Pinoy Cooltour and HerStory

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Origin of the name of IROSIN, Sorsogon

https://youtu.be/lH69LUFh7_I

Episode 126: Irosin Series 01: Diin Hali An Ngaran na IROSIN

Rushing for classes...

Are you excited to learn more about Java? Abangan....

Episode 60: Meet Java, The New Member of Our Persian Tribe #persiancats #kittens

Mt. Mayon Volcano

Legandary and mystical Cadac-An River

Episode 117: Astounding View of Cadac-an River and The Mystery Behind It #irosin #hangingbridge

A story of courage, perseverance and grit. Learn and enjoy with us.

Episode 115: Mt Bulusan Hike Via Talistison, Brgy. Mapaso Trail #volcano #bulusan #mountainclimbing

Ananakla

Conquering My Way To Bigger And Better Things

Last month, when I climbed Matukad Rock Formation to see the magical bangus, I almost gave up. It was very stiff and the rocks were so sharp. Yet, I saw the innate goodness of the human race – I saw it in complete strangers who boosted my morale to achieve my goal. I was then told that Mt. Bulusan would be ten times more difficult and that we would need to kiss the wall there.

It was raining cats and dogs on May 28, 2022, the day of our Mt. Bulusan climb. My heart was half-hoping that the rain won’t stop so that we would abort the climb. But our group was persistent to conquer Mt. Bulusan, even if half of our team were first timers just like me. At about 9 AM, the rain stopped and so we finally decided to push through. But 30 minutes after, it started to rain again. However, we used the rain to enjoy our climb, and the use of extra trash bags as raincoats, we hiked to the top. We had two guides to clear the pathways and two porters to help us carry some of the extra baggage. The volcano had been without hikers for a number of years so the cogon grass were now taller than us. After an hour and a half, we rested for our lunch. We used leaves for our plate and relished our meal. During that short break, I was introduced to a “limatik” for the first time. Have your heard of it? It is a thin leech in the woods that sucks your blood. Even if you pull it, you can’t easily remove it except with the use of alcohol. I’ve learned later though that even if you won’t remove it in your body, it will automatically explode, but of course after feasting from your blood. There were huge ants as well. Locals call them “hantik” and “amamaknit” and their bite surely sting. “Amamaknit” in particular, would pull off a part of your skin. Amidst those hurdles, we hiked heading to the most panoramic views of the caldera town of Irosin, its adjacent towns as well as the nearby islands of Samar, Leyte, Ticao and Masbate. Though it was a tiring hike, I found some time to snap photos and videos of that very challenging day. We needed to hike for about six hours before reaching our campsite. Since we started late, we really needed to hurry but of course without missing to enjoy the pristine tropical rainforest with diverse range of flora and fauna. The trail was ragged, dirty, and there were b***y traps for animals. Our companions said I was lucky I did not step into one, otherwise I would be like a chicken hanged upside down. During the hike, grass and rocks were practically my best friends. I was taking a slower phase because I would first test the grass if it would hold up. Oh yes, you would need every strength to pull yourself up in most cases. There were instances when I would need to climb with my knees for support. Of course, as expected my knees turned practically black and blue. The climb was extremely strenuous but if you would hold on long enough, you would surely find the strength to finish the hike. Upon reaching the campsite, you would now appreciate the gully. That gully is the vent that you can ordinarily see with smoke from the valley of Irosin. That night, we slept just beside that vent. Guess what, that vent was the one which exploded during its phreatic eruption last June 05. But the air at the top was cold and fresh, the clouds have awesome formations and it offered a breathtaking view.

We had to pitch our tent, prepare our dinner and sleep early for a more challenging climb to the summit. We planned to ascend at 5AM but the sunrise was stunningly beautiful that everyone just enjoyed it. We then left at 6AM. This time we needed to hike up the big boulders and rocky terrain. The lead pack chose the hardest route and it was very steep. Though we had wanted to deviate, it was, however, not a wise idea. So I simply had to be resolute to be able to reach the summit which is at 1,565 MASL. Worse, no hiker was able to bring a rope, so technically I just had to rely on my gym training, with a lot of courage and grit. I was then thinking that the kiss the wall consisted of merely a few meters, but to my surprise it lasted for about two hours. Though we were the last contender to the crater, but yes I made it. The spectacular view at the top will ease all of your fears. Sadly, we only needed to stay for half an hour. Expert climbers know that going back down is the hardest. Let me tell you a little secret: I have a fear of heights. My knees were practically shaking, both from strained muscles and overwhelming fear. Had it not been for my hubby who patiently guided me in every step down, I would definitely be needing all of you to rescue me. This time, other than kissing the wall, we needed to rappel down. I was practically screaming that there was nothing to hold on to, but I was instructed to simply use those thin bamboos to rappel myself down the cliffs. It also involved sliding and crawling. I bet you can relate it to your own training before becoming a police officer. But at last, I made it, again as the last contender. We were at the foot of the mountain at about 6 PM, just in time before darkness took over the beautiful town.

Let me leave you with a summary of what I learned from this climb, taking from the words of William Arthur Ward. He said: “The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain – he is inspired by it. The persistent winner is not discouraged by a problem – he is challenged by it. Mountains are created to be conquered; adversities are designed to be defeated; problems are sent to be solved.”

Tikling Island Rock Formation

Celebrating Father’s Day at the enchanting rock formations of Biri, Norther Samar. We enjoyed this place Biri much! Happy Father’s Day to all Dads, Tatays and Papas from Pinoy Cooltour and HerStory💕💕💕