Why do I climb?
By: John Neil N. Sangalang

"Ano bang mapapala mo dyan sa pag-akyat mo sa mga bundok!?!?" my Nanay

"Yung ibang tao nga umiiwas sa bundok, ikaw naman pumupunta pa !!!" some officemates

Nagpapaka-pagod ka, gumagastos ka pa para lang umakyat sa bundok?" some friends

These are the usual comments I get when I say to them that I'm a mountaineer.

I climb mountains since my college days and I always wanted to be part of a Nature preservation group, fortunately an email was sent in my inbox regarding this club and I did not waste any time joining this group. Thanks to Ma'am Violet !!!

Why do I climb mountains??? that's the biggest question of all...

But for me, it's very simple. I climb because it is here where I find absolute serenity, where I can getaway from the stressful life in the city. It is also here that I realized that there are some things I thought was very important may not be that important at all to live a happy life.

Yes, it's hard to climb mountains... you never knew what to expect, but once you conquer its peak and you are on top of the world, you feel invincible! that you can easily overcome any trials that may come into your life.

Climbing mountains also made me realized how blessed our country. A good example is Singapore, it is a wealthy nation, but has nothing to boast of mountains to climb and conquer.

It is also a natural relaxing method unlike spas and saunas. Perspiration during the climb flushes out every toxins and impurities out of your body. While the cool breeze, beautiful sunrise/sunset and the good music mother nature accompanies us when we climb (like the humming of the birds and sound of swaying trees) is like an overall body massage that truly relaxes your mind and body.

It is something to be proud of... I always say to myself "Huh I bet my rich neighbors and friends can't do that, even my boss." and it makes me feel good that there is something that I can do that others can't.

Lastly, it is here where I get my strength to face the everyday challenge in my life. The ability to share my experiences to others and be able to teach them that a single person can have his/her own way of preserving our nature for the future generations.

Ooopppss, almost forgot...... And of course....enjoying the company of new friends!!!

John