April5 -7 – Abs, Etcu, Yam, Jill*, Yunan* and myself went to Anawangin, Zambales for the long weekend. 

I was very excited, anxious even, because aside from the beach, we’ll be hiking as well I’m not a mountaineer, an inexperienced climber. The only hiking experience that I had was in Mt. Makulot but that was Jurassic years ago so I was very nervous with this trip.
I researched and took a quick brown bag on what I’ll be expecting in the climb - things to bring, clothes to wear, all that stuff. I’m glad that my officemates are so helpful so is mr. google.
Dawn of April 5, we started our journey to Anawangin. It took us, I think, 4 hours of Victory Liner ride to place. We had a quick brunch and headed to the site through tricycle. Within 10-15 minutes, we’re in the foot of the mountain. There are two ways to Anawangin, 1. boat ride 2. trekking. We want to experience both paths so, we’ll hike then boat ride after the weekend
Exciting huh?
We started the trek past 11am. Sand, piles of rocks, talahib, bamboo trees, take fives came our way. 1pm came and it seems that we’re not getting closer to the summit. Then we met Maxine’s group – Maxine, Anzel, Nikko and TJ. They too got lost in the trail. After 5minutes of chit chat and rest, we started to find the trail again. The sun pinning our skin, lack of water, rashes and cuts from the long grasses, bilters; made our climb an agonizing one, aside from that fact that were not getting anywhere, the other group, got past us and gone to the wrong route, we had to wait for them.
Approximately 6pm, quite dark, we reached the peak! Yey! I was so thankful! My leg cramped a few steps to the summit and Yam had to carry my bag. Heck were at the top so that was fine
From the summit we could see the beach, waiting for us. Eager to reach Anawangin, after a minute of rest, we started the trek again. Yunan advised the other group to stay with us because it’s quite dark at that time. Then again, they got past us. Climbing was hard, descending was even harder. 9pm… the beach is no where to found. Halt!

Yunan: “Iba na to… Magbaliktad kayo ng damit.”

Waaahhh! I was freakin scared. It seems that were just walking in circles. It seems that there was an element that was stopping us in reaching our destination.
After we changed our clothes inside out, we heard footsteps. The footsteps seems be getting closer to us. Bamboo branches breaking… We yelled asking if there’s someone’s there. Then the footsteps just vanished. Weird… freaking weird… terrified… We prayed and calmed ourselves.
Jill was making light signals, hoping that someone could find us…
Then we saw flickers of light! Waaahh! We’re saved!

Well that was what we thought….
The other light signal was coming from the other group. They’re lost as well…

It was too dark, and we’re too hungry and tired… we had to stay on the mountain overnight…

Thankful for the fresh water that Yunan and Yam found, we had a quick snack. Worried for the other group, Yunan and Jill went to find them. Abs, Yam, Etcu and I stayed in the camp site. Concerned with the Yunan, Jill and Maxine’s group’s situation, Abs and I stayed until 2am, hoping to see a signal or sign from them that they are okay. I was hesitant to sleep because I’ve been hearing strange noises… paranoid? Yes!

Amidst my paranoid state, I still found myself admiring the wonderful wide sky filled with stars and the breeze touching my face…
Morning came, and we’re so glad to see Yunan and the rest, safe

I was so thankful that everyone is safe… for I thought that it’ll be my last trip

When we’ve reached the beach, I dropped my bag, took my shoes off and jumped to the water! Waaahh! I’m sooo glad we’re alive!