The Travelling Feet

Ever since I saw the video of world champion freediver Guillaume Nery base jumping into Dean’s Blue Hole I told myself that I want to do that too. To learn freediving.

How Does Free Diving Work?

To those who have no idea what I’m talking about, our best friend wiki explains it as follows:

“Freediving (or free-diving) is a form of underwater diving that does not involve the use of scuba gear or other external breathing devices, but rather relies on a diver’s ability to hold his or her breath until resurfacing.”

In other words, freediving does not rely on the use of diving tanks. One freedives under one single breath, holding it for as long as the person can to get to the deepest part of the sea until the same person resurfaces back. The deeper one goes, the more he has to struggle to make sure he can withstand the pressure that will form in his ear. If one doesn’t learn to equalize properly, it could result in the permanent damage of one’s eardrums. One has to keep calm too since the pressure underneath will try to squeeze your entire body and one wrong move could be fatal to the inexperienced freediver.

Guillaume Nery’s  fictional freediving video that ignited my interest to learn how to free dive

What Stopped Me From Learning Freediving

As much as I wanted to learn how to free dive, I needed to face one problem. I didn’t know how to dive.

I’m not a skilled swimmer. In fact, I just learned how to swim without drowning when I joined a team building activity from work that involved cruising the islands that surround the Mactan Channel back in 2010. So when I realized that I knew how to swim already, I immediately thought of learning how to dive. And ever since, I’ve been very adamant in my desire to learn how to dive. But it seems that I couldn’t execute it properly.

A Hopeless Case In Diving

In my attempt to learn how to dive, I tried to recall memories from my past swimming activities. I remembered asking someone when I was still young how to dive properly. The reply I got was to push your body and swim downwards while you try to use your hand to dig deeper underwater. I’m vertically challenged, so that didn’t work for me. The force from my hands and legs were not strong enough to push me down.

A few years later, I asked someone again how to dive and the quick tips I got didn’t work for me. I just ended up forcing only half of my body down while my lower half stayed afloat.

Then when my travel blogger friends visited Cebu and went snorkeling at Pescador Island in Moalboal, I asked one of them how to dive since he seemed to be very knowledgeable with that particular skill. He said I needed to empty the air from my lungs so that I could sink. Hmmm… I didn’t really know how I could do that but my desperate self tried it anyway only to find myself laughing so hard at each attempt. I didn’t get it at all.

None of what they were teaching me were making sense.

Still determined to learn how to dive, I grabbed every opportunity I got. The best epic failed diving lesson I experienced was during my trip to Biri last October 2012 where I tried to hold on to a huge rock just so that I could sink. Learning how to drown in the natural pools of Biri Island was one of the silliest things I tried in order to get the feel of diving.

I was a hopeless case.

Igniting My Burning Desire To Learn How To Free-dive

A week after I volunteered to drown myself in the natural pools of Biri, I got an invitation from one of my closest friends, Johnn, to join him and a few of his friends to celebrate his day on the beach. I discovered that just like me, he’s also crazy about that extreme sport and he wants to spend his special day with what he loves most – freediving.

When I told him of my dilemma, he assured me that he will help me learn how to dive.

Before we headed to the open sea, he had to teach me how to dive by utilizing the resort’s pool. When he saw how I was executing my dive, he gave me instructions on how to do it properly so that I could go underwater. At first, I was hesitant and I easily got exhausted because we were having the lesson in the pool. It was more difficult to dive because of the pool’s buoyancy. But I didn’t give up easily since I know that this was a very rare opportunity given to me.

I had to do my part too and I was really grateful that my friend was very patient in teaching me how to dive properly. When he saw that my legs were bent as I dove, the instruction that he gave me was soooo simple. Just straighten those legs when I flap them he said. And true enough, I went diving underwater in no time.

me and my Master Shifu Johnn after learning how to dive in the pool
photo credit to Lakbay Diva

What took me almost 2 years to learn how to dive after getting tips from friends, I only learned in less than an hour after my diving lessons with Johnn. His teaching technique was very helpful that I immediately learned how to dive underwater I would be forever grateful to Johnn for the diving lessons. For without them, I would still be probably struggling on how to figure out what to do in order to dive properly.

Learning How To Freedive

After the short diving lessons in the pool, my friends and I decided that it was time to head to the open sea to start with our freediving sessions.

Since I was still new to diving, I had to familiarize myself with the use of my snorkel and mask. I also tried a couple of dives underwater only to find out that I’d ran out of breath easily and how my ears hurt from the quick descent.

trying to slowly equalize using a ladder; floating on top
photo credit to Lakbay Diva

I had to make use of the stuff I found underneath to learn how to equalize as I go deeper.

To tell you honestly, freediving is not easy. It requires a great deal of discipline and determination. Not that I am discouraging you, but this hobby or sport is actually dangerous and life-threatening if not executed properly. Which is why extra caution needs to be observed at all times. If you put your mind and heart to it, you will eventually learn the ropes of this extreme sport and will eventually love it.

And if you were to ask me, I learned it the easy way because I embraced the idea of learning this unique sport without any inhibitions. Although fear kept bugging me, I know my thirst for learning how to freedive was stronger than fear itself that I didn’t have a hard time adjusting to it. Of course, safety was my top priority every time I start diving. I don’t push my limits if I know I’m not feeling well or if I know something’s amiss. I know I need to act responsibly for my own being and for the rest of my companions.

Why Freediving?

I’m not what you could call the average sports-minded person. But I love to swim. After discovering a new world under during one of our snorkeling adventures in the seawaters of Moalboal back in 2011, I fell in love with the water world.

If given the chance, I want to explore more of the beautiful marine life that I discovered in Moalboal. The only way I thought of doing so was to go scuba diving. But I wasn’t born with a silver spoon and I find it a very expensive hobby to keep.

Ayn freediving, with no tanks, in one breath

Freediving, on the other hand, works for me since I don’t need to spend a lot in order to continue to pursue this newfound passion. Besides, it also helps me keep fit, which is a plus factor for me.

As I started getting the hang of it, I also enjoyed taking underwater shots whenever my freediving buddies and I practice.

freediver Don and a fisherman nearby

Is Freediving For Everyone?

Freediving could be done by any healthy human being. As long as proper and safe freediving protocols are followed, one won’t have problems with this extreme sport. Just make sure that when you freedive, you go with a buddy to assist you in case you experience blackouts. It’s also best to read freediving manuals to prepare yourself.

Other serious freedivers would go to great lengths of getting a freediving license and I am hopeful I could get one too someday. I just need to save up for that as it’s quite expensive.

In the mean time, my freediving buddies and I are enjoying our own recreational freedives hoping to train harder as we outdo our personal bests and slowly improve our freediving skills.

Lakbay Diva, the scuba diver’s tour guide underwater

What Freediving Gears To Buy?

When I started freediving last October 2012, I bought a pair of Mares Full Foot fins thinking that it would suffice for my freediving fins. My friends who were also interested to learn this extreme sport had been bugging me on where to buy freediving gears so that they could join us on our sessions. However, I have been delaying suggesting brands for the needed gears because I want to make sure I recommend the best brands.

It was also a good thing that I have not mentioned a particular brand to those who have inquired since the fins I bought 5 months ago got damaged. On our freediving session last week, my fins finally gave up on me. Now, I am bound to get myself new fins and I am not sure yet where to get one. The mares fins were only good for snorkeling and I need to get one of those long freediving fins soon. I am also bound to get a wetsuit after getting stung by a lot of jellyfish and other stinging sea creatures during that dive.

the very young freediver Pop Canata, who could freedive up to 50 feet!

So if you were to ask me what freediving gears to buy, here are the list of items that you must invest if you want to get serious with freediving:

- freediving fins
- wetsuit
- hood (for the head)
- freediving mask and snorkel
- neoprene socks
- gloves
- diving watch

Those are the main gears that you need to invest on. But if you are still starting out and want to weigh in if you really fancy freediving, then you can just get the basic snorkel set (snorkel+mask) and any fins. But once you decide to go serious with this sport, I would really recommend that you upgrade your gears.

As to where to buy one, I’ll get back on that one since I’m still on the look out for the perfect dive shop to cater to your freediving gear needs.

My Addiction To Freediving

that’s me diving a not-so deep seabed
photo credit to Lakbay Diva

Just a week after I tried to drown myself by carrying a heavy rock to sink in the natural pool of one of the rock formations in Biri Island, I found myself freediving the seawaters of Mactan without any formal training at all. And just barely 5 months after that incident, I could now freedive up to 25 feet (7.62 meters) with a breath hold of 45 seconds. Everything happened so fast. In a span of 7 recreational freediving trainings, with long intervals in between those practices, I managed to push my limits and had beaten my own records. I’m happy to know that my efforts have paid off. The records are not that great yet but with my strong determination to learn, I know I will reach my goal.

I intend to train harder in order to reach a depth of at least 50 feet (15.24 meters). I also need to learn how to equalize properly as I’m still struggling on that aspect but I’m positive that I can reach my goal in no time. I’m just thankful that I have freediving buddies who are as passionate as I am in learning to freedive and that we try to help each other in any way we can.

harlem shake with the Dive ta Bai group

So long as I surround myself with my friends whom I share the same interest in freediving, those supportive and awesome individuals, I know that learning how to freedive will be so much fun and enjoyable.

And to know what 50 feet looks like, here’s a freediving video of Johnn Mendoza as he took one single breath and started flapping his new fins to freedive under the waters of Maribago at Mactan, Cebu.

Freediving at Kontiki Beach Resort with Johnn Mendoza

The photo below may not give justice to the beautiful cupcake that you are seeing right now as I only have a point and shoot camera and I’m not good at taking photos of food. Or perhaps it could also be because my friend and I were too excited to taste the cupcakes we bought when we went on a food trip after a tiring yoga class that I failed to take a decent photo of the cupcakes we ordered; then again it could be because the cupcakes were not that photogenic. But there’s only one thing I have to say about these sinful goodies. Yummy!!!

cappuccino, red velvet and a favorite – the mudpie cupcake

Have you ever tried eating a cupcake before? I’m sure you do. But have you tried eating one only to convince yourself what’s there to like on the cupcake that you just consumed? I did that a couple of days before I decided to pay Sweet Little Things a visit. And I didn’t like the fact that I had to decide whether I like what I ate or not on that other cupcake store.

But with the cupcakes from Sweet Little Things, the moment the cake landed on my mouth, it instantly hit all the right spots. To me, it’s a no fuss cupcake. They just sit on the shelf waiting for their next victim. And when they see you and you willingly try them, you will be captivated not only by how good the cupcakes taste but something deep inside will prompt you to ponder on those sweet little things.

Dislaimer: Nope. This is NOT a sponsored post.

Sweet Little Things
J Block, Apitong St. Cor. Escario (beside taiwan shabu-shabu)
6000 Cebu City
Website: http://www.sweetlittlethings.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLTCakes/

If you are headed to Cebu or if you live nearby and have no clue on where to go or what to do on your free day, consider a three-hour trip to the charming town of Moalboal, south west of Cebu. Be sure to pack your swim wear, sunblock, sunshades and the rest of your summer outfit for they will be your best friends for the duration of your stay there.

Moalboal, pronounced as Mo-al-bo-al, is best known for its powdery white sand beach, amazing snorkeling spots and home to one of the best diving spots in the world. So get ready and start applying those sun screen lotions and put on your best beach wear for you are about to get kissed by the sun in this ultimate paradise destination in the Queen city of the South.

kids playing along the white sands of White Beach at Brgy. Basdaku, Moalboal Cebu

Moalboal is a favorite destination among Cebu’s city dwellers. It’s the perfect weekend hideaway for families, friends or solo travelers who want to escape the taxing life in the city. Depending on your preference, you have two famous areas to choose from. White Beach, found in Brgy. Basdaku, is the preferred venue for beach bums. Swimming in the crystal clear waters of the beach, skimming, playing beach ball games, sunbathing or simply lying around the long stretch of white sands are the common sights during weekends – things that you too can do on that side of Moalboal.

the waters of Panagsama Beach at Brgy. Basdiot in Moalboal, Cebu

But if you have a knack for underwater adventures, heading over to the Panagsama Beach at Brgy. Basdiot is the best option. That is where you can find affordable rates to go scuba diving at Pescador Island to view the beautiful marine life underneath as well as enjoy the sightings of whitetip sharks and whale sharks. Did I forget to mention you’d get the chance to witness a sardine run? Yes. Millions of those tiny sardines swim the waters beneath Pescador Island. However, their number have significantly decreased throughout these years. Freediving enthusiasts also feel at home with the perfect sea water temperature and the gorgeous marine life scenery of Moalboal, thereby declaring the Panagsama Beach area as their second home.

abundant live corals in Moalboal, south of Cebu

Your adventure would not be complete if you do not get to witness the marine life in Moalboal. But to the few who does not want to cost an arm and a leg to experience Moalboal’s underwater charm, snorkeling your way into the waters is what it takes for you to discover a whole new world under.

cruising the enchanting marine life at Moalboal’s marine sanctuaries

Hiring a boat is the safest choice when you decide to explore Moalboal’s marine sanctuaries, although snorkeling from the shore is also a great alternative. Aside from the Tongo and Saavedra marine sanctuaries, there are other reefs in the region where you get to explore the underwater world. But my favorite’s the Tuble Marine Sanctuary.

Moalboal corals

I am not really into snorkeling but when I saw the divine and vibrant marine life of Moalboal, I became a convert. If only the back of my ears came with hidden gills that pops every time I touch the sea water, with my feet transforming into a mermaid’s tail, I would have disappeared in that world to join those exquisite fishes and other sea creatures.

freediving in Moalbaol is becoming popular in the area of Panagsama Beach

It was love at first sight the moment I plunged my face in those shallow waters of Tuble’s marine sanctuary. If only I would not swallow saltwater and scare those cute little fishes away, I would have screamed my lungs out just to show my gratitude for the glorious sight that lay before my eyes. Instead, I silently screamed and shrieked in excitement while I continuously bellowed ooohs and wooows  in my mind every single minute I swam and explored the marine sanctuary’s perimeter.

discovering cute marine life underneath Moalboal’s waters

Since there are areas within the sanctuary that are too shallow, our helpful boatman slash underwater tour guide made way for our safe expedition without touching the living corals underneath. There were too many of them. The explosion of different colors beneath us was just overwhelming. Corals of different shapes and sizes are scattered all over. You will see hues of violet, blue, red, green, orange, yellow and brown everywhere. There’s one that looked like spaghetti, one that looked like a cabbage and another one shaped like a volcano. Mossy, spikey, fat ones, you name it. Nemo and friends were even playing in there too. There were hundreds of them fishes in different shapes, sizes and colors. It was like seeing a giant aquarium. The experience was surreal.

Moalboal is a haven for freediver buddies like Johnn here

On a cloudless day, be sure to broaden your vision 30 meters under and if lucky, you get to have a glimpse of giant sea turtles or pawikans enjoying their daily swim. But beware, the moment they feel your presence, they will eagerly swim away from you and disappear into the deep blue sea.

enjoying the sights of colorful fishes in Moalboal

Visiting that underwater paradise is like knowing what life must be like for Ariel living under the sea. I never imagined that there’s a different world down there, far more beautiful than one can comprehend. The rich biodiversity together with the diverse coral reef system underneath the seawaters of Moalboal is what makes this fascinating town unique. And just a few swims away would give you a view of the town’s famous drop, an almost vertical abyss extending beyond the normal eyesight.

the reef and finding nemo

It’s just sad seeing that at some areas, there are corals that have died. I could not say if it was a result of the fierce forces of nature or if it was a result of man’s negligence. If the destruction of those corals in Moalboal were due to the locals and tourists visiting the area, my only wish is for the town people to practice vigilance in protecting their marine wildlife. They can tap local government units in case they need assistance. It would be a waste to witness an extinction of the rare gem that Moalboal possess. By taking care of our marine life, we can ensure that our future generations will have the chance to witness the magnificence that lies below the sea waters of Moalboal. This is one legacy worth saving for our future kin.

When travelling to a new place, one of the things that you must do is enjoy the local food in the area. You should never be afraid to try local delicacies. And when you do decide to go on a food trip, be sure to do some research and check out the best places to eat in a particular city.

Growing up in the wonderful city of Cebu gave me the opportunity to identify the best restuarants in Cebu that you won’t find elsewhere. And that’s where you should start your dining experience – to unique and authentic Cebu-based restaurants and East, West cafe is one of them.

A few years back, I remember dining at East West and the moment I tasted their signature crepes, I fell in love with that small cafe. What I didn’t know is that East, West Cafe would prove to be one of those few restaurants in the city that would become successful and survive the harsh and picky taste buds of the Cebuano crowd.

You see, putting up a business in Cebu is not that easy. With the Cebuanos’ frugal nature, one would opt to spend their money wisely. And setting up a food business is even tougher. You have to win over the hearts of millions of Cebuanos if you want to survive in the food industry. In fact, many huge retail chains have tried but only a few succeeded. And I’m happy to say that my favorite dessert restaurant in Cebu is still alive and kicking. Oh yeah!

During the past, whenever I dine at East, West Cafe, I always order my favorite mango sushi crepe. The crepe tastes so good that you will forget your name for a second. That’s why even if new crepe stores or stalls invaded the malls of Cebu, I’d still follow my heart’s desire and my taste bud’s yearning to devour on those yummy crepes at East West Cafe.

my all-time favorite Mango Sushi Crepe

What I didn’t expect was that I would get the chance to personally meet the owner of my favorite dessert place in Cebu through a random travel adventure at Moalboal. It would be on our second meet-up (at the Cebu Blog Camp3) that I would discover that one of my free diving companions during that Moalboal trip would be the guy behind East, West Cafe – Hendri Go. Being a travel buff, Hendri lights up at the slightest mention of travel adventures and he couldn’t wait to share his own stories during his travels around the world.

East West Cafe is located at the The Walk in IT Park, Cebu City. It currently re-opened and added more food choices on its menu after getting a new face lift, opening more seats on its mezzanine area. I also got the chance to ask Hendri about the history behind east, west and here’s what he had to say…

Doi: What’s the story behind East, West?
Hendri:  Back in 2000, we had just imported a lot of stuff from Italy, that included coffee machines, crepe machines, and Panini grills and I wanted to use/showcase that. That’s the family business kasi, Hug Marketing Inc. We sell food processing, restaurant and bakery equipment; and weighing scales.

Bananas and  Salted Caramel Crepe

Doi: How did crepes got in the picture?
Hendri: I like crepes and I thought it would be a good compliment to the coffee. Also, my goal really is to have a good place for crepes and casual dining in Cebu, infused with a bit of world music, loungey, and travel inspiration.

Bananas, Peanut Butter and Jelly Pocket Crepe

Teriyaki Chicken

Doi: Why the name East West?
Hendri: East, West (note the comma) is from a Salman Rushdie book of short stories that I like. It’s a good way to describe what our food is, what we serve and who we are as Cebuanos/Filipinos. That we are the most western country in Asia and the confluence of two cultures is most prevalent and noticeable here. That we are a mix of east and west and I like to infuse what I like. So once in a while you’ll find shirts for sale, posters of theater shows that I produce, and sayings on the wall that I like.

Spaghetti Meat Sauce Pasta

Doi: Don’t you have plans of branching out?
Hendri: No. It’s a very personal business. I guess that’s why its never really ‘grown’ but I like it that way. It’s more manageable and less corporate.

Bacon Breakfast with egg and rice

Doi: Where was the first east west cafe located?
Hendri: East, West’s  first branch was across the Emergency Room of Cebu Doc back in 2000. We started with just coffee then added food over the years.

Garlic Cream and Sausage Pasta

Doi: I’m seeing that you just renovated the place and added new interesting items in your menu. Can you tell me more about them?
Hendri: We have new crepes, new pasta, and new main meals! Our new crepes include the Bananas and Salted Caramel (my new favorite), Red Velvet and Green Tea & Mango. As for the pasta, we added the Chili Lime Cream and Chicken pasta. For the meals, our latest offerings include the Pepper Pork Steak and the Korean Fried Chicken Wings.

Green Tea and Mango Crepe

Red Velvet Crepe; photo credit: kurtzky

Doi: Sounds yummy! Can you tell me what are your top picks on your menu?
Hendri: It’s really difficult since all of the food we have are delicious. But if I were to pick, my favorites would be the Garlic Cream and Sausage Pasta, Mango Strawberry Slush and of course, the timeless Mango Sushi crepe.

And true to Hendri’s top picks, those are also my favorites at East West Cafe. In fact, I fell in love with crepes because of that heavenly mango sushi. It’s a must-try when you visit Cebu! I also like the garlic cream and sausage pasta. The sweet taste of the sausage compliments the garlic cream pasta and I simply love it.

Bananas and Hazelnut Crepe; photo credit: kurtzky

So if you are first-timers in Cebu and wanted to know the best place to eat dessert in Cebu or if you are looking for restaurants in Cebu, I highly recommend you visit East, West Cafe. And if you are dining as a group, you can reserve the mezzanine level for a more private dining experience.

Travel Bloggers enjoying the food at East, West Café

Do you have your own East, West story? Do share them as I’d love to hear them too!

East, West
The Walk, IT Park, Cebu City
+63 032 4158058
Facebook: east, west
Twitter: @cebueastwest

East West Cafe hours of operation:
Mon – Sat: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

For more East West Cafe in Cebu stories from friends, check this out:
http://www.thetravelingnomad.com/2011/12/day-4-where-to-eat-at-it-park-cebu-city.html
http://www.looneyplanet.net/2013/01/home-of-savory-crepe-in-town-east-west.html
http://www.kurtzky.com/of-pasta-and-crepes-eastwest-cafe-in-cebu-city/
http://thebisdakexplorer.blogspot.com/2013/01/eastwest-cafe.html

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Fresh from our quick stop-over at the neighboring town of Boljoon, we impatiently waited for a bus that will take us to that famous junction at the town of Dalaguete. We were on our way to conquer Cebu’s highest peak, the Osmeña Peak.

This was my third climb in a span of one year. The first one happened November 2011 where I joined three of my friends on a spur-of-the-moment trek to witness the scenic and captivating view of O’Peak, as well as the mountain ranges that surround it. I’m not really a mountain person (if there’s even such word) but the moment I learned that my friend was summiting Cebu’s highest point, I could almost feel my feet clapping in excitement while my shoulders giggled at the thought of joining him and friends to accomplish what I thought would be an extreme adventure of a lifetime.

Osmeña Peak, rising more than 1000 meters above sea level, is considered to be the highest peak in the province of Cebu. The peak is a favorite trekking destination among campers and mountaineers. Although the actual climb starting from the foot of the mountain is not entirely that difficult, the trail going there proves to be more challenging.

There are different entry points to reach O’Peak but the common one is through that junction at the town of Dalaguete, southwest of Cebu. We had to endure the deafening chorus of habal-habal drivers who persistently convinced us to hire them for the 30-minute ride to Mantalongon, the small village that houses Cebu’s rooftop. Soon after, we found ourselves cruising uphill while traversing the winding road leading to Mantalongon. Though 95% of the road is well-paved, it won’t guarantee a sore less ride, not to mention the chance of rolling down deep into ravines if extra caution is not practiced.

We knew we were almost near the village when the temperature suddenly dropped and the cold wind started kissing our naked skin. During the cold and wet season, temperature even drops to as low as 18 degrees Celsius. Because of the cool weather in this side of Cebu, the signage that says “Summer Capital of Cebu” greeted us as we reached the village. In fact, Mantalongon is also dubbed as the “little Baguio of Cebu”. It’s also safe to coin it as Cebu’s vegetable capital since majority of Cebu’s vegetables are grown here.

It won’t be another 15 minutes before we reached the foot of the peak when we asked a habal-habal driver to take us all the way to the foot of the mountain during our third trek. We were pressed with time, you see, and we might not witness the enchanting beauty of the sunset. But on my first attempt to conquer O’Peak, my friends and I decided to embark on that 2-hour scenic trek to also witness how simple life unfolded in that quaint town.

The road leading to the foot of the mountain is covered with white limestone rocks. It’s a guaranteed butt-numbing ride via a habal-habal but the 2-hour trek is even more tiresome as we walked up and down hills before reaching the base of the mountain on a hot afternoon. I guess the only consolation to subjecting ourselves to that agony was the chance of meeting friendly locals on the way while admiring the beauty of the mountain ranges that revealed their exquisite shapes as we got nearer.

Before starting off the real climb, we asked kids to point us to where we can refill our supply of water as access to fresh water is nearby. What we didn’t expect was meeting the most stubborn creature that delayed our trek. A cow blocked our way. No matter what we tried, it won’t budge and won’t allow access to the trail behind him. Turned out we were headed the wrong way. I could almost imagine the cow scoffing at four idiots who tried to cow-talk him to invade his private space.

After getting side-tracked, my friends and I started the 30-minute climb to reach the summit. The trek was not difficult. However, the easy climb may be a challenge when the heavens decide to shower the vast vegetation in Mantalongon. One must be prepared for that muddy and slippery trek. Zero visibility is not far from happening too. But on regular days, the mountain trail is visible, rocks that form the trail becomes handy as they provide a good grip for wandering soles.

Before we knew it, we’ve already reached the top. Standing on Cebu’s highest Peak fattened our hearts with pride as we finally made it to the summit. Wherever we look, the magnificent karst topography greeted our weary body and refreshed our exhausted spirits. The vast mountain ranges that extend beyond the horizon are reminiscent of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol except that those in O’Peak have pointed hilltops. On a clear day, one will get a glimpse of the neighboring island of Negros and a peek below shows off Badian Island, famed for its pristine beach, and Pescador Island, a diving haven for underwater enthusiasts.

No words could describe how lucky and happy all of us felt when we reached the captivating and breathtaking view of Osmeña Peak. Watch out for the unforgiving cold wind though as it takes joy in teasing curious trekkers, sending shivers of goose bumps all over for that dramatic touch.

South of where we were standing, dark clouds started gliding towards us threatening to ruin our chances of kissing the sun goodnight at Cebu’s highest summit. By this time, the chilling wind whispered caution to our freezing ears to start heading back before the entire peak gets covered with fog and rain. We unwillingly accepted defeat. We gave up too easily and declared it was time to head back to the village for our own safety.

Osmeña Peak welcomes anyone who wishes to call upon her. The easy climb to see her is a clear gesture of her warm reception. All she asks in return is that you treat her with care and she’ll surely return the favor. The experience of summiting Cebu’s highest peak will not only leave you breathless but will surely rejuvenate your soul.