The Beauty of Benguet

"In those days, he departed to the mountain to pray..."

—Luke 6: 12

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No words can express the sense of wonderment I felt as my eyes took in the dizzying yet awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Kibungan Mountain Range. Though it definitely had its fair share of difficulties (for instance, it was the first climb that had me in tears by lunch time on the first day), our third training climb last September 9-11, 2005 was definitely the most enjoyable climb I've experienced thus far. With a group of wonderful people and breathtaking views, what more can you ask for? I'll let the pictures tell all!

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Our first pre-climb meeting at Jollibee with GL Malvin and AGL Momoy.

Our second pre-climb meeting during the rapelling activity was just as filling.
(No wonder Malvin and Gilbert have fallen asleep!)

Who knew that grocery shopping with the group could be fun?

Departure for Baguio.

A group shot at the jump-off point.

Happily crossing one of the many bridges with Happy!

Maida and I at the peak of Mt. Ooteen on the second day.

We made it!

This is as close to heaven as we're going to get.

Trekkers wait for the starter's gun.

The Others.
Clockwise from left: Happy, Yvonne, Alexis, Mon, Nestor, me, Sharon,
Malvin, Momoy, Francis, and Gilbert.

Tell me what this looks like to you.

Setting up our tent at the second campsite.

A scrumptious dinner of deep fried spicy chicken, pasta, french bread, white wine,
and mango crepes (specially prepared by Momoy) for dessert!

Walking along the edge of the rice terraces.

The view that makes it all worthwhile.

Crossing the last bridge on the way back to civilization.

Eat-all-you can Mongolian dinner at Oh My Kahn, Baguio.

The bus ride home.

It ain't over till it's over!
Post-climb meeting at Dencio's, Metrowalk.