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So what else can be better than camping with your close friends and family? How about go hiking and camping with people you less talk to and those you have just bump into first time? Well, it was a challenge at first, fun and enjoyable all along, and will be something to look forward to in the future. Apart from traveling to different places and venturing to new things in life, I find it a part interesting and a part fulfilling to get involved in new societies/organizations and create a more intimate bond with the members as much as possible.
True enough, I got acquainted with the members of Birdie Buddies, a badminton club in our company, and some friends in a camp at Osmeña Peak in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu. I’ve been to this peak a number of times already, but I am still excited to camp with the idea at the back of my mind to get along with new people. The camaraderie coupled with the passion for nature tripping are the main drivers why packed my things, left my work for a while and had an adventure.
As expected, we traveled long hours before getting to our destination considering the fact that it is a holiday so flocks of people are rushing home for All Saints Day. It actually took us more than 3 hours on the road, but we are still thankful for a safe trip. We first ate our late lunch in Dalaguete proper before taking a 30-minute motorcycle ride to Mantalogon Market to buy stuff for dinner then another 15 minutes or so to jump-off area.
After we had ourselves registered for an overnight stay at the peak, we hiked less than 30 minutes up to the campsite. Tents were pitched and we started to have photo-ops at the peak to catch-up with the sunset and dense of clouds, while others are preparing for dinner. At around 5:30 PM, darkness starts engulfing the sky with an embrace from the wind brought by fogs.
Dinner and socials started before the clock hits 7 PM. Everyone enjoyed the food that was followed by get-to-know-each-other session while shots of brandy rounded to keep our body warm.
Some loosen up that night, but still in control and reserve some energy for the following day trek. It’s rainy season and the cold seems preventing us from having a tight sleep that some of us hardly had their eyes closed and just nap.
Everyone woke up around 5 am to witness the sun rising and telling us to start a brand new day, full of hopes for a great day ahead. Many poses to frame the panorama of the peak and the sky were taken and then breakfast was prepared by our so thoughtful and caring friends to give us some energy before leaving the site.
Decamping followed since sun rays started to give our skin a painful hit. From there, we decided to hike the road leading us to Mantalongon Market, which took us less than an hour. From the market, we took a ride on board a minibus to transport us directly to Cebu City, to each and everyone’s home sweet home.
Just then, I realized I found and established a new circle of friends with the group. Thank you birdie buddies, ‘til our next groufies and adventures. No worries guys, for the rule “What you see, what you hear, leave it here” remains intact. Only Osmeña Peak’s rocks and bushes know. Nothing scandalous happened, anyway; if my mind serves me right. 😉
How to Get There:
Itinerary:
October 30, 2016:
9:30 am – 10:00 am – Meet-up @ Innodata, Mandaue City
11:00 am – 2:30 pm – Bound for Dalaguete, Cebu
3:10 pm – 4:15 pm – Poblacion to Mantalongon Market to Osmeña Peak Jump Off (by motorcycle)
4:20 pm – 5:10 pm – (Registration and hike to the campsite)
11:00 am – 2:30 pm – Bound for Dalaguete, Cebu
3:10 pm – 4:15 pm – Poblacion to Mantalongon Market to Osmeña Peak Jump Off (by motorcycle)
4:20 pm – 5:10 pm – (Registration and hike to the campsite)
5:20 pm – 6:20 pm – pitch tents, photo ops, dinner preparation
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm – Dinner and socials
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm – Dinner and socials
October 31, 2016:
5:00 am – Wake-up call
5:30 am – 7:30 am – photo-ops, breakfast
5:30 am – 7:30 am – photo-ops, breakfast
8 am – Decamp
8:30 am – 9:15 am – Hike from Osmeña Peak to Mantalongon Market
8:30 am – 9:15 am – Hike from Osmeña Peak to Mantalongon Market
9:40 am – 2:00 pm – Mantalongon to Cebu City
Estimated Budget
200 – Bus Fares (100-Cebu City to Dalaguete/100 from Mantalongon, Dalaguete to Cebu City)
100 – Motorcycle Transfer (Pablacion to Osmeña Peak)
30 – Entrance/Registration Fee (Osmeña Peak)
30 – Entrance/Registration Fee (Osmeña Peak)
50 – Tent Area (per tent)
Total: 380
Note: This estimated budget excludes our meals and other personal expenses
*Bring light to spare you from difficulties in transferring from one place to another.
*Some photos in this post are solicited from the group.
THE WANDERING ITINERANT 
Love this post! This place looks amazing!
-I truly enjoy following you, so much so, that I’ve nominated you for an award — https://nowboardingweb.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/the-versatile-blogger-award/
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Thank you for the interest in reading my blogs and for the nomination friend:-)
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