The World of Mountaineering

I climb mountains for sport. My friend talked me into it a few years back and at first I was like, "What? It's a man thing!" I imagined the symptoms of dehydration, filthy, sweaty shirts, bulky backpacks, muddy shoes and bruised elbows and knees...

Well, that holds true because that's what I experience whenever I climb. Back then, we were all first timers, all so psyched to go mountain climbing that we were "over prepared in a wrong way". Meaning, we brought things that are not needed up in the mountains and we missed bringing the essentials. Imagine, I brought a bottle of lotion, make up kit and the works! And I wore plain, flat sandals instead of hiking boots thinking we'll just walk the whole day. Well yes, we did A LOT of walking. On assault. Shoot, and my paperbag was on the verge of tearing. (yeah, I also had that aside from my small backpack) Bummer.

It's also very different when you're up in the mountains. From the way we dress up, (no jeans allowed!) the jargons, (mountaineers usually make it a point to greet each other with the honorific "Ma'am/Sir" when meeting on the trails) the kind of foods we eat (usually canned or pre-packed. Unless someone brought a cook set). Pretty interesting right?

One other thing. So, how do you do it on the mountains? Brace for the inevitable: there are no toilets in the mountains and there is no other way but do it the old-fashioned way. I understand that this can be quite uncomfortable for some, (even for me at first) but people just get used to it. Anyway, first climbs are usually daytrips and even overnight trips that do not actually require you to mind this concern. At least not yet in my case. My digestive system go into hybernating mode whenever I'm up in the mountains. But girls have a habit to pee a lot. As long as there are tall shrubs and a malong- the traditional "tube skirt" as a cover up, then we'll be just fine.

It's funny as I look back how novice I was. I still consider myself as a beginner of course but I'm proud of what I accomplished. Each mountain that I braved to climb and coming back in one piece is such a sweet deed for me. I experienced a lot of blunders along the way but heck, we go through that one way or another.

Mountaineering has taken me from Zamba, and from the most part of Southern Tagalog and it has made me love my country more, having seen the best of its natural wonders; having gazed on its peaceful towns from its roofs and ceiling; having interacted with its people.

Personally, I tell you: it is all worth it. Whatever expenses you incur, or difficult training you undergo; it is worth it: it is not just the beauty of the views, but the challenge of the trails; the camaraderie of like-minded individuals; and the sheer tranquility of nature that you will count. And of course, mountaineering is a sport, a social activity - relaxation and exertion - at the same time. Enjoy and see you at the summit!:)

Your light switch is your VOTE!

Support the global Earth Hour on March 28!

Caring for our community and our environment is everyone’s social responsibility. In our own personal capacities, let us conserve energy, and take part in saving Mother Earth! All Habitat communities are enjoined to take part in Earth Hour by turning off lights in our communities from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on 28 March 2009.

Switching off our lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. Let us VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

What good will it do if we turn off the lights for an hour?
√ We save energy – we save money!
√ We join others to raise awareness on climate change issues!
√ We know we are involved in a good cause!
√ We care about others!

It’s just 60 minutes! Let us show the world that we care!

Log-ON at http://www.earthhour.org, register and let your voice heard!

View the Earth Hour video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkq7Zady4IQ&feature=channel

(from habitat for humanity website)

What can you buy with P450.00?

Hmmm... You can spend it by hanging out in a coffee shop on a lazy afternoon, purchase a lil' something for yourself when you just wanna go to the mall, or as payment for the weekly laundry. (That's where my money goes before.)

But why not try sponsoring a child? With World Vision, you can! For as low as P450/month, you can bring a child to school!

Education means so much to me. I also had my own struggles when I was studying. Now that I earned my license, (as RN) I think it's about time to return the favor.

I'm already sponsoring Jolina, a preschooler from Mindanao. They gave me her profile and after I read it, I know I'm into something wonderful. She wrote me her first letter thanking me for lending her a helping hand. And right then and there, I cried. Not because of pity, but because it made me realize how blessed I am. Young as she was, she already has an idea of her family's situation but she was still happy and proud.

I'm learning a lot from her, from this experience. It has changed me in so many ways, I become more selfless, more giving. I just can't describe the feeling. I never imagined that that amount of money will aid someone with his/her schooling. It means so much to these people that someone is willing to help them. It's fulfilling and you really can get your money's worth.. And so much more!

I live by Mother Teresa's words. A woman who has been a model of simplicity, piety and charity.
" A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace."

Please visit http://www.worldvision.org.ph


Become a sponsor and be the change. Amen. God Bless You!