january-2011

PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA (MOUNT APO) AND BOBBY TIMONERA (WHITEWATER RAFTING)
Brave the cold climate of
Mount Apo, the granddaddy
of all the mountains in
the archipelago
Whitewater rafting can be
dangerous, but that’s why it’s
important to book expert guides.
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May
Conquer Mount Apo
Towering at almost 3,000m above sea level, with a vast
peak of more than 72,000 hectares, and spanning the
provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, Mount Apo
is the granddaddy of all the mountains in the archipelago. For
Gail Henson, an information technology professional and a
mountaineer, climbing the highest peak in the country came as
“a natural goal.” While the ascent he and his group took was
diffi cult and the temperature drop in the evening once made
his body shiver uncontrollably even under layers of heavy
clothing, it was all worth it. “Getting out of the tent at 2am and
seeing thousands of stars in the sky was an experience you
can get from very few places in the country. This was priceless
in my book,” says Gail, whose climbs, he says, have also
given him a greater appreciation for Mother Nature. Scaling
the mighty Mount Apo’s diverse landscapes, including its lush
forests, rocky terrain, hot springs, muddy swamps, gushing
rivers and serene lakes was an awesome feat, and one in a
class of its own. Reach Mount Apo via Davao City. Register and
secure a permit (PHP500) and guides (PHP500 each per day)
at the Tourism Offi ce.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Davao from Manila and Cebu.
www.cebupacifi cair.com
June
Go whitewater rafting on
the Cagayan De Oro river
If your dreams of outdoor adventure include riding foamywhite,
wild rapids, a trip to Cagayan de Oro River should
provide the requisite thrills. This was the dream of Sherry
Magno, an account manager for a digital advertising agency.
She had listed whitewater rafting on her own bucket list two
years ago and fi nally took the chance to ride the rough rapids.
The river boasts more than 20 rapids that range from the
smooth to the turbulent — yes, river rafting can be risky. But
for whitewater rafting newbie Sherry, it was exciting and
surprisingly peaceful at times. “When you’re moving along still
waters, it’s your chance to enjoy the scenery. Of course, riding
the rapids is sheer fun.” Everybody on the raft shrieks when it’s
thrust around by the wild currents. “It was scary at times, but I
just needed to trust our guides. They’re experts, having taken
the former president and local stars like Piolo Pascual and
Marc Nelson!” You can raft all year, but the best time is from
June to December when water levels are higher. Fees start at
PHP700 for beginners. www.raftingadventurephilippines.com
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies daily to Cagayan de Oro from Manila and Cebu.
www.cebupacifi cair.com