Mount Napulak: Lessons In Resilience From A “Minor” Hike

Have you ever had a fever that oddly felt like a sweet victory? That’s exactly how I felt, slumped in an airport, shivering as a fever slowly took over me. After weeks of stress, sleepless nights, and a grueling climb up Mount Napulak, my body finally gave in.

That was the price I paid for pushing through.

That was the cost of not slowing down, of pushing myself past the limit.

But guess what? It was worth every shiver, every ache, and every twinge.

And here’s the thing.

Mount Napulak isn’t one of those enormous, towering 2,000-meter peaks in the Philippines.

At just 1,239 meters above sea level, it doesn’t compare to some of the behemoths I’ve conquered. 

In fact, many mountaineering websites classify it as an easy, minor climb.

Yet, it still kicked my ass and reminded me of the life lessons I’ve learned through climbing mountains.

And the best part? 

I walked away with new friends, and somehow, that hike left a mark on someone else’s life.

My Mount Napulak adventure 

Day 1 at 05:45 PM: Almost there

It was late when we arrived at a scenic hill in Mount Napulak.

Exhausted yet blissful, I sat down on the grassy hill, admiring the ruggedly beautiful mountains from afar.

I smiled, as I recalled the physically challenging moments of this hike.

I admit it.

I underestimated Mount Napulak.

With its low difficulty rating, I thought it would be a walk in the park. 

I rarely underestimate a mountain. 

I always prepare, both physically and mentally, before any hike.

From cardio workouts to visualizing my techniques, I have my rituals before I tackle any mountain.

But this time, I skipped all of it, caught up in the chaos of a frenzied life.

And since I made no preparations for this hike, I struggled initially.

I looked around and saw there were only two other hikers who arrived at the hill: Gerly and my niece, Kimberly.

Earlier, my niece was in a bad mood. 

Her face twisted in frustration, and each mishap on the trail resulted in a muttered complaint. 

It felt like her backpack was weighed down more by irritation and frustrations than anything inside.

I knew she was tired of carrying a heavy 40-liter backpack.

We could have hired a porter to carry her backpack for this hike.

But…

There’s a reason I encouraged her to carry her own load.

Day 1 at  02:00 PM: The heavy load

Sh*t!

The hike just started, and I could already feel the load of my backpack.

I’m used to carrying 15 to 17 kilograms of load on major climbs. 

Yet, this backpack, which was a few kilograms lighter, felt heavier than anything I’ve carried on previous hikes.

Soon, the hike became a bit challenging, with the non-stop assault.

Occasionally, the guide would pause our hike, so we could catch our break.

And the breaks gave me enough time to recover from the surprising breath-snatching hike.

The load seemed to get heavier with each step.

I had to recall all the techniques I’ve learned to make it easier and lighter on my end, including taking baby steps and zigzagging. 

But the most important lesson I’ve learned when carrying a heavy bag in the mountains is this: never complain about your load.

Here’s the thing.

Complaining doesn’t physically make your bag heavier.

But it sure feels like when you feel irritated and frustrated with each step.

Complaining affects you mentally.  

It adds a mental and imaginary extra weight that makes each incline steeper and every step harder.

It’s like the burden of your thoughts is piled onto your shoulder, making even a light backpack heavy.

And isn’t that just like life? 

The more you complain, the more the world feels like it’s dragging you down. 

The weight doesn’t change, but your perspective does. 

Complaints make every task harder and every f*cking challenge more exhausting. 

You carry that mental burden, and it slows you down, making every step forward feel like a struggle.

In both hiking and life, always embrace the load you carry. 

Try to find ways to make it lighter, but never let frustration add to its weight. 

Every step forward, no matter how heavy, brings you closer to your goal. 

And it also helps to have a healthy dose of optimism.

When you focus on the positive aspects, like the beauty around you or the progress you’re making, each step feels lighter. 

And every incline becomes just another part of the adventure.

Day 1 at 06:03 PM: The hike to the Mount Napulak campsite

After a long break and a quick photoshoot on the scenic hill, we went on with our hike. 

Equipped with headlamps, we hit the trail to the Mount Napulak campsite in the dark.

While I started slow, I finally had momentum on this hike.

I found my rhythm, and I have recalled all my techniques in hiking.

Not to brag or anything, but I felt like I could hike for 4 more hours. 

My body and mind were trained for long hikes, and it felt like our Mount Napulak hike just started.

My backpack felt lighter and my body was ready to tackle any challenge.

I’m a slow starter, but once I get past the initial struggles, things become a bit easier for me.

The only thing bothering me was my itchy throat, a sign that I was about to get a cold or fever.

Of course, we made a few short breaks, as we hiked our way to the Mount Napulak campsite.

And despite all the pain and struggles, the team’s energy never went down.

Two people, Gerly and Jay, were mainly responsible for making our Mount Napulak hike less strenuous.

With their infectious optimism, they brought fun, energy, and lightheartedness to our Mount Napulak hike.

No matter how tough our Mt Napulak hike got, they kept things upbeat, cracking jokes, and making everyone laugh.

And in some ways, it’s a reminder that attitude is everything when dealing with challenges.

My niece felt the weight of the world because she carried a whole bag of frustrations.

These two, however, have gone through many challenges, and they have applied the life lessons they’ve learned in hiking.

They know how to survive the storms in life. 

They know that challenges, like rain and storms, don’t last forever.

And they know that the best way to survive in this tough, crazy world, is to keep one foot forward and keep a healthy optimistic attitude. 

Soon after, we arrived at the campsite where hikers from other groups greeted us and offered food.

The other groups were already comfortable with their position, and some folks were even a little tipsy.

Most of them arrived at the Mt Napulak campsite at around 1 to 3 PM.

We arrived at the campsite at around 7 in the evening.

Yes, we arrived late, but we weren’t exactly slow.

Our pace was just right, and we arrived at the expected time.

But there was a hiccup that disrupted our schedule and somewhat affected our energy.

Day 0 at 05:30 PM: Cebu City Pier 3 Terminal

I wasn’t feeling good when we boarded our boat to Iloilo City.

I was mentally exhausted, and I needed some time away from my laptop.

On average, I only slept around 3 to 4 hours a day for the past 3 to 4 weeks.

I should have skipped this hike, and instead, spent my weekend on a resort or tropical paradise, chilling like a boss. 

I could have just stayed home, sleeping and watching Netflix or Vivamax all weekend.

But that’s not how I recharge.

I knew the only way for me to relax and satisfy my soul was to go on a hike on a scenic mountain, like Mount Napulak.

Moments later, our boat to Iloilo City departed.

We, then, wandered around the ferry, to eat and enjoy the views of Cebu City. 

As I was talking to the legendary Lito and Bojec, our organizer for this hike, I noticed our ferry was moving at a glacial pace.

And truthfully, it felt like it was slower than a snail.

Bojec said that the original boat for Iloilo had problems, and the company had to temporarily use a slower ferry.

Furthermore, he said the whole trip might take around 15 hours.

Day 1 at 08:30 AM: Boat ride

Bojec was right.

The whole boat trip took more than 15 hours.

I looked at the sky and discovered it was a little gloomy and gray.

At that moment, I knew it was going to rain, and this hike wouldn’t be as easy as I thought it would be.

Besides the rain, we’d have to start our hike late, and that could affect our endurance and energy.

Was I worried or anxious?

Nope.

The thing is I can’t control the rain, and I can’t make the ferry go faster.

But I can control my thoughts, interpretations, and emotions.

And I can control my reactions to these unforeseen circumstances.

Through hiking and reading Stoicism, I learned to focus on the things I can control, and ignore the things I can’t control.

That’s a lesson I learned in the mountains and a spark of wisdom that I want to pass on to the next generation.

I also saw these challenges we’re about to have as an opportunity to pass down my wisdom.

Upon arriving at the port, we wasted no time, rushed our way to Igbaras, and started our hike to Mount Napulak.

Day 1 at 3:55 PM: It rained

We took a break at one of the water sources when suddenly it rained.

I asked Kimberly if she brought our rain jackets and rain covers for our bag.

Days earlier, I asked her to prepare our gear because I was too busy with other things.

Unfortunately, she didn’t bring any of them.

I took a long and deep breath and recalled the lessons I learned in Stoicism.

I wouldn’t let negativity and intrusive thoughts take over me.

I would only focus on the things I could control. 

Day 1 at 4:12 PM: The path to the last water source

I always say challenging mountains can reveal the true character of a person.

Let’s be real. Climbing a mountain is no joke.

It presents multiple challenges and can even be life-threatening if you make a serious mistake.

Remember my Mount Apo hike?

How about the time I hiked Mount Kalatungan on one good ankle?

And how people react to these challenges can mirror how they react to real-life crises.

On this section of the hike, people were revealing their true nature.

And I saw my niece wasn’t reacting to these challenges fairly well.

Day 1 at 3:00 PM: The scenic trail 

I loved this part of the trail in Mount Napulak.

It’s picturesque and unique with its waterway.

We took stops to snap pictures and admire the scenery.

My niece struggled on this part of the trail in Mount Napulak.

She slipped and was inches away from falling off a ledge.

She had scratches and bruises after that slip.

I looked at her, and she was pissed and mad AF.

I knew she regretted signing up for this hike.

Like most people who struggled on the trails, she might have thought it was better to stay home and watch movies all weekend.

I kept reminding her to keep moving because the payoff of every struggle is absolutely worth it.

I also told her that when you finally reach the top, the view is always worth it.

Day 2: Summit of Mount Napulak

After a cold and windy night, we woke up to a stunning view of the surrounding mountains in Mount Napulak. 

We were captivated by the gorgeous rolling hills, jagged peaks, and a sea of clouds.

Afterward, we climbed the slippery, giant wooden stairs and the nipple-shaped limestone rock that Mount Napulak is known for. 

The views were nothing short of breathtaking.

Everyone stood in awe, fully immersed in the moment. 

And unlike the previous day, the group’s mood had shifted. 

Everyone was in high spirits.

Even my moody niece was in a more positive mood.

Reaching the top of Mount Napulak wasn’t easy, even though many consider it beginner-friendly. 

Maybe it was easier for those who started early and had plenty of time to rest before the climb.

We, however, faced several challenges before we even reached the jump-off point in Mount Napulak. 

Heck, our jeepney even struggled to make it to the base!

But when we finally saw the views from Mount Napulak, we knew every challenge, every struggle, was more than worth it.

You see. 

There’s more to climbing a mountain than just the views.

It’s a sanctuary that holds the secrets to a happy and peaceful life.

Mountains are a source of wisdom that can give you lessons in life.

And in Mount Napulak, people learned the value of patience and perseverance in today’s fast-paced world.

The truth is everything is easy and fast nowadays.

With a few taps on your mobile phone, you can have food instantly delivered to your doorstep.

And in just one swipe, you can find the perfect match or the love (I call it lust) of your life. 

While modern technology has made life easier, it has people made mentally weak.

When things don’t go our way, we immediately whine, complain, get anxious, and cancel people.

And the mountains remind us of the old days when people persevered and were more patient.

Every steep trail and slip reminds us that nothing worth having comes easy.

The mountains force us to slow down, embrace the discomfort, and keep moving forward, no matter how tough it gets. 

It’s not about speed or ease either. 

It’s about surviving the hard times and staying with it, step by step, until you make it to the top.

I bet Lito has experienced those times when things weren’t easy.

As people have said, Lito has been a legend in the mountaineering scene since 1981.

And somehow, this experience in Mount Napulak mirrors my life right now. 

People think I live an easy life because I travel almost every month.

People see the photos of me on stunning peaks and exploring iconic landmarks. 

But they don’t see what happens behind the scenes. 

They don’t see the sleepless nights, the mental battles, or the struggles that I face every day.

And they don’t see how I work hard to EARN (not deserve) these trips.

I keep battling all these demons because I know every summit, view and moment is worth it.

Later on, we descended from the summit, packed up our stuff, and began our hike to the base of Mount Napulak.

Getting down was another challenge, but with a renewed energy and a more optimistic attitude, I was sure we’d survive it. 

Day 1 at around 4:30 PM: My biggest win

“Hiking is the greatest metaphor. Like life, hiking has valleys and peaks and is an unpredictable journey with highs and lows. Throughout the journey, you’ll face a multitude of challenges, from never-ending uphill slopes to sudden changes in the weather.”

Kimberly didn’t answer our questions. 

She was obviously pissed and mad at me for signing her up for this unexpectedly tough hike.

Bojec kept asking me if she was alright or if she needed any help.

And I kept insisting she was fine because, like the younger version of me, she was moody.

I knew at that moment that Mount Napulak humbled her, and brought her down to her knees.

That was the time I realized she was about to learn something from our Mount Napulak hike.

Although she comes from a less fortunate family, things have been fairly easy ever since she moved with us at 5 years old.

Like a supportive brother or father, I try to provide all her wants and needs.

I have tried teaching her important life lessons, and sharing words of wisdom.

But kids today don’t like sermons. 

They don’t like repetitive lessons and they don’t respond well with words and criticism. 

And you can’t teach and discipline them the way our mothers and grandmothers did in our childhood.

Like the rest of the younger generation, she needs to learn the value of patience and perseverance.

I know she’s physically strong, and that was why I had her carry her own backpack.

She plays sports and comes from a clan of athletes, from runners to basketball players.

But she has to develop fortitude and resilience. 

As she grows older and her responsibilities start to pile up, she’ll need these qualities to navigate this crazy world.

And now is the right time for her to develop these qualities and learn the value of patience and perseverance.

It will take a while for her to absorb the lessons the mountains have to offer.

But she’ll get there, one step at a time.

And hopefully, she, like me, will pass these lessons to the next generation, especially my daughter.

Our bodies are just shells that will one day turn to ashes.

But the wisdom and lessons we share with the younger generation will live forever.

Where is Mount Napulak located?

Mount Napulak is located in Igbaras, Iloilo, Philippines. With its dreamy views and stunning ridges, it’s the most popular hiking destination in Iloilo.

How tall is Napulak?

Mount Napulak has an elevation of 1,239 meters above sea level.

How to get to Mount Napulak?

The easiest and most convenient way to hike Mount Napulak is to join an organized tour. If you’re from Cebu, and you want to climb Mount Napulak, contact Bojec on his Facebook page, SUGBO Adventours.