OSMEÑA PEAK

Osmeña Peak

(Mantalongon, Dalaguete)

Summer! It is the most awaited season of the year by all ages. From the youngster to the young at heart. Along with it is the excitement to once again reunite with grandparents, cousins and kin living in the province whom we don't get to see and chat with whole year round. For some, it is the time of the year where we get to bond with our loved ones and be away from our usual busy lives in the city.

This has been the most balanced summer I've ever had in my entire existence, and so far the most unforgettable one. Osmeña Peak is our last but definitely not the least destination. The gentle giants (butanding) were the first to welcome us yesterday with their loving nature. Our next stop was the enchanting, revitalizing and stress relieving Tumalog falls. After a long day, stayed, chilled and relaxed at a mountain resort called Just Inn.

In the morning, we got up early to prepare for our most anticipated mountain climbing. The habal2x drivers whom “Ate” (manager of the resort) contracted to escort us to Osmeña Peak was a bit late (but it's okay) were waiting for us at the gate to begin our expedition. Off we go! They dropped us at the base of the mountain and waited for us in there too. Kids met us and asked if we want a tour guide. Actually, a tour guide is not necessary, but we gave the kids a chance in exchange for just a small monetary amount.

Mantalongon wouldn't be called Cebu's vegetable basket for nothing!

Let the trek up begin!

Foggy morning everyone:)

Almost there!

I'm the winner! I'm the first one to conquer the top in our group..yey!

Fog here, fog there, fog everywhere! Hard to catch a glimpse of the sunrise:)

Some amazing views from the top.

I cannot put to words how mesmerized I was to see the view slowly unfolding before your eyes. All the exhaustion from climbing the summit simply fade away. The beauty up there soothed the weariness of my soul and body. As the fog slowly dwindles, I saw the campers who I think spent the whole night there. Yes, you can build a camp in there, but I think there are plenty of campers during the weekend than weekdays.

It was indeed a weekend worth spending. The beauty of nature I have enjoyed the whole weekend was a proof that we have a living GOD who is responsible for all these magnificent sights. He crafted our planet lovingly so that we may have a comfortable and ravishing dwelling place. So what is there not to love about Him??

Expenses going to Osmeña Peak:

*You can catch a ride at their public market or from the corner going to Mantalongon. There are plenty of habal2x drivers waiting for passengers but just make sure to haggle fairly and come up with an agreed price before your journey begins.

Habal2x fare- 100 per person (one way, until the base of the mountain only)

Tour guide fee- depends on you as the kids don't demand any amount. They save their monies for food or for the school opening so I'd suggest you give them a fair amount.

Bus fare- 105 (from Dalaguete to Cebu City; air-conditioned bus)

After Osmeña Peak we went back to the resort we stayed in to pack our things and get ready to head back to the city. Ate gave us a free ride going to the bus stop.

To GOD be the GLORY!