Hiking matters # 50: Now in Bacolod after Osmena Peak and Kanlaon

BACOLOD CITY – Into the 4th day of the Visayan Voyage, we have just completed two climbs. First, Osmena Peak Traverse to Kawasan Falls with my orgmate and brod Julian Canero and Chelo Bendicho of the UP Mountaineers. Guiding us were cool Cebuanos Wali and Ariel of the ONE Cebu Adventure Team. There at O-Peak – the highest point in Cebu – the surrounding peaks were truly a pointed version of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, even as Bohol itself can be seen from the Peak. And Kawasan Falls is a true jewel, with beautiful, milky-blue-green waters and relaxing cascades. Even though the traverse was a long walk, it was well worth it. Thanks Wali, Ariel, and Sir Myand for accommodating us!

From Cebu we were joined by my climbing buddy Gideon Sarreal and his friends Lalaine and Ted Hablado, as well Bianca Silva of the Loyola Mountaineers and Jacob Sarreal and Ace Borja of the San Beda Mountaineering Society. Our team of 9 complete, we promtply did Mt. Kanlaon via Guintudban. Reaching the summit of Kanlaon at last, beholding the mighty crater, was a profound experience for all of us. Camping at Margaja Valley was a perfect complement, and we truly enjoyed the vastness of the mountain. Kuya Rey once again guided me. Now we are back to Bacolod, recuperating for a few hours before heading to the next mountain in the “Visayan Voyage”.

No pictures yet — but we took great ones! I’ll still be in expedition mode in the near future, so I may not be able to respond to your comments and emails. I hope everyone’s having a great climbing time this Holy Week!