Mt. Ulap: First Ascent to One of Baguio’s Famous Mountains

I don’t get to visit mountains very often not because of conflict schedule but because of budget constraints. Yes! That’s a fact. But whenever I get a chance, repressed memories and satisfaction come flooding back.

Hiking on well-marked trails, trekking for hours or days, and mountaineering are not just about the photos or selfies captured during the climb, not about the thousands of flamboyant quotes from different mountain lovers that we all happen to relate. The act I think encompass the abstract of what the challenge has to teach you after the climb (most of it is patience, persistence, positivity, and gratitude).

Also Read: The Southern Ridges Singapore: Ultimate Four-Hour Hiking Guide for First Timers

If music is my medicine in life, then mountain becomes my best therapist. Looking back to that first climb I did, I say it’s true, that mountains prepare you for the fights of life. 

And He said to us, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to you“. – Matthew 17:20

I am not a religious person, but I’m very spiritual. What is with mountains that really inspire me? Well, if you haven’t spent time in mountain areas, why don’t you give it a go and see if you’ll like it?

People who love natural scenery and mountains will definitely understand me in these views:

BEAUTY AND HAPPINESS

Mountains reveal beauty but do not disclose its asset without you doing the effort. We all can’t deny the breathtaking beauty when you look at the world in its best view from high up on the mountain (whatever mountain it is). It will come to your realization how cool God created mountains and oceans and galaxies and appreciate how amazing the world is, so are you dear.

PEACE

Let the nature’s peace flow into you. I am not saying that you must spend your cash more to hiking or climbing to get peace in your mind. It doesn’t have to be expensive that way (once a year is enough maybe). Well, my point is we don’t just work, pay bills and die, so we need to live a brimming life. The peace I’m trying to say is not just about the state of being tranquil, it does not need to be where there is no noise, trouble or stressfulenvironment. I mean the peace in the midst of feeling distress and still be calm in your mind and heart while sitting on top of the world.

RESPECT

In this world, no matter if you’re rich or poor, we all have to be kind to everything that lives and quickly learn to respect the environment. It is said that when we respect nature, it will provide us abundance. How important it is to take care, learn the importance of the unspoiled nature, and value the planet you live in.

PERSONA

I am simply an introvert and minimalist. According to “Society for Personality and Social Psychology” in 2015, participants perceived wooded/secluded terrain to be calmer, quieter and more peaceful. In contrast, participants in the flat/open condition perceived the terrain to be more sociable, exciting and stimulating. The study found that when people want to socialize with others, they prefer the ocean far more (75%) than mountains (25%). In contrast, when they want to be alone, they choose mountains (52%) as much as the ocean (48%).

Results of the study also showed that introverts tend to live in mountainous regions, while extroverts live in open and flat regions. The researchers caution that there is no evidence mountains make people introverted, but rather, introverts tend to choose mountainous geography because of the secluded environment.

Thus, quiet is the best noise for me. I’m not an expert hiker nor a professional trekker, but all I can tell you is that mountains are so special, there is real magic in them.. Go climb. You will definitely feel the urge to come back after.