The Grandfather of Philippine Mountains
Mount Apo, known locally as Apo Sandawa, is the highest peak in the Philippines, standing at 2,954 meters.
Day 1: The Ascent to Gudi-Gudi
Our journey began at the jump-off point. The trek to the Gudi-Gudi Campsite is a mix of technical terrain and mossy forests. We reached the campsite just as the evening chill began to set in.
Day 2: The Cold Summit Push
We woke up at 2:00 AM for the final push. However, a typhoon was passing through. Fierce winds and freezing temperatures made visibility nearly zero. Every 10 minutes, we would huddle and wait for a "clearing."
Despite the dark, heavy clouds, reaching the peak was humbling. We descended back to camp for snacks and stayed one more night.
Day 3: Heading Home
The final day was a steady climb down. While we didn't get the perfect clear sky, the experience of the "Grandfather" mountain was unforgettable.
