Several years ago, while resting by the side of the road on our way to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Batangas, I saw this mountain right across from where we were resting. The mountain (actually, a stratovolcano) had jagged ridges that intrigued me. I wondered how it would be like to be right there on top of one of those ridges. I didn’t think much of it — never even thought of climbing it — until October 8, 2023. 12 peaks, 10 camps, 811 meters above sea level, about three rappels (I actually lost count), considered an easy hike that makes it beginner-friendly. For this 57-year old hiker, what is easy? I’m always a beginner.

Coming from my stormy climb in Mt. Ulap in August, Mt. Batulao offered me extreme weather. To say that it was hot was an understatement.

We set out for the hike at 4AM, passing by some houses and coasting along the initial dirt path and forest entrance. The air was not as chilly as one would expect when walking a forested trail at this time of the day.

Moving past the thin forest, we arrived at the open trails. It was still dark, so we can see the stars and the bright waning crescent moon above us. A few more meters ahead, the colors of the horizon began to evolve. We would stop here and there to take in the view and take some photos. Farther on, the sun began to emerge, like a yawning king stretching its arms awake to welcome us unsuspecting hikers.

I didn’t count how many peaks we’ve reached as we continued the hike. We would stop from time to time to take photos, so I assumed we were on one of the 12 peaks each time. I didn’t want to count to keep my spirit up and not give in to exhaustion. It’s a similar technique I use each time I tackle an assault in every mountain I climb. Each time I would start an assault, I would look up only once to see which path I’m supposed to take and where I’m supposed to go, then start climbing while looking only at my feet. Somehow, it works for me. I never run out of breath as easily as I’m supposed to.

By the time the sun was already fully awake and hovering over our shoulders, I started to feel the heat. There were barely any trees along the trail for us to stop and take a breather from the rising temperature, so we had to continue walking.

Needless to say, the clearing gave us a full view of the mountain and parts of Batangas below. It wasn’t how I imagined it when I first looked at this mountain from afar years ago. Standing there under the sweltering heat of the sun with nothing but the mountain hugging you, my heart was stirred. I was feeding my wonderment from years back.

At some point, the heat began to take the better of me. I felt dizzy and gradually saw an aura that began to obstruct my vision. I didn’t want to put on my sunglasses because I wanted to see the beauty of the mountain clearly, but how can I? By the time I reached the rappelling parts, I was really feeling woozy.

Long story short, I conquered Mt. Batulao. The heat never let up, with the breeze barely offering relief throughout. At the summit, I tried to find where I was years ago, standing on the other side and looking toward this stratovolcano. I couldn’t find it; but it didn’t matter. I was on top of my element again, and loving it.