The summit of Mt. Manalmon

A trip was set, our destination – Madlum cave and Mt. Manalmon.

Starting from Bulacan’s entry point we traveled by bus almost two hours  more  before  we got to the location. We alighted the bus and warmed up for at least twenty minutes in preparation for the wading and trekking.

Jump  off point was several steps away from the Madlum cave and we reached the place after wading the knee-deep river. 

Madlum (derived  from a Visayan word madulum  meaning dark) cave, again, impressed me with its disco ball-like stalagmite at the entrance. The formation looks like a lamp shade of capiz and it glistened in the dark. Inside the cave, the strong odor of guano (bats’ excrement) took over  as we momentarily invaded the  animals’ haven.

We went out of Madlum cave one by one through  a passage

 which brought us to a rocky slope.

We trailed through a sandy riverside and waded the shallow body of water to get to the  path which would lead us to the campsite.

At the campsite, we were given the chance to plunge ourselves into the 7ft.  deep clear water as we waited for those who went up the summit ahead of us to come down. Students really had fun playing as they ecstatically swam.

  

 I could see their heartfelt appreciation of nature and freedom from classroom activities.

Then time to go up the mountain for our group came. The sun cooperated with us during the hike. It hid behind the clouds so we avoided the risk of sun burn as we trekked. 

Along the way a number of shoe soles detached from their shoe bodies were seen – the drawback of wading with shoes on first and hiking afterwards.

As we went up weariness among hikers was observed especially for those who weigh heavier than usual. We proceeded, nonetheless.

The immense rock atop the mountain which actually serves its summit was reached finally. The way to the peak appeared steep and there was nothing to cling to should a climber loses his balance. In short, it’s an activity an acrophobiac would never dare doing.

Most of the hikers took the challenge of getting to the summit with the help of the facilitators. I did climb to the peak of the mountain for the second time and didn’t regret doing it for, once again, I got to see the magnificent vista of the whole place.

We left the place feeling refreshed. Going back was a leisure walk for hikers managed to sing in chorus as we followed the trail back to the jump off point. They never spoke of thirst nor hunger as we walked back  but atrociously demonstrated both as we reached the area.  Forty-five minutes of trekking to the summit of Mt. Manalmon which couldn’t be accomplished without wading the Madlum river and another forty-five minutes of walking back undergoing the same but a bit easier procedures truly drained the energy and emptied the stomach of each hiker.

Everyone ate and quenched their thirst and then, we waded, again, the river and walked back to the buses  which  were parked at the entrance of Madlum area. Others chose to get to the other side through the zipline.

As everyone boarded the buses we left San Miguel, Bulacan. I sat and felt the comfort of the cushion against my aching back. Tired, I dozed off.

Another trip has come, another extraordinary experience with nature has commenced. This trek to Mt. Manalmon which stands 180 m. above sea level  is not so exciting  as the one I had in Mt. Banahaw but all the same, the activity gave me total freedom from all of all my responsibilities and let me feel the soothing caress of the natural wind upon my skin and breathe the fresh scent of the surroundings, which seemed to penetrate my entire being.  Above all, it reminded me of God’s immensity as I surveyed the majestic panorama from the top of the mountain.

Truly, all the efforts I’ve exerted on my second climb to the summit of Mt. Manalmon paid off. 

The Marvelous CG7!

Retreat 2011 for the Fourth Year students was held at Kuhala Bay Resort, a four star resort located in Cardona, Rizal. 

I worked with Ms. Perfecto as a CG (cell group) facilitator.

Our task was to facilitate the activities that led to the understanding of the theme verse 2Timothy 2:15 which says : Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed  and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Verse discussions were held  with games on the side. 

As the retreat concluded on the third day, cell group #7 was hailed the BEST among the rest of the CGs.

Why? Perhaps it was due to the fact that we got :

Jerome, he’s the one who called the shot in the group. He never missed to remind every member including the facilitators to come to each big group gatherings on time.

Stephen, he’s silent but so concerned with the group’s welfare. He voluntarily helped in calling his groupmates’ attention and extended assistance as occasions occurred.

Jason, another silent member of the group yet was very determined to help his group in coming up with excellent outcomes as every task unfolded. He even expressed his determination to change and put into practice what he was learning from the activity.

Jesie, the defiant turned obedient member who  exhibited willingness to do and finish each task presented. His willingness to comply with his group’s demands surfaced as he tried his best to come on time in the last two BGF sessions.

Czarina,  who did not just appear serious in looks but in accomplishing as well all the tasks given to them. She did not just speak of responsibility but demonstrated it as she complied with the rules and did each task.

Desiree, who has exemplified honesty and transparency in all of her detailed accounts of  her life’s experiences and insights, an act which apparently inspired her groupmates.

Elba, the group’s comedienne who let the members realize the value of patience and understanding of others despite the difficulties,  was really encouraging.

Jonalene, who have appeared the opposite of what she used-to-be, did well in every task. Her determination to change her ways was displayed through her active participation in each group task.

As a whole, CG7 showcased a great sense of responsibility, patience,and determination. Above all, each one of them exemplified what OBEDIENCE means. Just like Timothy they had not been ashamed of sharing their faith and experiences no matter how different and odd those might have been, they correctly handled the word of truth as they complied with every rule set before them while going through the process of understanding the word of God. Above all, they gave their best in presenting themselves as every task was given. Together, they did not just participate to win the facilitators’ approval but most of all, God’s. As they have shared, they will not only improve themselves but will do their best to improve and positively influence others as well.  These and nothing else made them worthy of the title the BEST CG.