Straight from Manila to Zambales, I waited for my friends at Olongapo Victory Station as we all set to conquer the peak of Mt. Pimayong of San Marcelino, Zambales.
We planned to be at the jump-off by 5AM in the morning, but due to some inevitable circumstances, we’re able to reach San Marcelino at 7AM through UV Express which takes an hour and a half of travel time.
We then took a tricycle to ride going to the ground to cross the lahar headed to Barangay Sta. Fe. We’re all surprised with the idea of riding a Kalabaw Cart as we first thought to have the usual kuliglig instead – one with a motor engine.
It was already 8 in the morning when we arrived at the drop-off at Sta Fe. we’re asked to sign on the Logbook and there we met Kuya Jhun and Markel our guide. They noticed that we have a kid with us – Lia, who will hike with us at Mt. Pimayong. They got a bit worried since according to them the trail has a lot of obstruction caused by the recent bad weather.
We’re almost convinced to get detour trip to Liwa, an early beach trip, but since we’re already there and we don’t want to waste the time and effort spent for a hike, we then asked for another place we can hike – there and then they suggested Mt. Bagang. The famous mountain backdrop of Mt. Pimayong.
I almost forgot to mention, we rode this fancy kuliglig going to the Mt. Bagang’s jump-off.
The hike is basic but it was made challenging because of the scattered banana leaves all over the trail. Markel one of our guides said that they are trimming down plants to make a new and easier trail good for beginners and those who have kids with them. The old trail is complicated and made even worse by the recent bad weather.
It took us an hour but we believe we can actually take it for only 30mins. The heat of the sun made it hard for us, so we’re catching our breath along the way taking time in a good shade whenever we spot one.
Overall the experience was great! I was very vocal to my friends how I fear of not making it to this hike – that I may slow them down or any sort of trouble I may cause. Good thing, they insisted that I can. They kept on telling me that I can. 😅😁 Grateful for friends who will acknowledge your strength in times you can’t even believe to yourself.
Sharing some more shots on top of Mt. Bagang.
TAKEAWAYS: HOW I OVERCOME MY FEAR.
- Surround yourself with people who believe in your greatness.
It’s easy for you to focus on the negative, the bad side of situations and even yourself. This habit at the end of the day will just consume you on a downhill spiral. Sometimes it’s undeniable, it’s blinding, and will paralyzing. One way to escape from this loophole is for you to be reminded of your inner man, and only true friends will actually see it within you. When friends give encouraging words, reminding you of your greatness, you have to consciously drop your ego and humbly accept love from them. Yes, it’s actually a form of love, expressed through words. Always remember to surround yourself with friends, and family who will encourage you to do better. - Take action, identify your fear and then face it – heads on!
Once you identify your fear, start to formulate ways on how you would face it. Be brave enough to confront your greatest fears. In my case, fear of getting behind – of lacking, and rejection. What I did is I started hitting the gym to work out and regain strength for the hike – physically. I also noticed asking my friends, “If I can do it?” – I found myself looking for affirmations. This is related to the first one above. I wanted to hear from them that I can do it! This helps me to be even more motivated to work out and actually believe that I can do it! Start taking conscious actions and ways to strike down your fear. - Just do it!
Yup, I would use the slogan of the famous shoe brand Nike. Just do it! On the day facing your fear, you would still tremble and feel weak. Make sure you have No.1 and remind yourself of No.2 and then bravely do No. 3. JUST DO IT!
You will find yourself, equipped and ready. Overcoming fear is actually empowering, it gives you a sense of control. You should know that fear is like a wolf you should not feed. Yes, it’s there but it doesn’t mean it has control over you. Remember, Fear is not from the Lord. 🙂
I have climbed just a few mountains, but those few are memorable and treasured! One down again for Mt. Bagang with my precious Pamilee.
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
1:00 – 4:00 —– Pasay to Olongapo
4:30 – 6:30 —– Olongapo to San Marcelino
6:30 – 7:00 —– Lahar Area
7:00 – 7:45 —– Sta. Fe Barangay
15mins —– Eat / Break / Leak LOL*
8:00 – 8:30 —– Jump-off Mt. Bagang
8:30 – 9:30 —– Peak of Mt. Bagang
30mins —– Photo Op / Rest / Enjoy the Scene
10:00 – 10:30 —– Descend from Mt. Bagang
30mins —– Break
11:00 – 11:30 —– From Mt. Bagang to San Marcelino Main Rd.
SIDE TRIP TO LIWLIWA IF YOU GUYS WANT. 🙂
BUDGET (excluding Liwliwa)
Victory from Pasay to Olongapo 250
UV from Olongapo to San Marcelino 50
Tricycle to Lahar Ground 50
Kalabaw Kuliglig 1,200 / 5 = 240
Registration at Barangay 20
Jeepney Kuliglig 1,200 / 5 = 240
Guide Fee 600 / 4 = 120
Tricycle to San Marcelino Rd. 20
San Marcelino to Pasay 300
TOTAL: 1,290
God Bless Guys! Always take time to enjoy life. 🙂 It is short, always make most of it.
-Mujee
mujgonzales 
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