Lessons from the ashes

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) nixasis

1. Reaching the summit is arduous. The climb is steep, the path rugged, and the stretch is far and wide. If it were easy, then we'd be missing the point, right? We must gear up for the battle, trek with purpose, and endure the scars. No turning back.

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) nixasis

2. Sometimes, the car breaks down. We have to assess the problem and fix what can be repaired. If things do not go as planned, don't fret. We can always hitch a ride, take a walk, or borrow a bike. In short, the solutions are endless. We must not limit ourselves to just one plan.

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) nixasis

3. Filter the antipathies and sympathies that reside within. Nothing beats clarity, logic and inspiration in dealing with the crossroads and hurdles that block our path. Ditch the unnecessary drama. It just clutters one's thinking. Plus, it causes wrinkles, blocked arteries, and fine lines. Who would want that?

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) Kv Viloria

4. Every second is fleeting. Before we know it, the moment has passed us by. So, pause and take a picture. After all, trekking is not a race. It is not about keeping a hurried pace to reach the top at the fastest possible time. Trekking is about building memories, capturing the essence of each frame, and remembering the stories behind the intricate collage of nostalgia.

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) nixasis

5. We cannot walk the path alone. Our guides here on earth, whether bound to us by blood or by circumstance, help us stay on track, whistle a tune from time to time, and make the burdens light. Meet as many people as you can. Befriend a stranger. And never burn bridges. We are more connected than we are apart.

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) nixasis

6. Everyone has his/her shadow. Running away from one's dark side or denying its existence does not solve the problem. Facing our own demons is necessary to survive the trail. We must clean the cobwebs that lie in the deep recesses of our souls in order to grow in harmony with what is outside of us. Clearing up that space in us is a personal struggle and a lifetime task. No one can do it for us. We must seek the light within to illuminate the dark.

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) Io Talavera

7. After the hike, we end up barefoot and minute at the majestic stance of the mountain. As what a wise man once told me, we cannot conquer the place. We can only conquer our old ways, doubts and fears. As we stand at the foot of the giant and look up at the vast, blue sky, we are nothing. We are just specks of dust at the grand scheme of things. Stay grounded. There is a Greater Being above us whose love envelopes us in more ways than one. Be grateful.

Pinatubo
23 Dec 2012
(c) nix asis

8. Every journey comes to a close. At the end of it all, it is not what is us up there that matters. What is important is how we consciously work our way over the rough terrains we are dealt with and overcome the copious barricades and unforgiving weather we face along the way. And as we move forward to new frontiers, we are never the same.

We are constantly evolving.

The travelers: Pam, Val, Matt, Beca, Mico, Gui, Io, Tin. Marcela, Kv, and  I

Interested to climb Pinatubo?
Contact Jay Hernandez of Philippine Adventure Consultants, Inc at:
Mobile: +639178955863
Landline: +63-02- 4040552
Website: www.philippineadventureconsultants.com