Playing it cool | Bocaue Peak, Cebu, Philippines

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Last time, you joined us in thriving in Spartan Trail Part 1 and Part 2. For trekking hobbyist like me, surviving Spartan was already a "big deal" but I didn't expect we'd end up adding insult to the injury. Why I said such? Find out as the rest of the day unfolds in this post.

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Not too far away

We had lunch at the junction locals call Bagsakan. Well, we were lucky to find food in the two carenderias in the area, or else we would be riding a motorcycle just to reach the nearest one. After replenishing our energy by eating well, drinking lots of water and Gatorade, and resting in the kubo where the carenderia is located, we decided another journey starts here.

Jesse shared that "Not too far away" from Bagsakan, we could reach another famous peak called Bocaue Peak. Well, we were intrigued by what this nearby peak could offer. As you've seen from my last post, the view was astounding but thinking about going another level higher sparked the curiosity in us.

The team wasted no time and despite the scorching heat of the sun, we still went for it! I couldn't help but laugh and I mean to laugh so hard while I'm recalling what happened next. 🤣

Less than 3 minutes when we started trekking again, Rolly started feeling weird, painful cramps in his legs. The pain was too bad that he couldn't take a single step further. You might think we are mean friends but it was really funny to think we just came from a long rest and we were even walking on concrete roads! 🤣 He almost gave up but after walking a few meters, the pain subsided and just like that we were back on track! Rolly had to carry a makeshift wooden cane to support him just in case the pain went back. We were making fun of all the tragedy we encountered since that day started. Ridiculous! 😂

_{Jelo pointing at the last destination of our hiking expedition, Bocaue Peak!}

In previous hikes, I went with other groups with or without guides and what' notable about guides is that they always say "It's 5 minutes away" when in fact, it's an hour of trek to reach the destination. But this time, I'm just glad Jesse didn't lie to us.

Reaching the peak was relatively easy but we still had to pause in between because it was almost 3 PM and in the Philippines, that's the hottest time of the day. I know! We're crazy for choosing to be out under the raging sun! When we reached the foot of Bocaue Peak I fel it could be the best thing that ever happened that day! Maybe I'm wrong; maybe I'm right! Let's find out? 😉

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Is this for real?

A few more meters away from the peak and I could almost touch the clouds. Am I the only one who's always grateful to be near the sky and the clouds? This ain't the first and certainly not the last, but being one with nature brings a certain excitement nothing else could trigger!

Then finally, we're on top of Bocaue Peak. I remember how I ran to the top thrilled with what I could find out and Bocaue didn't disappoint me or anyone of us. It was simply beautiful and serene. Being on top of the hill felt like I'm too far away from civilization and therefore from chaos.

Despite feeling happy for the feat we've accomplished that afternoon, we're only human so the first thing we did was sat on the grassy peak and rested. It's weird because despite feeling the heat of the sun, it was in a way soothing maybe because it was also windy on top.

And of course, I know why you're scrolling down! Looking for some photos of the scenery at Bocaue Peak. Here are few shots I took! Isn't she just genuinely graceful?

You know why Bocaue Peak should be in your bucketlist? It does not only offer a relaxing view of Cebu City's countryside but also a glimpse of the Cebu's thriving urban areas. The city might not look as gigantic and industrialized as the one I shared the other day about my HK trip but it's there and it looked a little less scary, even dreamy from up here.

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Pictorial time

Okay, this is that usual part of my travel posts when I allow photos to speak for themselves. And for the photos you're about to browse through, they're screaming FUN!!!!

You know me, I love traveling alone, dating myself and just having lots and lots of time for myself but this kind of adventure, I must say, is best shared with the people you are closest with. That way there's an assurance that no matter what happens to you physically (injury, etc.) you're surrounded by the people who'll never leave you behind; people who'll stand by you no at the end of the day. I'm getting emotional now; this trip was tremendously memorable to me! 🥰

We were running out of time; the sun's coming down fast and without plans to camp on the peak, we had to head down because it's still a long way to reach our exit point, Bryg. Babag! If you forgot, we started the trek in Banawa.

Making the most of our time at the peak! We enjoyed every moment there! 😎

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Unto the next adventure!

For the next fifteen minutes, it was a chill descent from the peak of Bocaue. We ended up sitting on this wooden bench overlooking the idyllic mountain ranges of Babag because just look at the view, who can resist this charm?

And just when I thought we're descinding smoothly, I was wrong. It was very hot that day and the days prior to this hike. This contributed to the super dry and loose ground which made the already-steep trail very tricky. Presence of mind and laser focus were necessary to reach the end of the trail unscathed!

Here are some snaps of the trail heading back to the city proper. It looks chill from these photos but trust me, it can go wrong if you're not careful enough.

There were great spots for taking photos and, of course, we had to take a moment to celebrate Nature's purest goodness!

Look at this view! I mean, I'd go through the same hurdles we had on this day just to be here again. It's worth it!

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The Climax

We're down to the last leg of this death-defying trek. And speaking of death-defying,here's the closest I could get to death so far.

I'd say we were on the steepest part of the trail going to Babag. And if you've read about Mt. Babag before, it's known for it's endless and ruthless assaults. Now imagine the reverse? Since we're going out of Babag, we had to survive the steepest landscapes going down just to reach our destination.

There was this one part of the trail that I dread so much. When I look at it, it's like looking at water below me from a 50-ft jumping podium and there's definitely no way I'd jump into the water. Everyone was already on the other and safer end of this steep trail while I was stuck on top trying to figure out how to do it without being rushed to the ICU. LOL! The soil was loose and with gravity pulling me towards the ground, I'd effortlessly roll like a ball! And I did just that, I was too afraid to walk or run the trail so my butt did the work. I was like a little kid playing on a slide, putting all my trust in my bum! And it didn't let me down, I landed safely! But guess what? My leggings was torn apart! LOL! 😂

_{Ops! Forgot Rolly was still behind me. Actually he did a better job. He managed to walk in that very steep trail}

And a selfie to celebrate my new life! Haha

Long way to go! We passed by this trail ful of mango trees. I wonder if these are still here after Typhoon Odette.

That mountain where you can see cell towers is Mt. Babag. We're not heading that way today tho!

And yup! We took our time that it was already past 6 in the evening when we reached the part of Babag where motorcycles are parked and waiting for passengers. We bought cold sodas in the store and went home!

What an unforgettable trek! I hope you enjoyed this one because I had fun writing and recalling the details of this trip. Wishing to see you on the next one! 🥰

Lovely week ahead to all! 🥂

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