bring the products for us to lived.




The couples at the trails of Cebu, O'Peak.



The trail just about to have our final descend before Kawasan Falls.



















We are about to enter the main source that made the Kawasan Falls alive.










Crossing this bamboo made foot bridge in order to cross on the other or else you have to swim. Reminders trails that requires river crossing you have to be mindful and vigilant on the weather situation in the area. Plan ahead, do extra precaution.









Its a natural spring water located at the south of Cebu usually a rewarding place from a summit of O'Peak. It's a gentle hush of rapid ice cold water.









We had to be extra careful in going down the slope specially the one descending from the second or third falls to avoid mishaps or any accidents.







Kawasan Falls offers many layers of fresh crystal water falls, from the first, second and third falls.


































Here's our group picture at the magnificent beauty of Kawasan Falls.


Our lovely photo at Kawasan Falls. This was the first falls and the largest  and usually the most crowded among the three. Basically it's an uphill trail if your planning to explore the area. Waterproofing you things is a good idea. Suggestion bring your own food because the resort's restaurants are not cheap and prices are high. They have cottages and tables for rent. 1500-2500 pesos for cottages and 500 pesos for tables for over night stay.




"My love for you is like a waterfall, I hit many rocks and crooked paths along the way but at the end, I always end up falling for you again."
-Jhoshua Pardo































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